autocar - december 24, 2014 uk

NEW McLARENSecrets of Britains 130k, 180mph Porsche 911 Turbo slayer

ECO CARS TESTED Which 3-pot engine is best?

FOCUS RS IS BACK

PLUS We reveal the six rivals it must beat

PLUS

SCOOP

ITS OFFICIAL

ROAD TEST: BMWS GOLF Verdict A brilliant BMW for the masses

Verdict

24

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14 | B

MW

218

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ctiv

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330bhp hot hatch leads fast Ford model blitz

24 DECEMBER 2014 3.50 | AUTOCAR.CO.UK

Fuel consumption for the 911 Carrera GTS in l/100km (mpg): urban 13.7-12.2 (20.6-23.2), extra urban 7.5-6.7 (37.7-42.2), combined 9.5-8.7

(29.7-32.5); CO2 emissions: 202-223 g/km. The mpg and CO

2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided

for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

Define yourself in three letters.

GTS. One name that declares the concentrated essence of Porsche.

Cars with increased power, enhanced specification and an amplified link to our motorsports roots.

Cars driven by individuals who always desire more.

The new 911 Carrera GTS models.

All that matters.

Find out more at porsche.co.uk/911CarreraGTS

24 DECEMBER 2014 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 7

DEALSUsed buying guide Renault Laguna Mk3 70

James Ruppert Secondhand Subarus 72

New cars A-Z All the latest models rated 74

Road test results Autocars data archive 85

Classifieds Cars, number plates, services 87

70

The roots and the routes of the Minis success explored. Hilton Holloway follows in its footsteps

44NEWSMcLaren Sports Series April launch for 911 rival 10

Ford Focus RS Mk3 mega-hatch confirmed 12

Mini John Cooper Works Hot Mini gets 228bhp 15

Audi RS3 New Sportback outguns rivals 16

BMW 6-series Revamp for entire line-up 20

Spotlight Volvos real-world crash test strategy 22

TESTED Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI Even more voluminous 26

Lexus RC F Performance coup lacks finesse 28

Volkswagen Polo GTI Now with a manual box 29

Citron DS3 Cabrio THP 165 Full of character 31

BMW 218d Active Tourer Luxury ROAD TEST 54

FEATURESTriple treat Five-way three-pot group test 36

Mapping the Mini Retracing its London roots 44

Pariss EV hire scheme France sees the future 50

OUR CARSKia Soul EV Quirky electric hatch says hello 64

Mini Cooper New set of fancy alloys ahoy 67

Alpina D3 Sutcliffe splits the difference 69

EVERY WEEKSteve Cropley Wanted: Citron C6. Cash waiting 19

Matt Prior Solving the perennial Lotus problem 21

Joe Saward Finding new routes into Formula 1 25

Subscription offer Aston Martin racing T-shirt 30

Your views Are your winter wheels insured? 62

Colin Goodwin Tip of the hat to Gordon Murray 62

Richard Bremner Gene Kelly and a VW Golf GTI 90

THIS WEEK

McLaren Sports Series on sale next year Audi RS3 Sportback: 4WD and 362bhp

Triples tested: BMW vs Ford, Peugeot, Renault and VauxhallRenault Laguna Mk3s from 1850

10 16

36

50 Pariss electric car hire examined

64 Kia Soul EV joins the Autocar fleet

TheLexusRCFisalotoffunintherightcircumstances,butitsaroughdiamond

COVERSTORY

Matt Saunders, p28

Why Ford cant do without a Focus RS

autocar.co.uk this weeks top five

Land rover Discovery sportOff-road test of Freelander replacement

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viDeo

New audi rs3More official pics and first ride impressions

Motorsport reviewOur top 10 moments and drivers from 2014

News

viDeo

New RS will cast a halo over the entire Focus line-up

THIS WEEKIssue 6130 | Volume 282 | No 12 Established 1895

JIM HOLDER [email protected] @Jim_Holder

BLoG

feature

The reTurn of the ford focus rS reiterates the importance of car companies nurturing and developing icons. for some time, the return of the rS badge was officially under review, put in doubt by the small financial returns on the required investment.But measuring the importance of products like the focus

rS in pounds and pence is foolish. These are cars that make headlines, that make enthusiasts dream and families buy cooking models just to bask in some of the reflected glory.ford knows better than most that it cannot afford to

make a car that is anything less than whats gone before, however. To this day, the 205 GTi remains a millstone around Peugeots neck, simply because subsequent performance models have never quite done so well since.Such cars need support, too. no matter how good the

road car may be, if the rS legend is to persist, ford needs to invest in frontline motorsport to bolster the brand and ensure that it continues to have the history to support its future.

10 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 24 DECEMBER 2014

THIS WEEK

New McLaren guns for 911 Turbon Entry-level Sports Series set for April launch n 500bhp-plus twin-turbo V8 n Priced from 130k

McLaren is preparing a New York launch for the Sports Series, its most accessible supercar. The

car, formerly codenamed P13, will cost from 130,000 and is set to challenge rivals such as top-end Porsche 911s, BMWs i8 and the Mercedes-AMG GT.

The power output is still secret, but it is understood that the car will use a version of McLarens twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 making well over 500bhp. Its weight and dimensions are likely to mirror those of the 650S, but it wont have that cars interconnected suspension or active aerodynamics. The Sports Series should have a 0-60mph time of less than 4.0sec and a top speed of at least 180mph.

The new model completes

the three-car supercar range promised five years ago when the first of the current generation of cars, the 12C (now superseded by the 650S), was unveiled. Once the new Sports Series is established, McLaren aims to build 2000 to 2500 of them a year. Combined with production of the 650S, this means that total factory output should hit the 4000-unit annual volume that the firm believes is key to its long-term viability.

In future, McLaren wants an entry-level model, a core range (currently the 650S) and an ultimate car such as the P1. By 2016 the P1 will have run its course and McLaren will be deciding what next to build for its super-rich customers.

Were launching the Sports

Series at the New York show next April, said CEO Mike Flewitt. Well make our first deliveries to customers in the fourth quarter of the year. Like our other models, this one will have a higher power-to-weight ratio and better performance figures than any rival.

The new cars exact designation remains secret, but its understood it could follow the pattern established by the 650S. If the engine output were 550bhp, coup and spider models model would probably be called 550S, and there would probably be a specially tuned Asian market model called 525C (for Club). This model would probably be unveiled at the Shanghai show three weeks after New York.

McLaren is also understood ILLU

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EN

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News to share? Call 020 8267 5782/5796 e-mail [email protected]

The Sports Series has been set up with daily use in mind

THIS WEEK


New McLaren guns for 911 Turbo Priced from 130k n GT and race versions to follow

The rivals the Sports Series must beat

to be planning a track-only GT3 version to be raced by customer teams. It believes there are now so many credible 130k contenders which race that the new car needs a track presence to achieve visibility.

In 2016 McLaren is also likely to launch a grand touring version of the car, still very fast but specifically aimed at long-distance touring.

The Sports Series will use a unique version of McLarens all-carbonfibre chassis tub, with improved cabin access, because engineers believe cars in this bracket are more likely to be used as daily drivers. It has thinner sills and butterfly doors that hinge differently from those of the 650S to provide a wider opening.

The Sports Series shares no

panels with any other McLaren and has unique glasshouse styling, but its LED headlights are in the shape of McLarens badge. It lacks the 650Ss sophisticated suspension, but engineers have worked hard on its capabilities on both road and track.

McLaren currently has about 60 dealers worldwide but wants another 40 by the time the GT hits the market. Well need more dealers to cope with a bigger demand, said Flewitt, although our aim is never to grow so large that our customers lose the feeling of being part of a family. We see this close contact as an important McLaren differentiator; owners tell us how much they value it.STEVE CROPLEY

PORSCHE 911 TURBO

Everyday supercar has poise and brute power.

BMW i8

Bristling with tech; startling depth of ability.

ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE

Full of soul; world-class driving experience.

MERCEDES-AMG GT

Sharp and refined; cheaper than the SLS.

AUDI R8

Due in 2015; shares tech with Lambo Huracn.

HONDA NSX

Expected to be cheaper (75k), but no less fun.

Ford is set to launch a third-

generation Focus RS as

part of a plan to produce

12 new high-performance

models under a new Ford

Performance banner between

now and 2020.

The cars will be sold in every

major Ford market around the

world. They will be created by

a new US-based global team

that will combine all of Fords

racing, fast road cars and

performance parts businesses

under one management.

