Month: July 2019

SUVs may be the big trend on the current new car market, but these perceivably large machines aren’t always as practical and spacious as they may seem. If those two things top your priority list on your next car, you might want to turn to the humble MPV.

Sure, they may not be the most fashionable vehicles, but it’s hard to argue with the value for money in terms of sheer space. We’ve picked out the best the used market has to offer on a £15,000 budget…

Citroen C4 Grand Spacetourer/Picasso

Citroen’s quintessentially French ‘Picasso’ models might be known as the ‘go to’ choices when it comes to the firm’s people carriers. However, last year Citroen dropped the Picasso name in favour of the Spacetourer badge.

This practical MPV can happily seat seven adults in relative comfort, and has an incredibly airy cabin thanks to a panoramic windscreen and glass roof. It’s also exceptionally comfortable. As the Spacetourer is a relatively new model, it’s the top end of this budget that we’re looking at. Around £13,500 will buy a one-year-old example with minimal miles on the clock.

Honda Stream

Honda may not be the go-to name for MPVs, but back in the mid-2000’s, it did offer an intriguing — if overlooked — competitor. This was the Honda Stream — a Honda Civic-based seven-seat.

It took a more compact form than most competitors of the time, but was equally as practical. Better yet, examples on today’s market can be had for as little as under a grand, and top out at about £5,000-6,000. With our budget, there’s plenty spare to pay for a proper family holiday. Or a Civic Type R weekend car, we won’t judge.

SsangYong Turismo

We’ll forgive you for not having heard of SsangYong. The little-known South Korean firm’s creations are far from a common sight on UK roads — but that’s not to say they shouldn’t be.

Focusing on the Turismo, it may be hard to get more car for the money in this budget. Examples from 2018 of the huge seven-seater come under budget, with slightly older but very-well equipped models comfortably available too.

Peugeot 5008

Peugeot’s stylish 5008 is arguably one of the better looking MPVs around. What’s more, it backs up the looks with decent build quality and a surprisingly involving drive.

Plenty of engine choices mean there’s likely to be a powertrain for all, while plenty of seating flexibility allow you to tailor your preference between outright boot space or passenger carrying abilities.

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

There was a certain amount of outcry when the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer was announced. Reason being that it was one of the first front-wheel-drive BMWs made, representing a significant departure from the firm’s tried-and-tested rear-drive layout.

However, the 2 Series Gran Tourer makes up for this with decent levels of interior space, as well as excellent built quality. It may not sparkle when it comes to an overall drive, but it does well everywhere else.

Nissan Elgrand

Who said MPVs had to be boring? If you turn to the market of wild Japanese imports, there’s plenty of interesting multi-seaters available — and the Nissan Elgrand.

Not only can this funky-looking machine swallow a lot of people, it can keep them entertained with drop-down screens with integrated DVD players. The best bit? It’s also got a 3.5-litre V6 straight from the 350Z. Examples from 2011 can be had well within budget.

Kia Carens

Kia’s practical Carens may not be much to look at, but it packs everything that you could want from an MPV. It offers seven seats, for starters, with driver and passengers able to get comfortable thanks to plenty of space and a refined interior.

And, being a Kia, it’s reliable too. Factor this into the remaining positives, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded zero-fuss MPV option.

What is it?

Whenever there’s a new Fast Ford, it’s a pretty big deal. Particularly in the UK, hot versions of the Blue Oval’s regular models have captured the imagination of car enthusiasts for generations. Although most will hark back to bewinged Cosworths tearing up rally stages, these days there are also more sensible, usable performance Fords.

These models tend to wear the ST badge, signifying a go-faster model that’s not quite as wild as those that wear the RS moniker. The Fiesta ST has long been the hot supermini standard-bearer, but while the Focus ST has earned a cult following, it tends to struggle to beat the best in the hot hatch segment.

Can this new model finally take the fight to the big boys? At circa-£30,000, it really has to.

What’s new?

It seems that Ford is fed up with being the alternative option – as in, the “yes, it’s flawed, but it’s less expensive than the best hot hatches” option – because this new Focus ST has been sent to war with the big guns in its arsenal.

The engine is a detuned version of that found in the previous-generation RS and current EcoBoost Mustang, it finally gets an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) to control power through the front wheels, there’s rev-matching on downshifts, new drive modes, and ST-specific suspension and steering. On paper, at least, it’s a serious bit of kit.

What’s under the bonnet?

So, the ST gets its own version of the now-familiar 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that has served Ford Performance so well. With 276bhp, it’s the most powerful Focus ST ever and is about 30bhp up on the old one.

Perhaps even more impressive is its 420Nm of torque – that LSD better work, then. That figure is available in the middle of the rev range, while peak power is higher at 5,500rpm. The result is that putting your foot down even at lower revs gives a punchy response, but if you’re not in the mood for full banshee mode you can short shift and still feel a kick.

There’s also a diesel for those who are less fussed by hard-charging performance and want lower running costs. The 2.0-litre unit makes 187bhp and promises about 59mpg, though we haven’t tested it here.

