Marks the first time that a JCW electric model has been produced.
Mini’s John Cooper Works performance arm has given the go-faster treatment to a pair of electric models for the first time.
Both the electric Cooper and Aceman have gained a new John Cooper Works – or JCW – version, with the pair being unveiled at this year’s Paris Motor Show.
Both cars get an upgraded electric motor
Priced from £38,420 and £40,220 for the Cooper and Aceman models respectively, both cars get a 54.2kWh battery and a 247bhp electric motor enabling a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds in the Cooper and 6.2 seconds in the Aceman. They bring respective ranges of 251 and 243 miles, too. A maximum charging speed of 95kW means that a 10 to 80 per cent charge could be conducted in 30 minutes.
Both cars have been equipped with a special ‘boost’ function, too, which when pressed unlocks an additional 27bhp when the car is in a special John Cooper Works mode. It’s activated by a rocker switch on the steering wheel, meaning that it’ll be easy to activate when on the move.
It’s the first time that a JCW electric model has been produced by Mini
As with other JCW models which came before them, the upgraded Cooper and Aceman versions gain a number of sporty exterior revisions over the standard models including plenty of John Cooper Works logos, black side skirts and a black rear spoiler. There are 18-inch JCW alloy wheels for the Cooper, too, while the Aceman gains larger 19-inch versions instead.
Inside, there’s the traditional red and black colourway of JCW applied throughout the cabins of both cars, while a black and red pattern is used on the knitted dashboard. The seats are trimmed in synthetic leather, too, while the same 24cm OLED display as you’ll find on the standard cars is central to the interior.
Our long-term Seat Ibiza is finally putting the little foibles to one side to become the dependable favourite it should be.
Good news for fans of bad trousers, pringle jumpers and freemasonry – this month, for the first time in my adult life, I played a round of golf.
Yes, that’s right, after years of mocking the game which famously ruins a good walk, I decided to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about. So, having learnt all the correct lingo, I promptly crammed a set of borrowed bats into the back of my Seat Ibiza and headed off to the local golf track with dreams of being the next Happy Gilmore floating around in my head.
Unfortunately, as it turned out, Happy was correct at the start of the film. Golf is a stupid game. It’s also really hard and I spent most of my afternoon slashing around bits of forest trying to locate the ball which I’d inevitably sprayed well away from where I was aiming.
There’s more than enough room in the boot of the Ibiza
However, the afternoon did at least give me my first (and probably last) opportunity to fulfil the road testers’ favourite cliche of reviewing a car’s boot space according to how well it can swallow up a set of golf clubs. In the Ibiza, the 355-litre boot was more than adequate for this beginner’s equipment, which lay down flat in the back with just enough space for another set to lay alongside. Getting them in there though was a little bit more of an issue. Due to the shape of the Ibiza’s boot opening, which bends a fair way inside the rear lights, the bag did require a fair bit of manoeuvring in order to squeeze in the gap. There also was no space for the clever trolley contraption that my playing partner had taken to push his equipment around, so that was consigned to the back seat.
Anyway, why am I dedicating so much time to this car review to tell you about my trip to play golf? Well, in honesty, it’s because life with the Ibiza has become rather boring in the last month. And while that may sound like a negative, I can assure you it is meant as very high praise indeed.
Let me explain. Last month, I wrote about the Ibiza’s moronic infotainment system which spent the majority of summer either ignoring what I asked of it or just shutting down completely. The month before that I complained about the endless bonging the car subjected me to on every journey. This month, for the first time since taking delivery of the Ibiza in July, I have no new complaints about living with it.
The Ibiza’s grey colourway gives it a classy look
In my last report, I compared the car’s infotainment system to a disobedient four-year-old, never listening to basic commands. Well if that was the case then, now it has become a much more reliable middle-aged man. The kind who wears slippers and is called something dependable, like Martin or John. Looking back now, I would guess that the unreliability of the car’s computers was down to a touch of overheating in the hot summer sun, causing it to have an incredibly annoying funny spell – much like your mother on an all-inclusive trip to Benidorm. Now the weather has turned to its more familiar grey dreariness, the system has worked flawlessly. Yes, the car may be called the ‘Ibiza’ but I certainly wouldn’t recommend buying one if you’re planning on moving to the Balearic Island itself.
