1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,800 This time on Fifth Gear... 2 00:00:04,120 --> 00:00:06,840 ..Vicki heads to the South of France to get behind the wheel 3 00:00:06,920 --> 00:00:09,640 of the latest generation of a motoring icon. 4 00:00:10,840 --> 00:00:13,160 It definitely feels like a muscle car. 5 00:00:13,240 --> 00:00:16,000 And I go back to where it all began. 6 00:00:16,080 --> 00:00:19,640 I dare you to jump into a Mk1 Ford Mustang 7 00:00:19,720 --> 00:00:22,360 and try and drive it without a smile on your face. 8 00:00:23,960 --> 00:00:26,040 Jason wrestles the elements... 9 00:00:26,120 --> 00:00:28,400 Why can't it be bloody dry? 10 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:31,320 ..and a colossal amount of power 11 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:34,640 as McLaren's new 750S goes head-to-head 12 00:00:34,720 --> 00:00:39,200 with Ferrari's groundbreaking hybrid-powered 296 GTB. 13 00:00:40,280 --> 00:00:42,160 She's a bit snappy. 14 00:00:42,240 --> 00:00:46,120 And we put Volvo's high-performance EV through its paces. 15 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:49,680 What is the point of having a family car that's as quick as a 911 Turbo? 16 00:00:49,760 --> 00:00:52,920 But it seems to be hiding some unwelcome surprises. 17 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:55,480 Oh, my God! What was that?What's that? 18 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:04,120 Now, then, I feel a birthday celebration coming on. 19 00:01:04,200 --> 00:01:06,840 I mean, there aren't that many motoring icons 20 00:01:06,920 --> 00:01:10,520 that have lasted to the grand old age of 60. 21 00:01:10,600 --> 00:01:13,480 We've got Mini, Toyota Land Cruiser... 22 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:15,640 Jason Plato. 23 00:01:15,720 --> 00:01:18,480 Mate, order. I've got a long way to go yet. 24 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:22,040 But the most important car on that list surely has got to be the Porsche 911. 25 00:01:22,120 --> 00:01:24,480 Well, is it, though? Absolutely! Yes! 26 00:01:24,560 --> 00:01:27,680 No, cos 60 years ago, the Americans were busy launching 27 00:01:27,760 --> 00:01:30,720 something that is still, to this day, going strong. 28 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:33,800 I think you might be a bit biassed, because you had one. 29 00:01:33,880 --> 00:01:36,320 Ah. The Mustang. 30 00:01:41,240 --> 00:01:45,000 And this is the latest offering from the Mustang stable, 31 00:01:45,080 --> 00:01:47,160 the Dark Horse. 32 00:01:50,760 --> 00:01:55,240 Yes, it is a five-litre naturally aspirated V8 33 00:01:55,320 --> 00:01:59,520 with 453 horsepower. God bless America. 34 00:02:00,560 --> 00:02:04,440 Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, you can't just jump in with the new one. 35 00:02:04,520 --> 00:02:07,680 To fully appreciate the impact that the Ford Mustang has had 36 00:02:07,760 --> 00:02:09,400 over the last 60 years, 37 00:02:09,480 --> 00:02:12,280 we need to go right back to where it all began. 38 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:13,960 Sorry, Rory. 39 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:16,800 Much better. 40 00:02:16,880 --> 00:02:20,760 The Ford Mustang. With ten million sold worldwide, 41 00:02:20,840 --> 00:02:23,960 it's Ford's longest-running and most iconic name badge. 42 00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:31,080 To understand why, we need to go back to this, the Mk1. 43 00:02:31,160 --> 00:02:34,160 Born into a time of profound change, youthful energy, 44 00:02:34,240 --> 00:02:38,160 and cheap gas prices, this was more than just a car. 45 00:02:38,240 --> 00:02:40,640 This was an American dream. 46 00:02:43,920 --> 00:02:48,840 In the early 1960s, Ford saw a gap in the market for a sports car 47 00:02:48,920 --> 00:02:52,520 that was practical, exciting and affordable to young people. 48 00:02:53,680 --> 00:02:55,560 The Mustang, as it became known, 49 00:02:55,640 --> 00:02:59,280 was launched at the New York Wells Fair in April 1964 50 00:02:59,360 --> 00:03:04,000 for a starting price of just $2,368. 51 00:03:06,160 --> 00:03:09,120 The American public had never seen anything like it. 52 00:03:09,200 --> 00:03:12,600 From its long bonnet to its tribar taillights, 53 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:15,160 it oozed cool, and sent a new generation 54 00:03:15,240 --> 00:03:19,040 of young thrill-seeking Americans Mustang-mad. 55 00:03:21,640 --> 00:03:25,680 Ford sold over 400,000 in the first 12 months, 56 00:03:25,760 --> 00:03:29,440 making it one of the fastest-selling cars of all time. 57 00:03:29,520 --> 00:03:32,640 And it wasn't long before the silver screen came calling too. 58 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:37,520 The 1968 classic, Bullitt, saw Steve McQueen's '68 Mustang GT 59 00:03:37,600 --> 00:03:41,400 pursued by one of its biggest rivals, the Dodge Charger. 60 00:03:42,720 --> 00:03:45,680 The 'Stang obviously looked like a film star. 61 00:03:45,760 --> 00:03:49,200 But as any self-respecting petrolhead knows, 62 00:03:49,280 --> 00:03:53,040 it's what's under the hood that really matters. 63 00:03:53,120 --> 00:03:58,240 And that is a 4.7-litre V8 that brought muscle to the masses, 64 00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:02,680 with 200 brake horsepower and a 105-mile-an-hour top speed. 65 00:04:04,440 --> 00:04:06,240 Along with the full-fat V8, 66 00:04:06,320 --> 00:04:10,120 Ford also offered a frugal 2.8-litre straight six. 67 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:12,520 In fact, choice was one of the factors 68 00:04:12,600 --> 00:04:14,640 that made the Mustang such a hit. 69 00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:16,600 Along with engines, buyers were faced 70 00:04:16,680 --> 00:04:18,280 with an unprecedented choice 71 00:04:18,360 --> 00:04:21,280 of body styles, colours, and interior options. 72 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:25,560 Inside, the Mustang provided a unique blend 73 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:29,160 of sportiness and luxury with a low driving position, 74 00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:32,880 a floor-mounted gear selector, matching front-to-back carpets, 75 00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:35,600 and, of course, an AM radio. 76 00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:38,280 Not that you'd be able to hear it very much. 77 00:04:50,680 --> 00:04:53,880 Listen to that. Oh, it sounds filthy. 78 00:04:55,160 --> 00:04:58,600 I dare you to jump into a Mk1 Ford Mustang 79 00:04:58,680 --> 00:05:03,560 and look out beyond this huge chrome steering wheel and that long bonnet, 80 00:05:03,640 --> 00:05:06,200 and try and drive it without a smile on your face. 81 00:05:10,880 --> 00:05:13,720 OK, performance isn't this car's strong point. 82 00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:15,920 It's nowhere near quick enough to be considered 83 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:18,400 sporty by modern standards. 84 00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:22,680 The steering is slightly baggy, slightly loose, 85 00:05:22,760 --> 00:05:25,520 the handling is a bit roly-poly. 86 00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:27,840 But it's not about going quickly in the Mustang, 87 00:05:27,920 --> 00:05:32,240 it's about making progress and feeling good while you do it. 88 00:05:33,880 --> 00:05:36,440 The reward doesn't come from the acceleration, 89 00:05:36,520 --> 00:05:39,440 it comes from the sound and the experience. 