The Volkswagen Group has entered into three more strategic partnerships, further strengthening its position in the field of batteries. The new partners are the leading materials technology group Umicore, the battery specialist 24M Technologies, and cleantech company Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd. Although these three partnerships are independent from each other, they share a common goal: … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 November
The Volkswagen ID.5 and ID.5 GTX are the latest all electric models from the German car maker. The new SUV coupe styling covers a common platform but with a choice of single or double electric motors and it will go on sale in the UK next year. The SEVEN is the name of the forthcoming all-electric car from Hyundai and to be sold under the sub-brand of IONIQ. It will be revealed at the … [Read more...]
EVs cheaper to insure than petrol or diesel cars
GoCompare car insurance data shows Electric Vehicles are now cheaper to insure than petrol or diesel cars. The average cost of insuring an electric car in July 2021 was £484, compared with £489 for a petrol vehicle and £534 for a diesel car. The average cost of insuring electric vehicles has also seen a steady decrease since 2019 – with a £65 drop in average costs from the first six months … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW ID.3 Family Pro Performance
Volkswagen’s ID.3 is their first purpose-built electric car and it’s good. About the same size as a Golf, the new modular electric drive matrix powertrain and floorpan gives it the interior space of the larger Passat. The flexibility of the floorpan is mirrored by the range of batteries and motors that can be chosen to power it in a handful of specifications, Pure 45kWh, Pro 58kWh and … [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 earning the prestigious title of … [Read more...]
Vauxhall and VW looking to dominate EV sales this year
Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have all spotted the risk Tesla and other EV-based manufacturers have on the dominance in the sector and will all end 2021 with upwards of four models. But according to motor dealer Peter Vardy, it’s Vauxhall and Volkswagen that are currently the most eager for dominance in the EV market in 2021. Volkswagen is set to rival Tesla with 6 EV models available by the end … [Read more...]
Britain’s best vans carry off plaudits
Vanarama has carried out an in-depth study to uncover the most reliable vans and pick-up trucks. It compiled data from warranty claims, MoT tests, and specialist media's survey of van operators. Budget Small Van Winner – Fiat Doblo RRP starting from £13,995 Perhaps coming as a surprise to some, the Fiat Doblo scored very well in Vanarama’s analysis of reliability. In a survey of the … [Read more...]
Tiguan eHybrid plugs into UK market
The fleet-friendly Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid is on sale from £35,515 in Life trim. The newest PHEV model from the brand has a CO2 output from just 38 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of up to 176.6 mpg (WLTP, combined), with the capability to travel up to 30 miles purely on electric power from a single full charge. The eHybrid drivetrain combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a powerful … [Read more...]
Brakes go on new car sales
New car sales crashed in Wales last month. Registrations were 42.16% below the same month last year at 4,470 compared to 7,728 as the country was emerging from lockdown and buyers went on a spending spree. It is the steepest fall of the UK nations and contrasted with a 29.5% drop for the country as a whole to the lowest July figure in 23 years and before the two-plate system started in a bid to … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen Polo Active 95
Today’s Volkswagen Polo clearly demonstrates city cars do not have to lack the refinements of much larger models. For 46 years, the VW Polo has been seen as the city car with status. While some drivers opted for cheaper competitors from rivals, the Polo-person was perceived as a more mature driver who appreciated sound engineering and valued a stronger resale price. However, … [Read more...]