Sorted Magazine

Category: Motoring

  • Motoring: “The information system is among the best in the business”

    Audi Q3 Sportback

    The Q3 Sportback is quite trendy looking and is available in three trims.

    The primary focus here is the PHEV, which I drove in S Line trim.

    With 245PS on tap, it feels brisk, especially as the electric motor’s acceleration comes instantly in a burst. It does 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, which is adequate for most, topping out at 130mph.

    The PHEV has a firmer suspension to deal with the extra electrified heft, but you’ll struggle to notice – it still corners smoothly and doesn’t resist.

    Of course, the PHEV is economical, returning official figures of 148mpg in the S Line trim. However, getting near these figures requires keeping the battery topped up and ensuring the car runs on electric power only as often as possible.

    The PHEV is a no-brainer, then, if you’re looking for a company car. Its ultra-low emissions will generate the best savings in Benefit in Kind tax.

    Audi makes some of the best interiors, and the Q3 gets the same treatment. It looks smart and sophisticated and has a superbly premium feel, especially the two-tiered dashboard, which is bathed in silver and grey décor. It houses an embedded infotainment screen that is slightly angled towards the driver.

    The PHEV’s silver pedals and light door trims also make the interior look inviting. Everything – including well-dampened switches, dials, and buttons – feels solid, sturdy, and well put together.

    The infotainment system is among the best in the business, too, with intuitive menus and a clear, high-resolution display. There is no rotary dial, which means it’s not the easiest to use on the move, but the Q3 Sportback comes with voice control, which works reasonably reliably.

    There are no traditional dials behind the steering wheel; instead, they are replaced by the Audi Virtual Cockpit display, which offers a variety of customisable options so you can choose what information you want to see.

    Finding a comfortable driving position is easy in the Q3 Sportback, with plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel. You sit reasonably high, with good forward visibility, while the windscreen pillars are kept slim, aiding your view at road junctions.

    Rearward visibility is more restricted, though, with thicker diagonal rear pillars, making the rear windscreen’s angle shallow, further limiting your view. Still, it’s mitigated somewhat by including rear parking sensors, although a rear-view camera is available as an optional extra.

    The front has enough headroom to accommodate drivers well over six feet tall, and the expansive cabin provides sufficient shoulder space. Things could be more rosy in the back, though. The sloping roofline makes the rear hostile to the tallest passengers, but there’s a decent amount of legroom. The rear seats recline, too, which may reduce the chance of banging your head off the ceiling.

    Another downside of the Q3 Sportback is that the boot effectively has a chunk chopped off it compared with the standard Q3. Interestingly, this doesn’t lessen the Q3 Sportback’s boot capacity. It is listed as 530 litres for both models – although the space is more usable in the standard Q3. However, choosing the Sportback PHEV reduces the cargo capacity to 380 litres.

    The back seats can be folded in a versatile and convenient 40:20:40 split, expanding the available boot capacity. You can also create more space with the rear seats in place as they slide back and forth, although the boot still isn’t tiny, even in its most compromised configuration. As a result, you’ll easily fit folded-up prams, golf clubs and supermarket sweeps.

    In conclusion, the Q3 Sportback is a tempting car with plenty of attributes in its favour. It has refined engines, a lovely interior, and reasonable handling. The ride is a little on the firm side; nevertheless, if you can live with that and the drawbacks of the limited rear headroom, this Audi makes a good case for itself.

    Fast Facts – Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e S tronic – as tested:

    • Max speed: 130 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 7.3 secs
    • Fuel economy: 148.7 mpg
    • Engine layout: 1395cc four-cylinder turbo petrol + electric
    • Max. power (PS): 245
    • CO2: 44 g/km
    • Price: £47,165.

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Audi

  • Motoring: New Aston Martin Vanquish

    “All will be vanquished” said Aston Martin’s marketing department as it teased its new car.

    How right its statement may turn out to be.

    The new Vanquish is finally here – and it’s described as the “most potent flagship” in Aston Martin’s 111-year history.

