Month: August 2024

Last week saw me jump behind the wheel of two mud-plugging SUVs, the Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Defender.

Up until last week, I had never been off-roading before. But, Land Rover UK invited me up to its Eastnor driving experience centre to test out some of the go-anywhere technology fitted to its vehicles to see just what it’s like to tackle difficult conditions in a four-wheel-drive.

When you’re offered to go mud-plugging in some of the world’s most capable off-road vehicles you never turn the opportunity down, and for me, it would be a first-time experience too.

Land Rover was showing off its latest collection of driving modes when it comes to the wet, rough and wild stuff. This included Wade control and Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control or AOCC.

For the first stint, I got behind the wheel of a Range Rover Sport P510e First Edition. I would be driving through the rutted and narrow forest route first. It consisted of steep grass slopes, bumpy terrains and muddy tracks. As we entered the wilderness, I was a little nervous as it was all new territory for me.

As I drove onto the gravel track with a steep incline, the Sport was in its gravel terrain response setting. The system maximises the traction control, increases the suspension to improve ground clearance and improves the throttle response. The car performed faultlessly as though it was born to do this type of driving with everything feeling very composed, quiet and effortlessly achieved.

My instructor, Clarky, was sitting in the front passenger seat and was there to give us a guide on how the latest technology worked. The first of the new additions was the car’s rear-wheel steering, which essentially means the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front ones enabling a turning circle of 11 metres – the same as the Volkswagen Golf. This improves manoeuvrability for on and off-road use and takes the strain out of any awkward encounters a big vehicle such as a Range Rover may find.

As I drove onto the grass hills and fields, it was the perfect opportunity to see how the AOCC worked. Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control is engaged via the steering wheel controls. The system senses ground conditions and automatically fine-tunes the speed of the vehicle to maintain stability, control and comfort – depending on which of the comfort levels has been selected. It uses multiple algorithms to sense and detect the terrain and vehicle movements such as body tilt, roll and pitch. The comfort levels are selected by using the same buttons on the steering wheel that operate the Adaptive Cruise Control. Once you’ve selected the speed of the vehicle and comfort level, the driver can focus on steering the vehicle, with the cruise control consistently monitoring the terrain and gradients.

If the vehicle is put into its highest comfort mode, the car will go slower to maintain a smooth and composed off-road experience. However, lower the comfort and the system will increase the speed closer to the set preference the driver has made on the AOCC.

I then jumped into a Land Rover Defender with another instructor, Meg. We drove over to the other side of the course for some wading in water. This was to test the firm’s latest Wade mode and sensing technology that was first introduced in 2020. I started off driving through a river that turned out to be a fairly deep stream, but thanks to air suspension fitted to my particular Defender – enabling a maximum wading depth of up to 900mm – this didn’t prove an issue in the slightest.

How the system works is by softening the throttle response and setting the heating and ventilation to recirculate air. It also turns off the start-stop function, locks the driveline and adjusts the ride height. The Wade sensing can be activated and deactivated using terrain response. The exterior heating vents are closed off to prevent water ingress and our car fitted with air suspension automatically lifts the ride height to its off-road setting.

As I drive into the water, I can hear a slight trickling surrounding the car making me even more cautious and slowing my speed down. As I gingerly manoeuvre the Defender around the tight river, there were moments where I thought the water was going to make its way into the cabin, but the car behaved brilliantly and with the technology you also get a warning chime a bit like a parking sensor to tell you when the wading depth is getting too high – which is good to know from my point of view.

After I de-select the system it gently applies and wipes the brakes to make sure the stopping power is still at its best for the next application.

Both cars I drove were plug-in hybrids that have battery packs on board, however, what I wanted to know is if there were any additional changes between Land Rover’s of yesteryear and the modern counterparts of today with the firm’s latest off-road technology.

The PA news agency spoke to Mike Smith, project manager for JLR off-road development and he said: “Predominantly the technology across the two is the same. The advantage you have with a PHEV is you have the option of going with the machine only, so you can drive just on the electric motor that’s in the transmission. What that ultimately gives is when we think about Range Rover as it stands at the moment, the vast majority can be done with the engine off – which is a really nice thing to do as it’s really quiet and relaxing.”

