Category: News

The British summer is just about here — the sun is coming out for its one week of the year, and now might just be the time to capitalise on that by nabbing yourself a drop-top car.

Better still, you don’t need to spend a packet in order to get that wind-in-your-hair experience, which is why we’ve picked out some of the best convertibles that you can get your hands on for under £2,000.

MG TF

This end of the market is rife with well-priced and decently specced MG TF’s. Most come with a peppy 1.8-litre engine under the bonnet, and all have a folding cloth roof. It’s still a relatively handsome looking car even now, and looks to have aged well.

We’ve found a number for well under our £2,000 budget with only (albeit tired looking) example coming in at under £500. We wouldn’t advise going for something this low priced, though if its history checks out and the car looks straight enough, then there’s no reason why it couldn’t be a decent low-cost runner.

Citroen C3 Pluriel

Okay, just bear with us on this one. The C3 Pluriel was somewhat of an oddball; designed to be five cars in one, it wasn’t hugely successful. However, this does mean that you can pick up some pretty tidy examples on the used market and though they may not have a sports car design, you still get that drop-top experience at a very low price.

Most cars get alloy wheels and air conditioning, but make sure that the folding roof is functioning correctly – this is a crucial area to check.

Mercedes SLK

We’ve stepped up a notch now. Yes, we’ll admit that buying a used Mercedes (particularly in this price bracket) can be a little bit of a minefield thanks to higher repair costs and pricier parts, but choose carefully and you can find yourself a steal.

The SLK is a case in point. You’ll likely be looking at an early 2000s model, but expect to get boatloads of equipment for the money, including electronically-adjustable seats and cruise control. However, decent servicing history is essential here – a poor maintenance record could prove costly in the future.

Toyota MR2

The little MR2 isn’t a bad idea if you’re after no-frills but involving motoring. Powered by a 1.8-litre engine it’s got plenty enough performance to excite, and its compact size makes it feel perfectly nimble out on the road.

There is a drawback, however. The MR2 lacks any real boot, so it’s not exactly the last word in practicality. That said, there are a variety of different examples available within this budget, and most are in reasonably good nick.

Mazda MX-5

It’s a bit of a no-brainer, this one. The MX-5, throughout its various incarnations, has proved to be a reliable, cheap-to-repair convertible. With fans all over the world, it’s a go-to choice for those who want a relatively involving drive coupled with compact dimensions.

Rust is an issue, particularly on early models – so keep a sharp eye out for this. However, find a clean model, and it’ll provide many miles of trouble-free motoring.

Mini Convertible

When the ‘new’ Mini first came out, it proved immensely popular – and things haven’t changed much since. When a convertible version was launched, it was snapped up consumers as a result of its cutesy styling and reasonably powerful range of engines.

These can now be picked up for well within our £2,000 budget. Make sure that the interior is straight, and listen out for strange noises from the power steering pump – these can often fail on older cars, and are costly to replace.

Saab 9-3

With Saab now a carmaker of the past, few consider its cars when looking at the used market. However, the 9-3 convertible is a great option for those wanting to go for a comfortable and spacious drop-top.

In addition, there are plenty of spare parts and components, so you should have to worry about replacing anything, despite Saab’s now defunct status.

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Almost matching the Mini in the retro-styling department is this – the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet. Most cars come comprehensively equipped, with air conditioning and alloy wheels just some of the extras you’ll find fitted to the Bug.

The arrangement of the folding cloth hood drew some criticism – mainly for the way the fabric lies strangely at the rear of the car when collapsed – but this shouldn’t put you off, as the Beetle is a decent and reliable soft-top.

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46)

There are a lot of examples of 3 Series convertibles to be found at this budget. The most common are E46 models – though this is no bad thing, as they’re sturdy and excellent to drive. A variety of engines are available too, with even the top end straight-six models well in this price bracket.

If you’re planning on purchasing one, double check the arches as these are prone to rust. In addition, turn the steering lock to lock while travelling at low speed and listen out for any troubling knocking noises.

Audi TT Roadster

There aren’t many about in this price range, but the Audi TT Roadster is a fine option. Strong build quality, reliable engines and quirky styling mean that this soft-top still looks and feels fresh today.

Yes, at this price you’ll be looking at a high-mileage example, but providing it’s got a decent service history there’s no reason why these can’t be hassle-free convertibles.

