Category: News

If I’ve learned one thing about travelling to America, it’s this: Don’t ever get a connecting flight anywhere. Ever.

Ok, so there’s plenty of other things I’ve learned along the way too. Like the fact you can turn right on a red light, that you have to pay for fuel before using any and they like to put cheese on everything. Even fruit.

But when I write my memoirs of life on the road as a motoring journalist (which will be never), that key connecting flight point will ride high in the chapter list.

Journey from hell

Why? Well, I write this after 46 hours of travelling to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show. It should have been a simple journey, but turned into one from hell – but thankfully was made a little sweeter by a car.

Let’s rewind a few, painful hours to where it all went horribly wrong. I’d got off a BA flight from Heathrow to Dallas. I’d enjoyed free wine, watched a not altogether terrible film and slept soundly for a good few hours. Life was good.

Immigration woe

But then Dallas took all that away. Thousands of people stood in the queue for immigration and despite some high viz, queue jumping ticket thrust into my hand, entering the promised land was tough.

Quite why America still has a ridiculous problem processing visitors is beyond me. This is the home of Google, of Apple, of some of greatest business brains in the world. Why one of them can’t put some of their cranial activity to one side for a week and solve the issue of getting humans through its immigration halls is beyond me.

Two-headed chickens

To be fair, the orange fast pass helped, but still the process took too long. Time was ticking away for the connecting flight to Vegas. And then all hope of catching it evaporated with the sight of thousands more people trying to get out of the baggage hall.

American borders are cruel, you see. Once you’ve escaped the hell of immigration they make you stand for hours in another line to get out of the baggage hall. A man has to stamp a piece of paper that says you’re not bringing two-headed chickens into the country.

I felt like moaning, but then realised he’d only call me ‘sir’ a lot and had a gun. And if we know one anything about Americans, it’s that they like to use guns.

Missed flight

I ran for the flight, but missed it by minutes. And so began a chain of events that would see me eventually crossing states on an epic road trip to Nevada.

A man behind a counter frowned a lot at me, but said he’d ‘done me a favour’ by getting me on a flight to Phoenix and then on to Vegas.

I made that flight, took a seat next to a huffing man, but it took off two hours late, ruining any chance of me making my next connection in time. There was only one thing for it, I joined the man next to me in the huffing.

New hope

A woman behind a counter at Phoenix told me I was stuck, very cheerfully she did too. How Americans can keep their happy faces on when delivering bad news is another mystery. I can only imagine the same falseness is used on death row. ‘Ok, sir, here’s your needle, have a nice day!’

She booked me on to a flight the next morning, but couldn’t guarantee I’d get a seat. I took the ticket from her, smiled, and threw it in the nearest bin.

Google Maps told me a road trip to Vegas would take about six hours, so the hunt for a car began. Avis came up trumps with a Ford Mustang – sadly not a V8, but a decent V6 – and within half an hour I was driving it to the cheap motel the airline had booked for me.

Flew to Dallas. Immigration misery and baggage cock up meant missed connecting flight. Got another to Phoenix. That was delayed too so missed connection to Vegas. Now stuck in Phoenix so done the only sensible thing… screw you planes pic.twitter.com/A3bdTLGbcW

— James Baggott (@CarDealerEd) January 8, 2018

Hire car win

It’s incredibly easy to book a car in the States – a driving licence and credit card is all you need – and they didn’t even sniff at the fact I’d be driving it 300 miles away from where I picked it up.
The next morning I hit the road. Driving past Phoenix airport I rose a salute to the planes reaching skyward – this Mustang a way of improving a rather desperate few days.

With some soft rock on the radio, I was on my way, heading north towards Kingman on I93. The dual carriageway bumps and grinds its way through huge landscapes, a forest of Joshua Trees at the roadside swaying gently as huge articulated trucks thunder past.

Interstate cruising

My Mustang settles into a cruise, the comfortable seats worn cosy by the hundreds of borrowers who’ve already added 19,000 miles to the Ford. It’s not until you take to the road, that you realise quite how big America is. It’s not just the portions, or the soft drinks that are super-sized – the roads, the skyline and scenery are all of epic proportions too.

I watch countless RVs rumbling down the road – these don’t tow Fiat 500s or Smart cars behind them, like in the UK, I spot one towing a Volvo S80 saloon and another a Range Rover.

Lunch of champions

On the Arizona radio station I’m tuned to, a dust storm warning is issued. When it strikes, it says, stop the car, wind up the windows, turn on your lights and sit it out. All I see ahead, though, is rain sweeping its way across the plains like a shower curtain.

I stop in Kingman for some reward lunch. The famous In N Out burger illuminated sign rises high above the freeway, showing me the way. American motorways are brilliantly signposted for food (funny that), with huge signs telling you what delights can be found off each junction.

I’d been holding on for an In N Out. Their simple menu – burgers with or without cheese, and fries – is something even the country’s floppy haired leader can understand. It’s delivered in baskets and is deliciously dripping in calories. Needless to say, the burger joint is rammed with happy clientele.

