Category: News

Buying a new car. It’s often referred to as one of the biggest purchases of your life, after a house. It’s why getting your hands on a new motor can be riddled with stress and anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve picked out some of the crucial ways in which the buying process can be made easier, and what to look out for.

Research the car

It may seem trivial, but you need to research everything you can about the car you’re looking at. Knowledge is power when it comes to buying from a dealer, and making sure you know everything about a certain model can make all the difference when it comes to picking one up.

Don’t be afraid to be choosy, either. Pick a colour, spec and engine and stick with that.

Choosing a dealer – franchise or independent

This is an important decision to make. Franchised dealers get first access to the latest cars and technology, and are therefore potentially better equipped at answering any questions you may have. In terms of aftersales and repairs, they have the manufacturer’s support too. They’ll also have a good selection of used vehicles that will have been well maintained in the main dealer servicing department.

There is, of course, the option to buy from an independent dealer too. They might not have the ability to offer you different options of the model you’re looking at, but they will be keen to do a deal and will offer the back-up of a well-established business should things go wrong.

Check them out online

Once you’ve picked the dealer you fancy, look through their online reviews thoroughly. You’ll be able to easily see how well they treat their customers and also how good they are at dealing with aftersales issues.

You can’t beat good old-fashioned word of mouth either – asking friends, neighbours and relatives about a potential dealership can be useful too.

Pick your purchase time

Believe it or not, you can get a better deal depending on when you buy. Dealers are often pressed to reach quarterly targets, which means the end of March, June, September and December could result in a better deal.

It’s a small tip, but one that could potentially see you saving thousands of pounds off a vehicle if the purchase is timed right.

Test drive

Once you’ve seen a car you like then it’s time to get behind the wheel. The likelihood is that the salesperson will accompany you in the car, but don’t let that stop you from pressing all of the buttons and getting a real feel for the vehicle in general.

Ensure that your test route features a range of different corners, roundabouts and road surfaces – and most importantly, check the car works for you.

Cash or finance

There’s a variety of ways to pay at a dealer. They can offer hire purchase, which sees you paying a deposit and repaying the remaining balance over monthly instalments. At the end of the payment term, you’ll own it outright.

Then there’s personal contract purchase, or PCP. Here, you’ll pay a deposit followed by monthly payments, but at the end you’ll be offered a ‘balloon’ when you can pay off the remainder of the car’s value or return it to the dealer. And then there’s personal leasing.

This is a good option if you’re planning on frequently changing your car, although you do have to usually stump up three months’ rental in advance, and there’s no option to buy it at the end of the deal. Or you could pay cash!

Haggle

It’s an age-old process, but haggling remains just as crucial today as it’s always been. Even with used cars there’s always going to be a certain amount of wiggle room. You shouldn’t ever have to pay the full price for a car, and dealers are prepared for this. Go in strong and stick to your guns – it’s only the same as they’ll be doing.

Remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get, so don’t be afraid to ask for free additions and discounts on servicing plans. The worst they can do is say no!

Don’t be scared of walking away

Remember, there are thousands of cars available on the market and hundreds of dealerships too. There is always another car, so don’t be scared to walk away if things don’t feel right. Don’t be pressured into any deal either – the final decision is entirely yours, and if you don’t like the way things are heading, walk straight out of those doors!

For many car enthusiasts, the 90s was the golden era of motoring. Cars were advanced enough to feature some fascinating technology and had giggle-inducing performance, but electronic nannying and heavy safety equipment hadn’t numbed the industry’s most exciting models.

Here we shine a light on some of the most iconic motors to be released during this glorious era for the automobile.

E36 BMW M3

The second-generation BMW M3 is the often-overlooked iteration of one of the most iconic sports coupes ever made. The E30 that started it all, and the drop dead gorgeous E46 that succeeded it tend to steal the limelight, but the E36 is just as worthy of your attention as the others.

With 286bhp it was no slouch, and although it brought new levels of creature comforts compared with its predecessor, the howling 3.0-litre engine made sure it could hold its own on the autobahn when required.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI

In all, there are 10 generations of the Lancer Evolution. Some saw bigger changes than others, but if there’s one thing most enthusiasts agree on, it’s that the series peaked with the sixth-generation.

It marked the last time the road-going model mimicked a successful World Rally Championship version, and as such gained here status for its motorsport-derived boxy body kit, lairy rear wing and simple, no frills interior. The boosty 2.0-litre engine at its heart made 276bhp, which coupled with four-wheel drive contributed to a 0-60mph time of just 4.8 seconds – which is still quick two decades later.