A Ford Fiesta is perfect for bustling city traffic, while a BMW 5 Series is ideal for motorway mile-munching. But whack either of them into a challenging situation and they soon become unstuck – they simply aren’t rugged.

These cars are, though. We’ve rounded up nine of the most hard-wearing and brawny cars you can buy today, ideal for surviving a nuclear war – or the muddy car boot sale in Sandford, Gloucestershire.

Jeep Wrangler

The latest Jeep Wrangler is set to come to the UK after debuting in America. It’s more refined, luxurious and car-like than ever, but still retains the DNA of the original Willys Jeep – one of the most iconic off-roaders of all time.

Solid axles ensure simplicity and this enables Wranglers to be modified for just about any purpose. Whether you want to traverse sand dunes, go mud-plugging in a deep forest or simply park on the kerb without scraping your alloys, the Wrangler is about as tough as they come.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Originally known as the G-Wagen, this military-spec beast has morphed into the ideal transport for those who want to be seen. With glitzy chrome atop the blocky body, and the option of insane AMG-tuned engines, it’s often seen in London’s most glamorous districts.

But the G-Class isn’t just all show and no go. It’s one of the most serious off-roaders you can buy today, thanks to a super-sophisticated 4WD system plus three locking differentials. Opt for chunky tyres rather than shiny alloys and the G-Class is near unstoppable.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser is a true legend – it’s the vehicle that pushed Land Rover out of Australia, and showed the world that not only could the Japanese build off-roaders, they could build off-roaders that never broke down.

Though the Land Cruiser isn’t as luxurious as a Range Rover, treat it properly and it’ll probably outlast you. There’s no compromise to be made off-road either.

Isuzu D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks

Isuzu’s D-Max pickup is already a pretty rugged vehicle, with a beefy diesel engine and four-wheel drive. The specialists at Arctic Trucks, however, have turned it into something rather spectacular.

With enormous tyres and widened arches, the car’s stance is far more purposeful, and custom Fox suspension offers it enough travel to deal with terrain that would trouble a mountain goat.

Toyota Prius

This may be an odd inclusion, as the Toyota Prius isn’t exactly known for its go-anywhere ability. In fact, it’s far more likely to be seen as a taxi on the streets of London rather than blasting through sand dunes. But it’s there where the ruggedness lies.

Nobody expected the Prius to be as reliable as it is – but even daily abuse as Uber cabs can’t break them. Many of these Prii have over 500,000 miles on the clock and are still going strong on their original battery packs.

Ariel Nomad

Most off-roaders are designed to traverse rough terrain at about 5mph. The Ariel Nomad is designed to do it at 50.

With an engine and body pinched from the Atom road car, the rear-wheel-drive Nomad bounces across the terrain rather than plowing through it. It’s hardcore, totally open to the elements and buckets of fun.

Subaru Forester

Subaru has a reputation for producing reliable, rugged cars, and the Forester is no exception. The darling of farmers everywhere, Subaru owners tend to keep their cars for longer than any other – because they can’t bear to part with them.

The brand’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is legendary for its simplicity and reliability, while boxer engines lower the centre of gravity and make for a reassuring drive.

Toyota Hilux

Our third Toyota on this list is perhaps the most legendary – the Hilux, famously the ‘unkillable car’. Made famous by BBC’s Top Gear, a Hilux survived being left at sea, falling off a building, being crashed into a tree and crushed with a wrecking ball – and still started up at the end.

Today’s Hilux is rather plusher than the 1994 model that Top Gear used, but it still retains a well-earned reputation for serious reliability.

What is it?

Meet the white van man’s ultimate dream machine. Designed for tradespeople who demand a little more style and flair from their load-lugging daily runabouts, the MS-RT Transit Custom combines usefulness and stand-out-from-the-crowd looks. With a whole new look, performance exhaust and smart new interior, the hand-crafted £32,995 van offers those working the tools the chance to dress to impress.

What’s new?

Well, quite a lot. Hand-built in south Wales by a team of talented craftsmen, the MS-RT is now officially available through a handful of Ford Transit dealers across the UK. The coachbuilding firm has had a meteoric rise, going from zero to 60 vans a month in just over two years and that’s set to balloon again. All the parts are built in the factory in Pontypool, including the new front and rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts and interior trim.

