Category: News

The vacation period is here and what better way to enjoy it than with your friends and family on a road trip.

Every year, thousands of motorists take to the roads for their summer holidays to enjoy the open road while getting to that dream destination.

When we go on a car journey, the first thing we think about is how to get to our destination as quickly as possible, which can often leave mechanical checks falling by the wayside.

The last thing you want out of a long journey is to be greeted with a flat tyre, mechanical gremlins or even worse, a breakdown.

To prevent any of these problems from occurring, we’ve compiled a list of checks to do before you encounter the long miles ahead.

Here is our guide to things to look for a trip away this summer.

Check the tyres

When it comes to vehicle assessment, one of the most important things to do is to check your tyres. Look at their condition – are there any cracks, or perishing? Look for the tread depths, remembering that the legal limit in the UK is 1.6mm. You can buy a tread depth indicator to make sure you’re spot-on, too.

Furthermore, most tyres come with a date located on the sidewall itself, indicating the week and year of their manufacturing – if they are old, our advice would be to replace them. If your car has a spare tyre then ensure that this is all topped up and looking good too.

Also, check the tyre pressures, especially if you’re carrying more than one person as having low or odd PSi can cause the vehicle to behave differently and dangerously. You may also have to adjust your pressures if you’re carrying more people or luggage than usual.

Top up the levels if necessary

Before heading off on your journey, it’s a good idea to check your car’s oil levels. Running a car low on oil can seriously damage its engine or – even worse – could cause the internals to disintegrate. Make sure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark – which should be noted on the engine’s dipstick. If you need to top it up, use the correct oil for your car – you’ll be able to find this information out via the vehicle’s handbook or by asking the retailer.

Remember to top up your screenwash, because this time of year a lot of bugs can get splattered onto the windscreen. We’d also recommend looking at your brake fluid and coolant, as these are vital fluids for the safe performance of your car. If you’ve got any concerns – or don’t feel comfortable topping these fluids up yourself – then ask a trained professional for help.

Check the brakes

One of the most vital safety components of your vehicle is the brakes. Check that the brake discs aren’t scored, pitted, corroded or warped as these mechanical defects can affect how they perform. Also, look at how much ‘life’ is left of your brake pads; a tip would be to try and get your finger between the gap of the brake caliper and the pad itself.

If you can feel the pad within the gap, your pads have got plenty of life left in them, if you can’t get to them – they need replacing. Of course, don’t try this after the car has been used as these components can get very hot.

Take a tool kit and jack

Most modern cars won’t come with a spare wheel or tyre, instead, they will have compact foam repair kits to save weight and space. But, if your car does come with a spare tyre, wheel or space saver, don’t forget to check that your tool kit and jack are in their place.

If you have the misfortune to receive a puncture, then having these tools will save you great pain and stress from having to trundle around trying to find the nearest tyre shop – especially if you’re in an unknown area. If you’re unsure, then there are plenty of guides on how to change a wheel online.

Have breakdown cover in place

If you’re heading particularly further afield then it’s worthwhile having some breakdown cover in place. This can be a real saving grace if your car is stricken down while you’re out and about and even more so when you’ve got a number of people in the car.

If you’re travelling abroad, then ensure that this cover applies to the other countries you’ll be travelling to.

Put a first aid kit in

A first aid kit may sound a little over the top but it can come in handy for your entire journey/holiday. If you’re carrying a lot of passengers or small children it’s good to carry some essential plasters, bandages, scissors and alcohol wipes as small injuries can still occur wherever you are and you will be appreciative of having it with you if you’ve got small children who can hurt themselves quite easily.

By Cameron Richards

New research finds that by 2026, 25 per cent of all driving tests conducted will be in cars with two pedals.

One in four driving tests will be in automatic cars by 2026 – a trend that is only set to increase once the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect, a new study has predicted.

The prediction comes from AA Driving School which has used new data from the Driving Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA). The agency found that in 2022/23, 17 per cent of all passes were conducted in cars with two pedals, compared with 13.4 per cent the previous year (2021/22), while in 2013/14, just five per cent of people passed their tests in autos.

The rise in numbers are to do with the number of instructors using automatics for their vehicles to teach their students, said the driving school. In January of this year, 21 per cent of AA franchisees were using automatics compared with 79 per cent using manuals.

