Ministers are being urged to reinstate the hard shoulder on smart motorways.
The RAC issued the plea exactly a year after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled all future planned smart motorway projects, citing financial pressures and a lack of public confidence in the roads.
It is a day after the 10-year anniversary of the first stretch of all-lane running (ALR) smart motorway – using the hard shoulder as a permanent live traffic lane – opening on the M25 in Hertfordshire.
ALR smart motorways increased capacity at a lower cost than widening roads.
There have been long-standing safety concerns after fatal incidents in which vehicles stopped in live lanes were hit from behind.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “There is a real irony when it comes to talking about cost pressures in relation to these distinctly unpopular types of motorway.
“While heralded as a cost-effective way of increasing capacity on some of our busier roads, a colossal amount of public money has since gone into trying to make them safer – for instance by installing radar-based technology to detect stricken vehicles more quickly, plus the creation of additional emergency refuge areas.
“This cash needn’t have been spent. The Government ploughed on with building all-lane running motorways, regardless of concerns expressed by drivers, the RAC and even the Transport Committee.
“We continue to believe that the Government should either convert existing all-lane running smart motorways to dynamic ones – where the hard shoulder is only opened to traffic during busy periods – or repaint the white line and reintroduce a permanent hard shoulder on these roads.
“In either case, queue-busting technology such as variable speed limits could remain to help ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “While smart motorways are statistically among the safest roads on our network, we recognise the need for the public to feel safe when driving, and have cancelled plans for all new smart motorway schemes.
“We are also investing £900 million to make improvements on existing smart motorways, including building more emergency areas on these roads.”
A National Highways report published in December revealed that smart motorways without a hard shoulder were three times more dangerous to break down on than those with an emergency lane.
The number of people killed or seriously injured after a stopped vehicle was hit by a moving vehicle was 0.21 per 100 million vehicle miles travelled on ALR smart motorways between 2017 and 2021.
That compares with 0.07 on controlled smart motorways, which have variable speed limits but retain a hard shoulder, and 0.10 on conventional motorways.
National Highways said at the time that evidence shows all types of smart motorways are safer than conventional motorways in terms of deaths or serious injuries, and a series of safety improvements have been made since 2021.
The Battista electric hypercar went into production in 2022 and the Reversario is the latest edition to the firm.
Italian design house Pininfarina has revealed a bespoke hypercar designed for one lucky customer.
The Reversario is a special edition of Pininfarina’s Battista electric hypercar which was limited to only 150 units worldwide when it went on sale in 2022.
There have also been limited runs of the Battista with the Anniversario that was revealed in 2020 to celebrate the firm’s 90th birthday.
The Reversario will come with 1,874bhp and will do 0-60mph in just 1.79 seconds. (Credit: Pininfarina Automobili)
This new model is hand-built and features unique exterior colour schemes that represent Pininfarina’s heritage. Unlike the Anniversario which featured a white top half body and grey finish for the lower section, the Reverario does this the other way around with a grey body on top of a white lower half.
Underneath the skin, there are four electric motors with one driving each wheel – while an electronic stability control with a software differential allows the driver to tailor the power delivery and handling responses.
The Reversario comes with the same battery pack as the standard Battista – a 120kWh lithium-ion battery contained with strong and lightweight carbon fibre housing.
Performance figures are the same as the standard car with 1,874bhp, 2,300 Nm of torque, a 0-60mph time of just 1.79 seconds and 0-124mph in 4.75 seconds.
The battery pack is mounted centrally behind the seats to give the best centre of gravity.
Prices for the Reversario have not been revealed yet, but considering the standard Battista had a price tag of £2 million – expect this bespoke model to cost a lot more than that.
The STJ version of the Huracan will be limited to just 10 units worldwide.
Lamborghini has revealed a limited-run-out model of its smallest supercar, the Huracan STJ – which will be the last V10 production car the company produces.
By the end of this year, the Huracan will be replaced by a new hybrid supercar with further details to be confirmed.
The STJ is based on the STO version of the Huracan which was revealed in 2021 but has a number of styling differences and bespoke liveries.
STJ stands for Super Trofeo Jota. Super Trofeo is the Lamborghini one-make racing championship, which was established in 2009 and Jota is related to the FIA regulations that set racing car specifications.
