Month: November 2024

Travelling on two wheels can be a tricky thing to do when it starts to get chilly. Naturally, the cold has a big impact and though the UK’s autumn has been relatively mild, it’s only likely that the temperatures will continue to fall as we head towards winter proper.

But if you want to keep motoring along during these chillier months, there are some things which can help to take the edge off. We’ve picked out some of the best bits of kit to check out today.

Vanucci VC-3 Gloves – £89

Your hands are often bearing the brunt of the cold weather when you’re on a motorcycle, so a good pair of gloves is a great place to start when equipping yourself for chilly temperatures. These Vanucci VC-3 gloves have a classic leather covering, but with a breathable wind- and waterproof membrane, they’re able to tackle some seriously cold conditions.

There’s a fleece lining for extra comfort while the index finger and thumb receive a conductive material so you can still use a smartphone or touchscreen while wearing the gloves.

Shark Skwal i3 – £259.99

Another element to consider during autumn and winter riding is longer hours of darkness. Staying visible is essential and the Skwal i3 helmet from Shark has a clever bit of technology which helps to differentiate it from other models on the market.

It’s a helmet with integrated LED lights, in fact, with white ones at the front and red ones at the back which stay illuminated at all times. However, an in-built accelerometer can detect when the rider is slowing down quickly and will flash the rear lights to help alert other road users.

Belstaff Crosby – £495

Sometimes a little bit of old-school knowledge can help to keep the worst of the weather at bay and there are few more classic motorcycle riding gears than a Belstaff jacket. The Crosby is one of the brand’s most popular and as well as its classic British Millerain technical waxed cotton exterior, it’s backed up by a fully breathable and waterproof membrane which can help to keep the worst of the weather out and the heat in.

On the protection front, the Crosby gets D30 shoulder and elbow armour while a pocket at the back provides space for a protector there, too. Plus, an optional Belstaff pop-in thermal liner can help boost this jacket’s warmth even further.

Richa Colorado Pro trousers – £289.99

A good set of warm and waterproof trousers is a core way of making sure you stay toasty when you’re on the move. These Colorado Pro trousers from Richa have all of the ingredients you need, including a laminated outer shell to ensure you’re dry regardless of how heavy the rain gets and there’s a detachable thermal lining for additional warmth.

Even the zips are sealed and waterproof and a connection zipper at the waist allows you to easily attach a compatible jacket.

Furygan Ultra Spark – £239.99

However, if you’re after a slightly more modern take on the motorcycle jacket, then Furygan’s Ultra Spark could be a good place to go. It’s a three-in-one jacket, too, bringing two liners which allow three jacket configurations – warm, waterproof and windproof.

Reflective inserts help to boost safety when riding at night, while D30 armour is located at the shoulders and elbows. Large ventilated panels mean that when the weather does once again turn warm, this jacket can still be used comfortably.

Richa Calgary boots – £129.99

But what about your feet? These Calgary boots from Richa have a more conventional look and feel to them, but incorporate some clever features that can help to keep things comfortable and safe when you’re out and about. There’s a clever membrane integrated into them to stop your feet from getting wet while a polyester lining will help boost warmth.

A chunky rubber sole brings added traction when you’re off the bike and CE protection bolsters the Calgary’s safety levels.

TCX Drifter – £329

However, if you’re after a slightly taller boot then the TCX Drifter could be the ideal choice. With more than a hint of motocross style to them, the Drifters have a full waterproof lining while the adjustable buckles ensure a solid fit every time you put them on.

As well as reinforced shift panels, the Drifters also have a clever tread pattern which ensures you’ve got good levels of grip when you’re stood on the pegs or when you’re off the bike, too.

It may sound confusing, but the new sub-brand removes the famous four rings in return for lettering.

Audi has unveiled its new E Concept which will kickstart the firm’s new Chinese-only sub-brand called ‘AUDI’.

The German car manufacturer has partnered with Chinese manufacturer SAIC Motor to produce bespoke models in China.

The collaboration will allow Audi to enhance its design, engineering, and vehicle development, while SAIC will use its innovation, technology, and research to address specific demands in the Chinese car market.

The E Concept features a 100kWh battery pack and two electric motors that Audi claims will bring up to 435 miles on a single charge. In terms of power, the two motors give out 764bhp and 800Nm of torque – while 0-60mph takes just 3.4 seconds.

