The planned new driving test coming in this year does not go far enough to measure ability, say motorists, and some have signed a petition opposing some changes. Ahead of changes to the UK practical driving test to be introduced on 4 December 2017, one in three (33%) motorists believe the new test does not go far enough to improve road safety. According to research by Confused.com, the … [Read more...]
News
Newslines 27 June
Jaguar is introducing an efficient and powerful new 300PS Ingenium petrol engine to the XE and XF saloons and F-PACE performance SUV models. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine produces 400Nm of torque for exceptional acceleration, with low fuel consumption and emissions. Nine years on after 16 deaths and180 injuries, Takata has filed for bankruptcy protection over its airbag … [Read more...]
Government urged to honour pledge to remove Severn tolls
The Freight Transport Association wants the Government to guarantee its pre-election promise to remove all charges on the Severn Bridges. The two bridges spanning the Severn estuary on the M4 and M48 motorways in Wales have the highest toll charges on the entire UKroad network. This represents a massive burden on road haulage businesses who have seen year-on-year price increases, costing the … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 June
Lotus sports cars will be assembled in China, a dramatic turnaround plan revealed. The Norfolk business with about 1,000 UK staff was sold as part of its Proton parent to Geely Holdings, who also own Volvo and London Black Cab taxi makers, but it’s not known what will happen to the existing Hethel plant. Volkswagen Group has agreed to buy back some diesel cars in Germany equipped with … [Read more...]
New car data is personal and protected, says FIA
Early results from a new study commissioned by FIA states that most car data can be linked to a user and, therefore, should be treated as personal data. The study examined how existing and upcoming EU legislation on data protection and liability could apply to vehicle data. It clearly dismisses the attempts to categorise data according to its technical or non-technical nature, as currently … [Read more...]
The car’s the star for so many film and tv fans
Sometimes it’s impossible to watch a film or TV series without feeling a hint of jealousy for those driving the car on screen. They’re often just hastily modified props or replicas but, occasionally, they’re the real deal. From one-of-a-kind custom special builds like the Batmobile, to what are now considered classics such as the Minis from The Italian Job, classic car insurer Carole Nash … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Insignia ST – more litres to the pound
The new Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer is big on capacity, ability and value for money, says David Miles. After the second generation Vauxhall Insignia five door D-segment hatchback launched in April as the Grand Sport,the Sports Tourer variants are joining the line up. To follow in September is the Country Tourer estate with all-wheel drive and torque vectoring, a new five link rear … [Read more...]
Tyre Safety Month to build on success
Initiatives to be announced at TyreSafe’s annual Tyre Safety Month briefing will broaden the impact of the UK tyre safety charity’s driver education campaign. In addition to presentations on TyreSafe’s own activities and its launch of Tyre Safety Month 2017 materials, representatives from national organisations will unveil tyre safety initiatives directly affecting Britain’s motorists. These … [Read more...]
These are the cheapest diesel and petrol cars to run
The latest analysis from automotive data experts cap hpi looks at the total cost of ownership (TCO) to reveal the cars with the lowest motoring costs over the first three years. The analysis looks at both petrol and diesel motors and for those motorists thinking of making a switch the results might make them think again. Once all the servicing, fuel and other motoring costs are taken into … [Read more...]
M4 Tunnels closure
The M4 Newport tunnels will be routinely closed for maintenance over the coming months. To help plan trips look out for diversions as follows: Scheduled weekend closures for the Brynglas Tunnels on the M4: Westbound: 20:00 Saturday 1 July - 06:00 Monday 3 July 20:00 Saturday 15 July - 06:00 Monday 17 July Eastbound: 20:00 Saturday 16 September - 06:00 Monday 18 September … [Read more...]