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Review: Can Ford’s updated Kuga push it to the top of the class?

With a refreshed front end and more modern interior, the new Kuga has a lot to give, but what’s it like out on the road? Cameron Richards finds out.

What is it?

(Ford)

The Ford Kuga has been around since the late 00’s as a compact SUV, and since then, it has grown in size, gained more on-board tech and has become one of the go-to choices for those looking for an engaging family car.

The third-generation model was released in 2020 and now for 2024, it has received a midlife makeover to help it stay in-line with the competition from Kia and Nissan.

What’s new?

(Ford)

Externally, there is a gloss black grille, new headlights and light bar. The ride height has increased for better ground clearance, too, though this is still very much a road-focused SUV.

Inside, the old eight-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a 13.2-inch infotainment display that Ford calls its Sync 4 unit. Furthermore, the instrument cluster has been updated and increased in size to a 12.3-inch digital display.

What’s under the bonnet?

(Ford)

The Kuga is available with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains – Ford has ditched all diesel variants from the Kuga range, meaning that only petrol and electrified power units are on offer.

We’ve been testing the plug-in hybrid version that comes with a 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine that is mated to a CVT automatic gearbox and 14.4kWh battery pack that allows the Kuga to do 35 miles on electric driving alone. Overall power comes in at 239bhp, allowing this SUV to do 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

What’s it like to drive?

(Ford)

Out on the road, the Kuga impresses in a lot of areas. Take it on a long trip and it is very relaxing to travel in. The ride is well-judged and the cabin is nicely insulated from road and wind noise. At speed, the car performs well, is very quiet and largely composed on the motorway.

Fuel economy is excellent, too, with our plug-in hybrid test car averaging 60mpg no matter if you’re driving in town, the open road or on a long run.

Take it on a twisty road and the handling is precise, has a good feel to it and there isn’t too much body roll considering that the Kuga is quite a tall vehicle.

In town, the plug-in hybrid system makes good use of its electric motor with very little input from the petrol engine. It helps to make it easy to drive while having the nifty by-product of boosting efficiency.

All the controls are easy to operate and visibility is excellent due to the large windows. However, the thick b-pillars do obstruct your view of other cars when changing lanes on motorways. Also, when driven hard, the engine and CVT gearbox start shouting and screaming which can be unpleasant. Drive the car in Sport mode, and although it sharpens the handling and throttle response, the engine just wants to rev out which can be annoying.

How does it look?

(Ford)

We’ve been testing the rugged Active model that gives you lifted suspension and plastic wheel arch trims. From any angle, the Kuga is a good looking car. Our car came with the optional Bursting green paintwork, which makes it really stand out and gives it an individual presence.

The side profile is housed by lower body mouldings finished off in silver trim and the gloss black roof bars and roof match the front grille colour, too.

The redesigned front headlights have a wraparound effect and at the back, there are some real exhaust tips – you’ll find no ‘fake’ plastic versions here.

What’s it like inside?

(Ford)

Inside is a mixed bag. Aesthetically, it’s a stylish a minimalist affair, however dig a bit deeper and you’ll find hard scratchy plastics on the rear door panels, glovebox and centre console, which doesn’t reflect in the car’s £42,000 asking price.

But, on the flip side, there is plenty of space inside for occupants with a vast amount of head and legroom for rear seat passengers and there’s a fairly flat floor, too. The rear seats slide forwards for more boot space, or backwards for more legroom as well. There are large door bins and the cupholders are of a decent size. It’s just a shame that the centre storage bin is a little small and the glove box is not the biggest.

The touchscreen interface looks great and is fairly easy to use and even though the climate control buttons are integrated into the display, they’re on the screen permanently making them easier to use. However, Apple CarPlay was a bit temperamental and it struggled to connect to devices or adjust volume without glitching.

Our plug-in hybrid model has a smaller boot than the normal hybrid to make way for its batteries at 628 litres, but it’s still bigger than a Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. Fold the seats down and the space extends to 1,534 litres, it’s just a shame there’s a fairly large ridge between the boot floor and seats when they are folded down.

What’s the spec like?

(Ford)

The Kuga comes in plenty of permutations that offer a vast amount of standard equipment, with Titanium, ST-Line, Active and ST-Line X.

We were testing the Active model which is priced at £38,965 and gives you lifted suspension, black mirror caps and roof, 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and part leather and Alcantara seats.

The flagship ST-Line X is yours for £39,705 and offers a heated steering wheel and seats front and rear, 19-inch alloy wheels and an electric sliding glass sunroof.

Verdict

On the face of it, the Kuga just looks like every other SUV. But, scratch beneath the surface and this facelift has improved the looks and on-board tech.

It’s great to drive with excellent handling and refinement as well as being able to be practical and make good use of its space.

The plug-in hybrid model is also very economical and its decent 35 miles of electric driving range isn’t bad either.