I’ve also got used to the bonging, which caused so much annoyance at first. Yes, it is less than ideal that all of the systems reset themselves whenever you switch the engine off but in practice setting the car to your own preferences just becomes part of your routine before beginning your journey.
The Ibiza’s cabin gets loads of features
With those issues put to one side, it’s given me the chance to enjoy the Ibiza for what it is, which is a genuinely fun little car to drive. Back to my trip to the golf course, and the journey involved driving down some fairly tight winding roads. After slipping the car into sport mode I noticed with some pleasure that my passenger – whose enormous ego just about squeezed into the Ibiza’s passenger seat after he won at golf – was not enjoying my ‘enthusiastic’ approach to driving. From my point of view, it was the most fun I’d had all day. The Ibiza stuck to the roads, zipped round corners and felt as responsive as I’ve come to expect over the last few months.
I’m now hoping that the teething troubles which hampered my early months with the Ibiza are a thing of the past and my biggest worry is what I’m going to write about next month if the car continues to deliver as it has done of late. Who knows, maybe I’ll hit another one of those road-test cliches. Trip to the tip anyone?
Chunky-looking new model is made with a variety of sustainable materials.
Dacia has added a new mid-size SUV to its new car range – the Bigster.
Rivalling cars like the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai, the new Bigster gets the same value-focused approach as other Dacia models, arriving with plenty of standard equipment, a good range of engines and a strong emphasis on practicality.
The rear bench seat, for example, can be split 40:20:40 to allow for different-shaped items to be placed inside the car. With the rear seats folded down, Dacia says that the Bigster can return a maximum load length of 2.7 metres. The interior can even be equipped with an optional ‘Sleep Pack’ which integrates a double bed into the Bigster’s cabin.
The rear area provides ample storage space
Many hard-wearing materials are used throughout the interior, too, with Extreme-specification cars getting washable synthetic upholstery and rubber floor mats for the front and rear.
There’s the option of three powertrains, too. Things kick off with a hybrid setup – combining a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor – and this is followed by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol-powered version which is linked to a mild-hybrid setup for lower emissions and improved efficiency.
The Bigster is equipped with a variety of handy features
Finally, there’s the same 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine but linked to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. This particular Bigster is angled towards those who need extra traction off-road, though a mild-hybrid system can help to make it more efficient.
All versions of the Bigster will come equipped with a 10-inch central touchscreen and a seven-inch driver digital instrument panel as well as dual-zone air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels. Extreme-grade cars add 18-inch wheels and a ‘Copper Brown’ exterior alongside a panoramic sunroof and hands-free key entry. Finally, Journey versions expand the list of standard equipment with an electric-powered tailgate, power-adjustable driver’s seat and a premium sound system.
First deliveries of the drop-top are expected to commence in the early part of 2025.
Mini has completed the latest generation of its Cooper models with a new Convertible variant.
Priced from £26,200 – ahead of deliveries commencing early next year – production of the Cooper Convertible returns to Mini’s Oxford plant for the first time since 2015.
Petrol-powered from launch, the Cooper Convertible will be available with two engine choices. The first, in the Cooper Convertible C, gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 154bhp, bringing a 0-60mph in eight seconds and a top speed of 137mph. The more powerful Cooper S, meanwhile, gets a larger 2.0-litre engine 201bhp which unlocks a quicker 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds.
The interior gets a large OLED central screen
All variants get the same upgraded styling that has been applied to the latest hard-top model, with circular LED headlights being combined with short overhangs to help preserve the ‘Mini’ style that buyers are used to.
