Category: News

The motoring world is quickly turning electric, with increasing numbers of drivers heading into showrooms to get their hands on an electric-powered car. Lower running costs, strong residuals and tax breaks all make owning an electric vehicle an attractive prospect.

However, there are quite a few myths associated with running an electric car. With the technology still very much in its early stages, there are various aspects of electric vehicle ownership that people are unclear about. Here, we bust the biggest myths around.

1. You can’t boil the kettle while charging an electric car

A National Grid report warned last year that home networks might struggle to cope with high capacity car charging. While this is theoretically true, EV owners with a low capacity home network wouldn’t have a high capacity charger, meaning that there’s little chance of the network being overloaded by domestic appliances.

2. EVs are more expensive than petrol and diesel cars

While it’s generally true that the base price of an EV will be a bit more expensive, manufacturers make up for this by offering a generous specification so that once you’ve taken the government’s £4,500 zero-emission vehicle grant into account, they’re actually a pretty good deal, and that’s before you even look at the low running costs.

What’s more, as EV technology becomes more prevalent, R&D costs will be more evenly spread across manufacturer fleets, so the cost of EVs will come down – the new Nissan Leaf starts at £1,500 less than the old one, for example.

3. They’re more likely to catch fire in a crash

Many people have voiced concerns about crash safety with electric cars. It was largely driven by a couple of high-profile Tesla Model S fires in 2013. The EV maker upgraded its underbody battery pack protection in 2014 but also noted that the odds of fires in its cars were “five times lower than those of an average gasoline car”.

4. You can’t drive them in car washes or when it’s raining

We all know water and electricity don’t mix. That’s why manufacturers are really careful to seal all of the electrified components to make sure there aren’t any problems when driving through puddles or charging in the rain. And if you couldn’t even wash your car there would be a lot more dirty EVs on the road than there are!

5. You can’t go very far

That may have been the case a few years ago, but now most electric vehicles have a range in excess of 150 miles, with 200 miles quickly becoming the norm. With the average journey less than nine miles, that’s more than enough for most trips.

6. There’s nowhere to charge them

Fear of running out of electricity is known as ‘range anxiety’. Long trips do require a bit more planning as you can’t rely on charging points cropping up as regularly as fuel stations, but charge point locator Zap Map indicates there are almost 15,000 connectors at more than 5,000 locations in the UK, with more added all the time.

And charging doesn’t take as long as you might think, either. Rapid chargers can provide 80 per cent of charge in about 30 minutes.

7. The batteries don’t last very long

While it’s true that batteries have a finite life, most manufacturers allow you to lease the battery for a monthly fee and will replace it for free when needed. Others offer warranties to cover any unexpected replacements, with five- to eight-year cover the norm.

8. EVs are less environmentally friendly across their life cycle

It’s true that the high energy required to build an electric car can make it less environmentally friendly to produce than a traditionally fuelled car. However, once on the road, a Norwegian study quoted by the BBC estimates an EV is about 10 per cent better over its life cycle – and as the UK turns more towards eco-friendly energy production for the grid, that’ll continue to improve.

9. Battery disposal poses a huge environmental issue

Currently, it is estimated that just five per cent of lithium-ion batteries in the EU are recycled, with most hidden in consumer electronics. The EV boom has encouraged lateral thinking, with companies taking used EV batteries for use elsewhere, such as home energy storage.

10. They’re boring to drive

If the thought of an electric vehicle conjures up images of a milk float and mobility scooter, you need to get with the times! Modern electric cars can be genuinely fun to drive, particularly thanks to the high-torque motors, which make acceleration brisk.

Tesla takes this to extremes with its Model S, which can go from 0-60mph in less than three seconds – that puts it on a par with the new McLaren Senna supercar, with its petrol-powered twin-turbo V8.

Over the years, Ford’s performance RS moniker has adorned some of the most iconic cars to have ever rolled off the production line. Offering practicality as well as invigorating performance, RS cars have proved popular each and every time.

Here, we’ve looked at not just modern RS vehicles, but those that have gone down in history as standouts not just in the Ford brand, but in motoring generally. Here are 10 of the best.

