Month: February 2020

The Geneva motor show will go ahead as planned next week despite the first reported case of coronavirus in Switzerland.

Show organisers have emailed a statement to attendees to say they have met with senior staff at Palexpo, the exhibition centre that’s hosting the show, to make a decision based on the latest information provided to them.

They have been in contact with the general directorate of health of the republic and canton of Geneva’s medical advisor, with the advice being that the show can open as planned.

However, with areas of nearby Italy quarantined and the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Switzerland, organisers have ‘developed an action plan that can be adapted as necessary in real time’ and will ‘continue to monitor and reassess the situation regularly’.

Earlier this week, Geneva International Motor Show managing director Olivier Rihs told the PA news agency that a decision to close the show could be taken up until the morning of the event, and throughout its run, but that currently “everything is going ahead as planned”.

He added: “The advice from the authorities here in Geneva is that the show can continue – and they are the only ones who can say yes or no to the show going ahead. We have had no exhibitors pull out. They are all here and building their stands.”

The motor show attracts 600,000 visitors each year from around the world. The 2020 show opens to the press on Tuesday March 3, with public days beginning March 5.

Roads in central London will see new 20mph speed limits imposed as of next week, the Mayor of London has confirmed.

Taking to Twitter to break the news, Sadiq Khan revealed roads operated by Transport for London (TfL) within the congestion charge zone that currently have a 30mph limit will see that drop to 20mph as of Monday, March 2.

In the announcement, Khan tweeted: “Happy to report that the speed limit across TfL roads in central London will reduce from 30mph to 20mph from Monday 2 March. This new measure will save countless lives and eradicate serious injuries on our roads, whilst making it safer to walk and cycle around the capital.”

Lilli Matson, TfL chief health, safety and environment officer added: “Millions of walking and cycling journeys are made across our city every single day and a person is five times less likely to be fatally injured if hit at 20mph than at 30mph – it’s as straightforward as that.

Happy to report that the speed limit across @TfL roads in central London will reduce from 30mph to 20mph from Monday 2 March. This new measure will save countless lives and eradicate serious injuries on our roads, whilst making it safer to walk and cycle around the capital.

— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) February 27, 2020

“Ensuring the safety of Londoners and visitors is paramount, which is why we are introducing a safer speed limit for all road users in central London. It’s clear the new 20mph speed limits will not only save lives but will also encourage Londoners to travel in more active and sustainable ways.”

New signage will be in place imminently to highlight the speed limit changes, while plans for raised pedestrian crossings in ‘prominent locations’ including near Embankment and Tower Hill Underground stations are underway.

TfL says speed is a factor in ‘around 37 per cent’ of collisions in London that result in death or serious injury. The move to 20mph speed limits is part of TfL’s ‘Vision Zero’ commitment to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from the transport network by 2041, with ambitions to reduce limits more widely across the capital over the next five years as well.

Edmund King, president of motoring services firm the AA, said: “The AA view is that targeted 20 mph zones that have the support of the local community are welcome and can be effective. For example, drivers understand why speeds should be 20mph outside a school, playing fields or a residential cul-de-sac.

“The most effective 20mph zones are those backed by traffic calming such as interactive signs or changes to the road surface. There are some concerns that wide 20mph zones undermine the effectiveness of the targeted zones.

“However, during the day in central London average traffic speeds are around 7.4mph so signing the roads with 20 mph speeds is unlikely to slow down the traffic. Traffic has been at the speed of the horse and cart in central London for over a century and that is unlikely to change any time soon.”

A spokesperson for road safety charity Brake added: “The reduction of the speed limit on central London roads to 20mph is a huge boost for road safety across the capital. Slower speeds save lives and also make our streets more liveable environments, encouraging people to walk and cycle safely and confidently in their local area.

“A 20mph limit where people work, live and play is widely accepted as the safest option, with stopping distances at 20mph half those at 30mph. London is setting an example the rest of the UK should follow and we urge the Government to make 20mph the default speed for built-up areas across the country, helping make our streets safer and more welcoming.”

What is it?

An electric Mini isn’t all that new of an idea. In fact, you only have to wind back to 2008 for the firm’s first EV offering — the E — a car that was built in extremely limited numbers with none ever finding permanent public homes.

So, what we’re driving today has been rather a long time in the making. This is the Mini Electric, the car that lays claim to be the first mass-market electric Mini and what the firm is happy to describe as its biggest introduction since BMW took over the reins.

With the electric car market incredibly competitive now though — think the likes of the latest Renault Zoe, new Vauxhall Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208, plus the upcoming Honda e — can the Mini Electric make an impact worthy of the brand? We find out.

What’s new?

Of course, a major change to this Mini comes under the bonnet with its electric powertrain, but fundamental changes are very minimal in a bid to keep the brand’s trademarks at its core. Perhaps impressively, the Electric is even built on the same production line as petrol and diesel equivalents, which is currently a rarity in the industry.

Changes elsewhere include some optional visual tweaks to highlight its battery-powered prowess, though these are a free option in case you’d prefer to fly under the radar a bit, while it also becomes the first Mini to adopt a new ‘Level 1, 2, 3’ trim line-up that does away with individual cost options. Finally, a rather snazzy-looking digital display replaces traditional dials and gauges in front of the driver.

