Category: News

Ford has undertaken trials of new connected car technology that could remove the problem of stop-start traffic and free up roads worldwide.

The system, called Intersection Priority Management (IPM), is being showcased on the streets of Milton Keynes this week, in a bid by Ford to show how the traffic-easing technology has genuine real-world potential.

IPM uses vehicle-to-vehicle communications to suggest optimum travelling speeds. It can even allow cars to pass by one another at junctions without the need to stop.

Each car is capable of broadcasting its location, as well as its direction of travel and speed. The on-board systems identify an upcoming junction while assessing the approach speeds of nearby vehicles simultaneously. The car can then pick an optimum speed so that each car can pass through safely.

Christian Ress, supervisor for driver assist technologies at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering, said: “We know that intersections and traffic lights can be a real bugbear for many drivers.

“With the connected car technology we have been demonstrating this week, we envisage a world where vehicles are more aware of each other and their environment, enabling intelligent co-operation and collaboration on the roads – and around junctions.”

The showcase of technology was part of the government-funded UK Autodrive project, which looks to improve traffic flow as well as increasing safety and efficiency.

Other technologies displayed were Collaborative Parking, which uses a crowd-sourced map of a car park to display available spaces, as well as Emergency Vehicle Warning, which can alert drivers to the location and proximity of approaching emergency services vehicles.

A new poll has revealed the most popular albums to listen to while driving.

Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Rumours topped the bill after drivers were asked which album they would listen to while driving alone.

Coming in at second was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, followed by Ed Sheeran’s Divide.

Other notable albums which entered into the top ten came from artists such as Adele, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Elton John and U2.

The top three choices varied between age groups, however. Ed Sheeran took the number one spot for 18-34 year olds, while Fleetwood Mac was tied with the soundtrack from the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’ for second. However, for the remaining age groups, Fleetwood Mac was the most popular.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Playing an album can help reduce boredom on long journeys but is there an ideal type of music to drive to? Some academics warn that up-tempo loud music may not be as safe as slower, quieter tracks.

“We are told that if music is above 60 beats per minute, listeners experience a faster heart rate and increased blood pressure which could lead to them taking more risks. Classical music may not be as fast as dance music, but the number of notes, combined with the repetitive crescendo and diminuendo can have the same effect.”

The AA survey was undertaken to coincide with the first National Album Day on October 13 and questioned over 20,000 AA members.

Fleetwood Mac’s success in the poll could be because The Chain, from the Rumours album is synonymous with Formula 1. It’s been the sport’s soundtrack on and off since 1978, making it instantly recognisable for most motoring enthusiasts.

Despite over a fifth of all music listening taking place in a car, the poll also revealed that 29 per cent of 65 year olds and over don’t listen to an album while driving. On the opposite end, only 10 per cent of 18-24 years olds admitted to driving without music.

An advert for Nissan’s all-electric Leaf has been ruled as misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The online ad claimed that the Leaf’s battery could be largely replenished in under an hour, stating in a footnote that the charging time would depend on the type of charger used, as well as factors such as battery temperature and size.

Following its release, three complainants stated that the car sometimes took longer than the stated 60 minutes to charge, and would only accept one fast charge per day – challenging the manufacturer’s charging time claims and asking whether they were misleading and unsubstantiated.

As a result, the ASA found that as a result of the charging process taking longer in some circumstances, the advert “did not clearly convey the degree of variability in the time that may be required to deliver a certain amount of charge” and concluded that “the claims had not been substantiated and were likely to mislead”.

In response, Nissan edited the wording of the advert, changing it to state that drivers would “get from 20-80% charge in around 60 minutes”.

However, despite these amendments the ASA still deemed that the advert was “likely to mislead”.

The ASA ordered that the advert must not appear in the same form again, and told Nissan Motor GB “to ensure that their future advertising made clear the degree of variability in the time that may be required to deliver a certain amount of charge.”

A spokesperson for Nissan GB said: “We were very disappointed with the ruling made by the ASA although of course we will respect their decision. We constantly review and react to customer feedback to ensure that we are giving the very best possible service and information.

