Available in both hatchback and saloon, the RS3 still features a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 394bhp.
Audi has unveiled an updated version of its flagship hot hatchback – the RS3.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find the same 2.5-litre TFSi turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine that produces a total of 394bhp and 500 Nm of torque as featured in the previous RS3. It takes the car from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds and enables a top speed of 155mph. On higher-specced models, the top speed of 155mph increases to 174mph.
The RS3 has been given a design update
To keep the RS3 looking fresh, the firm has decided to update the exterior design with redesigned LED daytime running lights, vertical side reflectors of the air intakes at the front and refreshed taillights.
The interior features a new steering wheel, RS sports seats and an updated 12.3-inch virtual cockpit. Meanwhile, new displays show the car’s G-force, power output, torque, acceleration and lap times, too. Furthermore, the new RS3 now features an app store which can be accessed via the vehicle display. The selected content can then be installed into the infotainment system via a smartphone.
The RS3 gets configurable steering wheel buttons
You can get the RS3 in three trim levels consisting of the standard model, Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung. Standard equipment includes an RS sports exhaust system, LED headlights, Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive and steel brakes with black brake callipers.
Prices start at £59,510 for the standard RS3 Sportback and rise to £68,650 for the top-of-the-line Carbon Vorsprung model. For the saloon, the range kicks off at £60,510 and rises to £69,650.
When looking for your first set of wheels, you need to be sensible and look at affordability, reliability and above all else – insurance.
Passing your driving test is a momentous occasion and a gateway to freedom out on the open road.
Not only that, but it’ll represent the first time you’ll be allowed to drive a vehicle unauthorised, making you more confident in yourself and your road-going abilities. But, even though the process and exhilaration may be exciting, you need to put your sensible cap on and do your homework before purchasing your first set of wheels.
Forget high performance, big spoilers, side skirts and V8s – a small, sensible and economical hatchback is where you need to be for the first year of your driving.
Look for cars with low insurance groups, decent reliability records and running costs that won’t break the bank. We’ve compiled a list of the best first cars you can buy on a budget.
Hyundai i10 (2008-2014)
The i10 is fun to drive, sensible and cheap to run. (Hyundai)
It may have a boxy and square design, but don’t despair, because Hyundai’s i10 is one of the best of the bunch when it comes to cutting the L plates off your car.
The i10, believe it or not, is fun to drive and is very versatile thanks to its split folding rear seats and spacious interior for passengers.
It comes with the choice of either a 1.1-litre or 1.2-litre petrol engine that gives 40mpg and only costs £20 or £35 to tax – making it very cheap to run.
In terms of insurance, the little Hyundai sits from insurance group eight for the entry-level Classic model and rises to group 12 for the top-of-the-line Style model.
Toyota Aygo (2005-2014)
The Toyota Aygo is one of the cheapest cars to run. (Toyota)
Regarded as one of the best first cars is the Toyota Aygo. Underneath its skin, it shares all of its platform, chassis, mechanicals and electrics with the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1, but the Toyota comes with the added reassurance of its reputable badge.
It comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit that’s free from any road tax, sits in a very low insurance group of just two or four, plus, it can do 60mpg.
The Aygo is also very light, making it very good fun to drive. Maintenance costs are kept to a minimum thanks to parts being readily available and easy to repair.
Toyota Yaris (1999-2005)
The original Toyota Yaris is one of the most likeable and reliable small cars out there. (Toyota)
It may be getting on a bit in age but the first-generation Toyota Yaris is one of the most sensible, likeable and reliable cars out there.
Not only that, but it’s available with a choice of 1.0-litre,1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines and is incredibly versatile with its clever sliding rear seat and ingenious cubby holes scattered across the interior.
The entry-level 1.0-litre model is the best pick for a first-time driver as it offers over 50mpg and sits in a rather low insurance group five.
It’s also incredibly reliable with cars hitting 250,000 to 300,000 miles without fault and to drive, the Yaris is light, nimble, agile and great fun no matter what model you choose.
Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)
The Fiesta is still one of the best cars for new drivers. (Ford)
The discontinued Fiesta is still a strong contender for those looking for a sporty and efficient car that won’t cost the earth to run.
The seventh-generation Fiesta is still one of the best small cars out there and it’s easy to see why first-time drivers choose them as their entry-point into motoring thanks to this car’s low running costs and easy controls.