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

Some of the greatest cars ever made have been built so the manufacturer can go racing, and that’s the case with the CLK GTR.

Mercedes-Benz wanted to win the FIA GT Championship but didn’t have a road car that was eligible, so it built a race car before adapting a few to be road legal. The result is a true race car for the road.

Its long tail design is iconic, and houses the legendary 6.9-litre race-derived V12 engine. With around 600bhp, it would shame many modern supercars with its performance.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Incredibly, it’s been more than a quarter of a century since the Escort RS Cosworth was introduced to the world. It’s another car built to dominate the rally scene, and is perhaps most recognisable for that ‘whale tail’ spoiler at the rear.

The 2.0-litre engine might not have extraordinary power at 227bhp, but with a big, old-school turbocharger delivering gobfuls of boost all in one hit, the ‘Cossie’ earned a reputation as a bit of a beast.

Mazda RX-7

Arguably still one of the prettiest sports cars ever made, the third-generation Mazda RX-7 is a lesson in simplicity. The bodywork looks like it is wrapped tightly around the mechanical innards, with no superfluous curves and flourishes, while the lightweight rear-wheel drive platform made it ideal for back road blasts.

Its iconic rotary engine has earned a reputation for being finicky, but look after it with plenty of oil and you’re treated to a glorious unit that adores being revved out to the redline.

Jaguar XJ220

The XJ220’s long, sleek styling looks like a retro vision of an alien spacecraft. At the time, the supercar was considered a bit of a disaster – those who placed early deposits were angry when engineering and emissions requirements saw the V12 ditched in favour of a turbocharged V6, while the recession in the early 90s prompted many to pull out of their purchase.

However, with hindsight its glorious styling, impressive performance and fighty handling have made it highly sought-after. With just 275 made, its rarity has helped, too.

BMW 8 Series

When it comes to iconic shapes, the BMW 8 Series takes the biscuit. A grand tourer packed full with technology, it was an all-new model for the German firm, taking its place at the head of the company’s line-up of passenger cars.

It was available with either a V8 or V12 engine, while the 850CSi got stiffer bushings and dampers to help it in the bends.

Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 took over from where the 348 left off, and in truth it wasn’t all that different to the car it replaced. That said, engine performance was upped, and later an F1-style gearbox was fitted, operated via steering-wheel mounted paddles.

A Spider version was also introduced, giving those who wanted a F355 with the wind-in-your-hair experience an option.

Mazda MX-5

The first-generation Mazda MX-5 trickled into the 90s, having been first introduced in the late 80s. It broke the mould for small, lightweight yet affordable two-seaters – and it’s proved immensely popular ever since.

The original, pop-up headlight NA-generation car is one of the most iconic soft-tops off all time, but it backed up its quirky looks with a reasonably involving drive, and zingy engines.

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a car which needs little introduction. Back in 1998 it took the title of world’s fastest production car, thanks to an incredible top speed of 240.1mph – a speed which puts many modern supercars to shame.

It incorporated innovative new technologies, plenty of high-end building materials and an F1-style central driving position. Its engine bay was even lined in gold.

Sometimes, bigger simply is better. With engines, it’s often the case. However, with bigger engines often comes a bigger price, which is why hugely powerful cars cost quite so much – most of the time.

Though these big-engined brutes tend to cost a lot from new, they often depreciate quite heavily. It means that for under £10,000 you can easily get a hugely powerful used car – and we’ve picked out some of the best.

Audi S6

Want under-the-radar looks with incredible performance? You’ll want the Audi S6, then. The generation we’re looking at features a Lamborghini-derived V10 with 429bhp. It was capable of getting the S6 from 0-60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Because of its relatively high running costs and appetite for fuel, the S6 depreciated quite hard. Even though there aren’t that many about, you should still be able to acquire one used for under £10,000.

BMW 760Li

Thought that a V10 would be the largest engine you’d be able to get with our £10,000 budget? Then think again. The BMW 760Li packs a gigantic 6.0-litre V12 with 445bhp, making for a deceptively brisk luxury saloon. It’s all about a high-quality driving experience here, with that V12 offering silky-smooth acceleration.

It’s worth pointing out that if something goes wrong – or if the engine hasn’t been properly maintained – then you could be set for a hefty repair bill.

Mercedes S500

We couldn’t make this list without featuring a Mercedes. It’s been building huge engines for some time, and the S500 featured one of the most iconic. It gets a sonorous 5.5-litre V8 with 380bhp, so more than enough to give most modern cars a run for their money.

