BENTAYGA vs RANGE ROVER: THE NEW HEIGHT OF LUXURY

JULY 2016

911R
DRIVEN
HAS PORSCHE
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PERFECT 911?

Indy 500: is it
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We ask Derek Bell, Mario
Andretti and Sir Stirling Moss
bh p G iulia,
rashes the 503 hanger
Cuban missiles arris th gam e c
Drag racing 500bhp classics Chris H plains why its a
on the streets of Havana and ex D
YEARS O
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F ALFAS
C: WE
TO 8
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00 8 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
 E D S L E T T E R

Issue 284 July 2016

Welcome Few car companies can delight

and frustrate to such extremes as
Alfa Romeo. The Italian brands
history is littered with some of the
most jaw-droppingly beautiful cars
ever created the designs radical
touchpoints for the decades they
represent. Names like Disco Volante,
Duetto, Tipo 33, Montreal, SZ and 8C conjure stunning forms. But
far too often, where the looks have thrilled, the performance has
frustrated. The old TG adage goes that you cant be a true petrolhead
until youve owned an Alfa. Well, I cant be a true petrolhead, then.
Like a number of you reading this magazine, Ive often thought
about owning one and wasted many happy hours poring over
potential purchases. My love affair with researching and not buying
Alfas started when I got my first proper job. At the time, Gabriele
Tarquini was dominating touring cars and occasionally pirouetting
spectacularly on the grass in an Alfa 155. My local Bristolian car
dealer had a Twin Spark 155 on his forecourt and so began a
several-week process of convincing myself it was a good idea to buy
it. My thought process was that I would, of course, look mega
smoking (literally) round Bris in my touring car for the road. On that
occasion, sadly, the test drive proved my worst fear when the
somewhat tired 155 made my then-current car (a 1972 Beetle I
know, car crimes dont come much bigger) look positively dynamic.
A few years later in my new role as designer on Car magazine
and following a long cross-country drive in a GTV V6, I became
beguiled by that cars engine (it had polished inlet pipes, say
no more). In that case, other more-seasoned and somewhat
wizened journalists advised against it, and the fear of an expensive
detonation during an over-ambitious overtake put paid to the dream.
In the past decade, Alfa has delivered yet more stunning but
flawed cars, the 8C and 8C Spider had the looks and the soundtrack
to do Italy proud, but scarcity sadly made them only a blip on the
Alfa radar. The 4C promised so much, but ultimately failed to deliver
on the promise of its looks so substantially that the car is currently
being re-engineered.
But now Alfa is back and picking a fight with the M3 in a market
that expects and accepts only the best. Can the Alfa Giulia finally
deliver on the promise weve waited on for so long? After too many
false starts, theres no margin for error, not least because weve
dispatched M3-driving, no-holds-barred TG new recruit Chris Harris
to a mountain north of Turin to deliver the verdict.
Few car brands have a greater equity with our world than Alfa,
but this time, like the last time, Alfa really needs to deliver and spark
a rush of blood to the head moment that sees you and me back in
the classifieds desperately trying to justify buying into the dream.
Enjoy the issue,

Charlie Turner E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F
@ TopGearEditor
PRECISELY
YOUR
MOMENT
DS ACTION
WWW.CERTINA.COM
 Contents

Features 106
084 Alfa Romeo Giulia 114 Indy 500 128 Porsche 911R
TopGear TVs Chris Harris slots behind the wheel Take your seats for The Greatest Race In The World... Has putting together the best bits of various 911s made
of the Alfa Giulia and blasts around northern Italy or is it? Dan Read puts on his investigative journalism hat the ultimate version or a marketing exercise mishmash?

106 Bentayga vs RR SVA 120 Plasan SandCat 134 Jaguar F-Pace group test
Once, opulence was all about limos and luxury, but now Many parts of the Middle East are on the Foreign Offices The hottest new ticket is pitted against the Audi SQ5, the
its about 4x4s and ground clearance. Let battle commence uh-oh list. We went anyway, but we took precautions... Mercedes GLE and the Porsche Macan in the Peak District

Test drive TopGear magazine take out a subscription for 16.99 every six months, saving you over 40 per cent. Plus receive a BOOMPODS
USB in-car charger worth 24.99. Visit buysubscriptions.com/TGP716 or call 0844 848 9757 (quoting reference TGP716).

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 11

 Contents

064

Drives Intake Garage

Driven this month... 042 Cuban missile crisis 148 S-Max vs Disco Sport
Meet the underground racers who turn Fifties Two of the TG team with children discuss the pros
020 Audi Q2
classics into drag heroes... and cons of practicality and style in family transport
023 Audi SQ7
026 Alfa Romeo Giulia 052 The new Clio RS16 150 Hot hatch swap
Not to speak too early, but the Clio RS16 suggests Our nutter-mobile Civic Type-R gives way to a Peugeot
027 Ford Edge that RenaultSport has regained its mojo. Good 308 GTi 270. Tyre-fitters are on standby...
028 McLaren 570GT
031 Volkswagen Golf GTI 064 Tanti auguri!
There is no better way to celebrate the Miuras
vs Honda Civic Type-R birthday than by going for a blast in the Alps 155172 Data
032 Nissan GT-R All you need to know about the best cars on sale today.

034 Jaguar F-Type SVR

072 Aston Vanquish Zagato Your car not there? Sell it, and buy one that is, then...
Grab a champagne flute and some expensive sunnies,
037 Zenos E10 R and ogle Zagatos latest Villa dEste concept

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 13

 BEHIND
THE SCENES
Making it
happen
Who: Tom Ford and friends
Where: Israel
Picnic or work? Life on a
TopGear photoshoot is crammed
with such difficult questions
What: MkII VW Golf
W h e r e: Ro c k i n g h a m
It arrived with 260-odd miles on
the clock. It left us with many more
under its belt. Love a good classic
Who: Cuban drag racers
W h e r e: H a va n a
Turns out the TopGear subscriber
base is much more diverse than
we ever imagined
Been up to anything picture worthy?
Send your snaps to inbox@topgear.com
or via our Twitter or Facebook pages
facebook.com/
TopGear
014 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
Who: Owen Norris
Where: A Disco Sport
Accessing the rear seats the only
way possible (via the boot) when
you have kid seats in the second row
Who: Rowan Horncastle
W h e r e: I t a l i a n A l p s
Golden Miura WLTM golden boy
for fun and frolics in the Alps.
Must bring plenty of fuel
Who: Jamie Lipman
W h e r e: Pe a k D i s t r i c t
The dark art of stunt photography
ably demonstrated by one of our
more fearless photographers
twitter.com/
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Charlie Turner
D E P U T Y E D I T O R Jack Rix G R O U P M A N A G I N G E D I T O R Esther Neve
M O T O R I N G E D I T O R Oliver Marriage H E A D O F C O M M E R C I A L C O N T E N T Chris Mooney
A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R Tom Ford E D I T O R , T O P G E A R . C O M Vijay Pattni
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E D I T O R AT L A R G E Jason Barlow O N L I N E C O N T E N T P R O D U C E R Rowan Horncastle
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S TA F F W R I T E R Tom Harrison S U B - E D I T O R S Tom Cobbe, Ian Broad
T E A M A S S I S TA N T Gina Collins
C R E AT I V E T E A M
C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R Andy Franklin D I G I TA L A R T D I R E C T O R Owen Norris
A R T E D I T O R Elliott Webb R E P R O G R A P H I C S E X E C U T I V E Chris Rowles
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Jamie Lipman, Richard Pardon, Joe Windsor-Williams, John Wycherley
A D V E R T I S I N G D I R E C T O R Rob Walsh H E A D O F P A R T N E R S H I P S Sam Field
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A D D I R E C T O R T H E N O R T H David Downs I N S E R T S E X E C U T I V E Yasmin Laggoune
D I R E C T O R O F I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I C E N S I N G A N D S Y N D I C AT I O N Tim Hudson
I N T E R N AT I O N A L P A R T N E R S M A N A G E R Anna Brown
S Y N D I C AT I O N M A N A G E R Richard Bentley
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C H A I R M A N , I M M E D I AT E M E D I A C O . LT D G R O U P P U B L I S H I N G D I R E C T O R Alfie Lewis
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 THE HEAD SAYS
YES
THE HEART SAYS
DEFINITELY, YES

MASERATI GHIBLI. STARTING FROM 49,165

The Maserati Ghibli is powered by a range of advanced 3.0 Litre V6 engines with 8-speed
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Official fuel consumption figures for Maserati Ghibli range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 20.5 (13.8) 36.7 (7.7), Extra Urban 39.8 (7.1) 57.6 (4.9),
Combined 29.4 (9.6) 47.9 (5.9). CO2 emissions 223 158 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are based on standard EU tests for comparative
purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a Maserati Ghibli S MY16 at 68,923 On The Road including optional pearlescent
paint at 1,776, 20 machine polished Urano alloy wheels at 2,205 and Red brake callipers at 432.
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

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Drives
w
EDITED BY OLLIE KEW Every ne
car thast,
matter r
rated o
slated

CONTENTS

Alfa Romeo Giulia diesel

p26

McLaren 570GT
p28

Twin test: mega hatches

p31

Nissan GT-R MY17

p32

Zenos E10 R
p37
 Form an
orderly Q
Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI S line
25,000 est
WE SAY: THINK A3
SPORTBACK ON STEROIDS.
THE BABY Q HAS ARRIVED
A
six-metre-long candy pink
Cadillac DeVille convertible
idles noisily to my left, a
chromed-up 55 Chevy
Bel Air emits a fug of
black smoke to my right and yet it is me,
sitting at the lights in my red Audi Q2, that is
attracting all the attention. Locals arent just
staring, theyre gawping totally confused
as to how and why a futuristic craft like this
could have landed in their town.
Havana, Cuba: a city with a transport
and civil infrastructure stuck in the pre-
revolution era, isnt used to new things,
especially new cars, and Im sticking out
like a sore thumb. The Q2 wont even be
sold here, on account of the few foreign
cars the government allows in being
subjected to an 800 per cent import tax,
but there is a reason were here to drive
it Audi has found the only country in
the world with worse roads than the UK.
This should play into the hands of the
Q2. A mildly jacked-up mini SUV designed
specifcally to live in the city, its Audis
attempt to attract younger buyers by hitting
the small SUV sweet spot, breaking from its
Russian-doll design philosophy and ofering
a level of customisation thats a must these
days. If I were being cynical I would call
the Q2 a fractionally raised A3 Sportback
it shares the same MQB platform, engines
and safety systems after all but more
thought has gone into it than that.
The hard facts are this: it is 200mm
shorter than a Q3 and 130mm shorter
than an A3 Sportback, but slightly taller
and wider than the fve-door A3. Its
obvious rival is the soon-to-be-replaced
Mini Countryman, although with prices
for the Q2 expected to start from around
20,000 its a few grand dearer. So far so
Audi, but where the Q2 sets itself apart
is its design, which actually takes a few
risks. The scalloped-out shoulder line, for
example, gives the Q2 its visual signature,
while the new octagonal grille will be
applied to all future Q models as Audi
seeks to draw clearer lines between its
A and Q ranges, and the R8.
Personalisation isnt on the same plane
as a Mini or Vauxhall Adam, but includes
wheels ranging from 16in to 19in (17s are
likely to be the best compromise between
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 021
Bolstered seats increase
comfort and hold you in
place through pot holes
style and comfort), a selection of colours for
the interior trim and ambient lighting, and a
contrast-coloured panel on the C-pillar for
now available in three shades of silver, or
body-coloured, but not black. Its a squat
shape up close: short overhangs and with a
real sense of width when you see it dead-on
from the front or back, but the proportions
arent wildly diferent from the A3s.
Its the same on the inside. In fact, the
Q2 has a seriously deep and larger-than-
the-A3s 405-litre boot, but because of the
slightly raised rear seats the maximum
1,050-litre space is a little less than the A3s.
Rear legroom is limited for anyone over six
foot, but theres headroom to spare. What
you dont get from the inside is (terrible
phrase) a command driving position it just
feels like a standard hatch, again bringing
into question the Q2s real value over a
hatch, beside its jauntier styling.
Adaptive dampers are optional and in
their softest setting ofer a marginally more
supple ride than the passive set-up, but lets
be honest here, when you spend most of
the day smashing through potholes the size
of France, even a hovercraft would have a
hard time maintaining comfort levels. That
the jolts and crashes remained manageable,
and things smoothed out signifcantly when
022 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
the road surface occasionally improved,
bodes well for the Q2 coping with the UK.
Progressive steering (where the ratio
increases the more you twirl the wheel)
is standard on every model and actually
gives the Q2 decent agility when weaving
between craters and broken-down
American classics. Beyond that, its a
package fnished with the usual Audi
polish, so exceptional refnement, an
interior of peerless quality and sure-footed,
if a little uninspiring handling in the few
meaningful corners we encountered. And
then theres the technology: Audis full
arsenal of optional safety and infotainment
technology is ofered, ranging from
adaptive cruise control and lane-keep
assist, to the virtual cockpit digital display
and a 705W B&O stereo. The only surprise
is a slimline screen that looks fantastic but
doesnt retract into the dash.
From launch you can have a 113bhp
three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI or a 148bhp 1.4
TFSI, plus 113bhp 1.6 and 148bhp 2.0 TDI
engines. Next year, a quattro-only 187bhp
2.0 TFSI will be introduced, while theres
a choice of six-speed manual and seven-
speed S tronic gearboxes. We tested a
front-drive 1.4 TFSI S tronic (no diesels
were available, given the shocking quality
of Cubas fuel), but as luck would have it,
OR TRY THIS its a fne match punching hard enough
when you need it, fading out at a cruise
and slipping into two-cylinder mode
when you really feather your right foot.
All in all, the Q2 feels like a subtle
repackaging of the A3 Sportback a new
top hat if you like, perched on the
versatile MQB box of bits, rather than
something new from the ground up.
Its neither rugged not sporty, but it is
Mini executed masterfully and precisely what
Countryman customers want. Most importantly for the
Over-inflated fashion-conscious youngsters Audi is
and bewilderingly targeting, its diferent enough to make
popular Mini is you stand out in a crowd. JACK RIX
cheaper but less
desirable than Q2
SPECIFICATION
1395cc turbo 4cyl, 148bhp, 184lb ft
50.0mpg, 130g/km CO2 (est)
062mph in 8.5secs, 130mph (est)
n/a kg
VERDICT Standard Audi
7
refnement present and
correct. Watch out,
Countryman this is
a real threat.
10
 July I 2016

Look
within
Audi SQ7
79,970 approx

WE SAY: LUCKILY THERES

PLENTY MORE THAN
MEETS THE EYE IN
THE CASE OF THE SQ7
ont turn the page. Thanks.

D You might not think youre

interested in this only-
slightly-less-drab-looking
version of the Audi Q7. But how does 4.9
seconds to 62mph grab you? A V8 bashing
out 435 horsepower and 664lb ft of torque?
And a piece of new technology thats going
to change all sorts of cars?
The engine is a new V8 diesel with
count em! three diferent compressors.
Two are turbochargers, a big one for high-
rev power and a little un for low-rev
perkiness. But we all know even a little
turbo is still a turbo and will still show lag.
So the SQ7s third compressor is driven
not by an exhaust turbine but an electric
motor. In a fraction of a second it spins up
and pumps air to the inlets, covering for
the moment while the little turbo fully
wakes up. Sure enough, lag is eliminated
unless you really go looking for it.
Its a quiet yet mighty engine,
propelling this big wagon to improbable
overtakes and committed hillclimbs. Press
a Dynamic Sound button, and your ears
Show me the way to
the organic biodynamic too will take it for a vast petrol V8.
quinoa section The SQ7 is more than a straight-line
brute. It handles. The test car had a crucial
triple option pack: adaptive anti-roll bars,
a torque-vectoring Sport Diferential at
the rear and four-wheel steering. With
that outft, the SQ7 hardly rolls, nor
understeers. The steering is numb, but hey,
More pertinently, its a quiet, refned
car, and, thanks to adaptive air springs
and that clever ad-hoc anti-roll solution,
the ride is remarkably supple too, betrayed
only by an element of wheel patter. And
its a Q7, with all that entails. The cabin
is made with Audis usual care; there are
electrically folding jump seats for persons
six and seven.
Heres the innovation. Both the electric
engine compressor and the anti-roll bars
Dynamic Sound button
use a lot of power. Running them of 12
means you can make it volts would mean thick, heavy wires. So
sound like a big V8 they use a separate 48V system. All sorts
of other power-consuming devices will
soon use 48V. Think autonomous steering,
active suspension, mild hybrids, electric
cabin heating. PAUL HORRELL
SPECIFICATION
3956cc turbodiesel V8, 4WD, 8spd auto,
435bhp, 664lb ft
38.2mpg, 195g/km CO2
062mph in 4.9secs, 155mph
2330kg
VERDICT All a bit

7
you can shift the attitude with the throttle unsexy but its hard to
and even dial up a squirt of second-gear argue against its range
of abilities. It is big and
power oversteer. Not altogether relevant to
a seven-seat SUV, but you wouldnt say no.
it is clever.
10
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 023
 July I 2016

Acceleration Top speed

NUMBER
(seconds)
010 0.6
020 1.2
030 1.9

CRUNCHER 155
040 2.6
050 3.3
060 4.2
070 5.3
080 6.6
090
0100
8.0
9.7 CARS PUT TO THE TEST AGAINST
mph
0110 11.6 THE CLOCK, TAPE, G-METER, ETC
0120 13.9
0130 16.8
Power/torque
0140
0150
20.4
25.3 BMW M2 600
465Nm @ 1400-5560rpm
402

3070 3.4 365bhp @ 16500rpm

500 335

01000 400 268

0 14.1 300 201

reaction time (0.7)

200 134

G-meter Torque (Nm)

Power (bhp)
100 67
1000 3000 5000 7000
0.80 Engine speed (rpm)

Peak
accel g
Weight
52% Weight distribution 48%
Peak
decel g

1.19
Only a single turbo to assist
L 4468mm x H 1410mm x W 1854mm
the M2's 3.0-litre straight-six,
Braking where the M3 employs a pair.
100 0 60 0
To 60mph theres nothing to
choose between them, but 1520 240bhp/
4.2secs (89.2m) 2.7secs (33.1m) kg
above that the M3 pulls away, tonne
reaching 100mph in 8.8secs.
Quarter-mile However, the single turbo is Kerbweight Power-to-weight
ratio
(standing start) very responsive and the whole

12.5
PHOTO: ROWAN HORNCASTLE

car is shot through with the

same guts and determination Economy/range
that made the 1M such a star.

seconds @ 114.6mph
33.2 mpg
(claimed) 380miles
(claimed)

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 025

July I 2016
Sense and
heres more to the Giulia
than the QF. Thats just
T the sharpened tip of the
Sensibility
iceberg: they wont sell
many, but use it as a
halo product to ensnare buyers into the
2.2-litre diesel (148 or 178bhp) and petrol
Alfa Romeo Giulia (a 197bhp, 243lb ft, 2.0-litre turbo).
29,500 approx All are brand new all-aluminium units,
the petrol featuring MultiAir electro-
hydraulic valve actuators, while the diesel
WE SAY: AN ALFA THAT has Multijet injection plus a variable-
IS A SOLID COMPANY geometry turbo and balancer shaft.
Despite the slow shift putting petrol back
CAR? MAMMA MIA!
in favour, its the diesel thatll be the
volume seller in Europe. And if youve
gotta go diesel, this is the one you want:
the 178bhp motor mated to the 8spd auto
gearbox, which copes with higher torque
loadings than the 6spd manual, so boasts
332lb ft rather than 280lb ft.
Romeo live up to its, ahem,
So its faster (062mph in 7.1 vs 7.4),
and although Alfa hasnt released full
economy/emissions fgures yet, probably
at least as frugal. The basic stats are
67.3mpg and 109g/km CO2, comparing
well to the BMW 320d (187bhp, 295lb ft,
062mph in 7.2, 67.3mpg, 116g/km CO2).
But then the Giulia needs to hit rivals
where it hurts its utterly vital for Alfas
future survival, and raw sentimentality
does not sell cars to company user-
choosers. The good news is that those
fgures seem to stack up and the better
news is that the Giulia drives very well.
02 6 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
It feels slightly softer than most
German execs no bad thing. Its relaxed,
moves easily and confdently, and as an
everyday car seems to have few foibles.
The engine feels capable of delivering the
claimed acceleration, but it does get a bit
strained over the last 1,000rpm or so, so
you fnd yourself shifting at 3,500rpm,
which is fne as theres loads of torque on
ofer and the auto is smooth and subtle.
Inside, the Giulia has the same spot-
on driving position and clean layout as
the fast version, and similarly fne seats.
Judged in isolation, interior quality is
fne, but hop between this and an Audi
A4, and youll feel the diference.
But thats no deal-breaker. The Alfa
has charm (naturally), individuality and,
more importantly, real ability. Its the car
it needs to be. Lets hope buyers agree.
With this car, can Alfa OLLIE MARRIAGE
bold business plan?
SPECIFICATION
2143cc inline 4cyl TD, RWD,
178bhp, 332lb ft
67.3mpg, 109g/km CO2
062mph in 7.1secs, 143mph
1374kg
VERDICT: As convincing in
8
its own way as the 503bhp
Quadrifoglio. The Giulia
diesel deserves to carry Alfa
back into the mainstream.
10
 Edge of
reason
Ford Edge Sport
36,750

WE SAY: THE BLUE OVAL Which is a problem because its big

TAKES ON THE GERMANS wider than a Land Rover Discovery
WITH ITS HEFTY AND and over two tonnes with passengers and
Enthusiastic drivers might
PRICEY CROSSOVER luggage and while visibility is pretty want to look elsewhere in
good, the way the bonnet tapers of makes the Ford range...
mericans have been able to it quite difcult to place on the road.

A
buy an Edge Fords Mondeo-
based Q5 and X3 rival for a
couple of years now. But ours
is a bit diferent to theirs. Most obviously,
the EcoBoost V6 has been ditched in favour
of Fords familiar 2.0-litre diesels, with up
to 207bhp (compared with the V6s 311).
Every Edge gets AWD, and youve a
choice between a 6spd manual or an auto.
Theres some new kit, like LED headlights,
and a few other bits, but perhaps most
interesting is Fords new Adaptive Steering
set-up, which is standard on the beefy-
looking Sport models Ford expects to
account for the greatest proportion of sales.
Were not normally fans of systems
like these that take a linear thing like a
steering ratio and mess with it so you never
But it is massively comfortable (even
on the Sports frmer suspension), and
wonderfully quiet, thanks to trick active
noise cancelling and a smooth, refned
diesel. It just doesnt engender much
enthusiasm in its driver, thats all.
The bigness is carried over to the
interior, which ofers more bootspace
than most of the Germans and a healthy
amount of rear legroom. The dash is
borrowed from the Mondeo and S-Max,
on which the Edge is based. Quality is
good, but next to the exterior the whole
thing looks a bit plain.
Prices start at a fver under 30k, rising
to 36,750 for a Sport. For context, thats
just a grand shy of the F-Pace down below,
all for a heavier, less economical, slower,
worse to drive SUV minus the premium
badge. Makes more sense to get a cheaper
one and cross-shop it with something like
a 32k Hyundai Santa Fe. TOM HARRISON
SPECIFICATION
1997cc bi-turbo 4cyl diesel, six-speed auto,
4WD, 207bhp, 332lb ft
47.9mpg, 152g/km CO2
062mph in 9.4secs, 131mph
1949kg
VERDICT: Does without

7
quite know how much lock you need and Fords trademark handling
we still arent. While the system itself is nous, but brilliantly
comfortable, quiet and
quite clever, it can only do so much to
disguise the Edges size and heft.
refned. At a price.
10

Jaguar F-Pace 2.0d both elements contributing to more

37,860 immediate responses. And specced
on 20 instead of 22in wheels, it
This is the F-Pace most people will rides nicely in town, too. SD
buy. Thats because it comfortably
tops 50mpg, even when you
SPECIFICATION
IMAGES: RICHARD PARDON

inevitably add four-wheel drive and

an automatic gearbox. But happily, 1999cc 4cyl turbodiesel,
it also feels a bit nicer than the V6 178bhp, 317lb ft

8
on p134. In the real world, at least. 53.3mpg, 139g/km CO2

The 2.0s max torque arrives 062mph in 8.7secs, 129mph

earlier (at just 1,750rpm) while it
10 weighs over 100kg less than the V6,
1775kg

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 27

July I 2016
SO, WHAT
EL SE IS NEW?

8
Renault Megane Cup-S
What should I know?
With Type-Rs and RSs to battle, Renault
has skimmed its fast Megane of most
equipment and cut the price to 23,935.
The idea is that you then add what
you like from its array of seat, brake,
suspension and tyre upgrades.
Should I care?
Yes. Keep things simple and you have
a raw, focused road car; add adjustable
hlins dampers and the Akrapovic

Freight
exhaust, and you have a track weapon.
Whichever way you go, youll have one of
the most fun cars with a roof below 50k.

Expectations
McLaren 570GT
4 154,000

Audi RS Q3 Performance
What should I know?
That for 3,365 you can have even more
power in your RS Q3: the Performance
pack offers 362bhp (a 27bhp gain),
062mph in 4.4secs and includes
titanium exterior detailing for 49,185.
Should I care?
Absolutely not. Its not just that it feels
old inside or rides so crummily, but that
we cant imagine what the question was
that threw up this as the answer. Its an
amusing diversion for ten minutes, but
to own? When other options run from
Jaguar F-Pace to BMWs M2? Seriously?
4 tuned to make use of what theyve since
Fiat Tipo
What should I know?
Fiat is back in the family hatch game. Its
a nondescript object and nasty inside to
be honest, but you can bag a petrol with
Bluetooth and DAB for 12,995. Focus
size, Fiesta money.
Should I care?
Only if budget is your chief concern.
The 1.4 T-Jet turbo engine is a real gem,
but thats the only notable punchline
from the Tipo, which is otherwise mired
as an unmemorable also-ran in a
wickedly competitive class.
WE SAY: McLARENS RUN OF OUTSTANDING
CARS CONTINUES. GOOD JOB
unny how things turn
out. When the new-era
F
McLaren began with the
MP4-12C, it was a fantastic
long-distance supercar,
and it could do searingly fast laps. But it
didnt quite tingle your emotional sensors,
so it was developed into the even faster and
vitally spicier 650S. Now weve got a new
long-distance McLaren, the 570GT. Its
only a whisker less quick than that frst The GT has a fowing fastback instead of
12C, and much more practical. But its a vertical rear screen. The Ss separated
fying buttresses are gone, their anti-lift
learned at Woking about smearing a silly properties compensated for by the GTs
grin across the drivers face. bigger ducktail at the stern. The side
McLaren always intended its entry profles of the fastback sweep down to
Sports Series to have three bodies: coupe, gentle valleys, and outboard of those the
spider (next year) and this GT. They contours of the rear wings rise again. Like
were designed side by side. The upper the soft folds of the English wolds. It really
superstructure is diferent aft of the doors. is very pretty. The GT also has less black
paint on the doors and tail than the S,
which again makes it more cohesive, less
like it took a wrong turn out of the pitlane.
The point of all this is revealed when
the rear screen hinges upward from its
right-hand side (reversed for wrong-hand-
drive countries). Beneath lies a leather-

02 8 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

upholstered deck with retaining straps,
deep enough for two airline-size cases and
a couple of satchels. You can still see out
of the back, and over your shoulders. And
remember theres another boot in the front.
This is how people use the back seats of
their 911s, but its easier to load the 570GT.
So you can accommodate a road trips
worth of bags, or a shopping trips. On
neither of those occasions do you want
track-ready suspension. So the 570GT is a
bit softer-sprung and more refned than the
570S. Some extra insulation wraps over the
engine, partly because if it isnt full of soft
cargo the rear deck area is a bit of an echo
chamber. So the GT is a little heavier than
the S version. A standard full-glass roof
adds airiness to the beautiful, spare cabin
design but also, again, weight.
But dont think this is the 570S gone
soft and heavy and sluggish. You wouldnt
want that. The S beat a Porsche 911 Turbo
and Audi R8 Plus when we stacked them
up against each other. The 570GT hardly
messes with the winning set-up. Even
when you drive the S and the GT back
to back, the diferences are subtle.
The GT has slightly less direct steering
and marginally gentler springing. The tyres
are less aggressive too, but theyre the same
sizes in both cars so you could ft either
to either. Ive no doubt the S would be the
sharper tool on a quick track, and its even
more blindingly rapid in a straight line. The
Ss number is 3.2secs to 62mph, versus the
GTs 3.4, so even the slower one is as quick
as you can use on almost any road. And as
advertised, the GT flters away more of the
harsh vibes and noises of a coarse road.
It might be softer, but it hasnt lost what
makes the 570S such fun to be with. Its a
marvellously engaging thing. It connects
your nerves to every phase of a corner,
happy to give you options. The steering is
all feel but little corruption. The adaptive
GTs full-glass roof adds dampers (theyve three selectable
airiness. Minimal cabin programmes) are extraordinarily deft.
design adds lightness...
For a V8, the engine is a bit of a drone,
but youll have few complaints as it chases
to 8,000-plus like its running away from a
volcano. (It was, where we drove it, albeit
a dormant one.) The gearshift is alert, the
ratios well chosen. Its properly fast yet
not intimidating. Everything just gels.
Here in 2016, the idea of a gran turismo
seems almost quaint. The notion of fast
long-distance driving once demanded
a car that could connect the horizons
along shimmying stretches of empty
single carriageways. For that job in those
days you needed power with comfort and
confdence: a fast but civilised sports
car. Now the romance has been greyed
out. Its all motorways and speed limits.
For a big road trip youd be better of in
a diesel estate with a big tank. But we
can all dream, eh? PAUL HORRELL
SPECIFICATION
3799cc twin-turbo V8, RWD,
570bhp, 443lb ft
26.6mpg, 249g/km CO2
062mph in 3.4secs, 204mph
1420kg (1350kg dry)
VERDICT: Extra
9
practicality and comfort,
more elegant looks, all for
the loss of a mere sliver
of excitement.
10
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 029
 July I 2016

Q UICK T WIN TEST

Golf GTI Clubsport vs Civic Type-R

WE SAY: TWO AERO-BRED, TRACK-FIT HOT HATCHES THAT COULDNT BE MORE OPPOSITE
Whats the VWs 40th birthday pressie to fast Golfs is a massively more focused GTI
pedigree that looks identical to the 306bhp Ring-record-setting Clubsport S. This
non-S has 261bhp in first and second gear, but overboosts to 287bhp in
here?
third and above for 10sec. Makes real downforce above 75mph.
Before VWs Clubsport broadside, Hondas 7min 50sec dash across
YouTubes favourite German circuit was the front-drive benchmark.
Small wonder: the Rs 306bhp, deployed through a mechanical diff,
is pasted on the road by the most brutal aero ever applied to a hatch.

Does it still This is the Clubsports ace card. Yes, its stiffer than a boggo GTI and Depends on the weather. Really. If its wet, the airstream flicks grime at
work as a its exhaust barks more coarsely, but it has a Jekyll side. Relax into a windows and mirrors until the car turns opaque. Whatever the weather,
normal car? cruise and its freakishly composed and polite. Easy about town too. track-bred ride is too firm to handle UK roads. Bigger boot than the Golf.

Is it at all Youd better be a GTI nut. A basic three-door is 2,445 over a Golf
GTI Performance Pack, and a scant 250 less than the 296bhp,
reasonably
4x4 Golf R. Adding this cars DSG and fab bucket seats? 34k, ta.
priced?
Way closer than youd think. Throttle response is sharper than the Type-
And which
Rs so your net power deficit is lower, yet traction is better, its far more
is the most
playful at the limit and the damping compromise is nigh-on perfect for
exciting? Britain. Sounds way fruitier too. Its a great step-on from a normal GTI.
Considering you bag another 45bhp, (less clever) adaptive dampers
and bucket chairs as standard, bang-on 30,000 is mega value. Pay
extra for non-red paint and trinkets like nav and leccy folding mirrors.
Grrr. The Honda doesnt care for lift-off oversteer, audio titillation or
delicate handling nuances. Its about grip, speed and feels weapons-
grade as a result. So its a lot more wearing, more one-dimensional,
but wow, what a dimension. Boost rush and gearshift are addictive.

VW Golf GTI Clubsport

30,935
9 10
Honda Civic Type-R
30,000
8 10
WORDS: OLLIE KEW / PHOTOS: SIMON THOMPSON

1984cc 4cyl turbo, VERDICT: A GTI with an evil streak, 1998cc 4cyl turbo, FWD, 306bhp, VERDICT: More fun for fve minutes,
FWD, 261bhp, 280lb ft but remains a true Swiss Army knife. 295lb ft but requires big dedication to live with.

40.9mpg, 158g/km CO2 38.7mpg, 170g/km CO2

1442mm

1466mm

062mph in 6.3secs, 155mph 062mph in 5.7secs, 167mph

1395kg 1378kg
4268mm 4390mm
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 31
 July I 2016

Senior
Samurai
Nissan GT-R MY17
79,995

WE SAY: STILL SERIOUSLY resonance damping. This means the
FAST, BUT NOW WITH A suspensions adaptive dampers can
DASH MORE COMFORT better get on with their job.
Theres a power bump too. A small
hen the R25-generation one, from 542bhp to 562, and a smidge
Road speeds might be beneath it but
its still satisfying. The steering talks. The
more forgiving damping gives you a sense
of the work each tyre is doing, of the
weight and torque being wrangled around.

W
GT-R launched in 2007, it was
pretty much the Godfather
of brutal acceleration. Now
its more like the Grandfather. Its still
pretty efective, mind, and so this senior
citizen remains in the workplace, aided
by a set of nips and tucks.
Crude edges have been smoothed away.
A new dash looks, unlike the last one, as
if it were all designed by a single team. Its
more plushly trimmed too. A new active
noise-cancellation system takes away the
booms when youre cruising. Road noise
is cut too. Plus, the transmission is very
much more housetrained, having lost the
gear whine and low-speed snatchiness.
more torque throughout the revs. A
precious, lightweight titanium exhaust
helps, while more cooling air is required
through the nose. Despite this, drag and
downforce fgures havent been harmed,
thanks to a set of compensating
bodywork changes: front and rear
bumpers, sills, bonnet.
Still a quick one, just
not as brutally fast
What you feel is an engine more ready
to charge to the shift-lights. This is still,
as it used to be thanks to traction and weight distribution,
one of the fastest cars anywhere from a
standing start or out of a slow corner. But
at higher speeds, its lumbering weight
claws it back a bit. The weight also comes
home to roost on a track. Change direction
The GT-R made its reputation on lap
times and acceleration. But the engineers
arent releasing those numbers this time
around. Most likely, then, no better. But
theyre now made by a more comfortable,
friendly car. PAUL HORRELL
SPECIFICATION
3799cc twin-turbo V6,
4WD, 562bhp, 470lb ft
23.9mpg, 275g/km CO2
062mph in 2.8secs, 196mph
1752kg
VERDICT: More of a

8
The ride, though its still stif, isnt too suddenly and itll understeer. If its a multi-tool than ever,
so wearisomely harsh. Unusually for a lumpy surface or youre not smooth, the but its main blade no
longer looks so much
mid-life refresh, team GT-R has updated body defnitely moves around. A sharper
the bodyshell itself for improved Track Edition is coming.
sharper than rivals.
10

I T B E F O R E Y O U D I E
DRIVE
Hakone Tu
rnpike, Jap
an
Which
bit?
I still
cant
When
should
Why the
GT-R?
The whole thing
a private toll
find it I go? Because its
a Japanese Hakone
road not far from Bash this into In the summer, performance
Tokyo, and one of your satnav: at night. Though hero, as good at
the most famous 35.213849, dont expect the big sweepers
driving roads in 139.105048 to have it to as it is at tight
all of Japan yourself hairpins

032 JUNE 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 www.aworldrallycross.com R1 | 15 Apr - 17 Apr
PORTUGAL Montalegre
R2 | 06 May - 08 May
HOCKENHEIM Hockenheimring
R3 | 13 May - 15 May
BELGIUM Circuit Jules Tacheny
R4 | 27 May - 29 May
GREAT BRITAIN Lydden Hill
R5 | 10 Jun - 12 Jun
NORWAY Hell
R6 | 01 Jul - 03 Jul
SWEDEN Hljes
R7 | 05 Aug - 07 Aug
CANADA Trois-Rivires
R8 | 02 Sep - 04 Sep
FRANCE Loheac
R9 | 16 Sep - 18 Sep
BARCELONA Barcelona-Catalunya
R10 | 30 Sep - 02 Oct
LATVIA Bikernieki
R11 | 14 Oct - 16 Oct
GERMANY Estering

FROM THE ROUGH. TO THE SMOOTH. R12 | 25 Nov - 27 Nov

ARGENTINA Autodromo Rosario

off road tyres

uf ac tu rin g some of the best re
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Cooper are accla ra llie s su ch as the punishing Da sfu l ch em ist ry
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July I 2016

SVR has 567bhp,

which seems just about
adequate for our needs

Special
he F-Type SVR is all about
big numbers. Itll do
T 200mph. It has a power

treatment
Jaguar F-Type SVR
110,000
WE SAY: FIRST JAG TO GET
THE SVO TREATMENT DIALS
DOWN THE MUSCLE-CAR
MADNESS TO GO FASTER
output of 567bhp. It has
the option of 398mm
diameter carbon-ceramic discs and a
carbon-fbre roof, which together lop 50kg
of its weight. Theres a new aero set-up at
the front, a rear venturi confgured to house
a trick new exhaust, and an enormous rear
wing. The SVR is louder, shoutier, and
costlier (from 110,000 for the coupe).
Its more, of everything, and this on a
car that was hardly backwards about
coming forwards in the frst place.
Yet the more you drive it, the more you
realise that doing everything in CAPITAL
LETTERS is not the SVO way. We were
mightily impressed by the work JLRs
in-house, of-site performance specialists
The SVR gains 14-way
adjustable Performance
seats and lozenge quilting
carbon addenda. The supercharged 5.0-
litre V8 borrows its calibration from the
limited-run Project 7, and benefts from a
lightweight titanium and Inconel exhaust
system, so its hardly stashing its light
behind a bushel, either.
Lay of the throttle, though, and its clear
the SVR is a surprisingly nuanced car, more
powerful than the existing top-fight F-Type
IMAGES: SIMON THOMPSON

did on the Range Rover Sport, and theyve
performed similar magic on the F-Type.
One word: subtle. Not the one that
comes to mind when the SVRs V8 echoes
across another tract of Spanish farmland,
admittedly. Or you wrap your eyes around
the orange colour scheme and spot all the
R but also way better at the detail stuf.
That includes the way it dissects a fast
road. The regular F-Type has always been a
highly amusing tool, but a borderline Begbie
the more power its had to play with. So in
order for the SVR to cope, the SVO guys
have had to rein in some of its excesses.

