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The Best Diesel Cars For 2020: Diesel Cars Are Making A Comeback

Diesel cars are making a comeback as consumers clamour for cars with robust engines with a more responsible fuel economy. A diesel-powered car is worth considering for your next major get-around.

The best diesel cars are not only for standard passenger cars. Some of our top picks include SUVs and substantially sized trucks. And you’ll find foreign and domestic options loaded with all the comfort features and entertainment options you could want. Here are the best diesel cars for 2020. Fit a range of budgets and needs.

Jeep Wrangler
The best

If you want an SUV that’s as efficient as it is capable, you should buy this

Who’s it for: Off-roaders who hate stopping for fuel.

How much will it cost: $39,290+

Why we picked the Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel:

Popular demand convinced Jeep to make a turbodiesel engine available in the United States for the first time. Called EcoDiesel, the unit in question is a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque to the four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

If it’s efficiency you’re wondering about. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates it at 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg in a mixed cycle. To add context, the 3.6-liter V6’s figures check in at 19, 22, and 21, respectively.

The EcoDiesel’s torque also gives the Wrangler a useful 3,500-pound towing capacity. The one major downside is that the engine is only offered in the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. Two-door models can’t be equipped with it. And Jeep charges $4,000 for it.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport Td6
The best diesel performance SUV

Who’s it for: Adventurers with something to tow.

Cost: $69,500+

Why we picked the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Td6:

If you haven’t driven a diesel since Ronald Reagan was in the White House. The Range Rover Sport Td6 will leave you totally flabbergasted. It’s everything a modern six-cylinder diesel should be: Quiet, smooth, powerful, and efficient. Land Rover went to great lengths to design an oil-burning engine it can market to discerning luxury buyers.

The 3.0-liter Td6 V6 develops 254 hp and a massive 443 lb.-ft. It propels the SUV from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. That’s pretty quick for an SUV weighing almost 5,000 pounds. Because this is a diesel, you also get the ability to tow up to 7,716 pounds, as well as EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).

It’s not all about fuel mileage figures. The V6 generates peak torque at 1,750 rpm. So the Td6-powered Sport is well-suited to going far off the beaten path. That low-end torque is exactly what you need when off-roading, which typically involves crawling along at a slow, steady pace. Adventurers, this is the engine to order if you don’t want to step up to a more expensive V8-powered model.

Chevrolet Colorado Diesel
The best diesel truck

The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel is all the truck you’ll ever need.

Who’s it for: Buyers seeking a daily-drivable workhorse.

Cost: $37,710+

Why we picked the Chevrolet Colorado Diesel:

Dropping a diesel engine in a compact pickup truck makes a lot of sense. Especially for customers who need a reliable, efficient workhorse to drive on a daily basis. The oil burner’s low-end torque makes towing and hauling a breeze. And the truck segment is one where any mpg improvement is welcomed like a Christmas basket.

Like the identical GMC Canyon, the Chevrolet Colorado benefits from a 2.8-liter four-cylinder developed by Duramax. The same company that designs the diesel engines used by Chevy’s heavy-duty trucks. It’s tuned to generate 181 hp and 369 lb.-ft., and it returns up to 30 mpg highway. Chevrolet also notes that the Colorado Diesel can tow up to 7,700 pounds when it’s properly equipped. Chevy, Ford, and Ram all offer diesel engines in larger half-ton trucks. But the Colorado offers plenty of capability in an easier-to-park package.

The Colorado Diesel is available in several configurations. The base truck comes with four doors and 61-inch-long cargo bed. Buyers who need to put more junk in the trunk can order a 74-inch long bed. And those who want to hit the trail can select the ZR2 package. It adds serious off-road goodies like a special suspension with additional ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid plates.

Land Rover Range Rover Td6
The best diesel luxury car

If you like spending money on everything except fuel, you should buy this

Who’s it for: Luxury car shoppers who drive a lot.

Cost: $91,700+

Why we picked the Land Rover Range Rover Td6:

The Range Rover Sport shows that diesels can be refined. And the bigger Range Rover shows that they can be properly luxurious. The fact that Land Rover felt confident enough to offer the Td6 engine in its flagship model shows just how far diesels have come.

The Range Rover uses the same 3.0-liter V6 as the Range Rover Sport that makes 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. This slab of luxury will do zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and tow up to 7,716 pounds, according to Land Rover. It will also return 24 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway). Not bad for a big SUV shaped liked a stately mansion.

What really sets this Range Rover apart, though, is its luxurious feel. This is an SUV that can rival the best Mercedes-Benz or BMW in quietness and comfort. But also go where those cars can’t. The Range Rover isn’t just luxurious for one BMW’s SUVa. It can easily compete against any of their luxury sedans or sports cars too. The diesel engine adds better fuel economy to the mix, and enhances the Ranger Rover’s off-road capability with its low-end torque. The only caveat is the Range Rover’s hefty price tag. There’s a lot to love about this vehicle. You’ve just got to be able to afford one.

