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In April 2023, spy shots of the fourth-generation MINI hatch were leaked, revealing significant design changes and the introduction of an electric version. The new MINI features a sleeker design with a larger grille and flush headlights, while the plastic wheelarch cladding has been removed. The electric version, built on a bespoke EV platform, will be available with two battery options and will be produced in China initially before moving production to the UK in 2026. The MINI Electric will face competition from other electric cars such as the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Volkswagen ID.3. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Auto Express provides an overview of the BMW 1 Series Mk3, highlighting its performance, interior quality, and user feedback. The car ranks well in ride and handling, interior style, and quality, but receives lower scores for engine sound, transmission smoothness, and front-seat comfort. Owners appreciate the infotainment system, driving experience, and build quality, but have concerns about instrumentation, front seat comfort, and servicing costs. Overall, the BMW 1 Series Mk3 receives a respectable 87.68% score in the survey conducted by Auto Express. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the experience of living with a Citroen C5 Aircross compact SUV as a busy photographer's car. The author highlights the car's size, comfort, practicality, and efficiency as important factors for their needs. They praise the C5 Aircross for its ability to carry camera and cleaning gear, as well as for its comfortable ride on long drives. However, they note that the car is not particularly dynamic in corners. The author also mentions the clever storage solutions in the cabin and the decent compromise offered by the hybrid version of the C5 Aircross. They mention a few downsides, such as the need for a firm slam to shut the boot properly and the high dipped beam pattern of the headlights. Overall, the author concludes that the C5 Aircross is a great choice for their needs. [Extracted from the article]

Volvo has unveiled updates to its XC90 SUV, which include a fresh new look, an interior redesign, and comfort enhancements. The exterior features a new grille design, slimmer headlights, and a cleaner bumper. Inside, there is a new dashboard design with a larger touchscreen and improved user interface. The XC90 also includes tech upgrades such as enhanced ambient lighting and a 360-degree camera system. The car offers seven seats as standard and comes with a choice of mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. Prices for the new XC90 start at £63,790 in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

Some switchgear aside, the Genesis feels nearly as sturdy Results 1st WINNER Genesis Electrified GV70 THE Genesis takes the win here, but not convincingly so. Audi Q8 e-tron THANKS to the Benefit-in-Kind bands that very much favour cars with a plug, both the Q8 e-tron and the GV70 are very cheap to run when it comes to company car tax. In some areas it's very strong; it's more than quick enough to see off the Audi, the classy cabin is a match for the Q8 e-tron's, while Genesis' comprehensive aftersales services are reassuring. [Extracted from the article]

Cupra Formentor THE Formentor has two outputs for its plug-in powertrain, but V2 trim only comes with the 201bhp version. 3 WHEELS Both cars feature 19-inch wheels, but Cupra's tyres have a wider cross section and therefore more grip. Peugeot 408 i-Connect Advanced | Key features: Three years' TomTom live THERE'S a 10.25-inch touchscreen fitted to the 408, but its location on the dashboard means it's a bit more of a stretch to reach than the Cupra's screen. [Extracted from the article]

The Tesla's is better; we found the VW's to be slow to respond and it wouldn't always refresh properly. Buzz has a 10-inch Discover Pro navigation system, but our car came with the optional Infotainment Package Plus. Alex Ingram, Chief reviewer Key battlegrounds These two cars excel in very different areas 1 TOWING THE Tesla can pull a 1,600kg braked trailer, beating the VW's 1,000kg. [Extracted from the article]

Think of any great performance-car manufacturer - Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Lotus - and chances are they've pulled the covers off a brand-new SUV in recent years. This version of the third-generation Cayenne has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that pumps out an astonishing 631bhp, enabling 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds. Porsche Cayenne S Engine/gearbox: 4.5-litre V8 petrol, six-speed automatic Power: 340bhp 0-62mph: 7.2 seconds Top speed: 150mph Economy: 19mpg (approx.). [Extracted from the article]

