Author: Jack Evans

A new Ultra Low Emission Zone is to be introduced in central London on Monday. Designed to help reduce emissions in the city as well as cut congestion, it’s additional to the congestion charge and is likely to affect many drivers.

Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about the new zone (ULEZ) and what it may mean for you.

Where is the zone?

Initially, the ULEZ – which replaces the T-Charge – will apply to the same area as the London congestion charge, ie, inside the Inner London Ring Road.

Check out our new interactive #AirQuality map, showing monitoring and modelling data as well as the Mayor's actions on air pollution – including the #ULEZ. #LetLondonBreathe https://t.co/vJmwwlZh3y pic.twitter.com/dorI6F5hzK

— LDNMayor Environment (@LDN_environment) April 3, 2019

However, from October 25, 2021, it’s going to be extended to the area within the North and South Circular Roads. The congestion charging zone will remain the same.

When does it operate?

The ULEZ zone will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. This is in contrast to the congestion charging zone, which only operates from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and doesn’t operate on public holidays and between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day inclusive.

What will it cost me to drive in the zone?

If your vehicle is liable for the ULEZ, the fee is £12.50 a day for passenger cars – that’s on top of the existing £11.50 a day that motorists already pay for the congestion charging zone. When the ULEZ extends, you’ll be able to drive into that part of it without having to pay the congestion charge, although you’ll still have to pay the congestion charge if you drive into that particular zone.

The @TfL Ultra Low Emission Zone vehicle checker has been used more than 3 million times. Check your vehicle before ULEZ kicks off on Monday. #LetLondonBreathe

— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) April 5, 2019

Large lorries and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will have to pay much more – the daily charge is £100 – and penalties are much higher as well.

Which cars have to pay?

It’s the older, more polluting cars that will be hit. To be exempt from the charge, petrol cars, vans and minibuses must meet Euro 4 emissions standards, while diesels will have to comply with more recent Euro 6 levels. Motorbikes must be Euro 3 classification or later.

With just three days to go until #ULEZ is launched, check out our new interactive #AirQuality map, showing monitoring and modelling data as well as the Mayor's actions on air pollution. #LetLondonBreathe https://t.co/vJmwwlZh3y pic.twitter.com/ExcE6pIQ4b

— LDNMayor Environment (@LDN_environment) April 5, 2019

It means that you’ll only be able to enter the zone without being charged when behind the wheel of a relatively new diesel or a petrol model in the region of 13 years old.

Are any vehicles exempt?

Some vehicles won’t be liable for the charge. Black taxis are first and foremost. Cars registered with ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ tax classes will also be exempt – until October 26, 2025 at least. In addition, people who currently pay residents’ congestion charge payments will be given some time to replace their vehicles for ULEZ-standard models if they haven’t already.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) comes into force in central London on Monday. Combined with @SadiqKhan's other policies it will transform London's air quality. These images show the improvement in levels of NO₂ particulate matter across Greater London by 2025 pic.twitter.com/WqvXZkXKEy

— Tom Copley (@tomcopley) April 5, 2019

Of course, electric vehicles and any that exceed Euro 6 standards won’t be stung for the charge either.

What are the penalties?

Failing to pay the ULEZ fee will be treated similarly to the congestion charge. You’ll be given a penalty of £160, which is reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days. Of course, you’ll be able to appeal against the fine if you believe Transport for London has made a mistake, but you won’t be able to cite ignorance as a defence – the ULEZ will be clearly signposted at all entrances and exits.

To help improve air quality, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (#ULEZ) will be in place in central London from Monday 8 April. The daily charge runs from midnight to midnight, 7 days a week, every day of the year, within the same area as the current Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ). pic.twitter.com/lysapMA3iE

— South Bank BID (@SouthBankBID) April 5, 2019

For lorries and other large vehicles, the fine is much more severe – £1,000, reduced to £500 if paid within 14 days.

Is there an easy way to check if my vehicle meets the ULEZ standards?

