Month: December 2018

The festive season means a lot of things. Mince pies, Christmas trees and, in the UK at least, lots of traffic on the roads.

However, you needn’t sit in congestion for hours on end. That’s not to say that it won’t happen – but here are some hints and tips on how to ensure you hit as little traffic as possible.

Plan ahead

It may sound obvious, but planning ahead can make a huge amount of difference to your journey times. Looking at the route you plan to take before you get in the car means you’ll have a better idea of alternative routes too, should you need them.

It also takes a little stress away from the trip – knowing exactly where you’re going makes things better in the long run.

Avoid peak times

Again, another obvious one. Avoiding peak times means you’ll likely miss the bulk of the traffic, though it may mean some early starts or late nights.

Travelling first thing in the morning can be a good option – just ensure you miss the middle of the day, at which time most people will be getting behind the wheel.

Use technology

We have a wealth of technology right at our fingertips, ever-ready to help us avoid potential traffic catastrophes. There are several good traffic-related smartphone apps available at the moment, which can give you real-time updates about traffic status, roadworks and lane closures.

Using these radically affects how quick and easy your drive is – and most of them are free, too.

Radio

Yes, even though smartphones are cutting-edge, there’s still something to be said for the humble radio. For one, almost every car has one (Caterham drivers read elsewhere now), and a lot of available stations provide frequent traffic reports.

The only issue with radio updates (compared to smartphone apps), is the lack of immediacy. By the time a station has reported on traffic, you could be stuck in it already.

Check weather reports

This one isn’t so obvious. It’s always worth checking weather reports for the area you’ll be travelling through and towards, in order to avoid any hazardous weather conditions.

How does this apply to traffic? Well poor weather slows down traffic, and often causes congestion build-ups – things you can avoid by simply checking beforehand.

It’s a problem many of us have encountered on Christmas Eve.

The tree is up, the sherry’s poured and the presents are bought – but there’s no wrapping paper! Worse still, maybe the scissors have gone missing – and where’s that sticky tape?

Well, this year, Christmas Eve crises could be a thing of the past – thanks to car manufacturer Fiat.

The car maker is set to deploy a team of ‘little helper’ 500 models across central London to aid last-minute present purchasers who need emergency supplies.

The fleet of four Fiat 500s will be despatched over Zones 1 and 2 in central London on Christmas Eve, and each car will be equipped with all of the last-minute wrapping essentials families could need – all for free.

The public will be able to call on the free service by using the Twitter and Instagram hashtag #WrappedbyFiat, after which Fiat will aim to send a team of helper elves directly to their door.

Even if it’s just tape or scissors which have been forgotten, the team will be able to provide these too.

Andrea Lo Presti, Fiat Marketing Director, said: “The Fiat 500 is a car that spreads cheer and happiness everywhere it goes, so it’s fitting that it should be there for you to ensure your Christmas celebrations go without a glitch.

“With family stress levels reaching their peak on Christmas Eve, gift givers can relax in the knowledge that if they run out of essential supplies, a response team of little helpers is only a hashtag away.”

Fiat’s team will be monitoring social media channels to come to the rescue of as many people as possible between 5pm and 10:30pm on Christmas Eve.

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has unveiled his ground-breaking underground transportation tunnel, which he hopes will provide an answer to “soul-destroying traffic” across the world.

Reporters and invited guests took some of the first journeys in the subterranean tube system beneath the surface of Los Angeles, which could eventually hit speeds of 150mph.

The vehicle jostled significantly during the journey, which was bumpy enough to give one reporter motion sickness. And at 40mph, the demo journeys were considerably slower than the future system will run at, according to Mr Musk.

Guests were driven along the city’s streets in a Tesla Model S electric car about a mile away from the departure point known as O’Leary Station.

The station, situated in the middle of a residential area – “basically in someone’s backyard,” Mr Musk said – consists of a wall-less lift which slowly took the car down a wide shaft, roughly 30ft below the surface.

After a narrow tunnel emerged, the Tesla driver sped up along the route.

Mr Musk described his first journey as “epic”.

He told reporters: “For me, it was a eureka moment.

“I was like: ‘This thing is going to damn well work.’”