As with all S Class models, the S500 is jam-packed with high-tech features. At the time, this meant it was one of the most cutting-edge models available, whereas now, it means that there’s an awful lot to break.

Jaguar XK

Though Jaguar’s XK – the replacement for the iconic XK8 – may be down on engine size compared to others in this list, it provides a completely different experience. That said, its 4.2-litre V8 still produces a considerable 300bhp, so it’s not lacking in power.

These represent an excellent used buy too. Our budget of £10,000 will nab a decent example, with not too many miles on the clock.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Now it’s time for something completely different. The Jeep Grand Cherokee may not be a sporty drop-top nor a luxury saloon, but it can offer a big engine – a 5.7-litre V8, in fact. With 322bhp sent through all four wheels, it could crack the 0-60mph dash in a claimed time of 7.1 seconds.

They’re also excellent value-for-money. As we’ve mentioned with almost all of the other cars on this list, do be prepared for increased fuel bills and maintenance if you take the plunge with a Cherokee.

Isofix mounting points ensure that a child seat is mounted into a vehicle as safely as possible. By locking a seat into the Isofix points either side of the passenger seats, it essentially makes the car seat a part of the vehicle’s chassis, ensure it’s as strong as possible.

And though many cars offer two Isofix mounting points, few have three separate points available. That’s not to say there aren’t any cars with three Isofix points – and we’ve picked out some of the best that do.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is easily one of the more practical electric cars currently on the market, and as well as its three Isofix points offers a large boot and plenty of interior space. Of course, this car isn’t just about practicality – it’s very quick too, and an all-electric powertrain means that running costs won’t be too bad either.

It’s expensive to purchase outright, but the Tesla Model S is certainly a good way of getting into the next-generation of electric vehicles.

Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport

Vauxhall’s Insignia has proved immensely popular during its lifetime thanks to good driving dynamics and excellent value for money. As a hatchback, it packs a big boot and there’s plenty of room in the cabin too. Fortunately for this list, it also offers three Isofix points, too.

It’s available in a range of specifications, and there are a variety of engines to choose from as well, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer

The Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer is a proper seven-seater, meaning that as well as having three Isofix points, there’s plenty of space for passengers too. Alongside this, you get plenty of standard equipment and quirky French styling as well.

Interior quality may not be the strongest, but the Grand C4 Spacetourer has been created with families in mind – meaning it’s built to last.

Seat Tarraco

Seat’s Tarraco is the firm’s first large SUV, offering seven seats with its own unique Spanish styling. It’s based on the Skoda Kodiaq (itself already well-proven) and it’s available in a range of specifications and colours.

It’s also very good to drive, and comfortable over long distances too – making it ideal for family duties.

Peugeot 3008

Peugeot’s 3008 may appear dinky, but it’s another three-point Isofix option here. The 3008 is efficient and pleasantly different in terms of styling, both inside and out. The little Pug is also surprisingly good in the bends thanks to its relatively agile steering.

Running costs will be low, and so will those related to servicing. It’s a great value-for-money option.

BMW X1

BMW was quick to join the compact SUV fray, and did so with the X1. It brings the high-up driving position that people like from an SUV, but with a smaller footprint and lower running costs. It also, handily for this list, comes with three Isofix mounting points.

It may not be the quickest BMW out there, but it still offers a reasonably involving drive, as well as a variety of efficient engines.

Volvo S90

Volvo’s big S90 saloon was one of the first in a new wave of cars from the Swedish manufacturer, offering a more premium cabin as well as improved levels of in-car equipment and technology.

With three Isofix seats, the S90 will prove a great option for those who want to mount three child seats, but drive in absolute comfort and luxury.

Skoda Superb

Skoda’s Superb is one of the best all-rounders about, bringing with it impeccable build quality alongside efficiency and comfort too. The cabin is logically laid out, and the main infotainment system is one of the most intuitive around.

Plus, it has three Isofix points, and it’s jam-packed with safety features.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes recently updated its GLE SUV, bringing more equipment and technology to the table. As is the case with others on this list, it has three Isofix points too, as well as a range of assistance systems which utilise semi-autonomous technology.

It also comes with that all-important premium bading plus a sporting drive and plenty of standard equipment.

Volkswagen Touran

The Volkswagen Touran is an MPV with a surprising amount of space to offer. As well as seven seats, it’s got a big boot and excellent all-around visibility. The overall build quality is good, and all of the controls have a decent, weighty finish to them.

