A new Spiderman-inspired...
A new Spiderman-inspired weapon is being used to close the web on car criminals.
Analytics
About a year ago, after...
About a year ago, after plonking the four tyres of a 4x4 inside a legal bay at the side of the road, I put enough coins in the pay and display machine to stay for two hours. I did my bit. A privatised parking attendant in Gestapo-like uniform did not. Fifteen minutes before expiry time, a penalty charge notice was wrongly slapped on my screen. I desperately needed a witness to vouch for the fact the fine had been issued prematurely and unfairly. A passing uniformed cop obliged, confirming on a scrap of paper that my car had not overstayed its welcome. Also, he made it clear the authorities were wrong in their clumsy attempt to fine me.
A British designer has...
A British designer has found a new way to direct drivers without them having to take their eyes off the road!
A combination of jet...
A combination of jet lag, tradition and technology means that I’m writing this column at an absurdly unsociable hour from my temporary office-cum-studio on one of the best-known driving streets in the most notorious car city on the planet. I’m jet lagged because I’ve just travelled from China, which is eight hours ahead of the UK, to Los Angeles which is eight hours behind. So it’s little wonder that my body clock is more troubled than a Ford corporate accountant and I’m wide awake at 3.30am, penning these words on the eve of the LA Auto Show.
A crackdwn on crooked...
A crackdwn on crooked petrol station staff looks set to mark the end of forecourt chip-and-pin scams, which have wiped millions of pounds off British motorists’ plastic.
A fiery French fancy...
A fiery French fancy is ready to make a comeback – and Auto Express can reveal exactly what Renault fans have got to look forward to!
After 10 glorious, successful...
After 10 glorious, successful and wildly popular years* (*© Alistair Campbell) in Downing Street, the Blairs are set to leave their official home with his ’ n ’ hers cars that neatly sum up the New Labour legacy. His officials have approached Land Rover for a £150,000 armoured, bomb-proof Discovery 3, the sort of ‘Chelsea Tractor’ off-roader we mere mortals are supposed to shun in favour of smaller, ‘green’ cars.
After 12 glorious years...
After 12 glorious years, Ford called time on its groundbreaking Ka in 2008. But fans of the city runabout had plenty to cheer in Issue 1,014, when we revealed the look of its replacement.
After a quick call round...
After a quick call round, we saved nearly í‚á£20,000 on four models from the MG Rover range. The salesmen we spoke to were only too happy to knock thousands of pounds off list prices in order to move their stock. The biggest saving we found was a whopping í‚á£7,000 discount on a Rover 75 saloon - 35 per cent off the list price! "This deal is only available because MG Rover is no longer backing the warranties," a salesman from Paramount Swansea begrudgingly told us.
After five years at...
After five years at the top of Euro NCAP ratings, Toyota has come crashing down to earth. In the latest round of tests by the independent body, the Urban Cruiser was awarded three stars ò€“ the makerò€™s worst score in over a decade.
Aimed at young drivers...
Aimed at young drivers who want to get to grips with the existing turbocharged variant"s class-leading handling, the car would appeal because it doesn"t come with the 212bhp ST"s insurance and running costs
A legendary Lotus is...
A legendary Lotus is returning ò€“ itò€™s the new Esprit! The dust has only just settled on the stunning Evora, but already the Norfolk firm is setting its sights even higher. And our exclusive pictures show how the reborn supercar will take shape.
A legend is returning!...
A legend is returning! In one of the most dramatic comebacks in British motoring history, Auto Express has learned that Jaguar is set to resurrect the best-loved machine in its stable – the E-Type.
Alfa has taken the decision...
Alfa has taken the decision to make the 169 rear wheel drive - ensuring a more dynamic driving expereince
All school pupils to...
All school pupils to receive weekly lessons on the dangers of crossing roads and using bikes and cars. Cycling proficiency tests will return. Older kids should get access to driver familiarisation sessions, hazard awareness courses and first aid training.
All things considered...
All things considered (including a tempting initial purchase price from í‚á£26,995 and traditionally strong residual values), the Disco 3 might just prove to be the greatest vehicle the Midlands manufacturer has made. But it"s as if some people - politicians included - seem determined to sabotage the launch of the new Disco, the stability of the Solihull operation and workforce and, consequently, the very survival of the firm.
Although the car isn"t...
Although the car isn"t due in the UK until autumn, we brought you an initial glimpse of it in our issue 786 spy shots. And now the model has been officially launched in its native country, we"ve got the first pictures. The Gen.2 is a big step forward for Proton, with a fresh look that blends the best bits of many of today"s most popular vehicles. While the headlights are similar to those on BMW"s 6-Series, the most distinctive features are at the rear, where sweeping tail-lamps emphasise the sloping roofline.
An accredited scheme...
An accredited scheme to reassure buyers has been devised by the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), with the backing of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
An all-new Fabia vRS...