    In an era where plug-in hybrids and electric cars are starting to dominate, the famous marque from Warwickshire is hailing the rebirth of its legendary V12. It boasts 5.2 litres, a twin-turbo and a staggering 835PS – yes, you read that last figure right.

    As if that wasn’t enough, a 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds, 1000Nm of torque and a top speed of 214mph – the highest ever on an Aston Martin production car – tells you all you need to know. Even the Pirelli-supplied tyres are made from a compound custom-made for the new Vanquish.

    The Vanquish’s cylinder block and conrods have been strengthened, and the camshafts reprofiled. It also has higher flowrate fuel injectors, and reduced inertia turbochargers help increase throttle response. In addition, a new Boost Reserve function raises turbo boost pressure above what’s normally required for any throttle position, aiding performance across the rev range. This means that burying your foot to the floor will deliver full power quicker than before.

    The car is rear-wheel drive and sits on 21-inch alloy wheels. It features an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an 80-mm-extended wheelbase. While this adds weight, Aston Martin has countered this with a carbon fibre body to keep the mass to a minimum, although the structure remains bonded aluminium as before.

    An electronic rear limited slip differential maximises grip from the rear wheels, providing greater agility and better control of oversteer. It also increases the car’s rotation in corners, making for faster cornering speeds.

    What’s more, the Vanquish has brand-new dampers, which, according to Aston Martin, will ensure the ride remains firm but comfortable. It has a double-wishbone front suspension setup and multi-link at the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes are included as standard, too.

    The expansion of the front grille – a feature of a handful of recent Aston Martins – continues on the Vanquish. The rest of the car’s silhouette is unmistakeably familiar, including bulging shoulders above the rear wheel arches.

    A curved black carbon fibre strip wraps around the back, and the taillights have thin blades on either side. The number plate sits low, flanked by two pairs of large, slightly squared-off tailpipes.

    The interior is gorgeous. It houses hand-trimmed leather and looks fantastic. It has plenty of piano black surfaces and a menacingly authoritative centre console.

    The infotainment screen is slanted diagonally, bridging the gap between the centre console and the dashboard, while thin air vents sit above the touchscreen. A second screen – the digital instrument display – replaces the more traditional analogue dials behind the steering wheel. Meanwhile, a full-length panoramic glass roof ensures plenty of light so you can fully admire the cabin’s beauty.

    A Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system will add more impressive noises to the car, assuming you’re okay with the V12 symphony being accompanied by actual music.

    A plethora of safety systems will keep you safe, but you’ll need deep pockets if you want a Vanquish. Aston Martin only makes 1,000 of them each year, and the 2025 model costs upwards of £335,000.

    The Vanquish looks like it’ll live up to its name then, certainly as far as your wallet is concerned.

    Fast Facts – New 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish:

    • Max speed: 214 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 3.3 secs
    • Fuel economy: 20.7 mpg
    • Engine layout: V12 5.2-litre twin-turbo
    • Max. power (PS): 835
    • CO2: 274 g/km
    • Price from: £335,000 On the Road.

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Aston Martin Vanquish

  • A car to be reckoned with: The Cupra Formentor

    Cupra is the performance brand of Seat, so its cars will be familiar to those who know Seat’s range.

    But the Formentor is exclusive to Cupra – there is no bog-standard Seat version. It is a different beast, too, with aggressive looks and a mean face.

    There are plenty of trim levels, but it’s the 2.0 TSI VZ2 310PS version tested for this review.

    The VZ2 grade comes with 19-inch alloys, dynamic chassis control, smart interior lighting, LED lights, a 12-inch touchscreen with voice control and keyless entry/start. It also boasts SatNav, a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital cockpit, lumbar support, sports pedals, an electric tailgate, a heated steering wheel and sports suspension.

    The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is linked to a seven-speed DSG automatic. The powertrain provides a good deal of performance, getting to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds, and the handling is excellent.