03 4 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 Trimming some fat from the porky
regular car helps, as does the ftment of
specially developed rubber. It has sharper
turn-in now, and a front end you can lean on
much harder, mainly because youre far less
nervous about whats going to happen at the
rear. Theres more grip and superior body
control. It even fdgets less at low speed.
The changes to the cars suspension
are also a major factor. The rear anti-roll bar
is thicker, the valves inside the continuously
variable dampers have been reworked, the
software governing the adaptive dynamics
has been recalibrated, the torque-vectoring
has been retuned, the rear suspension
knuckle is new and uses a lighter
aluminium die casting to increase camber
stifness by 37 per cent and toe stifness by
41 per cent. Only the most genius-bottomed
increased by 41 per cent.
dynamics expert could nail the numbers
that precisely, but you sure can feel the
diference in the way the SVR carves
through a sequence of fast corners. The
F-Types electric power steering achieves a
new level of feedback and linearity here, too.
This is all good stuf, given the potential
for arriving at each corner that much faster
than before. Driving this thing quickly is
much less of a white-knuckle adventure than
the regular all-wheel-drive car. Even with
the DSC switched of, its default behaviour
on a dry road, at least is to grip, maintain
an impressively neutral line through the
apex, before sliding a little on the exit.
Its extremely impressive. No doubt on
an empty racing circuit, you could coax
angles out of the SVR even though its 4WD
only, but in the real world the makeover
gives the F-Type greater delicacy and
precision, to go with the grandstanding
performance. Fitted with the carbon-
ceramics, it also has the best brakes (and
perhaps more importantly, brake feel) of
any road-going Jaguar Ive driven they
used to be rubbish at brakes.
SVR toe stiffness has Im not sure it feels like 110ks worth
Yeah, we could tell... inside, though. No issues with the driving
position, or the 14-way adjustable
Performance seats. The steering wheel gets
contrast stitching, the anodised paddle-
shifters are larger, and theres the option
of suede (our car had it) that extends
across the dash and centre console. JLRs
InControl Touch multimedia is pretty
good (if a little slow on the uptake), as is the
380W Meridian audio system. But Jaguars
basic interior quality falls short of the best
German eforts, and many of the pricey
options on the SVR really should be
standard for the money it costs.
Still, thats all part of the AMG and BMW
M business model. Those guys are heroes,
and JLRs SVO makes no bones about
emulating that set-up. Happily, theres a
detail and engineering depth to the F-Type
SVR that suggests a place is rapidly being
cleared at the top table. JASON BARLOW
SPECIFICATION
5000cc, supercharged V8, AWD,
567bhp, 516lb ft
25.0mpg, 269g/km CO2
062mph in 3.5secs, 200mph
1705kg
VERDICT: SVR makeover
8
adds unexpectedly subtle
new layers to the F-Type,
and a welcome civility to go
with colossal performance.
10
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 35
July I 2016
Q & A
Sliding
doorless
Zenos E10 R
39,995
WE SAY: WELCOME
TO THE LATEST UK
TRACK-DAY THING
Ah, Zenos. In the A-to-Z
of the British sports-car
industry, we know where
to find this one.
Alphabetically, yes. But a few years
into its existence, this start-up is doing
just fine, and after 10 minutes behind
the wheel its easy to see why. The E10
is what the Caterham Seven would
have morphed into if it hadnt been
kept in a state of admittedly highly
amusing suspended animation.
Given that ex-Caterham (and Lotus)
figures Ansar Ali and Mark Edwards
set Zenos up, this isnt a total surprise.
Is there room for another
adrenalised Brit tiddler?
There is if its as good as this. The E10 R
is the raciest Zenos, powered by Fords
2.3-litre EcoBoost unit, turbocharged
to produce 350bhp and 350lb ft
in a car with a dry weight of 700kg, a
power-to-weight ratio not unadjacent
to 500bhp-per-tonne. Other R mods
Bodywork detaches easily
(just in case you have a
track-day barrier interface)
include stiffer spring rates, improved
brake feel, a reworked engine map,
and carbon composite seats with a
four-point harness. The entry-level,
200bhp E10 is 26,995; the supercar-
bothering R starts at 39,995.
Is it all speed/madness?
Thats the weird thing: no. Yes, its
hilariously rapid, a sensation thats
intensified by the absence of a screen.
But the E10 R is surprisingly rounded.
9
10
Full disclosure: this is the first Zenos Ive
driven. Its also the first time Ive visited
Blyton Park, a new(ish) track near
Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. Though
theres plenty of run-off, the first few
laps are mildly exploratory. If nothing
else, at modest speeds you can at
least appreciate the E10 Rs excellent
driving position, well-spaced pedals,
and twin-pod instrument layout. As
much as I love the Caterham, its
ergonomics predate the term sharper still. In fact, after staring at
ergonomics, and the Zenos has a the Zenos for a bit I decided that its
less daunting mien than the Radical. closer in spirit to an ultra-hardcore
Mazda MX-5 Clubsport than a
But isnt intimidation red-hot Ariel or Caterham rival. JB
part of the deal?
With the exploratory stuff dispensed
with, its clear that this car has more
grip on a track than you know what to
SPECIFICATION
2261cc turbo 4cyl, RWD,
do with. Itll slide if you hoof it out of a 350bhp, 350lb ft
second-gear hairpin, but otherwise n/a mpg, n/a g/km CO2
you have to lift a bit and bung it in to
062mph in 3.0secs, 155mph
get the rear rotating. Even if provoked,
the chassis set-up is benign, and 700kg (dry)
confirms the guys decision not to fit
VERDICT: Road-legal
8
a diff. Its a very polished bit of kit. E10 R is compliant on
the road and benignly
But is it sharp enough? brilliant on the track.
Yes, though it could probably be
A very sweet spot...
10
Lotus Elise 250 Cup standard downforce kit. Wider front
45,600 tyres keep that end gripping harder,
yet the steering remains sublime.
The new Cup 250, replacing the Utterly fab on a B-road too. PH
S Cup, is another stage in the
transformation of the Elise from
delicate back-road grazer to serious SPECIFICATION
track scoffer. Power is boosted 1796cc supercharged 4cyl, 6spd
manual, RWD, 243bhp, 184lb ft
26bhp to 243bhp, plus the throttle
37.7mpg, 175g/km CO2
calibration and gearshift action are
finessed. Its 21kg lighter than before, 062mph in 3.9secs, 154mph
or 31kg if you splash yet more cash to
switch to carbon fibre for the
931kg
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 37
 FEEL
THE
THRILL
oluptaturis
dolor a

Lexus is back at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed with

the high performance F Range plus two RC F racecars
 F
resh from an intensive development program at the
Nrburgring, Japan and the USA, Lexus is bringing
two RC-F-based racecars to Goodwood for the frst
time the RC F GT3 and the RC F GT Concept.
As well as all the usual squealy-tyred goodness, any
lucky punters who swing by the Lexus stand can also
see the pioneering LFA in the fesh alongside the
F-badged range, including the latest car to build on
the tech developed for the pioneering LFA, the GS F.
RACE TUNED LUXURY
True, they might not be quite as fast as that gloriously
bonkers two-seater, but theyre no slouches either. In
fact, the RC F is among the most powerful production
cars Lexus has ever produced no mean feat when
you consider the kind of lineage the Japanese
manufacturer can boast.
But it wasnt always that way. When the F Range
frst appeared in the mid-noughties, nobody knew
quite what to expect. Lexus had a great reputation
for high-tech luxury, but how would those skills
translate to a performance division?
Remarkably well, as it turns out. Lexus impressed
with its frst launch, the IS F saloon, and each
new release improved on what went before. That
culminated with the LFA in 2010 an era-defning,
adrenaline-pumping supercar that ripped up the
rulebook and won Lexus performance division a
whole legion of fans in the process.
So after conquering the supercar world, what was
next? Judging by the GS F and RC F, Lexus engineers
decided to take all the futuristic technology they
developed for the LFA, and cram it into road-going
coups and four-door saloons. Lovely.
GETTING TO GRIPS
First things frst, both cars look great. Theyre
aggressive-looking beasts, with the kind of snarling
bodywork that suggests speed even when sat still. And
they live up to that promise, making use of a naturally
aspirated, 5.0-litre V8 engine to produce 477bhp,
hitting 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. Theres all sorts of
other clever tech too, like the smooth eight-speed sport
direct shift and a torque vectoring diferential in the GS
F and the RC F Carbon.
Fast and good-looking though these cars undoubtedly
are, theres more to them than that. The cockpit is
bursting with all the usual Lexus craftsmanship,
including a high-end Mark Levinson Surround Sound
system. Theyre the kind of cars you can throw around
the track and get the groceries in on the way home.
See them in action when both cars tackle the
Goodwood Hill Climb with one of Lexus Motorsports
team of pro drivers including GT3 driver Scott Pruett
and James Rossiter of the Japanese Super GT, wholl be
behind the wheel of the RC F GT Concept. Book a seat
in the Grandstand or turn up on the day just make
sure you see these two cars in their element.

Key Features
Race-adjusted Exhilarating Quad tailpipe Craftsmanship Inspired
power performance arrangement redefined technology
The latest installment The pinpoint handling An efortless marriage Lexus tend not to skimp Power is delivered by
in the F Range makes was developed on of performance and when it comes to the way of an eight-speed
use of technology the hairpins of the aesthetics results in extras, and the current sport direct shift and
developed for the LFA Fuji Speedway and Lexus unique four-way F lineup is no exception. smart torque vectoring
supercar, like a naturally perfected on the exhaust system. Its as The beautifully crafted diferential, so gear
aspirated engine. The Nrburgring, so the sweet-sounding as it interiors have hand- changes are smooth
LFA used a V10, while school run should is loud; this is one car stitched leather sports as butter and the
the RC F and GS F use a present relatively youll hear long before seats and LFA-inspired performance is
thunderous V8. little challenge. you see it. instruments. fnely tuned.

Get the RC F for 59,995 OTR. Find out more at lexus.co.uk

Intake
EDITED BY JACK RIX

Metal. Faces. Retro. Entertainment. Culture. Every month

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 41

 Buena Vista
Anti-Social
Club
NO USE BLAMING YOUR TOOLS. MEET THE HAVANA
RACERS WHO TURN THEIR CLASSICS UP TO ELEVEN

WORDS: JACK RIX / PHOTOGR APHY: ROWAN HORNCA STLE

Children of the
revolution were
born into a country
where racing was
deemed elitist and
banned. But when
its in your blood,
what can you do?.

04 2 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM


Spot the guy who didnt
get the memo about
colour-coded t-shirts
hy do we race? When we were born, it was in
W
our blood. Its the way to live, its better than
with the girls. Rey illustrates this point by
gyrating his hips. Uncontrollable laughter and
much backslapping ensues. Thing is, I dont doubt him for
a second, racing needs to be that good given the sacrifces
these Cuban drag racers have to make.
To move forward with this story, frst we must look back
to the 1959 Cuban revolution that triggered a trade embargo
by the US. Car imports, besides a few Ladas and Moskvitches
from the Soviet Union, were virtually impossible, forcing
Cubans to make do with what they had. Its the reason why
the Caribbeans biggest island is crawling with Buicks, Chevys,
Oldsmobiles and Fords from the Fifties, some in good nick,
some limping around like terminally ill dinosaurs.
Something else happened when the revolution took hold.
Following a devastating crash that killed 10 spectators and
51 Chevy with a Ford
V8. Thats cause for
celebration around here
injured 40 at the 1958 Cuban GP, racing was banned entirely
by the government. That ban ended in 2013 when Cubas frst
legally sanctioned race meet for 55 years took place at the
Artemisa drag strip an event detailed in a new documentary,
Havana Motor Club. But since then, theres been no further
Rim not wide enough?
meets, forcing the racers to return to their underground roots, Then simply weld two
testing their machines against one another in the quieter together. Job done
corners of Cuba, beyond the watchful eye of La Policia.
Its always more exciting when its illegal. When
somethings forbidden, it feels so much better. Thats Piti,
one of the stars of the Havana Motor Club flm and owner
of the worlds loudest black 51 Chevy, transplanted with a
300bhp Ford V8. If its power youre interested in, though,
you want Rey Titos red and white 55 Chevy Bel Air, another
star of HMC and the fastest car on the island. Fitted with a
supercharged Chevrolet small-block V8, it churns out 500bhp
and enough decibels to split nearby tree trunks clean in half.
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 43

The third member of our furtive drag meet today is
Luis and his pristine banana-coloured Bel Air, also a 55
Chevy running the same engine with a little less boost
good for 400bhp, Im told. I ask if he has a print-out
of the power/torque curve I can study. He stares back
blankly. Just my little joke.
In isolation these cars are masterpieces cool,
quick but to really appreciate them, one must
consider the conditions under which they were
created. These guys are not wealthy (the average
Cuban earns just $20 a month), sourcing parts is
often expensive and slow, and fuel prices are on par
with Europe. The Government wont allow entire
engines to be imported, so these Frankensteins are
built up through graft and ingenuity, by fxing and
reusing a jumble of period parts. These are not
matching-numbers classics the fastest man is
always the most creative.
Wrapping them in cotton wool, though, doesnt
appear to be the Cuban way. Weve been at our
makeshift drag strip a quiet road on the outskirts
of Havana all of 10 minutes before the drivers start
peacocking. Piti goes frst, inviting
me into the passenger seat before
leaving a pair of 20ft stripes on the
road then showing me what his car
is capable of; ferocious straight-line
pace and profound tinnitus, mostly.
Briefy, I feel like Danny Zuko, minus
the leather and Brylcreem, blasting
down the LA riverbed. I choose not
to share this with Piti.
The other two take the bait,
drive up to an invisible start line,
designated by muggins here, and
on my signal unleash hell down the
slender and undulating strip. Their
doorhandles pass inches from my
hips, I feel the heat of the engines on
my knuckles. This is real. No health
and safety or risk assessments here
its motorsport at its most basic.
There is no timing equipment, the
guest starter has no chequered fag and there are no
particular regulations, just a group of men who live
and breathe fast cars indulging their passion in the
only way they know how.
These cars are celebrities in Havana and when
spotted out and about it doesnt take long for the
word to get around. By now, what was supposed to
be a quiet afair has attracted a growing crowd, and
theyre keen to get in on the action. I look up to see a
pimped-up Lada, complete with fxed rear spoiler and
GT-R badging both crucial performance-enhancing
modifcations throwing up clouds of dust as it
04 4 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
From a time when there
was something to look at,
and fix, under the hood
doughnuts around a gravel car park. The
crowd goes wild. I go wild. Its infectious.
After a few hours, with tyre tread and fuel
tanks running low, we decide to slow things
down and go for a cruise. Rey whistles and
gestures for me to jump in with him. Secretly,
Im fattered, Rey comes from a dynasty of
mechanics, the Titos, that are famous
throughout Cuba, and his car refects his familys
expertise. Its bonkers. I open the door, grinning,
and discover why he has the edge on the competition.
His car is built to a painfully strict RS spec. There is
only one seat, for him, so I perch on the corrugated
foor pan, hands behind me like Im at a picnic, and we
peel of onto a three-lane highway.
As the sweat from my forehead starts to form a
puddle between my legs, I realise he hasnt ftted levers
to wind the windows down, or doorhandles just a
piece of wire to release the catch. And then, as the heat
is about to overwhelm me, we run out of fuel and roll
to a stop on the hard shoulder. This, it turns out, is a
poignant demonstration of why most Cuban old-timers
arent quite what they seem.
Given the cost of fuel, the
majority of classics you see out on
the road are actually transplanted
with leggy diesels imported by the
government from Europe, who sell
them on for the extortionate price of
around $4,000 each. We meet a man
whos been restoring classics from
the ground up, and converting them
to diesel power, for the last 20 years
and he says it hurts him every time.
Take him a wreck, and for around
$10,000 hell hand you back an
immaculate classic, with a Peugeot
or Mercedes oil-burner under the
bonnet. Hes an artist, of that theres
no doubt, but its the racers who
are laughing in the face of fuel
consumption and keeping the
original V8s alive.
Earlier in the day, poking around the racers
garages, its obvious they dont have a lot, but what
they do have goes on the cars so the fnancial These Frankensteins
are built up through
sacrifces are huge. Take Jote, hes got a mangled wrist
(an injury sustained while fxing a car) so couldnt
come racing, and currently only has the shell of a once
glorious race car to this name. Jote is a rafter those
who try and leave Cuba illegally to make it to the US by graft and ingenuity, by
sea and has tried and failed on countless attempts.
Ironically, his car used to be powered by a boat engine
salvaged from the bottom of the sea, but he had to sell
fixing/reusing parts
it, then his gearbox, then every component in between
 1

7
When youve broken your
wrist and sold your engine,
all thats left to do is smile

to fund his attempts. Its a stark reminder that while

doing what they love, these Havana drag racers do so
under the harshest economic conditions imaginable.
But things are changing fast. A few years ago, Raul
Castro brought in a series of social and economic
reforms allowing Cubans to start businesses and
own their own cars. Then, in September 2015 the US
loosened trade and travel restrictions, the precursor to
Obamas visit to Havana earlier this year the frst time
a US president has set foot on Cuban soil since 1928.

They dont have a lot, but what

they do have goes on the cars
Progress is slow, but development of a country that
time forgot is coming, and with it will be a wave of US
car collectors wanting to swoop in and strip out the
classics. Even Hollywood has caught on flming for
Fast and Furious 8 has just wrapped in Cuba, with
several of the cars we met today taking starring roles.
But the Havana drag racers are as far from
Hollywood as its possible to get. They may be ofered
tempting sums for their cars and soon have access to
the engines and components that theyve always
Jack got on the plane at
Heathrow in 2016, and got craved, but I have a feeling theyll hold out, and do
off in Havana in 1950 things the way theyve always been done. Because its
never been about money for them, its in their blood.

046 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

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 NEW METAL
Swede dreams
MEET VOLVOS FUTURE SMALL FAMILY,
OR THE XC40 AND V40 TO YOU AND ME
olvo has revealed a pair of concepts for
V
its next range of mid-size 40-series cars.
The 40.1 concept is a ringer for the XC40,
a BMW X1-rivalling SUV due to hit
showrooms next year, while the 40.2 wears fastback-
saloon disguise, but is actually a hatchback.
Design director Thomas Ingenlath has confrmed
the 40.1 is very close indeed to the XC40 and despite
its name, the 40.2 is the concept version of the third
body style in the new 40 series, we understand. A
regular hatch, replacing the current V40, will come
next after the XC40. Underneath the 40.1 and
40.2 is Volvos freshly minted Compact Modular
Architecture platform. Volvos head of R&D Peter
Mertens says the platform is a step ahead for Volvo.
We are going to fre the next stage of the rocket.
Thats electrifcation and autonomous drive.
Autonomy wont happen until after 2020, he says,
and even then it will be a part-time system. In town
048 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
Slick Swedish design
still very much
in evidence
centres and the country the driver will be very
much in charge, with lots of support from steering
and evasion systems. But on a motorway, the car
takes over completely, and you can lean back and
use the time for something else.
Power? Volvo is working on versions of the existing
petrols and diesels, while at the sharp end of the sales
fgures will be a brand-new turbo three-cylinder engine
with 180bhp. There will be front-drive and normal
propeller-shaft four-wheel drive. And also, according
to Mertens, very potentially possibly one with the
XC90 T8-style 4WD via an electric rear axle motor.
Enough? Nope, therell be a full-electric version
too, released in about 2020, which will be capable of
about 200 miles on a charge, says Mertens, plus a
new hybrid system that has an electric motor mounted
on a twin-clutch transmission, so it can drive through
the gearbox alone, or in tandem with the petrol triple.
It uses the 180bhp engine plus a 74bhp electric motor.
Both drive through the seven-speed DCT transmission
in hybrid mode, but to simplify the design and cut
friction, in electric mode the motor uses second,
fourth and sixth gears only.
Inside, Volvos giant touchscreen will make an
appearance on the 40-series, though not on all models,
and among the apps will be one where you can do away
with the key, and send anyone you want a secret code
from anywhere via the web, letting them unlock and
start the car with their phone. Be afraid, BMW, Audi
and Mercedes, be very afraid. PAUL HORRELL

START
07:00
Wake up. Im not a morning person,
but a race weekend is run at full
speed with high adrenaline.
08:45
Arrive at the track. Breakfast with
the team and our top technical
guys, Paddy Lowe and Andy Cowell.
I joke they are my nerds, but
theyre great leaders and deserve
a lot of credit in the success weve
had in recent seasons.
09:30
Sunday morning strategy briefng
begins. We do it in two half-hour
sections, frst without the drivers to
talk through the challenges of the
race ahead, then with the drivers.
10:30
Sunday isnt just race day, its also
when we have our highest-profle
guests and partners at the track.
In Monaco, we had our board
members and the CEO from every
one of our sponsors in town.
10:45
Pre-race briefng with all the
engineering team and both drivers.
For me, the most important
briefngs of the weekend are after
second practice on Friday and third
practice on Saturday, when were
collecting the drivers feedback and
understanding what problems we
still have to fx.
11:30 (approx.)
At some point during the morning,
I get the call to go to the little grey
A DAY IN
bus in the paddock. Bernie and I
talk several times a week, from big-
picture stuf to tiny details, and Ive
got a lot of respect for him. Theres
always an angle, and I admire his
THE...Toto
LIFEWolff
OF...
skills as a negotiator.
13:00
Lunch in my ofce to get some quiet
time before the race.
13:05
It doesnt matter how I plan it,
lunch is always interrupted by TV
HOW IT ROLLS FOR THE HEAD OF requests. The live TV stuf begins
MOTORSPORT AT MERCEDES F1 around an hour before the race. Its
not something I particularly enjoy
REX
I think only my mother likes
TOPGEAR.COM
seeing me on the telly but its
important to keep that pressure
away from the rest of the team.
13:25
Head to the garage. The cars go out
at 13:30 and start their laps to the
grid, then I go to the grid too. This
is when it becomes about pure
racing, and its always a buzz. The
grid is pretty much a whirlwind
interviews, quick discussions with
the team, trying not to get run over
at the same time.
13:55
Time to plug in for the race. For me,
its 90 minutes of intense focus. Im
connected with the pit wall, and
in contact with Paddy. Its about
being a sounding board giving a
diferent perspective to the data and
the numbers. There arent so many
radio comms with the drivers this
year, but theres a lot of discussion
going on behind the scenes.
Last lap
If were winning, we decide on the
last lap who goes to the podium on
behalf of the team its a chance for
all the teamwork to be recognised
and represented. The reality of our
business is not about the few people
you see on TV, but the hundreds
back at base.
16:15
More media appointments, this
time in our motorhome, to explain
what happened in the race. I try to
be authentic and open we need
stories out there about the sport,
and it needs to polarise opinion and
capture peoples interest.
17:00
Debrief.
17:30
Unless Im staying on for meetings,
I head to the airport now. The fight
is good for thinking time you can
disconnect and see the big picture.
Usually I head to the UK to be in the
factory for the week. Were not in
the cars but, even so, it takes a while
for the adrenaline to subside.
23:00
Bed.
END
J JULY 2016 0 49
 CLIO RENAULTSPORT
182 TROPHY
Engine: 1998cc, 4cyl,
182bhp @ 6500rpm.
148lb ft @ 5250rpm
Performance: 062mph
in 7.1secs, 139mph
Transmission: 5spd
manual, FWD
Economy: 34.9mpg,
194g/km CO2
Weight: 1090kg
L x W: 3811mm x 1940mm

decade isnt all that separates these

A
two Clios. Going by name alone, one
is inarguably a direct descendant of the
other, and yet what we have here is an
automatic fve-door with a turbocharged four, and a

PROGRESS REPORT
naturally aspirated three-door with a manual gearbox.
Such is progress, then, that on frst inspection these
two diminutive Frenchies share little.
The Clio II frst. Renault sold thousands upon

Evolution of the
thousands, but few like this. Built to wave goodbye
to that era of Clio, the 182 Trophy was always meant
for us Brits, and just us. A run of 500 was planned, but

Clio RenaultSport
GOING HEAD TO HEAD IN TWO
GENERATIONS OF BABY HOT HATCH
WO R DS: TO M HAR R I SO N /
PH OTO GR APHY: ROWAN H O R N C A STLE
somehow the Swiss managed to convince Renault to
build an extra 50 left-hookers for them. The French
didnt get any.
Based on the Clio Cup of the day, all Trophys came
in Capsicum Red, with a spoiler borrowed from the Clio
V6 and a set of Speedline alloys for a weight-saving
of a worthy 1.3kg per corner. Inside you got Recaros
mounted 10mm lower but still about a foot too high
a steering wheel so vast it could command a Nimitz-
class aircraft carrier, and a special, numbered plaque.
 CLIO RENAULTSPORT
220 TROPHY
Engine: 1618cc, 4cyl turbo,
217bhp @ 6050rpm,
207lb ft @ 2000rpm
Performance: 062mph
in 6.6secs, 146mph
Transmission: 6spd
automatic, FWD
Economy: 47.9mpg,
135 g/km CO2
Weight: 1204kg
L x W: 4063mm x 1732mm

FA N C Y O N E I N
YOUR GAR AGE?

2012 CLIO III 200

CUP 11,295

2005 CLIO II 182

TROPHY 7,750

Obviously. This particular car is number one, tidy
as you like, and worth the princely sum of 15,500
when new. Big money for a Clio.
It was the Sachs Race Engineering dampers which
have remote reservoirs for better, erm, damping that
really made the 182 Trophy. Without getting too beardy
about it, such equipment has a separate reservoir that
holds a proportion of the oil and gas required by the
main damper, freeing up space for a thicker, stifer
damper rod. They were massively expensive Renault
reckons 10 times the price of a regular damper and
distinctly rare groove. This is proper motorsport stuf,
and they make the 182 quite unlike any other hot hatch
of the day. Properly excellent, is what.
That list of 15,500 way back in 2005 is a little under
21,000 in todays money, or about 800 less than the
latest fappy-paddled 220, which proved quite irksome
when it was frst released as the boggo 200 in 2013.
All told it was a decent enough car, with a
fundamentally good chassis, but the twin-clutch gearbox
began to annoy from the moment you set of. Shift times
were quickened and power was upped for the 220, and
everything was stifened up as per the Trophy norm, but
somethings still missing. That auto gearbox will never
belong, no matter what Renault does to it, and while its
properly quick around a track (itll pull the same peak g as
an AWD RS3. We tested), the magic is somewhat lacking.
The 220 is not big, but the old car feels tiny by
comparison. By modern standards its far from
quick, but the 2.0-litre four really gets going after
about 5,000rpm. The steering telegraphs more or less 2005 CLIO II 182
CUP 2,500
exactly whats going on underneath you, the chassis
is playful yet stable (itll cock a wheel if you try hard
enough) and theres more grip that youd ever need.
The new car, meanwhile, delivers on the speed front,
but stops short of ofering the kind of thrills as, say,
the Fiesta ST, let alone the old car, or the superb Clio
III RS that slots between these two.
The most irritating thing about the Clio RenaultSport
220 is not the gearbox. Its that the RenaultSport
Megane, which isnt that much more, can be had with
a manual and, crucially, is much better. More involving.
If only there was a way to transplant some of that into
the little un, and revive some of that old Clio magic Oh, but there is. Turn over to see...

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 51

 Van man
NEW METAL

Squeezing 265lb ft through

a Clio requires much

The return of
change. The RS16s front
suspension (here with RS
boss Patrice Ratti) is a
bespoke mix of Megane

the hot Clio

and MkIII Clio Cup parts,
while the engine uses
bracing components from
the Kangoo van. Really

MANUAL BOX, MEGANE ENGINE

FOR RENAULTS CRAZY SPECIAL

ts three years since the Clio

I
RenaultSport was the high point of
small hot hatches. But that could
change if Renault puts this rampant
little RS16 into production.
We said, Lets make a car we can homologate,
says RenaultSport boss Patrice Ratti. A return
to crazy cars! The crazy cars in question are
sprinkled through Renaults history, the mid-engined,
rear-driven 5 Turbo and Clio V6 the craziest of all.
The RS16 has not followed their formula. Its
engine and driveshafts remain frmly at the front.
But what an engine: the slightly fat 1.6-litre four
used in the regular Clio RS is out, the 271bhp, 2.0-
litre turbo four from the Megane RS 275 Trophy R
in its place. Smaller and lighter than its donor, the
Clio ought to become Renaults fastest ever car.
Theres very little beneath the RS16s skin not
transplanted from the maddest Megane of all. The
275s brakes, wheels, tyres and adjustable hlins
dampers are present and correct, but perhaps more
excitingly, so is its six-speed manual gearbox. After
three years of our begging, Renault has made the
Clio a stick-shifter again.
It looks suitably punchy, too. Much of its form
follows function: the wider arches house bigger 19in
wheels and a 60mm-broader track. The front grille
is tweaked to better cool the Clios engine. And the
rear wing, nicked from the Clio Cup racecar, provides
40kg more downforce at 125mph.
Concern for high-speed stability suggests
Renault is taking the RS16 somewhere in particular
(below). We also reckon theyll build it. No decision
has been made, ofcially, but its components have
been kept production viable, and prospective
numbers (200300) and prices (circa 45,000)
openly discussed. Rare and pricey, then. But if it
returns the fast Clio to form, we can handle that.

NRBURGRING RECORD BROKEN

RS16 leads a RenaultSport

family outing at the
Megane RS 275 Trophy R
Monaco Grand Prix 07:54:36
 RS16 celebrates
RenaultSports 40th, and
F1 return. Hence livery

60mm wider than

before, wing from
Clio Cup racer

R I D I N G I N R E N AU LT S
TITCHY SLIDER

Smaller, faster

Praschl, moments
before scaring us
with his late braking

The Clio RS16 will do

sideways if you poke it.
Good to know

Honda Civic Type-R VW Golf GTI Clubsport S Clio RenaultSport RS16

07:50:63 07:49:63 Can it? Will it...

TOPGEAR.COM J J U LY 2 0 1 6 053
 PAT DEVEREUXS...

MODERN Used during the week as a

MUSCLE
commuter car, and abused
on the track at weekends...

#03 I Camaro, I But theres more to it than a motor?

Everything downstream of the motor has been
completed including the Terra Nova 2015
Outstanding Classic Custom gong but Nick

saw, I conquered
HOW TO MAKE A CLASSIC
CHEVY A FUTURE CLASSIC
What is it?
It might look like a lightly and tastefully modifed
second-gen 1970 Camaro, but underneath the very
orange skin of Nick Relampagoss car are some
pretty serious modifcations. All of which are
driven by Nicks wish to build a classic that could
compete and win in autocrosses, on road
courses and in the Optima Ultimate Street Car
Challenge Series a national search for the fastest
and best-handling classic cars in the US. But dont
think this is some pampered racecar. Nick drives
it to work every day in between weekend races.
Whats so special about it?
If those big 18x12 back wheels dont already give
you a clue, this Camaro is packing some heavy
power. The standard engine has been swapped out
for a 6.2-litre GM LSA unit, ftted with a laundry
list of new bits and pieces from people such as
Lingenfelter and Synergy Performance. This
adds another 120bhp to the stock output, giving
a much more satisfying 670bhp.
tweaked and tuned, too. Theres an aluminium
driveshaft, Z06 brakes front and rear, RideTech rear
suspension, shocks and front sway bars. Its still
wearing the factory 12-bolt rear end housing
packing a 3.73 gear ratio but the power fnds its way
to the road via an Eaton Posi dif and Moser axles.
What about the body?
Thats had plenty of work done too. Nick says he
wanted to lighten the car. So he used a bunch of
Anvil Auto Inc carbon-fbre parts he gives a list, but
the car is basically almost all carbon other than the
bodyshell and the cars shed over 91kg. Because he
liked the original look of the car, Nick kept all the
original chrome. The only other planned mods are
some bonnet vents to remove heat and help with
downforce. Fitting that big motor? Easy. Nick only
had to make one mod cut and scallop a bit of the
subframe to tuck everything in.
How fast is it?
Fast enough to scare anyone who underestimates
this Camaros ability and Nicks determination to
show it. Demonstrating his tough love for the car,
Nick broke a piston while tearing it up at one event.
But rather than retiring the car from competition,
he just rebuilt it with even stronger, faster bits.
Has it won any awards?
The car did collect a few trophies when it was
is most interested now in using the big Cam on
as many roads and tracks as often as possible.
Is this his ultimate custom car, or is
he thinking of others?
Its tough to call this perfect, says Nick. Perfect
costs a lot of money. This is a build I can admire for
years and constantly improve on. But hes already
got his eye on the next one. His wifes white 69
Camaro convertible expect another subtle
pro-touring spec build and interior.
Why does he build so many cars
instead of just buying a new one?
Ive had a love of cars since 1969, when I was four
years old, playing around in my uncles 1959 Bel
Air, he says. The fun, challenge, accomplishment,
camaraderie and people you meet along the
journey of building a car is why we all do it.
Bucket seats wide
enough to accommodate
most Americans

TECH CORNER

MOBILE In the old days, the

internet was trapped
Moving Things a
vehicle-to-vehicle and
use this info to build
a picture of the road

INTERNET
inside computers. Now V-2-infrastructure network, avoiding
its everywhere, and network in which cars congestion and even
technologists are even loaded with sensors patches of black ice
THE WEB IS ON developing something will beam data to a other cars have
THE MOVE called The Internet of cloud. Other cars will already slipped on.

054 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 M A G A Z I N E

Download the interactive

iPad & iPhone editions

 In the blue corner In the red corner
Name: Jack Rix Age: 32 Name: Dan Read Age: 32
Occupation: deputy editor Occupation: youll have to ask him
Secret weapon: a beret
Secret weapon: long fingernails
FIGHT
Is the 3008 part of
the Pug renaissance?
JR: Do my eyes deceive me? Ive just been looking at pictures of
the new 3008, and its really rather fetching. In an ocean of bland
Qashqai-sized crossovers it actually stands out, which is precisely
what its blobby predecessor didnt do.
10:32
DR: I agree, its much better than the old one, which looked like
some sort of bottom feeder. But just because somethings better,
it doesnt mean its good. Take the music of Coldplay, for example.
10:35
JR: When have Coldplay ever been better than anything?
Anyway, Peugeot has turned out some snotters in recent years,
interspersed with moments of styling bravery such as the
double-bubble RCZ the exciting thing here is that its starting
to show some consistency with the 308 then this.
10:40
DR: Aston Villa showed some consistency this season.
Unfortunately it was the wrong sort. The point is, turning out
two smartish cars doesnt return Peugeot to greatness, nor give
it a proper identity. I mean, if you took the badge off the grille,
could you even tell what make of car it is?
10:44
Gentlemen, these are your
instructions. Obey the rules,
protect yourself at all times,
and only resort to violence if
you really have to. Ding ding
JR: I could, but then its my job to know these things. Incidentally,
I dont think the front end is its best angle too high and fussy
but the rear is excellent. I see whiffs of concept car in its two-
tone paintjob and 3D rear lights. I cant vouch for the interior
quality, yet, but inside its a pretty stunning blend of design and
technology with its twin screens and bank of switches that remind
me of the Aventador (a bit).
10:51
DR: Youre right, Id much rather be sat inside than stood
outside looking at it. Check out that waistline! Its higher than
my grandpas trousers.
10:54
JR: That, my friend, is all part of the 3008s transition from
half-MPV, half-crossover thing to a fully-fledged SUV, with some
useful ground clearance to match. Its longer than the Qashqai
too, so theres more space in the back. Peugeot has spent some
proper time and money on this one youre a hard man to please.
11:00
DR: If its meant to be a proper SUV, why didnt they keep the
most useful thing from the last model the split tailgate? If they
had, itd be like a French Rangie and I might be more pleased.
11:03
 TH E KN OW LE DG E
Forget Forest Fresh
fir trees: Peugeot
has created three
designer fragrances
to pump around the
cabin. Dont want to
smell like a minicab?
Open the sunroof...

THINGS YOU DONT KNOW BUT

ARE TOO EMBARRASSED TO ASK
#03 Power steering
There are two main kinds, no?
Yup, hydraulic (HPAS) and electric (EPAS). The former has
been around since the Fifties, and works in more or less the
same way now as then. And the latter is whats killing it of.

JR: Because they were too busy spending the budget on things
normal people actually care about, like quality and design? Oh,
and theres engines too. A 130bhp three-cylinder petrol sounds
like a good idea for low-mileage urbanites, while at the top end
theres a 165bhp petrol and a 180bhp diesel. A four-wheel-drive
plug-in hybrid is due in 2019, apparently.
11:07
Whys that?
Efciency, mainly. HPAS involves pumping hydraulic fuid into a
kind of piston attached to the steering rack. The pressure comes
from a pump, which is run by a belt driven by the engine. EPAS
requires no pump, just a small electric motor. The efect is the
same less efort is required to turn the wheel but EPAS gets
there more efciently because it only burns energy when you
turn the wheel. Some cars use electrohydraulic systems where
the pump required by the HPAS system is powered by an
electric motor but most go straight for EPAS.
EPAS sounds pretty good
In theory, but what you gain in mpg you lose in driver
involvement. EPAS systems are getting better, but none has
yet replicated the steering feel of the fnest hydraulic or
unassisted racks.

DR: Three years to wait for a hybrid? Itll be due a facelift

by then (though it could probably do with one now).
11:10
JR: Right, thats it. You, Mr Read, are a Luddite and wouldnt
know progress if it hit you on the head. I bid you good day.
BONUS PUB FACT
Drive-by-wire systems, which do away with the
mechanical link (save, we hope, for an emergency
failsafe) between the front wheels and the steering
wheel, are next. In fact, the Infniti Q50 has one.

11:12

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 57

ALL THE RAGE
According to a survey of 2,000
drivers by a car insurance company
best known for its jowly dog:
58% of drivers admit to acting
aggressively while driving
33% use the horn aggressively
31% have sworn at strangers
26% shout at others
11% have deliberately tailgated
Overall, half blamed this behaviour on the need to
vent frustrations, a third put it down to bad habits,
while the rest went with the highly scientific reason
of I just get angry in the car.
113mph
The speed an American woman was travelling
when she took a selfie using Snapchats speed
filter, which shows people how fast youre going as
you take a photo. Unfortunately, she was so busy
doing this that she crashed into another car, leaving
its driver with serious injuries. Despite this, Snapchat
has refused to remove the filter. #NoJoke
113 MPH
A DRIFT AT SEA
The problem with cruise ships is that they
dont have kart tracks. Thankfully one
company has addressed this obvious error
by including one on its newest liner, the
Norwegian Joy, which is currently being built
in Germany. If that doesnt float your, er, boat,
then head down a few decks to the virtual
reality room where you can race a pretend
hovercar. Anything to forget youre stuck
on a floating holiday park with hundreds
of pensioners, eh?
058 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
A VERITABLE ARSENAL OF
INFO, SOME OF IT USEFUL
If youve stood near a trembling subwoofer, youll
Electric dreams
After several quality control
issues, Teslas Model X is
clearly causing Elon Musk
some sleepless nights,
though this might have
something to do with the
fact that, by his own
admission, hes kipping
in a sleeping bag beside
the production line.
LUMBAR SPORT
Each year, JORA (Japanese Office Chair Racing
Association) holds a series of two-hour endurance
races on 180m street circuits complete with hairpins
and, more alarmingly, cobblestones. Your chair must
be standard-issue office equipment on regular castors,
and there are no pit stops except to swap riders. The
winning team members each receive a 90kg sack of
rice, which is quite difficult to spray around the podium
but goes really well with teriyaki chicken.
SOUND ADVICE
know that sound waves produce a certain amount
of energy. But could it be converted into something
more useful? Could you, say, use traffic noise to
power a street light? The answer, unfortunately,
is no. Even the roar of a passing lorry generates
barely 1/100th of a watt per square metre. In
contrast, sunlight hitting the Earth produces about
680 watts per square metre. Hence we have solar
panels, but no enormous noise-catching nets.
PROCESS THIS
Even today, McLarens F1 is one of the worlds fastest
cars, but its brain is stuck in the Nineties, and can
only talk to a Compaq LTE 5280 laptop. This is
IMAGES: JOHN W YCHERLEY,GET T Y, BJELLEKL ANG
because they run a bespoke CA card, which is the
interface between the software and the car, said
an engineer, before another game of Lemmings.
 Chris Blott / Serengeti
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Eyesite Opticians GR Hardwick Optometrist Baines and Band Optometrists
Brighton Tel 01273 724111 Roger Pope Opticians DH Thomas Optometrists Cleveleys Tel 01253 853030 Jersey Tel 01534 498895
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Dublin Tel 01-6618602
Double Le Mans winner, Darren Turner, goes
head-to-head with his greatest rival himself.
topgearpromo.com/clonerival
+
1, 3 6 2 k g
As the Vulcan reaches the 200mph mark, total
downforce generated by the front splitter, rear
diffuser and adjustable rear wing is greater than
the total weight of the car (1,350kg)
The pressures at which supercar engines operate have almost doubled
over the last decade so cars such as the Aston Martin Vulcan are
what help Castrol EDGE keep pushing the boundaries of performance
Teres no real
need for a car
like the Vulcan. Doubtless, it is an engineering masterclass,
the resolute pursuit of performance without compromise,
and yet only 24 people will ever own one. But that's not
the point. Te Vulcan is all about reaching and even
exceeding limits, from what it is made of and how it
looks, to the carefully-chosen components and equipment
that make it possible to make the most of its capabilities.
Like the oil, for example. When Aston Martin test driver, Darren
Turner, is pushing a Vulcan to the Vmax he needs to know his oil
will perform at the same level as his engine. Te intense pressures
+ 1. 8m
+
305/30x19 (front)
345/ 30x19 (r e a r )
Michelins record breaking, race-inspired Pilot Sport 2
tyres are standard t on the Vulcan; needless-to-say,
Michelin slicks are also an option
that a modern engine works under can be the same as the pressures
generated by fve family saloons balanced on a stiletto heel.
And the only thing preventing a massive mechanical meltdown
is a barely visible flm of Castrol's strongest, most advanced
oil ever: Castrol EDGE boosted with TITANIUM FSTTM.
Behind the wheel, all you have to do is drive. Beneath the
bonnet, this extreme performance oil is reducing friction.
Castrol EDGE starts strong and stays strong, whether its
you on the school run on a cold winter morning, or Aston
Martins number one test driver in one of the worlds most
extreme supercars. Watch Darren Turner race his clone in the latest
Castrol Titanium Trial: www.topgearpromo.com/clonerival
The Vulcan is a limited edition, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin
supercar, created exclusively for the track. Just 24 people will
get to own what Aston themselves describe as their "most
intense and exhilarating creation to date"
+ 12 1. 3 3 7 6 b p m
Driving a 'virtual' Vulcan in simulated tests for Castrol EDGE,
double Le Mans winner Darren Turners heart rate peaked
at just over 91 beats per minute. In the real thing, at the
real Ascari race track, his heart beat almost 33% faster...
+ 200mph
The Vulcans normally-aspirated, 7.0 litre, V12 engine develops over
800bhp, providing race car acceleration and top speed: Brembo
carbon ceramic brakes; a six-speed sequential gearbox; adjustable
front & rear dampers help complete the 'track only' experience
The glass cockpit, as
its known, is a fully
digital system with
three multi-function
display screens,
as opposed to the
space shuttles
mostly analogue set-
up of 2,000 knobs,
switches and dials.
Sending humans and
scientific cargo to
Mars requires serious
firepower, which is
why Orion will be
launched atop
NASAs new 200ft-
tall Space Launch
System the worlds
most powerful rocket.
IN THE
COCKPIT
Nasa Orion
spacecraft
MEET YOUR TAXI TO MARS
NEWS IN BRIEF
PEDAL TO
THE METAL
COOL AND COMMON
SENSE ARENT BFFs
062 JULY 2016 J
Powering all this is
a processor from a
2003 Apple iBook
G3, which might
sound terrifying, but
NASA says tried-and-
tested tech is more
reliable in extreme
conditions millions of
miles from home.
Orion has already
made its first flight,
although nobody
was on board when
it launched from
Cape Canaveral in
2014, sploshing down
four hours and two
Earth orbits later in
the Pacific.
ince the space shuttle retired in 2011,
S
NASA hasnt had its own way of sending
astronauts to the space station. Instead
theyve hitched a ride on Russias elderly
Soyuz system, squished three-abreast in a capsule not
much bigger than a bubble car. Now though, and for
the frst time in a whole generation, NASA is working
on a completely new spacecraft. Its called Orion, and
although itll be capable of docking with the ISS, its really
designed to venture way beyond that, and carry human
beings to Mars and even distant asteroids. With those
journey times in mind, the reusable crew module has a
lot more elbow room than spaceships of old in fact,
its 50 per cent roomier than the Apollo modules and can
carry up to six people. The controls are mostly borrowed
from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and theres an updated
Earth, Moon and
version of the shuttles unisex relief tube. It will, after Orion spacecraft. Not
all, be a long and lonely journey necessarily to scale...
Commuting has never
been so complicated...
or nauseating
AUSTR ALIA
A London gym has as the bus drives are almost sick. So we
ARCHITECTS
invented a bus in along, you will see no problem with
which the seats instead do a spin doing such a thing in
DOMINOS
have been replaced class a form of a hot, moving vehicle
IMAGE: WMOR
by exercise bikes. stationary cycling full of absurd hipsters
Instead of sitting that encourages you who should have just
IMAGE:
on your backside to pedal so hard you cycled to work.
TOPGEAR.COM
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ENGINEERED FOR YOU.
TITANIUM STRONG FOR
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE.

Boosted with TITANIUM FST, Castrol EDGE is our strongest and

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its flm strength*, preventing oil flm breakdown and reducing friction.