The cheap feeling plastics let it down, but we can forgive it for being a great all rounder and one that should be on your shopping list if you’re in the market for a midsize SUV with green credentials.

Facts at a glance

  • Model as tested: Ford Kuga Active PHEV CVT
  • Price as tested: £41,955
  • Engine: 2.5-litre petrol with 14.4kWh battery
  • Power: 239bhp
  • Torque: N/A
  • Top speed: 125mph
  • 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
  • MPG: 61.5
  • CO2 emissions: 123g/km
  • Electric range: 35 miles

By Cameron Richards

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UK drive: The Golf receives a facelift to keep it in-line with its rivals

The small family hatchback is one of the firm’s most important and successful models. Cameron Richards has driven the latest version.

What is it?

The Golf is celebrating its 50th birthday. (Volkswagen)

The Volkswagen Golf is now 50 years old, and in that time it has become a household name for the German brand. In fact, a total of 37 million have been sold worldwide.

Not only that, but it has also become the benchmark of the small family hatchback class as it demonstrates that quality, refinement, interior space and practicality needn’t cost the earth.

Available as a five-door hatchback or five-door estate, there are plenty of offerings available and now in its eighth iteration, the Golf has received a mid-life facelift to help it keep in touch with its competition from Ford and Vauxhall. We’ve been driving it in the UK to find out if the tweaks made improve the overall performance of this landmark model.

What’s new?

There is a new and improved plug-in hybrid model and the exterior design has been tweaked to make it look more modern. (Volkswagen)

The Golf has always evolved subtly and gracefully with minor nips and tucks here and there to keep it looking sedate yet modern.

This latest version comes with an updated exterior that incorporates a new front end with redesigned headlights and taillights and there’s an illuminated Volkswagen logo, too, following on from other cars in the firm’s range which use this eye-catching feature such as the Touareg and ID.4.

Inside, there is an improved infotainment screen with updated software. It has been introduced to address some criticism voiced against the previous Golf’s screen setup which many found too cluttered. It’s not the only change made to silence critics – the fiddly touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel have been replaced with physical ones, too.

What’s under the bonnet?

A choice of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid engines are on offer. (Volkswagen)

The Golf is available with a range of petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid guises.

Our test car had the 1.5-litre TSi turbocharged petrol engine which is available with either manual or automatic transmissions and is offered in two power outputs – 114bhp or 147bhp. The former does 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds and has a top speed of 126 mph while the latter can do 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a manual transmission or 8.2 seconds when equipped with Volkswagen’s DSG automatic. Go for this second transmission – like the one fitted to our test car – and it comes with mild-hybrid technology, too.

What’s it like to drive?

It’s easy to see why the Golf is the king of all the small family hatches. Out on the road, it performs incredibly well.

We were driving the 1.5-litre eTSi turbocharged petrol with a seven-speed DSG gearbox. The engine feels reasonably punchy while the mild-hybrid technology allows the Golf to run on electric-only power at very slow speeds, which helps it to crawl through traffic in relaxing silence.

However, the automatic gearbox can be a little hesitant and does make the engine quite vocal when accelerating hard. Overall refinement is excellent though, with very little wind, tyre and road noise entering the cabin.

Visibility is also good with large side windows and a clear view of the road ahead. The seats, meanwhile, are comfortable and supportive while the driving position is good with a lot of adjustment allowing you to easily get comfortable.

It also handles well with impressive levels of grip through the bends. But, even though it’s good to drive, the Golf still feels a little sober and doesn’t have much character. Numb steering and a rather bland engine note don’t help things, but after all, this is no performance car.

How does it look?

The Golf has always updated itself subtly and gracefully. (Volkswagen)

Throughout every generation, the Golf recipe has stayed the same. This latest model is a continuation of the Golf’s inoffensive approach to design which, though a little dull in places, is pretty much what we’d expect from this hatchback. After a little more exterior flair? Head in the direction of the mechanical twin to the Golf, the Seat Leon.

The side profile remains almost the same as the outgoing model and at the back, the rear bumper has dropped the fake-looking exhaust tips in favour of a larger chrome strip that runs the lower part of the car – and there is a new rear diffuser to give the Golf a slightly sportier edge. Overall, you would have to be a real Volkswagen aficionado to spot a lot of the changes externally.

What’s inside like?

Inside, there is new software for the infotainment system, improved cabin materials and physical buttons on the steering wheel. (Volkswagen)

Volkswagen products always have plush interiors, and this facelifted Golf is no exception. New high-quality materials are used throughout and there is a larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen and 10.2-inch instrument cluster that Volkswagen calls ‘digital cockpit pro’.

You’ll find that voice assistance and ChaptGPT are now standard across the range as well, helping to make it easier to interact with various functions of the car without having to use the main screen. Touch sensitive steering wheel buttons have now been replaced with physical ones, however, the volume control for the stereo still relies on haptic feedback and is hard to use on the move.