Ford Escort RS1600

This was the RS that started it all. The RS1600 came before flared arches and aggressive styling came to denote go-faster models, but beneath its subdued exterior it was pure rally car.

It was the first car to use the Cosworth-tuned BDA engine, which would be ever-present in Ford’s rally cars for 16 years, eventually making more than 240bhp. It was an uncompromising lump, unrefined at low revs and low speed, but much like the stiff chassis and heavy steering, it would come alive when driven hard.

In the RS1600, the engine made 113bhp and could propel the car from 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 113mph.

Ford Escort RS Mexico

Following on from the success of the RS1600, Ford continued building rally-bred version of its everyday motors, and one of the most famous is the Mexico.

Built to celebrate the firm’s win in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, it was essentially an RS1600 with the complex and sometimes unreliable Cosworth-tuned engine replaced by a 1.6-litre ‘Kent Crossflow’ unit. It made 86bhp and propelled the car from 0-60mph in 10.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 99mph.

Most examples have been used in professional and amateur rallying, so road-going examples are incredibly rare. Therefore, their value has shot up – an example is heading to Silverstone Auctions later this month with an estimate of up to £35,000.

Ford RS200

Some of the coolest cars ever made have come from the need to homologate vehicles for motorsport, when car makers have to build a certain number of models for it to be eligible to go racing.

The RS200 is a fantastic example of that. Ford wanted to dominate rallying, so it came up with a mid-engined, four-wheel-drive sports car to do just that for the 1984 Group B season. To make it eligible, it needed to sell 200 of them to the public.

Power came from a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine making 250bhp with a top speed of 142mph, with rally-spec models making between 350 and 450bhp. It could go from 0-60mph in five seconds flat, which is quick today, let alone over 30 years ago.

It wasn’t very competitive because of high turbo lag and a poor power-to-weight ratio, but Group B cars generally were too quick for their own good. After numerous fatalities the FIA banned the series, making the RS200 one of the rarest Fords out there.

Ford Capri RS3100

The Ford Capri always had appealing sports car looks, but in the early days at least, it didn’t necessarily have the performance to go with it. Fortunately, the Blue Oval’s motorsport division fancied a Capri to go racing, and built a 2.6-litre-engined RS2600.

However, after initial success, BMW introduced the 3.0 CSL to touring car racing, so to keep pace Ford had to up its game with the Capri. Enter the RS3100, which boasted a Cosworth-tuned 3.1-litre V6 making 148bhp. It could go from 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. It also received uprated suspension, a sportier body kit and subtle aerodynamic features. Just 248 were built.

They’re highly desirable now – an excellent example sold at Silverstone Auctions in 2016 for a whopping £51,750.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth

The Escort RS Cosworth was the result of a partnership between Ford and automotive engineering company Cosworth. What that partnership created became widely regarded as one of the best-handling Ford RS cars ever.

Under the bonnet sits a 222bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with permanent four-wheel-drive resulting in excellent grip – it could accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, making it as fast as a contemporary Ferrari, while the top speed was 147mph.

It was introduced to win World Rally Championships for Ford, and while it failed to do that, it did get 10 stage wins across Group A and WRC.

Just over 7,000 cars were produced between 1992 and 1996, making it extremely rare and, nowadays, particularly sought-after. Decent examples now command in excess of £30,000, with many hitting the £50,000 mark – showing just how in-demand this classic is.

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Few car names generate as much excitement as Sierra RS Cosworth. Capable of hitting 60mph in 6.5 seconds and achieving a top speed of 149mph, the Sierra RS Cosworth was seriously quick, and thanks to a large rear spoiler as well as a range of exterior enhancements it was stable at high speed too.

Under the aggressively vented bonett sat a 2.0-litre engine with a turbocharger and fuel injection pushing power to 201bhp. Zero to 60mph took 6.2 seconds and the top speed was 143mph.

Modifications to the standard car included suspension and aerodynamics derived from the American Merkur XR4Ti race car. The large rear wing, installed following wind tunnel and high speed testing, received resistance from Ford management, but the designer insisted it stay. It’s now one of the most iconic modifications in automotive history.

Ford Fiesta RS Turbo

Ford’s hugely popular little hatchback has been largely neglected by Ford’s RS engineers over the years, despite being incredibly successful in ST guise and earlier XR2 models. However, between 1990 and 1992, Ford built an RS Turbo.

