The second-generation SUV will offer a new plug-in hybrid variant and go on sale later this year.
Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for its new Kodiaq SUV.
The new second-generation Kodiaq offers more space, efficiency and technology, and from launch will be available in one of two trim levels – SE and SE L.
The entry-level SE model starts from £36,645 and comes with equipment such as 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, a 13-inch touchscreen and the option of either five or seven seats.
The top-of-the-line seven-seat-only SE L starts from £40,205 and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlamps, a powered tailgate and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.
On the exterior, the new Kodiaq has a sloping roofline, a new front grille and LED headlamps. At the rear, there are new taillights that slope around into the tailgate as well as a redesigned rear bumper, too.
Inside the cabin of the Kodiaq, you’ll find matching trim on the seat upholstery, door panels and decor. In terms of onboard technology, things are centred around a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit instrument cluster, a 13-inch infotainment screen and wireless charging for smartphones with a cooling function to help top-up devices as effectively as possible.
Space on the inside has increased, too. There is more room for passengers and an increase in boot space with five-seater models having 910 litres of capacity when the seats are up and 2,105 litres when folded down.
The seven-seater model has a boot capacity of 340 litres with the seats upright and 2,035 litres with them folded down.
The #AllNewKodiaq has once again grown in size and now features the first elements of the Modern Solid design language. It comes equipped with state-of-the-art #infotainment systems, including an optional 13-inch screen and a head-up display. Explore more details in the new press… pic.twitter.com/V4jNvwvn6J
The new Kodiaq will come with a choice of two petrol engines and two diesels. The entry-level 1.5-litre TSi e-Tec will come with mild-hybrid technology and produce 147bhp while a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol brings produces 201bhp and has four-wheel-drive as standard.
In terms of diesel, there is one 2.0-litre unit with a choice of two power outputs of either 147bhp or 190bhp.
Later down the line, there will be a plug-in hybrid model called the Kodiaq iV which will come with a 25.7kWh battery capacity and will be capable of an electric driving range of 62 miles.
Prices for the new Kodiaq start at £36,645 for the SE and rise to £46,225 for the SE L 2.0-litre diesel 190bhp four-wheel-drive model – prices for the plug-in hybrid are yet to be announced.
Order books open for the new Kodiaq on April 10 2024.
The C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge will be renamed to EC40 and EX40.
Volvo has announced that it will bring an array of updates to its model line-up including a new naming strategy, powertrains and revised prices.
Prices for the updated EC40 start at £52,555 for the Single Motor Plus and rise to £61,855 for the Twin Motor Plus.
The EX40 starts from £45,955 for the Single Motor Core and rises to £61,855 for the Twin Motor Ultra.
The current C40 Recharge will be renamed to the EC40 and the XC40 Recharge will be named the EX40. This brings them in line with other electrified models in Volvo’s range with the EX30 and EX90 SUVs. The ‘Recharge’ name, previously used on plug-in hybrids, has been ditched entirely too.
The XC40 name will remain the same for the mild-hybrid petrol versions.
Mild-hybrid versions of the XC40 will keep the same name, while the recharge XC40 has been renamed the EX40. (Credit: Volvo media)
The EC40 and EX40 will be given new powertrains, too. Now available is a single-motor extended range that will offer an electric driving range of up to 346 miles for the EC30 and 343 miles for the EC40.
The new powertrain comes with a 78 kWh battery, and a 255bhp electric motor, that will produce 420Nm of torque.
There is also a performance software upgrade that allows the power of the current EC40 and EX40 twin motor versions to increase from 413bhp to 448bhp.
A new exterior colour called Sand Dune has been added to the EC40, EX40 and XC40 models, too.
The updated Volvo model range is on sale now with deliveries expected in the summer.
Tips on how to pass your driving and theory test first time
With more vehicles on the road than ever before, is the driving and theory test in the UK too difficult?
