Author: Jack Evans

Proposals to move MOTs to a two-year requirement have been quashed as a government consultation comes to a close.

The consultation, which was launched in January 2023, was introduced to see whether extending the time between MOTs – as well as pushing back the date of a vehicle’s first test after registration – could be feasible.

In all, the government received more than 4,400 responses to the ‘combined consultation and call for evidence about reforms to MOT testing’.

As a result, the MOT test will remain a requirement each year for cars over three years old, while a new car’s first MOT test will still need to be conducted once it reaches three years old, rather than four as proposed.

Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “We have listened to drivers and industry, and keeping MOTs in their current form shows once again that we are on the side of motorists.

📢"Gov & the auto industry have worked together to ensure the UK has some of the world’s safest roads. The decision to retain the existing MOT system is the right one, helping maintain this proud record"@MikeHawesSMMT on MOT consultation announcement pic.twitter.com/qGEiZU881P

— SMMT (@SMMT) January 25, 2024

“By offering clarity on MOT tests, alongside our recent street works consultation and unprecedented £8.3 billion to resurface roads, we are helping motorists drive with peace of mind and ensuring Britain’s roads continue to be some of the safest in the world.”

The government will also ‘further investigate’ on how to improve the level of monitoring of diesel vehicle emissions through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that ‘will include whether testing should do more to ensure that diesel vehicles comply with emissions regulations’.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “It’s great news the madcap idea of changing the MOT from every year to every two has finally been consigned to the bin.

“This would have seriously compromised road safety and ended up costing drivers more money rather than less as it was supposed to do, due to dangerous issues going undetected and getting progressively worse. This is why the idea was so widely unpopular with the motoring public in our research.”

Vauxhall is reviving its Frontera nameplate for an upcoming electric SUV.

The original Frontera – built between 1991 and 2003 – was a leisure-orientated SUV available in both three- and five-door layouts and, at the time, it proved popular for Vauxhall.

Now, however, it is being revitalised as a new electric vehicle for the brand with a new teaser image showing that the latest Frontera will still feature a relatively boxy, upright design.

James Taylor, managing director of Vauxhall, said: “The name ‘Frontera’ is ideally suited to our exciting new SUV model. It will have a confident character and be positioned right in the core of the market.”

Ready to get electrified?⚡️The brand new #VauxhallFrontera is coming soon and ready to electrify the streets with power🔋#VauxhallRevealDay #WeAreVauxhall pic.twitter.com/M3N2IBF2jP

— Vauxhall (@vauxhall) January 24, 2024

The new Frontera will feature a ‘high level of space and versatility’ and will launch alongside a new version of the Grandland, Vauxhall’s flagship SUV. It’s expected that the Frontera will replace the existing Crossland model – which is smaller than the range-topping Grandland – and become Vauxhall’s new compact SUV.

The new Frontera will be differentiated from the older Crossland by a boxier approach to styling alongside a more ‘traditional’ SUV layout in terms of seating. The Crossland, in contrast, is far more rounded and more on-road focused.

Unlike the original, it isn’t expected that this new Frontera will be available as a three-door, with only five-door layouts being incorporated. It’s believed to be underpinned by the latest Stellantis CMP platform, which has also been used on other group cars such as the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot e-2008.

Vauxhall says that further information about the Frontera – as well as the first images – will be released ‘in the coming weeks’.

There’s no getting around it – being on a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. You’re more exposed, more reliant on the good driving habits of other motorists and more susceptible to weather, too.

But that’s why having the right equipment can make all the difference. Not only does it boost protection in the event of a fall, but it’ll help to keep you dry and warm when the weather turns, well, British. So here, we’re going to take a look through some of the key items worth getting if you’re starting out on two wheels.

Helmet

Remarkably, a helmet is the only legal requirement for motorcyclists in the UK. However, it’s the most crucial bit of equipment that you’ll need. All helmets – to be legal in the UK – must comply with the British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark, UNECE Regulation 22.05 or a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection as BS 6658:1985, and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark.

Now that might sound like a lot, so if you’re unsure, you can always ask a retailer or even get in touch with a manufacturer to find out. Helmets come in all shapes and sizes, including a ‘flip’ style which allows you to open the entire front (not just the visor) – just like this Shark one we’re looking at here.

Jacket

As we’ve mentioned, there’s no legal requirement to go above and beyond a helmet in terms of safety equipment. Still, it’s very strongly recommended that you wear specialist motorcycle clothing as it could really help protect you if the worst should happen.

