Despite ongoing availability issues at dealerships, European consumers last year continued to shift from traditional vehicles such as hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs, to SUVs. These vehicles have continued to perform well thanks to the arrival of new electrified models. Last year, registrations of SUVs totaled 5.34 million units, up by 11% when compared to … [Read more...]
VW Group pull off most towcar awards
The SEAT Leon Estate FR 1.5TSI 150PS has won this year’s overall trophy and also triumphed in the Caravan Weight 1100 – 1200kg category in the 39th Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Competition. Winning for a second year in a row in the 1100-1200kg caravan weight class, Leon Estate proved it was not only best-in-class for towing, but worthy of … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 October
The Nissan LEAF has been named most reliable electric vehicle in a study carried out by one of Britain’s best-known warranty companies. The research by Warrantywise looked at the frequency of repairs, common faults, cost of repair and age at the time of repair. As the long nights draw in, new analysis by DS Automobiles shows that the risk of a fatal … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 February
Jaguar I-Pace manufacturing in Austria has halted for a week, because it cannot get enough traction batteries from LG Chem’s Poland plant. It is the brand’s fourth best seller, reaching 17,355 units last year and the Polish plant also makes packs for Ford Mustang Mach E and forthcoming Transit E. Although nothing has been given to UK customers, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Scala SE
The Skoda Rapid would be a hard act to follow, but the Scala launched this summer really overtakes it. Within weeks of its launch the Skoda Scala started winning awards for its family friendly practicality and praise for its styling around the new roomy interior. Scala is the first VW Group product to be built on the latest MQB A0 modular platform … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 April
German prosecutors are pressing criminal charges against former Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn in connection with the automaker's manipulation of diesel-emissions testing, reports Automotive News Europe. Four other executives are also being charged, said the prosecutors' office in Brunswick in VW's home of Lower Saxony and all are charged with … [Read more...]
Ford and VW look at future alliance
Volkswagen and Ford are pushing ahead with a strategic alliance, beginning with van production, said the German manufacturer. At the weekend, The Sunday Times reported Ford was looking at 24,000 job cuts in Europe and ending S-Max, Galaxy and Mondeo production to stem losses which hit $73 Million in Q2. The US bosses have also said they will concentrate … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI FR
The new fifth generation SEAT Ibiza hatchback is only available as a five door and it is the first model in the Volkswagen Group of brands to use the new MQB AO modular platform, even before VW’s own new Polo supermini sized hatchback comes to market next year. Ibiza has been the Spanish brand’s best selling model range and the first four … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 June
Jaguar is introducing an efficient and powerful new 300PS Ingenium petrol engine to the XE and XF saloons and F-PACE performance SUV models. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine produces 400Nm of torque for exceptional acceleration, with low fuel consumption and emissions. Nine years on after 16 deaths and180 injuries, Takata has filed … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 May
Dacia has announced UK pricing and specification for its New Logan MCV Stepway which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The distinctively rugged version of the New Logan MCV Stepway follows in the footsteps of the New Sandero Stepway and the fifth member of the Dacia UK range is priced from £11,495 with first customer deliveries expected in … [Read more...]