At the forefront of the Castrol EDGE range is Castrol EDGE SUPERCAR,

proven and tested in world-leading supercars and suitable for use in
everyday high performance cars, giving you the confdence to push the

boundaries of performance.
Tribological tests have shown that Castrol EDGE boosted with TITANIUM FST doubles its flm strength.
*

www.castrol.com
 Seating position best
described as challenging
for Rowans lanky frame

nce. Just once. Thats how many times

O
MIUR A S 50 TH
Italian designer Marcello Gandini has
drawn the scintillating silhouette of what

On days
we now know as the Lamborghini Miura.
As a 27-year-old in 1965, he knew hed nailed it. His
stylish squiggle was perfect. And not wanting to ruin
the masterpiece, or succumb to failure, its a profle hes
never redrawn. To be fair, you dont see golfers teeing

like these...
A MIURA, A CLOSED ITALIAN
PASS. TIME FOR A BDAY TREAT
up to have another go at a hole-in-one, do you?
A group of young, enthusiastic and revolutionary
Lamborghini engineers took Gandinis design and threw it
over an avant-garde chassis. With a transverse V12 in the
middle, independent suspension, four equally-sized fat
wheels at each corner and a mischievously childish doodle
of a logo on the back, it was the worlds frst supercar.
Shown publicly to a slack-jawed audience in 1966, it
captivated a generation and became a celebrity must-have
accessory. Better than that, its kept people interested. Its

06 4 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

timeless. A classic. An icon. A legend. The Miura has
had all the compliments thrown at it over the years,
yet shrugs them of without a whif of arrogance.
Its also turning 50 this year, meaning a celebration
is in order. Thats why Im at the bottom of an Alp
looking up at seemingly endless swirls of black tarmac.
Its the Great St Bernard Pass; a fabulous driving road
made famous in the opening sequence of The Italian Job
when an orange Miura speared across the landscape to
the sounds of Matt Monros On Days Like These.
Ahead of me is a gold Miura S. Its gorgeous. The
sweeping hips and infamous eyelash headlights are
incredibly feminine, yet its far from dainty. Clinking
the door release button, I grab the vented door pillar
and pull the aperture open as a belch of interior aroma
tired leather, fuel and oil wafts up my nostrils. Lovely.
Less so is the Miuras driving position. If youre a
fully grown adult and would like to experience it for
Opportunities dont get
more golden than this...
Sorry, Ill get my coat
yourself, try to get into one of those coin-operated
kids ride-ons outside supermarkets. Your legs are
splayed, knees bent, arms straight and you have to
fumble around to prod the correct pedals. Plus, with
four triple-barrel Weber carbs, notoriously leaky
plumbing and a hot engine below, self-immolation
is well documented in Miura ownership.
With a tickle of the throttle and twist of the key,
the 3.9-litre V12 fres into life. Peering down the long
aluminum bonnet, its time to ascend.
Here comes the honesty. I was expecting the Miura
to drive like a pig. Thing is, it doesnt. Well, as long as
youre not at slow speeds. Its strangely one of the most
willing cars to be fogged. Clacking through the gears,
it actively wills you on for more throttle. Fortunate as
the Carabinieri has closed the road today. Just for us.
But, unlike modern supercars, the engine and
gearing allow you to go through the dramatics of
revving out the frst three cogs fully while satisfying
your senses. If you do go faster, you have to lean more
heavily on the brakes. Which is properly scary.
With winding, blind bends blinkered by rock piles
on one side and exposed clifs on the other, St Bernard
is an exciting and challenging pass. But, further up,
melting snow lubricates the tarmac, so I settle down to
a cruise, put Matt Monro on Spotify (clich, I know,
but you have to)and soak up the magic and take stock.
The Miura was the original bats**t Italian supercar.
Its ingenuity and against-the-grain thinking has been
copied since, but fundamentally its mesmerised
petrolheads around the world for half a century.
Now with Stefano Domenicali at the reins, a
new chief designer and an SUV on the way, times
are changing at Lambo. We cant wait to see whats
next; lets just hope they dont forget the past.
ROWAN HORNCASTLE
 1 Aero
For the first time, Higgins will
have some proper downforce to play
with courtesy of a wooden front splitter
(no really) and a wing of epic proportions.
Hidden beneath the bootlid is a manually
operated hydraulic DRS system that
flattens the wing out in high-speed
sections, saving roughly 40bhp at
the 180mph top speed.

OK, well come clean.

Mark Higgins is a bit
of a TG hero...

2 Engine 3 Gearbox 4 Suspension/tyres 5 No passenger

As it neednt comply with FIA rules
for any particular formula, the
donor car is a US-spec WRX STI
transplanted with the 2.0-litre
turbocharged engine from Prodrives
old WRC car, but turned up to
600bhp and 590lb ft of torque
enough for 062mph in 2.6 seconds
and an 180mph top speed. For this
final shakedown the exhaust was
fitted with silencers but still shook
the birds out of the trees. On 10 June,
when he attempts the record, itll
have straight-through pipes.
The gearbox alone, an Xtrac
six-speed sequential capable of
20ms shifts when the oil is warmed
through, is worth 40,000. Its
controlled with a single column-
mounted paddle on the right hand
side of the wheel pull for up, push
for down and has the same launch
control system as the Subaru 2008
WRC car. A hydraulic active centre
differential lets Higgins tweak the
torque distribution, while limited-slip
differentials at the front and rear
maximise traction out the corners.
The suspension features WRC-
based links and struts, along with
four-way adjustable WRC-style
dampers. Their job is to soak up
whatever punishment the TT
track can throw at them and
keep the 245/18 Dunlop racing
slicks in contact with the tarmac.
According to Richard Thompson,
Prodrives senior rally engineer,
its 60 per cent rally car, 40 per
cent race car. Its all about taking
our WRC know-how, and bending
the WRC rules.
Although we managed to grab a
passenger ride, and experience
Higgins hooning it sideways like he
was on a gravel rally stage, there
will be nobody in the passenger
seat for the record. In 2011, Higgins
learned the hard way what 75kg of
human ballast can do, when his car
bottomed out at the bottom of Bray
Hill causing a 150mph tank-slapper
that he miraculously gathered up.
Its worth watching on YouTube, if
only to marvel at how oblivious his
passenger is to the whole thing.

MOTORSPORT

How to break the TT lap

record... in a car
A 600BHP, $700,000 SUBARU WRX STI IS A GOOD
START, BUT REALLY ITS ALL DOWN TO THE DRIVER

ark Higgins three-time British Rally Champion and a stock 300bhp WRX STI with a roll cage and tougher brakes

M Manx local is already the fastest man on four wheels

to lap the Isle of Man TT course, but like any proper
racing driver, he lives to go faster still. In 2011 and 2014 he
navigated the 37.7-mile road course, normally associated with banzai
superbikes, at an average of 115.4mph (including his now infamous
150mph tank-slapper) and 117.5mph respectively in what was essentially
and suspension ftted. Impressive numbers, clearly, but this year,
for his third attempt, hes got the tool he always wanted a $700,000
monster designed specifcally to destroy the TT circuit and tailored
to his specifc requirements. We caught up with Higgins at the cars
fnal shakedown before the record attempt, to get all the details on
the man and his machine.

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 067

 THE TOPGEAR TOP 9
Car-based world records
MAN HAS ALWAYS HAD THE DESIRE TO GO FASTER, HIGHER AND FURTHER.
CARS LET US DO IT IN REMARKABLE AND OFTEN STUPID WAYS...

SHORTEST F1 PIT STOP FASTEST LAWNMOWER FURTHEST ON TWO WHEELS

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068 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 Full specifications and
details for every model
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Class and Editors Choice
Grouped by car type
for easy comparisons
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The trouble with winning
Le Mans a 24hr race is youre too
tired to really celebrate...
1966
GETTY, LAT
Jack Brabham, Graham
Hill and Chris Amon chat
before the 67 French GP
INTERVIEW
Chris Amon
THIS MONTH IS 50 YEARS SINCE FORDS 1966 LE MANS
WIN WITH KIWIS CHRIS AMON & BRUCE McLAREN
Tell us what it was like winning Le Mans.
It was a great feeling to win the race, but Ive got to say it was tainted by all the
politics. I just cant remember the timing, but at a certain point, Ford decided
to hold station, basically. Bruce McLaren was driving at the time, and he backed
of. But Ken Miles ignored the slow signs. At that point, somebody in the Ford
management said, Ah, well, if we cant get the drivers to do what were telling them
to, were going to stage a dead heat, and theres not going to be any arguments. Ken
and Bruce sort of formed up for a dead-heat fnish. Im never quite sure to this day,
but our car crossed the fnish line well in front of the other car. One thing that Ive
always felt good about is that on sheer pace, we wouldve won the race. So, no
matter how it was done, I think we did actually deserve to win on the day.
What was the car like?
The 65 car had been very quick 12mph quicker in a straight line than the 66 car
but it did wander around. The 66 car was very stable. You could drive down the
straight one-handed at 220mph, and it never deviated. In those days, it wasnt a
case of downforce. It was a case of less lift, really. But very easy to drive, the 66 car.
What was it like racing with Bruce?
He was a thoroughly delightful person. Bruce could go to sleep on a pile of tyres
in the back of the pits during the middle of the day, so he slept quite well during
the night. I dont think I got one wink of sleep. The biggest problem we had is that
Bruce loved air fowing in his face, so hed always aim the vents at his face. When
I got in the car, Id spend the frst lap or so readjusting them. That was about the
biggest disagreement we had, I think.
Was there a real overriding sense of having to beat Ferrari?
Yes, very much so. It was very obvious to everybody that was the intention right
from Henry Ford himself down. It wasnt necessarily make-or-break, but there
was a huge amount of determination to succeed. I dont think Formula One had
ever really seen an efort on the scale that Ford produced. The number of people
involved, to us at the time, was quite mind-boggling. I guess there was an era
when a Formula One team would go to a race with a maximum of 12 or 14 people,
including the drivers. Now I dont think that even covers the catering.
Were endurance racers bigger stars than F1 drivers in 1966?
The diference was we raced in both. If it was sports cars one weekend, Formula
One the next weekend, and then the odd Formula Two race or something would
get thrown in too. It would be nice to see a few more Formula One guys out at Le
Mans now. Ive seen in print that Alonsos quite keen to do it sometime. One or
two guys like that would defnitely raise the profle.
It was a torrid time for driver safety. How evident was fear?
It was a bit like people getting run over crossing the street. It was always going
to be somebody else that it was going to happen to. Had we thought about it, we
could have gone to a drivers briefng frst race of the year, looked around the room
and said, Well, probably 20, 25 per cent of these guys are not going to be here at
the end of the season. Which was ridiculous, really.
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 071
 beautiful Italian villa nestled on the shores of Lake

A
NEW METAL Como. Three of the worlds fnest concept cars.
Much sun. A good day, then. Meet from left to

Trophy
right the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato, the
Alpine Vision, and the Alfa Disco Volante Superleggera. They
were three of the entrants for this years Villa dEste concept
cars and prototypes award.
Enjoying its worldwide debut was the Vanquish Zagato, the

trio
THE STARS OF VILLA DESTES
SWANKY CONCOURS DELEGANCE
ffth to emerge from AM and Zagatos partnership. It wraps a
bespoke, carbon-fbre body around the base of an upgraded,
592bhp V12 Vanquish. Keen eyes will spot the in-references to
earlier Aston and Zagato design, while its running base means
a production version must surely be on the cards.
The second concept is Alpines riposte to the Porsche
Cayman: a turbocharged, mid-engined, RWD car dubbed Vision.
Just a concept for now, but we cant wait for the real thing.
Last, but by no means least, is the winner of the award, the
gorgeous Disco Volante. Say no more. VP

072 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 73
 Gadgets

Atomic
physics
ARIELS WILD 500BHP CREATION
NOW HAS A MINI ME...

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 075

 Style

To the
beach!
YOUR SUITCASE HAS
BEEN WAITING FOR THESE

01 T-Lab 130R tee. Suzukas 130R corner is a real

neck-stretcher. And here it is in a handy T-shirt
format, set within a graphic representation of the
Japanese flag. Thats art, that is. 25; t-lab.eu
02 Herschel Supply Market tote. Its a thoroughly
acceptable beach bag, so long as you carry it
properly and fill it with meat, beer and footballs.
43.47; herschelsupply.borderfree.com
03 Eye Respect Racer One of four designs in Eye
Respects Daniel Ricciardo collection. Others
include the Ficarra, Badger and Straya. 225; eye
respect.com 04 Quick Dry tailored fit swim shorts.
David Gandy, the underpants ad bloke, drove the
modern Mille Miglia in an XK120. These are part of
his new collection for M&S. 29.99; marksand
spencer.com 05 Deck Star 67 woven suede slip.
From the archives, refreshed for 2016. Made for
beach life, excellent for driving. 85; converse.com

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 077

 Watches

Dial-up
connection
THE WATCHES WE WANT
THIS MONTH

TAG HEUER
AUTAVIA REISSUE
The Heuer Autavia started life in 1933 as a
dashboard timer, used in both automobiles
and aviation, which explains where its name
comes from. It didnt become a wristwatch until
1962, when it reappeared as a mechanical
chronograph at a time when racing drivers
actually depended on such things for lap
times and whatnot. The Autavia quickly
became the watch of champions the likes of
Mario Andretti and Jochen Rindt wore manual-
winders throughout the Sixties, before the later
automatic version became an icon of Seventies
cool on the wrist of Jo Siffert. Recently, Tag Heuer
asked fans to vote for which of the 16 originals
should be reissued in 2017. The winner? Rindts
2446 MkIII or at least a modern version based
around its classic black and white styling.
TBC; autaviacup.com

O U R
TO P
P I C K

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 79

 You know the rest: aluminium structure in the 360,
F1 transmissions, the e-dif in the 430, ever more complex H O R R E LL
chassis controls and aero, the innovative and deliciously
vs
quirky FF, the transcendent Scuderia and LaFerrari and
the XX series. I NTE R N E T
And nowadays any supercar maker that wants to call
itself credible must be measured by the Ferrari yardstick.
Crankiness, fakiness and ugliness simply wont do any
more, and for that you can thank Felisa and his Ferraris.
I frst interviewed Felisa during the genesis of the
550. He told me why they were doing a supercar that
REVIEW:
would be both faster than ever, but also more everyday- The 600
usable. And he told me the engineering detail of how horsepower
theyd do it. He wanted to make cars that were ever more Audi RS6
deliriously exciting, yet easier to enjoy. The subtleties of
PAUL HORRELL ON user-friendly handling and powertrains are things you Donna Lee
The normal RS6
cant easily measure or describe, but Felisa was obsessed

Addio,
Avant already had
with fnessing them. Right up to when he retired, he often over 600bhp and
talked about that aim. In the Nineties, no one could have did 060mph in 3.2s.
dreamed of a 950bhp hypercar that wouldnt eat your So is this pushing

Amedeo fesh and grind your bones to powder. But in LaFerrari, to Tesla-like 700?
good grief did he do it.
In that frst interview, he probably told me more than Paul Horrell
FERRARIS ENGINEERING GENIUS he should have, and I guess he did the same every time I Normal RS6 is
560PS. I tend to
HAS RETIRED. A SAD DAY FOR ALL met him, roughly annually, ever since. He probably flled use PS and bhp
my notebooks so amply because I wasnt interested in interchangeably,
talking about the Machiavellian politics of the Ferrari road as they are close
and race departments or the Fiat Group above it, and enough to be
within the margin
medeo Felisa has just retired. Even though neither was he. I just wanted to hear about engineering
of engine-

A
he was CEO of Ferrari, you probably never and cars, and thats what made him tick. manufacturing
saw a picture of him; he always hates being It would be daft to suggest he transformed the cars tolerance. I originally
photographed, or shoved into the spotlight alone. Latterly he became COO then CEO, and with that wrote 605bhp for the
RS6 Performance
in any way. Hes the quiet, professorial type, the absolute he had to shoulder leadership for all sorts of stuf fnance,
but TGs punctilious
opposite of the alpha-male swagger that usually goes editors, knowing

He wanted to make cars that

with high ofce in car companies. So why make a fuss Audis quoted figure
of his departure? Because I dont think its exaggerating is 605PS, changed it
to call him the father of not just the modern Ferrari but to 597bhp.
the modern supercar.
Felisa arrived at Maranello 26 years ago as chief were ever more deliriously FraxinusExcelsior

exciting, yet easier to enjoy

engineer at the road-car division. He could see the wheels
had been falling of. The fat-12 Testarossa series was
having its midlife crisis, and so were its owners. The
348 was nowhere near quick enough and handled nastily.
In fact, the Mondial t mid-engined 2+2 was much nicer
to drive. So why didnt people buy it? Because it was the
most unappetising-looking Ferrari in living memory.
Here in 2016, any supercar needs to be gorgeous-
looking, great to drive and usable/reliable. Back in 1990,
two out of three was OK. And one out of three was OK
if you were Ferrari and you were living on past glories.
But Felisa, and Luca di Montezemolo who hired him,
knew that this couldnt go on.
So Felisa started fxing up the cars. The infection point
was very soon obvious. Small midlife changes defnitely
improved the 348, and then essentially the same thing felt
transformed in every respect as the 355. Montezemolo
talked of a range of truly diferent cars, not just a series
of too-similar mid-engined machines (a lesson McLaren
might heed now). Felisa enacted Montezemolos vision.
Thus came to pass the transformational shift in the big
Ferrari, as it morphed from the mid-engined fat-12 to
the front-engined V12 550 Maranello.
The editors arent
so punctilious that
they didnt see fit to
alter free-reign to
free-rein, though.
sales, marketing that took him further from the Paul Horrell
You are quite right
engineering. But he stuck doggedly to the car-developing and I thank you.
bit, executing Montezemolos vision of cars that are both
usable and dripping with charisma. The great test-driver You can find Horrell
Dario Benuzzi, longest-serving employee at Maranello, most days overseeing
volunteered to me that Felisa was the most signifcant the TopGear.com
comments section
thing to happen to Ferrari in a quarter century.
Felisas departure leaves a void. Hes been
replaced as CEO by Sergio Marchionne, who, dont
forget, also last year succeeded Montezemolo as
chairman. But Marchionne, as Fiat Chrysler group
boss, has about 20 other jobs and spends just one day
at Maranello approximately every three weeks.
Montezemolo had the vision, and Felisa delivered it.
Theyve both been replaced by a single part-timer.
Farewell Ingegnere Felisa, you are a fascinating
and lovely man, and Ill miss you personally. I
suspect Ferrari will miss you a whole lot more.

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 081

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 Look at
that stance,
look at
that badge.
Think I
want one.
Chris Harris gets his
hands on Alfas 503bhp
Giulia. Making him let
go could be an issue

WO R DS: CH R I S HAR R I S /
PH OTO GR APHY: JAM IE LIPMAN

08 4 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 ALFA GIULIA QV

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 085


Think of
something
clever to say,
for Christs
sake, Harris,
thats the only thing youre vaguely competent at.
The road is challenging, the scenery sub-alpine
magnifcent and Im driving a car I never thought
would exist a rear-driven 500bhp Alfa saloon
car, YIPPEE! And the vocabulary my addled brain
keeps profering to celebrate this momentous
occasion? Holy s**t, its fast.
Fast. The simplest speed adjective of them all.
Rightly dismissed as banal and unimaginative by
the masses, but thats conveniently forgetting the
primeval regression back-to-basic speech we all
embrace when something takes us by surprise.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio had taken me by
surprise. The camera was rigged, the microphone
was primed, I wanted to peer into its aperture and
chatter about torque-vectoring, carbon propshafts
and the manner in which its turbochargers scroll.
But then I hoofed the right pedal into the bulkhead
and my inner chimp yelled: S**t, thats fast!
It really is a very fast car. I think you need to
know that because technology being what it is,
08 6 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
Chris, give us the
car back please. Chris?
Can you hear us?
most carmakers can now ring Bosch, peruse the
delicious menu of tech and, if they spend enough,
buy themselves the very best of everything.
But the quantities of performance they deliver
remains their decision, and Alfa has been more
than generous here. I drive a new M3 every day,
and this thing is quicker in a straight line.
It doesnt deliver the same absurd torque
punch from seemingly single-digit crank
revolutions as the M3, but get it hissing above
3,000rpm and this is not only the fastest of the
mini super-saloons, but the one possessed of the
most exciting power delivery. It keeps revving,
keeps rewarding you all the way to the 7,000rpm
red line. I cant think of another turbo motor that
better disguises its false lungs at high engine
rpms. Its a magical feeling. And, er, very fast.
Quite why it has taken Alfa Romeo 29 years to
give us a proper rear-wheel-drive saloon is anyones
guess. But clearly after nearly three decades of
fannying around with chunky wrong-wheel-drive
Fiat platforms, someone in Turin has understood
that BMW and Mercedes might have happened
on a recipe for making very fast small saloon cars
(take decent rear-drive platform, insert mental
engine, swell body panels) and taken note.
The basics are very good. Onto a rigid 4dr
body is bolted double-wishbone front suspension,
which is unusual, dynamically advantageous and
expensive; and a multi-link rear set-up. Wheels
are 20in diameter, and steel brakes are standard,
but this car is running optional ceramic rotors.
The origins of the motor are a little cloudy but
deploying a little mathematics and acknowledging
the involvement of an ex-Ferrari powertrain boss,
its hard to avoid concluding that this unit is some
kind of lopped-down California T motor, although
Alfa insists that it is an all-new design.
From just 2.9 litres, it produces 503bhp and a
vast 443lb ft of torque from 2,500rpm. Power is
 ALFA GIULIA QV

From just 2.9 litres,

it produces 503bhp
and a vast 443lb ft
from 2,500rpm

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 0 87

 ALFA GIULIA QV
directed to the rear wheels through either a
6spd manual gearbox or ZFs superb 8spd auto.
It is then juggled and calmed by a clever torque-
vectoring axle that uses clutch plates either side of
a locking diferential. The UK will not be getting
the manual transmission, a decision that would
normally cause me to head straight to Alfa UKs
Slough HQ with a strongly worded placard, but
having spent a day in the manual, I am far less
angry about this than Id anticipated.
Static impressions are good. You will decide
if you like the way it looks, I happen to think it
is splendidly butch and obviously not-German.
What matters more is the driving position. Italy
has done more than all other nations on Earth
to perfect the art of shambolic seating postures
and yet in the development cycle of one single
model it has forgotten everything it had learned.
You settle down low into the optional carbon
bucket, manually slide forward, pull the wheel
back towards your chest and everything just
It looks
splendidly
butch and
non-German
08 8 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
feels right in a way no modern-day Alfa ever has.
This stuf is so, so important.
Ahead of you are two cowled clock faces; to
the right, a vast TFT screen neatly faired into
the dash facing. Your eyes pore over the materials
and immediately conclude that it looks and feels
cheaper than an M3, but frankly who cares when
youre sitting in a 500bhp machine whose nose
badge contains a snake?
Why am I driving a manual when the UK
only gets the auto? Somewhere lurking within
the theatrical hand gestures and talk of TopGear
being a global media brand, I think the man from
Alfa wanted to say that they didnt have an auto
available on the day.
A stick it was and, even during the frst few
miles it was clear that those denied three pedals
will need to be committed fat Earthers to feel
aggrieved. The shift isnt precise, the clutch travel
is too long and generally theres a disconcerting
lack of connection. Ollie drove the auto and
said it was great, and he knows his onions, so
I agree with him.
Even a baggy transmission cant hide the core
exuberance of this car. OK, from idle the engine is
spectacularly ordinary-sounding, like a Fiat 500
TwinAir with a pair of socks stufed down the
intakes, and the apologetic tunes that dribble
through the bulkhead make you wonder what
on Earth is going on, but the moment you open
it up, even in its Normal setting, the V6 settles
to a serious blare and just gets better as the revs
rise. Maybe BMW was right to channel fake noise
into the M3s cabin? The remedy in the Alfa is to
simply keep it revving and revel in the mechanical
smoothness and incessant surge.
There are four DNA settings that shift the
character of the QV from a cylinder-deactivating
fuel sipper to a noisy thug capable of a Ring lap in
under 7:40. I fnd explaining these things deeply
Dont worry that you wont
tedious, but it needs to be done. The Normal be able to get manual
mode is a little fat, with long throttle travel but in the UK. No, really

Any car with a snake on

the bonnet badge has to
be a good thing

Chris tries his best not to

swear when going fast in
the Giulia. May fail

ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA QV
Price: 60,000 est
Engine: 2891cc
twin-turbo V6,
503bhp, 443lb ft
Transmission: 6spd
manual, RWD
Performance: 062mph
in 3.9secs, 190mph
Economy: 33.0mpg
(est), 198g/km CO2
Weight: 1580kg

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 089

 ALFA GIULIA QV

Is it better than
an M3? Calm
your horses for a
minute, Giuseppe

Does this come from

a Ferrari California?
Alfas not saying...

09 0 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

applies a soft damper setting. Dynamic mode the absolute limit, to feel less rigorous than the
shortens the throttle and adds frmer damping M3s. Or the cheaper cabin trim, or the low-
and opens some exhaust valving for a much better speed engine calibration. Add to that a smidgen
sound. Best of all, you can then independently less agility and a miserly 58-litre fuel tank and
soften the dampers back and keep the punchier the cumulative result is a car that doesnt beat
powertrain. Race mode goes even frmer and an M3. But it comes mighty close and, crucially,
deactivates the stability electronics. With so close enough to mean that anyone who thought,
much torque and sparsely treaded Pirelli Corsas as I suspect many will, Stuf it, Im bored with
that like some heat to work properly, I really German fast saloons and want the pretty Alfa
would leave that setting for the track. will be as happy as an Italian man in a pasta
Driven in Dynamic mode with those dampers plantation. Did you know that pasta grows on
in the plush setting, this is a more comfortable trees? I didnt until the editor told me as much.
Two different approaches.
car than an M3. I cant tell you what itll be like Please dont make us This car is a triumph for Alfa. The world
on our knackered roads, but frst impressions choose between them needs great, fast Italian cars because that
are good. The steering follows the new-normal place is the crucible of speed and the type of
in being completely devoid of any sense of emotionally charged machinery that we all love.
connection but spookily accurate and intuitive. I have no idea how many Alfa will bring into
Its a very fast rack for this type of car, but never the UK, but so long as they have the big ceramic
feels over-quick in use. Thats clever work. Alfa brakes and fancy carbon seats, I think they will
claims this car with its carbon bonnet and other all be sold very quickly. Look at that stance, look
exotic materials is lighter than an M3, but it at that badge. Think I want one.
feels bigger on the road, but its not too large
to thread down smaller sections. Traction is
good, although the traction control can feel
too clumsy and heavy-handed in Normal mode.
It also appears to allow the diferential to remain
more open, which causes obvious problems in
tighter turns. In short, leave it in Dynamic and
then use the hyper-efcient mode for those
many occasions when you couldnt give a fg
about the speed or nature of your progress.
So high are the chassis limits that you cant
really decipher all the understeer/oversteer
bobbins that people like me love to ramble on
about on the road. So I went to a track with the
sole aim of wrecking some tyres. And looking
for understeer, evil bastard that it is.
It was wet and cold to begin with
conditions that left the Corsas either
foundering or hilariously amusing, depending
on your general disposition. They are certainly
not suitable for a British winter. This car will
slide for ever, but for one curious anomaly
with the ESC system deactivated in Race mode
if you trigger the ABS, it reconnects the ESC for
a short time. Of should always mean of. I can
add to this largely useless information with news On track, the Giulia
that the ESC cannot be switched of in anything feels agile, fun and
balanced. Good stuff
other than Race mode. Again, of should mean
of. But as the track dried, the Giulia revealed
more and more goodness. That power delivery
never fails to excite; yes, theres some front axle
push, but with a gazillion pounds feet of torque
under your right plimsoll, you can quickly rectify
matters. It feels agile and fun and balanced.
So it must be better than an M3? Calm
your horses for a minute, Giuseppe. In the
intervening 29 years since Alfa occupied this
space, BMW has learned a thing or ten about
this type of car. It is unreasonable to think that
Alfa could just arrive and do it better. And it
hasnt. But the most fantabulous news of all
is that the QV only stumbles on small details.
Like the location of the rear axle seeming, at

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 091

 h
Wfay
Alatters
m us
to
There have
have been
bee
sh o c
n
k
z
e
in
rs
g
. W
ers .

ll
There
ere let
ection.
r ic c o
s e o n Alf as histo
loo
e of re se arch...
am
All in the n /
A R LOW
JA S O N B TA P L E Y
WO R D S: Y : A L E X
R APH
P H OTO G
 ALFA BLOODLINE

C
onnectivity. Its a very 2016
word. But slide behind the
wheel of a 1928 Alfa Romeo
6C 1500 SS, and the
tyrannous 4G wif matrix
that enslaves the entire
planet these days instantly dissipates in
a cloud of meaningless ones and zeros.
Rather than marshalling a set of software
signals and algorithms, which is what driving
a modern car is increasingly about, the 6C
demands not just wrists, forearms or even
shoulders worth of physical input, it wants
your whole body to be involved. The huge,
four-spoke steering wheel makes your
hands tingle and smell of metal. Theres no
synchromesh in the gearbox, so guiding the
spindly lever across the open gate is a process
that requires maximum mental and physical
dexterity. You cant help but picture those
spinning cogs and serrated teeth every time
you press the clutch. Great when you get it
right, like shaking hands with a vaudevillian
comic with one of those palm buzzers when
you get it wrong. Youre the clown, though.
And although 76bhp doesnt sound like
much, its enough to send 845kg of 88-year-
old, 1.5-litre supercharged and ladder-framed
Alfa sideways, plunging your mind through
a Doctor Who-style time vortex to the year
Giuseppe Campari won the Mille Miglia
in a car identical to this, averaging 52mph
across the unpredictable interwar Italian
topography. How the hell did he do it?

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 093

 ALFA BLOODLINE

8Cs cabin not as

pretty as exterior.
We dont care

The tendr
i
timeline trls of the Alfa Romeo
avel far and
wide

09 4 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM


Enzo Ferrari raced one, too. It was around
1928 that he abandoned his racing driver
ambitions in favour of running Alfa Romeos
Grand Prix team. The famous Scuderia Ferrari
shield appeared on Alfa Romeos long before it
graced his own marque. Alfas engineering genius
at the time was Vittorio Jano; poached from Fiat
in 1923, he masterminded the Alfa P2 that won
the frst ever Grand Prix world championship in
1925, and he efectively invented the GT when he
reimagined the racing car as the frst road-going
6C in the late Twenties. Jano would progress
through Lancia before ending up alongside Enzo
again in Maranello, prior to his death in 1965.
Connectivity: the tendrils of the Alfa Romeo
timeline travel far and wide.
You could also argue that, long before BMW
coined the term, Alfa Romeo produced the
ultimate driving machine lots of them, in fact.
We did argue, wondering as we always do when a
new Alfa Romeo arrives whether why anyone
under the age of 40 should care. The less
sentimental members of the TG brains trust
believe that the vat of goodwill Alfa has been
paddling in for most of this century is now a
muddy puddle. Fortunately, the new Giulia is a car
that stands on its own merits, but even so, a trip to
the companys magnifcent museum which Alfa
calls la macchina del tempo or time machine to
reassert the bloodline seems like a good idea.
Not least because this is a museum with a
test track sandwiched between it and the E62
autostrada near Arese. How thoughtful.
Giulia production
run was 16 years.
If it aint broke...
Based at the companys historic HQ, the
museo reopened last summer following a four-
year renovation by Italian architect Benedetto
Camerana (a member of the extended Agnelli
clan, which controls FCA), and showcases 69
models grouped into four themes across six foors.
Its a spectacular set-up, and cars like the 1935
dual-engined Bimotore, 1952s Disco Volante
(Jaguar may have been making notes), and
Bertones 1968 Carabo concept cut a spectacular
swathe through the idea of simple sentiment.
These three are integral to the automotive
narrative thats brought us to this moment in space
and time, whether youve heard of them or not.
As are the fve cars we manage to assemble on
the track outside. To be honest, we submitted a
wish list and hoped for the best. Not everything in
the wider museum collection is a runner, you see,
but along with the 6C 1500 SS, the Giulia TI Super,
Tipo 33 Daytona, 75 Turbo Evoluzione and 8C
Competizione do a good job of telling the Alfa story.
The new Giulias key predecessor is the Sixties
saloon. How and where you arrive at this vehicle
depends on the context in which you frst saw
one. For me, its a car that looks wrong without
Polizia decals, a wailing siren, and a Quincy Jones
soundtrack. Michael Caine and co may have
rendered pursuing Giulias useless in The Italian Job,
but this little saloon somehow curvy and boxy at
the same time, with a sweet little reverse cut in the
rear glass, and some sublime styling licks rivals
BMWs neue klasse as the car that established the
afordable sports saloon template. Both landed in
1962; Alfa Romeo managed to keep the Giulia in
production for a whopping 16 years.
The white car you see here is the ultra-rare TI
Super, one of only 501 homologated for road use,
its 1.6-litre twin-cam sporting two Weber carbs
and a higher compression to push power output
to 110bhp. As well as the quadrifoglio verde on the
front wing and the mesh inset on the grille, the
Super got three cowled instruments inside, and
funky seats with a slice taken out of the lumbar
area (where a cop or bodyguard would wear a
Beretta handgun, were surmising). Its lovely to
drive, handling and stopping in a way that defes
its years, though not accelerating its slow.
This is not the word that springs to mind when
confronted with the Tipo (T) 33/2 Daytona.
Loud. Cramped. Scared. Theyre all in the queue
ahead of slow, along with 100,000 other adjectives.
The 33 racing Tipo represents a noble bloodline
within the Alfa pedigree, and this is a 1968 car,
whose body was reworked for greater aerodynamic
efect. Enlarged side intakes fed cooling air to the
brakes and engine; that was a 2.0-litre V8, which
produced 270bhp and revved to an ear-splitting
9,600rpm. Alfas competition wing Autodelta ran
fve T33/2s at the Daytona 24 hour race in January
1968, and they managed ffth, sixth and seventh
behind Porsches winning 907s. The little Alfa
also raced that year at the BOAC 500 at Brands
Hatch, at Monza, in the Targa Florio, and at the
Nrburgring. Sporting new long-tail bodywork,
factory T33/2s fnished fourth, ffth and sixth at
the 68 Le Mans 24 hours, behind the Ford GT40
TTOOPPGGEEAARR. .CCOOMM J
J JJ U L Y 2 0 1 6 095
 ALFA BLOODLINE

and the Porsche 907, but taking a deserved

2.0-litre class win.
Italian endurance cars were built for pocket-
sized drivers like Nino Vaccarella and Arturio
Merzario; being closer in size to the comedically
uncompact Carry On lummox Bernard Bresslaw,
driving the T33/2 is a diferent sort of personal
endurance feat. The roof panel has to come out, for
a start. The museum test track isnt really the place
for it, either, like asking a cheetah to run round your
front room, and the whole thing has the potential
for expensive embarrassment. The mechanics wave
their arms in the time-honoured tradition,
beckoning me to increase the revs, and I set of,
thankfully without stalling. It is, in every possible
way, sensational noisy, fast, odorous, brutal but
oddly delicate, like piloting a beautiful cola can,
with roughly the same level of protection. Racing
one of these at Le Mans would certainly have
focused the mind (mainly on what would happen to
your ankles if you went into the Armco head-on).
Alfa also raced the 75 Turbo Evoluzione, a car
whose boxy bits have extra boxes grafted on. Like
its Giulia Super brother, homologation rules (for
Group A) meant only 500 were made, and the
75s 1.8-litre engine musters a mere 155bhp.
No Polizia decals Think of it is an improbably rare equivalent to
shame. But Giulia
is still The Law
BMWs E30 M3, a titan of the late-Eighties
European touring car circus, and youd be close,
and this one carries the fngerprints of the likes
of Nicola Larini, Gabriele Tarquini, and ex-Lancia
rally god Sandro Munari. Thatll do.
The naysayers reckon the 75 marks the point
at which Alfa began to lose the plot, and its rear
transaxle box and general build quality werent
without their foibles. But any 75 is a rare sight
these days, and the Turbo Evoluzione turns out
to be a surprisingly adroit thing to drive. It turns
in beautifully, and the steering and gearchange
Taking a corner,
are unexpectedly connected. Great seats, too, 1928-style 76bhp
and the interior couldnt be more Eighties if pulls 845kg
it had an inbuilt Filofax and a copy of Duran
Durans Decade on perma-rotate. On cassette.
In short, I love it.
The 8C Competizione is here simply because
we wanted something unutterably beautiful to
look at, and because Ive never driven one before.
Im selfess that way. Also, its a spectacular
riposte to the idea that modern Alfa appreciation
is strictly for sentimentalists. OK, so it was a
500-only limited run supercar that flched
Maseratis platform and powertrain, and despite
being not yet a decade old, its semi-auto gearbox
already feels old-hat. It was a bit of a chancer.
But even on this modest test track, the 8C bursts
with the sort of sky-scraping character that
None more Eighties.
Only 500 of these all great Alfa Romeos have, and sounds more
75s were made awesome still, possibly one of the greatest
sounding cars ever made.
It also seemed, for a time, worryingly like
a full stop on one of the most compelling
automotive stories of them all. Nothing lasts
forever, after all. But if the new Giulia is anything
to go by, Alfa Romeo has cherry-picked the best
elements of its past and reconnected with them
in some considerable style. The story continues.

09 6 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 d ly d elic ate
rutal but od
33 /2 is b l c ola c a n
The T iloting a beautifu
like p

ALFA ROMEO ALFA ROMEO ALFA ROMEO ALFA ROMEO ALFA ROMEO
T33/2 DAYTONA 8C COMPETIZIONE 6C 1500 SS GIULIA TII SUPER 75 TURBO EVOLUZIONE
Value now: 1m+, Value now: 150k170k Value now: 500k Value now: 50k approx Value now: 15k
Engine: 1995cc V8, Engine: 4244cc 8cyl, 1.5m Engine: 1587cc 4cyl, 20k
270bhp, n/a lb ft 400bhp, 325lb ft Engine: 1487cc 110bhp, 96lb ft Engine: 1762cc 4cyl,
Transmission: 6spd Transmission: 6spd scharged inline 6cyl, Transmission: 5spd 155bhp, 167lb ft
manual, RWD semi-auto, RWD 76bhp, n/a lb ft manual, RWD Transmission: 5spd
Performance: 180mph Performance: 062mph Transmission: 4spd Performance: 062mph manual, RWD
Weight: 580kg in 4.4secs, 186mph manual, RWD in 12.0secs, 106mph Performance: 062mph
Weight: 1500kg Performance: 87mph Weight: 1300kg in 7.7secs, 130mph
Weight: 845kg Weight: 1300kg

TTOOPPGGEEAARR. .CCOOMM J
J JJ U L Y 2 0 1 6 097
 Rory
Reid
Charlie
Turner
Ollie
Marriage

Jason
Barlow

Alfa Romeo: why it mak

OK, so its well known you cant be a true p
do our resident experts (and some Finnish b
 OUR ALFAS

Chris
Harris
Paul
Horrell
Tom
Ford

Valtteri
Bottas

kes me smile
petrolhead until youve owned one, etc, etc. But what
bloke) recall most about driving one?

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 099

1 00 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
 BMW 2002 HOMMAGE

2002:
A Retrace
Odyssey
As autonomous cars become ever closer to reality, BMW goes down
a different path marrying heritage with modern materials
WORDS: VIJAY PAT TNI / PHOTOGR APHY: WIL SON HENNESSY
 BMW 2002 HOMMAGE

Very few cars have the

visual audacity to trade
blows with a mint
BMW 2002.
But this new 2002 Hommage concept unveiled at Villa dEste remains. Only the glass and the roof are carried over from that
on the eve of the concours show might just be up to it. Just dont car. The mirrors you will recognise from the BMW M4. The rest
call it a comeback. Though the narrative surrounding this 2002 of that concept body is built entirely from carbon fbre. Its the
Hommage the latest in a long line of BMW concepts honouring best material, explains Habib. It fts this one.
past icons trades heavily on nostalgia, its just the latest salvo in Fits. Just drink in those looks. The front apron echoes the
BMWs ongoing commitment to the ultimate driving machine. 2002 with its reverse Turbo script, while the shark nose fows
Because with the advent of the autonomous car looming up to that speared bonnet (just like the original 02s) with a matt
heavily on the horizon (and one previewed by BMW itself with fnish, sat atop a large kidney grille. The roof and bootlid too, are
the Vision Next 100 concept), the 2002 Hommage is a smack in also matt, and on either side sit those fabulous wheelarches. BMW
the face to the future, a carbon-fbre haymaker to remind us that wanted to reimagine them as being bolted on, like four brackets.
actually, some of us still like to drive now and then. The fowing carbon-fbre lines also neatly tie up BMWs
This particular Hommage recalls the 2002 Turbo, the frst ongoing love afair with the material, used extensively for the i8
mass-produced European car to feature a turbo, and an evolution and in the new 7-Series. Thats something we need more of. Its
of a saloon that not only helped turn BMWs fortunes around but a technology we have and its great. We fnd ways to use recycled
would become an integral part of its DNA. Chart the 2002s carbon fbre, and be just as efcient, and I would like to use more
lineage and you rise up through some of the greatest compact of it. Hopefully the technology allows us to be quicker.
BMWs ever built. Proper driving gloves stuf. In fact, Habib goes one step further enough to keep BMW
The 2002 is holy in our history, its about the core of what we 2002 fans ripe with anticipation. If we are to do a small run of
do, BMWs head of design, Karim Habib, tells TG. It was more these, theyd also be carbon fbre. TG takes a step back. Weve
just about that spirit, about that turbo era, that crazy compact heard the promises before. Surely they cant be serious?
thing with incredible power. The M2 still has a bit of that. I dont know if we will build this, and I dont know if the
Ah yes, we need to talk about the M2. people who buy them will be collectors or
Because though BMW doesnt want to dwell such, or those who actually would like to take
on it too much the concept car in the it onto the racetrack.
pictures here is, perhaps unsurprisingly, But I would like to think theyd take it
based on M Divisions rather lovely new onto the track, because thats what this car
compact, 365bhp coupe. is all about, he adds with a smile.
The journey from M2 to the wide-arched A carbon-fbre-bodied special edition
agent of oversteer you see here was perhaps doesnt exactly scream value, mind. But Habib
shorter than the design team might have The original takes a look at the world around him. If you
liked. We had been talking about this for a BMW 2002 see today, the Astons, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces
while, Habib explains. One, it took us some TURBO that people are prepared to pay millions for, I
time to decide [on a 2002 homage], and two, It was the first German series think it was never entirely sure if people were
we had to fnd the budget. That was not easy. production car to feature prepared to pay really big money for BMWs.
We ended up doing it in less than half a a turbocharger, and helped It seems theres a market for it, he adds.
year, he adds. cement BMWs position as a Im positive towards it.
Good thing the M2 has such a solid base. purveyor of fast, pointy, compact The BMW board is, apparently, certainly
Because, frankly, thats pretty much all that performance saloons. Basically, more receptive than perhaps itd been before.
when you think of BMW, you
think of stuff like this.

