KIA has turned the corner into a new market segment with its EV9 pure electric model. The EV9 seven-seater launches in three trim levels and an additional range-topping six-seat option from £65,025 to £78,775 in rear wheel drive or all-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim with 200bhp single or 378bhp twin motors. That puts it squarely into Mercedes and BMW electric model territory … [Read more...]
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Big shift expected in 2024 UK car market
The analysis of the average UK monthly search volume for the past six months reveals the Nissan Qashqai as the undisputed champion, attracting a remarkable 815,000 searches in the six months August 2023-Jan 2024. Interestingly, the second-place position goes to the KIA Sportage, likely accumulating 765,000 searches over the last six months due to its new efficient Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid … [Read more...]
Increase taxes on bigger private cars, says T&E
The UK could be using its tax system to discourage the growth of large new SUV sales, which recent T&E analysis found had grown by 23% between 2022 and 2023. With the Budget due next week, the environmental group said that the UK has shown some leadership with its tax system, however as company car drivers in the UK are benefiting from a progressive tax system, otherwise known as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 March
The Cupra Born BEV range has been reduced and prices slashed to shift stock and widen ownership appeal. CUPRA has increased the accessibility of its first fully electric model, CUPRA Born, by reducing prices by £2,350 across the range coupled with a suite of electric vehicle (EV) purchasing incentives. Volkswagen Group United Kingdom has signed an agreement with Ecobat, the global leader in … [Read more...]
Programme announced for Donington Historic Festival
With the release of the timetable for the 2024 Donington Historic Festival, historic motorsport enthusiasts can now decide whether to buy tickets for Saturday 4 May or Sunday 5 May. Each day of DHF 2024 offers its own unique blend of world-class classic motor racing, and many of the races are two-driver, so require pit stops and driver changes, adding to the excitement! Saturday 4 May features a … [Read more...]
Racing lines 29 February
Following the recent successful introduction of the new Vantage road car and Vantage GT3 race car, Aston Martin is proud to introduce the new Vantage GT4. Aimed at partner racing teams and serious circuit driving enthusiasts, Vantage GT4 completes Aston Martin’s formidable GT line-up and underlines the brand’s commitment to motorsport, from track days through to Formula One. … [Read more...]
Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship expands for 2024
This year’s Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship will have a bigger and better rewards package on offer for its many class categories – with expanded prizes and incentives for its Junior, Historic, Two-Wheel Drive and Welsh Challenge categories. Pirelli will continue as title sponsor of the 2024 Welsh Rally Championship, in a partnership which goes back 13 years to 2012. Jonathan … [Read more...]
£4 Billion ev battery plant confirmed for West Country
Tata has finally confirmed its Agratas subsidiary will build a six-million sq foot car battery plant at a cost of £4 Billion near Bridgewater. The parent company of JLR aims to get it into production inside two years and to eventually build power packs for about 500,000 vehicles annually and provide 4,000 jobs on the lines. It will take up about half the area previously occupied by a Royal … [Read more...]
Van drivers carry heavier risks and penalties
Getting behind the wheel of a van can be tough, especially when you're not used to, or aware of the handling changes and travel restrictions that come with larger vehicles. Although cars and vans may be similar in mechanics, they do differ in handling and manoeuvrability. So, if you're looking to get behind the wheel of a larger vehicle, it's important to be aware of these differences to keep … [Read more...]
Reselling rates for EVs close to petrol and diesel models
Disposal conversion rates for electric vehicles were very close to their petrol and diesel equivalents over the course of 2023 and beat plug-in hybrids, reports epyx. In total, 91% of EVs found buyers when made available through trade sales to dealers, compared to 94% for petrol and diesel, and 87% for PHEVs. However, EVs did sell more slowly - at an average of 12.5 days compared to around 7-8 … [Read more...]