A row has erupted over intelligent all-wheel-drive systems used by a number of car marques. Jaguar Land Rover filed a complaint in the US to block imports of VW Group's Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi and VW SUVs. JLR allege they are using its patented Terrain Response technology without permission. JLR said in its court documents with the US International Trade Commission the systems negotiate a … [Read more...]
Welsh lockdown badly hits car dealers
The firebreak lockdown has wiped 25% off new car sales in Wales, revealed figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It is a warning to England which has just gone into a month's lockdown as opposed to the fortnight shutdown in Wales which ends on monday after 3,677 new cars were sold by Welsh dealers in the three weeks they could open last month.October new car … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 October
The Nissan LEAF has been named most reliable electric vehicle in a study carried out by one of Britain’s best-known warranty companies. The research by Warrantywise looked at the frequency of repairs, common faults, cost of repair and age at the time of repair. As the long nights draw in, new analysis by DS Automobiles shows that the risk of a fatal accident is five times greater between 7pm and … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 October
Audi is rolling out a plug-in hybrid version of its A3 Sportback from £33,060 and it’s comes to Britain before 2021. The compact 204ps Sport and S line models will cover 41 miles on traction battery alone and it joins the PHEV versions of the brand’s bigger models. Hyundai Ultimate Mobility Vehicles will be developed by a pioneering unit of the Korean car-maker, its New Horizons Studio. Based … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 July
Audi is ramping up its ev range with a coupe performance version of the Q4 e-tron. The Sportback will join the new comer next year when the range goes on sale in the UK. About 70,000 drivers a month search for when their MoT test is due, say comparethemarket. It’s the most searched term on their web portal, ahead of a price check on their model’s value and cost of car tax. Environmentalists … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Audi A7 Sportback TFSI hybrid
The Audi A7 Sportback range of premium four door large coupe models gains a new PHEV plug-in hybrid TFSI e quattro variant to its line-up, writes David Miles. This also heralds the arrival of the Q7 TFSI e quattro, A8 TFSI e quattro and A6 Saloon TFSI e quattro PHEV models plus the Q5 TFSI e quattro has also recently arrived. Together they create a formidable presence in the overall Audi … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 June
The Kia e-Niro range is expanding to three trim levels and brings a less powerful 39kW unit to attract more buyers from £29,595 after the PiCG. The 180-miles e-Niro 2 joins the 3 and flagship 4+ models, which have the 64kW battery and do 282 miles on a charge and cost £33,850 and £36,145 after grants. The registration number “O9” is being sold at The Silverstone Classic Live Online Auction on … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road & in the news 3 May
I’m still keeping calm and carrying on sifting through the latest automotive news items and press releases pinging into my Inbox, writes David Miles. Some are less ‘newsy’ than others and some press releases are just recycled items as PR operators seek to keep us informed by promoting their brands so here as some worthwhile snippets of news worth passing on. A lock-down reminder – Indian … [Read more...]
Tradelines 29 April
The Vauxhall Vivaro-e, its first factory-built, fully-electric van to arrive in the market as more and more UK cities welcome emissions-free vehicles.Orders can be placed from June and deliveries begin in the autumn for the 188miles EV with a 1,226kg payload.Audi is pulling out of the German touring car series after this season.It has been involved since 1990 but now decided for … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Audi A1 citycarver
The citycarver is a 5-door supermini sector sized hatchback based on the Audi A1 Sportback but with pseudo-SUV styling, writes David Miles. It is priced from £22,040 and it is aimed at urban jungle motoring say Audi, whatever that is. There is no 4WD option, all models are only front-wheel drive so it’s another case of styling over function. The starter citycarver model is actually £1,400 more … [Read more...]
