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KK OO SS
PEUGEOT'S new 3008 crossover has
arrived to attack Nissan's highly suc-
cessful Qashqai.
The French `niche buster' blends MPV,
SUV and family hatch styling and load-
carrying versatility.
There is no actual 4x4 option for now,
but a hybrid with electric motors power-
ing the rear wheels is due later and
there is a cost-effective �450 Grip
Control option for now. This mimics the
powers of a modest 4x4 or `soft roader'.
Prices range from �15,995-21,895.
Peugeot's niche buster
to take on the Qashqui
SPORTING sub-brand Renaultsport
has created the ultimate performance
M�gane � at least for now.
The M�gane Renaultsport 250 has a
2.0-litreturbochargedengineandchoiceof
two chassis: standard Sport and Cup, the
latter featuring a limited slip differential.
The newcomer echoes the M�gane
Coup�'s sleek lines, but gains extended
wheel arches for 18 or 19-inch wheels
and a front bumper with wide air intake
and F1-type aerodynamic blade.
Prices start at �21,995.
Renaultproudlyunleash
their ultimate M�gane
SKODA launches its most luxurious
estate car in January � a version of the
affordable Superb executive saloon/hatch.
The Czech marque says it has a class-
leading load capacity of 1,865 litres �
and a choice of three petrol and three
diesel engines.
Buyers can also opt for a VW group
twin-clutch gearbox � the auto that can
be driven as a manual � with similar or
better fuel economy. An electronically
operated boot opening and panoramic
sunroof are further options.
Superb extra capacity
and luxury from Skoda
HAS Toyota been just too clever by
launching its IQ3 city with a `big'
engine?
It certainly doesn't add up at first: the IQ3
(from �11,615) is �2,000 dearer than the 1.0-
litre IQ entry model, higher CO2 emissions
(113g/km) mean losing road tax exemption
and paying �35 a year and it averages 5-6mpg
less than the smaller engine.
But would-be buyers must use their own IQ
here: in three-cylinder 1.0 form, the IQ is a
real city car, though you could drive longer
distances occasionally, especially as the wide
track and spacious front cabin make it feel like
a larger vehicle.
But the four-cylinder 1.3 engine delivers
more acceleration and, crucially, more cruising
power and refinement than the `three-pot' as I
found when road testing a car from Motorline
Toyota at Canterbury.
This makes the IQ3 great for commuting into
London or across Kent as well as town driving
and a better all-rounder and potentially some-
one's only car, where as the original might be
stretched to be more than a second car.
The IQ3 also suits an automatic `box, which
fits the ethos of a small city runabout; auto
changes in the original IQ feel more frantic.
Overall IQ attributes are impressive: it is
just 30cms longer than the rival Smart
ForTwo yet gains two seats.
However, the seat behind the driver is virtu-
ally useless. The front passenger seat is stag-
gered close to the dashboard though, so an
adult can sit behind � just.
So we have a 3+1-seat car rather than a full
four-seater and the `+1' is really the boot as
there is barely any space behind the rear seat-
backs.
Nevertheless, the IQ shows masterly pack-
aging and its low stance and wider track,
largely overcomes pitching expected from
such a short wheelbase car. The IQ drives and
handles well for its size too.
Interior quality and trimming is superb, but
could be funkier to attack the Smart.
On the other hand, this is the `Lexus' of city
cars and comes with no less than nine airbags
� it may be small, but it is very safe.
Nevertheless, Motorline admits the `Lexus'
price tag can make some buyers turn to the
Japanese brand's slightly bigger yet cheaper
full four-seat Aygo.
SMALL WONDER: Toyota's new IQ3 delivers more acceleration and power than the entry level IQ, but is �2,000 dearer and has higher C02 emissions meaning �35 road tax a year
ToyotachallengesyourIQ
TOYOTA IQ3
ROAD TEST
s BY STEVE LOADER
STAR QUALITY
Driving appeal 55555
Image 55555
Space 55555
Value 55555
Running costs 55555
Reliability 55555
Green rating 55555
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BY STEVE LOADER@
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