Plug-in Hybrid Car Sales Stopped Amid WLTP Delays

Plug-in Hybrid Car Sales Stopped Amid WLTP Delays

A number of major German car makers have stopped taking new orders for their plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. The cessation comes as manufacturers continue to recertify their model ranges to tough new WLTP efficiency assessments. And, in the same week it announced it would no longer sell cars with diesel engines, Porsche is believed to be no longer accepting factory orders for the Cayenne E-Hybrid and Panamera E-Hybrid. BMW also confirmed it is no longer taking orders for the 7 Series 740e PHEV, and this model will likely remain off sale until next year鈥檚 expected facelift arrives. The 3 Series 330e plug-in is also no longer available to order, as BMW prepares to launch an all-new model. Mercedes currently offers no PHEVs in the UK, although this is believed to have been the case for some months. Plug-in versions of the S-Class and E-Class are likely to arrive before the end of 2018, while the C-Class PHEV is expected to reappear next year as the full range of facelifted C-Class models is released.

At the track the Jaguar couldn鈥檛 match its rivals鈥?performance. An 8.2-second 0-60mph time was a second down on the Alfa and 1.7 behind the C-Class. This is partly due to the gearbox, which doesn鈥檛 allow full revs in first gear off the line, shifting up earlier; it鈥檚 also more lethargic to change. Still, the deficit was reduced in gear, and although the XE still couldn鈥檛 match the Giulia鈥檚 pace, it edged out the Mercedes. The Jag pulls strongly enough, but it doesn鈥檛 feel quite as urgent as its rivals here. It鈥檚 also not as refined as the C-Class with its new engine. The Ingenium unit drones at full throttle, and even under lighter acceleration. Testers' notes: 鈥淭he steering is the XE鈥檚 strongest point. It鈥檚 a lovely weight and is the key to the car鈥檚 feel. The chassis set-up gives a good balance between compliance and agility. Mercedes has addressed the major flaws with the C-Class. Its new 2.0-litre diesel is smoother, more refined and delivers good performance, while the infotainment is a big step up. It鈥檚 also well priced and affordable on finance.

Extra practicality makes it easier to live with, while SE trim rides comfortably enough. And when all these attributes are combined, the C-Class takes the win. The XE loses out due to its packaging. It鈥檚 more cramped than the Mercedes, while its interior technology isn鈥檛 as advanced. The Jag is more agile and strikes the best balance between involvement and comfort, but the engine isn鈥檛 as tractable or as refined as that in the C-Class. While it鈥檚 the cheapest car here to buy, it鈥檚 also the least efficient, so will cost the most to run. If you鈥檙e after engaging handling, look no further than the Giulia. Its steering is super- sharp and the chassis can match it with good body control that doesn鈥檛 come at the expense of compliance. The engine is the most eager to rev, but you shatter refinement if you do, while the box isn鈥檛 as smooth as either rival鈥檚. It鈥檚 more practical than the Jag, but the infotainment is a letdown. There鈥檚 a new 3 Series coming early next year, and we鈥檝e driven it. Expect it to set the dynamic benchmark, while comfort and infotainment are also likely to be brilliant. It could go straight to the top of its class.

Mercedes-Benz recommends its own genuine coolant concentrate MB Type 325.0 or MB Model Type 30 coolant, according to the company? Australian website. Other international brands offer compatible mixtures, some of which are Mercedes-Benz approved. The Mercedes-Benz Genuine Coolant concentrate MB 325.0 is designed for use in undamaged cooling systems. If the cooling system has sustained corrosion damage, a citric-acid flush followed by MB Model Type 30 coolant is recommended. Using fluids approved by Mercedes-Benz is advised, since the company's parts and operating fluids are designed to work with one another. Any damages that occur due to using non-approved coolant are not covered by the warranty. The Mercedes-Benz international website provides a list of approved operating fluids by other manufacturers, including coolants by Voltronic, Raveno, Zerex and Castrol. The coolants are available in concentrate or in pre-mixed form. The percentage of distilled water versus coolant varies depending on the climate in which the engine is operating. The Mercedes-Benz website also provides contact options for obtaining more information on coolants.

In the past nine years Volvo has totally reinvented itself. From being a brand known for making solid, reliable, safe cars-all metaphors for boring, in the automotive world-it today makes cars that raise the pulse; to those core values it has added stylish body designs and exciting mechanical packages. The result is that there is now a high desirability factor right across the range. The newest entrant in the line-up replaces the one last worthy-but-dull survivor of the old regime, the S40. This joins character- filled machines such as the V70 r, the xc-90, and the slick S60, all of which are contenders for best in the class. Volvo's executive express S80 has also been face lifted recently. Volvo has to keep broadening its range without dissipating core values-but that shouldn't be a problem to the Swedish teams behind the brand. S40 Volvo's entry-level model is in the enviable position of not having any direct rival; no other manufacturer in Europe produces a comparable four door sedan with such a combination of enjoyment, comfort and safety. Handling and ride of the newly-arrived car is excellent in all variants, and the build values are exceptionally high, the car feeling like a true executive model despite its modest price point. Engines run from a smooth 1.8 litre four with 125PS through to the excellent turbocharged five cylinder pumping out 200PS, and there is also an excellent-if raucous-diesel engine. A sports variant with harder suspension and extra body detailing, and a pair of 1.6 litre models (one petrol other diesel) is creating craze in the market.