Off-roading fans wanting something electric now have a new option with the reveal of the Munro Mk1 – a model designed, engineered and built in Scotland.

Claiming to be the ‘world’s most capable all-electric 4×4’, the Munro Mk1 has been designed for the toughest terrains, yet promises to be simple to maintain, and engineered to last ‘50 years of service’.

Named after a Scottish mountain, Munro’s Mk1 is available with up to 375bhp from its large single electric motor and comes with the option of two battery sizes – 61kWh or 82kWh. The latter allows for a claimed 190 miles of range, which the firm says allows for 16 hours of off-road use on a single charge.

Though the Mk1 can accelerate from 0-60mph in less than five seconds, Munro says the focus is more on ‘utility’, rather than performance. A generous 700Nm of torque is said to equate to ‘excellent response off-road’. Munro’s model can also tow up to 3,500kg while accommodating a 1,000kg payload.

Sitting on a steel ladder chassis – often used by more utilitarian 4x4s – the Mk1 offers 480mmm of ground clearance, and a wading depth of up to 800mm, along with approach and departure angles that are said to make it ‘cope effortlessly’ when off-roading.

Its design is big and boxy, with quad LED headlights and a large grille adding to the bold look of this five-seat, five-door 4×4.

Russell Peterson, CEO of Munro Vehicles, said: “The engineering is unashamedly agricultural in nature. Some people see the term agricultural as potentially derogatory, but at Munro, we certainly don’t.

“Agricultural vehicles feature some of the most sophisticated technology you can imagine. But above all, they are engineered to do the job, no matter how much punishment they soak up, and to keep doing it year after year. The Munro has been built to the most robust standards possible and to be fully operational in 30, 40, 50 years’ time.”

Munro says it has been testing the Mk1 for the past two years around Scotland, and that it has already received orders from the UK, as well as more exotic locations like St Lucia and Dubai. Prices here start £49,995, excluding VAT.

Production will begin next year at its East Kilbride headquarters, with 50 due to be handbuilt in 2023. Munro says it will then expand to a ‘purpose-built production facility in central Scotland’ in 2024. The firm has a goal to produce 2,500 units annually by 2027.

The Ukraine war and a weaker pound have made 2022 a ‘terrible year for drivers’ with fuel prices at their ‘most volatile’ on record, according to a study published on Tuesday (December 6).

After the government cut fuel duty for petrol and diesel by 5p per litre in March, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation to make sure the savings were being passed on at the pumps.

Today, the independent government watchdog revealed its ‘emerging analysis’, saying it had found that 2022 had been the most volatile year on record for fuel prices, with an increase of 50p per litre recorded between January and July, before dropping by 31p for petrol and 14p per diesel.

The CMA also found the gap in prices between petrol and diesel was the widest ever at 24p per litre – said to be ‘largely due to western Europe’s reliance on imports of diesel, but not petrol, from Russia’.

Sarah Cardell, interim chief executive at the CMA, said: “It has been a terrible year for drivers, with filling up a vehicle now a moment of dread for many. The disruption of imports from Russia means that diesel drivers, in particular, are paying a substantial premium because of the invasion of Ukraine. A weaker pound is contributing to higher prices across the board, too.

“There are no easy answers to this. The question for the CMA is whether a lack of effective competition within the UK is making things worse. Although it is only a small proportion of the overall price, the increase in margins for many fuel retailers over the last few years is something we need to investigate further.”

It also found evidence of ‘rocket and feather’ pricing, whereby prices rise like rockets and fall like feathers, which had particularly happened with diesel. The CMA said it would “investigate this further”.

But although the CMA said it had found “no evidence” of this rocket and feather pricing before 2022, the RAC disagreed.

Commenting on the study, Simon Williams, RAC fuel spokesman, said: “While it’s encouraging the CMA has found evidence of ‘rocket and feather’ pricing taking place this year, we believe there was clear evidence of it happening this time last year and in 2018 and 2019.

“Volatility has unquestionably been an issue in fuel pricing since Russia invaded Ukraine, but when wholesale prices trend down for weeks at a time, drivers should see pump prices do the same at a similar rate – unfortunately, our data shows that this is not often the case.