There is indeed! Go to tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/vrm-checker-ulez and enter your vehicle’s number plate details to find out if you’ll have to pay the charge.

What is it?

Seat has had a successful time of it recently. It was the fastest-growing car manufacturer in the UK last year, and has seen sales increase steadily too. This has been bolstered by the introduction of two SUV models — the Ateca and the smaller Arona — which have both gone down a treat with consumers. Now, the Spanish firm is hoping to extend its appeal with this – the Tarraco.

Sitting above the Ateca and Arona in terms of size, it’s aiming to capture the attention of those who want the sporty looks of a Seat, but with a touch more practicality – and seven seats, to boot.

What’s new?

As mentioned, the Tarraco comes into the Seat line-up as the largest SUV the firm offers. It’s underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A long wheelbase — the same as the one you’ll find underneath the Kodiaq from sister company Skoda. It means that though the smaller Ateca is restricted to just five seats, the Tarraco can deliver three genuine seating rows, matching the number in the manufacturer’s other seven-seater, the Alhambra people carrier.

But whereas the Alhambra is about out-and-out spaciousness, the Tarraco has been designed to not only be practical, but good to drive too. It’s why you’ll find sporty driving modes fitted, along with all-wheel-drive in certain models.

What’s under the bonnet?

Our test car came fitted with the most powerful diesel on offer – a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with 187bhp and 400Nm of torque. Here, it sends power to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Seat says the Tarraco, when powered by this engine, is good for a 130mph top speed and will do the 0-60mph sprint in a very respectable 7.8 seconds.

Economy-wise, it’s par for the course in this segment. The 2.0-litre engine puts out 147g/km CO2, and will return between 37.2 and 38.2mpg on the combined cycle.

There’s just one other diesel option, and that uses the same 2.0-litre lump, albeit with 148bhp. Then there’s a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol (Seat expects this to be one of the most popular), and a more powerful 2.0-litre petrol too.

What’s it like to drive?

Seat has always pitched itself towards the more driver-orientated end of the market, and while that may make sense with hot hatchbacks, it doesn’t key in quite as well with the seven-seater, family-angled end of the segment. Fortunately, it has dialed back things with the Tarraco; the steering is relatively light around town (which makes it easy to pilot at slow speeds), while the DSG gearbox in our test car shifted smoothly when up and running – though power delivery can be a touch sluggish when going from a dead stop.

Our only issue came with the ride; the 20-inch alloys fitted to our test car may look excellent, but add a level of harshness that you don’t expect from a car of this type. We tested another vehicle on smaller 18-inch units and this helped ease the problem, though it still wasn’t eradicated completely.

How does it look?

Seat has applied some new features to the Tarraco to help differentiate it from the rest of the range, while still maintaining some degree of lineage from the rest of its line-up. It’s why the headlamps are in a similar sleek design to the Ateca, but set further back up the bonnet. And while the sharp crease line running along its flank may appear similar to that seen on the Arona, it’s longer and bolder, giving the seven-seater a more dynamic appeal.

Overall, it’s a well-executed design. The full-width brake light at the rear is certainly eye-catching, and the variety of chrome elements dotted along the car’s exterior make for a premium-looking vehicle.

What’s it like inside?

Because of its Volkswagen Group connections, the interior of the Tarraco is likely to feel familiar to anyone who has been in a current-generation Tiguan, Karoq or Golf. That’s no bad thing whatsoever; it’s very well put together, with decent materials used throughout. Chrome accents at the front of the cabin help brighten it up, while the widescreen infotainment screen gives it a high-tech feel.

But though tech is all well and good, how does the Tarraco do in an area where’s it important in this segment – spaciousness? For the most part, very well. The first and second rows are roomy, with big windows helping to give an airiness to the cabin. And while the third row of seats may not be a favourite place to be for adults, they’ll be more than enough room back there for children.

In terms of boot space, there’s 230 litres to play with when that third row is in place, rising to 700 litres with it folded down. With both third and second rows flat, there’s a huge 1,775 litres on offer.