Firstly, avoid any Fiesta with a turbocharged Ecoboost engine as they’re prone to failing and can cost a lot to replace.
It’s better to go for a naturally-aspirated 1.25-litre petrol as they are proven to be solid and reliable units.
Also, the Fiesta is fantastic to drive with really direct and precise steering that makes you feel like you’re driving something that feels a lot more expensive.
In terms of running costs, the Fiesta scores well here with the 1.25 petrol falling into insurance groups as low as three and you should be getting around 40 to 50mpg, too.
Kia Picanto (2017-)
The Picanto is one of the best A-segment cars on the market. (Kia)
Looking at the newer scale in the market, if you’re fortunate enough to afford to buy a new car, look no further than the latest Kia Picanto.
It comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 45mpg and it sits in one of the lowest insurance groups of three.
If you go for a GT-Line it comes with some sporty exterior and interior upgrades, plus tons of standard equipment. The Picanto is great to drive, too, and delivers bags of character for not a lot of cash.
Seat Ibiza (2017-)
The Ibiza is grown-up to drive and sits in a low insurance group. (Seat)
The final car on this list is the latest Seat Ibiza. You can get the Spanish hatchback with a choice of engines ranging from a 1.0-litre to a 1.5-litre TSi turbocharged petrol.
However, if you want cheap running costs, you’ll be sticking with the entry-level 1.0-litre as it’s group two for insurance and should be very frugal by offering over 50mpg.
The Ibiza shares its platform with the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo but has a far better-looking exterior design while still keeping that high-quality feel on the inside.
To drive, the Ibiza also feels very grown up and is very easy for anyone to get comfortable behind the wheel.
Just 10 examples will be made and will be sold through Rolls Royce’s private office network.
Rolls Royce has celebrated its 120th birthday with a unique version of its flagship Phantom luxury limousine – the Scintilla Private Collection.
There will only be 10 Phantom Scintilla Private Collections made and they will be sold exclusively through the firm’s private office network.
Finished in a two-tone paint scheme, featuring the upper body in Andalusian white and the lower body in Thracian blue, inspiration has been taken from the colours of the sea around the Greek island of Samothrace. There is also a hand-painted double coachline and wheel pinstripes finished in blue.
The headlining consists of 1,500 fibre-optic stars with a unique pattern. (Rolls Royce)
The interior focuses on the Spirit of Ecstacy, with different design elements and features dotted about the place. This includes a total of 869,500 stitches consisting of six layers of tatami stitching. Meanwhile, the door cards have illuminated perforations with a variety of different coloured stitching and the seats are upholstered in twill fabric. On the roof, there are 1,500 fibre-optic stars, which are fitted by hand and have a unique pattern, too.
The two-tone paint has been inspired by the colours of the sea around the Greek Island of Samothrace. (Rolls Royce)
Furthermore, the rear picnic tables have 19 coats of lacquer applied to them and the full wood set is rendered in Arctic white. Finally, running the full width of the front fascia is what Rolls Royce is calling ‘Celestial Pulse’ which includes seven ribbons, each individually milled from aluminium to give the interior a bespoke and unique look.
Chris Brownridge, chief Executive of Rolls Royce Cars, said: “The unveiling of a Private Collection is always a landmark moment. These rare and collectable motor cars, limited to just a handful of examples worldwide, are true masterpieces. They illustrate the boundless ingenuity and skill of the creatives and craftspeople at the home of Rolls Royce and stimulate ideas among our clients for their own commissions.”
Prices have not been revealed for this very special and rare car, however, we expect all of the 10 examples to carry a very expensive price tag.
The first 911 Turbo was released back in 1974 and to celebrate a 50-year legacy, the firm has revealed a special edition.
Porsche is celebrating 50 years of the 911 Turbo by introducing a new limited run-out model – the 911 Turbo 50 years.
The original car was launched back in 1974 and brought Porsche’s racing car technology into its road cars. This new model is based on the 911 Turbo S, which was introduced back in 2019.
It uses the same 3.7-litre boxer engine found in the Turbo S from 2019. (Porsche)
This new model uses the same 3.7-litre boxer engine as in the 2019 model. It produces 641bhp and 800Nm of torque, while the car can get from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 205mph.
