Month: March 2018

Ford’s works-backed rally team has launched the MS-RT Transit Custom – a van designed to combine practicality with performance style.

MS-RT – M-Sport Rally Team – is Ford’s works-backed racing team. It has used the wide range of technology at its disposal to let van drivers go about their daily commercial duties with the feeling that they are also driving a sporty vehicle.

On the outside, the van has undergone a full front bumper and grille replacement, with integrated fog lamps, an extreme front diffuser, wide body arch extensions, sills, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. All the parts are manufactured at MS-RT’s factory in Pontypool, south Wales.

Also included in the package are a twin sports exhaust system, exclusive exterior decals and 18-inch Anthracite OZ Racing alloys with 103 XL load-rated Hankook Ventus S1 evo² tyres, as well as Eibach performance lowering springs. These components improve handling and responsiveness while maintaining the Transit’s payload capacity, says Ford.

The performance theme continues inside, with handcrafted nappa leather and suede seat facings, and a sports steering wheel with carbon-fibre inlays. The rally-style aesthetic is completed with MS-RT-branded floor mats and dash clocks.

The MS-RT Transit Custom comes with the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system and satellite navigation as standard, in addition to dual side-loading doors, load space lighting, a 230-volt power converter, parking sensors, reversing camera, heated windscreen, heated seats and upgraded HID headlights with integrated daytime running lights.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre diesel engine, producing 167bhp and 405Nm of torque. This powertrain can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Several different cabin layouts are available, including a two-seat panel van, three-seat panel van, five-seat double cab and six-seat double cab, as well as a choice of long or short wheelbases and a tailgate or twin back doors.

Ed Davies, founding director of MS-RT, said: “The new MS-RT Transit Custom takes an already excellent van and turns it into something really special, which owners are bound to cherish and which businesses will use to make their brands really stand out.

“We’re extremely excited about the launch of the new Custom and what it means for MS-RT, as well as our many loyal customers. In addition, it’s also great news for the British economy, as every single vehicle is hand-finished in our factory in Pontypool.”

Full details of pricing and specification for the MS-RT Transit Custom will be announced next month.

What is it?

The words Range Rover conjure up images of opulent interiors, intimidating looks and go-anywhere ability. But scrape under the skin, and the engine choices have remained stubbornly powerful, polluting and thirsty.

Enter the plug-in Range Rover hybrid, which gives city-dwellers an alternative to plain old internal combustion. It combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, capable of travelling up to 31 miles on battery power alone – perfect for cross-city jaunts.

This engine sits near the top of the existing model line-up – undercut by both V6 and V8 diesels plus the V6 petrol, but less expensive than the fire-breathing V8 petrol models. It can count the new Bentley Bentayga hybrid and Porsche Cayenne hybrid as rivals.

What’s new?

The biggest change for this model is the powertrain – but more on that later. For 2018 the Range Rover receives some extra glitz aimed at making it feel even more luxurious. There’s a Velar-inspired grille, the tailpipes have been integrated into the rear bumper and there are new lights front and rear.

Inside, nearly every button on the centre console has gone, replaced instead by a dual-touchscreen setup. Where buttons remain, they’re seamlessly integrated into one another, and light-up too.

Thicker windows and noise-cancelling tech aim to make the car even more eerily silent than before, and there are new seats, too.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Range Rover PHEV debuts the brand’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain. It mates a 296bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor for a maximum power figure of 399bhp. That’s good for a 0-60mph sprint of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 137mph – or 85mph if travelling on electricity alone.

Land Rover claims a combined fuel economy figure of 101mpg. The reality is very dependent on how you drive. If you charge the car every night and the majority of your journeys are within the 31-mile electric range, you might hardly need to use the petrol engine. In solo cruising with a discharged battery, though, we achieved a more realistic Range Rover economy figure of 24mpg.

The engine is powerful, with a seamless transition between power sources. Push it hard, though, and the raucous note of the comparatively small engine penetrates the cabin.

What’s it like to drive?

Range Rovers are at their best while ‘wafting’ at high speed on a smooth road – nothing’s changed here. Air suspension irons out the bumps and the vast wheels make mincemeat of minor road irritations.

