Recent Euro NCAP results show the best-selling SUV, two MPVs and two new models from Chinese brand Zeekr.
The latest Euro NCAP results have been released with some surprising outcomes from the latest models tested.
The likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Tourneo Custom were both put through their paces, as well as two offerings from new Chinese brand Zeekr.
One of the best-selling SUVs, the Tiguan achieved a five star rating thanks to its automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance and system that monitors driver fatigue – all of which come as standard.
The second MPV was the new electric Maxus Mifa 7, which also secured a maximum five star rating. The model has a claimed range of 297 miles on a single charge and is available to order this summer in the UK.
For Zeekr, the tests represented a major milestone ahead of an expected arrival in the UK in either 2025 or 2026. Up first was the 001, the brand’s large executive hatchback, followed by the X – a compact SUV.
(Zeekr)
Both the 001 and X achieved top scores of five stars in the crash tests and were also awarded Green NCAP ratings of 96 and 95 per cent respectively – the highest scores of any cars in the assessments – for their eco credentials.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Ford Tourneo Custom scored a low three star rating due to its lack of standard safety equipment, with the vehicle achieving a possible four star rating if the optional safety pack is fitted.
Dr. Michiel Van Rantingen, secretary general Euro NCAP said: “We believe Ford will feel disappointed by this result, particularly given their recent efforts and commitment in improving the safety of its commercial van line-up – the Ford Transit Custom achieved our highest van rating of Platinum. The Tourneo Custom is highly equipped with active safety technologies, yet it is slightly let down by this performance.”
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech received a five star safety rating, bringing it in line with its smaller sibling the Megane E-Tech.
The Mercedes C-Class rival has ditched diesel in favour of cleaner mild-hybrid engines and plug-in-hybrid power.
BMW has updated one of its most successful models – the 3 Series.
The Audi A4 competitor receives new mechanical and interior features to keep it at the top of the compact executive market.
Not a lot has changed with the exterior with the exception of some new paint finishes and alloy wheel designs, however there are more tweaks to the interior with the addition of BMW’s latest 8.5-inch curved display. New steering wheel designs, trim elements and interior lighting complete the changes.
Inside, features BMW’s latest 8.5-inch curved infotainment display. (Credit: BMW Press)
There are just three petrol engines now on offer with BMW deciding to ditch diesel power for the UK market with this round of updates.
The entry-level 320i produces 186bhp and 300Nm of torque, while the top-of-the-line M340i xDrive produces 379bhp from its six-cylinder engine. It also comes with mild-hybrid technology with a 48V starter generator which gives an extra 11bhp.
The improved plug-in-hybrid 330e comes with a four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor to give a combined 296bhp. A 19.5kWh battery on board boosts its efficiency and gives an electric driving range of 53 to 63 miles for the saloon and 54 to 61 miles for the Touring estate version.
A brand new-tale. Two thrilling new characters. ✨
Introducing the dynamic duo that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
AC charging enables up to 11kW, allowing the plug-in-hybrid to be fully charged in two hours and fifthteen minutes.
The new 3 Series also has the option of M Sport Parts, which allows customers to customise their car to give it a sportier look without having to spend extra on an M Sport model.
UK deliveries begin in the summer with prices starting at £39,045 for the standard 320i and rising to £59,645 for the M340i xDrive Touring.
From July 1, Walliser will move from Porsche to the British car maker Bentley.
British car maker Bentley has appointed Porsche’s Frank-Steffan Walliser as its new CEO and chairman from July this year.
Walliser joined Porsche in 1995 after studying mechanical engineering with a focus on internal combustion engines and technology management. He had been loyal to the German car maker for nearly three decades but now he has decided to move on.
Back in 2010, he was the project leader and responsible for development of the future-oriented 918 Sypder supercar. He made a name for himself as head of motorsport before taking over management of the 911 and 718 production lines at the beginning of 2019. Since 2022, he has been in charge of vehicle development.
Bentley’s new V8 replaces the old W12 unit. (Credit: Bentley Media)
His move to Bentley comes after the car manufacturer showed ambitious plans with its vehicle production and future goals, having just ditched its legendary W12 engine in favour of a smaller and cleaner turbocharged V8. The brand is also aiming to become an electric-only vehicle maker by 2030.