What’s it like to drive?

So it’s looking good on paper, but what about on the Tarmac? Well, here’s the good news Fast Ford fans: it’s brilliant. Not perfect, but in a new league compared with old one.

Even in the tightest of corners, the eLSD manages power output to smoothly-but-rapidly shunt you out of corners, with the front wheels occasionally skipping across the rough Tarmac to let you know you’re on the limit before you step over it. Ease off and you’re brought right back into line.

The engine is boosty and the exhaust note sounds great, the steering is super direct, the brakes are superb, and the body stays in control even when you’re pulling off a chain of high-speed switchbacks. This is more RS than ST.

One thing to note, though, is that in Sport mode, the occasional bumpy section of road could unsettle the car. The exhilarating and picturesque Route Napoleon in the south of France, where the car’s launch took place, isn’t the smoothest, but there are signs the suspension could struggle more on Britain’s broken roads.

That said, in Normal the ride is impressively comfortable, and could be any more mundane Focus. (Which is intended as a compliment.)

How does it look?

There tend to be two ends to the hot hatch spectrum. You can either go subtle and subdued like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, or Fast and Furious wannabe like the Honda Civic Type R. The Ford definitely leans towards the Golf’s ethos, looking more like a sporty-trimmed family car than a performance monster.

That being said, the standard car is already quite handsome, and with more angular bumpers, twin-exit exhausts and bigger alloy wheels, the ST turns the temperature up just enough to match its performance. If you like your hot hatches properly lairy, though, you might want to wait for the RS.

What’s it like inside?

Again, inside, subtlety is the order of the day. Aside from a few ST badges and some fake carbon-fibre trim you really could be in any other Focus. Are you starting to notice a trend here? This will appeal to some, who want their hot hatch to blend into everyday life seamlessly. However, wanting something more special from your £30k Focus is also a justified viewpoint.

The stand-out feature of the interior, though, is the Recaro bucket seats. They’re brilliantly judged, offering enough side bolstering to keep you in place in corners without getting in the way when you’re changing gear. As always with Ford, the driving position is spot on, too.

What’s the spec like?

As you might expect from a £30,000 Focus, the ST is well-equipped. On the outside you get all the sporty bodywork you’d expect from a hot hatch, while inside those bucket seats are a welcome addition.

On-board equipment includes selectable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, a B&O sound system, wireless charging and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Keen drivers should also tick the performance pack option, which adds a Track driving mode, rev matching on downshifts, launch control and a shift indicator light. Having tested this option extensively it really enhances the experience.

Verdict

If you tried the old model and were underwhelmed, have a go in this one – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If you owned and loved the old one, this new one will blow your mind.

Ford has pulled off a big win here at a time when the hot hatch market has never been better, but the established benchmark models have been around a while.

The new Ford Focus ST has a price to rival some of the best-in-class, and fortunately, with the help of some impressive technological upgrades, it’s able to call itself a genuine on-road rival.

The Tesla Model 3 has topped the bill in Euro NCAP’s latest safety examinations, impressing in a variety of different and demanding tests.

It achieved a full five stars in the examinations, receiving a score of 96 per cent of adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection and 74 per cent for vulnerable road users protection.

It’s thanks in part to the Tesla’s range of safety assistance systems, including lane departure avoidance, blind spot collision warning and a speed assistance system.

The Tesla’s much-talked about AutoPilot system wasn’t assessed by Euro NCAP, though the testers have stated that it will start to rate systems in a separate programmed due for launch in 2020.

Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, said: “The Tesla Model 3 achieved one of the highest Safety Assist scores we have seen to date. Its Collision Avoidance Assist system is first class, with its Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems showing high levels of performance.

“Tesla has done a great job of playing the structural benefits of an electric vehicle to its advantage. Impact performance is enhanced by the absence of a mechanical engine and the car’s low centre of gravity. The Tesla Model 3 really benefits from its all electric-architecture.”

Skoda’s Scala was also praised following the tests, posting excellent scores in adult occupant and child occupant protection tests, as well as for safety assistance systems. Both the new Mercedes-Benz B Class and GLE also scored a full five stars.

A staple of the automotive calendar since its 1993 debut, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the world’s premier events for petrolheads.

This year, some of the most successful cars, bikes, drivers and riders from motorsport history are being showcased, with the theme for 2019 being ‘Speed Kings – Motorsport’s record breakers’.

And, while the event was – and is – still very much centred on motor racing, many manufacturers take the opportunity to show off the latest and greatest in motoring at the Festival of Speed. Here’s just some of what to expect from the Festival of Speed this year…

An even more exciting Ford GT

The Ford GT is certainly no slouch, but it seems that some of the power-hungry boffins at Ford Performance simply aren’t content with the standard car.

A teaser for a new variant of Ford’s flagship supercar was released recently, and a reveal is due for the car at Goodwood on Thursday.

