A pure electric Range Rover will appear in 2024 as Land Rover embraces new Reimagine strategy with an all-electric powertrain for its original luxury SUV. The latest version of the premium SUV has been unveiled with 530PS Twin Turbo V8 petrol engine, with Dynamic Launch enabling 0-60mph in as little as 4.4s and 510PS and 440PS plug-in hybrids deliver a hushed EV range of up to 62 miles and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition PHEV
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...]
EU car sales slow but UK CV production rises
According to data from 26 European markets, new car registrations slowed in July, recording a year-on-year decline of 24% as total volume decreased from 1.27 million units to 967,830. Similar results were recorded in July 2012, when the market registered 966,090 units. The year-to-date results remain positive, up by 17% compared to 2020 with 7,381,735 units registered, but down by 24% when … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 April
The next Vauxhall Astra will include a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and a station wagon version, CEO Michael Lohscheller told Automotive News Europe. The car will be based on the same Stellantis EMP2 platform as the forthcoming new Peugeot 308 due on sale later this year while the Astra will be introduced early 2022 but its still uncertain if the newcomer will be assembled in Ellesmere … [Read more...]
Newcomers from Audi and Hyundai
PHEV versions of the Audi Q5 are now available from £53,435, as well as more sporting derivatives. A bigger battery raises electric range to 37 miles and the same system has been included on A6 and A7 models while the A6 Avant 50 TFSI now runs to 41 miles on battery. Twenty-one years since its launch introduction the newest Hyundai Santa Fe brings more room and refinement to buyers. It also … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV
The Citroen C5 Aircross has been a winner for the French marque from its 2017 launch and it’s about to ease them into a new era, writes Robin Roberts. Within six months of going on sale, over 50,000 models had been delivered and it’s updates include a Plug-in Hybrid Electric version. That brings a big saving at first registration and if you only do a 15-miles commute each way and have access to … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo XC40 Recharge
Although overall new car sales stalled globally in 2020 due to Covid-19, sales of electrified models substantially grew, writes David Miles. In Europe electrified models outsold diesel powered cars for the first time and the demand for SUVs continues. Now by electrified I mean, plug-in pure electric powered models, PHEV plug-in hybrid petrol/diesel electric vehicles, self charging … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo V60 Recharge
Volvo is now well known for their commitment to full electrification of all their models by 2025, writes David Miles. They have recently confirmed they will develop and assemble their own electric motors at their powertrain plant in Skovde Sweden. The very first Volvo from 1927 was powered by a petrol engine from the same factory. Currently many vehicle manufacture’s electric motors are … [Read more...]
Volvo XC60 range widens
Volvo's award-winning XC60 mid-size SUV is now available with a full range of electrified powertrains. The former World Car of the Year is offered purely with hybrid power, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesels to petrol-electric plug-in hybrids. Every mild-hybrid powertrain in the XC60 range combines a powerful 2.0-litre engine with a 48-volt battery and a KERS kinetic energy recovery system to … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d M Sport
The longest serving model range in the BMW line-up is the 5 Series launched seven generations ago in 1972, writes David Miles. Since the last new models were launched in 2017 over 66,000 of them have been sold in the UK and 600,000 of them globally, now it the latest updated models which have just gone on sale and there are more versions to follow. Competitor’s models in the executive car sector … [Read more...]