An all-new Fabia vRS is due on sale next year, but Skoda is marking the success of the outgoing car with an exclusive limited model.
And as with its predecessor...
And as with its predecessor, the latest Coupé has been facelifted twice in its lifetime. The first revisions came in 2004, but this makeover, unveiled at a motor show in China, represents the model"s biggest overhaul yet.
And its introduction...
And its introduction means the gloves are now off in the battle to be hot hatch king, as the car will go head-to-head with the forthcoming Ford Focus ST. Both are aimed at keen drivers, with VW desperate to address criticisms that the MkIV GTI was too soft for fans of the coveted original model.
And not only is Auto...
And not only is Auto Express able to bring you these first pictures of Toyota"s replacement for the Corolla, but we can also reveal its name.
And now he believes...
And now he believes he can turn his season round and make up an 18-point deficit to Lewis Hamilton.
And that"s when the...
And that"s when the worst possible motoring news was quietly and disgracefully released through the back door, and nearly went completely unnoticed. Thankfully, I spotted it, and am now going to break it to you. It is with deep regret that I must tell you that plans for í‚á£20 toll fees on short sections of motorway were effectively announced by the Government on 25 September 2005.
And with an opening...
And with an opening canopy inspired by the Saab Aero X, it looks incredible from every angle
An Italian motor. Ferraris...
An Italian motor. Ferraris, Alfas, Maseratis ò€“ you name it, I love it, as these cars are built with such passion and character. They might not have a reputation for dependability, but Italian vehicles are never boring and always put a smile on your face.
A police officer serving...
A police officer serving in the north of England, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Auto Express that the confusion arises when two types of plate look very similar - for example LS51 ABC and L551 ABC.
Are there more partial...
Are there more partial or total motorway closures than ever before, or is it just me? I’ve been caught up in countless total shut-downs lately, and in my experience it’s usually commercial vehicles, rather than cars, responsible for the road-closing havoc. Take 9 June. It will possibly be remembered as the worst and most frustrating day in the M25’s history. Tens of thousands of people, me included, were trying to get to Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton or Stansted airports en route to England’s opening World Cup game in Germany. But the ‘authorities’ (more about these mysterious agencies on another occasion) chose to totally shut down the four lanes of Heathrow-bound carriageway I was using.
A revised rear, together...
A revised rear, together with bolder body panel creases, helps to create a more upmarket feel
A snapshot survey has...
A snapshot survey has shown hardly any fixed penalty notices have been issued to drivers across the country following the change in the rules more than four months ago.
As our images show...
As our images show, the designers have gone back to the drawing board with the exterior styling. There"s also a new platform, a revised range of engines and a spacious interior.
A star is born. These...
A star is born. These are the first and exclusive pictures of the all-new Fiesta. And they reveal how the Ford baby draws its inspiration from the latest Mondeo and the excellent S-MAX people carrier to create a supermini that’s as exciting to look at as any of its rivals.
As Team GB flew home...
As Team GB flew home with an unprecedented haul of medals from the Beijing Olympics, another Brit was being crowned the best in the world. Jaguarò€™s new XF beat off stiff opposition to be crowned Auto Express Car of the Year. The victory marked a reversal of fortune for the firm. When Auto Express launched in 1989, Jag was in the doldrums ò€“ it had just been rescued by Ford and had an outdated range of cars. The prospect of the firm making a model good enough to take a Car of the Year title would have been laughable. Today, nearly 20 years on, Jag is back where it belongs ò€“ at the top.
As the US elected Barack...
As the US elected Barack Obama as its next president, we celebrated the work of another famous American with a strong vision for the future ò€“ Henry Ford.
As the worldò€™s brightest...
As the worldò€™s brightest boffins gathered in Geneva to fire up the doomed Large Hadron Collider particle accelerator, BMW was hoping its world first ò€“ a four-wheel-drive MINI ò€“ would prove more successful. We showed the first official pictures of the model, and confirmed earlier reports that the firm planned to give the Clubman a bigger, wackier-looking AWD brother.
Aston Martin"s Ò£1.2m...
Aston Martin"s Ò£1.2m supercar is clearly still camera shy...but that didn"t stop the firm giving Paris show visitors a surprise sneak preview of the model!
As well as being the...
As well as being the most technically advanced family hatchback ever launched, Fordò€™s new Focus also promises to be the greenest!
As well as offering...
As well as offering a sensational first look at the car, these shots confirm the accuracy of our own scoop pictures of the all-new people carrier, first published in issue 818.
As well as sprinting...
As well as sprinting from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and hitting a 155mph top speed, it"s going to be a treat for occupants" ears - with the electric roof folded away, the sound of the direct-injection V8 at its 8,000rpm maximum should mean an even more vivid experience.
As with the other models...