Starting the week by driving the Mini Electric. Fortunately, one with more doors than this. pic.twitter.com/qoAf0hioBl

— Ryan Hirons (@RyHirons) February 24, 2020

What’s under the bonnet?

Mini is launching the Electric in just one capacity, under ‘Cooper S’ guise, though it remains to be seen if more come down the line.

For now, though, that sole option is a 32.6kWh unit sending 182bhp and 270Nm of torque to the front wheels. Zero to 60mph comes in 7.1 seconds, which is just a touch shy of the lighter petrol Cooper S.

While the powertrain itself is pretty impressive — delivery of its grunt is sharp and predictable — the whole thing is hugely compromised by its range. Mini claims 145 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, though hopping into the freshly charged car (admittedly on a cold February day), we’re met with a readout of about 120 miles – and realistically you can expect to extract 90-100 miles of that before having to plug back in.

That may be fine for the urban dweller that covers very little distance, but it makes the Mini Electric an unviable prospect if long journeys are a common occurrence.

What’s it like to drive?

Fortunately, the switch over to electric hasn’t compromised what the Mini is so good at in the first place — driving fun.

Take it on a tasty looking back road and the chassis feels remarkably playful, with all of its agility able to be exposed well thanks to its potent powertrain. Its slight extra heft does leave the car a little more prone to understeer than a petrol Cooper S, but the spirit of its counterpart is very much there.

It’s just as at home around town, too. Tackling busy Oxford is a breeze thanks to its compact nature, the nimbleness of the car and strong visibility. Its ride is on the harsh side, however.

How does it look?

Rather than take some radical approach to design, Mini has opted to retain the core look of the car for the Electric with some mild tweaks here and there to hint at its electrically charged nature.

Up front, its grille outline remains but the unit itself is closed off and features a split yellow stripe through the centre, while colour-matching mirror caps and ‘E’ badging features around the car. Rounding out the look is a set of Electric-exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.

Though we think these changes are pretty fitting, Mini also offers the ability to take these bits off for no cost in favour of more conventional colours and alloys if that’s your preference (as is the case with our pictured test car).

What’s it like inside?

Changes to the cabin are verging on non-existent for the Mini Electric, with the only ones of note being a digital display in place of traditional dials and gauges, as well as a yellow ‘S’ on its Cooper S-branded door sills.

Not that we’re complaining. The whole thing feels incredibly well put together, with a strong use of soft-touch materials in both the Level 2 and 3 trims we’ve had a crack in. Its new display is exceptionally clear too and does well to focus on key information on speed and charge without feeling overly cluttered in the way many digital driver displays here do.

It should be noted though that the Electric is only available as a three-door, so reaching those back seats is a pain. Boot space isn’t compromised though as the batteries sit towards the front of the car, retaining the hatch’s 211-litre capacity — though that lags behind the Vauxhall Corsa-e’s 267-litre offering and the Peugeot e-208’s 265 litres.

What’s the spec like?

Pricing for the Mini Electric kicks off at £24,400 (including the £3,500 government plug-in) in ‘Level 1’ guise. Equipment here includes automatic air conditioning, cruise control, automatic LED headlights, selectable driving modes, satellite navigation and rain-sensing wipers.

Moving up the £26,400 (grant inc.), ‘Level 2’ builds on that with auto-folding mirrors, a centre armrest, ambient interior lighting, a rear-view camera, heated seats, anthracite-coloured headlining and cloth/leatherette seats.

Topping the range is the £30,400 (grant inc.) ‘Level 3’. This adds full leather seats, matrix LED headlights, front parking sensors, a Harmon Kardon audio system, a head-up display, a panoramic glass sunroof, self-parking tech and illuminated dashboard panels.

Verdict

Mini has nailed it when it comes to keeping the Electric on-point with everything its internal combustion counterparts stand for. It’s a remarkably fun thing to drive — moreso than any small EV on sale at the moment — while continuing to deliver a comfortable and appropriately premium experience inside.

If your car doesn’t move many miles and space isn’t an issue, this could well be the perfect blend of guilt-free driving and actual enjoyment of a product. We suspect the headline lack of range will do no favours for those with range anxiety though, and will give rivals a leg up in getting customers into showrooms.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Mini Electric L3
Price: £24,400
Engine: 32.6kWh electric powertrain
Power (bhp): 182
Torque (Nm): 270
Max speed (mph): N/A
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
Range (WLTP Combined): 145 miles

Visitors to the Geneva International Motor Show should ensure they have exhibited no signs of the coronavirus 14 days prior to attending – and if they have, stay away.

That’s the updated safety advice issued today from organisers of the show set to take place next week (March 5-15) at the Palexpo in Switzerland.

The motor show, which attracts 600,000 visitors a year from across the world, is due to open on Tuesday, March 3, for VIP access ahead of the public days beginning on Thursday, March 5.

Organisers are monitoring the coronavirus outbreak daily and taking advice from the authorities in Switzerland as the event hangs in the balance.

