The UK new car market grew by 9.5% in November to reach 156,525 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, but there's a slowdown in EV interest among private buyers. In the market’s best November for four years, registrations almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, down just 96 units (-0.1%) on 2019. Registrations in Wales rose 13.7% to 5,467 … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Weekend roadtest: Audi TT Roadster 40 TFSI
The Audi TT has reached the end of the road and what a journey it’s been. I was lucky enough to attend the UK launch of the TT Coupe in Leeds in 1999 (see below), a year after it went into production and on sale in Germany and now, a quarter of a century on, production has ceased. In that time there have been only three generations of the car but it developed from Coupe to Roadster and even … [Read more...]
First drive: BYD Dolphin Design
If you have used a Nokia 3310 mobile phone, Apple i-pad or ridden on a new Transport for London electric bus, then you have already experiened BYD technology. The Chinese battery technology business which has powered these landmark products has a global footprint powering many familiar items and is about to become a major player in the electric car market. The biggest company you've probably … [Read more...]
Upgraded VW electric SUVs now on sale
Volkswagen has upgraded its ID.4 and ID.5 electric models, with both available to order now from £46,035. The two electric SUVs now feature a new-generation infotainment system, complete with a larger 12.9-inch screen and intuitive menu structure and controls – including illuminated sliders for cabin temperature. The optional augmented-reality head-up display has been enhanced, and Volkswagen … [Read more...]
Tradelines 15 November
A new fully electric premium MPV, the Volvo EM90 with a range of about 450 miles, will broaden the appeal of the brand and meets even more customer needs. Following the reveal of the already award-winning and fully electric EX30 small SUV earlier this year, the EM90 represents the second expansion with more space and features and will initially be launched in China. Plates4Less, a Swansea … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 November
With its 300hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is coming soon. It hits 62mph in 5.4 secs., runs to a limited 155mph and has sporting chassis and driver assistance systems inc. some hands-off features, with a simplified cockpit with maximum 1450 litres luggage space. York has been shortlisted by The Toyota Mobility Foundation in … [Read more...]
Sleeker Toyota C-HR announced
The sleekly styled latest generation Toyota C-HR is now on sale with deliveries beginning in January. The new model presents an even more dramatic rendering of the coupe-like design that set the original Toyota C-HR apart from the SUV mainstream. It also raises the bar in terms of equipment features, with seamless connectivity, responsive and powerful multimedia functions, fully digital and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda MX-30 R-EV first drive
Mazda is never afraid to be different and it shows in their latest MX-30 R-EV. Keeping its quirky ‘suicide’ rear passenger doors for easy access to the back seats the real change is up front under the bonnet in the newcomer. It joins the pure battery MX-30 and the CX-60 PHEV in the marque’s range with a PHEV powertrain which utilises a sub-900cc rotary engine acting as a generator to power the … [Read more...]
Lexus and Genesis plan updates
The Lexus LS flagship limousine will benefit from technology, safety and comfort enhancements for the 2024 model year and the range structure is also being revised. Across all versions, the LS adopts the latest third generation Lexus Safety System+. This includes a new Driver Monitor and Lane Change Assist function, while Intelligent Park Assist is provided for smooth and efficient self-parking … [Read more...]
First drive: Vauxhall Astra GSe
As it slips into middle-age, the Vauxhall Astra has been given a modern make-over. Launched in 1980, the Astra has been the bedrock of the company’s offering in the small family car sector as it moved through eight generations. This year it was given a mechanical boost with hybrid technology adding to the petrol power in a bid to lower emissions and better compete with younger rivals, … [Read more...]