Fords global head of product

development, Raj Nair, said

that all Team RS, Ford SVT and

Ford Racing projects would

amalgamate in a new Ford

Performance organisation

based at a new technical centre

in Charlotte, North Carolina,

and headed by Dave Pericak,

Fords new director of global

performance.

Future fast Fords will deliver

exceptional performance on

the track when required, while

providing excellent everyday

driving, said Nair. The

reorganisation will allow the

company to bring its new cars

and components more quickly

to markets across the world.

According to the latest

indications, the Focus RS is

likely to remain front-wheel

drive. It will draw its power from

the turbocharged 2.3-litre,

four-cylinder EcoBoost engine

seen in the Mustang. A power

output of about 330bhp has

been mooted for the RS.

A limited-slip differential

and Fords innovative, torque-

steer-reducing RevoKnuckle

front suspension system will

again feature in the Focus RSs

mechanical specification. A

six-speed manual gearbox will

be standard equipment.

Recent spy shots have

shown the car on test both

at the Nrburgring and

near Fords world HQ in

Dearborn, outside Detroit.

They reveal some of the

potential RS-specific changes

including a restyled front

bumper and twin exhausts that

echo those of the previous RS.

Bystanders have described

the aggressive-looking RS

prototype as very loud.

Disguised engineering mules

have also been spotted on

public roads.

Initially, there were doubts

over the prospects for a third-

generation Focus RS, because

the standard donor Focus is

a flagship for the One Ford

global car policy, and because

the latest model is made in

five-door form only. But Ford

has decided to make a virtue

of the cars ubiquity by selling

the RS in every one of its major

markets. As a result, sales

should rocket.

The impending arrival of

the new Mustang on European

shores was also seen initially

as a setback to a new RSs

chances, but the probability

now is that the Mustang

and the Focus RS will be

stablemates under the global

Ford Performance banner.

Sources say the Mustang-

derived 2.3-litre EcoBoost

engine will have about 10 per

cent more power in the new

Focus RS than the 301bhp

turbocharged 2.5-litre

in-line five that powered its

predecessor. If the new model

does have about 330bhp, its

peak torque is also likely to

rise beyond the 324lb ft of the

previous model.

Ford insiders confirmed last

year that four-wheel drive had

been tried for the new Focus

RS in early engineering studies,

but engineers had decided to

stick with the front-wheel drive

formula of previous models.

Although power is probably

going up, fuel economy is set to

improve by about 20 per cent,

up from the 30.5mpg of the

previous model. The engine

and whole car should weigh

less, aiding performance and

dynamic ability.

Among the other changes

over the Focus ST, on which the

new RS is based, is a lowered

chassis, with a firmer, sportier

suspension set-up.

The launch of the new Focus

RS is now not expected before

mid to late 2016, with a reveal

at the 2016 Goodwood Festival

of Speed one potential option.

The third-generation Focus

RS will provide a swansong

for the current Focus. The

performance version will be

on sale for a year or so before

the standard model is replaced

in 2017-2018.

No indication has been given

on price, but expect it to come

in below 30,000.

STEVE CROPLEY


New Focus RS confirmed in Ford shake-up

Focus RS will be a five-door and sport aggressive-looking bodywork

A 330bhp Mk3 Focus RS is set for a 2016 launch as part of wider plans for the new global Ford Performance division

THIS WEEK


Matt Prior

What to expect of the new Focus RS

RAISE THE BUNTING and ring out the bells.

The Ford Focus RS is risen. At least, it will be,

so the announcement says, albeit in suitably

vague terms.

What motor? The 2.3-litre version of

the four-cylinder EcoBoost, as used in the

latest Mustang, is the favourite. Itll have to

make more power than the previous five-

pot RS, because less wouldnt be allowed by

marketing people. Lighter, more powerful,

more frugal all by a measurable distance.

Thats how these things go.

Although some will think it a shame that

the five-cylinder engine of the previous car

has gone, the EcoBoost should be notably

lighter, and that will, I hope, compensate.

The old RS was hard on its brakes and tyres.

If this version is lighter and kinder on its

consumables, so much the better. Less

cause to stop driving it.

Arrow

Cardiff

02920 666 472

Bowker

Osbaldeston, Lancashire

01254 769 069

Carrs

Exeter

01392 822 080

Charles Hurst

Belfast

028 9038 1721

Dick Lovett

Swindon

01793 615 000

Graypaul

Birmingham

0121 445 3020

Graypaul

Edinburgh

0131 475 4500

Graypaul

Nottingham

01159 833 555

H.R. Owen

London, NW

020 8978 3600

JCT600 Brooklands

Leeds

0113 389 0700

Joe Macari

London, SW

020 8877 0157

Lancaster

Colchester, Essex

01206 848 566

Maranello

Egham, Surrey

01784 433 043

Marshalls

Peterborough

08442 451 652

Meridien Modena

Lyndhurst, Hampshire

02380 283 404

Motorline

Maidstone, Kent

01622 233 111

Parks

Hamilton, Glasgow

01698 303 828

Ridgeway

Oxford

01865 865 100

www.maserati.co.uk

D E A L E R N E T W O R K

MASERATI AUTHORISED SERVICE AND REPAIR NETWORK

The Maserati authorised service and repair network are dedicated to ensuring the performance and safety of your Maserati are never compromised.

24 DECEMBER 2014 AUTOCAR.CO.Uk 15

The new Mini John Cooper Works has been revealed ahead of a public debut at the Detroit motor show

early next month.The new JCW will pack the

most powerful engine yet brought to a series-production Mini, with 228bhp. It will go on sale in the UK on 25 April 2015 at a starting price close to the 22,460 of its predecessor.The JCW is based around

the three-door Cooper S and receives a series of styling upgrades. Included is a unique front bumper with enlarged air ducts, revised LED headlights, altered wheel arch cladding,

wider sills, a more prominent spoiler atop the rear hatch, a deeper rear bumper and a pair of centrally mounted chromed tailpipes.Power for the new front-

wheel-drive supermini comes from a revised version of the Cooper Ss turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. It delivers 228bhp between 5200rpm and 6000rpm, along with 236lb ft from 1250pm to 4800rpm.These are 20bhp and

29lb ft increases on the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine used by its predecessor. Although it does without

a mechanical limited-slip differential, the JCW receives an electronic diff lock to help transmit its reserves to the road.Buyers can choose either

a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.At 1205kg, the three-

door hatchback is 100kg lighter than the model that it replaces. It is claimed to hit 62mph in 6.3sec and reach a top speed of 153mph in manual guise 0.6sec and 7mph faster than the previous JCW.The automatic gearbox

adds 15kg, but shorter first and second gear ratios give it a 0-62mph time of 6.1sec.Combined fuel economy is

42.2mpg, with average CO2emissions of 155g/km, in manual guise.The car rides on 17-inch

wheels shod with 205/45 tyres. Along with specific suspension tuning, the new car receives Brembo brakes.Inside, the new

JCW sports a number of unique touches, including model-specific sill decoration, more

Volvo quick to start testing new three-potVOLVO hAS STArTED testing its new three-cylinder petrol engine, which will join its range of Drive-E powertrains in 2017.The 1.5-litre powerplant,

first announced in August, is an integral part of Volvos strategy to hit a CO2 fleet average of 95g/km by 2020 using purely conventional internal combustion engines. We must achieve 95g/km

in 2020 with our engines and then add electrification on top of that, said Volvo powertrain chief Michael Fleiss. The new engine is intended

for use in small Volvo models built around the Compact

Modular Architecture, as well as the larger S60 and V60, which are underpinned by the new Scalable Platform Architecture. The new triple can be

hooked up to manual and automatic transmissions as well as four-wheel drive and hybrid systems. Turbocharging will ensure that it can produce a suitable amount of power even for the S60 and V60 models. The unit will be capable of about 180bhp.The engine moved from

Volvo board approval to test firing in just 48 weeks, which, Volvo claims, is a remarkably

New Mini JCW packs 228bhpA 20bhp power hike makes the new John Cooper Works the most potent Mini yet; on sale next April

Weve tried Volvos triple

VOLVO hAS PUT its prototype three-cylinder engine into a V40 Cross Country test car, which Autocar sampled on a Swedish test track. The unit already feels pleasingly responsive but doesnt sound as characterfully thrummy as some three-pot engines. Indeed, apart from when under heavy throttle loads, the new engine is extremely hushed, typical of any Volvo. MB

quick development cycle for a new powerplant.This engine needs to be

very good when it comes to noise, vibration and harshness. Volvo is a luxury brand and we cannot destroy

this with a rough-sounding engine, said Fleiss.The new triple can be built

on the same production lines as Volvos Drive-E four-pots. It will also be designed to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations.

supportive front seats, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a new gearlever, stainless steel pedals and revised instrument graphics.GREG kABLE

O F F I C I A L P I C T U R E S

Front styling and steering wheel are unique to the JCW

16 AUTOCAR.CO.Uk 24 DECEMBER 2014

New RS3 ups power stakesAudis new RS3 Sportback mega-hatch outguns rivals with 362bhp; on sale in the UK next summer

New RS3 Sportback will sprint from zero to

62mph in just 4.3sec

The new Audi RS3 Sportback will have a best-in-class 362bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.3sec.

