Hyundai Tucson is the fastest-selling used car of 2019, while Ford and Vauxhall models dominate the best-selling list, reveals analysis by AA Cars used cars website. The Hyundai Tucson has repeated its success from 2018, with the model spending the shortest time on the site, compared to other car models, before being snapped up by speedy buyers. SUVs and smaller family hatchbacks … [Read more...]
Middle of the road motoring review 2019
With the chaos that is politics I’m steering away in this end of year motoring review from such things although, of course, how the domestic car industry survives when we are out of the EU is very worrying for GB Plc., writes David Miles. If politics weren’t bad enough the car industry has for a long while been wrestling with new WLTP emission and more accurate fuel consumption legislation which … [Read more...]
Newcomers from Kia, Vauxhall and Suzuki
A new high specification ‘4’ grade has been added to the Kia e-Niro line-up, replacing the previous ‘First Edition’ model. Its standard equipment list is lengthy, and highlights include a new updated 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with telematics system featuring UVO Connect Services, LED headlights with bi-function projection, ambient lighting and a battery heating … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Vauxhall Astra Hatch 1.5 Turbo D 122hp
The revised British built Vauxhall Astra has arrived in showrooms and that's good news for the 25% of Brits who have either owned or driven one since the Mark 1 appeared in 1979, writes David Miles. Since then through seven generations covering 40 years over three million have been sold in the UK, 30,000 of them in 2018. Now a major refresh sees the Vauxhall Astra continue with five door Hatch … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Vauxhall Astra 1.2 145ps EliteNav
If proof was needed that sleeping giants are a threat, then the Vauxhall Astra proves it with the facelifted models now reaching showrooms, writes Robin Roberts. The model has been a staple of the Vauxhall brand for 40 years as the eighth-generation arrives and it’s arguably the best, and has benefitted from input by new owners Peugeot Citroen. A new or revised range of engines … [Read more...]
Massive merger of European brands on the cards
Talks have started to merge Peugeot-Citroen-Vauxhall and Fiat-Chrysler-Jeep operations around the world. The new business would be the fourth biggest in the automotive sector and have implications for all their current manufacturing plants building 8.7 Million vehicles annually and turning in a €170 Billion revenue and €11 Billion profit. The deal will help shave billions of dollars from … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 October
Over 50 BMW models, two from Rolls-Royce and a Toyota Supra are among 257,473 new cars recalled by US safety experts. All have been fitted since 2018 with a reversing camera which may not show any image due to a fault in the system settings, although the camera is working. As part of Vauxhall’s ongoing commitment to reduce CO2 emissions, the manufacturer has revealed information on the … [Read more...]
Electric & premium brands’ car sales soaring
Brits are going bonkers for battery powered cars. September sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a staggering 236.4% increase in pure electric models registered, albeit from a low point 12 months earlier. But their sales would have been higher if manufacturers had supplied more and there is now a long waiting list for the lowest carbon emissions … [Read more...]
Three brands dominate UK insurance
Three car brands continue to dominate the ranking of most popular cars in the UK. Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen account for the top six most popular cars, representing almost a quarter of all enquiries on comparethemarket.com. The Ford Fiesta leads the way with 6.1% of enquiries followed by the Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Focus with 5.4% and 3.8% respectively. “The data also shows the stark … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Vauxhall Insignia hatchback 2.0 turbodiesel
Although I tend to review new or at least recently refreshed cars, just occasionally it is time to relook at a longer serving model which still continues to pull-in awards, mainly due to the space it offers, its extensive range of models and its competitive pricing, writes David Miles. So it’s my refreshing time with the Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport - a very grand title for a volume … [Read more...]