The figures are set to increase even further as the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars gets nearer, as electric cars use automatic gearboxes.

Camilla Benitz, Managing Director, AA Driving School said: “As EVs and hybrids become more popular due to lower day-to-day running costs and as the impending ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars gets closer, more people are choosing to learn in an automatic.”

She added: “We see this trend continuing and the need for manual tuition declining, though manual licences will remain important for some drivers as they will want the option to drive a larger variety of vehicles.”

The data collected also showed that older learners are more likely to have lessons in an automatic than younger learners. Of the school’s current automatic pupils, 43 per cent are over 30 (10 per cent of overall pupils) compared to just 17 per cent who are 17-20 years old (four per cent of overall pupils).

By Cameron Richards

The first electric Alfa Romeo will start at £33,895 and can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge.

Alfa Romeo has revealed prices and specifications for its first electric model – the Junior Elettrica, to give it its full title.

There will be three trim levels and two power outputs available at launch. The standard powertrain consists of a 158bhp electric motor and will offer a driving range of up to 250 miles on a single charge. The higher powered model, dubbed the Elettrica 240 Veloce, comes with a 243bhp motor that delivers a claimed 215 miles between charging sessions.

The entry level model, simply known as the Junior Ellectrica, will start at £33,895, making it nearly £2,000 cheaper than one of its key competitors – the Peugeot e-2008 – which starts at £35,700.

The standard Alfa Romeo Junior comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and taillights, adaptive cruise control, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, ambient lighting and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

Move up to the Junior Speciale, which starts at £35,695, and customers will receive satellite navigation, a 180-degree rear view camera, an electric tailgate, keyless entry and rear privacy glass, as well as a driver’s seat with massage functionality.

The top-of-the-line Veloce is only available with the more powerful 243bhp powertrain and prices start at £42,295.

This range-topping variant sports a Torsen limited slip differential that can distribute torque between the wheels, as well as sportier 25mm lowered suspension, red sport brake calipers, 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a black roof, a sports styling kit, sports seats and an equally racy steering wheel.

Order books open later this month for the new Junior Ellectrica, with prices and specification yet to be revealed for the Ibrida hybrid variant, which is expected to feature a 134bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 28bhp electric motor.

However, Alfa Romeo is yet to confirm whether this hybrid version is to be sold in the UK market.

By Cameron Richards

Once the most important show in the automotive calendar, Geneva has been axed with it unlikely to make a return.

The Geneva motor show has been cancelled for 2025 with organisers ruling out its return in future years.

Making the announcement, the board of the Comite Permanent du Salon International de l’Automobile Foundation said there are currently too many “uncertainties” in the automotive industry.

It believes the Swiss event cannot compete with rival shows in Paris and Munich which, it says, are more supported by car manufacturers. As a result, it has cancelled next year’s event and has concluded that “market conditions in Europe are not conducive to the success of future editions”.

Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the Comite Permanent du Salon International de l’Automobile Foundation said: “This extremely regrettable decision should not detract from the efforts and determination with which we have tried to regain our success.”

The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) had its first showcase in 1905, and up until 2019, had been one of the most important and influential events in the motoring diary. At its peak, it covered over 120,000 square metres and had 120 exhibitors, alongside 10,000 international journalists, followed by 600,000 visitors over 11 days.

In 2023, it was decided that the Geneva motor show would be held in Qatar in October last year, which saw 1,100 journalists and 180,000 visitors attend the event. The next Qatar show will take place in November 2025.

Sandro Mesquita, GIMS CEO said: “It’s satisfying to realise that motor shows continue to appeal to brands in different parts of the world, and that the Geneva International Motor Show has reinforced its appeal in the Middle East.”

By Cameron Richards

The new performance-oriented model will get 295bhp and 400Nm of torque.

Volkswagen has revealed the latest addition to its Golf line-up – the new GTI Clubsport.

The German hatchback turns 50 years old this year and as part of the celebrations VW has added this high performance version, which is destined to be a hit with enthusiasts.

The GTI Clubsport packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that pumps out 295bhp and 400Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful front-wheel-drive cars on the market just behind the Honda Civic Type R.

