Vauxhall’s latest Astra 105ps 1.5D with its all-new powertrain was already 21 per cent more C02-efficient than the model that went before, but now new preliminary data shows further improvements to its emissions values. All new diesel Astras now produce lower C02 emissions than originally quoted with the 1.5D (105PS) engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox dropping to just 90g/km and as a result … [Read more...]
Shocking battery costs revealed
Dealers are charging as much as £1,248 just to supply and fit a new battery on an ordinary family car, a new investigation by Auto Express has revealed. Massive variations in the prices different dealers demand for the same work were also revealed in the mystery shopping exercise comparing the cost of new batteries for Britain’s 20 best-selling vehicles. Some Mercedes dealers charge up to three … [Read more...]
Tradelines 28 August
The Petrol Retailers Association has welcomed hints carried by national media that the Treasury may be considering fuel duty cuts in the upcoming Autumn Budget, said Brian Madderson, Chairman of the PRA. Senior sources have confirmed that the Government would announce the 2ppl fuel duty cut later this year - the first reduction of the motoring tax in eight years - after lobbying by the … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 November
The sky’s the limit with the next Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet. The powered soft-top SUV will be shown at Frankfurt Motor Show next month and it follows the Beetle, Golf and Eos convertibles and will on sale early next year. The UK’s used car market declined by a moderate -2.8% in the second quarter of the year, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders as 2,034,236 transactions … [Read more...]
Cost of electric charging is fuel for thought when buying
Laws banning petrol and diesel cars are beginning to be introduced around the globe and forcing car makers to turn their attention to hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Fully electric vehicles may well be the future of low-emission transportation but, for now, hybrid cars are proving an increasingly popular compromise. Dual-energy cars are continuing to grow in popularity and if you’re not … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 July
South Wales Central AM, Andrew RT Davies has called for the emissions protest in Cardiff to end. “Tackling climate change is a hugely important issue and one which the majority of the public is fully behind. However, the one sure way to lose hearts and minds in such a battle is to disrupt hardworking people on their morning commute, which is what’s happened in Cardiff today.” Insurance … [Read more...]
Tradelines 10 July
Kia is turning up the heat even further with a range of special edition models on sale now. These eye-catching additions join the Picanto, Stonic, Ceed and Sportage ranges just in time for the temperatures to go off the scale and Kia has also enhanced its Ceed range, with new ‘2 Nav’ editions and the addition of automatic transmission to its ‘GT-Line’ range. Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd has … [Read more...]
Tradelines 19 June
A recall has been ordered for Adam and Corsa models in Germany. Authorities believe 210,000 models may exceed NO2 levels in real world conditions across Europe and that’s likely to include thousands sold in the UK. There are hopes that FCA will be able to revive its bid for a deal with Renault, subject to Nissan support. The French Government would have to approve the possible deal as … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Cupra Ateca 2.0 TSI 4Drive 300hp
You’ve heard the name Cupra before, it’s been used and still will be for the name of SEAT’s most potent sports models, but this time its reborn, writes David Miles. The first Cupra was developed by SEAT Sport and launched as the Ibiza Cupra in 1996 but now Cupra is being launched as a standalone sports brand and its first offering is the 153mph Cupra Ateca sports SUV. In the future Cupra … [Read more...]
EV planning is improving, say dealers
There’s increasing retailer satisfaction levels with manufacturers’ approach to the electric vehicle sector, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. Commenting on the results of the latest Electric Vehicle Dealer Attitude Survey, Ms Robinson went on to say the main objective of the survey is to understand retailers’ views on the approach to the electric … [Read more...]