Geneva International Motor Show managing director Olivier Rihs told the PA news agency that a decision to close the show could be taken up until the morning of the event, and throughout its run, but that currently “everything is going ahead as planned”.

He added: “The advice from the authorities here in Geneva is that the show can continue – and they are the only ones who can say yes or no to the show going ahead.

“We have had no exhibitors pull out. They are all here and building their stands.”

Asked if he felt it was responsible to continue to hold the show in light of the growing health crisis, especially as large areas across the border in Italy are quarantined, he said he felt it was.

Rihs added: “Our priority is the health of exhibitors and visitors. If we had to close the event, then so too would the UN in Geneva have to shut its doors because they have visitors from across the world too.

“At the moment there is no danger and no reason to cancel our show.”

Palexpo SA – the organisers – have today issued updated advice to visitors from “at-risk areas” to ensure they have shown no signs of coronavirus symptoms in the 14 days prior to their arrival in the country.

Rihs admitted, though, that this does rely on visitors “self certifying themselves as healthy” before attending.

“The advice from the authorities here in Geneva is that the show can continue”

A statement said: “The organisers encourage exhibitors from at-risk areas to ensure that their staff pass the necessary checks and do not show any symptoms of infection in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Switzerland, so as to avoid any risk of spread that could result from their presence in Geneva.

“Palexpo is in regular contact with the General Directorate of Health of the Republic and Canton of Geneva and its medical advisor to develop a sanitary action plan, adjustable in real time.”

Organisers have increased their cleaning and disinfection routine at the show, implemented more signage and have put in place new training for staff.

Two weeks ago, the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, which attracts 100,000 visitors from across the world, was cancelled, the first time the show had been called off in 33 years. Organisers blamed the coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesperson for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which represents the automotive industry in the UK, said it was still planning on attending the Geneva Motor Show.

“It is up to individual manufacturers to decide whether they still want to attend the show, but we have not received any advice from health authorities,” said the spokesperson. “We’ll be continuing to take a watching brief on the situation as it develops.”

TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson swapped Porsches for potatoes today (February 22) as he threw open the doors to his farm shop for the first time.

At the Squat Shop – named after his farm Diddly Squat – located near Chipping Norton, Cotswolds, the Grand Tour host sold potatoes, raffled off water in yellow bottles and gave away cider that had been donated by Blur’s Alex James.

Clarkson has been running the 1,000-acre farm for more than a year for a forthcoming Amazon Prime show called “I Bought A Farm”.

At the shop’s “grand opening”, Clarkson cheerily sold potatoes to a steady stream of members of the public who queued to get in.

Clarkson told the PA news agency: “It’s going really well. We’ve had a good turn out and we’ve had more customers than Aldi – we’re putting the German giants out of business.

“This is the end of supermarket shopping!

My farm shop opens tomorrow afternoon. Twitter friendly as it’s unheated and meat free. Do drop in if you’re in the Chipping Norton area.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) February 21, 2020

“Farming is hard work, but it is rewarding when you sell potatoes and other produce as it comes on song. I’m only selling what is seasonal. The pumpkins, lavender and the honey will all be coming – so there’s quite a lot to do.

“And you thought this was going to be a car interview… “

Clarkson’s shop sold potatoes for £1.02 per 2kg, declaring them “cheaper than Aldi” on the labels. Shelves where “mildly organic” horseradish and “good exercise chicken eggs” had been were empty.

View this post on Instagram

My farm shop. Grand opening tomorrow afternoon. All welcome. OX7 3PE

A post shared by Jeremy Clarkson (@jeremyclarkson1) on Feb 21, 2020 at 5:46am PST

Elsewhere on the farmland were Clarkson’s health and safety style signs which told visitors “do NOT catch fire” near an open fire, and “Don’t fall in this big hole” near a hole in the ground.

Tom Hogg, 28, from Witney, said: “The farm shop is really, really good. It’s great to see Jeremy completely diverting his paths. He’s creating something that people can come to and get locally sourced, organic food.

View this post on Instagram

Putting the finishing touches to our farm shop which soon, will put the supermarkets out of business. Bye bye Aldi.

A post shared by Jeremy Clarkson (@jeremyclarkson1) on Feb 21, 2020 at 11:59am PST

“It’s been grown on the land locally and that is a great step – it tastes much better. And he is supporting smaller entities by doing it. It’s in a wonderful setting where he’s decided to do this. He’s kept it raw, he’s kept it a farm and that’s really important.”

Sam Brooke, 20, from Cheltenham added: “It’s been great to meet Jeremy today – I’ve always watched Jeremy on all the shows he does and I love that he’s doing this.”

There is no official release date for “I Bought A Farm” yet but it is expected later this year.

The headquarters for new automotive brand Czinger is exactly what you’d expect from a high-tech Californian newcomer: sparse white floors, powerful strip lighting, ominous-looking robots and a top secret, hermetically sealed room that emits an eerie blue aura and takes care of advanced additive manufacturing processes.