Three Isofix points? Check. It’s also got a suite of airbags and driver aids to help it stay as safe as possible, too.

Need plenty of space, both for luggage and occupants too? You’ll want a seven-seater then. Fortunately enough there are plenty of options currently on the market, offering a variety of body styles from a variety of brands.

But which are best? That’s what we’ve been investigating – and here are the results.

Land Rover Discovery

This list was always destined to feature Land Rover’s go-anywhere Discovery. As well as seven comfortable seats, it’s packed with off-road tech to make it just as capable at scaling steep inclines as it is making the weekly run to the shops.

Expensive it may be, but the Discovery comes loaded with equipment and is available with a range of engine choices, too.

Volvo XC90

When the first-generation XC90 was released, it stormed the market thanks to its rock-solid build quality and efficiency. The latest edition continues the legacy, albeit with a whole lot more technology and equipment.

It’s also one of the safest cars on the market thanks to a raft of assistance systems. For families, there are few better options than the XC90.

Seat Alhambra

If you’re after the best possible passenger space, then look no further than the Seat Alhambra. It may be a little outdated inside, but the Alhambra makes up for it with a huge amount of interior room. It’s also surprisingly good to drive, and frugal, too.

As the Alhambra has been around for a little while now, you’re likely to find good deals on it at the forecourt – bolstering its appeal.

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda hit the nail on the seven-seater head when it released the Kodiaq. Rock-solid build quality and incredible value-for-money meant that this Czech SUV enjoyed immediate popularity and has continued to do so.

It’s available with a range of efficient engines too, while a new performance-orientated model – the Kodiaq vRS – means there’s something for those with the need for speed as well.

Audi Q7

Audi’s big Q7 flies the flag for premium manufacturers here, offering that top-notch driving experience you’d expect from a car with four rings on the front. A high-quality interior and silky-smooth petrol and diesel engines seal the deal.

There’s the all-conquering SQ7 available too – which puts many ‘normal’ performance cars to shame.

Tesla Model X

Representing the electric contingent is Tesla’s Model X. Spaceship-like in design, it’s a real looker out on the road but, fortunately for this list, it’s available with seven seats. A realistic 300-mile all-electric range means it’s usable for long-distance drivers, too.

Though it may be expensive to buy outright, the Model X justifies its high price tag with minimal running costs and plenty of performance.

Mercedes GLS

The Mercedes GLS takes the fight to the Audi Q7, and having recently been updated, packs more tech and features than ever before. A longer wheelbase than the car it replaces means there’s more space than before, and improved legroom for all occupants.

The interior of the car has been vastly overhauled, with a full widescreen infotainment system helping to give the cabin a particularly high-tech feel.

Ford S-Max

Though Ford’s S-Max has been around a little while now, it’s still one of the best-driving seven-seaters around, and offers genuine practicality as well. A range of frugal engines help to keep trips to the pump at a minimum, while solid build quality should mean it holds up to family duties too.

A range-topping Vignale is now available, though even lower trims get a vast amount of standard equipment.

Summer is nearly here, and with it brings longer days, warmer evenings and (sometimes in the UK) slightly drier weather. Fortunately enough, there’s a wide variety of cars currently on the market which make the most of the summertime weather – and we’ve picked out some of the best.

So drop the roof, put the sunglasses on and head out – these are some of the ideal cars for summer on sale today.

BMW Z4

The previous generation Z4 went down a storm with buyers, and now there’s an all-new one. With it brings a sharper interior, a more engaging driving experience and – unlike the metal-roofed car it replaces – a canvas hood.

We’d argue that the new dials on the Z4 are a drawback – they’re complicated and difficult to read – but elsewhere the BMW ticks the boxes. It’s also just as much fun with the roof down as it is up, so it’s ideal for the changeable British weather.

Suzuki Jimny

With the British summer somewhat unpredictable, a sunny day out to the forest could soon become a very wet and muddy one — and that’s where the Suzuki Jimny’s off-road capability comes in handy.

Its ability to go anywhere can make a nice, dry summer green laning session fun — and easy to manage should the weather turn. It’s also a dead cool thing to look at, and will fit in well at any hip seaside day out.

Mazda MX-5

Mazda’s MX-5 epitomises value-for-money yet good-fun motoring. The latest version is one of the best to drive yet, and since it’s been around a little while now, a new one doesn’t have to cost the earth.

There’s also the RF (Retractable Fastback) version available, which incorporates a folding metal hardtop. It gives you a little more protection from the elements if things do go south.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the least road-focused cars on this list – but it’s no less ideal for summertime driving. Why, I hear you ask? Well, the latest generation of Wrangler incorporates a feature which was well-loved on the car it replaces, and that’s the removable roof.

