Author: Jack Evans

Drivers are increasingly using their smartphones and social media to help with their next car purchase, a new survey has revealed.

Research from the CarGurus UK Buyer Insight Report – which analysis the car-buying journey of over 1,500 drivers – found that the use of mobile phones while on the forecourt has risen by 12 per cent to 71 per cent, up from 59 per cent in 2020.

Buyers are even using their phones to check vehicle details and specs and read reviews when conversing with dealers.

In addition, seven-in-10 drivers are checking social media to inform their car buying choice, while 21 per cent say that social media ‘directly impacts’ their car purchase, up from 16 per cent a year ago.

Alexandra Howerter, senior consumer insights analyst at CarGurus, said: “Smartphones are helping consumers become savvier when looking to buy, allowing them to come armed with all the data and hold their own in negotiations. This levels the playing field and alleviates some of the stress and anxiety around buying a car.

“Social media is also a great way to learn more about the car you want to buy, however, consumers must also be cautious about which sources they choose to trust. At CarGurus we’ve developed a unique data-driven approach that calculates an Instant Market Value (IMV), which reflects the market value of a vehicle in the current market. This helps consumers to take the stress out of buying and negotiating, so they can be confident they have the best deal.”

The number of people using instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp as the first point of contact with dealers had almost doubled, rising from five per cent in 2020 to nine per cent in 2022. Buyers are also more likely to contact dealers online ahead of visiting the forecourt in-person, with 42 per cent of people aged 24 to 32 getting in touch with a dealership online first.

Ford is including four-legged robot dogs in a new trial scheme which aims to save time and money at one of its American plants.

Created by Boston Dynamics – a mobile robotics company – the two machines (called Fluffy and Spot) are being trialled at Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Michigan.

Bright yellow and equipped with five cameras, the robots can travel up to 3mph for around two hours per charge. They’re being put to work scanning the plant floor and, by doing so, help engineers who are updating a computer aided design of the site prior to retooling.

The robots can get into hard-to-reach places, and should be able to drive down the usual cost of the job which stands at nearly $300,000 (£233,000) for a full scan of the site.

Mark Goderis, Ford’s digital engineering manager, said: “We design and build the plant. After that, over the years, changes are made that rarely get documented.

“By having the robots scan our facility, we can see what it actually looks like now and build a new engineering model. That digital model is then used when we need to retool the plant for new products.”

“We used to use a tripod, and we would walk around the facility stopping at different locations, each time standing around for five minutes waiting for the laser to scan. Scanning one plant could take two weeks. With Fluffy’s help, we are able to do it in half the time.”

Currently, the robots are programmed to follow a specific path and can be controlled from up to 50 metres away. Operators control the robots with a device which allows them to remotely see the camera view.

However, the future intent for the project is that the robots will be controlled remotely.

The robots are capable of changing positions from a crouch to a stretch, and even have three different ‘walks’; a regular walk for stable ground, an amble for uneven surfaces and a special speed for going up and down stairs.

A rare Jaguar E-Type owned by actor and comedian Steve Coogan is set to go under the hammer at auction.

One of the first 92 right-hand-drive cars produced and one of 56 used as dealer demonstration cars, the E-Type – chassis number 62 – was registered to its first owner in 1961. Sold to its second owner in 1978 in Edinburgh, the classic Jaguar moved to its third keeper and then kept a low profile with its fourth owner in Scotland for many years afterwards.

It was then sold by Silverstone Auctions in 2016 to Coogan, who added it to his collection of classic cars.

In 2017, a thorough restoration of the car was completed. In total, the project took two years to finish.

Despite its varied history, the E-Type has retained its matching body, engine and cylinder head. The gearbox matches too. The restoration process brought the whole car up to showroom standard and it now heads to auction with an estimate of between £300,000 and £350,000.

Nick Whale, Silverstone Auctions managing director commented: “Where do I start, this really is a fabulous car of the highest quality. The history that accompanies it is just perfect, the restoration speaks for itself and has been fully documented. Steve has kept this car in pristine condition in his own personal collection.”

