More than three quarters (79%) of UK drivers think that having a car is essential for their everyday life, rising to 85% of those in rural areas, according to a new Opinion survey of 2,000 UK drivers. The survey commissioned by InsuretheGap.com reveals that 57% of those aged under 65 could not get to work without a car, rising to almost 60% of under 34s. Nine out of ten (90%) drivers … [Read more...]
Seeing red in green zones abroad
The Green-Zones portal has identified the European environmental zones where infringements are most severely punished and unexpectedly denting holiday budgets. Belgium is ranked 10th and 9th among the environmental zones with the highest fines, whose permanent Low-Emission-Zones (LEZ) are located in Antwerp and Brussels. All vehicles, which are not registered in Belgium or the Netherlands, must … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 August
Big saloons are dropping like stones across Europe. Sales of BMW 6 Series cars collapsed 82%, Tesla Model S 52% and Jaguar XJ 38%, but the Mercedes CLS mid-size model improved 76% and its AMG GT lifted 18%, reports JATO Dynamics, which said they had suffered with the expansion of SUV and Crossover models. With the holiday season in full flow the RAC can reveal that eight in 10 (82%) of the UK’s … [Read more...]
Youngsters rejecting cars for mopeds
It is encouraging to see motorcycle registrations bounce back with a 4.3% growth in July following June’s decline, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK. Motorcycle registrations rose by 4.3% in July following the double-digit decline of -11% in June. A total of 9,916 machines were put on UK roads last … [Read more...]
PSA subsidiary supports Welsh public services
Business Contract Hire specialist Free2Move Lease has become a supplier on the latest All Wales Framework Agreement. This has been established by the National Procurement Service, which arranges collaborative procurement frameworks for a range of goods and services on behalf of the Welsh Public Sector, as a ‘’One-stop-shop” for all Welsh Public Sector Vehicle Contract Hire … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Jaguar E-Pace 180hp Diesel R-Dynamic S
Now you might logically think that the E-Pace is the new all-electric model in the Jaguar Pace family of SUVs, but it isn’t – that’s the just released I-Pace. Confusingly, there is also the F Pace launched in 2016 sitting between the E-Pace and I-Pace. Could E then stand for Elegant? In my eyes definitely not. It’s a compact five door five seater sports SUV which carries the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda3 2.0 122ps Sport Lux 5dr
A lot is being pinned on the all-new Mazda3 hatchback, and deservedly so. Launched in the UK in spring 2019, it is competing in a tough sector of family and company cars but its about to get a big boost this autumn. The new Mazda3 hatchbacks initially came with either a 122ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol or 116ps Skyactiv-D diesel engine, in five trim levels: SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, … [Read more...]
Cap hpi lift the lid on soft-top bargains this summer
With summer in full swing, automotive data expert cap hpi has produced a list of convertibles and drop tops that eagle-eyed motorists can pick up for under £10k, including a few surprises. Motoring expert Clive Wilson car valuations editor at cap hpi identifies ten drop-tops that are relatively cheap to acquire, great for hitting the open road, making the most of the sunshine and in some cases, … [Read more...]
Hyundai lets power go to its head
Hyundai Motor is launching its first car with a solar roof charging system. This groundbreaking eco-friendly technology will provide vehicles with additional electrical power, as well as increasing fuel efficiency and driving range. Hyundai Motor’s solar roof charging system makes its debut on the New Sonata Hybrid. The system supports the vehicle’s electric power source, improving fuel … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 August
The newly launched Scala has been called into service to join the ranks of ŠKODA’s celebrated blue-light fleet line-up. The ŠKODA Scala’s advanced driver assistance and safety features make it an ideal partner for the emergency services. The brand also offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for blue-light fleets that includes full vehicle conversion, which sees the generous interior – with a vast 467 litre … [Read more...]