Commuters face three weeks of travel chaos on Wales' rail network just weeks after it was taken over by Welsh Government's Transport for Wales. The effect of storms on ageing trains means an "unprecedented" third of the fleet of 127 are damaged, so many will not run or be replaced by buses and Transport for Wales said they are trying to "share the pain" by diverting trains from quieter to more … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Mid-week motoring: Aston Martin twin-test
The Aston Martin story has all the excitement, luxury, twists and turns of a good James Bond book, but the reality in your hands is an exclusive range of high performance sports cars which now include the DB11 Volante and Vantage coupe, writes Robin Roberts. These are the latest additions to the range which comprise limited edition and Continuation models for the uber-rich AM enthusiasts and … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Crossland X Ultimate arrives
Vauxhall has introduced a new top-of-the-range Crossland X Utlimate to its SUV range. It features an eight-inch touchscreen, the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system provides seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Key features such as a driver drowsiness system, forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard, … [Read more...]
Secret Welsh off-road tests for new AM DBX
Secret tests in Wales have started for the Aston Martin DBX SUV which will go into production in the company's new St Athan factory next year, writes Robin Roberts. Today officially confirmed as being named DBX, the first development five-door prototype was put through its paces in the hands of the company’s Chief Engineer, Matt Becker, along a demanding Wales Rally GB stage near … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Ceed 2 1.6 GRDi Eco
Kia has firmly planted itself in the UK family market with the mid-sized Ceed. This rival to the Focus, Astra and Golf has been comprehensively re-engineered for 2019 and it’s wider and longer, has good headroom and a decent sized boot and comes very well equipped and finished. The new Ceed comes in five-door hatch or sports wagon bodystyles, based on three engine options, two transmissions … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 November
Citroën has announced UK pricing and specification details for New C5 Aircross SUV. Prices start at £23,225 and the UK ‘on sale’ date for New C5 Aircross SUV is Monday 4 February, with order books opening across the Citroën dealer network on Monday 3 December. The fall in fuel prices has been welcomed by the RAC, which has been pressing for the cut to match that of wholesalers. RAC fuel … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 November
Chepstow and south east Wales house prices are soaring. The end of the Severn Tolls from the middle of December has led to a rapid rise in property enquiries and prices as Bristol commuters seek to improve their lives and move over the Bridge into Wales, adding close to £100,000 to some Chepstow prices. Ford may be offered a VW electric vehicle platform for future models. The German … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 October
The eagerly awaited Volvo V60 Cross Country will be in showrooms early next year from £38,270. The all-wheel-drive model has specific 18-inch alloys, extra bodywork protection, hill descent control and an off-road mode for severe terrain but its also one of the last to get the 190bhp 2.0 D4 diesel engine and eight speed gearbox. The Vauxhall Corsa Griffin is a new high spec city car from … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: VW Touareg R-Line 3.0V6
The trials and repercussions of the Volkswagen Group brands over emissions have been well documented but didn’t stop them becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of vehicles with 10.74-million vehicles produced last year and 4.1-million sold so far this year, writes David Miles. However for annual top-dog global sales it’s a close run thing with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance for … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 October
Production of the Ford GT supercar will be extended approximately two years, to meet overwhelming customer demand. Ford will re-open the application window to customers in selected markets, including the UK, for one month beginning Nov. 8, delivering approximately 1,350 Ford GTs for customers worldwide. Car makers in the UK said they were “hugely disappointed” by the diplomatic traffic jam … [Read more...]