Ford has been a bit slow pushing into the hybrid sector, but I think it's been worth the wait to drive the Kuga PHEV.The highly popular SUV behind the blue-oval badge has been well designed and developed for today's buyers of family cars who want to have as few compromises as possible but also need a good range.The recent petrol fuel shortages meant the car's reasonable electric only … [Read more...]
September registrations worst for over two decades
New car registrations collapsed to a 22 year low last month due to the semi-conductor shortage delaying scores of models' introduction.Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported sales plummeted 34.4% year on year in September – traditionally one of the busiest months for the industry after the March new-plate change.Just 214,312 new cars were registered with the latest plate … [Read more...]
VW Group pull off most towcar awards
The SEAT Leon Estate FR 1.5TSI 150PS has won this year’s overall trophy and also triumphed in the Caravan Weight 1100 – 1200kg category in the 39th Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Competition.Winning for a second year in a row in the 1100-1200kg caravan weight class, Leon Estate proved it was not only best-in-class for towing, but worthy of earning the prestigious title of … [Read more...]
End of the road for some familiar cars, say Vehicle Contracts
Motor leasing company Vehicle Contracts has conducted in-depth research to find out which car models are expected to disappear completely from UK roads in the next decade and there are a few surprises.The Rover 25, the update of the Rover 200 Series, could be gone from the UK by mid-2023.This iconic car which was created by Rover was a staple in the ‘90s and ‘00s but sadly, only has a … [Read more...]
£1.8M Ford legacy fund sparks new Welsh investment
A new £1.8m fund to encourage businesses to move beyond manufacturing internal combustion engines to producing low carbon vehicle technologies, helping to stimulate innovative economic growth in Wales, is being established by Ford and the Welsh Government.The Ford Low Carbon Vehicle Transition Fund, administered by the Welsh Government as part of Ford’s legacy in Wales after … [Read more...]
What Car? reliability reports throw up surprises
The UK’s most and least reliable new and used cars have been revealed in the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey from Britain’s leading new car buying platform and consumer champion. Feedback from more than 16,000 car owners was analysed to find the country’s most dependable 178 models and 30 brands aged up to five years old. A record six models achieved 100%: the current versions of the Audi TT, … [Read more...]
Britain’s best vans carry off plaudits
Vanarama has carried out an in-depth study to uncover the most reliable vans and pick-up trucks. It compiled data from warranty claims, MoT tests, and specialist media's survey of van operators. Budget Small Van Winner – Fiat DobloRRP starting from £13,995Perhaps coming as a surprise to some, the Fiat Doblo scored very well in Vanarama’s analysis of reliability. In a survey of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 August
SEAT has upgraded specifications on its latest Ateca and Tarraco SUVs. Improved pre-crash assist safety comes to the Ateca Xperience Lux while the Tarraco SE now features Connect and Adaptive Cruise Control with prices from £24,560 and £30,080 respectively. Hyundai has launched a new all-in-one monthly subscription service for its line-up of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models. … [Read more...]
Brakes go on new car sales
New car sales crashed in Wales last month. Registrations were 42.16% below the same month last year at 4,470 compared to 7,728 as the country was emerging from lockdown and buyers went on a spending spree. It is the steepest fall of the UK nations and contrasted with a 29.5% drop for the country as a whole to the lowest July figure in 23 years and before the two-plate system started in a bid to … [Read more...]
UK site considered for new Rivian ev-models’ assembly
The Amazon and Ford backed Rivian pure electric pickup may be built in Britain at a new energy park planned in the West Country. The proposed Gravity Park a few miles north east of Bridgewater and adjacent to the M5 has been earmarked for the potential £1 Billion investment, reported Sky News. The project is being courted by German and Netherlands Governments as well so there is no guarantee it … [Read more...]