Walliser said: “I am approaching this job with great respect and looking forward to having a team in Crewe that has shown impressive performance over the last few years. The continuing transformation of the automotive industry will be a major task for Bentley as well, a task that I am happy to take on with the team. I am convinced Bentley will continue to set standards in the luxury segment in the future.”
Gernot Dollner, Audi CEO said: “With his distinct technological expertise and experience in the luxury segment, Walliser will successfully lead Bentley into the electrified future.”
Mazda, Subaru and Toyota are still going ahead with ICE development in aid of achieving carbon neutrality.
Japanese car manufacturers Mazda, Subaru and Toyota are fully committed to continuing to develop internal-combustion engines in order to reach carbon neutrality.
Mazda has produced over two million Rotary engine units. (Credit: Mazda Press UK)
All three car makers have looked into what the electrification era holds and have found that carbon is the ‘enemy’.
Their future engine technology will therefore consist of improving performance with electric drive units to harness the advantages of both powertrains.
Additionally, the brands say that further engine development with the help of carbon neutral fuels such as e-fuels, biofuels and liquid hydrogen will help with mass adoption in a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Masahiro Moro, representative director, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation said: “We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality.”
He added: “Given the rotary engine’s compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will continue to develop the technology through co-creation and competition to ensure it can contribute broadly to society.”
All three car makers have a shared dedication to go down the multipath route in achieving lower carbon production throughout the electrified era.
Koji Sato, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation said: “In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future.”
The three types of engines the companies hope will drive down carbon emissions and improve on sustainability are Subaru’s Horizontally-Opposed engine – which has pistons that move horizontally, resulting in a low-profile engine with less vibration and a lower centre of gravity. Toyota has an in-line four engine that achieves both high output and high thermal efficiency and Mazda’s rotary engine is compact, lightweight and powerful and can be used for generators.
The iconic sports coupe and cabriolet receives an electrified powertrain and is available to order now.
Porsche has revealed an updated version of its legendary sports car, the 911, which now features hybrid power for the very first time.
There will be two engines in the range, starting with the standard Carrera that features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo boxer engine, producing 389bhp and 450Nm of torque. It can go from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds or 3.7 with the Sports Chrono Pack and has a top speed of 182mph.
Announced today, the new Porsche 911 introduces T-Hybrid for significantly enhanced performance. The 911 Carrera GTS is the first street-legal 911 equipped with a super-lightweight performance hybrid.https://t.co/zEUSgazvBQpic.twitter.com/3OTQ6UAWOD
The four-wheel-drive Carrera GTS features a 3.6-litre boxer engine that churns out 533bhp and 610Nm of torque. It can also do 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 193mph.
The hybrid powertrain has two electric motors that are coupled to a high-voltage battery. It corresponds in size and weight to a conventional 12-volt starter battery, but can store 1.9kWh of energy and operates at a voltage of 400V. For the best weight saving, Porsche has fitted a lithium-ion battery for the 12V on-board electrical system.
On the exterior, the new 911 focuses on aerodynamics with newly-designed bumpers. GTS models feature five vertically arranged active cooling flaps and there are adaptive front dampers.
There’s also a redesigned light strip at the back and a rear grille with five fins per side, which connects to the rear window to form a graphic unit that fades into the retractable spoiler.
Inside, now features a starter button and 12.6-inch digital display. (Credit: Porsche Newsroom)
Inside, the 911 now features a 12.6-inch curved display as well as a 10.9-inch central driver’s information screen. Further changes include a driving mode switch, a revised driver assistance lever and this is the first 911 to come with a start button.
The suspension has also been revised with rear-axle steering now coming as standard. This enables a tighter turning circle and increased stability at speeds
The new 911 can be ordered now in coupe or cabriolet format with rear-wheel-drive. All models will come as standard with Porsche’s PDK automatic gearbox and GTS and Targa body styles are also available.
We are a nation that loves convertibles and it’s easy to see why. The wind-in-the-hair experience doesn’t get much better for those who enjoy driving.
The UK has always been a lover of convertibles and with the summer months upon us, now is a great time to get the roof down and enjoy smile-inducing motoring.