1 02 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 The flowing carbon-
fibre lines neatly tie up
BMWs ongoing love
affair with the material

All this needs to become

reality is a few willing
buyers. Were saving up now
 BMW 2002 HOMMAGE

Based on the M2, the only

difference for the Hommage
concept is that BMW added the
exhaust from the M235i Racing

They said, Now, we see you guys are serious, so we have to look
into it, he tells us. They understand that we need some interest
in this, and we just have to fnd a way to make it reasonable.
Reasonable is perhaps the wrong term to apply to a carbon-
2008 M1
fbre-bodied super coupe, but hey, if BMW wants to build it,
were interested. As its based on the M2, its as efective as
possible in terms of production. The powertrain all fancy
3.0-litre turbocharged six-pot remains as before. The only
diference is that for this 2002 Hommage concept, they added
the exhaust from the BMW M235i Racing. Perhaps a less subtle
signal of Habibs intent for the board to take notice
Its certainly a move back towards BMWs traditional
territory of the shark-nosed, compact, powerful performance
car, but is this just a relic? A carbon-fbre whimsy to keep us
distracted while the autonomous car gains ever more traction?
If driving isnt something you always do (and were known for
the ultimate driving machines) then what defnes BMW? Habib
asks. If we built products like the CSL Hommage or this 2002
Hommage, then its easy. But if we built products that you choose
when to drive, how is the BMW experience going to remain unique?
Autonomous driving is a big part of our future, and we will be
building cars where driving is not your main assignment. But we
2002 Hommage uses
think the brand can have both. We can do autonomous cars, but recycled carbon fibre.
also, maybe its a specialist thing we need more for people to The kind of eco we like...
have their toys for the weekend or to take on track.
TG asks him to keep this little track-day special burning
brightly in the eyes of the infuencers. Habib smiles. Ill be
carrying that torch, I promise.

1 04 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

2006 MILLE MIGLIA 2016 2002 2015 CSL 2011 328

Past mastery THE 2002 IS JUST THE LATEST IN A LINE

OF MOST EXCELLENT BMW CONCEPTS

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 05

1 06 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
 LUXURY SUVs

THE HEIGHT OF LU X U RY
A modern limousine no longer
resembles a stretched saloon:
these days luxe is SUV-shaped
WO R DS: TO M FO R D /
PH OTO GR APHY: J O H N W YCH ER LE Y

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 07

 f you walk, a bicycle is luxurious. If vents on the fank are a bit try-hard and the side has one
you cycle in the rain with cramping too many strakes in the body. Even the back is just a bit
calves, a bus becomes an afuent generic. Its not pretty, or, to my eyes at least, even very
lifeboat, even if you do have to share appealing. Its supposed to be sophisticated, but just looks
the top deck with a man who smells a bit... bling. Even in the more sober spec we have it here.
of boiled cabbage and defeat. And bling, for me, isnt luxury. Bling is wearing a fur coat.
But if you have to deal with the vagaries of public Luxury is wearing a fur coat inside out.
transport on a regular basis, and eventually people who Secondly, it feels traditional on the inside, but very
smell of far worse than vegetables and melancholy, then much isnt. Theres tech aplenty, even though it remains
even a 1989 Toyota Corolla that whifs lightly of damp butlerish in its attention-seeking. Basically, its there
Alsatian and long-dead cigarettes can seem grand. if you need it, but not obvious: lane-keep assist, anti-
And thus we fnd that any concept of luxury is always collision, active cruise (which sort of leads to semi-
a mutation formed though the lens of situation. autonomous trafc pilot), night-vision cameras, active
But a luxury car has always had a bit of a blueprint. ride, various mode settings for on- and of-road that afect
Long and limousiney. In fact, when the concept of a steering, throttle, gearbox strategy and suspension. And
luxury car was formed, there were far fewer niches to yet all wrapped in the traditions of the familiar Bentley
fll, and hence far less opportunity for cross-pollination family sumptuous leather, wood from real life trees
and side-stepping of the hierarchy. A traditional luxury but winnowed to an almost surreal perfection, more
car has up until now been a barge, weighed down with leather, and then some leather wrapped in leather.
marquetry and self-importance, but when we talk about the This is an Apple Store stufed inside a stately home.
contemporary experience of luxe, the game has moved on. The fst of technology, wrapped in the fnely crafted
These days, a luxury car doesnt need to be a wallowing glove of tradition.
mobile humidor. Modern global luxury is SUV-shaped. It also works as a fast thing, of that there is no doubt.
You want examples? Major upscale brands have realised The Bentayga manages to unfurl a road like no other
that to fully crowbar sales in blossoming markets like SUV. The engine is so powerful from so sub-bass low
China and Russia, they need an SUV. Maserati has the (664lb ft from 1,350rpm) and so ear-avoidingly quiet
Levante, Lamborghini is planning the Urus, and even that it does a fair impression of an electric vehicle. Near-
Rolls-Royce has a tall car in the pipeline. Far from being instant torque, a vague purr of W12 somewhere in the
an evolutionary dead end, the SUV has made a comeback inconsequential distance of the rear window. The fragrant
as the fag-bearer for posh. interior barely tilts even when attacking a B-road at speed,
Take this new Bentley Bentayga as an example. Its and the only slight disquiet comes from the fact that your
a Bentley, whose name imparts instant expense-stroke-
luxury credibility. But its also an SUV with pretensions
to speed. A basic 160k for a 600bhp, 664lb ft W12 twin-
turbo titan of Sports Utility Velocity. A four-second to
62mph, 187mph testimonial to the ability of a torrent of
burr walnut and quilted, hand-stitched leather to remain
completely silent while beating physics over the head with
a giant computer. A computer that manages algorithms
so complex that when it uses the Bentaygas 48V electric
anti-roll control system as a weapon, the car can actually
pervert the accepted notions of momentum and grip versus
ride comfort. An SUV that juggles paradoxes faster than
you can think: traditional but flled with tech, of-road
capable but sports-car fast, big but nimble but comfy.
A Bentley, except more so.
But why buy a Bentayga, when a well-specced Range
Rover will do 90 per cent of the job for half the price?
Well, in some markets, excess is justifcation: a blinged-
up Range Rover is just that some people actually want
to spend more. The response from the Range Rover camp
was steely and measured the 156,000 SVAutobiography,
weaponised by Land Rovers SVA in-house bespokery
merchants to provide a less challenging counterpoint to
the Bentleys speedy nature and polarising looks. Which
means that the Bentley has reigned supreme as the most
expensive luxury SUV for nanoseconds. It already has a
challenger with some serious pedigree.
It doesnt help that the Bentayga is a really very
confusing car. First up, it looks quite odd on the outside.
Land Rovers media
The body-colour headlamp washer in the secondary ring system now looks
of the smaller headlamp looks cataract ugly, theres too positively retro
much chrome mesh of grille on the front, the fying B

1 08 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 LUXURY SUVs

RR LWB is 20cm longer

than standard, adding
18cm of rear legroom

RANGE ROVER
SVAUTOBIOGRAPHY LWB
Price: 156,000
(without options)
Engine: 4367cc,
V8 turbodiesel
Power: 339bhp
@ 3500rpm,
545lb ft @ 2300rpm
Economy: 33.6mpg;
219g/km CO2
Performance:
062mph in 6.9secs,
135mph
Powertrain: 8spd
automatic, AWD
Kerbweight: 2539kg

The SVA has enough

legroom for giraffe-
human hybrids

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 09

 LUXURY SUVs

inner ear might become fatally confused and give up

entirely because the blurry views dont match the
odd manipulations of the g-forces or the eerie quiet.
Its both brilliant and numb, amazing and at the same
time imperiously unengaging. In terms of the market,
though, the big Bentley makes sense. Its an SUV developed
specifcally to give people who wanted to spend more
than a Range Rover on an SUV somewhere British to
go. The Range Rover may be fghting back with the
SVAutobiography but from a slightly diferent angle.
The SVAutobiography is more focused on the
traditional luxury tropes than the fying Bs sportiness.
Its handsome and sober-suited even the 9k two-tone
paintjob manages to look really rather good and
features space rather than pace. This LWB V8 diesel
is equipped with only four seats, with a pair of thrones
in the rear that have enough legroom for girafe-human
hybrids obscenely wealthy mutants who like champagne
(theres a wine chiller back there), multimedia and slide-
out workstations. Its immediately nowhere near as fast
or dynamic as the Bentayga although it does very
well for such a huge machine and tries to ofer a
more club-class experience from the rear seats, rather
than a pilots eye view. Its the wading-capable, Terrain
Response-equipped version of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
If space is luxury, then the RR LWB wins hands down.
And yet, to be blunt, in pretty much every other area,
it doesnt. Which do you think rides better? The LWB
Range Rover? Nope. Its the Bentley.

Bentayga cant touch

the Rangie off-road.
Precisely no one cares

The blurry views dont

match the g-forces
or eerie quiet

110 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 With both on 21in wheels, the Bentayga has a ride quality
somewhere between feather bed and severed nerve endings.
The RR is by no means intrusive, but it just cant flter
potholes or expansion joints quite so perfectly. It also feels
a bit lollopy next to the Bentley, whose mechanical bits feel
RWD in most situations (unsurprisingly like the Conti GT).
The Bentayga turns in hard and accurately and maintains
a fat and committed posture totally at odds with the soft
furnishings. Doing that wonderful Bentley thing of
confounding expectations by being much, much more
dynamically capable than you frst assume. The Range Rover
actually manages to feel a bit boaty, and while corner carving
isnt a luxury cars primary objective, the way the Bentley
slackens its suspension going straight and levels of when
turning actually makes it more comfy than the Range. No, the Top-notch detail on
Range Rover isnt slow its more than capable of hitching up the Bentayga makes it
its skirts and using that diesel V8 to get moving, but it doesnt feel super-special

get one over on the Bentayga on the slow stuf either.

And it might look better on the outside, but the
SVAutobiography also makes do with generally woeful
infotainment and graphics, and a confusing, button-heavy
dash layout. It all works, but again, compared with the
Bentley its just not as good and both cars cost near-as-
dammit exactly the same. In fact, the essential nature of
the problem is that the Range Rover SVA isnt a bad car
its actually lightly exceptional its just that it doesnt
feel 50k more valuable than a Range Rover Autobiography
LWB with the same 4.4 V8 diesel for 107,150. Youre
talking about paying for excess, rather than real value.

TradTech: the perfect

BENTLEY BENTAYGA W12 mash-up of old craft and
new gadgetry. Brilliant
Price: 160,200
(without options)
Engine: 5950cc, W12
twin-turbo petrol
Power: 600bhp @
50006000rpm, 664lb ft
@ 13504500rpm
Economy: 21.6mpg,
296g/km CO2
Performance:
062mph in 4.0secs,
187mph
Powertrain: 8spd
automatic, AWD
Kerbweight: 2440kg

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 11

 LUXURY SUVs

In a world of iThings, why

is in-car infotainment still
perched on a stalk?

The Bentayga is an
Apple Store wrapped
in a stately home

Fold-out bench things

come with both cars:
perfect for point-to-point The Bentayga, on the other hand, feels luxurious in
that it marries lots of diferent things into one package.
Its sporty but exceptionally comfortable, fast, quiet,
technological but subtle with the integration of the
computers, and has a typically wonderful Bentley interior.
Bluntly, it feels like it should cost a lot of money, where the
SVA doesnt feel like enough of a jump over the standard
car. And yet personally, I still dont think either of these
cars really hit the mark.
The Bentley isnt handsome enough, and Im too tight
to want to spend more on a Range Rover that doesnt ofer
a signifcantly more interesting experience than its nearest
sibling in the range. And that seems to be the thing about
luxury no matter how you defne it, a luxury item has to
have some indefnable quality that makes you desire it for
itself, over anything else. Both of these cars will no doubt
service a market that requires them. But in the UK, there
are other choices that have more appeal.
 A SPECTS OF LU X URY
WHAT DOES LUXURY ACTUALLY MEAN IN 2016?

TECH
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS/BMW 7-SERIES
Is technology luxurious? The ability to play with new and exciting toys is certainly the preserve of the big German barges: from BMWs
carbon-cored 7-Series gesture control (where touch is no longer necessary to control some functions), to Mercedes Magic Body Control
pre-emptive suspension. They represent the new face of technological luxury not so much traditional luxe as next-millennial flash.

CONVENIENCE
AUTONOMOUS CAR/CHAUFFEUR
If luxury is convenience, then surely an on-call chauffeur
is the ultimate luxury option? Would you have a Skoda
Octavia for 25k and a 20k-a-year driver for nine years for
the same price as a specced Bentayga? The natural extension
of which would be an autonomous car get in and be
whisked direct to the door of your next destination,
with the intervening time spent working, napping
or just plain old relaxing.
TIME-SAVING
HELICOPTER/PLANE
The saying goes that time is money, but time is also luxury
the less time you spend travelling, the more you have to
splash on less dreary pursuits. Thus, surely a personal
chopper or light aircraft is luxurious? The ability to cut
medium-distance travel times down to a quarter is certainly
appealing. Though the kind of helicopter or plane youll get
for the cost of a Bentayga certainly wont be the most
luxurious thing ever...

SPACE AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALNESS

MERCEDES BRABUS SPRINTER/ PRIVATE ROCK-STAR COACH
Space equals luxury, right? Luxury cars are generally always...
big. And well equipped. So take that thought to the logical
extreme, and you end up with one of Brabus mobile
office Sprinter vans. Or how about a full-on tour
bus? OK, so they might not be the kind of thing
that you desire to own, but they do have
52-inch TVs and fully stocked bars.
THIRTIES PACKARD OR MERCEDES GROSSER
The trouble with real luxury is that for some, it requires a
decent dose of specialness. OK, so thats going to be hard
to define for most, but would real luxury come in the shape of
a car that makes everyone stop and stare? Something that
engenders real emotion in those that look at it, as well as ride
in it? Turning up in a late Thirties Packard might be a
bit old Hollywood, but it certainly counts as special.

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 13

 WO R DS: DAN R E AD /
PH OTO GR APHY: R I CHAR D PAR D O N

Welcome to the Indy 500... time to find out what all the fuss is about

114 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 INDY 500

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 15

 1

4 5

1. Give us a wave, Mario 2. Man in green

shirt seeks red bricks for light petting
3. Friends? Yeah sure. Definitely for
my friends 4. Denim hotpants are no
laughing matter 5. Indys famous tower
goes green for the start of the 100th 500
6. Townsend Bell gets clobbered in
the pit lane chaos 7. Its that bloke off
the telly again. Does a show about
cars or something

7
 INDY 500

The city of Indianapolis lies 760

miles inland from New York,
where green pastures meet the
golden cornfelds of the American
Midwest and beyond. To the
north, Chicago and the Great
Lakes. To the south, Kentucky
and hill country. Its location is
important. Because, despite being
a fairly modest town whose
tourist hotspots total a few
nod-worthy monuments and
museums, its also
This is partly because its at the crossroads of several
interstate highways, but mostly because of an event it
holds every year on the last weekend in May.
You already know what it is. In fact, its hard to say

one of Americas
Indianapolis without adding 500, like Derby after
Kentucky. The Motor Speedway was the frst purpose-built
racetrack in America, and the frst 500-Mile Sweepstakes, as it
was known in a sporting world still obsessed with horses, was

most visited.
held in 1911. Its been contested almost every year since, bar a
few during the world wars, making this year the 100th edition.
To celebrate, nearly half a million people have turned up to
watch, or half-a-million-and-one if you include me, making
this the biggest single-day sporting event in the world.
Most of those people 350,000 to be exact have tickets for
the vast grandstands around the 2.5-mile oval. Those who
dont are camped on the lawns of Speedway (the surrounding
area takes its name from the circuit and butts right up to it),

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 17

INDY 500
knocking back watery beers and pointing at trafc
as it creeps towards the parking lots. The Indy 500
is billed as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, though
right now the greatest spectacle here is the bloke in a
stars-and-stripes bikini who appears to have stored a
large amount of barbecue meat in the lower half of
his swimwear. He waves wildly, emboldened by 8am
lager, as our bus edges through the residential streets
and past the pop-up parties, some of which are
gathered around portable tellies, watching the
opening of another racing spectacle, the Monaco GP.
The two races are held on the same Sunday of
each year, separated by 4,500 miles and a trans-
Atlantic time diference. Together, and with the 24
Hours of Le Mans in June, they make up the Triple
Crown of world motorsport. The argument about
which is best will never burn out, but some things
are agreed: they are deeply diferent events with
completely diferent cars and cultures, and each one
demands a very specifc set of driving skills. Perhaps
thats why only one man, Graham Hill, has ever won
all three. Each has had its ups and downs, its lovers
and haters. In recent years, F1 has been roundly
accused of being unfathomable and exclusive.
IndyCar is making a comeback after a couple of
dodgy decades in which it split into two factions
(now reunited). Le Mans has faced less heat, though
the recent
dominance of
diesels and hybrids Before the race, were
seems an age away
from the fery
days when Steve
treated to two hours
McQueen made
a movie about it.
of military worship
The Indy Motor
Speedway is, of
course, oval-shaped. Theres also an infeld section
with more corners as used by F1 in the Noughties,
MotoGP and for another round on the IndyCar
calendar but the 500 has always been 200 laps of
the semi-banked outer ring. Does that make it easier
than driving the streets of Monaco in the rain, or
down the Mulsanne Straight in the dead of night?
Only a few people can say for sure. One of them is
Mario Andretti, certifed legend of all three races,
winner of the 1969 Indy 500, the 1978 F1 world
championship and many-time Le Mans veteran since
the famous Ford versus Ferrari battle of 1966.
This can be debated to infnity, he tells me
And the winner before the race. Le Mans is about setting a pace that
is given... a nice
new shiny watch
wont destroy the equipment. Indianapolis has its
mad and consistently high speeds where the slightest
mistake can be terrifying. As a driver, though, I
enjoyed the technical side of Monaco more than
any other, but I always had great success on street
courses where you have to be precise but aggressive.
Thats the racing. What about the atmosphere?
Monaco has an incredible aura and elegance, says
Mario, but all three have something very special
to ofer, no question. The 500 has to be one of the
best-known motorsport events in the world. When
I won it in 69, I got fan mail from places I didnt even
know existed. It just attracts people from all walks,
and not all are race fans they just wanna be here.
Hes not wrong. Theres even an infeld area for
those whod rather dance than watch racing. Its
called the Snake Pit. Once the lawless domain of
motorcycle gangs, its seen all sorts of misbehaviour
over the years, from mud-wrestling to car-fipping,
though today its more organised a mini festival-
within-a festival. As I wander through, Im hit not by
a fying beer bottle, but by the heavy bassline from
a live set by Skrillex. In the middle of the race.
Though it still registers on the redneck-o-meter,
Indy is nowhere near as folksy as NASCAR. The 500
is smarter, friendlier, more international, but still
resolutely American. Before the race, were treated to
two hours of military worship, patriotic singalongs
and fast-jet fy-pasts, then the famous, though
increasingly inclusive, line of Ladies and gentlemen,
start your engines!, which was duly observed by
the one lady and 32 gentlemen on the grid.
After four parade laps behind a white Camaro, its
a fying start followed by a dizzying blur of action.
They zip around once every 40 seconds or so,
clocking up 230mph top speeds and 170mph average
laps. For the frst 10 laps, the lead is shared between
pole-man James Hinchclife and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
They are fnally
broken up by Josef
Newgarden on lap
22 one of 54 lead
changes involving
13 drivers over the
course of the race.
Some cars are
clouted out during
chaotic pit stops,
which brilliantly are taken by everyone at the
same time. Juan Pablo Montoya loses the back end on
lap 64 and whacks the wall. Hes not the only one to
do so. The action is so intense you must concentrate
hard to follow it properly, and things rarely go as
expected. Its a bit like the Grand National in that
respect. A clear favourite could fall at the frst,
stumble at the last, or get caught up in carnage.
The last 30 laps are the best of the lot. To
describe every position change would require
another few pages, but what you need to know is
this: after barely a mention by the commentators,
24-year-old American Alexander Rossi the
impressive GP2 and F1 refugee found himself
gaining places as others stopped for fuel. Slowing to
save his own gas, and being hunted down by faster
cars, he eventually crossed the line on fumes,
becoming the frst rookie winner since 2001.
It was, without doubt, an exhilarating fnish to
a hectic race. But the greatest race on Earth? That
IMAGES: GETTY, LAT
depends who on Earth you ask. Me? Id probably give
my last dollar for a ticket to Monaco. But, looking
around the grandstands as Rossi drinks his
customary bottle of winners milk, I see at least
350,000 people who disagree with me...
NO, THESE ARE THE GREATEST
RACES ON EARTH...
DIFFERENCE OF OPINION? OVER TO SIR STIRLING MOSS AND DEREK BELL

THE CASE FOR MONACO

By Sir Stirling Moss
he first thing Id want on my demanding,

T
CV is a Monaco win. You and involving,
cannot compare Monaco especially
with Indy, other than the because you have
fact that F1 cars sometimes did both of to be so accurate.
them. A long time ago when I was racing, Its also just an incredible event. I
it was part of the F1 world championship. remember when I won in the 500cc race
Indianapolis is something Id have there in 1950, the curtain raiser for the
loved to have done, but I didnt go Grand Prix. Because we werent very
because at the time it was quite important, we had to practise very
possible I couldve won a world early in the morning, at about 7 oclock.
championship in Europe. Afterwards, we went back to the
Monaco, particularly as it was, is Htel de Paris and there was always an
more of a road race, and Im more of old English lady in there. She looked at
a road racer. Theres no doubt Indy me and said: Was that you making all
in itself is the greatest promotion. that noise? I said, Yes, Im afraid it
Le Mans is a hell of a deal too. was. Well, what were you doing? she
But I would have thought, if you ask asked. I told her we were practising.
any European driver, the one theyd like Well, she said, cant you go and
to win most is Monaco. Its so very practise somewhere else?

THE CASE FOR LE MANS

by Derek Bell MBE
very lap of Le Mans is the cars

E exciting and every corner is

demanding. People say to
werent
necessarily the
me, Dont you get bored greatest, because
driving for all that time? And I say no, they fumbled around
youre always trying to get the tightest with different formulas. But now its
line, to get the power on earlier. Youre coming back with drivers who are
not thinking about dinner, youre thinking creating a new story.
I know I can do it faster, maybe miss You dont have to like racing to go to
that bump, turn in later, come out of Indy, but the same is true of Monaco and
each corner with more revs on. Thats the even Le Mans, where you can stand by the
challenge. Theres always another target. Mulsanne Straight having a coffee, with
People go to Indy because of the cars going by at 230mph. Its like going to
hoo-rah and the dancing girls. I went in its the US Open or to Wimbledon. Its a major
heyday, and it was an amazingly colourful happening. Youve got to go to experience
show. That era disappeared when they the atmosphere, and all three races have
screwed it up, because ultimately the that. They need to be seen to be believed.
public still want to see a bloody good race. Each has its incredible uniqueness, and
I dont think they had that for a while, and only really those three races do it.

TTOOPPGGEEAARR. .CCOOMM J
J JJ U L Y 2 0 1 6 1 19
 The

1 20 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 PLASAN SANDCAT

(and the future of everything)

From swords to ploughshares: how a cutting-edge armoured car
will help to make better, faster, stronger cars for all of us...
WORDS: TOM FORD / PHOTOGR APHY: BARRY HAYDEN

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 121

 PLASAN SANDCAT
he answer to the future of
everything lies in the middle
of an Israeli desert some way
south-east of Gaza and very
south of Tel Aviv, in a naked
scorch of badlands that might be a spur of the
Negev, but might be somewhere else, Im not
quite sure. Its the same colour as the yellow
ochre rocks that surround it, blending its
geometric surfacing gently with the natural
backdrop. This morning I watched dawn
break over the Jordanian border and the
salty southern end of the Dead Sea as the
sun burst past the horizon, breaking hard
shadows across the windscreens. It has a
turrety roof hatch, enough armour to stop
pretty much anything short of a rocket-
propelled grenade and handspan-thick glass.
Its called a Plasan SandCat. Its probably not
what you were expecting.
Then again, when I started a conversation
with a man on Twitter six months ago, I didnt
actually expect to be driving his armoured car
down a desert trade route previously used to
ferry frankincense and myrrh overland from
Petra to the port city of Gaza back in the seventh
century BC, discussing how materials science
is going to change the world forever. And yet
here we are, happily chatting about possible
1 22 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
applications of carbon nanotubes and aramid
composites while driving a nine-tonne MRAP
ATV (mine-resistant, ambush protected,
all-terrain vehicle) across a desert that looks
exactly like the pictures featured in illustrated
Bibles. Weird doesnt even come close.
Let me explain a little. The man is Nir Kahn,
design director of a company called Plasan, and
the vehicle is called a SandCat, a small tactical
armoured car deployed by various military and
civilian operations in over 15 countries on fve
continents. Small being a relative term, seeing
as the Cat still towers above most things,
short of commercial lorries, at 7ft 7in tall, but
generally considered to be on the lighter side
of military motivation. The reason Im here
is because Nir is an inveterate innovator, and
the SandCat represents the grandparent of
theories and practices that might afect
everything we do in the car industry.
That sounds like a big claim, but seriously,
people in the bombproofng industry are
obsessed with weight the less of it you
have, the more manoeuvrable you are, or
the better protected you can be and cost,
because government agencies are basically
naturally stingy. This makes them very
keen on cutting-edge materials science,
endlessly innovative, rabid consumers of
new technology and incredibly aware of cost
implications all analogous to modern car
manufacturing. Indeed, Plasans US arm already
supplies carbon-fbre composite components
for major American manufacturers it makes
the carbon aero kits for the Viper ACR and
the carbon add-ons for the Corvette Z06.
The automotive world is already aware.
But while the company is making slightly
sci-f-looking armoured cars and lorries, it also
has to make sure that they are actually efective.
And that means testing. Reams and reams of
real and immensely complicated simulations
of blast and ballistics testing to make sure that
the theories are metaphorically and literally
bulletproof. And what does an explosion look
like on a computer? A sudden, intense, impact.
A crash, essentially. Which means that you
have a company with a deep knowledge of
new materials tech, a library of extreme
crash data and an ability to make lots of
things to a very specifc cost margin.
You can see where this might be leading.
How about a specifcally engineered carbon-
composite monocoque for a mass-produced car
thats just as cheap, a magnitude stronger and
several times lighter than anything currently
produced? How about a sports car that can have
all the advantages of a McLaren/Porsche 918/
Yep, thats drifting. In a
nine-tonne armoured car.
Handy for quick getaways
This desert
looks exactly like
the pictures in an
illustrated Bible
 The SandCat may be
capable of many things, but
not floating. Idea for v2?

Windscreen panes are identical:

easier to swap them if they get
cracked. Dash is pure Ford F550

Mustangs hail from a land

with very different oil fields,
but it works over here too

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 123

 PLASAN SANDCAT

PLASAN SANDCAT
Engine: 6.7-litre PowerStroke V8 TD
Power: 300bhp @2800rpm, 660lb ft @1600rpm
Range: 310340 miles with 120-litre tank (n/a mpg)
Transmission: 6spd TorqShift auto, selectable 4WD
Power to weight: 37.5bhp/tonne
Weight: 8845kg (depending on spec)
Air transportability: C-130 and up

The composite armour comes in flat-pack format. Yep, you

Good news! Room for up to 11

of your favourite people for a
very secure camping trip

1 24 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 Lamborghini carbon tub without the associated
cost? Cut the cloth towards efciency or
performance, but lighter, stronger and cheaper
is always going to be to our the consumers
advantage and beneft. And the trickle down
comes directly from vehicles like the SandCat.
OK, so underneath, the SandCat emerges
from relatively prosaic underpinnings for
various reasons, including cost, reliability
and parts-sourcing. The base vehicle is a Ford
F550 Dually, although realistically the only bits
used in the Plasan metamorphosis are the dash
and associated wiring, chassis rails, suspension,
V8 diesel and 6spd auto gearbox. The six wheels
are replaced with four massive 19.5-inch of-road
Stay camouflaged at all times.
Do not draw attention to
yourself. Um, is that a fire?
u read that right: flat-pack. Like a wardrobe
beadlocks with run-fat inserts within the
tyres, and the body is replaced by an innovative
and relatively stylish composite armour that
comes in fat-pack format. Yep, you read that
right: fat-pack. Like an Ikea wardrobe. Plasan
calls it a kitted hull, and it works pretty much
like you might expect: take a Ford F550, then
replace the bodywork with pretty much
whatever confguration you require, be that
troop transport, utility truck, comms relay
or command centre. Because the panels are
relatively independent, you can upgrade
modules according to need, or have bespoke
parts shipped in. Need a SandCat that looks
less aggressive for police work? Plasan will
supply more rounded wheelarches. Need
a roof-mounted machine gun, or heavier
armour? Plasan will supply those too.
The one Im driving features STANAG II
composite armour (military armour comes
in various grades, and undergoes testing not
unlike Euro NCAP, except more explosive)
layers of various materials like Kevlar, aramid,
ballistic ceramic and steel, bonded and bolted
together to form protective sandwiches that are
lighter but stronger than basic steel plate and it
makes it relatively light for the level of protection
it ofers, some 30 to 40 per cent lighter than
anything that went before with the same level
of safety. And old-school armoured cars are
Porthole is a) for extra
elbow room, or b) firing
a gun. You decide
basically massive reinforced steel boxes welded
together on massive jigs if you damage part
of the box, the vehicle is essentially written of
but the SandCat is modular: break one part,
and you can essentially unbolt it and remake
it quickly with simple tools and replacement
panels. All very useful.
Of course, its still getting on for 9,000kg,
so driving it along an of-road clif edge in the
middle of nowhere is still a little bit sweaty,
and charging around a desert still means you
have to concentrate, but with standard ft
four-wheel drive and a bit of momentum, this is
still an immensely capable and comparatively
nippy truck. Vision is surprisingly good, even
with the strangely shaped windows, necessary
because armoured glass is actually heavier than
opaque armour, so the less of it you use, the
better. Thus, the SandCat actually only uses
glass in the places you actually look through,
rather than, say, down by your elbows, where
you hardly ever peer. Clever stuf.
And its a proper place to fnd out if it works.
If Israel is a spear that drives between Egypt and
Jordan to a point at Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba,
then I am currently somewhere in the middle of
the broad fat of the blade, west of a place called
Idan, where I spent last night. A place that is
pretty much a prehistoric layer cake of geology.
Hot, sandy, and apparently barren, rolling hills
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 125
 CIV V Y STREET

How the SandCat is helping

to form your next car
DONT THINK MILITARY TECH IS IRRELEVANT, ITS RESPONSIBLE
FOR MOST OF YOUR FAVOURITE EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY

Theres not much left of

the Ford F550 before
Plasan sets to work
Nir Kahn: from Manchester
to Israel, via Coventry.
One very clever man

he military has always resources. Based at Plasans HQ stretches past the military. His office is what he refers to as turning swords

T advanced civilian
engineering, but its the
mix of artistry, innovation
and science that makes it work. Radar,
the microwave oven, the expansion of
the internet, GPS, air-traffic control,
drones, portable X-ray machines,
sanitary pads, jerrycans, pressurised
cabins, synthetic rubber and oil,
mass-produced jet engines the list is
amazing. And Nir Kahn is one of those
people that you suspect would invent
everything, given enough time and
on Kibbutz Sasa in northern Israel,
Kahn works in a kind of hothouse
for industrial materials science and
modelling. Theres a state-of-the-art
ballistics laboratory that can measure
the impact effects of pretty much
everything from a handgun to a
rocket-propelled grenade and
computer modelling suites where
deformation and impact absorption
can be measured using complicated
algorithms. But better than that,
theres a passion with Nir that
filled with inspirations: from Bertone to
Pininfarina, Alfa Romeo to Ferrari. Hes
obsessed with making things not just
better, but more interesting. Cleverer.
From carbon nanotubes that would
revolutionise pretty much everything,
to new methods of manufacture (like
pulltrusions which form composite
structures through dies and centre
expensive, strong materials only on
load-bearing areas making them
cheaper), Nir is fascinated by every
aspect. Hes also refreshingly intent on
into ploughshares taking military
advancements and innovations and
spinning them into civilian applications
that will make the world better.
Imagine a Ford Focus that weighed
under a tonne, with a smaller, more
efficient engine that was faster,
stronger in a crash and cheaper than
ever before. Or a sports car with a full
chassis and body that weighed the
same as an Ariel Nomad? These things
are within reach and its people like
Nir Kahn that will make them real.

1 26 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM


that descend into blind canyons and dry river
beds, eased from the landscape by the twins
of time and gentle erosion. The SandCat hauls
itself over big rocks, clambers up and across dry
river beds, chugs through soft sand. Theres
always enough power and plenty of torque, and
the fact that the vehicle is actually ridiculously
easy to drive, comfortable on a normal road
and generally very agreeable bodes well if you
might have to spend many hours out on patrol
locked in the damn thing. No, its not exactly
an of-road racer, not exactly a vision of a
dynamic future, but it does much more than
you think it might, and seems to revel in being
thrown about. And youve not lived until youve
experienced mild oversteer in an armoured car.
Its a massive surprise. As is the desert. You
think theres nothing here, but it is literally
teeming. Round one corner and a hare bolts from
the undergrowth like a furry bullet, seeking
better cover. Birds seem to be everywhere.
Charge toward the base of a sheer clif and see a
herd of goats fee towards, and up, a vertical rock
face, making use of secret steps only specialised
The SandCat may be
bombproof, but you cant
beat a goat for agility
cloven feet can see. Nothing the vehicle or
the desert is quite as it might frst appear.
But while the SandCat is clever and
appropriate for its application, its Nir who is
the key to unlocking the military tech for future
civilian applications. Because Nir Kahn isnt
really very military at all. Hes a human catalyst.
A graduate of the Coventry Universitys School
of Automotive & Transport in the UK, Nir
wanted to be a car designer, but he also wanted
to live in his native Israel, a country not famed
for its automotive industry. Thus he ended up
designing armoured cars for Plasan, but not
carrying the baggage of a military mind his
designs were a bit cooler than usual. Now,
armies are not famed for caring what things look
like as long as they work, so he decided that as
long as everything performed as it should, then
there was no reason for a Plasan product to look
like it was styled by an unpleasant combination
of committee and simple expediency. Thus the
SandCat looks like a cross between an armoured
car and Judge Dredds weekend wheels.
Inspired by Seventies wedge era supercars
like Bertones Stratos Zero, Nir started making
armoured cars look like they were actually
designed, rather than simply bolted together.
Better than that, the company he worked for,
Plasan, started taking the idea of ground-up
builds completely seriously. Instead of just
welding more and more armour onto a pre-
existing design, Plasan developed lightweight,
integrated solutions: foating foors that absorb
impacts, seats developed from helicopter pilot
specifcations, armour that was protected in the
specifc places needed to insulate the occupants
PLASAN SANDCAT
Nothing the
vehicle or the
desert is quite
as it appears
from the most likely attacks. Exotic and
expensive materials get used, but always with
an eye on cost because theres no point in
making a vehicle thats too expensive to sell.
And its all essentially about absorbing and
redirecting energy, about making a strong,
safe, efective vehicle. Its an extreme version
of what every car manufacturer on the planet
is trying to do. Which means that when you
combine it with Plasans ideas for the use of
materials, new, super-fast carbon-fbre cold-
curing and general production ethos, it will
be vehicles like the Plasan SandCat that really
revolutionise the car industry. A huge, hulking
armoured car based on a Ford F550, made in
a country that has no automotive industry to
speak of, will be the car that changes the world.
And none of us were expecting that.
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 27
 PORSCHE 911R
Price: 136,901
Engine: 3996cc, flat-six,
493bhp, 339lb ft
Transmission: 6spd
manual, RWD
Performance: 062mph
in 3.7secs, 201mph
Economy: 21.2mpg,
308g/km CO2
Weight: 1445kg

1 28 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 PORSCHE 911R

Porsche has
resuscitated the
manual gearbox and
created perhaps
the most eagerly
anticipated 911 ever
WO R DS: JACK R IX / PH OTO GR APHY:
R I CHAR D PAR D O N & JAM IE LIPMAN

Carbon bucket seats are
from 918 Spyder and
trimmed in Pepita tartan
As technology whisks us kicking
and screaming into a world of
autonomous cars and 3D-printed
pizza, theres something satisfying
about stepping of the conveyor
belt and indulging in objects of the
past. Teasing a crumbling cork out
of a bottle of Cabernet Franc, for
instance, despite screw-tops keeping
your tipple just as fresh and fungus-
free, is oddly reassuring. And you
only need to fick through the
adverts in this very rag, to see the
market for biblically expensive
watches, driven by intricate
mechanical movements, is
booming even though we all have
a smartphone in our pocket that
tells us the time more accurately.
The 911R, the latest unicorn
to emerge from Porsches GT
department, is infused with that
same sense of reverse engineering.
Its a traditional idea brought up to
date by modern tech so has an
allure thats more than the sum of
its parts. Its an enthusiasts fantasy,
a collection of components and
styling cues designed to push our
buttons and get us all frothy before
weve even found out if its any good
to drive. Not convinced? Try reading
the next few paragraphs without
drifting of and lusting after one of
the 991 already-sold-out examples
Porsche is planning to produce.
Over the rear axle is the same
demented 4.0-litre naturally
aspirated fat-six as the GT3 RS
producing 493bhp at 8,250rpm,
but connected to a short-throw
6spd manual a direct response
to criticism that the PDK-only
The 911R has a manual
gearbox. Instantly more GT3 and GT3 RS had lost a layer
desirable than a PDK of engagement. The human-based
shifting mechanism means its a
fraction slower from 0 to 62mph
(although 3.7secs is enough to blow
your hair back), but by replacing the
fxed rear wing with the Carreras
retractable spoiler, the top speed
climbs by 8mph to 201mph.
Weighing in at 1,445kg, the
R is the lightest 911 in the range
and undercuts the GT3 RS by
50kg thanks to a similar round of
measures (magnesium roof, carbon
bonnet and front wings, plastic rear
windows and rear screen, no rear
seats and reduced sound insulation),
but it also does without a roll cage
inadvertently making it the most
practical 911 by quite some margin.
The chassis and body are from the
GT3, barring a unique front lip
spoiler and rear difuser, while the
gorgeous carbon bucket seats are
from a 918 Spyder and trimmed
in Pepita tartan (a nod to the very
frst 911s from the Sixties). The
stripes and side graphics, available
in red or green, draw the line
between it and the 1967 911R a
road-homologated racer of which
only 20 were ever made although
Id be tempted to delete them
entirely and spend my time
surprising Ferraris at the lights.
Want more? You get carbon-
ceramic brakes as standard, 20in
forged aluminium wheels and
the GT3s four-wheel steering.
For 2,024, those tightwads at
Porsche will sell you an optional
single-mass fywheel (it should
be standard, surely) that dents
refnement slightly, but lets the revs
rise and fall with more immediacy.
Your contact points to the road are
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s from
the GT3 245mm wide at the front
and 305mm wide at the rear both
20mm narrower than the GT3 RS.
Its that last point that gives
away what the 911R is really about.
This is not just a manual GT3 RS
minus the aggressive aero, its been
set up to be the ultimate road car,
so instantly feels quite diferent
from its track-obsessed siblings.
Lucky then, that we have the Isle of
Skye at our disposal, dry roads and
911R #001 of 991 to play with.
Pared-back simplicity courses
through it: theres a hole in the
dash where the satnav and stereo
should be (itll cost you nothing
to add it back in), no controls on
the steering wheel and fabric loops
for handles. There are buttons to
control the two-stage dampers,
activate the titanium sports
 PORSCHE 911R

062mph in 3.7secs and

a top of 201mph. Amazing
what stripes can do...

Id be tempted to delete
the stripes and surprise
Ferraris at the lights

You can add satnav

and stereo back in.
If youre a wuss...

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 31

 PORSCHE 911R
No rear seats or roll cage, helping
make the 911R 50kg lighter than
a GT3 RS. Other savings come from
a magnesium roof, carbon bonnet
and front wings and plastic rear
windows and rear screen
exhaust and select Sport mode
and on the inside, thats about it.
Get going and the stubby,
carbon-trimmed gearlever has a
wonderful precision to it, so you
feed it instinctively into any of its
six slots. Yet it has an action thats
light as air a world away from the
stubborn dog-leg seven-speeder in
the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
manual, or the truculent mechanism
in the 997 GT3 RS. Snap shifts with
your fngertips are an utter joy,
although the auto-blip function
isnt perfect. Get it right on a double
downshift into a tight corner and
it makes you feel like a hero, but
it only works in Sport mode and
cant be switched of unless you
deactivate all the electronic
nannies (or switch of Sport). In
other words, if youre in the mood
for a fang and want to practise your
heel-and-toe technique, youd better
be on your game because youre
totally on your own.
The steering, too, is lighter and
less meaty than a GT3s. Its by no
means as twirly and whipcrack-
fast as a Ferrari, but its heading
in that direction. Frankly, it seems
an odd choice to alter it at all when
the steering on the GT3 and GT3
RS is so sublime. Once up to speed,
though, with the suspension
working hard beneath you, it still
The ride is remarkable.
It breathes better the
faster you go
ofers enough feedback as the
cornering forces build and a
feeling of chuckability and a sense
of humour that the locked-down
RS cant match.
A large part of that is the spring
and damper settings that have been
softened of to let the car move
more with varying road surfaces.
In fast corners, that and the lack
of aero mean it bobs and weaves like
a prizefghter, keeping you busy at
the wheel, but still full of confdence
that youll exit the corner facing the
right direction. Turn it in, and it
rolls, grips, then at the point you
think its going to let go, grips again.
Its doesnt feel nearly as locked to
the road as a GT3 RS, and therefore Two Germans get
acquainted with the
doesnt devour corners with quite best of Scotland
the same appetite, but the whole
process is more organic and asks the
driver to use more feel and fnesse.
Theres another obvious beneft
to this softer character: the ride is
remarkable. It breathes better the
faster you go, but also works at low
speeds on scrubby British B-roads,
so you feel the surface beneath you,
but arent beaten up by it.
And we havent even got to the
engine yet. It sounds like a gathering
storm, beginning with a smooth
buzz that hardens at 3,500rpm,
then again at 6,000rpm, before it
rips its shirt open and takes on a
barely containable savagery between
7,500rpm and 8,500rpm. This is
quite a powerplant to try to measure
out with a clutch pedal and a lever
grasped in your sweaty left palm.
Its not that the chassis cant handle
the power, more that the bespoke
gearing isnt ideal. Keep your right
foot in, and youll hit 80mph in
second and 130mph in third
thats fne on track, but on public
roads its a recipe for either prison
or frustration, given that this
extraordinary engine is at its PORSCHE
very best in the upper echelons. 918 SPYDER
Price: 781,155
So is this the perfect road-going
(when new)
Porsche? Pending a more extensive Engine: 4600cc V8 plus
stint behind the wheel, my instincts two electric motors,
875bhp, 590lb ft
Transmission: 7spd
dual-clutch, 4WD
Performance: 062mph
in 2.8secs, 211mph
Economy: 94.1mpg,
70g/km CO2
Weight: 1750kg
say no, that title remains with the
Cayman GT4. The 911R is still a
wonderful thing to drive, so simple
and forgiving, and that manual
box lets you shake hands with the
engine, rather than Skyping it via
PDK. But, the GT4s performance
envelope is better suited to UK
roads while the GT3 RSs gearbox
and aero make better use of this
engines abilities.
Having said that, if I had to
own one of the above, it would
be the 911R. Its under my skin. It
proves how well Porsche knows its
customers because none of the cars
it makes are perfect, but one of them
will be perfect for you.
Power vs purity
If the R is about stripping back the distractions to enhance driver involvement, then the hybrid 918 Spyder is its antithesis. Its Porsches Starship Enterprise,
showcasing everything it can dream up to make a road car faster and more efficient, with budget a secondary consideration. And yet, driven back to back
with the R, it doesnt keep the driver at arms length, or smother the controls with artificial feedback, its among the most visceral experiences on four wheels.
The electric motors mean you can snap your head back from as little as 1,000rpm in seventh, and thats before the engine really hits its stride, emitting a
proper, jagged racecar howl as it closes in on the 9,150rpm limiter and the world goes very blurry indeed. Its the seamless interplay between the sci-fi electric
power delivery and the organic-feeling, naturally aspirated V8 that bring the whole thing to life. Each enhances the other, so it feels novel and futuristic, but
raw and old-fashioned at the same time.
Lean on the chassis and its width, those tyres, the aero and torque-vectoring four-wheel drive make it utterly unflappable. Basically, it makes you feel
like a better driver than you are, allowing you to brake later, stay flat in corners where youd be lifting in a 911R and cover distance at an unruly pace without
feeling youre one twitch away from a mouthful of undergrowth. Its not intimidating at all; its unimaginably good fun. That a company can take two such
wildly different concepts, and put the driver at the very heart of both, is impressive beyond belief. Porsche has us in the palm of its hand.

