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In keeping with modern trends, there’s an array of digital displays for the driver – and plenty of menus to find your way around. But there is also a good balance of physical switches for some of the main functions, including the temperature control and heated seats, plus a really useful head-up display. At the moment, I find some of the user journeys and menus, and certain aspects of the navigation, a little counterintuitive. But I’m confident that with a bit more time, I’ll find my rhythm. The Technology pack means the A3 has a SONOS 3D Premium Sound System.…
Standard safety kit includes LED headlights, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning and speed-limit assist, while autonomous emergency braking and driver-tiredness alert are also included. Vauxhall includes a handy shortcut button on the dashboard that provides instant access to the driver-assistance tech, although some settings, such as the speed-limit warning, will have to be updated every time you drive. Adaptive cruise control comes with the top-of-the-range Ultimate, as well as blind spot monitoring – all of which feature as standard on the entry-level VW T-Cross. Key standard safety features Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Lane-keep assistance Driver attention monitor Traffic sign recognition…
Joining the line-up in 2025 was the Frontera Extended Range, which comes with a larger 54kWh battery and a much more appealing 253-mile range – five miles more than the Citroen e-C3 Aircross with the same battery. Given the Frontera Electric’s relatively small 44kWh battery, it’ll be able to top up from 20 to 80 per cent of its capacity in 26 minutes, despite having a fairly average recharge speed of 100kW. The same maximum charge rate will see a 20 to 80 per cent charge in the Extended Range model take 28 minutes. An 11kW on-board charger is also fitted…
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…