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Specific to the A290 is the Alpine Telemetrics system; this sub menu allows the driver to access live telemetry including power application, G-force readings, lap times and brake temperatures, plus built-in analytics and tips to help drivers improve their technique. The 10.1-inch main touchscreen features built-in Google Maps and other Google services without needing to connect to your phone – although if you do, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both wireless. GT Premium and GTS models also have an upgraded stereo system that performs well above the expected level for a car of this size and price. “Alpine has…
Inside, the dashboard has a perforated wood-effect panel instead of the standard glossy plastic – which we think is a nice touch. However, the body-coloured trim around it looks cheap. The synthetic leather used for the seats and some other surfaces doesn’t feel of such high quality as the materials you get in the Alpine A290, which is another small EV available for similar money. The rest of the cabin being made of hard black scratchy plastic does nothing to justify the price tag either. Advertisement – Article continues belowOne subtle change for the Armani edition is that the creepy…
Along with differing battery sizes, there are two power outputs with the Smart #1: the standard single electric motor, rear-wheel drive model with 268bhp that’s available with Pure, Pro, Pro+ and Premium trims, or the high-performance Brabus model with two electric motors, giving you four-wheel drive and 422bhp. As already alluded to, there are five trim levels, starting with the Pure trim. It comes with all the stuff you’d need, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED head and tail lights, auto lights and wipers, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Upgrade to Pro trim for 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass…
There’s plenty of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel in all versions of the Born, while the upgraded Sabelt seats in the sporty VZ model are superb. They offer excellent support when cornering, while remaining comfortable on longer trips, too. While slightly taller alternatives, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and BYD Dolphin offer a little more rear legroom, the Born is above average for the segment, and passengers benefit from more shapely and supportive seats than in either the Kona or Dolphin, too. Headroom is fine for six-footers, although large C-pillars make things feel a little more…
VerdictIf you distill the rationale of any modern SUV, most of us would need nothing more than the Suzuki Swift Allgrip. This charming supermini comes with an efficient hybrid petrol engine, spacious interior and all the tech you could reasonably want, with the added capability of a capable all-wheel-drive system that’ll laugh in the face of wind, rain and snow. It’s not flash, but to many that’ll be part of its appeal. Advertisement – Article continues belowSuzuki has a habit of cutting through the fluff in offering customers the sort of car they need, not what they think they need. The…
The Bigster 4×4 might be one of the cheapest C-segment SUVs out there, but it comes with various drive modes. There’s ‘Auto’ which automatically distributes torque between the two axles, depending on speed and grip levels. There’s also the self-explanatory ‘Snow’, ‘Mud and Sand’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Off-road’. A hill descent control also comes standard on the Extreme and works at up to 19mph, operating in all gears including reverse. There’s also an off-road readout on the infotainment screen that displays useful information such as your altitude, the slope or tilt of the car, plus that all-important gadget for proper adventurers,…
“I like the fact that cars such as the Puma ST exist, because they offer fun driving in a practical package and don’t mean compromises need to be made. It’s not quite as good as it once was, though, and these days a regular Puma is going to be just as much fun, maybe even more so with a manual gearbox.” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor The ST gets extra standard safety kit when compared with the rest of the rangePros Driver Assistance Pack comes as standard 360-degree camera system boosts visibility Cons Average 4-star safety rating Plenty of dealers around…
While we were away, the EC40 was excellent. The simplicity of the infotainment and tech suits me perfectly, and it’s a comfortable, practical car with a smooth motorway ride. I’ve spoken with colleagues about my love of Volvo and wondered if I’m the only one. Many of them have been behind the wheel of the latest models, including the EX90. Therefore, while they agree that our EC40 ticks many boxes, they feel the infotainment and screen size seem a little dated, as does the cabin. Happy to be behind the curve, I’m still thoroughly impressed by the understated usability of…
It’s better when there’s some charge in the battery, but the small 11.4kWh pack only has an official range of 30 miles, so you don’t have to travel very far before the petrol engine kicks in. And when the motor does fire up, it can become pretty coarse, especially under hard acceleration. There’s plenty of urge once you’re moving, but it’s not the most pleasant experience. Advertisement – Article continues belowThe rest of the drive isn’t a patch on newer rivals, either. There’s good grip and the ride is reasonable on those small wheels, but body roll is pronounced and…
The subject of our 2025 summer tyre test is the best-selling 18-inch tyre, the 225/40 R18. It’s three years since we last put this size through the comprehensive Auto Express test regime and back then there were Covid-related supply issues that saw some big names absent. It was a close contest, with the Bridgestone Potenza Sport just seeing off the Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 6 for the win, with the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 a healthy third. Advertisement – Article continues belowBoth Bridgestone and Goodyear are back again this year and they’re up against a strong group. Among the competition are…