SkyDrive Has Completed The First Manned Test Flight Of SD-03 Flying Car

First McLaren Speedtail Delivery In The US

Peugeot 5008 Gains New Face And Tech For 2020

Peugeot has updated its 5008 family SUV with a new look, enhanced tech and streamlined trim structure with the brand’s latest design language.

Chief among the changes for the Skoda Kodiaq rival is a revised front end that brings the Peugeot 5008 into line with their newer models. It comprises a frameless grille that expands across the front, fading into horizontal stripes underneath the main headlight units.

Those headlights have a light bar which continues downwards. Replacing the old units which sat along the top contour of the headlight. Peugeot’s moved the 5008 badge to the leading edge of the bonnet. This design first adopted on the 508 and since applied to the 208, 2008 and 3008.

Peugeot 5008 gains styling and interior tweaks

Peugeot’s upgraded both screens, with the i-Cockpit digital dial pack now featuring new graphics and greater contrast. It comprising a 10.0in infotainment touchscreen. Wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fitted at all trim levels and the facelift brings three new USB sockets.

What’s more important is what hasn’t changed. The 5008 still offers seven seats, with three adult-sized units in the centre row. This makes it one of few cars that can accommodate three child seats sat next to each other.

A drive mode selector is now standard on 5008 models equipped with an automatic gearbox, allowing drivers to choose between Normal, Sport and Eco. As before, the 5008 can be specified with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. Buyers can choose the 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol with six-speed manual or eight-speed auto gearboxes, or a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 178bhp and autobox as standard.

Expect pricing to be reveales and order books to open soon. But can be expect to mark a slight increase on the 5008’s current £28,980 starting price.

This Volvo P1800 Cyan may be the best restomod ever

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class may have debuted today; but this right here might actually be the coolest thing we see today. This obscure machine is a Volvo P1800, but not any P1800 — it’s a restomodded P1800. What’s the big deal? Cyan Racing, formerly Volvo’s factory racing team, undertook this challenge and created something sublime.

The idea was simple: Cyan wondered what the P1800 could have been if it had a race team backing the car all the way back in the 1960s; much like the iconic Ferrari and Jaguar vehicles of the time. The Volvo P1800 Cyan is the final product after the team channeled its motorsport learnings to imagine a race car for the road with the original car’s gorgeous design. And there was an effort to focus on driving purity – not a totally digital creation with an electric powertrain.

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Thus, there’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four derived from the Volvo S60 TC1 race car; which makes 420 horsepower and 336 pound-feet of torque. The team looked at plenty of engine options, including the P1800’s original engine, a five-cylinder and an inline-six, but ultimately, the turbo-four was the best fit.

The team’s knowledge surrounding the engine made it a perfect candidate to help tread the line between motorsport and road car. Even better, there’s a bespoke five-speed manual transmission onboard, and Cyan Racing said the powertrain is meant to rev. Keeping with the modern touches, the original live rear axle gone; and in its place sits a Cyan-designed independent rear suspension. There’s also a limited-slip differential meant to balance everyday driving and high performance on the track.

That’s not all for track use, though. The front and rear suspension is completely adjustable and sports double wishbones and two-way adjustable dampers with Cyan hydraulics. In true restomod fashion, it has a classic look, but the story shifts underneath the skin.The chassis itself is ready to take a beating, too, with carbon fiber reinforcing the car’s steel bones. Ensuring the 420 hp makes its way to the ground is a set of Pirelli P Zero tires; which wrap around 18-inch forged wheels.

Cyan Racing plans to build this car, believe it or not. Naturally, it’ll be an “if you have to ask” sort of ordeal when it comes to prices; but those with the means can be in touch with the racing outfit to spec their very own — and incredibly cool — P1800 Cyan.

SkyDrive Has Completed The First Manned Test Flight Of SD-03 Flying Car

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SkyDrive Has Completed The First Manned Test Flight Of SD-03 Flying Car

Japanese startup SkyDrive confirmed that it has completed the first manned test flight of its SD-03 flying car. With videos showing the vehicle in action.

Japanese startup reveals videos of flying car’s first manned test flight

SkyDrive said in a press release that the test flights, which were conducted on August 25 at the 10,000-square-meter Toyota Test Field, lasted for about four minutes. And a pilot was in the SD-03. But to ensure stability and safety. A computer-assisted control system was used. Along with technical staff that monitored flight conditions and the flying car’s performance.

SD-03 is designed to be the smallest electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle in the world. And, it only taking up the space of two parked cars. SD-03 flying car uses eight motors, with two rotors in four locations, to ensure safety during emergency situations.

