Space is a confusing place, and it’s not been helped by the Skoda Rapid Spaceback landing in showrooms. The Rapid hatchback neatly filled a gap in the Skoda range between the Fabia and Octavia but then the Czech car maker added Spaceback, which not an estate but a hatchback as well. From the outset it has to be explained that the Rapid hatchback has a roomier boot but the Spaceback gains … [Read more...]
Tradelines 26 September
The FitCar PPV ‘prototype #2’ is based on a standard Audi A4 Avant 2.0L petrol TFSI auto, with the throttle replaced by a bicycle pedal mechanism and mated to a flywheel, which generates an electronic pulse to engage the accelerator. The car is powered as normal, delivering manufacturer specification performance and economy, governed by an active pedalling motion instead of the conventional … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 July
The exclusive McLaren BP23 will be officially named the Speedtail. It’s central driving position with a passenger each side is reminiscent of the original P1 McLaren but the new hyper-GT will be limited to 106 cars each costing £1.6 M plus taxes. The second Clean Air Roadshow in Swansea had to cope with unseasonal heavy rain. Hundreds still turned up to look at a selection of electric … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 May
Mazda has added another stylish limited edition model to its MX-5 line-up. Marked out by its free-of-charge Eternal Blue Mica paint with contrasting black rear spoiler and door mirrors, the £25,695 RF Sport Black goes on sale from the 28 May and the gunmetal alloy wheels contrast attractively with the paint, while inside unique floor mats, scuff plates and badging set it apart. Denmark … [Read more...]
Home, office, diner, the role of the company car
The average business driver will spend nearly three years of their working life sitting in their car, according to a study. Researchers for Skoda took an in depth look into life on the road for the nation’s company car drivers and revealed the average worker spends over two-and-a-half hours in their car on a typical working day – that’s 13 hours a week or 26 days every year. Over a standard … [Read more...]
Tradelines 11 April
Skoda workers have won a 12% pay rise. They had threatened industrial action if their claim was not met to meet rising living costs and falling unemployment. Western European car sales slipped six percent in March. The UK, Germany and Italy all suffered steep declines offset by slight improvements in France and Spain. Mercedes-Benz Cars UK has launched its latest campaign for Approved … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 March
Skoda has joined Aston Martin and withdrawn from the UK’s Vehicle Certification Agency. Uncertainty over post-Brexit testing legislation means the two car makers are the first to get EU approval from Continental testers. Ford will put a showroom in the Next store in Manchester Arndale Centre. It will display five cars and handle demonstrations while the company also rolls out a nationwide … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 190PS 4×4 7st
The Skoda Kodiaq marked a turning point for the Czech subsidiary of VW as it launched into the burgeoning SUV sector. From its introduction in 2017 the five and seven seat Kodiaq has picked up numerous awards and was followed with a smaller Karoq SUV, which has also been highly praised. It seems as if Europe and its discriminating drivers have suddenly woken up to the brand which built a … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 February
The new Audi A7 Sportback is available to order for April delivery from £54,940. The four models have the latest styling , enhanced electronics and infotainment, mild hybrid powertrain in Sport or S Line trims and choice of 3.0 litre petrol or diesel engines. Passengers across Wales can now benefit from free Wi-Fi on all Arriva Trains Wales thanks to Welsh Government funding. The £1.5m … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Karoq SE L 1.5 TSI 150hp
With the arrival of so many new SUVs, Crossovers and 4x4s it easy to be confused on which is the best and most suitable model to buy, writes David Miles. One thing for sure is that the availability of such vehicles has grown out of all traditional proportions as manufacturers chase sales. The mid-sized SUV sector has grown faster than the small SUV/Crossover market and generally … [Read more...]