    This Cupra possesses an envious blend of comfort and performance, one that might push those seeking the former towards a SEAT Ateca and the latter towards a hot hatch. But that would be an injustice, as the Formentor has plenty of agility and doesn’t wallow about.

    Inside, the cabin impresses with plenty of soft-to-the-touch surfaces, an imposing steering wheel and a large infotainment screen. Frustratingly, though, there are few physical buttons. Instead, nearly everything is done through the touchscreen, which is inconvenient when moving. Mind you; the digital instrument display is nicely laid out, informative and customisable.

    You are not short-changed on space, either, with lots of room in the front and rear, plus decent headroom. However, the driving position is lower than expected, partly as you sit in, rather than on, the deep bucket seats.

    Four hundred and twenty litres of boot space is offered, but if you need more room, the seats fold flat in a 60:40 split at the pull of a handle.

    You will get up to 33mpg (I averaged 31mpg), producing 192g/km CO2 in the process.

    Safety-wise, the Formentor earned a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It is equipped with adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, forward collision warning, driver attention alert, and lane-change assist, along with other technology.

    Overall, the Formentor is a car to be reckoned with, with generous equipment levels, a spacious cabin, good looks, and impressive performance.

    It is not cheap, though, and that could count against it, but lower trim levels will shave off some of the expense.

    Fast Facts – Cupra Formentor (2.0 TSI 310PS, VZ2 trim) as tested:

    • Max speed: 155 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 4.9 secs
    • Combined mpg: 33.2
    • Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol, four-wheel drive
    • Max. power (PS): 310
    • CO2: 192 g/km
    • Price: £42,795

  • Motoring: Ford Mustang Mach 1

    If you’re under a certain age, you might not appreciate the significance of ‘Mach 1’, but it was a performance-focused variant of the Mustang from the 1960s.

    In layperson’s terms, this should be quicker, more aggressive-looking and have superior handling than a standard Mustang.

    Ford has announced that the limited-edition, high-performance Mustang Mach 1 will be available to customers in Europe for the first time ever.

    Ford is positioning the Mach 1 as a track car. The Shelby variants of the Mustang aren’t available on these shores, so the Mach 1 is the go-to motor for those who want a Mustang capable of more than just being a muscle machine.

    The automaker hopes that’s been achieved by stiffening up the suspension, introducing a limited-slip differential and fitting Brembo brakes. That is in addition to a host of other modifications, including adaptive dampers.

    460PS is offered, too, thanks to the 5.0-litre V8. You get a ten-speed automatic, too, which is good, but sometimes it doesn’t know which gear to be in due to having too many choices.

    As you’d imagine, the noise the Mach 1 makes is joyful.

    Zero to 62mph is dispatched in 4.4 seconds, and it feels as powerful as it sounds.

    There is also an aerodynamics upgrade that increases downforce by around a quarter, which aids the handling.

    The steering has been sharpened up, making the Mustang more precise and easier to place around a bend – something the standard car is less adept at.

    The suspension means there’s little to no springiness in the ride, but while the Mustang has never been a Rolls Royce in terms of ride comfort, it isn’t back breaking.

    Inside, the seats are comfortable, and, for a sports car, it’s pretty handy, with decent storage, silver trim and an infotainment screen with Ford’s SYNC 3 system.

    Regarding running costs, it’s best you don’t ask. I didn’t get above 17mpg, although the official figure is 24.1mpg – and you’ll be road-taxed to the hilt.

    But this is a revival of the 60s/70s Mach 1 spirit, and as a result, it’s very much one for you if you’re a purist, collector, or Mustang fanatic.

    Fast Facts – Ford Mustang (Mach 1) as tested:

    • Max speed: 155 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 4.4 secs
    • Combined mpg: 24.1mpg
    • Engine layout: 5.0-litre V8
    • Max. power (PS): 460
    • CO2: 270 g/km
    • Price: £62,075
    All photo credits: Ford

  • McLaren GT: among the best in its class

    When McLaren arrived back on the automotive scene in 2011, it did so with great aplomb with the MP4-12C, later known just as the 12C.