90 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:41,120 This is joyous. 91 00:05:44,360 --> 00:05:48,080 But the Mk1 is very much a product of its time, 92 00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:51,600 and in 2024, on the country roads of Essex, 93 00:05:51,680 --> 00:05:54,200 the experience of driving it comes at a cost. 94 00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:59,640 This car does 12 miles per gallon. 95 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:03,160 Back in '60s America, when fuel was basically free, that wasn't a problem. 96 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:07,960 But let's face it, this is not the car for a cost-of-living crisis. 97 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:13,280 Something else that's interesting are the brakes. 98 00:06:13,360 --> 00:06:17,400 They basically don't exist. Be very careful in a Gen 1 Mustang. 99 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:21,680 The Mustang has, of course, been updated. 100 00:06:21,760 --> 00:06:23,880 Six generations in as many decades 101 00:06:23,960 --> 00:06:26,120 have borne witness to various shapes, 102 00:06:26,200 --> 00:06:28,080 specifications, and even, 103 00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:32,120 much to the horror of diehard fans, electric power. 104 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:38,200 A lot has changed since the Mustang's launch in 1964. 105 00:06:38,280 --> 00:06:43,120 Does the Mustang actually still work as a concept in this day and age? 106 00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:46,600 Let's not forget, this was a sports car aimed at the masses. 107 00:06:46,680 --> 00:06:51,640 But nowadays, what the masses really want are crossovers and SUVs. 108 00:06:51,720 --> 00:06:55,680 Last year, production of two of the Mustang's lifelong competitors, 109 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:59,560 the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Charger, was axed. 110 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:03,920 Many worried that Ford would also bow to current trends 111 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:08,240 and call time on its big, naturally aspirated V8 pony cars. 112 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:10,480 Happily, they needn't have worried. 113 00:07:12,880 --> 00:07:18,560 Because it's back. Bigger, better, faster. 114 00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:22,120 And it has seen one of its greatest facelifts for years. 115 00:07:23,200 --> 00:07:26,360 Later in the show, a dark horse is looming. 116 00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:31,680 It just sucks in this massive lungful of air and then... 117 00:07:35,080 --> 00:07:38,280 Plus, Jason's in his own happy place. 118 00:07:38,360 --> 00:07:40,120 Oh, it's delicious, isn't it? 119 00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:43,600 Thrashing a pair of insanely powerful supercars 120 00:07:43,680 --> 00:07:46,080 around a rain-soaked racetrack. 121 00:07:46,160 --> 00:07:48,440 Come on, lad! Come on! 122 00:07:48,520 --> 00:07:50,320 And stop the watch! 123 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:09,080 I feel a bit sorry for supercar fans at the minute.Yeah. Why is that? 124 00:08:09,160 --> 00:08:12,360 Well, because you used to know where you stood with a supercar. 125 00:08:12,440 --> 00:08:14,560 Fast, fierce, noisy. 126 00:08:14,640 --> 00:08:18,360 But now the market's a bit - All a bit "ecofriendly". 127 00:08:18,440 --> 00:08:21,240 Yeah, I dunno, hybrid supercars are pretty decent. 128 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:24,840 Yes, but you've got those heavy batteries and the electric motors, 129 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:28,160 and surely, that will put them at a disadvantage against pure petrol. 130 00:08:28,240 --> 00:08:30,360 Well, there's a way to find out. 131 00:08:31,440 --> 00:08:34,440 Two mid-engine supercars with Formula 1 pedigree. 132 00:08:35,720 --> 00:08:38,960 A McLaren with an old-school turbocharged V8 133 00:08:39,040 --> 00:08:42,920 and a Ferrari with the addition of a cutting-edge electric motor. 134 00:08:44,160 --> 00:08:47,040 So, petrol versus hybrid, which one is quickest? 135 00:08:48,160 --> 00:08:50,720 Time for a Fifth Gear shootout. 136 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:55,320 This is the new McLaren 750S. 137 00:08:55,400 --> 00:09:00,520 It uses the same four-litre V8 as the outgoing 720S it replaces, 138 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:02,840 but everything has been dialled up to 11. 139 00:09:02,920 --> 00:09:07,440 It's lighter, it's faster, and refreshingly, it's cheaper. 140 00:09:07,520 --> 00:09:09,440 Ah, I mean, it's sensational. 141 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:15,360 Taking on the McLaren is Ferrari's 296 GTB. 142 00:09:15,440 --> 00:09:17,960 This is far from a traditional Ferrari. 143 00:09:18,040 --> 00:09:21,440 It uses a clever three-litre hybrid V6 turbo 144 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:24,040 to deliver its ferocious power. 145 00:09:25,440 --> 00:09:28,040 Oh, yeah, you fighter. 146 00:09:28,120 --> 00:09:32,040 Despite their vastly different powertrains, Ferrari and McLaren 147 00:09:32,120 --> 00:09:35,760 have produced supercars with near identical performance. 148 00:09:36,880 --> 00:09:39,560 But when you've got monsters like this at your disposal, 149 00:09:39,640 --> 00:09:42,440 the last thing you want, really, is a wet track. 150 00:09:42,520 --> 00:09:45,600 Oh, man, why can't it be bloody dry? 151 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:49,400 The Ferrari's having its batteries topped up. 152 00:09:49,480 --> 00:09:51,720 So, let's start with the McLaren. 153 00:09:51,800 --> 00:09:55,240 Now, the key thing about this McLaren is its weight. 154 00:09:55,320 --> 00:10:00,120 It's 200kg lighter than the Ferrari. 155 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:01,920 I mean, that's two and a half of me. 156 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:05,880 McLaren have also fettled the way the car drives. 157 00:10:05,960 --> 00:10:09,240 A wider track at the front, plus revised steering and brakes 158 00:10:09,320 --> 00:10:12,480 help to make the car feel totally focused. 159 00:10:12,560 --> 00:10:18,240 The grip is absolutely phenomenal. 160 00:10:18,320 --> 00:10:20,080 I mean, it feels like a race car. 161 00:10:22,440 --> 00:10:26,640 So, now what I've just done is I've turned everything off. 162 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:28,440 There's no traction, no nothing. 163 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:32,960 Full 750 horsepower with no intervention. 164 00:10:36,200 --> 00:10:38,800 Hello, saucy devil. 165 00:10:40,960 --> 00:10:42,560 Do you know what? I prefer it. 166 00:10:42,640 --> 00:10:46,280 I've got full control with my right foot. 167 00:10:46,360 --> 00:10:48,480 Oh, you fighter! 168 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:52,080 It's a great piece of kit, but it should be. 169 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:57,360 The car I'm driving today comes in at a whopping 350 grand. 