As with the other models in the Luton firm"s sporting line-up, the facelifted Vectra"s bodywork has been given a muscular makeover. A deep front airdam sits below the trademark V-grille, but all the silver trim found on other variants is removed for a sportier look.
As you can see from...
As you can see from these official pictures, the all-new four-wheel-drive model has a controversial look, with black bumpers and extended wheel÷arches. The nose gets a deep honeycomb grille, while the cladding extends to the rear, with the plastic creating a lip effect for the back bumper.
As you can see in the...
As you can see in the mag, designers will keep the transition from coup탩 to cabriolet simple, retaining the GT"s elegant lines and distinctive rear-end styling. Unlike some rivals, the Alfa won"t have a folding hard-top, as bosses have opted for a conventional electrically operated fabric hood. This will give the car a more compact mechanism, allowing the shape and impressive practicality of the hard-top two-door to be preserved.
At last, it’s...
At last, it’s here! After months of waiting, Subaru has finally unveiled its flagship Impreza WRX STi, ahead of its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
A trio of new high-performance...
A trio of new high-performance models is on the way - with Merc÷edes leading the charge. And here"s the first - the stun-ning Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster, which made its debut at one of Brit÷ain"s most historic motorsport venues at the weekend. The soft-top roared up the famous hill at the glorious Goodwood circuit in West Sussex.
At the front, the Polo"s...
At the front, the Polo"s long-standing twin headlamp set-up has been ditched in favour of a pair of piercing single units, which give the hatchback a much bolder face. These lights are complemented by a square-jawed grille, similar to the one that appears on the all-new Passat unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.
At the very first press...
At the very first press conference of the New York Expo, Mercedes has wowed the crowds with a pair of dramatic world debuts.
AUDI has announced its...
AUDI has announced its 10-strong DTM German touring car line-up
Auto Express broke the...
Auto Express broke the news of its replacement, the XF, in Issue 938 - but there"s still more than a year before the all-new model goes on sale. In the meantime, the S-Type range has been facelifted as top brass bid to keep it up to speed with the competition.
Auto Express has been...
Auto Express has been given unprecedented access to the cabrio - making its world debut at this week"s Motor Show - and we have all the details on the UK"s most exciting new supercar.
Auto Express magazine...
Auto Express magazine has gained access to top-secret information from Citroen"s HQ, and in this week"s issue has published pictures to show what buyers have to look forward to.
Back in 2003, the US...
Back in 2003, the US firm pulled the covers off the Avenger concept at the Detroit Motor Show, but bosses chose not to use the name on the first wave of Dodge models. Instead, the Caliber compact family hatch arrives in July, while the Nitro SUV will follow in the first half of next year.
Based on information...
Based on information from Auto Express sources in Germany, the mag"s images reveal exactly what we have to look forward to. Delivering all the thrills of the Golf GTI in a more performance oriented package, the Scirocco will be VW"s first fully fledged coup탩 since the Corrado was axed in 1996.
Based on the facelifted...
Based on the facelifted Impreza WRX STi - which we drive for the first time this week on Page 28 - the car should D-light owners with its engine tuned by Prodrive and an interior that offers greater luxury than ever before.
Based on the Swedish...
Based on the Swedish firm"s new V70 estate, the all-wheel-drive load-lugger adds protective body mouldings and an increased ride height. Research by Volvo shows that more XC70s are used off-road than full-sized XC90 SUVs, so designers have concentrated on the car"s performance over rough terrain.
Based on top-secret...
Based on top-secret information from within the Spanish firm, Auto Express"s exclusive pictures show how the Ibiza will be different to the VW Polo and next-generation Skoda Fabia, which share the same platform.
Both are versions of...
Both are versions of the forthcoming R-Class, but are actually different lengths. The bottom one is the standard car and has been seen before, but the top car is the all-new stretched wheelbase version. It will make its debut at next week"s Detroit Motor Show.
Brawn GPð€™s Jenson...
Brawn GPð€™s Jenson Button reigned supreme in Spain, taking his fourth victory in five races. The Briton dominated at the Barcelona circuit, taking a well-deserved win ahead of team mate Rubens Barrichello and Red Bullð€™s Mark Webber.
Britain"s worst ride...
Britain"s worst ride and handling... Mercedes A-Class (old)
But at least O"Donnell"s...
But at least O"Donnell"s brutal assertion that the money the beleaguered quartet are paying themselves is "disgusting" should ensure him a place of his own in the book of Greatest Motoring Quotations. (I"ll compile it if somebody will publish it!). Unacceptable! Disgusting! Is this appropriate language from the boss of BMW"s substantial UK operation when referring to a rival firm which also happens to be a former member of the Bavarian company"s extended family? If these words of criticism came from a vulnerable, poorly paid MG Rover employee, I think they"d carry considerable weight.
But the harsh truth...
