New compact SUV will be available in petrol, hybrid and zero-emission flavours.
Citroen’s upcoming C3 Aircross will be capable of almost 190 miles on a single charge in its electric guise.
That’s according to the French manufacturer, which has revealed more details about the new compact SUV.
It said there would be a choice of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains and that it would be available with either five or seven seats in two of the variants.
Two trim levels are on offer. (Stellantis)
The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit that produces 100bhp and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
A new hybrid version is coupled with a new 1.2-litre petrol engine that has a 28bhp electric motor and a 48V system producing a total of 136bhp.
Both petrol and hybrid versions will offer the choice of five or seven seats.
The new electric variant will come with five seats only and packs a 44kWh lithium-ion battery and 111bhp electric motor that Citroen claims to have a range of 186 miles on a single charge.
There will be a choice of five or seven seat options. (Stellantis)
Furthermore, DC rapid charging at 100kW chargers means the car can go from a 20 to 80 per cent charge in 26 minutes.
From launch, there will be two trim levels on offer as well. The entry-level Plus trim comes with automatic air conditioning, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera.
Step up to the top-of-the-range Max and it boasts 3D LED rear lights, a heated front windscreen, heated seats and steering wheel, plus a white or black bi-tone roof depending on what exterior colour is chosen.
Prices are yet to be confirmed but the new C3 Aircross will go on sale in the autumn, with customer deliveries expected at the end of this year.
The MC20 Icona and Leggenda celebrate 20 years since Maserati released the MC12 road-going race car.
Maserati has revealed two special editions of its latest supercar – the MC20 Icona and Leggenda.
The two cars celebrate two decades since Maserati returned to racing with the MC12, having been away for 37 years, and only 20 examples of each car will be built.
The MC20 Icona comes with the same colours as the old MC12. (Maserati)
The MC20 Icona features the same livery as the old MC12 Stradale, which itself was a tribute to the style of the Maserati Trofeo Light that ran in the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race, while the Maserati Fuoriserie logo in Bianco Audace features down the side and an Italian flag logo can be found under the MC20 lettering on the door.
These special editions also come with a Sonus Faber sound system, an electronic limited-slip differential, carbon-fibre interior trim and floor mats in the front and boot area.
The Leggenda edition has the same colours as the MC12 Vitaphone racing car. (Maserati)
The exterior of the Leggenda features a Nero Essenza and Digital Mint Matte sports livery that harks back to the MC12 GT1 Vitaphone – the car that won the 24 Hours of Spa three times. The wheels are painted in Nero Lucido with Nero Opaco and Digital mint hubcaps, while the Trident logo can be seen in yellow on the front grille, doors and C-pillar. It also features black brake callipers.
Both cars can be specified with the Fuoriserie package, which includes lightweight racing seats plus blue with a silver background for the centre console on Icona models and black with silver for the Leggenda.
Because of their exclusivity, it’s uncertain if any of the MC20 special editions will come to the UK. Prices and the date when they go on sale are yet to be confirmed as well.
Estate versions of the V60 and V90 were axed last August but high demand means they’re coming back.
Volvo is performing a U-turn over its axed estate versions of V60 and V90 because of increased customer demand.
The big estates were removed from sale in August 2023 due to the uptake in SUVs and increase in EV production.
The booted versions of the V60 and V90 were available with plug-in hybrid options and were praised by journalists for their excellent levels of safety, comfort and good looks.
The V60 and V90 will be available to order from July. (Volvo)
A Volvo Car UK spokesperson said: “We removed the V60 and V90 from sale in the UK last August amid falling appetite for estate cars.
“While this remains a long-term trend, we have seen a resurgence for our estate products in recent months and have decided to reintroduce the V60 and V90 to our UK portfolio in response to this.”
Volvo has been one of the leaders for large estate cars for the past four decades. Models such as 145, 240 and 850 have all become household names for the Swedish brand.
Both the V60 and V90 will be available in Plus and Ultra trims. The smaller V60 will have the choice of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid petrol variants, while the V90 will be made to order only as a plug-in hybrid.
The latest X3 has received refreshed exterior design and an all-new interior, as well as improved plug-in-hybrid efficiency.
BMW has revealed the next generation of one of its longest running SUVs – the X3.
The new X3 has been completely redesigned with a heavily revised exterior and interior, as well as being offered with an improved plug-in-hybrid powertrain.
Prices start at £46,800 for the standard 20 xDrive and rise to £64,990 for the M50 xDrive.