Learning to drive is one of life’s most exciting moments, providing the gateway to freedom and the ability to go anywhere you want.
The driving test has been mandatory since the mid-1930s while the theory test has been in force since 1996.
However, with more and more cars on our roads, broken road surfaces, congestion, road works, speed cameras, potholes and the fact we now have clean-air zones like ULEZ – is it harder to learn to drive in the UK?
If you are learning to drive, there are great ways to get behind the wheel with a full licence quickly, safely and calmly.
Here are our top tips and guide into how to pass your driving and theory test for the first time.
Take multiple mock theory tests online or on smartphone apps
The driving theory test was introduced in 1996 and involves 50 multiple choice questions and a possible score out of 75 for hazard perception. (Credit: PA archive – Chris Young)
In the UK, you can’t take a practical driving test without passing a theory test first. The theory test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test which is scored out of 75 points.
The questions are all motoring-related and ask the candidate questions regarding road signs, medical assistance, accidents and how the road network works.
The hazard perception works by giving the user scenario videos of where potential hazards are appearing, with the person clicking the mouse on the computer every time they think a hazard is in sight.
To pass a theory test you need to achieve at least 43 out of 50 to pass and 44 out of 75 to pass the hazard perception.
The best method to pass your theory and hazard perception first time is to just keep practising over and over again.
As with most things, the more you practise the more you’ll remember – so those questions that you might’ve found tricky initially will soon become second nature. The same goes for the hazard perception – it’s all about getting used to it. There are plenty of good online sources of mock tests, or some handy smartphone apps which do the same so you can brush up no matter where you are.
Take your time and have plenty of lessons with a qualified driving instructor
The recommended amount of hours of driving lessons you should have with a qualified driving instructor is between 40 to 45 hours. (Credit: PA archive – Ben Birchall)
It may be easier said than done, but having enough driving lessons before your practical driving test will benefit you in passing the first time. Rushing and only having a couple of lessons with your mum and dad may sound like an easy way to pass – but it’s not.
The average amount of driving lessons that is recommended varies from 40 to 45 hours prior to taking your test. Not only does it get you fully clued up on how a car and the road work, but it’ll also allow you to get used to the routes around your area and have more experience with different road situations.
Take the driving test in your instructor’s car
Your driving instructor’s car is the vehicle you will get to know best before your test making you feel more confident and comfortable behind the wheel. (Credit: PA archive – Ben Birchall)
It’ll be a real help if you can take your driving test in the car you have been having lessons in. The more you drive a particular car, the more comfortable, confident and at ease you are with it – something you will want on the day of your driving test as sometimes nerves can cause lots of silly mistakes.
Learn the test routes
Driving tests consist of multiple routes and you won’t know which route you’ll be taking. It’s best learn all the routes to make you more familiar with the test routes. (Credit: PA archive – David Davies)
Before your driving test, it’s a good idea to drive around some of the routes which could crop up during your actual test. While your instructor won’t be able to pick out the exact route you could do, they’ll know where testers tend to ask those under examination to drive to.
Learning all the routes will stand you in better stead when the examiner tells you where to go. There will be less chance of you getting lost and even though this won’t cause you to fail, it can make things more stressful than driving somewhere familiar.
You’ll know what the speed limits are, what junctions you’ll come across and where they might ask you to conduct any manoeuvres like an emergency stop or parallel park.
Learn the basics
Every driving test will not commence unless you can read a number plate within a 20 metre distance. If you can’t read the plate your driving test will be terminated immediately. (Credit: PA archive – Nissan GB)
Sometimes the simple things get overlooked when you’re trying to pass your test, but it’s these aspects which make the difference. Mirror checks, for instance, are a must-do on a driving test and it’s always worth over-emphasising them to make sure your driving test examiner has spotted you doing them.
These cover a number of key areas, such as an eyesight test – usually done by asking the individual to read a number plate from a car nearby – as well as some typical mechanical queries, including showing where to top up your car’s washer fluid and how the horn is operated.