But the harsh truth is that a journey to the beach or a major event almost inevitably means traffic jams. Driving to a railway station, parking up, then allowing the train to take the strain always sounds reasonable. Yet a combination of cynically planned industrial action, depleted timetables and lousy car park security means it"s a no-no for people who prefer to have their destinies in their own hands, thank you very much. So for me and my family last Monday, it was London by car, door-to-door, and no more than about a quid per occupant in fuel costs.
But there is good news...
But there is good news for diehard MINI traditionalists - the new grille is getting bigger and will echo more closely the look of the original Mini, introduced 45 years ago.
But when his car broke...
But when his car broke down and the RAC couldn"t fix it, the trip turned into a nine-hour nightmare that finally ended at 5.30am. And to make matters worse, he had his wife and baby with him.
Called the City Navigator...
Called the City Navigator Europe NT version 9, the latest addition to the line-up has coverage of 32 countries across Europe. And you’ll be able to find your way around some of the better-known holiday destinations, as the programme now offers comprehensive mapping for Spain and Portugal. It also stretches to Andorra, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Poland and the Republic of Ireland.
Can"t quite stretch...
Can"t quite stretch to a Mercedes SL? Then how about this? The new Renault Twingo II Coupé-Cabriolet claims to be the hard-top convertible to satisfy the most budget-conscious sun-seeker.
÷ The white compact...
÷ The white compact MPV is the first of a new line-up of sporty-looking cars for family buyers who want a dash of extra style.
Citroen ace Sebastien...
Citroen ace Sebastien Loeb turned up the heat to win a chilly Rally Norway.
Citroen had spectators...
Citroen had spectators falling over each other to look at the glamorous but green line-up on its motorshow stand - and this year it arrived with no less than five new UK show debuts!
Citroen is stealing...
Citroen is stealing all the headlines in Paris, announcing the return of the 2CV, pulling the covers off a new supercar and revealing its new C3 Picasso in the metal.Top of the bill was news that the C-Cactus concept car, which is expected to make it into showrooms as the spiritual successor to the French firmò€™s legendary 2CV. Carrying over the less-is-more philosophy of the makerò€™s most recognisable model, the production ready C-Cactus will be affordable, basic and fun.Along with the announcement, Citroen revealed an all-electric concept version of the C-Cactus. Bosses are tipping this green version to be offered alongside a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol model and a petrol/electric hybrid model.While the C-Cactus is set to become a top-value Citroen, the other new model on its stand is designed to thrill! The GT is a supercar with a difference. Its name is borrowed from Sonyò€™s Gran Turismo video game on the PlayStation 3, and players will soon be able to download the hot Citroen and race it in GT5: Prologue. However, the bad news is that the two-seater is unlikely to make the leap from cyberspace into the real world.A concept car thatò€™s closer to the showroom is the Hypnos crossover SUV. While a production version of the striking model hasnò€™t been ruled out, elements of its styling are set to appear on future Citroen models.The new C3 Picasso went on display in Paris alongside concept versions showing styling alternatives and debuting Citroenò€™s second-generation Stop-Start system. This technology will be available in the new supermini-MPV when it goes on sale next summer.People carrier fans have got plenty more to look forward to from the French firm. Designers have added another row of chairs to the Berlingo Multispace, but the seven-seater will add less than Ò£1,000 to the list price of the standard version. Buyers after the ultimate in bargain basement family transport can wait for the Nemo Combi. Expected to be available for around Ò£10,000, the five-seater will go on sale in the UK in the new year.
City Car
City Car
City cars are the least...
City cars are the least effective in preventing whiplash injuries in low-speed rear-end shunts. That’s the stark warning from Thatcham, the insurance industry’s research centre, as it published its new head restraint ratings.
Comfort-biased models...
Comfort-biased models in the fresh line-up will get a traditional-style nose, with the three-pointed star sitting on top of the bonnet. But designers have given driver-focused Sport variants a more aggressive look, with the famous badge set into the front grille.
Confirmation that 2008...
Confirmation that 2008 was the year of the supermini arrived when we revealed exclusive first images of Volkswagenò€™s next Polo.
CONFIRMED HERE
CONFIRMED HERE
Copper’s tops with latest Micra
Copper’s tops with latest Micra
Corsa’s recalled...
Corsa’s recalled over steering fear
Could this be the UK’s...
Could this be the UK’s best-selling MPV? Renault certainly hopes so. Behind the scenes, the French company is hard at work putting the finishing touches to the third-generation Scenic – and, ahead of its debut next year, Auto Express can give you the best look yet at the newcomer.
Cover coup for Skoda’s loader
Cover coup for Skoda’s loader
Daihatsus given warranty boost
Daihatsus given warranty boost
Designed with the technical...
Designed with the technical support of Italian styling expert Zagato, the model is a road-ready supercar that even Aston"s most famous driver, 007 James Bond, would die another day to get his hands on! We beat him to it to sample the thriller capable of nearly 200mph.
. Designers were aiming...
