Diesel’s decline continued on new car forecourts last month. It was the 12 consecutive month of falling sales but an inflated registration spike in March 2017 to beat tougher emissions requirements and tax rates has distorted the tables for March 2018 although the underlying trend is bad for diesel. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers … [Read more...]
Prices confirmed for new Mazda6 models
Mazda has announced UK pricing and specification for the latest 6 series Saloon and Tourer versions of its flagship model. Featuring an upgraded cabin, revised styling and enhanced technology, plus the UK debut of Mazda’s cylinder deactivation SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, the updated Mazda6 also sees the popular SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre … [Read more...]
Diesel costs more than you may think, says analysis
The fall in oil prices will be a welcome relief for UK motorists as data shows drivers could be burning through as much as 75 per cent more fuel than stated by manufacturers. Carly Connected Car, the worldwide number one in car apps, has released data collected from over one million vehicles, including 150,000 from the UK. The data shows … [Read more...]
Very special Barbarian appears from Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is adding even more style and purpose to the multi award-winning L200 with the unveiling of the new special edition Barbarian SVP II – the second vehicle to be produced by its Special Vehicle Projects division. The Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian SVP II builds on the success of the original limited edition SVP version and, like its predecessor, is … [Read more...]
Fleets slow to realise emissions changes affect
Many fleets are “slow to recognise the implications” of the arrival of the new EU fuel consumption and emissions test, says Arval. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) replaces the outgoing New European Driving Cycle and is designed to provide results that are much closer to real world figures. Experts believe it will result in … [Read more...]
Drivers’ disappointment over Spring Statement
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement is disappointing for drivers, says the RAC. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said, “The announcement that the Chancellor will look at the possibility of reducing VED for businesses that buy cleaner vans is very welcome and we look forward to seeing more detail on this. “But motorists will be very disappointed … [Read more...]
Mobile phone law-breakers getting the message
Harsher punishments for using a mobile phone behind the wheel seems to have scared drivers in Wales, as the number of offenders has dropped 40% in a year. This is following the introduction of harsher penalties for the offence, which doubled to £200 and six penalty points in March 2017. The number of FPNs issued to drivers in Wales dropped to 1,567 in … [Read more...]
EVs might shock you with depreciation
Electric car sales may have reached an all-time high, with almost 120,000 alternatively fuelled vehicles sold in the UK in 2017, but buyers of electric cars face great variations in the rate at which different models depreciate. Research by InsuretheGap.com shows striking differences in the depreciation of ten of the most popular electric cars from their … [Read more...]
MB C Class hits top spot, with thieves
The 2017 league table from Tracker of Top Ten Most Stolen and Recovered Vehicles places the Mercedes-Benz C Class in poll position for the first time, rising from 4th place in 2016. The BMW X5 drops to second place as it leaves the top spot for only the second time since 2011. The 2016 Top Ten, like many previous years, was entirely dominated by … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: New Audi A8 ahead of its time
The new fourth generation Audi A8 is really ahead of its time. It is the first car in the world to be built for the forthcoming age of autonomous vehicles which don’t require driver interaction in traffic at up to close to 40mph, the so-called Level 3 or “eyes off” category. As legislation changes to allow the Level 3 to be ‘turned-on’, beginning in … [Read more...]
