The most prestigious EV in Mercedes’ range has undergone a few tweaks to make it even better.
Mercedes-Benz has revealed an updated version of its flagship EV to keep it competitive in the ultra-luxury electric car class.
The new EQS has received updated styling and an improved electric range, while there is now more comfort for backseat passengers, too.
The nose gets a new radiator cover with chrome accents to separate the range-topper from other EQ models, while the Mercedes three-pointed star symbol is now mounted on the bonnet.
On the inside, the revised EQS now comes as standard with the MBUX hyperscreen. It comprises three displays that merge together to create a 141cm screen across the dashboard.
In the back, there is now the option of the extended luxury lounge pack, which includes a footrest to allow passengers to stretch out, while the rear seats can recline up to 38 degrees. The front passenger seat can also be folded down to give more space.
Impress with classic elegance. The all-electric #EQS features chrome accents, signature one-bow design and as part of the standard Electric Art Line our prestigious standing Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.#MercedesBenzpic.twitter.com/Ok5r5TLq1o
Mercedes has given the EQS a range boost, too. The current model has a claimed range of up to 453 miles from a 108.4kWh battery pack, but the new EQS gets a larger 118kWh battery. As a result, the range has jumped up by 51 miles, pushing the claimed figure to 504 miles on a single charge.
The carmaker hasn’t confirmed UK pricing yet, but we expect a small increase over the current car’s £112,600 starting price. The new EQS will go on sale later this year.
The original Kodiaq was a smash hit for Skoda. Can this second-generation car deliver the same excellent experience? Jack Evans finds out.
What is it?
Longer than before, the Skoda offers more interior space
The Kodiaq brought Skoda into a whole new age when it was released back in 2016. Delivering the Czech firm into the then-flourishing – and now well-established – family SUV segment, it was a car that prioritised space and practicality while delivering a user-friendly focus. Needless to say, it was a hit and, in total, Skoda has delivered more than 865,000 Kodiaqs across the globe.
It means that replacing it is going to be tricky. However, Skoda believes it has made a match for the original with this second-generation Kodiaq, which brings more technology and features than before but without losing the spaciousness that made its predecessor so popular.
What’s new?
The rear lights are more intricate than before
The Kodiaq was never a small car to begin with but, in the interests of boosting interior space, the new version is bigger than before. In fact, it’s 61mm longer than the car it replaces, bringing 15mm extra headroom to that third row – in seven-seater versions – which does mean that they’re a little more adult-friendly than those on the older Kodiaq. As before, this large SUV is offered in either five- or seven-seater layouts, though only entry-level SE versions are available as the former.
You’ll find the same range of ‘Simply Clever’ features aboard this new Kodiaq as you did on the older one, too – but with a more ‘eco’ twist. Both the umbrellas inside the front doors and the iconic ice scraper behind the fuel filler door are now made from green, recycled materials, for example.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Kodiaq debuts a new front-end design
Skoda has offered the new Kodiaq with a wide range of engines, including an efficient plug-in hybrid which can return a claimed electric-only range of up to 60 miles, which will make it a good choice for business drivers. However, it’s not set to be in the UK until later this year – which is why we’re driving a more traditional 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel instead. We’re in the more powerful version, too, bringing 193bhp over a less potent 148bhp model with the same engine.
With a zero to 60mph time of 7.7 seconds, it’s got enough power on tap to ensure this large SUV is never left floundering performance-wise and with a claimed consumption figure of 44.1mpg, it’s reasonably efficient. We do, however, expect most drivers will opt for the 148bhp version – it’s still more than powerful enough but bumps that consumption figure to just under 50mpg.
What’s it like to drive?
The older Kodiaq always offered an easy-going and very intuitive driving experience and this new version delivers largely the same style. Naturally, you sit in a commanding position and there’s good adjustability available for whoever is behind the wheel. The steering itself is quite light – a handy attribute when you’re driving at lower speeds – while the ride is pleasant enough. We drove a car with optional Dynamic Chassis Control – which allows you to firm up or stiffen the dampers – and in their hardest setting the Kodiaq does become a little too rigid, though it does help to control the car’s body roll which is noticeable when the dampers are soft.