Learn in different driving conditions
A mixture of rain, fog, ice and night driving will help gain experience for you as a new driver. (Credit: PA archive – Robert Perry)
When learning to drive, you must get practice in different weather conditions, such as rain, wind and during the night as doing so will make you a more confident and better driver. You’ll get to know how your car behaves in different driving conditions and it gives you greater experience out on the road with other road users.
Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner a question or to repeat their instructions
Always ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if you mishear them as there less chance of you getting lost, confused or panicking. (Credit: PA archive – Geoff Caddick)
During your driving test it is better to be safe than sorry and asking the examiner a question or repeating what their last instructions were won’t do you any harm. In fact, it might be the make or break of you passing your driving test.
If you mishear the examiner and don’t ask them to repeat what they said, it may make you panic and cause an error in your test which would cause an instant failure.
Practice makes perfect
The more practice and experience you have, the greater chance you have in passing your driving test. (Credit: PA archive Steve Parsons)
The simplest thing to do is just practice. If you are fortunate enough to have your own car before you pass your test, when you’re not having lessons with an instructor you can head out with your mum, dad, or someone who has been on the road for more than three years and is over the age of 21.
Make sure you get a good balance of your personal car and your instructor’s car to keep your options open, depending on which vehicle you’re planning to do your test in.
Every car has a different clutch and biting point, as well as different brakes, power and even size differences, which can all cause you to drive in a different manner.
The stylish French hatchbacks have received cleaner powertrains to reduce emissions.
DS Automobiles has revealed hybrid versions of its DS3 and DS4 hatchback models.
Both models will come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 138bhp coupled to a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that incorporates a 28bhp electric motor – there is also a 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that helps boost the electric system.
Around town and at lower speeds, the new hybrid system allows both cars to run on pure electric power which helps improve fuel economy by 40 per cent, according to DS.
The DS3 hybrid can achieve a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds – which is 1.2 seconds faster compared to the conventional powered version while the DS4 hybrid does 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds.
Furthermore, there are two new trim levels for the DS4 hybrid called Pallas and Etoile.
Pallas trim has a Diamond Tungsten fabric interior, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Etoile models add electric seats, DS’ Iris infotainment system, head up display, matrix LED headlamps and tinted rear windows.
Prices for the hybrid version of the DS3 start at just over £30,200 with the new Pallas trim for the DS4 hybrid starting from just over £34,300 and rises to £38,000 for the Etoile model.
All models are available to order now with deliveries expected later this year.
The facelifted version of Hyundai’s popular crossover will come with five different trim levels.
Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its new Tucson with the updated crossover starting at £32,000.
Engines are now all electrified with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains as well as two and four-wheel-drive options available.
The new Tucson will be available with five different trim levels, Advance, Premium, Ultimate, N-Line and N-Line S.
The range kicks off with the entry-level Advance – which starts at £32,000. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and taillights, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, front and rear USB-C charging ports and customisable interior lighting. The Advance is only available in two-wheel-drive format and can be chosen with mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.
The Premium models start at £34,500 and add 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated front seats and rear seats, heated steering wheel, cloth and leather seat trim. It’s equipped with the same offerings as the Advance trim in terms of engines with the Premium also available as a four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid.
The new Tucson is available with either a mild-hybrid, hybrid or plug-in hybrid. (Credit: Hyundai press UK)
The N-Line gets the same starting price as the Premium at £34,500 and adds equipment such as bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured wheel arches and sportier N-Line front and rear bumpers. You’ll find the same engine setup as Premium models here too. N-Line S starts from £37,000 and adds electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, among other features.
The top-of-the-line Ultimate spec is priced the same as the N-Line S from £37,000 but takes a more luxurious approach with 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlamps, memory function on the driver’s seat, ventilated seats and the option of either black, grey or Cypress green leather.
The new Tucson is available to order now with deliveries expected towards the end of this year.