The Huracan STJ’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine produces 640bhp and 565Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with power sent to the rear wheels alone. Performance figures are yet to be revealed.
The last dance for our Huracán range must be unforgettable. Introducing the Huracán STJ, the super sports car born with one goal: to celebrate, once again, our epic V10 engine. #Lamborghini
It has four-way adjustable shock absorbers to give a better ride, improving the handling and giving the best experience when the STJ is being used on a track.
Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres have been specially designed for the car and are made with high-grip compounds to deliver excellent traction when driving around a circuit.
Externally, there will be a choice of two different livery options. The first is a combination of grey bodywork and a black roof with red and white details – while inside there are black Alcantara seats alongside red stitching.
The second configuration consists of blue bodywork and a black roof with red and white details – in addition, both models come with a carbon fibre-plated ‘one of 10’ badge, too.
Prices have not been revealed for the Huracan STJ, but expect it to carry a premium over the old STO model which was priced at £260,000.
Compact crossover will be the successor to the Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks.
Alfa Romeo has revealed its latest offering into the compact crossover class with the Milano.
The new Milano will be the first Alfa Romeo to be available as a full-electric model – alongside a conventional mild-hybrid version.
The Milano electric will come with two trim levels – Elettrica and Veloce. The mild hybrid will come in Ibrida trim while an initial launch edition called the Speciale will be available in both mild-hybrid and electric powertrains.
On the outside, the Milano has pronounced wheel arches, adaptive LED matrix headlights, hidden rear door handles, and a large front grille with the Alfa Romeo logo shaped into the grille itself. It also has compact dimensions – measuring at just over four metres in length and 1.5 metres in height.
On the inside, there is a digital 10.25-inch colour screen, as well as in the centre of the dashboard houses another 10.25-inch touchscreen. Owners can customise their own homepage for the infotainment screen. The attention to detail is reminiscent of Alfa Romeo’s heritage with the air-con vents shaped like the four-leaf clover to represent the sporting pedigree of the brand – while sports seats are available as an option.
The Milano Ibrida will be offered with front and all-wheel-drive versions and will come with a 138bhp 48V hybrid system. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo is boosted by 28bhp courtesy of the electric motor, too.
.@alfa_romeo presents the new MILANO: Sporty at heart, compact in size and Italian style at first sight. #MILANO combines a captivating style with the most advanced technology in terms of comfort, connectivity, and driving dynamics. Learn more: https://t.co/Zyibwn9t7xpic.twitter.com/5TZFrgItNK
The Speciale launch trim will be offered with either mild-hybrid or electric power. It has features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a vinyl and fabric interior, an electric driver’s seat with massage function and an electric tailgate.
The electric versions of the Milano will come with two power outputs. The Milano Elettrica comes with a 158bhp electric motor and has a claimed range of 250 miles on a single charge or up to 366 miles around town.
The sportier Veloce gets a 243bhp electric motor – while both models are mated to a 54kWh battery pack. Alfa Romeo hasn’t revealed the figure for the electric range on this model – but expect it to be less than the Eletrrica’s 250 to 366 mile range.
Charging from a 100kW rapid charger will take 30 minutes to charge the Milano from 10 to 80 per cent. Boot space is said to be one of the best in class with a loading capacity of 400 litres of space and EV versions also feature storage compartments under the bonnet.
Order books open in early summer for the Milano with prices to be confirmed closer to the car’s release date.
New top-of-the-range model will go on sale with a starting price of £24,180.
Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its i20 N-Line S model.
The top-of-the-range sporty N-Line S will be priced at £24,180 and features exterior and interior elements taken from the flagship Hyundai N brand.
The N brand is the South Korean firm’s performance division, producing hot hatches such as the i20N and i30N, while more recently it took a swing at hot EVs with the Ioniq 5N.
The N-Line trim is more mainstream, with sporty exterior and interior aesthetics as well as affordable running costs and prices.