It is clear from the teaser shot that this will be a racing-inspired take on the GT, and this is only confirmed by the confirmed presence of team members from Multimatic, the racing team behind Ford’s recent Le Mans successes, at the reveal.

The Rapture cometh

RAPTURE – Where the track meets the road…

Join us at stand 503, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for our global dynamic launch on Thursday 4th July 2019. Alternatively, you can watch the big reveal via our online live-stream at https://t.co/iTECITwx1O#theraptureiscoming #FOS pic.twitter.com/XKbS6ZkEng

— Radical (@RadicalCarsUK) June 24, 2019

Radical has become an established name on the more track-focused end of the sportscar spectrum, and the new road and circuit ready Rapture model is looking to enhance that.

The teaser image that has been revealed suggests that this car will borrow some cues from the RXC Coupe already built by the firm, but – in a first for Radical – it will be powered by a turbocharged engine.

Timed shootout

Sunday is perhaps the best day for fans of cars with stripes and numbers on the doors, as the timed shootout sees teams wheel out everything from pre-war racers to spaceship-esque electric vehicles.

Indeed, it is the electric cars that are expected to be the kings of the climb this year, with Romain Dumas set to take the wheel of the Volkswagen ID.R that won the event in 2018, and all-time course record holder Nick Heidfeld taking the wheel of his Mahindra Formula E car.

Concours

As is so often the case at this event, there are just as many immaculate cars on display as there are on the course.

The most painstakingly maintained cars of all will be seen at the Style et Luxe Cartier Lawn, where expert judges will determine a winner from a stellar selection of classic and vintage vehicles.

Michael Schumacher’s cars and rivals

On the year of his 50^thbirthday, and the 25^thanniversary of his first World Championship victory in 1994, Michael Schumacher is to be celebrated at the event.

While the seven-time champion cannot be there himself as a consequence of his on-going recovery from a 2013 skiing accident, two of his greatest rivals – Damon Hill and Mika Häkkinen – will be on hand, as will a number of Formula One cars from his career at the top of the sport.

Aston Martin sculpture

The sculpture in front of the Goodwood house has become one of the most anticipated features of the event, and this year, it is Aston Martin that takes the honour of being showcased on the Duke of Richmond’s front lawn.

Aston Martin road and race cars will also be on display and on the hill climb, as the firm celebrates 60 years since its first Le Mans victory.

Aston isn’t the only brand marking an anniversary at Goodwood, either; Bentley will continue its centenary celebrations at the show, weeks on from a spectacular parade at Le Mans. 

New ‘arena’ area

While the strictly sideways, extreme drivers of the world seemed an odd match for the stately home setting of Goodwood, the antics of Ken Block, Terry Grant and Vaughn Gittin Jr have become an unmissable part of the event.

This year, all of the above drivers and a host of other tire-smoking adrenaline junkies will show off in the new ‘arena’ at the event, adding yet another dimension to the Festival of Speed.

—±Fast Fords are an icon of the British car scene. The badges RS and ST will cause most enthusiasts heart rates to pick up, thanks to their connotations with touring car racing and rallying.

They’re best known for having lairy body kits and exciting performance, so with a new Focus ST going on sale very soon, now seems like a great time to look back at the model’s brief but brilliant history.

Ford Focus ST170

The first-generation Focus burst on to the scene in 1998 and blew everyone away. It had pretty styling and excellent handling that made it great to drive —even in its more boring specifications.

A few years after launch the ST170 was released, with the number relating to the amount of power it had. Its performance wasn’t electrifying, but thanks to that great chassis it still proved to be a quietly competent warm hatch.

Mk2 Ford Focus ST

This is where the ST really started to make a name for itself, largely because the engine was so brilliant.

The 225bhp, 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine was borrowed from Volvo and given modifications to make it more responsive, as well as sound cooler than any Focus before it. It was built by Ford’s Team RS, so it was a proper job, and it showed on the road, quickly gaining a cult following.

Mk3 Ford Focus ST

For the third-generation Focus, the ST was good without being great. Gone was that iconic engine, replaced by a 246bhp 2.0-litre unit of Ford’s own creation, which was faster and punchier but lacked a little bit of character.

It handled fantastically and looked great, too. Sounds like a brilliant recipe, right? Well, while most rivals moved to limited-slip differentials to control power through the front wheels, Ford persevered with a mock set-up that just didn’t work quite so well.

Fast and fantastic in corners – but if you put your foot down too hard it would tug and yank you all over the road. Some buyers liked that it wasn’t easy, but rivals such as the Renault Megane RS were just better…

Mk4 Ford Focus ST

And that brings us to the latest model. Ford has fitted an electronic limited-slip differential, which should mean any complaints about torque steering will be rectified.

It also uses a detuned version of the 2.3-litre engine from the RS, making a healthy 276bhp here. It’s also got driving modes for the first time, too, meaning you can switch between sedate road driving and a more aggressive track-focused set-up.

On paper, it’s set to be the most exciting ST ever.