The Commercial version replaces the two-seat Utility Wagon in the Grenadier line-up.
Ineos has released a Commercial version of its rugged Grenadier off-roader to replace the two-seat Utility Wagon.
The Grenadier Commercial features a full-length flat floor and a floor-to-roof cargo barrier behind the front seats.
The Grenadier was launched back in 2022. (Credit: Ineos Grenadier Media)
Unlike the standard car, the Commercial has rear passenger window glass instead of aluminium panels, blacked-out glazing on the 30:70 split rear doors and permanently disabled chassis mounting points to prevent a second row of seats from being added – all features that qualify it for exemption from VAT.
It comes with a cargo capacity of more than 2,000 litres, can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and boasts 5.5 tonnes of winching power.
George Ratcliffe, Commercial Director of Ineos Automotive, said: “Customers in the UK have been asking for this addition to our model line-up since we launched in 2022, so we’re pleased to make this available so quickly.
“The versatility of the Grenadier platform allows this level of modification without any compromise to the driving dynamics or off-road capabilities.”
Underneath features a box-section ladder frame chassis with heavy-duty solid axle beams as well as up to three locking differentials.
The engine is the same as in the standard Grenadier, which is a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder from BMW, and available in petrol or diesel guise.
It has a loading capacity of more than 2,000 litres. (Credit: Ineos Grenadier Media)
The vehicle will be built at Ineos’s Hambach factory in France, which was acquired from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021.
Prices for the Grenadier Commercial start at £51,931 excluding VAT, with order books opening from today.
Very few councils plan to increase the size of their parking bays, despite cars getting bigger.
Fewer than one in 10 councils across the UK plan on increasing the size of their parking bays despite modern cars getting bigger.
That’s according to data collected from 287 local authorities by Autocar, which also found that the most popular cars have grown since 2018, with their lengths going up by 97.7mm on average.
The three cars that have grown the most are the Peugeot 208, which is now 580mm longer than it was six years ago, the Toyota Yaris at 445mm longer and the Mazda 3 at 400mm longer.
The new BMW 7 Series is nearly a foot (0.3m) longer than the outgoing model, meaning it pokes out of most parking spaces in the UK.
Currently, there are five councils that have a maximum length restriction on vehicles, risking fines for their drivers if they don’t park in a space big enough for their car.
Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar Business, said: “We know that cars are getting longer and wider, typically due to ever-stricter crash and safety legislation they must meet, and these figures show too few councils are adapting to this new reality.
“Fewer than one in 10 of them plan to increase the size of their parking bays, and in some regions you run the risk of receiving a fine for parking a car the size of a BMW 7 Series.”
He added: “Space sizes should reflect the UK vehicle parc so that motorists can park without fear of damaging other vehicles or being fined for overstepping a bay.”
Thurrock Council has a maximum car space length of 5,350mm, while Wokingham, South Hams, Broadland and South Norfolk, and Devon all have a cap at 5,000mm.
The Autocar data also found that since 2018 councils across the region have issued more than 357,000 parking fines for cars parked outside marked bays – netting them over £8m.
Cheap and cheerful city car receives a major overhaul with an updated front and improved equipment levels.
Kia has revealed pricing and specifications for its freshly designed Picanto city car.
The Aygo X rival receives a new front end and updated interior, alongside new alloy wheel designs and paint schemes.
As standard, the new Picanto features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-inch touchscreen navigation and multiple USB charging ports.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. (Credit: Kia Press UK)
There will be four different trim levels to choose from, starting with the base ‘2’ specification which gets 14-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and cloth upholstery and comes in at £15,595.
Sporty GT-Line starts from £16,745 and features a gloss black radiator grille, LED headlights, power folding door mirrors and privacy glass.
Move up to the ‘3’ for an extra £800 at £17,545 and it adds heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, wireless smartphone charger and keyless entry and start.
The top-of-the-line GT-Line S boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, blind-spot collision warning and forward collision warning.
