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Best fresh cars 2016: our road tests of the year, Auto Express

Best fresh cars 2016: our road tests of the year

Perhaps the most titillating thing we do here at Auto Express is road-testing. We get to go out in the greatest fresh cars long before they go on sale to the general public, drive them around and give our thoughts on what they’re like. Two thousand sixteen was a superb year for road testing, too, and featured some of the most anxiously anticipated cars in years.

We drove everything from humdrum hatchbacks to spectacular supercars – cars to buy with the head, and cars to buy with the heart. Two thousand sixteen also marked yet another ‘year of the SUV’, with more and more manufacturers producing these jacked-up family favourites for us to test. Cars like the Jaguar F-Pace and Audi Q5 were just some of the scores of SUVs we drove this year.

Many manufacturers truly shoved the spectacle envelope, too. It seems we were just getting dewy-eyed about the 306bhp Honda Civic Type R when Ford came along with the impetuous Concentrate RS, while even Alfa Romeo got in on the powerful activity with its 503bhp Giulia Quadrifoglio, a BMW M3-rivalling supersaloon.

Below are just some of our favourites from the past twelve months – the best and most memorable cars we’ve driven this year.

The best cars we tested in 2016

Ford Concentrate RS

The Ford Concentrate RS was one of 2016’s most impatiently anticipated fresh cars, and we didn’t have to wait long for our very first taste on European roads. The mega hatch didn’t disappoint when it arrived in January, thrilling chief reviewer James Disdale as soon as he took the wheel.

He described Ford’s stunner as ‘hard to fault’, with ‘impetuous spectacle’ and ‘acrobatic treating’. A quick glance at the spec sheet exposes a Two.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 345bhp – enough power to worry many sports car rivals. The RS proved devastatingly quick on our very first drive – it has an official 0-62mph time of just Four.7 seconds – and delivered grippy four-wheel-drive treating to bring a smile to our man’s face.

It would be a number of months before the car landed on UK roads, but even then it amazed with its never-ending grunt. We liked it so much, we crowned it Best Hot Hatch at 2016’s Auto Express Fresh Car Awards. Titillating and affordable, the Concentrate RS is another true prompt Ford hero and will go down in history as one of the best hot hatchbacks of all time.

Fiat one hundred twenty four Spider

It was five starts for the Fiat one hundred twenty four Spider when we drove it earlier this year. We got special access to the Mazda MX-5-based roadster, and discovered that it had been well worth the 12-month wait.

Using a 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo, the 138bhp Fiat sits in inbetween the 1.Five and Two.0-litre MX-5s. However, its fine power delivery and engaging treating meant it had the edge over the Mazda and it would go on to defeat that car when we road tested them later in the year.

At the time of our very first drive, we were total of praise for the Fiat’s upmarket, driver-focused cabin, as well as its grown-up engine. We found it convenient at cruising speeds and agile through corners, too. And while the styling is subjective, the long bonnet and distinctive nose ensure it stands out from the crowd.

We also exposed plans for a 168bhp Abarth model, which was unveiled the following month at the Geneva Motor Showcase. Our very first drive of that car went live in June but it left us a little cold – proving that, in this example, less is more.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Our impressions of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible were mixed when we drove it for the very first time. Clearly there’s a market for the drop-top SUV, or Land Rover wouldn’t have bothered to build it, but at the same time it’s a pretty niche vehicle.

We found the soft-top ensures the Evoque’s rail, treating and refinement suffer compared to the standard car. However, there’s no denying that the chunky styling, astounding off-road capability and classy, upmarket cabin will appeal to some buyers.

But the high price – around £50,000 – is just too much to justify when there are so many compromises to make over the standard car. A more conventional convertible most likely makes more sense; a similarly priced BMW four Series Convertible or Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet would make a better all-round choice.

Unless you need to head off-road, then it’s most likely best to stay sensible and get a hard-top vehicle.

Jaguar F-Pace

The F-Pace is one of the most significant Jaguars in years, as it takes the brand into the SUV market for the very first time.

When we got behind the wheel in April, we found it every bit as capable as rivals including the Porsche Macan.

