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@NewAutos Preview issue | November 2012 | £3.00

small world

DRIVE THE BEST DEAL

the car buyers’ handbook

TOP TEN: SUVs dream drivesave on your next new car HOW TO pick the right model 485bhp Nissan juke-R tested

affordable, cheap to run and fun to drive. but which city car is right for your budget?We reveal all... p26

FIRST DRIVE

all new peugeot 208“put THIS CAR on your shortlist... now!” p16

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Editorial dirEctorJames [email protected]: @NewAutosJames

commErcial dirEctoranton [email protected]: @NewAutosAnton

PUBliSHiNG dirEctorPhil [email protected]: @NewAutosPhil

Staff writErJames [email protected]: @NewAutosBatch

SUB Editordave [email protected]: @NewAutosDave

coNtriBUtorSDavid Hort, David Miles, Mike Askew

wHErE to fiNd USBlackball MediaEndeavour QuayMumby RoadGosportPO12 2LBT: (023) 9252 2434W: NewAutos.co.uk

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1 Ford Fiesta 33,3902 Ford Focus 24,4423 Vauxhall Corsa 23,7504 Volkswagen Golf 18,7945 Vauxhall Astra 14,8946 Nissan Qashqai 12,4917 Volkswagen Polo 12,1648 Peugeot 207 10,2219 BMW 3 Series 9,94810 Mercedes C-Class 9,485

1 BMW 3-Series 2 Ford Focus 3 Vauxhall Corsa 4 Volkswagen Golf 5 Vauxhall Astra 6 Nissan Qashqai 7 Volkswagen Polo 8 Peugeot 207 9 Ford Fiesta 10 Mercedes C-Class

1 New Bentley SUV revealed2 Ford prices announced3 Fuel strike could still happen 4 Badger wins Daytona 300 5 SKODA best cars to own6 Victoria Beckham Evoque7 New Ferrari F50 coming8 Audi Q4 breaks cover9 How to choose the right tyres10 New internet scam revealed

september new car sales most searched-for cars auto network most-read

Figures supplied by the SMMT Figures supplied by Auto Network Figures supplied by Auto Network

A CAR is the second biggest purchase most of us will ever make in our lives after our home, so it’s no wonder the whole process can seem a little overwhelming. Complicated finance packages, warranties and insurance can all be extremely daunting, not to mention the small issue of working out which car is right for you.

For some people buying a car is great fun, but for many it’s simply a necessity – you need a car to get to work or take the kids to school and just want it to be good value for money and reliable. What it looks like and who makes it isn’t really that important.

This is where New Autos can help. Every month we cut through the marketing speak to help you decide which car is right for you. You’ll find no jargon, just simple, honest advice to help

ignitionyou decide which car to buy.

But unlike other car magazines, New Autos can help you even further. Want to arrange a test drive but don’t know where to start? Or want a brochure for that new car so you can get even more information? Well, let us do the hard work.

Our Reader Service is designed to take the pain out of car buying. Give our team a call and we’ll do the rest. The team and I look forward to guiding you on your way to finding your next dream car.

on twitter?Follow us @NewAutosMag

key stats and facts from another busy month in motoring

James Baggott, Editorial director

James

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contents08 forecourt Skoda hoping for Rapid success; Chris Evans stages TWO car events; PLUS the best deals on new cars.

14 driven: ford focus St With a turbocharged engine and plenty of clever wizardry, there’s no shortage of performance.

16 driven: Peugeot, fiat, mini, merc We take a look at the Peugeot 208 1.2 Active; Fiat Punto TwinAir; Mini Roadster; Mercedez-Benz B-Class.

24 feature: Juke-r Nissan have beefed up their compact crossover in a BIG way – and the result is madness on four wheels.

26 it’s a small world after all Pint-sized motors are all the rage. But with a huge array to choose from, which one should you opt for?

42 top 10: tricks of the trade Get the inside track on how car dealers operate... and avoid the pitfalls when making a purchase.

44 living with: Skoda Yeti, Kia rio Our writers have cars on long-term loan from manufacturers. Get their opinions here.

47 top 10s A wealth of information in easy-to-digest morsels to guide you through the car-buying maze.

51 insurance advice We’ve got lots of hints and tips to help you choose the best policy at the right price.

55 Selling your car Getting rid of your motor? With some help from New Autos, you can make the whole process hassle-free.

58 Hot new car deals Our monthly round-up of the best discounts and

offers available to UK car buyers.

Preview issue, November 2012

“it looks great, has a spacious interior, is well-made and great to drive.” Volkswagen up! p38

Porsche open in Portsmouth p9

audi expands S range p8

city cars p26

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NEW AUDIS HAVE THE S-FACTOR

TOYOTA UNVEILS DISTINCTIVE AURIS

GERMAN FIRM MIXES PERFORMANCE WITH ECONOMY FOR NEW S MODELS

JAPANESE HATCHBACK GUNS FOR BEST-SELLING FORD FOCUS

IF you want a big Audi but are keen on small fuel bills, the German marque’s revamped S quattro series could well appeal.

The S models have been updated for 2012 with some clever technology designed to deliver more miles per gallon. The thirsty V10 engine that was a feature of previous versions of the S range has been replaced with an all-new 4.0-litre V8 engine with ‘cylinder deactivation technology’ to improve fuel economy.

The system disengages four of the eight cylinders when the engine isn’t having too much strain placed

The all-new Toyota Auris has been given its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. The Japanese firm says the new car will be better and more fun to drive, have more distinctive styling, feature higher equipment levels, will be cheaper to run and reflects Toyota’s determination to inject some more passion into its mainstream products.

The car also shows off the new look Toyota is employing on all future models.

UK customers will be able to choose between 1.33-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, a 1.4-litre diesel and a full-hybrid version. Toyota says it expects an even one-third share for each powertrain. Prices and specifications will be announced later this year, and it will rival the Ford Focus.

upon it. Subsequently, fuel consumption is improved by up to 25 per cent.

The three model ranges to benefit are the S6 saloon and estate, S7 four-door coupe and the S8 executive saloon.

The S8, the head of the range, delivers sublime comfort or supreme excitement as required. The sprint from zero to 62mph takes just 4.2 seconds and top speed is electronically capped at 155 mph.

All models feature Audi’s much-respected four-wheel-drive quattro system that improves on-road traction, and a silky-smooth seven-speed automatic gearbox

called ‘S tronic dual-clutch’. They’re all top-quality cars

from Audi and are bound to appeal to fans of the marque.

The company is enjoying considerable success at the moment – sales in the UK during 2011 topped 113,000 cars and were up

forecourtThe latest buying news – hot from the nation’s showrooms

14 per cent on 2010. And although we say these new cars will appeal to a wide range of buyers, there’s one thing they will all need in common – the willingness to spend between £54,000 and £78,000 to get behind the wheel.

order books open! bitesize news

french firm renault is offering savings of up to £800 on certain models. there’s up to £200 off the twingo, £400 off the clio and £700 off the full megane range. all new renaults come with the money-saving ‘4+’ warranty, servicing and finance package.

‘VIVE LE SUMMER’ SAYS RENAULT

choosing your new Hyundai has just got easier. the company has launched a new website which features tools such as a ‘car chooser’ and a finance calculator feature. it’s optimised for viewing on mobiles and tablet devices and you can find it at hyundai.co.uk

clever website for hyundai customers

on the hunt for a Vauxhall astra but finding prices are a bit out of reach? motorpoint, the UK’s leading car supermarket, may be able to help. they have hundreds of examples of the current-generation astra, starting from just £6,995. Visit motorpoint.co.uk to see the latest deals.

BAG YOURSELF A BARGAIN ASTRA

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ICONIC LUXURY 4X4 RETURNS

RAPID WINS THE SPACE RACE

all-new fourth generation range rover arrives - order now IF YOU’D LIKE ONE

CZECH BRAND GOES FOR FAMILY MARKET WITH NEW HATCHBACK

the arrival of a new range rover is always big news. this is only the fourth new model in 40 years – and it’s sure to be in high demand.

that’s because it will benefit from a substantial weight-loss programme – aiding fuel economy – and engineers have worked on the suspension to give the car more agile handling. ride comfort will not be compromised, however – and it’s promised the new car will be very luxurious.

inside, the interior will be as sumptuous as ever with

If you need a roomy family car that won’t cost the earth, Skoda might have what you’re looking for.

On sale this November will be the Czech firm’s seventh model – the Rapid. And in our view, it’s a car that

quality leather and wood furnishings. while under the bonnet, customers will be able to choose between a powerful petrol engine, or more frugal diesel ones.

order books are now open with deliveries scheduled to start from early 2013, but there’s little chance dealers will be offering tempting discounts.

cars such as the range rover often sell at a premium, with buyers willing to pay more to leap-frog lengthy queues. if you want one, be prepared to fork out at least £70,000.

citroen is celebrating its successful dS3 model by offering a special finance offer on the car.

in the first seven months of 2012, a total of 10,206 dS3s were sold. more than 27,000 dS3s have now been sold since the car’s launch two years ago.

the model can be financed for £199 per month on citroen’s Elect 4 Personal lease plan. Up to £1,500 deposit contribution on selected models is given with Elect 3 PcP & Elect 4 finance, and so too is three years’ free servicing and roadside assistance.

deals are also available on the c1 city car; c3 supermini; c4 hatchback; the c3 Picasso, Berlingo multispace, and c4 multispace mPVs; dS4 and dS5 models.

CITROEN TEMPTS WITHRANGE OF OFFERS

NEW BRITISH LUXURY 4x4

SKODA’S NEW CAR bitesize news

it’s sale time at Honda!the company’s dealerships are offering a range of tempting deals to try to get you behind the wheel of one of their cars. to run alongside the two-week summer event Honda has also launched an exciting competition, giving customers the chance to win thousands of prizes every day.Visit honda.co.uk/sale.

SALE FEVER SPREADS TO HONDA DEALERS

drive a Volvo? well, as the summer finally starts to warm up, your local Volvo dealer will check the performance of your car’s air conditioning system for free. Should the performance be below-par, they will provide a system recharge. the Swedish company is also running a special offer on cleaning out bacteria and fungi from your system.

VOLVO HELPING TOKEEP YOU COOL

Kia’s Sportage is now available with the firm’s care-3 servicing package.the package offers customers fixed-cost, inflation-proof servicing for the first three or five years. all work will be carried out by trained product technicians, using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils, and is available on all 2013 Sportage models.

FIXED COST SERVICES WITH NEW SPORTAGE

deserves to do well in the UK.The Rapid is an all-new

family hatchback that sits between the Fabia (smaller) and Octavia (a bit bigger) and will offer a lot – for less than £13,000. Skoda’s slogan these days is ‘simply clever’.

There are no fewer than 19 simply clever touches to entice buyers into the Rapid. And thanks to Skoda being part of the mighty Volkswagen family these days, those jokes about the marque are history.

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HAVE FIVE YEARS’ PEACE OF MIND

BRAKING NEW GROUND...

ALFA ROMEO EXTENDS WARRANTY ON MITO AND GIULIETTA MODELS

MERCEDES CREATES ESTATE VERSION OF CURVY CLS

Alfa Romeo is extending its current three-year warranty by a further two years across the MiTo and Giulietta ranges to provide customers with added peace of mind on their new car purchases.

The company doesn’t enjoy the best reputation amongst drivers for the

Mercedes-Benz is attempting to create a whole new car sector.

With a name that harks back to the days of bespoke estate cars from the 1920s, the CLS Shooting Brake is now available to order,

reliability of its cars so is hoping the move will help inspire a bit of confidence and attract new buyers.