He said the journey is bumpy at the moment because “we kind of ran out of time”, and there were some problems with the speed of his paving machine.

Of future systems, he said: “It’ll be smooth as glass.

“This is just a prototype. That’s why it’s a little rough around the edges.”

Later, Mr Musk emerged from the tunnel himself inside one of his cars before giving a speech to reporters and guests about the technology and why it makes sense.

He said: “Traffic is soul-destroying. It’s like acid on the soul.”

The entrepreneur explained for the first time in detail how the system, which he simply calls “loop”, could work on a larger scale beneath cities across the globe.

Autonomous, electric vehicles could be lowered into the system on the special lifts, which could be placed almost anywhere cars can go.

The cars would have to be fitted with specially designed side wheels which pop out perpendicular to the car’s regular tyres, fitted to run along the tunnel’s track.

The cost for such wheels would be about 200-300 dollars (£158-£237) per car, Mr Musk said.

A number of autonomous cars would remain inside the tunnel system just for pedestrians and cyclists. Once they are within the main arteries of the system, every car could run at top speed except when entering and exiting.

Mr Musk said the system would operate more like an underground motorway than a subway.

He added that the cars would have to be autonomous to work in the system, but not Teslas specifically, and they would have to be electric owing to the fumes that would be created otherwise.

For the privately-funded test tunnel, Mr Musk acquired a tunnel-boring machine which had been used in a San Francisco Bay Area building project and put it down a shaft in a car park at the SpaceX headquarters.

One project Mr Musk is planning, known as the Dugout Loop, would take Los Angeles baseball fans to Dodger Stadium from one of three subway stations.

Another would take travellers from the centre of Chicago to O’Hare International Airport. Both projects are in the environmental review phase.

Mr Musk said he is hoping that an extensive network will be open in Los Angeles before the city hosts the 2028 Olympics.

He said: “Wouldn’t it be incredible if you could travel around LA, New York, (Washington) DC, Chicago, Paris, London – anywhere – at 150mph?

“That’d be phenomenal.”

We’re well and truly into the festive season now, and it’s about time to wrap up the last bits of Christmas shopping (or, for those less organised among us, start it).

Every year though, there seem to be more and more presents to buy — and somehow, you’ve got to get them to your recipient. Playing Father Christmas this year? These are the cars you should be looking towards for your sleigh…

Audi RS6

Fast and practical are two attributes every good sleigh needs — and nothing brings these two qualities together better than the Audi RS6.

With a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet, it’s got the go for quick deliveries and can make plenty of them too thanks to a 565-litre boot. Oh, and you can get it in red for the full Father Christmas effect.

BMW 5 Series Touring

There are few cars quite as good at load-lugging in absolute comfort as the BMW 5 Series Touring. It’s spacious, comes with a range of engines and packs one of the biggest boots in the business.

It’s also got a feature which you won’t see included on many cars on sale today – a split glass tailgate. It means that you can access the boot without having to open the whole hatch; it’s a feature you’ll use a lot more than you’d expect.

Toyota Land Cruiser Utility Commercial

Need to deliver presents here, there and everywhere? You’ll need a Toyota Land Cruiser Utility Commercial, then. It’ll tackle any type of terrain, and its lack of rear seats mean that there’s loads of room for all manner of gifts – you could fit a few brand new bicycles in the back of this one.

It’s also relatively rough-and-ready, which means it’ll stand up to any type of abuse over the festive period. A sludgy farm track? This car won’t even miss a beat.

Mercedes S Class

In contrast, there’s the luxurious Mercedes S-Class. Though it’s arguably one of the best cars to be driven in, the S-Class is also great for whoever is behind the wheel too. It’s also got a decent sized boot, and it’s nearly the length of Santa’s sleigh too. All it needs is reins and some reindeer out front and it’d be close to the real thing.

You can also get a range-topping S63 version packing Mercedes’ powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, making those last-minute dashes to deliver presents even quicker.

Ford Ranger Raptor

If you’ve got to cover some difficult terrain at a pace with your drop-offs this Christmas, look toward the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Designed for taking on even the most treacherous of turf, this tarted-up truck gets more ground clearance, chunkier BF Goodrich tyres and more capable suspension. Plus, with a respectable 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel outputting 210bhp and 500Nm of torque, it can do it at a good rate of knots.