“We are pleased to see that the New Leaf is performing well, and meeting our customers’ expectations, and will work closely with them to ensure that this continues in the future.”

Jaguar Land Rover has taken a step closer to an autonomous future with a new public display — completing an entirely driverless lap of one of the UK’s trickiest public roads.

The firm sent a Range Rover Sport equipped with self-driving tech around Coventry’s Ring Road, with the goal of taking itself around the route safely.

JLR opted to use the Range Rover Sport for its pre-existing assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control. To give it its fully driverless capabilities, RADAR and LIDAR sensors were also fitted.

It was a success, with the car safely changing lanes, merging with traffic, exiting junctions and sticking to the 40mph speed limit without any input from the driver.

JLR also says the tech allows the car to autonomously navigate roundabouts safely while also making it capable of dealing with pedestrians, cyclists, traffic lights and other vehicles on complicated roads.

Mark Cund, autonomous vehicle research manager for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The Coventry Ring Road is known for its complicated slip roads and exits. It makes for very challenging conditions, especially when under pressure in the rush hour.

“Our self-driving car is not impacted by the same pressure, frustrations or fatigue that a driver may experience and so it’s capable of turning a potentially very stressful situation into a completely stress-free one.”

The trial was undertaken as part of the government-funded, £20 million UK Autodrive project — an initiative to test autonomous tech in Coventry and Milton Keynes, in an effort to put the UK at the forefront of driverless vehicle development.

Isuzu has introduced the latest in its line of D-Max pickups, this time bringing an aggressive new edge to the truck.

Named the Fury, it’s a limited-run special edition with added styling and comfort tweaks, plus a striking red and black colour scheme.

Anticipating strong demand for the few Fury models available, Isuzu UK has opened order books early for the new pickup, which will arrive in dealerships in January 2019.

Starting with the exterior, all D-Max Furys will be finished in a Magma Red paint scheme, fitted with dark grey 18-inch alloy wheels and a red Isuzu badge in the darkened radiator grille.

There are gunmetal grey side steps, black door mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle and an eye-catching ‘FURY’ decal just aft of the front wheel arch.

That style continues on the inside, with dark grey seats featuring red stitching. The stitching continues on the armrests and steering wheel, while there are Fury-specific carpet mats.

Those lusting after an even more striking interior can specify a full leather package which brings black and red upholstery with stitched ‘FURY’ logos in the headrests.

All standard D-Max features remain, including air-con, a seven-inch infotainment system with reversing camera, and a 1.9-litre diesel engine producing 163bhp and 360Nm of torque.

The new D-Max Fury is available to order now, with first deliveries in January 2019. Prices start from £22,499 excluding VAT for commercial vehicle customers.

A great number of the population opt for a four-wheel drive car, and they often have very different reasons for doing so. For some, it may be a necessity — with those who live in particularly rural areas relying on the added traction of a four-wheel drive vehicle (not to mention the extra ruggedness and ride height that often comes along with this drivetrain) to get them where they need to go.

For others, four-wheel-drive is about dynamics – a different way to put power to the ground, and one that can produce some brilliant performance cars. While rear-wheel drive cars may provide more drama, four-wheel drive can often produce a faster-accelerating machine.

If your needs tick either of those boxes, we’ve rounded up some of the best bargain 4x4s on the used market – all of which can be had for under £4,000 in good condition.

Land Rover Discovery

Ok, fair enough — Land Rovers are known to be money pits and buying one for £4k could just mean it’s still got £4k left to spend in maintenance bills. But choose carefully (and harness the very real power of wishful thinking) and you could end up with a great example of one of the most legendary off-roaders in the world.

The Discovery took everything the Range Rover or Defender could do and wrapped it in a superbly user-friendly, comfortable and spacious seven-seat bodyshell. There are few vehicles that can do what this car can do, which is just as much home at the country club as it is schlepping through the school run. Just set aside some money for maintenance — you’ll need it.

Suzuki Jimny

The latest Suzuki Jimny has taken the car world by storm, but the original model was so good that it remained in production for almost two decades. That’s an impressive show of solidity from the tiny Jimny.