The new plug-in-hybrid model comes in at £56,340 for the 30e xDrive and is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to electric motor and eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. This generates a total power output of 294bhp and can now achieve between 50 and 56 miles on electric power alone.
Every model comes with four-wheel-drive. (BMW)
All models come as standard with four-wheel-drive and the petrol engine models all come with a 48V mild hybrid system across the range, too.
The 20 xDrive comes with a 2.0-litre engine that produces 210bhp and completes the 0-60mph sprint in 7.6 seconds. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel found in the 20d xDrive generates 199bhp and reaches 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds.
The range topping M50 xDrive comes with a 3.0-litre TwinPower turbo engine that develops 403bhp, produces 580Nm of torque and can complete a 0-60mph dash in just 4.4 seconds.
Standard equipment includes three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glass, automatic tailgate, keyless entry and sports seats.
The exterior design now features BMW’s large front kidney grille, flared wheel arches, a flush-mounted rear window with a long roof spoiler. The front headlights and daytime running lights all receive a new L-shape design.
Inside features BMW’s latest iDrive system. (BMW)
Inside, the new X3 features BMW’s latest iDrive system, as well as an increase in boot space. There’s now 570 litres of stowage capacity with the seats up (460 litres for the PHEV), extending to 1,700 litres with the seats folded down (1,600 litres for the PHEV).
Furthermore, all models come with a flat bottom steering wheel, BMW’s curved display, new gear selector and interaction bar.
The interaction bar is a slim display incorporated into the dashboard that is used to control various vehicle functions and systems.
Order books are open now with the first cars being delivered to UK customers in the fourth quarter of this year.
The latest EV to come from the British firm has recorded one of the fastest charging times.
Lotus has announced that its latest EV, the Emeya, has achieved one of the fastest charging times for an electric vehicle.
Using a DC fast charger, the car was able to brim its batteries from 10 to 80 per cent in just 14 minutes when tethered to a 400kW charging outlet. Tests found it could draw a peak of 402kW and average 331kW throughout the charging process.
The Emeya can go from 10 to 80 per cent charged in 14 minutes. (Lotus)
To enable these improved charging speeds, Lotus has used a cell-to-back battery structure, meaning that 20 per cent more cells can be stored without increasing the size of the vehicle.
Qingfeng Feng, CEO of Lotus Group said: “With our industry leading charging technology available today, Emeya pushes the boundaries for how an EV performs, providing drivers with the confidence to travel anywhere. We’re bringing an unrivalled driving experience in the ultimate grand tourer package, so drivers want to go electric.”
Lotus is also pushing further to make EV ownership more relaxing for customers by collaborating across the industry and developing its own app, charging card, and fast charger that is capable of delivering 450kW of peak power.
The Lotus Charging Card allows owners to keep track of their charging history. (Lotus)
The Lotus charging card will allow customers to gain access to the charging network and will be able to keep track of their charging history, manage costs and monitor vehicle battery status remotely, too.
The Emeya will soon be arriving in the UK and Europe in the third quarter of this year, and will be the first electric GT car to join the Lotus line-up.
Volkswagen is just about to launch the new GTI, GTE and Style eHybrid models in the UK with prices and more details revealed.
Volkswagen will soon release updated versions of the Golf GTI, GTE and Style eHybrid models in the UK.
The new GTI will offer more power than its predecessor, with an extra 19bhp taking the total number to 261bhp. This has resulted in a new 0-60mph sprint time of just 5.9 seconds – down from the 6.2 seconds offered by its predecessor.
Inside features VW’s latest infotainment system. (Volkswagen)
In addition to an increase in performance credentials, there is a new matrix LED headlight system, an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front, 18-inch alloy wheels and a redesigned LED taillight cluster.
This also sees the first introduction of VW’s all-new infotainment system, which comes complete with a 12.9-inch touchscreen and the latest Volkswagen IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration for hands-free, AI-powered requests on demand.
A new plug-in-hybrid model is also available with two power outputs on offer. The Style version will come with a 1.5-litre TSi Evo2 201bhp petrol engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while a more powerful GTE performance model will come with 268bhp.
The new plug-in-hybrid variants now come with a 19.7kWh battery pack. (Volkswagen)
Hybrid performance and electric range have been improved thanks to a battery on board with 19.7kWh, which offers an electric driving range of 89 miles for the Style model and 82 miles for the GTE.