What’s surprising is how well the Range Rover hides its size – it’s remarkably easy to drive, aided by peerless visibility and accurate steering. However, the heavy hybrid model isn’t quite as responsive as its siblings down a twisting road – the retuned suspension doesn’t hide bumps in the same way, and changes of direction are more ponderous.

It’s ideal in the city, though, where the serene sensation of running on pure electricity makes the Range Rover feel somehow even more luxurious.

How does it look?

The Range Rover is massive, intimidating and unmistakeable, and 2018’s changes only serve to improve this. The Velar-inspired grille and new headlamps are just the right side of glitzy without being vulgar, and a wide array of colours and trims allow for it to blend in everywhere from the country club to the nightclub.

Only some subtle badging marks this out as a hybrid, with the electric charging port concealed very neatly behind the Land Rover badge in the front grille.

What’s it like inside?

Nearly every traditional button has been eliminated from the inside of the latest Range Rover, a move which looks good but takes some getting used to. The twin central touchscreen setup works quite well, with the upper handling media and navigation while the lower takes on driving modes, climate and seat controls. There’s very little to mark it out as a PHEV in here either – though we would have liked a few buttons to save delving into confusing sub-menus to control battery charge and usage.

Everything is incredibly plush, though, and the interior is a true lesson in duality – after all, how many other cars can wade in water 900mm deep while giving you a hot stone massage?

There’s also plenty of room, especially in long-wheelbase models. The battery pack underneath the boot floor does eat into space, though, and the load area beneath the parcel shelf is long and wide but shallow – you still get 802 litres of space to play with, though.

What’s the spec like?

The PHEV powertrain is available across all Range Rover trim levels and even base models are seriously luxurious vehicles – entry-level Vogue models, at £86,965, get a full Windsor leather interior, triple-zone climate control, a fixed panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, and Matrix LED headlights to name but a few choice items.

Step up to £93,465 Vogue SE and the wheels become 21-inchers, the excellent Terrain response system comes as standard and the stereo becomes an excellent Meridian system, while top-spec Autobiography brings executive rear seating, walnut veneer, 24-way electric seats with heating and cooling and a suede headliner for £105,865. It’s rather easy to increase this with a few items from the options list, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still disappointing omissions. That’s our only gripe, though.

Verdict

The Range Rover has been around for a few years, but this bang up-to-date hybrid drivetrain and fresh interior ensure it feels as good as it ever has. The new hybrid model is an impressive achievement, too, but works best in city conditions – those with regular long trips to accommodate would be best served by one of the diesel engines. Whichever form you buy it in, though, the Range Rover is a serious rival to the best luxury cars out there – and one that makes you feel like a king every time you drive it.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Range Rover P400e PHEV
Price: £86,965
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol with electric motor
Power (bhp): 398
Torque (Nm): 640
Max speed (mph): 137
0-60mph: 6.4 seconds
MPG (combined): 101
Emissions (g/km): 64

Vauxhall has created a pocket-sized tool designed to help the modern parent with the many tasks they face on a day-to-day basis.

The Life HaX, which is similar in style to a Swiss Army knife and marks the launch of the Grandland X SUV, comes after research by Vauxhall found that 57 per cent of parents felt under pressure to switch between different roles, ranging from chef, entertainer and handyman to tech expert and storyteller.

It includes a car maintenance laser, which can be attached to the bonnet of a Grandland X, where it will shine a light to show where the screen wash, oil cap and dipstick are.

There are also plenty of smartphone-related tools, such as wide-angle and macro camera lens attachments, a battery power bank, a pin for removing the SIM card from a phone and a touchscreen stylus.

Additionally, the Life HaX comes with a torch, a pick for undoing tight knots and a screwdriver. All the tool’s elements were chosen by parents – although the 32 per cent who wanted a mute button to keep their children quiet will be disappointed.

Vauxhall’s research, which polled 2,000 people, also showed that 47 per cent of parents saw their roles as interchangeable, with more mothers than fathers feeling the need to multi-task.

Richard Shaw, chief designer at Vauxhall, said: “At Vauxhall, we’re always looking for ways to make drivers’ lives easier, and the Grandland X is no exception.

“Inspired by our new SUV, the Life HaX provides parents with the tools they need to enjoy life’s daily adventures, combining the practicality and style of the car that inspired it.”

The Grandland X is on sale now with a starting price of £22,310. The Life HaX is a limited-edition product and is now available to order, although Vauxhall has not yet been able to confirm a price.