The car sits on the Advanced Digital Platform with 800V architecture which enables rapid charging speeds that can bring 230 miles of range from a 10-minute charge.

Its exterior look focuses on a minimalist design. It has smoothed-off wheel arches and wrap-around front headlamps and taillights – while the elongated roofline improves space inside for passengers.

Inside, the interior features a centre console which has space for two mobile phones, and there is a curved full-width digital display that runs the length of the dashboard. Meanwhile, the door mirrors are also camera displays that are incorporated into the screens, too. The door cards feature an illuminated wood, microfibre and three-dimensional design to create a sustainable yet modern look.

Gernot Dollner, Audi CEO, said: “The joint platform will be the basis for a new generation of state-of-the-art intelligent connected vehicles exclusive to China. The upcoming models are aimed at promising and simultaneously demanding a new customer segment. The cooperation will further expand the Audi portfolio of battery electric vehicles in China and accelerate the company’s transformation in the world’s largest market.”

The E is just a Concept for now, so pricing and further specifications are expected to come alongside the reveal of a production-ready model. Plus, this new AUDI brand will be for the Chinese market only, with no plans to bring it to European buyers.

By Cameron Richards

Priced at £14,995 excluding VAT, this commercial vehicle will bring business users affordability into the EV sector.

Dacia has unveiled Britain’s cheapest new van with its Spring Cargo.

To make this car-derived van, the Spring has undergone a diet with the rear seats removed and a mesh bulkhead fitted in their place. The rear windows have been replaced with metal that has been blacked out to still make the Spring Cargo look like the standard car. Additionally, all vans are painted in Polar white paint, too.

Standard specifications include a 10-inch infotainment screen, cruise control, Bluetooth, remote central locking, electric front windows and manual air-conditioning.

In terms of practicality, the van still keeps its five-door bodystyle with a traditional tailgate opening. But loadspace stands at a total of 1,085 litres – which is 81 litres more than the four-seater Spring with the rear seats down. Also, it has a payload of up to 370kg.

Under the bonnet, the Cargo version still retains the same powertrain as in the normal Spring. It features a 26.8kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces a total of 65bhp. Dacia claims the van can do up to 186 miles on a single charge. Plus, DC rapid charging is compatible, taking 45 minutes to charge from 20 to 80 per cent.

The Dacia Spring Cargo is available to order now and will cost the same as the standard car at £14,995 excluding VAT.

By Cameron Richards

SUVs and superminis are still firm favourites with British buyers in October. However, there are no EVs in the top 10 this time around.

October saw a sharp decline in new car sales by six per cent. But, even though the top 10 best sellers last month didn’t see any EVs in the ranking, battery-electric vehicles are the only sector with a slight rise in the market share, as manufacturers are still rolling out subsidies and heavy discounts.

A total of 144,288 vehicles were sold last month, compared to 153,529 the year prior – a 9,241 decrease.

Yet again, the top 10 best-sellers list is dominated by SUVs and small hatchbacks, as it appears people are still wanting to purchase higher-riding practical family cars. Let’s take a look at Britain’s best-selling cars in October.

Kia Sportage – 4,533

As always, Kia’s very popular Sportage climbs to the top yet again. The South Korean firm’s SUV is a good-looking, practical, efficient and well-built car that also comes with the added peace of mind of a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Also, the Sportage comes with plenty of standard equipment and a great array of engine options to suit a wide range of buyers – so it’s no wonder this very likeable SUV has stolen the crown yet again for the best-selling car in Britain.

Ford Puma – 3,521

Ford’s Puma takes second place and just like the Sportage, has been hovering in the top three for several months now.

The Puma is Ford’s smallest model and it shares the same platform as the late Fiesta, which means it has a great chassis making it handle well and feel a lot sportier than you might expect. Prices are competitive while equipment levels are generous. Plus, maintenance costs should be affordable.

Mini Cooper – 2,921

The Mini Cooper is a British icon in the car world and this latest model is by far the most modern and sophisticated.

With a huge variety of personalisation options, trims, and colours and a choice of petrol or an electric variant, there certainly is a Mini out there for everyone. To drive, this little car is great fun with that wheel-at-each-corner feel and as well as having very sharp and direct handling makes the Mini retain the cliche of that go-kart like feel.

