Sainsbury’s launches its own electric car chargers

Sainsbury’s has announced that it has set up its own electric car charging company, and aims to have chargers installed at more than 100 locations by the end of 2024.

Known as Smart Charge, Sainsbury’s is the first UK supermarket to launch its own brand chargers, rather than relying on partnerships with external companies. Tesco and Lidl, for example, use Pod Point chargers at their stores, with Morrisons and Waitrose having similar deals with external companies.

Sainsbury’s says it will be installing ultra-rapid EV chargers in the car parks of its stores, which can rapidly top up electric cars at up to 300kW. This is the quickest form of charging and means that many electric cars can be topped up sufficiently in around half an hour.

The supermarket says it will roll out the chargers at ‘more than 100 stores’ by the end of 2024, which will feature 750 separate charging bays. Sainsbury’s says this will put it in the ‘top five providers of ultra-rapid charging in the UK’.

A study by Sainsbury’s of 500 electric car users found that 80 per cent admit to ‘avoiding’ longer journeys because of not wanting to charge at public units, with the company believing its Smart Charge company ‘represents a game-changer’.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures, said: “With our new network of easy-to-use and reliable charging points conveniently located in our supermarkets, Smart Charge will make a real difference to EV drivers in the UK.

“As one of the few providers to be focusing exclusively on cutting-edge ultra-rapid 150kW+chargers, customers can be in and out in as little as half an hour and avoid waiting longer with less powerful alternatives.”

Sainsbury’s says that its electric car chargers are powered by the ‘same 100 per cent renewable electricity’ as the rest of its business. The first 20 charging hubs have already been installed in locations such as Richmond, West London, Harrogate and Newport.

According to chargepoint mapping service Zap-Map, at the end of 2023 there were almost 54,000 electric car chargers at 31,000 locations, with this representing a 45 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

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First Drive: The Audi R8 GT is the final outing for this legendary supercar

What is it?

Born out of Audi’s success at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race, the R8 was the road-going supercar that many thought it would never make. With a few rare exceptions, volume car brands just don’t make supercars.

But after purchasing Lamborghini, Audi could leapfrog off its expertise, utilising select parts while putting its own high-quality twist on it. The R8 arrived in 2007, first with a V8 engine and then with a V10 a few years later. It was only the latter that continued for the second generation in 2015, and which has remained on sale for more than a decade.

But as Audi increasingly has to electrify its range and reduce its emissions, the V10 R8’s days are numbered, with its final blessing being this ‘GT’ model here.

What’s new?

The first generation bowed out with a GT version – a racier, lighter and more powerful version of the supercar. It’s much the same recipe applied this time around, with this R8 being the most focused version yet.

Only available in rear-wheel-drive guise, the power is increased to a mighty 612bhp, while also getting a whole range of styling changes to make it look more aggressive. There’s all manner of carbon fibre used across the design, while a large fixed spoiler is quite different to the R8’s usually more subtle rear. Just 333 R8 GTs are also being made, with only 15 of these being bound for the UK. Not surprisingly, they’re all accounted for.

What’s under the bonnet?

The centrepiece of the R8 has always been its engine. Its mighty 5.2-litre V10 unit is mid-mounted and completely on show. Enclosed in glass and even with its own lights, it invites you to take a look like a Christmas display in a shop window.

There’s no turbocharging here so it’s pure brawn, and on the GT it puts out 612bhp and 565Nm of torque – the most of any rear-wheel-drive R8, and matches that of typical quattro four-wheel-drive models. A new seven-speed S tronic automatic is also adopted, but more on that later.

Accelerating to 60mph takes just 3.2 seconds, with the GT able to accelerate to a top speed of 199mph. Unsurprisingly, it’s ludicrously expensive to run, with Audi claiming just 18.8mpg and 340g/km CO2 emissions.

What’s it like to drive?

The V10 absolutely dominates the R8 experience, and the rich and mechanical note of this Lamborghini-sourced unit is intoxicating. There’s a sports exhaust too, but it’s the engine that is producing the noise, and unlike many modern sports cars, none of it needs to be artificially pumped into the cabin.