What are they?

In a world continually pushing efficiency and downsizing, there’s still – thankfully – a place for supercars. Powerful, exuberant and over-the-top, they aren’t an everyday sight but their very existence showcases the ability of car makers to create the very best machines possible.

We’ve got three big hitters here, and all come with a folding roof. Though convertibles may not be the most practical of cars, they’re hugely popular here in the UK – despite the weather. Up first is the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster, a V8-powered old-school muscle car with as much charisma as you could possibly get from something with four wheels.

Next comes the all-conquering Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus. With a sonorous V10 engine mounted in the middle and quattro all-wheel-drive keeping the whole thing in check, it’s a soft-top version of what is usually claimed to be one of the best everyday supercars money can buy.

Finally, representing the old-school is the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante. With classic looks and a powerful V12 engine under the bonnet, it’s the least technology-laden car here – though that’s no reason to write it off just yet.

What’s new?

All three cars stand at the very top of the automotive food chain, bringing with them the very latest mechanical developments.

The Mercedes features a real example of engine downsizing without forsaking performance. Its V8, though only four litres in capacity, produces 550bhp driving the rear wheels only through a seven-speed gearbox. It’s a masterclass in how brutal power figures can be produced even when losing engine capacity. It also incorporates all-wheel-steering, a feature we’re seeing applied more and more to supercars in order to afford them with better low-speed maneuverability and improved high-speed stability.

The Aston Martin, meanwhile, isn’t as forward-thinking as the Merc when it comes to engines. A naturally-aspirated V12 gets things going, but despite being far larger than the GT C’s V8, produces just over 40bhp more. That said, carbon-fibre has been used for every external panel, keeping weight low but rigidity high.

The Audi R8 V10 Plus completes the trio. Despite having its roof lopped off, it remains impressively rigid, while this Plus model benefits from added performance-related trinkets such as ceramic brakes, extra carbon-fibre trim and more power over the regular R8 Spyder – an extra 69bhp in fact.

What’s under the bonnet?

The engine is the key to the character of a supercar. Flat engine, flat personality – it’s as simple as that. Thankfully, our three here all feature hugely characterful powertrains.

The V12 in the Aston Martin may lack the turbocharging or downsizing of ‘modern’ supercar engines, but what it offers in response is the most amount of drama you could possibly get from a set of cylinders. It shrieks on start-up, and continues howling throughout the rev range while deploying its 580 horses. The sprint to 60mph takes just over five seconds, and it’ll carry on accelerating all the way to top speed of 201mph.

The Mercedes, incidentally, uses the same engine that features in the next-generation of Aston Martins – a turbocharged 4.0-litre unit with those turbochargers nestled inside the ‘V’ of the engine for better response. It produces 550bhp and 680Nm, driving power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox. However, whereas the Aston’s V12 is all about top-end performance, the Merc’s V8 relies on low-down grunt and, thanks to that considerable torque figure, there’s plenty of it.

The R8 Spyder’s V10 has a similar character to the Aston’s V12 – it loves to be revved out, rather than relying on low-down torque like the Mercedes.

What are they like to drive?

Of course, all three here offer up an exceptionally good driving experiences. But it’s subtle differences between them which create completely different characteristics. The AMG’s steering, for instance, is far quicker than you’d expect to accompany a car of this size. It takes a little getting used to, but it means that it feels agile and eager to change direction. The Audi’s, in contrast, feels solid and predictable – as you’d expect from an Ingolstadt product – and this makes it exceptionally confidence-inspiring. It does, however, make it feel perilously close to a regular Audi – though one with a huge amount of punch.

The Vanquish steers in a predictably old-school way. The wheel has plenty of weight to it, and the car’s changes in direction are undertaken with minimal fuss – though being rear-driven, it’ll still happily let you know when you’re starting to take liberties. It feels heavier to drive than the other two, and there’s good reason for this – at 1,919kg it trumps the Audi and Mercedes’ 1,695kg and 1,735kg respective kerb weights by some margin. Blame that on older building techniques and that V12 sat up front – though powerful, it’s extremely heavy.