Out to drive something very exciting today – the new Skoda Kodiaq. Loved the original so high hopes for this one pic.twitter.com/dvi4OakspM
Visibility isn’t too bad, either, though over-the-shoulder glances are hampered by the car’s large rear quarter section, while the narrow screen at that back means that your view rearwards isn’t the best. The 2.0-litre diesel might be a little agricultural at slower speeds, but it makes up for this by being impressively quiet and smooth when you’re travelling more quickly.
How does it look?
The Kodiaq once again enters the busy SUV segment
Skoda has taken an evolutionary approach with the design of the new Kodiaq. It’s a somewhat more rounded affair than it was previously, however, and while looks are always down to the individual, we feel that it doesn’t have quite the same visual impact as its more blocky predecessor.
There are still some nice touches here and there, mind you, like the squared-off wheelarches and the more intricate headlights. As is the fashion at the moment, there’s also an LED strip connecting the headlights while around the back you’ll find a full-width light bar as well.
What’s it like inside?
The cabin has loads of user-friendly features
Space has always been a priority with the Kodiaq and that’s no different here. Those sitting up front have a great view of the road ahead, while the middle-row occupants have plenty of space to enjoy. Both head- and legroom levels are excellent while the sheer variety of pockets and charging ports makes this SUV extremely versatile and appropriate for family buyers. Material quality is good, too, and the overall fit-and-finish is top-notch.
The very rearmost seats – on seven-seater Kodiaq models – aren’t too bad but despite the increased headroom, it’s still very tight for average-height adults. Taller people will struggle to sit there at all. However, for occasional use, it’ll be fine, while smaller kids will be able to sit there quite happily for longer trips. Boot space is great too, with the seats-up load area growing by 80 litres to 340 litres, or 845 litres with the rearmost seats folded flat. Collapse both rows and you free up an impressive 2,035 litres.
What’s the spec like?
The Smart Dials are excellent to use
There has been a bump in the Kodiaq’s price – it now starts at £36,645, whereas the original 2016 version would’ve kicked off from just over £21,000. However, there’s far more technology on board and given it’s nearly a decade since the first-generation car arrived, there are some inflationary measures to take into account. It’s a car which is jam-packed with features, however, from a large central touchscreen and virtual cockpit, to the two wireless phone charging slots which are fan-cooled to ensure that they can deliver a high rate of charge without overheating your devices.
We’re in a well-equipped SE L version, which will likely be a firm favourite among buyers. It brings 19-inch alloys as standard, alongside Matrix LED headlights, a powered boot and a driver’s seat with an electric memory function. One crucial feature – standard on all cars – is the new ‘Smart Dials’ which are customisable rotary switches that are a breath of fresh air against the touchscreen-centric approach we’ve seen lately. Operating features such as the fan speed or temperature, they’re a breeze to use – particularly on the move – and way better to having everything within the main screen.
Verdict
Skoda hasn’t re-written the Kodiaq rulebook with this second-generation car. It’s a recipe which has been finessed and refined, elevating it in all the key areas without diminishing the factors which made the original so successful. It’s pleasing that Skoda hasn’t lost sight of the user-friendly features which the first Kodiaq delivered; the smart dials and logical location of buttons make this a car that’ll be dead easy to get up to speed with.
It has risen in price, but there’s so much equipment on board the Kodiaq that it doesn’t feel unreasonable. Add in a whole heap of extra space – and a good range of engines – and it makes this latest Kodiaq just as easy to recommend as before.
Updated looks and a lower starting price make the Sorento a more attractive proposition.
Kia has facelifted its Sorento SUV line-up and given it a lower starting price.
The Sorento has been around since 2003 and in that time has become a popular choice among UK buyers.
It’s now in its fourth generation, and for 2024 Kia has decided to improve the SUV even further.
On the exterior, the new Sorento takes inspiration from the firm’s EV9 electric SUV with vertical headlights and redesigned LED daytime running lights. There’s a new bonnet design and fresh alloy wheels, too, while a gloss-black radiator grille, black side sills and wheel-arch mouldings are new additions as well.
Step inside and there are dual curved 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting plus a customisable head-up display.
The standard 2 model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, tinted glass, a four-inch driver display screen and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The Sorento 3 is priced from £46,195 and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch driver display screen, powered tailgate and a Bose audio system.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 4 trim starts from £50,695 and boasts a tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, alloy pedals, an electric steering column plus electric front seats with electric lumbar support.
