Author: Jack Evans

Vauxhall has revealed its latest Mokka in a new image.

The car, which is heavily camouflaged, is the second generation of the popular crossover and has entered into its initial testing procedures with engineering teams.

Likely to hit forecourts in early 2021, this new vehicle will be the first Mokka to feature an all-electric powertrain, though conventional, combustion engine-powered variants will be available too. All variants will be available from launch, according to Vauxhall.

Production is expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year, and Vauxhall has taken the decision to drop the ‘X’ from the earlier car’s moniker – shortening it to just ‘Mokka’.

Stephen Norman, Vauxhall’s managing director, said: “The new Vauxhall Mokka will change people’s perception of our brand.

“Not only does it show that we’re serious about electrification, but also that we’re not afraid to innovate with design, both inside and out of the car. The Mokka is still in its development phase now, but it is set to be one of Vauxhall’s most important models when it arrives with customers at the start of next year.”

The pictures give little away about the intricacies of the car’s design but showcase an upright profile and a relatively tapered off rear end. The front of the car features an upright front-end design, which is likely to incorporate design elements seen on the current Corsa.

The average price of car insurance cover has risen to £809 per year, according to new data.

New figures compiled as part of the Confused.com car insurance index and based upon around six million insurance quotes made by the site each quarter found that the average quote rose by six per cent over the last 12 months.

It means prices rose by £47 in the last 12 months, and pushes the average premium price close to the record high of £858 recorded in 2011.

In addition, 46 per cent of 2,000 drivers surveyed by the company were sent an auto-renewal quote which was higher than what they were currently paying. If these people chose to shop around instead – of which 37 per cent did – each saved an average of £59. Another 17 per cent saved more than £100.

Younger drivers were hit the hardest, enduring price rises of £121 in 12 months and £55 in the past three months for 17-year-old motorists. Drivers of this age can now expect to pay £2,026 for cover.

Drivers aged 36 also saw cover costs increase by £61 year-on-year to £674. Motorists aged 67 also felt a jump in coverage costs, up £40 since last year to £485 on average.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, says: “The fact that car insurance costs have increased is not the news we need especially right now. Year on year prices are up, but over the past few months they haven’t changed that much.

“However, as a result of the lockdown the majority of people are using their cars less, it is therefore likely that we will see some change to prices in the coming months as insurers adjust to reflect this. We are constantly monitoring the situation so that we can update our customers on any changes that happen.

“Automatically renewing with your insurer might seem like the easiest, stress-free option, but it could be costly. Even if your renewal price is cheaper, or the same, it’s likely there will be another insurer out there willing to offer a better price. At Confused.com we’re so certain drivers will be able to find a better price than their current insurer that we’re offering to beat their renewal quote or give them the difference, plus £20.

“Please don’t pay more than you have to – take a few minutes to check your renewal letter and get a cheaper price because now, more than ever, it’s so important to shop around.”

Vehicle ownership in the UK has surpassed 40 million for the first time, according to new data released today.

The figures, revealed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show that more than 35 million cars and five million commercial vehicles were in use during 2019 – an increase of one per cent on the previous year.

The biggest percentage growth was recorded in the light commercial vehicle sector, which saw an increase of 2.7 per cent on the previous year to 4,527,724 units – up 28 per cent compared the previous decade.

Passenger car numbers increased by 0.8 per cent to 35,168,259 over the same period.

Thousands of these vehicles are currently in operation to help provide transport for key workers during the coronavirus crisis, as well as for performing deliveries and emergency service duties. Some 25,000 ambulance and fire service vehicles are currently in operation, along with more than 20,000 supermarket delivery trucks and lorries.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “As the UK continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, keeping food, medical supplies and the people serving on the front line moving has never been so important – and these figures show the essential role Britain’s vehicle fleet plays for society.

“They also provide evidence that industry’s ongoing investment into ever cleaner, safer and more reliable vehicle technology is paying off, even as demand for mobility grows. To ensure this trend continues, we must get the right support for businesses and their workers in place now so that when this crisis is over, the sector can help get the whole country and our economy back on the move.”

