Amid exceptional circumstances, UK petrol prices fell by their largest margin in 12 years in March, triggered by a complete collapse in the world oil price, says the latest RAC Fuel Watch report. While the price of a barrel of crude oil began the month above $50, by the end of March it had plummeted by 66% to under $18, its lowest level in 18 years. This was due to a combination of plunging … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki Jimny SZ5 Allgrip
Every manufacturer loves to pack features into their model to make as much money as possible, but the Suzuki Jimny has something few ever include, a free smile, writes Robin Roberts. The standard-spec smile is something so many modern cars lack but the simple Suzuki has it in spades. And thensome. The original Suzuki Jimny dates from 1970 and the Light Jeep 10 which was remarkable for its … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia XCeed 1.4 TGDi FE automatic
Kia Ceed has been one of the outstanding success stories of the first two decades of the millennium and as we enter its third a new chapter begins with the XCeed, writes Robin Roberts. Hatchbacks have given way to SUVs over the last ten years and now this sector is further developing with the full size models being joined by compact versions which do everything of their larger … [Read more...]
Fuel prices narrow but choices widen
If you want to go green, see black but really want to go blue, the latest fuel prices will make you see red and muddle your mind. Thankfully, Confused.com has produced a useful fuel flow chart to find your way through the maze of possibilities depending on your mileage, environmental considerations and motoring habits. The price gap between petrol and diesel drops to 2.8p, from 9.5p … [Read more...]
Land Rover Defender returns
Britain’s oldest 4x4xFar is back. Over 70 years after the model which became Defender was unveiled and three years after the last series was axed by Land Rover, a new 21st century model is a star of the Frankfurt motor show and order books now open for the first long wheelbase five-door models, followed soon after by a shorter wheelbase three-door model and a commercial series. A genuine modern … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai i10 Play
Schools are out and holidays are here, time to Play. The carefree approach mayn’t be what Hyundai had in mind but their city car is certainly light hearted and cheery. The i10 series is entry level to Hyundai range and comes in no less than seven trim levels, Play is second tier, with 67ps 1.0 litre or 87ps 1.2 litre petrol engines, 5sp manual or 4sp automatic … [Read more...]
Pump prices continue rising, RAC Fuel Watch reports
The average price of petrol rose for the second month in row with a litre going up by 2p in March to 122.58p, data from RAC Fuel Watch shows. This means filling a 55-litre family car with unleaded now costs £67.22. The average price of diesel also increased but only 0.70p to 130.67p taking a fill-up to £71.87. This is the second straight monthly increase for both fuels, making unleaded 2p … [Read more...]
More owners turning to used models instead of new
Buyers are turning their backs on new cars in favour of used models, says a leading finance house. Brexit, a global slowdown, and confusion over fuel type have caused 2.4 million drivers to think twice about buying new car. The findings from a new report published today by Close Brothers Motor Finance found, in the past year, the proportion of drivers planning on buying a used car … [Read more...]
Mid-week motoring: First drive Toyota Corolla
One of the best known names on a car has returned, writes David Miles. Some 14 years after the Toyota Auris name replaced the Corolla we see the return of the World’s best-selling car brand name – Corolla - and it’s on sale in the UK from the new registration plate change month of March. The past generation Corollas achieved over 46-million global sales since they were launched in 1966 and … [Read more...]
Mixed responses to new EU emissions target
Car makers have expressed serious concerns about the highly challenging CO2 target that auto manufacturers will have to meet by 2030. The European Parliament, Commission and Council agreed to cut carbon emissions from new cars and vans by 15% in 2025 and 37.5% in 2030, compared to 2021 levels. The European federation of transport NGOs, Transport & Environment, welcomed the agreement … [Read more...]
