Smart

Smart ForTwo (2007-2015)

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Few cars divide opinion like the Smart ForTwo. Brilliant but flawed, this is a city car with a difference thanks to a combination of cute looks, great engineering and astonishing strength, but it’s also costly for a car suited only to urban dwellers. Nippy, potentially cheap to run and surprisingly practical despite its compact dimensions, the Smart makes a lot more sense than you might think. However, the ForTwo is undeniably compromised, as those tiny proportions are both a blessing and a curse. Perfectly sized for zipping around town, the short wheelbase and firm ride can prove uncomfortable and there’s also very little boot space. But when it comes to carrying people in safety, you’ll be amazed at what the Smart can do.

Key dates

08/07: The second-generation Smart ForTwo, codenamed 451, arrives in coupé and cabrio forms. There are 61bhp, 71bhp or 84bhp three-cylinder 999cc petrol engines, Pure, Pulse and Passion trims, plus a 97bhp Brabus.

6/09: The ForTwo CDi reaches UK showrooms, with a 799cc diesel engine.

9/10: A facelift cuts CO2 emissions for most petrol engines, adds kit and there are new colours inside and out.

3/12: A further refresh brings LED daytime running lights, a reprofiled nose and improved cabin materials.

4/13: Edition21 special goes on sale.

Checklist

  • Harsh braking can be caused by corrosion around the rear driveshaft ABS rings, causing them to crack.
  • The detachable roof bars on cabriolets can corrode, but any damage tends to be hidden by the seals.
  • Make sure you can live with the jerky gearbox; there’s no way of smoothing things out. It’s worst in auto.
  • Heaters can blow hot air whatever setting you’ve chosen. A new control module is needed, but restarting the car can fix things temporarily.
  • Many owners are disappointed with their car’s fuel economy; short journeys and very low-mileage engines can really increase fuel consumption.
  • The rear window washer pipe can come adrift, leading to leaks into the car. Putting things right is an easy DIY fix though.
  • Some early cars suffered from problems going into reverse, because of sticking clutches. Most cars were fixed under warranty.

We like

  • Build quality
  • Ease of parking
  • Potential economy
  • Quirky design

We don’t like

  • Jerky transmission
  • High purchase costs
  • Only two seats
  • Harsh ride

 

Richard Dredge

Audi

Audi A4 (2008-2015)

Richard Dredge ·

The Audi A4 has always been desirable, but the Mk4 (internally known as the B8), launched in 2008, represented a quantum leap over its predecessors. Much better to drive than any previous edition, it also came with arguably the best cabin in the segment, sharp looks and a range of brilliant engines offering power and refinement with impressive economy. It’s no wonder the A4 was so popular, but that’s a double-edged sword as while there are plenty to choose from, the A4 is no longer exclusive. However, owners love them thanks to their brilliant build quality, refinement, spacious cabins and good dynamics. Buy one and you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

Key dates

2/08: An all-new A4 saloon arrives, with 1.8 TFSi or 3.2 FSi petrol engines along with 2.0 TDi, 2.7 TDi or 3.0 TDi diesel options.

6/08: The Avant estate appears, with the same engine, transmission and trim choices as the saloon. At the same time, a 2.0 TFSi engine arrives along with a 134g/km 120bhp 2.0 TDi option.

5/09: A pumped-up Avant reaches showrooms; the four-wheel Allroad, with 2.0 TFSi, 2.0 TDi or 3.0 TDi engines.

10/09: The 134bhp 2.0TDie arrives; with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km.

1/12: A facelift brings minor styling changes, extra colour choices, range-wide standard stop/start plus revised suspension and steering – along with an improved MMI system.

Checklist

  •  The alloy wheels are easily kerbed, which often knocks the steering out of alignment. Not all cars come with parking sensors and visibility isn’t great, so check for poorly touched-in bumpers. 

  • Large wheels are popular. With firm suspension already giving a hard ride, make sure things aren’t too uncomfortable. 

  • Build quality is generally excellent, but some owners have found their cars suffer from squeaks and rattles that are hard to fix. 

  • Automatic gearboxes can be unreliable, especially the Multitronic continuously variable transmission. 