“What’s happening now – as it was last December – is a massive downward shift in the price of wholesale fuel with a slow dropping of forecourt prices. Consequently, drivers are set for a more expensive time on the roads this Christmas than they should be.”

Hyundai is investing £1m into paying for up to 25,000 children in the UK to go on school trips they might otherwise miss out on because their parents can’t afford them.

The South Korean manufacturer says school trips are “in decline” but are an “essential part” of schooling. It has announced the funding as part of its ‘Great British School Trip’ programme for children aged between seven and 11.

A study of 1,600 UK parents, carried out on behalf of Hyundai, found that 52 per cent of children hadn’t told their parents about an upcoming trip, with 54 per cent of parents saying it was because their children were concerned they wouldn’t be able to afford it.

A similar study of 433 teachers revealed that 61 per cent were less likely to plan trips than five years ago, while 56 per cent of teachers who’d tried to organise school trips in the past year had had them cancelled or not approved.

Hyundai says 200 venues have shown their support for the initiative so far, including RAF Museum Midlands, the Youth Hostels Association and the Disney Theatrical Association. The car manufacturer says the trips will support the curriculum, covering subjects such as art, science, engineering and maths.

Ashley Andrew, managing director of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “School trips should provide some of the most exciting and memorable times for our young people. They help to bring their learning to life, encourage greater engagement and inspire their future ambitions. I know that’s what they did for myself and for my children.

“I firmly believe that they are an essential part of our young people’s development and something that every child should have access to. As a company that strives to support humanity and foster an ambitious next generation, we are delighted to launch this pioneering initiative, which will deliver these life experiences as well as supporting teaching staff and parents.”

New car sales grew for the fourth consecutive month in November, with registrations growing by 23.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2021, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The number of new cars joining UK roads in November amounted to 142,889, driven predominately by large increases in fleet and business registrations, as well as some particularly popular new models. Here are the 10 best-selling cars in November.

1. Nissan Qashqai – 5,636 registrations

Nissan’s Qashqai stays at the top for another month, with this crossover having a big lead on the next most popular car – and it’s likely to finish the year as the UK’s best-selling car.

Built in Sunderland, Nissan is prioritising UK customers and isn’t suffering from the same production holdups as many brands are facing. The Qashqai is a popular and appealing choice to families with its practical interior, great safety record and affordable pricing.

2. Tesla Model Y – 4,229 registrations

Tesla has had another great year, with its Model Y SUV being the second most popular car in November – impressive considering more than 4,000 were registered in December and when they have a list price of more than £50,000.

Buyers love the Model Y’s tech-laden interior, dominated by a huge touchscreen. There’s also access to the great Tesla Supercharger network, while strong performance and a range of up to 331 miles make this SUV a very attractive choice.

3. Mini – 3,312 registrations

It’s another British-built model that is ranked highly in the best-sellers list, with Mini’s well-loved Hatch being the third most popular model in November. Renowned for its style, the Mini is also available with a great range of petrol engines, as well as an increasingly desirable Electric version.

Offering a fun driving experience, the Mini packs an upmarket interior that makes it one of the most high-quality superminis on the market.

4. Ford Fiesta – 2,869 registrations

Ford might stop selling its Fiesta by June next year, but that isn’t preventing it from being a very popular choice in the current market, with 2,869 models finding homes in November.

The Fiesta is terrific fun to drive but it also packs a host of versions to appeal to a broad range of customer – from rugged Active versions through to the sporty ST hot hatchback. Its latest mild-hybrid petrol engines also offer great efficiency.

5. Vauxhall Corsa – 2,537 registrations

The Corsa might not have its usual number one position in November, but this Vauxhall supermini is continuing to serve as a popular choice, particularly for money-savvy buyers that can get behind the wheel from £220 a month.

The option of the Corsa Electric is also contributing to this model’s continued success, though more affordable petrol and diesel engines remain available for those not wanting an EV just yet.

6. Volkswagen Golf – 2,516 registrations

The sheer choice of versions that Volkswagen offers on its Golf is a key contributor to its success – from more affordable Life versions through to the 316 Golf R hot hatch, with plug-in hybrids and sporty diesels also sandwiched in between.