The news comes as the Italian sporting car brand launches the Alfa MiTo TwinAir – featuring the award-winning 875cc twin-cylinder turbo engine with

clever technology and low C02 emissions.

The new extended warranty will consist of 36 months’ unlimited mileage cover, plus a further 24 months’ mechanical warranty on all Alfa MiTo and Giulietta retail purchases.

The additional cover

protects the vehicle against manufacturer defects and component faults.

Damien Dally, head of brand at Alfa Romeo UK, said: ‘The Alfa Romeo brand has always had a strong emotional pull but we also have complete confidence in its rational credentials.’

IT’S TWINAIR TIME

order books openbitesize news

SaGa are doing well when it comes to making their car insurance customers feel valued. in a recent survey, 98 per cent of people interviewed after a claim said that they had been well looked after.Saga are the leading specialists in over-50s car insurance, with comprehensive cover starting from just £158 a year.

Saga KEEP THEIR customers HAPPY

Bmw is now offering a more accessible way into X3 ownership with the first rear-wheel-drive model in the range, the new Bmw X3 sdrive18d. Powered by a 140bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine, and available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox, it’s priced from £28,580 – £2,890 less than the 4x4 versions.

A CHEAPER WAy TOOWN A BMW M3

crYStal Nissan in lincolnshire, with showrooms in Grantham, Boston and lincoln, is offering a good deal on new micras.customers can get behind the wheel of a new Nissan micra 1.2 acenta connect for just £126 a month. the deal comes with no interest for three years, three years’ low-cost servicing and three years’ roadside assistance.

Micra OFFER ISCRYSTAL CLEAR

the new Peugeot 208 Supermini, which went on sale on June 28, has now secured more than 7,500 orders. morgan lecoupeur, marketing director at Peugeot UK, said: ‘there has been an incredible and positive response to the new 208, illustrated by the initial 7,500 orders. it really has been a tremendous start for the car.’ offers from Peugeot on the 208 in September include the popular Just add fuel scheme, available to new car buyers from 21 years of age, with three years’ fixed price insurance, servicing, warranty, road tax and roadside assistance. ‘Just add fuel’ is available on the 208 3dr access 1.0-litre Vti from £208 per month. 208 First Drive, p16

‘INCREDIBLE response’TO PEUGEOT’S NEW 208

priced from £49,360. The curvaceous car comes

as standard with a high-tech multimedia system, DAB digital radio, leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, metallic paint, powerful headlights,

and 18-inch alloy wheels. There’s space for five

passengers and boot space measures up to 1,550 litres. Customers can choose between a two diesel engines or a powerful petrol engine.

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PORSCHE IN POMPEY

GOOD EVANS, IT’S CARFEST!

SPORTS CAR FIRM ARRIVES DOWN SOUTH

DJ’S INAUGURAL EVENTS Are just the ticket

DRIVERS in Portsmouth who have ambitions of driving a Porsche now have a brand new showroom right on their doorsteps. The nearest ones up until now have been in Guildford (up the A3) or Bournemouth (west along the M27).

The development, which is one of the largest Porsche Centres in the UK and sits on the northern edge of the city, demonstrates a major investment in the Porsche business and the local region.

The two-storey Porsche Centre offers a 26-car showroom with an innovative roof-top parking area, an eight ramp workshop and an MOT bay.

A focal point is a spiral staircase leading to the first floor display area.

if your interest in cars extends beyond simply sourcing the next vehicle to get from a to B, here are a couple of events that might interest you.

radio 2 dJ and one Show presenter chris Evans has come up with an idea to cater for them with two exciting new events: carfest South and carfest North.

the two weekends – to be staged at laverstoke Park farm in Hampshire and cholmondeley castle in cheshire – are the living reality of a dream conjured up by Evans.

His vision was to host his very own perfect ‘family

festival’ brimming with all the things he loves – great cars, good food and foot-tapping music – and at the same time raise funds for the BBc’s annual children in Need appeal.

He announced the first carfest to his millions of listeners to his breakfast show on BBc radio 2.

the concept was an immediate success with all 20,000 tickets to the laverstoke Park farm event selling out within minutes of being put on sale.

fuelled by this instant sell-out, Evans announced that a second carfest would be held a fortnight later.

COMING SOON...

SUPErmiNiSAlfa Romeo MiTo 5dr 2013Audi A2 2013BMW i3 2013Citroen DS1 2013Ford Ka 2014Hyundai i20 late 2012MG3 late 2012Mitsubishi Colt late 2012Peugeot 108 2014Renault Clio Nov 2012Renault Twingo 2014Renault Zoe Oct 2012SmartForTwo 2014SmartForTwo+2 2014Vauxhall Adam 2013

familY carSAlfa Romeo Giulia 2013Audi A3 Sep 2012BMW 3 Series GT 2013Fisker Atlantic 2013Ford Focus BEV Dec 2012Ford C-MAX hybrid 2013Ford Mondeo 2013Hyundai i30 Tourer Aug 2012Jaguar X-Type replacement 2014Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2012Lexus IS 2013Mazda 6 2013Mercedes A-Class Dec 2012Mercedes baby CLS 2014Mercedes C Class 2014MG5 2013Peugeot 308 (new) 2013Renault Megane 2013SEAT Leon 2013SEAT Toledo 2013Skoda Rapid 2013Skoda Octavia 2013Tesla Model S 2012Toyota Auris 2013Volkswagen Golf MkVII 2013

SPortS carSAbarth sports car 2013Alfa Romeo Spider 2015Aston Martin Vanquish 2013Audi S1 Sep 2012 Audi RS4 Avant 2013Audi RS5 Cabriolet 2013Audi TT 2013Bentley Continental GT2 2013BMW 2 Series 2014BMW i8 mid 2013BMW M2 2015BMW M3 2013

off-roadErSAlfa Romeo SUV 2013Audi Q2 2013Audi Q6 2013Audi SQ5 TDI 2012Bentley SUV 2014BMW X4 2013Citroen C4 Aircross late 2012Dacia Duster Dec 2012Fiat 500X 2013Ford Fiesta SUV 2013Ford Kuga 2013Honda CR-V late 2013Hyundai Santa Fe Sep 2012Jaguar SUV 2015Jeep small SUV 2013Lamborghini Urus 2013

PEoPlE moVErSCitroen C4 Picasso late 2012Fiat 500L Apr 2013Ford B-Max Sep 2012Nissan Note 2013VW Camper 2013

caBriolEtSAlfa Romeo Spider 2014Citroen DS3 Cabriolet 2013Kia Roadster 2013Lexus LFA Roadster 2013Lotus Elise 2015Lotus Elite 2014Mazda MX-5 2014Mercedes SL Sep 2012Porsche Boxster Aug 2012Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet 2013Renault Alpine 2014Vauxhall Cabriolet Sep 2012

Vauxhall’s entrance into the premium car small sector will be with the adam. it’s scheduled to arrive in the UK next year.

ford’s clever B-max, above, and the new renault clio, below

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CAN THIS CAR BECOME THE NEW TOP HOT HATCH?

Ford Focus STThe last Focus ST might have been sophisticated rather than sporty but that didn’t put buyers off and Ford shifted 35,000 of them. Can the new car improve on that? what is it?Ford’s rival to the just-launched Vauxhall Astra VXR and the established Renaultsport Megane 265 and Volkswagen Golf GTi. With production of another fast Focus RS uncertain, the new ST could be the hottest current-generation Focus available and this time it is serious about taking the Golf GTI’s scalp as

top hot hatch. It is also Ford’s first global performance car.

what’s under the bonnet?The ST might have dropped a cylinder, now with four cylinders rather than the previous five, but there’s certainly no lack of performance and a clever sound enhancer makes you think otherwise. The turbocharged 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine has 10 per cent more power, with a higher 154mph top speed and increased 250Nm of torque. Acceleration to 60mph comes up in just 6.3 seconds.

BY James Baggott@NewautosJames

HOW MUCH? from £21,995 | ON sale? NOW | deal potential? LOW

looksOutside, you’ll spot the new Focus ST by its unique and more aggressive body styling. We like the bulging side skirts, chunky rear bumper with diffuser, rear spoiler and attractive 18-inch alloys.

drivingThe new Sport Steering System works by increasing sensitivity when cornering. With the help of some clever wizardry, the result is almost like a more refined version of the old Focus RS.

what’s the spec like?The ST is available to order now and there are three specification levels to choose from – helpfully labelled as ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3. ST-1 has supportive, colour-coded Recaro seats, the ST-2 adds part-leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and auto lights and wipers. Range-topping ST-3 versions have power, heated leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and keyless entry. Prices start from £21,995 for the ST-1 and rise to £25,495 for the ST-3, with first deliveries expected in September.

DRIVEN: 28 JUNE 2012 | GOODWOOD

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insideInterior changes include a unique steering wheel, gearshift and pedals. The snug, supportive Recaro seats really emphasise this Focus’s sporty nature.

model Ford Focus STPrice Frrom £21,995Engine 2.0-litre, turboPower 247bhp, 250Nm max speed 154mphEconomy 39.0mpgEmissions 169g/km0-60 6.3 seconds

Renaultsport Megane 265, Vauxhall Astra VXR, Volkswagen Golf Gti

almost £3,000 less than a comparative Volkswagen Golf Gti even in top-spec St3 version. a rare performance car bargain – and another hit for ford.

1 Sporty interior with excellent Recaro seats

2 Responsive steering

3 More efficient, yet more powerful than its predecessor

THE RIVALS

THE tech stuff key selling points

the deal clincher

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arraNGE a ford focUS St tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer

GEt a BrocHUrEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to receive model info

GEt tHE BESt PricE Scan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to get the best deal

what’s it like to drive?There’s excellent steering feel for starters, yet the ST still feels agile and amazes by how much power can be carried through corners. One word of warning though: should the systems intervene, it can feel artificial. Considering the ST is supposed to be a hot hatch, its ride is surprisingly resolved, with all but the worst road damage filtered out of the cabin. Dynamically, the new estate is equal to the hatch. You won’t feel short-changed – we didn’t notice any difference.

what do we think of it?We think the Focus ST could potentially be the Golf GTI beater that Ford hopes it will be. It is as easy to drive, live with and as practical as the standard hatch and estate – and now offers a sharper driving experience. On the right road, this fast Ford has the power to entertain like nothing else in this class.

discover the ford focus st

the knowledge

this new St could become the hottest current-generation focus available

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good enough to beat a fiesta? looks close to us

Peugeot 208 1.2 Active This is the car tasked with bringing sales success back to Peugeot. But has it got what it takes?

what is it?Peugeot’s all-new supermini challenger aimed squarely at the sector-leading Ford Fiesta. The maker hopes cute looks, competitive pricing and high spec will be enough to tempt buyers away from rivals.

what’s under the bonnet?A wide variety of petrols and diesels, with sales set to be split equally between them. Our pick is the 1.2. It’s great to drive yet economical.

what’s the spec like?The range starts with the Access model for £9,995, but the most popular is expected to be Active, costing from £11,695. It includes air con, a touchscreen display, 15-inch alloys, cruise control and Bluetooth There are plenty of options too, notably sat nav which is a little fussy to use.

what’s it like to drive?Actually really rather good. Composed and fun to drive, the ride quality is impressive. Sadly, the driving position is strange, with the tiny steering wheel obscuring the

HOW MUCH? from £9,995 | ON sale? NOW | deal potential? MEDIUM

EnginesUnits to suit all tastes and budgets. 1.4-litre petrol tipped to be the best-seller. Diesel frugal but pricey.