It means you can transform the Wrangler from a full-on hardtop into a pseudo-convertible, with as much open-air space as you could possibly want.

Ford Mustang convertible

Ask anyone for their dream American road trip car, and we’d be willing to put money on them replying with a convertible Ford Mustang. Fortunately though, you don’t have to fly Stateside to enjoy this pony these days, with Ford selling the muscle car in droves here in the UK too. It still packs the same style and choice of a raucous V8 engine as it does in its homeland, only here with the ability to drive it through Derby if you so wish.

Ariel Atom

Buying a track-focus, spartan sports car is quite the commitment. After all, in the winter, autumn and spring months, the weather is rarely dry or warm enough to really make the most of it.

But, if you’re willing to wait for the summer, those three or four days of sunshine just make result in the best driving experience of your life if you choose to invest in an Ariel Atom. It’s a car that will leave you exposed to the elements, but also delivers an incredibly engaging drive. On a dry, clear road, it’s hard to think of a better car.

Caterham 420

The Caterham Seven is a car which follows in a similar vein to the Ariel, albeit with a smidgen more creature comforts. The one we’d opt for is the 420; it uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine and gives the Seven supercar-beating performance, but it’s not as razor-edged as the more powerful 620.

You can also have it with heated seats, which may go against Caterham’s lightweight philosophy, but will no doubt be a welcome feature when there’s a nip in the summertime air.

Hyundai i30N Fastback

Hyundai left Volkswagen reeling after it revealed its Golf GTI-rivalling i30N hatchback. Now, it’s expanding on things with the i30N Fastback – a four-door version of the performance hatch. We’d argue it’s one of the best handling cars of its type, and it’ll swallow up any b-road you can throw in its direction.

But it’s practical too, with a big boot and plenty of interior space. A car for all occasions, you could say, but it’ll make a summer’s day that little bit sweeter.

McLaren 720S Spider

If you’re looking for a big-budget, high-performance drop top, few can compare to the McLaren 720S Spider. The coupe is already a stunning assault on the senses, but chop the roof off and that turns up to 11 thanks to unfiltered engine to that ballistic V8 just behind your head.

What makes the 720S so appealing, though, is just how useable it is every day. Despite the fact it has over 700bhp fed to the rear wheels and a cockpit slung so low you feel like your backside is scraping along the tarmac, it rides nicely and is easy to drive as most normal hatchbacks.

Flick to sport or track mode, though, and it comes alive, meaning you can leave everything in your dust on that country road while still enjoying the sun on your skin.

Moving drivers into electric cars is seen as an increasingly high priority among lawmakers, and with new hurdles such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, which charges drivers of more polluting vehicles to enter the capital, now might be the ideal time to become an EV driver.

The Government offers a grant to encourage motorists into low-emission vehicles. To be eligible, the car must emit no morethan 50g/km CO2, and have the ability to travel at least 112km (70 miles) without producing any emissions at all. The grant covers up to £3,500 of the purchase price of a new electric car.

With more electric options than ever before on our forecourts, we’ve taken the list of eligible cars and narrowed it down to the cream of the crop.

All prices listed below include the Government discount.

Audi E-tron

One of the biggest compliments an electric car can receive is that it feels ‘normal’, and that is certainly the case with the E-tron, which is visually and dynamically very similar to Audi’s ‘Q’ range of SUVs.

With a starting price of £71,520, the £3,500 saving looks slightly paltry, but the E-tron offers a viable alternative to comparable premium SUVs thanks to its look, space and range of up to 241 miles.

Tesla Model S

The Model S has been on the market for some time now, and is arguably one of the more proven entities in the electric car sphere as a result.

In Tesla’s Long Range powertrain spec, it is capable of a claimed 370 miles, though this figure will go down if you opt for the most performance-centric version of this luxury saloon. With the ‘Ludicrous Mode’ performance pack, the car can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2.4 seconds.

The Tesla Model S is on the expensive side, however, with a starting price of £72,550.

Hyundai Kona Electric

If you are interested in the compact SUV/crossover market, then the all-electric version of Hyundai’s Kona is certainly worth considering.

Priced from £27,250, the Kona is one of the more attainable ways into electric car ownership. It also benefits from Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited mileage warranty scheme, and – if you opt for the 64kWh version – a range of 279 miles. 

Nissan Leaf

Perhaps the most popular of the electric cars on the market today, the second-generation Leaf went on sale last year, and marks a notable step-up over its predecessor.