SkyDrive plans to launch flying cars by 2023

“We are extremely excited to have achieved Japan’s first-ever manned flight of a flying car in the two years since we founded SkyDrive. With the goal of commercializing such aircraft,” CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said in a statement.

“We want to realize a society where flying cars are an accessible and convenient means of transportation in the skies. And people are able to experience a safe, secure, and comfortable new way of life.”

“In designing an unexplored, new genre of transportation known as the flying car. We chose the keyword “progressive” for inspiration,” Design Director Takumi Yamamot said. “We wanted this vehicle to be futuristic, charismatic. And desirable for all future customers. While fully incorporating the high technology of SkyDrive.”

The company hopes to make the flying car a part of normal life and not just a commodity. SkyDrive said that it will continue conducting test flights in more conditions. And that it is aiming to acquire approval to fly the SD-03 outside the Toyota Test Field before the end of the year.

The company will continue to develop technologies to safely and securely launch the flying car in 2023.

First McLaren Speedtail Delivery In The US

Electric Cars 2020: Top 10 Best Affordable Electric Cars

Top 8 Electric Vehicle That’s Expected In The Year 2021

Electric cars are the future, and each year we’ve seen automakers add more EVs to their lineup. These EVs aren’t for sale yet but are in various stages from concept to production. We’ve compiled a list of electric vehicle, from concept to starting production. After that, it isn’t available yet but will be soon.

BMW i4 (Expected: Late 2021)

BMW has already announced that the i4 will have 523 hp and an 80.0-kWh battery pack, and it will start production in 2021. The i3 and i8 relied upon wild, futuristic designs to make a statement. The next model in the electric sub-brand will have far more conventional styling.

Audi Q4 e-tron (Expected: 2021)

As you might expect from its name, the Q4 e-tron will slot in between Audi’s Q3 and Q5 crossovers in size. But it will be different from both in that it will come only in an all-electric e-tron configuration. In addition, Audi Q4 e-tron will ride on the company’s MEB platform.

Electric Vehicle Mercedes-Benz EQC (Expected: 2021)

The Mercedes-Benz EQC400 4Matic, Mercedes’s first electric vehicle, is a compact crossover with an estimated range of 200 miles. We tested the EQC this past spring and found it hewed closely to the values Mercedes is known for: comfort, quietness, and precision in steering. The luxury vehicle starts at $68,895 and is slated to reach showrooms in early 2021.

Mercedes-Benz EQA (Expected: 2021)

Mercedes-Benz’s entirely new EV lineup will be part of what they’re calling the EQ family. Mercedes-Benz has pretty tight-lipped about range, or other powertrain details. EQA is their electric compact SUV, that was spot testing in the early months of 2020.

Mercedes-Benz EQS (Expected: 2021)

EQ designates this new model as part of Mercedes’ electric sub-brand. And spy photos suggest that it will have an odd body shape. That’s not quite a sedan, not quite a hatchback, not quite a crossover, but more of a mishmash of all three.

Electric Vehicle Ford F-150 Electric (Expected: 2021)

Ford drawing in new shoppers interested in owning a pickup, but without the carbon footprint of a gasoline engine. It’s too soon for detailed specs, but Ford did pull off an impressive stunt in July when it had an electric F-150 tow a million pounds. Above all, the Ford F-150 electric pickup truck is expected on sale in 2021.

Mazda MX-30 (Expected: 2021)

Mazda’s first fully electric vehicle, the MX-30, is a quirky small crossover with rear half-doors reminiscent of the RX-8 sports car. Initial specs show a tiny, 35.5-kWh battery pack, which won’t likely have more range than 150 miles. However, It hasn’t officially confirmed for the U.S. market yet, but if it does come, we think it will arrive sometime in late 2021.

Electric Vehicle Nissan Ariya (Expected: Late 2021)

The Nissan Ariya is Nissan’s second fully electric vehicle and built on what Nissan has created with the Leaf. Nissan said the most powerful version of this electric crossover has 389 hp, while the longest-range model promises to go 300 miles on a charge. It’ll feature Nissan’s new semi-autonomous driving system, ProPilot 2.0, and a dual front/rear motor drive configuration. Therefore, it has a starting price of around $40,000.

ALSO READ: Discover What The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Is Different

Some Cars Will Never Be Crash-Tested

The Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery, and Porsche Macan are all comfortable SUVs with extra trimmings and technology. Consumers can easily compare their fuel economy, 0-to-60-mph acceleration time, and cargo capacity. But when it comes to safety, consumers are left in the dark as to how they would hold up in certain crash scenarios. That’s because these cars have no publicly available crash-test ratings.

Nearly a half-million passenger cars and SUVs sold each year have not been crash-test rated by the two main organizations that conduct independent assessments: the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which uses a star rating system, and the insurance industry-backed Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which rates vehicles from Poor to Good.

