Month: November 2018

What is it?

We could have predicted that the sleek and sexy Peugeot 508 would spawn a more practical estate model. After all, this market segment is peppered with the things – and the 508 SW sits bang smack in between more workaday models such as the Skoda Superb and premium offerings such as the BMW 3 Series.

At least that’s what the increasingly premium Peugeot wants you to think. In reality, it’s pitching the 508 SW as a design-focused lifestyle estate – the sort of car you’d buy if a VW Passat is too straight-laced. That’s not to say it isn’t practical and capable, however.

What’s new?

Unsurprisingly, the front end of the 508 SW is identical to the Fastback model. The difference is hanging over the rear wheels – 40mm of it, in fact, which doesn’t sound like a great deal.

The increased height of the roofline also means the SW sits 17mm higher than its Fastback sibling, with a boxier rear. Boot space underneath the parcel shelf is now 530 litres, a fair whack larger than the 487 litres of the Fastback – and with the rear seats folded, 1,780 litres is liberated compared to the saloon’s 1,537 litres.

Other than that, the underpinnings are identical, with the two cars sharing Peugeot’s EMP2 chassis and engine architecture. They also ride on the same wheelbase for simplicity’s sake.

What’s under the bonnet?

There’s a choice of three diesel and two petrol engines, and all but the base-spec diesel are mated as standard to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The range kicks off with a 1.5-litre 128bhp diesel, rising to a pair of 2.0-litre units with 158bhp and 178bhp respectively. On the petrol front, there’s the choice of two 1.6-litre engines with 178bhp or 223bhp. Diesel is expected to make up the majority of the mix to begin with, but as customers continue to desert the fuel the company is expecting a three-way split between diesel, petrol, and next year’s plug-in hybrid models by 2021.

Regardless of fuel type, all the engines seem a little vocal – but that’s due in part to excellent suppression of wind and road noise. Less forgivable is the fake noise pumped in when the cars are in ‘Sport’ mode – it’s a din.

The basic 128bhp diesel will suit most drivers, but for the extra punch on offer we’d step up to the mid-range 158bhp model which feels much stronger during overtaking and merging into faster traffic. The opposite is true for the petrol models – the 223bhp unit feels like overkill, and isn’t worth the extra over the 178bhp model. Fuel economy is strong across the range, with even the most powerful petrol quoting an official figure of 49.5mpg. The 128bhp diesel automatic claims 74.3mpg.

What’s it like to drive?

Here it is – the 508 SW. Unsurprisingly as it's big, handsome and French, I adore it. pic.twitter.com/g5WGvNN5Sw

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) November 29, 2018

The 508 SW doesn’t suffer at all for its bulkier bottom compared to the Fastback model. There’s little doubt this is one of the most dynamic models – GTI aside – that Peugeot’s produced in years, and it’s really rather good even when compared with premium rivals.

Make no mistake, the 508 SW isn’t as enjoyable as the rear-wheel drive BMW 3 Series Touring, but it makes the Volkswagen Passat feel leaden and remote in comparison. Down a twisting B road, the 508 SW is genuinely enjoyable, while it’s also a very comfortable cruiser.

It’s not perfect – the dinky steering wheel that comes along with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit interior design (more on that later) means that the rack feels somewhat over-assisted, and there’s zero road feel. The driving position it forces you to adopt takes some getting used to, too, though it’s still comfortable.

How does it look?

The 508 SW is the best-looking car Peugeot’s current design language has produced – arguably, it’s even better-proportioned than the already-gorgeous Fastback model. Of course, the front ends are identical, so the SW adopts a sharp corporate grille, ‘sabre-tooth’ LED daytime running lights and sleek design throughout.

The rear end is less boxy than many rivals, admittedly at the expense of practicality. However, what the sloping roofline does give is a dramatic rear end, equipped with a full-width gloss panel containing the taillights and with ‘Peugeot’ spelled out just underneath the rear window.

The 508 SW’s looks aren’t as massively spec-dependent as some rivals, either. A basic ‘Allure’ 508 SW still looks fantastic, where a basic VW Passat or Skoda Superb has a real bargain-basement flavour.

What’s it like inside?

And here's the Zebrano wood boot floor on First Edition models. It even smells good. Weighs a ton though! pic.twitter.com/s50qn9Q2B6

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) November 29, 2018

The 508 SW lifts its interior almost unchanged from the Fastback model, which means you get the latest evolution of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dashboard system. That’s definitely a good thing – the combination of a squashed steering wheel and high-set dials has evolved since it was first introduced on the 208, and it’s now a really comfortable place to sit and spend time.

All the major controls are oriented towards the driver, which combined with the high centre console gives a proper cockpit feeling. The digital dashboard is a triumph, too – it’s easy to read, well customisable and features swooping graphics that really look the business.

To be critical, accessing most major controls – especially the climate control – through the touchscreen can be a pain. And while rear headroom has increased marginally over the Fastback, legroom hasn’t – a product of using an identical wheelbase. At least the boot is wide and flat with no load sill, though overall capacity is well down on the likes of the Skoda Superb.

What’s the spec like?

Peugeot hasn’t revealed full UK specifications for the 508 SW just yet, but it’s a fair guess that trim levels will be virtually identical to the Fastback. All cars get the i-Cockpit with a touchscreen infotainment display, ‘Connected’ navigation, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The 508 SW is also launching with a limited-run ‘First Edition’ trim. This loads on the luxury kit, including Night Vision, full LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, a Focal audio system and a gorgeous Zebrano wood finish for the dashboard and boot floor.