The cabin is thoroughly well thought out with felt-lined door bins and a generous glove compartment helping to make the interior feel a little more spacious and practical. Rear leg and headroom are one of the best in class, thanks to the car’s boxy design, but the large transmission tunnel will make it harder for someone to sit comfortably in the middle.

Boot space stands at 381 litres which is slightly more than a Ford Focus but not as spacious as the 410 litres found in the Honda Civic. However, the Golf’s rear seats do fold completely flat and there is some underfloor storage to eke out as much space as possible.

What’s the spec like?

The Golf now comes as standard with voice assistance and ChatGPT. (Volkswagen)

If variety is what you’re after with your next car, then you’re bound to find something that’ll fit the bill in the new Golf’s list of specifications with Life, Match, Style, R-Line, Black Edition and GTE trim levels all there to choose from. Switch to the estate and you’ll find Life, Style and R-Line trims all available instead.

Our test car was finished in R-Line specification which is priced at £30,285, and includes a body kit and sportier bumpers, sports seats and steering wheel.

Higher up the range is the Black Edition which adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors and LED taillights but bumps the price up to £31,285.

Verdict

The Golf remains the benchmark family hatchback. (Volkswagen)

After half a century, the Golf still remains the king of the hatchback class. It does everything just right. It’s sensible, safe, practical, good to drive, affordable to run and is a nice place to sit.

Sure, there are other cars in this sector that offer a better driving experience and are more exciting to look at, but the Golf still has a classless image that will age like a fine wine. In short, the Golf is still the one model that every car maker should see as a benchmark.

Facts at a glance

  • Model as tested: Volkswagen Golf R-Line eTSi S-A
  • Price as tested: £35,250
  • Engine: 1.5-litre eTSi turbocharged petrol
  • Power: 147bhp
  • Torque: 250Nm
  • 0-60mph: 8.2 seconds
  • Top speed: 139mph
  • CO2 emissions: 122g/km
  • MPG: 53.3mpg

By Cameron Richards

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Couple warn of car-buying scam after fraudsters tamper with Skoda before test drive

A Hertfordshire couple came close to losing thousands of pounds after fraudsters tampered with a car they were selling before taking it for a test drive.

Jerry Scagell and Jennie Shaw had advertised their Skoda Octavia Scout online and within hours, they had been contacted by an interested party looking to view it that evening.

Three people arrived – a couple and a child who remained in their car – with the pair quickly asking to see underneath the bonnet.

“The man claimed to be a mechanic,” said Mr Scagell. “He was saying that because he knew this sort of model that the turbos often went.

“They opened the bonnet and had a look inside and asked if they could check the Vehicle Identification Number to make sure it corresponded with the number on the car. So I went into the porch to ask my wife to get the V5 document.”

After this, Mr Scagell drove the vehicle while the interested buyers accompanied him. “He was interested in hearing the turbo, which involved me putting my foot down a few times. We were probably out for 10 to 15 minutes, during which time I put my foot down quite a few times. He was claiming to hear a whine.”

Mr Scagell stated that the Scout – which he and Ms Shaw had owned for over six years – had never had any previous mechanical issues.

It was on their return to the house that the buyers asked to open the bonnet of the car again – revealing an engine bay coated in oil. “There was engine oil all over the engine and the turbo,’’ said Mr Scagell.

‘‘He was saying that the turbo had gone and added that because he was familiar with these cars, he could swap an engine from a car he already had into this one.

“He said, ‘look, I could help you out’ and offered £1,500.’’ Mr Scagell had advertised the Skoda for £8,500, so the move would’ve seen a knock-down of £7,000.

“Eventually they walked away having been insistent that this was a good deal – and it was looking like it, to be honest. But in the cold light of day the next morning, I phoned up a local garage.’’

The garage discovered that it looked as though the fraudsters had removed the caps to both the coolant tank and the engine compartment. This had sent oil and water everywhere, particularly when Mr Scagell had been asked to accelerate. Thankfully, no permanent damage had been caused to the vehicle – though it cost £400 to repair the issues caused.

Mr Scagell continued: “The garage flushed everything through and it was all fine. They also saw some cables had been removed meaning that the car was running on three cylinders.”

Mr Scagell received 36 text messages from the would-be buyer during the following days, during which time they upgraded their offer to £3,500. However, he blocked the number and contacted Auto Trader, with whom he had advertised the car, to report the incident. Details were also passed on to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau – though it couldn’t further pursue the issue.

The PA news agency contacted Auto Trader, with a spokesperson for the company stating: “Crime is a sad fact of life regardless of sector or brand. In this instance, oil in coolant scams are generally a distraction type scam, so it’s advisable to have someone else with you during a viewing and not to leave potential buyers unsupervised.

“We have a dedicated security team that works seven days a week, 365 days a year to monitor for fraudulent and unlawful activity and take appropriate action as required.