Tesla Model S

What’s better than one boot when carrying tons of presents? Two, of course — and that’s exactly what the Tesla Model S has.

With its batteries stored on the floor of the car, that extra space in the bonnet can come in handy when playing eco-friendly Father Christmas this year. Plus with up to 334 miles of range between charges, you’ll be able to quietly cover even the longest of drop-off runs.

Volkswagen Up! GTI

For the urban-based, last-minute delivery runs, you’re going to need some agile enough to navigate tight city streets but also quick enough to get the presents under the tree in time.

Step in the Volkswagen Up! GTI. Taking the German city car’s proven capabilities and adds a spritely 108bhp engine — giving it go-kart like credentials. Okay, so you’re going to struggle on larger presents, but those stocking fillers won’t be a problem.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

If Father Christmas has a dream car, we suspect it’d be a Rosso Corsa Ferrari GTC4 Lusso. This genuine Italian stallion not only boasts a screaming V12 under its long bonnet, but also four-wheel drive and a decent sized boot thanks to its shooting-brake bodystyle — making it a capable delivery machine too.

Perhaps the only thing holding him back is just how loud it is. He knows you won’t be sleeping after pulling up in it…

Motorists can travel for free for the first time in 52 years on the two Severn bridges as the tolls are scrapped from Monday.

The abolition comes as thousands of people are expected to make their journeys home for the festive period.

Charges on the original Severn Crossing have been in place since 1966, when the fee stood at two shillings and sixpence – the equivalent of 12.5p in decimal currency today.

They were then introduced on the second crossing – renamed the Prince of Wales Bridge in April this year – when it opened 30 years later in 1996.

The current fee for a car crossing from England into South Wales is £5.60, and regular commuters are expected to save more than £1,400 a year.

The tolls were reduced on New Year’s Day 2018 after the bridges were returned to public ownership, but the Government resisted calls to immediately abolish crossing fees.

https://twitter.com/HighwaysSWEST/status/1073518185968750592/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1073518185968750592&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fexplore.pressassociation.com%2F%23!%2Fready%2Fstory%2Ffcf6cd2d-1e91-4f6e-92b9-d8a87993706a

The Government said scrapping of the tolls would provide an immediate benefit of over £100 million per year for Wales, and over a billion pounds of economic benefit over the next decade.

Businesses will also benefit from strengthened links between communities ranging from west Wales to the south west of England by making it easier for consumers and employees to cross the border.

The final driver to pay to cross over from England to Wales on Sunday was Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns.

“The end of the tolls is a major milestone for the economies of south Wales and south west of England, and will remove historic barriers between communities,” Mr Cairns said.

“Scrapping the tolls means an end to generations of people paying to simply cross the border and delivering this has been one of my key aims as Welsh Secretary.

“A week before Christmas drivers will no longer have to pay every time they cross the border, meaning more money in their pockets, helping them with the cost of living and leaving them with and more cash to spend in their local areas.”

Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, added: “We made a commitment in the manifesto to deliver free crossings over the Severn and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.

“This move will put £1,400 a year in the pockets of thousands of hard-working motorists and help transform the economy in the south west and South Wales creating new opportunities and helping drive future growth.”

Earlier this year, more than 30,000 people signed a petition against the Second Severn Crossing being renamed after the Prince of Wales.

The new title, which has the agreement of the Queen and Prime Minister Theresa May, was to recognise Charles’ 70th birthday year and 60 years since he became the Prince of Wales.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will no longer present studio car shows, instead focusing on special episodes filmed on the road.

The presenting trio first joined together on the BBC’s Top Gear before moving on to front Amazon Prime’s The Grand Tour.

After finishing filming for the third season of The Grand Tour, Clarkson announced they would no longer be filming from a studio.

Instead, the trio will return for a fourth season with a focus on special episodes.

Clarkson told The Sun: “It’s a really sad day. I will miss the banter with each other and with the audience.

“But we’ve been doing that show for effectively 17 years — sitting around in studios, watching cars race around the track.

“There are only so many times you can watch a BMW go round the track — what more can you say? It’s got four wheels and a seat.

“We all agreed that we’ve been doing it a long time and everything eventually runs its course.”