What’s the spec like?

Seat has simplified its trim levels, and essentially eliminated any optional extras. In fact, you’re only able to add a space saver spare wheel, a tow bar or panoramic sunroom — and that’s it. Otherwise, you have to pick from one of four trim lines; SE, SE Technology, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux. Our test car was finished in the final and most luxurious trim level, which brings with it a multitude of features – though it’s worth noting that even base-spec cars get an eight-inch central touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital cockpit fitted as standard.

Xcellence Lux cars get 20-inch alloy wheels, front sports seats and a top view camera, as well as heated front and outer rear seats. In truth, the standard specification is so comprehensive that we’d struggle to see many drivers wanting for more features.

Verdict

The Tarraco may be yet another entry into the SUV segment, but it’s one well worth considering. It’s laden with standard equipment, is spacious and practical too. The ride may be harsh, but stick to smaller-wheeled versions and it’s unlikely to be troublesome to most. The diesel engine fitted to our test car fitted the character of the vehicle, and will suit long-distance drivers. However, the variety of other powertrains means there’s undoubtedly going to be one for all buyers.

Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Seat Tarraco
Price as tested: £40,090
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel
Power (bhp): 187
Torque (Nm): 400
Max speed (mph): 130
0-60mph: 7.8
MPG: 37.2-38.2
Emissions (g/km): 147

The humble van. Spacious, dependable but not historically all that fast. However, a new wave of these load-luggers capable of giving hot hatches a run for their money are hitting the road.

We’re checking out some of the quickest vans on sale today.

Ford Transit Custom

it would be a crying shame not be able to include the famous Transit on this list, and fortunately enough, there’s a fast one in its line-up. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine, it’s not the quickest on this list, but does boast a respectable amount of poke.

It’ll go from 0-60mph in just over 11 seconds, which we’ll admit isn’t all that quick — but it’s certainly peppier than most Transits in the range.

Volkswagen Transporter

Whereas the Transit is more akin to a run-of-the-mill Fiesta in the performance stakes, the Transporter chimes in at a Golf GTI level. Thanks to a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 201bhp, it’ll crack 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds — which is quick, even by road car levels.

You can have the Transporter with a quick-shifting DSG gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles, letting you have that F1-style driving experience when behind the wheel.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Weighing in against the Volkswagen Transporter in the premium van segment is this — the Mercedes-Benz Vito. It can be fitted with a 188bhp, 2.1-litre turbocharged diesel engine (the most powerful unit in the range), which allows it to go from 0-60mph in nine seconds — so it can’t quite match the Transporter’s turn of pace.

That said, the 188bhp model is also rear-wheel drive, so you could argue it’s the more sporting choice — though it mostly means that you’re able to carry a bigger payload with less fuss.

Peugeot Expert

The Expert is Peugeot’s offering in the medium van sector, and it too uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, here stoked to the tune of 178bhp. Unloaded, it’ll actually match the Transporter’s 0-60mph time, and it’ll top out at a heady 115mph.

Fitted with an eight-speed automatic, the Expert is only available with this powertrain in ‘long’ wheelbase set-ups, meaning you’ve more room to play with too.

Renault Trafic

Renault’s Trafic is another key competitor in the van segment. The range-topper packs a twin-turbocharged diesel engine with 138bhp — which is considerably less than the other vans on this list.

Still, it manages to do 0-60mph in a respectable 10.6 seconds — so it’s far from the slowest out there. There’s also 340Nm of torque on offer, meaning there’s plenty of low-down punch available too.

It’s hard to ignore the rise of the crossover. Manufacturers certainly haven’t missed their overwhelming surge in popularity, with brands across the spectrum bringing their own crossover to market as quickly as possible.

But which ones are best? Luckily, there are plenty to choose from – and we’ve picked out some of the tip-top examples on sale today.