MG is set to release a successor to the ZS EV, an all-new, all-electric compact SUV based on the MG4 hatchback. The new electric SUV will have a family resemblance to the MG4 and the MG Cyberster, with a similar front end and rear light design. It will be longer, wider, and lower than the outgoing ZS EV, and MG's UK product boss hopes to offer it at a starting price of less than £30,000. Additionally, MG is developing a larger electric SUV to replace the MG Marvel R, which will go on sale in the UK in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Volkswagen is set to release its most powerful production version of the Golf yet, with the facelifted Golf R boasting 329bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. The new Golf R features redesigned LED headlights, new front bumpers, and lighter forged-alloy wheels. It is only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Additionally, the article mentions that a hot R version of the forthcoming electric Mk9 Golf is in the works and is expected to be released within the next five years. [Extracted from the article]

The interior wasn't as plush or well built as the Peugeot's and Skoda's respectively, even when new, but the Kadjar's cabin is still appealing. When we tested this trio as new cars, the Karoq clinched the win, but how do the three showroom rivals fare when lined up on the used-car forecourts? USED DEAL PEUGEOT 3008 1.2 PureTech Allure, 2017, 43,333 miles PRICE £15,282 THE Peugeot was the most expensive car here when we tested these rivals new, but it and the Renault have dropped a lot more value than the Skoda. [Extracted from the article]

Verdict AT the second attempt, the original 200 per cent bulb takes the win for Philips, with a FOM no rival got close to. In our last H7 test, just one of the single-filament bulbs claimed a 200 per cent increase over a standard version, but now all the top players have a bulb delivering twice the required light at some point within the beam. [Extracted from the article]

Citroen has given its Ami electric quadricycle a mid-life refresh, making it even more adorable than before. The front end of the tiny two-seater has been simplified, with round headlights moved higher to resemble eyes and a smile-like angled surface connecting them. The front bumper now features the Ami name embossed in it, and the wheelarches and front wings pay homage to the 2CV. The Ami comes in a 'Night Sepia' finish, with three color packs available for customization. There have been no technical changes, with the Ami still featuring a 5.5kWh battery and an 8bhp electric motor. [Extracted from the article]

Cupra has been spotted testing its upcoming all-electric supermini, called the Raval. The Raval will be built on the MEB-Entry platform, sharing similarities with the Volkswagen ID.2. Unlike other MEB-based models, the Raval will have its electric motor mounted at the front, which will offer cost-effectiveness and packaging benefits. The prototype retains the styling of the Raval Concept and is expected to be fully revealed in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Renault has unveiled the Estafette Concept, an electric van designed to showcase its vision of last-mile deliveries. The concept features a retro-inspired design with round, low-set headlights and a two-tone color scheme. It has a walk-through cargo area and a one-way loading system for efficient unloading. Renault plans to release a production model based on the concept in approximately two years. [Extracted from the article]

Hyundai has confirmed that their upcoming electric seven-seat SUV will be called the Ioniq 9. The design of the Ioniq 9 will be influenced by the existing Ioniq 5 and 6 models, and it will share technical details with the Kia EV9. The vehicle is expected to be unveiled this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November. Prototypes of the Ioniq 9 have already been spotted testing, showcasing its distinctive design features. It will be based on the same E-GMP platform as the Kia EV9 and is likely to offer similar battery and motor options. [Extracted from the article]

PRICE: £39,970 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 187bhp THE Audi Q3 has been around for some years now, but does it still have the ability to match the newcomer from BMW? That gives the Q3 access to a large range of engine options, from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol to the storming 395bhp RS Q3. While the Q3 holds its value better and is slightly cheaper to buy than the BMW, not even an extra £1,000 deposit contribution can offset the higher rate of interest that Audi offers - 11.3 per cent, compared with 5.9 per cent APR for BMW. [Extracted from the article]

Peugeot's 1.2 PureTech turbo petrol three-cylinder engine features here, but while it provides decent performance, it's hampered somewhat by the standard-fit automatic gearbox. PRICE: £29,100 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl turbo petrol, 129bhp THE load-lugging Peugeot 308 SW is available with the same engines and in the same trims as the hatchback, and the wagon carries a price premium of £1,200 over the five-door. Peugeot has used its i-Cockpit layout in the 308, and while the design looks smart, the arrangement of high-set dials that you look at over the top of the small steering wheel is an acquired taste. [Extracted from the article]