It was incredibly quick for such a small car – the tuned 1.6-litre engine made 132bhp, and thanks too to the lightweight frame, it was capable of hitting 60mph in 7.9 seconds before topping out at 133mph.

It was relatively well received at the time, but overshadowed by the iconic Peugeot 205 GTI, despite that car being long in the tooth by the time the RS came along. Long-term ownership was also beset by rust issues, with the sunroof draining into the body kit not helping matters.

It was replaced by the RS1800, which used a non-turbo 1.8-litre engine shared with the Escort XR3i, making 129bhp. Zero to 60mph came up in 8.3 seconds and the top speed was 123mph. The RS Turbo is more fondly remembered thanks to its punchy turbo engine offering better performance, but the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre unit offered smoother response.

MK1 Ford Focus RS

The Ford Focus RS skilfully blended everyday usability, hatchback practicality and heightened performance in a package that didn’t look all that different to a regular Focus.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine making 212bhp, and the Ford Focus RS could hit 60mph in 5.9 seconds before going on to 144mph.

It featured a number of aftermarket upgrades, including lightweight OZ Racing alloy wheels and Sparco bucket seats. Meanwhile, Ford developed new ‘RevoKnuckle’ suspension technology to reduce torque steer, with the result being that the motoring press hailed it as one of the best handling cars on the market.

Ford Focus RS500

The second-generation Ford Focus RS came with flared arches, a rorty exhaust and a prominent rear wing – but that wasn’t extreme enough for Ford. The company released an upgraded version, which was limited to 500 units, of which just 101 came to the UK.

Upgrades by Mountune pushed power from 300bhp to 345bhp thanks to a larger intercooler, a larger air filter, larger exhaust downpipe, uprated fuel pump and updated software. Comically, the Focus retained its front-wheel-drive set-up, making it quite a handful.

However, it could still get from 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 165mph.

It was so popular it had sold out before even being officially revealed to the public, despite the eye-watering £35,000 price tag.

MK3 Ford Focus RS

The second-generation Ford Focus RS brought with it an all-new, all-wheel-drive system. Combined with a turbocharged 2.3-litre engine shared with the Mustang, the RS was hugely capable in all conditions and even featured a ‘drift mode’, allowing drivers to use the car’s systems to ‘drift’ around corners.

The clever rear-biased all-wheel-drive system gives the car a unique character for a hot hatch, with most models using a front-wheel-drive set-up.

Featuring slightly more subdued styling than previous models, it makes 345bhp – 39bhp than this engine does in the pony car – and can hit 60mph in 4.5 seconds before topping out at 165mph.

New drivers lose their licences and must retake their test if they accrue six points or more in the first two years of driving.

A Freedom of Information Request investigation has revealed 10,833 new drivers lost their licences in 2017.

That number was up 783 on 2016, when 10,050 new drivers had their licences revoked, and up 2,019 on 2015, when 8,814 new drivers lost theirs.

The figures were released by the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency following a Freedom of Information investigation by the Press Association.

The number of new drivers who lost their licence for using a mobile phone at the wheel rocketed by 356 per cent.

Following new laws introduced in March 2017 which saw drivers handed six penalty points and a £200 fine for using their phone while driving, some 533 new drivers lost their licence for breaching the rule – up from 117 the year before.

New motorists banned for driving without due care and attention – another charge used by police for mobile phone use at the wheel – was also up to 447 in 2017, compared with 401 the previous year.

AA president Edmund King said: “Part of the rise in new drivers losing their licences is due to the one-strike-and-you’re-out increase to six penalty points for using a phone at the wheel that came in last March.

“We know from our own research that young drivers in particular say they can’t bring themselves to turn their mobile phones off before driving. This dangerous attitude is starting to catch up with them as they can’t bear to be away from their phones while they drive.”