Sightseeing gold

As I leave Kingman, still heading north on the I93, I start to see signs for the Hoover Dam. I’m late for the CES show in Las Vegas now and have missed most of the action, so decide to stop. Let’s face it, how often do you happen to be passing a landmark as iconic as this?

I pull off the freeway and roll up to a security post. There the guard tells me I can drive across the dam and park for free on the Arizona side.

Creeping over the huge structure, built in 1931 during the Great Depression, in this modern Mustang, feels surreal. I park up, jump out and marvel at the sheer scale of it. Pictures do not do the enormity of it justice.

Trump towers

An hour later I’m pulling up at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas at rental car returns. The 300-mile journey has taken me around eight hours and has been far less stressful – and a lot more memorable – than a few more awful hours in a tin can in the sky.

I rescue my bag from the airport – it made it to Vegas long before I did – and find an Uber to take me to the bright lights of the city. It’s pouring with rain as I arrive at Trump International hotel, the gold and chintz of the place as tacky as the rest of Vegas.

It’s nearly two days since I left home, I’m still wearing the same clothes, but I’m smiling. Coming to America shouldn’t be this tough, but when it is, a Mustang and the open road can make things feel a whole lot better. Maybe, missing those connecting flights isn’t such a bad thing after all.

Over the past 50 years, three letters have resonated deeply in the motoring world – GTI. Applied to some of the greatest road cars of all time, it’s come to represent a genuinely involving driving experience.

Though most remember it for its application on the Golf, the GTI badge has found its way onto a number of other Volkswagen cars too – and here’s 10 of the best combined.

Lupo GTI
2001-2004

The little Lupo was, as standard, a very popular city car. Compact in proportions yet spacious inside, first time drivers and those looking for low running costs loved the Lupo. However, the GTI was there for motoring enthusiasts.

Powered by a 1.6-litre engine with 125bhp, the Lupo GTI could hit 60mph in under eight seconds and, thanks to tuned suspension and sticky tyres, was an absolute hoot in the bends, too.

MK1 Golf GTI
1975-1983

The original, and possibly one of the most iconic hot hatches of all time. The MK1 Golf GTI followed a simple formula; low weight, just enough power to keep things interesting, and neat handling. Capable of hitting 60mph in eight seconds, the Golf GTI was quick for the time, while remaining practical thanks to its hatchback bodystyle.

Now a cult classic, prices for MK1 Golf GTIs in good condition are constantly rising.

MK2 Golf GTI
1983-1991

The second-generation Golf GTI had a difficult task on its hands, as it followed in the footsteps of the much-heralded MK1. Though larger and heavier than that first GTI, the MK2 offered a more grown-up driving experience – though still an exciting one.

Initially offered with a 1.8-litre engine, with just under 110bhp. Later on, a more powerful 16 valve version was released – giving drivers a little more punch. A facelifted ‘Big Bumper’ version was introduced around 15 years later than the GTI’s first reveal.

MK7 Golf GTI
2017-

The most recent GTI released, the MK7 Golf brought more technology and power to the line than ever before. A turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pushes the Golf to 60mph in under 6.5 seconds, while sports suspension allows the GTI to remain agile in the bends.

Though larger than ever, the latest GTI is still instantly recognisable thanks to red trim in the front grille, and tartan cloth seats inside – just the same as you’ll find in the first MK1 GTI.

MK5 Polo GTI
2011-2015

The Volkswagen Polo GTI was closer in size to the original GTI, and, thanks to a 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine it could hit 60mph in under seven seconds. In addition, it came with a good level of practicality, and enough space inside for four.

A typically high level of build quality had been applied throughout, but was criticised for being too grown-up. However, it did show Volkswagen expanding the GTI name into other areas other than just the Golf.

Up! GTI
2018-

Though yet to arrive on UK roads, the Up! GTI promises to be one of the most interesting cars to wear the GTI moniker yet. Despite using a small 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, it’s claimed to be able to hit 60mph in just over eight seconds – close to identical to the original GTI’s time.

Similar in size to the Lupo GTI, the Up! GTI is ideal for UK B-roads, with enough power to keep things interesting yet not too much to make it serious.

MK5 Golf GTI
2005-2009

The MK5 GTI was a true leap forward for the range, following on from the disappointing MK4. Engine capacity was up from 1.8 to 2.0-litres, endowing the GTI with a healthy 197bhp. It was also, for the first time, available with a dual-clutch DSG gearbox, offering fast gear changes as well as refinement on longer trips.

The MK5 GTI represented a return to form, not least because it was fitted with true performance mechanicals.

Polo GTI
2018-

Again, in a similar vein to the Up! GTI, the new Polo GTI has yet to arrive in the UK. More powerful than the older model – though only by 7bhp – it’s aiming to be more involving and direct to drive than the first-generation Polo GTI.