Volvo XC40 – 2,675

Volvo’s smallest SUV seems to be the most popular and it’s not hard to see why. You get all of the comfort and equipment you do from its larger siblings, but it comes in a more compact and affordable package.

The XC40 also comes with a choice of mild-hybrid petrol and there is also an electric model that is badged ‘EX40’. The interior is very well screwed together with some of the most comfortable seats, plus it has a decent-sized boot and lots of rear passenger space, too.

Volkswagen Tiguan – 2,477

Volkswagen’s Tiguan is no stranger to the top 10 best-selling cars and this month sees it secure fifth place. The latest version is solidly built, has a very practical interior and features even more technology than before.

There is a wide variety of different engine options including mild-hybrid, petrol, plug-in hybrid and diesel variants – giving a very wide choice for different buyers.

Ford Kuga – 2,428

The second Ford on this list is the Puma’s larger brother, the Kuga. This SUV has recently undergone a mid-life facelift which has improved its exterior design and its interior has been improved in a select number of areas.

The Kuga is a great SUV when it comes to driving characteristics with sharp steering and very little body lean around the corners. Furthermore, a choice of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are available, with all of the engines being very efficient.

Toyota Yaris – 2,369

One of the first superminis to feature a hybrid powertrain and a great car to drive is Toyota’s little Yaris.

This year, the car received a facelift which gave it a new infotainment screen, subtle exterior tweaks and a new more powerful hybrid unit available on the higher spec trims. The Yaris is one of the most affordable superminis to run and it also looks great as well. Plus, if you service it every year at Toyota, you also get a 10-year or 100,000 miles.

Nissan Qashqai – 2,348

Built in Britain, Nissan’s Qashqai has always been a firm favourite among buyers and now with a recent facelift, the Japanese firm has made it even better.

A new infotainment screen with Google Built-in, alongside a new front end and rear lights, has made the Qashqai more modern-looking and there’s achoice of mild-hybrid and the firm’s e-Power hybrid, which is efficient and very refined.

MG HS – 2,299

MG’s largest SUV is also one of the most popular for October. The HS has recently gone into its second generation and offers a plug-in hybrid option.

The HS is a practical and well-equipped SUV that should be taken seriously in the overcrowded world of high-riding family cars and this latest model is bigger, better looking and more efficient than before.

Peugeot 208 2,267

Another supermini on this list is Peugeot’s 208 which also recently underwent a mid-life makeover, which gave it a new hybrid powertrain and some updates to its exterior and interior design.

The 208 has a great-looking cabin with a lot of plush feeling materials and to drive, the car feels sporty and precise. There is also a conventional petrol model with a manual gearbox on offer and a lesser-powered version of the hybrid model, too. An electric version means there’s an option for EV buyers too.

By Cameron Richards

Royal Enfield has created a new electric vehicle brand to help it deliver urban-focused, battery-powered motorcycles – Flying Flea.

With its first models available to buy in spring 2026, Flying Flea will be launching initially with the C6 and scrambler-styled S6 with both being designed to help with urban mobility.

The Flying Flea name comes from the original Royal Enfield motorcycle of the same name that was used during the Second World War. These lightweight motorcycles were dropped via parachute and were designed to offer easy mobility for troops on the ground.

The first model to launch under the new Flying Flea banner will be the C6, which arrives incorporating a classic-style ‘girder’ fork which was used in many pre-1930s motorcycles. A lightweight aluminium frame is shaped around the magnesium battery case, while a special chip constantly monitors the bike and can alert if it is moved or disturbed.

B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield added: “This represents a completely new chapter for Royal Enfield, inspired by our legacy, driven by our vision for the future and an outcome of REBALANCE, our approach to business.

“Flying Flea combines distinctive style, city-focussed practicality, and cutting-edge technology. This is the start of a fresh, sustainable ride for us, and offers the world an elegant, effective and sustainable everyday transportation.”

A twist-and-go powertrain aims to make the C6 as intuitive to ride as possible, but lean angle-sensitive ABS ensures that a safety net is in place too. Royal Enfield hasn’t given any details regarding the Flying Flea’s price or range, but has stated that it can be charged up at a domestic three-pin plug where it will accept ‘ample range to explore the city’.

Available with a choice of two battery packs and there will be either two or four-wheel-drive options.

