Many motorists may consider buying a 4×4 for the winter months.

Automotive data expert hpi has put together a list of this season’s best buys. Motoring expert Tim Bearder, Black Book Editor at hpi considers which vehicles will minimise any potential loss in value if you bought now and sold in the spring.

Tim said: “This all depends on your budget of course if you are thinking of spending £40-£60,000 then three cars that spring to mind is the Porsche Macan, Mercedes GLC and the Jaguar F-Pace. Our money is still with the Porsche Macan, although any of these models are safe bets the Macan still has a quoted lead time of up to seven months with means if you want one sooner you are going to have to pay a premium for a used one.

“For a lower budget, the Volkswagen Tiguan or Kia Sportage are excellent buys. Also take a look at the Jeep Wrangler, which is not only a capable icon but has become very popular in the vehicle enhancement and conversion sector. This has strengthened desire and demand for this vehicle and values for this car have been very stable over the past year.

“Moving further down the budget range, say £1-£8,000, then your choice increases further, cars like Nissan X-trail, Vauxhall Antara along with many others are all good buys, but our suggestion is the Suzuki Vitara. This is a great price range car with minimal depreciation that is affordable as a second car for those who want to keep their daily run around.”

hpi recently launched a vehicle valuations service to give consumers the ability to buy and sell cars with utmost confidence offering them the inside view on the total cost of ownership of a vehicle during its lifespan along with precise depreciation figures.

The hpi valuations tool  – hpivaluations.com – is aimed at consumers buying and selling cars in the used car market and may help minimise the risks that can see consumers paying over the odds or not getting the best-asking price.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

The new GLA is starting 2017 with an extended range of engines, updated interior and exterior design, plus updated equipment lines.

The range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC will also be offered as a special edition; Yellow Night Edition. The world premiere was on 8 January at the North American International Auto Show NAIAS in Detroit.

The new GLA went on sale on 9 January, while first customer cars will start arriving from April 2017.

With seven model series (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS and G) Mercedes-Benz boasts the widest SUV range of all the European premium manufacturers.

The GLA is the only model in its segment to offer new comfort and safety features such as the 360-degree camera or hands-free access.

A new addition to the engine range is the GLA 220 4MATIC*. With an output of 135 kW (184 hp) and a torque of 300 Nm it closes the gap between the two petrol engines with 115 kW (156 hp) and 155 kW (211 hp).

(*not available for UK market)

The sales release of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA was on 9 January from 28,940.80 euros for the GLA 180. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC is offered from 56,852.25 euros.
(All details are recommended retail prices for Germany incl. 19% VAT)

Petrol models:

Diesel models:

*models not available for UK market

Tiguan Allspace

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Volkswagen is presenting two new models as part of its SUV offensive: the Atlas and the new long version of the Tiguan, both being launched in the US in 2017.

Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, explains: “North America is very significant for our brand, and the most important task we face is to regain the trust of our customers. Volkswagen stands for cars designed for American buyers and built in the North American region, cars at attractive prices. The new Volkswagen Atlas and the all-new Tiguan mark the beginning of a major product offensive.”

The Volkswagen brand is adding to the Tiguan range next year with the launch of the long version. In addition to its longer wheelbase, the new SUV is also identifiable by other features. The individually designed silhouette of the rear section, modifications to the front and a much enhanced standard specification differentiate it from the more compact Tiguan version. The newly conceived top version with up to seven seats will be successively launched in North America, China and Europe from as early as late spring.

In Europe the name of the long version will carry the suffix ‘Allspace’.

The new Atlas celebrated its world premiere at the end of October in Santa Monica. Volkswagen is for the first time offering with the Atlas a model in the high-volume mid-size SUV class that is fully tailored to the American needs. The new model is being made for the North American market in Chattanooga (Tennessee) and offers innovative technologies plus spacious dimensions with room for up to seven people.

Making its global premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the QX50 Concept showcases INFINITI’s vision for a next-generation mid-size premium SUV.

Demonstrating how the design of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, its conceptual forebear, could be adapted for a future production model, the QX50 Concept confidently articulates INFINITI’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language. A ‘cabin-forward’ silhouette combines with muscular lines and flowing surfaces to telegraph its purpose as a dynamic and practical SUV.

The organic forms of the ‘driver-centric, passenger-minded’ cabin were designed in harmony with the exterior shape. Blending progressive design with modern craftsmanship, the QX50 Concept’s interior reflects INFINITI’s desire to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design.