DC charging speeds of up to 40kW, as well as standard AC charging, ensure it is quick and easy to top up the batteries from a number of different outlets. Although official charging times have not been revealed yet.
The new Golf GTI is available to order from June 20, priced at £38,900, while the eHybrid Style and GTE models will be available from June 27 and will start at £36,760 and £39,750 respectively.
The wait is finally over with further details and prices revealed for Land Rover’s hot new Defender Octa.
Land Rover has revealed prices and further details on its new Defender Octa.
The Octa is the most powerful Defender ever to go on sale and has reworked chassis components to enhance its on and off-road capabilities.
Under the bonnet will feature a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine with mild-hybrid technology. It will produce 626bhp and up to 750Nm of torque – allowing it to go from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph.
There are quad-exit exhausts and a 68mm wider stance than on the standard model. (Land Rover)
On the outside, the ride height has been raised by 28mm, the wheel arches have been extended and the stance is wider than on a standard Defender by 68mm. The bumpers have been redesigned and there is underbody protection to help with rugged off-road capabilities.
There are new grille designs allowing for better airflow under the bonnet and there is a new rear bumper with a quad-exit exhaust system.
Inside, features sports seats. (Land Rover)
Inside, features performance seats with a choice of cloth or PU leather, which is 30 per cent lighter than the standard material and there is something Land Rover call ‘body and seat soul audio technology’ which has been collaborated with music industry experts Subpac and Coventry university enabling the driver and passengers to feel as well as hear the music.
The Octa Edition one will be limited and will come with Faroe green paintwork, carbon fibre detailing and Defender bonnet script, front wing surrounds, bonnet vent surrounds and on the front seat backs and centre console.
The Edition One will be available for the first year of production. (Land Rover)
Mark Cameron, Managing director of the Defender said: “With the new Defender Octa we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender. It is the very definition of breadth of capability, and a testament to what we can achieve utilising the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division. With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D dynamic suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable.”
Order books open soon, with a starting price of £145,300. The Edition one will be available for the first year of production and will cost £160,800. The Octa will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – which takes place on July 11 to 14.
I’m not often a big fan of coupe-styled SUVs. For me, practicality reigns supreme and while these angular models – like the Audi Q3 Sportback, for example – might look a little snazzier, they often come at the expense of outright usefulness.
So it’s going to be an interesting six months as this new addition to the fleet – the BMW iX2 – aims to convince me otherwise. It is, after all, a more sleeky-styled version of the iX1 which, in my opinion, is already a good-looking car and a reasonably practical one to boot.
As is the most popular option within many of BMW’s model ranges, this iX2 is finished in M Sport trim. In resplendent Portimao Blue paint – a £595 option – it’s got a couple of other choice extras including a £1,100 panoramic glass sunroof and the full ‘technology pack plus’ which adds folding wing mirrors, a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging for an extra £2,890.
That pack adds a distinctive styling feature, too, in the form of the light-up kidney grille. Now the kidney grille has been a part of BMW’s aesthetic for decades and, in recent years, its size and presence on these Bavarian motors have increased substantially. On the iX2, the front grille is practically enormous. On this electric vehicle it’s playing more of a stylistic role overall as, without an engine, there’s little need for front-end cooling. When traced with LED light – or ‘Iconic Glow’, as BMW calls it – it’s even hard to miss at night but, to me, it does give the iX2 quite a cool ‘Tron-like’ feel in the darkness.
What’s it like to drive, though? Well, this xDrive30 model brings just over 300bhp, meaning that it’s actually around hot-hatch territory in terms of output. Combine that with 494Nm of torque and BMW claims that 0-60mph should be sorted in 5.4 seconds and it certainly feels that quick out on the road. You can even pull a left-hand paddle behind the steering wheel which unlocks a ‘boost’ function for a short period and this is great for overtaking. However, as with most electric cars, you tend to drive them more sedately in order to preserve range. So far, I’ve tried one semi-fast acceleration and left it at that; I’d rather not have to charge up any more than I need to.
Speaking of charging and range, BMW claims that the iX2 should manage between 259 and 266 miles on a single charge. At present, I’m getting around 240 – and I expect it to creep up incrementally if things get warmer – so I’d be expecting a little better for summertime. It can take a maximum charge rate of 130kW, too, which would result in a 10 to 80 per cent charge being sorted in 29 minutes. However, I’ve only really been topping it up using my home charger and a full overnight stint is more than enough time to fully replenish a charge. The BMW app is great, too, as it allows you to monitor the rate of charge.