170 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:04,080 Let's have it. Time for a fast lap. 171 00:11:04,160 --> 00:11:06,520 Right, come on, JP, get a good exit out there. 172 00:11:09,560 --> 00:11:11,160 Start the watch! 173 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:14,400 Come on, JP. 174 00:11:16,920 --> 00:11:18,520 Jesus Christ. 175 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:21,560 Oh, it's so bloody quick. 176 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:27,560 On a twisty track like this, the McLaren's active rear spoiler 177 00:11:27,640 --> 00:11:31,160 is constantly changing its angle, reducing drag on the straights, 178 00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:34,520 but adding downforce on the brakes and into the corners. 179 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:39,840 I've gotta be careful here, there's a bit of damp there, 180 00:11:39,920 --> 00:11:41,720 it just caught me out nearly. 181 00:11:43,720 --> 00:11:45,320 Come on, JP. 182 00:11:46,720 --> 00:11:49,040 Right, get a good, clean exit, here we go. 183 00:11:49,120 --> 00:11:51,360 Come on, lad! Come on! 184 00:11:51,440 --> 00:11:53,200 And stop the watch! 185 00:11:55,080 --> 00:11:59,720 The McLaren sets a blisteringly quick time of one minute, 13.8 186 00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:01,600 on a soaking wet track. 187 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:05,280 8. I mean, that's mind-blowing. 188 00:12:06,560 --> 00:12:08,920 It's fantastic to drive. 189 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:12,440 Now, for the Ferrari. 190 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:14,680 It may have been launched four years ago, 191 00:12:14,760 --> 00:12:16,920 but the 296 hybrid drive train 192 00:12:17,000 --> 00:12:20,440 feels more cutting-edge than McLaren's blunt-edge V8. 193 00:12:21,880 --> 00:12:23,480 But in these conditions, 194 00:12:23,560 --> 00:12:26,840 the prancing horse has got a bit of a bite. 195 00:12:26,920 --> 00:12:30,120 She's a bit snappy. But I can do this. 196 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:37,720 Quite happily drive along in electric-only mode 197 00:12:37,800 --> 00:12:40,160 for something like 15 miles. 198 00:12:42,680 --> 00:12:45,440 It's quite surreal, isn't it? Tell you what, though, 199 00:12:45,520 --> 00:12:48,240 who wants a Ferrari with no engine? Here we go. 200 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:52,200 That's better. 201 00:12:52,280 --> 00:12:54,080 Thanks to its regen braking, 202 00:12:54,160 --> 00:12:58,360 every time you barrel into a corner, you're also topping up the battery. 203 00:12:58,440 --> 00:13:00,440 And when you're not in EV-only mode, 204 00:13:00,520 --> 00:13:04,080 the electric motor adds an extra 164 brake horsepower 205 00:13:04,160 --> 00:13:08,280 to the 654 already on tap from the V6. 206 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:13,880 Plus, it also adds instant torque for lightning-quick acceleration. 207 00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:18,400 Ah, it's extraordinary. I mean, you know, 60mph now, foot down. 208 00:13:22,440 --> 00:13:25,720 Hundred and ten miles an hour, this'll still spin the rear wheels. 209 00:13:26,760 --> 00:13:28,640 It's bonkers. 210 00:13:29,880 --> 00:13:32,480 In the wet, if I'm truly honest... 211 00:13:33,640 --> 00:13:37,080 ..it's a bit of a handful. It's not relaxing at all. 212 00:13:38,560 --> 00:13:41,360 But there is one thing which is just glorious. 213 00:13:43,720 --> 00:13:45,520 It's the engine. 214 00:13:45,600 --> 00:13:50,560 Incidentally, this is the first V6 to go into a Ferrari road car. 215 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:53,440 Oh, it's delicious, isn't it? 216 00:13:54,640 --> 00:13:56,640 But all this innovation comes at a price, 217 00:13:56,720 --> 00:14:01,200 and once you've factored in 14 grand for the blue racing stripe, 218 00:14:01,280 --> 00:14:06,360 this particular 296 will set you back £359,000. 219 00:14:06,440 --> 00:14:09,560 Let's find out if it would be money well spent. 220 00:14:09,640 --> 00:14:11,560 Time for a quick lap. 221 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:19,840 I've got everything turned off. No traction control, no stability. 222 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:21,680 I'm in full race spec. 223 00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:26,040 At the first checkpoint, the McLaren and Ferrari are neck and neck. 224 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:27,960 Right, power, power, power. 225 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:31,400 Oh, that's lovely, JP! Now she's hooked up! 226 00:14:31,480 --> 00:14:33,080 Come on, you little fighter! 227 00:14:34,240 --> 00:14:36,360 Bloody stroll on. 228 00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:38,200 Hundred and fifty mile an hour there. 229 00:14:39,640 --> 00:14:41,240 Well, at least I've got it in. 230 00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:44,600 Oh. Come on. 231 00:14:45,680 --> 00:14:48,400 By the second checkpoint, it couldn't be closer, 232 00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:51,920 but the Ferrari looks a little bit better out of the corner. 233 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:57,080 I'll tell you what, the brake is so good, 234 00:14:57,160 --> 00:14:59,040 it's taking me bloody glasses off. 235 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:12,280 The Ferrari crosses the line in one minute, 14.1. 236 00:15:14,440 --> 00:15:16,040 Boy, that was close, 237 00:15:16,120 --> 00:15:19,000 but the McLaren takes it by three-tenths of a second. 238 00:15:19,080 --> 00:15:23,800 Jesus Christ. 239 00:15:24,880 --> 00:15:27,480 Ferrari's high-tech hybrid 296 240 00:15:27,560 --> 00:15:30,320 and McLaren's old-tech 750S 241 00:15:30,400 --> 00:15:32,840 are both incredible machines. 242 00:15:32,920 --> 00:15:35,520 Another day, and the Ferrari's instant torque 243 00:15:35,600 --> 00:15:38,040 may have swung the result, but on this track 244 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:40,240 and in these grizzly conditions, 245 00:15:40,320 --> 00:15:44,320 it was a narrow win for McLaren's old-school V8. 246 00:15:50,120 --> 00:15:54,080 If you'd rather a high-end used car than a low-end new car... 247 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:56,600 ..then welcome to second-hand heroes. 248 00:15:58,360 --> 00:16:00,920 Today, we've handed over the reins to Fifth Gear's 249 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:03,440 very own boy racer, Sid North. 250 00:16:10,400 --> 00:16:12,800 So, you want four seats, maybe five, 251 00:16:12,880 --> 00:16:16,440 and you want a big boot to swallow everyone's luggage. 252 00:16:16,520 --> 00:16:19,320 But you're not ready to give up on driving thrills. 253 00:16:19,400 --> 00:16:21,160 So, what's the solution? 254 00:16:21,240 --> 00:16:23,640 How about a performance estate? 255 00:16:23,720 --> 00:16:26,960 A bit like this Subaru Impreza WRX sport wagon 256 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:30,280 and the VW Golf R Estate. 257 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:32,720 They look extremely tempting. 