Here are the top 10 reasons new drivers lost their licences in 2017…

1: Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks

Offence code: IN10
Number banned: 5,153

2: Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road

Offence code: SP30
Number banned: 2,217

3: Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc

Offence code: MS90
Number banned: 1,213

4: Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone

Offence code: CU80
Number banned: 533

5: Driving without due care and attention

Offence code: CD10
Number banned: 447

6: Exceeding speed limit on a motorway

Offence code: SP50
Number banned: 430

7: Failing to stop after an accident

Offence code: AC10
Number banned: 129

8: Causing or permitting a vehicle to be used while uninsured against third party risks

Offence code: IN14
Number banned: 117

9: Failing to comply with traffic light signals

Offence code: TS10
Number banned: 111

10: Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users

Offence code: CD30
Number banned: 110

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “The evidence shows that young drivers present the greatest risk to themselves and others.

“We continue to enforce the law with full use of all the approved methods of prosecution available to us. Our message is clear: Keep to the law or risk losing your licence.”

Land Rover has scaled one of China’s toughest mountains using nothing more than a showroom-spec version of its latest high-performance SUV.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV is the first vehicle to reach the Heaven’s Gate landmark top of Tianmen Mountain, having first taken on a treacherous seven-mile road — known locally as Dragon’s Road —before climbing 999 steps and navigating 99 turns to reach its final destination.

Not a single modification was made to the vehicle, with the showroom-ready car utilising its Terrain Response 2 system to reach the top – piloted by Formula E driver Ho-Pin Tung, of Panasonic Jaguar Racing.

Ho-Pin Tung said: “I’ve experienced Formula E, Formula 1 and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but this was without doubt one of the most demanding driving challenges I’ve ever faced. The Range Rover Sport PHEV performed brilliantly as it inspired real confidence on the mountain road and climbed the stairs up to Heaven’s Gate effortlessly.”

Phil Jones, Land Rover Experience expert, said: “This was the hardest Range Rover Sport challenge I’ve ever been involved with because, until we reached the top, we couldn’t categorically say we would succeed. By making it to the summit, we’ve proven the phenomenal capability of the Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid like never before – with a genuine world first.”

It’s the not the first time Land Rover has used its vehicles to take on daring challenges. The firm took on the Pikes Peak hill climb in 2013 using a petrol Range Rover Sport, setting a record time for production SUVs.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV, for which UK order books are now open, is powered by a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a four-cylinder petrol engine and an 85kW electric motor. It develops a total of 398bhp and 640Nm of torque, capable of taking the car from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 137mph. Prices start at £70,800.

For many supercar buyers, the sheer thrill of owning one of the most sought-after, mind-bogglingly fast cars on the market is more than enough.

However, for some, an ‘off the shelf’ supercar is just not enough. Various owners wish to have a car completely bespoke, unlike anything else in the world. For that ownership experience, you usually have to start looking at the aftermarket scene – but not if you’re a customer of McLaren.

McLaren’s Special Operations department is a hotbed of unique supercars for deep-pocketed customers – here are six of the best MSO creations we’ve seen so far.

McLaren MSO R

Much like so many of the MSO projects, this car is extremely rare. It is a two-off, with one coupe and one convertible both being owned by one wealthy enthusiast.

679bhp is emitted from McLaren’s trademark twin-turbo 3.8 litre V8 engine, and aggressive aerodynamics set it apart form the 675LT on which it was based.

McLaren 650S Le Mans

With styling cues taken from the iconic No.59 Kokusai Aihatsu Racing McLaren F1 GTR that won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1995, this special 650S was a striking limited edition model. Just 50 were produced.

While the stealthy paintwork is striking, the five-spoke ‘Le Mans Edition’ wheels designed to evoke the aforementioned Le Mans-winning F1 GTR are equally as impressive.

McLaren MSO X

If you think of McLaren’s equivalent to the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, it could well look something like this. The MSO X is visually identical to the 570S GT4 race car, and while it is obviously somewhat softer to comply with road laws, it is still an evidently more hard-core take on the 570S, with a stripped out interior and a lot more downforce.

Just ten examples of the MSO X were made available for customers of McLaren’s largest US retailer, all of which were sold by the time the model became public knowledge.

McLaren MSO HS

The McLaren 675LT received another raft of go-faster accessories for the MSO HS, a hardcore version limited to 25 examples. The specs make familiar reading when compared to the MSO R further up the page; 679bhp is the headline figure once again, with 40kg of weight shaved from the base 675LT.