    The evolution of that car into the 650S and then the 720S has paved the way for the latest rendition: the GT.

    It isn’t necessarily a natural long-term successor to the 12C, though, as the name implies, this is a Grand Tourer – a first for McLaren.

    In theory, that should mean it’s easier to live with day-to-day, capable of racking up the motorway miles in a trans-European dash.

    Whether that’s achieved in practice might be questionable, though, as McLaren is a pure racing brand and, therefore, drivability remains its priority.

    The GT looks gorgeous, as supercars do, albeit not as crazy as the 650S or 720S, and it’s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 620PS.

    Based on the 720S’ platform, it accommodates more brand-new parts than those carried over from its predecessor. It also utilises more carbon fibre, which makes its housings smaller, resulting in more usable space in the luggage department.

    In fact, despite being mid-engined, it offers a 420-litre boot as well as 150 litres of storage underneath the bonnet – in total, matching the Mazda CX-60 SUV.

    Three trims are offered – Standard, Pioneer and Luxe – although they are all priced identically, with the Standard housing Nappa Leather, the Pioneer coming with Alcantara heated seats with electric memory adjustment, and the Luxe offering the same as the Pioneer but with Softgrain Aniline leather and a lighter colour scheme.

    There are additional practicality options, too, with packs offering parking sensors, a rear-view camera, a Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system and a powered tailgate, amongst others – and these are at no additional cost.

    The McLaren is noticeably lighter to drive than most GT cars. Indeed, it beats the Bentley Continental GT by nearly three-quarters of a tonne, making it all the more agile.

    The steering is right on point, weighting up perfectly to offer the precision you need to tackle bends quickly, and, in this regard, it’s among the best in its class.

    It can cruise along slowly just fine, but when you’re hungry to get up to speed, it wastes no time at all, dealing with 0-62mph in a staggering 3.2-seconds and topping out at 203mph – and it’s raucous when it gets going.

    Admittedly, although the suspension has been fitted with softer springs, the ride is still firmer than in most Grand Tourers.

    Whether you could achieve a GT car’s true purpose – managing a 500-mile journey across Europe without losing the feeling in your legs – remains to be seen.

    That said, the suspension is still well-damped, considering its enthusiastic characteristics. Meanwhile, the ability to raise the nose over speedbumps and the luxurious touches in the cabin certainly make it easier to live with than any other McLaren.

    The McLaren GT is a lovely car to drive – and it’s just a smidgeon less ferocious than the manufacturer’s other cars.

    But really, it’s a halfway house, as it’s far less forgiving than the likes of a bulky Bentley Continental GT.

    On the other hand, this is a McLaren, so we shouldn’t be expecting anything else. However, it certainly blurs the lines between racer-supercar and Grand Tourer.

    At least it means you can thunder across the continent and power slide around the twisty backroads of the French Riviera with a warm backside.

    And you’ve got the satisfaction that your golf clubs can come along, too.

    Fast Facts – McLaren GT

    Max speed: 203 mph

    0-62 mph: 3.2 secs

    Fuel economy: 23.7 mpg (WLTP)

    Engine layout: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

    Max. power (PS): 620

    CO2: 270 g/km

    Price: £165,230

    Photo credits: McLaren GT

  • A magic carpet ride: The Rolls-Royce Ghost

    The new Rolls-Royce Ghost

    If a Mercedes-Benz S-Class isn’t posh enough, but a Rolls-Royce Phantom is too excessive, then this is where the new Ghost fits in – theoretically.

    Designed to be somewhere between the two, the modern-day Ghost looks ever so slightly more ‘executive’ from the back compared with the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s truly chauffeured aesthetic.

    Another car the new Ghost hopes to take sales from is the BMW 7 Series. In fact, the old Rolls-Royce Ghost shared many of the Bimmer’s components, but now it’s based on a new aluminium platform which is also used by its sister cars from Rolls: the current Phantom and the Cullinan SUV.