. Designers were aiming for a more masculine look, with new headlamps added along with extra air intakes in the sides, and a sharper appearance at the rear
Details about the two...
Details about the two new machines remain a closely guarded secret, but a spokeswoman for PSA revealed they would be based on the replacement for the Japanese firm"s Shogun Pinin, which is pictured above. She added: "This tie-up will allow us to enter a completely new market, but the vehicle will be developed so it is in keeping with our own product range."
Detroit is home to the...
Detroit is home to the brawny American V8, but the Brits muscled in on this yearò€™s show with a V8 bruiser of their own! The long awaited Jaguar XFR, the firmò€™s most powerful saloon car ever is finally ready to roar, and weò€™ve got exclusive live photos along with all the details that matter.
Diesel lovers get a...
Diesel lovers get a trio of options. The entry-level oil-burner will be a 1.4-litre delivering 89bhp, although buyers wanting more performance can plump for a 124bhp 2.0-litre D-4D unit
Don’t want to...
Don’t want to risk the interior of your pride and joy by ferrying around bricks, rubbish or garden waste? Perhaps your car is simply not big enough to carry rubble? Then a trailer is the answer.
Drivers wanting to travel...
Drivers wanting to travel north along the coast from the fjord town of Haugesund to Trondheim should face a 400-mile journey. But anyone using the computer-based MapPoint system - developed by global PC giant Microsoft - will be diverted through seven other European countries, including a ferry ride and a trip through the Channel Tunnel!
Each year the Motown...
Each year the Motown mischief-makers are hard at work discussing who"s up, who"s down and who"s stabbing who in the back. You trade tales and find out what"s really going on - behind the ever-smiling polished veneer of motor industry spin. And if vehicles ran on gossip rather than gasoline, the world"s motor giants would this year be unveiling the first 1,000mpg supercar.
Eighties heroes back in limelight
Eighties heroes back in limelight
Entry is by way of scissor...
Entry is by way of scissor doors, which are hinged at the base of the A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button
Ever since taking ownership...
Ever since taking ownership of the prestigious marque, BMW has gone to great lengths to stress the link between new models such as the Phantom and Rolls-Royce"s rich history. And this latest model is no exception. The EX name is another nod to the company"s past, when unique experimental models bore the two letters. The last to do so was the 45EX in the Fifties.
Exclusive images in...
Exclusive images in this week"s mag show how the new SUV, due in 2009, is expected to look.÷ As the mag"s image shows, it will closely resemble the XC60 Concept which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
Exclusive pictures in...
Exclusive pictures in this week"s mag are based on information from within the company, and provide the first glimpse of a car that will aim to tempt image-conscious buyers away from established favourites, such as Audi"s A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. As Volvo"s first small hatchback since the conservative 440 was dropped back in 1997, the V30 would be joined by a sporty three-door variant, which is expected to be called the S30.
Fabrixio Giovanardi...
Fabrixio Giovanardi is not an official world champion, but he can rightly claim to be the most successful touring car driver on the planet. Since ending a promising single-seater career and switching to tin-tops nearly two decades ago, he has racked up eight premier league super touring car titles. This year, he added the Dunlop British Touring Car Cham?pion?ship crown to those already won in Europe (three), Italy (three) and Spain.
Fans of Formula One...
Fans of Formula One will need no introduction to the dramatic Porsche Supercup. For the past 15 years, the world’s fastest and most spectacular one-make championship – featuring competition versions of the 911 – has been wowing grands prix audiences all over the world.
Feast your eyes on the...
Feast your eyes on the fastest and most desirable MINI ever! This is the Speedster ò€“ a head-turning two-seater drop-top that will combine dramatic looks with sizzling performance. Arriving hot on the heels of the Crossman ò€“ the firmò€™s first 4x4 ò€“ the stunning roadster will take the famous brand further into uncharted territory.
Feast your eyes on the...
Feast your eyes on the ‘Super Corsa’. This is Vauxhall’s striking new baby – a sleeker and more practical sister car to the popular supermini, which will offer buyers real flexibility and style when it goes on sale next year.
Ferrari"s drivers have...
Ferrari"s drivers have said they are going to have to beat McLaren in Hungary this weekend after the Ital÷ian squad failed to close the gap on its rival in the French courts.
Ferrariò€™s new F70...
Ferrariò€™s new F70 will not only be faster and more focused than the Enzo, but smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, too
Fiat is angling to become...
Fiat is angling to become the world’s greenest car manufacturer – and at the heart of its plan is its promising new Panda Aria.
First up is the all-new...
First up is the all-new composite-bodied Marcos TSO. The road car has been penned by former TVR designer Damian McTaggart, while the chassis has been developed in partnership with motorsport and engineering firm Prodrive. Two versions of the built-to-order machine will be available, both using the General Motors 5.7-litre V8 engine found in the Chevrolet Corvette.