If you need to squeeze in three for a shorter trip, though, the Kona would be our choice; the centre seat is reasonably wide and soft, but those in the middle of the MG will feel rather perched on a high seat with a hard backrest. The MG has a KERS switch on the centre console that does the same job, but the Kona offers five different settings compared with the three you get in the ZS. PRICE: £31,800 POWERTRAIN: 1x e-motor, 39.2kWh battery, 134bhp WE'RE very familiar with the Kona Electric, having previously run one on long-term test. [Extracted from the article]

Skoda has released the first real-world images of its upcoming Elroq mid-sized SUV, which is set to be released later this year. The Elroq will be part of Skoda's push to offer four more all-electric vehicles by 2026, following the Enyaq. The Elroq will be slightly larger than the combustion-engined Karoq and will feature a sleek headlight design, conventional flanks, and similar rear lights to the Enyaq. It is expected to have a similar cabin design to the Enyaq, with Skoda's customizable 'Design Suites' and a 13-inch infotainment screen. The Elroq will likely use the same MEB architecture as the Enyaq, allowing for single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor four-wheel-drive layouts. The starting price for the Elroq is estimated to be around £40,000. [Extracted from the article]

The Porsche Taycan has undergone a comprehensive facelift, making it one of the most desirable electric vehicles on the market. The updated model features subtle design changes, improved charging speed, performance, range, and handling. The interior offers exceptional build quality, a low-slung driving position, and digital control surfaces. The Taycan's driving experience is enhanced by precise steering, rear-axle steering, and the optional Active Ride suspension system. It also boasts impressive performance, with the 4S version reaching 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds. The Taycan now offers up to 421 miles of range and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. While the Taycan is more expensive, it offers a complete skill set and is considered the top choice among premium electric saloons. [Extracted from the article]

The Mercedes EQB 250+ is a small, premium, all-electric SUV that offers practicality and seven seats. The facelifted model features visual updates such as a new front grille, bumpers, and rear diffuser, as well as fresh wheel designs and tail-lights. Inside, there are 10.25-inch displays, a revised dashboard design, and touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. The EQB 250+ is available with a single 187bhp front-mounted set-up and a larger 70.5kWh battery pack, allowing for a range of up to 321 miles. The car offers good handling, refinement, and build quality, and its spacious interior includes a third row with Isofix points. With a boot capacity of up to 1,710 litres, the EQB is a practical choice. The front-wheel-drive 250+ version is a preferred option, offering a lot of car for the money and seating for seven. [Extracted from the article]

However, when we tested the Leon 1.0 TSI FR against its Golf and Focus rivals last year, the SEAT came third behind the Ford and VW in that order. As a result there's less to excite with the SEAT range, but if you want an affordable family hatchback or estate, the Leon should be on your shortlist. SEAT was founded more than 70 years ago in Spain as a state-owned car maker that produced a range of models based on Fiats. [Extracted from the article]

Testers' notes "Kia's parts sharing means the Sportage's parking brake switch is to the right of the steering wheel when all other drive controls are on the centre console." It's a common characteristic we've seen from other platform-sharing models from Hyundai and Kia - the electric EV6 has a sportier set-up than the Ioniq 5, for example - but here a firmer ride doesn't translate into a more involving driving experience. PRICE: £42,550 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl/e-motor, 261bhp THE all-new Kia Sportage arrived in dealers at the start of the year, and this plug-in hybrid version went on sale a couple of months later. [Extracted from the article]

PRICE: £118,095 ENGINE: 3.0-litre 6cyl/e-motor, 503bhp ONE difference between the S-Class and A8 is that plug-in drive is only available in the long-wheelbase version of the Mercedes. This Premium Plus Executive model features kit such as driver profile activation via thumbprint, active seats that firm up their bolsters in corners, a comprehensive head-up display and electrically adjustable rear seats. The Mercedes has a pop-out tablet controller that allows you to adjust the seats, LED ambient lighting, built-in window blinds, four-zone climate control and infotainment, and it's a more comprehensive set-up than the Audi's system. [Extracted from the article]

There is the usual swathe of airbags and electronic driver aids in the A8, including lane assist, forward collision and blind-spot alert, but we found some of these systems rather intrusive, so they ended up spoiling the way the Audi drives. PRICE: £90,690 ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6/e-motor, 456bhp THE current Audi A8 is the latest iteration of the firm's luxury limousine, and it was given an update earlier this year with new lighting and subtly revised looks. The A8 uses the VW Group's MLB scalable platform, with a longitudinally mounted petrol engine and quattro four-wheel drive on every car. [Extracted from the article]