  • Some engines suffer from high oil consumption, especially the four-cylinder units. They can use up to a litre of oil every 1,000 miles. 

  • Clutches and gearboxes can prove short-lived, with dual-mass flywheels disintegrating, oil getting onto clutch plates, and gearboxes failing. 

  • Some tall drivers find it difficult to get comfortable, with the pedals offset. You might need a thorough test before this becomes an issue though.

 We like

  • Strong image
  • Build quality
  • Sharp looks
  • Cabin design
  • Spacious interior
  • Great engines
  • Refinement

We don’t like

  •  High repair cost
  • So-so dynamics

 

Richard Dredge

 

Tags: A4

Ford

Ford Mondeo (2007-2015)

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The only problem with modern Fords is the low-rent image – the product itself is generally superb. Take the Mondeo for example. It’s got loads of space, it’s comfortable and it’s excellent to drive. Build quality is generally very good, and so too is reliability. There are loads of them about so prices are keen, while it’s a smart-looking car too. But less practical German rivals have become the default choice in the segment, proving that sometimes car buyers don’t know when they’re onto a good thing.

Key dates

2/07: The third-generation Mondeo debuts with 1.6, 2.0, 2.3 or 2.5-litre petrol engines, along with 1.8 or 2.0 TDCi turbodiesels. There are four-door saloon, five-door hatchback or five-door estate bodystyles, with Edge, Zetec, Ghia or Titanium X trims.

8/07: A Titanium trim level arrives.

3/08: The low-CO2 1.8 TDCi Econetic and diesel range-topping 2.2 TDCi debut.

5/08: A new top-spec trim is unveiled, the Titanium X Sport.

9/10: A facelift brings a fresh nose, higher quality interior and extra kit, a 1.6 Ecoboost petrol engine plus a 197bhp 2.2 TDCi option.

06/11: A refresh brings more efficient engines, including a 114g/km 1.6 TDCi Econetic.

 Checklist

  • Some owners have found that the diesels don’t like cheap supermarket fuel; it can lead to misfiring.
  • Some cars feature 18-inch wheels, which produce a ride that’s too harsh for some; 16-inch items are best.
  • The windows can open by themselves when the car has been left locked for a while, but there’s no way of testing for this fault.
  • The air-con condensor can fail prematurely on early cars; many have been replaced under warranty by now, but check it anyway.
  • Some of the interior fittings are proving fragile, especially cubby hole lids. Icons can also wear off the stereo buttons.
  • Remote central locking fobs can be temperamental, so lock and unlock the car several times to see if it works intermittently.

We like

  • Value
  • Comfort
  • Spacious cabin
  • Driving experience
  • Huge boot

We don’t like

  • Low-rent image

 

Richard Dredge

BMW

BMW X6 (2008-2014)

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When BMW launched the X6 it proved to be one of the most controversial cars ever released. Few could understand its purpose yet it would go on to be a big success story for BMW. It’s easy to see why; get past the ungainly looks and there’s a luxurious, fast SUV that’s refined, beautifully built and as good to drive as you’d expect. Purchase and running costs tend to be high because this is a luxury car after all, but don’t be too quick to judge the X6 – it’s much more accomplished than you might be prepared to admit.

Key dates

05/08: The X6 arrives in showrooms in 30d, 35d and 35i forms, all with xDrive four-wheel drive as standard. All have a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

11/08: There’s now an X6 xDrive50i, with a 408bhp twin-turbo V8 petrol engine.

04/09: The even more ludicrous X6 M arrives, with a 555bhp twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. It can do 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds.

08/11: There’s now an even more extensive options list, a wider range of colours and the more luxurious Exclusive Edition goes on sale.

03/12: A facelift brings optional LED headlights, a tweaked nose design, a wider choice of interior and exterior colours plus an optional EU6-compliant 3.0-litre diesel engine. There’s also now a triple-turbo 3.0-litre diesel option; the 381bhp M50d.

Checklist

The electrics and electronics can play up, especially the head-up display and the multi-media system.

Uneven tyre wear can be a problem, but this is often because of wheels being clouted against kerbs.

