The new Suzuki Vitara 4x4 with latest hybrid technology is a sign of things to come from this Japanese brand which consistently punches above it weight, writes Robin Roberts. It learned a lot when launching the first hybrid technology in 2016 and building on that with the added benefit of its strong and impressive all-wheel-drive experience which is available throughout the Suzuki range of cars … [Read more...]
MX-30 brings electric technology to Mazda
The new MX-30 introduces all-electric drive technology to the Mazda range. Called e-Skyactiv, the drive system's combination of electric motor and 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery equips the MX-30 with a uniquely smooth, quiet and seamless all-electric driving experience and a range of 124 miles. The MX-30's 'Human Modern' styling concept and freestyle centre pillar-less doors break new ground for … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Locked down with a Peugeot 2008
Lockdown has been a learning experience for everyone, including the policeman who pulled me over for a routine check. Now I have spent over three months behind the wheel, some of the time, in the newest Peugeot 2008 and that’s a long time when we normally have to experience a test car in a matter of hours during a new model launch or in a week of extended test driving. So the lockdown rules have … [Read more...]
Aston Martin St Athan plant importance grows
Aston Martin Lagonda’s Welsh plant will play an increasingly important part in the company’s “reset plan” to boost sales around the world. The luxury car maker has seen a steep collapse in its sports cars sales and introduced new management as it prepares to roll out production of its DBX SUV at St Athan in coming weeks. Today it announced 500 job cuts across the business, but mostly at Gaydon … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 May
British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak will rescue companies seen as strategically important on a “last resort” basis after other options run out. The Treasury told Reuters late on Sunday it may try to save those companies whose failure will “disproportionately harm the economy” and that could include Jaguar Land Rover which has been reported as seeking massive assistance to offset losses due to … [Read more...]
AM St Athan begin return to work early next month
Aston Martin’s St Athan factory will begin to return to normal later than initially thought and resume DBX suv production on 5 May. Work at the company’s UK headquarters site in Gaydon will begin later in the month. The majority of its employees are currently furloughed and those who continue to be laid off from 1 May will get 80% of their base salaries from next month. It has also announced … [Read more...]
Global collapse of van production to be felt for 2020
Global commercial vehicle production volumes in 2020 compared to 2019 are forecast to be down 22 percent , some 650,000 units to 2.6 million units, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the most recent analysis from IHS Markit. Individual regional forecasts are set to a downtrend, and supply chain impacts are being felt, as the consequences of the virus have shuttered … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest; Peugeot 2008 GT Line PT 130 manual
With over a million Peugeot 2008 models made since launch in 2013, it was already a success before the new second generation was announced at the end of 2019, writes Robin Roberts. But in just a few months a lot has changed as the world copes with the coronavirus pandemic and Peugeot is like all makers struggling to get its newcomer into showrooms and drivers’ hands. It has … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda CX-30 2.0 180ps 2WD GT Sport
I have always been sceptical of the car awards bandwagon, until now. In the week I was testing the Mazda CX-30 I learned it is one of the SUV finalists in the 2020 World Car Awards, and it is probably justified being included. Even before it was introduced, CX-30 picked up a five-star Euro NCAP rating for its adult occupant safety and range of i-Active sense safety features such … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 March
The Toyota RAV4 was again the best selling SUV last year. The Honda CR-V followed and in third was the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen Polo has come out at the best selling small car, despite a fall in this size of model over 12 months. The Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio were next most popular. Car of the Year 2020 is the all-new PEUGEOT 208. It rewrites the book in the B segment … [Read more...]