Suzuki has taken the covers off its first electric vehicle with the new e Vitara SUV.

This new model is 100mm longer and has a 200mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing combustion-engined Vitara, allowing for more passenger room inside.

The e Vitara will be built at Suzuki’s manufacturing plant in Gujarat, India, and sold in various global markets.

The exterior design utilises black plastic wheel arch guards and lower body mouldings while the charging flap is located on the nearside front wing – to make charging easier. There are hidden rear door handles for a sportier side profile and at the back features a full-width light bar across the tailgate.

Meanwhile, the interior is new with vertical air vents, a two-spoke steering wheel as well as a digital driver’s display that is morphed into the central touchscreen. Additionally, there are physical buttons for the climate control and a floating centre console, too.

There will be a choice of two battery packs. The standard car comes with a 49kWh unit with a front-mounted electric motor making 142bhp and 189Nm of torque. There is also a larger 61kWh battery pack found on the mid-spec and flagship model that comes with an electric motor generating 172bhp.

Meanwhile, there is also a four-wheel-drive model that adds an extra e-motor on the rear axle and gives a total power output of 181bhp and 300Nm of torque. Further performance figures and electric ranges are yet to be revealed.

Toshihiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki, said: “The e Vitara is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers. In order to realise a carbon-neutral society, we will provide a variety of options, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles, and internal-combustion vehicles, tailored to specific regions. Introduction of the new e Vitara represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality.”

Prices have not been revealed, but it’s likely the new e Vitara will start from around £30,000 when production starts in the summer of 2025.

By Cameron Richards

The MX-30 is the second Mazda to receive the poppy livery treatment and will be the lead safety car for this year’s race.

Mazda UK has revealed a poppy liveried version of its MX-30 R-EV in celebration for this year’s tenth running of Mission Motorsports Race of Remembrance.

The race takes place at the famous Anglesey circuit in North Wales. There will be a total of 57 teams competing over a 12 hour stint which begins at 3pm on Saturday and runs until 10pm. Racing then resumes at 9am the following morning before the circuit stops at 11am to mark a one minute silence – after which the race resumes for the final stint.

Mazda has been supporting the charity Mission Motorsport ever since it was founded in 2012. This MX-30 art car is the second model in the Japanese firm’s line-up to feature such an important livery. The first was a fourth-generation MX-5 that competed in the Race of Remembrance back in 2015. This MX-30 will lead the pack as this year’s course car for the race.

The car features a giant poppy on the bonnet, while down the side profile and around the back, the car is engulfed in a giant poppy field with a sunrise, blue sky and green hills in the background.

Jeremy Thomson, managing director of Mazda UK, said: “The poignant and stunning livery of this Mission Motorsport poppy car is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices and bravery of our service personnel and their families. I’m delighted that once again Mazda can play a small part in assisting Mission Motorsport to honour this with the Race of Remembrance and their fantastic ongoing work with service veterans. It will be great to see the Mazda MX-30 R-EV on track as the course car at this unique motorsport event.”

Mission Motorsports Race of Remembrance takes place this weekend from Saturday November 9 to November 10.

By Cameron Richards

The cute and quirky South Korean EV enters a market that has been crying out for affordable electric vehicles, so what’s it up against?

Electric vehicles have traditionally carried very hefty price tags alongside them. However, 2024 seems to be the year that the affordable electric car has come about with a variety of different models jumping onto the market.

The Inster is Hyundai’s take on the urban EV, and with that, it also comes with a miniature SUV-like appearance thanks to its plastic wheel arch cladding and roof rails. Plus, with its cavernous interior space, flat-folding seats and good boot space, the Inster’s interior proportions give it a tardis-like feel.

But, what if you don’t like its exterior design with its pixelated LED lights? Or do you want something a little more tame? Well, we’ve compiled a list of the Inster’s main rivals to see what they’ve got to give compared to this very cool and quirky little Hyundai.

Dacia Spring

The cheapest new EV on sale today is Dacia’s Spring which at £14,995 is almost £9,000 cheaper than the entry-level Inster.

The Spring may be cheap, but it certainly feels like it too. That’s no bad thing, however, because to drive, this Dacia doesn’t pretend to be anything other than an honest, simple little car. Also, with a 26.8 kWh battery pack and electric motor, the Spring can do a claimed 135 miles between charges – not as impressive as the Inster’s 229 miles, but that’s a much more expensive car.