258 00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:34,400 Let's have some keys. 259 00:16:35,760 --> 00:16:38,000 If you're a car nerd like me, 260 00:16:38,080 --> 00:16:41,080 you won't need pictures to recognise what I'm driving. 261 00:16:41,160 --> 00:16:44,160 Have a listen. 262 00:16:48,880 --> 00:16:51,240 Yes, the Subaru. 263 00:16:51,320 --> 00:16:56,120 There's nothing out there that sounds quite like an Impreza. 264 00:16:57,480 --> 00:16:59,560 It's almost like the engine is misfiring, 265 00:16:59,640 --> 00:17:02,640 but it's just a characteristic of the car. 266 00:17:02,720 --> 00:17:04,640 Because it's a flat four, 267 00:17:04,720 --> 00:17:07,560 which means that the cylinders aren't in a straight line 268 00:17:07,640 --> 00:17:10,600 or in a V-shape, but they stick out sideways, 269 00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:14,640 you've got two pistons on the left and two pistons on the right. 270 00:17:16,080 --> 00:17:20,120 Launched in 1992, the WRX was based on the car 271 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:24,280 that Subaru were using in the World Rally Championship. 272 00:17:25,720 --> 00:17:28,720 In 1994, when it was launched in the UK, 273 00:17:28,800 --> 00:17:31,720 it cost £18,000. 274 00:17:31,800 --> 00:17:36,200 Today, you can pick up a WRX Estate for less than five grand. 275 00:17:38,160 --> 00:17:40,960 With a turbo bolted to its two-litre engine, 276 00:17:41,040 --> 00:17:44,000 the power output was 220 horsepower, 277 00:17:44,080 --> 00:17:47,640 which can propel this car to 62 in just six seconds. 278 00:17:49,040 --> 00:17:53,840 However, while the 220 horsepower is good, it's not that good. 279 00:17:53,920 --> 00:17:56,200 So, why is the WRX so quick? 280 00:17:56,280 --> 00:17:59,280 Traction is the Impreza's secret weapon, 281 00:17:59,360 --> 00:18:02,800 because it's got a permanent four-wheel drive system 282 00:18:02,880 --> 00:18:06,160 with a clever differential, which means that it can 283 00:18:06,240 --> 00:18:08,960 distribute power to wherever it needs it best. 284 00:18:10,640 --> 00:18:13,600 So, what's it like to drive? 285 00:18:13,680 --> 00:18:17,440 Well, it's actually a good laugh. 286 00:18:17,520 --> 00:18:19,880 This five-speed manual gearbox, nice and snickety, 287 00:18:19,960 --> 00:18:24,600 the steering has a nice degree of weight, there's bags of grit. 288 00:18:24,680 --> 00:18:27,040 This might be an old girl, but I'm telling you, 289 00:18:27,120 --> 00:18:29,960 this could keep up with the very best of hot hatches, 290 00:18:30,040 --> 00:18:32,320 and you've got that soundtrack. 291 00:18:34,240 --> 00:18:36,880 If you want a rally-bred Subaru in your life, 292 00:18:36,960 --> 00:18:38,680 what should you look out for? 293 00:18:38,760 --> 00:18:44,480 These Imprezas are now 30 years old, so look out for signs for rust. 294 00:18:45,840 --> 00:18:48,560 The areas to check include the wheel arches, 295 00:18:48,640 --> 00:18:52,560 sills, suspension struts, and around the rear screen. 296 00:18:52,640 --> 00:18:55,640 Buy a good one, because the cost to fix 297 00:18:55,720 --> 00:18:57,520 could hit two and a half grand. 298 00:18:59,120 --> 00:19:02,800 The four-cylinder doesn't get as much cooling as the other three 299 00:19:02,880 --> 00:19:05,480 and can overheat, initially on start-up, 300 00:19:05,560 --> 00:19:08,040 and then eventually, over time, it will start knocking. 301 00:19:08,120 --> 00:19:10,400 And staying in the engine bay... 302 00:19:10,480 --> 00:19:14,800 High oil consumption could mean that the piston rings have failed. 303 00:19:14,880 --> 00:19:19,560 Any sort of engine overhaul could set you back nearly three grand. 304 00:19:21,520 --> 00:19:23,320 Time for some Golf. 305 00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:29,360 Everyone knows that the VW Golf has been around for ages, 306 00:19:29,440 --> 00:19:33,240 and the Mk1 GTI which came out in 1976 307 00:19:33,320 --> 00:19:37,480 is to be considered as the godfather of all hot hatches. 308 00:19:37,560 --> 00:19:42,080 And in 2015, VW applied their go-fast knowledge 309 00:19:42,160 --> 00:19:45,800 to an estate version. In fact, they went one better. 310 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:51,200 Because this isn't a Golf GTI Estate, 311 00:19:51,280 --> 00:19:53,160 it's a Golf R Estate. 312 00:19:54,280 --> 00:19:58,640 And that R stands for 'racing', which makes a huge difference. 313 00:19:59,720 --> 00:20:02,240 The Mk7 Golf GTI had a two-litre 314 00:20:02,320 --> 00:20:06,560 turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 220 horsepower. 315 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,480 Which is nothing to sniff at. However... 316 00:20:10,560 --> 00:20:13,520 the Golf R has 300 horsepower. 317 00:20:14,960 --> 00:20:18,480 The GTI's engine was reworked to increase the power, 318 00:20:18,560 --> 00:20:20,800 but the revisions didn't stop there. 319 00:20:22,240 --> 00:20:24,480 Gone was the usual front-wheel drive system, 320 00:20:24,560 --> 00:20:26,880 and in favour came four-wheel drive, 321 00:20:26,960 --> 00:20:29,120 just like the Impreza I've just driven. 322 00:20:29,200 --> 00:20:32,200 And like the Impreza, the combination of power 323 00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:35,920 and traction it produces is mighty impressive. 324 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:41,720 For example, nought to 62 comes up in just over five seconds. 325 00:20:41,800 --> 00:20:47,400 Not bad for an Estate that can hold 1,620 litres with the seats down. 326 00:20:48,840 --> 00:20:50,920 And it's ULEZ-compliant. 327 00:20:52,840 --> 00:20:56,400 On the outside, the only nods to its outrageous performance 328 00:20:56,480 --> 00:20:58,440 are the special-edition alloys, 329 00:20:58,520 --> 00:21:01,520 quad exhausts, and subtle body extensions. 330 00:21:02,680 --> 00:21:06,440 But fast is one thing. Is it fun? 331 00:21:06,520 --> 00:21:10,000 Well, the answer is a massive yes. 332 00:21:10,080 --> 00:21:13,280 The engine is an effective power plant. 333 00:21:13,360 --> 00:21:17,280 It revs hard and strong, and the brakes are good, too. 334 00:21:20,360 --> 00:21:24,680 When it was new, the R Estate cost £35,000, 335 00:21:24,760 --> 00:21:28,640 which was a lot for a Golf, even one as good as this. 336 00:21:29,880 --> 00:21:33,120 Fortunately, depreciation has had an effect, 337 00:21:33,200 --> 00:21:38,400 and these Golf R Estates can be found for around £15,000. 338 00:21:38,480 --> 00:21:41,200 If you'd like a Golf R Estate on your drive, 339 00:21:41,280 --> 00:21:43,240 here's what to look out for. 340 00:21:43,320 --> 00:21:46,600 If the engine starts to run hot and the coolant goes missing, 341 00:21:46,680 --> 00:21:49,080 then the water pump could be on the blink, 342 00:21:49,160 --> 00:21:52,560 then you'll blink at a 750-quid bill. 343 00:21:54,080 --> 00:21:56,840 If the DSG gearbox struggles to find a gear, 344 00:21:56,920 --> 00:21:59,720 or if there's any worrying vibrations coming from it, 345 00:21:59,800 --> 00:22:02,640 then one of the fancy clutches could be failing. 346 00:22:02,720 --> 00:22:05,840 And you could be shelling out two grand, 347 00:22:05,920 --> 00:22:08,640 perhaps almost double that. 348 00:22:08,720 --> 00:22:10,680 And the rocker cover seal could fail. 349 00:22:10,760 --> 00:22:13,080 The smell of burning oil or drips on the ground 350 00:22:13,160 --> 00:22:15,040 could signal a 600-quid repair. 351 00:22:16,160 --> 00:22:19,360 So, after a day with these high-performance estates, 352 00:22:19,440 --> 00:22:21,280 which would I choose? 