Amazon also revealed it will develop new television shows with each of the presenters individually.

Clarkson, 58, was sacked from Top Gear following a “fracas” with a producer over hot food in 2015, while May, 55, and Hammond, 48, left soon afterwards.

The Grand Tour arrived in 2016. Season three of the show will start streaming on Amazon Prime on January 18 2019.

The humble family hatchback is taking a beating from SUVs and premium models – the former offering that high-up driving position and rugged looks, the latter proving far more affordable on finance agreements than they have a right to.

But Brits still buy thousands of family hatchbacks each year, proving the segment isn’t dead yet. In fact, the second and third best-selling cars in the UK are the Ford Focus and VW Golf.

But what if you can’t afford the very latest model, or don’t want to be suckered into a several-year finance package? We’ve rounded up seven of the best of breed, all available on the used market in great condition for under £5,000.

Ford Focus

In terms of practical, good-to-drive and cheap-to-run family hatchbacks, the Ford Focus reigns supreme. Particularly with our £5,000 budget in mind, it makes excellent sense. You’ll be able to pick up a decent condition car with relatively low miles, and it’ll deliver day in, day out.

The Focus does well in terms of driver enjoyment too. It’s arguably one of the better cars in its class to drive, with communicative steering and a reasonably composed ride. Whatsmore, there’s tons of interior space to play with, and a decent boot capable of swallowing up all manner of items.

Skoda Octavia

Skoda has always had a knack for hitting the nail on the head when it comes to good value family hatchbacks. The Octavia stands out as a particularly strong package. Though it may appear to be a saloon, this Skoda’s cavernous boot is accessed via a – yes, you guessed it – a hatchback.

It means that you get all the dynamic styling of a saloon but with the practicality levels of a hatch. Good examples of the Octavia aren’t tricky to find with our price point in mind, either, and you’ll likely find a car with relatively low miles and a good amount of standard equipment, too.

Volkswagen Golf

Much like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen’s Golf is somewhat of a household name. The reason? Well, it’s been one of the most popular cars in the UK sales-wise for many, many years, and this is down to its combination of rock-solid build quality, dynamic drive and overall practicality.

It makes the Golf a compelling used buy, too. Though the ‘dieselgate’ scandal which shook the German company to its core may be fresh in the minds of many, look past that and you’ll still find a well-rounded and good value used car purchase.

BMW 1 Series

BMW dipped its toe in the hatchback market a little while back with its 1 Series, and it’s only gone from strength to strength since then. It may have initially been a little too expensive to qualify as an entry-level choice, but now that many used examples are on the market, it’s a more appealing prospect than ever before.

The 1 Series’ crucial trait was its sporting drive; much like many BMW vehicles, even lower-powered versions felt good to drive. You’ll also be able to get your hands on a good example of the 1 Series for our budget.

Audi A3

Budget cars may not often be associated with a premium badge, but the popularity of the Audi A3 for business customers means the used market is flooded with affordable examples of the German hatchback.

Offering good looks, typical Audi luxury and decent levels of technology, the A3 does it all — and at a reasonable price, too.

Honda Civic

There are few second-hand cars as dependable as a Honda Civic. The firm is known for producing some of the most reliable cars on the market and has found a loyal customer base as a result. Pair that with fun driving dynamics, and some spritely engine choices, and you’re on to a winner.

Examples in this budget boast bags of tech and solid service history — and if you’re feeling racy, even a high-performance Type-R can be had.

Vauxhall Astra

A prominent figure on the road, it’d be mad not to include the Astra on a list of budget hatchbacks. Since its introduction in 1979, the British public has come to love the Astra as a result of its good value, solid driving dynamics and respectable practicality.

Its popularity means there’s plenty on the used market. With £5k to work with, examples from the early part of this decade come into play — often with mileage below 70,000 and a good amount of kit on-board.

What is it?

In terms of new car introductions, a replacement for the BMW 3 Series is a pretty big one. The 3 is, after all, one of the firm’s biggest sellers, not only in terms of private buyers but fleet users too. Since the 3’s introduction in 1975, BMW has shifted more than 15 million units worldwide, so this latest model arrives on the market with a fair amount of weight on its shoulders.