Verdict

The Peugeot 508 SW has the potential to be a serious player in this class – it looks fantastic, drives well, and has more personality than many of its rivals. That does come at a price though, and the SW is expected to be a couple of thousand pounds more than the already expensive Fastback. Time will tell whether this move pays off for Peugeot and if the brand can shake off its past to become a genuine premium manufacturer – but this is a great start.

What is it?

Ford’s range-topping Edge SUV brought all-American looks to UK shores back in 2016, and its uptake was reasonably strong. To continue its popularity, Ford has refreshed it for 2018, adding an updated design as well as a new engine and gearbox too. Though SUVs are ten a penny these days, Ford hopes that the Edge’s aggressive looks, strong equipment levels and roomy interior will ensure it stands out from the crowd. However, is it able to? We’re in Sweden to find out.

What’s new?

Make no mistake, this is no ground-up remodeling. Very much the facelift, the new Edge isn’t groundbreakingly different to the car it replaces, but this doesn’t mean that Ford has just fitted a new grille to the old Edge and left it at that. Yes, the looks have been refreshed, but there’s also a fresh bi-turbo diesel under the bonnet, along with a new gearbox too.

To keep things current, Ford has also graced the Edge with a range of cutting-edge assistance systems, along with its latest in-car technology. Improved refinement has been put high up the list of priorities too, which is why there’s a variety of features now included in the Edge to help keep things as quiet and as comfortable as possible.

What’s under the bonnet?

As mentioned, one of the key additions to the new Edge is this 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine. Despite being relatively small in terms of capacity, it produces an impressive 235bhp and 500Nm of torque, which is driven to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Ford’s ‘Intelligent’ all-wheel-drive system.

Ford claims that this engine can return the economy figures that you’d expect from smaller diesel, while pushing out far more power than you’d traditionally get. It seems that it’s achieved that, too; a claimed 40.9mpg combined is good for a car of this size, yet it’ll still hit 60mph in a respectable 9.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 134mph. Emissions, however, still seem quite high at 180g/km CO2.

Myself and @JFossdyke delivering the honest consumer research everyone wants and indeed needs. Props to @Stuart_Price for this one pic.twitter.com/gnICikAxIf

— Jack Evans (@jackrober) November 28, 2018

What’s it like to drive?

We test drove the Edge in range-topping Vignale spec, which rides on standard suspension. For those after a slightly sportier ride, then we’d opt for the newly-introduced ST Line version – this adds a sports suspension kit.

On the roads of our Swedish test route, the Vignale remained composed and unflappable. Even certain snowy and icy patches failed to unsettle it, with the car’s all-wheel-drive system shuffling power around all four wheels to maintain traction. Thanks to the inclusion of Noise Cancellation Technology it’s also very quiet when travelling at speed, too.

It’s worth mentioning that since the majority of our test route was conducted on snowy or icy roads, we’re going to have to wait to get the car in the UK to report back on its full dynamics. Initial impressions are good, however.

But the biggest feature is that new engine. Smooth and refined, it gives the Edge a far more premium drive than before. It’s also punchy, and when matched with the new (and very good) eight-speed automatic gearbox makes whisking the Edge up to motorway speeds an effortless task.

How does it look?

Though the Edge is a relatively new addition to the UK’s roads, it’s been on sale in America for some time now and this certainly shows when it comes to the car’s styling. It’s big, brash and square – but it does look good in the metal. Certainly, the new grille and revised rear lights give it even more presence than it had before and the 20-inch polished alloy wheels fitted to our test car only added to this.

How does it stack up against rivals in terms of looks? Pretty well, actually. Whereas many other manufacturers are leaning towards rounded, smooth designs the Edge’s blocky appearance does give it a certain amount of appeal. It’s likely to divide opinion, but that’s not such a bad thing in the SUV segment.

What’s it like inside?

As the top-of-the-range trim line, the Vignale specification means you get an interior with all the bells and whistles. There’s stitched leather on the dashboard, quilted leather heated (and cooled) seats and even illuminated kick plates. But the key aspects of the interior which you’ll find on all Edge models are good; there’s a great sense of airiness inside the car, while those in the back are treated to plenty of leg and headroom.

Cubbies and storage areas are plentiful, and though it’s let down in some areas by poorer quality plastics (the pop section at the top of the dashboard feels particularly flimsy) the cabin feels solidly made and of a good quality.

Because of its large overall size, the Edge can offer a cavernous boot too. There is 602 litres of space back there, which can be expanded to an impressive 1,847 litres by lowering the rear seats.

What’s the spec like?

Base Titanium specification Edge models are fitted with a strong amount of standard kit, with features such as 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and heated front seats all included as part of the car’s £36,995 price tag. At this price, the Edge makes a fair bit of sense – though it does come with the less powerful diesel engine driving just the front wheels alone.

Rocking in at £46,995, the Vignale does get all manner of extras over the base model. A leather-trimmed steering wheel, chrome roof rails and Matrix Adaptive LED headlights do make it stand out from the rest of the range, but these aren’t features which drastically alter the package.

Verdict

When close to its entry price, the Edge makes a lot of sense. It’s comfortable, good to drive and can provide an awful lot of useable space – both in the cabin and the boot. The new bi-turbo engine suits the package down to the ground, and we’d argue that it’s easily one of the best features of this updated Edge. However, when the price tag nudges near the £50,000 mark the Edge doesn’t tally up quite as well, particularly when you consider how many premium offerings are currently on the market. Go for a low to mid-spec version and you may walk away with the keys; any higher than that and you may find a better deal elsewhere.