Two different approaches.

Please dont make us
choose between them

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 33

 F-PACE GROUP TEST

Welcome to the SUV gang, F-Pace... youll find the

opposition cut-throat, even in the genteel Peak District
WORDS: PAUL HORRELL / PHOTOGR APHY: JAMIE LIPMAN
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 35
 n 2013, Jaguar fashed a light rounded of the group with a bigger crossover, in the Macan. Still, the aluminium body makes

I
show and billowed dry ice
over the C-X17, and tried this
hard [fnger and thumb so
close theyre touching] to
pretend to the public it was only a concept.
Ha ha. Ever since, of-record briefngs have
spun us the line that Jaguar would come to
the crossover party with something late but
great. The best to look at, the best to drive.
Throughout those three years TopGear has
arched an eyebrow and replied Well be the
judge of that. Well, that moment has arrived.
Most people are going to end up with a
four-cylinder diesel in their F-Pace (the name
is silly enough without us capitulating to
Jaguars insistence on uppercase). But theres
no Macan in that engine format, and Jaguar
says its car is ft to be compared with the
Porsche. Very well; weve moved up to diesel
V6s. This gives us the chance to bring in the
newly boosted Audi SQ5 Plus. The Jag is
roomier inside than those two, so weve
and one that aims for style too, the Mercedes
GLE350d Coupe.
Were in the Peak District National Park.
Its fzzing with the acid green of spring today.
In parts of the park, speed cameras outnumber
the sheep, so were just bowling along,
admiring the panoramic vistas from the cars
high-set seats in the hope of fnding comfort,
quietness and an easy precision to driving
them. But nearby, there are private places where
we can safely check out the sports claims.
The Jaguars 3.0-litre V6 makes 296
horsepower. But its harsh when you wind it
right up, and in any case has no appetite for
going over 4,000rpm. The eight-speed auto
doesnt like the idea of getting a sudden
move-on it sits in a high gear until you nail
the accelerator, then the whole car pauses
while it hoists its spinnaker and heads of,
under full sail and full boost. Better to use
the paddles, even if theyre horrid little plastic
things rather than the more tactile metal ones
this the lightest car here, so it gets along well.
Things are more peaceful in the Macan,
even though you have to work it harder
because its less powerful, at 255bhp.
Compared with the Jag, its quieter and
smoother and more willing to rev too.
It pushes through a seven-speed PDK
rather than the torque-converter box the
others use. Usually, PDK boxes are quicker
to shift, but not so smooth-manoeuvring.
Neither applies here.
But Porsche has been outfoxed by brother
Audi. The SQ5 takes the same basic V6 and
ramps it up to 335bhp. Theres even some
saucy sound augmentation if youre in the
dynamic driving mode. It serves its quick-
acting power over a wide rev range, right
up to 5,000rpm, making it an extremely nice
engine for a diesel. A pretty nice engine full
stop. Unlike the Porsche it uses an eight-speed
auto, because the twin-clutch cant cope with
the Audis higher torque.

Were bowling along, admiring the panoramic

vistas from the cars high-set seats in the
hope of finding comfort and quietness

136 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

 F-PACE GROUP TEST

The Mercedes has nine speeds in its auto

box, but that cant compensate for the fact
the GLE350d has only as much power as the
Porsche, but is the biggest, heaviest car here.
Its an uncouth engine that struggles to keep
up with the others. Still, as well see, the
chassis fnds itself in the same position.
In many ways, the F-Paces suspension feels
like the closely related new XF, and that can
only be a good thing. Its big, but its easy to
point accurately, fowing along and hugging
the line you thought of. Smooth, open roads
suit it well. Even as corners get tighter, it
keeps hold of its grace and agility. But the ride
is frm, indeed borderline harsh over sharp
impacts with the test cars 22-inch wheels.
Those wheels (1,600 badly spent), the
anti-roll stifness necessary to contain its
tall body, and the momentary stifening
of the adaptive dampers to do the same job,
all combine to cause gruesome suspension
shudders if youre loading it up in a tight Rush hour in the National
bumpy corner. The sort that arent rare Park. Not usually this
pricey a line-up, mind

Jags standard nav system is

a bit clunky. Disappointing
for a luxury car

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 37

 As the Macan was the
benchmark for the F-Pace,
its only fair it came along

The Mercedes grille emblem is the

diameter of the rings of Saturn.
Surely weve reached peak badge?
 F-PACE GROUP TEST

in Britain, where Jaguar engineers work.

Still, the aluminium body feels perfectly
stif under the assault.
The Macan was Jaguars dynamic
benchmark. Its smaller and lower than
the F-Pace, ready to hug the road. The test
car comes on air suspension with adaptive
damping (1,788). Its pretty sternly sprung,
like the Jaguar, but on its 20-inch wheels it
resists the sharp intrusions better. It also
shudders in a bumpy corner there are none
near Stuttgart but it distracts you by
playfully wriggling the back end when you
summon the turbos. Thats likely thanks to
the test cars 1,011 torque-vectoring dif.
Porsche people bang on endlessly about Mercs heft means its
how little they kept of the Q5, the car they an airy cabin. Screen
graphics are also excellent
based the Macan on. So the question arises:
how come they improved it so little? And
when youve got all the SQ5 Pluss extra
power, the dynamic advantage returns
towards Audi. The SQ5 is passively damped,
and feels stif and lifeless at gentle speeds
where the Jaguar is most fuent. But throw
the Audis chassis a bone, and it chews on it
with enthusiasm, ofering up an organic feel
that kept us coming back for more.
The Mercedes is easy to leave parked.
Its low-speed ride is supple, raising hopes
that M-B has tuned the GLE Coupe to suit
normal drivers, especially normal Mercedes
drivers, who surely value placid comfort
above frenzied cornering. But its probably
just an attempt to disguise the fact the GLE
sits on an old SUV platform, as opposed, say,
to the Jaguars new car platform. The absurd
over-endowment of 315/40 21 back tyres
adds to this Mercedes conficted nature.
The heavy underpinnings shimmy away and
the cornering is doughy. Turn a knob to frm
up the damping and then road shocks start
sending a wobbly fex through the whole Smooth and quiet but also
feels very wide on very
structure. So even when youre going gently narrow Peak District roads
through the National Park or the suburbs,
that messy ride annoys you.
It chews up motorways well, though.
They all do. The Jaguar is quietest of them
at a cruise. Its Harman-branded stereo is tight
in the bass but gritty in the treble. The one
in the Mercedes, also Harman, is better. The
Audi has a 535-option B&O that sounds
smoother than the 6,000 B&O in the A8,
and the Porsches Bose is fne too.
The Mercedes is not without advantages.
Some people like its style. I did, when frst I
saw it. It is, after all, a coupe-SUV that doesnt
resemble a BMW X6. But then its silhouette
started to put me in mind of a bulldog having a
squat, and it all fell to pieces. Its a pointlessly
cartoonish sort of vehicle the side steps are
the wrong height to step on and so just wipe
road muck onto your calves, and the Mercedes
grille emblem is the diameter of the rings of
Saturn. Surely weve reached peak badge?
Inside, coupe roofine or not, the Mercedes
is roomy well, its big outside mostly very

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 39

 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 350d AUDI SQ5 PLUS
Price: 69,975 Price: 51,850
(74,165 as tested) (55,745 as tested)
Engine: 2987cc, Engine: 2967cc,
Porsche infotainment screen
V6 turbodiesel, twin-turbo V6,
lifts the cabin intuitive
swiping and pinching 255bhp, 457lb ft 335bhp, 516lb ft
Transmission: 9spd Transmission: 8spd
automatic, AWD automatic, AWD
Performance: 062mph Performance: 062mph
in 7.0secs, 140mph in 5.1secs, 155mph
Economy: 39.2mpg, Economy: 42.8mpg,
187g/km CO2 174g/km CO2
Weight: 2250kg Weight: 2075kg

PORSCHE MACAN S JAGUAR F-PACE

Price: 45,942 Price: 51,450
(62,923 as tested) (59,665 as tested)
Engine: 2967cc, Engine: 2993cc,
twin-turbo V6, twin-turbo V6,
255bhp, 428lb ft 296bhp, 516lb ft
Transmission: 7spd Transmission: 8spd
automatic, RWD automatic, AWD
Performance: 062mph Performance: 062mph
in 6.3secs, 142mph in 6.2secs, 150mph
Economy: 46.3mpg, Economy: 47.1mpg,
159g/km CO2 159g/km CO2
Weight: 1995kg Weight: 1959kg

nicely put together, if a little baroque for our

Sportiest through a set
of corners, but slowest
past a struggling cyclist
taste. But whats not to love about heated
and cooled cupholders, illuminated red or
blue accordingly? The screen system has nice
graphics and friendly menus, and the driver
assists (too many of them optional, given this
is a 70k Mercedes-Benz) work as intended.
Or maybe the intention wasnt to allow you
to open a sandwich packet with both hands
while in the outside lane?
Porsches new infotainment system lifts
the Macan cabin, putting all that stuf onto
a brilliant screen with intuitive swiping
and pinching. But because this is a Porsche,
the cars dynamic options are on separate
hard keys down by your trouser pocket. There
are so many on this well-optioned test Macan
that fnding the right one is like playing
Rachmaninofs Second blindfolded. The info
display on the right hand of the three main
dials is similarly overloaded: it cycles through
no fewer than 11 home screens, each of which

The Jaguar F-Pace has to penetrate the
consciousness of repeat German customers.
The exterior is something close to a triumph
has several sub-displays to choose from.
Still, the whole cabin is beautifully assembled.
Porsche didnt just reskin the Audi cabin; they
took major steps to Porschify it, like moving
the heater controls, vents and ignition key.
The Audis is the oldest cabin, clearly
a last-gen A4. But thats no bad thing. Its
still well-made and simple to use, its been
updated in critical places such as the MMI,
and everything you might need or reasonably
want is standard or a surprisingly reasonable
option. The diamond-stitched seats that
come with the Plus pack give it a lift. This
is a smaller car than the Jaguar and so is the
Porsche that uses its architecture. More snug
in front, more cramped in the back seat and
boot. The Q5s outside styling, unlike the
Macans, is clearly getting on a bit, and in
this company it matters.
The F-Pace looks 100 per cent the modern
Jaguar. But itd be a disaster if it appealed only
to Jaguar buyers. There arent enough of them.
So its got to penetrate the consciousness
of repeat German customers. The exterior
is something close to a triumph.
Inside, the F-Pace is roomy and useful.
The back seat and boot clearly beat the Audi
and Porsche, its price rivals. But in parts of
the F-Pace cabin some of the gadgetry and
the materials you wish theyd spent another
quid. The test cars navigation is standard-ft
but clunky. A properly 2016-competitive new
Pro nav/comm/apps setup is optional.
It would be easy to say avoid the Mercedes
even without mentioning the price. Its 20k-
odd more than the others, which makes its
early bath even more inevitable. Wait for
the GLC Coupe, we say. The GLC is a better
car than the GLE, so the same should apply
to the Coupe. But the rest of this group are
harder to put in order.
The Porsche is a Porsche and is the most
sporty through a set of corners. But its little
more so than the Audi is, and its hobbled by
F-PACE GROUP TEST
a notable power defcit. Honestly, we enjoyed
driving the Audi more on interesting roads.
(Even if we know wed have enjoyed a quick
estate more again.) But yknow, give people
a choice between a time-worn-looking Audi
and a modern Porsche, and they wont be
long making their decision, whether or not
TopGear tells them they should make the
opposite one.
For all of Jaguars three-year hullabaloo
about the F-Pace being a great sports
crossover, it shows ragged edges when you
really wring it out. The engine is gruf and the
suspension crunchy on the optional 22s. But
that said, in normal driving (especially on this
trims standard 20s) it shows a refnement and
a fnely honed fuency that really draws you in.
Plus its strong, light structure means it can
give the agility and performance to the driver,
but space for everyone else. So the Jaguar
wins, but not for quite the reasons you might
have been expecting these past three years.
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 41
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TopGears long-term cars. Tested & verified

Peugeot 308 GTi 270

150

145 BMW M3 146 Skoda Superb 148 S-Max vs Disco Sport 153 Mercedes C63 AMG
The M3 gets an M Performance Silencer The Skoda takes its leave of us. Sad times Practical takes on cool in a family twin test Time to wave goodbye to our 469bhp Mercedes
TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 43
Volvo XC90
Price 50,685/67,145 Model 2.0 D5 AWD Inscription Driver Tom Ford Why its here Comfortable and calming, but is the XC90 boring?
1969cc, 4cyl twin-turbodiesel, 4WD, 225bhp, 347lb ft
Of all the situations Volvo expected
REPORT 4 the XC90 to be in when it decided to
lend its fagship premium SUV to the TopGear Garage,
descending Turn 4 of Rockingham Motor Speedways
banked circuit at ahem *some* miles per hour,
probably wasnt one of them. Still, in keeping with
our decision to do decidedly non-boring things in this
particular Volvo, we currently fnd ourselves trying to
fnd the perfect line around the banking that doesnt
set of the XC90s strangely comforting warning bongs.
There must be something about NASCAR banking that
sets of some worrisome yaw/ABS/stupidity sensor.
Its not as if its particularly struggling even at went of-road and had wheels of the foor and the
even more miles per hour, the big Swede is settled and
compliant, slightly washing to understeer around the
back of the circuit at somewhere north of 100mph.
Unfortunately, Turn 3 seems to annoy the big brown
bus even more than the slope, because it keeps setting of
the anti-collision warning lights, a habit the Volvo also
144 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
48.7mpg, 152g/km CO2 062mph in 7.8secs, 137mph 2009kg
has when it misreads certain twisty roads or passing
trafc. Not a problem usually, but sometimes it can be
something of a heart-starter when youre quite in control
of the situation and the most distracting thing is the
anti-crash warning alarm. The car can also auto-brake
when pulling into parking spaces and you ignore the
parking sensors to try to squeeze in extra-tight which
is both useful and a bit patronising. After all, if Ive
listened to the warning and decided to carry on anyway...
Still, paranoid systems aside, the Volvo has been
a faithful companion again this month. Weve hauled
wood, trailers and a whole annoyance of children,
electronics working hard to keep us gripping. No, its
not the most comfortable trotting around of-tarmac
and certainly less instantly able than any Land Rover
product, but given a feld and some wet grass, its fne,
and certainly more capable than most will probably need.
The only real lack is axle articulation and the decidedly
GARAGE LOGBOOK
road-biased tyres. The 2.0-litre engine continues to Good stuff Bad stuff
impress the lack of capacity doesnt seem to bother The frameless rear- I cannot abide the
it in any situation, but I have to say that the brakes view mirror is Lane Keep Assist
a tiny style thing, feature serves no
can be a little lacking in big stops not in any way but it really is purpose if youre an
inefective, but they could just do with a bit more bite a rather lovely attentive driver
little detail
and confdence. And Im talking about on-road, normal
The collision
driving, rather than drag strips and racetracks. The side-alarm avoidance
It also hasnt got the most intuitive fold-fat seats Ive reversing sensors software can be
are absolutely fooled into
ever encountered which is a little bit of a surprise but brilliant when false activation,
once youve got people into the third row, theres plenty backing out and it makes
of space, even for a decently sized adult. And it still has a of car parks you panic
bit of boot to... er... boot. Now I just need to fnd six other TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG
people and luggage prepared to hit the banking with me, 0
0 0 7 8 2 3 1 32.3
and we can really start to extreme test.
BMW M3
Price 56,505/64,560 Model M3 Driver Ollie Marriage Why its here Which side of the lairy/liveable line does the M3 live on?
2979cc, twin-turbo in-line 6cyl, RWD, 425bhp, 405lb ft 32.1mpg, 232g/km CO2 062mph in 4.1secs, 155mph 1560 kg

My M3 came with the standard exhaust fnishers instead of titanium for an extra 300, but the
REPORT 6 because theres no sportier exhaust on the way mine is specced suits the titanium better.
options list. It sounded pretty good actually: bassy and noisy
GARAGE LOGBOOK I hadnt told my wife that the car was getting a vocal
enough to prickle the senses but with an edge of artifciality Good stuff Bad stuff upgrade as she already felt the need to apologise to our
that irritated me. Anyway, sounded is the operative word The other day, Im starting to get neighbours when I left home early. I havent come clean and
I had the option some creaks and
here, because then I found out that there is an optional told her this will be the frst she learns of my subterfuge
of this or an RS6 squeaks from
sports exhaust, it just doesnt appear on the confgurator. to drive away the door seals. but I think she knows somethings afoot.
Its called, with no sense of irony, the M Performance from Dunsfold. I cant think it So, start-up volume isnt that much increased. Its maybe
I used to run an signifies anything
Silencer System and its made for BMW by Prototechnik. Its RS6 and adored troublesome, but
a bit more penetrating because the pitch is higher, but thats
a relatively easy retroft as theres no welding or electronic it, but it was the it makes it seem it. When you engage Sport mode, however, its a diferent
work required: just unplug the old tubes aft of the manifold M3 I chose. Its like theres a bit matter. No longer does the noise seem forced, but raspier,
a better size, of additional
and bolt the new one on takes about 90 minutes all told. more urgent and flex in the car, tinnier, more intense. Also a lot louder, but mainly outside
The pre-pipes are made from lightweight stainless steel, invigorating which isnt very rather than in. It encourages you to use the engine more and
to drive reassuring
and the silencer box and fnishers are titanium. More irony I reckon (though this is based on purely circumstantial
surrounding use of the word silencer. TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG evidence) that it feels a bit faster through the mid-range.
A third lighter (8kg) than the standard one, it costs, 0 Worth it? A qualifed yes. It makes the car feel more
0 1 1 6 0 0 1 24.3
including VAT, 3,599.04. Not cheap. You can have carbon special and removes the artifciality that bugged me.

TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG

0
Audi A4 Avant 0 0 3 7 2 2 1 32.8

Price/as tested 35,430/43,920 Model 2.0 TDI S line Driver Adam Waddell
Why its here Is the all-new A4 really as conservative as it looks?
My colleague Duncan Gray thinks youre about to run into the car in front.
REPORT 5 borrowed the A4 for a few days Personally, theres only one safety feature that
recently. Like me, he was smitten with the quality of bothers me. When reversing into a parking space,
the whole experience and his only gripe was with I open the drivers door to judge the distance to
the A4 driver assist technology. He was freaked the pavement and avoid an expensive kerbing.
out by the Active Lane Assist, which vibrates and At this point, the A4 identifies the danger of me
corrects the steering if it suspects you are about to falling out of a moving vehicle and slams on the
wander out of your lane. And he didnt like the Audi handbrake. To quote Kimi Rikknen, Leave me
Pre-sense System, which operates the brakes if it alone I know what Im doing!

1968cc, 4cyl TD, FWD, 187bhp, 295lb ft 65.7mpg, 113g/km CO2 062mph in 7.9secs, 143mph 1530kg

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 45

Skoda Superb
Price 23,290/30,320 Model SE Driver Esther Neve Why its here Is the Superb estate more than just a huge boot?
1998cc, 4cyl turbodiesel, FWD, 148bhp, 251lb ft
We the team here at TG are really
GOODBYE lucky to work on a car magazine. Really
lucky. Over the course of a year, we get the opportunity
to drive pretty much every car on sale in the UK today.
Which is a huge privilege. But it can also be a curse.
By having such a wide sampling of the automotive
world, we can get... whats the word... fussy. We can be
unrealistic about cars and whats important in them.
Basically, were spoilt.
Which is why it was such a joy to drive the Superb
estate. It does what its supposed to do with no qualms.
Its hugely capacious, relaxing to drive on long journeys
and easy enough to slot around town. The ride quality
is good (smaller wheels really help with that), and the
handling is just right. In addition, rear-seat passengers
feel like theyre in the lap of luxury because they have so
much space to stretch out in. And the MASSIVE boot
which just swallows anything you put in there, from
furniture to bicycles is brilliant.
146 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
68.9mpg, 109g/km CO2 062mph in 8.9secs, 135mph 1430kg
Then there are the hidden treats you get as part of
the whole Superb experience. The umbrellas in the front
doors genius. The boot light, which is removable and
can be used as a torch genius. The ice scraper tucked
away in the fuel fller cap genius. They may be little
items, but they make a big diference to the day-to-day
enjoyment of running a car.
Of course, there have been a few things that have
annoyed along the way, but thats the nature of living
with something on a daily basis. And these have not been
Skoda-specifc annoyances... adaptive cruise control,
front assist and emergency braking... no, no, no. Just let
us drive and use our own judgement on the trafc ahead.
A quick word on the ICE. Another point in the Skodas
favour is the satnav/stereo combo. Not once did the
satnav steer me on a bum course, and many times it saved
me from hideous trafc jams. This alone is worth the
price of the car. The Bluetooth connection was easy to
set up and use essential, as I spent a lot of time in the
GARAGE LOGBOOK
car on the phone. And fnally the stereo. I keep my music Good stuff Bad stuff
on a diferent iPhone to the one I use as a phone, so it was The space. Theres I cannot abide
an exceptional bonus for me to be able to connect both space everywhere. driver assistance
Enough up front, electronics. I am
of them one as a phone and one as a music source enough in the the driver, I know
simultaneously. Absolute magic. It meant I could rear passenger when to brake,
compartment, so stop trying
learn Italian as I drove down the M1 every day, pause
enough in the boot to butt in
it and take a phone call, all from the comfort of the
steering-wheel-mounted controls. The secret extras
umbrellas, ice
To sum up, then, I will answer the question we asked scraper, torch
at the beginning: Is the Superb estate more than just a
huge boot? Demonstrably, yes. Undoubtedly, yes. The
boot is just one (VERY LARGE) part of what makes the TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG
Superb a great choice to be your next car. As I expect you 0
0 1 7 2 8 0 1 50.0
can tell... Im sad to see it go.
Mazda CX-3
Price 20,495/21,035 Model Sport Nav 2WD Driver Dan Read Why its here Has Mazda made the worlds best little crossover?
1998cc 4cyl, FWD, 118bhp, 150lb ft 47.9mpg, 137g/km CO2 062mph in 9.0secs, 119mph 1230kg

As a recent survey showed*, one of the turns in neatly and transfers its weight gradually, has a nice
REPORT 2 most important considerations when gearbox and overall feels quite civilised.
buying a small crossover, aside from its emissions and
GARAGE LOGBOOK That, I think, is what you call a veiled compliment.
annual road tax, is how well it goes around the TopGear Good stuff Bad stuff We werent running the full circuit, so I cant give you a lap
track in the hands of our tame racing driver. Some say he The running If you are Derek time, though Im sure it would give a well-driven Reasonably
lights turn off from Shrewsbury
has opposable ears, and that his lungs are permanently Priced Car a run for its money. Theres only so much you
when you put the and you drive
infated to 32psi. All we know is hes called The Stig, and handbrake on. a Mazda CX-3, can do with 118bhp, after all. On that note, I recently spent
that having just stepped from a Lotus 3-Eleven he almost Dont ask how please dont a week with the 148bhp AWD CX-3. It too has a naturally
I found this out write in
refused to take the keys to my 118bhp Mazda. aspirated 2.0-litre petrol, though evidently with more power
Now I imagine the number of CX-3 owners who take The square *There was no and part-time 4WD. Youd struggle to notice, though it has
their car on a track is similar to the number of CX-3 owners cupholder is survey, sorry the same torque, so the extra shove isnt really very obvious
the perfect size
called Derek from Shrewsbury. Nonetheless, I thought this for a bottle of until you get into the upper reaches of each gear. And, even
would be good way to see if, under the chunky styling, Waitrose olive in this version, there isnt enough power to overcome grip,
oil. #Essentials
theres a sports car waiting to get out. There isnt, though the so youd need it to be slippery to feel the benefts of the 4WD.
Mazda does drive pretty well for a small SUV. I cant tell you TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG So well done to us for not ticking that box. Although we
exactly what The Stig thinks, because Im not yet fuent in 0 did tick a few others, especially in the accessories category,
0 0 2 6 5 6 1 35.7
Israeli sign language, but from what I glean he reckons it which Ill tell you about next month.

TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG

0
Maserati Ghibli 0 0 6 0 2 7 1 20.8

Price/as tested 63,805/75,685 Model S Driver Jason Barlow

Why its here Because its a Maserati. Do we need another reason?
After last months three-way
REPORT 5 appraisal, Im feeling more
defensive than ever about the Ghibli. No, you
shouldnt have to make excuses for a car costing this
much money, one that comes up short in its efforts
to mix it with the (mostly) German hegemony. But
the badge goes a long way towards atoning for the
Ghiblis dynamic sins, and as for Charlie and Ollies
comments on the quality of its cabin, I simply dont
agree. Its always special getting back into this
car after time elsewhere.
Elsewhere recently included two days with
Maseratis Levante. Few people in this game are
more astute than TGs Paul Horrell, and he loved
it. I did, too, not least because, despite using the
Ghiblis chassis and powertrain, and irrespective of
its inferior centre of gravity and extra girth, it irons
out the Ghiblis rather lumpy ride and handling.

2979cc, twin-turbo V6, RWD, 410bhp, 405lb ft 27.2mpg, 242g/km CO2 062mph in 5.0secs, 177mph 1810kg

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 47

Land Rover Discovery Sport
Driver Owen Norris
Price 43,000/51,499
1999cc, 4cyl turbodiesel,
AWD, 180bhp, 317lb ft
53.3mpg, 139g/km CO2
062mph in 8.9secs, 117mph
1884kg
TWIN TEST
Armchair critics
PURPOSE-BUILT MPV OR SUV WITH BONUS JUMP SEATS?
WHICH 7-SEATER WINS OUR LONG-TERM TEST BATTLE?
A country pub, one lunchtime...
Andy Franklin: Took the Dakar detour to get
here did we?
Owen Norris: Very funny. You know you love
it, though.
AF: Ill admit its a good spec youve got there.
ON: So it should be for 51k! I suppose it all
boils down to: have you accepted your fate or
are you willing to fght it? My head says that the
S-Max is the car I should be buying, but my heart
says the Disco Sport.
AF: At least mine is reliable. How many times
has yours gone wrong already?
ON: Er, yeah. Twice so far. Gearbox frst, and
this week the passenger door wouldnt open,
trapping the mother-in-law inside. Not perfect.
AF: Mine is starting to creak, though. The dash
and seats are making all sorts of noises.
ON: There is a squeak in the rear of mine
somewhere that I just cant fnd. Its driving
me quite mad.
148 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
AF: Speaking of seats, have you got round to using
your extra row yet?
ON: No, Im going to have a go now. Polish of the
chocolate cake, and Ill see you in the car park.
AF: Ive used mine when the grandparents are
down. Or when the kids want to sit in the boot. You
pull them up with the tabs then slide the second
row to get in. All very easy. Except when you want
to put child seats in the back because the seatbelt
comes from the roof, making it hard to wrap them
around. The leather seats dont help, either.
ON: When I borrowed yours, I had a hard time
getting my child seats in. The leather is so tightly
packaged in the rear, I couldnt fnd the Isofx very
easily. In the Disco, you just lift the plastic covers
of and youre in. No stress.
AF: Its the little things that make life easy with
kids. Like my window blinds built into the doors.
Yours sounds like fun?
ON: Oh, theyre a right pain in the arse. They
are all separate and come in a zipped-up bag in
 Renault
Kadjar
Price/as tested 23,595/
24,120 Model Dynamique
S Nav dCi 110 Driver Simon
Carrington Why its here
Can it out-Qashqai
a Qashqai?

the boot. So when the sun comes out and the little
ones fall asleep, I have to stop and get them out
and slot them into the window. Then they fall out
when I open the window or go over a bump. As an
optional accessory, I wouldnt recommend them.
What else am I going to use, though? A towel?
AF: Been there, done that in the past. Need a hand
getting out of there? Or a tin opener?
ON: Yeah, thats not easy. Not enough room for
our twin buggy behind here, either.
AF: My boots actually quite big, even with the
extra row up. I can get plenty of Guinness in.
ON: You must really like it, then?
AF: Well, you chose a pub in Ireland.
ON: Ireland, Bedfordshire, though. The beauty
of this place is its equidistant between you and I.
AF: Felt like longer, as my satnav took me on a
strange route.
ON: At least your satnav isnt from the Nineties.
Mine feels very last-gen. The graphics are really
low-res and basic.
Ford S-Max
Driver Andy Franklin
Price 32,260/39,460
1999cc, 4cyl turbodiesel,
FWD, 210bhp, 332lb ft
51.4mpg, 144g/km CO2
062mph in 8.8secs, 135mph
1766kg
AF: If anything, the graphics in the S-Max are
too much. Feels overdesigned and its very slow.
ON: Unlike your engine feels bloody quick
for an MPV. It must be all my 4WD gubbins
slowing me down.
AF: I do feel like Im sitting over it, though, like
Im driving a bus, whereas yours feels a lot more
like driving a car.
ON: After yours, it feels like a hot hatch. Which
is incredible for a capable of-roader.
AF: Ive noticed youve got all the same gadgets
as mine, like the heated steering wheel and screen.
Absolute godsend in the winter.
ON: Couldnt do without it.
AF: So Im going to pick my kids up now. Which
one gets you the schoolrun kudos?
ON: Of course its the Land Rover.
AF: Undoubtedly, but with the 12k Ive saved,
I could buy an Elise for that.
ON: Yeah but a s**t one.
AF: Ill pretend I didnt hear that. Goodbye.
1461cc, 4cyl TD, FWD,
108bhp, 184lb ft 72.4mpg,
103g/km CO2 062mph
in 11.7secs, 112mph 1421kg
The crossover sector
REPORT 2 is hugely competitive,
and Renault has its work cut out to
steal a share from the multi-award-
winning Qashqai. And as a Qashqai
owner, Im well placed to give an
indication as to whether Renault
has managed to do so.
Renault and Nissan enjoy a brand
alliance, and both these cars share
the same platform. However thats
where the similarities end these cars
have a very different look and feel.
The biggest difference is that the
Kadjar looks significantly bigger due
to its higher roofline and long rear
overhang. The design feels like a
step forward, with lots of lush curves
and rippled bodywork, and my first on
the road impressions are of a refined
and comfortable drive. And critically
its cheaper, undercutting the
comparable Qashqai by 1,500.
So, in this duel of crossovers,
perhaps its first blood to the Kadjar...

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 49

 HELLO & GOODBYE
Chalk and cheesy grin
THE LOUDMOUTH HONDA IS OFF, REPLACED BY A PUG THAT
WOULD BE A TOTAL Q-CAR, SAVE FOR ONE SMALL DETAIL...
m not really one for car
nicknames, but if Ollie Marriages
I M3 is Toothless, then meet
Lipstick. The red Joker grin that
laps the Peugeot 308 GTi 270s
chequered fag grille is one of a few giveaways that
this car runs the worlds most powerful street-
legal 1.6-litre engine, landing Peugeot back in the
fast family hatch battlefeld with sensational
numbers. Subtle, isnt it? Also bespoke are the
forged 19-inch wheels, red four-piston brake
calipers, twin-bore exhausts and those weeny aero
ficks on the front bumper, but its still a 266bhp,
155mph Q-car. Which ought to be refreshing,
having spent fve months and 6,000 miles running
the most outlandish, wild hot hatch on Earth.
I changed my mind about the Civic a lot.
Sometimes several times in the same journey.
That lip-smackingly perfect gearchange, the pace,
the terrifc seats, the weight of the steering, that
magical front dif nailing the turn-in to the road,
and unburstably tough-feeling powertrain
command so much respect. Enough to make
the most mundane station runs and shopping
errands exciting. Its so intense, so in-yer-face.
And everyone elses. Other times, its maddening.
As Ive said in the past few months, this car is
such a wind-up merchant to put up with, but
I couldnt shake the spectre of knowing Id
miss it in the end. You just have to separate
the stunning empty-road driving experience
from the multiple daily grind drawbacks.
The question we asked was if the Type-R
is really practical every day. Practicality is not
just bootspace and how easily the seats fold
IMAGES: SIMON THOMPSON
(very, since you ask). Yes, the boot is gigantic,
no complaints there. Yes, the rear doors open
gapingly wide, but why only two back seats?
Visibility is intimidating, to the extent that
youre afraid to go for overtakes or hold speed
into corners, for fear of the cyclist, horse or town
of Marlow possibly lost in the pillars or bisected
 GARAGE LOGBOOK
Good stuff Bad stuff
Grew to Aero effect coats
appreciate the windows and
insane looks. mirrors with grime.
There are enough Its a very fair-
Golfs and Leons weather hatch
out there being
sensible already Speed machine.
Doesnt do playful
The turbo shove is
addictive. Could The interior
easily be a 330- doesnt feel built
Honda Civic Type-R 340bhp car. Wow to withstand the
rock-hard ride
Driver Ollie Kew
Price 29,995/30,520 TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG
0
1998cc, 4cyl turbo,
0 1 2 4 4 2 1 34.5
FWD, 306bhp, 295lb ft
062mph in 5.7secs,
167mph 1378kg
GARAGE LOGBOOK
Good stuff Bad stuff
Bodywork is The 28k entry
oh so subtle, price makes the
Peugeot 308 GTi 270 but the stance curious wince.
and detailing is Why not delete the
Driver Ollie Kew purposeful. Really garnish and toys
handsome in 525 and lower the RRP?
Price 28,155/29,920 Cumulus Grey Massage chairs
in a hot Peugeot?
1598cc, 4cyl turbo, This 1.6-litre engine Purr-lease
FWD, 266bhp, 243lb ft is a peach. Great
in the RCZ R, Part of the lower
062mph in 6.0secs, and already dash was loose
doing well here when it arrived
155mph 1205kg
TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG
0
0 0 1 0 8 1 1 30.3

I changed my mind about the Civic
a lot. Sometimes in the same journey
rear window. Not to mention unmarked police
cars. And its not just traction that sufers in the
wet. Winter spray caught in the brutal bodyworks
airstream and coating each window and mirror
with grime is the bane of a CTR drivers life.
What else? The noise is mighty wearing.
Not just the engines tedious din when youre
knocking minutes of your commute, but the
wind rush, the tyre roar, the exhaust boom. Its
a shocking GT car, save for the world-class seats
and, in fairness, an equally deafening DAB hi-f.
Economy? Pleasingly strong, in the mid-30s
for the most part. Quality? This car didnt have
a satnav or folding mirrors, and none get heated
seats, so it felt bare. Regardless, someone
at Honda needs to make sure these Type-Rs
get reinforced interiors able to withstand the
jackhammer damping, because no 30k hatchs
trim ought to rattle like a vintage fairground
attraction. Add that to the noise count.
When I could be selfsh with it, and just
have the Type-R and me on a proper piece of
road, it became one of the most absorbing,
corrupting, thrilling hatchbacks Ive ever come
across. If youre a foating voter after fast family
transport, youll loathe it. Do yourself a favour
and buy a Golf R or a Leon Cupra. But if nothing
but this kind of rush would do the trick for you, I
could totally understand why youd want the
Type-R. Take the plunge, then whatever you
do, try not to change your mind.
Anyway, Rimmel London over here is 40bhp
down on the Honda, but as this is the by Peugeot
Sport model with alleged race team input, it
runs a mechanical front dif, Michelin Pilot Super
Sport rubber, masses of delicious neg camber and
stifer 11mm lower suspension. The go-faster spec
is promising the race team bods clearly got their
own way. Weirdly, so did the marketing lot,
convinced a new-age Pug cant sell on dynamic
merit alone. Peugeot has also thrown in
massaging seats, a reversing camera, parking
sensors, satnav, climate control, automatic LED
lights and wipers and so on. An embarrassment
of standard kit riches, but at 28,155 its smack
between Golf GTI and R, closing in on Leon
Cupra 290 and Focus RS territory. Rapidly
approaching on Civic Type-R prices, in fact.
Question is, Lipstick: are you worth it?

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 1 51

Jaguar XE
Price 34,775/43,815 Model 2.0d R-SPORT Driver Jack Rix Why its here Has Jag really cracked the 3-Series thing?
1999cc, 4cyl turbodiesel, RWD, 178bhp, 317lb ft 67.4mpg, 111g/km CO2 062mph in 7.4secs, 140mph 1565kg

Last month, I whinged a bit about the 50 these days. But this is a Jaguar-branded Thule bike rack
REPORT 9 XEs lack of space; this month, Ive done were talking about here top-quality stuf.
something about it. It came about when I realised the 120km
GARAGE LOGBOOK In the interests of thorough research, I had one of each
Tour de Yorkshire ride I had signed up for months ago was Good stuff Bad stuff type of rack ftted a wheel-mounted carrier and a fork-
imminent. The issue was transporting two bikes (the other XE now looks Bike or no bike, mounted carrier that requires you to remove the front wheel.
like a full Tour the wind-whistle
belonging to my brother-in-law), three people (my wife was After 500 breezy motorway miles, Id defnitely recommend
de France chase from the rack on
along for the road trip) and several bags from London to car... which is a the motorway is going for the fork carriers: much more sturdy when youre
Scarborough. Cue a frantic round of calls to Jag dealers in good thing quite loud fying up the M1, and with quick-release wheels these days,
the London area until Lancaster Jaguar Burnham came up Keys are being XE now usurped
its a one-minute job to whip the wheel of, hoist it up there
trumps not only did they have the roof bars and bike rack passed around as prettiest car in and lock it in place.
attachments I needed in stock, but they could ft it that day. the office a fair the class by the Downsides? Well, theres a bit more wind-whistle above
bit lately, and Alfa Giulia. Boo
In the end, I was waiting for three hours as it was the coming back your head even when the bikes arent attached, although the
frst time the technician had ftted the accessories, but with a thumbs up mpg doesnt appear to be dipping. The big surprise, though,
friendly service, a full demo of the kit, 17 free cappuccinos is I reckon it makes the XE look even better. If you turn to
and a free car wash inside and out made up for it. The price? TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG the Retro supplement, you can read me musing about the joy
A slightly painful 750 including labour, especially when you 0 of shooting brakes, because theyre sporty and practical, all
0 0 6 7 8 2 1 42.5
can buy a decent boot-mounted bike rack from Halfords for in one. At last, I can say the same about the XE.

TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG

0
Mazda MX-5 0 0 4 8 2 1 1 38.4

Price/as tested 23,295/23,835 Model 2.0 Sport Nav Driver Sam Philip
Why its here Is this years simplest sports car also its best sports car?
Finally! Ive found something to Until, that is, you need to open the MX-5s boot.
REPORT 3 criticise about the MX-5. And its For reasons unclear, it boasts no physical button or
a biggie: the keyless entry system. handle, so to gain access therein, you must retrieve
For the most part, the keyless whatsit works your key fob from the bottom of whatever bag youve
absolutely brilliantly. It automatically unlocks when left them in, and pop the trunk using the button on
you approach the car, and automatically locks when that instead. I know. Like a savage. It is, all things
you leave (at least, I assume it does. Either that, or I considered, dashed ever-so-slightly inconvenient.
have very honest neighbours). So good is the system, Enough to stop me adoring the MX-5 to a frankly
in fact, that your keys need never leave your pocket. unseemly degree? Course not...