Cast your eyes into the corner of this facility, which is situated in Torrance, Los Angeles County, and you’ll see the fruits of $150m worth of investment and Kevin Czinger’s blood, sweat and tears: the 21C.

This highly sculpted, in-line seating hypercar looks like nothing else on the market. It’s aggressively flared front haunches taper into a supermodel waistline, only to bulge once more in order to house a bespoke, built-from-scratch 2.8-litre V8 engine that sits just behind the fighter jet-inspired cockpit for maximum aural pleasure.

“The 21C is really the first instance of a complete vehicle that uses generative design. To create what we have here, we first had to think up and build a completely unique set of revolutionary tools that allowed us to take the ideas that are up in our heads and actually express those digitally,” explains Kevin Czinger, as he shows us around his latest creation.

As with many hyper-intelligent tech types, Kevin talks in-depth and often at speed about a subject that can be difficult to compute. To put it simply, current vehicle design and production is very much entrenched in relatively old techniques and technologies. With billions of dollars invested in traditional production lines, it is very difficult for the biggest names in the auto industry to suddenly invest in a new way of doing things.

“We hope to take the current car design process and flip it on its head,” Kevin says. “To me, operations like Giga factories, or other huge scale operations where that scale is fixed to one or a few designs, feels like a cookie cutter approach. It’s not good economics and it’s not good for the environment.

“I think that in order to properly express human creativity, you have to have a team of people that can interact and work together with a platform that allows that creativity to be expressed and iterated immediately. That’s basically the antithesis of today’s global automotive structure,” he adds.

Kevin’s other company, Divergent 3D, specialises in the art of additive manufacturing (more commonly referred to as 3D printing), advanced robotics and the software to transfer digital designs into physical objects. Unlike anything else currently on sale, the $1.7 million 21C boasts a 3D printed chassis onto which everything else is bolted on.

Something that designer David O’Connell claims is completely revolutionary in the automotive world. “The fact that we could tweak the chassis design as we went along is something that I’ve never seen before,” he says.

“The manufacturing technology used here allows a lot of this design freedom to happen because we can make the structural parts of the car smaller, lighter and tighter. Those relationships are not bound by conventional construction methods. We’re able to put the parts where they need to be, not where they have to be because of the manufacturing processes,” he adds.

All of that design freedom clearly paid off, because early figures suggest the highly aerodynamic 21C can smash the 0-60mph sprint in 1.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 270mph when free of the track-biased aero pack.

Jon Gunnar, Chief Technical Officer of Vehicle Technology at Czinger Vehicles, and a former aerospace engineer and Koenigsegg employee, helped mastermind the powertrain. And in this world of cost-saving and component sharing, Gunnar was given absolute freedom to do the polar opposite and develop an engine in-house.

This compact twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V8 petrol unit is mated to two 220kW motors at each front wheel and a 2kW battery pack. It is light and efficient, while the Lithium Titanate battery is designed to charge and discharge much faster than current production EV tech in order to keep abreast of the team’s performance demands.

The Czinger team hopes to beat the unofficial Laguna Seca production car track record by two seconds. To put that in perspective, a quick scan of the Internet reveals the McLaren Senna currently sits at the top of that unsanctioned leaderboard with a 1:27:62 lap.

Creating a new car brand from scratch is never easy, but revolutionising the way cars are built in the future is arguably even harder. “We developed the materials and machines to bring designs to life and then automate the assembly. That allows you go from this massive fixed design, where designs are frozen in machined stamping tools and hardened steel, to the design becoming digits that flow into a machine that then builds those digits, layer by layer, into whatever kind of digital assembly block you need. It could change everything,” Kevin says.

Lighter cars, more creative designs, reduced waste and less energy-intensive production methods are all promised here, although we will have to wait and see how the 21C fares against the established hypercar competition before we start changing the world.

When people think of car enthusiasts, they tend to think of sporty cars driven quickly down winding B roads or flat out on track. But there’s another group that are often overlooked — off-roaders.

These people are happy plugging along at relatively slow speeds on a dirt track in the middle of nowhere, tackling steep muddy inclines or wading through waist-high water. It’s called green laning, because it involves driving down unpaved roads, known as green lanes.

If the sound of this tickles your fancy and you either don’t know what car to buy, or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new car, we’ve put together a list of some of the best new models out there.

Suzuki Jimny

The Suzuki Jimny might be one of the budget entries in this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s a poor contender. It’s the least pretentious car in this list – perhaps even of any car on sale today – which makes it perfect for green laning, because you won’t be too worried about getting it muddy.

It’s also got four-wheel-drive and a low range gearbox to help when the road gets really bad, so it’s more than just a cute-lookming 4×4, it’s a capable one too.

Jeep Wrangler

As a family SUV the Wrangler might not be your best bet, because there are similarly priced rivals out there that offer more luxury and a refined driving experience.

However, what those rivals don’t have is an imperious ability to tackle off-road courses. The Jeep name is synonymous with 4×4 driving, and the Wrangler keeps that legacy going strong.