Even if you don’t own a soft top, now may be the perfect opportunity to buy one for this year as the weather warms up.
There are plenty of options to choose from on the used car market, whether it be a two-seater or a four, here is a guide to the very best that your money can get you.
Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 is a fun frisky little sports car. (Credit: Mazda Press UK)
Launched in 1989 and four generations later, the Mazda MX-5 is one of the best-selling and loveable convertibles around and it’s easy to see why.
Cheap to maintain, with bulletproof reliability and one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any car around, its rear-wheel-drive layout means it’s a favourite among driving enthusiasts. Plus, they also have a superb gearbox and whatever generation you go for, will be enormous fun to drive.
Just watch out for rust on first, second and third-generation models as UK roads can be harsh to their chassis over the winter months.
Lotus Elise
The Elise is a great track day car. (Credit: Lotus Media UK)
It may not be the most practical or easiest car to live with, but the recently discontinued Lotus Elise is still a firm favourite. Since the early 00s, the baby Lotus has come with a Toyota engine giving extra power and reliability. Still, not only that, it is like driving a go-kart on the road with razor-sharp handling and endless grip but it’s also a very light car making it fuel efficient.
However, the large sills you need to clamber over in order to get in and out of may become tiresome on a day-to-day basis and the lack of sound insulation and limited standard equipment may make the Elise look a little painful for daily use.
Honda S2000
The S2000 was Honda’s fiftieth birthday present to itself. (Credit: Honda Newsroom)
The Honda S2000 is one of those cars that will go down in history as one of the all-time greats. It was a direct rival to the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster but came with a 2.0-litre VTEC engine that revved to 9,000 rpm and although you had to drive it hard to get the most out of it, that would just add to the fun factor of driving this car.
Also, as it’s a Honda, it comes with durability and reliability built in as standard, and while ultra-low mileage examples are now fetching higher money, there are still decent examples out there between the £10,000 to £15,000 price range.
BMW Z4
The Z4 replaced the Z3 and rivals the S2000 and Boxster. (Credit: BMW Press Global)
The Z4 was released in 2002 as a direct replacement for the ageing Z3 and since then, the popular two-seater German sports has become a firm favourite among fans of the Bavarian brand.
A rear-wheel-drive and front engine layout gave a great chassis balance and unlike the model it replaced, came with meaty engine outputs with the smallest engine being a 2.0-litre petrol that produced 150bhp. There were also two straight-six engines available with a 2.5-litre with 192bhp and a bigger 3.0-litre with 265bhp.
Porsche Boxster
The Boxster has a perfect weight distribution. (Credit: Porsche Newsroom)
The old cliche of the poor man’s 911 should be overlooked because the Boxster has been one of the best all-round sports cars you can buy for years. They’re relatively affordable to buy and their mid-engine layout gives a perfect power-to-weight ratio, while also being great fun and being great to use in all weathers.
If you can find a Boxster S with the 3.2-litre flat-six engine, it’s also a guaranteed future classic as it offers more power than the standard 2.7-litre car.
BMW 4-Series Cabriolet
The 4-Series Convertible is a great all-rounder. (Credit: BMW Press Global)
The only four-seater on this list, but the way it drives and the fact that prices are more affordable now means that the 4-Series Cabriolet is a great alternative if you enjoy the wind-in-the-hair experience while carrying more passengers.
Even though it’s more of a cruising machine than a sports car, the 4-Series is a great car to use all year round as it has a metal-folding convertible which makes things more comfortable inside than with a soft-top convertible. If you can get hold of an M Sport version, not only does it give a sportier look with bigger wheels and more dynamic suspension, but it also gives you the best of both worlds of impressive driving dynamics with the practicality of a larger boot and back seats.
The Automated Vehicles Bill has outlined a framework that could see autonomous cars on our roads within two years. But how do they work and what else
Few of us know what the future of the car will look like, but it’s certain that the way we get from A to B will involve more technology as in-car systems become more complex over time.
Back in the mid to late 20th century, there were believers that the 21st century would bring flying cars, and except for a couple of inventions, that prediction has fallen flat.
The next biggest talking point in the motoring industry, however, is driverless cars, also known as autonomous vehicles. The car market may be seeing a change in what cars are fuelled by, but what we haven’t seen are cars driving completely unassisted – until now as though, it seems.