This pocket-sized mud-plugger will keep up with the big boys any day, courtesy of its proper separate chassis, low-range gearbox and selectable four-wheel drive. Sure, it’s a bit gutless on the road and will struggle to fit in any more than two adults and a carrier bag — but it knows its purpose, and executes it brilliantly. Ratty examples cost barely anything, but £4,000 will net you a tidy car that’s not had too much misuse.

Subaru Impreza Turbo

Cheap four-wheel-drive machines don’t all have to be used-and-abused SUVs that have seen a lifetime of towing or farm work — and the Subaru Impreza Turbo is an example of this.

While the fire-breathing WRX STI and lesser WRX may have taken the limelight in the Impreza’s heyday, the humble Turbo offered a similar driving experience to its rally-born brethren, but for a lower cost. Good examples can be hard to find now, but a handful of early, unmolested cars come in under our budget.

Mitsubishi Shogun

Believe it or not, the Mitsubishi Shogun is still in production in close to the same form it initially took in 2006 — a testament to its proven track record of being a rugged, dependable real go-anywhere machine.

But why pay £40k+ for a shiny new one, when for a tenth of the price you can get all of that — just in a less polished package. Late second-generations can be had within our price and, although they may have seen some action over the years, will still offer just as much function as a new Shogun will.

Toyota Land Cruiser

When it comes to off-roaders, there’s only one name that’s as iconic as Land Rover — and that’s Land Cruiser. Toyota’s offering in this segment is a true legend, famed for unshakeable reliability and unstoppable off-road capability.

Our budget will net you a fairly tidy example, and in the UK there’s every chance it’s been used in little more than the school run. And even if it hasn’t, these cars will run forever if maintained correctly.

Fiat Panda 4×4

Adorable? Check. Tiny footprint? Double check. Surprisingly capable on the rough stuff? That’s a hat-trick for the Fiat Panda 4×4 — which is one of Italy’s most beloved institutions and a brilliant little all-rounder.

Whether you opt for the barely-distinguishable standard 4×4 or the rugged and beefy Cross, the Panda 4×4 offers a remarkable amount of traction and will embarrass many a larger 4×4 in mud or snow. Good examples can be had for well under our budget.

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep name is synonymous with genuine go-anywhere ability, with the firm boasting a proven track record of producing seriously capable machinery since its WWII roots.

Ok, so the Cherokee may not be quite as tough the Wrangler — but it still invokes a lot of the American brand’s DNA, and at a seriously budget price. Our budget can net a high-spec V6 model, giving you a real taste of Americana. We can’t promise it’ll be cheap to run, though.

Volvo XC90

4x4s had been steadily making their way into the mainstream for some time, but it’s arguably Volvo that pioneered their use as a family car and rung the death knell for the humble MPV way back in 2002. The XC90 may have looked like an SUV, and acted like one – but its main purpose was to make mum and dad feel like the kings of the road.

Said parental units would be delighted with the Volvo’s family-friendly features, adore its class-leading safety and be reassured by its hefty stance and four-wheel drive. Fast forward just 15 years, and now we can’t move for family crossovers and SUVs. Thanks, Volvo. Luckily, the XC90s popularity and solidity means there’s still loads of examples around.

Honda CR-V

The CR-V may not get the pulse racing, but those who value space, comfort, practicality and reliability will appreciate it. It’s certainly got the chops for family living — think of it like a Civic with four-wheel drive and you won’t be far wrong.

There’s tons of choice at this end of the market, and you’ll be able to opt for either a very tidy second-generation model or a slightly baggier third-gen. Be glad you’re able to buy one at all — many CR-V owners choose to hang on to them, preferring their practical Hondas to more modern crossovers.

A car battery may be a small piece of the puzzle under the bonnet, but it’s up there with the most crucial components.

Without a properly functioning battery, the car will struggle, or even fail, to start. While they can stay in good health for a long time, they will eventually deteriorate — meaning it’s vital to keep an eye on the unit and knowing when to replace it.

How does a car battery work?

A car battery functions in a pretty similar way to any conventional cell — it’s wired up to provide power to electronic components.