BodystylesThree and five-door models in showrooms first. Don’t bother waiting for an SW estate – there isn’t one coming.

clocks and the steering is over-light.

what do we think of it?We like it. It’s a massive improvement on the old 207, and it’s clear there’s a very good car in there waiting to escape (a sporty GTI is coming). However, the design is a little fussy inside and out, and the Ford Fiesta range is a well-established and popular rival that’s better and more fun to drive.

THE KNOwledge

discover the peugeot 208

model Peugeot 208 Active Price £12,195 (as tested)Engine 1.2-litre, 3cylPower 82bhp, 118Nm max speed 108mphEconomy 62.7mpgEmissions 104g/km0-60 13.8 seconds

Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Rio, Vauxhall Corsa

cute looks and decent spec at a price similar to key rivals. the car that may take Peugeot back to the top of the supermini class.

1 Better spec than rivals

2 Smaller on the outside, bigger inside

3 Great choice of engines

THE RIVALS

THE tech stuff

key selling points

the deal clincher

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DRIVEN: 7 may 2012 | FRANCE

arraNGE a PEUGEot 208 tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



with the 208, Peugeot is trying to return to the sales success days of the 1990s

BY James Batchelor@NewautosBatch

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fiat has given its punto a new lease of life thanks to an eco engine

Fiat Punto TwinAirFiat hope their clever TwinAir engine and refreshed looks will generate renewed interest in their supermini.

what is it?Simply a new, eco version of the recently facelifted Punto fitted with the award-winning TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder 875cc engine. This engine also appears in the Fiat 500 and new Panda, Chrysler Ypsilon and, more recently, the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

what’s under the bonnet?The aforementioned engine with 83bhp. Some nifty engineering

results in a claimed economy figure of 67.3mpg and there’s cheap road tax too, thanks to low emissions.

what’s the spec like?Priced at £12,100, the TwinAir is a model in its own right. It looks sharp with its unique 15-inch alloys, gloss black mirrors and door pillars, plus the special interior trim. The five-door version costs an extra £600. what’s it like to drive?Too much body roll and a rubbery gear change spoil the fun, but the ride is surprisingly composed. The engine offers strong performance,

HOW MUCH? from £12,100 | ON sale? now | deal potential? high

EngineThe fitment of Fiat’s much talked about eco two-cylinder TwinAir engine is the most important new feature.

looksFiat has ditched the old Punto Evo’s odd-looking front bumper and given this car a much cleaner look.

but the distinct thrum of the engine gets wearing on long trips. what do we think of it?If you’re after cheaper tax and a congestion charge free alternative to the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic or the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion, the new Punto TwinAir is definitely worth a look. However, don’t believe the claimed 67.3mpg figure – we struggled to get more than 46mpg.

THE KNOwledge

discover the FIAT PUNTO

model Fiat Punto TwinAirPrice £12,100Engine 875cc, 2-cyl turboPower 83bhp, 145Nmmax speed 107mphEconomy 67.3mpgEmissions 98g/km0-60 12.5 seconds

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, Skoda Fabia Greenline II, VW Polo BlueMotion

fiat dealers are currently offering £1,000 off the price, or £1,090 of extras in a Brio pack, or reduced rate finance.

1 Ingenious engine with the promise of good economy

2 Composed, refined ride

3 Spacious interior with a practical boot

THE RIVALS

THE tech stuff

key selling points

the deal clincher

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DRIVEN: 6 JULY 2012 | Manchester

arraNGE a fiat PUNto tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



fiat hopes a refresh will get UK buyers back into its Punto hatchback


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RETRO ROADSTER IS FAR FROM A BACK-TO-BASICS convertible

Mini RoadsterMini’s sixth model aims to recapture the traditional British roadster experience. Does it succeed?

what is it?It’s the sister car to the controversial Coupe and is a two-seater that features a lowered windscreen by 13 degrees, and has a sporty driving experience in mind.

what’s under the bonnet?There’s three petrols in the form of a 1.6-litre 121bhp in the Cooper, a 183bhp 1.6-litre turbo in the Cooper S, and a 210bhp 1.6-litre turbo in the John Cooper Works (JCW). There’s also

a 142bhp 2.0-litre diesel in the Cooper SD model.

what’s the spec like?Standard specification is not that impressive. The entry-level Cooper costing £18,020 comes with alloy wheels and a black fabric roof. The £24,860 top-of-the-range John Cooper Works version comes with a styling kit, and a honeycomb grille. There is a vast range of option packs and equipment – all quite costly. what’s it like to drive?The Roadster is tremendously agile and quick. But we’d stop at it being a

HOW MUCH? from £18,020 | ON sale? now | deal potential? low

cabinNo rear seats results in a large boot – it’s bigger than the hatch’s. Vast range of options means this is a high-end product.

on the roadThe Roadster’s suspension has been stiffened to give an extra-sporty ride. It’s one of the best Minis to drive.

traditional British sports car, though. For us, the Mazda MX-5 is a little more focussed.

what do we think of it?It’s little surprise Mini has produced another top-notch car here. The Roadster should be high on your list of two-seater convertibles. Does it revive the traditional British roadster of old? No. But it does offer sports car thrills in a fashionable package with a good dose of practicality.

THE KNOwledge

discover the Mini Roadster

model Mini Roadster Cooper SPrice £20,905 (tested)Engine 1.6-litre, turboPower 183bhp, 260Nmmax speed 141mphEconomy 47.1mpgEmissions 139g/km

Mazda MX-5, Audi TT Roadster

wide range of expensive options means mini roadster can be personalised to create your perfect, bespoke car.

1 Mini’s first-ever two-seater roadster

2 Range includes super fast JCW and frugal Cooper SD

3 The only mainstream two-seater sports car made in Britain.

THE RIVALS

THE tech stuff

key selling points

the deal clincher

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DRIVEN: 23 JUne 2012 | oxfordshire

arraNGE a miNi roadStEr tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



mini has broken into yet another model sector with the two-seater roadster


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D r i v e n

WANT A PREMIUM MPV? Mercedes may have the car

Mercedes Benz B-ClassMercedes-Benz sold just over 34,000 units of the old B-Class. This new car aims to continue that.

what is it?This new B-Class is a practical, premium MPV-like offering and rivals cars like the the Ford C-Max, VW Golf Plus and Renault Scenic.

what’s under the bonnet?There’s one petrol – a 1.6-litre unit with 121bhp or 155bhp – and a 1.8-litre diesel with 108bhp or 135bhp.

what’s the spec like?The SE model costs £21,295 and

comes with 16-inch alloys, parking assist, auto headlights, and a five-inch multimedia screen in the dashboard. Sport models start at £22,610 and gain ‘artificial leather’, sports suspension that lowers the ride-height by 15mm, and 18-inch two-tone alloys wheels.

what’s it like to drive?The 108bhp diesel is the best choice – it’s strong, provides good performance and is economical. It is easy to drive thanks to light steering and good all-round visibility. Our test car had optional 17-inch alloys – this is the best size of wheel to

HOW MUCH? from £21,295 | ON sale? NOW | deal potential? MEDIUM

insideThe interior is well-made and the switches are, for the most part, well laid-out. Five-inch multimedia screen is clever.

drivingThe new B-Class is stylish and has Mercedes’ latest exterior look. The car also has distinctive LED lights.

choose as the ride was comfortable.

what do we think of it?This new car is a much stronger offering and does its best to match its premium positioning in the market. It’s pricey but we can’t see this being too much of a problem as the car both looks better and is built more sturdily. It’s also a step up from the previous, oddly-shaped B-Class. We think it’s certainly worth a look.

THE KNOwledge

discover the B-CLASS

model Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI SportPrice £33,110 (tested)Engine 1.8-litre, dieselPower 108bhp, 250Nmmax speed 118mphEconomy 64.2mpgEmissions 118g/km0-60 10.7 seconds

Ford C-Max, VW Golf Plus and Renault Scenic

the new B-class’s co2 emissions are 26 per cent better than its predecessor – that means noticeable savings on road tax.

1 Engines are super efficient

2 Two specification levels are generously equipped

3 Good levels of build quality

THE RIVALS

THE tech stuff

key selling points

the deal clincher

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DRIVEN: 18 JUNE 2012 | PORTSMOUTH

arraNGE a B-claSS tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



the old B-class won few hearts, but this new model should gain admirers


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on twitter?Have your say on this @NewAutosMag

Open (the throttle) wide and Say ‘R’

DRIVEN: 1 May 2012 | goodwood

Take a nissan juke, bolt in the engine and drivetrain from a GT-r supercar, and what do you get? Madness on four wheels, that’s what...

wild thingBuilt to celebrate the Juke’s success, the R boasts a 485bhp engine and full-time four-wheel-drive. Wowsers.

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on twitter?Have your say on this @NewAutosMag


I must admit that if I had a nice long drive in front of my house, like Lord march, I wouldn’t get much work done. the temptation to hoon up and down and scare the milkman in anything with an engine would just be too hard to ignore.

thankfully, I don’t have that problem – so an invite to apply some rubber to the Goodwood estate’s well wheel-trodden hill climb is always welcome.

the media day for Goodwood’s 2012 motoring events – the Festival of speed and the Revival – was an eventful occasion.

It’s a chance for Lord march to ramp up the excitement surrounding the two events and a good opportunity for the media to get behind the wheel of some new metal from the supporting manufacturers.

Fortunately I was looking forward to one helluva ride. Nissan had offered a last-minute spin up the hill in one of only two Juke Rs in the

world. For those of you that aren’t in the know, this is basically the love child of a Juke/Gt-R one-night stand – and the right genes made it across into the offspring.

under the matt black Juke bodywork is the running gear and engine from the Gt-R. the 3.8-litre, 485bhp twin turbo charged engine has been squeezed into the Juke’s bodywork, the four-wheel drive carried across and it’s got the performance to match. Foot to the floor and 60mph arrives in around three seconds.

the mad project was conceived as a marketing exercise by Nissan GB’s former mD Paul Willcox who, when he took up his new post in Europe, gave it the green light. Costing £250,000 each, the pair were designed and built in the uK by RmL – one left-hand and one right-hand drive. the latter is for exclusive use in the uK.

so what’s it like to drive? Well, the 1.16-mile Lord march drive was never going to be long enough to get a real feel for this amazing car, but first impressions were staggering. the Juke R handles all that power remarkably well, transferring it into forward thrust with no drama, much like the bigger Gt-R does.

there was just enough time to savour the whoosh of the turbos on the start straight as the hay bales and trees quickly melted into a summery soup of colour.

But who knows? I might be given the chance to get behind the wheel of the Juke-R again one day. since its global launch in January this year, Nissan has been approached by a number of interested buyers which has prompted the company to open the order books. It is understood the production cars will be produced by British-based engineering firm RmL . . . and cost £400k !

Juke 4wd JUKE-rKerbweight (kg) 1,425 1,806Length (mm) 4,135 4,135Width (mm) 1,765 1,910Height (mm) 1,575 1,575Wheelbase (mm) 2,530 2,530Track front (mm) 1,525 1,586Track rear (mm) 1,505 1,598Clearance (mm) 170 115Max speed (mph) 125 1610-60mph (secs) 8.2 3.5Power (bhp) 190 485Torque (Nm) 240 588

development and build was carried out by rml in Northamptonshire. top job

Juke-r Vs juke

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Volkswagen up | nissan pixo | hyundai i10 Fiat panda | Toyota Aygo

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Nissan PixoWHY? Indian-built cheapster is a clone of the equally thrifty Suzuki Alto. Not much of a looker, but cheap to run.