Most of the vehicles without ratings are low-volume models, sports cars, luxury vehicles, or large vans. The expense is too great for NHTSA and the IIHS to test all vehicles, so choices are made based on car sales volume and testing budgets. Some untested models are new or redesigned and merely waiting in line to be evaluated. About 97 percent of all new vehicles sold are crash-test rated by one or both of the independent organizations.

If the vehicle you’re interested in is new and doesn’t have a rating yet, it may be worth waiting until it gets tested, says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing. “This is another good reason not to get the first new model at the dealership,” he says. “In addition to being able to see the results, if you wait, you’ll get a car that’s likely more reliable and probably with more of a discount, too.”

To be certified for sale, every new model sold in the U.S. must be crash-tested internally to ensure minimum federal safety standards are met. But a publicly available rating isn’t required.

Currently, no Jaguar, Land Rover, or Porsche models are rated by NHTSA or the IIHS. Last year, those three automakers represented almost half of all vehicles sold without any public cars crash-test ratings—or more than 185,000 new vehicles on American roads.

Among vehicles without ratings, a few—such as the Cadillac CT6, Kia K900, and BMW 7 Series luxury sedans—have sales numbers below 10,000 cars a year. NHTSA has no crash-test ratings for any recent Maserati or Alfa Romeo vehicle, although the IIHS tested the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Maserati Ghibli sedans, both of which got Good ratings for crashworthiness. Similarly, NHTSA did not test the Fiat 500L hatchback, but the IIHS did—and it got a Poor rating on the driver-side front small-overlap test.

CR does not perform crash tests, but we take NHTSA and IIHS crash-test ratings into account (when available) to calculate our Overall Score for each vehicle we buy and rate. That score also takes into account available safety systems, a vehicle’s CR road-test score, and results of CR’s exclusive Annual Auto Surveys, where owners report on their reliability experiences and their satisfaction with their vehicle. Vehicles without public crash-test ratings can still earn a CR recommendation. The current BMW 7 Series, Honda Clarity, Lexus GX, Mazda Miata MX-5, Nissan 370Z, Porsche 718 Boxster, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Macan, and Toyota Sequoia earned recommendations, as did the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette.

What If the Cars You Want Has Not Been Crash-Tested?

Some currently unrated cars, including the Cadillac CT4, are likely to be tested in the future. And now that Jaguar is selling more SUVs, the IIHS may consider testing some of them, says IIHS spokesman Russ Rader. But others, including the Nissan 370Z sports car, and Lexus GX and Toyota Sequoia full-sized SUVs, have been on sale for years without ever having received a public rating.

Rader says that car buyers who are interested in a model without publicly available crash-test data should at least look up driver fatality rates and insurance claim losses by make and model, which can be found on the IIHS website.

“These resources show how vehicles are performing for safety in real-world crashes and include some vehicles that are not routinely crash-tested by independent testing organizations,” he says. Rates for most cars are included, but there’s not enough data to determine rates for certain low-selling vehicles.

American consumers shouldn’t rely on ratings from safety agencies in other countries because protocols and safety standards can differ from country to country, and vehicles sold in other markets may have design differences that greatly affect their performance in crash tests even if those variations aren’t visible to the naked eye.

The vehicles in the chart below do not have public cars crash-tested ratings from NHTSA or the IIHS. They’re organized in order of average annual sales volume, listed in the right-hand column.

All Land Rover Vehicles – 94,736

All Porsche Vehicles – 61,658

All Jaguar Vehicles – 31,051

Lexus GX – 25,945

Mercedes-Benz GLS – 22,225

Mercedes-Benz GLA – 22,137

BMW X7 – 21,574

BMW 4 Series – 18,621

Chevrolet Corvette – 17,988

Mercedes-Benz A-Class – 17,641

Mercedes-Benz S-Class – 12,528

Mercedes-Benz CLA – 12,400

Honda Clarity – 11,654

Toyota Sequoia – 10,289

Mazda MX-5 Miata – 7,753

NHTSA says it provides cars crash-test ratings for 85 percent of new vehicle models, and the IIHS has crash-tested over 80 percent of mainstream vehicle models—which represents more than 97 percent of all passenger vehicles sold. Some vehicles that have not been crash-tested have been evaluated for child car seat fit, headlight visibility, rollover risk, or advanced safety features.

A NHTSA spokeswoman told CR that the agency chooses vehicles “predicted to have high sales volume, structural or restraint design changes compared to the previous year, and/or improved safety equipment,” and that some vehicles are not tested because of budgetary restrictions. Similarly, Rader told CR that the IIHS typically does not test high-end vehicles, sports cars, or large SUVs. “We try to stay in the heart of the consumer market,” he said.