353 00:22:21,360 --> 00:22:25,160 Well, as much as I love the Subaru, it's gotta be the Golf R Estate. 354 00:22:25,240 --> 00:22:28,400 It is literally all the car you ever need. 355 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:35,600 Up next...Where have all the small, affordable cars gone? 356 00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:38,400 ..small cars are disappearing from Britain's roads, 357 00:22:38,480 --> 00:22:40,640 and Grace Webb wants to know why. 358 00:22:42,280 --> 00:22:45,680 We go full beans in the all-new electric Volvo. 359 00:22:45,760 --> 00:22:48,360 I'll tell you what, it's quick, innit?It's really quick. 360 00:22:48,440 --> 00:22:51,240 It's their fastest accelerating car ever, 361 00:22:51,320 --> 00:22:54,760 but can the EX30 perform in a Fifth Gear team test? 362 00:22:54,840 --> 00:22:57,400 I've actually got a massive shot of adrenaline 363 00:22:57,480 --> 00:23:00,560 that's gone through my body because this car has just taken over. 364 00:23:01,880 --> 00:23:04,280 And Vicki's ripping up the Cote d'Azur 365 00:23:04,360 --> 00:23:07,960 in Ford's all-new Mustang Dark Horse. 366 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:11,240 What a total joy to experience 367 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:15,880 a naturally aspirated engine with no stuff on it. 368 00:23:31,120 --> 00:23:33,040 Come to think of it, there aren't that many 369 00:23:33,120 --> 00:23:35,480 small new cars around at the moment, are there? 370 00:23:35,560 --> 00:23:37,640 I know, have you seen the new Mini Countryman? 371 00:23:37,720 --> 00:23:42,080 It's massive. I reckon you could get an original Mini in the boot. 372 00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:46,280 It is a real issue, particularly if you're young and you need something affordable. 373 00:23:46,360 --> 00:23:48,360 Or if you live in the city and want something 374 00:23:48,440 --> 00:23:51,040 nippy and easy to park. Especially with your parking, pal. 375 00:23:51,120 --> 00:23:53,800 Oi.Yeah. So, what do you think is going on? 376 00:23:53,880 --> 00:23:55,480 We need an investigation. 377 00:23:55,560 --> 00:23:59,560 Yeah. This sounds like a mission for our Fifth Gear consumer queen. 378 00:23:59,640 --> 00:24:02,000 Paging Grace Webb. 379 00:24:03,240 --> 00:24:06,200 My first car was a Peugeot 206. 380 00:24:06,280 --> 00:24:11,040 Its modern-day equivalent, the 208, is a full 20cm longer. 381 00:24:11,120 --> 00:24:13,360 And if small cars aren't being supersized, 382 00:24:13,440 --> 00:24:15,160 they're being discontinued. 383 00:24:15,240 --> 00:24:17,840 Last year, we said farewell to the UK's 384 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:20,800 best-selling car of all time, the Ford Fiesta. 385 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:25,800 And we've also recently said goodbye to the VW Up, the Toyota Aygo, 386 00:24:25,880 --> 00:24:28,840 the Citroen C1, and the Peugeot 108. 387 00:24:29,880 --> 00:24:33,560 This is one of the survivors, the Kia Picanto. 388 00:24:33,640 --> 00:24:36,600 But if you're looking for a cheap runaround, then think again, 389 00:24:36,680 --> 00:24:43,360 because the new Picanto starts at 15,595 quid. 390 00:24:43,440 --> 00:24:48,480 That's 57% more than what it cost back in 2020. 391 00:24:48,560 --> 00:24:51,920 To help shed some light on the declining numbers of small cars, 392 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:56,000 I'm taking a drive with car market guru, Steve Fowler, 393 00:24:56,080 --> 00:25:00,600 former editor of Auto Express, Autocar, and What Car. 394 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:04,760 So, Steve, where have all the small, affordable cars gone? 395 00:25:04,840 --> 00:25:07,360 It's madness, isn't it? Because people want to buy them 396 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:10,720 and the car makers just can't make small cars 397 00:25:10,800 --> 00:25:12,760 cheap enough any more for people to buy. 398 00:25:12,840 --> 00:25:16,360 There's a lot of legislation, a lot of regulations that have to be met, 399 00:25:16,440 --> 00:25:20,160 and with small cars, the profit margins are much smaller. 400 00:25:20,240 --> 00:25:21,880 To hit the latest emissions targets, 401 00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:23,880 lots of gadgets and gizmos and technology 402 00:25:23,960 --> 00:25:26,280 has to go into the engine and the exhaust system, 403 00:25:26,360 --> 00:25:29,080 and that all costs money. 404 00:25:29,160 --> 00:25:31,360 And the same is true for the safety features 405 00:25:31,440 --> 00:25:35,360 that manufacturers are now duty-bound to add to their cars. 406 00:25:35,440 --> 00:25:38,480 It's difficult to criticise safety, but maybe the legislators 407 00:25:38,560 --> 00:25:40,240 need to lay off a little bit. 408 00:25:40,320 --> 00:25:42,920 Like your lane departure warning, speed limit warning, 409 00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:46,800 all the beeps and bongs that add up to a good Euro NCAP rating, 410 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:48,600 when you put it onto a small car, 411 00:25:48,680 --> 00:25:50,640 just makes these things less affordable, 412 00:25:50,720 --> 00:25:52,800 makes the profit margins even smaller. 413 00:25:54,760 --> 00:25:58,000 The government recently put more pressure on manufacturers, 414 00:25:58,080 --> 00:26:00,760 with the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. 415 00:26:00,840 --> 00:26:05,480 Its aim is to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035. 416 00:26:05,560 --> 00:26:11,120 So, could this move to EVs herald a new era of small, affordable cars? 417 00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:14,920 So, are batteries the answer? Yeah, that's a good question. 418 00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:17,800 I mean, batteries, really, really expensive. 419 00:26:17,880 --> 00:26:21,200 So, they're not really the answer to affordable small cars. 420 00:26:21,280 --> 00:26:24,360 I think the future for the small car is really, really difficult, 421 00:26:24,440 --> 00:26:27,120 until the cost of batteries come down. 422 00:26:27,200 --> 00:26:31,920 So, has our appetite for small cars simply diminished? 423 00:26:36,560 --> 00:26:39,360 Hi, David. To find out, I'm heading 424 00:26:39,440 --> 00:26:41,800 to the frontline of the war on small cars 425 00:26:41,880 --> 00:26:43,520 to meet David Hancock, 426 00:26:43,600 --> 00:26:46,520 who's run a used car dealership for many years. 427 00:26:47,880 --> 00:26:50,480 So, you're a small car specialist? 428 00:26:50,560 --> 00:26:53,520 Absolutely.Is there still a demand for these kinds of cars? 429 00:26:53,600 --> 00:26:56,560 Well, yeah, there is. Yeah. The demand for these cars is huge. 430 00:26:56,640 --> 00:27:00,200 The issue we have is not in selling them, it's in buying them. 431 00:27:00,280 --> 00:27:02,680 And 20% of the cars we have here are small cars, 432 00:27:02,760 --> 00:27:06,080 whereas traditionally, we were 100% small cars, that was our entire focus. 