The Kia e-Niro range is expanding to three trim levels and brings a less powerful 39kW unit to attract more buyers from £29,595 after the PiCG. The 180-miles e-Niro 2 joins the 3 and flagship 4+ models, which have the 64kW battery and do 282 miles on a charge and cost £33,850 and £36,145 after grants. The registration number “O9” is being sold at The Silverstone Classic Live Online Auction on … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 7 June
Although the lockdown measures have eased with some people already back at work, or they should be working from home, some schools in England open for some age groups, most car dealerships ready for business with some car manufacturing plants already producing vehicles even if in limited amounts and sporting events happening again under restrictive measures, we are slowly easing back into working … [Read more...]
World’s car sales stall but EVs silently move on
New car registrations in Europe faced a steady decline in April. Volume fell from 1.34 million units in April 2019 to 292,600 vehicles in April 2020. This represents the lowest monthly level since the 1970’s, and the worst result among the big three markets – China, USA-Canada, and Europe. Europe’s sharp decrease was only outperformed by India (-100%). Year-to-date volume for India was also the … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 June
Volkswagen has resurrected the name ‘shooting brake’ for an estate version of its heavily revised Arteon model, alongside a new four-door coupe which will both be unveiled on 24 June. VW say they will have new high-technology powertrains and intelligent comfort and driver assistance systems. A new-look KIA Picanato is in Britain later this year. Refreshed GT-Line and X-Line petrol models … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road & in the news 30 May
Although the lockdown measures are easing it will take time for the wheels of society to return to something like normal life, writes David Miles. But from tomorrow, after the bank holiday week, English schools for certain age groups will open where they can and more employees should be returning to work and that includes the motoring industry. So hopefully it won’t be too long before we get back … [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...]
VW roll out electric Transporter
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced its first fully electric van in the UK with prices for the zero-emission ABT eTransporter 6.1 starting from £42,060 exc. VAT. Developed in collaboration with Premium Partner ABT e-Line, the ABT eTransporter 6.1 combines quiet and smooth driving, instant torque, fast charging and high load capacity for the ultimate zero-emissions urban logistics … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 24 May
With the continued absence of new cars to evaluate or product launches to attend I’m still sifting through newspapers and the dwindling supply of worthwhile press releases to keep readers in the picture as to what might be of interest in the motoring world, writes David Miles. It seems as though getting the country back close to normal life, if it ever will be, has given opponents of the … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 17 May
Another week has gone by and here I am still keeping calm and carrying on despite very mixed messages from our Government about what we can or should do during now it appears slightly relaxed semi lock-down period, says David Miles. But no longer is it the same rules in each of our four domestic countries, so that's really clear. With no sign of new models to road test or press launch events … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 May
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams welcomed the move by Morrisons supermarket to cut fuel to under 100p a litre, but had a warning. “Unfortunately though there is a darker side to any large price cuts – they heap yet more pressure on smaller independent fuel retailers, who in some cases are already fighting for survival as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and iIt remains to be seen how long … [Read more...]