Facts at a glance

Model: Ford Edge Vignale
Price: £46,995
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power (bhp): 235
Torque (Nm): 500
Max speed (mph): 134
0-60mph: 9.4 seconds
MPG: 40.9
Emissions (g/km): 180

Strangely, in a land where chip portions could be weighed in tons, drinks are served in receptacles Brits class as buckets, and cities sprawl so far and wide they’d cover whole counties back home in Blighty, the Americans don’t do motor shows with similar excess.

The Californian automotive showcase fills just two averagely sized halls in Downtown LA – a show that can be completed in little more than a gentle morning stroll. How quaint.

Although it’s not a huge fixture in the motoring motor show calendar, most manufacturers like the fact they can dominate the headlines with a half-decent new car launch while keeping their executives’ air miles topped up with a trip to the Golden State at the same time.

Mazda

I flew out to LA with Mazda, which had shown off its new 3 hatchback at an adjective-strewn presentation in Hollywood the night before the show. Claiming its new model was “car as art” [sic] it paraded no fewer than four designers to regale the audience with tales of how the shape had been crafted from hand.

Cut through the marketing waffle and Mazda actually has a smart new hatchback on its hands. It boasts clever engine technology that uses diesel know-how to improve the emissions and efficiency of a petrol engine by around 30 per cent. But I’ll let you make a call on the styling as I’m still undecided.

Tesla

In the show halls, Los Angeles’ madness had obviously been seeping through the air conditioning. Volvo had a stand with nothing on it, Subaru had launched a dog and even serial car show avoider Tesla had rolled up, dominating the very first stand attendees saw when they walked in.

The latter is quite a departure for the renegade brand – one that has no franchise dealerships and refuses to launch its cars in the standard way. This was Tesla’s further stab-twist-kill move to the traditional car industry for those car firm execs who had failed to notice one parked on every street corner in LA.

Toyota

Elsewhere, Toyota had booked a quarter of a hall. Catching the eye was the brilliant boxy TJ Concept. It’s a car that’s never made it to the UK officially, but this one definitely should. A new Rav 4 was also on show, but its styling was, well, we’ll politely say less effective.

Infiniti 

While it may struggle in the UK, fellow Japanese firm Infiniti has a decent foothold in the States and was showing off its striking Prototype 10 concept car. It was officially unveiled at the Pebble Beach showcase in the summer, but this was the first time I’d seen it up close. It’s a truly breathtaking design.
Getting less interest was the QX50 SUV. That’s probably because Infiniti has been peddling it for a while – in fact, we test-drove it in January at the official international launch, but it’s still to get a release date here in the UK.

Buick

Big American brand Buick’s stand either had a really bad smell about it or reports of Novichok on the carpet, because everyone was ignoring it like the plague.

That might be something to do with the fact it was pushing poorly rebadged Vauxhalls. I mean, it doesn’t matter how hard you hide the Vauxhall badge on a Mokka X, it still has the ability to make you sick from 30 paces. I watched the cleaners dutifully polish off invisible fingerprints from imaginary visitors on the cars while the carpet cleaner swept the same patch for 10 minutes then I got bored and moved on. Much like the rest of the world seems to have done with Buick.

Volvo

Elsewhere at LA, Volvo is launching some wood. They have no cars at all on the stand. Yes, it’s very bizarre here pic.twitter.com/AFeaozMD5f

— James Baggott (@CarDealerEd) November 28, 2018

Next door Volvo had attempted to launch a piece of wood. The Swedes had either forgotten the motor show was coming up, failed to load a ship in time, or were simply sticking a big two fingers up at the show with a stand that had absolutely no cars on it whatsoever.

In a totally bizarre twist, it was mostly banging on about the future of mobility – one that we assume will be without cars – and its connected services.
It even held a press conference that people attended. I couldn’t help but think it was all a bit Emperor’s New Clothes so walked away before it started.

Mercedes

Instead, it was up to the Germans to make the show their own. Mercedes rolled out a fresh AMG GT and GT Pro, but it was the desert-coloured G Class that caught my attention. I mean, who doesn’t love an Angel Delight shade of brown? What’s that you say? Everyone? OK, we’ll move on.

BMW

BMW had obviously picked up the Bigger Is Better memo from the Americans. It rolled out the whale-faced X7 off-roader that could not only swallow a boot-load of krill, but also has seven seats and a humungous Kardashian-belittling back end.

A raspberry blancmange-hued concept showcased BMW’s idea for the future of mobility. At least, unlike Volvo, this one was car shaped.
With bendy seats, a teak floor and huge screens, absolutely none of it will ever make production, but it distracted the Americans long enough for me to get close enough to gawp at the 8 Series Convertible, which is lovely.

Subaru

Over in the second hall, Subaru was clearly trying to lure journalists into the back of a van with a cute dog to pet on its stand.

Either that or the poodle-cross-lurcher was saying something about hybrids. Naturally, no one was looking at its new Crossback Hybrid as they fawned over the brand’s pedigree chum. Me included.

Jeep

Jeep rolled out a big gun in the shape of the Gladiator pick-up-cum-SUV. With two bikes on the back, a twin cab and off-road looks, all it needed was Jet in the passenger seat and Wolf angrily getting whistled at by a Scot in a striped jumper to really top it off (one for the dads there).
In all seriousness, it looked pretty cool and the Americans naturally loved it.

Porsche

Porsche stole the show with the launch of the 992 iteration of its iconic 911 sports car. With some incredible details – such as the integrated exhausts and LED rear light bar – it’s a gentle evolution of a classic and is absolutely stunning.