1998cc, 4cyl, RWD, 158bhp, 147lb ft 40.9mpg, 161g/km CO2 062mph in 7.3secs, 133mph 1075kg

152 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM

Mercedes C63 AMG
Price/as tested 61,000/62,910 Model C63 Driver Charlie Turner Why its here Is this the most diverse performance car on the planet?
3982cc, V8, RWD, 469bhp, 479lb ft 33.6mpg, 196g/km CO2 062mph in 4.2secs, 155mph 1785kg

In the months weve been fortunate
GOODBYE enough to have enjoyed the company
of the C63, its done an incredibly convincing job of
making a case for being the perfect car for my current
lifestyle. Ive been fortunate enough to have run some
truly incredible cars in my time on the magazine.
They have spanned the extremes of proportion and
practicality in the form of the X-Bow and the Range
Rover and performance in the shape of Caterham 160
and the BAC Mono. But never has one car done such
a good job of ofering the right solution to every
automotive situation that life throws at you as the C63.
Its fair to say that the past six months have been
more frantic than usual, days regularly include starting
at 5am, a quick blast across the country roads that start
my journey, then the motorway schlep followed by the
stop-start crawl into the ofce. A couple of early hours
in the ofce and then the reverse commute down to
Dunsfold and the TopGear track for flming followed by
the return journey round the nations favourite car park
that is the M25 and home. In all aspects of that journey,
the C63 excelled, the whole performance dominated by
the mighty 4.0-litre bi-turbo. Cross-country, the C63s
size and shape make it a nimble performance-car slayer;
on the motorways, it settles into a beautiful mileage
destroyer, with the V8 burbling contentedly in the
background, while in the London crawl, each stop-start
is punctuated by the V8 coming back to life and its
soundtrack putting a smile on your face.
While the engine dominates proceedings in the best
way possible, always there with its seductive soundtrack
(helped by the only option on our car, the 1,000 sports
exhaust a must-have option IMHO) and endless power,
its the C63s all-round mechanical package that makes
it so special. The all-new MCT gearbox has dramatically
improved shift times and every downshift becomes
an event in its own right as the engine blips and the
exhaust ignites the unburnt fuel with a crack.
GARAGE LOGBOOK
Beyond that the C63 has ably proved my long-held Good stuff Bad stuff
theory that a small performance estate provides THE Epic engine Rear tyres need
ultimate solution to family transport. The scale of the disproves all those to be part of the
who say turbo running costs.
C63 combined with its performance really does deliver engines can never Its capable of
where others fall short. deliver aural thrills teaching the pet
the joy of drifting
Its fair to say that our car had a challenging early
It wears its
start to its life, which was the reason for its only failure, performance And factor fuel into
an oil leak, which required a new seal. lightly for most your calculations
its just a regular too... turbos
Other than that minor indiscretion (an anomaly C-Class, until it are there for
among C63s), it has been the perfect partner, delivering burbles past. All performance not
usable supercar performance with estate practicality, the better for that economic benefits

and I will miss it dearly. If you have one of these in your TOTAL MILEAGE AND OUR MPG
life, youll struggle to do better. 0
0 1 3 8 7 1 1 27.2

TOPGEAR.COM J JULY 2016 153

 WELLMAN.CO.UK
Live life well

Ive been taking Wellman since

my twenties to support my
health and hectic lifestyle.
David Gandy

Made in Britain

From Boots, Superdrug, supermarkets, Holland & Barrett, health stores, pharmacies
*UKs No1 mens supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 26 March 2016
 PRODUCED BY

Everything you need to know about buying new cars

ALFA ROMEO
TopGear on Alfa Romeo:
The best badge in the business, now worn by two hatches
and a sports car that divides opinion. History repeating?

4C
Lotus by Alfa, with the odd Alfa foible to
boot. But when a cars this pretty, light
and engaging, you just want one.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.7T Coupe 52,505 4.5 160 240 258 41.5 157 5/10
1.7T Spider 59,505 4.5 160 240 258 41.5 157 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3989x1864x1183, 40-litre fuel tank,
110-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 2 models in total.

GIULIETTA
Another pizza slice from Fiats Taste The
Dierence range. Its no Golf, which is
why you want it, and also why you dont.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 JTDM-2 20,430 8.8 130 150 280 67.3 110 6/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4350x1800x1460, 60-litre fuel
tank, 450-litre boot, 7 engines, 5 trims, 12 models in total.

ARIEL
TopGear on Ariel:
Artfully shaped metalwork containing frenzied engines
and a man clinging on for dear life. Hectic, addictive.

ATOM
The single most insane car on sale. Even
the regular version will redene your
sense of whats possible in a car.

TG SPEAKS SOME WORDS... YELLOW BAR FUEL ECONOMY 2.0 245

PRICE 062 MPH BHP
32,255 3.2 141 245 154
LB FT MPG CO2
N/A N/A
RATING
9/10
Our verdict on the brand ...about the car Denotes the TG Favourites Less is, um, more
2.0 SC 350 R 64,800 2.5 155 330 243 N/A N/A 9/10
MODEL CHOICE CRASH TESTING BOOT VOLUME NOT EVERY ENGINE Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3410x1890x1195, 42-litre fuel tank,
Just the ones that count You want five stars here Two numbers? Seats up/down is available with every trim! n/a-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 4 models in total.

NOMAD
Part special forces all-terrain fast attack
vehicle, part latter-day beach buggy. This
is Tamiya made real, and its mega.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.4 Nomad 33,000 3.4 125 235 221 N/A N/A 10/10

Nissan GT-R MY17 p166

Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3215x1850x1425, 42-litre fuel tank,
n/a-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING ASTON MARTIN

TopGear on Aston Martin:
3.8TT Pure 79,995 TBA 196 570 469 23.9 275 9/10 Achingly cool cars that make up in beauty and charisma
what they lack in technical and dynamic ability.

VANTAGE
Suzuki Baleno p170 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
The car that took on the 911. And lost.
But its an Aston, which means brogues
to the Porsches two-a-penny trainers.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

1.0T Boost SZ-T 12,999 11.4 124 111 125 62.7 105 TBA 4.7 V8 S 92,795 4.8 189 430 361 20.4 321 8/10
6.0 V12 S 140,495 3.7 205 573 458 17.2 388 8/10
6.0 V12 S Rster 149,495 3.9 201 573 458 19.2 343 8/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4380x1870x1260, 80-litre fuel
tank, 300-litre boot, 4 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total.

TOPGEAR.COM JULY 2016 155

 DB9 A4 TT
ASTON MARTIN-BAC
Actually a blend of DB9 and now-defunct Meet the regional bosss new A4. Just It wont chase away the old stereotypes,
Virage. Not without charm, but next- like the regional bosss old A4. Its lighter but the all-new TT is a big step forward.
generation DB11 is imminent. and smarter. Unlike the regional boss. Interior is genuinely cool.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
6.0 GT 140,000 4.5 183 547 457 19.8 333 7/10 1.4 TFSI SE 25,900 8.7 130 150 185 53.3 126 7/10 2.0 TFSI Sport 30,650 6.0 155 230 273 46.3 141 8/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4710x1880x1270, 80-litre fuel tank, 2.0 TFSI SE 27,700 7.2 149 190 236 50.4 127 7/10 2.0 TDI ultra 30,545 7.1 150 184 280 62.8 116 8/10
175-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total. 2.0 TDI SE 29,150 8.9 130 150 236 74.3 99 7/10 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4177x1832x1353, 50-litre fuel
tank, 305/712-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 14 models in total.
VANQUISH 3.0 TDI q S Line 38,950 5.3 155 272 443 55.4 134 7/10

Overhauled DBS is another evolutionary

Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4726x1842x1427, 58-litre fuel
tank, 480-litre boot, 6 engines, 3 trims, 20 models in total.
R8
step from Aston and is likely to struggle No V8, no manual, only a faint restyle?
to broaden the customer base.
A5 Has Audi dropped a dicult second
album clanger? Nope, not at all.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING An artful lesson in understatement, Audis
A5 does desirable without the ash. Unless PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
V12 Coupe 195,950 3.8 201 576 465 22.1 298 8/10 you spec it in white with 20s. Fool.
V12 Volante 207,950 4.0 197 576 465 22.1 298 8/10 5.2 V10 119,520 3.5 200 540 398 23.9 275 9/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 5.2 V10 Plus 134,520 3.2 205 610 413 22.8 289 9/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4692x1912x1294, 78-litre fuel tank,
368-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 2 models in total. 2.0 TFSI q SE 33,995 6.4 155 225 258 42.8 152 7/10 Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4470x1240x1940, 83/73-litre fuel

RAPIDE S 3.0 TFSI 333 S5 43,795 4.9 155 333 324 34.9 190 7/10 tank, 112/338-litre boots, 2 engines, 2 trims, 2 models in total.

Aston has ensured the latest Rapide is,

3.0 TDI quattro 41,345 5.8 155 245 358 49.6 149 7/10 Q3
err, rapid-er by giving it the engine from Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4630x1860x1370, 65-litre fuel tank, This is the car Audi says rivals the Range
the latest Vanquish. Better than ever. 455/829-litre boot, 8 engines, 5 trims, 45 models in total. Rover Evoque. Oh dear. A high-rise Golf
with an inferiority complex.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING A6
6.0 V12 Audis photocopier styling department PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
149,500 4.4 203 560 465 21.9 300 8/10
has pulled another one out the bag. Still 2.0 TDI quat SE 29,550 7.9 136 184 170 53.3 139 6/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5019x1929x1360, 90.5-litre fuel tank, not up to 5-Series standards.
317/886-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4385x1831x1608, 64-litre fuel
tank, 420/1325-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 15 models in total.

AUDI
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
RS 6 79,095 3.9 155 560 516 28.8 229 8/10 Q5
TopGear on Audi: 2.0 TDI ultra SE 32,295 8.4 144 190 280 65.7 113 6/10 Audis small SUV is only small because
Aspirational premium brand is inventing so many niches, if 3.0 BiTDI SE Av 48,520 5.2 155 320 479 45.6 164 7/10 the Q7 is the size of sub-Saharan Africa.
theres not one for you today, there will be by tomorrow. Its small inside though, if that helps.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4910x1870x1460, 65-litre fuel

A1 tank, 535/1680-litre boot, 8 engines, 6 trims, 23 models in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Essentially a posh Fabia, the A1 is prince to
Skodas pauper. Or maybe the emperors
A7 SQ5
2.0 TDI q SE
45,930 5.1 155 313 479 41.5 179 7/10
Audis niche-busting continues. The A7 is 33,555 8.4 130 190 295 49.6 148 5/10
new clothes. Either way, its not 20k good.
basically an A8 hatch, with the added sug- Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4630x1880x1650, 75-litre fuel
gestion that you might drive yourself. tank, 540/1560-litre boot, 6 engines, 3 trims, 16 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.4 TFSI Sport 16,905 8.8 127 125 147 57.6 115 6/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Q7
S1 25,600 5.8 155 231 272 40.3 162 8/10 RS 7 85,035 3.9 155 560 516 29.7 221 7/10 About time too. New Q7 smaller on the
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3973x1740x1416, 45-litre fuel 3.0 BiTDI S Line 57,235 5.2 155 320 479 46.3 162 7/10 outside, bigger where it matters. Margin-
tank, 270/920-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 14 models in total.
ally less oensive, too.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4970x1911x1420, 73-litre fuel
tank, 535/1390-litre boot, 6 engines, 5 trims, 13 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
DATA IN NUMBERS: ONE ON S1 A8 3.0 TDI 272 SE 50,345 6.3 145 272 442 49.5 149 8/10
Will the A8 ever escape the S-Class's Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 5053x1963x1730, 100-litre fuel
Audi A1 1.0 TFSI bhp per litre 95bhp shadow? Probably not, but then on this tank, 295/2075-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
Audi S1 2.0 TFSI bhp per litre 116bhp evidence, it doesn't deserve to.
BAC
A3 W12
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
99,265 4.6 155 500 461 25.0 264
LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
6/10
TopGear on BAC:
A car so good to drive that youll need to take everyone you
New A3, old looks. But new bits under- know out for a ride in it. Oh, wait
neath and a really rather lovely cabin. 4.2 TDI SE Ex L 78,140 4.9 155 385 626 38.7 190 6/10
Slight naness standard with every model.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5135/5270x1949x1460, 90-litre
fuel tank, 520-litre boot, 5 engines, 6 trims, 17 models in total.
MONO
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Some say its too extreme. All we know is
1.4 TFSI Sport 21,565 9.2 128 125 147 55.4 117 6/10 that Stig once voted it his car of the year.
And that some people are fools.
e-tron 35,690 7.6 138 204 258 177.6 37 8/10 DATA IN NUMBERS: LIGHT FANTASTIC?
S3 31,235 5.2 155 300 280 40.4 162 7/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
BMW 730d kerbweight 1755kg
2.0 TDI Sport 23,865 8.6 134 150 236 68.9 106 7/10 2.3 280 150,000 2.8 170 280 206 N/A N/A 9/10
Audi A8 3.0 TDI 262 kerbweight 1880kg
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4230x1770x1420, 45-litre fuel Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3952x1800x1110, 35-litre fuel tank,
tank, 365/1,100-litre boot, 10 engines, 6 trims, 70 models in total. Mercedes-Benz S 350 CDI kerbweight 1955kg NA-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
BENTLEY 1-SERIES

BENTLEY-BMW
TOP 5
Perhaps the pick of the premium hatches
TopGear on Bentley: right now, the 1-Series thrashes the opposi-
Speak softly and carry a big stick, as W. O. Bentley tion for driving. M135i is bargainous gem.
literally never said.

CONTINENTAL GT CITY CARS 116d ED+ 3d

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT
22,180 10.4 121 116 191 83.1 89
MPG CO2 RATING
7/10
Way better than the David Dickinson 120d Sport 5d 25,990 7.1 142 190 295 65.7 114 7/10
image would suggest, the Conti GT is a
masterclass in modern British style. M135i 3d 32,020 5.1 155 326 332 35.3 188 9/10
1 VOLKSWAGEN UP Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4329x1765x1421, 50/52-litre fuel
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1.0 75 5DR tank, 360/1200-litre boot, 11 engines, 6 trims, 54 models in total.
Price 11,875 Specs 75bhp,
4.0 V8 S
6.0 W12 Speed
150,740 4.3 192 528 502 26.7 246
169,475 4.0 206 635 605 19.5 338
8/10
8/10 70lb ft, 0-62mph 13.2secs, VMax
2-SERIES
2-Series follows BMWs new naming
6.0 W12 Conv 166,775 4.4 195 575 517 19.0 347 8/10 106mph, 60.1mpg, CO2 108g/km strategy, but is very much its own car.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4806x1920x1400, 90-litre fuel tank,
And a rather good one at that.
358-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 9 models in total. VW has found a way to cram professionalism and
quality into its smallest car. Mainly by being rather crafty PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
FLYING SPUR with the packaging. Lovely to own. 220d Sport 27,700 7.2 143 184 280 58.9 125 7/10
Brilliant in many ways, but somehow fails M235i 35,235 5.0 155 326 332 34.9 189 8/10
to capture the essence of luxury as well
as the Conti coupe.
2 FIAT PANDA M2 44,080 4.5 155 365 369 33.2 199 9/10
0.9 TWINAIR Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 4432x1774x1418, 52-litre fuel
tank, 390-litre boot, 6 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Price 11,375 Specs 85bhp,
4.0 V8
6.0 W12
143,740 4.9 183 507 487 25.9 254 6/10
106lb ft, 0-62mph 11.2secs, VMax 3-SERIES
154,475 4.3 200 625 590 19.0 343 6/10 Not only the benchmark small exec, but
110mph, 67.3mpg, CO2 99g/km one of the best saloons of all. Recently
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5299x1976x1488, 90-litre fuel
facelifted, so even more excellent.
tank, 475-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total.
City cars should not only be good, they should be
enthusiastic. The Panda almost bubbles over with
MULSANNE enthusiasm. Nothing is as much fun for city nipping. 340i M Sport
PRICE
38,815
062 MPH BHP
5.2 155
LB FT MPG
326 332 36.7 179
CO2 RATING
7/10
The replacement for the Arnage, and
every bit as opulent and grand. If you M3 56,605 4.3 155 431 406 32.1 204 8/10
can ignore the looks, this is brilliant.
3 RENAULT TWINGO 316d SE 27,620 10.9 126 118 192 68.9 109 7/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.0 SCE 320d ED Sport 31,170 8.0 143 163 280 68.9 108 9/10
6.75 V8 230,535 5.1 184 512 752 16.8 393 7/10 Price 10,995 Specs 71bhp, 330d xDrive M 39,600 5.3 155 258 413 53.3 139 9/10
6.75 V8 Speed 253,175 4.8 190 537 812 19.3 342 7/10 67lb ft, 0-62mph 14.5secs, VMax Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4624x1811x1429, 57/60-litre fuel
tank, 480-litre boot, 10 engines, 7 trims, 66 models in total.
94mph, 67.3mpg, CO2 95g/km
4-SERIES
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5570x1930x1530, 96-litre fuel tank,
443-litre boot, 1 engine, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
Rear-engined, rear-drive city car thats not a Porsche 911.
The name may have changed but the
BENTAYGA Architecture shared with Smart, but cutesy attitude and games still the same. Smooth, genteel,
rened and sport-ish.
Bentley aims to clobber the Range Rover Frenchness are all its own.
with its fearsomely quick, luxurious and
expensive Bentayga SUV. PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
4 HYUNDAI I10 430i Luxury 36,025 5.9 155 252 258 43.5 151 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1.0 BLUE 440i M Sport 42,235 5.2 155 326 332 36.7 179 8/10
6.0 TSI W12 161,375 4.1 187 600 664 21.6 296 8/10 Price 10,225 Specs 66bhp, M4 57,065 4.3 155 431 406 32.1 204 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5140x1998x1742, 85-litre fuel tank, 69lb ft, 0-62mph 15.1secs, VMax M4 GTS 121,780 3.8 190 500 443 34.0 194 8/10
431-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
96mph, 65.7mpg, CO2 98g/km 420d SE 32,645 7.3 149 190 295 67.3 111 8/10

BMW Perhaps the i10 is a bit mature, but that aside, this is one
very accomplished little city car. A poke in the eye for
Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 4638x1825x1362, 57/60-litre fuel
tank, 445/480-litre boot, 8 engines, 7 trims, 87 models in total.
TopGear on BMW:
i cars good, 2-Series Active Tourer bad. Well leave you to the big Euro brands. 5-SERIES
put the rest of BMWs range on the swing-o-meter. Remains a top-notch exec thanks to
cosseting cabin and ride. Big, smooth and
FIAT 500 brilliant - why d'you need a 7-Series?
i3 5
0.9 TWINAIR
The future is here, its electric and we love PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
it. The rest are now playing catch up. From Price 13,065 Specs 85bhp,
535i Luxury 44,845 5.7 155 306 295 37.7 174 7/10
a long way behind. 106lb ft, 0-62mph 11.0secs, VMax
M5 73,985 4.3 155 560 501 28.5 232 8/10
107mph, 74.3mpg, CO2 90g/km
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 520d SE 32,615 7.9 147 190 295 65.7 114 8/10
i3 EV 30,980 7.2 93 170 184 n/a 0 8/10 What the Panda wants to be when it hits the town at 530d Tour SE 43,905 5.9 155 258 413 53.3 139 9/10
i3 EV REx 34,130 7.9 93 170 184 470 13 9/10 night. The same, but funkier. Also a bit more feminine. 535d Lux 49,070 5.3 155 313 464 52.3 143 8/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3999x11775x1578, 9-litre fuel Think clutch bag rather than rucksack. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4907x1860x1460, 70-litre fuel
tank(REx), 260-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 8 models in total. tank, 520-litre boot, 13 engines, 6 trims, 62 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 6-SERIES X4
BMW-CHEVROLET

TOP 5
Unusually, BMW launched the 6 as a People with the hides of rhinos and a
Cabrio rst. Also unusually, the coupes a passion for obnoxiousness bought the
bit... rubbish. GC 4dr is much better. X6, so we now have to suer an X4. Joy.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
650i Sport Con 75,700 4.6 155 450 480 30.7 214 5/10 SALOONS xDrive30d XLi 45,515 5.8 145 258 413 49.6 149 4/10
M6 Coupe 93,165 4.2 155 560 501 28.5 232 6/10 Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4671x1915x1624, 67-litre fuel tank,
500/1400-litre boot, 3 engines, 2 trims, 6 models in total.
640d GC SE 62,295 5.4 155 313 464 50.4 148 9/10
1 BMW 320D SE
M6 GC 95,565 4.2 155 560 501 28.5 232 8/10 Price 30,275 Specs 178bhp,
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4890x1890x1370, 70-litre fuel tank,
317lb ft, 0-62mph 7.8secs,
DATA IN NUMBERS: LESS IS MORE
460-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 19 models in total.
VMax 140mph, 67.3mpg, BMW X3 xDrive20d SE 33,945
7-SERIES CO2 109g/km BMW X4 xDrive20d SE 37,545 (+ 3,600)
Never as attractive a proposition as the
Merc S-Class, the 7 is phenomenally
good without anyone really giving a toss.
All you need to know about the 3-Series is that its X5
possibly the best car in the world. Now a little better Very good on tarmac, assuming you
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
thanks to the tiniest of facelifts want to pummel it into submission. Just
like with those building contracts, yeah?
730d 64,530 6.1 155 269 458 60.1 124 7/10
740Li M Sport 75,715 5.6 155 331 332 40.4 164 7/10 2 JAGUAR XE 2.0D 180 SE PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5098/5238x1901x1467, 78-litre fuel Price 30,275 Specs 178bhp, M50d 65,240 5.3 155 381 545 42.8 173 6/10
tank, 515-litre boot, 4 engines, 2 trims, 14 models in total. 317lb ft, 0-62mph 7.8secs, xDrive30d SE 49,665 6.8 142 258 413 47.9 156 7/10
Z4 VMax 140mph, 67.3mpg,
CO2 109g/km
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4896x1938x1762, 85-litre fuel tank,
650/1870-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 5 models in total.
How does BMW get the Z4 wrong? It
looks right, but doesnt drive right. The
Boxster kicks it in the tenders. Better than the best? Not quite, but almost. Jags
rst foray into the little saloon sector since the awful
CATERHAM
TopGear on Caterham:
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING X-Type is really quite excellent. Small, light and nimble 50-year old cars remain all that.
sDrive18i 29,695 7.9 137 154 177 41.5 159 4/10 But they didnt have to negotiate X6s in 1965.
sDrive28i 39,345 5.7 155 245 258 41.5 159 5/10
3 MERCEDES C250 SEVEN
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4240x1790x1290, 61-litre fuel tank,
180/310-litre boot, 6 engines, 2 trims, 9 models in total.
BLUETEC SPORT As old as the hills, yet as energetic as
Price 34,825 Specs 201bhp, a spring lamb. The small, light, imsy
i8 369lb ft, 0-62mph 6.6secs, VMax
template still serves the 7 well.

A supercar for spacemen. Theres noth- 153mph, 65.7mpg, CO2 109g/km PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
ing else like it: this is a performance car
that makes a Prius look like a gas-guzzler. 0.8 160 18,995 6.9 100 80 79 57.6 114 9/10
Doesnt quite have the handling uency of the BMW, 2.0 360 26,995 4.8 130 183 143 n/a n/a 7/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING but is perhaps an even more upmarket contender for 620 R 49,995 2.8 155 310 219 n/a n/a 8/10
i8 104,540 4.4 155 367 236 134.5 49 9/10 class honours. Hate diesel? Try the V8 C63 AMG
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3530x1690x1140, 36-litre fuel tank,
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4689x1942x1298, 42-litre fuel 75-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 5 models in total.
tank, TBA-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
4 SKODA SUPERB
X1 2.0 TDI 150 SE DATA IN NUMBERS: SEVEN DOWN
New X1 gets FWD platform from Price 22,090 Specs 148bhp,
2-Series Active Tourer. Is less objection-
able than old one in every single way.
251lb ft, 0-62mph 8.8secs, VMax 2-seat Caterham Seven 160 0-62mph 6.9secs
137mph, 68.9mpg, CO2 108g/km 7-seat Range Rover Sport SDV6 0-62mph 6.8secs
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
All-new Superb is, like the last one, a huge bargain. Both
xDrive20d
xDrive25d
30,940 7.6 137 190
36,370 6.6 146 231
295 58.9 127
332 55.4 133
8/10
8/10
nancially and physically. Little short of a Merc S-Class CHEVROLET
wafts better than this thing. TopGear on Chevrolet:
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4439x1821x1598, 61-litre fuel If youre looking for Chevrolets such as the Aveo and
tank, 505/1505-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 8 models in total. Cruze, youre reading the wrong magazine.
5 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
X3 2.0 TDI 150 GT CORVETTE STINGRAY
Far superior to the last one. So much so Price 26,545 Specs 148bhp, The Americans have nally got serious
that you question the need for the X5. about taking on the Porsche 911. Others
X3 is more socially acceptable, too. 251lb ft, 0-62mph 8.7secs, VMax have tried before, but rarely as well as this.
137mph, 67.3mpg, CO2 109g/km
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
xDrive20d SE 33,945 8.1 130 190 295 55.4 135 7/10 The new Passat hardly moves the game on, but its 6.2 V8 69,810 <4.0 186 460 465 23.5 279 7/10
xDrive35d M Sp 46,050 5.3 152 313 465 47.1 157 7/10 several notches better in every way than the old one, 6.2 V8 SC Z06 99,140 3.4 186 650 650 20.0 322 8/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4648x1881x1675, 67-litre fuel which may make it the most sensible car on the road. Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4495x1780x1235, TBC-litre fuel
tank, 550/1600-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 7 models in total. tank, TBC-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 3 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 CITROEN-FERRARI
CITROEN DS
TopGear on Citroen:
Design-led brand thats the most French of the French car
rms. Undergoing a bit of a renaissance these days.

C1
The rst time Citroen got jiggy with
TOP 1O CHEAPEST CARS WITH AWD
TopGear on DS:
Citroens new sub-brand will focus on style, tech and luxury.
Think Lexus. Only French-er.

DS 3
A former Car of the Year and a gigantic,
Peugeot and Toyota, they created some- mincing Gallic leap forward for Citroen.
thing quite cool. Now its round two. Not fast, but a kick up the arse for Mini.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1 2 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.0 Touch 3d 8,495 14.3 98 69 69 68.9 95 6/10 1.2 PT Chic 13,995 12.3 108 82 87 61.4 107 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3460x1620x1430, 35-litre fuel 1.6 PT Prestige 19,295 7.5 135 165 177 50.4 129 7/10
tank, 196/780-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 20 models in total. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3948x1715x1483, 50-litre fuel

C4 CACTUS
tank, 285/975-litre boot, 7 engines, 5 trims, 15 models in total.

Breath of fresh air, as only Citroen can

Dacia Duster Suzuki Swift 1.2 DS 5
do. Great looking and with just enough 1.6 Access SZ3 4x4 5dr The most avantgarde DS. Not as inspir-
gadgets to keep a modern family happy.
11,495 12,249 ing as the 3, and the ride should still be
better, but family cars come no cooler.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.2 75 Touch 12,990 12.9 103 75 87 61.4 105 8/10 3 4 2.0 BlueHDi 27,140 10.6 127 150 272 68.9 105 7/10
1.2 110 Feel 16,155 9.3 117 110 151 60.1 107 8/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4530x1870x1540, 60-litre fuel tank,
1.6 BlueHDi Feel 16,885 10.7 114 100 187 83.1 90 8/10 465-litre boot (Hybrid 325l), 5 engines, 3 trims, 9 models in total.

FERRARI
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4157x1729x1480, 45-litre fuel
tank, 358/1170-litre boot, 6 engines, 3 trims, 13 models in total.

GRAND C4 PICASSO Suzuki Jimny

1.3 SZ3
Fiat Panda 1.9
TwinAir 4x4
TopGear on Ferrari:
Art and science blended into the most alluring and
Funky newness from Citroen, helping diverse supercar range in the companys history.
make the world of MPVs more accept-
able. Headlights a particular success. 12,499 14,710 CALIFORNIA T
The Ferrari that everyone thought was a
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Maserati now has a turbo V8. Purists will
1.6 THP 165 24,875 8.7 130 165 177 50.4 130 7/10
5 6 hate it, but itll bring in buyers.
1.6 BlueHDi Sel 23,375 11.6 117 120 221 70.6 106 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4590x1830x1630, 60-litre
fuel tank, 537/1851-litre boot, 5 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total.
3.8 V8 T 155,230 3.6 196 560 556 26.9 250 8/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4570x1910x1322, 78-litre fuel tank,

DACIA Fiat Panda Cross

0.9 TwinAir
SsangYong Tivoli 1.6
e-XDi160 EX 4WD 488
240/340-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

TopGear on Dacia:
Cheap cars from Eastern Europe, via France for a bit of
je ne sais quoi, and then on to the budget-conscious.
16,360 17,100 So long, natural aspiration. Twin-charged
488 is new-age fast, but not quite as zzy
as the car it replaces. Mighty nonetheless.
SANDERO 7 8
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
The UKs cheapest new car you can
lease one for less than a Sky TV package. 488 GTB 183,964 3.0 205 670 560 24.7 260 9/10
Nothing here besides simple transport. 488 Spider 204,391 3.0 TBA 670 560 24.7 260 9/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4568x1952x1213, 78-litre fuel tank,
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
230-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
1.2 75 Access 5,995 14.5 97 75 78 47.9 137 6/10 Skoda Yeti Outdoor Subaru Impreza
0.9 TCe 90 Amb 7,595 11.1 109 90 99 54.3 120 6/10 1.2 TSI S 110 1.6 RC F12
The F12 is bombastic, epic and howlingly
1.5 dCi 90 Amb 8,595 12.1 107 90 162 74.3 99 6/10
17,210 17,495 fast. The fastest ever until the LaFerrari
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4060x1730x1520, 50-litre fuel came along. Emphatically not just a GT.
tank, 320/1200-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 7 models in total.
9 10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
DUSTER 6.3 V12 241,053 3.1 211 740 508 18.8 350 10/10
Simple, high-riding crossover-style ve- 6.3 V12 TdF 330,000 2.9 211 770 520 18.3 360 10/10
seater is a favourite of James May. Good
value, surprisingly able, very tough. Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4620x1940x1270, 92-litre fuel tank,
350-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 2 models in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

SsangYong Korando Vauxhall Mokka 1.4T
1.6 105 Access 9,495 11.5 102 105 109 39.8 165 7/10 2.2 e-XDi220 SE4 140 Tech Line 4x4 DATA IN NUMBERS: PRICE CLIMB
1.5 dCi Amb 11,995 11.8 106 110 177 56.5 130 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4320x1820x1700, 50-litre fuel tank,
17,500 19,089 Ferrari F12 241,053
475/1636-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 6 models in total. Ferrari F12 TdF 330,000 (+ 88,947)

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 FF FORD
FERRARI-FORD

CAR +
A 4wd Ferrari estate, making this the most
practical 208mph family car around. Buy it TopGear on Ford:
for the 6.3-litre V12, not the 450-litre boot. Proof that mass market motoring can have an edge.
Note: this does not apply to the disappointing EcoSport.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING FIESTA

CLINIC
6.3 V12 238,697 3.7 208 660 503 18.3 360 9/10
Arguably the best supermini on sale.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4910x1960x1380, 91-litre fuel tank, Pace-setter or pacemaker, theres some-
450/800-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total. thing for everyone here.

LAFERRARI PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

Meet the most drivable, engaging and 1.0T Zetec 3d 14,395 11.2 112 100 125 65.7 99 8/10
friendly 950bhp hypercar you can imagine. PORSCHE BOXSTER 718
MERCEDES E-CLASS 1.6T 182 ST 3d 17,745 6.9 139 182 213 47.9 139 9/10
Also has electric, but you wouldnt know it.
1.5 TDCi Ztec 5d 16,495 11.9 111 95 159 88.3 82 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3950x1720x1480, 42-litre fuel
6.3 V12 KERS tank, 295/979-litre boot, 9 engines, 7 trims, 47 models in total.
1 million 2.9 218+ 950 664 19.8 330 10/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4702x1992x1116, TBC-litre fuel
tank, TBC-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
FOCUS
New engines, new interior design, even
a tweak to perk the handling back up.
FIAT Focus is back to its best.
TopGear on Fiat:
VS
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Good when they do the small stu, bad when they go
beyond it. Buy a Panda and be content. 1.0T Zetec 19,345 11.0 120 125 147 60.1 108 8/10
2.0T ST 22,750 6.5 155 255 250 41.5 159 8/10
PANDA 2.3T RS 31,000 4.7 165 345 325 36.7 175 9/10
Its back, its slightly rounder and its 1.5 TDCi Zetec 20,045 10.5 120 120 199 74.3 98 7/10
still entirely brilliant. Come ere cuddly
Panda, we want to give you a hug. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4358x1823x1484, 53-litre
fuel tank, 363/1148-litre boot, 10 engines, 6 trims, 52 models in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

TwinAir 85 Easy 11,510 11.2 110 85 106 67.3 99 8/10 DATA IN NUMBERS: HAIRY RS
1.2 Easy+ 10,710 14.2 102 69 75 55.4 119 8/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3650x1640x1550, 35-litre fuel MERCEDES-AMG A45 Ford Focus RS 2.3T 31bhp more powerful than Mustang 2.3T
tank, 225/870-litre boot, 4 engines, 5 trims, 15 models in total.
MONDEO
500 " Ive almost saved up enough
Been on sale in the US for three years
now. Smooth, rened and not too
Not quite the Sixties revival Fiat was American. Well done Ford.
angling for, but the 500 is a refreshing cash to buy a Boxster. What I
alternative to Mini-shaped ubiquity. really want is a six-cylinder, PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
but Porsche doesnt do those 1.5 TDCi Style 21,445 11.7 119 120 199 78.5 94 7/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
anymore. Is the 718 still worth 1.5T Zetec 21,895 9.2 138 160 177 48.7 134 7/10
1.2 Pop Star 11,925 12.9 99 69 75 60.1 110 7/10 having, or would a cheaper four- 2.0 TDCi Est Tit 26,245 9.5 130 150
0.9 85 Pop Star 13,225 11.0 107 85 107 74.3 90 7/10 258 67.3 109 7/10
pot hot hatch be just as much fun?
500C 0.9 Lounge 17,230 10.0 117 105 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4780x1890x1500, 70-litre fuel
107 67.3 99 6/10
Alex Everett, Bath tank, 540/1460-litre boot, 7 engines, 4 trims, 34 models in total.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3571x1627x1488, 38-litre fuel
tank, 185-litre boot, 3 engines, 5 trims, 26 models in total. B-MAX
Fords reply to the Vauxhall Meriva. Sliding
500L The new 718 is a fine car, Alex.
rear doors and no B-pillars means easy ac-
cess and brilliant packaging. Fine car.
Dont be misled by the badge and the
headlights. The 500L is more Panda Quick, and as good to drive as
than 500, and bigger than you expect. PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
the old Boxster ever was, just 1.4 Studio 13,295 13.8 106 90 94 47.1 139 7/10
not as engaging because of the
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1.0T Titanium 17,395 11.2 117 125 147 57.7 114 8/10
way it makes its power. A hot
1.4 95 Pop 13,665 12.8 106 95 93 46.3 143 5/10 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4080x1860x1600, 48-litre fuel
hatch - A45 pictured, but any of tank, 318/1386-litre boot, 6 engines, 4 trims, 14 models in total.
1.6 MJet Lounge 20,265 10.7 117 120 236 67.3 112 5/10
the current crop will do - would
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4147x1784x1667, 50-litre fuel
tank, 343/1310-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total. be as quick, more practical C-MAX
and more economical, but Now with added grille. C-Max gets Fords
new family face and myriad very welcome
ABARTH 500 ultimately still just a hatchback. improvements elsewhere.
Short on talent, long on appeal, thats Just because the Porsche has lost
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
the rufty-tufty Abarth. Pogo stick ride its extra cylinders, doesnt make
but ever so eager with it. 1.0T Zetec 19,645 11.4 116 125 125 55.4 117 6/10
it suddenly worth ditching for
2.0 TDCI Ti Gr 24,945 9.8 126 150 273 61.4 119 6/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING something else altogether. Its
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4380/4519x1860x1620, 53/60-litre
595 15,090 7.8 131 145 152 47.1 139 7/10 still a Porsche roadster, after all. fuel tank, 432/1723-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 20 models in total.
695 Biposto
Euro NCAP
33,060 5.9 143 190 185 43.5 155
LxWxH in mm: 3660x1630x1490, 35-litre fuel
7/10
S-MAX
tank, 185/610-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 8 models in total. PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER Second-gen of Fords low-roofed MPV
keeps its dads ne dynamics, with a
Price 41,739 much smarter interior
Engine 1988cc 4cyl turbo,
DATA IN NUMBERS: HOT 500 296bhp, 280lb ft PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Performance 062 in 1.5 SCTi Zetec 25,145 9.9 124 160 177 43.5 149 8/10
Abarth 695 Biposto 0-62mph 5.9secs
5.1secs, 170mph, 38.2mpg, 2.0 TDCi Zetec 26,595 10.8 123 150 258 56.5 129 8/10
RenaultSport Megane Cup-S 0-62mph 6.0secs
168g/km 2.0 TDCi AWD 33,695 10.5 128 180 295 48.7 149 8/10

500X Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4796x1916x1655, 70-litre fuel

tank, 285/2200-litre boot, 7 engines, 5 trims, 11 models in total.
The quest to cash in on the 500 continues.
Similar lights, but otherwise theres nothing
500-ish here. Not a bad crossover, mind.
MERCEDES-AMG A45
Price 40,695
GALAXY
Fords agship seven-seater oers extra
Engine 1991cc 4cyl turbo, headroom, but is otherwise upstaged by
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING the livelier and more desirable S-Max.
376bhp, 350lb ft
1.4 MAir PStar 18,065 9.8 118 140 170 47.1 139 6/10
Performance 062 in
1.6 MJet PStar 19,565 10.5 116 120 236 68.9 109 6/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
4.2secs, 155mph, 40.9mpg,
2.0 MJet Cross 22,565 9.5 118 140 258 57.6 130 6/10 2.0 TDCi Zetec 28,945 10.9 123 150 258 56.5 129 7/10
162g/km
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4248x1796x1600, 48-litre fuel Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4848x1916x1747, 70-litre fuel
tank, 350/1000-litre boot, 4 engines, 6 trims, 13 models in total. tank, 300/2339-litre boot, 5 engines, 3 trims, 13 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
KUGA HYUNDAI Q50

FORD-JEEP
The Kuga has grown up and bought More sharply styled but otherwise anony-
some sensible slacks. Sure, its highly TopGear on Hyundai: mous saloon from Nissans lux wing. This
competent, but so are others. Value-packed Korean has earned a proper reputation for time aimed at the BMW 3-Series.
capable cars. Excuse us while we tuck into our hats.

1.5T Titanium
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
23,145 9.7 121 150
LB FT MPG
177 45.6 143
CO2 RATING
6/10 I10 Q50 2.2d SE
PRICE
29,320
062 MPH BHP
8.7
LB FT
144 170 295 65.07 114
MPG CO2 RATING
5/10
2.0 TDCi AWD Lacks the charisma of the Panda and the
26,845 9.2 126 180 295 54.3 135 6/10 sheer polish of the Up! but actually, if Q50 Hybrid 41,070 5.1 155 364 402 43.0 144 5/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4520x1840x1700, 57-litre fuel you dont care about cars, buy this one. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4790x1820x1450, 74-litre fuel
tank, 456/1653-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 16 models in total. tank, 400/500-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 8 models in total.

EDGE 1.0 S
PRICE
8,995
062 MPH BHP
14.9 96 66
LB FT
69
MPG CO2
60.1 108
RATING
8/10 JAGUAR
Like the Mustang, the Edge is pinched
from Fords US line-up. Is tasked with tak- Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3665x1660x1500, 40-litre fuel TopGear on Jaguar:
ing on the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. tank, 252-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 7 models in total. Gorgeous Callum design and a rash demeanor get you so
far. Over-powered engines take you the rest of the way.
I20
XE
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 TCDi Zetec 29,995 9.9 124 180 295 48.7 149 7/10 Its the latest i20! Its not that exciting!
Otherwise a very worthy and competent Forget the F-Type, this is actually the most
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4777x1927x1742, 60-litre fuel supermini, now with decent 1.0 engines. important Jaguar of the last decade. Needs
tank, TBA/1788-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 5 models in total.
to banish all memory of the X-Type. Oops.
MUSTANG PRICE 062 MPH BHP
1.0 T-GDI Active 15,225 10.9 109 100
LB FT MPG
126 58.9 110
CO2 RATING
8/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
At last, a muscle car to call our own.
Mustang now here in right-hand drive, 1.2 S Air 11,745 13.6 99 75 90 58.9 112 7/10 2.0T SE 26,995 7.7 147 200 206 37.7 179 8/10
still feels very American. Also large. 3.0 V6 S/C S
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4035x1734x1474, 50-litre fuel 44,995 5.1 155 340 332 34.9 194 8/10
tank, 301/1042-litre boot, 7 engines, 6 trims,34 models in total. 2.0D 180 SE
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 30,275 7.8 140 180 317 67.3 109 9/10
2.3T 30,995 5.8 155 314 320 35.3 179 7/10 I30 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4672x1850x1416, 47-63-litre
fuel tank, 450-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 14 models in total.
5.0 V8 GT 34,995 4.8 155 418 387 20.9 299 7/10 Coo, Hyundai seems to be catching up
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4784x1916x1381, 61-litre fuel
with Kia in the design stakes, and catching
up with everyone else everywhere else. XF
tank, TBA-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total. New XF is good. Probably-better-than-a-
5-Series good. Lovely inside too, just not
HONDA 1.6 CRDi BD SE
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
18,595 10.6 117 110
LB FT MPG
206 78.4 94
CO2 RATING
7/10
big enough for plutocrat bellies.
TopGear on Honda: PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4300x1780x1470, 53-litre fuel
Reliable, practical model range that seems a lot brighter
now the Civic Type-R is here. tank, 378/1316-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 18 models in total. 3.0 V6 S/C S 49,955 5.1 155 380 332 34.0 198 9/10

JAZZ I40 2.0D 180 R Sp 35,100 7.7 136 180 317 65.7 114 9/10
Not long ago, a Hyundai would be beige 3.0D V6 S 49,995 5.8 155 300 332 51.4 144 9/10
New Jazz is clever. Very clever. Deserves and so would its driver. The stylish i40
to be bought by more under 80s than it has changed all that. Estate is the pick.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4954x1880x1457, 55/66/74-litre
almost certainly will be. fuel tank, 540/963-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 8 models in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING XJ
1.3 SE Navi 15,605 11.2 118 102 91 56.5 116 6/10 1.7 CRDi S Tour 21,745 10.5 124 141 251 65.7 114 7/10 Zoinks. The XJ is rapid, rened and just
plain beautiful. The interior is so special
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3995x1694x1550, 40-litre fuel Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4775x1815x1470, 70-litre fuel we invented an award for it.
tank, 354/897-litre boot, 1 engine, 5 trims, 5 models in total. tank, 553/1719-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 16 models in total.