Seat Arona

The Arona is the smallest SUV-style car in the Spanish firm’s range, sitting underneath the larger Ateca. Its bigger brother has experienced plenty of success thanks to good build quality and even better value for money, and thankfully a lot of this has been transferred to the smaller Arona.

Because it’s based on the same platform as the compact Ibiza hatchback, it’s easy to park and nimble to drive around town. However, because a of bump in ride height, it’s got a slightly more commanding view of the road ahead compared to the Ibiza.

Lexus UX

The UX is one of Lexus’ latest offerings, and fortunately it’s a well-rounded effort from the premium car manufacturer. Only available with a hybrid powertrain, it’s a great option for those who want lower running costs along with the cutting-edge styling we associated with Lexus.

The UX’s interior build quality is top-notch too, and there’s even a more dynamic F-Sport version if you’re after a sportier-looking car.

Peugeot 3008

Peugeot knows a thing or two about making compact cars, and the 3008 is an example of how adept the French manufacturer is at this. Good looks, plenty of engine choices and a big helping of standard equipment make the 3008 one of the key contenders here.

It’s also very practical, with plenty space for rear-seat passengers and a decent boot to swallow up all of their luggage.

Volkswagen T-Roc

Volkswagen already has a strong crossover representation thanks to the Tiguan and T-Cross, but the T-Roc is one of the newest – and strongest – models to have entered the line-up recently. Inside, build quality is excellent and, though it may not be the most exciting of places to be, it’s all intuitively laid out.

A range of efficient engines help the T-Roc to feel more grown-up than its compact size may suggest, and there’s a new T-Roc R version for people who want a car with a lot more punch, too.

Ford Focus Active

Ford showed that it could take its regular models and give them a little more go-anywhere appeal with the Fiesta Active, and now it’s pulled the same trick with the larger Focus. The Active version gets rugged looks, a small bump in ride height and, though it doesn’t have four-wheel-drive, Ford has included some special tech to help the front wheels deal with slippery conditions.

There’s also a recently-introduced estate version of the Focus Active, which is a great option for those who want a touch more space over the regular hatch version.

BMW X2

Think BMW and what comes to mind? Tyre-shredding sports cars, or luxurious high-end saloons perhaps? While that may be the case most of the time, BMW has also turned its attention to the crossover segment with this, the X2. Though it may go against BMW tradition by being front-wheel-drive, it delivers one of the sportier drives in this segment thanks to decent grip levels and weighty steering.

It’s also got sharp styling, and a high-tech interior. Though of course, thanks to that BMW badge, it’s one of the pricer options on this list.

Audi Q2

In much the same vein as BMW’s X2, the Q5 is another premium offering when it comes to crossovers. It brings with it a higher level of in-car technology than found in rivals, as well as a more engaging drive.

The range of engines available is broad too – while the range-topping SQ2 can give most hot-hatches a run for their money when it comes to outright performance.

Kia Stonic

Kia’s Stonic may be a budget offering, but this makes it no less impressive than the rest of the cars on this list. It’s remarkably spacious, good to drive and brimmed with standard equipment. It also comes with Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty, taking the headache out of those initial years of ownership.

Despite being a car at the lower end of the price spectrum, it’s actually one of the better ones to drive thanks to well-weighted steering and a good gearbox.

Hyundai Kona Electric

Representing the electric car contingent is this, the Hyundai Kona Electric. The standard Kona is an excellent car in its own right, but the Electric version brings it bang up-to-date. Capable of driving up to 279 miles on a single charge (in the long-range version), it’s a car with very few of the drawbacks that you’d associate with a car you have to plug in.

Relative lack of range anxiety aside, the Kona Electric offers plenty of included equipment, as well as decent levels of interior space.

DS 3 Crossback

DS is making its mark as a standalone brand, and the 3 Crossback is its latest offering. Bringing the styling of the larger DS 7 Crossback but in a smaller package, it’s certainly one for those who are looking to stand out from the crowd.

The interior design is equally as quirky as the exterior styling, which separates it from the rest of the cars here.