Albeit the Porsche offers a slightly better driving practice, the Jag has the edge in terms of overall appeal. Agile and swift, plus roomy, beautiful and luxurious inwards, it deserved the five-star rating we gave it. And the F-Pace went on to win our Car of the Year award.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

We were particularly amazed when we drove Alfa Romeo’s fresh Giulia for the very first time back in May. The car’s nimble chassis and stunning looks left us total of admiration – but those were elements Alfa Romeo was strapped to get right. What indeed mattered was that the fresh compact exec was just as economical and practical as an equivalent BMW three Series, Mercedes C-Class or Audi A4, and had a similar price tag.

The interior is the best of any modern Alfa Romeo too, taking the brand further upmarket than ever, and the Two.2-litre diesel engine and automatic transmission felt grown-up. We also attempted the charming Two.0-litre petrol model, which offers something a little bit different – and much more in keeping with the Alfa badge.

In addition there is the Quadrifoglio variant, which has firebreathing spectacle, a characterful twin-turbo petrol V6 and, crucially, a brilliant chassi to match. It’s a decent BMW M3 rival, as we were delighted to find out on our early very first drive of the car in Italy.

Audi Q2

Audi had set out its plan to pack yet another SUV niche when it exposed its Q2 at the begin of the year. And back in June we got to drive it for the very first time in the exotic location of Cuba.

Albeit we knew that Audi didn’t have to put in too much effort to produce a hit puny SUV, we were still astonished by how well the Q2 matched its distinctive styling to truly charm from behind the wheel. This is something modern Audis have lacked.

The interior is up to the brand’s usual standards in terms of quality and the treating feels agile and composed, albeit we had some reservations about the rail quality on the Cuban roads of our test that proved to be well founded when we drove the car later in the year in the UK. Still, we concluded the Q2 is sure to be popular, thanks to its relatively low price, range of personalisation features and spacious interior, while the broad range of engines offers something for everyone.

It looked to us as however Audi was on to another surefire winner with the Q2.

Porsche Panamera

We were ultimately given the chance to attempt Porsche’s all-new Panamera for the very first time on European roads in August. The supersaloon has been one of the company’s most popular models over the past five years, and the 2nd generation benefits from a fresh platform, fresh engines and totally revised styling.

Whereas the original was criticised for its bulbous looks, this version looks more like a spread nine hundred eleven and is all the better for it. Inwards, it’s more luxurious than before and there’s more technology than we’ve seen in a Porsche to date.

We drove both the fresh 542bhp Panamera Turbo and the 4S Diesel, the world’s fastest production diesel car. Both suggest stunning spectacle, while the fresh 4D Chassis Control system provides quicker responses and sports car agility. Yet the Panamera is refined and comfy over long distances, with room for four adults.

Renault Scenic

When we drove the all-new Scenic, we found Renault’s decision to inject some excitement into the MPV sector paid off.

The stylish looks are matched by awesome on-board tech and strong refinement, despite standard 20-inch rims. We found rear space was decent but not class leading, however. The Scenic certainly hits the spot on the road, but can buyers be swayed from their trendry crossovers?

Audi Q5

Audi only took the covers off its fresh Q5 in late September, but by early October we’d already attempted the SUV in the country where it’s being manufactured: Mexico.

The company’s latest suggesting doesn’t indeed serve up many surprises; its styling is entirely convetional and the cabin will look familiar if you’ve spent any time near a current A4. Yet at the same time, we came away affected by lots of what the Q5 has to suggest.

It’s not the most involving premium SUV you can buy, but history suggests that Audi drivers choose refinement, cruising capability and overall cohesiveness – and the Q5 isnt going to disappoint on any of those fronts. Nor is the cabin any weaker for those strong links to the A4’s; indeed, it’s the equal of anything in the class, with incredible levels of quality.

Aston Martin DB11

August gave us the very first chance to strap ourselves into the most significant Aston Martin in a generation: the DB11.

Our very first drive showcased the fresh Five.2-litre, twin-turbo V12 offers superb spectacle, thanks to its 700Nm of torque. We were also struck by the rail and treating balance, with a combination of agility and convenience. A lavish interior completes one of the finest GT cars on sale today.

What was your favourite car of 2016? Let us know in the comments below.