Electric vehicle ownership is also surging ahead, with more than three-quarters of a million low, ultra-low and zero-emissions cars making up that 40 million figure. The number of these cars on the road grew by 26 per cent last year, with 11,832 hybrids, 144,335 plug-in hybrids and 92,213 battery-electric vehicles now in use across the UK.

The number of diesel cars, meanwhile, fell by 0.9 per cent to 13,723,299.

Ducati has teamed up with Lego to reveal the latest Technic model in the line-up – the Panigale V4 R.

The first-ever brick reproduction of a Ducati model, the Panigale V4 R is made up of 646 individual bricks and features scale representations of many of the full-sized bike’s inner workings.

The two-speed gearbox, for example, has been included in brick form, while realistic suspension gives the bike ‘life-like’ movement. It also gets front and rear disc brakes, kickstand and exhaust and even a realistic dashboard.

In total, it measures 32cm in length, 16cm in height and eight centimetres in width.

Alessandro Cicognani, Ducati licensing director, said: “We have all been children fond of Lego bricks and I think it is easy to understand that this new licensing agreement between Ducati and the Lego Group is like a dream come true. Two excellences that share the same values of dedication, passion and attention to detail come together to give life to a unique experience.

“Our hope is that the Ducati Panigale V4 R Lego Technic can bring together, excite and entertain children and parents, but also all the fans who ride their motorbikes every day.”

The Ducati Panigale V4 R has been designed for motorcycle fans aged ten and up, and will be available to order from June 1, priced at £54.99.

Volkswagen has given a glimpse of what its facelifted Tiguan will look like in a new official image.

The new SUV is expected to arrive this summer and is likely to hit the road with more efficient engines and upgraded interior technology.

Design-wise the sketch indicates a fresh new look for the Tiguan, with slimmer and more angular lights extending into the front wings. It’s a similar look to that seen on the recent eighth-generation Golf model.

Underneath the main grille appears to be a wider front splitter, which looks more dynamic in its style than that found on the current Tiguan. There’s a good chance that the new headlights will incorporate the very latest LED technology, too.

The interior of the Tiguan will likely feature the same overall look as that found on the new Golf, which will see a large central touchscreen bolstered by a digital display ahead of the driver.

As well as cleaner, more efficient petrol and diesel engines, the new Tiguan is due to arrive with a plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to the one expected with the upcoming Golf GTE.

The Tiguan has been a hugely popular model for the German firm. Now Volkswagen Group’s most successful model and the best-selling SUV in Europe, more than six million Tiguans have rolled off the production line since its debut back in 2007.

Last year, a new Tiguan rolled off the production line every 35 seconds at Volkswagen’s plants in Germany, Russia, China and Mexico.

Morgan is celebrating six decades of its partnership with a Netherlands retailer with the production of several limited-edition models.

The LE60 range of cars not only showcases the British firm’s attention to personalisation, but also its close relationship with Louwman Exclusive – Morgan’s sole Dutch retailer.

Just five cars have been created – four Plus Six modes and a single 3 Wheeler – having been designed at the company’s factory in Malvern, Worcestershire.

One of the Plus Six models is finished in ‘Ice Blue’ paint with 19-inch alloy wheels and a variety of yellow accents in areas such as the brake calipers and spot light casings. Special LE60 decals have also been applied to the bonnet side vents.

Marcus Blake, chief sales officer at Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are delighted to recognise this landmark anniversary with our Dutch dealership, Louwman Exclusive. We are proud of our entire dealership network, and it gives us immense pleasure to be able to celebrate these milestones in such a fitting way.

“When Louwman contacted us with their plans to celebrate 60 years as a Morgan dealer, we wanted to make sure they did so in style. All Morgan cars are special, but with consultation from our design team, these bespoke LE60 specials are especially beautiful and unique.”

The single 3 Wheeler version is finished in Almond Green, and also incorporates yellow highlights. The leather dashboard receives a laser-engraved design, too.

Ferrari has kicked off production of respirator valves and fittings for protective masks to aid in the fight against coronavirus.