There is also a locking front differential and it has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, or 166mph if you spec the car with the optional Race Package, while 0-60mph is dealt with in 5.4 seconds.

Camouflage versions of the car were revealed at the Nurburgring last week, as the car spent most of its development on the Nordschleife.

On the exterior, the Clubsport gets updated LED headlights, an illuminated VW logo, a large roof spoiler and redesigned LED tail lights. Additionally, the 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels are also new – forged alloy wheels are available as an option. Customers can also at an extra cost spec the Clubsport with adaptive chassis control for the best optimum experience.

Inside, the GTI Clubsport features an infotainment system with ChatGPT and voice assistance, while the leather sports steering wheel features VW’s return to physical buttons.

The model will be available to order in the UK later this year, and although prices have not been revealed, it’s expected to cost around the £40,000 mark.

By Cameron Richards

Recent research conducted by Scrap Car Comparison found that Tesla owners wash their cars the most.

Recent research has found that Tesla drivers wash their cars more than most, according to Motoring Experts at Scrap Car Comparison.

Using their Clean Car Calculator, 1,000 motorists were surveyed and they found that 22 per cent wash their cars once a month.

Tesla owners on average wash the exterior of their car 130 times a year, followed jointly by Honda and BMW at 52 times a year. On the flip side, the cars that are cleaned the least are Fords, Vauxhalls, Nissans, Volkswagens, Kias and Hyundais all scoring 12 times a year.

The research also asked motorists on their preferred method of cleaning a vehicle, and revealed that 37 per cent prefer to carry out an extensive clean on their cars by hand. A further 27 per cent visit a hand car wash, while one in five use automatic car washers.

David Kottaun, Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison said: “Washing your car regularly can seem like an unnecessary chore, but it’s much better to give your car quick washes fairly frequently, than leave yourself faced with a horrendously grubby motor to wash months down the line.”

He went onto say: “In most cases, we won’t have our cars for their entire lives, so putting in a little bit of work will not only help you be proud of your vehicle, but also increases the chance of getting a better resale price and minimise any value lost. It’s easy to think that skipping wash will have no ill-effects, but the reality is that one skipped wash too many could lead to many more costly problems in the long run.”

By Cameron Richards

The new model will offer a claimed electric range of 300 miles.

Jeep has taken the covers off its new electric SUV the – Wagoneer S.

Powering it is a 100kWh battery pack that gives a claimed range of 300 miles, and it can be charged up from a DC fast charger from five per cent to 80 per cent in 28 minutes. Its twin electric motors produce 608bhp allowing the Wagoneer S to cover 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds.

Antonio Filosa, Jeep Brand CEO said: “The launch of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Jeep brand. Building upon nearly a century of innovation and design, the first global BEV will introduce a whole new generation of owners to an experience that is distinctly Jeep and 100 per cent electric in every way.”

Underneath the skin, the SUV uses Stellantis’ STLA Large Platform with Jeep engineers tweaking it to allow them to adjust the length, width, suspension and powertrain to deliver better acceleration and torque.

The Wagoneer S comes as standard with four-wheel-drive and has five driving modes including Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow and Sand.

The all-new, all-electric Jeep® Wagoneer S. pic.twitter.com/ljeTEyuhs4

— Jeep (@Jeep) May 30, 2024

On the outside there is a new take on the classic Jeep seven-slot grille – it’s enclosed to give better airflow over the front of the car and it can also illuminate. The sloping roof line has also been designed to aid drag efficiency, while a clever rear wing has a floating effect to help air flow down the back of the car. Jeep calls the Wagoneer S its most aerodynamic model to date.

Inside, there is a digital cockpit and what Jeep is calling a ‘Cross-Car Wing Sculpture’, which is a display which runs the entire width of the front instrument panel.. There is also a more conventional 12.3-inch central display and a twin-spoke flat bottom steering wheel.

Prices have not yet been announced nor has Jeep given a release date for UK sales, but it’s likely to arrive in 2026. The new SUV will be hitting its home market, the US, in the second half of this year.

By Cameron Richards

Citroen has revealed prices and specifications for its fun and funky C3 and e-C3 supermini.

Citroen has revealed prices and specifications for its eagerly anticipated C3 and electric e-C3 models.

The French firm will offer just one trim level for the petrol C3 model in the UK, whereas with the electric version there will be two models on offer.