Running costs 4.2 score VOLKSWAGEN'S 1.0-litre TSI petrol is a frugal unit, and the Taigo achieved 44mpg with us. PRICE: £28,255 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 108bhp VOLKSWAGEN'S foray into the coupé-SUV market starts from £23,155 - roughly £1,000 more than the T-Cross on which it's based. A six-speed manual is standard, and VW reckons that the 108bhp petrol with a manual will be the most popular powertrain option in the range. [Extracted from the article]

PRICE: £32,480 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 128bhp THE Vauxhall formerly known as the Grandland X is now simply the Grandland. The Vauxhall's six-speed manual gearbox is also surprisingly slick, given our experience of other models with this engine and gearbox. Running costs score 3.9 ACCORDING to the official WLTP figures, Vauxhall's fuel economy is 44.8mpg, which is the best of the three cars here: the Skoda is rated at 42.8mpg and the Nissan offers up 44.1mpg. [Extracted from the article]

NEWSVOLVO has confirmed that a heavily revised version of its popular seven-seat XC90 will be revealed on 4 September.It will join the new all-electric EX90, and offer a substantial set of updates that will bring the hybrid-powered SUV right up to date. This includes a fresh exterior look, with new headlights, front end and bonnet, plus a new dashboard and interior tech package.The refreshed XC90 will only be available with hybrid powertrains, and is designed to appeal to those reluctant to own electric high-end family SUVs.PHOTO (COLOR): XC90 IS BACK Volvo's teaser image of the facelifted XC90 also shows the new EX90 [Extracted from the article]

Vauxhall has announced that the new Frontera electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid models will have identical pricing, starting at £23,495 in the UK. This marks the first time that the price of an EV and its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart are the same, indicating a decrease in EV prices. Both the EV and hybrid models will be available in two trim levels and will come with standard features such as automatic LED headlights, steel wheels, and black bumpers. The EV version will have a 44kWh battery with a range of 186 miles, while a long-range version with more battery capacity will be released in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Vauxhall has released details of their new Grandland range, which will be launching in the UK soon. The range starts with the Design model priced at £34,700, followed by the mid-level GS at £36,650, and the top-spec Grandland Ultimate at £38,400. The Design model comes with features such as LED headlights, a 10-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and a full active-safety suite. Higher-end models have a larger touchscreen interface and a wireless-charging box for phones. The Grandland Electric, priced from £41,995, offers a range of 325 miles and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes. A long-range 98kWh model is also in the works. [Extracted from the article]

Audi has announced the pricing for their new A5 saloon and A5 Avant, as well as their S5 counterparts. The A5 starts at £41,950, with estates costing £1,900 more. Various specifications are available, with all cars including features such as 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, digital instruments, and an OLED central screen. The S5 starts from £68,700 and comes with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine. All models are currently available for order, with deliveries expected in November. [Extracted from the article]

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport and Golf R models have been released, with prices starting at £41,655 and £43,320 respectively. The GTI Clubsport offers a more powerful engine, larger brakes, and a unique front bumper compared to the standard GTI. The Golf R features a four-pot engine with increased power, allowing for faster acceleration and a top speed of 155mph. There is also an R-Performance option available, which includes a higher top speed and additional driving modes. The Golf R Black Edition, priced at £44,570, offers unique styling cues such as black wheels and darkened headlights. [Extracted from the article]

Kia is preparing to release a new generation of its Ceed hatchback for the UK and Europe. The new model is expected to have a striking new look and a more practical body, taking design cues from the US-market K4. The cabin will feature a modern dual-screen setup and improved in-car technology. The new Ceed will continue to be front-wheel drive and will offer small petrol engines, some with hybrid assistance. It is uncertain if a plug-in hybrid version will be available, but a diesel option is unlikely. The new European Ceed is expected to be unveiled soon. [Extracted from the article]

BMW is reportedly developing a new version of the M3 Touring, a high-performance estate car. Spy photographers have spotted a prototype of the M3 CS wagon being tested at the Nürburgring in Germany. The estate is expected to have similar features to the M3 CS saloon, including a powerful 542bhp 3.0-litre turbo engine. The M3 CS Touring is set to be released in 2025 and is estimated to cost around £120,000, which is a significant increase compared to the regular all-wheel-drive M3. [Extracted from the article]