The hot new five-door will go on sale in the UK next summer at a price, officials suggest, close to the 39,950 of its predecessor.

The rapid four-wheel-drive hatch, due to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March, has been extensively re-engineered. It has a new MQB platform structure that makes extensive use of hot-formed high-strength steel and a bodyshell incorporating an aluminium bonnet.

The new model is distinguished visually from the standard A3 by its aggressive front-end styling, which includes a uniquely shaped grille and a prominent bumper with large air ducts. Further back, there are widened front wings and sills. The rear has a bespoke spoiler above the tailgate, a more pronounced bumper with integrated diffuser and two oval tailpipes.

Power comes from a revised version of its predecessors 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Mounted transversely, it features changes to meet Euro 6

emission standards and a 32bhp increase over the engine used in the first-generation RS3.

Its 362bhp equates to a specific output of 146bhp per litre. Torque rises by 11lb ft, taking it to 343lb ft between 1625rpm and 5550rpm.

Audi claims a class-leading 0-62mph time of just 4.3sec, beating the old RS3 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG by 0.3sec. Top speed is limited to 155mph, although buyers will be able to specify an option that raises it to 174mph.

The RS3 Sportback features an upgraded seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that offers both manual and automatic shifting.

With an official kerb weight of 1520kg, the new RS3 Sportback is 55kg lighter than its predecessor.

Underpinning the car is a heavily reworked version of the S3s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The tracks are also unique to the RS3, increasing by 24mm up front to 1559mm and by 4mm at the rear to 1515mm. The standard five-spoke alloy wheels are 19 inches and have 235/35 tyres front and rear.

Inside, there are leather-upholstered sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, unique instrument graphics and stainless steel pedals.GREG kABLE

Mercedes to hit back with faster a45 aMG

MErcEdEs-BEnz is working on an even faster version of the a45 aMG as part of a facelifted a-class range that will go on sale in the middle of next year.The a45 aMGs

355bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine makes it the most powerful hot hatch on sale, but it will soon be usurped by the audi rs3, with its 362bhp.However,

Mercedes is planning to extract about 20bhp more from the a45 aMGs engine, which would take it to 375bhp. More extreme styling is also planned for the all-wheel-drive model.


Cabin features leather-trimmed sports seats and a part-Alcantara wheel ; standard 19-inch wheels wear 235/35 rubber front and rear

THIS WEEK

Hyundais i20 coup has been revealed, marking the first time that the firm has made a three-door variant of its Ford Fiesta rival. The i20 coup will join the existing five-door i20 when it goes on sale next year.The company has gone

to great lengths to give the three-door variant its own design identity. For example, the a, B and c-pillars all differ from those of the five-door. The i20 coup features

a sleeker profile, a more sharply raked roofline and a rear roof spoiler.

There is also a subtly redesigned front bumper and matching side sill mouldings. The i20 coup has its own design of tail-lights and a different rear bumper. optional 17-inch alloy wheels are available.The revamped rear-end

design frees up more boot space, with the i20 coup offering 336 litres, 10 more than the five-door. space for occupants is

said to be on a par with the existing five-door. Engines and transmissions will mirror those offered in the five-door i20.

ThE hyUnDAI i40 has been overhauled, with refreshed styling, upgraded engines, a new transmission, ride and handling tweaks, extra safety features and new technology.

It gets new front and rear lights, the updated version of hyundais hexagonal front grille and a redesigned front bumper.

Inside, higher-grade trim has been used for commonly touched areas, such as the steering wheel and armrests.

The i40 is available with a 1.7-litre diesel in two states of tune. The higher-spec version

has more power and torque, at 139bhp and 251lb ft.

hyundai has reworked the ride and handling, tweaking the traction control, as well as the rear damping control system fitted only to the i40 Tourer.

The i40 gets a key-sensing tailgate, upgraded sat-nav and DAB radio. Other new equipment includes optional bi-xenon headlights, smart high-beam assist and speed limit sign identification.

A six-speed manual is standard and a new seven-speed dual-clutch auto optional.

Coup joins i20 range

Mid-life overhaul for i40

ConfidentialFerrari says it will continue to use V12 engines in its line-up, despite the continued trend towards using smaller-capacity engines with turbochargers. although Ferrari test driver Marc Gen admits that turbocharging is the future and that the technology will be used more in Ferrari, he says the company will continue to use V12 engines for as long as we can.

VolVo May haVe started to develop a new three-cylinder petrol engine, but it isnt considering an equivalent diesel. Volvo powertrain chief Michael Fleiss cited noise, vibration and harshness factors as the main reason. he said: you dont get so much of a gain in fuel consumption, but you get a lot of noise.

research conducted on more than 6500 leaf owners by nissan in the uK has revealed that 93 per cent of them use it as their main family car, and 64 per cent find it preferable to drive to a petrol or diesel-powered car. Just over half said they wouldnt go back to owning a conventionally powered car.

the preMiuM car market is expected to settle at about 10 per cent growth year on year for the forseeable future. thats down from a high of more than 30 per cent three years ago. Growth in 2014 is likely to be about 15 per cent. the slowdown is a result of the car makers now fully exploiting almost all of the major cities in china.

uK car sales growth continues to outstrip the rest of europe for BMW. Forecasters suggest that this is down to the uKs rapid Gdpgrowth, which is stronger than every other mature european nations, but they point out that it is focused on southern england, where corporate investment in new businesses is greatest.

A SPORTy, RAnGE-TOPPInG183bhp version of the hyundai i30 has been added to the model line-up as part of a mid-life refresh of the Volkswagen Golf competitor.

The variant is called the i30 Turbo. It has been developed at the South Korean makers nrburgring testing facility, which opened last year.

Power for the front-wheel-drive warm hatch comes from a turbocharged version of the existing 1.6-litre Gamma GDI petrol engine.

hyundai says it wanted to produce a powerful but not aggressive engine with a

focus on driver enjoyment, not simply performance figures. The engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, generates 183bhp at 5500rpm and 195lb ft from 1500rpm to 4500rpm. hyundai cites a 0-62mph time of 8.0sec and a top speed of 136mph.

The i30 Turbos suspension has been retuned for more dynamic handling, the steering is more direct and the model has 18-inch alloy wheels. Its brakes are 300mm ventilated discs at the front and 284mm solid discs at the rear.

A host of design tweaks differentiate the car from

standard i30 derivatives. It has a different grille, red detailing on the front and rear bumpers, a new design of front LEDs and twin exhaust tailpipes. Bi-xenon headlights also feature as standard.

The cabin has a black headlining, sports seats in the front, a bespoke instrument cluster and contrasting red detailing on the steering wheel, gearknob and door trims.

The new sporty variant headlines an overhaul of the i30 three years after it was launched in Europe. hyundais chassis engineers were tasked with improving the

ride and handling balance and enhancing refinement. The electric power steering system has been upgraded for more precise steering.

The i30 receives a new design of hexagonal grille and some other subtle design tweaks. The i30s range of engines has been revised. Buyers will have a choice a 1.6-litre diesel in 108bhp or 134bhp guises, and two petrols a 98bhp 1.4 or 118bhp 1.6.

The two diesels and the 1.6-litre petrol are offered with the option of a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.MATT BURT

Warm i30 Turbo tops facelifted range


The i30 Turbo has a different grille and red stripe on its bumpers


Steve CropleyA Week In Cars

THIS WEEK


MONDAY

Here we sit, days away from the years biggest birthday party, contemplating some time away from the typewriter. The flow of car news is supposed to have eased, but no one told the folks who run the car industry. To get to this page, youll already have turned past red-hot info on the new McLaren Sports Series, plus confirmation that were about to see a new Ford Focus RS. And I can promise another bombshell in next weeks last issue of the year. The fascination this year has continued end to end which I hope youll see as just reward for your loyal support. Have a very Happy New Year.

