Germany's auto industry is losing hope that trade tariffs with the UK can be avoided, several executives have told Reuters, despite warnings from British Prime Minister Theresa May that an overly tough stance on post-Brexit commerce would seriously harm the country's EU partners. " Merkel may force us to walk away from UK profits for the sake of … [Read more...]
New Honda Civic promises stronger residual value
Honda UK announced residual values and a full pricing list for the 10th generation Civic coming in late March. Starting from £18,235 on the road for the entry level S grade 129PS VTEC TURBO in manual, the range tops out at £27,480 on the road for the 182PS VTEC TURBO Prestige with a CVT transmission. Metallic paint is an option and adds £525 to the … [Read more...]
Honda, Renault, Skoda and SsangYong ready newcomers
Honda has unveiled a Black Edition of the Civic Type R. Commemorating the last of the current Civic Type R to come off the production line, this version is limited to the last 100 cars to come off the production line and Honda is expecting the version to become a true collector’s item at £32,300. Renault has strengthened its best-selling Clio line-up … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 January
Despite all its diesel issues and bad publicity, Volkswagen ended 2016 as the world’s best selling group. It knocked Toyota from top spot and the merged Renault-Nissan company was third with Hyundai in fourth place, GM beat Ford followed by Honda and Fiat Chrysler and top marques were completed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and Suzuki. A South Korean court … [Read more...]
Weekend review: 2016 in the mirror
The relentless rise of Sports Utility Vehicles seems to have dominated discussions among motoring writers, drivers and the industry during 2016 but it was a more familiar family-car which impressed just before the dawn of 2017. Looking back at our testing diary for the year and also the brief opportunities for some first drives in a host of cars, we … [Read more...]
Christmas drive: Honda Civic Type R GT
If you believe Christmas is for children and you don’t’ want to grow up, I have the answer - buy a Honda Civic Type R GT. The British-built slingshot from Swindon embodies the edginess of youth with the practicality of a family hatchback. School-runs, family shopping and rellies-round-trips can be undertaken or endured, but come the weekend and you head … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 December
The wraps will come off an Audi Q8 concept at the Detroit motor show in January. The very wide and long coupe styled four-seater SUV has elements from a 1980s Audi concept but this new model will go into production against the forthcoming BMW X7 and it’s thought to share components with the sister-company Bentley SUV. Honda Motor has reached the 100 … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 December
Honda will develop electric and plug-in hybrid models by 2020, it has told Autocar magazine. It’s also looking at a new 1.0 litre engine for smallest models in its drive to push down overall emissions for its ranges. Cars without steering wheels will be allowed on some US roads. Highly autonomous vehicles (HAV) without a steering wheel will be … [Read more...]
Status quo shouldn’t rock the boat
Japanese car markers want to maintain the current business environment and the alleviation of the impact of any radical changes so that the UK remains an attractive destination for doing business, says leading automotive economist Prof Garel Rhys. The “alleviation” includes Government compensation for any tariff imposed on its vehicles exported to the EU … [Read more...]
Honda show car made with 3D printed technology
Honda has produced a 3D printed car with an electric engine, in a collaboration with Japanese tech firm Kabuku. The car is of a similar size and, to some extent design and layout, to the Renault Twizy, except the rear passenger seat of the Renault is replaced by a cargo area, which makes the Honda a single-seater. It is intended for urban … [Read more...]