The Audi RS Q8 has received an update to compete with other high-performance SUVs. The changes include a new grille design, updated headlights, and a more aggressive bumper. The car is available in two versions, with the Performance model offering more power and faster acceleration. Customers can also choose from different suspension options and exhaust systems. The price for the updated RS Q8 has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be around £110,000. [Extracted from the article]

By the time the Mk4 arrived in 2018, Ford had sold more than seven million Focuses globally, and this model is more accomplished than ever. Only entry-level Style models have no alloys PHOTO (COLOR): EQUIPMENT One in five Focuses has an EcoBlue diesel engine, while all models have DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity. OUR VIEW DISAPPOINTINGLY, the Focus Mk4 didn't appear in our 2019 or 2020 Driver Power new-car surveys, but it did scrape into the 2021 poll, in 72nd place out of 75 cars. [Extracted from the article]

Like VW and SEAT, Hyundai has equipped its supermini with a small 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. PRICE: £21,000 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl turbo mild hybrid, 99bhp HYUNDAI'S latest models have challenged the best of the VW Group at the larger end of its range, so can the dinky i20 continue to fly the flag? Driving score 4.0 THE process of moving off has its own little quirk here; while many new cars require a pressed clutch before the engine will fire into life, the i20 insists that you press the brake pedal, too. [Extracted from the article]

PRICE: £20,785 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl turbo, 94bhp ONE of the biggest names in this small-car class has received a make over for 2021 - but is the nip and tuck enough to help the Polo get back to the top of the class? TO sweeten the deal with every new Polo bought on a PCP, Volkswagen currently offers a £750 deposit contribution. Testers' notes "The Polo's standard colour is Ascot Grey, a rather dreary shade more commonly used on VW's vans. [Extracted from the article]

SEAT's current service offer covers the first two years of maintenance for £199, which averages out at £99.5 0 per year; by contrast, the first three years of Hyundai maintenance works out at £191 per year, while the VW's costs a hefty £241 every 12 months. The Ibiza's wheels measured an inch larger than those of the Polo's, which no doubt played a part, while the tyres (Nexen for the SEAT), produced more road roar than the Continentals fitted to the VW- and indeed the Michelins on the i20. PRICE: £19,580 ENGINE: 1.0-litre 3cyl turbo, 94bhp WHILE the Ibiza name doesn't quite hold the status of the Polo in the supermini segment, it remains a big-selling car, and indeed SEAT's most successful nameplate ever. [Extracted from the article]

IT won't be long before BMW marks a quarter of a century of SUV production, given that its X5 arrived in first-generation form way back in 1998. Although the X2 is an SUV, it stands out from its rivals because it sits a little lower, with a sportier stance PHOTO (COLOR): INFOTAINMENT. But don't be put off by the fact that the X2 isn't the most popular SUV in BMW's range, because in spite of its relative rarity it's still a car that's very easy to like. [Extracted from the article]

PRICE: £14,180 ENGINE: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 82bhp CITROEN added the C-Series trim to the C[sub 3] line-up - as well as the C[sub 3] Aircross and C[sub 5] Aircross SUVs - to group the most popular options together into a better-value package. The materials used make the Citroen feel plusher than the low price tag might suggest PHOTO (COLOR): Rear seats. There are alternative models which can better isolate the noise of bumps and knocks from the cabin, too, although compared with the Suzuki, the Citroen just holds an edge on refinement. [Extracted from the article]

Optional Dynamic Pixel LED headlights add glare-free high-beam assist that alters the light pattern to avoid blinding other road users. Full LED headlights are standard, along with automatic high-beam control and Ford's Manoeuvring Light system, which improves visibility while parking. More efficient engines, plus greater connectivity than before SUVS are everywhere these days, but buyers aren't turning their back on family hatchbacks completely. [Extracted from the article]

In September 2019, VW introduced the 296bhp T-Roc R, then the T-Roc Cabriolet arrived three months later. Verdict IN the UK, buyers certainly love premium brands (which Volkswagen almost manages to qualify as), and they're also addicted to SUVs of any size. VOLKSWAGEN introduced its first SUV in 2003. [Extracted from the article]