Additionally, he spoke about the development of these new technologies and what goes into them to make the Land Rover brand top of the class when it comes to off-roading, he said: “There is a huge amount of people at JLR who will be involved in how all the technology comes together. We would start off with the concept, then look at the enhancement we would like to offer the customer and then that has to go through a proof of concept. Is it feasible? What does it offer the customer and what is the benefit?”

He added: “Once all that’s done we then have to look at how do we get that into a car? What technology do we need, what sensors and what feedback from the car to be able to make it effective? And then we start talking about the product of where it is going to work, but in that process, there could be anything from 10 to 100 people all having to play a part on where the technology needs to be.”

Overall, my first time driving on the rough stuff has been an enjoyable and memorable experience. The engineers at Land Rover really know how to develop a car that can cope with any abuse that is thrown at it, and with its latest AOCC and Wade Technology, I’m looking forward to the future of what the brand has to offer next.

By Cameron Richards

The firm has stopped taking customers’ specified orders for its compact executive saloon and flagship SUV.

Genesis has stopped taking orders for its G70 and GV80 models and instead is only selling them from stock.

The decision comes in the wake of poor sales – since the models launched three years ago in the UK, it’s only managed to shift around 400 examples combined.

Parent company Hyundai axed the Genesis brand as a separate legal entity in the UK at the beginning of the year and brought the Hyundai and Genesis UK businesses together under common management.

A Genesis spokesperson told the PA news agency today: “The G70 and GV80 are still being made, but we’re not taking customer-specified orders for them any more – we’re selling from stock only.”

The spokesperson added that Genesis had no intention of stopping production of the two models.

A G70 can still be ordered in Shooting Brake guise, though. Priced from £42,955, it features a sloping rear roof line plus a more practical estate bodystyle. As standard, the model comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 242bhp plus 353Nm of torque, and has rear-wheel drive.

Although the G70 and GV80 haven’t sold well, by way of contrast the GV60 EV is one of Genesis’s best-selling models. It offers a 77.4kWh battery pack that gives a claimed electric range of up to 321 miles.

For the future, Genesis will continue to introduce new models, starting with its high-performance Magma series towards the end of 2025.

By Cameron Richards

The famous German family hatchback has been around since 1974, evolved through eight generations and sold 37 million units worldwide.

The Volkswagen Golf has been crowned best car of the half-century as part of Best Cars of the Year from the New Car World Championships.

The judging panel comprises of independent car designers, engineers, journalists, broadcasters, automotive industry figureheads, vehicle retailers, media professionals, motorsport personalities, automotive consultants and motoring event organisers.

One of the judges, motoring journalist Mike Rutherford recognised the Golf as one of the best cars of the half century.

Since its launch in 1974, the Golf has become Volkswagen’s most successful model selling a total of 37 million units worldwide and amassing a total of eight generations.

Mike Rutherford said: “Some manufacturers are barely able to keep up with their ‘most important’ models in production for five years. The fact that Volkswagen has been successfully building and selling petrol, diesel, pure-electric and hybrid versions of the Golf around the world for 50 years really does say it all. The Golf has, since it was born in 1974, been the car for the people.”

To celebrate its 50th birthday, the Golf has been given an update to its current eighth iteration, offering styling tweaks and an improved infotainment system featuring ChatGPT as standard as well as including a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The new Golf is priced at £27,035 for the entry-level Life and rises to £44,570 for the R Black Edition.

By Cameron Richards

Customers who reserve their cars early before the order books open should receive one of the first 50 cars in the UK.

Cupra has announced that order books are soon to open for its new electric vehicle in its range – the Tavascan.

The Tavascan is an electric SUV that will rival cars like the Skoda Enyaq Coupe and Volkswagen ID.5.

It will be available in four different guises including V1, V2, VZ1 and VZ2 – although equipment levels have not been revealed yet.