“We also collaborate with other classified advertising sites to promote best practice, and in 2006, we established the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group (VSTAG), which brings together law enforcement, Trading Standards, Get Safe Online and other key classified market-places to share the latest advice to help consumers buy and sell vehicles safely.”

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McLaren’s design boss hints that long-rumoured four-door model remains in firm’s plans

A four-door addition to McLaren’s range of sports and supercars could still be in the pipeline, its design boss has stated.

The model has long been rumoured to form part of the Woking-based firm’s plans but has yet to be officially unveiled.

However, chief design officer Tobias Sühlmann – who returned to McLaren last September after a stint in its Special Operations department, where he oversaw the creation of the limited-run Solus – hinted to the PA news agency that the new, more practical model could still be on the cards.

Speaking at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sühlmann said the model could help to “grow the portfolio in the future, where you have maybe different powertrains or more than just two doors”.

Sühlmann commented: “More than just two seats and maybe more than just two doors. This is something where our team plays a key role because we can really shape the future.”

Sühlmann emphasised the importance of giving each future McLaren model a distinguished look of its own, stating: “Let’s say it’s a family – there’s a family that I can see but each model needs to have a different character.”

He also stated that introducing a four-door vehicle into McLaren’s range wouldn’t dilute the brand’s presence in the market. “We never compromise,” he said, adding: “We are always pushing boundaries in terms of engineering, design, everything. It doesn’t matter what kind of product you will have in the future – we will always have a true McLaren and this is something that will not go away.”

Although no official statement has been made, it’s believed that a four-door McLaren could arrive by the end of the decade to expand the firm’s range, which currently centres on performance cars such as the hybrid Artura and V8-powered 750S.

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Seat removes Tarraco from line-up ahead of new Terramar arrival

The Spanish firm’s flagship SUV originally went on sale back in 2019, but now it’s time for the electrified era to take over.

Seat has removed its largest SUV – the Tarraco – from sale to make space for the upcoming Cupra Terramar.

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace-rivalling model went on sale back in 2019, however, with a push towards electrification in full swing, the Spanish firm has decided to pull the plug and concentrate on its plug-in and hybrid vehicles.

The Tarraco will be replaced by the new Cupra Terramar which is due to go on sale later this year as a hybrid SUV.

A Seat spokesperson told the PA news agency: “The Seat Tarraco finished production in the second quarter of 2024. The next model to fill this segment will be the Cupra Terramar. Seat intends to update the Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca to continue offering plug-in hybrid and fuel-efficient cars until the end of the combustion era.”

The Terramar will be Cupra’s final internal combustion car as the firm is set to go electric by 2030. It also plays a key role in expanding the sporty Seat division even further after the success of the Formentor and Born models.

The Terramar will be rivalling cars such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and is expected to start at around £35,000. As well as regular mild-hybrid powertrains, the Terramar will also be available as a plug-in hybrid variant which should be able to do around 62 miles on battery power alone. It’s being positioned as one of three models on the horizon for Cupra, alongside the smaller Tavascan and smaller Urban Rebel.

By Cameron Richards

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Thinking of converting a van into a camper? Here are the best vehicles for it and some advice to get started

Indulge in that #vanlife with the best vans for camper conversions and advice on how to do it

With balmy weather on the horizon and the promise of long summer holidays, there is a good chance you may have considered investing in camper van to embark on that dream staycation.

The fact of the matter is, there has been a boom in van ownership over recent years, with Auto Trader revealing that demand for commercial vehicles was up 57% year-on-year during the global pandemic and that demand isn’t waning.

An enforced requirement to stay home fuelled the desire to get out on the open road when restrictions lifted, and many turned to vans and other Light Commercial Vehicles as the method to do so.

You only have to scroll through Instagram and Tik-Tok to see the number of folk taking on self-build projects and exploring far flung destinations.

But what if you can’t afford one of the ready-made solutions, such as Volkswagen’s gorgeous California line or the plucky Ford Nugget?

Thankfully, you can convert almost any panel van into a luxury camper with a little DIY knowledge or by enlisting the help of a professional outfit.

If this has fuelled your wanderlust, take a look at our guide to some of the best vans currently on the market, as well as tips on the conversion process.

Top 5 vans for a camper conversion

1. Volkswagen Crafter

(Volkswagen)

The large, practical and surprisingly easy to drive Crafter is arguably the pinnacle of the camper can conversion world, purely because it has an absolutely enormous load volume and comes kitted out with the latest driving technology. It’s plush, for a commercial vehicle.

Niceties, such as front and rear parking sensors, a silky smooth six-speed manual gearbox and a 10.4 inch infotainment system make it feel like an oversized Golf to drive, while the option of longer wheelbases and high roofs mean it can swallow even the most lavish projects.

However, prices start at around £55,500 for the latest model, so road trips won’t come cheap and to compound matters, they boast fantastic residual values, so even turning to the used market won’t exactly throw up many bargains.