Hyundai i10WHY? It’s the market leader and has found many thousands of happy owners. Frumpy looks, but inexpensive to buy.

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It’s a small worldPint-sized motors are big news in 2012. Which one should you opt for?

the recession, 2010’s Government Scrappage Scheme and ever-increasing fuel prices have seen car buyers’ tastes change. In these times of austerity, people want models that can

go miles on a thimble of fuel, can be parked on a postage stamp yet still boast big-car specifications.

The Hyundai i10 is Britain’s most popular city car. Last year it sold 20,325 units and holds a 48.3 per cent market share, with many satisfied customers behind the wheel up and down the country.

But Hyundai may have had things their way for too long as the VW Group has now waded in with a comprehensive offering across its VW, Seat and Skoda

brands to steal sales away from the Korean giant. Along with the VW Group, Fiat has replaced its much-

loved Panda with a stylish and higher-quality offering. The all-new Panda will pose a large threat to Hyundai dealers as Fiat dealers expect to put a large Panda-sized dent into the i10’s sales.

On top of this, the C1, 107 and Aygo threesome have all undergone major face-lifts to take the fight to the Volkswagen Group three. Meanwhile the Nissan Pixo is doing its fair share too by unhelpfully becoming Britain’s cheapest car/supermini.

But which is best? We’ve brought the contenders together for a shoot-out to decide once and for all.

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fiat PandaWHY? New Panda sheds its old agricultural character and dons a sharp suit. Fun to own and drive in equal measure.

toyota aygoWHY? It’s been around for a while and has cute looks and a respectable badge on its nose. Facelift aims to keep it fresh.

Volkswagen up!WHY? It’s the newcomer and aims to shake up the sector. It also benefits from that grown-up badge.

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if the 500 is a bit too cute for you, WHY NOT CONSIDER its bigger and more practical stablemate?

Fiat Panda 1.2 Easy £ what is it?This latest version of Fiat’s little car is designed to build on the success of the outgoing model, with an added dash of Italian style. It has only been on sale for a few months.

£ what’s under the bonnet?You can have the feisty Fiat with three engines. There are 1.2 or 0.9 petrol engines, the latter being the clever TwinAir with 84bhp, or a 74bhp 1.3-litre for diesel lovers. Our test car was fitted with the 1.2-litre petrol and was in Easy trim.

£ what’s the spec like?All have ABS and twin front airbags. Our model in Easy trim included remote central locking, manual air-conditioning and a six-speaker stereo. A split-folding rear seat is only an option, which is a surprise.

£ what’s it like to drive?Fun to drive, the Panda has fine body control and roll is well contained in corners. The only disappointment is the artificial feel to the over-light electronic power steering and the ride is perhaps too firm.

£what do we think of it?The Panda looks great, should prove cheap to run but the rear could be more spacious and some options such as a split-folding rear seat should really be standard.

THE KNOwledge

model: Fiat Panda 1.2 EasyPrice: £9,550Engine: 1.2-litre, four-cylinderPower: 69bhp, 102Nmmax speed: 102mphcombined mPG: 55.3mpg Emissions: 120g/km0-60mph: 14.2 seconds

technical specifications

key informationairbags: Driver/Passenger/Opt sideParking sensors: OptionalStability control: Optionalalloy wheels: Optionalair-con/climate control: Standard Air-ConditioningSat-nav: OptionalUSB: OptionalBluetooth: OptionalXenons: N/A

annual running costsfuel: £1,000insurance: £400Service: £250tax: £30

Figures based on annual mileage of 9,000 miles and 95 Unleaded at 140p per litre. VED rates current as of July 2012.

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inside the fiat Panda, which has only been on sale for a few months

discover the fiat pandaarraNGE a fiat PaNda tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



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discover the hyundai i10arraNGE a fiat PaNda tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



the top-selling city car, Hyundai’s i20, owes much of its success to the Gorvernment’s Scrappage Scheme

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IT’S THE MARKET LEADER FOR A REASON. WILL YOU FALL FOR THE DEPENDABLE KOREAN CITY CAR?

Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic£ what is it?Hyundai’s top-selling city car, with much of its recent success down to the Government’s Scrappage Scheme. Given a facelift last year, the i10 is one of the oldest cars in the test as the design dates back to 2008.

£ what’s under the bonnet?There’s the choice of either a three-cylinder 1.0-litre, or the more powerful four-cylinder 1.2-litre we’ve got here.

£ what’s the spec like?Well-equipped and solidly built, but the spacious interior of the Hyundai feels too cheap and basic. The plastic trim on the steering wheel of our 1.2 Classic test car felt particularly bad.

£ what’s it like to drive?The 1.2-litre petrol is a smooth and surprisingly refined performer, even on the motorway. It’s no fireball but it is well matched to the light and positive five-speed manual transmission.

£what do we think of it?The i10 might not be the newest model on the city car block, but there’s no doubting that as a package, it’s still one of the best available.

THE KNOwledge

model: Hyundai i10 1.2 ClassicPrice: £8,345Engine: 1.2-litre, four-cylinderPower: 85bhp, 121Nmmax speed: 105mph0-60mph: 12.2scombined mPG: 61.4mpg Emissions: 108g/km


key information

annual running costs

airbags: Driver/Passenger/SideParking sensors: N/AStability control: Optionalloy wheels: N/Aair-con/climate control: Standard Air-Conditioning Sat-nav: N/AUSB: StandardBluetooth: N/AXenons: N/A

fuel: £1,000insurance: £400Service: £250tax: £30


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IT MAY NOT HAVE THE GLAMOUR OF ITS RIVALS, BUT IT BEATS THEM ON PRICE

Nissan Pixo 1.0 n-tec £ what is it?The cheapest car in this test is basically a Nissan-ised Suzuki Alto. The Pixo shares most of the design and engineering with the baby Suzuki and is also built at the same Indian plant.

£ what’s under the bonnet?A 67bhp, three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine. The Pixo averages an impressive 65.7mpg and emits just 103g/km of CO2.

£ what’s the spec like?Air-conditioning, electric front windows and a single-disc CD player were standard on the N-TEC model supplied for the test. Shame the level of fit and finish was disappointing.

£ what’s it like to drive?There is no finesse to the Pixo’s performance and handling, you have to work the engine hard to perform so it is at its best in town. There’s lots of body roll in corners and the ride borders on uncomfortable.

£what do we think of it?The Pixo might be the cheapest car in this test and will no doubt prove cost-effective to run, but its interior is disappointing, there isn’t as much room inside as rivals and it’s no fun to drive out of town.

THE KNOwledge

model: Nissan Pixo 1.0 N-TECPrice: £8,250Engine: 1.0-litre, three-cylinderPower: 67bhp, 120Nmmax speed: 96mphcombined mPG: 65.7mpg Emissions: 103g/km0-60mph: 14 seconds


key information


airbags: Driver/Passenger/SideParking sensors: N/AStability control: Pack optionalloy wheels: N/Aair-con/climate control: Standard Air-ConditioningSat-nav: N/AUSB: StandardBluetooth: N/AXenons: N/A



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discover the nissan pixoarraNGE a NiSSaN PiXo tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



cheap... but possibly a little bit too cheap? we weren’t really that impressed by the interior of the Nissan Pixo

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discover the toyota aygoarraNGE a toYota aYGo tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



it won’t cost you much to run a toyota aygo. we found the engine nippy in town, but rather noisy on the motorway

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IT WAS A HIT AMONG YOUNG AND MATURE BUYERS AT LAUNCH IN 2005. CAN IT STILL IMPRESS?

Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVTi£ what is it?Part of a city car triple that was launched back in 2005 (there are Citroen and Peugeot-badged versions). Boasting a new look like its sister cars, we think that the Toyota’s revamp has been the best executed.

£ what’s under the bonnet?There is just a 68bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine available in the Aygo. It feels nippy in town, but is noisy at motorway speeds.

£ what’s the spec like?Our Fire specification test car added privacy glass and LED Daytime Running Lights to an already comprehensive specification including air-conditioning, electric front windows and a single-disc CD player.

£ what’s it like to drive?The lack of steering feel is frustrating in the Aygo, as it is hard to work out what the front wheels are doing in corners. On top of this, it appears to weight up in town too, making parking more of an effort.

£what do we think of it?The Aygo is a likeable car in this group, and should cost pennies to run, but the Toyota shows its age with the stiff ride and poor refinement.

THE KNOwledge

model: Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVTi FirePrice: £9,990Engine: 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Power: 74bhp, 93Nmmax speed: 97.5mphcombined mPG: 65.7mpg Emissions: 99g/km 0-60mph: 14.2 seconds


key information


airbags: Driver/Passenger/SideParking sensors: OptionalStability control: Pack optionalloy wheels: Standardair-con/climate control: Standard Air-Conditioning Sat-nav: N/AUSB: StandardBluetooth: N/AXenons: N/A



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VOLKsWAGEN HAS returned to the city car market. but does this car tick the right boxes?

Volkswagen up! 1.0£ what is it?The up! is part of a Volkswagen Group three-part attack on the city car market. There are SEAT and Skoda versions also available.

£ what’s under the bonnet?The up! is powered by a choice of new 60bhp or 74bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre engines. Our car had the smaller of these two engines, yet we were impressed with its refinement and torque.

£ what’s the spec like?Our Move up! test car included all-important air-conditioning, electric front windows and remote central locking. Optional Maps & More navigation system (£290) adds other big car features such as Bluetooth.

£ what’s it like to drive?The keywords here are refined and composed. Only bigger bumps seem to upset this little Volkswagen. The ride might be supple, but it’s still fun to drive with accurate steering.

£what do we think of it?In our view, this is the best city car in the group. It looks great, has a spacious interior, is well-made and great to drive. Not a cheap choice, the Seat and Skoda sister cars offer better value for money.

THE KNOwledge

model: Move up! BlueMotion 1.0-litrePrice: £9,440Engine: 1.0-litre, three-cylinderPower: 60bhp, 95Nmmax speed: 100mphcombined mPG: 68.9mpg Emissions: 96g/km0-60mph: 14.4 seconds


key information


airbags: Driver/Passenger/SideParking sensors: Pack optionStability control: Pack optionalloy wheels: Optionalair-con/climate control: Standard Air-ConditioningSat-nav: Pack optionUSB: StandardBluetooth: Pack optionXenons: N/A



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we think the Volkswagen up! is well-made and great to drive – and as you can see, the interior is nice and spacious

discover the nissan pixoarraNGE a NiSSaN PiXo tESt driVEScan the QR code with your smartphoneVisit http://goo.gl/ANLR call 0800 000 000 to book with your dealer



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Number cruncherhead-to-head

Volkswagen up! fiat Panda Hyundai i10 toyota aygo Nissan PixoModel 1.0 Move Up

BlueMotion 3dr1.2 Easy 5dr 1.2 Classic 5dr 1.0 VVTi Fire 5dr 1.0 n-tec 5dr

Doors 3 5 5 5 5Price (£) 9,440 9,550 8,345 9,990 8,250Insurance group 1-50 1 5 4 3 4Euro NCAP - Occupant N/A N/A N/A 4 N/AEuro NCAP - Child N/A N/A N/A 4 N/AEuro NCAP - Pedestrian N/A N/A N/A 2 N/AEuro NCAP - Overall 5 4 4 4 3