A proper motorcycle jacket is a great place to start. This particular jacket includes abrasion-resistant material, and has a waterproof finish to help keep you dry. A zippable liner adds warmth, too. But most importantly, it includes protection at the shoulder, elbows and back to help cushion your fall should you have a spill.

Boots

Boots are an often-overlooked aspect of motorcycle safety. Motorbike-specific boots bring abrasion resistance and are reinforced to help in the event of an impact. They’re also available in different heights, with taller boots adding protection to your shins.

Not only do they help protect your feet, ankles and shins, but they also provide you with a stable platform on which to stand, brake and change gears. There are also loads of different ‘styles’ of boot, depending on the type of riding you’re doing. These ones pictured, for instance, are angled towards long-distance rides and touring.

Trousers

If you think about the process of riding a motorcycle, your legs are at the sharp end of things. They’re exposed to all of the wind blast, as well as gravel and stones which might fly up from the road. To help combat this – among other things – a good set of motorcycle-specific trousers can make all of the difference.

These Richa Colorado 2 Pro trousers are insulated with a removable liner so they’re warm when it’s cold, but they’re also waterproof. Importantly, they’ve got additional protection at the knees and you can add more to the hips, should you want to.

Gloves

If you come off your motorcycle, it’s instinctive to put your hands out first. It’s why gloves are so important, but they also help to keep your hands warm and dry. They’re right out in front of you, after all, so they’re in a direct impact with the wind and elements.

You might want to have two sets – a winter pair and a summer pair – as the former will be better insulated. Summer gloves still bring plenty of protection, but aren’t quite as thickly lined so your hands don’t get too hot.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Absolutely. All motorcycle kit sold in the UK should be sold with a rating which gives you an idea about how much protection it offers. All trousers, jacket or leathers should carry a small icon of a motorcycle and rider, as well as a rating from AAA-B, with the former being the highest possible level of protection.

When it comes to the armour within jackets and other garments, this will need to be tested to EN 1621 standards – and this code should be stamped on the armour itself. As always, if you have any questions, be sure to speak to a reputable seller.

Google is planning to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) systems into its Android Auto in-car technology.

Designed to allow drivers to ‘stay focused on the road’ while still being able to communicate safely when behind the wheel, the new version of Android Auto will use AI to automatically summarise long texts or ‘busy group chats’ to make them simpler to decipher when driving.

To reply, the system will be capable of suggesting relevant replies and actions that the driver will be able to take via the car’s main screen and, most importantly, without touching their smartphone. The tech giant says that the new Android Auto system will allow owners to ‘enjoy the best of their smartphone in the car’.

Google says that, for example, it would allow a driver to easily access a location shared by a friend and plug it into their Maps system at the press of a button. The system would also give drivers the option to let their friend know their estimated time of arrival all through a series of simplified inputs.

The update was announced alongside the introduction of Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 series smartphone. Google also added that future Android Auto systems would be able to reflect this new Galaxy’s appearance so that an owner’s personal wallpaper and icons would be transferred seamlessly to the car’s infotainment.

A number of carmakers already use Google’s Automotive system to power their in-car infotainment systems. Brands such as Volvo and Polestar both use the brand’s know-how as a basis for their own car entertainment systems, so there’s a likelihood that these new AI-based services could also be used by car manufacturers too.

The Ford Fiesta was the UK’s most-stolen car during 2023, according to new data.

In fact, sixteen of the Blue Oval’s famous small cars were pinched each day during 2023 – equating to one every 88 minutes.

Though the Fiesta was axed by Ford in July 2023, the number of examples stolen didn’t even contract in the latter half of the year when production ended. LeaseLoco, which issued a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for stolen car data, says that increasing demand for second-hand Fiesta parts could also have contributed to thieves making them more of a target than before.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, said: “The Fiesta was unable to shake off the title as the UK’s most stolen car despite being axed by Ford in the summer of 2023.

“Logically, with fewer new Fiestas on UK roads, we might have expected to see thefts fall significantly last year. However, Ford’s decision to discontinue the popular small hatchback could well have sparked an increase in demand for second-hand parts, making them a hot target for thieves.

“DVLA figures revealed that thefts of Mercedes C Class were up almost 30% and total car thefts exceeded 60,000, as they did in 2022. Car owners need to continue to be extra vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of crime.”