The petrol comes in Plus guise and will start at £17,790. It comes with a 10-inch central touchscreen display, voice recognition and cruise control with speed limiter. The electric version in Plus trim starts at £21,990.

Step up to the top-of-the-line Max trim, which is only available in electric form, and it costs from £23,690. It boasts a rear parking camera, automatic air conditioning, LED rear lights, dark tinted windows and a heated steering wheel and front seats.

A hybrid version of the C3 will join the line-up by the end of the year, but for now, the standard C3 will come with a 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engine that produces 98bhp and will have a six-speed manual transmission along with start-stop technology.

The electric e-C3 comes with a 44kWh battery pack and a 111bhp electric motor that gives it a top speed of 84mph and a 0-60 time of 10.8 seconds. The claimed electric range is 199 miles on a single charge.

Order books open for the new e-C3 in July and September for the standard C3, with deliveries expected to commence at the end of the year.

By Cameron Richards

The German carmaker hopes to bring affordability to the zero emission market with its new budget electric car.

Volkswagen has previewed what is said to be an entry-level EV that will rival vehicles such as the Dacia Spring.

The new city car is expected to cost the equivalent of £17,000 when the full production model is revealed in 2027, and could be called ‘ID.1’.

It will be aimed at the lower end of the electric car segment – a key battleground for European carmakers as they try to stop the threat posed by low-cost Chinese brands. The new budget city car will rival other value-for-money offerings such as the Dacia Spring and Citroen’s e-C3.

The car is expected to use the Group’s MEB-entry platform and have a range of around 200 miles on a full charge.

Thomas Schafer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and head of Brand Group Core said: “The future is electric. In order for electromobility to become widespread, attractive vehicles are needed, especially in the entry-level segment. Our brand promise is: electromobility for all. This promise is now being fulfilled in the Brand Group Core. Despite the attractive price, our vehicles will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality and customer experience.”

The forthcoming budget city is part of a wider plan to introduce a range of more cost efficient electric cars from the Volkswagen Group. It will see the German carmaker launch a number of new EVs under its Volkswagen, Cupra and Skoda brands.

It will comprise two small SUVs – one from Volkswagen and the other from Skoda, the latter has already been previewed by the Epiq concept car – and two hatchbacks – one from Volkswagen and the other from Cupra; the Cupra version has already been confirmed and will be called Raval. The four new EVs will be built in Spain from 2027 onwards.

Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group said: “Generations of people associate the strong brands of Volkswagen Group with their first car – and with affordable mobility. As a group with strong brands, we continue to assume this social responsibility to this day. That’s why I’m pleased that we’re launching a future-oriented project. It’s about entry-level electric mobility from Europe to Europe.”

By Cameron Richards

JLR announces big plans and investment into its future electrification strategy

As the brand moves over to the electrified era, JLR is making sure that its staff know how to work on EVs.

Britain’s largest carmaker is gearing up for its transition to become an electric-only vehicle manufacturer by 2030.

Work is being made in the company to transform electric vehicle production, with 11,000 employees currently being trained to work on them.

Every year, JLR’s Learning Academy Programme invests around £20 million a year to train its workers. A further 15,000 employees are set to become qualified throughout the manufacturing, engineering and workshops.

Currently, 95 per cent of the firm’s global retail technicians are qualified to work on EVs.

For the 2024 financial year, the manufacturer is expanding its skill base by opening a further 950 electrification roles in engineering.

JLR retail master technician Chloe Taylor said: “The transition to EVs presents lots of learning opportunities, shifting from much of the heavy part lifting associated with ICE vehicles, to more process-driven, technology-centred diagnostics work.”

EV production is more accessible to a wider network or people who can be trained up in a shorter period of time, said JLR. EV work is often more focused on process-oriented approaches rather than manual labour, it said.

Barbara Bergmeier, JLR executive director of industrial operations said: “Our plans to electrify our ultra desirable modern luxury brands are unfolding at speed and I’m delighted with the pace that our Future Skills Programme is readying our talented workforce.”

JLR has further introduced initiatives to help more people into their manufacturing production careers such as a work experience programme with 2,000 enrolments, a school partnership programme and AI training to make job description wording more diverse and inclusive.

By Cameron Richards