With a range of 168 miles – or 239 in E+ spec – the Leaf is easily usable day to day so long as you don’t have to cover a higher than average number of motorway miles.

Without the grant, the Leaf starts at £31,495, but with the government grant applied, this drops to £27,995.

BMW i3s

The standard i3 is an ideal car for urban commutes and errands, and the i3s builds on that with sporting style and more power.

Delivering the equivalent of 180bhp, and available from £34,170, the i3s is capable of a 160-mile electric range.

Kia e-Niro

After a rather basic first attempt at fully-electric cars with the Soul EV, Kia has shown its true abilities with the e-Niro crossover.

A 282-mile electric range and some impressive practicality help make the e-Niro highly usable, and it also benefits from Kia’s famous seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

With the government grant applied, the e-Niro is available from £32,995.

Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar’s first all-electric SUV has been well received, winning the 2019 World Car of the Year award and being regarded as one of the better electric cars on the market today. It’s capable of some impressive performance too, with a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds.

With an electric range of up to 292 miles, it should be more than capable of completing all but the longest of journeys.

Starting at £64,495, it also seems like good value compared with its key rival, the Tesla Model X.

Tesla Model X

Tesla’s first SUV, the Model X, is available from £75,700 and is capable of 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, and will go on to a top speed of 155mph.

With an estimated 230-mile range, the Model X is slightly down on its rival from Jaguar, while also being more expensive. However, many buyers of Tesla products are invested in the brand’s image, and will likely not be concerned with this detail.

Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe is one of the cheapest entry points into EV ownership, with a starting price of just £17,720 with the government grant applied.

The Zoe’s performance is by no means staggering, but it does more than enough to satisfy the needs of your average town or city driver.

With a driving range of 186 miles and the ability to re-charge the battery in one hour and 40 minutes using a fast charger, the Zoe is certainly able enough for short-distance commuters. 

Smart EQ ForTwo

The diminutive Smart is one of the more compact cars on the market, and will rarely leave the city or town it calls home, so producing an electric version makes perfect sense.

It is only capable of a 70-mile range, but the ForTwo is not a car for long journeys anyway, so if you’re in the market for the petrol version, the EQ may also suit your needs.

The EQ is available from £17,695 as a coupe, while the cabriolet version starts at £19,835.

Many people throughout the UK currently finance their car. It’s a simple way of ensuring you get a new car, and means you’re behind the wheel of something without the elevated running and maintenance costs you may associate with an older car.

However, there are several different ways to finance a car. Let’s take a look at those options and what they mean for you.

There are four main ways to finance a car, which we’ll outline below…

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

PCP finance lets you get your hands on a new car for an initial deposit and a series of monthly payments. You don’t own the car come the end of the agreement, though you do have the option of buying it outright in return for a final – or ‘balloon’ – payment.

The amount you pay monthly will depend on the size of your deposit, the cost of the car, the interest rate offered and how much the dealer expects to be able to sell the vehicle for at the end of the agreement.

Hire Purchase (HP)

Hire Purchase finance differs somewhat to a PCP deal. After you’ve put down a deposit, a finance company will loan you the money for the rest of the car’s worth. You’ll then pay this back in monthly instalments.

In contrast to PCP, there’s no large final payment to pay because once you’ve paid off the sum of the agreement, you’ll own the car.

Leasing (Personal Contract Hire)

Leasing a car is a little like taking out a long-term car rental. You’ll pay a sum initially, followed by monthly payments. Once the payment term is over (and you’ll agree this with the dealer), you won’t own the car, nor will you be able to purchase it via a final payment.

You’ll also have to stipulate how many miles you’ll cover, as well as the amount you’ll pay each month. When it comes to the deposit, this is more rigid than with other finance plans – it’s usually determined by adding together three, six or nine months’ worth of payments.

Bank loan

The more traditional finance option, getting a regular bank loan, could make getting the keys to a brand new car a little easier compared with PCP or lease deals. It will also mean that you’ll own the car outright from the start, so you could sell it when you wanted to without having to pay charges for leaving a finance agreement.

However, the onus is on you to shop around and get the best deal – different banks will, of course, offer different rates so it’s down to the individual to investigate different options.

What is it?

After years of will-they-won’t-they rumours, concept cars, teaser images, prototypes spied at the Nurburgring and sheer hope of enthusiasts, the new Toyota Supra is finally here. And that headline isn’t deceiving you – we’ve driven it.