The Spring comes with five doors as standard, an acceptable amount of standard equipment and running costs should be very cheap, too.

Citroen e-C3

The new Citroen e-C3 has turned into a mini SUV. But, that means it looks, feels and costs around the same as the Inster with a starting price of £21,990 and a claimed electric range of 199 miles.

Furthermore, the design is very similar to the Hyundai in the fact that it looks funky and fresh and utilises Citroen’s latest design language with the new Chevron badge, roof bars and ‘boomerang’ front headlights. You can also buy a conventional version of the e-C3 that comes with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and is offered with manual and automatic gearboxes – whereas the Inster is purely sold in the UK as an EV.

Renault 5

One of the Inster’s biggest challenges is competing with something as retro and different as Renault’s 5. A famous nameplate that has made a comeback after 30 years in retirement, this new EV looks superb from every angle. Inside, it adopts the French firm’s latest 10-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in. It’s also being offered with a choice of two battery packs. A 40kWh with an electric motor that Renault claims can do 186 miles and a larger 52kWh that does a claimed 252 miles.

Additionally, the R5 starts at £23,000 for the entry-level Techno model and rises to £29,000 for the top-spec – making the Inster better value for money in this instance.

BYD Dolphin

If you’d like something that rivals the Hyundai but is a little bigger, then BYD might have the answer with its Dolphin.

The Chinese firm’s smallest car currently is available with a choice of two battery packs. Either a 44.9kWh or 60.4kWh which has a claimed range of 211 miles for the former and 265 miles for the latter. The Dolphin may come from a company that is still relatively new here in the UK, but the firm is rapidly picking up pace with its sales and the brand is becoming more recognisable.

It may not be the most revolutionary of some of the cars on this list, but the Dolphin packs a sensible image with a practical interior and comfortable driving experience.

Fiat Grande Panda

One car that hasn’t been launched yet, but will be on the road at the same time as the Inster is Fiat’s new Grande Panda, which, like the Citroen e-C3 can be specified with the choice of battery or combustion power.

The exterior design is fun and fresh and looks like a mini SUV, and there will be a 44kWh battery pack on the EV version – giving a claimed range of up to 195 miles. Additionally, one thing that this Fiat has over the Hyundai is its built-in charging cable which makes those home charging chores a lot easier.

The Grande Panda will go on sale next year, but although prices have not been revealed yet, it’s said that the EV version will cost less than £22,000.

By Cameron Richards

Ford has brought back one of its most iconic nameplates in its history and stuck it on its latest SUV.

When Ford took the covers off its latest electric Capri, it sparked controversy through its use of a classic nameplate which has remained well thought-of among motoring enthusiasts since the original car’s introduction in the late 1960s.

SUVs are now one of the most profitable sectors in the automotive industry, and Ford is focusing on bringing back some of its iconic names and modernising them into the electrified era.

Its design is new with a coupe-esque rear end and blacked-out A-pillars. It rivals cars such as the Swedish Polestar 2 EV, which also has a similar rakish back-end and is an electric SUV.

But, with more and more SUVs dominating the new car market, is it a case that car designers are finding it harder to make their cars stand out from an already overcrowded market?

The PA news agency sat down with Murat Gueler, chief designer of the new Ford Capri about the car, he said: “Every designer wants to make something special, with this Polestar connection I think it mainly comes from the fact that it has a black A-pillar like the Polestar and we have this little bustle back at the rear that might remind certain people.’

“But, when we were designing it we didn’t have the Polestar in mind. Basically, it was all functional, for example the bustle back design of the Capri resulted purely from aerodynamic requirements and the black A-pillar design complements the graphics of this C-shape really nicely.

“These two things, I can understand why people can see these similarities, but at the same time in terms of proportions it’s a very different vehicle. For example, there is almost a 10cm difference in the roof height, and the Polestar is a very compressed package whereas our car is a lot bigger and higher. If there are any similarities, they are driven by function and aerodynamics.”

The new Capri sits on the same Volkswagen MEB platform as the Ford Explorer and features a variety of different battery packs including 77kWh or 79kWh units. Next year, there will be an entry-level 52kWh that joins the range as well.

Prices start at £42,075 for the base model and rise to £46,175 for the top-of-the-line version.

By Cameron Richards