An active rear wing and front aero make this yet another example of McLaren wanting to squeeze every hallmark of its racing heritage onto its road cars.

McLaren X-1

The X-1 was one of the first MSO cars to receive widespread attention, and you can see why. This car, which started out its life as an MP4-12C, has been heavily re-styled and softened up to be less track-focused. Why would they move away from its performance? Well, the McLaren customer who decided to turn their supercar into a black swan on wheels is unlikely to head to Laguna Seca anytime soon.

This car is a 1 of 1 model, meaning that only a select few will ever see it in the flesh.

McLaren 720S Dubai

You guessed it, another 1 of 1.

The 720S Dubai is largely untouched in terms of specs, however, the car features gold and carbon fibre with the prominence you’d expect, with one particularly nice touch on the cars rear wing. Painted in gold on said wing is a quote from company founder Bruce McLaren, translated to Arabic; “life is measured in achievement, not in years alone”.

And, with it being common knowledge that Bruce McLaren wanted to see his upstart racing team become a manufacturer of road cars before his tragic death in 1970, it is nice to see such unique, bespoke cars coming from McLaren’s Woking base with regularity, and to plentiful acclaim.

Cars get mucky, it’s a fact of life.

A crazy amount of people would never even consider cleaning their car themselves, but it’s easy to clean like a pro – just as long as you have the right equipment.

It could also save you some money too – but only if you get the steps right. Here we consulted an expert car detailer to help create this step-by-step guide to getting your car clean, in the safest and best way possible.

1. Get it wet

Never, and we mean never, start washing a dry car. It must be wet for optimum results. Ideally use a pressure washer, but not everyone has the access to one, so at the very least use a hosepipe with a nozzle attachment to wet the car first.

2. Pre-cleaning is the way forward

A pre-cleaner can come in the form of a snowfoam – used with a pressure washer – or as a diluted all-purpose cleaner. These can be sprayed on, left for several minutes, and then washed off. The idea is to remove as much dirt as possible before you even touch the car.

3. Bin that old sponge

You probably have an old sponge lurking at the back of your shed, but for the sake of your paint, bin it. In short, sponges mean swirls – unsightly wash marks that detract from the look of your paint – so never use them. Instead use a wash mitt, made from either lamb’s wool or microfibre.

4. Two buckets

Yes, you probably only own just one bucket, but they’re cheap so you might as well buy another. The idea is you have one filled with clean water and one with shampoo, and don’t mix them. Dunk the mitt in the shampoo, clean the car, rinse it in the clean water, and repeat.

Washing-up liquid is for dishes, not cars, so don’t use it. It contains bleach and ammonia that break down the wax on the paint, leading to dull paint, and in extreme cases, can even lead to the paint cracking. Dedicated car shampoos should always be used instead.

5. Use grit guards

Grit guards are effectively small plastic guards that sit at the bottom of the bucket. They trap the dirt, meaning you can’t reach it with your mitt, meaning less paint marring. They are a worthy investment.

6. Wash top to bottom and in straight lines

It goes without saying that the most dirt lies near the bottom of the car. To avoid rubbing it around, clean the top areas first. This means roof and windows first, sills and mud flaps last. Cleaning in straight lines will mean less swirls in the paint.

7. Don’t forget your wheels

Clean wheels make or break the cleanliness of a car, so don’t overlook them. Specialist cleaners and brushes can both be used, but providing your wheels aren’t too filthy, they aren’t always needed.

8. Suds away

Never let suds dry on the car, so rinse them off straight away. Cleaning and rinsing section by section tends to work best.

The sun is a pain when it comes to car cleaning, so be very careful about not letting water dry on the car and be quite picky about when you choose to wash your car.

9. Throw the chamois away

It’s probably ingrained in your memory that a chamois is a good way to dry a car, but this is no longer the case. A chamois can trap dust or grit left on the car, leading to light scratches. Plush microfibre towels are what you should be using, because of their deep pile.

Don’t ever let a car dry on its own, instead use a microfibre towel to dry every surface, being careful to wipe up any drips coming from panel gaps and from wing mirrors.