Calling this car the most anticipated vehicle of the decade wouldn’t be an overstatement. After all, this is the revival of a hugely-loved sports car that last saw the light of day in 2002. However, it isn’t without its controversy, with this Supra co-developed with BMW — news of which hasn’t been received well in some corners of the motoring world. Does the car live up to the hype though, or is not so Supra after all? We find out…

What’s new?

Some will call this a BMW in drag, and there is some merit to this claim. Under its Toyota-designed skin is the same platform as the BMW Z4, with the 3.0-litre engine brewed from the German pot rather than being whipped up in Japan.

There’s even a hint of BMW inside too, with the switchgear and the infotainment system lifted from its parts bin to be used here (though, this is no bad thing…). Don’t write it off as a Z4 clone just yet though, as Toyota says it has brought its heart and soul to the formula.

What’s under the bonnet?

That BMW powerplant is the same you’ll find in any ‘40i’ denoted vehicle it offers, though it does conform to the six-cylinder formula every Supra to date has boasted. The 3.0-litre, straight-six sends 335bhp and 500Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox (sorry, no manuals here), with the result a 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds and a limited 155mph top speed. In terms of efficiency, Toyota claims it will return 34.5mpg while emitting 170g/km in CO2 emissions.

The powertrain’s reputation as crisp and smooth unit is again proven here, with consistent power delivery across the rev range, and there’s barely a hint of turbo lag here. That said, the ZF gearbox can be a little bit hesitant at lower speeds, and there’s far too much in the way of artificial engine noise.

What’s it like to drive?

Toyota has claimed this Supra boasts a ‘Golden Ratio’ in terms of length to width, and that having almost box-like proportions allows the car to be one the best-handing on the market. Thankfully, this proves true.

It skips and prances along back roads with the poise and balance of a ballet dancer, feeding sensations from the road to the driver’s backside and fingertips in a way very few modern mainstream cars can manage. Its steering is sublimely well-judged, and the car does a great job of hiding its relatively high 1,815kg kerb weight.

Better still, it proves to be comfortable and refined when used on longer runs too. There’s a real sense you could effortlessly cover 200 miles of motorway in this — something many sports cars couldn’t claim.

How does it look?

The classic sports car formula is represented in the Toyota Supra’s design. Its long bonnet, short rear overhangs and low-slung cockpit hark back to an era of British classics in the ‘60s and ‘70s. It does bring a modern twist to that formula though, with angular taillight design, air vents everywhere and a front fascia that looks lifted from a UFO spaceship. It is undoubtedly a head turner, though from some angles the spacecraft design details come across as awkward.

Big day. pic.twitter.com/FLvx0sBZnG

— Ryan Hirons (@RyHirons) May 14, 2019

If it was our money, we’d be spec’ing the Supra in yellow, which really brings the cars’ sharp details to life.

What’s it like inside?

We’ll swing back to the BMW partnership here, which is hard to ignore once sat in the car. All of its controls, dials and even the iDrive infotainment system are lifted from the German firm’s parts collection. This is far from a bad thing, as it’s much higher quality than anything Toyota produces at the moment, though it does falter in terms of character.

There’s no escaping the lack of space either. Of course, low-slung sports cars are never going to be the most capacious of machines but the Supra’s cabin feels particularly tight — and may prove a struggle to get comfortable in for taller drivers. In terms of boot capacity, it boasts a respectable 290 litres.

What’s the spec like?

Pricing for the Toyota Supra begins at £52,695, putting it above key rivals in the Alpine A110 and Porsche 718 Cayman. That said, it does come with a fairly comprehensive list of kit.

I'll take my Supra in yellow pic.twitter.com/kJY1zQ4kHc

— Ryan Hirons (@RyHirons) May 14, 2019

Luxury items include 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise, keyless entry, a digital instrument cruise, adaptive LED headlights and the BMW iDrive-based infotainment system displayed on an 8.8-inch screen. ‘Pro’ grade builds further on this with black leather upholstery, a 12-speaker JBL sound system, wireless phone charging and a head-up display. Toyota reckons this will be the big seller in the UK, with a £54,000 list price.

It’s arguably a high starting price, though it clearly hasn’t put customers off so far — with all 300 examples destined for the UK in 2019 already accounted for.

Verdict

Doubts over the success of the Toyota Supra aren’t short in number. Having the legendary ‘A80’ Mk4’s boots to fill has put a lot of expectation on its shoulders, and many are skeptical over the BMW connection.