In total, 64,087 vehicles of all makes and models were reported by the police to the DVLA during 2023, representing a near-five per cent increase on ht 61,106 cars pinched the year prior. This latest figure equates to 176 cars being stolen each day or one taken every eight minutes and 12 seconds in the UK last year.

Jaguar Land Rover’s attempts to curtail Range Rover Sport thefts appear to have helped, too, as thefts of this model were down by 29 per cent compared to the previous year. Thefts of the Mercedes C Class, in contrast, were 30 per cent higher than they were in 2022 at 1,786 vehicles in total while the most-stolen electric vehicle was the Kia Niro, of which 177 incidents of theft were recorded.

The Freedom of Information request also highlighted that 43 Ferraris were stolen during the year, alongside 51 Porsches and 14 Lamborghinis.

Royal Enfield’s new Shotgun 650 will go on sale on February 1 with prices starting from £6,699.

The new Shotgun 650 – which takes inspiration from the SG650 Concept unveiled at the EICMA show in 2021 – has been designed to offer a ‘blank canvas’ for riders to customise and shape into their own personal design.

It sits around Enfield’s 650 Twin Platform, which has been used in bikes like the Super Meteor, but brings a relatively low seating position with an upswept bar design to help maximise confidence and control. It also gets Showa forks on the front and twin tube five-step preload adjustable springs at the rear while the 18-inch front and 17-inch rear tyres combine with 320mm and 300mm disc brakes respectively.

The Shotgun also employs a modular design, which allows the rider to tweak it towards its desired use. As standard it comes with a double-seat setup, but via a key-operated barrel this can be changed into a single-seater by removing the pillion section. A rack can also then be added to this area to help boost the load-carrying ability of the Shotgun.

B Govindarajan, chief executive of Royal Enfield, said: “The Shotgun 650 is a very unique motorcycle within our portfolio, but at its heart is the same Royal Enfield pure motorcycling DNA. The 648cc parallel-twin engine that powers this machine is a characterful and versatile platform that is capable of adapting to any kind of riding form and format.”

As with other Royal Enfield motorcycles, the Shotgun 650 has been designed to offer a lot for a value-orientated price, which is why prices start from £6,699 in standard ‘Sheet Metal Grey’, rising to £6,799 for a ‘Plasma Blue’ version and topping out at £6,899 for a ‘Stencil White’ variant.

The electric i4 M50 was BMW M’s most popular car during 2023.

It comes as the performance arm of BMW’s sales passed 200,000 vehicles in one year for the first time as a number of new models came on stream. It represented a 14.3 per cent increase compared with the previous year, too.

The USA remained the key market for BMW M, with Germany coming in second place and followed by the UK in third.

Sylvia Neubauer, vice president of customer, brand and sales at BMW M, said: “With the historic record of more than 200,000 vehicles delivered, we have reached a milestone in the 2023 financial year. The impressive demand is a great confirmation that we are hitting the nerve of the times with our diverse product portfolio.”

BMW M also added to its electric line-up during 2023, with models such as the i5 M60 xDrive and i7 M70 xDrive both bringing more performance than the standard models upon which they are based. The range is topped by the i7 M70 xDrive, which is the most powerful electric model ever produced by BMW M.

Franciscus van Meel, chairman of the board of management of BMW M, said: “The financial year 2023 was characterized both by our highly successful portfolio of highly emotional combustion engine vehicles and by our ongoing electrification offensive with two further all-electric performance models and our first electrified high-performance car, the BMW XM.”

BMW M continues to offer a range of petrol-powered models, including the M2, M3 saloon, M3 Touring and the M4 Coupe.

There are plenty of motoring rules that drivers in the UK are fully aware of. Speed limits, keeping to the left-hand side of the road and making sure everyone in a car wears a seatbelt are just three of the commonly known rules that we all abide by as motorists.

But there are plenty of rules out there which aren’t all that well known, but which could still land you in a sticky situation if you don’t follow them. Let’s take a look.

Flashing your lights at other road users to alert them to a speed camera

Alerting other motorists about a speed camera that they’re about to drive up to – or a stationary police vehicle – can quickly land you in hot water if you’re caught. Though it’s often seen as a friendly act of motoring good nature, rule 110 of the Highway Code states: “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.”

In addition, section 89 (2) of the Police Act 1996 says: “The offence of obstructing a police officer is committed when a person wilfully obstructs: a constable in the execution of his duty, or. a person assisting a constable in the execution of the constable’s duty.”. As a result, if caught, you could be hit with a £1,000 fine.

