Volkswagen has been on a learning curve with electric cars but now it’s heading towards the top of the class. It has flirted with electric cars for many years and a decade ago gave us their zero emission versions of the e-Golf and e-Up, adapted models of their better known petrol and diesel hatchbacks. VW engineers knew change was coming down the line and began developing their “intelligent … [Read more...]
Government rejection of EV plans disappoints
There’s mounting concern at the Government’s reaction to a House of Lord’s Committee study into electric vehicles. Baroness Parminter, Chair of the inquiry said, “Whilst we welcome the Government’s acceptance of some of the recommendations in our report, it is particularly disappointing that it is not committing to incentivising the purchase of more EVs, equalizing the VAT differential between … [Read more...]
EV price war on horizon
A price war is looming in the ev sector which will benefit buyers but hit dealers and fleets, an analyst said this week. This week, as Tesla cut prices again and the number of cheaper Chinese-made models are coming into Britain, the European motor industry and trade is seriously worried about how they will make money as spending tightens. Early this year, the UK Government introduced the Zero … [Read more...]
Kia is king among dealers, trade survey shows
Kia dealers are the happiest in UK, but Jaguar franchise holders are most pessimistic. Dealer satisfaction regarding current profit returns have experienced a slight decrease, with an average score of 6.1, down by – 0.1 from the Summer 2023 edition (-1.6% change) of surveys by the National Franchised Dealers Association. Assessing the trends, from previous DAS surveys, current profit return … [Read more...]
Audi A3 and S3 get extensive make-overs
Audi has further enhanced the design, technological capability, and material quality of its compact A3 and S3 model ranges through a comprehensive update programme that aligns their attributes even more closely with models from the classes above. Distinguished by a fresh new look, upgraded lighting, and an improved cabin featuring new infotainment and driver assistance advances, the latest A3 … [Read more...]
Weeked roadtest: Honda Civic Type R MY24
As we look down the road towards an all-electric future, enthusiastic drivers might want to refocus on the Honda Civic Type R. It’s been with us in a few shapes for a quarter of a century and its enduring appeal is undoubtedly its very driver-focused design and engineering which has steadily matured, not really grown up, just got better with age. We tested one version exactly 12 months ago … [Read more...]
E-vans myths’ exposed
With the government laying out its Net Zero Strategy1 to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050, fleet owners and van drivers are feeling the pressure to make the switch to EVs. In fact, Vansdirect has spotted searches for ‘how much are electric vans’ are up by 100% over the last three months, while searches for ‘best electric vans’ have increased by 24% in the same … [Read more...]
Classic Morgan Plus Four reimagined for future
The new reimagined Morgan Plus Four is now unveiled. While retaining its hand-built British bespoke pedigree with proven BMW powertrain it has undergone extensive revisions to its chassis and suspension to improve ride and handling, together with equipment upgrades and is now backed with a three-years warranty and prices begin at £62,500. The design intent for new Plus Four has been to … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 April
The magnificent new Rolls-Royce Spectre has joined the stable of superb exoticars at Auto Vivendi. This came hot on the heels of their striking new Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato and McLaren Artura and still more highly desirable models are being added this year. Drivers typically save up to £46 paying for their annual insurance premium in a lump sum rather than monthly, according to Compare the … [Read more...]
New Kia Sorento arrives with more kit at lower prices
Kia has cut prices of the refreshed Sorento series and raised specifications. The new seven-seat Sorento starts from £41,995, £3,030 less than the current entry-level Sorento. With the updated model, Kia will offer three grades to Sorento buyers in the UK: ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’. Each variant will be available with the choice of a 2.2-litre diesel, 1.6-litre turbocharged-petrol hybrid (HEV), or a … [Read more...]