CIVIC GENESIS 5.0 V8 XJR

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

Like prog rock, a bit of a relic. Over- 91,775 4.4 174 550 502 25.5 264 7/10
Facelift helps add interest to the fading
Civic; Type R introduces a rocket into blown, thirsty and laughably expensive. 3.0D V6 R-Sport 70,980 5.9 155 300 516 49.6 149 7/10
dealerships for guaranteed reworks. Fails to rock us: wheres the progress?
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5130/5260x1890x1490, 77/82-litre
fuel tank, 520-litre boot, 3 engines, 5 trims, 13 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 Type R 30,000 5.7 167 310 295 38.7 170 8/10 3.8 V6 50,705 6.5 149 308 293 25.9 261 5/10 F-PACE
1.6 DTEC Sport 21,190 10.5 129 120 221 76.3 98 7/10 Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4990x1890x1480, 73-litre fuel Not as pointy as a Porsche Macan, but
tank, 493-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total. cleverly pitched and therefore bound to
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4370x1770x1470, 50-litre fuel become a best-seller...
tank, 477/1378-litre boot, 4 engines, 6 trims, 25 models in total.
TUCSON
HR-V Just what the world needed. Another
2.0D Prestige
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

Honda Jazz with a bit more chunk and compact SUV. Silly name, but if youre into 34,170 8.5 130 180 317 57.7 129 8/10
the option of 4WD. Smaller than a this kind of thing, quite good. 3.0 S Diesel 51,450 5.8 150 300 517 47.1 159 8/10
Qashqai. Think Mazda CX-3.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4731x1936x1652, 60-litre fuel
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
tank, 650-litre boot, 4 engines, 5 trims, 9 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 2.0 CRDi 2WD SE 24,545 10.6 116 136 275 58.9 127 8/10
1.5 S 18,495 10.7 119 130 114 50.4 130 7/10 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4475x1850x1645, 62-litre fuel F-TYPE
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4294xTBAx1605, 50-litre fuel tank, 513/1503-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 18 models in total. Over-priced Cayman rival, or cut-price
tank, 453/1026-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 8 models in total. 911 alternative? Who cares, when the
CR-V SANTA FE F-Type is this sodding good?
Can't aord a Disco? Then step this way,
A car engineered for accountants. Its a as savvy Santa Fe shows there is another PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
great all-rounder but deeply boring with way. Gymkhana mums might not agree. 3.0 V6 S Coupe 60,775 4.9 171 380 339 31.8 213 8/10
it. There are few more reliable SUVs.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 5.0 V8 R AWD 91,680 3.9 186 550 501 25.0 269 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 2.2 CRDi Prem 31,850 9.8 118 197 311 46.3 161 7/10 5.0 V8 R Conv 92,310 4.0 186 550 501 26.4 255 7/10
1.6 DTEC SE N 29,230 9.6 125 160 258 57.7 129 6/10 Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4470x1920x1300, 70-litre fuel
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4660x1890x1760, 70-litre fuel
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4570x1820x1685, 58-litre fuel tank, 534-litre boot, 1 engine, 3 trims, 5 models in total. tank, 196/315-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 14 models in total.
tank, 589/1648-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total.

NSX INFINITI JEEP

New NSX has had maybe longest gesta- TopGear on Inniti: TopGear on Jeep:
tion of any car ever. Weve only driven it Posh Nissan oshoot desperately aiming to emulate Lexus. Oblong-obsessed 4x4 experts still trading o WWII heroics.
in the States, but early signs are good In Europe, were still struggling to notice. Or care. Dont mention the Italian and German oily bits underneath.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Q30 RENEGADE

3.5TT hybrid 130,000 TBA 191 573 406 TBA TBA 8/10 An Inniti people may actually buy, or so it Meet the Fiat 500Xs Yankee cousin. The
hopes. Dierent, for sure, but that doesnt stylings a bit yee-hah, but it drives with
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4470x1940x1215, 60-litre fuel necessarily mean better Euro sophistication, with added fun.
tank, TBA-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
DATA IN NUMBERS: ELECTRIC PULSES 1.5d SE 21,500 12.0 118 108 192 68.9 108 6/10 1.6 Sport 17,495 11.9 111 112 112 47.1 141 6/10
2.2d Business 28,280 8.6 134 170 258 64.2 115 6/10 1.4 MAir Longi 20,895 10.9 112 142 170 47.1 140 6/10
NSX Rear Direct Drive Motor 47bhp
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4425x1805x1495, 50-litre fuel Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4236x1805x1667, 48-litre fuel
NSX Front Twin Motor Unit 36bhp + 36bhp tank, 368-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 38 models in total. tank, 351/1356-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 15 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 CHEROKEE LAMBORGHINI
JEEP-LAND ROVER
After a leave of absence, the Cherokee
TopGear on Lamborghini:
is back to do battle with the Freelander.
Its priced well and looks... interesting. HOW TO The supercar for those who dont care about lap times.

SPEC
Or The Green Party. Or visibility. But like hexagons.

2.0 MJet 140

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING HURACAN
26,345 10.9 116 140 258 53.3 139 6/10 Lambos riposte to the 458 and 650S.
2.2 MJet 200 4x4 37,245 8.5 127 200 324 49.6 150 6/10 Smoother, slicker, but is still essentially
Gallardo v.2.0.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4623x1859x1669, 60-litre fuel
tank, 714/1267-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
GRAND CHEROKEE LP 580-2 160k (est) 3.4 199 580 398 23.7 278 9/10
Jeep may be under Fiat's control, but MERCEDES S-CLASS CABRIOLET LP 610-4 188,000 3.2 202 610 413 22.6 290 8/10
no-one appears to have told the Grand
Cherokee. Big, thirsty, pricey. Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4459x1924x1165, 80-litre fuel tank,
TBA-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

6.4 V8 SRT
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
65,995 5.0 160 461
LB FT MPG
460 20.0 328
CO2 RATING
6/10
AVENTADOR
Murcielago replacement doesnt disap-
3.0 CRD Oland 48,195 8.2 126 237 405 37.7 198 6/10 point. A hint of Audi has crept in, but
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4820x1940x1760, 93-litre fuel
the Aventador is still bonkers.
tank, 782/1554-litre boot, 2 engines, 7 trims, 7 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
KIA LP 700-4
LP 750-4 SV
260,040 2.9 217 700 509
321,743 2.8 217+ 750 509
17.6 370
17.7 370
8/10
9/10
TopGear on Kia:
Seven year-warranty-backed range of whitegoods with Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4780x2030x1140, 90-litre fuel tank,
barely a duer among em. Were as surprised as you are. n/a-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total.

PICANTO Basic price: 110,120 (S 500 AMG Line)

Engine: 4663cc, V8 twin-turbo, 449bhp, LAND ROVER
A Kia cracker. Latest Picanto looks
good, drives well, costs little and is 516lb ft, 33.2mpg, 204g/km TopGear on Land Rover:
warrantied to the max. A genuine UK success story with the whole range
Performance: 062mph 4.6secs, 155mph as at home on a eld as the red carpet.
Weight: 2,115kg
1.0 1 3d
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
8,345 13.9 95 68
LB FT
70
MPG CO2
67.3 99
RATING
7/10
Colour: Emerald Green Metallic (0) DEFENDER
Wheels: 20" AMG Alloy (0) Still going, still a workhorse farmers
1.25 2 5d 10,745 11.0 106 85 89 65.7 100 7/10 cart, where practicality and toughness
Trim: Saddle Brown/Black leather (0), outweigh, well, everything really.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3600x1600x1480, 35-litre fuel
tank, 200/870-litre boot, 2 engines, 7 trims, 11 models in total. Piano Black Lacquer (1,520)
Standard equipment: Climate control, PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
CEED Bluetooth, sat-nav, keyless start 2.2 Heritage 90 31,165 14.7 90 122 265 25.5 295 8/10
Still a white goods car, but now its white Options: Premium Pack (4,995), Driving Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3890/4640x1790x2020, 60-litre fuel
goods by John Lewis. Build quality is a tank, 1600/2300-litre boot, 1 engine, 3 trims, 6 models in total.
rival for VW now, as is much else. Assistance Pack (1,695), Exclusive Pack
(6,235), 6-disc CD changer (260),
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Burmester Hi-Fi (5,300), Head-up DATA IN NUMBERS: OLD TIMER
1.0T-GDi GT Li 20,220 10.3 118 118 26 57.6 115 7/10 Display (1,060), LED headlights w/
1.6T GT 23,610 7.3 143 201 195 38.2 170 7/10
Year Land Rover created the Series I 1947
Swarovski crystals (2,860), Night View
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4310x1780x1470, 53-litre fuel
tank, 380/1318-litre boot, 3 engines, 5 trims, 18 models in total.
Assist (2,080) DISCOVERY SPORT
Freelander gets a new name, and much
SPORTAGE TOTAL PRICE: 134,805
more besides. Not cheap, but its what
yummy-mummys will be driving this year.
Kias are normally somewhat pleasant-
looking. This one isnt. Good though, so PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
dont discount it.
2.0 TD4 150 SE 31,095 11.0 112 150 280 57.7 129 7/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 2.0 TD4 180 SE 32,795 9.4 117 180 317 53.3 139 8/10
1.6 GDi 1 18,000 11.1 113 130 119 42.2 156 7/10 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4599x1895x1724, 54-litre fuel
tank, 195/1698-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 4 models in total.
2.0 CRDi GT-Line 25,850 10.1 114 134 275 54.3 139 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4480x1855x1635, 62-litre fuel
tank, 491/1480-litre boot, 5 engines, 6 trims, 13 models in total.
DISCOVERY
The best practical SUV on sale. Massive
inside, thoughtful design, astonishing
DATA IN NUMBERS: AUTO AVOIDANCE ability. Revised once again in 2014.

Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi 134 manual 47.1mpg PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi 134 auto 40.4mpg 3.0 SDV6 Graph 47,505 8.8 112 256 443 35.3 213 9/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4830x1880x1890, 84-litre fuel

KOENIGSEGG tank, 280/2560-litre boot, 1 engine, 4 trims, 4 models in total.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

TopGear on Koenigsegg:
Swedish purveyors of deeply outrageous supercars. A Range Rover for a younger, more
Big and shouty - yes. But also quite clever. stylish, more urban audience. One for
fashionistas, not farmers.
AGERA
The P1, LaFerrari and 918 are all well PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
and good, but there is a fourth way. 2.0 eD4 SE 2WD 30,600 10.6 113 150 317 65.7 113 8/10
The Swedish way
2.0 TD4 SE Tech 35,200 9.5 124 180 317 58.9 125 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4360x1960x1610, 60/70-litre
5.0 V8 T RS fuel tank, 550/1445-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 12 models in total.
1.27m TBA TBA 1160 944 TBA TBA TBA
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4293x2050x1120, 82-litre fuel
tank, 150-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
RANGE ROVER SPORT
A prettier RRS would be a contradiction in
REGERA terms, but the new one denitely comes
with less thuggishness.
True to form, latest Segg is maddest yet.
Petrol-electric hybrid with a weird single
speed box. We cant wait for this one. PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
5.0 SVR 95,900 4.5 162 550 502 22.1 298 9/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 3.0 SDV6 HSE 62,700 6.8 130 292 442 37.7 199 9/10
5.0 V8 T PHEV 1.45m 2.8 248+ 1480 1475 TBA TBA TBA 3.0H SDV6 HEV 86,595 6.4 130 345 517 45.6 164 9/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4560x2050x1110, 82-litre fuel Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4850x1983x1780, 80-litre fuel
tank, 150-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total. tank, 784/1761-litre boot, 6 engines, 6 trims, 8 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 LAND ROVER-MAZDA
RANGE ROVER 3-ELEVEN

TOP 1O
This is not an SUV. Thats too common The extraordinary Lotus 3-Eleven is a re-
a badge. Instead, think go-anywhere markable drivers car with thrilling speed
luxury car. Or GALC. Hmm, catchy. and mesmerising on-road talent.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
5.0 SC Autobi 103,350 5.1 140 510 461 20.5 322 8/10 SLOWEST TURBO CARS 0-62MPH 3.5 SC Road 82,500 3.4 174 410 302 n/a n/a 8/10
3.0 TDV6 Vogue 75,850 7.4 130 258 442 37.7 196 9/10 Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: tba, tba-litre fuel tank, 40-litre
4.4 SDV8 Vge SE 89,750 6.5 135 340 517 32.5 229 boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
9/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5000/5199x2070x1840, 85/105-litre
fuel tnk, 909/2030-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total.
1 Hyundai i800
2.5 CRDi
MASERATI
LEXUS
TopGear on Maserati:
17.6secs Ferraris moody cousin. Every model beaten in every way
by German opposition, save for cachet, cool, and style.
TopGear on Lexus:
Angular luxo-Toyotas reverting back to hybrid slumberland
after mad, intoxicatingly awesome LFA supercar. GHIBLI
Maserati builds a BMW 5-Series. Its
IS 2
available with a diesel engine. Well, they
think its a good idea.
3-Series drive too well for you? Then buy Kia Rio
this, its worse. In other areas, IS gives the 1.1 CRDi
Germans a much tougher time. PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
16.1secs 3.0 V6 53,590 5.6 163 330 369 29.4 223 6/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 3.0 V6 TT S 64,510 5.0 177 410 405 27.2 242 7/10
IS 200t Sport 28,995 7.0 143 180 258 39.2 167 7/10 3.0 V6 Diesel 49,165 6.3 155 275 442 47.9 158 6/10
IS 300h Exec 29,995 8.4 125 220 163 65.7 101 7/10 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4970x1950x1460, 80-litre fuel
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4670x1810x1430, 66-litre fuel 3 Hyundai i20
tank, 500-litre boot, 3 engine, 2 trims, 3 models in total.

QUATTROPORTE
tank, 450/480-litre boot, 2 engines, 6 trims, 10 models in total.
1.1 CRDi
RC 16.0secs Noooo what have they done? The old
Bit heavier than we hoped, but roaring one was soul personied, this looks a
V8 is sure to give BMWs M4 a few bit... meh. Still, at least it drives better.
headaches. Good thing, too.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 3.8 TT V8 GTS 110,405 4.7 191 530 523 26.4 250 7/10
RC 300h Lux 34,995 8.6 118 477 391 57.6 113 6/10
4 Peugeot Partner Tepee 3.0 V6 Diesel 69,565 6.4 155 275 443 45.6 163 6/10
RC F 59,995 4.5 167 450 384 26.2 252 7/10 1.6 BlueHDi 100 7st Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5050x1900x1440, 90-litre fuel
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4705x1845x1390, 66-litre fuel tank, 15.3secs tank, 450-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
366-litre boot, 3 engines, 5 trims, 7 models in total.
GRANTURISMO
RX Muscular, pretty coupe that's more GT
than sports car. Nothing wrong there
Lexus takes NX and scales up. However and the MC Strad has bite if you need it.
good the RX is, it will almost certainly
be better than the old one. 5 Ford B-Max PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.5 TDCi 75 4.7 460 Sport 91,440 4.8 185 460 383 19.7 331 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
RX 200T S 39,995 9.2 124 238 258 36.2 181 6/10 15.1secs 4.7 MC Stradale 110,765 4.5 188 450 376 19.5 337 8/10
RX 450h SE 46,995 7.7 124 266 247 54.3 120 6/10 4.7 GranCabrio 98,970 5.2 177 440 361 19.5 337 8/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4890x1895x1690, 65-litre fuel Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4880x1920x1350, 86-litre fuel
tank, 453-litre boot, 2 engines, 5 trims, 7 models in total. tank, 260-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 5 models in total.

LOTUS
6 Citroen Berlingo
Multispace 1.6 BlueHDi 75
MAZDA
TopGear on Lotus: TopGear on Mazda:
Overlook shaky economics and turnip farmer jokes
and youll nd sports cars close to driving nirvana.
15.1secs Remember when every single Ford was the best to drive
in its class? Well, Mazdas nicked that mantle.

ELISE 2
Still a joy, the current Elise oers vis- The last 2 was a sleeper it never set out
ceral driving thrills in a relatively usable to be sparky, but somehow achieved it.
package. This is steering feel. 7 Vauxhall Corsa Same again. Just with a hint more polish.
1.3 CDTi 75
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.6 Sport 29,900 6.5 127 134 118 44.8 149 8/10 14.8secs 1.5 SE 12,195 12.1 106 75 100 60.1 110 7/10
1.8 SC Sport 220 36,500 4.6 145 217 184 37.7 173 8/10 1.5 Sport Nav 16,095 8.7 124 115 109 56.5 117 7/10
1.8 SC Cup 250 45,600 4.3 154 243 184 37.7 175 TBA Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4060x1695x1495, 44-litre fuel
tank, 280/950-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 12 models in total.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3790x1850x1120, 44-litre fuel tank,
112-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 3 models in total. 8 Land Rover Defender 3
EVORA 2.2 TDCi 90 The 6s design language moves to the 3. So
does the handling verve. After that were
More power = good, more price = bad.
400 is astonishingly good to drive but an
14.7secs less sure why youd have one over a Golf.
uphill struggle against Cayman and 911.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.5 SE 17,095 10.8 113 100 110 55.4 119 6/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
3.5 S 2.0 Sport Nav 22,170 8.2 130 165 154 48.7 135 6/10
61,895 4.6 172 345 295 28.7 229 8/10 9 Fiat 500L 2.2D SE
400 73,115 4.1 186 400 303 29.1 225 8/10 19,745 8.1 130 150 280 68.9 107 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4340x1850x1220, 55-litre fuel tank,
1.3 MultiJet Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4465x1795x1450, 51-litre fuel
160-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 5 models in total. 14.4secs tank, 364-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 17 models in total.

EXIGE 6
Lotus track car has grown up and got Handsome mid-size saloon with some
heavier. But dont worry, this makes it clever engine tech underneath. Drives
more usable. Deliriously good to drive. well, possibly a bit middle management.
10 Citroen C4 Picasso
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1.6 BlueHDi 100 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
3.5 Sport 350 55,900 3.7 170 350 295 28.0 235 9/10 2.0 Sport Nav 24,595 9.1 134 165 154 47.8 135 6/10
3.5 Roadster S 55,500 3.8 145 350 295 28.0 236 8/10
14.3secs 2.2D Sport Nav 26,395 9.1 131 150 280 72.4 107 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4084x1802x1129, 40-litre fuel tank, Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4870x1840x1450, 62-litre fuel
n/a-litre boot, 1 engine, 3 trims, 4 models in total. tank, 489-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 13 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 MX-5 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS
MAZDA-MERCEDES-BENZ
Ignore the stereotypes: the MX-5 is One of the most competent cars in
back and, crucially, better than its ever TopGear on Mercedes-Benz: Mercs range. It no longer denes cool
been before. Happy, simple fun. More letters combos than a bath of alphabet soup. Slurp like the rst one, but it's all top drawer.
through that and the cars are very tasty.

1.5 SE
PRICE
18,495
062 MPH BHP
8.3 127 131
LB FT MPG
111 47.1 139
CO2 RATING
10/10 A-CLASS CLS 350d
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
50,695 6.5 155 265 457 51.4 142
LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
8/10
2.0 Sport Nav 23,700 7.3 133 160 148 40.4 161 10/10 Despite the bulbous drunkards nose, CLS 63 AMG SB 87,025 4.2 155 593 590 28.0 235
this is a conventional hatch. Watch the 9/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3915x1735x1225, 45-litre fuel spec or you'll muck it up. Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4920x1850x1470, 580-litre fuel tank,
tank, 130-litre boot, 2 engines, 5 trims, 9 models in total. 520-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 11 models in total.

CX-3 A 45 AMG
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
40,695 4.2 155 381
LB FT MPG
351 40.9 162
CO2 RATING
8/10 S-CLASS COUPE
Because the Nissan Juke doesnt have A 180d SE 22,485 11.3 118 109 192 80.7 89 6/10 Loads of tech, loads of power, loads of
enough rivals already. CX-3 is pretty class, quite a bit of cash. New coupe is
and drives well, though. A 200d AMG L 25,850 9.3 130 136 221 62.8 116 6/10 good enough to justify it all.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4299x1780x1433, 50-litre fuel
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING tank, 341/1157-litre boot, 5 engines, 6 trims, 57 models in total. PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 SE 17,595 9.0 119 120 151 47.9 137 8/10 S 500 98,050 4.6 155 455 516 30.0 219 9/10
1.5D SE 18,995 10.1 110 105 199 70.6 105 8/10 B-CLASS S 63 AMG 127,675 4.3 155 585 663 27.9 237 9/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4275x1765x1535, 48-litre fuel This Volkswagen Golf SV rival remains Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5027x1899x1411, 80-litre fuel
tank, 350/1260-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 12 models in total. oddly proportioned but has plenty of tank, 400-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
tech inside. Not to mention space.
McLAREN PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
SLC
An all-new name but not an all-new car
TopGear on McLaren: B 180d SE 23,245 11.6 118 109 184 70.6 104 6/10
Hyper-clinical British outt spinning ever more baing and you can tell. The V8 AMG is gone
model choices o its bi-turbo V8 and carbon tub. Electric Drive 32,670 7.9 100 179 250 n/a 0 TBA too. Prices keener to compensate.

SPORTS SERIES Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4360x1790x1560, 50-litre fuel

tank, 488-litre boot, 5 engines, 6 trims, 57 models in total.
SLC 43 AMG
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

Meet McLarens bonny, bouncy baby. 46,360 4.7 155 367 384 36.2 178 6/10
As if. 570S is as focused and fast as its
siblings. Just cheaper.
C-CLASS SLC 250d Sport 32,995 6.6 152 204 369 70.6 114 6/10
Sleek and sophisticated C-Class takes Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4143x1810x1300, 60-litre fuel
the ght to the 3-Series. Better looking tank, 225/335-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 6 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING and highly desirable, especially the C63.
540C 126,020 3.4 199 540 399 25.5 258 TBA SL
570S 143,270 3.1 204 570 443 25.5 258 9/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Perhaps the best all-round, usable hard-
570GT 154,015 3.4 204 570 443 26.6 249 9/10 AMG C 63 S 67,450 4.0 155 517 517 34.5 192 9/10 top convertible on sale today. Practical,
C 220d AMG L fast, excellent quality and dynamics.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4530x1910x1202, 72-litre fuel 34,295 7.7 145 170 295 70.6 108 8/10
tank, 150-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 3 models in total. C 350e PHEV 38,900 5.9 155 293 258 134.5 48 7/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

SUPER SERIES Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4685x1810x1447, 66-litre fuel

tank, 480-litre boot, 8 engines, 5 trims, 98 models in total.
SL 400 AMG L V6 73,810 4.9 155 367 369 36.7 175
SL 63 AMG V8 114,115 4.1 155 585 664 28.0 234
7/10
7/10
Not a facelifted 12C, says McLaren, but an
all new car. Has a P1 nose, more speed, is
the car the 12C should have been. E-CLASS SL 65 AMG V12 173,315 4.0 155 630 737 23.7 279 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4631x1877x1314, 75-litre fuel tank,
Laden with tech and wonderfully calming. 364-litre boot, 4 engines, 3 trims, 5 models in total.
New E gets Merc back in the big exec
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING game. Even if it does look like a C-Class
AMG GT
MAZDA-MERCEDES-BEN

650S 195,305 3.0 207 650 500 24.2 275 9/10

650S Spider 215,305 3.2 207 650 500 24.2 275 9/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING AMG gets serious about hammering Por-
675LT Spider 285,470 2.9 203 675 517 24.2 275 9/10 E 220d SE 35,935 7.3 149 194 295 72.4 102 9/10 sche. Doesnt quite have a 911s nesse,
but boy does it make you feel good.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4512x1910x1199, 72-litre fuel E 220d AMG Li 38,430 7.3 149 194 295 72.4 112 9/10
tank, 145-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 3 models in total. E 350d AMG Li 47,425 5.9 155 258 457 54.3 144 9/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 4923x1852x1468, 66-litre fuel GT 97,210 4.0 189 462 443 30.4 216 8/10
DATA IN NUMBERS: THE LONG TAIL tank, 540-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total.
GT S 110,510 3.8 193 517 480 30.1 219 8/10

McLaren 650S Spider 215,305 S-CLASS Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4546x1939x1287, 85-litre fuel
tank, 285-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
McLaren 675LT Spider 285,470 (+ 70,165) Meet the car that has single-handedly
saved the luxury car class from the SUV
incursion. Sublime in most ways. GLA
P1 On paper little more than a pointless cu-
riosity, but in reality a rather well judged
Same carbon tub as the 12C, same base PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
crossover. Better than the CLA at least.
V8; but ve times the price. Yin to the S 400 L Hybrid 72,900 6.8 155 333 272 44.8 147 9/10
LaFerrari's yang. Well done, Ron.
S 500 L 90,525 4.8 155 455 516 31.7 207 9/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING S 350 L d 68,870 6.8 155 258 457 50.4 148 9/10 GLA 45 AMG 44,860 4.4 155 381 351 38.2 172 8/10
P1 866,000 2.8 217 916 664 34.0 194 10/10 S 600 Maybach 165,730 5.0 155 537 613 24.1 274 TBA GLA 250 4Matic 31,455 6.6 143 211 250 43.5 153 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4700x2000x1110, n/a-litre fuel Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5110/5250x1900x1490, 70/80-litre Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4417x1804x1494, 50/56-litre fuel
tank, 120-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total. fuel tank, 510/530-litre boot, 7 engines, 5 trims, 21 models in total. tank, 481-litre boot, 4 engines, 8 trims, 23 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 GLC MINI

MERCEDES-BENZ-MITSUBISHI
TOP 5
Take one Merc C-Class Estate, add a bit
of length, some height and a pinch of TopGear on Mini:
o-road ability. Et viola - the GLC. New hatch uglier but more sorted. Pointless Paceman
and two-seaters soon to die. Good riddance.

GLC 220d
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING MINI HATCH
34,950 8.3 130 170 295 56.5 129 8/10 UTILITY SUVS Yes, its bigger, and no, that isnt neces-
GLC 250d 36,105 7.6 138 204 369 56.5 129 8/10 sarily a good thing. Apart from that, the
new Mini is predictably excellent.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4759x1890x1644, 66-litre fuel
tank, 550/1600-litre boot, 2 engines, 8 trims, 16 models in total. 1 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
3.0 SDV6 SE TECH PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
GLE Price 47,500 Specs 252bhp, One 13,935 9.9 121 103 133 61.4 108 7/10
The MLs got a new nose and a new Cooper 15,485 7.9 130 136 162 62.7 105 8/10
name to go with it. GL for SUV, E for 442lb ft, 0-62mph 8.8secs, VMax
the one in the middle. Simple. 124mph, 35.3mpg, CO2 213g/km Cooper S 18,840 6.8 146 192 206 49.5 133 8/10
Cooper D 16,635 9.2 127 116 199 80.7 92 7/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Getting better and better with each generation. Seven Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3821x1727x1414, 40/44-litre
GLE 250d 49,285 8.6 132 204 369 47.9 155 7/10 seats, of-road ability, comfort and just enough luxe fuel tank, 211-litre boot, 6 engines, 6 trims, 12 models in total.
GLE 350d 56,285 7.1 140 258 458 42.8 179
GLE 63 AMG Cp 96,575 4.2 155 585 561 23.7 279
7/10
7/10
make this the thinking mans Range Rover. MINI 5-DOOR
See above. And remove good looks. Not
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4932x1935x1796, 93-litre fuel
2 LAND ROVER DEFENDER the nicest in prole, but handily bigger
and only 600 more. Fills a(nother) gap.
tank, 690/2010-litre boot, 5 engines, 9 trims, 26 models in total.
90 HERITAGE EDITION
GLS Price 27,800 Specs 120bhp, PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
The bigger, seven-seat version of the 266lb ft, 0-62mph 15.8secs, VMax Cooper 5dr 16,085 8.2 129 136 162 60.1 109 7/10
ML gets a new name and even more
luxury. Meant for Americans. 90mph, 27.7mpg, CO2 266g/km Cooper SD 5dr 20,235 7.4 140 170 266 68.9 109 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3982x1727x1414, 40/44-litre fuel
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Aged workhorse of the Land Rover stable, now tank, 278-litre boot, 6 engines, 6 trims, 12 models in total.
GLS 350 d killed-off by tough emissions regs. An icon, and one
69,110 7.8 138 258 458 37.2 199
Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 5162x1982x1850, 100-litre fuel
7/10
that will be extremely hard to replace. CONVERTIBLE
tank, 360/2300-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 3 models in total. Take Mini, lop the roof o, et viola. Mini
Cab is exactly like youd expect. Good
G-CLASS 3 DACIA DUSTER ACCESS news for inner-city estate agents.
Now 37 years old, still quite lovable in 1.6 4X4
a weird sort of way. Only vehicle here PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
with an optional third axle. Kinda. Price 11,495 Specs 104bhp,
Cooper 18,475 8.8 129 136 162 57.6 114 7/10
109lb ft, 0-62mph 12.8secs, VMax Cooper S JCW 28,635 6.5 150 231 236 43.5 152 7/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 99mph, 35.3mpg, CO2 185g/km
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3821x1727x1415, 40-litre fuel
G 350d 87,815 8.9 119 245 443 28.5 261 4/10 tank, 215-litre boot, 4 engines, 5 trims, 5 models in total.
G 63 AMG
Britains cheapest four-wheel drive, and no less
131,695 5.4 130 571 561 20.5 322 4/10
Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 4662x1760x1951, 96-litre fuel
brilliant because of that. Not much in the way of CLUBMAN
tank, 699/2126-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 2 models in total. standard kit, but then who cares for 11k? No rear-hinged doors this time round.
New Clubman is based on BMWs
MG 4 MERCEDES G-CLASS
2-Series and shares its mediocrity.

TopGear on MG: 350 BLUETEC

Z

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

Chinese-backed resurrection. Sells fewer cars annually 1.5T Cooper
than Ford shifts in the time youre reading this. Price 86,445 Specs 208bhp, 19,965 9.1 127 136 162 55.4 118 6/10
398lb ft, 0-62mph 9.1secs, VMax 2.0 Cooper D 22,245 8.6 132 150 244 68.9 109 6/10
MG3 108mph, 25.2mpg, CO2 295g/km Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4253x1800x1441, 48-litre fuel
After the startling success of the MG6, tank, 360/1250-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
MG unleashes a supermini on the world.
Along with cockroaches, probably about the only
World can hardly believe its luck.
thing capable of withstanding nuclear fallout. Epic MITSUBISHI
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING off-road, very suspect on-road. Cool in spite of itself. TopGear on Mitsubishi:
1.5 VTi-TECH 8,399 10.9 108 106 101 48.7 136 5/10 Hard to care now Evo is dead, but electro-Outlander actually
Britains top-selling EV. Nope. Still not fussed.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4018x1729x1507, 45-litre fuel
TOYOTA
tank, 285-litre boot, 1 engine, 4 trims, 4 models in total. 5
LAND CRUISER OUTLANDER
MG6 Price 48,395 Specs 208bhp, No-nonsense seven-seat SUV. Fair to
middling. Plug-in hybrid version oered
Now facelifted. Marginally better cabin, 310lb ft, 0-62mph 11.0secs, VMax too. Green, but only gets ve seats.
but sorely lacking everywhere else.
Despite being cheap, best avoided. 109mph, 34.9mpg, CO2 213g/km
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Looks expensive, until you remember how long it will PHEV GX3h+ 35,304 11.0 106 164 244 156.9 42 6/10
1.9D S 13,995 8.4 120 150 258 61.4 119 4/10 outlive you by. Theres a reason that Toyotas are used 2.2 DI-D GX3 27,784 10.2 124 150 280 52.3 140 5/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4651x1827x1472, 62-litre fuel in the most inhospitable bits of the planet, you know. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4655x1800x1680, 60-litre fuel
tank, 498/1379-litre boot, 1 engine, 3 trims, 3 models in total. tank, 436-550/1755-litre boot, 2 engines, 5 trims, 7 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 MORGAN X-TRAIL
MORGAN-PEUGEOT

TOP 7
TopGear on Morgan: The X-Trail used to be a rufty-tufty
thing. Now its been emasculated. As a
Idiosyncratic British sports cars designed to give you wood result, we think its better. Fickle, us?
and a healthy exposure to the elements. Poop poop.

3WHEELER PRICE 062 MPH BHP

1.6 dCi 130 Visia 23,745 10.5 117 130
LB FT MPG
236 57.6 129
CO2 RATING
8/10
Eccentric and impractical, but for putting HATCHBACKS
a smile on your face, nothing this side of Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4643x1820x1695, 60-litre fuel
a Tiger Moth competes. tank, 135(550)/1982-litre boot, 1 engine, 4 trims, 14 models in total.
1 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1.4 TSI 125 370Z
2.0 Bespoke 2d 30,000 4.5 120 110 100 n/a n/a 8/10 Price 20,995 Specs 125bhp, Z still looks great, but wheres the re-
breathing manliness of the old one, Nissan?
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: n/a, 40-litre fuel tank, n/a-litre boot, 148lb ft, 0-62mph 9.3secs, VMax GT86 has highlighted its shortcomings.
1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
126mph, 53.3mpg, CO2 120g/km
CLASSIC The class leader. It just does what it does better than any
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
The only car to look like a restoration 3.7 V6 Standard 27,860 5.3 155 326 269 26.9 249 7/10
when actually new. The reasonably new other car, be it the school run or the motorway haul. Pity 3.7 V6 Nismo 38,050 5.2 155 344 274 26.6 248 7/10
Plus 8 is a fearsomely fast thing. about diesel-gate; well take the TSI instead. Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4250x1850x1320, 72-litre fuel
tank, 235-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2.0 Plus 4 36,290 7.5 118 154 148 40.4 164 6/10 2
1.4T SRI GT-R MY17
4.8 Plus 8 85,200 4.5 155 367 370 23.0 282 7/10 Cheap at twice the price, the GT-R is an
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4010x1500/1720x1220, 50-litre
Price 18,895 Specs 150bhp, uber-techy, violently capable, ruthlessly
fuel tank, n/a-litre boot, 4 engines, 6 trims, 6 models in total. 181lb ft, 0-62mph 7.8secs, VMax rapid speed machine. Drive one.

AERO 8 134mph, 51.4mpg, CO2 128g/km

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Some ash still lurks in the frame of this New Astra weighs in at some 200kgs less than the old Pure 79,995 TBA 196 570 469 23.9 275 9/10
sports car. Creaks a bit, but otherwise one, and it feels it. Still less good to drive than Focus, Track Edition
not as antiquated as you might think. 91,995 TBA 196 570 469 23.9 275 9/10
but clever tech and pricing gives it the edge. Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4710x1895x1370, 74-litre fuel
tank, 315-litre boot, 1 engine, 4 trims, 4 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
MAZDA 3 2.0
NOBLE
4.8 V8 Coupe 99,950 4.5 170 367 370 23.0 282 8/10
3
4.8 V8 Ssports 126,900 4.5 170 367 370 26.0 256 8/10 SE-L NAV
TopGear on Noble:
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4120x1770x1200, 57-litre fuel
tank, 227-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
Price 19,495 Specs 118bhp, Yes, its from the home of pork pies. Yes, the engines from a
155lb ft, 0-62mph 8.9secs, VMax school-run bus. Doesnt stop Noble being a supercar force.

NISSAN 121mph, 55.4mpg, CO2 119g/km

M600
TopGear on Nissan: But for the Focus, the Mazda3 might just be the best- Powered by a twin turbo Volvo XC90
Bizarre Addams family of geriatric hatches, cash-cow V8, the old school M600 is epically fast
crossovers and the mind-scrambling GT-R freak show. driving family hachback. Sure the interior's a bit of a and amazingly supple. Major want.
let-down, but then so is the Ford's...
JUKE PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Clever little SUV crossover that looks
like... well, looks like nothing else we can 4 FORD FOCUS 4.4 V8 T 650 248,184 3.0 225 650 604 n/a n/a 9/10
think of. Very nice, if a little odd. 1.0T 125 Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4360x1910x1120, 68-litre fuel tank,
n/a-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
FOR ALL THE FACTS A

NISSAN-PEUGE

Price 19,095 Specs 125bhp,

1.6 94 Visia
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
13,995 12.0 104 94
LB FT MPG
103 47.1 138
CO2 RATING
5/10
125lb ft, 0-62mph 11.0secs, VMax
120mph, 60.1mpg, CO2 108g/km
PAGANI
1.6T Nismo RS 22,180 7.0 137 218 207 39.2 165 6/10 TopGear on Pagani:
Britains best-selling family hatchback and its easy to The greatest exponents of artistic Italian pageantry
1.5 dCi Visia 15,895 11.2 109 110 192 70.6 104 6/10 and Hulk-spec power the world has yet seen.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4135x1765x1565, 46-litre fuel see why. Misses out on the top three because despite a
tank, 350/1181-litre boot, 6 engines, 5 trims, 17 models in total. recent-ish facelift, it's starting to feel its age. HUAYRA
LEAF The name is what you exclaim when
you nail the throttle in this twin turbo
The rst mass-produced leccy car. Its 5 SEAT LEON V12d, active aerod hypercar.
impressive, but our infrastructure needs
sorting before it really makes sense.
1.4 TSI SE
Price 18,300 Specs 125bhp, PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
6.0 V12 990,000 n/a 230 730 811 23.5 300 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 148lb ft, 0-62mph 9.1secs, VMax
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4610x2040x1170, 85-litre fuel tank,
EV Visia 26,030 11.9 90 109 206 n/a 0 7/10 126mph, 54.3mpg, CO2 120g/km n/a-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4450x1780x1570, no fuel tank,
SEAT has pulled out all the stops with the latest Leon
330/680-litre boot, 1 electric motor, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
and its now a car that pushes the Golf hard. Bit of extra PEUGEOT
DATA IN NUMBERS: RANGE EXTENDER sporting intent, covers all the bases well. TopGear on Peugeot:
Chassis bods have refound their mojo with 208 GTi and
RCZ R. Design needs to be more Onyx, less ordinary.
LEAF maximum battery range, highest spec 155 miles RENAULT MEGANE DYN' S
6
NOTE NAV TCE 130 108
New nose, same commodious cabin. Price 19,100 Specs 128bhp, Now more rened and comfortable.
Otherwise precious little to tempt Can be had with a 1.2. Have the 1.0.
Doris out of her Jazz. 151lb ft, 0-62mph 10.6secs, VMax Thats the one Toyota made.
122mph, 52.3mpg, CO2 120g/km
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Not on sale in the UK yet, but early signs are good. Looks 1.0 69 Access 3d 8,495 14.3 99 69 70 68.9 95 6/10
1.2 Visia LE 9,995 13.7 106 80 81 60.1 109 5/10
classy, feels well made and drives sharply. Could well move Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3475x1615x1460, 35-litre fuel
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4100x1695x1530, 46-litre fuel
tank, 411/1495-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 9 models in total. up once we've had a go on home soil. tank, 196/780-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 12 models in total.

QASHQAI PEUGEOT 308 208

Nissan started the Qashqai craze, so the 7
new one is predictably safe. Its better 1.6 BLUEHDI Congratulations Peugeot, its only taken
you 25 years to reimagine the 205. 208 is
than ever for, you know, family stu. Price 19,845 Specs 120bhp, light, likeable and French. In a good way.
221lb ft, 0-62mph 9.7secs, VMax
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.2 DiG-T Visia 18,545 11.3 114 115 140 50.4 132 8/10
122mph, 91.1mpg, CO2 82g/km
1.0 Access ac 3d 12,065 14.0 103 68 66 64.2 102 6/10
1.6 DiG-T n-Con 23,280 9.1 124 163 177 48.7 138 8/10 This one caught us a bit by surprise. Its a Peugeot, and its 1.6 THP GTi 19,515 6.5 143 208 221 52.3 125 7/10
1.6 dCi N-Con 25,060 10.5 118 130 236 64.2 115 8/10 not awful. At all. Rides well, drives nicely, looks good. A 1.6 BHDi Allure 16,815 13.3 106 75 169 94.2 79 6/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4370x1800x1595, 65-litre return to the Peugeots of old. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3970x1740x1460, 50-litre fuel
fuel tank, 430-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 19 models in total. tank, 285/1152-litre boot, 6 engines, 7 trims, 39 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 308 911

PEUGEOT-RADICAL
TOP 1O
Well, knock us down with a feather, out Styling is evolutionary and cabin shared
of nowhere, Peugeot gives us a hatch with Panamera, but this is Porsche prov-
good to drive and own. Gobs smacked. ing it's the worlds best sports car builder.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.6 GTI 270 28,455 6.0 155 270 243 47.1 139 8/10 MOST POWERFUL SUVS 3.0T Carrera S 85,857 4.3 191 420 369 32.5 199 9/10
1.6 BHDi Active 20,345 9.7 122 120 207 91.1 82 8/10 3.0T C4S 90,843 4.2 189 420 369 31.7 204 9/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4253x1804x1457, 53-litre fuel 3.8 GT3 RS 131,296 3.3 193 500 339 22.2 296 10/10
tank, 470/1309-litre boot, 11 engines, 6 trims, 27 models in total.
1 Bentley
3.8 Turbo S 145,773 2.9 205 580 552 31.0 212 8/10
508 Bentayga
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4490x1800x1300, 64-litre fuel tank,
135-litre boot, 5 engines, 11 trims, 16 models in total.
Peugeots replacement for the 407 is
actually quite nice in an average sort of 600bhp 918 SPYDER
way. Facelift helps. A bit.
Quite possibly the most complex car in
the world. But it all works, and is mind-
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING bending. Also quite fast.
2.0 BHDi Active 24,325 9.8 130 150 273 67.3 109 5/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4830x1853x1456, 72-litre fuel
2 Mercedes-AMG PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
tank, 473-litre boot, 5 engines, 4 trims, 17 models in total. GLE 63 918 659,775 2.8 211 885 801 85 79 10/10

RCZ 585bhp Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4643x1940x1167, 70-litre fuel tank,
110-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
Peugeots stunning coupe marks a
renaissance. Good-looking, fun to drive,
tolerable value. Now go buy an Audi TT.
PANAMERA
Four-door, four-seat family Porsche. Very
fast, quite hard to fall in love with, apart
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 3 Mercedes-AMG from the rather outrageous GTS model.
1.6 THP 156 GT 24,750 8.3 133 156 177 44.1 149 7/10
GLS 63
1.6 THP 200 GT 27,500 7.6 146 200 206 42.1 155 7/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 HDi 163 GT 26,600 8.7 137 163 240 53.2 139 7/10 585bhp 4.8 V8 GTS 93,391 4.5 179 400 368 25.4 260 7/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4290x1850x1350, 55-litre fuel
3.0 V6 Diesel 65,289 6.8 150 250 405 43.5 172 6/10
tank, 309-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 4 models in total. S E-Hybrid 82,439 5.5 167 338 325 91.0 71 6/10

2008 4
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4970x1930x1420, 80-litre fuel tank,
445/1263-litre boot, 8 engines, 8 trims, 9 models in total.
Mercedes-AMG
High-rise supermini that's increasingly
popular in the wake of the Juke. A little G 63 MACAN
mash-up which just about works.
585bhp Porsches Range Rover Evoque is a tidy
looker that has image by the bucket-
PRICE 0-62 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING load. Thus, soon to be everywhere...
1.2 VTi Access 13,615 13.5 105 82 87 57.6 114 5/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.6 BlueHDi Act 16,965 11.3 114 100 187 78.5 95 6/10
S 45,945 5.4 157 340 339 32.5 204 8/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4160x1740x1560, 50-litre fuel
tank, 360/1172-litre boot, 5 engines, 4 trims, 15 models in total.
5 BMW Turbo 62,540 4.8 165 400 405 31.7 208 8/10
X5 M S Diesel 45,942 6.3 142 258 427 46.3 159 8/10
ND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS

EOT

5008 575bhp Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4684x1923x1624, 65-litre fuel

tank, 500/1500-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 4 models in total.
Large seven-seat MPV that looks pretty
good and does everything a family might
want, although its less brilliant to drive. CAYENNE
Sporting SUV thats very capable and
now better to look at. It no longer has a
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
1.6 BHDi Active 23,720 12.2 114
LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
6 BMW
ride that ruins your spine, either.
120 221 65.7 114 5/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4530x1837x1638, 60-litre fuel X6 M PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
tank, 679/2506-litre boot, 3 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total.
575bhp S E-Hybrid 64,512 5.9 150 422 435 83.1 79 7/10
Turbo
PORSCHE
94,063 4.5 173 527 554 25.2 261 6/10
S Diesel 65,495 5.4 156 383 626 35.3 209 8/10
TopGear on Porsche: Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4855x1939x1705, 100-litre fuel tank,
Irritatingly great to drive, even when its a 4x4. Theres a 670/1780-litre boot, 7 engines, 7 trims, 7 models in total.
reason every sports car is dubbed 911-ghter 7 Porsche Cayenne
718 BOXSTER Turbo S DATA IN NUMBERS: HOT SUV
Gasp at-six engine becomes boxer 570bhp Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 0-62mph 4.1secs
turbo four. More speed, economy but
less aural satisfaction. Er, sound good? BMW M4 Competition Pack 0-62mph 4.2secs

2.0T
PRICE 062 MPH BHP
42,094 5.1
LB FT MPG
170 300 280 38.2 168
CO2 RATING
8/10 8
RADICAL
Range Rover TopGear on Radical:
2.5T S 51,105 4.6 177 350 310 34.9 184 8/10 Super-fast, super-intense range of Nrburgring-humbling
Sport SVR race cars. Wait what, theyre road-legal? Oh my.
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4379x1801x1281, 54/64-litre fuel
tank, 130/275-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 2 models in total. 550bhp SR3
Few are as extreme, and few cope as
DATA IN NUMBERS: PUNCHY PRICES badly with British roads. A car for dry,
smooth, clear tarmac. Such as a track.
Base Boxster 2.7 (previous gen) 39,553 9 Range Rover PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Base 718 Boxster 2.0T 42,094 (+ 2,541) SV Autobiography
2.0 245 Std 69,850 3.4 160 245 265 n/a n/a 8/10

550bhp
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4100x1790x1130, 50-litre fuel tank,
CAYMAN n/a-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

The 911s poor relation? Only if youre a

social climber. The Cayman is the purer, RXC
more satisfying drivers car. Now heres a trick: Radicals second
road car has much more power and a
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 10 Jeep Grand
roof, but is far tamer to drive.
3.4 325 S 48,783 5.0 175 325 273 32.1 206 9/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Cherokee SRT8
3.4 GTS 55,397 4.9 177 340 280 31.4 211 9/10 3.7 V6 94,500 2.8 175 350 320 n/a n/a 8/10
3.8 GT4 64,451 4.4 183 385 309 27.4 238 10/10
461bhp 3.5 V6 Turbo 107,500 2.6 185 454 500 n/a n/a 8/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4380x1800x1300, 64-litre fuel tank, Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4300x1960x1127, 50-litre fuel tank,
150/425-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 4 models in total. n/a-litre boot, 2 engines, 1 trim, 2 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 RENAULT ROLLS-ROYCE
RENAULT-SEAT
TopGear on Renault:
Still a pervading sense of imsiness about Renaults. We
hope the ageing RS Megane isnt the end of an era.

