Given the turmoil in the world’s car industry, the faltering global economy, falling sales, demonization of diesel engines and in the UK that touchy issue about Brexit, Vauxhall’s latest advertising strapline for their Grandland X mid-sized SUV, ‘Keeps Calm – Carries On’, looks like sensible advice - if we chose to take it, writes David Miles. All sectors of the new car market except SUVs show … [Read more...]
News
Enjoy your motorbike as weather improves
For some, beloved motorbikes have been stored away since Autumn and riders are itching to take to the open road. writes Chris Sykes. Whether you are a regular rider or burgeoning beginner, here’s Moneybarn’s tips on how to stay safe and still have a thrilling ride. Just remember to carry out the essential checks before you get back on the saddle. Make sure you have the right … [Read more...]
Exchange rate hits UK pcp costs
Car finance costs have increased by as much as 49% since Britain voted to leave the European Union because of exchange rates worsening. The tumbling pound has left UK drivers out of pocket by as much as £98 per month, or £4,606 over the course of the full contract. Sterling has tumbled in value from more than 1.3 euros to the pound in May 2016 to barely 1.1 euros in February 2019. This … [Read more...]
Bike-hike scheme is pedalling success
Ten months after starting, Cardiff’s leading bike share scheme is adding six new stations to keep up with demand from eager users as it reveals that customers have clocked up enough miles to cycle around the world more than 10 times. The six new docking stations will be installed at locations in Splott, Butetown, Grangetown and Rumney as well as outside Ninian Park Station. nextbike, which … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 February
Nine new special edition models have been added to the Audi range. Black and Vorsprung trims are now available in more SUV and coupe models, lifting their equipment still higher. Prosecutors have raided the office of Hyundai Motor Co’s quality division in southern Seoul as part of a probe into how the automaker and affiliate Kia Motors Corp handled vehicle recalls over engine defects, … [Read more...]
Pendine speed bid in April
Land speed racer and record-setting motorcycle rider Zef Eisenberg and his MADMAX Race Team have got a new car speed target in their sights. On the weekend of 6-7 April 2019, Zef will aim to become the first person to achieve a British land speed record on bike and car within a year. The goal is to hit 200mph and beyond on sand in a crazy 1200hp specially-built road legal Porsche 911 Turbo … [Read more...]
Mid-week motoring: First drive Toyota Corolla
One of the best known names on a car has returned, writes David Miles. Some 14 years after the Toyota Auris name replaced the Corolla we see the return of the World’s best-selling car brand name – Corolla - and it’s on sale in the UK from the new registration plate change month of March. The past generation Corollas achieved over 46-million global sales since they were launched in 1966 and … [Read more...]
Car makers back new safety systems
A new era in car safety is around the corner, writes Robin Roberts Ahead of tomorrow’s key European Parliament vote on the update of the General Safety Regulation, which governs the safety systems to be included in new vehicle types, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association calls for a rapid adoption of this important piece of legislation. “The European auto industry is committed … [Read more...]
Potholes reach down 1km under Wales
As the UK recovers from a burst of ice and snow, more and more potholes may start to appear on roads in Wales – a dreaded issue for both motorists and local councils. A new scrolling animation highlights just how much of an issue potholes cause for motorists in Wales, as the problem is revealed to stretch almost 1km deep. New Freedom of Information data obtained by Confused.com reveals … [Read more...]
Industry criticises Government for ’emissions tax’ rises
The Vehicle Remarketing Association has added its support to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s response to the current Government’s WLTP consultation. Sam Watkins, chair at the VRA, said that her organisation shared the BVRLA’s concern about how the potential, negative impact on the company car sector could have widespread repercussions. She explained, “The Government’s … [Read more...]