INFINITI’s latest concept also previews the roll-out of its autonomous drive support technologies. Central to the strategy for the development of all future INFINITI autonomous drive support systems, they ensure the driver retains ultimate control over their vehicle – in keeping with INFINITI’s focus on driver engagement. Allowing drivers to retain control over their vehicle, INFINITI autonomous drive support systems will act as a ‘co-pilot’ for the driver, empowering rather than replacing human control.

Furthermore, the QX50 Concept illustrates a potential application for INFINITI’s advanced Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, offering drivers a powertrain that adapts to offer both power and efficiency.

Jeep’s continued and growing popularity in the UK is illustrated in new car registrations figures, which show the best year in the UK for the 4×4 manufacturer since it started trading here.

Jeep capped a hugely successful 2016, with strong December sales taking the total number for the year to a record-breaking 14,090 – up 30.5 per cent on last year’s 10,794.

Jeep market share for the year increased to 0.52 per cent compared with 0.41 per cent in 2015, according to figures supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Jeep’s 813 cars registered in December compared favourably with the 759 for the same month in 2015.

Leading the way in terms of 2016 sales was the popular Jeep Renegade B-segment SUV, which accounted for 11,099 sales alone, and there were strong performances from Cherokee (1565), Grand Cherokee (1104), and Wrangler (322).

“The year 2016 was a great one for Jeep in the UK, in terms of brand recognition and sales. It was Jeep’s 75^th Anniversary – a fantastic milestone to reach – and that helped us to end the year on a high point,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK.

“People continue to look to Jeep for their next car and, with exciting new products such as Jeep Compass on the way, I am confident we can continue to build on Jeep’s success for many years to come.”

Audi takes charge with the Q8 concept at Detroit

Dynamic, highly efficient and extremely comfortable: Audi is presenting the Audi Q8 concept at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Serving as a prelude to a production model that will be introduced in 2018, it combines the spaciousness typical of an SUV with the elegant lines of a coupe and will tap into a new segment for Audi by offering an alternative to the classic design of the full-size class.

Propulsion is provided by a powerful plug-in hybrid with 330 kW of system output and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque. 

“The Q8 concept is an Audi in peak form. It demonstrates the strengths of our brand in both technology and design while providing a glimpse at a future full-size, production SUV,” said Dietmar Voggenreiter, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG.

“With its next-generation display and control solutions, we are enabling customers to experience connectivity in a whole new way.” 

Auto Trader has announced the top ten fastest selling used cars of 2016, with Kia’s 2014 Sportage taking the top spot. It took an average of just 23 days for the compact SUV to leave the forecourt.

The Korean company provides a seven-year warranty on all its new cars. This means that even with a 2014 model buyers can enjoy five years of the manufacturers’ warranty, which would have contributed to the Sportage’s huge appeal with used car buyers last year.

The Kia was followed into second place by the Toyota AYGO (2014), which took an average of 24 days to sell, and Nissan’s Qashqai +2 (2013) coming in third, with 25 days.

Surprisingly, the Ford Fiesta, which was identified as the UK’s fastest selling used car in 2015, didn’t make it onto 2016’s top ten list.

Karolina Edwards-Smajda, Auto Trader Retailer & Consumer Products Director, said: “It’s not a surprise that the fantastic Kia Sportage took 2016’s crown for the UK’s fastest selling car. It’s performed exceptionally well throughout the year and during a period of turbulence the Sportage, with Kia’s seven-year warranty, represents exceptional value for money and real peace of mind.”

“Despite the turbulence in 2016, consumer confidence has remained extremely strong which has been reflected in both used and new car sales. Whilst undoubtedly 2017 will see some real challenges for the industry, with greater deals and financing options available we can expect the used car market to remain buoyant.”

The UK’s Top 10 Fastest Selling Cars in 2016:

Motorists hope that autonomous technology might save us from ourselves

New research suggests there is a technology arms race as the majority of drivers struggle to disconnect from mobile devices and this undermines safety advances.

As technology and automotive experts meet in Las Vegas at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) it is revealed that drivers are hopeful that advances being made can overcome their own failings – like checking emails and social media while driving.

A third of motorists said that the greater illegal use of mobile phones has reduced road safety, and another 26 per cent think that the safety benefits delivered by automotive technology are cancelled out by people using smart phones illegally behind the wheel.

The new study of 1,000 UK motorists by Continental Tyres is part of its Vision Zero, a long term commitment to reduce road fatalities worldwide. It coincides with the CES where automotive technology is a prominent feature and Continental is exhibiting.

