The power of dreams is going electric with the Honda e.As if to really differentiate the design from anything which has gone before as the company begins its transition to full electric power, the Honda e is a completely new model from the ground up. Honda e is meant to be a commuting car so its battery size, motor and performance have been engineered for this purpose, rather … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Vauxhall expand Griffin models range
Vauxhall has expanded its Griffin line-up – that offers high levels of standard specification, including comfort and safety technologies as well as new styling features – to include its best-selling all-electric Corsa-e and Crossland models.The Griffin variants add a number of key styling features for both the New Corsa-e as well as the New Crossland, and come with a number of technology … [Read more...]
First drive: Mazda3 186ps GT Sport
Just when you think things couldn’t get better, Mazda has improved its acclaimed Skyactiv engine technology, writes Robin Roberts. Constant engine development and software revisions have improved combustion and power, reduced emissions and extended economy in the latest e-Skyactiv X. We tried it out in the newest popular Mazda3 186ps GT Sport, costing from just over £28,000. The … [Read more...]
Mazda driving joy comes in more models
The joy of driving is still very important to Mazda, says UK boss Jeremy Thomson. This week, Mazda UK commissioned 20 electric charging points at its Darford headquarters as more staff progressively returned to the office. However, the UK and Europe’s rush to turn on electric cars over the coming decade has not dimmed Mazda’s investment in the internal combustion engine. “Mazda has very … [Read more...]
Aston Martin plan 950ps hypercar
The first Aston Martin hybrid sports car will develop a combined 950ps from its 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine and twin electric motors driving front and rear wheels. The Valhalla has moved from concept to creation with its active aerodynamics and new eight-speed dual clutch transmission, racing tuned handling and suspension and will be the British company’s first mid-engined … [Read more...]
Sporting Abarth F595 coming to UK
A New Abarth F595 has been confirmed for UK sale. Built as a tribute for the 50th anniversary of the Formula Italia single-seater designed by Carlo Abarth, the 165hp 1.4-litre Euro 6D-Final-compliant T-Jet engine, on which the Formula 4 single-seater is based powers the newcomer to the Fiat range. The new Record Monza Sovrapposto active exhaust with vertical exhausts and a new Rally Blue colour, … [Read more...]
Lotus and Bentley’s new contrasting performance models
The Lotus Emira has been unveiled as the company’s final model with a mid-mounted internal combustion engine. In fact there’s a choice of two power units, the familiar 3.5V8 or AMG 2.0 i4 giving 360 to 400hp, a maximum 180mph and choice of manual or automatic transmissions and on the road from next spring from under £60,000. All-new mid-engined sports car perfectly embodies ongoing … [Read more...]
Vauxhall cut price with new Grandland PHEV
Vauxhall has dramatically slashed prices with the introduction of the New Vauxhall Grandland. With new technologies, lower pricing, petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, New Grandland comes in SE, SRi, Elite and Ultimate trims. The New Grandland is the latest model to feature Vauxhall’s new and bold design language with its distinctive Vizor front end. First deliveries of the New … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Kia Niro addition & Cupra duo
Special edition Kia Niro Connect links in. It will cost from £25,995 for Hybrid models rising to £31,355 for Plug-in Hybrid version. The new Niro ‘Connect’ offers greater value and choice to buyers of the brand’s perennially popular hybrid family SUV, and is available to order from UK dealers now. The limited edition ‘Connect’ model sits between the ‘2’ and ‘3’ grade models in the Niro line-up … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Octavia Estate vRS 245ps
There’s something attractive about being able to cover ground quickly but discretely. Which probably explains why specialist police units like the Skoda Octavia Estate vRS. It’s quick, very quick in the right hands, and is roomy and comfortable for long stints in service. The technology under the bonnet and bodywork is straight out of the Volkswagen Group parts departments so its reliable as … [Read more...]