2. Ford Transit Van

(Ford)

It needs very little introduction, seeing as the humble Transit has been the lifeblood of the British economy for almost 60 years, but the latest model is arguably the most accomplished yet.

It can be optioned as a double cab-in-van, which means more space for the family to travel safely, while several wheelbase lengths and roof heights ensure you can get exactly the sort of space you need in the back for beds, cooking equipment and even showering facilities.

Standard equipment is good, with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system (complete with whopping 12-inch touchscreen) and a comprehensive package of active driver assistance technology offered.

The latest version is a comfortable place to while away the miles and it comes in cheaper than VW products, with prices starting at around £48,000. Oh, and you don’t have to buy it in white, either.

3. MAN TGE

(MAN)

Big, tough and willing to tackle most terrain, the MAN TGE has become a popular option with camper conversion fanatics as it offers a fantastic amount of interior space, technology and pulling power for the money.

Basic panel vans start at around £35,000, with numerous powertrains and sizes on offer. An all-wheel-drive version could be the perfect option if you are planning on taking adventures off the beaten path, while the big 2.0-litre engine can be specified with 174bhp and 410Nm of torque, meaning it can haul heavy kit that you may have installed in the rear.

As with the Ford Transit Van, there’s also the option of an electrified version with around 80-90 miles of range, which could be the choice to go for if you’re keeping the camping experience fairly local.

4. Citroen Relay

(Citroen)

The largest van in the Citroen range has recently been overhauled with a new range of powerful but economical engines, as well as an impressive suite of onboard equipment and comfort features.

An impressive load capacity of 1,500kg means it will happily handle even the largest camper conversion projects and the numerous wheel bases and body styles means there should be an option to tick all project boxes.

The more potent diesel engines come with the option of an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which makes high mileage more pleasant to cover off. In addition to this, standard features like the reversing camera, climate control and touchscreen infotainment make it more car-like than previous generations of Relay, which is a boon for the uninitiated.

5. Volkswagen Transporter

(Volkswagen)

Granted, it’s another VW making the list, but the Transporter is arguably one of the most popular models for camper conversions in Europe. Pull up at any campsite and we bet you can count multiple T4, T5 and T6 variants flaunting their pop-roof mechanisms and fancy built-in kitchens.

In fact, there are a number of conversions companies in the UK that Specialise in more compact and easier to live with Transporter, while a comprehensive parts market makes it a doddle to buy off-the-shelf equipment that has been designed to play nicely with several generations of Transporter.

We are now in version 6.1, with an even newer model that shares its platform with the upcoming Ford Transit due sometime in 2025. But like the Crafter, even basic 6.1 Panel Vans are pricey, with a buoyant used market making it difficult to snare a used bargain.

That said, there are so many that have already been converted, it is highly likely you will find a nice T5 with all of the camper van flourishes for less than what you would pay for a brand new T6.1 fresh from the forecourt.

Camper van conversion Q&A

 

What is the law surrounding camper van conversions?

If you are simply planning on fitting out the rear of the van with sleeping, cooking and general camping equipment, there is no need to inform the DVLA, so long as what you are fitting doesn’t go beyond the maximum payload of the vehicle in question and it is safely installed.

However, if you want to register the vehicle as a motor caravan, it must fit certain criteria, such as having rear windows, a separate door for access and and a permanent high-top roof. The DVLA website is your best source of information on the matter.

Some owners have found that correctly registering a panel van as a leisure vehicle has reaped rewards when it comes to lower insurance premiums and slightly less expensive MOTs.

Also bear in mind that it is illegal for passengers to travel in the rear unless you have a legal seating and seatbelt configuration. This will have to be approved during the MOT process.

Can I convert a van myself?

Most definitely, and there are thousands of videos online that chart the process of a camper van conversion. Anyone with a vague knowledge of DIY and carpentry can have a go, while the Internet is a fantastic resource for tips on up-cycling old kitchen cupboards and re-using parts to keep the costs of a build top a minimum.

That said, if the thought of power tools and plywood fills you with dread, it might be worth seeking out a professional camper conversion company, which leads us neatly to…

How much does a camper van conversion cost?

This is really a “how long is a piece of string” question, because budgets can quickly spiral if you start adding fancy custom carpentry, bespoke lighting and/or showering and toilet facilities.

Reborn Campers, which specialises in Volkswagen Transporter conversion projects (there are many others), suggests that the most basic professional builds cost between £5,000 and £10,000 and features insulation, flooring, simple kitchen facilities, and a bed.

Luxury conversions, which contain high end kitchen facilities and premium materials can easily cost in excess of £20,000. Add showers, toilets and pop-top roofs for additional sleeping space and that can tickle £40,000.

That said, we’ve seen DIY projects completed for as little as a few hundred pounds and a lot of up-cycling know-how.

However, bear in mind that a well-executed camper conversion will aid resale value when it comes time to move it on, so it is not money wasted.