The suspension has been firmed up for better cornering while, interesting, it’s going to be offered initially with only a dual-clutch DSG gearbox – though a manual is expected to arrive later.

MK3 Golf GTI
1992-1997

Though larger and heavier than ever before, the MK3 GTI is now starting to look like somewhat of a future collectors’ item. Originally somewhat lacking in power – particularly when compared to the lighter MK1 – it was soon boosted with a 16 valve model.

It was also the most spacious GTI made up until that point, and was more refined than ever before, meaning that drivers could travel further in more comfort.

MK4 Golf GTI
1997-2004

It’s lower down the list for a reason, but in terms of natural progression the MK4 GTI needs to be included here. Yes, it may not have been the most involving to drive nor the sportiest looking, but without it Volkswagen wouldn’t have redoubled its efforts and created the MK5.

It was, at least, comfortable to drive over long distances and looked unassuming enough to be parked anywhere safely – but it lacked the sparkle that people expect from a GTI.

Hybrid and electric are the buzzwords of new car sales today – but there’s life in the internal combustion engine yet.

With pricey electrification out of the reach of a lot of buyers, manufacturers still manage to achieve frankly incredible fuel economy figures from even the humblest vehicles.
We’ve excluded hybrid cars from this list as it’s very difficult to accurately chart their fuel economy – it depends so much on the type of driving you do.

Read on for the top 10 most economical combustion-engined cars on sale today. Just remember, these fuel economy figures are by no means a guarantee of the numbers you can hope to achieve – they’re gathered under laboratory conditions, not in the real world.

Peugeot 208 1.6 BlueHDi Active 75 S&S

Fuel economy: 94mpg
Price: £16,940

Peugeot’s 208 isn’t the pick of the supermini class – that honour goes to the Ford Fiesta, which trumps the French car on driving dynamics. But the Peugeot hits back with incredible fuel economy of up to 94mpg from its 1.6-litre diesel engine.
The relatively large capacity and low power output means the engine is relatively unstressed, so CO2 emissions are similarly low – just 79g/km. The rest of the car’s assets aren’t too bad either – it’s neat-looking, well priced, and decently equipped.

Renault Clio 1.5 dCi Play 90 ECO

Fuel economy: 91mpg
Price: £16,225

Another French car takes second place, as the Renault Clio – equipped with the brand’s perennial 1.5-litre dCi diesel – achieves an impressive 91mpg on the combined cycle.
The Clio is the supermodel of the supermini class, with curvy lines and a well-laid out interior. It’s not as good to drive as rivals, though, and the interior isn’t the roomiest.

Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Style 85PS

Fuel economy: 91mpg
Price: £15,245

If you value driving dynamics, this is the car for you – even when equipped with the lowly 83bhp diesel engine, the Fiesta is a great handler. That engine is both smooth and quiet for a diesel, and achieves 91mpg, matching the Clio.
It’s usefully cheaper, though, coming in at £1,000 less than the Clio and more than £1,500 less than the Peugeot. Combine that with good looks and a much-improved interior over the outgoing model, and the Fiesta deserves its spot as one of the best-selling cars in the UK.

Peugeot 308 1.6 BlueHDi Active 120 S&S

Fuel economy: 91mpg
Price: £20,700

That Peugeot can achieve such a huge fuel economy figure from a comparatively large car is testament to the brand’s commitment to efficiency. The 308 is a size class above the superminis already mentioned, but still achieves 91mpg on the combined cycle – and emits just 82g/km.
It’s good-looking, has a big boot and drives well, although the quirky interior won’t be to everyone’s taste. If you want even more room, you could plump for the SW estate model, too. It’s marginally less efficient, but still achieves 88mpg.

Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi Visia

Fuel economy: 88mpg
Price: £14,715

This generation of Nissan Micra heralded a renaissance for the nameplate, ditching the staid and sensible styling of the last model for a much sharper and more striking design. It also added a diesel engine to the line-up for the first time – a 1.5 dCi unit shared with the Renault Clio.
Like the one in the Clio, it’s very efficient, rated at 88mpg and 85g/km of CO2. With a newly premium interior and Nissan’s legendary reliability, the Micra could be the diesel of choice for buyers who want dependability and style in one package.

DS 3 1.6 BlueHDi 100hp S&S

Fuel economy: 86mpg
Price: £18,145

The stylish DS 3 is really a Citroen underneath, which means it shares plenty of its oily bits with Peugeot. That’s why the DS 3 manages an impressive 86mpg, using the same 1.6-litre BlueHDi engine as the Peugeot 208.
Add to that a very stylish three-door body and the DS 3 can be seen as a rival to diesel versions of the Mini or Fiat 500 – but is considerably more economical than either.

Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi Style Econetic

Fuel economy: 85mpg
Price: £17,745

Like the Fiesta, but bigger. The Focus retains Ford’s trademark of excellent handling, but in this form mates that with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which achieves 85mpg on the combined cycle and emits 88g/km of CO2.
If you need more than the Focus hatchback’s rather stingy boot, you can have an estate model – with identical fuel economy figures – for just £1,100 more.

Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi Tech Line S/S ecoTEC

Fuel economy: 85mpg
Price: £19,955

The latest Vauxhall Astra isn’t much more inspiring than the old model, but it is decent to look at, very well equipped – with OnStar Concierge services as standard – and very economical, thanks to an upgraded version of the ‘Whisper’ diesel engine.
Replacing Vauxhall’s ancient 1.7-litre CDTi engine, the ‘Whisper’ diesel is quiet, refined and powerful enough, and in this form will achieve 85mpg. Fleet bosses up and down the country will be thrilled by its 88g/km CO2 emissions, too.

Mercedes A-Class A180 d SE

Fuel economy: 84mpg
Price: £22,235

You might be turned off by the idea of a Mercedes – even a tiny one – with a Renault-sourced 1.5-litre diesel engine under the bonnet. But don’t be, as you’re still getting Mercedes prestige and build quality – but with fuel economy of 84mpg, you won’t be paying Mercedes prices at the pumps.
Mercedes’ partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance gives it use of this engine (the same Alliance which allows Infiniti to use the A-Class platform under its Q30 hatchback) and though it’s not the first partnership you’d think of, it works remarkably well.

Fiat 500 1.3 MultiJet 95HP

Fuel economy: 84mpg
Price: £15,865

The baby of Fiat’s range, the 500 is at its best when fitted with the perky and powerful TwinAir petrol engines – but those are thirsty, often averaging around 30mpg. The 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel, by contrast, manages a claimed 84mpg, and emits just 89g/km.
There are few more fashionable ways to save fuel either, as the Fiat 500 remains an icon even 10 years on from its relaunch. It’s been facelifted to keep it up-to-date with the latest tech, and though it’s not the best to drive, it’s cute, fun, and cost-effective to own.

Honorary mention… Suzuki Celerio 1.0 SZ3 Dualjet

Fuel economy: 80mpg
Price: £9,649

The Celerio isn’t quite up to the fuel economy standards of the rest of this list, but it has its own accolade – it’s the most efficient petrol-powered car in the UK. It’s also the cheapest car on this list by quite a margin.
It’s not attractive, flashy, or particularly good to drive, but the Celerio is about as cheap as motoring gets – and if you do short journeys, it’s definitely a better choice than a diesel.

I’m sure, like most motorists, I haven’t been alone in wondering what it’s like to legally hurtle along a motorway at more than 150mph.

Now, after unintentionally riding shotgun in an unmarked police car to catch a driver who’d failed to stop, I know.

Pursuit

Traffic cop PC Rob Lewis and I are taking a break from an evening pounding the streets of Hampshire, when a voice over the radio reveals an unfolding pursuit.

On the far reaches of the Eastern Roads Policing Unit’s patch – some 32 miles away from where we’re enjoying a much-needed fast food supper – an Audi A3 driver has refused to pull over for a police car.

Scrambled

Traffic cops from across the area have been scrambled to assist with the chase – and that includes us in an unmarked BMW 330d.

The young driver is leading cops on a merry tour of the back roads around Winchester, and he is currently heading south towards the coast, showing no signs of giving up.

Blues and twos

It’s just gone 10pm on a Friday night, so traffic is light as we leave the Eastern RPU base at Havant, Hampshire, and join the usually-heaving M27.

With blues and twos flashing, PC Lewis picks up the pace and we’re soon in the higher rev ranges of the 3 Series. The unmarked car is packed with heavy kit, not to mention myself and a photographer, but yet still quickly tops three figures.

Unmarked car

Traffic melts away in front of us. The unmarked car may by disguised in plain sight when its lights aren’t flashing, but now it’s obvious a police vehicle is fast approaching.

Blue and white LEDs are hidden in the grille, on the dash, in the wing mirrors and behind the numberplate and at night, users wouldn’t even know it was unmarked as it approaches in the fast lane.

Fast approaching

PC Lewis has the radio turned up in the car and we can hear his colleagues reporting the Audi’s latest whereabouts. There are several units involved in the chase now and despite the distance we’ve had to cover, at speeds mostly topping 140mph, we’ve managed to get very close to helping out.

We pull off the M3 near Winchester and PC Lewis informs the police control room he’ll wait in a layby to see if the chase comes his way.

Wrong turn

It soon becomes clear it isn’t. The radio commentary explains the errant Audi has taken a turn off road and is heading towards a small village.

PC Lewis asks us to punch it into Google Maps – we’re a long way out of his usual patch – and we make a series of turns until we’re on the same road as the runaway, heading towards each other.

Crash site

Police control asks us to deploy a Stinger – a device which rapidly deflates all four tyres when thrown in front of the wheels.

PC Lewis says he’ll find a suitable location, but seconds later we hear “he’s crashed, he’s crashed” on the radio.

Just a mile down the road, we find the just-crashed Audi, penned in by another unmarked police car.