The X6 features run-flat tyres as standard, which are costly to replace and they don’t do the ride any favours.

Practicality isn’t the best, and despite its size there’s seating only for two in the back.

We like

  • Performance
  • Handling
  • Luxurious cabin
  • Relative economy
  • Build quality
  • Equipment levels

We don’t like

  • Awkward styling
  • High running costs
  • Seats four only

Richard Dredge

 

Tags: X6

Fiat

Fiat Bravo (2007-2014)

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If good looks alone were enough to guarantee strong sales, Fiat would have been on to a winner with its Bravo. But sadly they’re not, which is why this sharp-looking small hatch never captured buyers’ imaginations. With its low profile and a lack of development the Bravo was never going to compete with big sellers such as the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, but the Fiat’s lack of visbility can now make it a good buy thanks to low prices and few takers.

Key dates

6/07: The Fiat Bravo goes on sale in the UK. There are 1.4 petrol or 1.9 Multijet diesel engines. The trim levels (in order) are Bravo, Active, Active Sport, Dynamic and Sport.

9/07: There’s now a 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine available with either 120bhp or 150bhp.

3/08: A 1.6 MultiJet diesel engine joins the range in 105bhp and 120bhp forms.

12/08: A 165bhp 2.0 Multijet engine replaces the previous 1.9-litre unit.

Checklist

  • The 2.0 MultiJet engine comes with a diesel particulate filter; make sure it’s not clogged up from constant short journeys.
  • The cabin doesn’t feel that well screwed together, so look for broken or missing bits of trim, which might be tricky to replace.
  • Rear and rear three-quarter visibility is poor, so look for evidence of touched in scrapes on the bumpers and rear wings.
  • The Bravo does well in the safety stakes; it scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and ESP was standard across the range from the outset.
  • Knocking from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps is usually down to worn anti-roll bar drop links, which are a weakness.
  • Some early cars came with a ‘tyre mobility kit’ instead of a spare wheel; from August 2007 a space saver was fitted. Officially. But some later cars got a mobility kit instead.

We like

  • Sharp looks
  • Strong value
  • Refinement
  • Diesel engines

We don’t like

  • Iffy build quality
  • Uncertain reliability
  • Stodgy dynamics
  • Lumpy ride

Richard Dredge

Chrysler

Chrysler Delta (2011-2014)

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The Chrysler Delta is one of those cars that’ll be forever painted as a terrible car, because it was a sales disaster in the UK. But actually it wasn’t all that bad. Many of the car’s woes centred on apathetic dealers, although the car’s build quality was never going to trouble the Germans. Already largely forgotten, Delta values are on the floor which is why these quirky hatches can now be a top-value buy. The biggest problem will be finding one, as just a handful of cars were sold here.

Key dates

03/08: The third-generation Lancia Delta is unveiled at the Geneva motor show.

09/11: The Lancia Delta goes on sale in the UK – badged as a Chrysler. There are 1.4 petrol (120 T-Jet or 140bhp MultiAir) along with 120bhp 1.6 or 165bhp 2.0 MultiJet diesels. All engines are turbocharged and only the 1.6 MultiJet is offered with an automatic gearbox; all Delta transmissions have six gears. There are four trim levels: S, SE, SR and Limited. All Deltas come with air-con, ESP, electric windows all round and keyless entry; range-toppers also feature leather trim, navigation and a multi-function steering wheel.

01/14: Chrysler announces that the Delta has been axed in the UK. In March 2015, Chrysler announces the whole brand will be canned in the UK in 2017.

Checklist

  • With so few Deltas sold in the UK, problem patterns aren’t easy to establish – but these are some of the issues that owners have had to deal with:
  • Electrical and electronics glitches aren’t unusual, especially items such as the hill hold assist and cruise control.
  • The LED rear light clusters can be temperamental. They’re expensive and hard to find in the UK.
  • The stop/start function can go on the blink, usually because of battery voltage problems.
  • If you’re buying a car with any parts that are missing or damaged, you’ll probably struggle to find some replacement bits already.
  • The Delta doesn’t come with a spare wheel; there’s a tyre inflation kit instead.