By Leon Poultney

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Forces charity set to repair and race written-off Subaru BRZ at upcoming Remembrance Day event

The 12-hour endurance race takes place at the famous Anglesey race circuit in north Wales.

Forces charity Mission Motorsport and eBay have partnered together to repair a written-off Subaru BRZ that will be used by volunteers to compete in a gruelling 12-hour endurance race taking place over Remembrance weekend.

Mission Motorsport helps those who have been affected by military operations and provides careers in the automotive industry.

Together with eBay, the charity will be fixing up a 2016 Subaru BRZ that has previously been crashed but classed as a category N, which means that it has been previously written off but left with non-structural damage.

The car in question is a 2016 Subaru BRZ that uses an automatic gearbox. (Malcolm Griffiths)

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mark White, operations manager behind the project said that they: “Didn’t necessarily want a BRZ, we have two Toyota GT86’s in the fleet, which are 99 per cent the same [as the Subaru]. For me, what I wanted was a comparable car that somebody who is handicapped in a whForces charity set to repair and race written-off Subaru BRZ at upcoming Remembrance Day eventeelchair could actually compete against somebody with an able body on a level playing field.”

The Subaru will be repaired and will return to standard specification as part of Mission Motorsport’s training programme. The car will then be modified to enable the team who are rebuilding it to drive the car – this will include hand controls on the steering wheel. Furthermore, the BRZ will be automatic as all the volunteers are paralysed from the waist down.

Once the vehicle has been repaired and converted, the volunteers behind the project are set to take part in the Race of Remembrance at Anglesey in November this year.

It also marks the 10th anniversary of the commemorative fund-raiser – while nearly every member from the racing team to the pit crew will be wheelchair users or have lower limb injuries.

The crash damaged car will be rebuilt and raced at the end of this year. (Malcolm Griffiths)

Ebay’s partnership will help supply parts from its Assured Fit programme, certified recycled parts and my garage services. All these collaborations ensure that every part purchased and supplied will fit and is tailored to the exact vehicle to ensure good quality parts are installed.

Mark White went on to say: “We’ve managed to get some really good beneficiaries and volunteers who are offering their time and their skills free of charge to come and help us put that car together so that combats that challenge. The biggest challenge is the financials, these guys that are volunteering, have offered a decent amount of free time to us.”

Ebay conducted some research regarding category N written-off vehicles and found that more than 80 per cent of UK motorists do not understand the significance of their status.

Furthermore, it found that more than a quarter of buyers would consider buying one, as long as they’re convinced by substantial savings, while 28 per cent would buy one if the market value was reduced by more than 30 per cent.

White touched upon what to look out for if buyers are in the market when purchasing a category N vehicle, he said: “It’s telltale signs of poor paint repairs, the fact that it has been damaged isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as it’s been repaired correctly. Panel gaps are another giveaway and things like rattles and wheels not pointing in the same direction and uneven tyre wear if it’s had some suspension damage.”

The car and team will be competing in the Race of Remembrance at Anglesey, which takes part from November 8 to 10.

By Cameron Richards

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First Ride: BMW’s R12 is a polished cruiser with retro-inspired touches

What is it?

BMW has a well-established presence in the motorcycle cruiser segment. One of its most recent forays into this area of the market has been the R18, with its big, burly presence and huge boxer engine making it a standout choice against others in the market. But if you’re after something a little more compact and ever-so-slightly sportier, where do you turn? The answer could be this – the R12.

It’s based on a similar setup to the popular R12 nineT model, which should make this new cruiser a little more dynamic to ride than fully-fledged cruisers. But what is it like to ride? We’ve been finding out.

What’s new?


The R12 leans unashamedly on some retro styling – as do so many of its rivals – but while other cruisers might go hard on chromed components, this bike is a little more contemporary with a largely blacked-out finish applied to many of its features. With its feet-forward ride position, it is designed for comfort while its wide bars aim to boost confidence at lower speeds.

At the core of the R12 is a new tubular steel spaceframe, which is different from the setup found on the older R nineT series which used a separate front and rear main frame instead. The end result? Fewer attachments, a cleaner look overall and less weight.

What’s it powered by?


Driving the R12 is a two-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine with a shaft drive. It’s a setup that we’ve seen used in all manner of BMW motorcycles and is distinctly central to the brand’s approach to how it builds its bikes. In this instance, the air and oil-cooled 1,170cc engine develops 94bhp – slightly less than the 107bhp you’ll get in the R12 nineT – alongside 110Nm of torque. It’s sent through a six-speed manual gearbox, too.

A left-side exhaust system with a double silencer provides a beefy soundtrack to the whole affair while a new airbox is cleverly housed under the seat. Up front, you’ve got upside-down telescopic forks, while four-piston monobloc brake calipers and 310mm floating brake discs provide ample stopping power.

What’s it like to ride?