Following broad condemnation...
Following broad condemnation of the conservative five-door hatchback shape, designers have gone wild with the styling of their high-performance flagship.
Following its unveiling...
Following its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced the latest evolution of its Phaeton luxury saloon will cost from ÷£44,235 when it goes on sale early next year.
Following on from the...
Following on from the spy shots we revealed in issue 867, this week"s Auto Express magazine exclusively brings you images of the car which is set to give BMW"s M6 and the Mercedes SL55 AMG a real fright.
Following our spyshots...
Following our spyshots in issue 935, we can now reveal the front end of Skoda"s all-new supermini. And as you can see, the nose is virtually identical to the firm"s small MPV, the Roomster.
Ford is taking the Mondeo...
Ford is taking the Mondeo to the max, with an all-new coupé version offering Mercedes CLS looks for half the price.
For example, the first...
For example, the first claim is that "the average annual distance travelled by residents in Great Britain rose by five per cent to 6,800 miles in 2004". But after carefully studying the full report for several hours, the facts weren"t so depressing. The truth is we each did an average of 6,762 miles last year (that"s motorists and non-motorists). So we travelled less in 2004 than at the end of the last century and the start of this one.
Forget Manchester United"s...
Forget Manchester United"s spat with Chelsea, the long-running Labour vs Conservative battle, and the Big Brother bust-up involving the delicious Shilpa Shetty and the foul Jade Goody. The clash that"s more intriguing than any other in 2007 centres on two German car manufacturers. Last month, this magazine asked one of the biggest product-related questions of the year: will the Audi R8, which is due in showrooms this summer, be better than the Porsche 911?
Former Formula One world...
Former Formula One world champion McLaren Mercedes lives to fight another day! The Woking-based team narrowly escaped serious sanctions after the FIAò€™s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) found it guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute.
For sun-loving VW fans...
For sun-loving VW fans, the most exciting Volkswagen at the Frankfurt Motor Show was nowhere to be seen on the firm’s own stand.
French firm Peugeot...
French firm Peugeot scored a memorable home victory in last weekendð€™s Le Mans 24-hour race. The squad took a convincing one-two win ahead of Audi, ending the German outfitð€™s domination of the classic event.
Get ready for a new...
Get ready for a new British-built MG hatchback! Itò€™s three years since the last ZS rolled off the production line, but MGò€™s Chinese owner plans to launch this stunning model in 2010, pitting it against the next-generation Vauxhall Astra, as well as established players such as the Ford Focus and VW Golf.
Get ready for some inside...
Get ready for some inside information! Just hours after the first sumptuous exterior shots, weò€™ve found the first interior photo of Ferrariò€™s new baby ò€“ the 458 Italia.
Glance at the rear and...
Glance at the rear and you"ll see that, along with the extra doors, the biggest styling change to the new model - which will be called the Sportback - is the addition of A8-style rear lights.
Hall is managing director...
Hall is managing director of RAC Insure, and told Auto Express: "We have to acknowledge the idea of owning a car may soon be a luxury many can"t afford. And we should perhaps not be surprised that some break the law, such as by driving uninsured, to cut costs." According to new RAC figures (see table, below), the average car costs í‚á£101.75 a week to run - that"s more than í‚á£400 a month. And adding to the burden is the news that recent rises in petrol prices are pushing up the bill by a further í‚á£102 a year. According to the motoring organisation, drivers should reduce their costs by opting for vehicles powered by diesel. For example, a Ford Mondeo owner can save í‚á£7 per week by swapping from a petrol model to an oil-burner - that"s í‚á£373 over 12 months.
Has MINI Worked another...
Has MINI Worked another marvel? Take a look at the first official pictures of the MINI Cooper S Works – in both hatchback and Clubman form for the first time.
Having been forced to...
Having been forced to play second fiddle to Ferrari in Bahrain and Spain, the British team produced a master- class on the narrow streets of Monaco to score the team’s 150th grand prix victory with an impressive one-two finish. “We were cruising from lap 10 – it was an effortless race,” admitted McLaren boss Ron Dennis.
Having racked up nine...
Having racked up nine constructors’ titles and 113 grand prix victories, the Oxfordshire outfit is still considered one of the sport’s big names – but its stock is falling fast. Williams hasn’t won a race since 2004, and only scored 11 points in 2006 when relying on stopgap Cosworth V8 engines.
Here are great new pictures...
Here are great new pictures of the scorching Pagani Zonda replacement. We spotted the Italian supercar as it took a breather from testing.
Here’s a top-secret...
Here’s a top-secret Peugeot you’re not supposed to see until late next year! This is the all-new 3008 off-roader, and it promises to be the most car-like SUV yet.
Here"s your chance to...
Here"s your chance to decide, as we reveal the look of the revamped supermini, which designers at the firm are currently putting the finishing touches to.
Hereò€™s a look at BMWò€™s...