Stopped dead

The Audi has mounted a verge, taken out two signs and attempted to get back on the road. In doing so it’s been caught behind a telegraph pole and cops have decided to use their BMW X5 to stop the chase dead.

When we arrive the driver has been arrested. We’re the third car to arrive – after the other unmarked BMW and a dog unit. Four other police cars soon arrive, a sea of flashing blue lights illuminate the crash scene.

Team work

“This was a typical example of team work, county-wide, coordinated by our control room,” explained PC Lewis. “A car that fails to stop can be a serious danger to other road users and needs to be stopped safely.

“We came very close to this coming directly into our path and luckily it ended with no serious injuries.”

Pincer movement

Rushing to the scene, experiencing the immense skill and concentration these officers utilise in their work every day, was quite an experience.

We may not have come into direct contact with the runaway vehicle until the very end, but throughout the 45-minute chase we were engaged in the action on the radio, and by playing our part in a huge pincer movement.

I still can’t quite believe we were lucky enough to be taken a long for the ride.

The new year brings with it the promise of a league of new models, with hybrids, SUVs and hypercars set to grace the market.

Thankfully, there’s one segment that will again see a significant boost in 2018 – hot hatches. Hugely popular in the UK, hot hatches provide thrills and high performance alongside decent practicality levels – making them perfect all-rounders. Here, we’ve picked out seven key contenders due to make their first appearance this year.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen is much famed in its ability to produce well-rounded, fast and desirable hot hatches. The Polo GTI sits in the middle of the range, between the smaller Up! and larger Golf. However, with close to 200bhp on tap and new, sportier dampers, it’s set to be just as good to drive as its bigger brother.

Looks-wise, the Polo GTI certainly treads on the conservative side of things, but thanks to red exterior highlights and trademark tartan seats, it’s easy to distinguish from the regular car.

Ford Fiesta ST

The previous-generation Ford Fiesta ST will undoubtedly go down as one of the best hot hatches of all time.

This latest version features a new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and has heightened levels of technology on its side. The sprint to 60mph is claimed to take under seven seconds. Of course, the ST remains a Ford at heart, so expect decent value for money and high levels of standard equipment.

Renault Megane RS

Another key pillar in the hot hatch segment has been the RenaultSport (or now RS) Megane. The new version packs 276bhp from a 1.8-litre engine, and though this may lag somewhat behind other key rivals (most premium hot hatches are now pushing out close to 300bhp), its four-wheel steering should help it keep in the game.

That system should mean that the RS will be one of the most agile sporty Meganes to date.

Suzuki Swift Sport

The Swift Sport is one of the most-loved compact hot hatches ever made, offering nimble handling in a diminutive yet solid-feeling package. This latest version is lighter than ever before – 80kg, in fact – and features a new 1.4-litre turbocharged engine too.

It also benefits from a range of sporty styling touches, including 17-inch alloy wheels and heavily bolstered sports seats. A new six-speed manual gearbox has been fitted, adding an extra cog over the older car’s five-speed ’box.

Toyota Yaris GRMN

Arguably one of the most compact hot hatches set to arrive in 2018, the Toyota Yaris GRMN’s diminutive proportions shouldn’t put you off. Gazoo Racing (Toyota’s motorsport arm) worked extensively on the car, reinforcing the chassis and tuning its 1.8-litre engine to produce more than 210bhp.

It also gets a host of visual tweaks, including 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, heavily bolstered sports seats and a large rear wing. Small in size, the Yaris GRMN is likely to offer a lot of performance.

Mercedes-AMG A45

Sitting at the top of the hot hatch food chain is the Mercedes-AMG A45, and soon there’ll be a new one. Though the previous-generation car was hardly short of poke, this latest version is claimed to push out more than 400bhp through all four wheels.

It’s also set to benefit from the latest cabin architecture from the likes of the E-Class and S-Class, offering a more premium experience for those inside compared with the older model.

Audi S1

Audi’s pocket-rocket S1 was something of a quiet hit for the German brand, offering thrills and a surprising amount of performance in a compact layout. Audi is believed to be releasing a successor towards the latter part of 2018, and it’s likely an S1 variant will accompany it.

The older car’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine pushed it from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds, so we’d expect the newer S1 to beat that time by some margin.

Car theft is on the up – figures in 2016 indicated a 30 per cent increase over 2013, with the rise blamed on clever gangs of car thieves outwitting sophisticated electronic security measures.

So, with complex keyless entry systems proving a weak point into cars, could a return to more low-tech security measures keep your car and its contents safe from thieves?

Here are our top tips for keeping your car safe – regardless of its age.

Think before you park

Location, location, location. Parking a flash car in a seedy neighbourhood is rarely a good idea, and if you take just a minute to seek out a better spot your car will be much less likely to be nicked.

Try to park in busy, well-lit areas – with CCTV coverage if at all possible. When at home, make use of what you have. If you have a garage, use it. After all, what’s more important – protecting your £150 lawnmower, or your £20,000+ car?

