South Wales Police are cracking down on illegal off-road motor cycles. Special patrols working with other agencies are targeting known trouble spots but still want residents to help by passing on details of riders, machines, locations and garages where they may be kept together with any video or camcorder footage. More than 880,000 people over 60s in Wales use Welsh Government’s free bus travel … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Electric & premium brands’ car sales soaring
Brits are going bonkers for battery powered cars. September sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a staggering 236.4% increase in pure electric models registered, albeit from a low point 12 months earlier. But their sales would have been higher if manufacturers had supplied more and there is now a long waiting list for the lowest carbon emissions … [Read more...]
Wales’ Aston Martin model unveiling December
The Welsh-made Aston Martin DBX high performance SUV will be unveiled in December, writes Robin Roberts. Prototype models have been completed at the new multi-million-pound St Athan factory and extensive testing is entering its final stages around the world, including the famous Nurburgring, Germany, where it’s been lapping under 8mins., on a par with many sports cars. Aston Martin has confirmed … [Read more...]
Mid-week roadtest: Volkswagen Passat Saloon Advance
Last week’s media launch was the first opportunity for us to drive the new Passat models in the UK and the first opportunity anywhere to drive the Saloon, writes David Miles. So with that in mind, plus the overall decline in diesel sales in our domestic market, I opted for the Passat Saloon GTE Advance 1.4-litre TSI, PHEV, 218hp, 6-speed DSG auto priced at £38,940. There are extra cost … [Read more...]
Sunday drive:Citroen Grand C4 130 BlueHDI auto
In the real world of practical motoring requirements are we losing our must-have desire for an SUV or Crossover type of vehicle? New car sales suggest not but in the UK’s used car market a recent survey has found that the fastest selling used cars are roomier and more practical MPV people carriers. Driven by the UK’s better summer weather the growth in staycation holidays has risen, no doubt … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Passat SEL 190 estate
Volkswagen’s golden oldie Passat is a treasure. From its launch in 1973 it is now the VW with the longest-lived name-plate after the Beetle went out of production this year and it even predates the Golf name by a year. With over 30 million sold worldwide in 46 years, the Passat is the best-selling mid-size car in the world after seven versions have been launched. The enhanced eighth generation … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 September
Volvo is first to offer plug-in hybrid versions of its entire model range with launch of new XC40 T5 Twin Engine. The front-wheel-drive hybrid system uses 180hp three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with 82hp electric motor to achieve combined output of 262hp – highest figure in the XC40 line-up. With the UK set to bake in an Indian summer heatwave this weekend, and motorists set to take … [Read more...]
Ferrari lift the lids on two new future classics
Start drooling over the sexy supercar just released by Ferrari. The F8 Spider has been teased by Ferrari as the latest addition to the marque’s open-topped V8 models since the 308GTS in 1977. It replaces the acclaimed 488 Spider but the F8 is lighter and faster as well as more dynamic and delightful to drive. Styled in-house by Ferrari, the F8 Spider is a two-seater with a folding metal … [Read more...]
Bentley Flying B gets new wings
One of the motoring world’s most iconic symbols has just got new wings, and lights. Almost 90 years after it first appeared on a Bentley, the famous Flying B mascot has been dramatically updated. It's expected to be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show in a few days in the region of £150,000 or thereabouts. Bentley’s iconic ‘Flying B’ mascot will adorn the all-new Flying Spur, the first … [Read more...]
Audi A5 series completely revamped
There’s a new look outside, inside and under the bonnets of the latest Audi A5 series. Redrawn lines, renewed technology and a revised engine line-up underpinned by the latest efficiency upgrades - the Audi A5 Sportback, A5 Coupé and A5 Cabriolet are moving into step with their close relatives in the A4 range with a new look, new mild hybrid drivetrains and the latest MMI touch operating … [Read more...]