Hereò€™s a look at BMWò€™s new 740d, the most powerful diesel luxury car ever produced by the firm.
High-quality insulation...
High-quality insulation will mean that, with the roof up, the SLK will offer the refinement of a coupé.
Honda, makers of the...
Honda, makers of the Civic petrol-electric Hybrid, claimed that British drivers don"t understand greener cars, or the reasons for them. This accusation is backed up by a TNS survey showing that 51% of drivers have never heard of hybrid cars and 77% would be likely to change their driving habits only due to financial pressures, rather than through any desire to protect the environment.
Honda might have pulled...
Honda might have pulled out of Formula 1 and shelved its much hyped 600hp V10-powered NSX in the wake of the financial crisis, but the company hasnò€™t forgotten its sporty roots. One look at the concepts for this yearò€™s Tokyo Auto Salon (Jan 9-11) clear that query up.
Hot Caliber’s UK plan gets canned
Hot Caliber’s UK plan gets canned
How do we know? Well...
How do we know? Well, look closely at the mag"s pictures and you can clearly see extended wheelarches, wider front and rear tracks plus a taller ride height - indications that the test mule is running the next-generation car"s new chassis.
However, I"ve had sleepless...
However, I"ve had sleepless nights wondering how many of you rushed out to your local dealer when you should be paying the house-keeping! Cars are undeniably cheap at present, but while the screen price could tempt you to sell the family silver, some of the hidden expenses have had me worrying. If you haven"t got the money under the mattress, the chances are a dealer will bombard you with finance options. That way, you get the motor you want, and they share in the interest from the loan company, so everyone"s a winner!
How far can you go on...
How far can you go on a full tank? Most of us think weò€™re lucky to get more than 300 miles from a single fill-up ò€“ but thatò€™s not enough to satisfy Volvo.
I enjoy an occasional...
I enjoy an occasional early morning ritual of reading newspapers, post and E-mail while negotiating a giant, freshly cooked breakfast at the Village Market Pump and Grille located in "my" quiet, car-mad corner of the US. The modest little eatery conveniently sits a few minutes" drive away from my humble States-based office and studio, which is also home for my faithful and astonishingly fault-free 10-year-old 4.0-litre Jeep Cherokee. Crude but strangely appealing, the US box on wheels is still very efficient and reliable - despite the fact that I abuse it terribly and often park it up, exposed to the elements, for months on end.
If you fancy a shopping...
If you fancy a shopping spree at this new mall, donò€™t expect to fit all your items in your basket! The shelves arenò€™t only stacked with the usual mix of food, clothes and gadgets ò€“ brand new cars are on offer, too.
If you’re not...
If you’re not mechanically minded, getting your car serviced can be worrying. Not only is it costly and time-consuming to arrange, but there’s the added fear of being ripped off. Most motorists will have a servicing horror story. So what can you do to avoid a nasty experience of your own? Well, there are a number of steps you can take – although firstly you will need to decide where you’re going to get the work carried out.
If you’re thinking...
If you’re thinking about buying a new car, read the figures below very carefully! They show the best and worst depreciating vehicles of 2007.
If you think a Lamborghini...
If you think a Lamborghini or Ferrari is a head-turner, you’ll love this exciting new machine. Called the MC1, it’s just over 4.5 metres long, features a futuristic-looking swooping body and rides on 20-inch alloys at the front, with 21-inch rims at the rear.
If you"ve never driven...
If you"ve never driven on a track before or feel a little rusty and need to improve your technique, then this day is designed especially for you. Our team will guide you through every aspect of trackday driving, from basic car preparation to that all-important racing line.
If you want help selling...
If you want help selling your Soul, who better to lend a hand than Lotus? Kia has turned to the legendary engineering firm to work its magic on its forthcoming supermini-MPV.
In 1997, the message...
In 1997, the message from the newly elected Government, which had Gordon Brown as its high-profile and extremely powerful Chancellor, was: “Things can only get better.” Fast forward 10 years, and the non-driving Mr Brown is, without the permission of a single voter, doing Prime Minister impersonations and even assuming the lofty job title, too. He’s replaced the above slogan with a new one that goes: “I have heard the need for change. Now let the work of change begin.”
In a surprise unveil, VW took the
In a surprise unveil, VW took the
Including the forthcoming...
Including the forthcoming Dodge Nitro, the Chrysler group
Insiders at the VW-owned...
Insiders at the VW-owned company have been forced to admit that they are working on a 4x4 version of the Altea, after our spies snapped shots (inside this week"s mag) of a top-secret prototype.
Insiders say that the...
Insiders say that the next-generation Coup탩 will feature more of an upright stance than its predecessor, the 406, as well as a truncated tail and the 407 saloon"s trademark front overhang.
Inside, the 6.7-litre...