But it’s still no Subaru Dog… pic.twitter.com/aDAvnJqCwu

— James Baggott (@CarDealerEd) November 28, 2018

Electric

This being LA, electric cars were very much on the agenda too. Kia launched a retina-burning luminous Kia Soul EV, coming to the UK next year, with the same powertrain as the Niro EV, while Audi took the covers off its e-tron GT concept.

The latter, an A7-sized four-door sports saloon, will have a range of 248 miles and will be able to hit 60mph in 3.5 seconds. I hate to say it but, as good as it looks, that range is poor and needs to be at least double that to really be of interest.

More interesting in the electric car stakes was the Rivan R1S. A modern take on the Range Rover, the off-roader has a 400-mile range and can hit 60mph in just three seconds.

Four individual motors power each individual wheel so it can tackle the rough stuff. Rivan says it will start production in 2021, but there’s no idea yet if it’ll come to the UK.

And that was about it. I could share the countless pictures I took of visitors wearing very LA outfits – there were a lot of special hats, suits covered with Pacman and many, many beards. But I won’t. This is a car round-up after all.

Estates sometimes can feel like a forgotten segment, especially with the ever-rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers — but they’re by no means dead. In most cases, for the same price, you can get a lot more estate than you can SUV.

The function-over-form bodystyle was however once the go-to for the salesman, bigwigs and families all-over — and the result is a used market full of bargains. We take a look at what £8,000 can get in the classifieds…

Volvo V70

Practicality is something usually associated with Volvo estates – the V70 is no exception. With a massive boot and lots of cabin space, this is one handy family wagon. And on this budget, there is plenty of choice on offer. Want sporty looks? Opt for an R-Design model. After something a bit posher? Go for a Lux model. Don’t think you have to stretch back too far either, with good examples from 2008 available within budget.

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

Style is something the 159 Sportwagon doesn’t lack in the slightest. It’s sleek, striking, suave exterior turns heads like no other estate. In TI and TBi form, Italian flare is turned up to 11, adding bigger wheels along with some other sporty styling upgrades. Not many estates manage to blend practicality and good looks as well as this Alfa does.

Audi A4 Avant

Those looking for a good all-rounder with a premium badge, take a look at the Audi A4 Avant from around 2010. While it may not be as handsome as the 159, it’s still certainly a smart package. This German estate can be had with an efficient, yet punchy, 2.0-litre engine, with many of those equipped with a generous amount of gizmos and gadgets.

BMW 330i Touring

Another good German estate is the BMW 330i or 330d Touring. With an almost 300bhp, 3.0-litre engine, what you have here is a fast and practical car – two words that aren’t often associated with each other. Those with kids in need of a fun-to-drive machine will find this a good bet – especially at a bargain £8,000.

Skoda Octavia vRS

Speaking of performance, here is the Octavia vRS – a fast variant of the practical Octavia. In estate form, this becomes a car than effortlessly blends performance and practicality. And it does this without shouting about it – to most, this looks no different to a normal Octavia. But you see, that is the beauty of this car; because the subtle visual upgrades don’t make you twig it’s something quite special, which makes how quick it is even more surprising.

Jaguar X-Type

Want something a little bit fancy and British? Well, the leather-filled X-Type upmarket X-Type may be a good choice. There’s a good choice of engines too, all the way from a 2.0-litre diesel to a 3.0-litre sporty petrol V6 – all under £8,000. If any car screamed picnic in the countryside, it would be this one. A luxurious, yet affordable estate for the family.

Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer

For the biggest breadth of options, look at the Insignia Sport Tourer. There are tons of used ones out there, from 2010 to 2015 – there’s a lot of choices under £8,000. Anything from a Tech Line to an Exclusiv model can be bought within this budget.

Saab 9-3 2.8 T

We don’t hear about Saab that much anymore. Since the company went bust in December 2011, nothing has really happened that could bring back the carmaker from the dead. However, although the company’s gone, not all their cars are. A lot of them are still going, like the 9-3 estate. The one we’ve selected is the sporty 2.8 litre T for some extra performance.

by Oliver Young

The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the last big motor shows of the year, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that manufacturers will be hanging fire on big reveals until the dawn of 2019.

This year’s event promises glimpses of some key new cars – from the all-new Porsche 911 to the range-topping BMW M340i. Here, we round up 12 of the crucial cars you need to look out for.

Jeep Gladiator

Jeep’s new Wrangler has already arrived on our shores, but the Gladiator manages to make it look like a ‘regular’ car in comparison. A pick-up version of the Wrangler, the Gladiator gives you a little more practicality and makes it more appealing to those who prefer a more ‘outdoor’ lifestyle.

It’s believed the Gladiator will initially be offered with a V6 petrol engine, although a diesel powertrain is rumoured to be arriving further down the car’s lifetime.

BMW 8 Series Convertible

We’ve already seen BMW’s new 8 Series Coupe, but LA will see the public debut of this swish Convertible model. Like its hard-top sibling, it’s intended to split the difference between out-and-out luxury rivals such as the Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet and more sporty offerings such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

It’ll be offered with the same choice of 3.0-litre V6 diesel or 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, and eschews a hard top for a more traditional folding soft-top roof. Practicality is said to be virtually unchanged, while it weighs just about the same as the coupe and is almost as stiff, too.

Mazda 3

Having launched a couple of teasers in recent weeks, Mazda will finally be debuting the all-new 3 at this year’s LA Auto Show. It’s set to be displayed in hatchback and saloon form, and you can expect a car that has evolved a design rather than revolutionised it – although some cutting-edge tech should feature under the skin.

It’s believed Skyactiv-X tech will make its first production outing on the new car, bringing the efficiency of diesel to a petrol engine. Expect to see it become the norm for Mazda, which has stated that internal combustion will remain a key focus of its future product plans.