Don’t be lazy

It’s tempting to leave the keys in the ignition and the car unlocked sometimes. Popping out to pay for petrol, defrosting the windscreen in the morning, or just grabbing something from the boot? Always switch off, take the keys and lock the car.

Opportunistic thieves often have their eyes peeled for inattentive owners, and a car with the keys inside is practically an open invitation.

Don’t tempt fate

Do you empty your car every time you use it? Of course not, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious. Hide valuables out of sight – purses, wallets, laptops or tablets, and especially smartphones or sat-navs.

Place them in a lockable compartment, such as the glove box or the boot, and don’t forget to remove any cradles or holsters – an empty sat-nav holder, or suction rings on the windscreen are a sure sign that there’s a sat-nav hidden in the car.

Store your keys safely

Think about where you put your car keys when you get home. If they’re too close to your front door, they’re an easy target – not to mention thieves can boost keyless systems if they can get close enough, allowing them access to your car.

If you’re really worried, it’s possible to get special pouches which block the signals from your keyless fob, so the car only unlocks when you want it to.

Consider physical security

In the old days, a steering lock was a bright yellow deterrent to theft – opportunistic robbers avoided cars with them fitted, because stealing them would be too noisy and difficult.
The same can apply today. While cheap steering locks are easy to defeat, devices like the award-winning Disklok are impossible to get through without some seriously heavy machinery. They can be bulky to use on a daily driver, but on an occasional or weekend car they’re ideal.

Fit a tracker

GPS trackers used to be expensive and bulky, but new tech means they’re now unobtrusive, inexpensive, and a must-have to protect your precious motors.

A device such as the Oxford Tracker is barely thicker than a pencil, requires no power supply or recharging, and costs just £84 for a 12-month subscription.

Conceal this in your car and regardless of where it ends up, you’ll be able to track it on your smartphone.

Fit an alarm and immobiliser

Most modern cars will have these fitted as standard, but if you’re running an older car without many security measures then they can be worthy investments.

A professionally fitted alarm and immobiliser may not prevent your car from being broken into, but it will dissuade thieves from actually taking it – and may lower your insurance.

Never leave documents or spare keys in a car

Don’t give the criminals everything – if someone does manage to gain access to your car, leaving registration documents or another key just makes the rest of their job even easier.

Keep documents and spare keys in a safe place, and they won’t find the car so easy to offload once the theft is complete.

Over the years, the performance branch of Audi – RS – has produced some iconic, hugely capable road cars.

Benefiting from years of experience generated in rallies, they’ve all provided plenty of performance with all-weather capability.

Audi recently released its latest instalment of the RS bloodline – the RS4 Avant – sparking cries as to which model from history is the best. Here are our top five…

RS2 Avant

One of the earliest members of the RS brand, the RS2 was based on the 80 body style produced back in the 1980s. Co-developed with Porsche, it was powered by a turbocharged 2.2-litre straight-five engine with just over 300bhp.

A direct ancestor of the current RS4 Avant, the RS2 showed what Audi could do with a conventional estate car – the RS2 had an ungoverned top speed of 163mph – while maintaining a real level of practicality too.

RS6 Avant (C7)

The latest RS6 Avant model will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the key vehicles produced by Audi RS. Featuring a turbocharged V8 engine, quattro all-wheel drive and a practical estate body style, it’s the perfect all-rounder – which is why it’s proved so popular.

With the trend towards downsizing apparent in performance cars, it’s unlikely that the next-generation RS6 will have the same engine, which is why this edition needs celebrating all the more.

RS4 Avant (B7)

Though the latest RS4 Avant is something of a technical masterclass, it was the previous-generation model that broke the mould for performance estate cars. The B7 edition RS4 Avant proved that fast Audis needn’t understeer everywhere – it was a proper performance car that could corner, steer and accelerate as well as any BMW.

There were a few complaints – the fuel tank was tiny, for instance – but the overall impressions of the RS4 Avant were impressively positive.

RS6 Saloon (C6)

One of the key aspects that made the C6 RS6 Saloon quite so famous was the engine. Shared with Lamborghini, the 5.0-litre V10 was something that wasn’t usually found in “regular” estate or saloon cars and yet here it was – in a comfortable, five-seater Audi.

Capable of hitting 60mph in under five seconds and able to quickly trouble its 155mph limiter, the RS6 Saloon looked, in truth, a little like a taxi – although true car aficionados knew about its underlying supercar performance.

TTRS

Despite being one of the smallest models in the Audi range, the latest TTRS shows that compact cars needn’t be lacking in performance. The current-generation car features a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine and quattro all-wheel drive, but in a smaller, more road-friendly package.

Though not as practical as some of its estate or saloon stablemates, the TTRS makes up for it with invigorating performance and a turbocharged five-cylinder engine with plenty of character.

It’s the first week of January and that means one thing – it’s time to convince yourself that the new year means a new you. Bring on the New Year’s Resolutions.

