As the COVID-19 lock-down continues for another three weeks at least the motoring world needs to carry on, as does our service to supply interesting news items you may have overlooked. Here are a few I have selected for this week’s news briefing. Still ‘Moving the Metal’ via on-line virtual showrooms Numerous car brands are now operating virtual on-line tours and dialogues with potential … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Ibiza FR 1.0TSi 115ps manual
SEAT built its reputation on small cars although it's now expanded the range upmarket, but it still knows how to make a good city car in the Ibiza, writes Robin Roberts. The Ibiza five-door range comprises three 1.0 litre petrol engined models of 80, 95 or 115ps with a choice of 5 or 6sp manual gearboxes and 7sp auto with the most powerful, plus 95ps 1.6 diesel 5sp manual-only … [Read more...]
Tradelines 30 October
The UK’s best-value, seven-seat 4x4 SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol, has been updated for 2020 to make it an even more attractive proposition for owners seeking maximum versatility from their family SUV. Priced from £28,085 OTR, the Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol for 2020 include a reduction on CO2 emissions to 169g/km, reducing its first-year VED rate by £325, as well as improved equipment … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 October
The SEAT Arona is the lowest polluting model you can currently buy. The Green NCAp put it ahead of the Skoda Octavia and Fiat Panda. The main railway line between north and south Wales has been closed for safety reasons after heavy rain washed away the track bed at Pontrilas south of Hereford. Transport for Wales has laid on buses around the closure, expected to last for a week. Apple … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 October
Orders have opened for the SEAT Mii electric car with its 161m miles range from £19,300 inc grant. The first 300 orders will come with a free wall box charger and cable, 3 years service and breakdown cover. The European car market posted significant growth in September, as 1.28 million cars were registered with Golf ahead of Corsa and Clio. This increase was to be expected given the large drop … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 October
The Volkswagen Group is taking a fresh look at its brands as they face future challenges and opportunities. It may mean uplifting Seat models while Skoda will scale down premium extras in future models and focus more on previously neglected markets, especially in eastern Europe against Hyundai, Kia and Dacia and all brands will have to reduce overlaps and clashes in ranges. A change in … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 August
As families head home from holiday over the weekend and back to school and work, Green Flag is predicting around 73,398 breakdowns and 132,644 calls on UK roads between Friday 30th August and Monday 2nd September or to 13 breakdowns per minute over the course of the weekend. Lucy Davies at Green Flag said, “As many people head back home after a long holiday break between Friday and Sunday, the … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: SEAT Tarraco 150 Xcellence
The new SEAT Tarraco represents the voice of the people, writes David Miles. The new 7-seat large SUV is named after the Mediterranean city of Tarragona and was chosen by 140,000 on-line enthusiasts. Priced from £28,335 to £38,055 the Tarraco range joins the SEAT Spanish arm of the VW Group’s other SUVs – the compact Arona and the very highly rated and award winning Ateca mid-sized … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Cupra Ateca 2.0 TSI 4Drive 300hp
You’ve heard the name Cupra before, it’s been used and still will be for the name of SEAT’s most potent sports models, but this time its reborn, writes David Miles. The first Cupra was developed by SEAT Sport and launched as the Ibiza Cupra in 1996 but now Cupra is being launched as a standalone sports brand and its first offering is the 153mph Cupra Ateca sports SUV. In the future Cupra … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Ateca 2.0TSI 4Drive DSG
If you ever thought SUV’s are boring, then the SEAT Ateca FR 2.0TSi will change your mind in an instant. It is one of the growing families of SUVs, and that includes a number from SEAT and the rest of the parent VW Group, but it brings a little extra pizzazz to the family party. The proportions and practical nature of this Ateca are a good starting point for the driving enthusiasts at SEAT … [Read more...]