Four stylish new Volkswagen Tiguan Black Edition models – including one plug-in eHybrid – go on sale in the UK this month. The Tiguan is already Volkswagen’s best-selling model worldwide and widely regarded as a highly capable family SUV, and these eye-catching Black Edition trims are set to add to the model’s popularity. Sitting between the R-Line Edition and R trims, each Tiguan Black Edition … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Car sales rise amid warning on quota
The new car market grew 25.8% in June with 177,266 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders as it warned of problems ahead in 2024. The June performance marks the 11th consecutive month of growth as the industry gradually overcomes the pandemic-induced supply chain shortages that constrained production for much of the previous two … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Mazda & BMW
The rotary engine with a modern twist has returned as Mazda starts mass production of the MX-30 e Skyactiv R-EV for the European market at its Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima. The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is Mazda’s first mass-production vehicle with a rotary engine in 11 years since the Mazda RX-8 was discontinued in June 2012 and the new hybrid will do 50miles on its battery power alone and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: KIA Ceed 2 1.5T-GDi
To some motoring journalists the Holy Grail of a range is the entry-level model of any series. Mentioned in price lists but rarely seen in showrooms or on the road, these starter models are often just a price point to get into a sector and destined to become the model of choice in daily rental fleets. Now, I had a former colleague who always bought the entry level model in a range he paid for … [Read more...]
Alfa Romeo overstate safety of new Tonale, say experts
Alfa Romeo has overstated the driving safety systems in its new Tonale model, say experts. The latest set of Assisted Driving gradings have been released by Euro NCAP, based on assessments of three new vehicles, the Alfa Romeo Tonale (‘moderate’), Nissan Ariya (‘very good’) and Renault Austral (‘very good’). Thatcham Research, the automotive risk intelligence company and Euro NCAP partner, … [Read more...]
Toyota GR86 order books reopen
Just one year ago, the Toyota GR86 was an instant sales sensation, accelerating from nought to sell-out success in less than two hours. Since then, a packed waiting list of potential customers has been eager for news of more cars coming to the UK. Now the wait is over. Now, Toyota said additional coupes are on their way, giving more people the chance to enjoy the special qualities of a model … [Read more...]
UK new car sales rise most in Wales
New car registrations in Wales went up 20% in May, the most in any part of Britain. SMMT figures indicated a 19.8% increase in Northern Ireland, 17.4% in England and 10.6% in Scotland as fleets moved to build up stocks, possibly driven by makers' incentives to register models and encouragement from major lenders to dealers. In Wales the top ten were: Ford Puma, Vauxhall Mokka, MGHS, Ford Fiesta, … [Read more...]
Mazda2 update launched
With a revised look and new trim grades, the 2023 Mazda2 is now in dealerships. There are two new colours, plus refreshed interior and exterior design while the powertrains are as before; the 1.5-litre petrol engine is offered in 75ps, 90ps and 115ps outputs. The ever-popular Mazda2 has received a substantially revised new look with fresh exterior styling and new cabin trim treatment. Across … [Read more...]
New Genesis range eyes facial recognition
Since Genesis revealed GV60, its first all-electric car in 2021, followed by Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 last year, it has firmly established itself as a leading premium luxury electric brand. Now, in 2023, Genesis is introducing a number of new technologies and features to enhance the ownership experience for the luxury Korean brand’s customers. The award-winning all-electric GV60 is … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 June
Latest Audi A6 and A7 model lines adopt the brand's new product strategy. Three core trim levels: Sport, S line and Black Edition are featured with less complexity, added vehicle specification and revised Technology Packs to bring added customer value, priced from £43,965 and £56,385 respectively and available to order from 20 June with first deliveries in summer. Home charging is under half … [Read more...]