We like

  • Sliding rear seat
  • Interior build quality
  • Strong performance
  • Good value

We don’t like

  • Too much road noise
  • Uncertain parts supply
  • So-so dynamics

 

Richard Dredge

 

Nissan

Nissan Qashqai (2007-2013)

Richard Dredge ·

When Nissan gave up on mainstream family cars such as the Almera and Primera, many thought the company had lost the plot. But Nissan knew what it was doing; its new British-built crossover offered an elevated driving position, a comfortable ride and decent interior packaging that its predecessors couldn't match, while a clever part-time four-wheel drive system kept fuel consumption to a minimum. The Qashqai quickly became Nissan's most popular model; now there's an all-new second edition, the original is even more of a bargain.

Key Dates

3/07: The Qashqai debuts, with 1.6 or 2.0 petrol engines or a 1.5 dCi diesel.

4/07: A 2.0 dCi is added to the range. 

10/08: There's now a seven-seat Qashqai+2 option, with the same engine and trim options.

3/10: A facelifted Qashqai appears, with a 129g/km 1.5 dCi Puredrive option, a redesigned nose, revised dash and suspension plus extra soundproofing.

9/11: The 2.0 dCi is superseded by the cleaner, smoother, more refined 1.6 dCi.

Nissan Qashqai (2007-2013) Checklist

  • The front brake discs can wear within 20,000 miles.

  • The seal for the front windscreen can leak; look for rainwater in the footwells. 

  • The wheel size makes a big difference to the ride; anything with 18" rims will be very crashy.

  • The fixings for the parcel shelf are fragile; some owners simply remove the shelf altogether.

  • The key fob for the remote locking can fail, because of poor contacts in the key or mobile phone interference.

  • Rattles from the rear suspension are common, along with premature failure of the rear shock absorbers.

We Like

  • Comfort

  • Handling

  • Equipment levels

  • Value

  • Choice

We Don't Like

  • Limited rear headroom

  • Dated dash

  • Poor rear visibility

 

Skoda

Skoda Octavia (2004-2013)

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Some badge snobs still shun Skoda because of its past, but the last laugh is on them as they’re missing out on a truly great car in the Octavia. The smart family hatch and estate has proved to be one of the easiest and most satisfying family cars to own in recent years, and while Skodas are no longer the bargain-basement transport they used to be, they’re still great value, with Octavia owners generally happier than buyers of more expensive marques. No wonder owners, dealers and the press love the Octavia; it does pretty much everything you need a family car to do.

Key dates

7/04: The Octavia Mk2 hatch arrives.

1/05: The Octavia estate debuts.

3/05: A 4WD estate is now offered.

12/05: The sportiest Octavia ever arrives; the 2.0 TFSi vRS in hatch and estate forms.

8/06: The 2.0 TDi vRS reaches showrooms, alongside the jacked-up Octavia Scout 4x4.

1/09: A facelift brings an overhauled cabin, new lights and a 1.4 TSI engine (replacing the 1.6 and 2.0 FSi units)

5/09: The Scout and vRS are also facelifted.

6/09: The eco-friendly Greenline 1.6 TDi debuts.

1/10: A 1.2 TSI engine is introduced.

9/12: The SE Connect and vRS Blackline run-out special editions appear.

3/13: An all-new Octavia reaches showrooms.

 Checklist

  • The pipe for the rear screen washer can come adrift, leading to the spare wheel well getting waterlogged.
  • The windscreen can delaminate, usually in the corners, leading to the glass going milky.
  • The battery can go flat if the car is left for a few days, because the radio has managed to drain all the power.
  • Make sure the dual-zone climate control works properly; various issues can crop up, including failure of the compressor, which is costly to fix.
  • The door seals can fail, allowing water into the cabin. Cars built more recently can suffer from water getting into the doors.
  • The control unit for the anti-lock brakes can fail, leading to the ESP warning light being permanently lit on the dash. Repairs are expensive.

