SMMT will host an aftermarket-focused conference and networking event on Thursday 9 June as part of its programme of activities at Automechanika Birmingham 2016. The SMMT Aftermarket Forum will be open to senior delegates from the independent component supply and workshop network, offering insight and potential new business opportunities. Through thought-provoking panel discussions and … [Read more...]
Welsh insurer says 1.7M drivers in hit and run accidents
Around 1.7 million drivers have had a hit-and-run incident with a parked vehicle. A survey for Wales-based Gocompare.com, revealed 15% of drivers (4 million) have collided with a parked vehicle. Of these motorists 57% stopped and left their contact details, while 43% (1.7million) broke the law by driving off without admitting to the prang. Of those who drove away, just less than half did so … [Read more...]
John Cooper Works Convertible arrives in spring
Potent, race-bred John Cooper Works performance is now available as an open-air experience, with the debut of the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible this spring. This new model uses the same 2-litre TwinPower Turbo engine as found in MINI John Cooper Works Hatch, and will cost £26,630 as a manual or £28,205 with automatic transmission and comes with a fully electric roof which operates in … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Land Rover Discovery Sport TD4
When the Land Rover Discovery Sport premium compact SUV with permanent four wheel drive first went on sale in the UK in January 2015, with five and seven seat options, the only downside to the vehicle was that it still continued to use the long serving 2.2-litre SD4 turbodiesel engine made by Ford. Now the Discovery Sport has received Jaguar Land Rover’s own EU6 compliant … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: DS 5 Prestige 150HDi
You have to admire any manufacturer launching a new car into today’s market, even with the heritage of the DS. DS was a premium model from Citroen in the 1950s but it faded until the French car maker decided to utilise its status on derivatives of its mass models over the last few years. Now it has gone further and aims to give DS a distinct identity and look along with separate dealership … [Read more...]
Order books open for new Fiat 500 1.3 MultiJet
Order books are open for the New FIAT 500 1.3-litre MultiJet II 95hp. Employing sophisticated second-generation MultiJet technology and a variable geometry turbo charger, the new FIAT 500’s 1.3-litre, turbo diesel engine produces 95hp at 3,750rpm and 200Nm of torque from 1,500rpm, with 170Nm available from just 1,250rpm. This performance ensures the FIAT 500 feel brisk and responsive in all … [Read more...]
Evans looking forward to home fight this season
FIA World Rally Championship star Elfyn Evans is looking forward to competing on home turf this year after confirming that he will enter the revitalised MSA British Rally Championship with the DMACK British Rally Team. Evans will join forces with another son of a famous rallying father – Finnish sensation Max Vatanen – in DMACK’s two-pronged assault, and will pilot a … [Read more...]
Jaguar XF gets AWD and Kia Niro is revealed
An all-wheel-drive Jaguar XF joins the range this spring. It will come with the 180ps 4-cylinder diesel engine and normally uses rear wheel drive but its Intelligent Driveline Dynamics automatically detect when the front wheels might slip and pushes grip to them without any driver intervention. The prices of the new models rise from £36,350. Kia has released the first images of … [Read more...]
Aston Martin rethink on new assembly plant
Aston Martin has been offered a new site and financial incentives to build its new generation DBX crossover in Macedonia and not Wales or another UK site. The eastern European state had previously made a bid to win the investment but was not shortlisted and has now made a renewed offer with greater financial incentives and AM is said to be reconsidering the country. The new offer will come … [Read more...]
Honda add two special editions in February
Honda UK will launch two new special editions of the popular Civic and CR-V next month. On forecourts from the start of February, the Civic Limited Edition (right) is £14,995 on the road and the CR-V Black Edition starts from £29,995. Three years after the last version of the CR-V Black Edition first launched, Honda has revived the more sporty, premium look (below). Available in 4WD with … [Read more...]