Best fresh cars 2016: our road tests of the year, Auto Express

Best fresh cars 2016: our road tests of the year

Perhaps the most titillating thing we do here at Auto Express is road-testing. We get to go out in the greatest fresh cars long before they go on sale to the general public, drive them around and give our thoughts on what they’re like. Two thousand sixteen was a good year for road testing, too, and featured some of the most impatiently anticipated cars in years.

We drove everything from humdrum hatchbacks to spectacular supercars – cars to buy with the head, and cars to buy with the heart. Two thousand sixteen also marked yet another ‘year of the SUV’, with more and more manufacturers producing these jacked-up family favourites for us to test. Cars like the Jaguar F-Pace and Audi Q5 were just some of the scores of SUVs we drove this year.

Many manufacturers indeed shoved the spectacle envelope, too. It seems we were just getting dewy-eyed about the 306bhp Honda Civic Type R when Ford came along with the sweeping Concentrate RS, while even Alfa Romeo got in on the powerful act with its 503bhp Giulia Quadrifoglio, a BMW M3-rivalling supersaloon.

Below are just some of our favourites from the past twelve months – the best and most memorable cars we’ve driven this year.

The best cars we tested in 2016

Ford Concentrate RS

The Ford Concentrate RS was one of 2016’s most anxiously anticipated fresh cars, and we didn’t have to wait long for our very first taste on European roads. The mega hatch didn’t disappoint when it arrived in January, thrilling chief reviewer James Disdale as soon as he took the wheel.

He described Ford’s stunner as ‘hard to fault’, with ‘impetuous spectacle’ and ‘acrobatic treating’. A quick glance at the spec sheet exposes a Two.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 345bhp – enough power to worry many sports car rivals. The RS proved devastatingly quick on our very first drive – it has an official 0-62mph time of just Four.7 seconds – and delivered grippy four-wheel-drive treating to bring a smile to our man’s face.

It would be a number of months before the car landed on UK roads, but even then it amazed with its never-ending grunt. We liked it so much, we crowned it Best Hot Hatch at 2016’s Auto Express Fresh Car Awards. Titillating and affordable, the Concentrate RS is another true quick Ford hero and will go down in history as one of the best hot hatchbacks of all time.

Fiat one hundred twenty four Spider

It was five starts for the Fiat one hundred twenty four Spider when we drove it earlier this year. We got off the hook access to the Mazda MX-5-based roadster, and discovered that it had been well worth the 12-month wait.

Using a 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo, the 138bhp Fiat sits in inbetween the 1.Five and Two.0-litre MX-5s. However, its fine power delivery and engaging treating meant it had the edge over the Mazda and it would go on to defeat that car when we road tested them later in the year.

At the time of our very first drive, we were utter of praise for the Fiat’s upmarket, driver-focused cabin, as well as its grown-up engine. We found it comfy at cruising speeds and agile through corners, too. And while the styling is subjective, the long bonnet and distinctive nose ensure it stands out from the crowd.

We also exposed plans for a 168bhp Abarth model, which was unveiled the following month at the Geneva Motor Showcase. Our very first drive of that car went live in June but it left us a little cold – proving that, in this example, less is more.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Our impressions of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible were mixed when we drove it for the very first time. Clearly there’s a market for the drop-top SUV, or Land Rover wouldn’t have bothered to build it, but at the same time it’s a pretty niche vehicle.

We found the soft-top ensures the Evoque’s rail, treating and refinement suffer compared to the standard car. However, there’s no denying that the chunky styling, amazing off-road capability and classy, upmarket cabin will appeal to some buyers.

But the high price – around £50,000 – is just too much to justify when there are so many compromises to make over the standard car. A more conventional convertible most likely makes more sense; a similarly priced BMW four Series Convertible or Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet would make a better all-round choice.

Unless you need to head off-road, then it’s most likely best to stay sensible and get a hard-top vehicle.

Jaguar F-Pace

The F-Pace is one of the most significant Jaguars in years, as it takes the brand into the SUV market for the very first time.

When we got behind the wheel in April, we found it every bit as capable as rivals including the Porsche Macan.