There are car manufacturers world-renowned for making exciting, four-wheeled products. They make cars which are snapped up left, right and centre, and provide mobility for thousands of people across the globe.

However, many of these firms also turn their attention to motorbikes – and you may not know which ones have taken things onto two wheels, as well as four. Let’s take a look.

BMW

BMW is one of the biggest carmakers around, but it is also well-versed in making motorbikes every bit as capable as its road cars. It has a long history of all things two-wheeled, having first created a motorcycle back in 1921.

Now, it creates a range of impressive and versatile motorbikes, ranging from go-anywhere adventure bikes to razor-edged track monsters.

Suzuki

While most people when they think of Suzuki will imagine cars such as the Swift, Vitara and Jimny, to many others it’ll throw up images of motorcycles such as the GSX-R or V-Strom. As well as its road cars, Suzuki offers a wide and varied line-up of motorcycles, too.

In a similar vein to BMW, Suzuki has a rich and varied history when it comes to all things two-wheeled, having created its first motorcycle back in 1952.

KTM

KTM is a name that’ll be familiar to most motorcycle riders. It creates some capable dirt bikes, as well as tourers and adventure bikes. In short, it has pretty much all bases covered when it comes to motorcycles.

But KTM creates cars too. Well, just one; the X-Bow – a track-ready sports car which looks almost as extreme as the company’s motorcycles. An all carbon-fibre construction means it’s exceptionally light, while a 2.0-litre petrol engine ensures it’s punchy, too.

Ariel

Ariel, the UK-based sports car manufacturer, has already made an impact with its mid-engined Atom; a stripped back, lightweight sports car capable of outperforming and out-accelerating even the most powerful of supercars.

But as well as the Atom and off-road Nomad, Ariel has turned its attention to bikes too. It makes the Ace, a sports bike just as wild as its road cars. And, like its cars, it utilises a Honda-sourced powertrain, too.

Honda

Honda creates motorised products of nearly every type; boats, generators and even high-powered jets feature the famous red branding. But, though Honda is renowned around the world for its cars, the manufacturer actually started things off with motorcycles, back in 1949.

Today, it continues to create two-wheeled products, alongside its ever-expanding range of road cars.

Cars often seem pretty straightforward. Four or five seats (maybe more), an engine at the front and four wheels spinning underneath. For designers, it must be a straightforward process too – which is they often hide features – or ‘Easter Eggs’ – within their cars to keep things interesting.

All manner of cars have the secret touches – let’s take a look at some of them.

Jeep Renegade Lights

Jeep’s dinky Renegade takes on the retro looks of the Wrangler but in a much smaller package. It’s also brimmed with all manner of styling nods to the past – in particular these, the rear lights.

Though there are a variety of other neat touches throughout the Renegade, these are two of the largest. The rear lights use the ‘x’ symbol found on the petrol cans which were strapped to the side of the Willys Jeep during World War Two.

Jaguar windscreen motif

The E-Pace – Jaguar’s baby SUV – comes with a small feature which, unless you look closely, you probably won’t have spotted. At the edge of the windscreen, there’s a little Jaguar cub following a much larger, fully-grown silhouette of the animal.

It’s a nod towards the E-Pace’s position in the range, where it sits underneath the larger F-Pace in Jaguar’s series of SUV models.

Ford GT headlights

When Ford decided to reimagine the iconic GT40 supercar to celebrate its 100th birthday, it ended up with the striking GT. It more than resembled the original, albeit in a scaled-up and more modern way.

Because it was created to celebrate Ford’s centennial year, the American car manufacturer decided to include a nod to the achievement by including the ‘100’ figures in the headlights. Look closely and you’ll see them.

Vauxhall Corsa ‘shark’

The Vauxhall Corsa may be one of the most popular cars in the UK, but certain ages of this well-liked motor feature a hidden touch too.