Externally, there is a Turbo vinyl graphic that runs down the rear quarter panels and harks back to the old RSR Turbo from 1973 – the forerunner of the 911 Turbo. It also features an Anthracite grey rear wing, air intake trims, rear diffuser and mirror base. Plus, for the first time on a 911, it comes with the firm’s new Turbonite paint scheme which is an exclusive metallic grey used on Turbo models for exterior colour and interior trim.
A McKenzie tartan seat design harks back to the original car. (Porsche)
On the inside, there is more Turbo memorabilia with a McKenzie tartan design on the centre of the seats and door panels. There are black brushed aluminium kick plates and an illuminated Turbo 50 logo, too. Meanwhile, the seats feature an embroidered logo on the head restraints and on the back of the left rear seat. Also, there is a numbered plaque finished in aluminium located above the glove compartment, too, showcasing the car’s build number.
Production will be limited to just 1,974 units, while prices start at £200,700. Order books are open now with expected deliveries to arrive in the autumn of this year.
As the covers have just come off BMW’s latest power wagon, how does it stack up against the competition in this niche sector?
It’s been 14 years since BMW gave us an estate version of its legendary M5. However, for 2024, the German carmaker has decided to reinstate the famous model with its new M5 Touring.
Estate cars have always been about space, and the new M5 Touring scores well in this category. Boot space stands at 500 litres, but, fold the rear seats down and that space increases to 1,630 litres, making it not only performance-focused but practical, too.
However, what if you feel its looks are a little too strong? Or, you fancy something German but don’t want a BMW? Well, this sector may be shrinking with options, but we can compare the M5 Touring to its biggest rivals to see how it fairs in this niche market.
Audi RS6 Avant Performance
The RS6 Avant Performance comes with four-wheel-drive and mild-hybrid technology.
The Audi RS6 has always been a tough act to follow in the performance family wagon market and this latest version is by far the best yet.
Here in the UK, you can only buy the Performance model which has a boost in power compared to the standard car. Now, its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 639bhp and 850Nm of torque as well as featuring four-wheel-drive.
Not only that, but this big old bruiser can get from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 174mph. However, if you pay a little extra, you can have the limiter removed taking the car to around 200mph.
Unlike the BMW, which uses a plug-in hybrid system, the Audi doesn’t and instead uses a 48V mild-hybrid system to help boost its efficiency and improve running costs to some extent.
Its boot space stands at 565 litres and expands to 1,680 litres which is bigger than the M5 but smaller compared to the Mercedes E63 estate.
Mercedes-AMG E63
The E63 uses a 4.0-litre V8 engine
The M5 Touring’s other main rival is the Mercedes-AMG E63 estate. On the outside, you know the big Mercedes means business with its large 20-inch alloy wheels and quad tailpipes to let others know this is simply not just an average family bus.
The Mercedes E63 also focuses on delivering as much space as possible with an exciting power delivery and driving experience.
Like the BMW, the Mercedes uses a plug-in hybrid system that helps boost its economy and efficiency, while still maintaining enough power and torque to make this model fun and exciting.
Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 604bhp and 627Nm of torque – the same engine found in the AMG GT supercar.
Boot space also is bigger than both the M5 and RS6 at 695 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,945 litres when they’re folded down.
Alpina B5
The new B5 GT has been revealed
A rare and unique alternative is from those at Alpina that have been sprucing up BMW estates and saloons since the 1970s. The B5 is a 5-Series Touring with a bit of fine-tuning to make it a strong competitor against the M5.
The B5 is extremely exclusive, and with its modified 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out a total of 625bhp and 627Nm of torque, the B5 will be keeping up with all of the cars on this list. It’s just a shame that all examples are sold out, meaning you will have to rely on the used market to get your hands on one.
BMW i5 Touring
The new i5 Touring launches with two powertrain options
If you fancy a BMW estate but want to go down the electric route then the i5 Touring could be the perfect solution.
Available in a high-performance M60 xDrive spec, it comes with an 81.2kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 609bhp and has a claimed electric range of up to 310 miles. The xDrive also benefits from four-wheel-drive and being an estate means that it still has a capacious boot at 570 litres.
The i5 Touring is still great fun to drive – despite its lack of an engine – and the interior is very well screwed together with a lot of plush cabin materials used throughout.