Engine Size cc 999 1242 1248 998 996Cylinders 3 4 4 3 4Valves 6v 8v 16v 12v 12vPower bhp 60@5500 69@5500 85@5500 67@5500 68@5500Torque Nm 70@3000 75@3000 89@3000 68@3000 66@3000Fuel type Unleaded Unleaded Unleaded Unleaded UnleadedTransmission Type (MT/AT) Manual Manual Manual Manual ManualNumber of gears 5-spd 5-spd 5-spd 5-spd 5-spdDriven Wheels F F F F F

Urban MPG 56.5 42.2 50.4 55.4 54.3Extra Urban MPG 78.5 65.7 68.9 74.3 74.3Combined MPG 68.9 54.3 61.4 65.7 65.7C02 Emissions (g/km) 95 120 108 99 99VED Band A C B A AMax. speed 100 102 105 98 960-60 mph 14.2 14.0 12.0 14.0 13.8

ESP Std 315 365 N/A 450Central Locking Std Std Std Std StdAlarm N/A DF N/A N/A DFImmobiliser Std Std Std Std StdAlloy Wheels 650 300 N/A Std StdAir-con Std Std N/A 500 N/AClimate control N/A 265 N/A N/A N/AElectric mirrors 300 55 N/A N/A N/AElectric front windows Std Std Std Std StdElectric rear windows N/A N/A N/A N/A N/AMetallic paint 450 450 425 450 415Cruise control 350 jt opt N/A N/A N/A N/ARear parking sensor 350 jt opt 250 DF 425 365Leather Seats N/A N/A N/A N/A N/ADriver airbag Std Std Std Std StdPassenger airbag Std Std Std Std StdFront side airbag N/A N/A N/AMP3 Connectivity Std Std Std N/A 200 jt optBluetooth 290 jt opt 400 jt opt N/A N/A 200 jt optCD Std Std Std Std StdSatellite navigation N/A N/A N/A N/A N/ASplit/fold rear seat Folding Folding Folding Folding Folding

Boot capacity min/max 251 / 951 225 / 870 225 / 910 139 / 751 129 / 861Fuel tank (litres) 35 37 35 35 35Length (mm) 3540 3653 3565 3415 3565Width (mm) 1640 1643 1595 1615 1600Height (mm) 1489 1551 1540 1465 1470Wheelbase (mm) 2420 2300 2380 2340 2360Kerb Weight (kg) 940 1015 996 890 885Gross Weight (kg) 1290 1430 1410 1245 1250Towing limit (braked) (kg) N/A 800 800 N/A 200

Service interval (miles) 10000 18000 12500 10000 9000Warranty (years) 3 3 5 5 3Warranty (miles) 60000 60000 Unlimited 100000 60000

compare each car’s specification like-for-like with this concise chart

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Decision time...Ut la feum ipsum iriureraessi tat. Duis nullaor alis atuer suscing eugait la aliqui ex ex exerat praesse quamconum veliqui ea faccummod magna aliquis aut alit prat. Amet nullut lobore moloreet, sum dolorper sectet, quat. Et, vel ut volobor eetuerilisi.Sandreet prat velesectem vullaore minim acipsusto dolobore dolor sendrer aesendit ex eniat ullaor at ullaore tis alismodo ercin et praesequamet vel diatio odiam, consequatum zzrit utat, quat, sisit elit nonsequipsum vel dolore magna aliquip sustin ullaore feuisi tio conse dipsuscil ea consed dio odit luptatisim nostio odit velessim quamet lobore estrud tisim vel ullaortie tis alismodo enim dolorti ncillan ese vulla aute magnit volor senis nullum delessent alis dit amet, quis duipisi.Molorti nciliquat vullut nullam, conse facidunt wis doloboreet wisl iliquat et vulluptat dolore consecte dolore velis nisim vulla feum illa con vel ulluptat lam, quam zzriure miniamet dolor aliquisisci ero dolore venis alisi.

Volkswagen up!It’s almost the perfect city car – cute looks, and fun to own

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fiat PandaLooks good but some options should come as standard

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Hyundai i10A well-equipped, grown-up city car that’s good to drive too

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toyota aygoThe sharp looks cannot hide a car that feels dated

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Nissan PixoIt may be the cheapest, but its interior is cheap and rather nasty

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Decision time...Not often does a real game changer come along, but Volkswagen has really shaken up the city car sector with its up!

Why? Because it offers big-car levels of space and refinement, zippy engines and a strong dose of style not commonly seen in this sector. More often or not, city cars come with too many compromises, but not the VW.

That’s not forgetting the typically-Volkswagen levels of high build quality, either.

With prices starting at £7,995, the up! is competitive too. If you need to finance the car, then the German firm has thought of that too by offering PCP (Personal Contract Purchase finance) deals at a meagre £79 per month.

If it was our money, however, we would be tempted to buy the Skoda Citigo. It’s identical to the up! apart from a few Skoda badges, a different grille and is even cheaper – it’s priced from £7,630.

Perhaps a Skoda is not for you – there’s also the SEAT Mii – again, identical to the up! and priced from £7,845.

But, in this test, the up! is head and shoulders above the competition. A well deserved winner.

Volkswagen up!It’s almost the perfect city car – cute looks, and fun to own

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fiat PandaLooks good but some options should come as standard

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Hyundai i10A well-equipped, grown-up city car that’s good to drive too

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toyota aygoThe sharp looks cannot hide a car that feels dated

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Nissan PixoIt may be the cheapest, but its interior is cheap and rather nasty

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trade tips

top tricks of THE trade10

A dealer can sell you a new car, make money from the car you trade in and maybe sell you a finance package – that’s three different ways to make money. Your job is to get the maximum return on your car.As a result, you should beware of valuing your own car – you’re giving a dealer a reason to lower your part-exchange cash. Remember this: The dealer needs no help in working out its value.

A basic method employed by dealers for decades is to have 25 popular cars and slap ‘sold’ signs on 22 of them.That creates urgency and allows dealers to employ the ‘only available now’ or ‘only three left’ lines in an attempt to push the buyer towards a purchase. Don’t be fooled.

All cars have their price. If a dealer values a car at £8k, a notional break-even point for him might be £9k. It’s likely to be advertised at £9,995.This is a clever tactic because the dealer can drop the price down to £9,000 and give the impression of a discount or time-limited deal. The buyer goes away happy with what appears to be a bargain price – but the dealer got the price he or she was after all along.

A busy forecourt gives the impression of a successful dealership. You’ll see all manner of cars, ‘for sale’ signs and action going on around the dealership, giving buyers lots of choice and encouraging them to spend more time making their mind up. This also gives the impression of a thriving business. A lot of this is actually a conscious effort to create a certain image on the dealer’s part.

it’s hard buying anything when you’re not as knowledgeable as the person selling – and that’s never more obvious than when you’re buying a car.with typical British reserve, we’re inclined to politely nod and agree to that paint protection option for

an extra £300 or a lower price than we wanted for our existing car. Here, using our combined industry knowledge, we outline some of the tactics deployed in dealerships to win your business – and some tips on how to get the deal you want in the showroom.

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trade tips

After your senses have been attacked, you’ll notice that you’ve ended up behind the wheel of the car. A good salesman will kneel down next to the car once you’re inside, putting themselves on eye-level with you, close enough to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

New cars are obviously clean, tidy and well polished – they’re all simple touches that can make a car seem much nicer and more desirable. But as well as polishes, shines and waxes across the exterior, dealers will also use a silicone spray inside for that unbeatable new car smell.

Once you’re set, you’ll be asked how the car feels, how you feel in the car and whether you’re enjoying the drive. Most motorists won’t know what to look for with regard to how a car handles, so the salesman will fill you in. Guess what – it handles really well!

You’ll stop at a nearby window and asked if you can ‘see yourself in the car’. Guess what, you look great behind the wheel – and, yes, you can see yourself in the car! Chances are you’ll be asked to park the test car next to your old car. It’s no coincidence you’ve been asked to park next to your clapped-out old banger.

Once a dealer is at eye-level, they’ll reel off a list of pre-determined questions to make you feel comfortable and like you’re in charge. They’re designed to elicit positive replies first and foremost, because the majority of buyers aren’t rude or confident enough to criticise - but also because they give you little room to say no.

Conversation will move quickly onto your part-exchange model and how much it’s worth.You’ll be asked to provide a brief history on the model including any scrapes, bangs or repairs – giving the salesman the opportunity to take money off. You’ll next be asked to estimate how much the repairs will cost. Unless you’re a mechanic you’ll be more inclined to give a ballpark figure, which may be too high. If you don’t know, keep quiet.

are you sitting comfortably?

insidethe car

on theroad

flattery willget you everywhere

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living with

welcome to New Autos’ brand new long-term test car – the Skoda Yeti GreenLine II.Truth is, we should have had Skoda’s

award-winning crossover months ago, but with it being one of the three lowest depreciating cars in the country, according to trade valuation specialists CAP, the factory in Mlada Bolselav can’t build them quick enough!

So has it been worth the wait? Well, as I write I’ve had the car almost two weeks and covered hundreds rather than thousands of miles, but the answer in such a short space of time, is a resounding yes.

OY12 AVU fits so well into my life I’m already dreading the day when the man from Skoda will knock on my door to take the key away.

Firstly, there is the practicality and interior space, with definitely more baby seat room than my own two-seater car. My daughter also likes looking out the big tinted rear windows.

The practically-shaped boot is a bonus too. Even

THE TEAM GETS INTRODUCED TO ONE OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT SKodas ever - the yeti

Skoda Yeti GreenLine II

first report: 749 miles


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living with

the job of racking the mileage up on our Rio has fallen to me. First up was a jaunt to Heathrow to catch a flight to Munich to drive

the Chevy Cruze SW. And then, later that week, I returned to exactly the same car parking space to hop on a plane to lovely Manchester for the Volvo V40 launch.

And I can happily report the Rio is a delight in airport car parks.

In all seriousness, though, it was on the way to Heathrow when a slight incident occured with the Rio. I was on the M25, and in glancing down at the speedo to check my fuel consumption, I noticed a message saying: ‘Check tyre’.

It caused me quite a bit of anxiety as you can imagine but it then disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. A quick call to our local Kia dealer, Fine Cars, revealed all was okay. It was just a message to notify me the tyres need rotating at the Rio’s 10,000-mile service.

This is a minor gripe on what has been a faultless car since its arrival some time ago.

It’s still impressing us, and is regularly returning impressive fuel economy figures in excess of 50mpg.Not quite the claimed 70.6 but... I’m moaning.

Again.

in the short time we’ve had the car, it has swallowed the usual toddler clobber, a large foldable desk chair and the novelty of having a bigger boot has meant countless trips to the dump.

Then there is the equipment; our Elegance GreenLine II starts at a pricey £20,475, but it does include niceties such as leather trim, Bluetooth and a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel. We’ve also added what we believe to be one of the best, although costly (£1,530) DVD-based sat-nav system.

Personally, I love the way the Yeti pairs with my iPhone the moment I fire up the 105PS 1.6TDi GreenLine engine. It has only thrown a tantrum once, but I think it was sulking after being left in an underground car park while I attended a launch.

It might be a frugal green car, but there’s a real maturity to the way the Yeti drives and rides.

So is there anything we don’t like? Well... certain colleagues’ have likened the Yeti’s

boxy shape and Corrida red paint to Postman Pat’s van, the standard, optimised rolling resistance tyres seem to lack grip in corners and the central locking’s CB-like roger bleep when locking and unlocking sounding like a cheap 80s alarm are the only gripes we have so far .

These are all minor annoyances, and are ones we are sure to forget about as time passes.

In fact, I’m really looking forward to spending the next couple of months behind the wheel of Postman Pat’s red van.