The GT gets a new rapid-shifting gearbox that’s been revised to offer more acceleration in all gears, and the performance, almost regardless of revs, is exceptional. With the GT being rear-wheel-drive only, it does keep you on your toes if you try to put your foot down, though it’s all fairly controllable, even in less-than-ideal conditions during our test week.

This GT also features a new ‘Torque Rear Drive Mode’, which through a button on the steering wheel allows you to control the slippage on the rear axle via the traction control depending on your driving ability and the conditions, essentially allowing drivers of all levels to tap into the R8’s capability.

How does it look?

By supercar standards at least, the regular Audi R8 is fairly subtle. Not so much on the GT, which has been given the styling to go with its more aggressive intent. It gets what Audi calls an ‘Aerokit’ – a range of carbon-fibre elements, including for the front splitter, bumpers and impressive rear wing. It all serves a purpose to improve aerodynamics, too, not just for the visuals.

The more you see the more you notice with the GT, including its carbon sideblades and a range of ducts and vents to help get as much heat away from the V10 as possible. With large 20-inch black alloy wheels shod in track-focused Michelin Cup 2 tyres, this is an Audi R8 that certainly doesn’t go unnoticed out on the road.

What’s it like inside?

The main change on the R8’s interior is its bucket seats, which instantly give the R8 a sportier feel. With bright red seat belts and red stitching across the cabin, it helps to deliver an interior befitting of a supercar. If you like Alcantara, you’re in the right place as it’s used across the interior, from the seats to the steering wheel and even a full headlining. We did find the seats to be quite uncomfortable after several hours behind the wheel, however.

Though the R8 GT sits low to the ground, it’s more livable than other supercars, with a decent amount of space inside the cabin itself and plenty of creature comforts. You’ll have to pack lightly with its tiny 112-litre front boot, though.

What’s the spec like?

Audi didn’t go the whole hog when it came to reducing the R8’s weight, and as a result, you’ve still got plenty of luxuries, including heated seats and even a Bang & Olufsen sound system. All the Alcantara and carbon-fibre elements don’t come cheap, either, and neither do the standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, which offer exceptional stopping power and don’t feel anywhere near as grabby or harsh as brakes of this type often can.

Despite all these elements, there are bits of the R8 that are starting to feel a bit old – there’s no central touchscreen but instead a large digital instrument cluster that controls all media functions. The graphics remain exceptional, but it’s not the easiest to use and we had several issues trying to connect our phone – a fairly basic requirement these days, even in a supercar.

There’s a slight issue with the R8 GT, and that’s the price – not that it’s stopped Audi from selling this special edition out. At almost £200,000, it’s into Ferrari and Lamborghini territory, and almost £65,000 more than a standard rear-wheel-drive R8.

Verdict

The R8 has been a remarkable achievement for Audi, and given it’s already earned itself ‘future classic’ status, this supercar is already going down as one of this German firm’s giants. The GT is every bit the ultimate iteration of this supercar – more raw, aggressive and visually exciting than anything it has done before, while still retaining that everyday usability.

The V10 engine is an utter masterpiece, and even though Audi will have plenty up its sleeve, the sheer enjoyment that the V10 brings is unlikely to ever be repeated in the future. There are elements where the R8 is showing its age, and in that sense, it probably is time for the supercar to retire while still on a high. But it can bow out in style, and with the accompaniment of that magical V10 on full chat as the curtains close.

Facts at a glance

Model: Audi R8 V10 GT RWD
Price: £198,573
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Power: 612bhp
Torque: 565Nm
0-60mph: 3.2 seconds
Top speed: 199mph
Economy: 18.8mpg
Emissions: 340g/km

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Kia to offer its new commercial vehicles to Uber

Just days after Kia revealed its first purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) as part of its new commercial vehicle division, the firm already has its first major customer – the ride-hailing app Uber.

Kia announced a range of new vans and passenger-carrying models at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas as part of its new modular platform, with the firm now signing a memorandum of understanding with Uber.