You could go for the typical ones, such as eating less or avoiding alcohol, but you know that’s probably going to last all of a few days. Instead, why not try something a bit different and rid yourself of one or more of these bad motoring habits?

Not only will you be making your journey less stressful, you’ll have the warm satisfaction that comes with self-improvement.

Stop middle-lane hogging

The Highway Code clearly states that motorists should keep to the left-hand lane at all times when not overtaking, yet so many motorists cruise up the middle totally oblivious.

Apart from being a pain for other drivers, it could also land you in hot water with the police. Officers can punish drivers who don’t pull over when they should – in 2015, van driver Ian Stephens became the first person to be prosecuted for the offence, receiving a £1,000 fine and five points on his licence.

Always use your indicators

Indicators are important because they let other road users know what you’re doing. If you don’t use them, drivers could misinterpret your actions, risking a crash. And if you don’t use them on roundabouts and junctions you can slow the flow of traffic as motorists have to wait to see what you do before pulling out.

So, get your indicators flashing, let other people know what you’re up to, and keep the roads safe and flowing smoothly.

Got a 4×4? Use it

People who live in big cities and want large, practical cars invariably go for an SUV these days instead of an estate. These big 4x4s often come with fantastic off-road ability, but the most dangerous incline they face is speed bumps on the school run.

They’re also often more polluting than a large family car because of the extra weight and complex four-wheel-drive systems. So if you really must have a big, imposing inner-city motor, you should make it your resolution to use it as intended – out in the countryside where the roads are made of mud. The fresh air will do you good, too.

Keep your distance

“Only a fool breaks the two-second rule” is the old saying, but there appears to be plenty of fools on the road. In dry weather, keeping about two seconds between you and the car in front ensures there’s enough room for you to stop if something goes wrong up ahead.

Tailgating and intimidating other drivers to move over won’t get you to your destination quicker if you end up buried in their back bumper, after all.

Check the condition of your car

There are a number of simple checks that drivers often ignore but could save your life and the lives of others, so make it your mission in 2018 to actually check over your car.

Consumables are anything that can wear out or be used up in normal driving. So every now and then check tyre tread depths, the life in your brake pads, how much oil is in the engine, and whether your windscreen washer is topped up.

Learn how to park

Anyone who’s ever been to a supermarket on a busy Saturday afternoon will know how infuriating it is when drivers don’t park properly. Or perhaps you’ve headed into town and spent half the day driving in circles because you can’t parallel park. This is the year you learn how to leave your car properly parked up.

There are countless YouTube videos explaining parallel parking, so go find a quiet road to practice on – once you’ve figured out the process it’s infinitely repeatable and the satisfaction when you pull it off in front of a queue of traffic will be immense!

As for bay parking, just keeping it between the lines is a start. Also, try to keep it in the middle so people can actually get out of the cars each side of you. Basically, just be considerate.

Stop using your phone

Not only is this illegal – you can get a £200 fine and six points on your licence – it is also incredibly dangerous.

If you really can’t keep your hands off your phone while driving you need to have a serious chat with yourself. Consider your time behind the wheel as quiet ‘you time’, where social media and WhatsApp are the last things on your mind.

Keep your car clean

We’re talking both inside and out. Some people love a car that’s caked in dirt, but there really is something incredibly satisfying about a clean car.

Meanwhile, decluttering your interior will help to reduce stress behind the wheel. If you have discarded crisp packets and old McDonald’s cartons littered throughout the inside, consider having a big clear out and hoovering up – that new car feeling doesn’t take long to achieve and will make you feel better every time you climb in.

Keep calm and carry on

There’s something about getting into a car that can turn otherwise docile people into blithering maniacs. If you find your blood boiling every time you jump in the car, perhaps it’s time to chill out.

Reigning in your aggression will make you a happier, safer driver. Start by being more considerate and letting drivers out of side roads, then build up to not waving your middle finger at people who cut you up. It really doesn’t achieve anything other than stress you out, and if we all take it easy the roads will run much more smoothly.

Use your car less

Okay, so this can be tricky for people who don’t live in major towns and cities where public transport is terrible, but if you can leave the car at home, do it.
Not only is it good for the environment, if you can bring yourself to walk short journeys instead it’s good for your health, too. Considering how awful peak traffic has become, it might even be quicker!

Car manufacturers like to produce other products to show they can apply their technological know-how in all areas. Sometimes it’s bicycles, other times furniture and, just occasionally, boats.

The maritime industry marks an entry into the peak of ‘lifestyle products’ for car firms. Whereas a motor vehicle is a necessity for most, a boat is something to enjoy and relax in – which is exactly why car makers want to be associated with them.

Here, we’ve taken a look at some of the most impressive boats car firms have created.

Peugeot Sea Drive Concept
£Priceless – one off concept

Whereas Peugeot is more often thought of as a producer of compact, value-for-money hatchbacks, the French manufacturer teamed up with Beneteau to showcase that it could indeed build boats too.