Up and running, the Mercedes feels the most frenetic of the three. It’s a little wilder than the other two, and, when coupled with its powerful V8, feels every bit the modern day muscle car. Treat it without the proper respect and you’ll very quickly find yourself spinning out like an ice skater with their shoes on the wrong feet. However, drive neatly and carefully and it is a car you can quickly find a rhythm in. Funnily enough, it has the same characteristics as the more track-focussed AMG GT R, with which it shares many parts.

The Audi is almost too easy to drive, even in cold weather such as that we found on our shoot day. Though tyres struggle to find temperature and therefore grip, the Audi manages to be capable and confidence inspiring at all times. The Spyder is just as easy to drive as the coupe, and the shifts offered by its seven-speed S-Tronic are crisp on both up and downshifts.

How do they look?

All car enthusiasts can appreciate a supercar – but it’s the way that this trio is appreciated by the general public which shows you how people feel about them. The Mercedes, for instance, was met with a variety of knowing nods.

The Aston was the clear public favourite, with any passer-by quickly admitting that it was the one they’d take home if they could. The Audi, meanwhile, was somewhat of a mixed bag; some loved the bright yellow paintwork and over-the-top exhaust note, while others thought it was just too ostentatious. But then cars like these aren’t mean to please everyone, after all.

What are they like inside?

The cabin quality in the Vanquish isn’t quite what you’d expect from a car of this prestige and price – the plastics are quite hard and the infotainment system is woefully poor – but it still feels like a proper Aston, which is probably why most people are drawn to the marque.

The cabin quality in the Audi, meanwhile, is solid and, well, German. It’s also the source of our main criticisms about the R8 Spyder – the seating position. Most likely owing to the conversion from hard-top to soft-top the cabin has become shorter, which makes it incredibly cramped. It leaves you driving with your knees up high, and this can be quite tiring over longer periods – not what you want from an everyday two-seater. You can get the steering wheel where you want it, but an inability to sit in the proper position does spoil the overall driving experience.

In contrast the Mercedes is a comfortable place to be. There’s no denying that the high dashboard and monstrously large central tunnel can make it feel slightly intimidating, but once you’re up and running it’s a quick process to get acquainted.

The main controls are, however, laid out without any rhyme or reason and there are a variety of buttons that feel straight from the parts bin; the window switches, for instance, feel fresh from a mid-2000s E-Class.

What’s the spec like?

All three supercars benefit from plenty of standard kit – though you’d expect that from halo cars. The Audi’s infotainment system, using the brand’s Virtual Cockpit, is easily the most user-friendly here. It’s clear and easy to read, and is just the same as you’ll see on other, more down-to-earth cars in the range. That’s no bad thing – it works, and works well.

The Mercedes gets the firm’s latest infotainment system, but its rotary controller lacks the ease of use the Audi offers. It’s clear and simple, though even pairing your phone to the car’s system isn’t as simple as in the R8.

Lastly, there’s the Aston. Unfortunately, its on-board system lags someway behind the other two here. It’s slow to respond and difficult to navigate – something you’d not expect from a car in the price range. The stereo offers a decent sound, but the overall infotainment does let the side down.

Verdict

All three cars here would be an admirable choice if you were after a new supercar. The Aston Martin is a last bastion of old-age V12 mechanicals, offering audible thrills that are unlikely to be with us for much longer. For that, it’s worthy of a huge amount of praise indeed.

The Audi is a masterclass in how to create a fast, flamboyant and well-made supercar that you can genuinely drive each and every day. However, its shortened cabin is a genuine fault here and one which is hard to look past – particularly if you’re anything over five foot seven.

Finally, there’s the Mercedes. It’s one of the spikier cars to drive on this list, but that’s what makes it exciting to get behind the wheel. There are niggles – interior build quality for one – that bring it down a touch, but it’s a genuinely special place to be.

I think you can probably see which way we’re leaning here. The AMG GT C Roadster, with its knuckleduster attitude and frankly rude performance is the one we’d go for. It’s comfortable, relatively practical but, more than anything, it’s exciting. In this segment, excitement is key – which is why the Mercedes is our deserved winner.

Bentley is introducing fingerprint sensor technology for secure storage in its Bentayga SUV.

Created by the Crewe-based manufacturer’s commissioning division Mulliner, the £1,950 system offers protected access to a hidden die-cast aluminium unit in the centre of the cabin.

This lets the owner safely store valuable items and lock the unit with their fingerprint.

