Kalle Rovanperä became a two-time winner of Safari Rally Kenya on Sunday afternoon by a slim 1m 37.8s victory margin having led since Friday morning. In by far the most gruelling FIA World Rally Championship round so far this season, it was Rovanperä’s meticulous balance of both speed and maturity that ultimately secured his 12th career victory. The Finn, co-driven by Jonne Halttunen, built a … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 March
SEAT UK has introduced the Arona FR Limited Edition, offering bespoke styling options and a premium BeatsAudio sound system. The Limited Edition is available to order now, priced from £27,480 OTR, and will be available with 1.0 TSI 115PS and 1.0 TSI DSG 115PS powertrains, with exclusive 18-inch machined wheels in Cosmo Grey, as well as an optional new Graphene Grey paint colour, a premium … [Read more...]
Car makers want more EV incentives for private buyers
The UK new car market has recorded its best year since the pandemic as a strong December up 9.8%, wrapped up the 17th month of consecutive growth. Some 1.903 million new cars reached the road during 2023 – an increase of 17.9%, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. In Wales last year, registrations reached 66,761, a rise of nearly 16% over 2022 and … [Read more...]
Unfair settlements highlighted for damaged cars
Research by GAP Insurance provider, ALA Insurance has revealed that the average car owner is offered £286 below market value on claims where their car has been written off. Prompted by the news that Direct Line have been instructed to review unfair settlements from the past five years, ALA analysed over 3,748 claims to show which car makes, specifically receive the lowest payout based on market … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 July
A new five year remarketing deal with Volkswagen Financial Services has been won by epyx. The arrangement will see the company’s 1link Disposal Network used to remarket all VWFS vehicles as they reach the end of their lease periods and covers all VW brands – Audi, Bentley, CUPRA, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. After four years of development … [Read more...]
Rural Wales safest in UK for car theft
Motorists in West and Mid-Wales are the luckiest in Britain. Car theft analysis shows they are the least likely to have a vehicle stolen. DVLA statistics studied by insurer Confused.com reveals those living in Dyfed-Powys are the safest from vehicle theft, where just 22 per 100,000 cars are stolen. North Wales is only slightly worse with 37 per 100,000, possibly due to its proximity to thieves … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 April
Skoda will launch six new pure electric models across its entire range by 2026. The VW Group member also plans to continue with petrol and PHEV models over the introduction period. Pembroke Dock (66.2%) and Aberystwyth (65.0%) have two of the highest pass rates for learners in Britain, says Aviva insurance. Latest figures from the DVSA show a national pass rate of 48.4% with a quarter of … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 April
At the Shanghai Auto Show this week, HiPhi of China revealed the third member of its advanced model line-up, alongside its initial plans for global expansion. The new HiPhi Y will join the dual flagship models, X and Z, with plans for the first HiPhi customer cars on European roads within 2023, to be followed by the Middle East soon thereafter. Jaguar Land Rover will increase its investments … [Read more...]
Tradelines 15 March
Jaguar will slash its dealer sites from about 80 today to under 20 within two years as it moves to an all-electric line up, sources have told Car Dealer magazine. The existing dealerships will have to consider selling only Land Rover models while the Jaguar range is developed but seen as taking much smaller role and the move will affect accountancy practices by those who have invested in the … [Read more...]
Newcomers 24 February
The Suzuki Swace estate car has been comprehensively revised and given new equipment grades. Produced in conjunction with Toyota’s revised Corolla, the Suzuki Swace Motion and Ultra models now begin at £28,999 and £30,799 respectively from the end of March. The 97hp 1.8 petrol engine is boosted by a stronger electric motor producing 43hp, a 15% rise in combined power over the previous … [Read more...]