Inside, the 6.7-litre V8-powered car is decked out in top-quality leather, while suede upholstery on the lower door panels and transmission tunnel add to the luxury feel. Fortunately for the British market, Vauxhall has dropped the garish colour-coded trim of the Australian model seen at the 2002 British Motor Show. Instead, it has opted for all black, set off with stylish satin chrome accents, plus alloy pedals and door kickplates.
Inspired by the Sixties"...
Inspired by the Sixties" classic, the 155mph coup탩 replaces the current nine-year-old model. Challenging the Porsche 911 and the V8 Vantage from sister firm Aston Martin, the car will be available from January with a sub-í‚á£60,000 price tag - that"s í‚á£20,000 less than the Aston. Has Jaguar created a bargain, or is the new XK a class below its Ford family rival?
In the aftermath of...
In the aftermath of the rail crash in Cumbria, point-scoring arguments about the advantages of cars over trains, or vice versa, are entirely inappropriate. Whether they are driving personal mobility vehicles or riding on public transport, the people of Britain attempting to get from A to B are all members of the same expensive club, aren’t they? Even the keenest motorist and their loved ones will inevitably use the railway at various times of their lives, just as train buffs will have to travel by road at some point. We’ve therefore got much more in common than we might think.
In the first of two...
In the first of two shock scoops about one car giant this week, Auto Express can exclusively uncover ex÷ci÷ting plans by BMW to bring back one of Britain’s best-loved marques – Triumph is on to a winner!
In this week"s mag Auto...
In this week"s mag Auto Express can exclusively reveal pictures, which show the all-new compact family hatch that will challenge its arch rival with a fresh face and the latest technology. The radical approach which saw the current Astra given a more distinctive shape hasn"t been forgotten. However, the man behind the styling has been replaced. Design expert Martin Smith oversaw the car"s development before switching to Ford in July 2004, and has been superseded by Bryan Nesbitt.
In true James Bond style...
In true James Bond style, some top-secret files have been liberated ò€“ and these are the spectacular results. This is Aston Martinò€™s ultra-exclusive supercoupé, the One-77, revealed for the first time thanks to images you werenò€™t meant to see. At least not yet anyway!
Isnò€™t naive youth...
Isnò€™t naive youth a wonderful thing? It enabled me foolishly to believe those who told me I lived in the greatest democracy in the world. But if anyone tried to run a similar lie by me today, Iò€™d remind them of a few facts that prove our democratic process has fallen apart and needs fixing. For starters, we have a system that allows this and previous governments to seize total power, even when they secure a mandate from, say, one-third of the people. On top of that, the current Government is somehow led by a man who never even put himself up for election as Prime Minister ò€“ so itò€™s clear that Britain is, in some respects, about as democratic as Zimbabwe.
Is this the unfairest...
Is this the unfairest motoring tax ever? Levies on owning and driving a car have existed for a century. But parking on private land has traditionally been entirely free.
Italian giant Fiat is...
Italian giant Fiat is ramping up its motorsport ambitions as it considers an official entry into the World Touring Car Championship.
It features some of...
It features some of the most futuristic cars on the planet, but the Tokyo Motor Show played host to a BMW that looked to the past for its inspiration.
It has a new owner ò€“...
It has a new owner ò€“ and is celebrating by unveiling a fresh car! As the deal to transfer control of Saab from GM to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg was being wrapped up, the firm released the first official look at the all-new 9-5 that goes on sale next year.
It looks as though motorists...
It looks as though motorists are fast learners! Speeding fines have more than halved in the UK over the past year. The figures come from major vehicle hire firm National Car Rental.
It’s all thanks...
It’s all thanks to a new service which allows customers to browse motors that have had the motoring organisation’s seal of approval.
It’s a question...
It’s a question that I, and many motorists across the UK, ask on a regular basis: “When are they going to build that b****y bypass?” When I moved to Petersfield, Hampshire, in 1990, I had two regular routes to take me to work: the A3 to London and the A34 to Birmingham. Each had one interruption to a continuous dual-carriageway – Hindhead and Newbury respectively. Both had bypasses planned for completion by the end of last century, but only the Newbury one made it.
It’s set to be...
It’s set to be a white Christmas at Land Rover, as the firm gets set to unveil a vision of its future at January’s Detroit Motor Show.
It’s working on...
It’s working on a raft of improvements, starting with the widening of the M25 from Dartford to the M20 in Kent. Bosses also intend to make real-time CCTV images available and send traffic data to digital radio users.
It"s based on the Saturn...
It"s based on the Saturn Aura, which debuted at this week"s Detroit Motor Show. Insiders say that in all respects, the new Vectra will be little different to this production-ready showstopper.
It"s been four years...
It"s been four years since the GT-R Concept was revealed, and enthusiasts around the world are waiting expectantly to see the new car unveiled in the metal. If the stylish lines on this official sketch are anything to go by, the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show machine will prove that Nissan means business with its new global supercar.