Under the bonnet, the i20 N-Line S is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 98bhp and 72Nm of torque. There is a choice of a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The N-Line S features heated front seats and steering wheel as well as ambient lighting. (Credit: Hyundai press UK)
The current N-Line in the i20 range comes with a rear spoiler, N-Line leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, as well as sportier front and rear bumpers and side skirts. But the N-Line S adds to this with bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels, multi-coloured ambient lighting, heated front seats and steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors plus a Bose audio system.
There is also a choice of ten exterior colours as well as the option to have a two-tone paint scheme with Phantom black contrasting roof and door mirrors.
Safety equipment in the N-Line S includes lane keep and follow assist, autonomous city braking, a speed limiter plus driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags.
The new i20 N-Line S is available to order from April 11, with deliveries expected later in the year.
The most prestigious EV in Mercedes’ range has undergone a few tweaks to make it even better.
Mercedes-Benz has revealed an updated version of its flagship EV to keep it competitive in the ultra-luxury electric car class.
The new EQS has received updated styling and an improved electric range, while there is now more comfort for backseat passengers, too.
The nose gets a new radiator cover with chrome accents to separate the range-topper from other EQ models, while the Mercedes three-pointed star symbol is now mounted on the bonnet.
On the inside, the revised EQS now comes as standard with the MBUX hyperscreen. It comprises three displays that merge together to create a 141cm screen across the dashboard.
In the back, there is now the option of the extended luxury lounge pack, which includes a footrest to allow passengers to stretch out, while the rear seats can recline up to 38 degrees. The front passenger seat can also be folded down to give more space.
Impress with classic elegance. The all-electric #EQS features chrome accents, signature one-bow design and as part of the standard Electric Art Line our prestigious standing Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.#MercedesBenzpic.twitter.com/Ok5r5TLq1o
Mercedes has given the EQS a range boost, too. The current model has a claimed range of up to 453 miles from a 108.4kWh battery pack, but the new EQS gets a larger 118kWh battery. As a result, the range has jumped up by 51 miles, pushing the claimed figure to 504 miles on a single charge.
The carmaker hasn’t confirmed UK pricing yet, but we expect a small increase over the current car’s £112,600 starting price. The new EQS will go on sale later this year.
The original Kodiaq was a smash hit for Skoda. Can this second-generation car deliver the same excellent experience? Jack Evans finds out.
What is it?
Longer than before, the Skoda offers more interior space
The Kodiaq brought Skoda into a whole new age when it was released back in 2016. Delivering the Czech firm into the then-flourishing – and now well-established – family SUV segment, it was a car that prioritised space and practicality while delivering a user-friendly focus. Needless to say, it was a hit and, in total, Skoda has delivered more than 865,000 Kodiaqs across the globe.
It means that replacing it is going to be tricky. However, Skoda believes it has made a match for the original with this second-generation Kodiaq, which brings more technology and features than before but without losing the spaciousness that made its predecessor so popular.
What’s new?
The rear lights are more intricate than before
The Kodiaq was never a small car to begin with but, in the interests of boosting interior space, the new version is bigger than before. In fact, it’s 61mm longer than the car it replaces, bringing 15mm extra headroom to that third row – in seven-seater versions – which does mean that they’re a little more adult-friendly than those on the older Kodiaq. As before, this large SUV is offered in either five- or seven-seater layouts, though only entry-level SE versions are available as the former.
You’ll find the same range of ‘Simply Clever’ features aboard this new Kodiaq as you did on the older one, too – but with a more ‘eco’ twist. Both the umbrellas inside the front doors and the iconic ice scraper behind the fuel filler door are now made from green, recycled materials, for example.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Kodiaq debuts a new front-end design
Skoda has offered the new Kodiaq with a wide range of engines, including an efficient plug-in hybrid which can return a claimed electric-only range of up to 60 miles, which will make it a good choice for business drivers. However, it’s not set to be in the UK until later this year – which is why we’re driving a more traditional 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel instead. We’re in the more powerful version, too, bringing 193bhp over a less potent 148bhp model with the same engine.
With a zero to 60mph time of 7.7 seconds, it’s got enough power on tap to ensure this large SUV is never left floundering performance-wise and with a claimed consumption figure of 44.1mpg, it’s reasonably efficient. We do, however, expect most drivers will opt for the 148bhp version – it’s still more than powerful enough but bumps that consumption figure to just under 50mpg.