TUESDAY

To Cholmondeley Castle in Stan Papiors terrific new Audi TT for a pre-season meeting with the organisers of the Pageant

of Power (12-14 June, for your diary). Had no idea how much TTs had improved. This ones a quattro and it gobbled up the road with unimpeachable stability and a perfect sporty ride, dispatching trucks with ease and steering beautifully through the sweeping bends of the A41 that carry you north to Chester from the M54.

Stopped in a service area, whereupon a bunch of squaddies parked alongside in a gigantic armoured personnel carrier. Tweeted the above pic with a caption that said: The trouble with cars today is they all look the same, which generated a gratifying response

THURSDAY

Last test car of my year is one of the most interesting: a C5 estate equipped with Citrons wonderful interconnected

gas-over-oil Hydractive suspension system. In simple terms, springing is provided by the compression of nitrogen captured in a sphere above each front wheel, and the car is levelled by a column of oil and two more spheres that connect the wheels, front to rear.

It works brilliantly mostly. The car never pitches. Ever. Its primary ride is amazingly plush, because the system allows very low bump rates; levelling and anti-roll are handled by other means. Its Achilles heel is an average secondary ride plus an occasional tendency to thump when load is removed from all wheels at once, such as when you cross a humpback bridge.

However, if you love this system, the foibles dont matter. Much more important is that it delivers something unique, something unavailable even in a Lexus or Ferrari. You stop caring how the C5 compares with others in its class. There is no class. After an inspirational drive to the south coast, I spent the evening scanning Pistonheads for used examples of the C6, plushest of Citrons recent oil-gas brigade. Great cars cost 5000 what a temptation!

SUNDAY

Into the penguin suit for the Autosport Awards, the UKs premier gathering of motorsport luminaries. This years star turns were provided by Lewis (and his DJ mate Tinie Tempah), Jenson (admirably cool), second-time WRC champ Sbastien Ogier (modest to a fault) and six impossibly young-looking contenders for the 100k McLaren Autosport BRDC young driver award.

The place was poulticed with heroes (chatted briefly with my boyhood favourites, Moss, Stewart and Brooks), but my main job was to look after legendary Brabham/McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, whose first GP win, 40 years ago,

was being marked with a special award. Also on our table was John Watson, who snapped the happy Murray photo above and emailed it for use here. Enjoy it with his compliments.

MONDAY

After the pre-Christmas pandemonium come some great driving days. If youre like me, you look forward to them every year. Rush-hour traffic disappears and its great to get behind the wheel. Transport this year is a Peugeot 208 GTi (another staging post in our journey towards replacing the Steering Committees 58-plate Fiat 500) and Autocars brand-new Range Rover Sport. More on both soon.

You stop caring how the C5 compares with others in its class. There is no [email protected] @StvCr

Gordon Murray was honoured at the Autosport Awards

Some company cars have more visual

impact than others


Revamp for BMW 6-seriesBMWs luxury grand tourers all benefit from mild upgrades to their engines, styling and interior trim

BMW has raised the perceived quality of the cabin materials

Coup, GranCoup and convertible have all been refreshed

BMW has refreshed the 6-series coup, Gran Coup and convertible, including the M6 versions.

The revised models are set to get their first public airing at next months Detroit motor show, before going on sale in the UK in March.

Changes to the line-up are mild. The exterior receives lightly reprofiled bumpers, a new grille, revised headlights with a standard LED main beam function and new-look wheels.

BMW has reacted to criticism of the interior by providing the facelifted model with higher-quality surface materials. New two-colour leather trims are among a long list of options that also includes BMWs latest head-up display.

The engine line-up remains the same. However, an improvement in efficiency brings Euro 6 emissions compliance while providing marginal gains in acceleration and in-gear performance, along

with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The petrol engines also receive a sports exhaust with a switchable flap as standard for what BMW calls a more alluring soundtrack.

The petrol units include the 640is turbocharged 3.0-litre six-pot, which develops 316bhp and 332lb ft, and the 650is twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 with 444bhp and 479lb ft. A rear-drive 650i coup is claimed to hit 62mph 0.3sec faster than

The Porsche 918 sPyder

has sold out and the

firms head of research and

development, Wolfgang hatz,

has confirmed that there will

be a successor to the petrol-

electric hybrid hypercar.

hatz revealed at the Los

Angeles motor show that

all 918 examples of the 918

spyder now have confirmed

customers. Porsche has

opened a waiting list in case

any buyers drop out while

they wait for their car to

be built. Prices for the 918

spyder started at 650,000.

I was always convinced

wed sell out, said hatz.

The last 918 was sold

in November. of the 918

examples, 297 were sold to

customers in the Us, with

Germany and china each

taking about 100 orders.

hatz said that the

know-how acquired while

developing the 918 would

serve Porsche well in future

years. he added that the

car had now set a blueprint

for investing in pioneering

technology that the firm

would follow in the future.

Will we build a successor

to the 918? yes, said hatz.

Not immediately, but not in

20 years time, either. When

you develop such cars, you

also develop a generation of

engineers, and Im confident

that all they have learnt will

feed back into the company

for many years. We want to

keep that momentum.

Porsche plans successor to sold-out 918 Spyder

LATEsT CRAsh TEsT REsULTs

Audis A3 Sportback e-tron has been awarded a top five-star safety rating by Euro NCAp. Also tested this month was Kias Soul and Soul EV, both of which scored four stars. Jeeps new Renegade was awarded a five-star rating.

CiTROEn C4 GETs mAkEOvER

A revised Citron C4 will go on sale next spring. New engines are petrol and diesel three-pots from the pureTech range. The interior gains a seven-inch touchscreen, soft leather and chrome inserts. pricing is tipped to start at about 14,700.


THIS WEEK


SUpERCARS SUCH AS the Lamborghini Huracn, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Vuhl 05 and BMW i8 will feature as part of Autocars Supercar Display at the performance Car Show in January.

Taking place as part of the Autosport International show, the Supercar Display will bring some of the worlds most powerful and exotic cars to Birminghams NEC.

Several new road and race cars will also be unveiled. Both the Zenos E10 S and recently revealed Radical SR8 RSX will make their public debuts. Tickets for Autosport International cost 32 for adults and

21 for children. For details, visit autosportinternational.com

or call 0844 338 0338.

before, at 4.6sec, and reach a 155mph top speed.

Also available is a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbodiesel, which produces 309bhp and 464lb ft in the 640d.

As before, all new 6-series models come as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Buyers can also specify xDrive four-wheel drive. It adds 75kg but improves standing-start acceleration.

The M6 coup, convertible and Gran Coup continue to run

BMW Ms twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, with 552bhp and 502lb ft of torque.

The rear-drive-only M6 channels drive through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and electronically controlled M differential.

performance and economy remain the same, so the M6 coup has a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.2sec, combined fuel consumption of 28.5mpg and a CO2 output of 231g/km.GREG kABLE

Autocar to display supercars at NEC

This assumes

that Proton will

sell Lotus and

Mercedes-Benz

will increase its

stake in Aston

[email protected] @matty_prior

How do you solve a problem like Lotus? Weve wondered this before on these pages and well

wonder it again. There are brilliant people

and some brilliant cars at Lotus, but sell too few of the latter and you cant afford enough of the former. A perennial problem.

So what options? Reduce staffing? Okay, but whos left to develop the cars? Increase sales? Tried it: a new plan, a new way, but difficult with few resources.

Working there must be like being Fernando Alonso in a Marussia. You can bring all the talent in the world but not get the chance to show it.

So, with the caveat that I can barely run a bath, let alone a car company, might I suggest a third way? Sell Lotus to Aston Martin.

Obviously, this assumes lots of things primarily that Proton will sell and Mercedes-Benz, or somebody, will increase its stake in Aston so it can afford it.

Not just afford the purchase, of course, but the huge expense that follows. Both companies have factories with more capacity than volume. Either Aston (if being next to Jaguar Land Rover and having no test track is a problem), or Lotus (if convincing enough engineers to move to Norfolk is troublesome), or both, would need to move. And while both use derivatives of Lotuss clever modular aluminium architecture, both need range overhauls.

Still, between them, they

have a worldwide sales network, and its not like buyers would mind the two brands sharing the same shop floor. They rather complement each other.

Complement without overlap, mostly. Six or fewer cylinders, or with the engine in the middle? Thatll be a Lotus, with aluminium architecture exposed and featured, and composite bodywork atop (although with strength in the centre of the car rather than the sills, as now, so that more people can get into the darned things).

Eight or more cylinders and front-engined? Thatll be an Aston Martin. More expensive, less sports car, more GT, with an aluminium skin and plentiful carpet and foam inside to hide the aluminium structure.