Kia Rio 1.4Dlog book

Joined fleet: May 2012run by: James BaggottPrice: £22,670Engine: 1.6-litre, 4cyl Power: 103bhp, 250Nmmax speed: 109mphcombined mPG: 61.4 Emissions: 119g/km0-60mph: 12.1 seconds

mileage this month: 749our mpg: 58.2costs this month: £0Problems this month: None

skoda yeti Greenline II

Easy to read dials, and a chunky steering wheel with buttons are real plus points.

clever details are the marks of a quality car – like ‘Yeti’ embedded in the headlamp cluster.

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Early days, of course, but there’s a great deal to love about the Yeti. if you’re on the waiting list, you’re in for a real treat come delivery time.

roomy, practical, and easy to drive, this is a well-built car for a very reasonable price.

in a nutshell

in a nutshell


Skoda’s factory is operating round the clock to meet demand for the new Yeti

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If you’re buying a new car from a dealership it’s important to consider your rights as a consumer – and ensure you’re protected in case things go wrong.

Preparation is important when buying a new car from a dealership, so doing your homework is the best way to find a good deal – and the car that’s right for you.

Firstly, buying from a car dealer is among the safest forms of car purchase available, as you will be covered by the Sale of Goods Act.

Additionally, every dealership has minimum preparation standards for each car so you can be sure that buying from a dealership should ensure the best care – and preparation – of that car.

If you’ve decided that buying a dealer is the best choice for you it’s time to start researching your needs – and find a car that suits them.

You should use magazines, the internet, your peer group and other recommendations to find out what prices similar cars are advertised at. With that figure in mind you should know what your limit is.

Knowing your target price and ideal car you should stick to your required specifications – don’t be swayed by added extras that will push up the price.

Lots of new car buyers miss out on taking a test drive but it’s the best way to be as sure as you can that the car you’re considering is the best one for you.

Sizing up a car, kicking a tyre and patting the dashboard are no substitutes for taking a real-world drive. That might mean taking the car into a town, a crowded car-park, your garage or the motorway.

Keep all correspondence and receipts. If things go wrong you will be covered by the Sale of Goods act.

Ensure you act quickly – within two weeks of delivery – and don’t get sidetracked into accepting partial refunds if the car has a fault.

City carswatching the pennies? we give you the top 10...

8: Renault Twingo Smaller then the Clio, the Renault Twingo is a cheap and simple option that’s reasonably spacious, practical and boasts good engines. Twingo stands for twist, swing and tango – but you’re more likely to be heading down the shops in it.

5: Fiat 500 Wide appeal, funky looks and excellent range of engines make the Fiat 500 enduringly popular – but prices are on the high side when compared to other city cars on the market. Still, very few city cars carry such a retro feel.

2: Hyundai i10 By some way the most popular city car on the market, the i10 hoovers up almost half the sales on the segment in the UK for a very good reason. It’s practical, reasonably well-equipped and very cheap – especially with a five-year warranty.

1: Volkswagen up!As we’ve already said, the VW up! offers big-car levels of space and refinement, zippy engines and a plenty of style not often seen in this sector. All in all, a worthy winner of our Five-star Car Award.

9: Chevrolet Spark Cheap, roomy, comfortable, easy to live with and attractively styled, the Spark has a lot going for it. Handling dynamics are not among the pluses, but driving in the city will be a doddle and it should be cheap to run.

10: Toyota iQAt less than three metres long, the iQ is a tiny package – but offers innovation and versatility for your money. Lots of clever touches, loads of safety kit, eye-catching design and a good spread of petrol and diesel engines – but the iQ is not cheap.

4: Ford Ka The Ford Ka is based on the Fiat 500 adding a more supple and responsive ride. But whereas the last Ka was a design revolution the new Ka is somewhat less impressive to look at. A good drive and a roomy interior should impress.

6: Smart FortwoBigger and better with some of the best fuel economy figures on the market and different powertrains to suit different drivers. Now a more realistic all-round proposition as a car, the Fortwo is excellent, but expensive.

3: Kia Picanto Another car from Kia that advances the brand another few steps, the Picanto is one of the best cars in the city car sector and is available with high specifications and low prices. In this sector, the Picanto can’t be ignored.

7: Suzuki Alto Suzuki’s smallest car - and a good one. Tiny, built just for the city and well made. It’s also practical and impressive when it comes to buying and running costs. Not a car to covet, but one that‘s fit for purpose.

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MAKING THAT PURCHASEbuying from a car dealership

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Family carsNEED SPACE FOR KIDS AND CLUTTER? HERE ARE OUR top 10...

3: Audi A3 The Audi A3 has size and build quality on its side, but it’s expensive and boasts some classic Audi styling (or lack of it). But it is big – especially in five-door Sportback versions, boasts a strong range of engines and won’t disappoint overall.

1: Ford FocusMultilink suspension, excellent handling, excellent powertrains and impressive gadgetry mean the Ford Focus does it all, and it generally does it better than competitors. It’s omnipresent for a reason – it’s a very good car.

6: Hyundai i30 The i30 is at the vanguard of Hyundai’s assault on the established European-and-Japanese volume hierarchy – and it’s a devastating one. With each new iteration of the Hyundai i30 there has come more refinement, style and better engines.

10: Honda CivicThe new Honda Civic is as much fun to be in as it is to look at. Despite the unusual shape, there’s lots of space for luggage and the interior looks futuristic. Handling doesn’t quite live up to the Civic’s space-age looks though.

5: Kia Cee’dA massive step change for Kia with a car to worry any mainstream competitor. The cee’d ticks all of the boxes and adds a seven-year warranty to make a package that’s impossible to ignore in the sector.

9: Renault MeganeRenault’s latest Megane boasts some pleasing coupe-esque lines – and the Renaultsport hot-hatch version holds the front-wheel drive record at the Nurburgring, the industry benchmark for handling and performance.

8: SEAT LeonVolkswagen underpinnings mean the Leon will always be a competent and reliable car – but it’s fun to drive, comfortable and well built too. In the right trim, the Leon looks the part and is sufficiently different from the rest of the pack.

4: Vauxhall AstraThe new Vauxhall Astra has been another sales success for Vauxhall, the British-built family car coming back with a much-improved design, stunning interior and wide range of engines to suit all drivers. It’s comfortable and roomy.

2: Volkswagen GolfAn evergreen sight on roads, the latest Golf – the sixth – is one of the best yet. Engines and suspension set-ups mean the Golf is one of the best drives in the segment, while quality and reliability are also strong for the sector.

7: BMW 1 Series The 1 Series’ styling may divide critics, but BMW’s strong engines and EfficientDynamics technology drive down consumption and emissions. This is a family car you can be proud of – assuming you like the styling and can afford it!

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Large family carsNEED EVEN MORE ROOM FOR YOUR CLAN? THE TOP 10...

1: Ford MondeoSurprisingly good in virtually every regard. There’s a wide range of engines – including excellent new Ecoboost petrol engines for fuel economy and performance – massive interior space, comfort and styling. Safety and comfort are good too.

9: Honda AccordThe Accord is a family car that never fails to impress in terms of its quality and comfort. It’s one of the more expensive cars on the market for the sector, but it offers the excellent i-VTEC petrol engines or frugal diesel engine.

2: Skoda SuperbThe Skoda Superb is an enormous car for the family sector, and for the money. Rear passengers can enjoy more than a metre of legroom and the boot is also one of the largest in the sector. Estate versions are vast.

4: Vauxhall InsigniaVauxhall’s new family car is one the best lookers in the segment, adding style and interior quality to its predecessor’s strengths, namely comfort and a smooth ride.The Insignia was the best-selling car in the sector last year.

10: Citroen C5The large, smart C5 saloon is one of the most stylish family cars in the sector. The C5 is a comfortable car for motorways, but a hydropneumatic suspension for automatic models boosts ride comfort again. The C5 is hard to ignore.

7: Peugeot 508The 508 saloon marks another model in Peugeot’s improvements to its range, with much-improved interiors, high build quality and a classically French ride (ie. very comfortable). It adds up to a strong proposition for families.

8: Toyota AvensisSensible design, sensible engines, sensible prices – the Toyota Avensis is sensible all round. While that may sound like a back-handed compliment the Toyota saloon is well equipped, comfortable and spacious.

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5: Volkswagen PassatThe all-new Passat may look a lot like the old one but it gets a high-quality new interior and excellent range of engines, including the very efficient BlueMotion option. Interior space is enormous and there’s a big boot.

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3: Hyundai i40 Unusually available first as an estate model, the i40 has seriously impressed. Economical diesel engines, attractive prices for a lot of car (in terms of size and spec) and a five-year warranty mean the i40 should have the big boys worried.

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6: BMW 3 SeriesIn a different price bracket to the rest of the cars on this list, but the compact executive is a regular on top 10 sales lists in the UK. The 3 Series is the family car to aspire to – if you have the readies.

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updated If you’re buying a car you may have decided to buy on finance. This will offer you a flexible package that could allow you to buy a car you cannot afford outright.

Choosing the right finance option to pay for your new car may prove difficult and confusing. There are several payment plans that you can choose from, and depending on your personal circumstances; some may be more suitable than others.

You may have sufficient funds to buy a car outright, which may attract a discount. But you should pay a deposit using a credit card in these circumstances so you have additional legal protection if something goes wrong with the car, as the credit card issuer has joint responsibility to sort out disputes over payments.

If you don’t have the cash you may have to investigate a loan from a bank or building society. Shop around for the best interest rate (APR) on your loan. Loan markets are extremely competitive, so you should be able to secure a good rate of interest.

Alternatively, should your credit card issuer have a low interest rate, using a credit card can be a good way of financing your new car. Introductory rates may offer rates of interest as low as 0 per cent over periods of up to one year.

However, beware of rates following this introductory period – they will be much higher. Only consider using a credit card to finance a purchase if you are able to pay off the full balance before the introductory rates expire.

One of the most popular forms of car finance is leasing, whereby a company buys and owns the car that you have chosen. You will pay back agreed monthly instalments over an agreed period of time.

This method of financing a car purchase is likely to offer a lower monthly payment than a personal loan. There are many different forms of leasing that depend on your circumstances and may or may not offer a better solution to your requirements.

Finally, hire purchase (HP) may be worth considering as a finance option, especially if the list price of the car is higher than many personal loan limits, which are typically limited to around £20,000.

However, interest rates for hire purchase plans are usually more than personal loan rates and you will never own the vehicle until the full amount is repaid.As ever, researching your options and being realistic about your requirements and ability to pay back finance is paramount.

tricks of the tradeHOW TO BUY A CAR ON FINANCE

“Only consider using a credit card if you are able to pay off the full balance.”

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Sports Utility VehicleswaNT A HIGH DRIVING POSITION? we give you the top ten...

2: Skoda YetiThe Yeti is a small, affordable SUV designed for using on-the-road as opposed to off it. Reliable and well-built, the Yeti comes with a good choice of low-cost diesel and petrol engines and the choice of two or four-wheel drive.

5: Audi Q5 Spacious and practical, the Audi Q5 is a competent crossover SUV with typically superb Audi build quality and a premium feel that will appeal to cash-conscious drivers of the larger and more expensive Audi Q7.

7: Volvo XC60The XC60 is Volvo combining two things it does so well: SUVs and estates. It’s comfortable, refined and looks great inside and out. Safety kit is, as expected, the best around, and isn’t too bad to drive, either.

8: Honda CR-VThe Honda CR-V is a compact SUV based on the popular Civic hatchback. It comes with a modicum of off-road ability and some oddball styling, along with a low, £20,000 starting price and a reputation for reliability. About to be replaced.