The new fully automatic soft top can be opened in 18 seconds and closed in 15 at speeds of up to 19mph. Plus, the middle section of the roof can be opened on its own, providing a sunroof area without the need to fold away the entire soft top.
With the roof in place, boot space stands at 215 litres – five litres more than the standard hatchback – though this falls to 160 litres when the roof is folded down. As on the previous generation Convertible, the tailgate opens downwards to help make accessing the boot area a little easier.
The rear tailgate opens outwards to help with access
From launch, the Cooper Convertible will be available in three trim levels – Classic, Exclusive and Sport. Entry-level Classic-grade cars get 16-inch alloy wheels – or 17-inch sport versions on the Cooper S – as well as black and blue cloth seats and a knitted-effect dashboard.
Exclusive cars, in contrast, get a ‘Vibrant Silver’ front grille and 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a British Racing Green exterior colour and a light beige dashboard.
Sport takes a more dynamic take on things with a hexagonal patterned front grille, larger front and rear aprons and John Cooper Works two-tone alloy wheels.
As with the hatchback, all versions of the Convertible get a large OLED central screen and a toggle switch bar, as well as Mini’s ‘Experience Modes’ which allow you to tweak and change the setup of the car.
Available with a choice of five or seven seats, the Tayron will replace the Tiguan Allspace and will rival cars like the Kia Sorento.
Volkswagen has unveiled its successor to the Tiguan Allspace – the Tayron.
This new SUV will be available with a choice of five or seven-seat options and accompanied by a range of different engines.
Externally, the Tayron features dual LED headlights and a sculptured bonnet, meanwhile, the bumper design differs depending on which trim level you go for and the radiator grille also consists of chrome or high-gloss black – model permitting. At the back, there’s a full-width light bar, and an illuminated Volkswagen logo and there are also plastic wheel arch covers for a chunkier, go-anywhere look
The interior receives Volkswagen’s latest technology
Inside, the Tayron receives the Volkswagen’s latest 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display and there is a 12.9-inch infotainment screen that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too.
Meanwhile, boot space stands at 885 litres for the five-seater variant and 2,090 litres with seats folded down. The seven-seat model comes with a total of 345 litres with all seats in place, or 850 litres with the third row pushed down and that space extends to 1,905 litres with the second row folded as well.
However, the five-seat plug-in hybrid comes with a smaller 705 litres of luggage capacity and 1,915 litres with the rear seats down, owing to the fitment of the batteries.
At the rear there’s a full-width light bar
There will be a range of seven different powertrains including turbocharged petrol and diesel units with different power outputs and if you want an electrified version, there will also be an efficient 1.5-litre eTSi mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid, too. Conventional models can also be opted with the firm’s 4Motion four-wheel-drive system – and all versions come as standard with an automatic gearbox.
A choice of three trim levels will be on offer including Life, Elegance and R-Line and all models come equipped with three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and adaptive cruise control.
Prices are yet to be announced, but the new Tayron will go on sale at the beginning of next year with order books opening soon.
Vauxhall has added electric power to its range-topping Grandland, but what else has changed? Cameron Richards finds out.
What is it?
(Vauxhall)
The original Grandland went on sale in 2018 and was one of the first Vauxhall models to be built after the firm’s inclusion within the wider Stellantis group.
The SUV market is positively soaring right now, so it only makes sense for the firm to introduce the next-generation car that focuses on space and efficiency.
Vauxhall, by the end of this year, will offer an electric and hybrid version of every model in its range – and this latest SUV completes the set.
What’s new?
(Vauxhall)
As it’s a Stellantis product, it comes as no surprise that the new Grandland sits on the same STLA Medium platform as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. But there are exterior and interior changes to differentiate the three with this large Vauxhall benefitting from the brand’s latest design language while more interior and luggage space comes included too.
Furthermore, there will be an additional electric drivetrain coming at a later date which should promise one of the best in-class for driving on a single charge.
What’s under the bonnet?