10. Add protection

There’s nothing quite like giving a clean car a once-over with some spray wax. It will remove any leftover water marks, add a layer of protection – allowing for an easier clean next time – and make the car look extra glossy.

11. Don’t forget the tyres and glass

Finishing touches are important, and while there are too many to name, the glass and tyres are the basics. Clean the glass using a good quality glass cleaner, and not one you use for your house windows. Applying tyre shine also makes a huge difference, and is quick to do.

All done

And there you have it, one extremely clean car. If you are wanting to take it a step further, we strongly recommend polishing your car. Look out for a future guide we will be doing about how to polish a car properly, helping you to have your car to look its absolute best.

The new Audi A7 Sportback is finally here, sporting a new look, an improved interior and tonnes of new tech.

We got behind the wheel at the executive coupe’s international launch in Cape Town, South Africa, and found it to be as comfortable as you’d expect when cruising long distances, and surprisingly agile in the corners, too.

As one of Audi’s flagship models, it’s no surprise that the new A7 is absolutely packed full of technology – here, we highlight some of the most impressive technological feats fitted to the new car.

Semi-autonomous driving ability

There are a number of driving aids to help motorists avoid crashes and reduce fatigue. Perhaps the most impressive you’ll use day-to-day is the adaptive cruise control. Not only does it control the car’s speed to maintain distance to the vehicle in front, but it also reads the lines on the road and steers the car to keep it in lane.

It’s only meant to assist with driving rather than completely take over, so you can only take your hands off the wheel for about 10 seconds before the system disengages, but it works well to reduce fatigue on long motorway drives.

It can park itself

Audi parking pilot and garage pilot are new technologies being introduced later in the year. Owners can use a smartphone app to prompt the car to park itself, either in a garage or parking bay – you don’t even need to be in the vehicle at the time.

When the driver wants to leave, they can turn the car on via the app and it will move out of its space allowing them easy access. It’s particularly useful in tight garages or spaces where there’s a chance of knocking the door into a wall or other vehicle.

LEDs and lasers in the headlights

All cars get LED units in both the front and rear lights, and Audi has used the fact that each LED can be individually lit to create ‘welcome home’ animations. When locked, the LEDs scroll from side to side – it’s a bit of a gimmick, but it’s cool nonetheless.

Top-spec models also get HD Matrix LEDs, which can dim individually in order to not dazzle oncoming motorists so you can keep you full beams on the road ahead even when other cars are around.

Meanwhile, lasers are also an option, with Audi saying they offer twice as much illumination as a conventional LED high beam.

All-wheel steering

The old A7 Sportback was an excellent long distance cruiser, but one area it lacked was its cornering ability – unsurprising for such a big, comfort-focused vehicle. However, Audi has addressed this in the new car with all-wheel steering.

This technology is slowly becoming more common at the top end of the market –impressively, it also features in the new Renault Megane – and sees the rear wheels turn to improve agility and stability.

At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in opposite directions to the front, which has the effect of shortening the wheelbase and improving the turning circle – it genuinely feels much more agile in corners than you’d expect. Meanwhile, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts at high speeds to improve stability.

The angles involved are tiny compared to the front, but they have a noticeable effect.

Mild hybrid set-up improves performance and efficiency

As car companies fight to achieve ever more stringent emissions and economy targets, electrification is becoming commonplace. The A7 Sportback utilises a ‘mild hybrid’ set-up on both the diesel and petrol engines to give a slight boost to performance and improve economy.

The electric motor takes over the running of ancillary systems when acceleration is not required so the engine can shut off, such as when coasting on the motorway. It also means the start/stop function can be extended to cut in at slightly higher speeds. The result is a saving of about 0.1 gallons of fuel every 60 miles.

Double touchscreens and haptic feedback

The centre console now gets two touchscreens, which give it a futuristic look. Pretty much all physical buttons have been removed, with everything from the satellite navigation to the climate system controlled through the interfaces.

There are some cool features, such as the lower screen becoming a keyboard when entering data such as navigation addresses, and the clicks and vibrations that accompany touches to improve response.

However, it’s not at all intuitive to use, and requires a lot more looking away from the road than traditional button-based set-ups do. It also takes quite a firm press to register inputs, which can slow down operation.