While many say the family hatchback market is in decline, the Golf continues to serve as a fantastic option for those wanting to buck the trend of buying an SUV.

7. Ford Puma – 2,408 registrations

While the Ford Puma might have slipped down the charts in November, it remains the third most popular car throughout the year. It’s easy to see the appeal of the Puma, too. Based on the Fiesta, the Puma offers more space and a greater ride height that aids accessibility.

A wide choice of trims and engines are available too, with the mild-hybrid petrol being a real highlight – offering great performance and averaging around 50mpg.

8. Volkswagen T-Roc – 2,370 registrations

The T-Roc’s proving to be an increasingly popular model in Volkswagen’s range – offering more style and space than a Golf, but in a similar footprint and not for a huge amount more money.

This crossover is good to drive as well, while a broad range of petrol and diesel engines are offered – you can even choose four-wheel-drive on selected models. A hot ‘R’ model sits at the top of the range, using the same engine and underpinnings as the fantastic Golf R.

9. Volkswagen Polo – 2,227 registrations

Volkswagen had a good month in November, with its Polo also appearing in the top 10. This supermini remains one of the best cars in its segment and is a great all-rounder thanks to its practicality, driveability, low running costs and technology.

Sporty-looking R-Line models add extra street-cred to the Polo, while a 197bhp GTI model sits at the top of the line-up. Standard equipment is excellent on this VW too – including a touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and adaptive cruise control.

10. Toyota Yaris – 2,272 registrations

Toyota’s line-up is predominantly now made up of hybrids, and the entry-level Yaris is serving as its best-selling model. Rounding off the top 10, this supermini offers exceptional standard safety equipment and a far bolder design than its predecessors.

What’s more, the Yaris comfortably returns more than 60mpg with its self-charging hybrid setup, while being easy and comfortable to drive.

Tesla boss Elon Musk has handed over the first production versions of its Semi truck at a launch event in the US.

It’s been five years since Tesla originally revealed the huge electric HGV, and although production was meant to begin in 2019, the first examples didn’t roll off the production line until this October.

The truck was driven on to the stage by new Twitter boss Elon Musk at a launch event held yesterday evening (December 1) at the brand’s Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, where the vehicle is also produced.

Musk described its performance as an “elephant moving like a cheetah”, and promised three times the power of the next diesel truck.

Using a new 1,000-volt powertrain, which Tesla says will be developed further for other production models, it also packs a huge 1,000kWh battery, which the firm claims gives 500 miles when charged.

No price has yet been announced.

Tesla says the model has been ‘hardcore tested’ in a host of weather systems and environments, and that it will also be used by the firm as its delivery trucks. The brand showed a timelapse video of the truck completing a 500-mile journey as well.

During the event, Tesla announced that first deliveries had begun, with the initial examples being handed over to representatives of Pepsi. The food and beverage giant is said to have reserved 100 of the Semi trucks after the initial reveal.

Musk said: “It’s been a long journey, a long five years, but this is going to really revolutionise the roads and make the roads a better place in a meaningful way, so thank you for your support for all the years.”

Abarth has revealed its first electric model with the new 500e – a hotter version of Fiat’s 500 EV.

Set to be sold alongside petrol versions of the Abarth 595, this 500e signals a new era for the brand and is its first new model in more than half a decade.

Based on the electric Fiat 500, the 500e ‘performs better than petrol’ thanks to improved weight distribution, better torque and a wider wheelbase, says Fiat. Power increases from 116bhp on the Fiat to 153bhp here, although the 42kWh battery remains. No range figure has been given, but expect slightly less than the 199 miles that Fiat claims for its electric 500.

Accelerating from 0-60mph takes 6.8 seconds, with Abarth saying it can pick up speed faster around town and can overtake more quickly than petrol versions.

There are three driving modes depending on how you want to get around – Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track – while Abarth says it has engineered an ‘immersive sound experience for those who want to drive electric without giving up on the famous and unmistakable Abarth roar’.

