Both models will be available with both petrol or electric power with deliveries expected in June.
Vauxhall is now taking orders for its new Corsa Yes Edition and Mokka Griffin with both models available with either petrol or electric powertrains.
The Corsa Yes Edition arrives in a choice of four different exterior paint finishes with ‘Record Red’ standing out with a contrasting black roof and door mirrors at a no-cost option.
Petrol models of the Corsa Yes Edition also feature new black alloy wheels designs, too.
Inside, there are sports-style front seats with red accents, Yes Edition badging located on the dashboard and a 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless smartphone changing. Petrol models also feature a seven-inch instrument cluster.
Engines in the Corsa start with the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol which produces 98bhp and is paired to a six-speed manual transmission.
The electric version comes with a 134bhp electric motor and a 50kWh battery pack that gives a claimed range of 221 miles and can go from zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
The Mokka Griffin comes with a contrasting black roof and tinted windows alongside 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, there is a flat-bottom steering wheel, rearview camera and rear parking sensors. There is also a seven-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Griffin also gets heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic climate control and keyless start.
Engines for the Mokka Griffin consist of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with three different power outputs – 98bhp, 128bhp or 134bhp.
The 98bhp and 134bhp come with six-speed manual gearboxes whereas the 128bhp comes with the option of an eight-speed automatic.
The electric version comes with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives a claimed range of 209 miles with an electric motor producing 134bhp. Fast charging will enable the Mokka to go from zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
Prices for the Corsa Yes Edition start at £18,505 for the 1.2-litre petrol and rise to £26,895 for the electric version.
The Mokka Griffin prices start at £21,555 for the 1.2-litre petrol with 98bhp and rise to £29,495 for the 134bhp electric model.
Both Corsa Yes Edition and Mokka Griffin deliveries are expected in June this year.
The previous generation Land Cruiser has been around since 2009 – so it’s about time Toyota brought a new version to the market.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the toughest and most hard-working vehicles the world has ever seen.
Ever since the Land Cruiser first came to the market back in the early 1950s, there have been many iterations in a wide variety of body styles – including three-door and five-door and there have even been convertible versions, too.
The previous generation Land Cruiser went on sale in 2009 and although several facelifts along the way helped it plod along – they weren’t enough to disguise the fact that the Land Cruiser had had its day.
So, Toyota decided to go back to the drawing board and create a completely new generation of their legendary off-roader.
Here are all the things that you need to know about the new Toyota Land Cruiser.
It has a disconnecting anti-roll bar system
At first, that might sound a bit disconcerting. However, Toyota has developed a system they’re calling a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism which helps improve off-road performance while maintaining a comfortable ride on the road.
At the touch of a button on the centre console, the driver can unlock the front anti-roll bar suspension to increase wheel travel.
This enables the vehicle to be easier to manoeuvre over rocky and rough road surfaces while keeping all four wheels on the ground.
It also improves roll rigidity and gives a smoother ride quality for all passengers when driving on rough surfaces – and when the vehicle’s speed increases the anti-roll bar automatically re-locks.
A new body-on-frame chassis has been developed
The new Land Cruiser has a new body on frame chassis called the GA-F platform. The new structure is there to improve body strength and rigidity by having an extra 84 weld points while the side rails and cross member have also been stiffened to help improve rigidity – tailor-welded blanks (which use a lighter steel) help reduce weight, too.
Overall the Land Cruiser’s torsional rigidity is 50 per cent stiffer than it was before and the frame and body combined is 30 per cent better as well.
It’s the first Land Cruiser with electric power steering
Land Cruiser’s of the past used to have hydraulic power steering, however, this new model uses an electrical steering system for the first time.
Electric power steering can reduce the amount of kickback you get from the wheel when driving over rough terrain like rocks and mounds.
Its purpose is to improve the overall feeling of the steering and it benefits by being smoother, more direct and improving the manoeuvrability at all speeds.
A mild hybrid version will be arriving in 2025
Next year will see the launch of the mild-hybrid version of the new Land Cruiser which will combine the standard 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 48V electric-motor generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery and a stop-start system.
The mild-hybrid system will give a smoother, quieter and more efficient choice among buyers for the Land Cruiser.