Porsche Panamera
Porsche’s new Turbo S E-Hybrid is the most powerful Panamera to date
The final car on this list also comes from Germany and it’s the controversially-styled Porsche Panamera.
The Porsche is more of a fastback saloon, which makes it the odd one out on this list, but don’t shy away from its different routes as this is still a very practical and fast vehicle.
You can get the Panamera with a variety of different powertrains including a 771bhp e-Hybrid model that can go from 0-60mph in just 2.7 seconds.
Boot space stands at 494 litres or 1,255 litres with the rear seats folded down making it a very versatile car, but not quite on par with traditional estates.
The firm’s flagship SUV is now available with electric or hybrid powertrains and is a milestone for the manufacturer.
Vauxhall has revealed prices and specifications for the latest version of its flagship SUV with hybrid and electric powertrains now available on the Grandland.
The hybrid comes with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor that produces a total output of 164bhp. It can do 0-60mph in 10 seconds, pumping out CO2 emissions of 125g/km, while Vauxhall claims the car can achieve a combined 51.4mpg.
Prices start at £34,700 for the hybrid and £40,995 for the electric version. (Stellantis)
From launch, the electric model will come with a 73kWh battery pack that features a 207bhp electric motor plus a heat pump as standard. It’ll give a claimed 325 miles between charge-ups and reach 60mph in 8.8 seconds.
This Grandland sits on a new platform that enables a larger battery pack to be offered as well. As such, next year will see the car come with a 98kWh system that will give an estimated 435 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, DC rapid charging will allow charging of 10 to 80 per cent to be completed in around 26 minutes.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, said: “The all-new Grandland is a milestone for Vauxhall. With it, every Vauxhall model will be available with a choice of a fully electric powertrain – a decade ahead of government requirements. This is a big step in our electric offensive.”
The new Grandland will sit at the top of Vauxhall’s SUV line-up. (Stellantis)
Prices start at £34,700 for the hybrid model in Design trim. It features LED headlights plus a 10-inch infotainment screen and rises to £38,400 for the top-of-the-line Ultimate, which adds a panoramic glass roof and powered tailgate.
The electric version is priced from £40,995 for the Design and rises to £45,195 for the Ultimate.
Order books are open now and customers can expect deliveries beginning in October.
BMW expands its in-car gaming connectivity with UNO Car Party
Mattel, AirConsole and the German car manufacturer collaborated together to transform UNO into a connected game for passengers.
BMW has announced that it has been in co-development with toy company Mattel and in-car gaming experts AirConsole, to create UNO Car Party, an in-car version of the famous card game.
BMW has been in partnership with AirConsole since 2022. The first collaboration was with Sony Pictures Television to translate Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? for in-car gaming. Now, with the introduction of Mattel’s Uno Car Party, it seems likely that more and more games will be accessible to BMW and Mini products in the future.
The new game will be available via an over-the-air update commencing on August 21 via the AirConsole platform to over 500,000 BMW and Mini vehicles.
The game will be available via an over-the-air update on August 21. (BMW)
Stationary drivers can use AirConsole’s game controller system to connect any passenger to the game using their personal devices. A total of four players can access the game at any given time, however, vehicles must be parked up to enable gameplay.
Anthony Cliquot, CEO of AirConsole said: “Uno beautifully illustrates the strengths of AirConsole with a game accessible to everyone, a bespoke integration to the car hardware and our phone controlled gaming experience. Each player can secretly see their own cars on their phone while playing on the infotainment system of the car. This is an experience that would be impossible to achieve using only touchscreen or Bluetooth controls on the infotainment system.”
Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of the BMW Group Development said: “We continue to increase the value of the overall digital experience for our customers. Our partners AirConsole and Mattel are helping make in-car gaming into a new social experience, and I am thrilled to offer a family-favourite game like Uno for this exciting innovation.”
Audi V10 engine and Ferrari luggage set are some of the most expensive car parts sold on eBay this year
The automotive marketplace, eBay, has revealed some of the dearest items sold for vehicles for the first six months of this year.
A V10 engine from an Audi R8 and a Ferrari luggage set are some of the most expensive car parts and accessories sold for the first six months of this year through the online automotive marketplace, eBay.
The firm has compiled a top 10 list of the most expensive parts with some truly eye-watering price tags attached to them.