The interior features a customisable head-up display and dual curved screens – as well as ambient lighting. (Credit: Kia press office UK)
All models come with a choice of engines, including a 2.2-litre diesel producing 190bhp, a 1.6-litre hybrid with 212bhp and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid with 249bhp.
All versions of the new Kia Sorento come with an automatic gearbox as standard.
Prices start at £41,995 for the 2 model – which is £3,030 cheaper than the previous entry-level Vision trim – and rise to £55,995 for the 4 plug-in hybrid – with order books open now.
This special edition will also be available with a choice of V8 or hybrid power.
Bentley has revealed a special version of its Bentayga S SUV – the Black Edition.
The S Black Edition features a unique interior of Beluga leather with orange ambient lighting while the seats have an embroidered ‘S’ logo on them. There are also dark tint headlights, 22-inch wheels, Black Edition badging and a V8 split sports exhaust.
Inside, you’ll find a carbon fibre weave on the fascia and centre console while a dark chrome pack which has been fitted as standard replaces chrome for gloss black on the air vents, organ stops and centre vents, too.
The Bentayga S Black Edition will come with a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine producing 542bhp and 770Nm of torque. All-in, the Bentayga S will manage 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 180mph.
Also available on the Bentayga S Black Edition is a hybrid setup, bringing a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 456bhp along with a 134bhp electric motor. It will get the Bentayga from 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds as well as reaching a top speed of 158mph.
There is a new Sport mode that improves steering feel, better turn-in response and reduces body roll by increasing the damping in the air suspension by 15 per cent.
Prices for the Bentayga S Black Edition have not been revealed, but expect it to be higher than the standard S model starting from £180,000.
Funky French hatchback is now in its fourth generation.
Citroen has revealed conventional versions of its electric C3 to make it more competitively priced against its rivals.
The hatchback has been around since 2002 and has gained a reputation for being a funky and fresh alternative to the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.
The electric-only E-C3 was unveiled last October, boasting a 111bhp electric motor, 44kWh battery pack and claimed electric range of 199 miles on a single charge.
From a 100kW fast charger, the E-C3 can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes.
Now in its fourth generation, the new C3 gains a more rugged SUV look and is available as a hybrid and petrol model.
The hybrid will come with a 48V system, enabling 50 per cent of city driving on electric power alone.
Under the bonnet is a three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 100bhp, while the electric motor adds an extra 28bhp.
The new C3 will be available with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 48V hybrid powertrain. (Credit: Stellantis media William Crozes @ Continental Productions)
There will also be the option of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 101bhp and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
In mainland Europe, there will be two trims on offer with the new C3, starting with the entry-level You featuring LED headlights, electric mirrors, air conditioning, automatic lights and a head-up display.
The top-of-the-line Max adds two-tone paint, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen, power-folding door mirrors, tinted rear windows and wireless smartphone charging.
Space inside the cabin has improved with more storage compartments in the centre console, door pockets and under the central armrest.
Boot space is larger than in the previous model with an extra 10 litres of space taking it to a total capacity of 310 litres – as well as a 60:40 split function on the top-of-the-range Max model.
The new C3 will go on sale in mainland Europe with a price equivalent of £12,800, while the electric E-C3 will have a price equivalent of £19,900.
Citroen has yet to reveal prices and trim levels for the UK market, as well as a date for when order books will open.
The last Vauxhall Frontera went out of production two decades ago, but this new one will be the replacement for the Grandland X.
Vauxhall is bringing back the Frontera name with its latest SUV.
The new Frontera will be sold with electrified powertrains – a 48V mild-hybrid or an electric model – and will replace the Grandland X.
The old Frontera was based on an Isuzu MU and ceased production in 2004 because of declining sales and thirsty engines.
Unlike its predecessor, which was a four-wheel-drive off-roader to take on the Land Rover Freelander, the new model will be an SUV to challenge the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage.
A bold exterior helps make the Frontera stand out with pronounced wheel arches and wings – as well as having a unique C-pillar design and distinctive LED headlamps with automatic high beam.
There is a digital instrument cluster with two 10-inch displays and a multimedia system alongside a new steering wheel.
A new feature includes the smartphone station, where owners can connect their phone to an app that lets the device become the car’s instrument control panel and allows it to interact with the steering wheel buttons.
In addition, there’s a cooled wireless phone charger plus two USB ports in the front as well as two in the rear.