The 2004 model year Corsa (and many models after it) has, if you open the glovebox, a shark design integrated into the hinges. Blink and you’ll miss it; and we’ll imagine many owners have easily looked past this small Easter egg. It was reportedly placed there after somebody dared the designer to sneak a shark into production. Look carefully, and you’ll find sharks on a few other Vauxhall models, too.

McLaren P1 – headlight shape

The McLaren P1 was a significant point in the development of the British firm as a manufacturer of road-going vehicles, which looked to replicate its famous F1 with this car.

The P1 also offered a nod to its creators in the styling, with a headlight design that replicates its logo. The origins of the logo itself can be traced back to Formula One aerodynamics, but it fits in well when applied to this design.

As motorists we’ve become accustomed to certain features being fitted to our cars as standard. Little touches which make our motoring lives a little easier, a little safer or – if anything – just a little more interesting.

However, though some of these technologies may be commonplace nowadays, they had some special beginnings, in some pretty special cars. Let’s take a look at them.

Keyless entry – W220 Mercedes S-Class

Keyless entry is a common feature on modern cars. Turning a key in the barrel to get a car started is old-school nowadays; it’s far more fitting to spark an engine into life by pressing a button, the key safely stowed away in your pocket.

But this technology hasn’t always been around. In fact, it first showed up back in 1998 in the Mercedes S Class – a car which has, time after time, debuted some cutting-edge tech. This isn’t the last time we’ll see it on this list, either.

Tyre pressure monitoring system – Porsche 959

There was a time when you checked the amount of air in your tyres by attaching it to a valve metal valve, and though this is still commonplace in garages, it’s been replaced in the cars themselves by tyre pressure monitoring systems. A light on the dashboard, or even an alert in the in-car computer now shows you when your pressures are low, or when you’ve got a puncture.

This technology was first introduced by the groundbreaking Porsche 959 – a car which was particularly cutting-edge when it was introduced in the late 1980s. It’s a system which is now fitted to all manner of cars, from the humble hatchback right up to the top-notch supercar.

Around-view monitoring system – Infinti EX

Around-view monitoring systems are a helpful bit of technology available on a lot of new cars – particularly larger ones which take a little more effort to park or position. And though the system is available on plenty of new cars – both budget and premium – there was a time when it could only be specified on just one.

That was the Infiniti EX. Back in 2008, it was the very first production car to use the technology, utilising a series of cameras dotted around the car to provide a single ‘birds eye’ view of the car, relayed to the driver via a central screen.

Adaptive Cruise Control – Mercedes S Class

Yes, we said that the Mercedes S Class would be appearing in this list again – and here it is. Back in 1999, Mercedes implemented its ‘Distronic’ cruise control system, and it was first time that the radar-controlled technology had been fitted to a passenger car. Now, it’s commonplace to have cars which slow and speed themselves up to speeds set by the driver.

We’ll add something in. Toyota did preview a similar system a year earlier, but this utilised lasers instead of radar – and it was only available on the Celsior, which didn’t come to the UK.

Satellite navigation – BMW 7 Series (E38)

These days, few people would manage to get behind the wheel and get to an unknown location without help from a satellite navigation system. Not only do they show you where to go, but they estimate arrival times and inform of traffic en-route, too.

The first time it appeared, on European roads at least, was in 1994 on BMW’s then-brand new 7 Series. Developed with Philips, it was the first time that whoever was behind the wheel could enter a destination and have the route mapped out for them. Again, a caveat; this technology did appear on other cars earlier on, but none came to the UK.

Electric cars are consistently topping the headlines lately. Pipped as the future of driving, electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, with more and more people flocking to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a way of getting around.

It’s worth noting that all of these results are based on claimed manufacturer figures, so expect some changes in the real world as a result of different aspects such as outside temperatures, average speeds and how weighed down with luggage and passengers the cars are.

But which are the best when it comes to range? Let’s take a look.