Albeit the Porsche offers a slightly better driving practice, the Jag has the edge in terms of overall appeal. Agile and swift, plus roomy, wonderful and luxurious inwards, it deserved the five-star rating we gave it. And the F-Pace went on to win our Car of the Year award.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

We were particularly affected when we drove Alfa Romeo’s fresh Giulia for the very first time back in May. The car’s nimble chassis and stunning looks left us utter of admiration – but those were elements Alfa Romeo was corded to get right. What indeed mattered was that the fresh compact exec was just as economical and practical as an equivalent BMW three Series, Mercedes C-Class or Audi A4, and had a similar price tag.

The interior is the best of any modern Alfa Romeo too, taking the brand further upmarket than ever, and the Two.2-litre diesel engine and automatic transmission felt grown-up. We also attempted the charming Two.0-litre petrol model, which offers something a little bit different – and much more in keeping with the Alfa badge.

In addition there is the Quadrifoglio variant, which has firebreathing spectacle, a characterful twin-turbo petrol V6 and, crucially, a brilliant chassi to match. It’s a decent BMW M3 rival, as we were delighted to find out on our early very first drive of the car in Italy.

Audi Q2

Audi had set out its plan to pack yet another SUV niche when it exposed its Q2 at the begin of the year. And back in June we got to drive it for the very first time in the exotic location of Cuba.

Albeit we knew that Audi didn’t have to put in too much effort to produce a hit puny SUV, we were still astonished by how well the Q2 matched its distinctive styling to indeed charm from behind the wheel. This is something modern Audis have lacked.

The interior is up to the brand’s usual standards in terms of quality and the treating feels agile and composed, albeit we had some reservations about the rail quality on the Cuban roads of our test that proved to be well founded when we drove the car later in the year in the UK. Still, we concluded the Q2 is sure to be popular, thanks to its relatively low price, range of personalisation features and spacious interior, while the broad range of engines offers something for everyone.

It looked to us as tho’ Audi was on to another surefire winner with the Q2.

Porsche Panamera

We were eventually given the chance to attempt Porsche’s all-new Panamera for the very first time on European roads in August. The supersaloon has been one of the company’s most popular models over the past five years, and the 2nd generation benefits from a fresh platform, fresh engines and totally revised styling.

Whereas the original was criticised for its bulbous looks, this version looks more like a spread nine hundred eleven and is all the better for it. Inwards, it’s more luxurious than before and there’s more technology than we’ve seen in a Porsche to date.

We drove both the fresh 542bhp Panamera Turbo and the 4S Diesel, the world’s fastest production diesel car. Both suggest stunning spectacle, while the fresh 4D Chassis Control system provides quicker responses and sports car agility. Yet the Panamera is refined and comfy over long distances, with room for four adults.

Renault Scenic

When we drove the all-new Scenic, we found Renault’s decision to inject some excitement into the MPV sector paid off.

The stylish looks are matched by epic on-board tech and strong refinement, despite standard 20-inch rims. We found rear space was decent but not class leading, however. The Scenic certainly hits the spot on the road, but can buyers be swayed from their trendry crossovers?

Audi Q5

Audi only took the covers off its fresh Q5 in late September, but by early October we’d already attempted the SUV in the country where it’s being manufactured: Mexico.

The company’s latest suggesting doesn’t indeed serve up many surprises; its styling is entirely convetional and the cabin will look familiar if you’ve spent any time near a current A4. Yet at the same time, we came away amazed by lots of what the Q5 has to suggest.

It’s not the most involving premium SUV you can buy, but history suggests that Audi drivers choose refinement, cruising capability and overall cohesiveness – and the Q5 isnt going to disappoint on any of those fronts. Nor is the cabin any weaker for those strong links to the A4’s; indeed, it’s the equal of anything in the class, with incredible levels of quality.

Aston Martin DB11

August gave us the very first chance to strap ourselves into the most significant Aston Martin in a generation: the DB11.

Our very first drive demonstrated the fresh Five.2-litre, twin-turbo V12 offers superb spectacle, thanks to its 700Nm of torque. We were also struck by the rail and treating balance, with a combination of agility and convenience. A lavish interior completes one of the finest GT cars on sale today.

What was your favourite car of 2016? Let us know in the comments below.