Introducing the new Vauxhall Frontera, our latest all-electric SUV. With a new rugged design, plenty of space and a host of clever features. ⚡ #VauxhallFrontera
Now 50 years old, the Golf has become one Volkswagen’s most successful models.
Volkswagen has revealed the updated version of its eighth-generation Golf.
The rival to the Vauxhall Astra is now celebrating its 50th birthday and in that time Volkswagen has sold more than 37 million units.
The new Golf for 2024 gets exterior and interior enhancements as well as new plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrains.
Available as a hatchback or estate, the revised Golf range will consist of four trim levels.
The Golf hatchback will be initially available from April 11 in Life, Match and Style trim, while the estates will come in Life or Style specification.
After April 25, the sporty R-Line model will be made available for both body types and will feature 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a sports steering wheel plus a rear-view camera.
In terms of engines, there will be a 1.5-litre TSi petrol with two power outputs of 113bhp and 148bhp mated to a manual transmission. There will also be a new mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSi with the choice of 113bhp or 148bhp but with an eight-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
On the exterior, there are updated LED headlamps, a horizontal LED strip in the radiator grille and an illuminated Volkswagen logo along with redesigned rear tail-lights.
On the inside, the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel have been replaced with physical ones to be more user friendly. (Credit: VW press UK)
Inside is a 12.9-inch infotainment display, a multi-functional steering wheel with physical buttons replacing the touch-sensitive ones, plus ChatGPT voice assistance.
The voice assistance can be used to control functions such as the air-conditioning, telephone and navigation.
A new plug-in hybrid variant is also on its way that will be capable of an electric driving range of 62 miles. Further details are yet to be confirmed.
Prices start from £27,035 for the entry-level Golf Life and rise to £31,650 for the R-Line estate – the eHybrid will arrive later this year, to be accompanied by GTE and GTi models, with information about them yet to be revealed.
The Karoq’s practical touches leave James Batchelor really impressed
On the face of it, the Skoda Karoq is just another family-sized SUV. Easily one of the better ones, but a spacious, efficient high-riding car for the sprogs and family shopping nevertheless. But my six weeks of driving it so far have revealed there’s so much more to it than just that.
When I was handed the keys to KY73 YSU by its former custodian Ted Welford, I was expecting nothing out of the ordinary. The Karoq has been around for some seven years now, and I’ve driven loads of them. Apart from a four-day trip driving one from the Czech Republic to London, I’ve usually only ever spent a week at a time with a Karoq, so the last six weeks have been a treat.
Long-term tests are the perfect opportunity to get to know a car and live with it in the same way an owner would, and this Karoq has revealed a number of very nifty things which I’ve really come to appreciate. Skoda likes to give its cars a range of ‘Simply Clever’ features – you all know about the ice scraper located on the inside of the filler cap that’s present on all Skodas, and how the Superb saloon has umbrellas in the doors like a Rolls-Royce, but the Karoq is chocked full of other things.
The Karoq comes with little clip-on bins that attach to the edge of the door bin and come with their own bin bags. (Credit: PA Archive)
Take the door bins. They’re very large, which is great as that means they’re the perfect place to hide all of my empty chocolate bar wrappers, but more than that, Skoda has clearly thought of me here because there are little clip-on bins. They attach to the edge of the door bin and come with tiny little bin bags, meaning I now have a reason to eat more chocolate and use the bins provided. Also, Skoda has fitted a piece of elastic to the inside of the door bin to keep bottles (wine bottles in my case) from rattling around – I love that.
Speaking of bottles, the centre console is a treasure trove of cunning storage spaces. There are little cubbies and little slots to keep coins (real money, remember that?) for the parking machine. The cupholder is the real triumph here, though, as it has a special bottom to it to allow you to unscrew bottle lids one-handed when you’re driving. Cupholders are normally an afterthought in cars I find, and are either too large or too small. Not so in the Karoq.
Going food shopping is now my favourite hobby due to the Karoq’s key ring. Sometimes we have to get our weekly shop from a town where for some people stealing supermarket trollies is a pastime. And despite the opening of an M&S Food Hall, nicking trollies is still rife. Because of this, if you want to use a trolley to prance around with other middle-class people in M&S, you have to insert a £1 coin to unlock a trolley from the great line of them in the car park.