Tesla Model S 100D – 335 miles

Tesla is one of the biggest names in the electric car game, and there’s good reason for that – it consistently produces plug-in cars which are capable of delivering impressive range and ballistic performance. The 100D version can travel up to 393 miles according to Tesla – though official figures are generated through the old way of testing cars, rather than the new WLTP measures. We’d expect the 100D to easily achieve 300 miles on a single charge, however.

Tesla Model X 100D – 295 miles

A second model in Tesla’s line-up, the Model X 100D uses the same basic platform as the Model S saloon, but as a result of the added weight can’t deliver quite the same range. Still, its claimed 295 miles is plenty enough for longer journeys, while its SUV layout means it can offer more interior space. Again, the Model X was tested using older methods.

Jaguar I-Pace – 292 miles

Jaguar’s I-Pace has already gained critical acclaim across the board, thanks to its combination of performance, decent range and driver involvement. Given that it’s Jag’s first attempt at an electric car it deserves even more praise, and the big cat is capable of travelling up to 292 miles on a single charge, making it an excellent long-distance electric option.

Kia e-Niro – 282 miles

Kia’s e-Niro, on the face of it, looks like any other crossover on the market. However underneath lies a powertrain which is capable of pushing the e-Niro 282 miles on a single charge, putting this £32,995 Kia firmly among the big players in the electric game. You also get Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty with it, so there’s no reason to fear any type of mechanical malady during the early years of ownership.

Mercedes EQC – 280 miles

Merc’s futuristic-looking EQC is one of the latest additions to the electric car range, and combines low running costs with the brand’s well-known premium touches. As well as delivering 280 miles between charges, Mercedes has said that the EQC will crack 0-60mph in under five seconds.

Hyundai Kona Electric – 279 miles

If you want to go even cheaper, then there’s the Hyundai Kona Electric. Priced from £27,250, it’s capable of returning a claimed all-electric range of 279 miles. It’s a striking looking car too, particularly when you consider its dinky size. And, because it’s a Hyundai, there’s tons of standard equipment inside.

Audi E-Tron – 241 miles

Unless you looked closely, you’d do well to differentiate the all-electric Audi E-Tron from any other SUV in the firm’s range. That’ll likely appeal to those who don’t want to shout about their zero-emissions driving from the rooftops – though the big Audi still has presence.

Nissan Leaf E+ – 239 miles

The Nissan Leaf was one of the forefathers of the electric car boom and, though others have now beaten it in terms of overall range, it’s still an attractive proposition. Nissan claims that it’ll manage 239 miles between trips to the plug in its long-distance, E+ form.

Hyundai IONIQ Electric – 174 miles

Hyundai is on a bit of a roll when it comes to electric cars. As well as the Kona Electric it makes this, the IONIQ Electric. Based around a more traditional shape, the IONIQ is a great option who don’t any mad-cat styling for their electric car. It can also do a reasonable 174 miles, which means you’ll be able to fit in most trips without needing to top the battery up.

BMW I3 – 160 miles

BMW’s little i3 looks like it was built years in the future, despite having been on our roads for some time now. Edgy and well-built, it’s capable of driving 160 miles on a charge – so it’s ideal for urban journeys. The interior is well-finished and just as cutting-edge as the exterior, too.

Birthday celebrations usually mean a few things – cake, candles and parties, to name but a few. But for Jaguar, a birthday celebration means taking a convertible F-Type sports car and transforming it into a fully-fledged rally car, in tribute to the XK120 which raced off-road 70 years ago last year.

And what a present to itself. Jaguar has taken its four-cylinder F-Type and thrown all manner of rally-grade kit at it. There’s an FIA specification roll cage, uprated brakes and race seats with six-point harnesses; then you’ve got a full fire extinguisher system and a hard-to-miss bonnet-mounted light pod sitting proud up front. It looks the part, that’s for sure, and when pictures of it emerged at the back end of last year, the motoring press wondered if they’d ever get a chance behind the wheel.

Thankfully, this wasn’t a show pony destined to be retired after the news story landed – we’ve actually been out to drive the F-Type rally car.