Best fresh cars 2016: our road tests of the year, Auto Express

Best fresh cars 2016: our road tests of the year

Perhaps the most arousing thing we do here at Auto Express is road-testing. We get to go out in the greatest fresh cars long before they go on sale to the general public, drive them around and give our thoughts on what they’re like. Two thousand sixteen was a good year for road testing, too, and featured some of the most impatiently anticipated cars in years.

We drove everything from humdrum hatchbacks to spectacular supercars – cars to buy with the head, and cars to buy with the heart. Two thousand sixteen also marked yet another ‘year of the SUV’, with more and more manufacturers producing these jacked-up family favourites for us to test. Cars like the Jaguar F-Pace and Audi Q5 were just some of the scores of SUVs we drove this year.

Many manufacturers indeed shoved the spectacle envelope, too. It seems we were just getting dewy-eyed about the 306bhp Honda Civic Type R when Ford came along with the sweeping Concentrate RS, while even Alfa Romeo got in on the powerful activity with its 503bhp Giulia Quadrifoglio, a BMW M3-rivalling supersaloon.

Below are just some of our favourites from the past twelve months – the best and most memorable cars we’ve driven this year.

The best cars we tested in 2016

Ford Concentrate RS

The Ford Concentrate RS was one of 2016’s most anxiously anticipated fresh cars, and we didn’t have to wait long for our very first taste on European roads. The mega hatch didn’t disappoint when it arrived in January, thrilling chief reviewer James Disdale as soon as he took the wheel.

He described Ford’s stunner as ‘hard to fault’, with ‘sweeping spectacle’ and ‘acrobatic treating’. A quick glance at the spec sheet exposes a Two.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 345bhp – enough power to worry many sports car rivals. The RS proved devastatingly quick on our very first drive – it has an official 0-62mph time of just Four.7 seconds – and delivered grippy four-wheel-drive treating to bring a smile to our man’s face.

It would be a number of months before the car landed on UK roads, but even then it amazed with its never-ending grunt. We liked it so much, we crowned it Best Hot Hatch at 2016’s Auto Express Fresh Car Awards. Arousing and affordable, the Concentrate RS is another true swift Ford hero and will go down in history as one of the best hot hatchbacks of all time.

Fiat one hundred twenty four Spider

It was five starts for the Fiat one hundred twenty four Spider when we drove it earlier this year. We got sensational access to the Mazda MX-5-based roadster, and discovered that it had been well worth the 12-month wait.

Using a 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo, the 138bhp Fiat sits in inbetween the 1.Five and Two.0-litre MX-5s. However, its fine power delivery and engaging treating meant it had the edge over the Mazda and it would go on to defeat that car when we road tested them later in the year.

At the time of our very first drive, we were utter of praise for the Fiat’s upmarket, driver-focused cabin, as well as its grown-up engine. We found it comfy at cruising speeds and agile through corners, too. And while the styling is subjective, the long bonnet and distinctive nose ensure it stands out from the crowd.

We also exposed plans for a 168bhp Abarth model, which was unveiled the following month at the Geneva Motor Demonstrate. Our very first drive of that car went live in June but it left us a little cold – proving that, in this example, less is more.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Our impressions of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible were mixed when we drove it for the very first time. Clearly there’s a market for the drop-top SUV, or Land Rover wouldn’t have bothered to build it, but at the same time it’s a pretty niche vehicle.

We found the soft-top ensures the Evoque’s rail, treating and refinement suffer compared to the standard car. However, there’s no denying that the chunky styling, extraordinaire off-road capability and classy, upmarket cabin will appeal to some buyers.

But the high price – around £50,000 – is just too much to justify when there are so many compromises to make over the standard car. A more conventional convertible most likely makes more sense; a similarly priced BMW four Series Convertible or Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet would make a better all-round choice.

Unless you need to head off-road, then it’s most likely best to stay sensible and get a hard-top vehicle.

Jaguar F-Pace

The F-Pace is one of the most significant Jaguars in years, as it takes the brand into the SUV market for the very first time.

When we got behind the wheel in April, we found it every bit as capable as rivals including the Porsche Macan.