The supercar manufacturer is building the components at its manufacturing plant in Maranello, Italy, in the department where car prototypes are usually created.

Some of the valves have been created by diving equipment manufacturer Mares, which are tailor-made to fit the masks to help patients who are suffering from respiratory failure.

Ferrari plans to manufacture several hundred items of equipment over the next few days, which will be distributed with the help of the Italian Civil Protection to a variety of Italian hospitals.

Other fittings are being supplied to Solid Energy, who will use them to re-engineer Decathlon snorkelling masks into aids which can help to protect healthcare workers who are being exposed to the virus.

Ferrari recently announced that it was extending its factory shutdown for production cars until May 3, as a result of government lockdown procedures.

Though we all love classics cars – and who wouldn’t – they do have their drawbacks. Reliability is one of the key ones. Who hasn’t been driving down the motorway, snug and warm in a new motor, only to see a conked-out classic smoking away at the side of the road, owner perplexed and ranting to the breakdown company on the phone.

It’s why so many companies like to modernise their classics. It keeps the style, charm and character that you want from an old-school car, but takes away the will it start-won’t it start headache you get with a troublesome classic. Let’s take a look at some of the best.

Jaguar Reborn E-Type

Sometimes if you want a Jaguar restored properly, it’s best to go to Jag themselves. It’s showcased this with the E-Type Reborn, a completely ground-up, nuts-and-bolts restoration of one of its most iconic models.

The first is a 1965 Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe 4.2, built back up to the original specification set by Jaguar when it was launched. Jag’s engineers had access to build records and original drawings to ensure that it was spot-on, while improved cooling, a full syncromesh gearbox and larger brakes were fitted too. It did come at a cost, mind you, with Jaguar asking £285,000 for each – ouch!

David Brown Automotive Mini Remastered

It’s a tough challenge to improve an icon, don’t you think? But David Brown Automotive, UK-based car restorer, believes it has done just that with its classic Mini. It’s been given a high-end overhaul, with LED illuminated dials, full leather upholstery and even an infotainment system.

And don’t worry, the engine has been given a looking over too. The standard 1330cc engine now pushes out over 83bhp and uses a five-speed manual gearbox. The brakes have been upgraded too, as has the exhaust system.

Singer Porsche

This is Singer’s Porsche 911, and to our eyes it’s one of the prettiest remastered cars ever made. Don’t you think it just looks fantastic?

But it’s not just looks, either. Underneath it gets a modern chassis, modern brakes and suspension and a modern engine too – so it goes just as well as it looks. It’s an impressive piece of machinery, this one.

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation

Aston Martin knows a thing or two about making beautiful cars, and the DB4 will likely go down as one of the best-looking of all time. But by modern standards, they aren’t that quick – and not that reliable, either.

Enter the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation. It takes all of the beauty and drama you’d want from the DB4, but delves under the skin to make things just a little better. The six-cylinder engine from the regular DB4 has been enlarged to 4.7-litres, and now pushes out a healthy 390bhp. It should go like a rat up a drain pipe, then.

Lister Knobbly

The Lister Knobbly has a long and varied history, with a sparkling career in racing which began with the original car back in 1958. This modern version is built using original drawings and manufacturing jigs, but still produces 330bhp from its 3.8-litre engine. In fact, 0 to 60mph takes just 4.3 seconds in the Knobbly.

Though a true racing car, Lister make a road-going knobbly, which means that you can get out on the streets in a real classic – or at least a continued one, that is.

RUF CTR

We’ve got no qualms with included another Porsche-based car on this list, and the RUF CTR is certainly one of the brightest cars on this list. It pays homage to the classic CTR ‘Yellow Bird’ of the late 80s, and features a twin-turbo flat-six engine with an incredible 700bhp. It’s easily one of the most powerful cars on this list.

Forged alloy wheels, an carbon-fibre chassis and integrated roll cage all show how serious this CTR is. And yet, it’s still a 911 at heart!

DeLorean

The troubled DeLorean had a short and swift life. The brief glimmer of one of the most iconic gullwing cars of all time made a sizeable impact on the motoring world, as well as popular culture thanks to its inclusion in that time film.