However, thanks to new engines, a redesigned interior and claimed sharper driving dynamics, this 3 Series should be able to live up to its predecessor’s reputation. We headed to Portugal to see if it can.

What’s new?

BMW has thrown the works at this new 3 Series to ensure it matches up to the likes of Audi’s A4 and the dynamic Alfa Romeo Giulia. As such, an upgraded and lighter chassis resides underneath the car, while a wider track and lower centre of gravity combine to help the 3 remain as dynamic as possible.

The new 3 Series also features A-pillars filled with foam, along with a windscreen made from acoustic glass to aid the car’s overall refinement levels, making it as quiet and as comfortable as possible to ease longer journeys behind the wheel.

What’s under the bonnet?

It’s the big boy. New 3 Series today. Not allowed to say a single thing about it. Other than, well, it’s the new 3 Series pic.twitter.com/rb6DI9Jw0Y

— Jack Evans (@jackrober) November 21, 2018

We got behind the wheel of the 320d – arguably one of BMW’s most popular powertrains available with the 3 Series. It sees a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel put under the bonnet, sending 187bhp and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. BMW claims that it’ll return 67.3mpg combined, while emitting an impressively low 110g/km CO2.

Performance will be brisk enough for most, with a claimed 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds and a 149mph top speed both on par for the segment. Those after a little more performance will likely opt for the punchier 330i petrol, which complements the diesel when the car goes on sale next March.

Our test car was also fitted with M-Sport suspension, which offers a drop in ride height for a sharper cornering experience. An adaptive suspension setup will also be available at launch.

What’s it like to drive?

The 3 Series, throughout its various incarnations, has always been able to offer whoever was behind the wheel an involving and dynamic drive – even relatively subdued versions such as this humble 320d. Does this latest car do the same? In conclusion, yes – however, it does so in quite a different way to 3 Series of old.

The steering feels reasonably quick compared with the outgoing car, and although there’s the familiar lack of feel that we’ve come to expect from modern cars, it’s still a wonderfully easy car to pilot through the bends. It’s backed up by a surprising lack of body roll, and despite the ride being relatively firm at low speeds, it settles down at higher ones.

The one thing that stood out was the overall sense of refinement. The cabin is kept hushed at almost all speeds, thanks to the increase in soundproofing throughout the car, as well as the acoustic windscreen – although our car was fitted with optional acoustic side windows too.

How does it look?

It’s undeniably a 3 Series to look at in some areas – the big kidney grilles remain, as do the slightly flared arches. In many places it appears like a 5 Series that’s been put through a hot wash – the front air intakes bear a striking resemblance to the larger car’s, as do the headlights. Overall, it’s a pretty design and one that is perfectly in proportion. It does appear to be quite colour-dependent, however. The striking blue some of our test cars were finished in gave the car a lot of impact, while white versions tended to blend into the background.

You can upgrade the look of your car with a range of M-Performance parts, with intricate alloy wheel designs and more prominent splitters available to give your 3 Series a more dynamic look. In truth, we’d argue that it looks great without any additions, though.

What’s it like inside?

BMW has evidently worked hard to make the interior of the 3 Series as high-quality as possible. There are premium materials to be found throughout the cabin, and though some of the switches around the gearstick feel a touch low-rent, it’s a very pleasant place to be. The seating position remains spot-on, just as it always has in the 3 – something we’re very pleased about.

A change we’re not so pleased about, however, comes in the form of the dials. Traditionally an area in which BMW has been king, the complex new digital display replaces the older 3’s beautifully clear readouts. It’s nowhere near as easy to read, and makes even checking your speed or fuel levels a lot trickier than it needs to be.

What’s the spec like?

With the fleet market making up a lot of the previous-generation 3 Series’ sales, the new version needs a decent level of standard equipment to make it a more appealing prospect to business users. Fortunately, BMW has delivered in this respect. Base-spec SE cars benefit from 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats and a reversing camera, among other options.

Our car came with larger 18-inch wheels, as well as an electric glass sunroof and BMW’s LaserLight headlights. That last feature is one we’d thoroughly recommend, as they provide a superb amount of visibility at night.