The mid-engined V8 Esprit and front-engined V8 Vantage is the point at which theyd be closest. And that need not be so close, except in the sharing of intelligence, buying power and parts modules. Even if they both made an SUV, a technology-leading Lotus at 60k and a luxurious Aston at 120k would hardly trip over each other.

Downsides and problems? Loads that I havent thought about, I expect, which is why its probably best that Im not in charge. But it might, just might, allow two of my favourite companies to be truly successful while making great cars. Its Christmas. I can dream.More powerful, more luxurious Astons wouldnt clash with Lotuses

Matt Prior

Could you see a car like this being sold in the same showroom as an Aston?

Testers Notes


How Volvo is making its cars even safer

You have to feel sympathy

for Thor, the driver

who ignored the lane

departure warning in

his pristine new Volvo XC90.

The SUV drifted into a ditch

at 50mph, after which it was

launched into the air before

crashing with a thud into an

embankment.

Fortunately, Thor and the

family he was carrying aboard

his bright orange XC90 were

crash test dummies. Even

at that speed, a surprising

amount of violent energy

was released.

The hapless piece of driving

by Thor his name actually

stands for Test device for

Human Occupant Restraint

occurred at Volvos test facility

in Gothenburg.

The Swedish manufacturer

proudly claims that the new

XC90 is the safest SUV in the

world. It is keen to highlight

how it has refined its crash

test procedures to take into

account the kind of real-life

incidents that occur on roads

around the world.

Such accidents are more

nuanced than the typical crash

tests were used to seeing,

where a car slams head-first

into an unyielding concrete

wall. After studying its own vast

accident database for common

types of real-life incidents,

Volvo developed three tests

called Ditch, Airborne and

Rough Terrain for evaluating

what happens when a car runs

off the side of the road.

The Ditch test that Thor

got so wrong is designed

to replicate the bouncing

movement when driving into

an 800mm-deep ditch at

50mph and then ploughing

into an embankment.

We built a replica of a

real-life scenario, which you

do find on many rural roads,

says Thomas Broberg, a senior

technical advisor for vehicle

safety at Volvo.

As the car gets airborne,

it is quite a rough event. The

cars occupants move around

in many different directions.

Injuries to the lower spinal

area can occur in these

types of collisions.

Volvo has good cause to

SPOTLIGHT

Occupant posture is an important factor in the injuries sustained

Crash tests that replicate real-world incidents such as running off the road and into a ditch are helping Volvo to save lives. Matt Burt investigates

Deformation element is built into each seat

THIS WEEK


focus on this type of accident,

says Broberg.

From our data, we see

that from 1991 onwards

we have made significant

improvements when it

comes to reducing the total

amount of injuries in our

vehicles, he says. But if

we look specifically at the

type of injuries occurring in

these types of run off road

situations, we have not made

the same amount of progress.

So of course, working with our

zero-fatality ambition, this is

an area we have to address.

Improving protection

means pre-empting what

might happen to the car and its

occupants during the accident.

Having determined the

chronology of such an accident

and the forces at play, Volvo

can set about trying to

counteract its effects on the

occupants. The first step is to

develop sensor technology so

that the car knows when it is

leaving the road. This involves

amassing a data bank of

possible scenarios on different

roads around the globe.

This is the type of complex

scenario we have to tackle,

says Broberg. However, it is

unpredictable, because along

the side of any road there are

many different ones.

The next step is to

ascertain what protection the

occupants require. Broberg

says: Occupant posture is an

important factor in the injuries

sustained, so by using electric

seatbelt retractors we can help

position the occupant in these

situations and keep them in

a better posture during the

sequence of events.

We also have to address

the vertical forces that cause

a lot of the lower spine injuries

that we can see in these

accidents. To do that, we

created a deformation element

within the seat. We had to

clear the packaging beneath

the seat so there are no hard

structures that the seat will

actually hit as it deforms and

absorbs some of the forces of

such a hard landing.

We are deforming steel

within the seat in a very

controlled manner, and what

we saw in our tests is that

we managed to reduce the

vertical loads acting upon the

occupants by up to one-third.

Volvo calls these combined

technologies the Run Off

Road Protection package. It

is being rolled out for the first

time on the new XC90.

The company hopes the

new technology wont get

tested out too much. Active

safety systems such as lane

departure warning and tired

driver alert should help to

mitigate against such

incidents even occurring.

As the first vehicle

constructed around Volvos

new Scalable Product

Architecture (SPA), the XC90

has a significant part to play in

enabling the firm to achieve its

goal of ensuring no one is killed

or seriously injured in one of its

new cars by 2020.

In addition to the safety

kit currently on the car,

the XC90s connectivity

systems are future-proofed

to be compatible with the

kind of autonomous driving

technology likely to be

commonplace on our vehicles

in the future.

When those systems arrive,

even a crash test dummy like

Thor will have a difficult job

putting his SUV into a ditch.

Thomas Broberg says injuries in run off road crashes are too high. Over to you, Thor

New tests called Ditch, Airborne and Rough Terrain

Conventional crash tests are valuable, but real-world ones are much more nuanced

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GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer has no way into Formula 1 next season

THIS WEEK


You cant knock Bernie Ecclestone for his ability to make money, but you can ask questions about the

effects that his endeavours have on the sport. The GP2 series has been too expensive for a long time now. The best of the latest crop of young drivers have given the series a miss, with the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Carlos Sainz Jr all reaching F1 by other routes. One can hope that 2014 champion Jolyon Palmer will find a way into F1, but his predecessors, Davide Valsecchi

(2012) and Fabio Leimer (2013), have disappeared without trace. As long as the F1 teams need to find money, talented drivers without the necessary funds end up with nowhere to go.

The problem is that GP2 and GP3 have become money-raising series rather than being there simply to sort out the best drivers. The company that runs the two series boasts a profit margin of 24 per cent on sales of 19.5 million, which might suit Ecclestone and the owners of CVC Capital Partners, but it is gradually undermining the

value of the two championships.FIA president Jean Todts

ideas relating to single-seaters have merit. He appointed former F1 driver and ex-head of BMW Motorsport Gerhard Berger as president of the Single Seater Commission. Berger revitalised Formula 3 at international level (even if it undermined the national F3 championships), while creating the new Formula 4, designed to work at national level and to feed F3. The problem was that Berger is a mate of Ecclestone and so wasnt about to get involved in creating a new Formula 2, which would lead to a head-on collision with Bernie.

GP2 was created in 2005, ostensibly as a cheaper alternative to the Formula 3000

series, but it soon became clear that the new championship was overpriced. Ten years on and GP2 costs three times what it did at the start (which was more than the old Formula 3000), and only four of the original 12 GP2 teams are still in the series. The problem is that teams arent allowed to use anything other than standard parts, which costs a lot more than if they were allowed to shop around. The one advantage that GP2 has is that it runs alongside F1 and gets TV coverage as a result, because the Formula One group encourages TV companies to broadcast the races. But the idea that the F1 teams watch GP2 is flawed, given the arrival of youngsters from other series.

Berger recognised that the

only way to better GP2 was to come up with a series more attractive in terms of cost-effectiveness, prize money, coverage and track time, but he didnt have the desire to battle Bernie. Running an F2 championship alongside F1 would be a good idea, but the Formula One group wont want to give up a penny unless it really has to. However, F2 could run alongside the world endurance, world touring car or DTM events, which would give it the opportunity to piggyback on existing TV deals.

Todt has now named former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali as the new head of the Single Seater Commission. It will be interesting to see what he decides to do.

Finding a new route into F1

[email protected] @joesaward

LA

T

Joe Saward

BUTTON INSPIRED FOR 2015

Jenson Button has said hell take inspiration

from Alain Prost next season when he partners

Fernando Alonso in the McLaren-Honda F1

team. Button said: The exploits of Prost in a

McLaren-Honda inspired me most as a boy.

MG SET TO STAY IN BTCC

MG will compete again in the Dunlop MSA British

Touring Car Championship next season, but

star driver Jason Plato is unlikely to stay. Triple

Eight, the company that runs the team, has said

there will be a new-look line-up for 2015.