Power-wise, the Tavascan comes as standard with a 77kWh battery pack that is linked to an electric motor with a choice of two different power outputs. The lesser powered version will be available on V1 and V2 models and the higher powered unit comes as standard or VZ1 and VZ2.

The former produces a total of 252bhp and 545Nm of torque providing a claimed electric range of up to 352 miles. It also takes the car from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. The latter gives out the same torque levels but its power increases to 335bhp and acceleration improves taking 5.3 seconds to get from 0-60mph. Meanwhile, AC and DC charging is compatible with both power units – however, charging speed has not been revealed yet.

Marcus Gossen, director of Seat and Cupra UK, said: “We’re really excited about the Tavascan opening for order in the UK. This is a culmination of years of hard work, innovation and design coming together to create the future of Cupra. The Tavascan marks the next step in the Cupra electrification journey, and we’re delighted to be able to bring that to life on the roads from September 11 this year.”

However, if customers reserve a car before that date, they are prioritised to receive one of the first 50 cars in the UK. Prices start at £47,340 and rise to £60,835.

By Cameron Richards

Vauxhall’s Mokka-E electric crossover is a firm favourite here in the UK, this one-off concept is designed to help improve the EV experience.

Vauxhall has revealed a one-off concept of its popular compact crossover – the Mokka Coffe-E.

This concept aims to improve the EV ownership experience for customers through their own personalised coffee breaks.

The Mokka Coffe-E features two coffee machines with a milk steamer, grinder, knock box and fridge which are all integrated in the boot of the vehicle. There is also a bespoke pull-out drawer that houses barista tools, including scales and an espresso tamper to all help drivers make their favourite cup of coffee when charging.

James Taylor, managing director of Vauxhall, said: “Three-quarters of EV drivers plan their trips around their desire for coffee so we decided to create the Mokka Coffe-E.”

He added: “The UK is a nation of coffee drinkers, with 95 million cups drunk in a day, and Vauxhall owners are no exception to this, with 64 per cent drinking at least one cup a day.”

Under the bonnet features a larger power unit compared to the standard Mokka-E. It’s a 54kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces 154bhp. DC rapid charging is compatible and can take the car from empty to 80 per cent in half an hour, while Vauxhall claims a total range of up to 252 miles. In comparison, The standard car, in contrast, features a 50kWh battery pack that produces 134bhp and does 209 miles between trips to the plug.

Sadly, there are no plans to put the Mokka Coffe-E into production and is solely a concept for now. However, the standard Mokka-E is on sale and is priced at £29,495.

By Cameron Richards

Available in both hatchback and saloon, the RS3 still features a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 394bhp.

Audi has unveiled an updated version of its flagship hot hatchback – the RS3.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find the same 2.5-litre TFSi turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine that produces a total of 394bhp and 500 Nm of torque as featured in the previous RS3. It takes the car from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds and enables a top speed of 155mph. On higher-specced models, the top speed of 155mph increases to 174mph.

To keep the RS3 looking fresh, the firm has decided to update the exterior design with redesigned LED daytime running lights, vertical side reflectors of the air intakes at the front and refreshed taillights.

The interior features a new steering wheel, RS sports seats and an updated 12.3-inch virtual cockpit. Meanwhile, new displays show the car’s G-force, power output, torque, acceleration and lap times, too. Furthermore, the new RS3 now features an app store which can be accessed via the vehicle display. The selected content can then be installed into the infotainment system via a smartphone.

You can get the RS3 in three trim levels consisting of the standard model, Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung. Standard equipment includes an RS sports exhaust system, LED headlights, Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive and steel brakes with black brake callipers.

Prices start at £59,510 for the standard RS3 Sportback and rise to £68,650 for the top-of-the-line Carbon Vorsprung model. For the saloon, the range kicks off at £60,510 and rises to £69,650.

By Cameron Richards

When looking for your first set of wheels, you need to be sensible and look at affordability, reliability and above all else – insurance.

Passing your driving test is a momentous occasion and a gateway to freedom out on the open road.