Verdict

The BMW 3 Series needed to be good. Competitors such as the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class both offer the premium driving experience that drivers are after in this segment, and the BMW had to deliver that along with the all-important dynamic driving style that its name has been built on.

Fortunately, it has delivered, both in terms of the way it drives and the way it’s been put together. Both inside and out, the 3 Series feels like the rounded and accomplished product that it’s always been, and there’s little doubt this latest model will be just as successful as the one it replaces.

What is it?

Remember when a Porsche SUV was considered sacrilege? Those days are long gone, in no small part thanks to a modern market that sees pretty much everyone in on the action.

Porsche will always be the first to popularise the Sports Utility Vehicle though, with the Cayenne in 2002, and it’s almost hard to believe its smaller sibling in the Macan has already been around four years. In fact, the German firm has decided now is the time to give the latter a facelift — and that’s what we’re looking at here.

What’s new?

Visual changes for the Macan are pretty light here, but certainly noticeable. Up front, new LED headlights now come as standard across the range alongside a slightly tweaked bumper design. It’s at the back where changes become really noticeable though, with a new full-width LED strip connecting the rear lights. New 20-inch alloys are available for no extra cost, while a fresh 21-inch option is also on offer.

Inside the car, a new dashboard houses a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system — which comes loaded with Porsche’s Connect Plus system, relaying real-time traffic data to the driver. There’s also now a Sport Response Button — which gears the car up for max power for 20 seconds.

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What’s under the bonnet?

In Macan S guise as tested here, a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 can be found underneath the bonnet — sending power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Power has been boosted slightly over the outgoing model, now producing 349bhp and 480Nm of torque — up from 335bhp and 460Nm.

What that translates to in performance figures hasn’t been officially revealed but expect the 0-60mph sprint to be quicker than the previous car’s 5.2 seconds and higher than its 158mph top speed. Efficiency figures have yet to be finalised.

In typical Porsche fashion, it’s a fruitful and strong engine — delivering consistent power delivery across the rev range, and really coming alive beyond 5,000rpm. That said, it is hampered slightly by a hesitant gearbox.

What’s it like to drive?

The Porsche Macan has always been up there as one of the best driving SUVs on the market, if not the, and a refresh has only built on that. When pressing on, the chassis remains composed and does a great job at hiding the size, weight and higher centre of gravity of the car. Steering weighs up well too — and there’s the sense that this is about as close to a proper Porsche hot hatch we may ever see.

As well as offering a genuinely compelling spirited driving experience, the Macan is a capable cruiser too. At motorway speeds, it feels well-refined and comfortable. Cabin noise is pretty low, and switching off the optional active exhaust takes the engine from raucous to relaxing.

How does it look?

A first glance at the refreshed Porsche Macan might leave you a little stumped as to what’s actually changed but delve deeper into the details and there’s a lot of differences to be found.

New (standard equipment) LED headlights and a revised bumper design don’t set the world alight but do give the SUV a fresh edge, although a major revision at the back brings a full-width LED strip connecting the rear lights. It harks back to 911s of old, while also bringing it in line with Porsche’s new offerings. We like it.

From an image standpoint, it still comes with that prestige the Porsche badge brings. Sure, die-hard fans of the firm may still condemn it — but this is the car that drives sales of its more exotic machinery.

What’s it like inside?

Hopping into the Porsche Macan is a pleasant experience from a luxury standpoint. The cabin is draped in premium materials, with leather featuring on almost every surface — plus the option of metal, carbon-effect or wooden trim inlays,

It all feels wonderfully put together, and the Alcantara steering wheel fitted to our test Macan S is a must-have option in our view. That said, there are some drawbacks — with the layout of controls remaining identical as before. The centre console is clunky, and it can be difficult to manage various car settings while keeping eyes on the road as a result. The latest generation of Porsche models has rectified this problem, so it’s a shame to see the Macan refresh is yet to benefit.

What’s the spec like?

UK pricing and specs are still a while away from being revealed, so it’s hard to predict where the new Macan S stands from a value perspective — but there’s definitely a lot to be excited about.

Along with the now-standard inclusion of LED headlights, there’s a new 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that boasts a clever new Connect System that can feed real-time traffic information to the driver plus a fresh selection of both 20-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels available.