Grid Gossip

Jean Todts ideas relating to single-seaters have merit

Domenicali will help to shape the future of single-seater racing


This weeks new cars

FIRST DRIVES

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 4WD10.12.14, Lisbon A lighter, slightly bigger and roomier Superb is being prepared to take on the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia and its looking like posing a very serious threat

QUICK FACTSPRICE 29,500 (est)ON SALE SEPTEMBER


MA

NU

FA

CT

UR

ER

S C

LA

IME

D F

IGU

RE

S

Price 29,500 (est)

0-62mph 9.0sec

Topspeed 135mph

Economy 55.0mpg (combined)

CO2 145g/km

Kerbweight 1510kg

Engine 4 cyls, 1968cc, turbodiesel

Power 188bhp at 4500rpm

Torque 280lb ft at 2000-4000rpm

Gearbox 6-spd dual-clutch automatic

SKODA SUPERB 2.0 TDI (188BHP) 4WD DSG ELEGANCE

THERES NO TWIN-DOOR rear hatch. Thats the first thing to tell you about the new Skoda Superb. The old models trademark dual tailgate, whose metal part raised like a saloons or the whole raised as a hatch, is no more. Skodas strapline is Simply Clever. The boot was clever. But it wasnt simple.

It matters because its departure means that the new Superb can look far more stylish. You cant see that yet, due to the camouflage. Sorry about that. Itll be shown in public next February, so youll have to take my word for it that ditching the old boot and adopting a conventional hatch instead matters. The twin-door necessitated a long boot lip, and because the rear cabin had the generous headroom beloved of private hire companies, the rear window was blunt and bulbous, making the rear ungainly.

SO GOOD

NO GOOD

TESTERS NOTE

n Rear accommodationn More stylish looks than beforen Easy access to a vast bootn Relaxing to drive

n Ride/handling balance not idealn Electronic handbrake

A simply clever feature? Rubber

knobbles at the bottom of the

cupholder, designed to hold a bottle

firmly so that you can unscrew the

cap one-handed. MP

FIRST VERDICTTakes the volume of the old Superb

and adds extra competitiveness

AAAAC

A hatch means that you can have both cabin space and a coup-like swoop to the rear. Airport cabbers rejoice, then: the Superb looks much better kerbside yet is even more spacious than before, thanks to 80mm going into the wheelbase and the boot getting bigger (625 litres). A shorter front overhang means that the overall length is up by only 20mm, and an extra 50mm of width adds visual purpose. Torsional rigidity is up by 12 per cent and the use of high-strength steels by 45 per cent, yet weight is down by an average of 75kg across the range, because underneath is the VW Groups MQB platform, as on the latest Golf and Passat.

Interesting comparison, the Passat. It, too, has just been renewed, but VW has decided that these two are no longer rivals. It views the Passat as a compact executive and is leaving it to the Superb to give the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia a hard time.

Skoda is confident that itll do the job, and so am I. This is a car maker that now makes a million cars a year and knows what its customers want. In China, where, in addition to the Czech Republic, the Superb is built, they want that massive rear legroom accordingly, its ridiculously generous but also they increasingly want connectivity and high-tech features. Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise to and from a standstill, an infotainment system that can mirror your phone, wireless phone charging, passenger control for the audio and navigation via a tablet the Superb can have all of these and more. Customers also wanted better cabin materials. These are so far away from being ready that Skoda is reluctant to picture them, but you can be fairly sure that theyll be good enough.

The Superb is pretty tidy to drive, too, in that rather inoffensive Skoda way that focuses on ease and comfort. Our test cars were fitted with optional

adaptive dampers (a Superb first), which are best in their Normal setting, where the ride and body control are fine (one each way is too compromised on one or the other). It steers smoothly, if slowly, off straight-ahead and feels relaxed and calm. More weight (you can choose that through the adaptive drive mode) improves the cruising stability.

And the engines are good. Theyre now all Euro 6-compliant four-pots, ranging from a 1.4 turbo petrol (123bhp) through to 2.0-litre petrol (276bhp), with three diesels (1.6 and 2.0, of 118bhp to 188bhp). No word on whether the UK will receive them all, but theres a fair chance; we took the old six-cylinder petrol, after all.

All drive through (smooth) six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. We tried two petrols and a diesel, a 188bhp 2.0 TDI that is arguably the most relevant to the UK, despite having all-wheel drive and an auto box. The extra weight of all that makes body control poorer, but the engine is quiet and strong.

No performance or technical figures or specs or prices have been released yet, save for knowing that the Greenline (the 1.6 TDI) will emit 96g/km of CO2. One other detail that I can reveal: if you sell a conventional D-segment hatchback in Europe, your job is about to get tougher.MATT PRIOR

Beneath the disguise is a better-looking car than before, aided by the adoption of a regular tailgate in place of the old twin-door

SO GOOD

NO GOOD

TESTERS NOTE

n Building power delivery

n Entertaining handling

n Rich, lavish cabin

n Short on mid-range response

n Uncompromisingly hard ride

n Its hardly pretty

Optional diffs Slalom mode juggles

enough torque between the rear

wheels to take you by surprise

and trip out the ESP. MS

FIRST VERDICTRich and exciting but lacks the

usability and dynamic finesse of

the classs big-hitters

AAABC

The luxurious cabin is well suited to wafting along at lower speeds; the ride is firm but the steering has decent weighting and feel

ToyoTas answer To BMws M4 has arrived. More high-performance coup than out-and-out sports car, the rC F in effect succeeds the Is F performance saloon of 2007.a 5.0-litre V8 will make this

car one of a dwindling number of performance coups that doesnt use turbos. Making 471bhp, its an overhauled version of the Is Fs lump with lighter internals and new intake, exhaust, injection, cooling and lubrication systems. of the current crop of rival fast Germans, only the higher-output version of the new twin-turbo Mercedes-aMG C63 will have more power. Here, that power is deployed via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.This is Lexus making a 60k

luxury coup as hardcore as it dares, and sure enough the rC F feels like a car with it all to prove. new C63 notwithstanding, its got the firmest ride and the most uncompromising damping youll find at this price point. The powertrain has moments

of wonderful savagery, the handling is direct and interactive. so its twice the performance car the Is F was and yet still not quite a match for its european competition.The Lexus starts undramatically,

but even punting around town the cars sachs performance dampers make their presence known by transmitting plenty of surface patter. The car steers with reassuring weight and a bit of feedback and dives into corners with incisive purpose. Cornering balance is biased slightly towards turn-in stability and mid-corner understeer, but you can neutralise the cars attitude through longer corners with power as long as the V8 is in a position to provide it.Thats because the entertainment

only happens with at least 5000rpm on the dial. The engine is short on thrust below that, while making this a seriously fast car above it. Therefore you have a choice: enjoy a typically Lexus waft with a powertrain that is entirely docile at medium revs,

Price 59,995

0-62mph 4.5sec

Top speed 168mph (limited)


CO2 252g/km

Kerb weight 1765kg

Engine V8, 4969cc, petrol



Gearbox 8-spd automatic

LExuS RC F

Lexus RC F9.12.14, Malaga There isnt a turbocharger in sight as Toyotas luxury arm takes on the BMW M4

QuICK FACTSPRicE 59,995On SalE Now

or clog it in Manual mode with the handling alive beneath you. Theres no middle ground.Thats the biggest criticism you

can level at the rC F: its never quite effortless enough with its speed. while the M4 and Jaguars F-type V6 s have the chassis and powertrain for brisk, long-striding mileage, the Lexus insists on pausing, kicking down three ratios and then going like a missile at every new apex. Lexus hasnt rediscovered the

LFas dynamic brilliance here. The rC F is a lot of fun in the right circumstances, but its a rough diamond. The thing that this car shows is how hard Lexus is prepared to work in order to establish itself as a maker of credible performance machines. with the rC F, it has blazed its efforts high and wide, and also fired a warning shot that will have got the attention of plenty of people in Munich, neckarsulm, affalterbach and elsewhere.MATT SAUndeRS

maNufacturers claimed figures

28 AUTOCAR.CO.Uk 24 december 2014

FIRST DRIVE

24 december 2014 AUTOCAR.CO.Uk 29

SO GOOD

NO GOOD

TESTERS NOTE

n Quality cabin

n Great infotainment system

n Good grip

n Actuated engine sound

n Expensive price

n Unremarkable steering

The standard XDS+ electronic

differential only mimics the

mechanical sort, but it helps to

deploy power well out of corners

all the same. RW

FIRST VERDICTRevisions breathe new life into the

Polo GTi but its still pricey

AAABC

New Polo GTI rides better than a Fiesta ST, but its handling is less rewarding; classy cabin gets supportive tartan-covered seats

ITs easy To feel sorry for the Volkswagen Polo GTI. not only does it play second fiddle to the Golf GTI, but the huge success of Fords current Fiesta sT has also kept the Polo firmly in its shadow.That could be why this facelifted

version is quite a radical departure from what went before. Gone is the previous cars 178bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, replaced by a 189bhp 1.8 turbo, and those who prefer a manual gearbox now have that option in six-speed guise.Its no surprise, then, that the new