David Friedman, CR’s vice president of advocacy and a former NHTSA acting and deputy administrator, says that although the agency might leave some vehicles out, focusing on top-selling cars is a wise move, considering that it pays for the cars it crash-tests, which can cost $10 million each year. For the most part, the IIHS also pays for the cars it tests.

“To fit in low-volume luxury cars would require either testing fewer cars that are more popular or taking money away from other life-saving efforts,” Friedman says.

Cars Crash-Test: All Models Must Meet Federal Standards

Even cars that lack public cars crash-test ratings from NHTSA or the IIHS must still meet minimum federal safety standards. In order to sell a new vehicle in the U.S., manufacturers must provide information from their own company crash tests to NHTSA to ensure compliance with federal standards. Some automakers, such as Mercedes, also told CR that they perform extra crash tests before introducing a new vehicle. “We often conduct up to 15,000 realistic crash simulations and about 150 vehicle crash tests to make an entirely new vehicle ready for customer operations,” said Ashley Gillam, a spokeswoman for Mercedes-Benz.

A spokeswoman for Jaguar Land Rover did not respond to CR’s questions. A spokesman for Porsche told CR that NHTSA and the IIHS determine which vehicles to test; that the automaker “rigorously designs and tests its vehicles to confirm they comply with” federal standards, and that those results are shared with NHTSA.

NHTSA also sometimes randomly tests vehicles that aren’t part of its regular five-star rating program—including some Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, and Land Rover models—to make sure manufacturers are in compliance with federal standards.

Manufacturers can request a cars crash-test, too—which is why the IIHS tested the Maserati Ghibli sedan, Rader says. The agency has occasionally tested specialty vehicles, such as convertibles and hydrogen fuel-cell cars, to see how they perform in a crash. The IIHS will accept data from crash tests performed by manufacturers in certain cases—such as when the prior version of a model got a Good score—but the IIHS still audits a selection of those reports, Rader says.

Ultimately, crashworthiness is one of the many important considerations buyers must take into account when purchasing a new vehicle; in addition to the available advanced safety features that may help prevent a crash from occurring.

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2020, Consumer Reports, Inc.

First McLaren Speedtail Delivery In The US

The McLaren Speedtail has finally made it to the US. The first example of the much-hyped hypercar touched down in Connecticut just a few days ago. After the pandemic threw a wrench in the originally scheduled rollout.

The McLaren Speedtail has been years in the making, but it’s finally here.

The shiny new Hyper-GT was delivered to Miller Motorcars in Greenwich. The dealership, which recently took delivery of the country’s first Bugatti Divo. Captured the momentous occasion in a YouTube video and the powder-blue speedster looks drop-dead gorgeous on screen.

Of course, the delivery couldn’t have come sooner for auto enthusiasts. The latest addition to McLaren’s Ultimate Series has been years in the making. First teased back in 2018, the hypercar won hearts with its unabashedly futuristic design. And a hybrid-electric powertrain and blistering speed. In 2019, it showed out during test drives. And hitting 250 mph more than 30 times and deservedly securing the title of the fastest McLaren yet.

The McLaren Speedtail’s hybrid system mates a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with an electric motor to produce a punishing 1,036 horses. The power-to-weight ratio (the car weighs just 3,153 pounds) and instant torque provided by the electric motor gives the car ferocious acceleration that can push it from zero to 186 mph in just 12.8 seconds.

The Speedtail has a three-seat layout that sees the driver sitting front and center, just like its spiritual successor, the F1. Because of this seating position and the fact that the car has cameras instead of side mirrors. So the McLaren Speedtail isn’t road legal in the US. Customers will need to import it via the “Show or Display” law if they plan to put the pedal to the metal on local roads.

The Speedtail is strictly limited to just 106 models and a third or so will be heading Stateside. After being purchased by US customers for roughly $2.25 million each. Indeed, it’s been quite the drawn-out saga to get the Speedtail on American soil. But it’s fair to say it was worth the wait.

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Discover What The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Is Different

The new Porsche Panamera now has a Turbo S version, a tweaked look and a brand new Turbo S model. Porsche has updated its super saloon.

Revised Porsche Panamera brings new Turbo S

What’s new in the engine of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S

Let’s start with the most interesting of the bunch – the newly named Turbo S is an even quicker version of the previous Turbo. For instance, with power from the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 rising from 542bhp and 568lb ft of torque to a stonking 621bhp and 605lb ft. Which is 79bhp and 39lb ft more than the ‘old’ Turbo made.

Porsche says it can sprint to 62mph in 3.1 seconds. Rapid right? Porsche’s already proved that it’s bonkers quick too. Therefore, this new model is also now the lap record holder at the Nürburgring for executive cars, clocking in at 7:21.28 minutes at the hands of test driver Lars Kern.