While Kia is also targeting more conventional vans, the firm says that the ‘mobility market’ will play an important role in its new business unit and that the partnership with Uber will make sure that its PBVs are ‘optimised for drivers and fleets’.

Kia says the partnership will help it ‘identify optimal specifications’ for the vehicles, and work out the technologies and services best suited to the ride-hailing market. Specific PBVs may also be built purely for the needs of Uber’s drivers.

The firms will also explore different kinds of subscription services and ownership models, including offering a battery leasing scheme to help reduce the initial cost of buying the vehicle.

Susan Anderson, global head of business development at Uber said: “Drivers on the Uber platform are already EV early adopters, going electric six to seven times faster than the general population in the US and Europe.

“That’s great for all of us because when rideshare drivers go electric, communities see three to four times the emissions benefits compared with an average driver making the switch.

“By teaming up with Kia and providing our insights, we aim to broaden the appeal and lower the cost of electric vehicles, making them a more natural choice for more drivers.”

At CES Kia revealed five concept vehicles of various shapes and sizes. The mid-size PV5 van, shown in concept guise, is set to enter production in 2025 and will make up the first phase of the firm’s commercial vehicle division.

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Morgan first owned by Richard Hammond comes up for auction

A Morgan first owned by former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond is now being auctioned.

Hammond ordered the Morgan Roadster from new and it was first registered in May 2005, with the car now being sold with its original sales invoice. Painted in a bespoke colour combination comprising a Porsche silver over a Jaguar grey, the car also comes with a painted hardtop roof. It rides on black 16-inch alloy wheels, which have been recently refurbished.

The interior is trimmed in a bright red Muirhead leather with Mulberry piping and contrasting wood trim in the dashboard – a Morgan staple.

The Morgan Roadster was introduced in 2004 to replace the Plus 8 and this example has now covered 28,133 miles. It’s said to be accompanied by a full service history.

Richard Hammond is known for his love of Morgans, having owned several models from the carmaker, based in Malvern, Worcestershire, over the years. One of Hammond’s most famous purchases from the firm was a 2008 Morgan Aeromax – a sleek GT car that is arguably the most modern-looking car the firm has produced.

Richard Hammond is best known for presenting Top Gear between 2002 and 2015 alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. The trio then moved to Amazon Prime to launch The Grand Tour, though it was announced that the last episodes of the show with the three presenters had been filmed in November 2023.

Hammond’s former Morgan Roadster is currently being auctioned on the online platform Collecting Cars. At the time of writing, the current bid was £21,000, with the auction ending on January 12.

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BMW looks at introducing augmented reality glasses to its cars

BMW will expand the video, gaming and augmented-reality features available in its cars, with the firm revealing a range of new advancements.

Shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where BMW last year revealed a colour-changing car, one of the main pieces of technology are augmented-reality (AR) glasses, which the firm says will ‘enrich the driving experience in the future’.

The AR glasses can show navigation instructions, entertainment content as well as information on electric car charging. While yet to be fully integrated into a production vehicle, BMW is continuing to explore the feature as it says ‘mixed reality’ technology will become ‘increasingly popular’ in the next few years.

BMW has already introduced in-car gaming (for when the vehicle is stationary) into cars like the i5 and says that more games are being available to customers, while physical controllers will be able to operate the games in the future – such as for when an EV is charging.

While Amazon Fire TV is already built into BMW’s flagship 7 Series, the firm has expanded its video offering and is using a similar operating system as the latest smart TVs.

Elsewhere, BMW had made changes to its voice assistant and automated parking features, with the former being powered by Amazon Alexa and its artificial intelligence. The firm says the expanded service enables ‘human-like interactions and dialogue’.

At CES BMW is also demonstrating its latest Level 4 self-parking feature, which includes an ‘automated valet parking’ assist. It works by the customer leaving their vehicle in a dedicated drop-off area, with the car then autonomously finding available space and can then be brought back to the drop-off area once the customer is ready.

BMW is offering various demonstrations across Las Vegas for those attending CES to try out its latest technology.