Polo GTI is quicker, sprinting to 62mph in 6.7sec. The DsG model also emits less Co2 than the old car did, and the new manual model will travel slightly farther on a tank of fuel.However, the 17,250 Fiesta sT

has proved that huge fun behind the wheel neednt cost the earth. with a starting price of about 18,800, the Polo is relatively expensive.The Polos engine produces more

torque when paired with the manual

box, but you never really get a sense of the manuals extra pull. Bury your foot hard, though, and the Polo feels decently fast. It pulls hard from low down over a wide range of revs. Choose the optional (about 250)

sports Performance Kit and youll be able to stiffen the dampers, sharpen the throttle response and have a more aggressive engine note, by pushing the sport button located on the dashboard. The sharper throttle is welcome when pressing on, but the Polos actuated engine noise sounds overly enthusiastic under load. The GTIs suspension now has

stiffer anti-roll bars and a new set-up to ensure more traction. even without the sports Performance Kit, the Polo controls its body well in tight turns, but stiffening the dampers improves things further, helping you to enjoy exploiting the impressive grip.The steering isnt quite so

impressive. It just doesnt offer the same level of communication as a Fiesta sTs, and you never get the

sense that the Polo has the same front-end agility. Dont expect the rear end of the Polo to be as playful as the Fords, either. Its capable and secure but nothing more.Theres more to be said for the

Polos more supple ride, which feels firm but controlled over broken asphalt at all speeds.Inside, theres the same brilliant

infotainment system and high level of build quality as any other Polo, with the addition of GTI trademark tartan cloth seats that provide very good lateral support. a GTI sports steering wheel and plenty of red stitching round off the sporty look.with these revisions, the Polo GTI

is back in contention, and paying a premium over a Fiesta sT does get you a more comfortable ride, a higher-quality cabin and better resale values. But handling and driver involvement come first, and although the Polo is capable, it remains an also-ran in this class.RORY WHITe

maNufacturers claimed figures

Price 18,800 (est)

0-62mph 6.7sec

Top speed 146mph


CO2 139g/km

Kerb weight 1272kg

Engine 4 cyls, 1798cc, turbo, petrol


Torque 236lb ft at 1400rpm

Gearbox 6-spd manual

VOLKSwAGEN POLO GTI 3DR mANuAL

Volkswagen Polo GTI 3dr3.12.14, Valencia Facelifted junior hot hatchback gains more power and a manual gearbox option

QuICK FACTSPRicE 18,800 (est)On SalE march 2015

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FIRST DRIVE


SO GOOD

NO GOOD

TESTERS NOTE

n Eager turbocharged engine

n Comfortable, appealing cabin

n Engaging, fun character

n Still looks fresh and modern

n Sat-nav is a 1050 option

n Restricted rear room

n Limited roof-down rear view

Theres a fair bit of room in the

DS3s boot, but the opening is very

narrow, limiting its use. LK

FIRST VERDICTA good-looking, likeable and rapid

alternative to the Mini Convertible

with a character all of its own

AAABC

Cabrios ride is on the firm side, but it steers sweetly; cabin is mostly well finished and roomy up front, but rear space is limited

CITROENS DISTINCTIVE DS3 Cabrio has benefited from a revised 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a host of equipment upgrades.

The new engine is based on the existing THP 155 unit but has been upgraded to boost output and efficiency. Tweaks include increased fuel pressure, a modified turbo and a new stop-start system.

On paper, the net result looks worthwhile. The outgoing engine produced 154bhp and 177lb ft, while returning combined economy of 47.9mpg and 137g/km of CO2. The revised THP 165, on the other hand, produces 161bhp while averaging 50.4mpg and emitting 129g/km of CO2. Peak torque of 177lb ft remains unchanged but is offered over a wider rev range than before, promising to improve driveability.

Also offered is an automatic emergency city braking system, new LED and xenon headlights, and a selection of assistance and connectivity packages. Standard

kit includes Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.

The DS3 Cabrio remains pleasing to drive. The steering is precise and fluid, the control weights light, the brakes suitably strong and the ride despite 17-inch alloys and sports suspension tolerable, albeit a little harsh through potholes.

The engine retains the smooth, willing nature of its predecessor. It sounds sporting, too, with a pleasing burble during hard acceleration and an audible cycling of the dump valve when you lift off. Its also tractable, pulling heartily from low speeds, and its extra punch is noticeable.

Inside, theres plenty of space up front, with comfortable seats and a proper clutch footrest, while the steering wheel adjusts for height and reach. The cabin feels well built, and the materials are of an appealing and tactile nature, but the lower down you go, the more harsh plastics youll find. Rear visibility can be limited,

MA

NU

FA

CT

UR

ER

S C

LA

IME

D F

IGU

RE

S

Price 21,225

0-62mph 7.5sec

Topspeed 135mph


CO2 129g/km

Kerbweight 1360kg

Engine 4 cyls, 1598cc, turbo, petrol



Gearbox 6-spd manual

CITROEN DS3 CABRIO THP 165 DSPORT

Citron DS3 Cabrio THP 16510.12.14, Paris More kit, more power and improved efficiency for Citrons characterful soft-top

QUICK FACTSPRICE 21,225ON SALE NOW

too, particularly with the folding roof partially down. On the plus side, the cabin remains quiet and comfortable with the top down, even at motorway speeds. Roof up, a little more of the outside world works its way into the cabin than it would in the fixed-roof DS3, but not to an intolerable degree.

Those looking for a compact cabriolet that can seat four adults should probably look elsewhere, though. The DS3 can theoretically seat three in the rear, but even two wont want to remain there for long.

The Volkswagen Golf cabriolet is a more practical and higher-quality option than the DS3, but it will set you back thousands more, as would a Mini Cooper S Convertible. The smaller Fiat 500C, meanwhile, cant match the DS3s performance but offers similarly distinctive style.

This DS3 blends performance, equipment and character for a sensible price. It will by no means suit everyone, but were glad it exists.LEWIS KINGSTON

TOYOTA HYBRID FOR THE ROAD

Yaris Hybrid

The intelligently packaged Yaris

sets the standard for the next

generation of small cars. Serene

and quiet, its so economical that

you can get more than 80mpg.

CO2: 75g/km Top speed: 104mph

Power: 98bhpMpg: 85.6

Auris Hybrid

The Auris is the first car in its

class to offer a choice of three

engines: petrol, diesel and hybrid.

The versatile hatchback just got

even more flexible.



HOW TOYOTA BECAME

WORLDCHAMPIONSA LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

ON ROAD AND TRACK ALIKE PAID OFFWITH A DOMINANT YEAR

IN THEWORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

TOYOTA.CO.UK

THE DREAM BEGINS

Having gained experience in the All-Japan Endurance

Championship over the previous two years, Toyota entered

the 1985 Le Mans 24 Hours race. The company had made an

appearance at the famous event during the 1970s as an

engine supplier, providing a 2.3-litre turbocharged unit for

the Sigma team, and returned with a two-car attack. One 85C

was entered by TOMs, which had built the racers, and one by

Dome, which had designed them. Satoru Nakajima, Masanori

Sekiya and Kaiaru Hoshino came 12th overall the first

Japanese car to finish the endurance classic.

The following year, Dome and TOMs returned with an

updated car that boasted a stronger chassis and improved

aerodynamics. The seed had been sown for Toyotas long-

term commitment to sportscar racing.

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

The first Toyota-badged cars had appeared at Le Mans in

1987, and in 89 the company carried out its first full

programme in theWorld Sports-Prototype Championship.

The 89C was Toyotas debut ground-up Group C design, and

certainly had plenty of speed, claiming pole position on home

turf at Suzuka. In 1990, the latest 3.2-litre twin-turbo V8

finished sixth at Le Mans, and more was to follow.

In 92, Masanori Sekiya, Pierre Henri Raphanel and Kenny

Acheson were second at La Sarthe, and a year later Eddie

Irvines Toyota led the early stages. In 94, Mauro Martini,

Jeff Krosnoff and Irvine entered the final 90 minutes of the

24-hour enduro with a lead of almost an entire lap, only for

transmission problems to drop them to second place by the

time it reached the chequered flag.

1990-

1994

Competing in theWorld Endurance

Championship has been the ultimate

proving ground for the technology that

can be found in Toyotas road cars. Its

Hybrid Synergy Drive system gives the

flexibility to switch between petrol and

electric power, always offering the best

solution for whatever driving conditions

you come across. Not only does the

petrol engine charge the battery, the

braking system does too, ensuring that

the electric motor is always ready to go.