What’s it like to drive?
The older Kodiaq always offered an easy-going and very intuitive driving experience and this new version delivers largely the same style. Naturally, you sit in a commanding position and there’s good adjustability available for whoever is behind the wheel. The steering itself is quite light – a handy attribute when you’re driving at lower speeds – while the ride is pleasant enough. We drove a car with optional Dynamic Chassis Control – which allows you to firm up or stiffen the dampers – and in their hardest setting the Kodiaq does become a little too rigid, though it does help to control the car’s body roll which is noticeable when the dampers are soft.
Out to drive something very exciting today – the new Skoda Kodiaq. Loved the original so high hopes for this one pic.twitter.com/dvi4OakspM
Visibility isn’t too bad, either, though over-the-shoulder glances are hampered by the car’s large rear quarter section, while the narrow screen at that back means that your view rearwards isn’t the best. The 2.0-litre diesel might be a little agricultural at slower speeds, but it makes up for this by being impressively quiet and smooth when you’re travelling more quickly.
How does it look?
The Kodiaq once again enters the busy SUV segment
Skoda has taken an evolutionary approach with the design of the new Kodiaq. It’s a somewhat more rounded affair than it was previously, however, and while looks are always down to the individual, we feel that it doesn’t have quite the same visual impact as its more blocky predecessor.
There are still some nice touches here and there, mind you, like the squared-off wheelarches and the more intricate headlights. As is the fashion at the moment, there’s also an LED strip connecting the headlights while around the back you’ll find a full-width light bar as well.
What’s it like inside?
The cabin has loads of user-friendly features
Space has always been a priority with the Kodiaq and that’s no different here. Those sitting up front have a great view of the road ahead, while the middle-row occupants have plenty of space to enjoy. Both head- and legroom levels are excellent while the sheer variety of pockets and charging ports makes this SUV extremely versatile and appropriate for family buyers. Material quality is good, too, and the overall fit-and-finish is top-notch.
The very rearmost seats – on seven-seater Kodiaq models – aren’t too bad but despite the increased headroom, it’s still very tight for average-height adults. Taller people will struggle to sit there at all. However, for occasional use, it’ll be fine, while smaller kids will be able to sit there quite happily for longer trips. Boot space is great too, with the seats-up load area growing by 80 litres to 340 litres, or 845 litres with the rearmost seats folded flat. Collapse both rows and you free up an impressive 2,035 litres.
What’s the spec like?
The Smart Dials are excellent to use
There has been a bump in the Kodiaq’s price – it now starts at £36,645, whereas the original 2016 version would’ve kicked off from just over £21,000. However, there’s far more technology on board and given it’s nearly a decade since the first-generation car arrived, there are some inflationary measures to take into account. It’s a car which is jam-packed with features, however, from a large central touchscreen and virtual cockpit, to the two wireless phone charging slots which are fan-cooled to ensure that they can deliver a high rate of charge without overheating your devices.
We’re in a well-equipped SE L version, which will likely be a firm favourite among buyers. It brings 19-inch alloys as standard, alongside Matrix LED headlights, a powered boot and a driver’s seat with an electric memory function. One crucial feature – standard on all cars – is the new ‘Smart Dials’ which are customisable rotary switches that are a breath of fresh air against the touchscreen-centric approach we’ve seen lately. Operating features such as the fan speed or temperature, they’re a breeze to use – particularly on the move – and way better to having everything within the main screen.
Verdict
Skoda hasn’t re-written the Kodiaq rulebook with this second-generation car. It’s a recipe which has been finessed and refined, elevating it in all the key areas without diminishing the factors which made the original so successful. It’s pleasing that Skoda hasn’t lost sight of the user-friendly features which the first Kodiaq delivered; the smart dials and logical location of buttons make this a car that’ll be dead easy to get up to speed with.
It has risen in price, but there’s so much equipment on board the Kodiaq that it doesn’t feel unreasonable. Add in a whole heap of extra space – and a good range of engines – and it makes this latest Kodiaq just as easy to recommend as before.
Updated looks and a lower starting price make the Sorento a more attractive proposition.
Kia has facelifted its Sorento SUV line-up and given it a lower starting price.