Above all, The new Panamera and Panamera 4 both feature the same 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 as before with the same 325bhp and 332lb ft of torque. After that, the GTS gets a small power hike of 19bhp, the 4S E-Hybrid has a larger battery (from 14.1kWh to 17.9kWh, with a claimed e-range of 34 miles)
The Panamera’s active suspension management and dynamic chassis control systems have refreshed to improve body control. In other words, it bring a ‘sporty yet comfortable feel’.

Cockpit Design

Inside it’s effectively the same cockpit design, but Porsche says it’s done plenty to refine the safety and connectivity systems. Porsche points out that every new Panamera has the SportDesign bumper arrangement up front as standard. And the Turbo S gets a bespoke front end with larger air intakes. In addition, The rear light bar has tweak, too, with GTS models featuring a darkened cluster. More wheel designs are available, too.

For reference, the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S kicks off at £135,610.

TOP Greatest Supercars of the Last 100 Years (Pt.1)

Listed chronologically, the first year of manufacture is indicated in most cases. In a few instances, a later, preferred iteration, reflects drivetrain improvements; as with the Jaguar E-Type, Lamborghini Miura and Shelby Cobra for example. They call them as Greatest Supercars of the Last 100 Year. But enough spoilers—enjoy the ride..

Many of these models were “accessible” when new, but some have become stratospherically expensive today. A few are simply “unobtanium,” while some are within reach of mortals. All, however, are desirable collectibles, and each offers a thrilling experience behind the wheel in its own way.

1. 1907 Rolls-Royce 40/50 “Silver Ghost” AX201

Calling it the Mona Lisa of the automotive world is not an exaggeration. It is one of the first Greatest Supercars in the world. Like Leonardo’s subject, the old Roller isn’t an exquisite beauty, but its significance goes beyond purely aesthetic attributes. Chassis No. 60551, registered on the road as AX201, demonstrated its reliability on a 2,000-mile run, forever earning the marque a reputation as “the best car in the world.”

A private collector acquired the vehicle from its corporate owners last year for a reputed $75 million-plus; a not unreasonable sum in the grand scheme of things for the most famous car in British motoring history. The notion of AX201 coming to market again someday suggests that those with the resources and the urge to acquire it should put a note to themselves on the refrigerator.

2. Greatest Supercars: 1925 Bugatti Type 35

The second Greatest Supercars in the list is 1925 Bugatti Type 35.

Bugatti’s Type 35—also produced in A, B, C and T variants—was the most successful race car from the French marque, garnering more than 2,000 motorsport victories from 1924 to 1930, among them the 1926 Grand Prix Championship and first-place finishes in the Targa Florio for five years in a row.

The diminutive racer was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-eight engine (larger in the 35T) that, when eventually supercharged, developed 135 hp; an impressive figure for the day. Not so impressive was Bugatti’s insistence on cable-actuated brakes—uncompetitive with then-new hydraulic brake systems—which founder Ettore Bugatti reputedly defended; saying, “I make my cars to go, not to stop.” Still, a Type 35 is a treasure in any collection.

3. Greatest Supercars: 1930 Bentley 4½ Litre

The big blower Bentley, so named because of its supercharger, won the 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans and further established the reputation of W.O. Bentley’s brutes as being the fastest trucks of their time. Bentley chassis wore bodies from a variety of coachbuilders, with its motorsport cars earning the company a reputation for rugged durability and speed.

The antithesis of their lithe, nimble French and Italian competition, the 4½ Litres were the heavyweight champions of their day. They produced 720 examples from 1927 to 1931; 55 of which were supercharged and developed a whopping 240 hp in racing form. Driving one improves one’s biceps.

4. 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic

Here is another Greatest Supercars from Bugatti.

With only four built between 1936 and 1938, and just three extant, the remaining examples of the SC Atlantic are some of the most valuable cars in the world. Though with many other Type 57 models made from 1934 to 1940 in coupe, two-door, four-door and convertible form, Bugatti dreamers can aspire toward a Type 57 of less rarified provenance.

Beneath the long hood of each was a 3.3-liter inline-eight derived from Bugatti’s Type 59 Grand Prix car. Powering the aerodynamic SC Atlantic, it gave speed to the fluid shape that expresses the spirit of Art Deco and makes it the greatest Bugatti ever, though proponents of the Type 41 Royale may demur.

5. Greatest Supercars: 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B

Surely Italy’s greatest prewar automobiles, the Alfa Romeo 2300, 2600 and 2900 series commanded a presence on tracks across Europe throughout the entire reign of Alfa’s most powerful cars. The 2900 and 2900B models, with 2.9-liter, Vittorio Jano straight-eight engines, were primarily developed for endurance in competitions like the Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans. A number of coachbuilders—mostly Italian—crafted bodies in long- and short-chassis versions, with Carrozzeria Touring creating some of the most desirable. Whether one prefers an elegant streamlined coupe or dashing low-slung roadster; the 8C 2900 in any form was an Italian dream car more than a decade before they made the first Ferrari ever made.