Each battery is engineered to last the life

of the car there are no cables, no

sockets, no waiting around while the

power is topped up. Youll use less fuel

and the latest technology outperformed

the European Unions 2014 emissions

criteria before they were even

announced. Road tax is free as well.

1985-

1986

TOYOTA HYBRID TECHNOLOGY

Auris Hybrid Touring Sports

Efficient and beautifully

packaged, the Touring Sports

combines practicality with the

rewarding driving experience of

the standard Auris.



Prius

The worlds favourite hybrid was

a ground-breaking model when it

first appeared in 1997, and it

continues to set the standard

almost 20 years later.



The race-proven system for everyday driving

Why do we do it? To push technology, to make even

better cars, and foster more car fans Kiichiro Toyoda

THE FIGHTING SPIRIT1999

Having come so close at Le Mans earlier in the decade, Toyota

returned in 1998 with the fabulous GT-One. The 600bhp,

twin-turbo V8 was the benchmark in terms of outright speed,

but the Thierry Boutsen, Ralf Kelleners and Geoff Lees car

retired from the lead with only 80 minutes remaining. In 99,

the GT-One was even further ahead of the opposition in

fact, it was faster in race trim than most rivals could manage

during qualifying. Martin Brundle put his car on pole position,

but a series of mishaps and a dose of poor luck cost the team

again, with the Brundle/Collard/Sospiri GT-One suffering a

puncture. Ukyo Katayama, Keiichi Tsuchiya and Toshio Suzuki

came through to chalk up another second place at Le Mans.

ANEWDAWN

More than 10 years after coming so close with the GT-One,

Toyota came up with a revolutionary design for a new era of

sportscar racing. The TS030 was the first petrol-engined

hybrid to compete in theWorld Endurance Championship,

and, alongside the 3.4-litre V8 powerplant, used advanced

KERS techonology to charge its supercapacitor. There would

be three victories in 2012 at Interlagos, Fuji and Shanghai

followed by another two in 2013 using an updated version

of the TS030. The car also took six pole positions. In both

years, the team finished the season in second place in the

championship, using the experience as a springboard for the

success that was just around the corner.

WORLDCHAMPIONS2014

Akio Toyodo President Toyota Motor Corporation

Prius Plug-in

This electric-hybrid Prius gives

you the best of both worlds, with

the ability to travel up to 15 miles

on electric power only following

a 90-minute charge.


Power: 132bhpMpg: 135

Prius+

The same hybrid technology as

the standard Prius but with a

seven-seater body for added

practicality. Its another ground-

breaking model for Toyota.



This was the year that it all came together, when Toyotas

decades of motor racing experience and expertise paid off.

The all-new TS040 combined its 3.7-litre V8 engine with

hybrid technology that could operate on both axles to give

temporary four-wheel drive. Despite 2014 being one of

the most hotly contested seasons in recent memory with

both Audi and Porsche entering factory teams for the new

LMP1-H category the Toyota proved to be the dominant

car. The year started with victory in the Silverstone Six

I would like to say congratulations and thank you to all drivers in the FIA

Championship for helping to revolutionise hybrid technology and make

ever-better cars that delight people around the world

Hours, and the TS040 went on to take five wins in all.

Former Grand Prix driver Kazuki Nakajima put his crews

car on pole position for the Le Mans 24 Hours, too almost

30 years after his father Satoru came 12th to record

Toyotas first finish at La Sarthe. Team stalwarts Anthony

Davidson and Sebastien Buemi were crowned drivers

champions, and Toyota took the manufacturers title.

It was proof that the companys commitment to cutting-

edge hybrid technology had paid dividends.

2012-

2013

TOYOTA.CO.UK

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

2014 VICTORIES

April 20 Rd 1: Silverstone, ENG

May 3 Rd 2: Spa, BEL

Oct 12 Rd 5: Fuji, JAP

Nov 2 Rd 6: Shanghai, CHI

Nov 15 Rd 7: Bahrain


The modern motoring era isnt full of technological trends of which keen drivers can unreservedly approve. Given the chance, I suspect that most of us

would take the start-stop starter-generators and electric power steering out of our new cars in a heartbeat. But the meteoric rise of the downsized, turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine deserves an unqualified round of applause. This is efficiency innovation that we can all get behind.

Over the past three years, these engines have spread across European model ranges faster than any type of powertrain that I can remember. And standing in a car park near Brentwood in Essex in the early morning light, Andrew Fraser is explaining why.

Fraser is powertrain development manager at Fords Dunton Technical

Centre and one of the key men behind the motor that started all this in 2012: the 1.0-litre EcoBoost. Its not just about weight or cubic capacity, he says. Its got more to do with a combination of rotational balance, thermal efficiency, space efficiency and suitability for turbocharging. Pay attention at the back: engineer talking.

Three-pots have much less second-order vibration than four-cylinders, he explains, so they can sometimes do without balancer shafts entirely and can manage with shorter conrods than four-cylinder units, so they fit into a smaller space. Having fewer cylinders for the same swept volume means you lose less energy as heat, and because youve got fewer exhaust pulses per crankshaft revolution, both turbocharging and cooling are also easier. So the efficiency gains can be made on several fronts. Im not

at all surprised that it wasnt just us that realised it.

Fraser and I are looking at the evidence of that realisation: five new cars from five different manufacturers, and as many different sub-sections of the market, all of which are powered by new-generation turbo triples launched over the past three years. At the extra-small end of the spectrum is Renaults 898cc three-cylinder turbo, nestling neatly in the hindquarters of the new Twingo city car. At the larger end is BMWs 1499cc unit, which powers the biggest and heaviest of our group: the BMW 218i Active Tourer MPV.

The youngest engine of the lot is in the new Vauxhall Corsa General Motors SGE 999cc three-pot. Elsewhere, Peugeot-Citrons 1199cc Puretech three-pot lines up in the nose of the Peugeot 308 SW.

Finally, theres the one that

Turbo three-pot engines prove that downsizing can still be fun, but which triple reigns supreme? Matt Saunders decidesPHOTOGRAPHY luC laCEy

crownThe Triple

38 AUTOCAR.CO.Uk 24 december 2014

started it all. Having just received its third consecutive International Engine of the Year Award, the Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost fronts up to defend its territory from within the recently facelifted Focus a car itself so new that its with us in left-hand-drive form. Wed have preferred a 1.0-litre Mondeo, just for the added diversity, but it isnt available yet. But as Fraser gently reminds us, 20 years ago, when the original Mondeo was launched, an engineer would have been declared insane if hed suggested that a 1.0-litre engine should power a 1.5-tonne car.

So its strictly engines under the microscope here for a change. Power outputs range from 89bhp to 134bhp, torque from 100lb ft to 170lb ft, and CO2 from 99g/km to 115g/km but thats just on paper. Weve got the best part of 500 miles and two days of real-world testing ahead, starting here at Fords Dunton Technical Centre (where the EcoBoost engine was designed), finishing at BMWs Hams Hall factory near Birmingham (where the BMW engine is built), and taking in a lengthy workout around our favourite roads in north Wales.

At the end of all that, we simply

want to know who makes the best new-age three-pot on the block. Whos setting the mechanical standard, which petrol triple makes the most convincing case for itself and how convincing is that, exactly?

PERFORMANCE

Assessing this particular quality seems the obvious place to begin our exercise the northbound M1 lending its several unusually quiet lanes to explore not just outright pace but also the response and operational range of these motors.

That task isnt made entirely straightforward when the cars theyre bolted into dont have rev counters. In the Twingo, you dont get one. I like a rev counter. If youre the kind of driver who bothers to find out exactly where his new car develops maximum power, how fat the torque curve is and where he ought to be changing gear, you probably do, too. Furthermore, I reckon theres a decent chance that youd be attracted to a turbo three-pot precisely because you like your engines and generally care what theyre giving you at any single moment. Not rocket science, is it? Give us a tacho please, Renault. Ideally a nice, clear, conventional

The Ford EcoBoost has high-rev flair but isnt the most refined or fuel efficient here

The BMW 1.5 triple has the most power of this group and is easily the most refined

The keen driver will enjoy the rewards that are available at higher revs in the Peugeot

Vauxhalls unit majors on low and mid-range torque at the expense of high-rev urge

The Twingos rear-mounted triple is frugal but lacks the muscle of the others here

24 december 2014 AUTO

autocar - december 24, 2014 uk

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