It looks great, and you’d probably get used to it, but the wiping out of old fashioned buttons is a big shame.

So, you want a faster car. You could of course just buy a more powerful vehicle, but what if you can’t afford one or simply want to keep your current machine?

Well, there’s plenty of ways to improve performance easily – huge turbocharging kits, exhaust systems and – if you’re feeling particularly brave – full engine swaps.

These are all expensive options though and, if you’re after just a bit of extra performance, are often overkill. We’ve come up with some ways for you to improve your car on a budget.

Remove weight

One of the most efficient, and effectively free, ways to improve your cars performance if to shed as much weight as possible.

You’ll lose some practicality doing this, but if that’s not a concern, you start by removing non-essential parts such as the engine cover, sound-proofing in the cabin and any passenger seats you have no use for. If your car is equipped with a spare tyre, swapping it out for an emergency repair kit is another great way to shed a few kilograms.

Use higher quality engine oil

Choosing the cheapest oil your car can run on may make sense if you simply want to save money, but don’t expect the best engine performance from this. Spending a little extra on richer quality oil can have your engine running at its best, and likely increase the life of vital components.

If you’re not sure what oil is best for your vehicle, check the owner’s handbook as a manufacturer-recommended lubricant will be in there.

Regular, basic maintenance

This applies to older cars mainly, but regular care and maintenance of your vehicle will help to maintain its factory condition.

Poorly kept engines can lose a lot of power, so if yours has high-mileage, a professional clean-out of the engine can could restore a lot of performance – as can replacing heavily worn parts. Always check your oil, brake fluid and gearbox fluid levels are optimum to get the maximum.

Cold air intake

When it comes to upgrading your engine, a cold air intake upgrade is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to boost power.

Standard air filters are made from paper, which is cheap to produce, but this restricts engine air flow and also means they need to be replaced at regular service intervals.

Investing in a performance air filter is a cost-effective way to gain easy horsepower, with plenty of options on the market. Brands such as K&N and Pipercross offer direct replacements, which are made from a cotton-based material that not only allows more air to be sucked into the engine to increase power – but can also be washed for re-use, meaning no need buy a replacement for the lifetime of your car.

If you want to go a step further, you can install a cold air intake kit which replaces the OEM filter box with a cone that sucks even more air in for maximum flow. They’re relatively easy to install, too.

Better tyres when your existing set need replacing

When the time comes to replace your current tyres, opting for performance-focused rubber is an option if you want to improve mechanical grip.

If you’re not planning to use your car in all conditions, fitting a softer compound with less grooves allows your car to stick in the corners much more effectively – meaning higher cornering speeds.

Be aware though, they’re likely to be less effective and potentially dangerous in colder months and harsh weather, as they rely on heat and dry conditions to work at their best.

Engine remapping

From the factory, modern cars engine are electronically restricted to not delivering peak performance to counter for people who don’t service their cars at regular intervals and treat them poorly, in an effort to improve longevity.

If you’re going to look after your engine properly, having it remapped by a professional is perhaps the most effective and easy way to unlock power. Simply having a more performance-focused setting on the car’s ECU can drastically improve peak horsepower and torque.

Doing this is most effective on turbocharged cars, as it can allow for a higher boost pressure from the turbine meaning huge gains in power. Just remember to service the engine regularly.

We all know that we shouldn’t interact with our phones when we’re behind the wheel – it could land a hefty fine and up to six points on your licence. But that doesn’t mean a phone can’t be a useful tool when it comes to buying and owning a car.

In fact, smartphones are so handy that the use of mobile sat-nav apps is starting to kill the traditional sat-nav. No car manufacturer worth its salt equips a modern car without Bluetooth or USB connectivity, while some even provide items like wireless charging ports or dedicated phone holders.

Provided you obey the law and remain sensible, there’s no reason you can’t make your phone work as hard for you in the car as it does outside. We’ve rounded up some of the best downloads you can get to make your journey easier and more entertaining.

Waze/Google Maps

When it comes to navigation, we recommend two choices. Google Maps is a brilliant all-rounder – it responds quickly to traffic, offers intelligent route guidance and clear instructions via a bright, simple interface.