In this case, the electronic component is the starter motor, which gets the car’s engine running. The engine then turns the alternator, which takes the load off the battery by powering most of the vehicle’s internal components — while also recharging the battery itself.

Why do they go flat?

Just like any battery, the one found in your car has a limited energy capacity — which will eventually run out.

If the battery is left to provide power to the car for too long without any energy return from the engine’s alternator, it will eventually go flat. Its ability to hold charge also diminishes over time — meaning it could be time for a new one if it goes flat often.

How can I check my car’s battery?

Unlike say your fuel levels and fluid temperatures, which are easy to see on a car’s instrument cluster, not many machines show a reading of the battery’s condition — so you’ll have to invest in a bit of extra equipment.

A multimeter will be able to tell you the DC voltage of the battery. As a general rule, a car battery should read no lower than 12.6V to be considered in good health — anything lower and it might be time to switch it out.

Which battery should I put in my car?

Batteries vary between cars, so don’t expect a one-rule-for-all here.

The easiest solution would be to head to an online retailer, with many offering tools to find the right battery for your car by simply entering the registration of your car.

Alternatively, you could look for an identical battery to the existing unit by its serial number.

Can I change a car battery myself?

Although we’d always recommend seeking specialist help before undertaking any mechanical task yourself, changing a battery is a fairly simple task.

Park the car on a level surface and secure it with the handbrake first, before opening the bonnet. Once the battery has been located, disconnect the negative terminal first before then unclipping the positive. The battery should then be fairly easy to lift out, ready for a new unit to be placed in.

How should I dispose of an old battery?

By law, car batteries must not be disposed alongside regular household waste.

Fortunately, many recycling centres have dedicated facilities for car batteries. Take the old unit to your nearest centre, where it can be safely and legally disposed.

More details on the long-awaited new Toyota Supra appear to have been leaked by a BMW parts catalogue, ahead of the car’s full reveal.

RealOEM, a tool for searching for parts produced by the German manufacturer, has now added a detailed section on its website for the upcoming Japanese sports car — providing an insight into its mechanical specifications and equipment offering.

The new Supra has been jointly developed with BMW, with the latter basing the new Z4 on the same architecture as the Toyota.

Three models are shown in the catalogue — 20i, 30i and 40i. This reflects those of the new Z4, although it’s unlikely the final Supra will be offered with more than one powertrain choice at launch.

If the catalogue proves correct, it would appear UK-spec Supras will be offered with technology such as a head-up display and adaptive cruise control. Other equipment looks set to include Alcantara upholstery, with multiple interior colour options on offer.

It also appears to support long-held rumours Supra will only be available with an automatic transmission at launch.

The catalogue also gives an outline at what looks to be Supra in final production form — having so far only been shown in racing concept and heavily-camouflaged concept guise

Expect to hear more details on the new Toyota Supra early next year, with a full reveal expected at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

The Paris Motor Show 2018 was plagued with issues before the doors even opened. Several key manufacturers – Volkswagen, Nissan, Infininti and more – announced prior to the event that they wouldn’t be attending, which left many thinking that it would be somewhat of a ghost show.

However, despite the drop-outs, this year’s Paris show threw up several key new cars and reveals – along with a number of celebrity appearances. Here, we look at some of the key aspects of the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

BMW 3 Series

We’d been teased several close-up images of the car prior to its full reveal at this year’s show, but this is the first time that we’d seen the car in full. The new 3 Series is wider, longer and slightly taller than the car it replaces, and this means it’s able to offer better interior and luggage space.

Initially offered with 320d diesel and 330i petrol powertrains, the 3 Series is due to arrive early next year. Prices are set to start at £33,610.

Porsche confirms 911 Speedster will enter production

The 911 Speedster Concept had been showcased to the public back in July, but it was at the Paris show that it was finally confirmed for production. Featuring the same chassis as that on the current 911 GT3, as well as a powerful flat-six engine, the Speedster will be limited to just 1,948 units – a reference to the year that the original Porsche 356 ‘Number 1’ gained its operating licence.

It’s also the first Porsche vehicle available with a new Heritage Designs Package, which gives customers better personalisation and customisation options.