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Kia to launch its first electric vans in 2025

Kia is set to further its dominance by entering the van segment in 2025, revealing its first concept commercial vehicles at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

While sibling brand Hyundai has offered commercial vehicles for several years, this will be Kia’s first foray into the van segment for some time. Revealed overnight at CES, the firm has shown five concept versions of what it calls ‘Platform Beyond Vehicles’ (PBV).

Kia says its vans will revolve around software and technology and that it will ‘redefine the concept of space’ in its vehicles.

The first electric Kia van to launch will be the mid-size PV5, which will be available with various conversions and targeted at ‘delivery and utility’ companies. Shown in concept form, it looks to be available as a more conventional van alongside an MPV version, as are many other commercial vehicles on the market.

The introduction of the PV5 will be the ‘first phase’ of Kia’s van rollout, with the second being the introduction of a full line-up of electric vans. This has been teased with concepts of the micro-sized PV1 and then the large PV7, which is likely the same size as a big Ford Transit.

Kia’s third phase of its PV3 unit is said to become more focused on ‘mobility solutions’, evolving to be self-driving vehicles. Kia says it will ‘open the door to completely new lifestyles’, though minimal additional detail has been given.

There is a big focus on flexibility, with swappable technology allowing a vehicle to be easily and quickly adapted for another use – such as a panel van being changed into a campervan.

Ho Sung Song, president of Kia, said: “Kia’s PBV business represents our vision of going beyond the traditional concept of automobiles by fulfilling the unmet needs of diverse customers and communities through optimised vehicles and services catering to specific market and business circumstances.”

Further electric commercial vehicles in the pipeline include a smaller PBV3 and a pick-up that’s expected to be focused on the American market.

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These were the best-selling new cars in 2023

It was a bumper year for new car sales in 2023, with new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing that registrations climbed by 17.9 per cent to more than 1.9 million.

While private and business registrations were both down, there was significant growth in large fleet registrations, with 54.7 per cent of new cars going to this section of the market – eight per cent higher than in 2022.

Several manufacturers had a particularly fruitful 2023

1. Ford Puma – 49,451 registrations

While Ford might have grabbed the headlines earlier this year for discontinuing its well-loved Fiesta, it’s clear it hasn’t affected the firm’s fortunes as Ford returns to the top of the best-sellers list with its Puma crossover.

Introduced in 2020, sales for the Puma have continued to grow and with just shy of 50,000 examples registered, accounts for around a third of Ford’s overall car registrations. With smart styling, a spacious interior and some great engines, there’s a lot to like about the Puma.

2. Nissan Qashqai – 43,321

The Qashqai falls down a place compared to 2022, though is still quite an achievement for Nissan to have the second best-selling car in the UK with 43,321 examples of this crossover sold.

With all Qashqais being produced at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, it continues to be a great British success story. With a practical interior, generous equipment levels and a range of hybrid engines, it remains a great choice for families.

3. Vauxhall Corsa – 40,816

While more buyers might be choosing crossovers these days, the continued success of the Vauxhall Corsa shows plenty still want smaller hatchbacks. While dropping a place compared to 2022, sales of the Corsa grew by around 5,000 units to 40,816 registrations.

Vauxhall has recently tweaked its Corsa too, giving it a sharper front-end design, more standard equipment and the option of a ‘Long Range’ electric model that can manage a claimed 246 miles between charges. Vauxhall said earlier in the year that it’s hoping to make the Corsa the best-selling car in 2024 as it sweeps up Fiesta owners and has the option of an EV.

4. Kia Sportage – 36,135

Kia had another great year in 2023, not least with its Sportage SUV that continues to grow in popularity – climbing two places, with 36,135 examples registered. It’s a perfect family car with its practical and well-built interior, while all versions get plenty of equipment.

A key part of the Sportage’s appeal is its wide choice of engines, with both hybrids and plug-in hybrids available. Kia’s seven-year warranty continues to be a big asset for private buyers as well.

5. Tesla Model Y – 35,899

Quite surprisingly Tesla’s overall sales dipped in the UK, though registrations of its Model Y SUV remained consistent in 2023 with 35,899 examples registered, making it the only electric-only model to make the top 10.