6. 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS “Teardrop”

French Talbot-Lago developed its T150-C for racing, using a 140 hp, 4.0-liter inline-six in a light, low-slung SS (super sports) chassis featuring independent front suspension. One model expressed French streamline design unlike any other and is; according to some opinions, the most beautiful car ever made.

Launched at the 1937 Paris Motor Show, its body was by French coachbuilder Figoni & Falaschi, who produced Talbot-Lago “Teardrops” in two series; the latter showcased in New York features an uninterrupted fastback profile. They made eleven examples of those, and on the rare occasion one comes to market, it commands formidable interest and a price commensurate with its rarity.

7. Greatest Supercars: 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

Derived from the successful Mercedes-Benz W194 race car of 1952, the street-going 300 SL raised every bar for engineering, build quality and performance. With its mechanically fuel-injected inline-six and the ability to reach a top speed of 163 mph, it delivered performance unmatched by any other car of the period.

The “Gullwing” coupe, built from 1954 to 1957, was followed by a roadster in 1957 until 1963. While the roadsters are more user-friendly, the Gullwing remains the most iconic model in the history of the Silver Star. They made exactly 1,400 examples, enough to fill a space in major car collections around the world. And the fact that this blue-chip collectible can still run with contemporary automobiles makes it more astounding still.

Electric Cars 2020: Top 10 Best Affordable Electric Cars

We run down the very best affordable electric city cars. Superminis and family hatchbacks on sale today

As the range between mains charges increases and the charging infrastructure improves. An EV becomes a more viable alternative to petrol- or diesel-fuelled models almost by the month. Choice has been slow to grow so far. But is set to mushroom in 2020 as debutant EVs from Mini, Honda, Peugeot and others all arrive.

This is a list of our top ten affordable electric cars compiled considering factors. Such as range and usability, driving dynamics and value for money. Some are still subject to relatively high prices compared to combustion-engined cars. But their premiums can be offset against lower running costs

Best Affordable Electric Cars 2020

1. Kia e-Niro

First in the list of Best Affordable Electric Cars 2020 that is Kia e-Niro. It redefines how much real-world range and family-friendly usability. We should now expect from an electric vehicle towards the more affordable end of the price spectrum. For around £35,000, the car’s 64kWh battery pack enables it to comfortably travel 230 miles on a single charge. And further still if you stay off the motorway or around town. A few years ago, that would be the sort of range you’d be expecting from something far pricier. And probably with a Tesla badge on its nose.

2. Volkswagen ID 3

As Volkswagen looks to move on from the fallout of Dieselgate. The ID 3 is set to take centre-stage as the marque’s environmentally friendly wunderkind. This Golf-sized hatchback also gets the new ‘ID’ sub-brand off the mark. And aims to do so with the kind of mass-market sophistication and class-leading usability for which Volkswagen is rightly famed.

Built on an entirely fresh rear-engined platform. The ID 3 benefits from a long wheelbase, boosting cabin space, and is powered by a rear-mounted motor with up to 201bhp and 229lb ft. It excels in terms of maneuverability and low-speed response and, although heavy by compact car standards and rolling on wheels as big as 20in in diameter. It would seem to hit the company’s high standards for ride sophistication too. Handling is surprisingly agile, balanced and nimble.

3. Peugeot e-208

The all-electric version of the 208 supermini is one of several PSA Group compact EVs coming to market this year. But it’s the best-priced and also the most visually appealing. For its mix of usable range, performance, value, practicality, style, perceived quality and driver appeal. It clearly deserves to figure highly if you’re shopping for your first electric car this year.

Unlike more low-rent-feeling EVs. The car’s materially rich interior distinguishes it just as clearly as the stylish bodywork. Practicality is on a par with the Renault Zoe and better than in a Mini Electric. Refinement beats both of those key rivals also, and performance is fairly strong.

4. Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

Until quite recently, an electric car good enough to combine a genuine 300-mile daily-use range with a sub-£30,000 price point seemed an awfully long way off. The Hyundai Kona Electric made it a reality only a couple of years ago, however. Quite a coup for its aspiring Korean maker.

By wielding what must be a sizable competitive advantage on battery buying power. Hyundai has delivered this car to the road with a sizable advantage on onboard electrical storage than plenty of the car’s it’s rivalled by in this list. That’s enough for more than 250 miles of range at typical UK motorway speeds. Or more than 300 at a slightly slower clip or around town.

That the car’s slightly low-rent. Restrictive interior doesn’t make it quite the match of a full-sized family hatchback on practicality is a bit of a disappointment. Also, there’s some frustration to be found in the car’s ride and handling, which both feel somewhat compromised by its weight and the low-friction tyres it uses. But if you want outright range for a small outlay. This is probably still where to get it.