Continental Tyres’ safety expert Mark Griffiths said: “Our latest research has identified a real tension between the present and future technologies and our use of mobile devices. There is a concerning race between the technologies – we are creating solutions to make us safer, yet motorists are jeopardising road safety by struggling to be disconnected.”

At CES the tyre and technology manufacturer, Continental, will showcase its own technological developments. Being demonstrated will be innovations such as in-vehicle biometrics where facial and fingerprint recognition will be used to enhance security, and ‘eHorizon’ for motorcycles, that allows motorcyclists to connect with other bikers and see around corners digitally.

The new research also found we are significantly more sceptical when it comes to promises being made. Those surveyed are 88 per cent more likely to now believe that manufacturers will exaggerate claims about what might be achieved with autonomous technology.

We are also 11 per cent more concerned about autonomous vehicles being hacked compared to when the last study happened in 2015. Four in ten motorists find this a worry about driverless cars.

Mark Griffiths continued: “When considering what automotive systems should be included in our vehicles to improve safety, the behaviour of motorists has to be taken into account. Though, it raises questions on whether motorists should be responsible for their own bad behaviour or the extent of which technology needs to save us from ourselves.”

“We believe that motorists need to always think of safety, regardless of what fantastic technological solutions on the market there may be to help. Any safety device, feature or fitting should complement the safe and responsible behaviour of the driver, though the context of consumer behaviour is vital.

“The study also shows and we recognise a clear need for manufacturers to educate consumers on the benefits of automotive technology to help them to realise the potential for safety that evidently exists as well as help to build trust.”

The findings come after research unveiled in December for Continental found that two thirds of car users said they would back Government action to block certain functions of drivers’ mobile phones when the vehicle is moving.

IAM RoadSmart has welcomed Government plans to dramatically improve driver and motorcycling training.

The plans were announced by Andrew Jones, Transport Minister and include learner drivers being allowed on motorways for the first time, novice riders required to complete a theory test as part of their Compulsory Basic Training and provisional motorcyclists to be banned after receiving six penalty points.

The Government says the changes will see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual controlled car.

In addition the CBT course, which allows motorcyclists to ride unaccompanied on Great Britain’s roads, will also be updated.

The moves have been greeted by IAM RoadSmart, which has long campaigned for these changes.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research, said: “It makes no sense that new drivers learn by trial and, often fatal, error how to use our fastest and most important roads.  Allowing learners on motorways with an approved instructor is a sensible and measured solution that should deliver drivers who are much better able to cope with complex new smart motorways.”

On the changes to motorcycle training, he said: “These proposals close two obvious loopholes that IAM RoadSmart has been highlighting with motorcycle industry training partners.  A theory test should always be the first step for any motorised road user before they reach the road.  The six penalty point approach also finally brings motorcycle users in line with the New Driver’s Act for car drivers.”

The Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency have jointly launched consultations seeking views, which will run until 17 February 2017. The changes could take effect by 2018.

Kia Motors is starting 2017 with a wide range of offers across its model line-up. For private customers looking to buy a new SUV in January, dealerships will be holding an SUV event, to showcase the exciting range of lifestyle vehicles Kia has to offer and allow customers to pick the right SUV for them.

They will also now benefit from Kia’s servicing package – Care-3, free of charge on models ordered before  January 31 and registered by March 31. The offer is available on all Soul and Soul EV, all-new Niro, all-new Sportage and Sorento models.

For customers looking to buy a new Picanto five-door or MY16 cee’d a great finance offer of zero per cent PCP over three years is available with no deposit between January 1 and March 31.

From January 1 through to March 31 2017, private customers can also benefit from a £1,000 saving on Venga and Sorento as well as the facelifted Carens – which made its debut at the Paris Motor Show last year.

2016 saw the launch of the All-New Optima Sportswagon. For customers who cannot decide between the Optima Saloon or this new model, a free upgrade will be available, making both cars available at the same list price from January 1 to March 31 2017.

The Kia Sorento comes with a £1,000 customer saving as well as free Care-3 for cars ordered in January. In addition, Caravan Club members buying a Sorento privately through the Kia dealer network will benefit from £1,000 towards Kia accessories. All grades have all-wheel drive, hill-start assist, trailer stability assist, reversing sensors and can haul between 2,000kg and 2,500kg depending on the version, meaning this SUV is a perfect companion for caravanning adventures.