The cockpit uses styling cues from Peugeot cars, including the small steering wheel – that features control buttons for major functions – and iCockpit infotainment system from the 3008 and 5008. It’s a dramatic looking thing, and is leagues away from anything that Peugeot sells today.

Aston Martin AM37S
£1.22m

Aston Martin has a distinct heritage of creating luxurious, powerful and hugely desirable motor cars – and this year it applied those traits to a yacht, with the AM37S.

Built in collaboration with Quintessence Yachts, the twin 512bhp-engined AM37S is capable of 50 knots – around 57mph.

Aston also let its craftsmen loose on the yacht, resulting in a boat with a high-quality cabin, while the main windscreen has been created from a single piece of glass to give it an all-encompassing look.

Lexus Sport Yacht
£Priceless – one off concept

The Sport Yacht marked a new direction for Lexus – typically behind the production of economical hybrid and petrol-powered cars.

Powered by two Lexus V8 engines, it certainly has performance on its side, with each producing 440bhp and meaning the Sport Yacht can achieve 43 knots, nearly 50mph.

As well as being fast, it has been designed to be practical. There’s a stove, sink and fridge inside as well as enough room for eight people.

Marauder AMG GT S
£1.3m

Legendary tuners AMG and Cigarette Racing Team have teamed up on many occasions, but this Marauder AMG speed boat really stands out.

Not only does it look incredible, but it’s fast too! Powered by a pair of 1,528bhp engines, it can hit an incredible 135mph.

You get Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system – though whether or not you’ll be able to hear it while travelling at more than 100mph on water is another question.

Bugatti Niniette 66
£2.99m

Built by Palmer Johnson in collaboration with Bugatti, the Niniette 66’s design takes distinct cues from the new Chiron – the side profile of the boat follows the same lines as the hypercar.

The Niniette features a double bed, flat-screen television and a carbon-fibre television while twin V8 engines can power it along to 51mph. The boat’s moniker derives from the pet name given by Bugatti’s founder Ettore Bugatti to his youngest daughter, Lidia.

German brand Mercedes-Benz has just launched a ‘premium pick-up truck’ which it has built in collaboration with Japanese maker Nissan.

When Mercedes announced that it was entering the market with a premium commercial vehicle, it raised many eyebrows.

Could a truck predominantly used by people who spend their days driving through muddy fields really be attractive in a premium specification?

Mercedes thinks so, and proudly revealed at the UK launch that it has already taken nearly 1,000 pre-orders for the pick-up, which starts at £27,310 excluding VAT.

However, this isn’t a bespoke Mercedes. The German manufacturer signed an agreement with Nissan that would see its premium pick-up be based on the rugged Navara.

It was keen to point out that the trucks are not totally alike, even bringing a Navara along so journalists could poke around to see what’s different.

However, there are plenty of similarities – here’s what they are.

Engines and oily bits

While Mercedes was keen to point out all the subtle changes they have made, they couldn’t hide the big one – that most of what’s under the skin is a Nissan.

At launch both engine variants are based on the Japanese manufacturer’s 2.3-litre turbo-diesel unit, pictured here in the Nissan Navara pick-up. The entry-level model makes 161bhp while a 187bhp version is also available.

There’s also a six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmission, both taken from Nissan, while the clever differentials that move power between all four wheels are also present on the Navara.

Fortunately, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing – we tried the X-Class on a tricky off-road course, and it proved incredibly capable climbing slippery slopes and pulling itself out of bogs. The engine is a bit unrefined and sluggish under acceleration out on the road, though.

Door handles

Mercedes went to great pains to point out that every exterior panel is different – even the rear doors, which look pretty much identical but have a slightly different angle to the window ‘flick’, apparently.

However, there’s one Navara-spec design feature jutting out of the bodywork, and that’s the door handles. That means you actually have to grab a piece of Nissan to climb into your premium pick-up that’s definitely not a Nissan.

Bottom half of the wing mirrors

We’re not sure how much time and money was saved by doing this, but Mercedes only redesigned half the wing mirror. The bulk of the design that you see is new, but the bottom half, which attaches to the door and supports the mirror’s housing, is straight off the Nissan.
It’s a minor detail, but it’s a detail nonetheless.

Aerial

Speaking of minor details, we have one more for you. The aerial on the roof, which protrudes proudly from the rear of the cab, is Japanese. It’s decidedly old school-looking, too, so it’s perhaps a surprise Mercedes didn’t see fit to change it…

Key

We’ve saved the best for last. The design of a key can tell you a lot about a vehicle, and premium manufacturers tend to use bulky items with satisfyingly sturdy button clicks.

Nissan, on the other hand, has rather slim, lightweight keys with flimsy buttons that feel like they could be picked apart by a bored child in five minutes flat.

Mercedes hasn’t fitted all the electronic gubbins from a Navara key into one of its heavier duty fobs, instead opting to essentially stick its own badge on a Nissan unit.

It does feel like a missed opportunity to extend that premium feeling…