There is a Panoramic View Monitor and Multi-Terrain Monitor
The Panoramic View Monitor or PVM can be used at speeds of up to 7.5mph and can be activated using voice control. The PVM can provide a view to the driver of the surrounding area that the vehicle is in to help reduce any bumps and scrapes from occurring at slow speeds.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor or MTM gives a view of the underside to prevent the driver from damaging the vehicle over bumpy terrains, while also giving guidelines on the monitor of the vehicle and tyre positions.
It has a new suspension setup
The suspension features a new independent double wishbone setup. It’s constructed from high-strength, lightweight components for durable, long-lasting and reliable performance.
The rear anti-roll bar is made from new materials that are lighter and more rigid than before and even more weight is saved by the axle-cross section which is thinner but has a thicker bracket to help with rigidity and strength.
To stop the rear wheels lifting during off-road manoeuvres the Land Cruiser has an increased anti-lift angle and maintains all the wheels on the ground at the same time.
There is a new braking system
The Land Cruiser now features an electronically controlled braking system that enables it to help improve the feel and performance of how the driver responds to braking.
An on-demand pressure system by the vehicle stability control operates in addition to conventional braking systems – which enhances the braking feel.
The popular family hatchback has received an update to keep it in line with its rivals.
Nissan has revealed the facelifted version of its current-generation Qashqai, bringing a sharper look and more interior features to the popular crossover.
On the exterior, there is a new front grille painted in gloss black, a fresh set of headlights and triangular-shaped bumper slates.
The inserts of the bumpers are colour-coded and the rear bumper has been redesigned with the tail lights now featuring clear lenses to give a better performance when illuminated at night.
There are also new alloy wheel designs and three new exterior paint finishes including Pearl white, Pearl black and Deep ocean.
A new trim level has been added called ’N-Design’, which includes body-coloured wheel arches and a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, higher spec trim levels like the N-Design and Tekna+ get Alcantara on the dashboard, door inserts and door armrests. The seats on the N-Design model get black leather with quilting and embossed Qashqai badging just below the headrests.
There is an improved version of Nissan’s Around View Monitor, too, which is the company’s own 360-degree parking camera aimed at making low-speed driving easier.
The new system features a 3D function allowing the driver to select a choice of eight different camera angles to reduce the chance of any bumps or scrapes when manoeuvring the vehicle.
A new Parking Spot Memory Function has also been added, allowing the driver to save exact parking locations – and then the car will remember the space for the next time around.
The Qashqai will also come with Google built-in. When signed into their Google account, the system will allow drivers to quickly access their favourite locations via the Maps app, as well as other services.
The powertrains on the new Qashqai remain the same as before, however, with Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system bringing a turbocharged three-cylinder engine which is mated to a 187bhp electric motor and a 1.8kWh battery pack. A mild-hybrid version is also available.
The new Qashqai will be available to order later this year with prices being announced nearer the time, too.
A bus once used by Sir Paul McCartney during the 1972 Wings Over Europe tour is heading under the hammer at auction.
The eye-catching double-decker bus was used by Sir Paul and Linda McCartney – as well as the rest of the Wings band – to travel over 7,500 miles across nine countries and 25 cities during the summer of 1972 with its psychedelic colour scheme ensuring nobody missed it wherever it went.
Completely and faithfully restored to its original heyday condition, the bus features wooden bunk beds, bright yellow colours and a bespoke cover for the upper deck which features ‘1972 Wings Tour Bus’ graphics. The top deck itself has been engineered as a performance space – now referred to as ‘The McCartney Stage’.
Sold by Car and Classic via online auction, the bus could fetch up to £200,000 by the time the hammer falls. The auction is set to run from April 22 until April 29, too.
The bus is accompanied by artefacts and memorabilia donated by founding Wings member Danny Seiwell, while an official license permits the use of artwork, logos and the names of both Paul and Linda McCartney.
Dale Vinten, Car & Classic head of editorial, said: “Just as [John] Lennon’s Rolls-Royce and the notable cars of other [The] Beatles members carry the weight of history, tour buses tell a different story, and bear witness to the behind-the-scenes magic that fuels the onstage brilliance.
“This essence is perfectly encapsulated in the Wings tour bus, still adorned in its psychedelic colours, and restored to how it would’ve been when the McCartneys and the rest of the band toured Europe over the summer of ’72. “
The new Focus ST Edition comes with adjustable front suspension and Brembo brake discs.
Ford has revealed a more hardcore version of its Focus ST hot hatchback with a new Edition model.