The GT-Line S will come with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 77bhp. (Credit: Kia Press UK)
Under the bonnet is a choice of two different engines. The entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder produces 62bhp and is available on every model except the GT-Line S.
A 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 77bhp is available only on the top-spec GT-Line S.
All versions come as standard with a five-speed manual transmission – with the option of a five-speed automatic gearbox available, too.
Prices start at £15,595 for the basic ‘2’ spec with a manual gearbox and rise to £19,145 for the GT-Line S with automatic transmission. The new Picanto is available to order now with deliveries expected in July.
Residents of an East Lothian town can now charge their cars up using an old street cabinet.
The UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure continues to grow and while there are gaps in the allocation of chargers across the country, there are certainly more ways to top up than there ever have been.
BT Group announced last year that it would convert its old on-street cabinets into EV chargers, but how do they work and what sort of impact will they have on the overall network?
Here are a few key questions answered.
How many old BT Group cabinets are being converted to EV chargers?
As of today, a trial begins to see whether the old street BT cabinets will be of use to an EV owner. Currently, 600 charging points will be installed all over the country, with the first being completed today (May 1) in a street in East Lothian, Scotland.
What were the old BT Group cabinets used for originally?
Before they became surplus to requirements, they stored telephone and broadband cables – which means that all their electronic gubbins are already installed inside, which means that they can be easily converted into EV chargers.
Can I charge my car for free?
The first installation will be free to use for residents up until May 31. Users will also have to download an app to allow access to the charging point.
What is the point of upcycling an old broadband cabinet?
The whole point of this experiment is to not only improve the country’s EV infrastructure but to also help on-street charging.
Tom Guy, from BT Group said: “Our research shows 78 per cent of petrol and diesel drivers see not being able to conveniently charge and EV as a key barrier to purchasing one. ”
How many old cabinets could be transformed into EV chargers?
The BT Group looked into how many could be converted and that at the moment, a total of 4,800 street cabinets in Scotland alone could be suitable for the change.
Where is the next location?
As it stands, the pilot is looking at another site in West Yorkshire, though it’s expected that the roll-out will continue throughout the rest of the UK.
Where can I get the App to access the charger?
The Trail app is available to purchase via the App Store or Google Play Store. EV owners can connect their cars to get live updates and battery levels, smart estimated costs, charge times and access to their charge history.
The UK government has a target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, and while EV uptake has slowed in recent months, it’s expected that further increases in charging infrastructure – including these BT ones – will help boost interest.
The number plate is currently on retention with the winner of the auction having to pay a minimum fee of £300.
The private registration ‘SW 3’ is due to go up for auction and could become one of the most expensive plates sold via online auction.
The plate could reflect on someone with the initials of S and W. (Credit: Collecting Cars Auctions)
The plate reflects one of the UK’s most expensive and prestigious postcodes such as Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Brompton.
It is expected that potential bidders will be located in and around the London area, but also the plate could attract those with the initials ‘S’ and ‘W’.
The reg plate can be transferred to any vehicle in the UK – as it is dateless.
It’s anticipated that it could be in the top five for most expensive plates ever sold with Collecting Cars, the online auction site which is listing the plate.
The top five consist of ‘6 OO’ that sold for £130,000, ‘1 GO’ for £138,000, ‘TOY 5’ FOR £150,000, ‘1 SJ’ for £162,500 and the most expensive yet is ‘Y 6’ £213,000.
Since its launch, the online auction house has sold nearly 60 registrations that have exceeded the value of £50,000 – with a total of 2,300 private plates in general totalling a value of more than £17.6 million.
It is yet to be announced when the auction will be taking place, however, the V778 retention document states that the plate has been off a vehicle for just over three weeks – meaning that the auction could be taking place very soon.
The Dark Knight and Gotham use a 120kWh lithium-ion battery pack and produce 1,926bhp.
Pininfarina has revealed two more bespoke hypercars inspired by DC’s Bruce Wayne, the civilian persona of the superhero Batman.