It’s by far the best-selling EV, with buyers continuing to flock to the Model Y for its advanced technology and modern interior. Tesla’s seamless online sales process and excellent Supercharger network of rapid electric car chargers continue to be a big advantage.

6. Hyundai Tucson – 34,469

Hyundai’s Tucson has now established itself as a regular in the list of best-selling cars, and with 34,469 examples sold, it remains by far this South Korean firm’s most popular car – accounting for almost 40 per cent of Hyundai’s UK sales last year.

Its space-age styling sets it apart in the mid-size SUV class, while generous equipment levels and a spacious interior make it perfect for families. An updated version is due in 2024, which is set to only boost the Tucson’s appeal.

7. Mini – 33,485

While a new generation of Mini’s Hatch might be arriving in 2024, plenty of buyers are still opting for the outgoing version, with 33,485 examples sold last year. Though falling two places, overall sales for this supermini grew, signalling just what a strong year it was for the UK’s car market.

The Mini’s charming looks and premium interior continue to set it apart from rivals, as does its sportier driving experience. The Electric version also continues to account for a big chunk of its sales.

8. Nissan Juke – 31,745

The Nissan Juke was a new entry to the top 10 in 2023, and with 31,475 examples of this Sunderland-built crossover sold, it remains a strong seller behind the Qashqai.

The Juke is a smaller crossover that is renowned for its bold styling and personalisation options. The addition of a hybrid model in the last few years also continues to keep this Nissan relevant next to its rivals.

9. Audi A3 – 30,159

The family hatchback class has declined significantly in recent years, with once best-selling vehicles like the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf all absent from this year’s top 10. The only car in this segment to make the top 10 was the Audi A3, a new entrant for 2023.

Though due to be updated in 2024, the Audi A3’s high-end interior and upmarket image continue to be key draws for buyers. The choice of several plug-in hybrid versions also makes it a big seller in the fleet market.

10. Vauxhall Mokka – 29,984

If you want something a bit larger than a Corsa, the Mokka crossover could be an ideal option, and with just short of 30,000 examples sold in 2023, it helps to round off the top 10 list.

The Mokka helped to introduce a striking new design language for Vauxhall, both inside and out, that has since been rolled out across its entire line-up. The option of petrol and electric models means there’s something to suit a wide choice of buyers.

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Two new Chinese car companies confirmed to enter the UK in 2024

The growing number of Chinese car companies entering the UK continues at a rapid pace with two new brands now confirmed for arrival on these shores later this year.

Set to be imported by Innovation Automotive (IA) Electric Vehicles, the Cirencester-based firm will introduce Seres and Skywell.

The first comes from China’s Seres Group, though its ‘automobile’ arm is headquartered in California. It will be the Seres 3 that will be its first car sold in Britain, a compact electric SUV that was shown at the London EV Show in December. It’s set to go on sale in April 2024 with a price of ‘less than £30,000’, which will undercut the £30,495 MG ZS EV.

Also due to launch in the UK in 2024 is Skywell, which will introduce the ET5 as a ‘premium and sophisticated’ mid-size SUV, boasting a range of up to 304 miles. IA Electric Vehicles says the car will go on sale in the summer, with no indication of pricing.

(Skywell)

Gary White, general manager at IA Electric Vehicles, said: “This is a very exciting time for IA Electric Vehicles as we welcome Seres and Skywell into the family, alongside DFSK. Both brands are highly respected around the world and their technology, comfort and refinement are a perfect match for the UK marketplace”.

IA Electric Vehicles already sells electric vans from Chinese firm DFSK, which is part of the Seres Group, and has done so since 2022. The firm is now looking for dealer groups to help it sell the new models.

There are several Chinese car firms already in operation in the UK, including GWM Ora and BYD, with other firms such as Chery  and Nio set to launch in 2024.

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First Drive: The Alpine A110 R is the most extreme version of this sports car yet

What is it?