With four-wheel drive, a sturdy ladder-style chassis and low-range gearing, it’s perfect for getting off the beaten track. Opt for the Rubicon trim for the full green laner experience, with its knobbly tyres fitted as standard.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Few brands have built a reputation for dependability like Toyota, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re going to be pounding rough, rutted roadways. Its old-fashioned suspension might make it less refined on the road, but when the Tarmac ends it comes into its own.

And with a gruff, torquey diesel engine, it can pull through just about anything you throw at it. Horrific weather in the dead of winter? No problems there, either, and if you do need something practical carry lots of luggage and/or people from time to time, the Land Cruiser has almost van-like practicality, too.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

It might be better known nowadays for making a racket in Knightsbridge as well heeled owners drive around showing off how noisy their AMG version is, but the G-Class’s roots are in off-road driving.

Its boxy shape and short overhangs make it ideal for traversing steep angles, and its advanced four-wheel-drive system means there’s not much terrain that can stop it. The G’s trump card, though, is that it’s still a premium Mercedes, meaning the interior is well-equipped with top-of-the-range materials, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and quality to go off road.

Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford’s Ranger has gained a reputation for being one of the go-to pickup truck models for those who need something rugged and practical. However, the base models have nothing on the uber-off-road-ready Raptor.

Its 210bhp might not be too powerful, but with Ford Performance responsible for building the rest of the truck, it more than makes up for that with an incredible specification that includes a raised suspension, Fox Motorsport dampers that can soak up even the biggest bumps, and chunky wheels for endless grip. It’s green laning overkill, but it’s undeniably awesome.

Ariel Nomad

Yes, the Nomad might look like a collapsed scaffolding on wheels, but it’s actually one of the most exciting off-road experiences on the market. It’s much more than an Ariel Atom with chunky tyres, too.

It sports a new Honda engine and rally-spec Ohlins dampers that mean it’s capable of going incredibly quickly, and not shaking its nuts and bolts loose as it does so. It’s certainly the left-field choice in this list, but it’s also the most fun.

Land Rover Defender

Though not quite on the market just yet, it’s all but guaranteed the new Land Rover Defender will be one of the most capable vehicles money can buy.

A new aluminium monocoque is said to improve stiffness over traditional ‘body-on-frame’ chassis setups that off-roaders tend to use while ‘Configurable Terrain Response’ is able to optimise the 4×4 system for practically any surface.

Fiat Panda Cross 4×4

Similar in size and ethos to the Jimny mentioned earlier, the Panda Cross 4×4 may initially seem off putting because of a lower price. That, and its city car underpinnings.

In reality though, this is a tough little mudder that’s equally as capable as vehicles twice its size. A dedicated off-road mode can prime the machine for rough terrains, while an appropriately raised ride height and body cladding gives it the clearance and protection to avoid any damage.

Flooded conditions are some of the absolute worst to drive in when it comes to UK roads. Standing water can very easily catch a driver out, and the possibility of flooding a vehicle is a large risk to the safety of a driver and can cost a fortune to sort out.

Though it’s best to avoid driving in floods at all, it may be a necessity. If you absolutely must get behind the wheel, here is some advice to follow to help you stay safe.

Avoid it if possible

The safest approach to driving in floods is to not do it at all. Unless your journey is absolutely necessary, it’s better to keep your car parked up and remain at home.

Instead of driving to the shops, take a walk if you can or discuss with your boss about working from home. Though some journeys by car are necessary, stay off the road if you can for your own safety.

Check the route ahead

Before getting into the car, use a mobile maps application and check local reports to see any potential hazards on your route.

Some roads on your journey could be heavily flooded, posing a strong risk to yourself and your car, or even be closed. Clear diversions may be in place, though that may not always be the case — so you may need to plan an alternative route.

#stormdennis is still lurking 😯
Heavy rain and strong gale force winds are still around🌨️💨
If you must drive, stay safe and make sure your vehicle's safe to drive🚗#dennisthemenace pic.twitter.com/A9MstUSePC

— Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) February 16, 2020

Pack an emergency kit

It’s worth having an emergency kit readily available in your car in the event you do become stranded while out in the flooded conditions.

We’d recommend packing at least a high-visibility jacket, a breakdown warning triangle and a torch at the bare minimum. Additionally, packing snacks, warm clothing, jump leads, a supply of drinks and a pair of wellies could all come in handy. A decent music playlist can help pass the time, too.

Have an emergency number stored in your phone

Though in the age of modern smartphones we always seem to be connected to the internet one way or another, there’s no guarantee of a signal while out on the roads.

With that in mind, having an emergency contact number as well as that of a breakdown provider stored in your phone’s contacts is worth the few seconds it takes. If you are stranded, you may be a little out of luck if you’re relying on Google to provide a number — so it could be a big help.

Perform basic vehicle checks

While it’s worth doing these before every journey, we’ll admit that it’s something most people tend to forego. In any harsh driving conditions, though, it’s very important to check your vehicle is in a safe condition though.

Test your headlights and brake lights are working, tyres are at a good level and that the tread depth on them is also comfortably above the legal limit of 1.6mm. You can test this using the edge of a 20p coin, which the tyre tread should come above — though we’d always recommend changing tyres before it gets near that level.