It also features a twin exhaust system – with the option of a speaker that imitates the sound of revving V8 engine, controlled by an App on your phone – unique MS-RT exterior badges, special OZ alloy wheels and lowered Eibach suspension.

What’s under the bonnet?

Don’t get too excited, because here it’s all pretty standard. The 170bhp EcoBlue 2.0-litre TDCi engine found in other Transit Customs is still in situ. It has 405Nm of torque and comes with a six-speed manual or auto gearbox. As it stands, it’s a great engine and more than enough to propel the van along at pace, especially with an empty load space. As the van is sold through the official Ford network, tweaks to the engine aren’t allowed before it’s sold. However, customers can come back to MS-RT after they’ve bought their vehicle and have it uprated to 208bhp with an M-Sport kit.

What’s it like to drive?

The lowered suspension makes it look cooler, but hasn’t had any dramatic detrimental effect on the ride either. On the Welsh test route, it coped fine with a mix of road surfaces. It’s swift too and although you have to work the manual gearbox to get the best of it, it’s even quite fun to drive. The good news is the modifications haven’t affected the payload either – it’s still 1,392kg.

How does it look?

This is the key selling point of the MS-RT van. Available in both single and double cab variants, it is said to appeal to tradesmen and leisure users alike. Although the looks won’t be to everyone’s tastes, with a whiff of aftermarket about it, there’s little doubt that company owners or family buyers who want to stand out will find it an attractive proposition.

What’s it like inside?

MS-RT has improved the Transit Custom’s standard interior adding Ford’s latest SYNC3 entertainment system with sat nav and reversing camera. The seats have been retrimmed with nappa leather and suede and the steering wheel is new and feels like it should be in a sports car. It also features a heated windscreen, heated seats and upgraded HID headlights.

Verdict

While it won’t tick everyone’s boxes, there’s certainly a market for a supercharged-looking white van for the masses. MS-RT went to great lengths to show us the level of detail they put into hand-building each vehicle and there’s no doubt the finish is excellent. We actually quite like the looks, it’s just a shame it doesn’t have an uprated engine to match the sporty styling.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: MS-RT Ford Transit Custom
Price (as tested): £32,995
Engine: 2.0-litre TDCi
Power (bhp): 170
Torque (Nm): 405
MPG (combined): 44.1
Emissions (g/km): 157

Yes, conventional cars are all well and good, but sometimes rare, limited-edition models just tickle our fancy a little more. Ultra-sought after and therefore a little more special than ‘regular’ models these cars have consistently set the motoring world alight.

These aren’t just high-end cars, either. Some limited-edition cars have appeared at the lower end of the price range – but are still just as memorable as top-price models.

Toyota Yaris GRMN

We’re kicking things off strongly with this – the Toyota Yaris GRMN. Based on the tiny Yaris city car, the GRMN takes things in a sportier direction courtesy of beefed-up brakes, suspension and steering.

The engine is a supercharged 1.8-litre too, and this gives the little GRMN a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds. However, this limited-run Yaris isn’t all about power – it’s the way this thing corners which makes it quite so impressive.

Audi R8 RWS

Audi’s sports cars have traditionally utilised four-wheel-drive for the very best traction and power deployment in all manner of conditions. The RWS, however, is different. Rather than going to all corners, the V10 engine sends drive to the rear wheels only – an Audi first.

Thanks to that change, the RWS is lighter and keener to drive – and it’s restricted to just 999 units. It’s a limited-edition car, and one that really broke the mould for Audi.

BMW Z3 M Coupe

The Z3 M Coupe was a limited-edition take on BMW’s two-seater Z3. However, this breadvan-shape sports car stands out against the ‘regular’ Z3 thanks to its iconic styling and powerful engines. It first appeared with the engine from the E36 M3, before being updated with the 3.2-litre from the later E46.

It’s gone down as one of the most memorable BMWs ever made, and is a distinctly rare sight out on UK roads.

Ford Racing Puma

The Ford Racing Puma was an incredibly limited-run car, with just 500 examples produced. Underneath the bonnet is a 1.7-litre petrol with 153bhp, while the flowing bodywork featured wider arches to support larger alloys.

An impressively powerful brake system was fitted too, giving the Racing Puma a lot of stopping power – and the bright blue interior wasn’t bad, either.