Swedish brand is partnering up with Mattel’s Hot Wheels, with the winner being made into a real Hot Wheels model.
Polestar is running a design contest in partnership with Hot Wheels with the winning creation becoming part of the toy company’s offering.
Not only will the winning design be made into a Hot Wheels toy car, but there’s a chance that the creation could be made into a real production version of the model, too.
Entrants are encouraged to be as imaginative as possible with their designs, colours and performance figures.
Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s head of design said: “This is a chance for all participating designers to really push that Polestar envelope and let their imagination run riot.”
The finalists in the competition will receive one-to-one coaching by Polestar and Hot Wheels design professionals to refine their final submissions before a winner is decided.
Ted Wu, VP and global head of vehicle design at Mattel said: “Both Polestar and Hot Wheels dedicate time, energy and skill to ensure design is at the core of our vehicles.
“The Hot Wheels design team has always challenged the conventional approach and the Polestar design contest allows the design community to showcase their skills and wow us with something we have never seen before, and we cannot wait to see the submissions.”
Previous Polestar design contests have seen a car which tackles air pollution with on-board and externally visible air filters, while an electric and helium airship has also been imagined.
A previous winner of the Polestar design competition was in 2022-2023 with this 600bhp supercar called the Polestar Synergy. (Credit: Polestar media)
Juan Pablo Bernal, interior design manager at Polestar said: “I believe this year’s Hot Wheels collaboration will push the design community to work outside their traditional comfort zones by balancing the minimalist Polestar brand essence with the extreme Hot Wheels aesthetic.”
The Polestar design competition started on March 5 and runs until April 16 with a winner expected to be revealed in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The first public release of items from the late rally and stunt driver will go under the hammer.
An auction of items belonging to the late rally and stunt-driving legend Ken Block is underway online.
The auction listing includes car parts, art pieces, collectables, sourced parts from Block’s Gymkhana series, rally races and other highlights in his career.
All the proceeds will go towards the 43 Institute, which ‘creates paths of opportunity’ into motorsport, action sports and creative arts for the next generation ‘of aspiring talent regardless of their financial means’. The auction runs from April 3 to April 13.
The number 43 was Block’s racing number, with 43 individual collectables being included as part of this sale, which is being conducted by eBay Motors.
Chris Phil, global VP of eBay Motors said: “Ken Block was an undeniable inspiration to car lovers and fans everywhere – he united automotive and pop culture in a way that no one else could.
“We are deeply honoured to partner with the Block family and support Ken’s commitment to the community by connecting our enthusiasts to his legacy through these one-of-one pieces.”
During Ken Block’s life, he co-founded the skating brand DC Shoes, had a varied rally career and created his famous internet driving series called ‘Gymkhana’.
He passed away aged 55 in January 2023, following a snowmobile accident in Utah, USA.
Pictured: Lucy Block, Ken Block’s wife. The 43 institute was setup by the Block family after the 55-year-old’s fatal accident in Utah in January 2023. (Credit: Ebay Motors)
His wife, Lucy Block, also a pro rally driver and Block house racing principal said: “Ken was passionate about motorsports, action sports, creative arts and giving back to those communities. We founded 43 institute after his passing to carry on his empowerment of others.
“Opening our archives for the first time with Ebay motors and sharing a piece of his career with fans is the perfect way to honour his legacy.”
The compact crossover gets a price cut thanks to a new trim level in the range.
The electric version of the Vauxhall Mokka has just had a price cut thanks to a new trim level – Griffin.
The Mokka Electric Griffin now starts from £29,495 making it the cheapest new electric SUV on sale – and £7,000 cheaper than the original entry-level Mokka that started from £36,610.
On the outside, the Mokka Electric Griffin gets 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, LED headlights, tailights and daytime running lights as well as a contrasting black roof.