Introducing #Bentayga #Hybrid, the first step on Bentley’s electrification journey. Discover the first luxury Hybrid: https://t.co/tRFQWBNSQK pic.twitter.com/DToIAejqM6

— Bentley Motors (@BentleyMotors) March 5, 2018

In addition, more than one fingerprint can be stored in the system’s memory, allowing a variety of people access to the unit.

Uday Senapati, Mulliner’s head of technical operations, said: “The Mulliner biometric secure stowage unit is hidden from view. We are incorporating the familiar fingerprint sensor technology from smartphones that can store multiple fingerprints, allowing the user to control who accesses their valuables.”

Created in partnership with @TheJockeyClub, Bentley’s personal commissioning division #Mulliner has crafted a one-off #Bentayga, taking inspiration from the world of equestrian sport. Configure your own Bentayga: https://t.co/MH4nHh3hXb pic.twitter.com/JafmwKk9kb

— Bentley Motors (@BentleyMotors) March 19, 2018

The Bentayga is Bentley’s first SUV and currently holds the title for the fastest SUV in the world, thanks to its powerful W12 engine. It’s also available with a smaller V8 and will soon feature a V6-based hybrid powertrain. Prices start at £135,800, although this can easily be pushed skywards, thanks to a range of luxurious – but expensive – optional extras.

Suzuki could pull support for its partner Ant McPartlin following the TV star’s arrest for alleged drink-driving as it “reviews its options”.

The 42-year-old celebrity host of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway was involved in an alleged drink-driving incident on Sunday night when he reportedly collided with two cars.

McPartlin and his celebrity co-host Declan Donnelly front an advertising sponsorship deal for Suzuki as part of their prime-time ITV Saturday variety show – believed to be worth around £20m.

However, despite McPartlin’s arrest, Suzuki has refused to comment on whether it will be pulling its support or the duo.

In a statement, the Japanese carmaker said: “ITV has taken a joint decision with Ant and Dec’s team not to broadcast Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend.

“Suzuki will remain in dialogue with ITV and advise media when appropriate regarding the last two episodes of the series. Please note that no further comment is available from Suzuki at this time.”

Police released McPartlin under investigation and it has since been confirmed that he is stepping down from television roles for the “foreseeable future” and will return to rehab.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Service said: “Police in Richmond were called to Lower Richmond Road on Sunday, March 18 following reports of a road traffic collision involving three vehicles.

“Officers, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended. A number of individuals were treated at the scene for minor injuries only. A child passenger from one of the cars received medical attention as a precaution.

“A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink-driving after failing a roadside breathalyser test. He was taken to a south London police station for questioning and has since been released under investigation. Inquiries continue.”

Road safety charity Brake said four people are killed by drink-driving on UK roads every week.

A spokesman added: “Drink-driving is a selfish and highly dangerous act which puts the lives of innocent road-users at risk, and those caught should receive an automatic driving ban at a minimum.

“We are calling on the government to introduce a zero-tolerance drink-drive limit, making clear that, when driving, not a drop of alcohol is acceptable.”

Order books are now open at Ford dealers across the country for its latest crossover – the Fiesta Active.

Starting at a price of £17,790, the jacked-up city car is available in three variants – Active 1, Active B&O Play and Active X – and will join the firm’s range alongside the Ka+ Active in “offering buyers an exciting lifestyle crossover”.

It retains the basic design of the latest version of the Fiesta, but all Active models will receive a rugged-look body styling kit, an increased ride height, roof rails, front fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

There’s also three selectable drive modes – Eco, Normal and Slippery – along with Hill Start Assist.

Other features included at no extra cost are lane-keep technology, automatic headlights, a heated windscreen and rear privacy glass. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity features too, which also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

B&O Play models add more kit and get their name from 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio systems that feature, as well as aesthetic tweaks such as a black roof with matching rails. There’s also yellow highlights throughout the cabin, along with additional tech such as cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated cup holders and a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster with traffic sign recognition. Pricing for B&O Play variants begins at £19,190.

The range-topping Active X brings partial leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, a rear-view camera and parking sensors, as well as the addition of navigation and DAB radio to the SYNC 3 system. It’s available from £20,290.

Two engines are on offer for the Fiesta Active. There’s one petrol unit, a three-cylinder, turbocharged 1.0-litre motor that is available in four states of tune – 84bhp, 99bhp, 123bhp and 138bhp.