BMW M3 CSL (E46)

The BMW M3 is a lightweight, more powerful version of the popular 3-Series. The E46 is easily one of the most iconic incarnations of all time, and the CSL version only builds on this reputation.

The CSL – or Coupe Sport Leichtbau or Coupe Sport Lightweight – was produced in extremely limited numbers, with just 1,400 cars rolling off the production line. It was 110kg lighter than the standard M3, thanks to its use of lightweight materials while redesigned suspension made this one of the best-handling M3s of all time.

Renault Clio Williams

The Renault Clio Williams waded into battle that was raging between hot hatches in the early Nineties, squaring up against rivals such as the Peugeot 205 GTI. Just 390 arrived in the UK, which makes the icon incredibly sought after.

The suspension borrowed components from the Clio Cup racer, and this made it as agile and corner-hungry as can be, while the bulging arches housed wider wheels wearing fatter rubber. It took the hot hatch world by storm, and remains one of the true greats.

Volkswagen Lupo GTI

The GTI moniker is one of the most recognisable in motoring, having adorned some of the all-time hot hatch greats. However, it also appeared on one slightly less-known model – the Lupo GTI. Extremely compact yet packing a 125bhp 1.6-litre engine, the Lupo GTI was, despite its small size, a fully-fledged hot hatch.

It’s now turned into somewhat of a cult classic, with prices rising each and every year. Just under 1,000 examples came to the UK – so get your hands on one while you can.

Ford Focus RS MK1

The first incarnation of the Focus proved immensely popular, offering plenty of practicality as well as a surprisingly involving drive. The RS version built on this by offering supercar-beating performance, but the base car’s decent boot and interior spaciousness.

Some 4,500 examples were produced – so it’s not the most limited car you’ll find on this list – but it’s not one you’ll see on UK roads all that often either. A turbocharged 2.0-litre engine gave the RS a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds, along with a top speed of 143mph.

Mercedes-AMG 300CE ‘Hammer’

What a name for a performance car – ‘Hammer’. Mercedes-AMG produced just under 30 of these V8-powered super-saloons back in the late 80s, and it went on to become one of the German manufacturer’s most iconic creations.

With around 350bhp being produced from the car’s 5.5-litre V8, the Hammer could take all four occupants in supreme comfort up to a top speed of 180mph. Incredible now, and other-worldly when it first came out.

Fiat Panda 100HP

The little Fiat Panda is best known as a reliable and nimble city car. The 100HP, however, was a more serious affair. A peppy 1.4-litre engine sent 99bhp to the front wheels, but the 100HP is more about cornering than all-out pace. Lowered suspension over the regular Panda makes this special edition incredibly good in the bends, where maintaining momentum is the name of the game.

These make for an exceptionally good used purchase but be warned – they’re being snapped up.

One Lamborghini driver in America can consider themselves lucky to be alive, after a crash into a concrete pole split their supercar in half.

The incident took place in Fairfax County, Virginia on Thursday night. It’s not clear how the accident occurred, but the aftermath is – with the Lamborghini Huracan’s mid-mounted engine and rear axle completely separated from the front of the vehicle.

From Gallows Road and International Drive overnight. Lamborghini hit a concrete light pole and was cut in half. The back end was on fire and quickly extinguished by the crew from Engine 413, Dunn Loring. One adult driver was treated for minor injuries by Medic 413. #fcfrd #news pic.twitter.com/vOG4o1Ovfo

— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 27, 2018

According to authorities, the Italian machine caught fire as a result of the crash which was quickly extinguished. Incredibly, nobody was seriously hurt – with the driver treated on the scene for minor injuries.

A tweet from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said: “From Gallows Road and International Drive overnight. Lamborghini hit a concrete light pole and was cut in half.

The back end was on fire and quickly extinguished by the crew from Engine 413, Dunn Loring. One adult driver was treated for minor injuries by Medic 413.”

When completely attached to the car, the Lamborghini V10 power unit develops 602bhp and 560Nm of torque in all-wheel-drive Huracan models, sending the £155k supercar to 60mph in 3 seconds flat with a 202mph top speed possible.

No name is more synonymous with off-roading than Land Rover. Since 1948, every vehicle the brand has produced has had one thing at its heart – the ability to go where few vehicles dare to tread.