Using a smartwatch at the wheel

Laws upon the use of devices while in control of a vehicle were tightened up recently and, though it might not be immediately apparent, that includes the use of a smartwatch. The Highway Code states that “it’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle.” This does exclude when going through a drive-thru restaurant, however, so you can still use your smartwatch to make payments here.

If you’re caught using a smartwatch while at the wheel, you could face six penalty points and a fine of up to £200. As always, only operate a device when safely parked with the engine off.

Dogs not being ‘suitably restrained’ in the car

Thousands of drivers in the UK travel with their dog – or dogs – in the car, but a rule within the Highway Code means that you need to think about how you drive with pooch aboard. Rule 57 of the Highway Code says: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.”

Dogs need to be with a ‘seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard’ and while breaking the Highway Code doesn’t bring a penalty in itself, you could be fined up to £5,000 if you’re found to have been driving while distracted by your pet. More serious instances could lead to a court appearance, too.

Children travelling in a taxi or private-hire vehicle

It’s well known that children have to ride in a car with a proper car seat and, in most cases, all children under three have to be in a child seat at all times. There are some exceptions, however.

The Highway Code states that if a driver of a taxi or minicab doesn’t provide a correct child seat, children can travel without one – though they need to travel in the rear seat. For children over three, they’ll need to wear an adult seat belt though those under three won’t be required to wear an adult belt.

Driving too slowly

We’re all aware of the penalties for exceeding the speed limit, but there are potential issues when travelling too slowly, too. Though there is no pre-defined minimum speed limit, driving too slowly and causing danger to other road users in the process could see you hit with a ‘driving without due care and attention’ fine of up to £200 and three penalty points.

However, some police might offer a driving improvement course instead of a fine and points, though this is up to the discretion of the officer at the time.

Triumph has revived its iconic Daytona name for a new triple-powered middleweight sportsbike.

Sharing much with both the Trident and Tiger Sport 660 models, the Daytona uses a 660cc engine with 93.7bhp, which is 17 per cent more than you’ll find in the Trident. These gains come courtesy of upgraded engine internals alongside a new three-in-one exhaust system.

Triumph has tweaked the frame compared with the Trident, too, lowering the handlebars by 110mm to help deliver a more engaging riding experience. It gets Showa 41mm front forks, too, and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear, also from Showa.

Bringing the whole bike to a stop are four-piston brakes with twin 310mm discs, while Michelin Power 6 tyres should return plentiful grip and feel. With a seat height of 810mm and an ‘optimised bar and footpeg position’, the Daytona should also be confidence-inspiring for newer riders.

Three riding modes – Sport, Road and Rain – come equipped as standard on the Daytona, with each tweaking the bike’s throttle response and traction control for different riding situations. There’s also a new Emergency Deceleration Warning system which activates the hazard lights under heavy braking.

Triumph says that the Daytona DNA has been ‘reimagined’ for this latest version, with eye-catching twin LED headlights up front incorporating a central air intake. At the rear, there’s a sharp LED light.

The Daytona is also available with a range of accessories including an A2 licence kit which limits power so that riders on A2 licences are legally allowed to ride it.

Mercedes-AMG has partnered up with musician Will.i.am to launch a new in-car sound entertainment experience.

The MBUX Sound Drive system uses software which allows the music being played to ‘react’ to the way the car is being driven. This, according to Mercedes-AMG, ‘turns the car into a virtual musical instrument’ which relies on sensors and software to take various driving dynamics and convert them to musical changes.

For instance, when a driver lifts off the throttle in the electric EQS, the car might quieten down or, when accelerating, the music could become more pronounced. Mercedes believes that the system has the potential to turn into an ‘open music platform’ where artists would be allowed to create and upload tracks to use in the car.

Will.i.am said: “Imagine a world where your car can become an instrument creating musical journeys. MBUX Sound Drive enhances driving and sound technology, letting motorists reshape music just by driving.

“I’m excited to see how composers, producers, and songwriters will harness this to create new works and reimagine classics for motorists to drive to. Sound Drive is not only a new frontier for music creation, but also opens up fresh, exciting and interactive listening experiences for drivers.”

Mercedes-AMG says that the new MBUX Sound Drive system will start rolling out into its vehicles from the middle of this year and will be available to existing owners of Mercedes-AMG and AMG Line vehicles with the second generation of the firm’s MBUX infotainment system. An over-the-air update will be required to access the function.