(Vauxhall)
There will be a choice of electric and hybrid powertrains. From launch, the electric version comes fitted with a 73kWh battery pack and electric motor that produces 213bhp and will do a claimed 325 miles on a single charge – it’s the one we’re driving in this report. Later down the line, there will be a Long range 97kWh battery pack version that the Vauxhall claims can do up to 435 miles between trips to the plug. Both models are compatible with 160kW DC rapid charging taking 26 minutes to go from 0 to 80 per cent charged, too.
At the other end, there will be an efficient hybrid version that comes fitted with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to an electric motor that produces a total of 166bhp and 230Nm of torque. The power will be sent to a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission and acceleration stands at 0-60mph in 10 seconds.
What’s it like to drive?
(Vauxhall)
Unfortunately, the driving experience is rather plain and is very similar to Peugeot’s E-3008 and E-5008. This is no surprise, given that all the cars use the firm’s STLA Medium platform, but the steering is vague and uncommunicative and the powertrain is rather sluggish and not very quick off the mark for an electric car. We also had a go with the hybrid version which comes with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that is mated to an electric motor and although the powertrain gives the car a little more character, it’s still not exactly the most scintillating drive – but that’s not what this car is about, though combustion-engined rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson and Ford Kuga drive a lot better.
However, despite its lack of driver engagement, what the Grandland does well is make driving around very effortless with a decent ride, despite our test car’s 20-inch alloy wheels, and it’s very quiet at speeds with lots of sound insulation. Furthermore, driving in town is surprisingly stress-free due to its excellent turning circle and visibility which is aided even further by the 360-degree monitor and rear-view camera.
How does it look?
(Vauxhall)
Given that it’s a large car, the Grandland has similar proportions to its French cousins. It still maintains a tall back end and slab-sided stance, while at the front there is the firm’s illuminated logo and 3D vizor that runs the full width of the front giving a real presence when on the road.
Down the side profile, there are some hints of Peugeot with the hidden door weatherstrips and a two-tone paint scheme. Plus, the badges at the back now feature model-specific lettering as well.
Also, electric versions have extended wheel arches and larger 20-inch alloy wheels, which differentiates it from its more conventional hybrid model.
What’s it like inside?
(Vauxhall)
The new Grandland has stepped up its game when it comes to interior quality and design. Our test car is the Ultimate trim, bringing a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard as well as the firm’s new ‘Pixel Box’ – which is a transparent and illuminated compartment to store your mobile phone when it’s on charge.
There is also a nice array of soft-touch materials and cloth-effect areas which are found on the door cards and on the tops of the dashboard. The only letdown is the fake carbon fibre trim pieces above the glovebox which feel flimsy and very cheap.
Deep door bins and a variety of different centre console cup holders also make the cabin very practical, too. The seats are also rather supportive and very comfortable and our test car also gets a massage function as well.
Step in the back, and there is vast amounts of space for occupants – no matter how big or small. There is lots of knee, head and leg room and a decent shoulder area, too. Boot space is bigger than it was before with an extra 36 litres of space taking the cargo capacity to 550 litres with the seats in place, or that triples to 1,645 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Not as commodious as some of its rivals, but still more than capable of coping with a larger family’s needs.
What’s the spec like?
(Vauxhall)
Simplicity is what Vauxhall wants for its customers and that’s why the new Grandland is available with just three trim levels – Design, GS and Ultimate.
Prices start at £34,700 for the Design hybrid which features equipment such as a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights and tail lights and adaptive cruise control.
Move up the range and the Ultimate in electric guise – which is what we’re driving comes – and at £45,195 boasts extras such as a heated windscreen, a panoramic glass roof and a powered tailgate making it better value for money than its Stellantis counterparts.
Verdict
This new model of Vauxhall’s flagship SUV is a vast improvement over the outgoing car. Not only does it look better and have more gadgets, but it offers a hybrid or electric drivetrain, helping to keep those running costs down.