5. Mini Electric

Mini has been a long time preparing to enter the electric cars market. But now that it finally has, it has certainly brought all of the fun factor you expect of the brand. Albeit packaged with a few equally typical usability restrictions.

Based exclusively on the three-door Mini bodyshell. The Mini Electric adopts the powertrain from the BMW i3S, giving it a very healthy 181bhp and 199lb ft of torque. Performance is notably stronger than many of the cars you might compare it with in this list. While handling is grippy and darty and agile in the enduring dynamic traditions of the Mini brand.

Range is the catch. Mini claims 144 miles. In reality, depending on how and where you drive it, you’re more likely to get between 100- and 120-. And that’s in a car with a pretty small boot, whose back seats are tricky to access and little use for anyone but younger kids in any case.

This clearly isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ sort of electric offering. But it’s priced surprisingly competitively. And if its limitations aren’t bothersome to you, could be the very car to show you how rewarding electric motoring can be.

6. Kia Soul EV

Kia’s boxy compact crossover is back for a third-generation. But this time around the Soul will be offered exclusively as an electric vehicle in European markets.

While not particularly sporty. It rides well, performs strongly and doesn’t make too much of a point of its 1682kg kerb weight. And because it makes use of the same powertrain as the slightly bigger e-Niro. It promises a WLTP-certified range of 280 miles when equipped with a 64kWh battery.

7. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf, in first-generation form, set the mould for the affordable electric cars approaching a decade ago. And in new second-generation form. It’s still right in amongst the list of contenders who are following in its tread marks.

Having had a 25 per cent boost on battery capacity. The Nissan now leads some of its rivals with a WLTP-certified range of 168 miles – rising to more than 200 in the case of the range-topping 64kWh ‘e ‘ version. It’s also got significantly more power and torque than its direct predecessor; performs fairly keenly; feels like a more rounded car to drive generally. And has one of the strongest showings here on daily-use practicality for a small family.

8. Vauxhall Corsa-e

Vauxhall’s sister version of the Peugeot e-208 doesn’t quite have the style or the claimed WLTP range of its French relation. Doesn’t have the imaginatively configured interior. And isn’t priced quite as keenly either. They’re fine margins by which to relegate the car so many places in this top ten chart. But that’s simply how competitive this varied class is becoming.

But don’t let that fool you into believing that this Vauxhall isn’t worth a test drive, at least. It might be a little plainer than the Peugeot but still looks handsome enough. The car’s driving experience combines genuine 180-mile everyday battery range with keen and competent handling and a comfortable ride. While 100kW DC rapid charging compatibility as standard should also be a selling point.

9. Honda E

Honda has taken a leftfield approach with its first all-electric car. The Honda E supermini – which is unusually compact for an electric car, and innovative in several ways. A rear-mounted motor promises packaging efficiency while all-independent suspension heralds the ride and handling sophistication of a bigger car.

The car’s available in 134- and 152bhp forms, but neither has quite the battery capacity of rivals: 35.5kWh ‘gross’ is all you get here, which makes for claimed WLTP range of 137 miles maximum (with the car rolling on 16in wheels). In testing, we struggled to get much more than 100- from our 17in-equipped test car.

10. Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe was always an appealing short-hopper electric supermini. Even when it was offered with a 22kWh battery and had only 80 miles of real-world range. The car’s usability was enhanced during a mid-life update. However, by a 41kWh battery option which, on a warm day, turns the car into one good for 150 miles of mixed real-world use.

Now there is a comprehensively updated version with a significantly refreshed design plus a 52kWh battery and up to 245 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. Or around 180- to 200- in mixed real-world use. It still offers strong value for money against its competitors. With the UK government’s PiCG incentive bringing the car’s entry price down to around £25,000. It’s also still pleasing to drive: very nippy and fairly quiet. Albeit with some leaden feel to the controls.

Finally, whereas previously the Zoe couldn’t be rapid-charged at the motorway services quite as quickly as certain rivals, CCS fast charging is now an option. It may have fallen behind newer EV rivals in some ways. But the Zoe remains a good entry point into EV ownership.

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Cockpit Design

1. 1907 Rolls-Royce 40/50 “Silver Ghost” AX201

2. Greatest Supercars: 1925 Bugatti Type 35

3. Greatest Supercars: 1930 Bentley 4½ Litre

4. 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic

5. Greatest Supercars: 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B

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7. Greatest Supercars: 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

1. Kia e-Niro

2. Volkswagen ID 3

3. Peugeot e-208

4. Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh

5. Mini Electric

6. Kia Soul EV

7. Nissan Leaf

8. Vauxhall Corsa-e

9. Honda E

10. Renault Zoe

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