    While there are several ‘trim levels’ (known as ‘Inspired Specifications’), they mainly refer to the Ghost’s exterior styling and wheels.

    The equipment list is dizzying, featuring a choice of 19, 20 or 21-inch wheels in a variety of designs, high gloss and open pore veneer interior trim, a panoramic sunroof, a ‘Starlight’ headliner, and an infotainment system. There are also endless personalisation options to make the Ghost genuinely unique to you, right up to the colour of the ring that surrounds the Rolls-Royce badge on each of the wheels.

    Quite simply, there are no highlights because everything in a Rolls-Royce is supposed to be a highlight.

    It is awe-inspiring – and, not to be outdone, the engine is a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 with 571PS – and the car comes with four-wheel drive.

    Despite its large size, its turning circle is reduced by four-wheel steering, and regardless of its weight, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is still capable of getting from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds.

    It does it with a whisper, though. Yes, you’ll hear a subdued roar if you floor it, but the new Ghost is sublimely quiet and smooth. At times, you’d swear the car was floating just above the road surface – Rolls-Royce even calls it the ‘Magic Carpet Ride’.

    The Ghost moves away at a pace then, while the enormous tyres generate a stack of grip around corners. Mind you, that’s not enough to limit the body roll, as you might expect.

    Of course, this isn’t a motor built for handling, but although some Rolls-Royce Ghost owners may never drive their car, it’s pretty good for something so large, with responsive steering which weights up pleasingly around twisty bends at speed.

    Just don’t expect the trees to smile at you, given you’ll struggle to achieve 15mpg (the official figure is 18.5mpg), and you’ll be producing nearly 350g/km of CO2. That is well over twice the amount of most everyday cars. Of course, the taxman will expect you to pay handsomely for that, although if you’re in the market for one of these, it’s likely just a case of handing over a bit of extra pocket money.

    The new Rolls-Royce Ghost interior

    The Roll-Royce Ghost’s interior is to die for, with a large number of colour combinations available, an inviting driver’s seat, a shapely dashboard and any number of buttons and controls at your fingertips.

    What’s more, nearly everything in the new Ghost is made by hand, or at least by someone controlling a carving, milling, or cutting machine of some sort.

    Everything right down to the last button, switch or dial looks like it’s been designed indescribably carefully. And, thanks to BMW’s ownership, the infotainment system is a Rolls-Royce-badged variant of the German automaker’s class-leading iDrive system.

    The new Ghost is a joy to sit in, with superbly comfortable seats, while the sufficiency of headroom and legroom is something you simply take for granted when climbing inside. That said, if you must have more space, there is an Extended wheelbase variant if it takes your fancy.

    Meanwhile, opting for the four-seater layout gets you two business class-sized seats in the rear. The downside? You’ll then want to opt for a champagne fridge in between the back seats, which means you have to put up with slightly reduced boot space.

    Talk about first-world problems!

    But to be honest, it’s not a first-world issue because most people, even in the first world, will only come close to affording a new Rolls-Royce Ghost if they sell the house and the kids.

    The Ghost is yours for a mere quarter of a million quid.

    And remember, this is just the entry-level Rolls-Royce – apparently!

    But if you’re still in any doubt about the latest Ghost, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, sums up the model better than anyone:

    “The first Goodwood Ghost was a response to a whole new generation of clients, both in age and attitude. These men and women asked us for a slightly smaller, less ostentatious means to own a Rolls-Royce. The success of the product we created for them fulfilled our most ambitious expectations. Over its ten-year lifespan, which began in 2009, the Ghost has become the most successful model in the marque’s history.

    “To create a new product that would resonate with our Ghost clients for the next ten years meant we had to listen carefully to their demands. Today we set new standards in customer centricity by creating a completely new motor car for a unique group of Rolls-Royce’s clients. These business leaders and entrepreneurs demand more of their Ghost than ever. They require a new type of super-luxury saloon that is dynamic, serenely comfortable, and perfect in its minimalism. The Ghost is this product.