To mark 70 years of building the world’s best off-roaders, Land Rover invited us to join a grand convoy of cars past and present to take a tour from its Solihull headquarters to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic facility, where they “restore vehicles with a glorious past, so that they can enjoy a glorious future”.

Here are just some of the cars from that convoy…

1948 Land Rover HUE 166 ‘Huey’

‘Huey’, as he’s affectionately known, is the world’s oldest production Land Rover, rolling out of the factory on March 11, 1948. We can therefore credit him as the father of the whole brand. Huey is still as capable off-road as he was 70 years ago, and the team at Land Rover Classic keeps him in fine fettle.

1954 Series I Royal Review

After the limited initial run of cars, Land Rover named them in ‘Series’ form. This Royal platform is based on a Series I, and offered a way for royalty to see and be seen in equal measure. The royal family are of course massive Land Rover fans, and the brand holds a Royal Warrant.

Land Rover Forward Control IIb

Demand for an even more utilitarian Land Rover grew during the 1950s, and eventually the Forward Control was conceived. With the cab positioned over the driving wheels, it was much taller and could carry far larger and heavier loads.

1969 Velar prototype

At the same time as Land Rover’s popularity increased, so did the quality of Britain’s roads, and the brand conceived a vehicle that would perform as well as the standard Land Rover in the rough stuff, but offer the comfort of a luxury saloon back on tarmac. This Velar prototype was the result, and it soon became the iconic Range Rover.

1989 Land Rover Discovery

As the Range Rover moved further upmarket and the Land Rover (now named Defender) remained the agricultural workhorse, a gap emerged for a family SUV – which was promptly filled by the seven-seat Discovery.

1989 Camel Trophy Discovery

To prove that the Discovery wasn’t just a family bus, it took part in the gruelling Camel Trophy championship – modified with snorkels, winches and rollcages and painted in a distinctive ‘sandglow’ colour scheme.

1998 Freelander ‘Fifty 50 Challenge’

By the early 1990s, a new market segment had emerged – the compact SUV, and the Freelander was the brand’s entrant. It used a monocoque frame, unlike all previous Land Rovers. This particular example commemorated the brand’s 50th birthday and took a grand tour of the world, visiting 50 countries in 50 days.

2000 Tomb Raider Defender

When it came to kitting out Lara Croft for the 2000 Tomb Raider movie, only a Land Rover Defender would do – kitted out with 3.5-litre V8 engines, high-mounted spotlights and everything that a hardcore archaeologist could want.

Land Rover Defender “Hue 2016”

Celebrating (or commiserating) the end of Defender production after over 60 years was always going to be an emotional time, and Land Rover chose to do it with this ‘Heritage’ edition – inspired by the original ‘Huey’.

2018 Land Rover Defender Works V8

As a last hurrah for the iconic off-roader, Land Rover Classic created these incredible machines. Fitted with a Jaguar-sourced V8 engine, it’s good for 400bhp and has been fettled to deal with the extra performance. They’re built on late-model Defenders, significantly upgraded inside and out. The run of 150 models sold out in 37 minutes.

The convoy

Our convoy was just one of many taking place across the world – but with the might of Land Rover’s collection, and the generosity of the Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon, ours was probably the most historically interesting.

The journey took in winding country routes between Land Rover’s facility in Solihull and Land Rover Classic in Coventry.

We drove this incredible Discovery 3, built for the G4 challenge – though it never took part. Our convoy was led by a military Land Rover Lightweight, followed by a Series I Range Rover, a bare-metal Defender (left unpainted to show off its aluminium construction) a luxurious Holland & Holland Range Rover, our Discovery, and bought up at the rear by a modern Discovery 5.

We met up with the European press group about a mile from Land Rover Classic, and joined together for a grand convoy – in age order – to finish the day.

Ford has filed a patent for a vehicle which features an electric motorcycle integrated into it.

Referred to as a ‘multimodal transportation apparatus’ in the application to the US Patent and Trademark Office, the vehicle sees an electrically-powered motorcycle located between the driver and passenger seats.

According to the application, the ‘centre console serves to support at least one body part of a rider of the motorcycle’. In other terms, the main dashboard section of the car doubles as a handlebar for the motorcycle.

The motorcycle can then be released from the main vehicle, allowing the rider to drive away.