You sit down on the generous low R12 and find it’s easy to get both feet flat on the floor. Even shorter riders will find it a breeze to get comfortable on this bike, while the reach to the bars doesn’t leave you leaning over too far. The large boxer engine which sits sideways means that your feet positioning will never be absolutely forward, but it’s a lot more relaxed than other BMW motorcycles available today.

That engine does deliver chunky performance, mind you, with loads of torque ensuring that roll-on acceleration is excellent. The exhaust note is almost aeroplane-like in its delivery and while a lack of front screen means that this will never be a true long-distance touring option, it’s still happier and more comfortable at speed than you might expect. Cruise control helps to take the edge off longer trips, too. You can also switch between two rider modes – ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’ – with the former delivering a sharper throttle. However, it can be a little tricky to keep remembering which one does what – it may have been easier just to call them ‘Sport’ and ‘Road’.

How does it look?


As we’ve already touched on, the R12 has a distinctly retro appeal to it. The steel tank has been designed to mimic the ‘Toaster Tanks’ that you’d find on some of BMW’s motorcycles from the 1970s and, as such, features a teardrop shape which feeds into the single seat and sharp rear wheel cover.

Again, the low seat height also plays into the classic cruiser design but has the added benefit of making this a very approachable motorcycle, despite its large-capacity engine. In addition, you’ve got a large 19-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear wheel which compliment the overall look of the bike. There’s also loads of scope for personalisation on the R12, with loads of packs – including classic-inspired ‘Option 719’ parts – allowing you to tweak and tailor the look of the bike to your own liking.

What’s the spec like?


Prices for the BMW R12 kick off at £11,990, making it slightly cheaper than other cruiser rivals like the Indian Scout and Harley Davidson Nightster. Naturally, it’s not hard to bump up the R12’s price once you start adding options, but it’s good to know that if you’re not too bothered about adding some extras then you can keep the price reasonably civil.

All versions get a keyless ride, too, though you’ll still need the key to unlock the fuel tank. As standard, the R12 just gets a compact display, though you’ll need to pay a little extra to get the handier digital display which gives you a good access point to all kinds of riding information. Annoyingly, there’s no fuel gauge, however. Your alert regarding fuel levels comes when it’s running low – whereby the system will note down how many miles you’ve travelled since the fuel light came on. It would be much easier just to have a simple range or bar graph.

Verdict

The BMW R12 combines the easy-going nature of a cruiser with the added sharpness of a sportier bike. Sure, it’s not going to keep up with an out-and-out sports bike, but it’s more than capable enough of turning your favourite road into something a little special.

But where the R12 really impresses is how polished it feels. From the switchgear to the click-clack gearshifter, this is a bike which impresses a sense of reassuring quality through to its rider – and that’s what makes it a very easy model to recommend.

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New Fiat Grande Panda to be one of the most affordable EVs

The recently revealed supermini will be available with electric or mild-hybrid power.

Fiat has revealed more details about its upcoming Grande Panda supermini.

The new model will be available with either electric or mild-hybrid powertrains.

The electric version will come with a 44kWh battery – the same as in its Citroen e-C3 stablemate at Stellantis – and will do an estimated 198 miles on a single charge. However, this figure hasn’t been officially confirmed on the WLTP cycle.

A choice of electric and mild-hybrid powertrains will be on offer. (Stellantis)

Further performance figures are yet to be revealed, but the electric motor will produce 111bhp and send power to just the front wheels.

The mild-hybrid petrol version, which comes with a manual gearbox, will use a small electric motor whose capacity is yet to be revealed. It’ll be linked to a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, though, producing 99bhp and giving 120Nm of torque.

Inside, features a double glove compartment. (Stellantis)

Inside, the Grande Panda will have 13 litres of storage space in the dashboard with the use of a double glove compartment. There is a wood-effect trim and a two-spoke black and blue leather steering wheel plus rectangular air vents. It’ll also have a 10-inch digital display for the driver and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

When the first pictures of the Grande Panda were released last month, Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis global chief marketing officer, said: ‘This compact car is based on a global platform, giving the brand the opportunity to expand its global reach.

‘With the Grande Panda, Fiat now begins its transition to global common platforms that cover all regions of the world, passing on the resulting benefits to its customers worldwide. In fact, the Grande Panda is perfectly suited for families and urban mobility in every country – a real Fiat!’

Final prices are still to be announced, but Fiat has hinted that the electric version will start from less than £22,000 while the mild-hybrid model will cost from under £20,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs on sale.

By Cameron Richards

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First drive: Dacia’s Spring has arrived as the most affordable EV on sale

With a starting price of £14,995 and a claimed electric range of 140 miles, can the Spring put a spring in your step? Cameron Richards finds out.

What is it?

(Dacia)

The Spring is Dacia’s smallest model and will be the first EV to be launched by the brand. Arriving as the cheapest new electric car on sale here in the UK, it’s accompanied by an attractive price tag of just under £15,000.