This week has seen the announcement from the British government of the Automated Vehicles Act that will enable it to be within the law to use a driverless car on our roads, with vehicle manufacturers, insurers or software creators held responsible in the unfortunate event of an accident.
But what exactly is an autonomous car and how do they work? Here is a list of things that you need to know about them before we start seeing them enter our roads.
What is an autonomous car?
A Renault Zoe being tested with level 5 autonomy. (Credit: PA – Renault Tornado Project)
An autonomous car – or driverless car, as it’s also known – is effectively a vehicle that has no human input and relies on monitors, cameras, satellites and sensors to drive it to wherever the owner or passengers want to go.
Since the early 2000s, driverless tech in cars has been on the up with Mercedes being one of the first car manufacturers to offer a car with radar-guided cruise control which scans the road ahead, monitoring the vehicle in front and automatically applying the brakes if the car in front is slowing down before speeding back up when it is clear to do so.
Then Tesla introduced its AutoPilot function on its cars which allows the vehicle to drive itself on motorways regarding that the driver consistently keeps the hand on the steering wheel.
There are a variety of different driving levels of autonomy
Driverless car (Credit: Philip Toscano/PA)
You might think that a self-driving car is just what it says on the tin, but in fact, there are up to five different levels of autonomy when it comes to vehicles.
Every car up until Tesla entered the UK car market was level zero with no driving automation, and features such as ABS, cruise control and blind spot warning fall into this category due to the fact they help the driver but that person is still 100 per cent in control.
Level one refers to cars with driver assistance systems with adaptive cruise controls and lane keep assists. Level two is partial driving automation whereby the driver can let go of the steering, braking and acceleration as long as they are involved and aware of what’s going on around them and they are constantly monitoring the vehicle.
Level three has not taken to mass adoption yet on the car market but it enables automation functions whenever the driver allows the systems to take over. Level four enables the car to intervene in the instance of a malfunction without necessarily involving the occupants and the last is level five which is the very highest of driverless technology with no human input required whatsoever.
What is the Automated Vehicles Act?
Driverless Nissan Leaf under testing. (Credit: PA – ServCity)
The Automated Vehicles Act enables technology to safely drive vehicles on Britain’s roads. It is aimed at helping the country to become the leader of self-driving technology and is believed to help unlock an industry worth an estimated £42 billion while creating 38,000 jobs by 2035.
Automated vehicles are expected to improve road safety by reducing human error which accounts for 88 per cent of all road collisions. Furthermore, the law requires self-driving vehicles to achieve a level of safety and competence in comparison with human input to make sure the cars are just as capable and will need to meet very strict safety tests before being allowed onto the roads. It should, in theory, help cut deaths, drunk driving, speeding, tiredness and inattention drastically.
How do driverless cars work?
A driverless car uses sensors, cameras and software to keep it in-line with the road. (PA)
Driverless cars rely on actuators, sensors, monitors, machine learning systems and processors. Effectively, it’s like the vehicles have their own human brain to input information onto from road.
There are sensors located throughout different parts of the car. Radars monitor the position of vehicles nearby, video cameras detect traffic lights, read road signs, track other vehicles and look for pedestrians.
There are also lidar sensors which bounce light off the car’s surroundings to measure distances, detect road edges, and identify lane markings. In the wheels are ultrasonic sensors which detect kerbs and other objects when parking, too.
Software then processes all of the sensory inputs and works out a route before sending instructions to the vehicle’s actuators, which control acceleration, braking and steering input.
The limited-edition RS4 will be available in three different colour choices and will come with a 2.9-litre V6 engine.
Audi has revealed a special edition version of its RS4 Avant to celebrate the estate car’s 25th anniversary.
The RS4 Avant Edition 25 Years will come with increased power over the standard car with an extra 19bhp meaning that the 2.9-litre TFSI V6 biturbo will produce 463bhp and have a maximum torque figure of 600Nm. The 0-60mph time is 0.4 seconds quicker than it was before at 3.5 seconds and the car has a top speed of 186mph.
Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard. (Credit: Audi Press UK)
The new model comes with RS Sports Suspension Pro, which is a manually adjustable coilover suspension setup which gives a 10mm lower ride height. In addition, customers will be able to lower the ride height by another 10mm to allow for an overall 20mm lower overall stance.
Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard to help improve stopping power through increase in performance as well.
Three exterior paint colours finishes are on offer including an Audi exclusive colour called Imola Yellow. Other colours available are Nardo grey and Mythos black metallic.
Further design cues on the exterior of the 25 Years edition include gloss black window trims, black inlays in the rear taillights and the deletion of the roof rails.
There is also an RS4 edition 25 years lettering engraved in the windows between the C and D pillars as well as the carbon appearance package which features a front spoiler lip, front air intake inserts, side skirts, rear diffuser insert and matt carbon door mirror caps.
The 25 years edition features carbon bucket seats. (Credit: Audi Press UK)
On the inside, there are carbon-backed bucket seats, a Banger and Olufsen 3D sound system, a 360-degree camera and wireless phone charger. There is also black and yellow Alcantara and yellow stitching, too.
Prices will start at £115,880 for the limited RS4 Avant, but you’ll have to be quick as only 50 examples are allocated to reach our shores.
The updated Qashqai has started to roll off the production line, with Nissan also focusing on its EV36 Zero blueprint business model.
Nissan’s Sunderland based factory is undergoing some big leaps in its manufacturing process.
This week sees production of the recently updated Qashqai get underway. Since the third generation model went on sale in 2021, Nissan has sold over 350,000 units in Europe and continues to set the bar with this refresh for 2024.
The car will be available with either a mild-hybrid petrol engine or Nissan’s e-Power electric powertrain. Prices will start at £30,135 for the entry-level Acenta Premium and rise to £38,875 for the top-of-the-line Tekna+. Customers will be able to place orders starting next month.
Adam Pennick, Nissan’s Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK said: “We’re so proud to call the Sunderland plant the home of the Qashqai. Having the number one team behind the number one crossover is a winning formula, and we can’t wait to see how much our customers enjoy the new design and tech.”
The EV36 Zero project will help drive Nissan to a zero-emission future. (Credit: Nissan News UK)
Nissan will also be continuing in its EV36 Zero blueprint business model, which sees the firm combine EV and battery manufacturing with renewables, working towards the goal of zero emissions driving and manufacturing.
The Japanese brand has already confirmed plans to build electric versions of the Qashqai, Juke and Leaf at its Sunderland plant in a bid to have all of its passenger car line-up electric in Europe by 2030.
Pennick added: “These are exciting times for Nissan in Sunderland. We are proud to be delivering new versions of both Qashqai and Juke to our customers while also preparing our plant to go all electric, as part of our ground-breaking EV36 Zero project.”
Further announcements of Nissan’s new electric models will be announced nearer the time.
The BD11 double-decker will use the firm’s blade battery technology.
Electric vehicle maker BYD has revealed a double-decker bus for London, called the BD11.
Measuring 10.9 metres long and with enough space to accommodate up to 90 passengers, the BD11 uses a lithium-ion blade battery which means that it’s free from cobalt and other metals such as nickel and magnates.
The battery pack is incorporated into the chassis structure to reduce the overall weight by 10 per cent while a huge 532kWh battery should mean it’s got more than enough charge for a day’s driving.
It can be charged at a maximum rate of 500kW through pantograph charging – which is a method for charging buses in depots and stations with chargers mounted on masts or gantries.
The BD11 can be charged fully within two hours. (Credit: BYD)
The BD11 is driven by two electric motors which combined produce 402bhp and 600Nm of torque, while there is a six-in-one controller that simplifies the vehicle’s electronics to improve its reliability. They control the steering control unit, air compressor controller, DC-DC converter and power distributor.
Frank Thorpe, managing director, BYD UK Commercial Vehicles said: “Introducing our all-new fully electric BYD BD11 Double Deck bus to the UK marks an important moment for BYD in the country and in the very important public transport for safe and reliable electric mobility, providing operators with modern eco-friendly eBus options that meet their specifications, thus providing more people the choice to use clean, non-polluting bus services in the future.”
It comes with two electric motors that produce a combined 402bhp.(Credit: BYD)
The BYD BD11 will be going into service firstly in London, however, it has not been confirmed when that might be, with further announcements to be made beforehand.