Among the list was a private registration number spelling ELON X. (Tesla)
Number one on the list is a used V10 engine for an Audi R8 supercar. The unit has covered a total distance of 38,598 miles and sold for £16,567. Second place went to a pair of carbon bucket seats for a Porsche 911 GT3 (991), selling for £13,086. Third place was another set of carbon bucket seats for a Porsche Cayman GT4 which sold for £11,962.
Laura Richards, Category Lead at eBay Car Parts and Accessories said: “Like a lot of eBay users, we are passionate car enthusiasts at heart. We have some incredible listings being posted, and subsequently sold, on eBay – it’s always interesting to see what sells on the site.”
She added: “With tens of millions of car parts and accessories available, from the basics, such as tyres and oil, right up to specialist and high-performance parts that you see on the list, eBay is the perfect one-stop-shop solution to help our customers find the parts and accessories they need for their vehicle.”
Other items on the list consisted of a Schedoni luggage set for a Ferrari 512 TR, selling for £8,518 and a private registration number spelling ELON X for £8,606.
The Fiat 600 has now gained an additional hybrid version to help boost its appeal and to keep prices competitive.
Fiat has added a second hybrid option to its 600 SUV cutting the price by £9,000 compared to the EV version, in a bid to increase sales and boost its appeal.
Originally sold as an EV, and then earlier this year received a 101bhp hybrid, Fiat has completed the set by offering the 600 with an additional higher-powered version.
Originally, the UK was only getting the EV version of the 600. (Stellantis)
The new powertrain is a 138bhp hybrid unit that features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Running costs should be low with Fiat claiming that the new 138bhp hybrid 600 can achieve the same 57.6mpg on the combined cycle as the 101bhp version, as well as producing CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km.
In terms of performance, the higher-powered model does 0-60mph in 8.3 seconds, compared to 10.7 seconds for the 101bhp variant and a top speed of 124mph means it’s 10mph faster compared to 114mph for the lower-powered model.
The 600 hybrid is available in two different trim levels. (Stellantis)
There are only two trim levels to choose from with standard equipment on the 600 hybrid consisting of LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors. Move up to the La Prima model and it adds privacy glass, a powered tailgate and automatic climate control.
Prices for the higher-powered 600 hybrid start at £24,975 and rise to £27,975 for the La Prima model. Order books are open now with deliveries expected in October of this year.
The A4 is dead. Long live the new A5 that comes in saloon, estate and performance-focused S5 guise.
Audi has revealed prices and specifications of its A4 replacement – the A5.
As with the older A4, the new A5 will be available in saloon and estate – or Avant, in Audi-speak – layouts, offering buyers different configurations depending on their requirements.
Under the bonnet, buyers can choose from three petrol engines and one diesel.
The performance S5 model comes with mild-hybrid technology and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. (Audi)
The petrol engines consist of a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with two power outputs of either 148bhp or 201bhp. The former allows the A5 to manage 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds and brings 280Nm of torque while the latter can deliver 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and has 340Nm of torque.
There is 48V mild-hybrid technology on the diesel variant and petrol V6 that you’ll find in the range-topping S5, too. The performance-oriented S5 comes with a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine that develops 362bhp. It enables the car to go from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and has a torque figure of 550Nm. It replaces the old car’s 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit.
You can get the new A5 in an estate the firm calls the Avant. (Audi)
The 2.0-litre diesel comes with either front-wheel-drive or Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and produces 201bhp, 400Nm of torque and it takes the car from 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds for the former while the latter does it in 6.7 seconds.
Gernot Dollner, CEO of Audi, said: “In tandem with the expansion of our all-electric portfolio, we are launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines. The Audi A5 family with its athletic design, completely new interior and future-proof electronics architecture will be the first. The advanced MHEV plus technology enables partially electric driving and therefore even more efficient driving.”
The entry-level Sport is priced at £41,950 and features 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control. The S Line is priced at £44,100 and adds privacy glass, a styling kit including sportier bumpers and diffuser as well as a black headlining. The Edition One, meanwhile, comes in at £51,000 and adds red brake calipers, lane-departure warning and matrix LED headlights. Meanwhile, the S5 comes only in Edition One trim and is priced at £70,600 and includes a panoramic glass roof, Bang and Olufsen sound system and 20-inch alloy wheels
Order books are now open for all models of A5 and S5 and expected deliveries of examples are due to reach customers in November.