“This is a very special opportunity to own one of the earliest and rarest of Jaguar E-Types with the external bonnet locks. A real collector’s car.”

A high-performance BMW M4 Convertible has ended up submerged in a marina after rolling into the water near Portsmouth.

The car – which can retail for around £80,000 – is reported to have rolled into the marina after its driver parked up in a car park and left the vehicle in drive.

A berth holder at Port Solent Marina who saw the vehicle after the initial incident said that the car, which first crashed into the water at around 10 am today (July 2) was parked in the berth holder’s car park prior to its accident.

“It appears that the driver pulled up in a disabled bay right at the front,” they told the PA news agency. “Apparently as he got out the car was in drive so it took off and went down the embankment, through the railings and went straight into the marina.

“It’s a real first,” they added. “I’ve never seen a car in a marina.”

It is believed that no one was injured during the incident.

Staff at the marina site quickly put anti-pollution measures into place around the car to stop fuel from leaking further afield.

At the time of writing, it is believed that the car is being craned from the water, according to the berth holder – who does not wish to be named.

PA has contacted Port Solent Marina for comment.

The BMW M4 Convertible uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 444bhp and 550Nm of torque and is capable of going from 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 155mph.

Driving lessons will be allowed to resume in England from July 4, it has been announced today by House of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will, according to Rees-Mogg, be writing to all approved driving instructors today (June 25) to set out plans on how to recommence driver testing and to ‘help them return to a life that is as close to normal as possible.’

“From 4 July, I am happy to say that people will be able to take driving lessons on a motorcycle, or in a car, lorry or bus,” said Mogg. “And there will be a phased approach to resuming practical testing, so learners have the opportunity to practice before taking a test.”

Rees-Mogg also stated that lessons would recommence ‘as quickly and as fairly as possible, in a way that avoids a second peak in infections’ as he spoke during Business Questions in the Commons today.

The move was welcomed by driving instructors, with Peter Brabin, head of training at Bill Plant Driving School, saying: “This is fantastic news for the industry. Not only have many Britons been unable to start or complete their driving lessons and take their tests, thousands of driving instructors have been left without an income for the past three months, with the industry coming to a halt – except for key workers who have been able to continue.

“Bill Plant Driving School will be recommencing driving lessons as of Monday 6th July, with regional differences expected but to be announced. Ahead of this, given the expected increase in demand, we as a national driving school have also launched the Queue Jump initiative for Britons to get access to lessons ahead of others for just £10 – which is to be redeemed against their first driving lesson in July.

“All driving instructors have been given guidance on how to go about resuming lessons in terms of health and safety and risk assessments, and this will be published on www.billplant.co.uk shortly.”

The weather in the UK is cranking up and even though it’s set to drop away, it’s more than likely that it’ll begin to climb again once we enter summer proper. With more drivers on the road as lockdown measures ease, more people will find themselves getting hot in the car too.

So what are the features inside a car to help keep the heat at bay? And is there anything you can do to keep your car cool if you don’t have them? Let’s take a look.

Park in the shade

It’s a bit of a no-brainer, but parking your car out of direct sunlight is a sure-fire way of keeping it cooler as the mercury rises. Underneath a tree, overhanging branches block sunlight and stop it from cranking up the heat in your car’s interior.

Use a windscreen sunshield

If that must-have shady parking space has been taken, then a sunshield is the next best thing. Usually lined with a reflective material, it can help block a lot of the sun’s rays from entering into the cabin and warming it up.

Windows or air conditioning

If your car hasn’t got air conditioning then there’s not much debate about how to stay cool when moving – drop the windows. However, what if you do have AC? At lower speeds, lowering the windows might be the best bet, but when travelling on the motorway it’s far more effective to use air-conditioning – it uses less fuel, too.