A diesel option is also available. This is a 1.5-litre engine, developing 84bhp. No matter the choice of engine, a six-speed manual gearbox features, while auto stop-start technology is included as well.

Orders can now be placed for the Ford Fiesta Active, with deliveries to follow imminently.

Airports are paving the way for autonomous technology by testing driverless vehicles to help make them more efficient.

Autonomous technology company Oxbotica is working in partnership with Gatwick Airport to host a six-month trial that will see staff ferried around by self-driving buses.

While in Norway, a Scandinavian company called Yeti Snow Technology, has developed ploughs that use autonomous technology to clear snow.

At Gatwick, passengers will not be included in the initial trial, nor will the movement of aircraft – at first limited to airside roads between the North and South terminals at Britain’s second-biggest airport.

If the initial trial is successful, Oxbotica says it could expand it to include other vehicles used around the airport, such as push back tugs, passenger load bridge, baggage tugs and passenger transport buses.

Delighted to be working with @Gatwick_Airport @XLCatlin on such an exciting Mobility as a Service opportunity. #Transport is everywhere in so many shapes and sizes and #Autonomy has a vast role to play. #airports @ccavgovuk @innovateuk https://t.co/uH7w420rMM pic.twitter.com/esnicjmwG3

— Oxbotica (@oxbotica) March 19, 2018

Graeme Smith, chief executive officer of Oxbotica, said: “Airports offer an incredibly interesting domain for our autonomous driving software. There is a huge diversity of vehicles, each with a very specific mission.

“The challenge of choreographing all of the activity around an individual plane, or in support of airport operations is immense and we look forward to working closely with Gatwick on this initial pilot that will demonstrate our self-driving technology carrying staff around the airfield.”

Cathal Corcoran, chief information officer for Gatwick Airport, said: “If this trial proves successful then in the future we could have an Uber-like service operating across the airfield which staff can hail as and when they need to travel.

“This trial is just the start and much more research will be needed, but ultimately this could be the start of widespread use of autonomous vehicles on airfields across the world. The new technology is a more efficient way to manage vehicles and could lead to a reduction in the number of vehicles required, their associated costs and harmful emissions.”

In Norway, the huge snowploughs are based on Mercedes-Benz HGVs, measuring 20m in length and five metres in width.

They were tested Fagernes Airport in Leirin – 124 miles north of Oslo – where they had to clear enough snow so that planes would be able to take off and land.

Working in formation, they are able to work out the most efficient snow clearing pattern and have sufficient capacity to clear a 357,500m² area in the space of one hour.

Markus Granlund, CEO of Semcon, commented: “Autonomous snowploughs will allow airports all over the world to streamline their activities and reduce delays for their passengers.

“This is a good example of how autonomous vehicles can increase profitability and add value for people.”

John Emil Halden, project manager at Semcon, added: “We have designed a control system that sets up digital patterns for autonomous snow clearance at airports.

“The system can then download these patterns and monitor a number of vehicles that navigate using RTK GPS – an accurate form of position measurement – and communicate using 4G modems.”

While clear smear-free glass looks good, it is just as imperative that it is clean for safety, too.

We’ve all been there when the early morning sun is glaring at your windscreen and all you can see is the horrible marks from when you’ve haphazardly tried to make it clear one morning using an old demister pad. It’s not pleasant and can be dangerous as well, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Glass is notoriously tricky to clean. It’s either too sunny, too dark or too damp, and if you clean it in any of these conditions, it can actually make it look worse than it did initially.

However, by following these top tips you can have your glass looking perfect in no time.

1. It goes without saying, but never try and clean muddy exterior glass – a rear window, for example. Always wash it first.

2. Two cloths is best – keep one wet and one dry. It’s also worth using dedicated glass cloths.

3. Choose your glass cleaner carefully, and don’t use the one you use in your house. Generally car and house glass are made slightly differently and don’t necessary work the same, so keep them separate.

4. Never work in circles, always work up and down and side to side. By doing this, you can often see where you’ve been, helping to make sure you’ve removed all product from the glass. It also prevents smear, too.

5. Always check thoroughly that you’ve cleaned the glass fully, and go over the area again if necessary. You don’t want streaky glass for sure.