The app can also allow you to see exactly where your car is at any one time – this is ideal for when I’ve left it in an airport car park and forgotten exactly where it was parked – and you can flash the headlights, too. Most important is that you’re able to see whether it is locked or unlocked and remotely control either of those things. Ever walked away from your car and wondered whether you actually locked it? I do it all the time and the app means I don’t have to dawdle back to the car to double-check.
I’m looking forward to the next few months with the iX2, particularly during the summer when EVs tend to be at their very best.
Peugeot CEO vows French firm will still have sporty credentials in the future.
Peugeot is pondering how it can still be faithful to its performance car legacy in a world of pure-electric cars in the near future.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson explained that the French marque is debating how it can instil the sporty image it has traditionally been known for into its future electric cars.
Linda Jackson attending the 24 hours of Le Mans 2024. (Peugeot)
“We are absolutely a sporty brand and intend to remain so because it’s in our DNA,” she said.
“If we want to retain the DNA of Peugeot, we have to find a way to give driving pleasure. Everybody remembers the 205 GTi and why was it so popular? Because it was fun to drive and that’s what we need to hold onto.”
Jackson admitted the brand, which is part of the mammoth Stellantis empire, currently doesn’t have the answer to how electric cars in the future can uphold the firm’s sporting legacy.
(Peugeot)
“A Peugeot is all about the pleasure of driving – this is so, very, very important. But then there’s the question that we are reflecting on and that is how do you give this pleasure of driving to electric cars? To be honest with you I haven’t got the answer yet, but we are thinking about it.”
She added: “We’ve got PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) currently, but that’s about performance and driving pleasure – we need to find a way that combines driving pleasure with electric.
“Everybody says, ‘oh yeah, but driving electric cars is not like driving a Peugeot 205 GTi’. But, from memory, that car had 130bhp and did 0-62mph in around 6.5 seconds – the current e-208 [electric supermini] has 154bhp. So, we need to find out what performance is [in the electric era].”
(Peugeot)
Jackson was speaking to PA at this month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race where Peugeot fielded two of its 9X8 hypercars in the top tier, battling with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Lamborghini and Cadillac for class honours.
Peugeot’s sporting production models have traditionally been linked to its endeavours in motorsport, but it currently only has the 508 PSE saloon and estate models in its range that link to its racing activities.
The firm was expected to roll-out its high-performance PSE sub-brand to a wide range of models, but has so far been cautious to proceed with this plan.
Earlier this year, Peugeot confirmed it will work with its Peugeot Sport division on a range of performance models in the future, as the firm intends to only offer pure-electric cars in Europe from 2030 onwards.
As polling day edges ever closer, we look at key party pledges and how they affect UK motorists.
On July 4, voters up and down the country will be heading to the polls in order to cast their vote on which political party pushes through its policies that will help shape the future of the UK.
With key pledges on how to tackle the economy, health, the environment, immigration, housing and much more, the main party manifestos are understandably detailed and some of the most pertinent policies buried within the pages.
With that in mind, we’ve analysed documents provided by the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party to highlight their key pledges to UK motorists and how each one plans to navigate the road towards greater electrification, improved infrastructure and reducing the financial burden on the modern motorist.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrives for a visit to Great Wood Farm Early Years Centre, Grantham in East Midlands, while on the General Election campaign trail. Picture date: Monday June 17, 2024.
Conservatives
The Conservatives have long promised to ‘back drivers’, announcing its specific ‘Plan for Drivers’ last year, which included opening up bus lanes to motorists when not in use and making it legal for all motorcycles to use bus lanes.
There was also a promise of £30 million to upgrade traffic signal systems, replacing unreliable and obsolete equipment to improve reliability, as well as increasing fixed penalty notices to utility companies whose roadworks overrun to avoid unnecessary congestion.
The 76-page 2024 manifesto built upon this plan with the announcement that it would seek to reverse the London Mayor’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion plans, ruling out top-down blanket Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones, stating that any new schemes would have to be put to a referendum.
On top of this, the party stated that it will remain against a pay-per-mile road tax model.
Despite a heavy focus from rival parties on electric (EV) and new energy vehicles (NEV), the Tories chose to largely ignore the subject and instead said it would cement its commitment to PumpWatch – a scheme that would legally require all fuel stations across the country to share real-time price information with an appointed organisation in order to give greater transparency win fuel prices.