TWINGO
Rear-engined, rear drive, its a mini-911!
TOP 1O
NARROWEST CARS
TopGear on Rolls-Royce:
Wheeled pleasure yachts thatve seen o the challenge of
Maybach and oer more charm than Bentley.

GHOST S2
A car for the junior plutocrat, since his
Only its actually a cheeky little city car. boss will clearly be in a Phantom. Wave
Turbo is only one with any nous, though. at him - he needs your pity.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1 Renault PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.0 SCe 70 9,495 14.5 94 70 67 62.7 105 5/10 6.6 V12 222,888 4.7 155 571 576 20.8 327 9/10
Twizy
0.9 TCe 90 11,695 10.8 103 90 99 65.7 99 7/10 6.6 V12 EWB 253,944 4.8 155 571 576 20.6 329 9/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3595x1646x1554, 35-litre
1381mm Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 5399/5569x1948x1550, 82-litre fuel
fuel tank, 188/980-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 4 models in total. tank, 490-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 2 models in total.

DATA IN NUMBERS: SMART BUY PHANTOM S2

Luxury British land-yacht which man-
2 ages to drive as well as it soothes. Cars
Entry-level Smart Forfour 11,620 Caterham come no more opulent than this.
Entry-level Renault Twingo 9,495 (save 2,125) Seven

TWIZY 1575mm PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

6.75 V12 EWB 373,824 6.1 150 453 531 18.9 349 9/10
God knows whats got into us, but we 6.75 V12 D'head 367,632 5.8 150 453 531 19.1 347 8/10
badly want a Twizy. Mainly to sneak up
on other cars in electrical silence. 6.75 V12 Coupe 347,256 5.8 155 453 531 19.1 347 8/10

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

3 Kia
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5830/6090x1990x1640, 100-litre fuel
tank, 460-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 4 models in total.
13kW EV 7,595 n/a 50 17 42 n/a 0 7/10 Picanto
WRAITH
Technic
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 2340x1240x1460, no fuel tank,
31-litre boot, 1 electric motor, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
1595mm If the Grand Tour still existed, this is how
the aristocracy would get to Vienna. A
ZOE majestic symbol of Britain.
This could be the point where electric
cars start to prove themselves. The Zoe PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
looks great and costs little. 4 Vauxhall
6.6 V12 235,416 4.4 155 624 590 20.2 327 9/10
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5269x1947x1507, 82-litre fuel tank,
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Viva 470-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
EV Expression 18,443 13.5 84 88 162 n/a 0 6/10 1595mm DAWN
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4090x1730x1560, no fuel tank,
328/1225-litre boot, 1 electric motor, 3 trims, 3 models in total. This is how you do luxury in 2016. Not
just a car, but a practically unbeatable
luxury experience.
DATA IN NUMBERS: RAPID ZOE 5 Suzuki PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Price of a rapid charger for Renault Zoe 500 Jimny 6.6 V12 264,000 4.9 155 563 575 19.9 330 9/10

CLIO 1600mm
SKODA-SUZUKI

Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 5285x1947x1502, 82-litre fuel tank,

244/295-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

SEAT
A return to form for Renault. Clio 4 is
good-looking and drives well. Just avoid
the gutless lower-powered 1.2 petrol.
TopGear on Seat:
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 6 Supposedly the sporty arm of the VW Group behemoth.
Suzuki So why does it make a seven-seat MPV, then?
0.9 TCe Dyn Nav 14,675 12.2 113 90 99 62.8 104 7/10
1.6T RS Trophy 21,780 6.6 146 220 207 47.9 135 7/10
Celerio MII
1.5 dCi Exp+ 14,975 12.0 112 90 162 88.3 83 6/10 1600mm Dont go expecting loads of Spanish air
here. VW doesnt permit that. This is
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4060x1730x1450, 45-litre fuel just a very sensible Up-based city car.
tank, 320/1200-litre boot, 5 engines, 6 trims, 16 models in total.

CAPTUR 7 1.0 SE Eco 3d

PRICE 062 MPH BHP
10,465 14.4 100 60
LB FT
67
MPG CO2
68.9 95
RATING
7/10
Renault's take on the Juke that's, Citroen 1.0 75 FR Li 3d 10,995 13.2 106 75 70 60.1 108 7/10
perhaps unsurprisingly, more style than C1
substance. Clio for us, please. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3560x1640x1480, 35-litre fuel
1615mm tank, 238/951-litre boot, 2 engines, 5 trims, 12 models in total.

0.9 TCe Exp+

PRICE 062 MPH BHP
14,295 12.6 106 90
LB FT MPG
99 56.5 115
CO2 RATING
7/10
IBIZA
Looks sharp, and pricing is good, but
1.5 dCi Exp+ 15,995 12.6 106 90 162 76.4 95 7/10 hasn't quite made the leap that the
Leon has. Ride could be better.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4120x1780x1560, 45-litre fuel
tank, 377/1235-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 10 models in total.
8 Peugeot
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
MEGANE 108
1.0 EcoTSI SE 5d 13,975 10.4 119 95 118 67.3 98 6/10
New Megane takes cues from Talisman 1615mm 1.8 Cupra SC 18,100 6.7 146 189 236 47.1 TBA 7/10
and Espace, neither of which we get in
the UK. Early impressions are good. Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4030x1690x1430, 45-litre fuel
tank, 284-litre boot, 9 engines, 5 trims, 34 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.2 TCe Exp+ 16,600 10.6 122 130 151 52.3 120 TBA 9 DATA IN NUMBERS: CUPRA WINNER
1.5 dCi Dyn S 20,400 11.3 116 110 192 76.4 96 TBA Toyota
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4359x1814x1447, 47-litre fuel
Aygo Saving, Ibiza Cupra SC over VW Polo GTI 3dr 1,025
tank, 384-litre boot, 4 engines, 7 trims, 15 models in total. 1615mm LEON
KADJAR Seat has really upped its game with
Thankfully heaps better than Renaults the all-new Leon. Super-hot Cupra is
last crack at a big crossover the Koleos. rather tremendous.
Qashqai rival with genuine appeal.
10 Fiat
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1.4 EcoTSI FR 20,525 8.0 134 150 184 60.1 110 7/10
500
1.2 TCe 17,995 10.1 119 132 151 50.4 126 6/10 2.0 TSI Cupra SC 28,375 5.8 155 290 258 42.2 156 8/10
1.5 dCi 19,895 11.9 113 112 192 74.3 99 7/10
1627mm 2.0 TDI FR SC 23,045 7.5 142 184 280 67.3 109 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4449x1836x1607, 55-litre fuel Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4260x1780x1460, 50-litre fuel
tank, 864/1620-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 14 models in total. tank, 380-litre boot, 7 engines, 5 trims, 37 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
ALHAMBRA FORFOUR

SEAT-SUBARU
One of the very best MPVs around. If Same front end as the car above.
you don't want an S-Max, this is a worthy Concerning. Otherwise, its a decent
alternative. Lots of seats, lots of space. city car. But our eyes hurt.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.0 Passion 11,620 15.9 94 71 67 67.3 97 6/10
2.0 TDI SE 28,675 10.2 126 150 251 55.4 132 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3495, 1665, 1555, 35-litre fuel
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4850x1900x1720, 70-litre fuel
tank, 185/975-litre boot, 1 engine, 4 trims, 4 models in total.
tank, 267/2297-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 8 models in total.

SKODA SSANGYONG
TopGear on Skoda: TopGear on SsangYong:
Supposedly the cheapncheerful arm of the VW Group Still mired where the rest of the Koreans languished
behemoth. So why does it make a 30k barge, then? decades ago. Very cheap, for very good reason.

CITIGO TIVOLI
Of course you recognise it the Citigo Neat-looking crossover is SsangYongs
is a lightly altered VW Up. Which makes more practical take on the Nissan Juke.
it a very ne city car indeed. Storming value but not bad to own either.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1.6 eXGi SE 12,950 12.0 106 128 118 44.1 149 5/10

HERO
1.0 Green SE 3d 9,495 14.4 100 60 70 68.9 95 7/10 Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4195x1795x1590, 47-litre fuel tank,
1.0 Gre SE L 5d 10,815 13.2 107 75 70 67.3 98 7/10 423-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 8 models in total.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3560x1640x1480, 35-litre fuel
tank, 251/951-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 12 models in total. KORANDO
Bigger than the Tivoli and also less
FABIA good. Still, not as oensive to look at as
it could be: a lot of car of the money.
Only 9 per cent of the old Fabia was
carried into the latest one. So its 91 per
cent better, says TG maths. ASTON MARTIN V12 VANTAGE PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.2 e-XDi SE4 17,500 9.9 115 178 295 48.7 152 5/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4410x1830x1710, 57-litre fuel tank,
1.0 S 10,750 15.7 99 60 70 60.1 106 6/10 sually with Astons, we urge you 486/1312-litre boot, 1 engine, 5 trims, 6 models in total.
1.2 TSI 90 SE
1.4 TDI 90 SE
13,600 10.9 113
15,600 11.1 113
90
90
118 60.1 107
169 83.0 88
7/10
7/10 U to look at them and then ask
yourself why they're so special,
SUBARU
TopGear on Subaru:
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3992x1732x1467, 45-litre fuel
tank, 330/1150-litre boot, 7 engines, 5 trims, 34 models in total. because the answer becomes obvious. Ex-WRC legend rebuilding its brand with chunky, rugged
4x4s. Rally heritage lives on in old-skool WRX.
But theres more to this particular
OCTAVIA one than badge and style alone. This OUTBACK
Skoda, VW's practicality-obsessed arm,
gives you all the car youll ever need. is the biggest engine crammed into More of the unfashionable same from
Provided youre slightly dull. Subaru, but thats what owners love.
the smallest chassis. It contains no New one is handily sized, very capable.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING technology to speak of and is therefore PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.2 TSI SE 17,865 10.2 124 110 129 57.7 114 7/10 slightly unhinged in a very happy way. 2.0D SE 27,995 9.7 119 150 258 50.4 145 6/10
2.0 TSI vRS 24,460 6.8 154 220 258 45.6 142 7/10 To drive it is to love it. Coupe or roadster Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4815x1840x1605, 60-litre fuel
1.6 TDI SE 19,925 10.6 122 110 184 74.3 99 8/10 are your choices. You might imagine tank, TBA-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 3 models in total.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4660x1810x1460, 50-litre fuel
tank, 590/1740-litre boot, 9 engines, 8 trims, 45 models in total. were going to urge you towards the LEVORG
fabric-lid for the noise, but were not. Yet another big estate from Subaru.
SUPERB Theres an indenable rightness about
Hard to see where it ts in, particularly
with just a single petrol engine choice.
Enormous Skoda catches Audi-itus.
Styled with ruler, but we dont care the coupe. Sure, it has a stifer bodyshell PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
because its like an A8 for A3 money
and drives more accurately with nicer 1.6 DIT GT 27,495 8.9 131 172 185 39.8 164 6/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING steering, but actually its the coupes Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4690x1780x1490, 60-litre fuel tank,
1.4 TSI S 522/1466-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
19,060 9.9 129 125 147 52.3 125 8/10 edge-of-hooliganism muscle car vibe
2.0 TDI SE 22,555 8.9 135 150 250 68.9 108 8/10 that really oats our boat. WRX STI
2.0 TDI SE L Est 28,985 8.1 146 190 295 67.3 110 9/10 The Scooby turbo is back, minus the
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4861x1864x1470, 66-litre fuel Impreza name but with the same huge
tank, 625/1760-litre boot, 7 engines, 5 trims, 50 models in total.
wing and heinous thirst.

YETI PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

Skoda's SUV-lite is a favourite of TopGear. 2.5T STi 28,995 5.2 159 300 300 27.2 242 7/10
It looks chunky, acts chunky and drives Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4595x1795x1475, 77-litre fuel tank,
chunkily, too. Facelift spoils purity though. 460-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

1.2 TSI S 17,210 10.9 111 110 129 52.3 124 7/10 DATA IN NUMBERS: THIRSTI
2.0 TDI SE L 4x4 24,875 9.1 121 150 251 55.4 134 8/10 300bhp WRX STI 68% less efficient than a 300bhp Golf R
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4222x1793x1645, 55-litre fuel
tank, 322/1760-litre boot, 4 engines, 5 trims, 21 models in total. BRZ
SMART An entirely excellent small, sharp coupe
that's not at all like an Impreza. In a
good way. Rather like a Toyota GT86...
TopGear on Smart:
Best yet execution of a awed idea. Well have the
cheaper, mechanically identical Twingo, thanks. PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 SE Lux 2d 23,995 7.6 130 200 151 36.2 181 9/10
FORTWO Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4240x1780x1430, 55-litre fuel tank,
A doddle to park, a delight around 245-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
town, but what on earth was Smart
thinking when it signed o the design? SPEC FORESTER
Price 138,000 Lacks school run glam, but thats not the
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING point - this is rugged transport. Pity the
Engine 5935cc, V12, 565bhp @ 240bhp XT Turbo is so ignorable.
1.0 Passion 11,125 14.4 94 71 67 68.9 93 6/10
6750rpm, 457lb ft @ 4750rpm
0.9T Prime 12,415 10.4 96 90 83 67.3 97 6/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Performance 062 in 3.9secs, 205mph,
0.9T Proxy Cab 14,555 10.8 96 90 83 65.7 99 6/10 2.0D XC 26,995 10.2 118 147 258 47.9 156 7/10
19.2mpg, 343g/km
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 2695, 1663, 1555, 35-litre fuel Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4560x1780x1700, 64-litre fuel tank,
tank, 260/350-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 16 models in total. 450/1610-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 6 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 SUZUKI AURIS
SUZUKI-VAUXHALL
TopGear on Suzuki: For people who want a Prius, but dont
want to be seen in a Prius. Possibly
Only the lovable Swift Sport appears to have been fed Britains worst driven car. Maybe.
the enthusiasm from Suzukis mental motorcycles.

SWIFT 1.8 Hybrid

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

By not trying too hard, this no-nonsense 20,045 10.9 112 138 105 80.7 79 6/10
supermini succeeds in being really rather Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4330x1760x1475, 50-litre fuel
good. The Sport is thriving, too. Rejoice! tank, 435/1199-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 30 models in total.

PRICE
1.6 Sport Nav 3d 13,999
062 MPH BHP
8.7 121 136
LB FT
118
MPG CO2
44.1 147
RATING
7/10
PRIUS
It looks totally bizarre but the weird
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3850x1700x1510, 45-litre fuel styling conceals a well-resolved hybrid.
tank, 213/562-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims, 10 models in total. Note the economy: who needs diesel?

BALENO PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

Cheap and, thankfully, quite cheerful. Five- 1.8h Active 23,295 10.6 112 99 105 94.2 70 7/10
door only Baleno might look a bit odd, but
delivers on the value front. 1.8h Business + 25,995 10.6 112 99 105 86.0 76 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4540x1760x1470, 45-litre fuel
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING tank, 445/1120-litre boot, 1 engine, 4 trims, 4 models in total.
1.0T Boost SZ-T 12,999 11.4 124 111 125 62.7 105 TBA
Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 3995x1745x1470, 37-litre fuel MIRAI
tank, 320/756-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total. CHIEF EXECUTIVES Powered only by hydrogen and smug-
ness, the Mirai is proof hydrogen cars

GROUP
are ready for the mainstream. Nearly.
DATA IN NUMBERS: FUELISH DOWNSIZE
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
Suzuki Swift fuel tank capacity 45 litres Mirai FCV 66,000 9.6 111 152 247 N/A 0 7/10

TEST
Suzuki Baleno fuel tank capacity 37 litres Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4890x1815x1535, 5kg hydrogen
tank, 361-litre boot, 1 powertrain, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
S-CROSS
Out with the SX4, in with the S-Cross. GT86
Same Qashqai-rivalling concept, same The best Toyota in donkeys (with a
slight surprise at how decent it is. nod of thanks to Subaru). Light 'n' lithe
coupe proves that 200bhp is enough.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.6 DDiS SZ3 15,499 12.0 111 120 236 67.2 108 6/10 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 Primo 22,700 7.7 140 200 151 36.2 180 9/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4300x1765x1575, 50-litre
Jaguar XF S 3.0D
1
fuel tank, 430-litre boot, 2 engines, 4 trims,11 models in total. 2.0 Aero 27,650 7.7 140 200 151 36.2 180 8/10
Devilishly stylish, roomier, German-
VITARA slaying drive. What a combo
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4240x1780x1430, 50-litre fuel tank,
245-litre boot, 1 engine, 4 trims, 4 models in total.
This one caught us rather by surprise.
Vitara is a perfectly good alternative to a
Qashqai or Juke. Well done, Suzuki. Torquey V6, compliant and agile RAV4
handling, much roomier than old XF Still a bit o the pace, despite a recent
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
facelift. Petrol-electric hybrids a little like a FOR ALL THE FACTS A

Interior quality and tech betrays Jaguars cut-price Lexus RX.

1.6 DDiS SZ-T 17,499 11.5 112 120 236 70.6 106 7/10 more limited spending might
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4175x1775x1610, 47-litre fuel PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
tank, 375/710-litre boot, 2 engine, 3 trims, 7 models in total.
2.5 Hybrid Bus 26,195 8.4 112 178 155 56.5 115 5/10

TESLA BMW 535d

Ageing well, but no longer teaches
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4570x1845x1660, 60-litre fuel
tank, 410-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 9 models in total.
TopGear on Tesla: the Brit lessons on our own B-roads
All-electric cars done properly. Model S is so good; you
could almost use one as your one and only car. Almost.
LAND CRUISER
Happy in the hands of armed militia and
Huge pace from rev-happy straight-six jolly farmers from Lincolnshire. One of
MODEL S motor, cabin space, user-friendly iDrive the most robust o-roaders ever.
The most credible alternative to the Doesnt shrink around you like the XF,
German execs yet launched. Fast, well PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
designed and utterly silent. next 5er is due this autumn
3.0 D-4D Icon 48,395 11.7 109 171 302 34.9 213 5/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4760x1885x1890, 87-litre fuel tank,
403/1695-litre boot, 1 engine, 3 trims, 3 models in total.
70D 60,535 5.2 140 334 317 N/A 0 8/10
P90D Ludicrous 95,600 2.8 155 751
Euro NCAP
713 N/A 0
LxWxH in mm: 4970x1964x1445, no fuel tank,
9/10
VAUXHALL
745/1645-litre boot, 3 power outputs, 3 trims, 3 models in total. TopGear on Vauxhall:
Along with Ford, the bread and butter of British motoring.
TOYOTA Thing is, Vauxhall forgets to put tasty llings in.

TopGear on Toyota:
Maker of many boring things. And the GT86. Which is ADAM
so good, it almost makes up for the rest of em. They called it the Adam. They should
have called it the Cheryl. Cute, but
AYGO short of panache. Blame its upbringing.
Citroen C1 with added face fungus. Still
cheap, still good around town. Now PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
more capable elsewhere. 1.4 100 Slam 14,730 11.5 115 100 96 53.3 125 7/10
1.0T Rocks Air 17,375 9.9 121 115 125 56.5 115 6/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.4T S 17,375 8.5 130 150 162 47.9 139 6/10
1.0 x-cite 5d 11,845 14.2 99 70 70 68.9 95 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3740x1680x1590, 45-litre fuel
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3455x1615x1460, 35-litre fuel tank, 170/663-litre boot, 5 engines, 7 trims, 18 models in total.
tank, 168-litre boot, 1 engine, 5 trims, 10 models in total.

YARIS VIVA
A key car for Toyota in Europe. The Vauxhall revives Viva name, but only in
engine choice is reasonable, the Hybrid is the UK. Viva is called Karl elsewhere. Is
OK, but it's not as clever as it used to be. quite cheap. Also quite cheerful.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.33 Icon 5d 14,265 11.1 109 98 92 57.6 114 4/10 1.0 SE 8,395 13.1 108 75 70 62.8 104 6/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3890x1700x1510, 42-litre fuel Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3675x1595x1485, 32-litre fuel
tank, 347/768-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total. tank, 206/1013-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 3 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 CORSA XL1

VAUXHALL-VOLKSWAGEN
TOP 7
Lovely little 1.0-litre turbo, very rened VW has created the worlds rst eco-
and vastly improved all round. But its spaceship. Beam us up Scotty, were
still a Vauxhall. Need we say more? ready for lift-o at 300mpg.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.4 Sting 3d 0.8 TDI Plug-in 94,000 11.9 99 75 103 313 24 9/10
9,495 14.9 101 75 96 55.4 118 6/10 LUXURY CARS
1.0T 90 SE 5d Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3970x1682x1184, 10-litre fuel
15,230 11.9 112 90 122 65.7 104 6/10 tank, 120-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.
1.6T 205 VXR 3d 18,375 6.8 143 205 180 37.7 174 6/10
1 ROLLS ROYCE POLO
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4020x1736x1479, 45-litre fuel
tank, 285/1120-litre boot, 7 engines, 8 trims, 76 models in total.
PHANTOM EWB The Golfs mini-me was facelifted for
Price 357,875 Specs 453bhp, 2014. Its safe and solid, and now has a
ASTRA 531 lb ft, 0-62mph 6.1secs, VMax (little) bit more soul.
Yes, yawn, its the new Astra. Trouble 150mph, 18.9mpg, CO2 349g/km PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
is, this one really takes the ght to the
Focus. Onboard connectivity is superb. 1.0 S 3d 11,495 15.5 100 60 70 60.1 106 7/10
So big and smooth, it should probably have sails. And a 1.2 TSI Mtch 5d 14,705 10.8 114 90 118 60.1 107 8/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING tiller. And a man at the helm. When it comes to stately 1.8 TSI GTI 3d 19,095 6.7 146 192 236 47.1 139 7/10
1.0T Design 15,995 10.5 124 105 125 65.7 99 7/10 speed, nothing does it better than a Rolls. 1.4 TDI Mtch 5d 15,770 12.9 108 75 155 83.1 88 8/10
1.4T 150 SRi 18,895 7.8 134 150 181 51.4 128 7/10 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3970x1682x1462, 45-litre fuel
1.6 CDTi Design 18,180 9.0 127 136 236 76.3 99 7/10 2 MERCEDES S350 L tank, 280/952-litre boot, 9 engines, 8 trims, 32 models in total.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4370x1871x1485, 48-litre fuel BLUETEC GOLF
tank, 370/1210-litre boot, 8 engines, 5 trims, 41 models in total. Price 67,995 Specs 262bhp,
The best done better than ever. You
INSIGNIA 458 lb ft, 0-62mph 6.8secs, VMax need no other hatchback. So dont
waste your time looking.
The Vectra replacement that changed 155mph, 50.4mpg, CO2 148g/km
its name to avoid incrimination in past
crimes. Good to drive, smart design. Its here, and its even better than we expected. Tech and PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.4 TSI GT Ed 5d 24,870 8.2 134 150 184 57.6 115 8/10
lux combined to seamless efect (to create TechLux!).
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 2.0 GTI 5d 28,515 6.5 153 220 258 47.1 139 8/10
Trounces A8 and 7-Series rivals.
2.8 T VXR SS 30,619 5.6 170 325 320 25.7 249 6/10 2.0 R 5d 31,840 5.1 155 300 280 39.8 165 9/10
2.0 CDTi SRi ST 23,674 9.4 137 170 295 60.1 124 6/10 1.6 TDI Match 5d 22,350 10.7 119 110 184 74.3 99 8/10
3 BENTLEY MULSANNE 2.0 GTD 5d
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4830x1860x1530, 70-litre fuel 27,975 7.5 143 184 258 67.3 109 8/10
tank, 530/1470-litre boot, 9 engines, 6 trims, 106 models in total. Price 229,360 Specs 505bhp,
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4260x1800x1450, 50-litre fuel
752 lb ft, 0-62mph 5.3secs,
VXR8 VMax 184mph, 16.8mpg,
tank, 380/1270-litre boot, 13 engines, 9 trims, 48 models in total.

No-nonsense Aussie saloon is back. TG

cheers loudly. Particularly as it now has CO2 393g/km DATA IN NUMBERS: R V RS
nearly 600bhp... Strewth.
Like the wonderful old Arnage it replaces, the big ol
Ford Focus RS 1,480 cheaper than VW Golf R 5dr
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Bentley will show those peasants whos boss. And who
6.2 V8 GTS 55,500 4.9 155 584 545 18.5 363 7/10 cares if it has a slightly piggy nose? BEETLE
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4940x1900x1470, 73-litre fuel tank, A sportier Beetle? Does that make this a
495-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total. cockroach? Never mind, the retro VW now
4 RANGE ROVER LWB
ND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS

MERIVA Price 106,250 Specs 339bhp,

has a smattering of driver appeal.

Mini-MPV with rear suicide doors to PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
ease child installation and ejection of
517 lb ft, 0-62mph 6.6secs, 1.2 TSI Design 18,905 10.9 112 105 129 51.4 128 6/10
drunks. Like a Black Cab, minus vomit. VMax 135mph, 33.6mpg,
1.4 TSI Sport 22,760 8.7 126 150 185 48.7 134 7/10
CO2 219g/km
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4640x1770x1480, 68-litre fuel
1.6 CDTi Excl 21,040 9.9 122 136 236 64.2 116 7/10 New long wheelbase Rangey proves that it is possible tank, 510-litre boot, 5 engines, 4 trims, 20 models in total.

Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4290x1810x1620, 54-litre fuel to shoot grouse during the day and roll up to a state PASSAT
tank, 400/1500-litre boot, 7 engines, 4 trims, 21 models in total. banquet in the evening, all in the same car. The driver likes to pretend hes an exec,
MOKKA when in truth hes a rep thats made his
monthly bonus. Fine car, though.
There are many good little crossovers 5 ROLLS ROYCE GHOST
on sale. The Vauxhall Mokka isnt one of Price 216,864 Specs 563bhp, PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
them. Looks quite nice, though. 1.6 TDI S 22,650 10.8 128 120 185 70.6 105 7/10
575 lb ft, 0-62mph 4.9secs,
2.0 TDI S 23,775 8.7 137 150 251 70.6 106 7/10
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING VMax 155mph, 20.2mpg,
1.4T 140 Tech 17,424 9.3 120 140 148 45.6 145 4/10 2.0 TDI SCR GT 28,225 7.9 147 190 295 68.9 107 7/10
CO2 327g/km
1.6 CDTi Tech Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4767x1832x1456, 59/66-litre fuel
18,964 9.3 119 136 236 68.9 106 4/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4278x1777x1654, 54-litre fuel
To call the Ghost the 'cheap' Rolls is to do it a massive tank, 586/1152-litre boot, 4 engines, 5 trims, 26 models in total.

tank, 362/1372/663-litre boot, 3 engines, 5 trims, 17 models in total. disservice. Retains the old-world charm and luxury
despite being based on the old BMW 7 Series. DATA IN NUMBERS: SURPRISE PACE
ZAFIRA TOURER
Whod of thunk it? The words Zara Volkswagen Passat 2.0 BiTDI 240 SCR 0-62mph 6.1secs
and desirable in the same sentence.
6 BMW 730D Mini Hatch John Cooper Works auto 0-62mph 6.1secs
Boomerang eyes are locked on S-Max...
Price 64,530 Specs 265bhp,
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 457 lb ft, 0-62mph 6.1secs, CC
2.0 CDTi SRi 25,455 9.1 129 170 280 54.3 137 7/10 VMax 155mph, 60.1mpg, Facelifted CC has dropped the Passat
name, but not the underpinnings.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4600x1850x1760, 65-litre fuel CO2 124g/km Cheap, able alternative to the Merc CLS.
tank, 420/1420-litre boot, 5 engines, 5 trims, 22 models in total.
New part-carbon 7 is packed with tech. Tick the right PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
VOLKSWAGEN box and it can even slot itself into a parking space
without anyone behind the wheel. Very amusing.
2.0 TDI 184 GT 30,910 8.6 141 184 258 64.2 114
Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 4800x1860x1420, 70-litre fuel tank,
7/10
TopGear on Volkswagen:
532-litre boot, 4 engines, 2 trims, 5 models in total.
Quietly brilliant, thoroughly deserving of every accolade
chucked its way. Up and Golf particular highlights.
7 BENTLEY BENTAYGA SCIROCCO
UP Price 160,200 Specs 600bhp, Still great looking, but now resting on a
platform two gens behind the Golf. Mi-
Finally, a VW city car you want to own. 664lb ft, 0-62mph 4.0secs, nor facelift isnt enough to disguise this.
Neat styling and packaging to shame VMax 187mph, 21.6mpg,
Ikeas nest, we like the Up. A lot. PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
CO2 296g/km
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 2.0 TSI 180 23,065 7.4 140 180 207 47.1 148 7/10
1.0 Take Up 3d 8,945 14.4 99 60 70 62.8 105 8/10 Bentley says the Bentayga is the "fastest, most powerful, 2.0 TSI 280 R 32,885 5.7 155 280 258 35.3 187 8/10
1.0 Club Up 5d 12,625 13.2 106 75 70 60.1 108 8/10 most luxurious SUV in the world". It is also quite 2.0 TDI 150 23,730 8.6 134 150 199 67.3 109 6/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 3540x1640x1490, 35-litre fuel astounding, without being massivley nice to look at... Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4256x1810x1406, 55-litre fuel
tank, 251/951-litre boot, 2 engines, 6 trims, 16 models in total. tank, 312/1006-litre boot, 6 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total.

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 TOURAN S90
VOLKSWAGEN-ZENOS

TOP 5
New Touran sits on same MQB architec- Think XC90, only a bit lower and without
ture as latest Golf. As before, a dull but the two extra seats. Much Swedish cool-
capable way to ferry many people. ness thrown in for free.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.6 TDI SE 25,230 11.9 116 110 185 64.2 116 6/10 2.0 D4 Moment 32,555 8.2 143 190 295 64.2 116 TBA
MOST ECO DIESEL
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4527x1814x1628, 58-litre fuel 2.0 D5 Inscrip 42,055 7.0 149 235 354 58.9 127 TBA
tank, 137/1857-litre boot, 5 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total.
Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 4963x1895x1443, 55-litre fuel
SHARAN 1 Peugeot 208
tank, 500-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total.

More VW MPV-ery, this time quite

good. Its comfortable, practical, seats 1.6 BlueHDi 75 S&S DATA IN NUMBERS: PRICE POINTER
seven easily and gets decent engines.
94.2mpg Volvo S90 range, prices from 32,555 (190bhp D4)
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
1.4 TSI 150 SE 28,835 10.7 122 150 177 43.5 150 7/10 BMW 5-Series range, prices from 31,115 (150bhp 518d)
2.0 TDI 150 SE
Euro NCAP
30,465 10.3 TBA 150 251 56.5 130
LxWxH in mm: 4850x1900x1720, 70-litre fuel
7/10
2 V90
tank, 300/2297-litre boot, 4 engines, 4 trims, 11 models in total. Peugeot 308 Big estates are back, and the V90 might just
1.6 BlueHDi 120 S&S be our favourite of the lot. But we havent
TIGUAN 91.1mpg
driven it yet, so well get back to you

Smart-looking all-new Tiguan is bigger PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
than the old car and now a much more
able Discovery Sport alternative. 2.0 D4 Moment 34,555 8.5 140 190 295 62.8 119 TBA
2.0 D5 Inscrip 44,055 7.2 149 235 354 57.6 129 TBA
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
2.0 TDI SE Nav 28,005 9.3 127 150 251 58.9 125 7/10
3 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi 95
Euro NCAP n/a LxWxH in mm: 4936x1895x1475, 55-litre fuel
tank, 723/1526-litre boot, 2 engines, 2 trims, 4 models in total.
2.0 TSI R-Line Economic S/S
34,430 7.7 129 180 236 38.2 170 7/10
XC60
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4486x1839x1632, 60-litre fuel
tank, 615/1650-litre boot, 2 engines, 5 trims, 12 models in total.
88.3mpg Mid-size SUV stued with health and
safety kit. It should come in uoro yel-
TOUAREG low with a loud hailer as standard.
If a large SUV can be inoensive, this is PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
it. Shares much with the Cayenne, ex-
cept the price and cock-wafting image.
4 Renualt Clio 2.0 D4 SE Lux 34,360 7.6 130 190 295 62.8 117 6/10
1.5 dCi 90 ECO Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4630x1860x1490, 70-litre fuel
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
88.3mpg
tank, 495/1455-litre boot, 3 engines, 4 trims, 14 models in total.
3.0 TDI SE 43,900 8.7 128 204 332 42.8 173 6/10
3.0 TDI R-Line 48,700 7.3 140 262 373 42.8 174 7/10 XC90
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4801x1940x1709, 85-litre fuel Everything we hoped it would be, and
tank, 493/1555-litre boot, 2 engines, 3 trims, 5 models in total.
more besides. Superb safety systems,
fantastic tech and practicality.
5
VOLVO Vauxhall Corsa
1.3 CDTi 95 S/S ecoex 2.0 D5
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT
46,250 7.4 137 228 347 49.6 149
MPG CO2 RATING
9/10
TopGear on Volvo:
Far removed from Volvo of old, and far more than just
boxes on wheels. Even though they are boxy. 88.3mpg 2.0 T6 49,705 6.1 143 324 295 36.7 179 9/10
2.0 T8 60,455 5.3 140 406 295 104.6 99 9/10
V40 Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4950x2008x1776, 50/71-litre fuel
tank, 397/1951-litre boot, 3 engines, 3 trims, 9 models in total.
Volvo nally pulls its nger out and gets MOST ECO PETROL
serious about the premium hatchback.
We actually quite like these. VUHL
TopGear on Vuhl:
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 1 Suzuki Celerio Thought up by a pair of Mexican brothers with a
1.5 T2 SE 22,355 9.2 1118 122 162 51.4 129 7/10 background in industrial design. 05 is a promising start.
1.0 Dualjet
2.0 T5 R-Des L
2.0 D3 150 SE
31,850 6.0 149 245 258 47.9 137
23,920 7.9 130 150 236 74.3 99
7/10
8/10 78.4mpg 05
Looks like a little British track thing.
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4370x1800x1450, 52-litre fuel Isnt. Mexican money, Italian design,
tank, 335/1032-litre boot, 7 engines, 7 trims, 45 models in total. Ford power. Good eort.

S60 2 PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

At last, a BMW 3-Series rival thats actu- Fiat 500 2.0T 59,995 3.7 152 285 310 n/a n/a 7/10
ally a 3-Series size. Good engines, nice 0.9 Twinair
interior, but no 3-Series to drive. Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3718x1876x1120, 40-litre fuel
74.3mpg tank, 70-litre boot, 1 engine, 1 trim, 1 model in total.

PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING

1.5 T3 Business 22,740 8.1 130 154 185 48.7 135 6/10 DATA IN NUMBERS: PRICE POINTER
2.0 D4 Business 24,295 7.1 143 190 295 72.8 102 7/10
3 Vuhl 05 59,995
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4630x1860x1490, 67-litre fuel
tank, 339-litre boot, 8 engines, 5 trims, 36 models in total.
Peugeot 108 Porsche Boxster Spyder 60,459
1.0 68
V60 68.9mpg ZENOS
Estate version of the S60, only Volvo
insists its not actually an estate, but a TopGear on Zenos:
sportswagon. Its an estate, Volvo. Upstart staed by ex-Caterham execs. It shows
Ford-engined E10 is admirably well-executed.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING 4 Citroen C1 E10
2.0 D4 Business 25,495 7.2 140 190 295 70.6 104 7/10 What do you get when former Cater-
D6 Plug-in
1.0 68 ham chiefs leave to design their own
50,175 5.8 143 220 325 155 48 7/10
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4628x1865x1484, 67-litre fuel 68.9mpg car? Um, a 21st century Caterham.
tank, 430/1241-litre boot, 6 engines, 9 trims, 36 models in total.
PRICE 062 MPH BHP LB FT MPG CO2 RATING
V70/XC70 E10 S 29,995 4.0 145 250 295 n/a n/a 8/10
Close your eyes and think of a Volvo. And Euro NCAP n/a, LxWxH in mm: 3800x1870x1130, n/a-litre fuel
here it is the 21st century incarnation of 5 Toyota Aygo
tank, n/a-litre boot, 1 engine, 2 trims, 2 models in total.
the classic estate. Now rather o the pace.
1.0 68
DATA IN NUMBERS: 10 OUT OF 10
PRICE
2.0 D4 Business 27,395
062 MPH BHP
8.1 137 181
LB FT MPG
295 67.3 109
CO2 RATING
5/10
68.9mpg
Zenos E10 kerbweight 700kg
Euro NCAP LxWxH in mm: 4820x1860x1550, 70-litre fuel
tank, 575/1600-litre boot, 5 engines, 4 trims, 28 models in total. Hyundai i10 1.0 kerbweight 933kg

FOR ALL THE FACTS AND STATS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY CAR ON SALE IN THE UK GO TO TOPGEAR.COM/REVIEWS
 o
N
09
MITSUBISHI
3000GT
ometimes a bad car can be enlivened by a good journey.
S
Its just as well it was, because as cars go, the Mitsubishi
3000GT was largely devoid of any redeeming features.
I know, it looks fast and actually is quite fast, arriving
from Japan in the same wave as the twin-turbocharged
Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7, but thats about it.
Its 281bhp was deployed through all four wheels, it had four-wheel
steer and computer-controlled suspension. Allegedly. More importantly,
it was, as I remember, one of the most tuneable cars in the original Gran
Turismo, capable of being boosted to somewhere above 900bhp.
Largely as a result of that, Id wanted to drive one for ages. What a
disappointment. The engine was coarse, the gearbox clunky, the brakes
weak, the turning circle huge and of the two suspension settings, Touring
and Sport, one shook the seat hard enough to give you a massage. The
other was like experiencing the space shuttle on re-entry.
It cornered flat and fast, but the steering was horrible, the handling
had little finesse and at 1,730kg it weighed the same as a BMW 7-Series
DEFENDING THE INDEFENSIBLE SINCE 2015
18 6 JULY 2016 J TOPGEAR.COM
Bitter experience proves
3000GT wasnt ideal
booze cruise transport
of the day. They even managed to make the
cabin hopelessly cramped and to liberate
only 165 litres of space in the boot.
So naturally I took it on a booze cruise to France (you did these
things back then). My girlfriend and I sat with our heads canted over
to avoid them being smacked against the roof lining, while perched
on ruched leather seats. We had to stop and buy a road atlas as
the satnav was tragic. By the time we reached Dover, we were ready
to turn around and drive home, but, well, wed paid for the ferry.
We pressed on to Calais, where the shallow boot proved utterly
inept at swallowing boxes of wine and beer. I remember sitting
WORDS: OLLIE MARRIAGE
in a hypermarch car park late at night, with not enough booze
in the boot, needing two hands to get reverse, when my passenger
Penny suddenly burst out laughing and exclaimed to me What
a piece of s**t! She wasnt wrong. The 3000GT was hateful, the
girlfriend became my wife. Im thankful to the Mitsubishi for that,
but not a lot else.
 2015
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