A new key addition too is the Sport Response Button. When operated, this sets the car up for a burst of full grunt. Gimmicky, sure, but it can be a lot of fun to use on the right road.

Verdict

A refresh hasn’t drastically transformed the Porsche Macan S, but it has turned it into an even more appealing package. It continues to prove that opting for an SUV doesn’t mean sacrificing a true driving experience nor performance — while also building an appetite for a real Porsche hot hatch.

The S, in particular, proves to be a more compelling option than the four-cylinder base car, offering a new world of performance in comparison. How it fares on a value perspective remains to be seen.

Room for improvement remains, though. A sharper gearbox would add a lot to the package, and we’d like to see a more streamlined cabin layout.

Facts at a glance

• Model: Porsche Macan S
• Price: N/A
• Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
• Power (bhp): 349
• Torque (Nm): 480Nm
• Max speed (mph): TBA
• 0-60mph: TBA
• MPG: TBA
• Emissions (g/km): TBA

The festive season is upon us, and present shopping for the big day is well and truly underway — but what do you get for the car-mad person in your life?

We’ve put together a list of the ideal presents for petrolheads, and with a variety of different prices there’s sure to be something for every budget.

Xbox One X with Forza Motorsport 7 and Horizon 4 — £399

amazon.co.uk

Racing games are something anyone can enjoy — be it the kid who’s got another decade to wait before being able to get behind the wheel of a real car, or the older enthusiast with a garage full of exotica. We’ve picked out this Xbox One X bundle, which comes with the track-oriented Forza Motorsport 7 and its sister title Forza Horizon 4, which takes place in an open-world recreation of Britain — covering all the bases.

Autoglym bodywork, wheels and interior gift set — £64

Halfords

Every car enthusiast will want to keep their motor looking as good as the day it came out of the showroom, so why not treat the enthusiast in your life to a full valeting kit from Autoglym? With gear suited for cleaning bodywork, wheels

and interior respectively, there’s products to cover all bases for a reasonable price.

Car show tickets — varies

Various

There are few better ways to spend a day out for a petrolhead than attending a car show, and there’s all sorts taking place up and down the country to appeal to all tastes. Your recipient a fan of classics? Bicester’s Sunday Scramble has that covered. Prefers heavily modified machinery? Japfest at Silverstone can appeal to that taste. There’s countless more at great prices too, so have a look around.

McLaren x Gandys MCL33 Halo Edition Flip Flop — £24

gandyslondon.com

Earlier this year, McLaren teamed with fashion firm Gandys to create a flip flop in celebration of the introduction of the ‘halo’ to F1 — which many believe look like the footwear. Decked out in McLaren orange with a blue strap, your loved one will be racing into summer with these.

Nextbase 412GW dash cam – £129.99

nextbase.co.uk

Dashcams get something of a bad rap thanks to terrible drivers and the magic of the internet, but they’re still a great way to combat the threat of crash-for-cash scammers. This mid-range Nextbase offers really good-quality footage and is super-easy to use too.

Porsche 911 speaker – £799

porsche-design.com

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a Porsche 911. But for those whom the rear-engined sports car noise is a dream too far, then there’s this Bluetooth speaker crafted from the exit pipes of a 911 GT3. With a full aluminium housing, this speaker has a battery life of close to 24 hours.

Piloti driving shoes – from £139

piloti.co.uk

Serious drivers need serious shoes — right? However, it’s undeniable that if turning up to a social event in race boots will make anyone look like a wally. Piloti shoes combine stylish Italian-designed uppers with proper heel support to make long drives easy and stylish.

Off-road driving experience at Eastnor Castle – from £129

eastnor.landroverexperience.co.uk

Off-road driving is a seriously fun way to waste a day and is a bit different to the usual supercar track experience. Land Rover runs experiences like this across the country in its range of unstoppable off-roaders, and a taster session starts from just £129.

Pashley Morgan-8 bicycle – £1595

pashley.co.uk

Morgan may be famed for its use of wooden and aluminium construction in its cars, but this bicycle – the Pashley Morgan-8 – takes this ethos and applies it to two wheels. You get a classy ‘Pearl Grey’ paint scheme along with black wood veneer mudguards which combine to get you as close as you could be to a Morgan with handlebars.