Thanks to the scrapping of the second phase of HS2, the Conservative Party said it would invest £36 billion in ‘local roads, rail and buses to drive regional growth,’ which would include an £8.3 billion fund to ‘fill potholes and resurface roads’.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: ‘Although the previously announced £8.3 billion of reallocated HS2 funding for resurfacing 5,000 miles of local roads is welcome, it’s important to realise this only represents 3 per cent of all council-run roads in England.
‘Spread over an 11-year timeframe, that funding sadly doesn’t scratch the surface of country’s pothole problem. We would have liked to see a commitment to ringfencing some general taxation to pay for local road maintenance, which would give councils the ability to plan long-term programmes to bring their roads back up to a fit-for-purpose state.’
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer visits an on-shore wind farm near Grimsby in Lincolnshire where the Labour leader announced he will expand on the Party�s plan for clean power by 2030, which includes doubling the amount of onshore wind farms and quadrupling the amount of offshore wind farms in the UK by the end of the decade. Picture date: Thursday November 10, 2022.
Labour
The Key takeaway from from the 2024 Labour Party manifesto was that it would reaffirm its commitment to the ban of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 in a bid to increase the adoption of electric vehicles – a scheme that was postponed to 2035 under the Conservatives.
Accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle charging points is also high on the Labour Party’s agenda, as well as supporting buyers of second- hand electric cars by ‘standardising the information supplied on the condition of batteries’.
This could come in the form of a mandatory ‘battery passport’ scheme, something the EU will implement by 2027 and one that the likes of Volvo and other Chinese EV makers have already adopted.
The scheme would require all new electric vehicles to arrive with easily accessible information on the origins of raw materials, the amount of recycled content and the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint, as well as easy to access data on the health of the battery pack.
Labour also pledges to fix an additional one million potholes across England in each year of the next parliament, funded by deferring the A27 bypass, which the party says is ‘poor value for money’.
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey (left) arrives at Victoria Park Tennis, Newbury, Berkshire while on the General Election campaign trail. Picture date: Saturday June 8, 2024.
Liberal Democrats
The Lib Dems arguably focussed more than any other party on electric vehicles and helping to smooth the transition to new energy vehicles. Its 117-page manifesto stated that it will cut VAT on public charging to 5 per cent, effectively reducing the cost of topping up EV batteries via the public charging network.
The Lib Dems will also require all charging points to be accessible with a bank card, as well as roll out ‘far more’ charging points, including residential on-street points and ultra-fast chargers at service stations.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: ‘The promise to end the VAT charging disparity is particularly welcome, as currently those charging at home pay just 5 per cent in stark contrast to those using public chargers who are hit with a 20 per cent rate.
‘This is something we, along with the FairCharge campaign, have long been calling for as it creates an unnecessary barrier to switching to an EV for those who can’t charge at home.’
Similarly to Labour, the Lib Dems will also reverse the delay of the petrol and diesel ban, bringing it back to its original deadline of 2030. This will be assisted by ‘reintroducing the plug-in car grant’, although the party didn’t go into detail about how much this will be or how the policy would be funded.
Finally, should Lib Dem leader Ed Davey be elected, his manifesto promises to support the introduction of new charging points with an upgraded National Grid and a step-change in local grid capacity to ensure it can cope with increased demand.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer speaking during the Green Party General Election campaign launch at St George’s Bristol. Picture date: Thursday May 30, 2024.
Green Party
Not surprisingly, the Green Party manifesto looks to ‘shift the transport system away from cars and roads’ in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.
As a result, Green MPs have pledged to restore the fuel-duty escalator, which would push the price of petrol and diesel up, as well as introduce road-pricing that would see Road Tax based upon the wight of the vehicle.
What’s more, the Greens have said they will oppose all new road building plans and bring forward the ban of all Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars to 2027.
To ensure this policy runs smoothly, the party has also stated that more government support is needed for ordinary car users and small businesses to replace their vehicles as diesel and petrol engines are phased out. Although the manifesto didn’t lay out specific budgets, initiatives or timelines.
Instead, money would be committed to new cycleways and footpaths, built using sustainable materials (£2.5 billion a year), with a frequent flyer levy on those that take regular flights helping to fund sustainable initiatives.
Finally, the Green Party takes an opposite stance on speed limits to the Conservatives, pledging to commit to 20 miles per hour to be the default speed limit on roads in all built-up areas, allowing children, the elderly and disabled people to walk and wheel safely.