However, it’s still expensive with every electric model over £40,000 and the driving experience is rather bland. However, if you take into account its practical nature and stylish interior with its clever Pixel Box, the Grandland will still fit into a lot of families’ lives very well.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Vauxhall Grandland Ultimate 73kWh
One of Britain’s best-selling cars has just been given a midlife makeover but is it even better than before? Cameron Richards finds out.
What is it?
(Hyundai)
The crossover segment is positively booming right now and Hyundai’s Tucson is one of the best-selling examples in the UK.
Underneath its skin, you’ll find the chassis and underpinning from the Kia Sportage, but the Hyundai comes with a much bolder exterior design.
Back in the day, the Tucson was an outdated and archaic feeling SUV that changed its name to the iX35 in 2010. But, in 2015, the name returned and has shown that the South Korean firm can make some of the best family cars on the market.
What’s new?
(Hyundai)
You’ll have to have a degree in design because hardly anything has changed with the exterior of this facelifted car aside from a slightly different front grille, new alloy wheel designs, redesigned front and rear bumpers as well as a new rear skid plate – but the rest has stayed the same.
It’s on the interior where the changes have been made with a new dashboard design, steering wheel and dual 12.3-inch screen.
There is also a new two-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variant that offers buyers even more choice in the Tucson range, too.
What’s under the bonnet?
(Hyundai)
There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to buying a Hyundai Tucson because you can get it with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
We’re driving the two-wheel-drive hybrid that comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor that gives out a total power output of 212bhp and 264Nm of torque. In terms of acceleration, 0-60mph is dispatched in eight seconds and the car goes on to a top speed of 116mph.
You can also get a four-wheel-drive model with this engine, and all electrified versions come with an automatic gearbox as standard. However, there is a manual option in the petrol models as well.
What’s it like to drive?
(Hyundai)
The Tucson is the sister car to the best-selling Kia Sportage and that’s not a bad recipe because to drive, this Hyundai is superb.
Considering it’s a large car, it goes around corners well with a lot of grip and input through the steering. There isn’t much in the way of body lean and the car feels very composed and stable everywhere it goes.
The ride is smooth and comfortable and does a great job of ironing out those larger imperfections and the cabin is well insulated from outside noise. Our test car is the hybrid version and although we’re seeing over 50mpg, it’s not quite the 56mpg the manufacturer claims – but still impressive for a car of this size. It’s also easy to see out of thanks to the large windows and it’s aided even further with a wide range of cameras to help you with parking.
What lets the Tucson down is its engine. When you put your foot down it sounds fairly strangled and unpleasant to the ear, which is a shame, because its overall refinement is excellent.
How does it look?
(Hyundai)
It’s always a subjective matter, but the looks of this current generation of Tucson may not be to everyone’s taste due to the extensive level of lines and curves which could be too much for some.
The angular door creases and large plastic wheel arch trims give the car a bold look, and the new front grille is very striking with the integrated LED daytime running lights. At the back, the Hyundai logo is integrated into the rear window and the rear taillights run the full width of the boot lid, as well as the side chrome tops of the window frames run all the way to the back of the C-pillars as well.
What’s it like inside?
(Hyundai)
The interior is a lovely place to sit, with lots of soft-touch materials while our test car’s glass panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light. The infotainment screen is slick and easy to navigate, plus all the controls have a nice damping effect to them, giving a real sense of quality.
In terms of storage, there is a shelf on the dashboard which is lined with rubber to stop items rolling about, and there is a large centre storage bin under the armrest, as well as deep door pockets and cup holders as well. Plus, the gear selector on automatic versions is located on the steering column allowing for more space in the centre console.
In the back, there is plenty of space for smaller adults and children, however, headroom would be better without the panoramic glass roof, but it’s not terrible, to say the least. Our test car had plenty of features to keep occupants happy including a centre armrest with cupholders and even sun blinds, too.
Sadly our hybrid test car falls short of the standard car’s 620 litres boot and drops to 616 litres, but fold the rear seats down and that extends to 1,651 litres – and there are two large handles to help push them down from the luggage area too.