Mercedes B-Class

Small MPV vehicles may not be a hot topic at the moment given the momentous rise of the crossover, but Mercedes-Benz has decided to stick with the segment with its new B-Class. Based on the A-Class platform, it’s been designed to take on the 2 Series Active Tourer.

https://twitter.com/MercedesBenz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1047018345445249025&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fexplore.pressassociation.com%2F%23!%2Fready%2Fstory%2F7d3d1758-cf48-4d29-908a-019c43cb6a21

Alongside plenty of interior space and a decent range of economical engines, the B-Class also features Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment operating system, as well as a host of safety assistance systems.

David Beckham pledges allegiance to new Vietnamese car maker

It was one of the surprises of the show. Little-known Vietnamese manufacturer Vinfast revealed its new saloon and SUV models with the help of a famous footballer – one David Beckham, no less.

Though ‘Golden Balls’ had few words to say when on stage – “It’s incredible. It’s beautiful. It’s sleek. It’s modern. It’s high tech. It’s premium. It’s incredible. Congratulations.” – the former England captain was more than happy to receive a Vietnamese flag from co-host Tran Tieu Vy, winner of Miss Vietnam 2018.

Robert De Niro reveals new all-electric vehicle

Beckham wasn’t the only celebrity to put his name against a new vehicle at Paris this year. Actor Robert De Niro was announced as an ambassador for the new – and similarly named – Kia e-Niro. Capable of offering a 301-mile all-electric range (the crossover, not the ‘Taxi Driver’ star), the e-Niro will slot in alongside the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in the range.

The Kia family has a new member. Introducing our new star: the Niro.

Click to find out more➡️https://t.co/yj4yCua2x9 pic.twitter.com/qQPP8noaoR

— Kia UK PR (@KiaUKPR) October 2, 2018

The new e-Niro has already entered production and is due to go on sale towards the end of the year.

Peugeot 508 SW First Edition

Peugeot chose its home turf to reveal its new 508 First Edition, kicking off sales of its new estate car across Europe with this introductory specification. As is the way with range-topping trims, the First Edition packs a wealth of standard equipment and comes with the choice of two engines – one petrol and one diesel.

Peugeot has yet to announce prices for the 508 SW First Edition, but expect it to come in above the £37,014 asking price for the equivalent hatchback model.

 

Hyundai N Option Accessories range

Hyundai’s N offering – currently just the i30N hatchback – has enjoyed a decent amount of success in the UK, but Hyundai today announced a series of upgrades for those who the standard car isn’t quite out-there enough.

Called N Option, the selection of upgrades includes quad exhaust pipes and new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tyres. It allows drivers to add to the look and performance of their i30N car. Hyundai has, as yet, not announced when this new accessories range will be introduced.

Renault EZ-Ultimo

Ever wanted a luxurious, autonomous limousine? Then here’s the car for you – Renault’s EZ-Ultimo. Dubbed by the French manufacturer as a ‘premium travel experience, the EZ-Ultimo is capable of travelling 310 miles on all-electric power and packs Level 4 autonomy – meaning it can travel without any input from the driver.

It’s the third autonomous concept car to be released by Renault, and gives an insight into the brand’s plans for the future.

The prominent infotainment screen on Tesla’s Model 3 became an issue for one owner recently, after police mistook the vast display for a laptop computer strapped to the dashboard and pulled them over.

Tesla owner Jon Hall recorded the incident via his rear-facing dashcam, which captured the moment a police motorbike pulled him over to tell him “you’re not allowed to have your computer mounted on there.”

The display in the Model 3 is one of the largest in the business, at 15-inches and mounted in landscape orientation in the centre of the dash. It’s second only in fact to its siblings – the Tesla Model X and Model S, which both use 17-inch, portrait-mounted displays.

That hefty display is necessary though, as it not only shows sat-nav and media but controls all of the car’s functions and even functions as a gauge cluster.

Luckily for Hall, he was able to explain the screen’s functions to the traffic officer, explaining: “This is stock with the car. This literally is my only centre console. I can’t remove this – it’s how I control my air-conditioning.”

The officer appeared interested in the car, asking whether it was capable of ‘other computer functions’ and apologising for the unnecessary traffic stop.