Turn your headlights on

Your headlights are working? Great, now make sure to keep them on. In floods, rain is almost guaranteed too which heavily reduces visibility.

Ensure your lights are on to give other motorists the best chance to see your vehicle, and also maximise your visibility in low light conditions. Fog lights may also be necessary, with the Highway Code stating they must be used if visibility drops below 100 metres.

Drive to the conditions — don’t aim for the speed limits

Remember that speed limits are not targets to hit — rather the maximum permitted for a particular road. In flooded conditions particularly, driving at a high speed greatly increases the likelihood of losing control of a vehicle, while also reducing a driver’s ability to react to a dangerous vehicle.

Don’t be afraid to drop to a much lower speed than permitted to give yourself more control of the car, and to be able to react to incidents ahead.

Allow extra room

Though you should always allow for a good amount of room to the car ahead in case of any dangers, that’s even more crucial in harsh driving conditions like flooding.

The likelihood of a hazard is much greater here than in clear weather, and you should adjust your driving accordingly. Giving a car in front more space allows for you to react to any sudden braking or hazards that you may otherwise not see beyond them.

Don’t test the waters

If you’re unsure of the depth of a puddle or large body of standing water, then avoid it if possible.

Testing the waters is not a good idea here, as you could find yourself driving into something incredibly deep and putting yourself in danger as well as heavily flooding your vehicle. Look for an alternative route, even if that means adding more time to your journey.

Don’t be afraid to take a break

If you need to take a few minutes to catch your concentration, wait for the conditions to clear or simply have a drink of coffee, don’t be afraid to take a break and find somewhere safe to park up.

Geneva Motor Show organisers have said the event will still be going ahead as planned, despite the deepening coronavirus crisis cancelling a technology show in Europe.

Yesterday, the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, which attracts 100,000 visitors from across the world, was cancelled, the first time the show had been called off in 33 years. Organisers blamed the coronavirus outbreak.

Now, organisers of arguably Europe’s most important car show – which attracts 600,000 visitors – have admitted they are carefully monitoring the coronavirus outbreak on an “hour-by-hour” basis.

A spokesperson for the Geneva Motor Show – set to be held between March 5-15 at the Palexpo – told the PA news agency that currently the show “was still going ahead”, but admitted they were cautiously watching the situation evolve.

Laura Manon, spokesperson for the show, said: “The news that the Mobile World Congress has been cancelled has just reached us and is a shock. We are carefully looking at the situation and taking advice from health organisations here in Geneva and the World Health Organisation with regards to our show.

“As it stands today, the motor show is still going ahead. Last year, less than one per cent of visitors came from outside Europe, but we are aware the coronavirus situation is changing by the hour.”

The Geneva Motor Show issued a statement on its website yesterday which said organisers had put in place a sanitary action plan which included increased cleaning and disinfection.

Staff were also being given training on personal preventative measures and new signs were being installed at the show to remind attendees about hygiene recommendations.

The statement said: “The current situation in Switzerland is rather reassuring – none of the samples tested so far has been positive for the novel coronavirus.”

The MWC started to look in doubt when big-name attendees including Ericsson, Sony, Nokia, Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom pulled out.

In a statement to Bloomberg, following news of the MWC cancellation, John Hoffman, chief executive officer of organisers GSMA, said “the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances make it impossible” to hold the event.

Geneva motor show organisers said that so far no exhibitors had pulled out, but that the situation “could change at any time”.

“We advise visitors and exhibitors to monitor our website carefully for any updates on the show’s status,” she added.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organisation / Europe said it was down to national authorities to “make decisions about these types of issues based on their own assessed risks”.

The spokesperson added: “There is no evidence at present to suggest that there is a community spread outside China, so WHO is not currently requesting that large gatherings are cancelled.

“Similarly, companies and other organisations are at liberty to make their own decisions according to their specific circumstances and their assessment of the risk to business.

“WHO works closely with organisations that plan mass gatherings to provide advice, inform their risk assessment and support on any potential impact on health.”

March is on the horizon, and with it comes a new 20 registration plate. Over the past few months, we’ve seen a vast slew of new metal arriving on the market, with manufacturers across the board bringing plenty of new metal.

But which are the best to opt for when getting a new car with a 20 registration? We’ve picked out some of the very best from almost every manufacturer building new cars today

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo has updated its sharp Giulia saloon – though you may not know it. The list of changes is minimal, with a slightly sharper exterior look and a redesigned infotainment system being the two headline features. Oh, and there’s a more luxurious gearstick than before.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The same goes for Alfa’s Stelvio SUV; a light refresh on the exterior with more sharper touches alongside a slightly higher-end interior. It remains one of the best cars to drive in its segment as well.

Alpine A110S

Alpine has given its critic-enthralling A110S a boost with a slight bump in power and a slight drop in ride height, too. It’s firmer than the standard car, that’s for sure, but it’s engaging and remains truly brilliant to drive. It’s a great choice for those who want an A110 with even more feedback.

Audi RS Q3 (and Sportback)

Audi’s has brought a fleet of new SUVs to market and with it several new RS models. We’ve already seen new versions of the RSQ8 and RSQ7, and now that sporting pedigree has been applied to the recently-refreshed Q3 and Q3 Sportback.