We like

  • Practicality
  • Reliability
  • Value
  • Spacious cabin
  • Build quality
  • Engine range
  • Loads to choose from

We don’t like

  • Basic entry-level models
  • Low-rent image

 

Richard Dredge

SEAT

SEAT Leon (2005-2013)

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When the SEAT Leon Mk2 arrived it instantly made all of its rivals look rather staid. With its swoopy lines the Leon cut a dash like no other small family hatch, and while time has reduced the visual impact of SEAT’s mid-range car, the Leon still looks distinctive. Based on the contemporary VW Golf, the Leon doesn’t offer the same array of bodystyles and the interior isn’t as plush, but you can pick one up for significantly less cash. Plus, with a huge choice of engines to choose from, there’s a Leon for you whether you want economy or tyre-scorching performance.

Key dates

8/05: The Leon Mk2 arrives, with 1.6, 2.0 FSI, 1.9 TDI or 2.0 TDI engines.

10/05: A 182bhp 2.0 TFSI Sport edition appears.

6/06: 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI Leon FRs are now available, with 168bhp and 198bhp respectively.

11/06: The 237bhp 2.0 TFSi Cupra arrives.

3/08: A 123bhp 1.4 TSI engine joins the range.

7/08: The ultra-frugal 1.9 TDI Ecomotive goes on sale. Rated at 119g/km initially, in summer 2010 this is cut to 99g/km.

7/09: A facelift brings styling tweaks, a new trim hierarchy and a bigger rear window for improved visibility.

11/10: A 2.0 TDI common rail diesel engine appears, in 138bhp form.

Checklist

  • The rear light clusters can suffer from condensation, through failed seals.
  • Sporty Leons have firmer suspension than standard. From 2009 all Leons got an improved suspension set-up.
  • Paintwork can damage easily, with Luna Grey seemingly more prone to damage than any other colour.
  • The rear washer tube can come adrift, leading to water behind the offside boot trim panel; it’s easily fixed though.
  • The gas struts for the tailgate fail. You can buy aftermarket items from www.sgs-engineering.com  
  • The Electronic Stability Programme hardware can play up. Part of the anti-lock braking system, the fault is usually rectified by replacing the ABS pump, which is very costly.
  • The wipers can fail if the bonnet isn’t closed properly or a wire has come adrift from the bonnet lock. Closing the bonnet and attaching the wire should fix things.

We like

  • Distinctive looks
  • Engine choice
  • Value
  • Low running costs
  • Good to drive

We don’t like

  • Cramped rear seats
  • Cheap-looking cabin

 

Richard Dredge

Lexus

Lexus IS (2005-2013)

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Designed to take on compact executives from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the IS is well-equipped, comfortable and reliable, but refinement and economy can be disappointing, while there are few engines to choose between. In Japan the IS was sold as a Toyota, and in some ways it’s more deserving of that badge than the Lexus one, as this doesn’t feel like the premium car that it’s supposed to be. The dynamics aren’t as polished as some rivals’, but as an ownership experience any Lexus is hard to beat, as the dealer network offers unrivalled levels of service. So while driving an IS probably won’t raise your pulse, neither should owning one.

Key dates

11/05: The IS Mk2 arrives in 2.5-litre petrol (IS250) saloon form.

1/06: The first ever diesel-engined Lexus appears; the IS220d.

4/08: The 417bhp 5.0-litre V8 IS-F debuts.

11/08: A facelift (but not for the IS-F) brings a revised nose, an overhauled dash and a new trim structure (now SE, SE-I, SE-L).

7/09: The IS250C coupé-cabriolet hits showrooms, in 2.5-litre petrol form only.

12/09: There’s a new HDD navigation system and an F-Sport trim.

8/10: The IS200d replaces the IS220d.