Sports car manufacturers love creating lighter, more extreme special editions and charging for the privilege. Porsche and Lotus have been doing it for years, and now Alpine wants to do the same with the A110.

Alpine is a lesser-known firm, which was revived in 2018 as Renault’s sporty arm, and has gained quite a reputation for its light and agile A110. There have been numerous versions of this sports car that have led to the A110 R – the lightest, most aggressive and track-focused Alpine yet.

What’s new?

Alpine A110R
The R uses the A110 S as its base, adopting that car’s more powerful engine, and then has looked to shed weight. The standard car is hardly heavy, but thanks to a range of measures, Alpine’s managed to shave 34kg from it, while still retaining pleasant niceties like a touchscreen and climate control.

Some of the stand-out differences you’ll notice are its mismatched carbon wheels, which look different at the rear to the front – a proper racing car trait – as well as the bonnet and rear window section being replaced by carbon fibre. There are also manually adjustable coilovers, though as per factory settings, the A110 R sits lower and is stiffer than the standard car.

What’s under the bonnet?

Alpine A110R
One thing Alpine hasn’t changed with the A110 R is what it’s powered by, which is the same mid-mounted 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine as that in the A110 S and previous Renaultsport Megane hot hatches. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox too – Alpine has never offered a manual option on the A110.

The 296bhp and 340Nm might seem fairly modest in this day and age, but it’s worth remembering the low weight here, and even still the A110 R can manage 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds (three tenths of a second less than the ‘S’) and head onto a top speed of 177mph. Thanks to the Alpine’s small engine and lightness, it’s also nowhere near as expensive to run as you might anticipate a sports car of this ilk to be – with a claimed fuel economy figure of 41.5mpg and 155g/km CO2 emissions.

What’s it like to drive?

Alpine A110R
From the moment you get into the one-piece Sabelt bucket seats and strap yourself in with the six-point race harnesses, you know the A110 R means business – almost excessively for a road car.

The low-speed ride is brittle but when you gather speed it becomes more compliant, almost impressively so for a car with such track focus. But the A110 R’s steering – like the standard car – is just exceptional. It’s super quick and direct – point and turn and it does just that. Few can make a car that’s as much fun down a British B-road as this.

The engine is perhaps not quite special enough for a £100,000 car, but the dual-clutch ‘box changes gears rapidly, and is accompanied by a more raucous sports exhaust system with 3D-printed elements that in the ‘Sport’ driving mode is childishly loud (in a good way) with an amass of pops and crackles as it downshifts.

How does it look?

Alpine A110R
The standard A110 is known for its clean, uncluttered lines, but the R is a far cry from that. It’s as if Renault did a deal with a carbon-fibre manufacturer to get as much of it on the car as possible – it’s used for the bonnet, roof, wheels, side skirts and splitters and even the rear glass is replaced by a carbon-fibre panel.

It might be a far cry from the standard A110, but it certainly looks purposeful, with the revised ‘swan-neck spoiler’ giving it the true look of a road-legal race car. Our test car also came painted in a cool ‘Matte Racing Blue’ finish, albeit for a rather steep £6,000.

What’s it like inside?

Alpine A110R
The key change inside compared to the ‘S’ are those single-piece Sabelt bucket seats. These alone save 5kg, and while they’re not the easiest to climb in and out of, they’re surprisingly comfortable once you’re in – even for several hours driving at a time. If you’re buying the A110 R to use on the road, the standard race harnesses are just a bit overkill, though, and the combination of being pinned to the seat and no rear window means visibility is quite compromised.

Microfibre adorns pretty much every possible inch of the interior, from the roof to the dashboard and steering wheel, while the painted matte blue finish of the top section of the doors looks superb too. The Alpine is compromised when it comes to luggage space, though, with a tiny boot area in the back and though there’s a box area under the bonnet, you’d struggle to fit even a small suitcase in.

What’s the spec like?

Alpine A110R
While we’ve talked a lot about carbon-fibre, which isn’t cheap, there are still plenty of everyday creature comforts in the A110 R. In this respect, it hasn’t been fully stripped out, with features like climate control, a Focal sound system and cruise control all included, along with a digital instrument cluster. The actual climate settings and main touchscreen are borrowed from an old Clio, however.