The Sorento has been around since 2003 and in that time has become a popular choice among UK buyers.
It’s now in its fourth generation, and for 2024 Kia has decided to improve the SUV even further.
On the exterior, the new Sorento takes inspiration from the firm’s EV9 electric SUV with vertical headlights and redesigned LED daytime running lights. There’s a new bonnet design and fresh alloy wheels, too, while a gloss-black radiator grille, black side sills and wheel-arch mouldings are new additions as well.
Step inside and there are dual curved 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting plus a customisable head-up display.
The standard 2 model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, tinted glass, a four-inch driver display screen and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The Sorento 3 is priced from £46,195 and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch driver display screen, powered tailgate and a Bose audio system.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 4 trim starts from £50,695 and boasts a tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, alloy pedals, an electric steering column plus electric front seats with electric lumbar support.
The interior features a customisable head-up display and dual curved screens – as well as ambient lighting. (Credit: Kia press office UK)
All models come with a choice of engines, including a 2.2-litre diesel producing 190bhp, a 1.6-litre hybrid with 212bhp and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid with 249bhp.
All versions of the new Kia Sorento come with an automatic gearbox as standard.
Prices start at £41,995 for the 2 model – which is £3,030 cheaper than the previous entry-level Vision trim – and rise to £55,995 for the 4 plug-in hybrid – with order books open now.
This special edition will also be available with a choice of V8 or hybrid power.
Bentley has revealed a special version of its Bentayga S SUV – the Black Edition.
The S Black Edition features a unique interior of Beluga leather with orange ambient lighting while the seats have an embroidered ‘S’ logo on them. There are also dark tint headlights, 22-inch wheels, Black Edition badging and a V8 split sports exhaust.
Inside, you’ll find a carbon fibre weave on the fascia and centre console while a dark chrome pack which has been fitted as standard replaces chrome for gloss black on the air vents, organ stops and centre vents, too.
The Bentayga S Black Edition will come with a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine producing 542bhp and 770Nm of torque. All-in, the Bentayga S will manage 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 180mph.
Also available on the Bentayga S Black Edition is a hybrid setup, bringing a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 456bhp along with a 134bhp electric motor. It will get the Bentayga from 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds as well as reaching a top speed of 158mph.
There is a new Sport mode that improves steering feel, better turn-in response and reduces body roll by increasing the damping in the air suspension by 15 per cent.
Prices for the Bentayga S Black Edition have not been revealed, but expect it to be higher than the standard S model starting from £180,000.
Funky French hatchback is now in its fourth generation.
Citroen has revealed conventional versions of its electric C3 to make it more competitively priced against its rivals.
The hatchback has been around since 2002 and has gained a reputation for being a funky and fresh alternative to the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.
The electric-only E-C3 was unveiled last October, boasting a 111bhp electric motor, 44kWh battery pack and claimed electric range of 199 miles on a single charge.
From a 100kW fast charger, the E-C3 can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes.
Now in its fourth generation, the new C3 gains a more rugged SUV look and is available as a hybrid and petrol model.
The hybrid will come with a 48V system, enabling 50 per cent of city driving on electric power alone.
Under the bonnet is a three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 100bhp, while the electric motor adds an extra 28bhp.
The new C3 will be available with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 48V hybrid powertrain. (Credit: Stellantis media William Crozes @ Continental Productions)
There will also be the option of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 101bhp and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
In mainland Europe, there will be two trims on offer with the new C3, starting with the entry-level You featuring LED headlights, electric mirrors, air conditioning, automatic lights and a head-up display.
The top-of-the-line Max adds two-tone paint, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen, power-folding door mirrors, tinted rear windows and wireless smartphone charging.
Space inside the cabin has improved with more storage compartments in the centre console, door pockets and under the central armrest.
Boot space is larger than in the previous model with an extra 10 litres of space taking it to a total capacity of 310 litres – as well as a 60:40 split function on the top-of-the-range Max model.
The new C3 will go on sale in mainland Europe with a price equivalent of £12,800, while the electric E-C3 will have a price equivalent of £19,900.
Citroen has yet to reveal prices and trim levels for the UK market, as well as a date for when order books will open.