Checklist

  • The diesel engine can take an age to warm up; bad news if your journeys are usually short.
  • IS220ds built before the November 2008 facelift can suffer from turbo lag and a lack of power below 2000rpm.
  • Water pumps fail after 60,000 miles or so on the IS250. Listen for rumbling from the engine bay.
  • Alloy wheels are prone to bubbling and blistering of the lacquer, as well as corrosion, especially if not cleaned regularly.
  • The interior trim isn’t always as well screwed together as you’d hope; listen for rattles from the door trim panels and dashboard.
  • The rear brake callipers can seize up and it’s not always possible to free them off. Fitting replacements is a costly job.
  • The power steering can be unreliable, so make sure there’s a consistent feel as you turn the wheel; check for leaks too

We like

  • Reliability
  • Value
  • Equipment levels
  • Excellent dealers
  • Lots of safety kit

We don’t like

  • Inert dynamics
  • No estates
  • Noisy diesel
  • Manual gearchange
  • Small boot
  • Cramped rear seats

 

Richard Dredge

Toyota

Toyota Auris (2007-2013)

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The Toyota Auris has often had a rough ride in the press, thanks to its white goods nature. Designed to appeal to those who see their cars as mere transport, rather than something to enjoy driving, the Auris is one of those cars that gets on quietly doing its job, failing to inspire, but actually doing a pretty good job. So while this Focus rival is reliable, cheap to run and decently practical too, its bland styling and so-so driving experience guarantee you’ll never hear an Auris owner getting excited by their car. But if you’re after cheap, anonymous and dependable transport, then look no further.

Key dates

2/07: The Auris supersedes the Corolla with 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol (VVT-i) engines plus 1.4 or 2.0-litre (D-4D) diesels. There are three- or five-door hatches with T2, T3 or T-Spirit trims.

3/07: A 175bhp 2.2 D-4D debuts.

4/08: SR and TR trims join the range

7/08: A 1.4 D-4D engine is introduced and the 1.4 VVT-i engine is replaced by a 1.33-litre unit with stop/start.

7/10: The hybrid Auris (1.8 HSD) appears.

5/11: A range refresh brings extra kit for most models, plus the Edition replaces T2 trim.

Checklist

  • The regular Auris has a reasonably sized 354-litre boot, but the hybrid edition cuts this to just 279 litres.
  • Automatic gearboxes aren’t very reliable; they can be reluctant to change gear, or changes can be jerky.
  • On manual cars, clutches can fail prematurely, so feel for slipping which suggests a new clutch is due.
  • Squealing brakes aren’t unusual. Many cars got new parts under warranty.
  • There have been instances of gearboxes being replaced under warranty, because they chatter so noisily.
  • The handbrake can fail to hold the car on an incline. Adjustment usually sorts things, but as a precaution, leave the car in gear.
  • Water in the spare wheel well is usually because the air vents behind the rear wheels have leaked – or it could be the rear light units letting in water.

We like

  • Practicality
  • Reliability
  • Comfort
  • Build quality
  • Spacious cabin

We don’t like

  • Stodgy dynamics
  • Bland design

 

Richard Dredge

Renault

Renault Wind (2010-2012)

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Look past the silly name and the Renault Wind has much to offer. Cheap to buy and run, quirkily styled and with a great chassis – set up the boys from Renaultsport – the Wind deserved a better fate. As it was, this Twingo-based roadster lasted just 18 months with a mere handful sold in the UK; now it represents a truly affordable and distinctive route into open-topped motoring.

Key dates

7/10: The Wind arrives in the UK, in Dynamique and Dynamique S forms with 1.2 Tce 100 or 1.6 VVT 133 engines. Launch cars are also offered in Collection guise.

1/11: The model line-up is tweaked to consist of Dynamique and GT Line.

7/11: There’s now a Gordini option, in Dynamique or GT Line guises. There are no mechanical changes over the regular models though.

2/12: The Wind is canned in the UK.

Checklist

  • The seals between the roof and the side windows can fail, especially if the car has been pressure washed a lot.
  • The turbocharged 1.2 TCe engine is the more zesty powerplant of the two, but the 1.6 sounds better and offers more muscle.
  • Practicality might be an issue; the boot is small and there’s seating for just two.
  • Visibility is poor and not all cars have parking sensors, so check for scrapes.
  • Wind noise is poor, especially at speed with the roof down.
  • The paint can peel from the plastic trim around the rear window.

We like

  • Driving experience
  • Value
  • Quirkiness
  • Rarity
  • Neat electric roof

We don’t like

  • Cheap interior
  • Poor visibility
  • High-speed refinement

Richard Dredge