What’s the spec like?
(Hyundai)
The range kicks off at £35,590 for the entry-level model and all cars come with rear privacy glass, a rear-view camera, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and dual-zone climate control.
In terms of specification, there is plenty of choice for the buyer with Advance, Premium, N Line, N Line S and Ultimate grades there to pick between.
We’re driving the top-of-the-line Ultimate model which comes in at £40,640 and boasts a whole load of features including a powered tailgate, head-up display, LED matrix headlights and ventilated front seats.
Verdict
This facelift has improved the Tucson to take it to the very top of the SUV segment. Minor exterior and mechanical enhancements have stepped up the game with this very likeable and easy-to-live-with Hyundai.
The engines are efficient, it’s good to drive and there is plenty of standard equipment to keep any buyer happy. Plus, with the firm’s five-year or 100,000-mile warranty, the Tucson comes with reassurance and peace of mind, too.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Ultimate Hybrid
This little motorcycle will be pretty familiar to those in motoring circles. After making a splash with the 1960s original, the Honda Dax has been strangely absent from the motorcycle manufacturer’s line-up for decades – with just a brief spell on-sale for the Japanese market in the late 90s – but that has all changed with the introduction of a new version.
Officially called the ST125 Dax, this new compact Honda motorcycle gets all the design cues and cutesy dimensions of the classic but with upgraded engines and some neat modern touches which should help to make it even more appealing. But what else does it have to offer aside from those retro-inspired looks? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
So we’ve got a classic design, but where else is the Dax making its presence known? Simplicity was always the original’s strong suit, so that hasn’t changed; the new model gets a simple steel frame and teeny-tiny fuel tank, but there have been some tweaks with twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels wrapped in chunky tyres. The hydraulic disc brakes get full a ABS system to help with assured braking, too.
You can get the Dax in a range of quirky colours as well and while it’s a very compact bike overall, there is space for two on the banana-style seat – though we reckon the performance wouldn’t be that great for riding two-up.
What’s it powered by?
Equally compact is the Dax’s 124cc air-cooled engine with just over 9bhp and 10.8Nm of torque it’s not what you’d call overburdened with power, but it’s enough to get the Dax up to 60mph so a higher-speed cruise isn’t out of the question. Naturally, with such a small engine and a lightweight construction, efficiency is impressive with Honda claiming up to 155mpg. Blended with a 3.8-litre fuel tank, it’s enough to give the Dax a theoretical range of up to 150 miles from a full fill-up.
It’s all linked to a clever four-speed gearbox with a centrifugal clutch. Essentially, this allows you to ride the bike almost like a single-speed; simply select a gear with the left-hand-side foot shifter when you’re at a stop and pull away. Then, as you’re moving away, the clutch operates automatically and lets you shift without the need for a clutch lever.
What’s it like to ride?
With its super-small proportions, the Dax is almost toy-like on first impressions. Climbing aboard is a breeze – you merely step over the bike to get on – but once you’re in place, the Dax is a lot more accommodating than you might expect. The handlebars are nice and upright and though small, your legs don’t feel too cramped up.
The 124cc might be small in capacity but it’s big in excitement. Of course, the whole bike feels best suited around town where its nimble handling and peppy engine allow you to easily scythe through traffic and navigate inner-city layouts with ease. On the open road, the Dax will settle to a cruise at 60mph – we managed the heady heights of 70mph during our time with the Dax, but with its small wheels it was here where it felt most out of place. Plus, while the Dax’s small size might be a plus-point around town, it leaves you feeling vulnerable on a motorway or dual carriageway.
How does it look?
For such a small bike, the Dax does a great job of making a big statement design-wise. Very few people walked past it without asking us about it during our time with the Dax, with most wondering if it really was a ‘new’ bike or a classic. It’s a testament to Honda’s successful recreation and from afar, this latest version really could be swapped out for the original.