Few brand names have become such a part of modern life in the UK as Ford. Though it’s an American company, the uniquely tailored British market offerings have led to some truly fantastic cars being adorned with the blue oval – and as a nation, we lap them up.

Ford has barely been out of the best-sellers charts in decades, with the current incumbent – the Fiesta – challenged only once for the monthly title of Britain’s best-selling new car in almost four years.

Other names have gone even further, with the Mondeo family car even coining a whole class of human – ‘Mondeo Man’. You just can’t quite imagine the same happening with ‘i30 Man’ or ‘Meriva Man’ now, can you?

In the year the Mondeo turns 25, we’re rounding up the 25 best-selling UK-market Ford cars ever.

25. Ford Scorpio (31,462 sold)

A replacement for the Granada executive car, the Scorpio enjoyed success among upper-middle management for quite a few years, until a misguided facelift for the second-generation model ruined everything. Generously described as ‘gopping’ by James May, sales of this remarkably accomplished exec plummeted.

24. Ford EcoSport (39,196 sold)

The EcoSport is Ford’s first real foray into the incredibly popular mini-crossover market. It wasn’t the brand’s finest hour, with the car panned at launch for disappointing driving dynamics and an awful interior. Thankfully, the latest model is much, much better.

23. Ford Puma (48,337 sold)

The little Puma was cute, cuddly, and an absolute hoot to drive – especially in high-powered Racing Puma form. The platform it shared with the Fiesta supermini endowed it with brilliant handling, while willing and durable engines were the icing on the cake. A sure-fire future classic.

22. Ford B-Max (54,508 sold)

Ditching the central pillar – or B-pillar – isn’t a new idea, but it made the B-Max unique in its mini-MPV market sector for the five short years it was on sale. It gave this tiny car an incredibly wide door opening, and accessing the rear seats was even easier than in Ford’s larger S-Max or Galaxy MPVs.

21. Ford S-Max (97,660 sold)

The S-Max inherited its platform from the Ford Mondeo, which was already one of the best-driving ‘ordinary’ cars you could buy. This gave it brilliant handling for such a tall, heavy car, and made it an MPV you could buy with your heart as well as your head.

20. Ford Ranger (102,048 sold)

The current Ranger is the best-selling pickup truck on sale in the UK, and takes its cues from the brand’s incredibly successful American market. Sure, it’s no F-150, but it is rugged, dependable, versatile, and suitably stylish.

19. Ford Fusion (110,971 sold)

One of those few real oddball cars, the Fusion was, as the name suggests, a cross between an MPV and a supermini. Best described as a Fiesta on steroids, it was remarkably practical, with a huge boot and enough headroom for a basketball team. Its practical image gave it an unfortunate reputation among the blue-rinse brigade, however, and it never became the lifestyle vehicle Ford would have liked.

18. Ford C-Max (166,788 sold)

As the Renault Scenic dominated sales of the compact MPV market, Ford responded in kind with its own version – the C-Max. Based on the Focus, it gave great handling and good practicality, even spawning a seven-seat version, named the Grand C-Max.

17. Ford Kuga (176,577 sold)

Mid-sized SUVs are big business for car manufacturers, so the Kuga’s launch was inevitable. It’s proved a success since, with a combination of rugged good looks, decent driving dynamics and that coveted high-up driving positon proving irresistible to family buyers.

16. Ford Galaxy (190,054 sold)

The brand’s largest MPV has been around since 1995, and has morphed from a rebadged VW wannabe into a large, premium and very comfortable people-carrier, favoured by taxi drivers across the country.

15. Ford Corsair (310,000 sold)

And so we come to our first classic, the Consul Corsair – later just Corsair. Built between 1963 and 1970, it was essentially a restyled Cortina, and bought some American flair to the brand’s dowdy 1960’s lineup with its Thunderbird-esque styling, inset headlamps and lashings of chrome.

14. Ford Zodiac (383,626 sold)

Zodiac was the name Ford gave to upmarket models of its Zephr luxury saloon – a bit like the brand’s current Vignale lineup. The closest thing the company had to a limousine, it was fitted with a six-cylinder engine and luxury equipment such as a cigar lighter, reversing lights and even an in-cabin clock.

13. Ford Orion (534,295 sold)

A favourite of fleet markets, the Orion was the Escort’s sister car, replacing its practical hatchback with a traditional saloon boot. This move did not readily enamour it to the public, though, with hatchbacks becoming the norm, and once company car buyers moved on the Orion found sales slow.