Cars it’s competing against – like the Fiat 500e – are more expensive and less practical whereas the Spring comes as standard with five-doors alongside that value-focused price tag.

Its predecessor wasn’t available over on our shores, however, this second-generation car is available to order now for British buyers.

What’s new?

(Dacia)

All the body panels with the exception of the roof are new and inside, the interior has been updated and now includes more equipment

A host of new standard safety equipment also aims to make the Spring as safe as possible in the event of an accident such as emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, rear park assist, lane change alert, lane keep assist, driver attention warning and Dacia’s eCall emergency service call.

What’s under the bonnet?

(Dacia)

The Spring will come with a 26.8kWh battery pack and will be available in two power guises.

The basic powertrain comes with a 45bhp electric motor and 125Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 78mph, does 0-60mph in 19.1 seconds and can do 141 miles on a single charge.

We were driving the more powerful unit, which is standard on the top trim level. It comes with a 65 bhp electric motor, but has less torque at 113Nm, the same top speed as the former, but a quicker 0-60mph of a rather sedate 13.5 seconds. An electric driving range of 135 miles is only slight under that in the lower-powered model.

What’s it like to drive?

Behind the wheel, the Spring feels like a cheap car. There is a lot of road noise at speed and not that much sound insulation.

The driving position itself has limited functions with no height adjustment on the driver’s seat and lack of reach on the steering wheel while the steering itself is vague and you struggle to know where the vehicle is turning.

The suspension is a little bouncy over bigger bumps and the car does pick up on the smaller imperfections on the road. Cornering at higher speeds, meanwhile, makes the car feel nervous and around the tighter bends, there is a lot of body roll – but this is no sports car, after all.

Nevertheless, acceleration is perfectly acceptable and visibility is also decent when manoeuvring.

Also, for an EV, it’s very light with our test car weighing in at 984kg.

The baby Dacia feels most at home in town. The light steering made it very easy to drive down narrow streets and the turning circle is one of the tightest around.

How does it look?

(Dacia)

Looking at its exterior, it’s clear that the Spring has taken some design cues from its larger sibling, the Duster. There are coloured protection strips that wrap around the body of the car to help reduce damage in those urban environments, alongside lower-door side protectors.

The front features LED daytime running lights with the brand’s Y-shaped light design, while the roof bars found on the old model has been removed which help reduce weight, improve aerodynamics and help with the car’s electric driving range.

The C-pillars house the Spring logo and the front and back bumpers are made from hard wearing plastics that are less prone to scratching.

What’s it like inside?

(Dacia)

The Spring is a budget car, and it feels it inside. There are hard brittle plastics throughout the cabin, however we can’t expect too much at this price point.

In the front, there is plenty of storage with large door bins, a large dashboard cutout and the glovebox is a good size — although its narrow width and lid dripping into the passenger’s knee area is frustrating.

The dashboard itself is logically laid out and everything is easy to navigate and to use on the move. However, the seats don’t give that much support and are not the most comfortable on longer trips.

Step in the back and the room is adequate for a vehicle of this size. Headroom will be fine for averaged sized adults on short trips, but knee room is tight.

Boot space stands at 308 litres with the seats up and extends to 1,004 litres with them folded down, it’s just a shame that the rear seats are a fixed bench with no split folding function to increase its flexibility.

What’s the spec like?

(Dacia)

UK specifications are simple. There are two trim levels and two power outputs.

Furthermore, just because it’s a budget car doesn’t mean it comes poorly equipped, in fact, the Spring comes with a lot of standard features.

The entry level Expression is available with either the 45 or 65 powertrain and comes as standard with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, rear parking sensors, cruise control, manual air-conditioning and electric front windows. It’s priced at £14,995 or £15,995 for the higher powered version.

The vehicle we were testing was the top-of-the-line Extreme. It’s only available with the more powerful 65 powertrain and boasts electric mirrors, electric rear windows, a 10-inch multimedia system with navigation, Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as two USB ports. Prices come in at £16,995.

Verdict

You’re not going to buy a Dacia Spring because you want the most engaging driving experience or the best in refinement and build quality.

But, if you want a no nonsense, sensible and affordable city car, perfect for navigating the urban streets — the Spring is the ideal car for the job.

The firm has built a reputation in its 11 years on our shores for making simple, affordable and easy to own vehicles, and this new model demonstrates that very well.

The Spring doesn’t pretend to be anything that it’s not. It’s well equipped, offers an acceptable driving range and gives access to EV ownership at an ultra-low price, and for many, will be the dealmaker.

Facts at a glance

  • Model as tested: Dacia Spring Extreme 65
  • Price as tested: £16,995
  • Engine: 26.8kWh battery
  • Power: 65 bhp
  • Torque: 113Nm
  • Top speed: 78mph
  • 0-60mph: 13.5 seconds
  • MPG: N/A
  • CO2 emissions: N/A
  • Electric range: 135 miles
  • DC fast charging: 56 minutes

By Cameron Richards

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