It’s a little bike with lots of character, that’s for sure, helped no end by the variety of chrome parts which give it some sparkle. We liked the blue colour scheme of our test bike, though other shades look just as good.
What’s the spec like?
Look a little closer at the Dax and you’ll see a number of upgraded parts. The front and rear lights, for example, are LED units which provide a distinctly un-1960s-like amount of illumination. It’s the same story for the indicators, too, which are LED units as well. The main LCD display gets all of the key information that you need and is clear and easy to read, too.
There are plenty of accessories to help make the Dax a little more personal to you as well. You can get an extended carrier for the rear to help with carrying larger items, while heated grips could make the Dax a year-round riding option. However, as standard, the little Honda gets more than enough features and fittings.
Verdict
At £3,799 the Dax doesn’t command a super-high price tag, though you could argue that you’d be on a far larger-engined alternative from Royal Enfield for nearly the same price. However, if you’re in the market for a smartly-styled town motorcycle then the Dax’s looks will be hard to beat.
Sure, for a rider looking for a bike that’ll devour the miles and go truly off-road then the Dax won’t make sense, but for those after a motorcycle that won’t cost the earth and brings some real fun to the riding experience then this Honda could prove very appealing indeed.
The market is still heavily dominated by small family crossovers with a couple of small hatchbacks still proving to be popular, too.
Last month saw the new 74-plate registrations hit the road. With the arrival of the new plate, there has been a small rise in new car sales compared to August’s figures – totalling 275,239 units sold, one per cent up month-on-month.
EVs saw a very strong month in sales thanks to manufacturers offering huge discounts on some of their models, with 56,387 electric cars sold over the September period.
However, despite the rise in EVs, the top 10 best-sellers are still marginally crossovers with internal-combustion engines as it seems British buyers still want that higher driving position and ease of ownership. We take a look at the top 10 best-sellers for September.
Kia Sportage – 7,482
Kia’s crossover comes with plenty of space and equipment. (Kia)
Kia’s Sportage takes the crown again as Britain’s best-selling car and it really isn’t difficult to see why. It’s great to drive, looks good and comes with plenty of standard equipment.
Furthermore, all Sportages come with the firm’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty which gives the buyer added peace of mind. It’s also practical with a decent-sized boot and plenty of space inside for occupants, making it ideal for families.
Ford Puma – 6,681
The Puma is great to drive and resembles a lot of the much loved Fiesta. (Ford)
Even though the Fiesta is no more, Ford still offers its Puma which is essentially the much-loved supermini with a higher driving position. In keeping with Ford’s reputation of making great handling cars, the Puma handles exceptionally well.
It’s also cheap to own and run, and there are Ford dealerships on every street corner. Plus, a midlife facelift this year has also kept the car looking fresh.
Nissan Juke – 6,025
The Juke has always been a popular choice among British buyers. (Nissan)
Seen as the trailblazer for the compact crossover ever since it was introduced to the market way back in 2010, the Juke has become one of the nation’s favourite cars. For 2024, the Juke received upgrades to improve its appeal even further with slighter redesigned exterior styling and a choice of new paint schemes.
The Juke features a funky design and there are plenty of different permutations to make each and every one stand out from the others as well.
Hyundai Tucson – 5,799
The Tucson offers plenty of different powertrains and is great to drive. (Hyundai)
The Sportage’s twin sister, the Hyundai Tucson, has also proven popular among British new car buyers. Ever since this latest version was introduced to the market in 2020, this large Hyundai has found many homes with growing families.
The interior has an upmarket feel and there is a wide choice of engines including petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The car recently also received a facelift which also enhanced the exterior looks and improved the interior design even further, too.
Tesla Model Y – 5,799
The Model Y is the only electric car in the top 10 for September. (Tesla)
The best-selling EV is Tesla’s Model Y. Even though electric car sales were on the up in September, overall it has been a tough year for EVs with the demand slowing due to their higher prices and rise in public charging costs.
This American SUV still proves to be a popular one for company car drivers and those wanting to go down the EV route.