Admittedly this is a track special edition done properly – and all that carbon-fibre doesn’t come cheap, with the wheels alone rumoured to cost £8,000 – but at £96,990, the A110 R is fiercely expensive. Even more so when you consider the A110 S it’s based on is available for £30,000 less.

Verdict

The A110 R is unquestionably the most aggressive and purposeful version of the Alpine A110 yet. From its racing seats to its wild styling, it adds a different dimension to everything we’ve seen from this firm so far, while still retaining the on-road brilliance that the standard car is renowned for.

For anyone looking to take their car to the track, the A110 R is the version to go for. But for road use, the awkward racing harnesses and limited visibility might just prove more of an annoyance than a benefit. If you want the ultimate A110, the R is the one, but we reckon at £30,000 less for the A110 S, that is where our money would go.

Facts at a glance
Model: Alpine A110 R
Price: £96,990
Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 296bhp
Torque: 340Nm
0-60mph: 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 177mph
Economy: 41.5mpg
Emissions: 155g/km

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Still open for business: Exploring Iceland’s Incredible northern coast

Iceland has hit the headlines once again in recent months after significant seismic activity, earthquakes and the eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country on December 18.

The Icelandic Met Office continues to issue fresh warnings of another possible eruption as new cracks were spotted near the town of Grindavik – where its 4,000 residents were evacuated in mid-November.

Just a few days before the evacuation, and only a few miles away, we’re looking around somewhere you probably don’t want to be stood when there’s a risk of an eruption – a facility that produces methanol from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Mazda Iceland Adventure

We’ve been told nearby land has risen by 10cm because of the seismic shifts while the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal waters, only a mile away from the Carbon Recycling International facility we’re looking around, closes on the same day because of volcanic activity. But Icelanders are aware of the risks and monitor things closely – it seems part and parcel of living on an ‘active’ island with around 130 volcanoes.

We’re looking around it for a reason though, as the plant essentially produces e-fuels which can take the place of petrol to sustainably power cars, and we’re with Mazda as it’s something the Japanese firm is a big believer in as it promotes e-fuels as an alternative to the increasing push to electrification. It’s putting a lot of money behind them too.

Though Mazda does sell an electric car – the MX-30 – it brings quite a lot of compromise, not least when it comes to its electric range of only 124 miles and considerably less in real-world conditions.

Mazda Iceland Adventure

But Mazda now has an answer in the form of the MX-30 R-EV plug-in hybrid, which sees a return of a rotary engine in a Mazda for the first time in more than a decade. The firm has been one of the champions of this kind of engine, which sees the internal components work in a more circular motion, contrasting a conventional engine’s ‘up and down’ action – the benefit is that the engine uses fewer parts and takes up less space.

On the MX-30 R-EV, the engine works as a generator to power the electric motor, enabling a much longer range – with a 50-litre petrol tank allowing scope for many more miles without the need to charge, though Mazda still claims around 50 electric miles is possible once plugged in.

The increased range will come in handy today as we have 550km (342 miles) to cover up to Iceland’s northern coast. It’s a journey that could prove painful in the standard MX-30 because of its range, though Iceland is well ahead of the UK when it comes to EVs and their infrastructure.

Mazda Iceland Adventure

Despite the rugged nature of the island, more than 60 per cent of the population lives around the capital Reykjavik and many don’t travel all that far. That mixed with generous government incentives and impressive charging infrastructure means Iceland has the second highest share of combined plug-in hybrid and electric car sales of any country, only behind Norway.

Our day starts in Reykjavik at around 7am. Even in early November, the number of daylight hours is limited, so we are well out of the capital and into the wilderness before the sun starts to rise several hours later. The route takes us across both tarmacked roads and gravelled surfaces, with the latter ironically often being in a smoother and better condition than some of the UK’s roads.