6: Land Rover Discovery 4Land Rover builds the UK’s best off-road 4x4s and the large Discovery is the best in its class. Superb off-road, the ‘Disco’ is practical, packed full of equipment and comes with the brands brilliant All Terrain system.

1: Nissan QashqaiSitting somewhere between an estate and an SUV, the British-built Qashqai was the first in the new ‘crossover’ market. Practical, spacious and at around £17,000 for the cheapest models, it is an affordable car for the family.

4: BMW X3The BMW X3 is a brilliant compact SUV capable of seating five in comfort. Classy looks and a comfortable, premium interior are the best in its segment, while a range of efficient-but-powerful engines offer plenty of choice..

10: Toyota Land CruiserThe Land Cruiser is a big, bruising off-roader with a powerful V8 engine designed to cope with tough terrain and conditions. Its sheer size and road presence can be daunting, but there’s no doubting its practicality.

3: Range Rover EvoqueThe Evoque comes with all the luxury of a Range Rover at a fraction of the price. Its distinctive sloping roof is stylish and attractive but it manages to retain the off-road ability of its bigger brothers. Still a pricey option though.

9: Lexus RX450h The RX450h is a luxury hybrid SUV with plenty of power from the petrol and electric set-up. This also helps to keep down running costs, while Lexus has decked out the interior with typically plush materials and plenty of equipment.

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The spiralling cost of car insurance – with little chance of a corresponding fall – means that searching for the best deal possible is important if saving cash is a priority for you.

When quoting for a premium, insurers will weigh up how likely you are to make a claim using a variety of factors. You can influence some of these factors to drive down the cost of your insurance premium.

Insurers will look at how likely your car is to be damaged or stolen, depending on where you park it, what your occupation is, how often you drive, whether you use your car for business or leisure. They’ll also be interested to know the make and model.

While it may not be possible to change your occupation or address, you can protect your car by parking it off-road where possible. A well-lit street, drive or garage will shave money off your premium.

Equipping your car with an immobiliser, alarm, an in-car tracker can also reduce your costs – particularly with more valuable cars.

If you use your car to travel to work, you will drive up the cost of your insurance, so consider alternative transport that means you don’t use your car for business purposes.

Smaller cars will save you money when taxing and running your car – but they will also save you cash on your annual renewal. Cars with smaller engines and lower list prices will attract lower insurance quotes.

And while driving safely has clear benefits in all walks of life, a lack of endorsements on your driving licence will ensure lower premiums. Car insurers have been known to refuse to quote for drivers with as little as three points on their licence.

Driving safely can also protect your no claims bonus, which will reward you for not making claims over the course of your policy.

If insuring a car is proving difficult due to the high cost, consider third party insurance – or consider increasing the voluntary excess on your policy.

Paying for your insurance in a lump sum or over the internet can also shave precious pounds off your policy. Meanwhile taking advanced driving courses may also reduce costs.

There may not be great savings to be made in any one area – but shaving small amounts off your premium can add up to real savings.

iNSURANCE ADVICeSEARCHING FOR THE BEST DEAL

“SMALLER CARS WILL SAVE YOU MONEY WHEN TAXING AND RUNNING YOUR CAR.”

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Multi-Purpose Vehicleswant space but not a van? we give you the top 10...

10: Citroen C3 Picasso Big and boxy, the Citroen C3 Picasso comes with love-it-or-hate-it styling. Despite its size it is surprisingly nimble and passengers will be well-cosseted from wind noise and bumps in the road. At around £12,000, it’s also extremely affordable.

9: Renault ScenicThe Renault Scenic is a popular five-seat people carrier (a seven-seat Grand Scenic is also available) with frugal engines and practical, fold-flat seats. It is surprisingly reliable and it comes with a high build quality.

7: Peugeot 5008The Peugeot 5008 is a no-fuss MPV with practicality galore. For a seven-seat MPV it handles well and offers a strong alternative to the more traditional ‘box’ designs of large people carriers.

2: Seat AlhambraA host of awards attest to the Alhambra’s spacious interior capable of seating seven in comfort. Well-built and practical, it drives like a much smaller car and the Volkswagen engines are punchy but frugal.

5: Vauxhall Zafira TourerLaunched in 2012, the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is a ‘lounge on wheels’. It has a range of modern equipment and seven comfortable seats. Its real value comes in its flexibility; the seats can be manipulated into almost any combination.

8: Mazda 5 Mazda builds driveable cars like no other and even the boxy, seven-seat Mazda5 people carrier is better than most around corners. Refined and responsive, it feels like a much smaller car. It also comes with ‘wave-like’ designs down the sides.

6: Chevrolet OrlandoBig, bulky and affordable, the Chevrolet Orlando is a lot of car for your money. Prices start from under £17,000 for this basic but practical seven-seater. It also comes with an impressive five-year warranty for added peace-of-mind.

3: Volkswagen SharanThe VW Sharan is a huge seven-seat car with sliding doors for easier access to the back seats. A classy, hard-wearing interior is a big bonus, so too is the VW badge. But the higher price may put some buyers off.

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1: Ford C-MaxA stylish, five-seat MPV (the Grand C-Max seats seven) that is based on the Ford Focus. This means it is one of the best MPVs in terms of handling and responsiveness. It also comes with Ford’s impressive range of engines and plenty of equipment.

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4: Ford S-MaxThe Ford S-Max is one of the best-handling seven-seat cars available to buy. Responsive steering and extraordinary grip make it feel like a smaller car. It also looks great with a sloping roof and premium-feel interior.

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Sports carsLIKE A BIT OF EXCITEMENT? we give you the top 10...

5: Mazda MX-5Possibly the best cost-to-smile ratio of any car on the road, the Mazda MX-5 is available with fabric or folding metal roofs and two petrol engines. The MX-5 is compact but it’s engineered superbly. You can buy a new MX-5 for under £20k.

10: Jaguar XK-R Equipped with powerful 5.0-litre petrol engine, boosted by superchargers, the Jaguar coupe offers near-supercar levels of performance from its sleek profile. The XK-R is a stunning grand tourer that offers power and comfort in equal measure.

2: BMW M5The BMW M5 offers searing performance and all the gadgetry required to drift it sideways around a track or cosset your passengers in comfort. Large, luxurious, stylish and so very, very fast.

7: Peugeot RCZThe car that put the sexy back into Peugeot, the RCZ is a cracking two-door, four-seat coupe that offers a good drive and truly great powertrains in the shape of THP turbo petrol lumps. The design is something to behold too.

6: Audi TTDerided as a hairdresser’s car by precisely no-one who has ever driven one, the TT can be a serious sports car when required. Available in coupe and roadster formats – it is equally good in either.

8: Volkswagen SciroccoThe Scirocco borrows the meaner elements from the Golf and adds grunt and responsive and frugal turbodiesel engine or swift petrol engines. Sleeker exterior styling means the Scirocco really looks the part too.

9: Mercedes-Benz SLKMercedes returned to the sports car sector with the SLK in 1997. This new version appeared in early 2012 and it’s fun to drive, has muscular styling, boasts a quality interior and there’s a large range of engines. There’s even a diesel version.

1: Porsche 911 Back with an all-new model – though you may not know it from the styling – Porsche goes straight back to the top of the tree with its new 911. Purists may complain about the lack of emotion, but the 911 is a serious driver’s car.

3: Nissan GT-R Nissan comes to the supercar table with the very fast GT-R – a car that thumbs its nose at Audi and Porsche and undercuts them significantly in terms of pricing. The GT-R is at home on a testing track but not out of its comfort zone on roads either.

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4: Toyota GT-86Toyota’s long-awaited return to building sports cars resulted from a joint venture with Subaru. Priced very competitively at around £25,000, the GT-86 gets a 2.0-litre Boxer petrol engine from Subaru and comes with a raft of gadgetry.

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There are a number of considerations to bear in mind when selling your car privately, but if you have parted with the car you still need to ensure you fulfil your responsibilities – or risk financial heartache.

Whether you are selling privately, through a dealer or a motor trader, it’s important to notify the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as soon as possible that you have sold the car on.

You need to ensure that the new owner registers as the new owner as the DVLA is in charge of vehicle tax and will be made aware of any driving offences or penalties accrued with your car, even if you have already sold it.

Do not rely on the new owner to inform the DVLA – ensure that the DVLA is informed of the change of ownership yourself.

The DVLA will confirm the sale of your vehicle in the form of a letter outlining that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.

how to inform the dvla of the CAR’S saleIf you have a V5C registration form it’s straightforward to make the notification.

Simply fill in the relevant sections with the new owner – making sure you note the exact date of sale – and send it to the DVLA.

You should give the fully completed V5C/2 section to the buyer. If you sell the vehicle to a trader you must complete the V5C/3 section.

If you don’t have the V5C then you can still sell your car and inform the DVLA by writing a letter detailing the following:

• Vehicle registration mark• Make and model of the car in question• Exact date of sale• Name and address of the new owner

The process will only be completed however when the new owner writes to the DVLA too, documenting the change, so ensure the new owner also contacts the authorities.

The DVLA encourages drivers to enter the vehicle’s mileage on the registration certificate to protect against vehicle ‘clocking’.

SELLING ADVICehow best to sell your car

“Do not rely on the new owner to inform the DVLA – ensure you do it.”

Hot hatchbacksWANT SPEED BUT NEED TO CARRY KIDS? we give you the top ten...

3: Ford Focus ST Think of the brand new Ford Focus ST as a car that does everything a ‘normal’ Focus does, but with more power and speed. The standard Ford Focus’ practicalies still remain, but beneath its bonnet lies a 2.0-litre petrol turbo.

4: Vauxhall Astra VXRIs the three-door Vauxhall Astra GTC a little too slow for your needs? Perhaps the VXR version is more your kind of thing then. With a turbo-charged 2.0-litre engine and 276bhp and some high-tech suspension, this is a rapid car.

1: Renaultsport Megane 265The only slightly bigger brother of this car currently owns the track record for its sector at the feared Nurburgring, widely considered the global benchmark for the performance and handling of new cars.

6: Volkswagen Golf GTI This is the iconic hot hatchback for it has the classic combination of speed and practicality. There’s the choice of manual or DSG (automatic) gearboxes, plus three or five doors. The range also includes a diesel (called GTD) and convertible.

2: SEAT Leon Cupra RBeneath the curvy exterior, lies a hatchback inspired by motorsport. Power comes from a 263bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and the interior features racing leather sports seats. White wheels are optional.

7: Skoda Octavia vRSIt may look like a saloon but the VW Golf-based Octavia is in fact a practical hatchback. There’s also an estate version, meaning this is one practical and rapid machine. Engines include a 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol or 167bhp 2.0-litre diesel.

8: Renaultsport Clio 200Is the Renaultsport Megane too large? Step this way to the Clio. Arguably the finest handling small hot hatchback on the market, the Clio has a naturally-aspirated (no turbo) 2.0-litre engine that develops 197bhp.

9: Mini Cooper S Looking for performance and style? There’s few cars that offer more than the British-built Cooper S. Under the retro body lies a 181bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Rear space is cramped and there’s an expensive options list, though.

10: Suzuki Swift SportFun on a shoe-string doesn’t come much better than this car. Thanks to a 1.6-litre engine developing 133bhp, it’s a rapid little thing that’s ideally suited for the supermarket car park or for some fun on country roads.

5: Audi RS3Originally only 450 units of the exclusive RS3 arrived in the UK, but now another 250 are available. This is a super, but pricey, hot hatchback that has a powerful 2.5-litre engine under the bonnet. There’s seating for five and it can reach 155mph.