Albeit the Porsche offers a slightly better driving practice, the Jag has the edge in terms of overall appeal. Agile and rapid, plus roomy, fantastic and luxurious inwards, it deserved the five-star rating we gave it. And the F-Pace went on to win our Car of the Year award.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

We were particularly amazed when we drove Alfa Romeo’s fresh Giulia for the very first time back in May. The car’s nimble chassis and stunning looks left us utter of admiration – but those were elements Alfa Romeo was trussed to get right. What indeed mattered was that the fresh compact exec was just as economical and practical as an equivalent BMW three Series, Mercedes C-Class or Audi A4, and had a similar price tag.

The interior is the best of any modern Alfa Romeo too, taking the brand further upmarket than ever, and the Two.2-litre diesel engine and automatic transmission felt grown-up. We also attempted the charming Two.0-litre petrol model, which offers something a little bit different – and much more in keeping with the Alfa badge.

In addition there is the Quadrifoglio variant, which has firebreathing spectacle, a characterful twin-turbo petrol V6 and, crucially, a brilliant chassi to match. It’s a decent BMW M3 rival, as we were delighted to find out on our early very first drive of the car in Italy.

Audi Q2

Audi had set out its plan to pack yet another SUV niche when it exposed its Q2 at the commence of the year. And back in June we got to drive it for the very first time in the exotic location of Cuba.

Albeit we knew that Audi didn’t have to put in too much effort to produce a hit petite SUV, we were still astonished by how well the Q2 matched its distinctive styling to truly charm from behind the wheel. This is something modern Audis have lacked.

The interior is up to the brand’s usual standards in terms of quality and the treating feels agile and composed, albeit we had some reservations about the rail quality on the Cuban roads of our test that proved to be well founded when we drove the car later in the year in the UK. Still, we concluded the Q2 is sure to be popular, thanks to its relatively low price, range of personalisation features and spacious interior, while the broad range of engines offers something for everyone.

It looked to us as however Audi was on to another surefire winner with the Q2.

Porsche Panamera

We were eventually given the chance to attempt Porsche’s all-new Panamera for the very first time on European roads in August. The supersaloon has been one of the company’s most popular models over the past five years, and the 2nd generation benefits from a fresh platform, fresh engines and totally revised styling.

Whereas the original was criticised for its bulbous looks, this version looks more like a spread nine hundred eleven and is all the better for it. Inwards, it’s more luxurious than before and there’s more technology than we’ve seen in a Porsche to date.

We drove both the fresh 542bhp Panamera Turbo and the 4S Diesel, the world’s fastest production diesel car. Both suggest stunning spectacle, while the fresh 4D Chassis Control system provides quicker responses and sports car agility. Yet the Panamera is refined and comfy over long distances, with room for four adults.

Renault Scenic

When we drove the all-new Scenic, we found Renault’s decision to inject some excitement into the MPV sector paid off.

The stylish looks are matched by awesome on-board tech and strong refinement, despite standard 20-inch rims. We found rear space was decent but not class leading, however. The Scenic certainly hits the spot on the road, but can buyers be swayed from their trendry crossovers?

Audi Q5

Audi only took the covers off its fresh Q5 in late September, but by early October we’d already attempted the SUV in the country where it’s being manufactured: Mexico.

The company’s latest suggesting doesn’t truly serve up many surprises; its styling is entirely convetional and the cabin will look familiar if you’ve spent any time near a current A4. Yet at the same time, we came away struck by lots of what the Q5 has to suggest.

It’s not the most involving premium SUV you can buy, but history suggests that Audi drivers choose refinement, cruising capability and overall cohesiveness – and the Q5 isnt going to disappoint on any of those fronts. Nor is the cabin any weaker for those strong links to the A4’s; indeed, it’s the equal of anything in the class, with incredible levels of quality.

Aston Martin DB11

August gave us the very first chance to strap ourselves into the most significant Aston Martin in a generation: the DB11.

Our very first drive displayed the fresh Five.2-litre, twin-turbo V12 offers superb spectacle, thanks to its 700Nm of torque. We were also amazed by the rail and treating balance, with a combination of agility and convenience. A lavish interior completes one of the finest GT cars on sale today.

What was your favourite car of 2016? Let us know in the comments below.

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