In a world where SUVs have become more sophisticated and are generally soft off-roaders or Crossovers more used to dealing with school runs, shopping trips and family holidays than hard-core off roading, the Jeep Wrangler now stands alone in the rugged 4x4 market following the demise of the Land Rover Defender. The Wrangler’s design DNA dates back to the original Willys jeep of WW2, indeed the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Soul 1.6GDI 2
Kia Soul is the embodiment of its UK crossover range. It was thought quirky when it came to market a few years ago but the practical shape soon found favour and it has been consistently reworked to keep it up to date. The Carens, Sportage and Sorento fill needs for SUV buyers while the Soul simply offers a cheaper way into moving people or goods and its one of the few cars in its class which … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 May
A new report into the proposed Circuit of Wales in Ebbw Vale has concluded that the project could make a "significant positive contribution" to the South Wales economy despite the risks. The report from Professor Brian Morgan of Cardiff Metropolitan University concluded that the racing circuit could kick-start a revival in the Valleys and provide long-term and sustainable benefits to the Welsh … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 May
The 680hp Icona Vulcano Titanium is a one-off that hit the streets at Cannes Film Festival, where the waiting list for exclusive test drives keeps extending. The Vulcano Titanium has a 100% titanium body design inspired by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird jet fighter costs £2 million, more than the Bugatti Chiron, and it does 218mph. Ford is the official manufacturer backing next month’s … [Read more...]
Morris has eye on more British GT points
Title challenging British GT Championship racer Seb Morris says he is targeting a consistent haul of points at Snetterton 300 Circuit in Norfolk next weekend, when the second ‘double-header’ of the season takes place – rounds four and five of the campaign. Bentley Continental GT3 driver Morris, who is partnered by Rick Parfitt Jnr, heads to East Anglia on the crest of a wave after the Team … [Read more...]
Two-day super-rally regs now out
Entries are open for the Nicky Grist Stages 8-9 July – with the official event Regulations and Entry forms published on-line at nickygriststages.co.uk. This year celebrates the 37th running of Quinton Motor Club’s forest stage rally, the 30th consecutive year of it hosting a round of the BTRDA Rally Series and the seventh year of title sponsorship from Nicky Grist Motorsports. Following its … [Read more...]
Night stages return for Wales Rally GB
The route of Wales Rally GB has been published and tickets are now on sale for the spectator stages. Once again the UK round of the World Rally Championship, which has been hotly contested so far this year with four different winners over six rounds, will be held to co-incide with the autumn half-term 26-29 October and the organisers are giving free admission to accompanied … [Read more...]
Breaking news: Lotus bought by Volvo parent
Geely has added Lotus to its portfolio of brands which already include Volvo and London Taxi Company. It has pledged to invest in the brand and raises the prospect of new British sports cars from Norfolk factory which has suffered from under-investment for decades while it has an enthusiastic following in the Far East. Geely's Volvo investment has transformed the Swedish-based car maker and … [Read more...]
More owners now checking safety recalls online
The Motor Ombudsman has recorded a substantial 80% rise in the usage of its online Vehicle Recalls tool. The easy-to-use search function on its website allows motorists to find out quickly whether a participating car manufacturer has recalled a specific make and model under the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)’s safety recall scheme. Manufacturers make every effort to communicate … [Read more...]
Welsh garages shortlisted for national prize
Automechanika Birmingham in partnership with Garage Wire has announced the shortlist of garages in the running to win the £1000 cash prize for Garage of the Year, and there are Welsh nominations. As a new initiative, the organisers were overwhelmed by the number of entries from garages and the judging panel has finalised a shortlist of 13 workshops who will go head to head for a peer vote. One … [Read more...]