Not only that, but it’ll represent the first time you’ll be allowed to drive a vehicle unauthorised, making you more confident in yourself and your road-going abilities. But, even though the process and exhilaration may be exciting, you need to put your sensible cap on and do your homework before purchasing your first set of wheels.

Forget high performance, big spoilers, side skirts and V8s – a small, sensible and economical hatchback is where you need to be for the first year of your driving.

Look for cars with low insurance groups, decent reliability records and running costs that won’t break the bank. We’ve compiled a list of the best first cars you can buy on a budget.

Hyundai i10 (2008-2014)

It may have a boxy and square design, but don’t despair, because Hyundai’s i10 is one of the best of the bunch when it comes to cutting the L plates off your car.

The i10, believe it or not, is fun to drive and is very versatile thanks to its split folding rear seats and spacious interior for passengers.

It comes with the choice of either a 1.1-litre or 1.2-litre petrol engine that gives 40mpg and only costs £20 or £35 to tax – making it very cheap to run.

In terms of insurance, the little Hyundai sits from insurance group eight for the entry-level Classic model and rises to group 12 for the top-of-the-line Style model.

Toyota Aygo (2005-2014)

Regarded as one of the best first cars is the Toyota Aygo. Underneath its skin, it shares all of its platform, chassis, mechanicals and electrics with the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1, but the Toyota comes with the added reassurance of its reputable badge.

It comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit that’s free from any road tax, sits in a very low insurance group of just two or four, plus, it can do 60mpg.

The Aygo is also very light, making it very good fun to drive. Maintenance costs are kept to a minimum thanks to parts being readily available and easy to repair.

Toyota Yaris (1999-2005)

It may be getting on a bit in age but the first-generation Toyota Yaris is one of the most sensible, likeable and reliable cars out there.

Not only that, but it’s available with a choice of 1.0-litre,1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines and is incredibly versatile with its clever sliding rear seat and ingenious cubby holes scattered across the interior.

The entry-level 1.0-litre model is the best pick for a first-time driver as it offers over 50mpg and sits in a rather low insurance group five.

It’s also incredibly reliable with cars hitting 250,000 to 300,000 miles without fault and to drive, the Yaris is light, nimble, agile and great fun no matter what model you choose.

Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)

The discontinued Fiesta is still a strong contender for those looking for a sporty and efficient car that won’t cost the earth to run.

The seventh-generation Fiesta is still one of the best small cars out there and it’s easy to see why first-time drivers choose them as their entry-point into motoring thanks to this car’s low running costs and easy controls.

Firstly, avoid any Fiesta with a turbocharged Ecoboost engine as they’re prone to failing and can cost a lot to replace.

It’s better to go for a naturally-aspirated 1.25-litre petrol as they are proven to be solid and reliable units.

Also, the Fiesta is fantastic to drive with really direct and precise steering that makes you feel like you’re driving something that feels a lot more expensive.

In terms of running costs, the Fiesta scores well here with the 1.25 petrol falling into insurance groups as low as three and you should be getting around 40 to 50mpg, too.

Kia Picanto (2017-)

Looking at the newer scale in the market, if you’re fortunate enough to afford to buy a new car, look no further than the latest Kia Picanto.

It comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 45mpg and it sits in one of the lowest insurance groups of three.

If you go for a GT-Line it comes with some sporty exterior and interior upgrades, plus tons of standard equipment. The Picanto is great to drive, too, and delivers bags of character for not a lot of cash.

Seat Ibiza (2017-)

The final car on this list is the latest Seat Ibiza. You can get the Spanish hatchback with a choice of engines ranging from a 1.0-litre to a 1.5-litre TSi turbocharged petrol.

However, if you want cheap running costs, you’ll be sticking with the entry-level 1.0-litre as it’s group two for insurance and should be very frugal by offering over 50mpg.

The Ibiza shares its platform with the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo but has a far better-looking exterior design while still keeping that high-quality feel on the inside.

To drive, the Ibiza also feels very grown up and is very easy for anyone to get comfortable behind the wheel.

By Cameron Richards