433 00:27:06,160 --> 00:27:08,960 So, would you say it's affected you and your business, 434 00:27:09,040 --> 00:27:11,080 the shortage of small cars? Absolutely. Yeah. 435 00:27:11,160 --> 00:27:14,320 Because supply of second-hand cars is driven by the sale of new cars. 436 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:17,840 People who've bought a Volkswagen Up or a Fiesta two or three years ago, 437 00:27:17,920 --> 00:27:21,400 now they wanna go back and buy a new one from the manufacturer, they can't. 438 00:27:21,480 --> 00:27:24,720 They don't sell it any more. And they tend to keep the car they've got 439 00:27:24,800 --> 00:27:27,400 for longer or indefinitely. 440 00:27:27,480 --> 00:27:30,320 Which customers are going to miss these 441 00:27:30,400 --> 00:27:32,720 as they become more and more unavailable? 442 00:27:32,800 --> 00:27:35,360 Traditionally, I guess people who've passed their test 443 00:27:35,440 --> 00:27:38,200 and older people downsizing from bigger cars 444 00:27:38,280 --> 00:27:39,960 into something more economical. 445 00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:42,800 So, what would you say to manufacturers who are starting 446 00:27:42,880 --> 00:27:46,240 to phase out these small cars and stop the production of them? 447 00:27:46,320 --> 00:27:49,640 I think it's a shortsighted view. Not everybody wants to buy 448 00:27:49,720 --> 00:27:52,120 a medium-size hybrid or a medium-size electric car. 449 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:54,840 Some struggle to park a bigger car, to drive a bigger car. 450 00:27:54,920 --> 00:27:56,800 Small cars are better for your pocket. 451 00:27:56,880 --> 00:28:00,120 Yeah.And these people are gonna find themselves 452 00:28:00,200 --> 00:28:02,720 not in a great position shortly. 453 00:28:02,800 --> 00:28:04,720 So, what's the solution? 454 00:28:04,800 --> 00:28:07,320 What do we want to see from manufacturers? 455 00:28:07,400 --> 00:28:10,840 I think manufacturers have to accept that people want to buy small cars. 456 00:28:10,920 --> 00:28:14,040 OK, the profit margins might not be in there, but cars like this, 457 00:28:14,120 --> 00:28:17,400 this Kia Picanto, Kia are making small cars in the hope 458 00:28:17,480 --> 00:28:20,640 that if somebody buys a Picanto, their next car may well be 459 00:28:20,720 --> 00:28:22,840 a Sportage or an EV9 eventually, 460 00:28:22,920 --> 00:28:25,040 you know, the cars with the bigger margins, 461 00:28:25,120 --> 00:28:28,480 and it's a bit of an investment in the future of your customer. 462 00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:32,880 With 40% of British drivers preferring to stay brand-loyal, 463 00:28:32,960 --> 00:28:35,160 carmakers should take note. 464 00:28:35,240 --> 00:28:38,000 It seems unlikely that the prices of small cars 465 00:28:38,080 --> 00:28:39,680 will drop any time soon. 466 00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:42,720 So, if you're lucky enough to own one, 467 00:28:42,800 --> 00:28:44,840 for now, I suggest you hang onto it. 468 00:28:51,040 --> 00:28:53,200 Now it's time to hit the test track... 469 00:28:54,400 --> 00:28:58,800 ..as we get a quick first look and drive of a brand-new car. 470 00:28:58,880 --> 00:29:01,280 Yes, it's the Fifth Gear team test. 471 00:29:03,440 --> 00:29:06,040 Today, the team tested the Volvo EX30. 472 00:29:07,120 --> 00:29:09,840 Volvo has come a long way since its days of making 473 00:29:09,920 --> 00:29:11,880 practical, boxy estates. 474 00:29:11,960 --> 00:29:15,800 In the UK, 90% of their sales are SUVs, 475 00:29:15,880 --> 00:29:19,200 and the new all-electric EX30 is the smallest 476 00:29:19,280 --> 00:29:21,000 that the Swedish firm makes. 477 00:29:21,080 --> 00:29:22,880 But it's also the quickest. 478 00:29:24,320 --> 00:29:27,160 This performance version has a nought to 62 time 479 00:29:27,240 --> 00:29:28,920 of less than four seconds. 480 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:31,840 That's as swift as a Porsche 911 Carrera 481 00:29:31,920 --> 00:29:35,440 in a car designed to rival small electric SUVs 482 00:29:35,520 --> 00:29:37,760 and hatchbacks like the Hyundai Kona 483 00:29:37,840 --> 00:29:40,720 and the VW ID3. 484 00:29:40,800 --> 00:29:42,720 Boys, the EX30 in the flesh, 485 00:29:42,800 --> 00:29:46,640 Volvo's fastest, most powerful production Volvo ever. 486 00:29:46,720 --> 00:29:50,160 It doesn't look like the fastest production Volvo ever, does it?No. 487 00:29:50,240 --> 00:29:54,400 Do you not like it? I think it's a really great-looking, chunky little number. 488 00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:57,120 It's all right, but the kind of vibes I'm getting are, 489 00:29:57,200 --> 00:30:00,360 I dunno, like white goods.What? Like a fridge. 490 00:30:00,440 --> 00:30:04,080 I mean, Rory wasn't that keen on it, didn't like it very much, 491 00:30:04,160 --> 00:30:07,200 which I don't understand because I think it's cute. 492 00:30:07,280 --> 00:30:09,000 The specs are amazing, aren't they? 493 00:30:09,080 --> 00:30:12,480 Yeah, just over three-and-a half seconds to 62 miles an hour. 494 00:30:12,560 --> 00:30:15,000 That's mental.Yeah, it is. What is the point 495 00:30:15,080 --> 00:30:17,520 of having a family car that's as quick as a 911 Turbo? 496 00:30:17,600 --> 00:30:20,400 Because once you've dropped the kids off, whoo, Mama's, 497 00:30:20,480 --> 00:30:23,440 boom, Mama has some fun.Yeah. 498 00:30:23,520 --> 00:30:26,720 Rory has yet to be wowed by the EX30. 499 00:30:26,800 --> 00:30:29,760 Maybe its back end will tickle his fancy. 500 00:30:29,840 --> 00:30:31,720 See, now I love the rear end of Volvos. 501 00:30:31,800 --> 00:30:33,760 I love their lights, the way the lights are. 502 00:30:33,840 --> 00:30:35,920 Yeah.It's really clean and simple. 503 00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:38,960 I think that might be my favourite angle, actually, the rear. 504 00:30:39,040 --> 00:30:42,560 Do you wanna see my favourite angle? Yeah. 505 00:30:42,640 --> 00:30:47,520 On the inside, the boot is small, just 318 litres, 506 00:30:47,600 --> 00:30:51,320 which is considerably less than the similarly-sized Hyundai Kona, 507 00:30:51,400 --> 00:30:53,320 which has a 466. 508 00:30:53,400 --> 00:30:55,480 But what it lacks in size, it makes up for 509 00:30:55,560 --> 00:30:58,120 with sensible Swedish design. 510 00:30:58,200 --> 00:31:00,200 You can actually drop this down... 511 00:31:01,480 --> 00:31:03,680 ..and make the space even deeper. 512 00:31:05,080 --> 00:31:08,920 The Volvo's attention to detail extends into the cabin. 513 00:31:09,000 --> 00:31:13,160 Firstly, can I just ask you to put your hands on the door handle? 514 00:31:15,320 --> 00:31:18,480 Ooh.They are nice, aren't they? That is a beautiful bit of design. 515 00:31:18,560 --> 00:31:20,920 They might be up there with the best door handles. 516 00:31:21,000 --> 00:31:22,640 It's really gorgeous, isn't it? Yeah. 517 00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:25,440 It's one of my favourite things I've ever seen in a car. 518 00:31:25,520 --> 00:31:27,520 I like the materials, and I love this blue. 519 00:31:27,600 --> 00:31:30,120 It's got a nice, smooth kind of cool feel.Yeah. 520 00:31:30,200 --> 00:31:34,320 It comes from recycled denim, as much recycled as is possible. 521 00:31:34,400 --> 00:31:36,960 I really like the way that Volvo has used 522 00:31:37,040 --> 00:31:39,560 as many recycled materials as possible. 523 00:31:39,640 --> 00:31:41,840 That's a really big plus in my book. 524 00:31:41,920 --> 00:31:44,080 And this, well... 525 00:31:45,120 --> 00:31:46,840 Ooh.Ding dong.Lovely. 