MOTORING
MOTORING NEWS The latest news on all things motoring. By Nick Fletcher
ROAD TEST: MAZDA MX-5 SE-L NAV NEW SEAT LEON
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SEAT will be launching a revised version of its popular Leon model in Febuary, featuring new engines, enhanced technology, a new trim level and more elegant design. Prices have not yet been announced. New systems include Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, and the most advanced parking assist technology with both bay and parallel parking, Emergency Assist and High Beam Assist. The camera and navigation systems have been improved too, to recognise a higher number of traffic signs. The New SEAT Leon also includes a new centre console with an Electric Parking Brake. The new SEAT Leon will be offered with five trim levels at UK launch: S, SE Dynamic, SE Technology, FR and the new XCELLENCE. The TDI engine range begins with a 1.6 115 hp and goes up to the 2.0 184 hp. Petrol engines range from 110 to 180 hp, with a new 1.0 litre TSI three-cylinder 115 hp for the UK being the latest addition. When it comes to gearboxes, the range includes five- or six-speed manual units, as well as double-clutch DSG with six- or seven-speeds. The New SEAT Leon will be available in the three existing body types; five-door, SC (Sports Coupé) and ST (Sports Tourer).
Having completed my road test route, I didn’t go indoors for my usual cup of tea. I immediately set off and drove the whole route again, just for pure pleasure of driving such a wonderful car, writes NICK FLETCHER. That car was the Mazda MX-5, and while you can’t say a lot about the space, comfort and practicality of a two-seater sports car, you can say a lot about its driving dynamics. And in the case of the MX-5, they are just brilliant. The steering is pin-sharp, the gearshift slick, the chassis balance and suspension set-up keep the car glued to the tarmac, and the exhaust soundtrack is glorious. Priced from £18,130, the MX-5 is a bargain in its sector. OK, there are rival models that are faster, with more kit and often nearly twice the price - but they are less engaging to drive and far less fun. My test model used the 1.5 litre 128 hp engine (there is a two- litre with more mid-range power) and it was smooth and keen with its power delivery and 60 mph is reached is a whisker over 8 seconds. That’s nowhere near Porsche
performance but such is the charisma and agility of the MX-5, it often feels like it! Top speed is 127 mph and fuel economy is 47.1 mpg combined. Cornering is a joyous experience, the grip astonishly good, and this sporty little Mazda offers decent ride comfort without sacrificing its poise and stability. Flip the hood down (its manual, just one quick-release lever) throw a couple of holdalls in the boot (at just 130 litres, not room for much more) and you are on your way with the wind in your hair! The test model was in SE-L Nav trim, costing £20,195 and creature comforts included 7-inch touchsreen, sat-nav, Bluetooth, DAB radio, cruise control with speed limiter, climate control and alloys wheels. Cabin space is comfortable for two adults, the dashboard is laid out well with main dials straight in front of the driver and a lot of buttons on the steering wheels. Oddments space is minimal and there is no glovebox. Launched more than 25 years ago, the MX-5 has become a modern classic, an iconic design. Almost one million have been sold and in Europe, the UK is its most popular market.
ROAD TEST: VOLKSWAGEN UP! The Volkswagen Up! is the company’s smallest model, a wellbuilt and quite classy city car competing in a crowded sector of the market, writes NICK FLETCHER. Two of the rivals are the Skoda Citigo and the SEAT Mii – also from the VW stable – and others include Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, Hyundai i10 and even the Fiat 500. The Up! - from £8,995 - may be small but you get the same immediate impression of top-drawer build-quality that hallmarks larger VW models. Available in three and five-door form, and with a choice of nippy yet frugal three-cylinder 1.0 litre engines of varying power outputs, the Up! is surprising roomy, and a real treat to drive. Some city cars can be noisy and jerky but the Up! has a fluency and refinement you usually get in cars from a class above. My test model was the smallest of the power range, just 59 hp, yet it never felt under-powered. The 0-60 mph time of 14.4 seconds may seem a tad slow on paper, but such is the agility of the car, it felt faster. Top speed is 100mph which means it can be a relatively quiet motorway cruiser, and its eco-clean too, with emissions just 96g/km. Fuel economy is impressive at 68.9 mpg combined. My mid-range MoveUp! test model in three-door form was priced at £10,325 and came with power windows, air-con, stop/start function, alloy wheels, five-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth and an adjustable boot floor. With more distinctive styling touches than most city-car rivals, the Up! stands out, and the large dominant VW bonnet badge makes a strong statement.
Clever use of interior space means the Up! has good head and leg room even for taller occupants. A large tailgate gives access to 250 litre boot, one of the largest in the sector, which can be boosted to 950 litres by folding the rear seats, helping this city car earn top marks for practicality. Underway, the Up! drives nicely, with smooth power delivery, a slick 5-speed gearbox, and excellent steering. The car feels very composed even if pushed into a tight bend, and the ride quality, though slightly firm, is still comfortable. There is an upright driving position for good forward visibility, and the dashboard has a straightforward layout with all the dials and switches clearly accessible. Big plus-points are VW build-quality, chic styling, nice driving dynamics. Overall, it was hard to find a downside to the Up!