But what people won’t tell you is that the DeLorean wasn’t all that good. It’s why the DeLorean Motor Company – a new enterprise based in America – is rebuilding the famed car with new parts and a more powerful engine. A Hollywood star with a bit more impact, you could say.

Bentley Blower Continuation

The huge Bentley Blower was a sizeable presence on the motoring scene back in 1929, mainly thanks to its colossal proportions and 4 ½-litre supercharged engine. It was a colossus of the time and continues to be today.

And Bentley, being Bentley, has decided to revisit the icon by creating several ‘continuation’ models. To do so, they’ve taken apart their own factory Blower and categorised each and every part to create a digital model of the car. From there, they create identical parts to create identical Blowers – it’s clever stuff, that’s for sure.

A car once used by the Queen Mother and another by Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson are set to be sold at auction this week.

Classic car devotee Alan Marshall from Hull is parting ways with a collection of 16 vintage Humber vehicles gathered over the past 60 years by both himself and his father. The decision to put them to sale comes as a result of rising maintenance and storage costs.

The variety of cars is expected to fetch between £200,000 and £250,000 when they go under the hammer via Hansons Auctioneers this week.

A 1952 Super-Snipe MKIII is one of the stars of the auction, having been owned by the Queen Mother. Used to take her to church during the reign of her husband King George VI, the car is said to bear marks she made on the grab handles.

Another draw is a 1930s 80bhp Sniper formerly used by Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson. It was discovered in a Northamptonshire scrapyard and was even requested to be used in the film W.E. by Madonna – though the offer was turned down by Marshall, who stated that the car couldn’t be used as its engine wasn’t in the vehicle at the time.

A Humber Imperial built for King George VI is another classic heading to the auction, though the king sadly died before it could be delivered. It goes alongside several other Humber models, as well as two bicycles made by the Midland-based car manufacturer.

One car which will only be sold if a single owner buys the entire collection is the first Humber Marshall’s father bought in 1960. He said: “I always remember the day I took the back seats out to deliver spuds to fish and chip shops in Hull.

“I don’t want to part with her but if we find someone willing to buy the whole collection for posterity it will be included. I hope my cars stay in the country. They’re like my family. I call them my girls and that first Humber bought by my dad is the boss. I always park her so she can see the others.”

He added: “But the time has come to let go. The costs of keeping them are too much for me now. My wife, Barbara, and I haven’t had a holiday for more than 40 years and if it’s a choice between my cars and my wife there’s no contest.”

Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer is one of the best-known names in the world of buying and selling cars. Having crossed the globe in the search for the perfect used car, Mike has come into contact with vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

Here, Mike gives us an insight into his favourite cars, what he listens to when he’s behind the wheel and what his dream road trip would look like.

What was your first car?

My first car was a classic Mini – and it was hearing-aid beige!

What do you currently drive?

I’ve actually come full circle and I’m the owner of a classic Mini again.

What would your dream car be?

I think my dream car would probably be a Blower Bentley.

What do you listen to when you’re in the car?

I listen to all sorts of things when I’m in the car, but mainly Paul Weller and a lot of The Who.

Do you sing along in the car?

Of course! I’m a rock star when I sing along in the car.

What annoys you most about other drivers?

In general, it’s bad manners which annoy me about other drivers. Oh, and if I’m allowed to say it – certain drivers not indicating!

Do you consider yourself a good driver?

Yes!

Did you pass your test first time?

Yes. However, when I started I kind of bunny-hopped off one of the kerbs. I looked at my driving instructor who was being shaken out of his seat and I thought ‘well, I’ve blown it’. But he passed me!

Do you wash your own car?

If I can, yes. Generally, if I turn up at one of my dealerships my staff tend to do it. But when I’m at home in America, and my car is on the drive I’ll clean it myself.

What would be a dream road trip?

I think my dream road trip would take in some of the roads in South Africa. The roads down there look beautiful.

Wheeler Dealers is currently airing at 8pm on Monday on the Discovery Channel.

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