The Focus ST has been the only hot hatch on offer from the blue oval since the demise of the Focus RS back in 2018.
The new Focus ST Edition comes with adjustable front coil springs which allow the driver to tune the car to their personal preference.
The two-way adjustable suspension can be lowered by 10mm front to rear – compared to the standard ST setup – with a further 20mm adjustment available, too.
Extra stopping power has been brought in thanks to standard Brembo front brake discs, enabling the car to stop quicker and harder under fast track driving.
Under the bonnet is a 276bhp 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine allowing the ST Edition to do 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 155mph and produce 420Nm of torque.
On the exterior, the ST Edition comes with an Azura blue paint finish, gloss black door mirrors, roof, rear and diffuser as well as lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels while inside, there are sports seats and blue stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever, floor mats and centre console knee pads. There is also a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic.
The Focus ST Edition is available to order now priced from £42,905, with deliveries expected later this year.
The new electric estate will go on sale starting at just over £50k
Volkswagen’s practical new ID.7 Tourer will go on sale shortly with prices starting from £52,240.
Initially, the Tourer version of the ID.7 will be available in just one trim level – Pro Match.
The all-wheel-drive GTX and more powerful Pro S models will be available to order from early summer.
Available to order from April 18, the ID.7 Tourer will come with a 77kWh battery for both the standard Pro Match trim and sporty GTX all-wheel-drive model giving a claimed electric range of 374 miles.
The Tourer will produce the same power as the hatchback version with the electric motor producing 282bhp. Further performance figures have not been revealed for the Tourer model but the hatchback version of the ID.7 manages to do 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds.
The ID.7 Tourer Pro S will come with a larger 86kWh battery and has a claimed range of 425 miles.
The basic ID.7 Tourer Pro Match will come with LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and illuminated Volkswagen logos front and rear.
With five seats in place, the Tourer can provide up to 605 litres of luggage space, but fold the seats down and that increases to 1,714 litres.
The ID.7 Tourer will be priced from £52,240 for the Pro Match trim level with order books opening on April 18.
The Italian government has declared that the Milano name is banned from being used.
Alfa Romeo has received a backlash from the Italian government over the rights of the name used for its new Milano crossover.
The Milano was going to be Alfa’s first model to be offered as an EV, but now the Italian firm has had to have a rethink on a new name for its baby crossover.
Alfa Romeo has decided to change the name of the Milano to Junior.
The Junior name dates back to the 1960s with the Giulia and GT1300 – their purpose was to attract a younger audience to the Alfa Romeo brand.
The name Milano was chosen originally to pay tribute to Alfa’s history which began back in 1910 – and with the new Junior being their first EV, makes a groundbreaking change in the company.
Jean-Phillippe Imparato, CEO of Alfa Romeo said: “The choice of the name Junior is completely natural, as it is strongly linked to the history of the brand and has been among our favourites and among the public’s favourites since the beginning.
“We decided to change the name, even though we know that we are not required to do so, because we want to preserve the positive emotion that our products have always generated and avoid any type of controversy.”
The new Junior will still be offered in petrol and electric powertrains and will be available to order in early summer of this year with prices yet to be confirmed and will be revealed closer to the car’s launch date.
With the latest Skoda Kodiaq setting the standard one step higher, what has the competition got to offer?
Seven-seaters have always been a big hit with space-hungry buyers and since the recent fall in popularity of MPVs, seven-seater SUVs have only continued to find homes. That said, there are a few models which buck the seven-seater SUV trend.
The latest Skoda Kodiaq, however, has set the bar one step higher by offering great value for money, while being practical, good to drive, safe and above all having enough luggage capacity with all seven seats in place – with an impressive 340 litres of space.
But, even though the new Skoda Kodiaq is a great all-rounder, what if you’re not sold on its new look? Or do you want something even cheaper?
Here, we have compiled a list of seven seats that should be on your shortlist for this sector of the market.
Dacia Jogger
The Dacia Jogger is a car which offers this brand’s usual focus on value for money but adds in some excellent spaciousness and, of course, seven seats.
The Jogger offers low running costs, masses of space, decent equipment levels and all for just £18,295 – you can even get a hybrid version of the Jogger to make those journeys even cleaner and cheaper, though it does make the Jogger more expensive to buy.
The only downsides to the Jogger are that the looks divide opinion, the build quality isn’t class-leading and the third row of seats is a little tight and would only really suit small children.
Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail has been around since 2001 and in that time it has grown a reputation for being a sturdy, reliable and capable off-roader.
The latest X-Trail is now in its fourth generation and remains available with seven seats, just as its predecessor was.
The new model features Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system which brings smooth and efficient driving without the complexity of range anxiety and charging the car up.
However, if you do go for the seven-seat option, only children will feel comfortable in the back due to the limited knee and headroom while boot space is a touch compromised with all the seats in place.
But, the X-Trail boasts a smooth ride and is refined at motorway speeds with little wind and road noise – as well as being good when the going gets tough off-road.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 has always carried a touch of class and dependability. The XC90 has been around for over two decades now and even now it’s only in its second generation.
The current model has been around since 2015 and although it’s started to lag behind rivals in terms of technology, it’s still a great choice for those wanting a genuine seven-seater.
Unlike many cars in this segment, the XC90 can fit seven adults in its cabin, with the third row of seats having enough head and legroom as well as providing a decent boot space.
Another point to make is the rear seats in the XC90 can also be flipped down and folded back up in a matter of moments thanks to its clever design.
It may be an older addition to this list, but the XC90 is still a wise choice for those looking for a sensible seven-seater.
Kia EV9
The looks may divide opinion, but the new Kia EV9 electric SUV is a really good car beneath its wild exterior.
It comes with a 99.8 kWh battery pack giving an electric range of 349 miles and is available with single and dual motor form.
The entry-level Air model is very well equipped with heated front and second-row seats, an electric tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging.
Behind the wheel, the EV9 soaks up lumps and bumps well and it’s very refined at speeds with little road and wind noise.
If you like the looks, and you’re willing to spend a little extra – the EV9 is a great all-round electric seven-seat SUV.
Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery has always been a strong contender if you want a go-anywhere, luxurious, practical and capable seven-seater off-roader.
The Discovery has been around since 1989 and while it may not be the most reliable of choices, it still has the DNA from its bigger brother – the Range Rover – when it comes to tackling the rough stuff.
It comes with a choice of mild-hybrid diesel engines that help with its economy and are more than powerful enough for everyday use.
The latest model comes with air suspension as standard which improves the ride comfort while the interior is filled with storage compartments and even the third row of seats is perfectly capable of carrying adults in decent comfort.
Several car names have disappeared and returned over the years with good reasons, too.
With the recent reveal of the new Vauxhall Frontera, we see another familiar name return to the UK car market.
A lot of research, time, money and effort goes into coming up with names for new car models, however, within the last decade we have seen a steady amount of famous names return – but in different body styles.
Cars like the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Beetle and Mini all made a comeback reliving a retro and iconic design while transferring their famous names from the 20th into the 21st century.
However, there are some cars that you wouldn’t think would be launched with a name that resembles the past of a well-known model.
So, here is our list of cars that carried a name badge that resembled an older model from the past.
Vauxhall Viva
The original Viva was launched in 1963 and ran until 1979. The Viva was a small family car that was one of the most popular cars on British roads throughout the 1960s and 1970s – with over 1.5 million units produced.
It came as a total shock then, that in 2015 Vauxhall would revive the name of a memorable classic to its new Chevrolet Spark-based city car.
The 2015 Vauxhall Viva was a five-door city car to rival the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo and was phased out of production in 2019.
It came with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that developed 75bhp –however, a small boot and lack of refinement meant the Viva lacked behind key rivals like the Volkswagen UP!
Ford Puma
The Ford Puma first went on sale in 1997 and became famed for its fun driving dynamics, well-tuned chassis and cheeky looks.
It was essentially a Fiesta with a prettier coupe body, but that made the Puma a very desirable package and today it is seen as a future classic.
In 2000, the Puma was given a sportier makeover with the Ford Racing Puma – which came with a 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 153bhp and was limited to just 1000 units.
The old Puma went out of production in 2002 – until in 2019 the Puma name returned – but not with the same identity.
Instead, the Puma returned as a baby crossover to rival the Nissan Juke. But, that hasn’t caused sales to dwindle, as the Puma has become one of the UK’s best-selling cars and is great fun to drive thanks to sharp handling and little body roll.
The current Puma shares its platform with the recently demised Fiesta hatchback.
The Puma ST also gives the model a sporty pedigree just like the original Ford Racing Puma.
