The all-new Skoda Scala, a C-segment five-door hatchback, is in effect the replacement for their Rapid range and sits between the Volkswagen Group’s Czech brand Fabia supermini and larger C/D segment high selling Octavia model ranges, writes David Miles. Currently prices range from £16,595 to £23,315 and the initial line-up is relatively simple with 1.0-litre TSI petrol 95 and 115hp … [Read more...]
Bentley Flying B gets new wings
One of the motoring world’s most iconic symbols has just got new wings, and lights. Almost 90 years after it first appeared on a Bentley, the famous Flying B mascot has been dramatically updated. It's expected to be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show in a few days in the region of £150,000 or thereabouts. Bentley’s iconic ‘Flying B’ mascot will adorn the all-new Flying Spur, the first … [Read more...]
German motor show snippets
The future of Vauxhall is difficult to predict, said PSA boss Carlos Tavares at the Frankfurt motor show. He will announce a plan for the German sister company Opel in November, but told reporters that it’s harder to decide on a strategy for the UK arm with its Astra plant at Ellesmere Port and van plant in Luton because of the Brexit negotiations and possible outcome. Volkswagen will spend … [Read more...]
Makers shun German motor show
Major car makers are shunning the Frankfurt motor show next month. The enormous cost of taking part and appearing wing to wing with rivals is being weighed against turning visitors into buyers of the brands. About 12 months ago, Paris saw a reduction in brands with Ford, Mazda and Volvo deciding not to attend and now this trend has continued at Frankfurt, which is the largest of its kind in … [Read more...]
German bites .. from the Frankfurt motor show
A perfect reproduction Defender pedal car will be commissioned from a UK toy maker in 2016 to commemorate the end of the line for the real model. With aluminium, leather and off-road tyres, the limited edition model will cost about £10,000. Aston Martin DB11 is the next model from the luxury British car-maker. The number was confirmed at the Frankfurt motor show but the car will not go on … [Read more...]
As German motor show opens, European car sales rise
European new-car sales rose 11 percent in August, the second-largest gain this year, as rising economic confidence boosted sales of SUVs from Renault, Citroen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Registrations jumped to 781,676 vehicles last month from 701,251 a year earlier, said the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. Eight-month sales increased 8.6 percent to 9.38 million … [Read more...]
Cross-overs kings of the German motor show
The Frankfurt Motor Show this week will play host to many new model launches and concept reveals in the crossover and SUV category with the latest news suggesting that this will include VW, SEAT, Nissan and China's Borgward. While traditional SUVs and crossovers remain popular, some automakers are also seeking to push the boundaries, whether in design or price point. With continued consumer … [Read more...]