Cover the steering wheel

Ever gone back to a parked-up car after it’s been sat in the sun and jumped at the temperature of both the steering wheel and gearstick? Avoid this unpleasantness by putting a tea towel or other piece of fabric over each – it’ll keep them far cooler than if they were left exposed.

Cooling in-car features

If you’re looking at a new car, however, there are some features that you might want to have fitted – or see if they’re included in the case of a used car – for when things do get hot. Here are some of the best.

Climate control

Climate control builds on standard air conditioning by actively monitoring the car’s temperature and adjusting the system accordingly. Some cars even have multi-zone climate control, which allows individual passengers to tailor the temperature to their liking. The system works just as well in winter when you want to warm things up too, making it doubly useful.

Ventilated seats

If the party-piece of any car in winter is heated seats, then in summer it has to be ventilated versions. These gently waft cool air through the seat base and back, ensuring that you stay as chilled as possible while on the move.

In-car fridge

An in-car fridge gives you the ability to chill water, snacks or other drinks while you’re moving. It’s a common feature on many high-end models, though we’ll add a caveat; many of the plug-in fridges available from automotive retailers are just as good.

Convertible roof

If you’re after the breeziest car experience possible, then you’ll want a convertible. With the wind in your hair, even the hottest of days don’t seem quite as bad. Just make sure you’re wearing a hat and have topped up with sun cream – a ride in a convertible can be quite deceptive, with the sun feeling not quite as strong as it actually is thanks to that wind.

A sought-after Aston Martin Virage V8 Volante is set to go under the virtual hammer as it’s auctioned off online.

Just 234 of the 5.3-litre V8-powered cars were ever produced, of which only 121 were made in right-hand-drive layout for the UK.

This Volante model also features a ‘Works Service’ package, which adds wider wings, spoilers and additional vents for an even more imposing look. The 5.3-litre engine under the bonnet produces 329bhp, which is enough to send the convertible to a top speed of 155mph.

Despite being 25 years old, this particular Aston has just 29,600 miles on the clock, with little wear to see on the cream hand-stitched leather interior. The original tool kit is still present and correct.

It’s being sold via a new online auction platform hosted by Car and Classic. Designed to make buying and selling easier via auction, the service can hold funds in a secure third-party account until both buyer and seller are happy.

It’s free to list cars in the auction too, while sellers are charged just five per cent of the sale price inclusive of VAT.

Tom Wood, CEO of Car & Classic, said “We are thrilled to be finally releasing Car & Classic auctions and are excited to see how it will revolutionise the way people buy classic cars online.

“Car & Classic has always been the biggest and best website for enthusiasts to come to browse and connect with buyers and sellers. Now, they can securely buy or sell a classic car in just seven days, without ever leaving their home!”

The Aston Martin Virage V8 Volante can be viewed online now via Car and Classic’s site.

Car performance has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Engine technology has gone further than most would’ve ever expected, to the point that many vehicles on sale today more than match the performance provided by a classic supercar – for half the price.

Here, we’re taking a look at how modern hot hatches stack up against their supercar predecessors – so let battle commence.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S v Ferrari Testarossa

There are few cars quite as iconic as the Ferrari Testarossa. Low, sleek and unequivocally flamboyant, it’s a car which for many people defines the Prancing Horse brand. With a 4.9-litre V8 engine mid-mounted in the car, the Testarossa pushed out 386bhp and 490Nm of torque, all sent through to the rear wheels via a beautiful five-speed manual gearbox.

But that pales in comparison to the performance offered by the modern Mercedes-AMG A45 S. It’s got an incredible 416bhp – despite packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – and a monstrous 500Nm of torque, too. Going from 0-60mph in the Ferrari? That’ll take 5.2 seconds. The Merc? Just 3.6.

Volkswagen Golf R v Lamborghini Countach

Volkswagen’s all-conquering Golf R has long been a poster boy for hot hatches. With a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the most recent R pushed out 306bhp – and the next-generation car is likely to produce even more.