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Waterless cleaningCAR NEEDS A WASH? we give you the top 10 GUIDE TO...

1: Eco Touch WaterlessWhen it comes to waterless cleaning products, this is the best. Eco Touch scores highly in getting rid of dirt and grime on paintwork, and by having to spray into onto a microcloth, cuts wastage and overspray. Buff to shine.

2: Meguiar’s Wash & Wax Meguiar’s Wash & Wax Anywhere – to give its full name – is expensive but comes in large bottles which offsets this. An excellent trigger cuts down on wastage, and the sweet-smelling liquid is very good on both paintwork and glass.

3: WOW Motor Box KitThis is a very handy product as it comes as a full kit complete with all the cloths you need. The liquid is fragrant and goes on in a fine spray, and is good for all surfaces including cabin plastics, alloy wheels and, of course, paintwork.

4: Synionic Wash & ShineSynionic’s waterless cleaning offering is another really great product. Adjustable nozzle is one of the best on the market and makes light work of grime. But it falls down with tough dirt and other products do a better job for cheaper prices.

5: Mantis Instant Shine This product comes with a well-respected British Rally Championship endorsement, so it can be trusted to deliver. But, while it’s good on paintwork, it’s not too strong on glass, and the nozzle is just not wide enough.

6: ProShine Wash & WaxMore like a wax than a liquid, ProShine’s product is a good one. But it needs to be shaken vigourously before use – as the wax and liquid can separate – and the nozzle drips and doesn’t give a fine-enough spray. One of the cheapest on offer.

7: Poorboy’s Spray & WipeThe unique selling point of this product is it can be used in direct sunlight – something other products here advise against. It lifts grime well and the nozzle is adaptable for various uses. Hefty price tag, though.

8: Triplewax Wash & ShineYou get a lot for your money here. Triplewax comes in a super size bottle – enough for 10 cars – and comes at a great price. Paintwork results are average, but a nozzle that gives out a fine spray was a nice bonus.

9: One Drywash Complete Like WOW, this product is labelled as a complete car cleaning kit, although this one adds latex gloves. Paintwork results are generally good, but it’s easy to overspray – and as the liquid drys white, over-exuberant spraying can look nasty.

10: Turtle Wax WaterlessUS giant Turtle Wax’s product is a good one. It comes with a large microfibre cloth, and it makes a good job of shifting grime. But that large cloth makes it difficult to find a dry, clean section to buff. Two smaller microcloths would be better.

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new car dealsour monthly round-up of the best offers and discounts on offer

Vauxhall Zafira1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX Exclusiv LIST PRICE: £20,765 DEAL Price: £12,459 it’s one of the best-selling cars in the UK – and the biggest seller in its segment – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some cracking deals on the Vauxhall Zafira.Boasting seven seats and groaning with practical touches, the Zafira 1.7 cdti ecoflEX Exclusiv comes with a frugal engine for low running costs and attracts a saving of over 40 per cent from our partners.for more details, call Eden Vauxhall, fareham: 0455 8899 1122

Vauxhall astra1.8i VVT SRi 3drLIST Price: £18,395DEAL Price: £11,040The British-built Astra is consistently one of the best-selling cars in the country for good reason. With a strong 1.8-litre petrol engine and well-specced Sri trim this small family car will offer hassle-free motoring and swallow five passenger plus their luggage. It’s available at £11,995 – a saving of 42 per cent on list price.for more details, call Peter Vardy, Edinburgh: 0845 3311 0000

ford fusion1.6 Titanium 5drPrice: £8,995Ford’s supermini-cum-SUV Fusion isn’t the newest kid on the block but that hardly matters with prices as low as £8,995 – a saving of almost 40 per cent over list price. A 1.6-litre petrol engine is all the grunt the compact Fusion needs – and a high-spec Titanium trim means this car is an absolute bargain. for more details, call dagenham ford, Esssex: 0845 3311 0000

SEat Exeo2.0 TDI CR SE 4dr [143]LIST PRICE: £21,180Price: £14,895Based on the outgoing Audi A4, the SEAT Exeo is a large family car that can boast excellent heritage and an updated interior and exterior to make it a little-known bargain in the car world. The Exeo saloon is available for under £15K – a saving of over 30 per cent. for more details, call Glasgow SEat: 0845 6667 4111

DEALof themonth

Vauxhall merivaSpec: 1.4T 16V Excite 5drPrice: £11,495The clever new Vauxhall Meriva offers rear-hinged side doors, which make entry and exit a doddle, along with seven seats and clever configurations to make people carrying easier.This 1.4-litre Excite model is available at £11,495 – a huge saving of almost 40 per cent on list price.for more details, call 0845 6767 8888.

ford fusionSpec: 1.6 Titanium 5drPrice: £8,995Ford’s supermini-cum-SUV Fusion isn’t the newest kid on the block but that hardly matters with prices as low as £8,995 – a saving of almost 40 per cent over list price. A 1.6-litre petrol engine is all the grunt the compact Fusion needs – and a high-spec Titanium trim means this car is an absolute bargain.for more details, call 0845 2121 2222.

Vauxhall corsaPrice: £9,295Spec: 1.2 SXi 3dr [AC]Vauxhall sells around 75,000 Corsa models in the UK every year – and

there’s a very good reason for its enduring popularity; the Corsa is a great all-rounder. Equipped with SXi suspension – meaning alloy wheels and lowered suspension – and with a peppy 1.2-litre petrol engine this car will appeal to young drivers. It’s available at a very low £9,295 – a saving of over 35 per cent over list price.for more details, call 0845 8877 9911

fiat BravoSpec: 1.6 Multijet Dynamic Eco 5drPrice: £12,395Fiat’s small family car comes with a saving of a third on list price, meaning it’s available for a very cheap £12,395. For that cash you can expect Fiat’s award-winning Multijet diesel engine for incredible savings at the pumps and on annual VED.for more details, call 0845 1122 9911

Peugeot 308 ccSpec: 1.6 VTi Allure 2drPrice: £17,895This stylish French convertible is available for a very low £17,895 – over a third off list price and offering one of the cheapest entries into open-top motoring on the market. With a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a

folding metal roof for added security and handling, this 308 coupe-cabriolet is hard to ignore as the summer months approach. Bag one for a great price now.for more details, call 0845 0000 1111

fiat QuboSpec: 1.4 8V Active 5drPrice: £7,795This boxy MPV from Fiat offers acres of interior space and low running costs from the 1.4-litre petrol engine.A saving of almost a third on the list price means the Qubo is available at £7,795 – which is close to the lowest it’s possible to pay for a new car. for more details, call 0845 3333 1111

ford Grand c-maXPrice: £14,995Spec: 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5drIn high-specification Zetec trim the big Ford people carrier is a steal at £14,995 – a saving of over 30 per cent on list price. A frugal 1.6-litre diesel adds to the appeal of the seven-seat Grand C-MAX – offering low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to drive down running costs.for more details, call 0845 3333 9900

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A-Z OF MANUFACTURERSABARTH INFINITI

ALFA ROMEO JAGUAR

ASTON MARTIN JEEP

AUDI KIA

BENTLEY LAMBORGHINICHEVROLET DACIA FORD

BMW LAND ROVERCHRYSLER FERRARI HONDA

LEXUSCITROEN FIAT HYUNDAI

Web: abarthcars.com.co.ukNo of dealers: 23Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: infiniti.co.ukNo of dealers: 11Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: alfaromeo.co.ukNo of dealers: 46Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: jaguar.co.ukNo of dealers: 97Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: astonmartin.comNo of dealers: 18Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: jeep.co.ukNo of dealers: 82Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: audi.co.ukNo of dealers: 135Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: kia.co.ukNo of dealers: 140Warranty: 7 years/100,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: bentleymotors.co.ukNo of dealers: 21Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: lamborghini.co.ukNo of dealers: 4Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: chevrolet.co.ukNo of dealers: 95Warranty: 5 years/100,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: dacia.co.ukNo of dealers: 127Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: ford.co.ukNo of dealers: 781Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: bmw.co.ukNo of dealers: 154Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: landrover.co.ukNo of dealers: 130Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: chrysler.co.ukNo of dealers: 82Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: ferrari.comNo of dealers: 16Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: honda.co.ukNo of dealers: 196Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: lexus.co.ukNo of dealers: 51Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: citroen.co.ukNo of dealers: 210Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: fiatco.ukNo of dealers: 160Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: hyundai.co.ukNo of dealers: 146Warranty: 5 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

mini test: fiat panda

news autos verdict HHHHH

WHAT TO ARRANGE a test drive? let the new autos team take the strain and organise it for you. ring 0844 655 7999

Charming as ever to drive, and with a pair of TwinAir engines, we’re as fond of the Panda as ever. Interior quality is much improved, with both material feel and build quality keeping us happy. There’s as much space in there as ever, too – something that should keep small families happy. The entry level trim and engine we tested slots in at just under £9,000, with prices topping out at

£12,000 for the Lounge 1.3 diesel. Tempting as it is to spec up the Panda with extra equipment and the TwinAir engine though, it does rather go against the Panda’s ‘cheap and simple’ nature. We’ll take the 1.2 petrol in base spec - and not just because we enjoy calling it ‘Panda Pop’.Price: £8,900, tested in Issue 49.

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LOTUS SSANGYONG

MCLAREN SUBARU

MASERATI SUZUKI

MAZDA TOYOTA

MERCEDES VAUXHALLMORGAN

MITSUBISHI

PORSCHE

PEUGEOT

SEAT

ROLLS-ROYCE

MG VOLKSWAGENNISSAN PROTON SKODA

MINI VOLVOPERODUA RENAULT SMART

Web: lotuscars.co.ukNo of dealers: 22Warranty: 3 years/36,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

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Web: mclarenautomotive.comNo of dealers: 3Warranty: TBCOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: subaru.co.ukNo of dealers: 79Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: maserati.comNo of dealers: 16Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: suzuki.co.ukNo of dealers: 150Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: mazda.co.ukNo of dealers: 159Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: toyota.co.ukNo of dealers: 184Warranty: 5 years/100,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: mercedes-benz.co.ukNo of dealers: 136Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: vauxhall.co.ukNo of dealers: 404Warranty: Lifetime/100,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: morgan-motor.co.ukNo of dealers: 22Warranty: 2 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: mitsubishi.co.ukNo of dealers: 142Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: porsche.co.ukNo of dealers: 34Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: peugeot.co.ukNo of dealers: 300Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: seat.co.ukNo of dealers: 128Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

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Web: skoda.co.ukNo of dealers: 135Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: mini.co.ukNo of dealers: 148Warranty: 3 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: volvo.co.ukNo of dealers: 136Warranty: 3 years/60,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

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Web: renault.co.ukNo of dealers: 330Warranty: 4 years/100,000 milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Web: thesmart.co.ukNo of dealers: 48Warranty: 2 years/unlimited milesOur favourite car: Entry level MiTo 1.4 Junior represents great value for money

Charming as ever to drive, and with a pair of TwinAir engines, we’re as fond of the Panda as ever. Interior quality is much improved, with both material feel and build quality keeping us happy. There’s as much space in there as ever, too – something that should keep small families happy. The entry level

trim and engine we tested slots in at just under £9,000, with prices topping out at £12,000 for the Lounge 1.3 diesel. Tempting as it is to spec up the Panda with extra equipment and the TwinAir engine though, it does rather go against the Panda’s ‘cheap and simple’ nature. We’ll take the 1.2 petrol

news autos verdict HHHHH

WHAT TO ARRANGE a test drive? let the new autos team take the strain and organise it for you. ring 0844 655 7999

mini test: audi a4

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