Audi RS6

Few cars have as much expectation as the new RS 6, and it appears from first impressions that Audi has knocked it out of the park with this latest C8 version. With a 4.0-litre V8, all-wheel-steering and a clever new air suspension, this one performance estate which can do it all.

Audi A5

Audi’s A5 is one of the most popular cars that the firm makes, thanks to its sleek looks and well-made interior. This latest version is no different, and it now boasts even cleaner and more refined engine choices.

Audi A1 Citycarver

In the neverending quest for niche-busting vehicles, Audi has created this – the A1 Citycarver. Essentially a slightly lifted version of its excellent A1 city car, it’s there to appeal to those who want more adventure-orientated looks from their Audi.

Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition

Bentley is saying farewell to its Mulsanne – for now, at least – and has released this 6.75 Edition to celebrate. Just 30 units will be produced, with each also celebrating the iconic 6 7/5 engine which has spent 60 years in continuous production.

BMW 1 Series

BMW’s popular 1 Series has undergone quite the transformation for this latest generation. Gone is rear-wheel-drive, replaced in favour of a front-wheel-drive powertrain. The sleek looks of the original have been gone and instead, it’s a far boxier-looking affair. It’s still great to drive and comes with an efficient and powerful range of engines.

Chevrolet Corvette

It doesn’t get more all-American than the Chevrolet Corvette and while it’s always been a hit in the States, but here in the UK this hasn’t always been the case. This new, C8-generation car should address this thanks to an improved engine and more in-car tech.

Fiat Panda Hybrid

Fiat is on a quest towards electrification, and this is noticeable through its recent introduction of hybrids. The Panda is one of the cars to get the electrified treatment, meaning inner-city drivers now have a more efficient, cleaner small car to go for.

Fiat 500 Hybrid

The same powertrain will be used on the 500 Hybrid too. It transforms an already extremely popular city car, and will likely find favour among those urban drivers who want a little more electrical assistance, without going the whole hog and opting for a battery-electric car.

Ford Puma

Ford has revived the Puma name, but rather than being on a Fiesta-based coupe it’s being positioned on a compact crossover instead. With strong looks and a good level of standard equipment, it’s likely that this car will be very popular over the coming months.

Honda Civic

Honda has breathed some new life into its popular Civic, sharpening the exterior look up while refreshing the interior too. It remains mechanically the same, but that’s no bad thing; the original Civic was excellent to drive so it’s more than likely that this one will stay the same.

Hyundai i10

Though the compact city car segment is being quickly outweighed in terms of popularity against the crossover, but Hyundai still thinks that there’s some merit there – which is why it has introduced a new version of its i10 city car. Packed with features, it’s an excellent car in value-for-money terms.

Jaguar F-Type

Though the Jaguar F-Type has been one of the best-looking cars on sale as of late, the British firm has seen fit to update the way it looks and edit the way it handles, too. The front end is sleeker than before, while there are more screens and displays in the cabin than before.

Kia Soul EV

Kia’s Soul EV is somewhat of a dark horse in the electric car segment. Despite being one of the cheaper EVs around, it’s capable of returning up to 280 miles on a single charge – one of the best ranges in the segment. If you’re looking for a car without the range anxiety, then this is one to go for.

Kia XCeed PHEV

Kia has brought another crossover to the segment with its XCeed, and now has seen fit to electrify it. Featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it brings down emissions while also catering for those who would prefer to run on electric power when driving around town.

Kia Ceed Sportswagon PHEV

Again, as has been a consistent theme on this list, electrifying powertrains is something manufacturers are keen on. Kia is no different, which is why as well as fitting a hybrid powertrain to its XCeed crossover, it has done the same with its Ceed Sportswagon. With plenty of space, it’s a great option for those who want a hybrid with a healthy dose of practicality.

Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD

Lamborghini knows a thing or two about making exciting cars, and its Huracan has been an example of this. However, Lambo has chosen to take its Hurancan EVO and make it rear-wheel-drive, adding driver involvement and heightening the overall experience. The standard EVO is an excellent car, so it’s likely that the RWD will be even better.

Lexus RX

A recent refresh to the Lexus RX may only be minor, but it’s definitely noteworthy. A minorly-adjusted design gives a more up-to-date look to the car, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay at last make an appearance.

Lotus Evora GT410

Lotus has introduced a softer version of its GT410 Sport — simply named GT410 — for more everyday use. Though still a very capable sports car, this variant has a more road-friendly suspension setup and improved refinement.

Mazda CX-30

Mazda has introduced the CX-30 crossover to sit in between the compact CX-3 and larger CX-5 SUV. Key to its potential success will be the firm’s Skyactiv-X powertrain technology, said to deliver diesel efficiency despite being a petrol.

MG HS

MG has seen a lot of success in its ZS crossover, and now the larger HS is here to enter the market space of the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga. MG hopes a lower price point without compromising on equipment will bring it that success.

Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi first introduced the Mirage in 2012, but failed to give it any major overhauls until just now. The new Mirage takes on a fresh face to bring it more up to date, as well as a squared-off rear bumper for a more aggressive look.

Nissan Juke

Nissan’s Juke is a hit in the UK, and its second generation is surely set to build further on that. Its look is a familiar one albeit arguably less polarising, while a more spacious cabin has been a focal point as a result of customer feedback.

Peugeot 208

Peugeot’s new 208 is here and most eye-catching about the model is its striking new design. There’s an overhauled cabin too in a bid to bring a more premium edge to the 208, as well as cutting edge technology like its 3D i-Cockpit.

Peugeot e-208

The electric version of the new 208 boasts 211 miles of range between charges from its 100kWh motor. It’s hard to tell this e-208 is electric, though, taking on a near-identical look to the rather striking 208.

Peugeot 2008

Peugeot’s new 2008 takes on a dramatic new look that’s reminiscent of the new 208 as well as many of its newly-introduced offerings. It’s mechanically similar to the supermini, though boasts more space and enters a segment for which demand is only increasing.

Peugeot e-2008

This is the electric version of the Peugeot 2008, packing the same powertrain as the smaller e-208 but in the crossover’s body. Range is down marginally to 198 miles as a result, though the e-2008 does come with a larger boot.

Polestar 1

Volvo spin-off firm Polestar has just introduced its first own car, creatively named 1. This plug-in hybrid coupe boasts 601bhp, 78 miles of electric-only driving and dramatic looks. It is, however, only available as a left-hand-drive vehicle.

Renault Clio

Though the new Renault Clio may look almost identical to the old car, its interior has seen a total revolution that gives it a much more upmarket feel than before. A digital display in front of the driver replaces traditional dials and gauges, too.

Renault Zoe

Renault’s second-generation Zoe has arrived in the UK, with the electric vehicle promising an increased range of up to 245 miles. There’s also an evolved look over its predecessor, as well as an overhauled cabin.

Seat Mii Electric

Seat has done away with internal combustion for its Mii city car, now offering it exclusively as an EV. Its 36.8kWh battery pack is said to offer 161 miles of range between charges, with performance described as ‘perfect for jumping in and out of traffic’.

Skoda Superb iV

Later in 2020 Skoda will launch a new plug-in hybrid version of the Octavia, but before that we have Skoda’s first plug-in hybrid model with a petrol-electric version of its flagship Superb. It combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and small battery, with an EV range of 30-35 miles promised.

Skoda Citigo-e iV

Skoda has discontinued its petrol-powered Citigo, and is instead just focusing on this new all-electric version of its city car. It’s Skoda’s first EV, and despite its compact size, it’s able to travel a claimed 170 miles on electricity.

Smart revised range

Smart has made a number of styling changes to its line-up, with the range also moving exclusively to electric power. New front and rear bumpers have been added to the city car’s variants, as well as LED daytime running lights.

Subaru e-Boxer models

Subaru has introduced mild-hybrid technology to its Forester and XV models. Its staple 2.0-litre boxer engine has now been paired up with a compact electric motor in a bid to improve efficiency.

Suzuki mild-hybrids

Mild-hybrid technology has arrived on Suzukis equipped with the firm’s 1.4-litre ‘Boosterjet’ engines in a bid to improve efficiency while only adding 15kg of weight. This includes the S-Cross, Vitara and Swift Sport.

Toyota C-HR

Toyota has revised its C-HR crossover with some minor styling changes and new LED tailight technology, as well as switching to a hybrid-only powertrain line-up. As well as the existing 1.8-litre option, a 2.0-litre petrol-electric setup has been introduced.

Vauxhall Corsa

The first ground-up car under Vauxhall’s PSA ownership is the new Corsa. It shares its underpinnings with the Peugeot 208, and looks to offer a more involving drive than its predecessor with a lower body and optimised driving position.

Vauxhall Corsa-e

Based on the new Vauxhall Corsa, the Corsa-e is powered by a 50kWh battery that is said to result in a range of 211 miles between charges. The firm also claims the car can be charged from flat to 80 per cent in 30 minutes via rapid charging.

Vauxhall Astra

A facelifted version of the Vauxhall Astra has been introduced, albeit with styling changes rather limited. More crucial here is a new engine line-up borrowed from parents firm PSA Group, with fresh petrol and diesel options on offer.

Volkswagen Golf

It’s always big news when a new Volkswagen Golf arrives, and now the model has just entered its eighth generation. Crucial here is the replacement of many physical controls with digital equivalents housed in the large central infotainment display as the popular hatchback looks to revolutionise mainstream interior design.

Volkswagen T-Roc R

Volkswagen has taken the guts from the Golf R and put them into its T Roc crossover to create an R version of the model. That means it houses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 296bhp to all four wheels. As a result, 0-60mph comes in 4.7 seconds with a top speed capped at 155mph.

Volvo XC40 T5

Volvo has introduced its T5 plug-in hybrid powertrain to its XC40 crossover, which links a 1.5-litre petrol engine to an electric motor. The system combines to produce 259bhp while returning up to 141.1mpg, as well as offering a claimed electric-only range of 28.6 miles.