    “The only components that we carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost were the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas. Everything else was designed, crafted, and engineered from the ground up. The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet highly complex product that is perfectly in harmony with our Ghost clients’ needs and perfectly in tune with the times.”

    Fast Facts – Rolls-Royce Ghost II as tested:

    Max speed: 155mph

    0-62 mph: 4.8secs

    Fuel economy: 18.5mpg (WLTP)

    Engine layout: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 petrol engine

    Max. power (PS): 571PS

    CO2: 347g/km

    Price: £250,000

    All photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce.

  • Motoring: “The perfect vehicle for those who demand luxury, performance, and technology”

    Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD

    The premium SUV market has seen significant growth in recent years, with many automakers competing to deliver the best combination of luxury, performance and technology. One such automaker in this market Genesis, with the GV70 2.5T AWD Luxury Line.

    The GV70 has a sleek, modern design that turns heads. The front of the vehicle features the brand’s signature crest grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights. The side profile has a bold shoulder line and a sloping roofline, giving the SUV a dynamic appearance. The rear features wraparound LED taillights and dual exhaust system, adding to the vehicle’s athletic look.

    The Genesis GV70’s cabin is a masterclass in refinement. It is spacious and comfy, with ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The seats are leather, and the dashboard features high-quality materials, including wood and metal accents. The centre console is dominated by a large infotainment screen, which is intuitive and easy to use. The GV70 also has a digital instrument cluster, displaying information, including speed, navigation and audio controls.

    Under the bonnet, the GV70 is propelled by a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine. The lump is mated to an eight-seed automatic transmission, which provides sooth and responsive shifts. The South Korean company’s SUV also has an all-wheel-drive system, providing top traction and stability, even in challenging driving conditions.

    The Genesis comes with various safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s eye-view, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and park.

    In summary, this model is an exceptional SUV. Whether commuting to work, taking a road trip, or doing the school run, the Genesis GV70 is the perfect vehicle for those who demand luxury performance and technology.

    The Nitty-Gritty: Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD Luxury Line, as tested

    Price: £45,635

    Max speed: 149 mph

    0-62 mph: 6.1 seconds

    Fuel economy: 29.7 mpg

    Engine Layout: 2497cc four-cylinder turbo petrol

    Max.power (PS): 303

    CO2: 218g/km

  • Motoring: “A posh electric car your kids will love, and Tesla drivers might envy”

    Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor

    The electric vehicle (EV) market is abuzz with new models; this one stands out. With its distinctive saloon-like appearance and a hatchback boot opening, the Polestar 2 sets itself apart in the EV crowd.

    This car is not just another EV, but a compelling choice if you seek practical and high-performance ‘green’ transport. Its maximum power of 499PS and impressive WLTP driving range of 379 to 406 miles make it a strong contender against the Tesla Model 3.

    If you have yet to hear of Polestar, the marque is Volvo’s electric sub-brand, and the Polestar 2 was the first car to really sperate if from the Swedish automaker. The vehicle incorporates the latest battery and efficiency updates, making it one of the longest-range executive-cum-family EVs you can buy or lease.

    Compared with some of its SUV-crossover challengers, the Polestar 2 has a significant advantage when it comes to range. Even the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which shares the Polestar’s structural foundations, has a shorter reach – at least until 2025 updates are ushered in.

    Other rivals, such as the Peugeot E-3008, are worth considering if you need even more practicality, but unlike the Polestar 2 it isn’t perceived as a premium car.

    As mentioned, the Polestar 2’s practicality is a standout feature, especially compared with Tesla’s Model 3. Unlike the Model 3’s smaller boot lid, its hatchback design makes it a more functionals car to live with if you regularly transport bulky items, such as a pushchair.

    Its unique driving position, a balance between an SUV’s raised ride height and a traditional saloon’s lower stance, further enhances its appeal, making it a versatile option for everyday use.