526 00:31:46,920 --> 00:31:49,840 Double cup holder with a lovely smooth action.Wow, that is - 527 00:31:49,920 --> 00:31:51,520 What a nice bit of design.Yeah. 528 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:55,040 Do you know what? It feels fresh in here. Feels like they've made an effort. 529 00:31:55,120 --> 00:31:56,920 Yeah.It's really good design. 530 00:31:57,000 --> 00:31:59,400 It's a bit small, but we know that anyway.Yep. 531 00:31:59,480 --> 00:32:01,240 I think they've done a great job. 532 00:32:01,320 --> 00:32:03,920 Strap in.Come on. Don't go too fast. 533 00:32:04,000 --> 00:32:06,960 I promise I won't. To the test track. 534 00:32:08,720 --> 00:32:12,080 Volvo's gone down the Tesla route of using the touchscreen 535 00:32:12,160 --> 00:32:14,440 to manage nearly all the car's controls. 536 00:32:14,520 --> 00:32:17,200 So, we decide to check out how easy it is 537 00:32:17,280 --> 00:32:19,720 to access a simple function. 538 00:32:19,800 --> 00:32:21,400 What about the headlights? 539 00:32:21,480 --> 00:32:24,640 You mean the headlights is on here? Is that what you're saying, Rory? 540 00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:28,560 I mean, I think so, by the looks of it.No, it can't be, can it? 541 00:32:28,640 --> 00:32:30,960 Oh.Oh, my gosh, it is. 542 00:32:32,240 --> 00:32:34,120 Like many other manufacturers, 543 00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:37,200 the Volvo comes with a plethora of driving aids. 544 00:32:37,280 --> 00:32:40,480 The EX30 has pilot assist to help 545 00:32:40,560 --> 00:32:42,920 you maintain a safe distance in traffic, 546 00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:45,880 a driver alert system to give you a prompt 547 00:32:45,960 --> 00:32:48,720 if the car suspects you're becoming drowsy, 548 00:32:48,800 --> 00:32:51,120 and a collision avoidance system 549 00:32:51,200 --> 00:32:53,400 that will apply the brakes and steer the car 550 00:32:53,480 --> 00:32:55,080 if it detects imminent danger. 551 00:32:58,200 --> 00:33:01,400 Oh, my God.What's that?What was that? Did it just brake by itself? 552 00:33:01,480 --> 00:33:04,760 Yes.It just locked up.I've never, ever, ever experienced this. 553 00:33:04,840 --> 00:33:06,920 What's going on, please? Why did it do that? 554 00:33:07,000 --> 00:33:09,960 That's unbelievably dangerous. That is scary. 555 00:33:10,040 --> 00:33:11,680 That is so scary. 556 00:33:11,760 --> 00:33:14,360 I've actually got a massive shot of adrenaline 557 00:33:14,440 --> 00:33:17,560 that's gone through my body because this car has just taken over. 558 00:33:17,640 --> 00:33:20,760 So, I really felt uneasy from that point onwards, 559 00:33:20,840 --> 00:33:25,680 and it makes me so cross that the computer can override me. 560 00:33:25,760 --> 00:33:27,600 I don't trust this car now. 561 00:33:27,680 --> 00:33:31,240 And then we tried to recreate it, and guess what? It did it again. 562 00:33:31,320 --> 00:33:33,920 Wandering a little bit around here. 563 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:36,920 There it is. Done it again.Yeah. What was that? 564 00:33:37,000 --> 00:33:39,520 What the is it doing? What was that? 565 00:33:39,600 --> 00:33:41,920 Was it pulling you right? It's pulling me slightly, 566 00:33:42,000 --> 00:33:44,720 but it's the braking. It's braking more than anything. 567 00:33:44,800 --> 00:33:47,080 I suspect it might be because we were going over 568 00:33:47,160 --> 00:33:49,960 some slight bumps in the road on the left-hand side, 569 00:33:50,040 --> 00:33:53,480 and the traction control decided to save us, 570 00:33:53,560 --> 00:33:56,760 even though we didn't need saving. It was quite alarming. 571 00:33:56,840 --> 00:33:58,560 Turn off. 572 00:33:58,640 --> 00:34:00,840 Jason dives back into the menus 573 00:34:00,920 --> 00:34:04,040 and turns off the electronic stability control, 574 00:34:04,120 --> 00:34:06,520 but that poses another potential problem. 575 00:34:06,600 --> 00:34:09,360 Having the ESC off means I have to be more aware as a driver. 576 00:34:09,440 --> 00:34:13,000 Which is fair enough for me, but not for maybe my mum, for example. 577 00:34:13,080 --> 00:34:15,200 Well, yeah, you want your ESC on, don't you? 578 00:34:15,280 --> 00:34:17,520 Yeah.You just don't want it overreacting.Yeah. 579 00:34:19,520 --> 00:34:23,840 Despite everything, we still need to test out the nought to 62 time. 580 00:34:23,920 --> 00:34:27,200 So, we head to a nice, long, straight, closed road 581 00:34:27,280 --> 00:34:29,720 to see just how quick the Volvo is. 582 00:34:36,760 --> 00:34:39,320 Whoa.Right. I'll tell you what, it's quick, isn't it? 583 00:34:39,400 --> 00:34:41,600 It's really quick. 584 00:34:41,680 --> 00:34:44,200 Where are we? Eighty miles an hour already. 585 00:34:45,480 --> 00:34:47,360 Hundred. 586 00:34:47,440 --> 00:34:49,960 Oh, I feel like I'm clattering out. 587 00:34:50,040 --> 00:34:52,440 The speedo says 116. 588 00:34:52,520 --> 00:34:54,680 I'm at max chat. 589 00:34:54,760 --> 00:34:58,200 What's the numbers, Rory?4.4 to 62, 590 00:34:58,280 --> 00:35:01,840 and a quarter mile in 12.5. 591 00:35:01,920 --> 00:35:03,880 It's quick, isn't it?Yeah. 592 00:35:03,960 --> 00:35:06,960 It's good, but not quite as quick as advertised. 593 00:35:07,040 --> 00:35:09,960 But that might be due to the amount of charge we have left. 594 00:35:11,120 --> 00:35:14,480 What's the battery level? 65? 65.It's probably too low. 595 00:35:14,560 --> 00:35:16,920 And being three up doesn't help either. 596 00:35:18,400 --> 00:35:21,360 Have to doff my hat to Mr Rory Reid 597 00:35:21,440 --> 00:35:25,040 and say I was wrong, Rory, you were right, 598 00:35:25,120 --> 00:35:28,800 I really don't think that this car needs to be that quick. 599 00:35:28,880 --> 00:35:31,520 Overall thoughts on the EX30. 600 00:35:31,600 --> 00:35:35,880 Er... Why? Five. 601 00:35:35,960 --> 00:35:38,160 That's a picture of a fridge, by the way. 602 00:35:38,240 --> 00:35:40,800 Ah, I like it, so I'm gonna give it, 603 00:35:40,880 --> 00:35:43,080 I'm gonna give it a nice, shiny... 604 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:46,400 ..eight. 605 00:35:46,480 --> 00:35:49,720 I really wanted to like this car, but it spooked me rigid. 606 00:35:49,800 --> 00:35:52,160 I'm gonna give it a four. 607 00:35:53,840 --> 00:36:00,720 Volvo says... 608 00:36:16,240 --> 00:36:17,960 So, despite being the quickest 609 00:36:18,040 --> 00:36:20,560 accelerating car Volvo has ever made, 610 00:36:20,640 --> 00:36:24,520 it only received a team test score of 17 out of 30. 611 00:36:24,600 --> 00:36:28,640 The overzealous driver aids made it tricky to like. 612 00:36:30,520 --> 00:36:33,320 Up next, good things come to those who wait, 613 00:36:33,400 --> 00:36:35,320 and Ford have been waiting for 60 years 614 00:36:35,400 --> 00:36:38,640 to unleash this special edition Dark Horse Mustang. 615 00:36:40,160 --> 00:36:41,840 Vicki's in the South of France 616 00:36:41,920 --> 00:36:45,480 to try and tame this iconic wild stallion. 617 00:36:45,560 --> 00:36:49,400 One of the best things about this car is the noise. 618 00:37:05,160 --> 00:37:09,160 Earlier, Rory gave us a history lesson on the first six decades 619 00:37:09,240 --> 00:37:12,800 of a genuine American legend, the Ford Mustang. 620 00:37:12,880 --> 00:37:14,480 Listen to that. 621 00:37:18,760 --> 00:37:21,600 And it appears that the iconic muscle car 622 00:37:21,680 --> 00:37:24,320 is refusing to grow old gracefully. 623 00:37:27,720 --> 00:37:31,160 Introducing the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. 