Porsche 911

Porsche’s 911 is one of the most well-known sports cars of all time, and now there’s an all-new one. This ‘992’ series car will be available with a variety of powertrains, although for the first time all are due to be turbocharged. A series of hybrid models is expected, too.

Initial sightings of the testing have revealed a car that looks strikingly similar to the previous-generation 911 from the front, albeit with a more up-to-date approach to the rear-end styling, which appears to play things closer to the looks of the current Panamera saloon.

Bentley Continental GTC

Bentley’s flagship Continental is getting its roof lopped off to create this – the Continental GTC. Initial pictures of the car are scarce, but it’s pretty safe to assume that it’ll deliver the same luxurious approach to driving as its hard-top stablemate.

The GTC is expected to be powered by a W12 engine initially, although a lighter V8 version is thought to be on the cards later in the car’s life cycle.

BMW M340i

Until the arrival of the new BMW M3 (expected some time in 2020) this – the M340i – is going to take the place at the top of the range. A turbocharged straight-six produces 369bhp and sends power to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

A range of styling tweaks help differentiate this car from the rest of the 3 Series range, with a mesh grille and small boot spoiler adding to the M340i’s sporty looks.

Kia Soul

Kia’s kept details of the new Soul fairly close to its chest, but a few teaser images confirm that the quirky compact SUV will retain key features such as its squared-off roofline. With its predecessor having been a surprise hit in the Californian market, the updated Soul’s debut in LA is no accident.

It will be offered with an all-electric powertrain alongside a range of combustion engines. Given it shares a platform with the Stonic, we’d expect at least the 1.0- and 1.4-litre petrols to be offered. It’s possible a plug-in hybrid may make it to market, too.

Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro

Is the 577bhp Mercedes-AMG GT R not enough for you? Well, this upcoming machine from the crazy minds in Affalterbach might just be enough to scratch your itch.

The GT R Pro looks to turn everything up to 11, with more power, more aggressive aerodynamics and less weight. No exact performance specifications have been revealed yet, but expect to hear more on that in the coming days. If industry rumours are to be believed, this still won’t be the most hard-core variant either, with a Black Series in the pipeline…

Volvo – Nothing

‘Nothing’ may seem an odd name for a car, but it’s actually a description of Volvo’s stand – at least for ‘Automobility LA’. The trade show and press days before the LA Auto Show proper will see Volvo’s stand entirely bereft of cars, signifying the brand’s concentration on services such as ride-sharing and new ownership models.

It’s likely that the main show will see Volvo display its latest concept, the 360c, possibly alongside some of its recently released models such as the S60 and V60 Cross Country.

Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition

Volkswagen is about to end production of its most iconic model – at least for now. The new, new Beetle has seen slow sales in recent years, and its farewell model marks the end of a nameplate stretching back to 1938.

It won’t be going without a bang, though, as the firm will sell a ‘Final Edition’ – albeit just for the US. This run-out model gets the choice of unique beige and blue colours, along with extra chrome as standard and a new wheel design.

Audi e-tron GT

Fully electric, fully a super car – the World Premiere of the all new Audi e-tron GT concept at the @LAAutoShow on November 28.#LAAutoShow pic.twitter.com/xfkK2RbR0v

— Audi Sport (@audisport) November 25, 2018

Audi’s e-tron brand is entering the electric scene at a rate of knots, with an all-electric SUV recently revealed and set to go on sale next year, while a second machine under the nameplate is set to be revealed this week.

The e-tron GT saloon is believed to be sharing a platform with the upcoming Porsche Taycan, so expect something with real sporting credentials and some serious performance from its electric powertrain. It’s thought the LA reveal will just be a concept car though, so we’ll have to wait for a production variant at a later date.

BMW X7

You certainly won’t be able to miss the BMW X7 on the German brand’s stand. This enormous SUV hit headlines for its, shall we say distinctive grille treatment and was branded ‘ugly’, ‘fat’, ‘naff’ and ‘unsettling’ by various media outlets.

It’s aimed squarely at markets such as the US, hence its debut in LA, and will be offered in the UK with two petrol engines and a single diesel. Given the size of the thing, it’s expected that the more efficient diesel will be the volume seller.

It’s no secret that we spend a hell of a lot of time sat behind the wheel. The average commute in the UK is 54 minutes – and many people undertake that journey by car.

As with anything that involves sitting in one position for a long time, it’s vital that you orient yourself in a way that’s comfortable, ergonomic and most importantly, won’t cause joint, back or neck issues in the future.

In the car it’s even more important to sit in the correct manner, as you need to operate all the major controls safely and comfortably. Plus, in the event of a crash, safety equipment will work best on a body that’s sat correctly.

But how do you ensure your driving position is safe, secure and correct? Here’s our top tips…

Setting the seat

The vast majority of cars on sale will have six-way adjustment – at the bare minimum. That means it’ll go forward and back, the backrest will tilt, and there will be height adjustment to move the seat up and down.

First, adjust the distance you sit. In a manual car, you should be able to press the clutch pedal to the floor with a slight bend in your leg. For an automatic, your foot should rest comfortably on the dead pedal and you should be able to comfortably operate the accelerator and brake to their full range of motion.

For the backrest, you should aim for a slight lean backwards. This takes the pressure off the base of your spine and distributes your weight along your whole back.

Next, height. This is mainly for your own comfort – some prefer to sit low in the car, while others opt for a higher seat and a better view out. Just ensure that adjusting the seat height doesn’t affect any other parameters.