However, the new Supra is surely set to create its own legacy. It delivers its own unique driving experience that is one of the best delivered by any modern sports car, and co-development with BMW has served the car well in all the right areas.

That said, there’s definitely a feeling its engine could take a little more power onboard, plus a manual gearbox and a better exhaust note while we’re on that topic…

Facts at a glance
Model: Toyota Supra
Price: £52,695
Engine: 3.0-litre straight-six
Power (bhp): 335
Torque (Nm): 500
Max speed (mph): 155
0-60mph: 4.1 seconds
MPG: 34.5
Emissions (g/km): 170

Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s most famous luxury car makers, turns 115 this year. Over that time, it has created some of the most iconic vehicles of all time and all have featured the same attention to detail and all-British craftsmanship.

It was in 1904 that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce met up in Manchester and agreed to form an all-new car manufacturer. 115 years on, it’s one of the top luxury car makers in the world.

But which are the best cars it has created? We’ve picked out seven of the best from Rolls-Royce.

Phantom VII

It would be hard to make this list without mentioning the Phantom. Often seen as the first in a new wave of Rolls-Royce cars, the Phantom was the opening offering from the company after being purchased by BMW.

It featured next-level degrees of luxury, and it was powerful, too. Though many gawked at the prospect of a BMW-owned Rolls-Royce, the partnership revealed that it could be a fruitful one.

Silver Shadow

The Silver Shadow is undeniably Rolls-Royce. Big, wafty and hard to miss, it looks luxurious even by today’s standards. Back in the 1960s it was like nothing else, and that’s one of the reasons why it proved quite so popular.

Beloved by movie stars and musicians, the Silver Shadow was available with one of two V8 engine choices – producing up to 189bhp. Not much power in modern times, but more than enough for the sixties.

Silver Wraith

The Silver Wraith was the first car to come out of Rolls-Royce after the Second World War. It was designed to replace the Wraith as the smaller car in the firm’s range, because post-war austerity might see a big, luxurious car frowned upon.

Naturally, this being a Rolls-Royce, small and austere are relative terms. Under the bonnet sat a 4.2-litre straight-six cylinder engine that had been destined for the Bentley Mark V, a project that was cancelled when war broke out.

It was one of the last Rolls-Royces to be offered in chassis-only form.

Corniche

The classy Corniche had a troubled start to life, again caused by the Second World War. The name was first applied to a prototype based on the Bentley Mark V, and undertook extensive testing before being blown up at the onset of war while waiting at Dieppe docks to return to England.

The name was eventually revived in 1971, and was applied to an elegant two-door coupe and convertible. The long bonnet wasn’t just a design feature but a requirement to hold Rolls’ standard 6.75-litre V8. Just 1,306 were made at the company’s London factory, Mulliner Park Ward.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

If the Phantom is the formal Rolls for being chauffeured between business meetings, the Drophead Coupe is designed for the casual weekend away. Designed to feel much more informal, and to be the kind of car you want to drive rather than be driven in, the drop-top is the perfect companion for a relaxed countryside drive in summer.

While Rolls-Royces are better known for silently cruising across town, with the roof down you get a better hint of the massive 6.75-litre V12 engine, which has a refined yet angry note that hints at the 435bhp it can deploy.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Some might call it sacrilege, but for Rolls-Royce the Cullinan is a money-spinning no-brainer. The brand’s first SUV has received mixed review for its styling, but there’s no denying that it’s worthy of the Spirit of Ecstasy badging once you’re inside.

Plenty of space, lots of performance on tap, and the kind of sumptuously smooth ride you expect from the world’s leading luxury marque. The fact you can also recline on some of the finest leather out there, and even sip champagne that’s been chilled in a fridge in the back, is just the icing on the cake.

Dawn Black Badge

Rolls-Royce customers have a reputation for preferring to let someone else do the driving, but in the Black Badge models, Goodwood’s finest have created something that’s catered to those who want to drive.

Chief among the changes is a tidy power hike that gives the Dawn 593bhp, which is supercar performance in something that’s more like the drawing room of an exclusive country club than a car. There are also black details throughout, including the Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail

In recent years, Rolls-Royce has upped its personalisation game, and now its bespoke, one-off models capture the imagination. If you have enough money, almost any idea is fair game, as evidenced by the Sweptail model revealed in 2017.

Based on the Phantom, it was commissioned by an unnamed person who worked directly with the design team over four years. The front looks very similar to the standard Phantom, but the rear has an elegant sweeping design inspired by 1930s Rolls-Royces. A neat touch inside is an automated system that deploys a bottle of champagne at the touch of a button.