With a decent electric range and lots of standard equipment, it’s no wonder why a lot of people have jumped on the EV bandwagon with this car. Plus, thanks to the firm’s supercharging network, range anxiety is a thing of the past when you own a Tesla.
Nissan Qashqai – 5,239
The Qashqai has been a great success for the Japanese firm. (Nissan)
Built in Britain, the Qashqai really has become a landmark car for the Japanese firm. This year, an extensive facelift was introduced to improve its appeal even more, with the car receiving a new front end and redesigned tail lights.
Inside, there is a larger infotainment touchscreen and the hybrid e-Power system has been upgraded to make the drivetrain even more efficient than it was before.
Volkswagen Polo – 4,657
The Polo is well built and very grown-up to drive. (Volkswagen)
The only supermini on this list is Volkswagen’s smallest model – the Polo. Recently, it has been seen as cliche to call it a ‘baby Golf’ but that’s because it essentially is a slightly smaller version of the firm’s famous hatchback.
Underneath the car may share the same underpinnings as in the Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza, but in terms of its looks, interior design and quality, there’s no denying that the Polo is very grown-up and could easily be just as practical and is cheaper than its larger sibling.
Volkswagen Tiguan – 4,327
The Tiguan is practical and very versatile. (Volkswagen)
Volkswagen’s Tiguan is a practical, sensible and versatile SUV that many people buy due to its dependability and versatility. This latest generation car is good to drive and offers plenty of equipment to keep most families entertained. Also, a host of standard safety features and a very large boot means that most buyers will find the Tiguan fits into their lives very easily.
Ford Kuga – 4,066
The Kuga recently received a new face and updated infotainment system. (Ford)
Another car on this list which has received a facelift for this year is Ford’s Kuga SUV. Available with a selection of petrol, hybrid and plug-in powertrains, the Kuga is great to drive, handles well and offers plenty of interior space.
It also looks good and the new front end gives it the same identity as other Ford models in the range, too.
Volkswagen Golf – 3,974
The Golf is the bench setter when it comes to small family hatchbacks. (Volkswagen)
Now that it’s 50 years old, the Golf has become Volkswagen’s bread and butter of cars. No matter what the firm does to it, it always sells incredibly well and that’s because it’s an almost complete package.
It’s sensible, frugal, efficient, refined, quiet, comfortable and above all else – practical. The latest eighth-generation recently received a facelift which improved the user interface and some cosmetic exterior upgrades to keep it looking fresh against its competition.
The firm’s smallest SUV is an EV and will be one of the cheapest on the market, too.
Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its eagerly anticipated Inster electric SUV.
Under the bonnet, there will be a choice of two variants. The entry-level car will come with a 42kWh battery pack fitted with an electric motor that produces a total power output of 95bhp and 147Nm of torque – although its electric driving range has not been confirmed yet.
However, there will be a long-range version that comes with a larger 49kWh battery pack with an electric motor that puts out 113bhp and the same torque figures as the former, but the firm claims that this model will go a total distance of up to 229 miles on a single charge.
The 49kWh long range version has a claimed 229 miles between trips to the plug. (Hyundai)
In terms of specification, there will be just two models. The basic 01 will be priced from £23,495 and comes equipped with features such as 15-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, rear parking sensors and rear-view camera as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment display with navigation. You can opt this model with the larger battery pack too, which will give you added power and more EV driving range.
There will be a choice of two trim levels. (Hyundai)
Move up to the 02 version, which starts at £26,745 and it boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, LED headlamps and taillights, privacy glass and roof rails.
Ashley Andrews, President of Hyundai and Genesis UK, said: “Inster is not only our small EV SUV or the UK market, but is also our first fully electrified city car, albeit with a range and fast charging abilities that provide customers with the confidence to embark upon longer journeys.”
Expected deliveries and order books are not open yet, but the Inster will go on sale here in the UK next year and will be competing with cars such as the Citroen e-C3 and Dacia Spring.