Your car may be more sophisticated – some luxury models offer as many as 16 adjustments. A common addition is lumbar support, which adds bolstering to the small of your back for greater support. You may also have seat squab length adjustment – a brilliant addition for those with long legs, as it helps support underneath the thigh.

Seat tilt adjustment and side bolster adjustment can also be offered.

Finally, adjust the headrest – a crucial aspect for safety, rather than comfort. The top of the headrest should be in line with the top of your head.

Setting the steering wheel

Most modern cars have a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake – in and out, and up and down, in other words. Basic models or smaller cars may eschew one or both of these.

You should be able to rest your wrist on top of the wheel with your arm outstretched. When turning the wheel, your shoulders should remain in contact with the seat – you shouldn’t have to lean forward to turn a corner.

It also goes without saying that you should be able to see the car’s major dials and gauges at a glance, too.

Other adjustments

Set your mirrors again once you’ve achieved the perfect driving position – obviously this should be to maximise your view behind you. Some cars also offer an adjustable-height seatbelt, which can be vital for very tall or short drivers to prevent the belt rubbing on your neck.

Clearly, not everybody is the same shape and size, and some drivers simply won’t be able to get the perfect driving position in every car. But follow these steps and you’ll at least get close.

What is it?

Land Rover has just revealed an all-new version of its ever-popular Range Rover Evoque, and we got the opportunity to get behind the wheel for some brief, but challenging, all-terrain driving — giving us a first taste of its off-roading credentials, and a glimpse at some of the impressive technology on-board.

What’s new?

Off the bat, the new Evoque is recognisable as being just that. It retains the silhouette of the outgoing car, along with similar dimensions, but brings the latest corporate Range Rover face to the machine for a mini-Velar appearance.

There’s also bags of new tech — the highlight being ClearSight Ground View, which projects an underside view of the car onto the central display. A trick rear view mirror uses a roof-mounted camera to project a clearer image, too, while an updated infotainment system rounds out the package.

What’s under the bonnet?

As mentioned, the Range Rover Evoque will launch with petrol and diesel engines — with the firm key to stress the latter remains a core part of its range — available with either front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. There’s also the option of a six-speed manual on the entry-level diesel engine, while a nine-speed automatic gearbox features elsewhere.

We drove the diesel mild-hybrid powertrain which will arrive later in 2019 alongside a petrol plug-in hybrid option — although Land Rover says there’s no plans for full electrification. Covering no more than 5mph on our brief drive, we’ll have to wait for a full on-road test before coming up with a final verdict on the ‘MHEV’ powertrain.

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Got behind the wheel of the new Range Rover Evoque today — albeit incredibly briefly. Looks the part, and a ton of impressive kit on-board too. #LandRover #RangeRover #Evoque #carsofinstagram #Shoreditch

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What’s it like to drive?

Our short course took us over some obstacles to demonstrate the go-anywhere capabilities of the new Range Rover Evoque, including faux-hills, train tracks and even through a swimming pool.

The compact SUV dealt well with everything thrown at it — although you’d expect so when the firm themselves designed the layout — giving off early positive signs.

It did also give us a chance to try out the new ClearSight tech. The Ground View system proved vital in positioning the car correctly on the train tracks — so we have no doubts it’ll be perfect to help avoid kerbs when parking — while the rear-view mirror really does take visibility from poor to outstanding. The latter is an option we’d likely struggle to go without.

How does it look?

The second-generation Range Rover Evoque is certainly more evolution than revolution — retaining the basic silhouette of its predecessor but bringing the latest corporate face with ultra slim LED headlights. Dimensions remain almost identical, while the car also gains more aggressively-designed arches for a ‘strong and dynamic’ look.

It gives off a mini-Velar kind of vibe, which to us is a great thing — even if Land Rover may choose to avoid that comparison. The sleek look of the larger SUV translates well onto the more compact body, and it’ll no doubt become the next must-have fashion accessory in certain circles.

What’s it like inside?

The similarities to the previous generation continue into the cabin — which retains a recognisable design, but with a more modern look and a roomier feel too. A steeply-raked instrument panel houses the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, giving access to car functions on the lower screen while providing media and navigation features up top.

New materials have also been introduced to the car. Those looking for a more eco-friendly alternative to leather can now opt for ‘Kvadrat’ — a material made from a combination of wool and Dinamica suedecloth, which is created from recycled bottles. It feels good to the touch, but we’ll have to see how it holds up on the comfort front over longer drives.

What’s the spec like?

Order books for the new Range Rover Evoque have now opened, with prices starting from £31,600. That money buys a D150 model, complete with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine producing 148bhp while paired to the manual gearbox option sending power through the front wheels.

As standard, equipment includes LED headlights, automatic wipers, a 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system, fabric seats and cruise control.

To take advantage of the new ClearSight Ground View and rear-view mirror tech, customers will have to opt for HSE or higher models, with prices starting at £41,250. Pricey, yes, but the technology is impressive enough to justify the cost.

Verdict

Early impressions of the new Range Rover Evoque are promising, with the car set to deliver some cutting-edge technology in a stylish package — albeit coming in quite pricey at its top end.

The ClearSight systems are genuinely cutting-edge and for the urban dwellers looking for a stylish package, the extra visibility these offer alone could sell the car. We’ll have to hold off on a final verdict until we get the Evoque on the road next year, but there’s reason to be excited.

Facts at a glance

Model: Range Rover Evoque
Price: £31,600 starting
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel mild-hybrid
Power (bhp): 178
Torque (Nm): 430Nm
Max speed (mph): 128
0-60mph: 8.8 seconds
MPG: 48.7
Emissions (g/km): 150g/km

Land Rover has revealed the second generation of its massively popular Range Rover Evoque, replacing the current model that has been on sale since 2011.