The sun is just starting to show behind the mountains as we drive around Hvalfjörður, a fjord that stretches almost 20 miles inland. It’s a shame it’s almost still dark at this point as the ripples of the water look to be quite the spectacle. We go cross country next, and despite the MX-30 R-EV being a front-wheel-drive crossover, our cars are equipped with studded tyres. They’re pretty noisy on tarmac – at first, it’s as if you’ve got a puncture – but on gravel and icy surfaces, come into their own.

Mazda Iceland Adventure

We join a piece of tarmac that forms Iceland’s Ring Road – a huge 828-mile loop around the island – heading up through the aptly-named town of Bifrost as the temperature drops from just above zero to well below. The wilderness here is open and bleak, with little in the way of civilisation until a petrol station emerges on the horizon. We’re told to fuel both the Mazda and ourselves here as there won’t be another stop for miles.

They’re not wrong, and as we leave the main tarmac and turn onto ‘road number 68’, we won’t pass another car for what seems like hours. The road flips from tarmac to dirt tracks with almost no notice and connects the villages of Borðeyri and Hólmavík, which are an incredible 63 miles apart, to give you an idea of how isolated this place is.

We start by driving alongside the Hrútafjörður fjord for 22 miles, and as the sun rises above the water, it’s nothing short of spectacular. We pause to get a few photos of the MX-30, painted in Mazda’s renowned Soul Red Crystal paint, which even covered in a hundred miles of dust, still looks exceptional.

Mazda Iceland Adventure

As the miles accumulate, we temporarily leave the coastline and head up into the mountains as the roads get snowier and the temperature drops again – minus 11 is the lowest we saw. With the studded tyres, though, the grip is remarkable. Not that you should, but even if you jump on the brakes, there’s next to no skidding at all. The ride quality from the MX-30, even on less-than-ideal road surfaces is impressive, with plenty of adjustment and padding to the seats ideal for hours behind the wheel.

We’ve got a flight to catch so our stopping time has to be kept to a minimum. But as we cut across from the village of Hólmavík across the mountains on Road 61 to Road 60 – there’s a lot to be said for Iceland’s logically named routes – we have to make a stop on the incredible link road across the Gilsfjörður fjord. It stretches for more than a mile to connect two pieces of land, and offers remarkable panoramic views. With a brisk easterly wind, you can’t stand in it for long without needing to jump back to the car; the MX-30’s Iceland-ready heated seats quickly get us back up to temperature again.

Road 60 runs us back to the main Ring Road near Bifrost and we stop at an eerily quiet restaurant. We question whether it’s even open as we step inside as we’re quite well off the beaten track still and well outside of tourist season to be greeted by a smiling waitress. We’re the only ones in the place during our whole visit. Not keen to try some of Iceland’s delicacies that include whale, puffin and reindeer (a month before Christmas it doesn’t feel right to be having Rudolph on our plate), we’re stocked up on conventional burgers and back on the road.

Mazda Iceland Adventure

Iceland flicks between incredible scenery and industrial-looking factories at the flick of a button, and as we get closer to Reykjavik, we’re back into the latter. One last highlight is the Hvalfjörður Tunnel, which lasts for almost four miles underground and goes up to 165m below sea level. Originally a toll road, it’s been free since 2018 after the government took it over.

As we arrive back in Reykjavik, we look back at what has been an exceptional day of driving into some of the most spectacularly isolated places we’ve ever been. Even as the country continues to face more earthquakes and volcanic activity, it’s only a small southwestern region that is affected with Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland not impacted at the time of writing and still open for tourists, though it’s worth checking travel advice first.

Mazda Iceland Adventure

Most of Iceland’s tourists stick to the capital city and surrounding areas, but it’s worth heading a bit further north on a route like this to explore what else the country has to offer – and it can be easily done in a day.

Despite Iceland’s advanced electric vehicle provisions, this is a route where you really (and we mean really) don’t want to run out of juice, and is one of those journeys that a plug-in hybrid comes into its own. It’s an ideal showcase for the MX-30 R-EV – you can still potter around the city as an EV, but with the backup of the extended petrol range when you’re miles away from civilisation, as is so often the case in Iceland.

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