Inside, there is a seven-inch colour touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also features a rear-view camera as well as a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Mokka Griffin also comes with Vauxhall connect which allows drivers to pre-heat the cabin temperature and schedule their charging remotely via their smartphone.
Furthermore, the Griffin model also comes with rear parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic climate control and keyless start.
Under the bonnet is a 50kWh battery which provides an electric range of 209 miles and links with an electric motor that produces 134bhp and 260Nm of torque.
Introducing the special edition Vauxhall Mokka Electric Griffin – where style meets comfort in a compact electric SUV. Griffin trim enhances the Mokka’s striking design with a sleek black roof and tinted windows.🌟 Starting at £29,495 🔗 https://t.co/sFbm6BF1i5pic.twitter.com/RlXqzcptNf
Charging from a 100kW rapid charger means the Mokka Electric Griffin can be taken from zero to 80 per cent in just half an hour, while a standard home wallbox will charge this EV from zero to 100 per cent charge in seven and a half hours.
Orders will open for the Mokka electric Griffin on April 17 with the first deliveries expected in June.
The Cyberbeast is the top-of-the-line Cybertruck with 856bhp and has an electric range of 320 miles.
The auction for the first Tesla Cyberbeast is underway at Sotheby Motorsports in Florida.
There is no reserve allowing the truck to sell for any price when the auction ends on April 9, though bidding was kicked off at $75,000 (£59,700). At the time of writing, seven bids had been placed with the truck’s auction price standing at $87,000 (£69,200).
The Cyberbeast is the top-of-the-line model in the Cybertruck range, packing 856bhp and an electric range of 320 miles alongside a claimed 0-60mph time of just 2.6 seconds and a towing capacity of five and a half tonnes.
Colleen Cash, president of Sotheby’s Motorsport, said: “The Cybertruck and Cyberbeast have seized the global spotlight in a manner unlike any vehicle launch before, marking a pop culture phenomenon.
“We believe that the Cyberbeast will become an iconic symbol of this era, much like the DeLorean has for past generations. This auction represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.”
Tesla’s Cybertruck had to pass several hurdles before it could enter production, including the fabrication of the highly durable steel exterior. Despite being first shown in 2019, it took until December 1, 2023, for the Cybertruck to be showcased in production-ready form.
The Cyberbeast can do 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds as has an electric range of 320 miles, while producing 856bhp. (Credit Sotheby’s Motorsport)
When the Cyberbeast goes on sale, the base price will be the equivalent of £79,500 – however with the first Cyberbeast under auction with no reserve, it’s anticipated to exceed above and beyond that price tag.
Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring the Cyberbeast and Cybertruck models to the UK.
The hot version of the Renault 5 E-Tech will receive more power and better aerodynamics.
The world debut for the hotly anticipated Alpine A290 is just around the corner with the 24 hours of Le Mans being the destination of its unveil this summer.
The A290 was showcased last year in concept form, with this upcoming hot hatch underpinning by the same platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech.
The new city car is the first electric model to be in Alpine’s range and will mark a turning point in the brand’s future.
The A290 will use the same platform as the Renault 5 E-Tech with the AmpR platform. (Credit: Alpine cars Media)
The concept, which debuted in May 2023, gave the impression that Alpine wanted to make an urban city car with sports car credentials and showed that the company wanted to still build driver-focused cars with sustainable motorsport pedigree.
The A290 will be entering into a new and competitive market with EV hot hatches, directly competing with the Abarth 500e, MG4 XPower and Volkswagen ID.3 GTX.
The new Alpine will share the same platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech with its AmpR small platform but the A290 will get more power, chassis tweaks and suspension upgrades compared to the standard 5 E-Tech.
Further details will be revealed nearer the car’s launch, with prices and specifications still not confirmed for the UK market – but expect a premium over the standard Renault 5 E-Tech’s starting price of around £23,000 when A290 goes on sale.
The new Alpine A290 will be unveiled to the public at the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race on June 13, 2024.