With more than 700,000 units sold worldwide, the Evoque’s been a considerable success for the brand – in 2012 and 2013, it made up over a third of Land Rover sales. Perhaps that’s why the brand hasn’t deviated far from the original styling with this model.

The new Evoque features the latest version of Land Rover’s corporate grille, flanked by distinctive LED daytime running lights and large side air intakes. The sides are made even sleeker by the use of pop-out door handles – a trick first seen on the Range Rover Velar – and the Evoque’s trademark ‘floating roof’ remains, thanks to blacked-out door and windscreen pillars.

Round the back of the car, there’s a further nod to the Velar with a full-width styling element containing the tail lights.

The big news for the Evoque, however, is the new platform on which it sits. The old car used underpinnings that could be traced back to the Mk2 Ford Focus – a throwback to the days when Ford owned Land Rover.

But the new platform – catchily named Premium Transverse Architecture – is bang up to date and, crucially, allows the installation of new hybrid powertrains.

The Evoque will be available from launch with a 48-volt mild hybrid system – uniquely deployable across the entire engine range and consisting of an integrated starter/generator and underfloor battery pack. A plug-in hybrid will follow in around a year’s time, likely to be a smaller evolution of the system fitted to the larger Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV. A three-cylinder petrol engine will also follow.

Initially, however, a trusted range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines will be offered. The range kicks off with a 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel (the only engine available with a manual gearbox) as well as 178bhp and 237bhp versions of the same engine. On the petrol front, a 2.0-litre is offered with 197bhp, 247bhp and 297bhp power outputs.

Nought to 60mph times range from 6.3 seconds to 10.4 seconds, while up to 44.9mpg is possible from the lowest-powered, manual diesel. All but the basic manual model feature four-wheel drive as standard, with Land Rover’s automatic Terrain Response system for a modicum of off-road capability.

The Evoque will launch with five trim levels, although the first four can be equipped with additional ‘R-Dynamic’ goodies for a bit of extra style. As standard, though, all cars get automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a heated windscreen, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, heated front seats, a rear-view camera, lane keep assist, cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The top-spec First Edition trim loads on the kit, with matrix LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, a Meridian sound system, perforated leather upholstery, 16-way electric seats, a head-up display, powered tailgate, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras.

The Evoque is available to order now, with prices kicking off from £31,600 for a front-wheel-drive diesel manual model. The range currently tops out at £50,400 for a 247bhp petrol model in First Edition trim.

What is it?

The Volkswagen Group is brilliant at making the most of what it has – and the A1 is a chief example. Using the same MQB chassis and engine architecture enjoyed by the latest VW Polo and Seat Ibiza, it’s a really premium product that bears only a passing resemblance to its siblings – and every resemblance to its bigger brothers within the Audi range.

The previous A1 was a roaring success, thanks to its fashion-led design and trademark solidity, trading blows with the likes of the Mini Cooper. The new car swaps cuteness for sharp angles and motorsport-inspired styling, while hopefully retaining everything that made its predecessor so popular.

What’s new?

What do we think? Not a fan of the black badges at all but sea-green and bronze is a frighteningly good combo. pic.twitter.com/cEFy9ltoyi

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) November 14, 2018

As mentioned, the A1 now rides on the MQB A0 platform – a selection of chassis components that underpin most of the Volkswagen Group’s small car range. That endows the A1 with a choice of engines, from which Audi has chosen just three – all petrol.

The interior’s also been given a makeover, with a newly spacious feel courtesy of the MQB platform and its long wheelbase – plus bags of technology, befitting Audi’s high-tech positioning.

Best of all is the personalisation on offer. The new A1 can be had with a wide choice of exterior colours, contrasting colour packs, alloy wheels and interior ambiences – which can be mixed up any way the buyer pleases.

What’s under the bonnet?

There are three petrol engines on offer for the A1. The entry-level is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit with 115bhp – expected to be a big seller in the UK.

Next up there’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 148bhp or a top-spec 2.0-litre with 197bhp – lifted from the VW Polo GTI, but not badged as one of Audi’s hot ‘S’ models. The lowlier pair of engines can be had with six-speed manual gearboxes or optional seven-speed dual-clutch autos, while the 2.0-litre is automatic-only.

The 1.0-litre is a really sweet engine, with a welcome slug of torque between 2,000 and 3,000rpm making relaxed progress very easy. It’s very refined at a cruise, with just a hint of three-cylinder thrum at low revs. It pairs well with the six-speed manual, too, which has a reassuring solidity to its action.

The 1.0-litre isn’t especially fast, but then nor is the 1.5-litre – and that’s noisier, thirstier and less pleasant to use. Topping the range is the 2.0-litre, which is powerful and turns the A1 into something of a hot hatchback – but it’s likely to be very pricey to buy.

What’s it like to drive?

The A1 handles much like its siblings from within the VW Group – the VW Polo and Seat Ibiza. That’s definitely not a bad thing – there’s an expensive feel to the way this car rides and handles, with sharp edges taken off all the bumps and a pleasing weight to the steering.

There’s not a lot of excitement to be had, though. The A1 doesn’t handle anywhere near as sweetly as a Mini or a Ford Fiesta, as it doesn’t feel as light on its feet. That’s not really backed up with a cushioned ride, either – all A1s get a sporty suspension setup, which despite taking the edge off poor surfaces does jolt occupants over larger imperfections in the road.

Many will like the neutral way the A1 handles, but keen drivers will be left wanting more. Maybe a potential forthcoming ‘S’ model could remedy that…

How does it look?