Ford cites that it has developed this technology to combat inner-city traffic. Drivers of these multimodal vehicles can use the car to cover the bulk of their journey, then ride the attached motorcycle when traffic becomes heavy, leaving them to cover ground in less time as a result of being able to ride through congestion.

The application also shows that the motorcycle would be accessed by lifting up the car’s bonnet and releasing the vehicle. Returning it to that position would be aided by ‘guide elements’ situated inside the car.

We’re transforming our North American lineup by 2020, going all-in on hybrids, adding more SUVs and even more standard cutting-edge tech. Learn more about what’s ahead: https://t.co/z9qOri2CZ3

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) March 15, 2018

The American manufacturer also states that this system could be achieved by fitting the main vehicle with an engine located at the rear of the car, therefore freeing up space at the front.

One idea proposed was that the electric motor fitted to the motorcycle could be used to power the entire vehicle ‘in one operating state’. For instance, in the same way that a hybrid vehicle can run on sole electric power for a set amount of miles, so this car could use the motorcycle’s powertrain to do the same.

Of course, there is no disclosed date as to when this technology could arrive on our roads – but it gives an insight into the potential future of transportation.

Manufacturers love making special editions. Whether it’s to stir up a little bit of buzz around a single car, or simply stand out from the crowd, these weird and wonderful creations showcase what car makers can do when they let their imaginations run wild.

Here, we’ve picked out eight of the wackiest special-editions to ever have been created.

Bentley Bentayga by Mulliner Fly Fishing

The Bentley Bentayga is a decent combination of luxurious craftsmanship and go-anywhere all-wheel-drive capability. However, what if you want to take your Bentayga fly fishing, and want specific storage for rods, reels and flies?

That’s where the Fly Fishing by Mulliner edition Bentyga comes in. Fitted with bespoke rod tubes trimmed in saddle leather and a central storage station, as well as a waterproof wader stowage trunk, it’s a great option for those who want to spend time at the river, but be able to head home in the very highest luxury.

Volkswagen Golf Harlequin

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the best-selling cars of all time, and appears across the globe in a variety of different colours, specifications and bodystyles. The Harlequin, however, was something slightly out of the ordinary.

Created in 1996, the Golf Harlequin was produced for just one year. Just 264 of these colourful cars were produced, and were made as a result of the immense popularity of the smaller Polo Harlequin.

Ssangyong Korando Sports DMZ

The ‘regular’ Korando Sports proved to be somewhat of a success for South Korean-based SsangYong. The pick-up was impressive off-road, and came with a generous amount of standard equipment too.

However, the DMZ edition possessed something particularly special – camouflage paint. It either stood out from or blended into the crowd – whichever you prefer – and gave the Korando Sports a beefy, military edge. It was cleverly named, too.

Bentley Bentayga Falconry

Yes, it’s another Bentayga – but we couldn’t ignore this special edition either. Catering for what can only be a very niche pastime, the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner features a removable ‘transportation perch’, and features a variety of trim pieces crafted from cork.

A veneer inlaid with a falcon graphic features on the car’s passenger-side trim piece, and is made up of 430 separate pieces which are painstakingly placed together by hand.

Skoda Felicia Fun

You won’t miss a Skoda Felcia Fun in a hurry. A bright yellow exterior was matched by an equally jazzy interior, with yellow accents used on the steering wheel, gearstick and even the main dials.

However, the Felicia Fun had a trick up its sleeve – the rear bulkhead could be extended to reveal two rear seats with a convertible section above, meaning four people could come along for the ride.

Rolls-Royce Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’

Rolls-Royce is certainly one for creating staggeringly impressive – and staggeringly expensive – special editions. This, the Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’, was limited to just 55 examples and uses a specially-developed ‘Sunburst Grey’ exterior paint.

Inside, the main dashboard is fitted with 176 individual LEDs, designed to resemble ‘the trailing light of a shooting star’. Which is nice, if you want stars on your dash.

DS3 Black Lezard

The DS3 is a car built on the ability to customise each and every aspect, and the Black Lezard edition is a more luxurious take on that. For instance, the Lezard design – created to mimic the look of lizard skin – is hand applied to each and every car, taking two hours per vehicle.

The interior of the car is finished in high-quality leather, and gloss black trim is used to help lift the overall look of the cabin.

Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham

Back in 2012, Range Rover revealed a special edition version of its Evoque SUV made in partnership with Victoria Beckham. The exterior is hand-finished in matte grey paint, while the alloy wheels feature gloss black paint and rose gold detailing.

Inside, the four seats are finished in high-quality leather with contrasting white ‘baseball’ stitching. Prices at the time were almost impressively high, with the special edition coming in at a weighty £79,995.

Breakdowns are not only massively annoying, but they can also be quite dangerous if you stop in the wrong place.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to ensuring you make yourself completely safe in the event of a breakdown, on both motorways and ordinary roads.

1. Be careful

If your car doesn’t feel quite right or you sense trouble, it is always best to slow down and stop. Sometimes being precautionary means you won’t get yourself into more trouble.

2. Move off the road

Roads are dangerous places so ideally get your car off them, as far left as possible. The AA warns drivers to look out for soft verges on country roads, but if you are on the motorway stop on the hard shoulder – or an emergency refuge area if you are on a smart motorway.

3. Light it up

Hazard lights are definitely appropriate – you are a hazard after all. If weather conditions are dark or there’s limited visibility, you will need to use your lights, or fog lights too.

4. Wheels away

Particularly if you are on a motorway, when stationary, turn the wheels away from the motorway. Green Flag says this is the best option because, if you are shunted, the car will roll away from the motorway, and not into the live carriageway.

5. Get away from the traffic

Depending on which road you stop by, the traffic could be going in excess of 70mph – so get away from it. Get out of the side of the car away from traffic and move yourself safely away from the vehicle. If you’re on a motorway, stand behind the safety barrier.

6. Make yourself bright

If you have any brightly coloured clothing or high-vis jackets in the car, wear them. This is more important if you have broken down in dark or limited visibility conditions.

7. Be sensible with your warning triangle

If you’ve stopped on a normal road, place a warning triangle at least 50 yards from the car, but be sensible – don’t put yourself in danger to do it. If you are on a motorway, don’t use one, get away from the motorway as soon as possible.

8. Emergency telephone

If you are stopped on a motorway, there’s a good chance you won’t be far away from an emergency telephone. If it’s safe to do so, find one. These are free to use and get you straight through to the Highways Agency or the police, giving your exact location.

9. Ring for help

If you are not in a dangerous place, but aren’t prepared to fix your car, it is always best to try and ring a breakdown service, particularly if you are registered with one. Never attempt to fix your car on a motorway.

10. The waiting game

While in a safe place, and if help is on its way, always stand nearby your car to wait.

11. Awareness is key

Even if you feel like you are in a safe place, you may not always be. Many drivers out there are distracted, so be aware of oncoming traffic, says the RAC.

12. Keep calm and carry on

It sounds a bit cheesy, but these situations can be stressful. Erratic actions aren’t going to solve the situation, so you may as well keep calm until help arrives.

Japanese company Asratec has unveiled a working prototype of something many small children have been waiting their whole life for – a real Transformer.

The robot, named the J-deite RIDE, is a four-metre high behemoth capable of folding itself down into a fully-functioning car.

In bipedal “humanoid mode”, J-deite RIDE can walk – albeit slowly – at speeds of up to 100 metres per hour.

At the flick of a switch, the ‘robot control system’ performs the transformation, and it folds down in seconds into an electric car. In this form, it’s capable of speeds of up to 40mph courtesy of a lithium-ion battery pack.

Asratec will show the Transformer off at the wackily-titled DokiDoki Japanese Festival in Manchester, as well as the trade show IAAPA Attractions Expo in Florida in November.

【现实版变形金刚 日本展出新款变形机器人】当地时间4月25日，一款变形机器人“J-deite RIDE”在东京附近的一个工厂揭幕，在仪式上，这个现实版的变形金刚也展示了如何从机器人变身为跑车的过程。变形机器人能在跑车状态下以时速60公里奔驰，还能在10秒内变成步行速度30km/h的机器人。 pic.twitter.com/hj7FaG2ogv

— 中国新闻社 (@CNS1952) April 26, 2018

Creator Kunio Okawara says he intends to sell the car to amusement parks, where he hopes it will inspire a whole array of robotic rides and attractions. The company suggests transforming go-karts or transforming demonstrations at parades.

For now, J-deite RIDE is a concept, but the firm is on the hunt for companies looking to get their name on the side of real-life Transformers.