624 00:37:31,240 --> 00:37:35,040 This is a tuned-up, track-focussed special-edition version 625 00:37:35,120 --> 00:37:38,640 of the brand-new seventh-generation Mustang. 626 00:37:38,720 --> 00:37:42,440 And while Rory drove his '64 original through the damp, 627 00:37:42,520 --> 00:37:45,720 narrow backroads of Essex, I've had to slum it 628 00:37:45,800 --> 00:37:48,040 across the France's Cote d'Azur 629 00:37:48,120 --> 00:37:51,040 to take a ride in the latest version. 630 00:37:51,120 --> 00:37:53,760 Ford knows what the petrolhead faithful 631 00:37:53,840 --> 00:37:57,280 expect with a Mustang, so there's no clever hybrid system, 632 00:37:57,360 --> 00:37:59,360 no vegan-friendly interior, 633 00:37:59,440 --> 00:38:01,960 and not much fuel economy to speak of either. 634 00:38:03,280 --> 00:38:07,800 Yes, it is a five-litre, naturally aspirated V8 635 00:38:07,880 --> 00:38:12,080 with 453 horsepower. God bless America. 636 00:38:13,760 --> 00:38:16,160 Not only does it make a great noise, 637 00:38:16,240 --> 00:38:18,160 but the engine will power the Mustang 638 00:38:18,240 --> 00:38:22,920 to 62 in 4.4 seconds, and on to 155. 639 00:38:23,000 --> 00:38:26,240 And for those who can't remember what one looks like, 640 00:38:26,320 --> 00:38:28,840 this is a six-speed manual gearbox, 641 00:38:28,920 --> 00:38:31,640 and on my left leg is a clutch. 642 00:38:32,680 --> 00:38:35,800 Of course, there are some concessions to modernity, 643 00:38:35,880 --> 00:38:37,960 with two large screens now housing 644 00:38:38,040 --> 00:38:40,680 all the dials and most of the controls. 645 00:38:40,760 --> 00:38:42,840 And the body has been given a tweak. 646 00:38:42,920 --> 00:38:46,320 There's a larger front grille, new style LED headlamps, 647 00:38:46,400 --> 00:38:49,320 a sleeker roofline, and a shorter rear overhang, 648 00:38:49,400 --> 00:38:52,680 a nod to the proportions of the original Mustang. 649 00:38:52,760 --> 00:38:55,760 And there's one other thing that you will only find 650 00:38:55,840 --> 00:38:58,120 on this state-of-the-art pony car. 651 00:38:58,200 --> 00:38:59,800 Yes, it is the badge. 652 00:38:59,880 --> 00:39:03,000 It is the only 'Stang in the entire history of the world 653 00:39:03,080 --> 00:39:05,400 to have a horse's head on the back, 654 00:39:05,480 --> 00:39:07,800 as opposed to a galloping horse. 655 00:39:11,000 --> 00:39:14,680 Right, enough looking. It's time to take this pony for a ride. 656 00:39:21,720 --> 00:39:24,640 The Dark Horse will definitely turn heads, 657 00:39:24,720 --> 00:39:26,680 thanks to a striking front end, 658 00:39:26,760 --> 00:39:30,160 race-inspired diffuser, and a fixed rear wing. 659 00:39:31,640 --> 00:39:35,480 One of the best things about this car, though, is the noise. 660 00:39:42,280 --> 00:39:46,560 As well as a few extra horses over the standard GT version, 661 00:39:46,640 --> 00:39:49,720 the Dark Horse also boasts uprated suspension 662 00:39:49,800 --> 00:39:51,640 and a race-inspired differential 663 00:39:51,720 --> 00:39:55,240 to help tame those rear wheels in the corners. 664 00:39:55,320 --> 00:39:58,800 And all of these things make me very happy. 665 00:39:58,880 --> 00:40:01,720 It mixes old-school character 666 00:40:01,800 --> 00:40:04,920 with a modern feel in the way that it drives. 667 00:40:05,000 --> 00:40:07,880 The gearbox is a solid six-speeder. 668 00:40:07,960 --> 00:40:09,880 You need a bit of muscle 669 00:40:09,960 --> 00:40:13,040 to move it through the gate, but not too much, 670 00:40:13,120 --> 00:40:15,560 and it's a really lovely short throw. 671 00:40:15,640 --> 00:40:18,480 However, you can tell the width of this car 672 00:40:18,560 --> 00:40:22,960 because my clutch leg is way, way apart 673 00:40:23,040 --> 00:40:25,160 from the gearbox itself. 674 00:40:25,240 --> 00:40:28,080 It's not like a little European sports car, 675 00:40:28,160 --> 00:40:30,000 where everything's up nice and close. 676 00:40:30,080 --> 00:40:35,000 You do have to move across the cabin a bit to operate it fully. 677 00:40:37,280 --> 00:40:39,880 Obviously, that faraway clutch won't be an issue 678 00:40:39,960 --> 00:40:43,600 for UK spec right-hand-drive Mustangs. 679 00:40:45,440 --> 00:40:49,880 Oh, it is an incredibly leggy V8. 680 00:40:49,960 --> 00:40:53,960 It just... ..sucks in this massive lungful of air 681 00:40:54,040 --> 00:40:57,400 and then... ..fires it out. 682 00:40:58,600 --> 00:41:02,240 Ah. What a total joy to experience 683 00:41:02,320 --> 00:41:08,040 a naturally aspirated engine with no stuff on it. Oh! 684 00:41:10,520 --> 00:41:14,480 When it comes to everyday usability, this is perfect. 685 00:41:14,560 --> 00:41:19,480 Even though this is more geared towards the occasional track day, 686 00:41:19,560 --> 00:41:24,280 the seats are very comfortable. Big and snug. 687 00:41:24,360 --> 00:41:27,760 But if you want super-snug ones, you can get optional Recaros, 688 00:41:27,840 --> 00:41:31,280 and they would be preferable if you did a lot of track work. 689 00:41:32,480 --> 00:41:35,080 The track day cred of the Dark Horse is bolstered 690 00:41:35,160 --> 00:41:36,880 by its performance package, 691 00:41:36,960 --> 00:41:38,920 which includes a lightweight radiator, 692 00:41:39,000 --> 00:41:42,280 auxiliary engine oil cooler, and rear axle cooler 693 00:41:42,360 --> 00:41:44,680 to stop it overheating when you take your 'Stang 694 00:41:44,760 --> 00:41:46,360 out for some hot laps. 695 00:41:47,600 --> 00:41:49,600 Despite a lot of controls being tucked 696 00:41:49,680 --> 00:41:51,640 in the dash, there are some buttons. 697 00:41:51,720 --> 00:41:53,960 I've got loads on the steering wheel to play with, 698 00:41:54,040 --> 00:41:56,320 I can go straight into different modes. 699 00:41:56,400 --> 00:41:58,960 Track, sport, normal, custom, 700 00:41:59,040 --> 00:42:03,880 slippery roads, and then drag strip. 701 00:42:03,960 --> 00:42:06,160 'Ello, 'ello, 'ello. 702 00:42:06,240 --> 00:42:09,440 And who can resist drag strip mode? 703 00:42:09,520 --> 00:42:12,560 Certainly not me when an opportunity arises. 704 00:42:13,720 --> 00:42:18,120 So, drag strip mode, it stiffens the front and raises the rear, 705 00:42:18,200 --> 00:42:23,000 and then I have got line lock. 706 00:42:23,080 --> 00:42:25,160 Put you in first gear. 707 00:42:28,000 --> 00:42:29,600 Lovely. 708 00:42:32,040 --> 00:42:34,360 It definitely feels like a muscle car. 709 00:42:34,440 --> 00:42:37,600 It really, really does. Oh, it's quick. 710 00:42:43,640 --> 00:42:47,840 At the very least, every Mustang should put a smile on your face, 711 00:42:47,920 --> 00:42:51,240 and heck, yeah, the Dark Horse delivers. 712 00:42:51,320 --> 00:42:53,600 It feels properly naughty 713 00:42:53,680 --> 00:42:57,320 that Ford even makes a car like this. 714 00:42:57,400 --> 00:43:00,320 Naturally, there is a price to pay, 715 00:43:00,400 --> 00:43:04,280 £65,585, to be precise, 716 00:43:04,360 --> 00:43:06,680 which may seem a lot of money for a car 717 00:43:06,760 --> 00:43:08,560 that doesn't make a whole lot of sense 718 00:43:08,640 --> 00:43:11,880 on Britain's crowded speed camera-infested roads. 719 00:43:11,960 --> 00:43:15,480 So, at this point, I could advise you to save money 720 00:43:15,560 --> 00:43:18,840 and buy something sensible instead, like a Nissan Leaf. 721 00:43:18,920 --> 00:43:22,720 But I shan't. The Dark Horse is a guilty pleasure, 722 00:43:22,800 --> 00:43:25,280 and it's worth every penny.