Physically incapable of shipping a colour combo more than this pic.twitter.com/1zzcQgxChC

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) November 14, 2018

The new A1 is a really smart-looking little thing, and it’s blessed with the ability to wear lower-spec trims without looking like a poor relation. Our ‘Sport’ model had 17-inch alloy wheels as well as a flat paint colour and didn’t suffer for it – mainly thanks to sharp LED running lights front and rear that lend a high-tech look to the car.

There are divisive elements – there’s a rather wide C-pillar, inspired by the Q2, and the triple slots between the bonnet and the grille lend an aggressive edge to the car. But it’s possible to customise the A1 to within an inch of its life, so you need never see two the same – available for testing were some really eye-catching combinations. Sea-green bodywork with bronze wheels, anybody?

What’s it like inside?

Of all the cars we expect to disappoint with their interiors, the A1 wasn’t high up the list. We’ll start with the good. There’s far greater room in here for passengers and luggage – thank the MQB platform for that – and the A1’s 335-litre boot is on a par with anything else in this segment. The seats are also very comfortable and well adjustable even on more basic models.

There’s great technology on offer, too. The driver has digital dials as standard, upgradeable to a full 12-inch Virtual Cockpit as an option, while the top-spec touchscreen infotainment system is superb. Controls are also simply laid out and easy to follow.

The big disappointment is with the quality of the materials. Sure, areas such as the top of the dashboard are crafted from squidgy soft-touch plastic – but the centre console and especially the doors feel downright cheap. Given that you spend a lot of time with your elbows resting on the door cards, the hollow feel is less than pleasant – and not something we’d expect even from the smallest Audi in the range.

What’s the spec like?

Our mid-range ‘Sport’ model (named ‘Advanced’ in the German range) came with all the essentials. The LED head- and tail lights really enhance the exterior look of the car, as did smart 17-inch alloy wheels – sadly, the latter are optional. What you do get as standard are 16-inch alloys, sports seats, rear parking sensors and cruise control, as well as Audi’s MMI plus infotainment system.

Step up to S line and you’ll gain 17-inch wheels as standard, LED interior lighting, even firmer sports suspension and leather-trimmed upholstery. The options list holds goodies such as heated seats, a connected upgrade for the infotainment system, the aforementioned Virtual Cockpit and a top-end Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system.

Verdict

Audi gave us almost everything we expected with the A1 – impeccable driving manners, sharp styling and a range of high-end equipment, plus the personalisation touches that will make it so popular with the crowds of buyers who might otherwise buy a Mini. Some of the interior quality is disappointing, but otherwise this is an excellent supermini – albeit, for a high price.

It’s a niche, we’ll admit, but everyday hundreds of people head out onto the roads to deliver pizza. And yes, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles are used to get the job done, but a lot of deliveries are made in cars. Which brings us to this particular problem.

What if you’re after a new car, but want to ensure it’s adept at delivering those delicious cheesy roundels as well? We’re here to help – these are the best cars for delivering pizza.

Skoda Superb

The Skoda Superb is big, well-specced but, most importantly, softly sprung. It means that not only will you be able to get a vast amount of pizzas inside the car, it’ll be smooth and spongy over even the worst inner-city roads. So you won’t get pepperoni all over the floor, which is nice.

Add into that decent running costs and rock-solid build quality, and you have a pretty decent pizza runabout. It even has umbrellas in the doors, so you needn’t get wet when carrying orders to the door in the rain.

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen’s big, bad Amarok may be able to go over all manner of terrain while carrying well over a tonne of payload, but we’d argue it’d be well-suited to delivering pizzas too. Provided you specify a load cover over the rear bed, it could provide enough space for hundreds of pizzas.

In addition, should the weather turn bad – and going off recent UK winters it certainly can – you’ll be able to deliver pizzas even if the largest blizzard rolls in.

Seat Ibiza

The little Seat Ibiza is robust, good to drive and excellent on fuel too. It’s ideally suited to inner-city roads, so for those urbanite pizza delivery drivers, this is the car for you. Light steering makes it an easy car to park, and it gives you the ability to dart in and out of inner-city traffic too.

It’s got a lot of interior space to offer, too. It means there’s a decent amount of room for those deep-dish pizzas.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen’s Tiguan may be one of the most popular crossovers currently on sale, but there’s no reason why it can’t be ideal for pizza delivery too. It rides impeccably well, and its relatively compact dimensions mean you shouldn’t have too much trouble parking it up on the street, either.

It comes with Volkswagen’s excellent navigation system too, ideal for avoiding traffic which could slow down those darts from door to door.

Smart ForTwo ED

Smart’s iconic ForTwo is perfectly suited to life in town, but why not go one step further? The all-electric ED would mean minimal running costs, and you could nip silently around city centres and top up the range when you stop.

Yes, this won’t be as adept at longer journeys as conventional cars – but it’ll be hard to beat in the city.

Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo is a firm favourite for just-passed drivers looking to keep insurance costs down, as well as those drivers who want to keep fuel and maintenance bills as low as possible. It could find favour with delivery drivers too, however.

There’s just enough space for a few pizzas, and thanks to decent cubby and storage compartments there’s enough room for the dips, too.

Mazda MX-5

A two-seat roadster may not be the first vehicle which springs to mind when it comes to delivering pizzas, but the Mazda MX-5 could fit the bill a little better than you’d think. Its boot is square and flat, and would be able to swallow up almost as many pizzas as the people you’re delivering them to.

Then, if you need to keep pizzas in the cabin – there’s a powerful heated seat to keep them warm for later. Ideal!