    Polestar has also incorporated Google’s Android operating system into the 2, making it easy to use. The vehicle gets over-the-air updates, too, so it can install the latest apps and software without hassle.

    The Polestar 2 has undergone significant changes to enhance its performance recently. The electric motor has been moved from the front wheels to the rear wheels on the entry-level model, a transformation that adds a new level of excitement to the Polestar’s driving experience.

    In conclusion, the latest Polestar 2 drives excellently and has impressive range and efficiency. It also boasts an excellent infotainment interface, is functional and practical, and looks sexy inside and out. Worth considering if you’re in the market for a posh electric car your kids will love, and Tesla drivers might envy.

    The Nitty-Gritty: Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor, as tested:

    Price: From £48,950 on the road

    Max speed: 127 mph

    0-60 mph: 5.9 secs

    Electric Range: 379-406 miles (WLTP)

    Battery/Motor: 82 KWh/Single Motor

    Max.power (PS): 299

    CO2: 0 g/km

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Polestar 2

  • Motoring: “An impressive vehicle that combines comfort and eco-friendliness”

    Citroen ë-SpaceTourer business lounge M50KWH 136

    Citroen has always been known for its innovative designs, and this ë-SpaceTourer is no exception.

    This electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is a boost for local businesses that want to transport clients and associates in style while being environmentally responsible.

    The Citroen is part of the French brand’s electric vehicle line-up. Its decent design and range make it a popular choice for small and medium-sized enterprises prioritising sustainable transportation.

    With its 50kWh battery, the ë-SpaceTourer can travel an average of 137 miles on a single charge (or up to 201 miles around town), making it ideal for short to medium-distance trips.

    The electric motor delivers 136 horsepower, providing a smooth driving experience. The Citroen can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 13.1seconds, which is not fast but fine for a vehicle of its size. Furthermore, top speed is 81 mph, which is more than sufficient for most local or regional business travel.

    Copyright Marc and David @ Continental Productions

    One of the vehicle’s key advantages is its spacious interior. The MPV can accommodate up to nine people, making it ideal for businesses transporting groups of clients or associates. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, and each chair has an armrest and individual reading lights. The panoramic sunroof provides plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

    The ë-SpaceTourer Business Lounge’s interior is also packed with advanced features that make it a pleasure to drive and ride in. The seven-inch touchscreen display is easy to navigate and provides access to a range of infotainment and connectivity options. Additionally, the Citroen’s sound system delivers crisp, clear audio, making it ideal for playing music or conducting conference calls on the go.

    Crucially, the MPV is kitted out with a range of safety gadgets, including a driver attention alert system, cruise control and speed limiter, front and rear curtain airbags and a rear-view camera. These features help make it a safe and secure choice.

    Copyright Marc and David @ Continental Productions

    The Citroen model is an impressive vehicle that combines comfort and eco-friendliness. Its spacious interior, advanced features, and range make it a good choice for local businesses that want to make a statement while minimising their carbon footprint.

    Whether ferrying clients about or shuttling associates to a team-building event, this is the perfect vehicle for all your business needs.

    Fast Facts: Citroen ëSpaceTourer Business Lounge M50KWH 136, as tested

    Price: £48,695

    Max Speed: 0-62 mph

    Range: 137 combined / 201 city

    Engine Layout: 50 KWh electric motor

    Max. power (PS): 136

    CO2: 0 g/km

    All Photo Credits: Continental Productions

  • Embrace the Adventure: Sleeping in the All-New Dacia Duster in the French Alps

    If you like cars but like the outdoors life even more, then the all-new Dacia Duster might be for you. Why? Well, everything will be revealed in a moment. But first, let me explain a bit about the model, writes Sorted’s Motoring Editor Tim Barnes-Clay.

    Fundamentally, the Duster has become a standard-setter in its market and embodies everything the Dacia marque stands for: ‘Robust and Outdoor’, ‘Essential but Cool’, and ‘Eco-Smart’.

    Sorted Magazine’s Motoring Editor, Tim Barnes-Clay, on his recent trip to the French Alps.