Known as a ‘Sound Generator’, it aims to replicate the noise of a petrol engine, but it can be turned off if drivers don’t want it.

Abarth has also given the model a much more aggressive design than the standard Fiat 500, including dedicated bumpers, side skirts and a rear diffuser insert. Bespoke alloy wheels are also fitted, along with a new Abarth logo.

Like existing models from the Italian firm, the 500e will be offered as a hatchback and a convertible, with Abarth creating a launch edition model known as the ‘Scorpionissima’.

Limited to 1,949 units to mark the year the firm was founded, the model is available in Acid Green or Poison Blue paint. It also comes with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, a fixed glass roof and rear privacy glass. Alcantara is used for the seats, dashboard and steering wheel, while the standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, heated front seats and a JBL sound system.

Abarth is yet to announce pricing, although since an electric Fiat 500 starts from £30,645, it’s likely to come in close to £35,000. The 500e is expected to arrive in the UK by June 2023.

Mazda has hinted at a new electric sports car as part of a new confirmation that it was investing $10.6bn (£8.9bn) in its electrification plans.

The Japanese carmaker has revealed further information about its management plan to take Mazda up to 2030, as well as developing its electrification strategy, which will come as part of three phases.

In the first, taking place between 2022 and 2024, Mazda says it will ‘enhance technology development for the age of electrification’, and strengthen its US plant and ‘large product models’, including the new CX-60 and seven-seat CX-80, which is due on sale next year.

In phase two, brought in between 2025 and 2027, Mazda says it will ‘transition to electrification’, still using internal combustion engines as its base for profit, as well as pushing its battery development and technology.

Then in Phase 3, Mazda says it will undertake a ‘full-scale launch of EVs’, though the firm says it expects only between 25 and 40 per cent of its cars sold globally in 2030 to be EVs.

However, the brand stressed its cars’ driving enjoyment, with the last five minutes of the presentation including a video about the importance of ‘emotion’ and the ‘joy of driving’.

Including various clips of past Mazda sports cars, including the classic Cosmo from the 1960s and various generations of the firm’s well-loved MX-5, Mazda then showed a new digital concept car – boasting a design clearly taking cues from the RX-7. The unnamed ‘Vision Study Model’ features a long bonnet and almost supercar-like styling thanks to upwards-opening scissor doors.

While Mazda revealed no information about the car, it strongly hints that a future sports car is in the pipeline, whether it’s as a replacement for the MX-5 or as more of successor to the well-loved RX-7 and RX-8 – something Mazda has hinted at in previous years.

Pininfarina has confirmed performance details of its new electric Battista, including the fact that the new road-legal hypercar can accelerate a Formula 1 car.

Announced as part of the Battista’s debut in the Middle East, Pininfarina says its launch control system allows for a 0-60mph time to be achieved in just 1.79 seconds, compared to the typical 2.1-2.7 seconds that an F1 car takes.

Furthermore, Pinfarina has said that a 0-120mph run, where permitted, could be achieved in just 4.49 seconds, while a 31-metre stopping distance from 60mph to a standstill makes the Battista the fastest braking EV in the world.

Pininfarina is best known for being a design house that has worked with a number of car brands over the years, from niche Ferrari products to mass-market Fords, but established ‘Automobili Pininfarina’ as a standalone brand.

First revealed in 2019, first customer deliveries of the Battista are said to be underway, with the model making its dynamic debut at the Dubai Autodrome following its launch in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Paolo Dellacha, Automobili Pininfarina chief product and engineering officer said: “I am proud that our new electric hyper GT delivers on the promises we made when we set out our development plan. In Battista, we have achieved performance beyond our original, extreme targets.

“Battista’s incredible technical package includes a carbon ceramic brake system, helping the Italian hyper GT become the fastest braking electric car in the world. Our discerning clients here in the UAE have been overwhelmed by the Battista driving experience, which is as breathtaking as its award-winning design.”

The Battista’s electric motors put out a remarkably 1874bhp and 2,340Nm of torque, with each car taking 1,250 hours to be produced at the brand’s factory in Cambiano, near Turin in Italy. Just 150 are being produced, priced from £1.9m each, excluding taxes.