12. Ford Capri (546,629 sold)

Which little boy growing up in the 70s didn’t want a Ford Capri? Popularising accessible glamour for all who wanted it, the bargain Capri gave those who may otherwise have been stuck with boring hatchbacks or saloons a chance to get into a bona fide coupe for not much more money.

11. Ford Consul (603,715 sold)

Produced in two runs, from 1951 to ’62 and again from ’72 to ’75, the Consul was initially the base model of Ford’s ‘three graces’ line-up – comprising Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac. It was then used again in the ‘70s for base models of the Ford Granada. One of the brand’s first thoroughly modern cars at launch, it enjoyed considerable success.

10. Ford Ka (631,120 sold)

Daft name aside, it’s easy to forget just how brilliant the Ford Ka was. Tiny and marvellously cheap, but with driving dynamics to shame many a hot hatchback and some seriously cute styling, there’s no wonder it became one of the brand’s biggest success stories, remaining in production virtually unchanged from 1996-2008.

9. Ford Granada (783,403 sold)

The Granada was Ford’s largest executive car until 1994. Big, imposing and luxurious, it became known by some as ‘the poor man’s Mercedes’ and offered British buyers an alternative to the Triumphs and Rovers of the day.

8. Ford Zephyr (791,211 sold)

The less luxurious sister car to the Ford Zodiac, the Zephyr didn’t offer the same levels of opulence as that car – but still had vast amounts of space and considerably road presence. Sold not just in the UK but Australia, New Zealand, and southern Africa, the Zephyr is a classic worldwide.

7. Ford Anglia (1,288,956 sold)

We can’t forget the car that soared to fame as Harry Potter’s ill-fated school transport in The Chamber of Secrets, but the Anglia is a great nameplate in its own right. Offering affordable transport to the masses from 1939 until its replacement by the Escort in 1967, the last generation of Anglia also debuted the ‘Kent’ engine – which remained in use in Fords up until 2002.

6. Ford Sierra (1,299,136 sold)

The replacement for the Ford Cortina, the Sierra was one of the first mainstream cars to really employ streamlining. This gave it somewhat challenging looks at first, but a facelift soon fixed matters, and it began to comfortably outsell its main rival, the Vauxhall Cavalier. Cosworth models remain legendary even today.

5. Ford Mondeo (1,445,185 sold)

The Sierra’s replacement just pips it in overall sales – the Mondeo is one of the most well-known cars Ford has ever built, even spawning the phrase ‘Mondeo Man’ – the sort of voter the Labour party appealed to during the 1997 election campaign. Through all generations, the Mondeo has been spacious, dependable, and great to drive.

4. Ford Focus (1,909,701 sold)

Replacing the popular Escort was never going to be an easy feat, but Ford did it with aplomb, creating the sharp-edged Focus. Right from launch, it was known for being utterly fantastic to drive – Ford’s chassis engineers pulled something out of the bag that they’ve been putting in every car since.

3. Ford Escort (4,105,961 sold)

It’s fair to say the Escort went downhill as it aged. While the last generation was a stodgy, ugly thing, early cars were marvels – coveted even today for their sweet chassis’, willing engines and stylish, Detroit-inspired body. Rally and racing versions command unbelievable prices at auction – some change hands for hundreds of thousands of pounds. Worth it? We think so.

2. Ford Cortina (4,350,941 sold)

Ford launched the Cortina at the perfect time, offering just what family and fleet buyers craved, There was plenty of room, it was simple to service, reliable, cheap, and good-looking – while the Italian ‘Cortina’ gave it a certain European flair that was missing from its Consul predecessor.

1. Ford Fiesta (4,498,290 sold)

What can we say about the Fiesta that hasn’t been said already? Through eight generations, numerous facelifts and almost 4.5 million buyers, it’s remained a firm favourite with the UK market since launch in 1977.

Though as the car’s aged it’s become more luxurious, more stylish and more efficient, the overarching philosophy that’s kept the Fiesta as a top seller is how good it is to drive. Whether in firebreathing ST form or humble 1.0-litre, every generation of Fiesta has struck the perfect balance of ride and handling to appeal to UK buyers. With the latest model proving every bit as successful as its predecessors, the legacy looks set to continue going forward.