The Karoq’s simply clever attention to detail even helps at the supermarket with the Skoda key ring doubling up as a trolley coin slot. (Credit: PA Archive)
Thanks to the Karoq’s coin slots in the centre console, I’m like a bullion van. Finding a shiny quid to unlock my supermarket steed is now no bother, but you can understand my delight when I realised recently I didn’t have to empty the Karoq’s coin cubby. Why? Well, because attached to my Karoq’s keyring is a magnetic disc. Pop it off and you can use it for your M&S trolly. In my 14 years of reviewing cars, this is one of the best features of any car I have ever come across.
There’s more. I needed to fill up with screenwash recently and after opening the bonnet and fiddled around with the screen washer bottle lid, I realised it turns into a clever funnel to make it easier to pour the fluid in. It’s a good thing, really, because I also noticed under the washer bottle are many, many exposed wires which I presume are important and wouldn’t like getting splashed with liquid.
The screen wash bottle lid also opens up as a funnel to make it easier to pour fluid into. (Credit: PA Archive)
Aside from this, the Karoq is averaging a solid 40mpg most weeks and is proving to be a perfect long-distance companion. More on this next time.
The refreshed S3 will come with a torque splitter and dynamic plus mode for better handling.
Audi has revealed an updated version of its sporty S3 hot hatchback with more power and new technology.
The refreshed S3 will be available in two body styles – a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon.
There is more power from its 2.0-litre TFSI engine as well, producing 328bhp and 420Nm of torque – with the previous model making 305bhp and a torque figure of 400Nm.
A 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph means performance is the same as in the old S3.
A torque splitter is available allowing for variably distributed torque between the rear wheels to give better agility and stability when driving in different weather conditions.
Meanwhile, a new dynamic plus mode works alongside the new torque splitter to send as much power as possible to the rear wheels and axle, allowing the car to oversteer around corners when driving hard.
There are larger ventilated front brake discs and two-piston callipers, as well as thicker brake pads, all of which helps improve braking performance.
Externally, the design changes are subtle, with a new rear bumper, vertical side reflectors, larger angular side intakes and updated front grille.
There are two body styles available, a five door hatch and four door saloon. (Credit: Audi press UK)
Drivers can choose how they want the LED daytime running lights angled and displayed, thanks to four customisable light signatures on the infotainment system.
Inside features ambient lighting in the storage compartments, footwells, in front of the gear lever and on the doors.
A black roof lining, stainless steel pedals, illuminated door sills with aluminium inserts featuring the S logo and sports seats all add to the appeal of the updated S3 as well.
It also boasts a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, DAB radio, wireless smartphone charging, two USB-C charging ports in the centre console and two in the rear.
The new S3 hatchback and saloon will go on sale in May, with prices to be revealed nearer its launch.
The Boodles Continental GTC will go on sale from April 11.
Bentley’s coachbuilding house Mulliner and jewellers Boodles have joined forces to produce a one-off Continental GTC.
Externally, the Boodles Bentley features an anthracite paint finish, grey fabric roof and 22-inch alloy wheels along with gloss-black brake callipers.
Under the bonnet, the Mulliner and Boodles Continental GTC comes with Bentley’s flagship 6.0-litre W12 engine – producing 650bhp, 900Nm of torque and a top speed of 208mph.
There’s a pink pinstripe round the edges of the front spoiler, sills and rear spoiler, as well as a Boodles 1798 logo on the front wings, marking the year when the luxury jewellery group was founded.
Open the door and there are welcome lights on the door mirrors that feature the Boodles logo as well.
The interior features linen upholstery plus pale grey hide on the back seats, gear lever, fascia and steering wheel.
A powder pink finish is found on the steering wheel tab, inner door pockets, console pockets, seat piping and stitching, fascia console and waist rails.
The dials, bezels, air vents and controls are framed in Mulliner’s specification – giving them a jewel-like finish.
The central parts of the air vents are painted in powder pink to add to the piping and stitching on the seats – and its controls for the ventilation are plated in 24ct gold.
There are illuminated Boodles scuff plates and even welcome lights in the door mirrors that feature the logo, too. (Credit: Bentley media)
There are illuminated scuff plates and engraved tread plates, while the lower fascia houses a ‘1798’ overlay in chrome on piano linen.
There is no indication of how much the Mulliner and Boodles Bentley Continental GTC will cost – but it will be offered for sale from April 11 at Jack Barclays in London.