The Lamborghini Countach, meanwhile, was a poster star long before the Golf came onto the scene – and it continues to be one even today. Early cars packed 325bhp thanks to a carbureted 4.8-litre petrol. However, despite eclipsing the Golf’s power outputs, the Countach can’t come close to the R’s 0-60mph – managing it in 6.8 seconds as opposed to the Golf’s 4.3.

Honda Civic Type R v Aston Martin DB5

The DB5 is one of the all-time motoring greats. The Bond effect only helped to add to its appeal, but this classic Aston is widely regarded as one of the prettiest cars of all time. It used a 4.0-litre in-line six engine, which at the time pushed out 282bhp and 390Nm of torque. Getting from 0-60mph took eight seconds back in 1963 when the DB5 was launched.

But the poor Aston is smashed to bits (in performance terms) by the current Honda Civic Type R. Though few could argue that the Civic matches the DB5 in terms of looks, its 316bhp and 400Nm of torque far outgun the Aston’s. Its 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds blitzes that of the DB5’s, too.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ v Suzuki Swift Sport

This is a real David and Goliath story. The Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ is a car held dear by many motoring enthusiasts. Elegant, old-school and decidedly expensive, the Gullwing used a V12 engine derived from a Messerschmitt Bf 109E World War Two fighter plane which produced 240bhp and 294Nm of torque. One of the fastest production cars of its time, it could do the 0-60mph sprint in around nine seconds.

Yet the Suzuki Swift, which is one of the most affordable hot hatches currently on the market, can leave the Gullwing for dust going from 0-60mph – it takes just 7.8 seconds to achieve the same feat, despite pushing out just 138bhp. Oh, and the Swift will cost around £1.1 million less than the Gullwing to buy should you wish to at the moment.

Vaughtons, the creators of badges which sit on each and every Aston Martin, has launched a special NHS ‘Rainbow Badge’ to help raise money for charity.

Priced at £9.99, all profits from the sale of the badges will go directly to NHS Charities Together.

Crafted using traditional methods, each badge is stamped and polished in the same manner as the emblems used on Aston Martins. Rainbow-coloured enamel is then applied on top to form the eye-catching rainbow design.

Nick Hobbis, Vaughtons’ managing director, said: “The country has pulled together throughout this difficult time with unanimous, grateful support for the NHS and the carers who have put their lives on the line and worked tirelessly, and continue to do so, for those who have been affected by the coronavirus.

“The rainbow has become a visible symbol of hope and gratitude. Creating this badge by using our skills is Vaughtons’ unique way of giving back. We very much hope that this Rainbow Thank You badge will become the 21st century ‘poppy’, enabling us to raise valuable funds for charities supporting NHS workers and volunteers.”

Vaughtons not only create badges for Aston Martin vehicles but has also crafted medals for the Olympics, the English Premier League and Six Nations rugby.

The rainbow badges will initially be available with either gold or silver plating, though sterling silver and nine-carat options are set to follow.

Nissan has confirmed the future of its Sunderland production site, alongside an announcement that it will be closing its Barcelona facility.

The future of the Sunderland plant – which produces cars such as the Qashqai, Leaf and Juke – has been uncertain for some time, but fresh confirmation by Nissan during its Transformation Plan has confirmed that the Japanese car maker sees the site as a core part of its European presence.

Stephen Ma, Nissan CFO, said that “In western Europe, we will maintain production of core models in Sunderland and maintain efficiency.”

The firm also showcased plans to utilise its relationship with other alliance members Renault and Mitsubishi to help grow the business. This could potentially see Renault models built in Sunderland, though this is yet to be confirmed.

Nissan said that it would now be focussing on reducing costs and bringing down the number of cars in its range, putting primary emphasis on electric vehicles, SUVs and crossovers – as well as sports cars – as it announced large losses for 2019.

The firm’s upcoming Ariya SUV, which it sees as a future core model for Europe, would be fully revealed in July.

It did, however, confirm its commitment to Europe, stating that the market remains ‘important’ to the brand while recognising that the automotive industry within the area is in ‘a period of transition’.