Slide into the cabin past the tubular roll cage (Jag had to cut out the F-Type’s usual roll hoops to fit it) and you find yourself sat in a familiar space. The F-Type’s regular steering wheel is right in front of you – even its heating function still works – and though the central display is flashing busily away at you (all of the car’s systems, including ABS and traction control have been disengaged) it all feels pretty standard. Save for the large carbon-fibre lever to the left of you, that is – it’s the rally car’s new fully mechanical handbrake.

There’s no roof, and there’s no option to put one up, either. Jag chucked the roof system in the bin to save weight, so if it rains, you get wet. And if there’s mud, you get muddy. Simple. Jaguar also fitted the mechanical limited-slip differential from the V6 powered road car for added traction, too.

Though it’s never been in competition, and it’ll never likely feature in one, it feels every bit the fully-fledged rally car on start-up. Jaguar cut the centre box out of the exhaust, and it means that even on idle it barks and chatters like a rally car should.

The gearshift is standard F-Type, and it’ll even shift in full automatic mode – though realistically it’s best used in manual selection.

Immediately there’s less response from the steering compared to the road car, and you can blame this on the increased ride height (up some 40mm) and the 16-inch gravel-specification wheels wearing chunky 255/55 Maxsport tyres. So while initially it feels a touch floaty, you learn to deal with the way the wheel works, and use the 298bhp available to swing you around the corners.

Because it’s so adjustable, it’s something you’ll keep doing, too. Tip it in to a corner, feed in the power and the back end will step out pretty much instantaneously. It’s not a snap movement; the power delivery is predictable and the steering, though lighter than usual, is quick enough to counteract it without too much fuss.

As a result of the ABS being disconnected, it’s easy to lock up the wheels under braking, and when accelerating hard again, those rear wheels will happily light up through first, second and third gears. Gearshifts are ultra-quick, too.

The biggest sensation you have when driving it is just how much communication there is. You’re strapped into the car, with the gravel and dirt rushing up underneath you, so you get a great impression of the surface you’re travelling on. The high-quality damping does a great job of evening out much of the bumps, too. However, the biggest thing you have to overcome is dropping down steep bankings and sliding through ruts in a F-Type; it’s a car you’re so used to treating carefully on the road that being this brutal with it feels a touch unnatural – initially, at least.

You can try and drive it neatly, but most of the time it’s happiest going sideways. And as a project built for fun and not angled towards serious competition, this feels like the best thing for it to be doing. We gave the carbon-fibre handbrake a go – more because you can’t not try out a carbon-fibre handbrake – and it helps when navigating tighter hairpins, but realistically the F-Type is so eager to rotate that it isn’t needed most of the time.

As far as birthday presents go, the F-Type rally car is right up there. It may not be a serious affair, but in terms of offering sheer enjoyment and fun, it’s hard to beat. We just wish they’d made more than two – and stuck a number plate on the front and back.

A driver has been caught on police dashcam hogging the middle lane of a motorway for three miles.

Posted on Twitter by the Central Motorway Police Group, which covers the Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Police areas, the footage shows a Citroen Berlingo travelling in the middle lane of the M6 Toll near Cannock at just over 60mph.

Even when another motorist comes up behind them, flashes and drives around them, the driver fails to move over to the inside lane.

At one point, they even move into the outside lane of the motorway – for what appears to be no reason whatsoever.

The tweet stated: “Lane hoggers. Drivers [sic] biggest pet hate. This driver has been reported after being followed down an otherwise empty toll road in Cannock for three miles. The video speaks for itself.”

A follow-up tweet added: “The driver had been driving for just over a year and had even had extra tuition on motorway driving. It’s clear he didn’t pay attention. Driver reported for driving without due care and attention.”

Middle-lane hogging is when vehicles remain in the middle lane longer than necessary, even when there aren’t any vehicles in the inside lane to overtake.

Rule 264 of the Highway Code states that when driving on a three-lane motorway: “You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”