The ST comes with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 197bhp and has a top speed of 130mph – with a new model being released this year with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to an automatic gearbox.
Renault 5
The Renault 5 was replaced by the well-known Clio back in the early 90s, but the 5 name is set to return this year with a retro-inspired electric hatchback called the 5 E-Tech.
With no plans to drop the Clio, for the first time in Renault’s range, the Clio and 5 E-Tech models will both be on offer.
The original Renault 5 went on sale in 1972 and became the supermini of choice if you wanted French style with low running costs, an affordable price tag and good driving characteristics.
A variety of performance models came along with the 5 GT Turbo, Gordini and the mid-engined Turbo.
The new 5 E-Tech will also have a performance model later down the line with the Alpine A290.
DS3
The original Citroen DS from the 50s was a revolutionary car. Not only did it look like no other car, but it also was the first model to use Citroen’s legendary hydropneumatic suspension.
The French firm’s hydropneumatic suspension was a world first for production cars. Instead of using coil springs, Citroen’s system uses a sphere-shaped spring absorber with inert gas and nitrogen on one side and incompressible hydraulic fluid filled that was connected to the suspension on the other side. The result? An incredibly comfortable and cloud-like ride.
The DS became an iconic car for the 20th century and even to this day, is an all-time classic with many different permutations including an estate, convertible and four-door saloon.
In 2010, Citroen decided to revive the DS name with a posh sub-brand starting with the DS3.
The DS3 was a quirky and cool-looking supermini that rivalled the Mini and Audi A1.
A hot Racing version followed in 2011 with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that was taken from the Mini Cooper S – producing 204bhp and had a top speed of 140mph.
Lamborghini Countach
Lamborghini has always known how to make the perfect pin-up bedroom wall supercar. Ever since the company moved from making tractors to vehicles, they have made some great cars with unforgettable names.
One that the Italian supercar maker made back in the 1980s was the Countach – a direct rival to the Ferrari Testarossa.
The original Countach production ran from 1974 until 1990 – but in 2021 the Countach name made a return to the Lamborghini line-up and was still a fully-fledged supercar with hybrid power.
Only 112 Countach LPI 800s were made and come with a V12 engine with an electric motor, enabling it to do 0-60mph in just 2.6 seconds, has a top speed of 220mph and produces 803bhp.
Limiting what new drivers can do on the road will cut “needless deaths”, ministers have been told.
The AA said motorists should be prevented from carrying passengers of a similar age for at least six months after passing their test.
It also called for new drivers to be required to keep a record showing they have driven on all types of roads.
These limitations would form part of graduated driving licences, which place restrictions on drivers for a set period after they pass their test.
They are used in several countries including the US, Canada, Australia and Sweden.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced in July 2019 it was considering introducing the licences in England.
But the assessment was halted in autumn 2020, partly due to the potential impact on young people’s employment.
AA president Edmund King said: “One of the major issues that needs to be addressed is the needless deaths of young drivers, their passengers and others caught up in these crashes.
“Each year nearly 5,000 people are killed or seriously injured in crashes involving at least one young driver.
“One in five young drivers crash within a year of passing their test.
“Most people don’t realise, until it is too late, that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults.
“We owe it to the next generation to introduce positive measures that will help give them healthy and prosperous lives.”
Sharron Huddleston, whose 18-year-old daughter Caitlin died as a passenger in a car crash in Cumbria in 2017, has formed Forget-me-not Families Uniting, a campaign group for people who have lost loved ones in road collisions.
She said: “Graduated licences are a crucial issue. How many more young people need to die before action is taken?
“We can’t sit back any longer and just watch as more and more young people are killed or seriously injured in road collisions.
“My daughter Caitlin would be alive today if action had been taken when the concept of graduated licences was floated years ago.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “While the UK has some of the safest roads in the world, any death is a tragedy which is why we continue working tirelessly to improve road safety for everyone.
“Our Think! campaign is specifically targeted at young male drivers, and we have commissioned research designed to help learner and newly-qualified drivers improve their skills and safety.”
The plea for graduated licences was issued as part of the AA’s so-called motoring manifesto ahead of local and mayoral elections in May, and a general election on a date still to be announced.
The Creating Confidence for Drivers document calls for measures such as better fuel price transparency, reducing VAT on public electric vehicle charging, using technology to make more permanent pothole repairs, and setting clear targets to reduce road deaths.