    This iconic car, recipient of over 40 prestigious accolades, is not just a popular choice but a proven one. Its growing popularity and its position as Europe’s best-selling SUV across all retail market segments in 2022 are testaments to its quality and performance.

    But what’s all the fuss about? I mean, it’s still only a car, right? Well, yes – and no. So, let’s get the vehicle bit out of the way. First of all, the fresh Duster features a stronger and more assertive design, reinvented by Dacia to push the striking looks of the previous generations even further.

    With deliberate taut, self-confident lines and a stylish belt wrapping around it, 2024’s Duster is more hardy and ready for the outdoors than ever.

    It is also impressive how the inside of the vehicle has all the essentials. The ergonomics of the design, from the large centre screen positioned perfectly in your field of view to the user-friendly controls, are bang on. The comfort and functionality of the steering wheel, with its flattened surfaces at the top and bottom, are also appreciated.

    As driven here, the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine (badged TCe 130) with mild-hybrid technology provides ample power from the get-go. The standard front-wheel drive is recommended unless you plan to drive off-road, in which case a four-wheel drive version is available.

    Mind you, I did go off-road – up the Alps – and two-wheel drive coped brilliantly. Well, I say off-road – a large chunk of the journey from Lyon to the French Alps was motorway – and even up to Lac de Saint-Guérin was hardly evil terrain.

    Okay, we risked having a puncture on some craggier bits – but we got away with it. And the trim? I was in the Duster ‘Journey’. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic air conditioning, a hands-free keycard, an electric parking brake, a wireless smartphone charger, a Media Nav Live infotainment system with connected navigation, a six-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound System, and more.

    But enough about all that – and on to what the Duster can add to your life.

    What I mean by that is it’s not just a means of transport but a gateway to never-to-be-forgotten outdoor experiences. The all-new Dacia Duster’s relatively spacious interior makes it the perfect companion for adventure, offering the thrill of sleeping in the heart of nature.

    But how is this truly possible in a Duster? With a ‘Sleep Pack’, that’s how! First introduced on the Jogger, it’s now available for the all-new Duster. Part of Dacia’s ‘InNature’ accessories, it’s a simple, removable, 3-in-1 box containing a double bed that folds out with a tray table and storage room. The Sleep Pack measures 1.90 metres in length and is 1.30 metres wide.

    So let me set the scene – Duster, Alps, and all.

    I have always found something magical about gathering around a campfire. In the Alps, the crisp mountain air, the breathtaking scenery, and the warmth of the fire create a sense of pure tranquillity. Add to that the delicious aroma of a sizzling barbecue, surrounded by good food and good people exchanging stories, and you’re on to a winner.

    As dusk fell and the majestic peaks of the French Alps were bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, I couldn’t help but feel contentment.

    It was truly remarkable to experience the thrill of camping without compromising on comfort in my Dacia Duster. Equipped with a snug sleeping bag, comfortable pillow, and warm blanket, it offered a unique blend of adventure and cosiness. Bespoke blackout blinds and the soothing sounds of nature, including the tinkling of bells from nearby cattle, created an idyllic setting for a restful night’s sleep.

    Waking up to the pitter-patter of raindrops, I stepped out of my Dacia Duster into the fresh mountain air and absorbed the serenity of the Alps. Whether it was a leisurely but slightly soggy morning stroll or an exhilarating hike around an alpine lake the evening before, my Duster, complete with its ‘Sleep Pack,’ proved to be the ideal base for exploring this breathtaking region.

    Unleashing my adventurous spirit with Dacia’s Duster was indeed an incredible experience, one that will stay locked away in my long-term memory. Considering the number of car launches I’ve been on, that’s saying something in itself – believe me!

    So, hand on heart, the all-new Duster is a perfect vehicle for escaping the confines of urban life, embracing the freedom of the great outdoors and, vitally, enabling you to switch off, relax and truly live life.

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Adrien Cortesi Photography