However, if you’re heading to a big city, download Waze. Grabbing data from its users to give real-time alerts on traffic and obstructions, Waze is unbeatable for route guidance in busy metropolitan areas, even if it becomes unstuck out of town.

Spotify

The free version of Spotify opens up a massive world of music streaming at your fingertips. It operates via your phone’s internet connection and is simple to use – even more so when connected to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The service works across desktop and phone apps, allowing you to collate playlists and choose tracks before you drive. Opt for the £9.99 per month subscription service also gives you access to the vast library for offline listening.

Audible

Most of us enjoy listening to music behind the wheel, but if you have a long commute and bemoan the lack of horizon-broadening literature, audiobooks may be the way forward. Audible is Amazon’s own library of downloadable audiobooks and it’s the most extensive on the market.

The companion app works really well, too, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay giving you a super clear and integrated interface.

Drivvo

In-car computers can be inaccurate when it comes to keeping tabs of fuel economy or maintenance. Drivvo takes care of this for you – simply input your details and it will chart just about everything to do with your vehicle.

The fuel tracker feature is especially handy, allowing you to chart business and personal mileage separately. Opt for the paid version, and you’ll have an ad-free experience with all your data kept safe in the cloud.

TuneIn Radio

In-car DAB often isn’t the greatest in quality or signal strength, so internet radio is a great alternative – with a stable signal wherever your phone can access its data network. There are almost 40,000 radio stations to choose from, so even the pickiest listener will be able to find something they’re interested in.

There are numerous apps around, but we like Tunein best because of its stable signal, easy-to-navigate interface and vast number of stations.

AppyParking

Hunting for somewhere to drop your car off can be virtually impossible sometimes, especially in a big city, but AppyParking makes the job a little less arduous. It shows spaces on a clear, colour-coded map – simply drop the pin where you want to park and it’ll tell you about local parking restrictions.

You can also search for off-street bays and public car parks, plus electric charging points – and when you’ve deposited your vehicle, the app has built-in navigation to take you back to it. Best of all, you can pay through the app, including extending your time without having to return to your vehicle.

Official Driving Theory Test

What if you’re not a driver, but an eager learner just waiting to pass? The DVSA’s official theory test app is ideal for swotting up on your skills before you take to the wheel.

As it’s direct from the government, it’s the most up-to-date and accurate of all the numerous apps available. Combined with one of the excellent hazard perception practice apps on offer and you’ll be well on your way to passing.

Your own vehicle’s app

If you have a modern, connected car, chances are your vehicle’s manufacturer has released its own app. If that’s the case, it’s worth downloading, as it can unlock extra functionality and features within your car.

For example, Volvo’s On Call app allows you to track your vehicle and lock or unlock it remotely. It informs you of necessary maintenance and during the winter months you can even use it to pre-heat the car before you get in – handy stuff.

With snow hitting many parts of the UK at the moment, drivers could do with vehicles designed to better cope with the white stuff.

Fortunately enough, Nissan has created just such a car. Called the 370Zki, it’s part-sports car, part snowmobile – and it’s certainly a bit different. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

It’s still got a sports car engine

You could be fooled into thinking that this Nissan would use a small capacity engine, but no. Underneath the bonnet is a 3.7-litre V6, packing just over 300bhp. That gives it more than enough power to tackle the slopes.

A lot of work went into the conversion

Believe it or not, mechanics removed the car’s entire drivetrain before fitting a custom lift kit – elevating it three inches higher than normal. This was all done to allow enough space for the snow tracks and forward ski sections.

The car has ski goggles

Okay, perhaps not quite. When designers were creating the custom wrap for the Nissan, they chose to make it appear like the tint on a pair of ski goggles. The effect is certainly dramatic – there’s no way that you could miss the 370Zki.

The rear tracks are incredibly substantial

The ‘Dominator’ tracks at the rear, created by American Track Truck Inc, are 15 inches wide, 48 inches long and 30 inches high. This makes the Nissan incredibly adept at crossing snow quickly – and they’ve even been custom mounted to the car’s regular wheel hubs.

The suspension was overhauled too

The Nissan’s front suspension was modified so that the front skis could properly articulate, giving it spot-on turning each and every time. In addition, a front skid plate was constructed and fitted to prevent damage in deeper snow.