The Dark Night and Gotham models followed quickly after Pininfarina also previewed another one-off hypercar last month called the Reversario.
The models were developed by Wayne Enterprises – a luxury brand created by Warner Brothers which shares its name with Bruce Wayne’s fictional company.
Both cars are powered by a 120kWh lithium-ion battery pack mated to four electric motors that produce 1,926bhp and can do 0-60mph in less than two seconds.
The Gotham features 20-inch wheels on the front and 21-inches on the rear. (Credit: Automobili Pininfarina)
The Dark Knight model features black Alcantara and black leather upholstery, with a unique black and gold dual-tone stitch contrast. On the exterior, it features ceramic-polished alloys, Nero Profondo gloss paint and a Nero Torino finished roof.
The Gotham incorporates tan leather and stitching as well as bespoke quilting. On the outside, the car features 20-inch front alloy wheels and 21-inch on the rear as well as Argento Vittorio gloss paint and Nero Torino paint for the roof. The brand’s ‘F’ logo is also back-lit and made of brushed and polished aluminium.
Both models come with 1,926bhp and can do 0-60mph in less than two seconds. (Credit: Automobili Pininfarina)
Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer at Automobili Pininfarina said: “Designing an all-electric hypercar inspired by Bruce Wayne is a dream assignment for our team, giving them creative freedom to place themselves into the imagination of someone as iconic as Bruce Wayne. These two exclusive specifications for our two hypercars represent the ultimate vehicles for the man behind the most famous mask in the world.”
There is no mention of how much these two hypercars will set you back, but we expect them to cost more than the standard Pininfarina Battista – which costs £2 million.
The Formentor and Leon have received tweaked styling and new powertrains.
Cupra has revealed updated versions of its Formentor SUV, and Leon hatchback and Sportstourer estate models.
The cars get new exterior styling details, which include the Cupra logo appearing on the bonnets, triangular LED matrix headlights, LED rear lights that incorporate an illuminated Cupra logo.
Inside, the Formentor and Leon receive higher quality materials, a redesigned centre console, an improved virtual cockpit for the driver and a larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen. A new 12-speaker audio system developed in collaboration with Sennheiser mobility is also a standard feature.
Cupra has added a new powertrain to the Formentor and Leon Sportstourer – a 2.0-litre petrol engine that develops 328bhp and sends its power to all four wheels with torque splitter technology. These models also come with greater stopping power thanks to standard Akebono brakes.
The Leon gets new triangular LED matrix headlights. (Credit: Cupra Media UK)
There is also a new plug-in hybrid variant that gives 268bhp and can go 62 miles on electric power alone. It’s capable of 50kW DC fast charging, but charging times have not been released yet.
Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Cupra said: “The Cupra Formentor and Leon have both been a driving force in the brand’s success as it expands its footprint around the world. It’s an approach that has been incredibly successful with close to 600,000 cars delivered since the brand’s launch in 2018.”
Both cars get higher quality materials inside with a redesigned centre console. (Cupra Media UK)
He added: “The new Cupra Formentor and Leon are pure design obsession. Two models built to provoke strong emotions and that strengthen the extraordinary bond with our tribe. Two models that represent what that small group of believers envisaged Cupra could be just a few years away.”
Prices are yet to be announced for both cars, but an on sale date is expected in the Autumn.
The petrol version of the Torres went on sale in February 2024.
KGM Motors has announced that its new Torres EVX electric SUV is now available in UK showrooms.
The Torres went on sale in February 2024 in petrol form, but now KGM has expanded the range to include an electric version called EVX.
The EVX is powered by a 73.4KwH ‘blade’ battery pack sourced from Chinese carmaker BYD, allowing the EVX to cover a claimed 287 miles on a single charge.
The Torres EVX will come with 73.4kWh ‘blade’ battery pack. (Credit: KGM Media)
There will be two trim levels on offer, K30 and K40, with the former getting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, DAB radio and TomTom navigation as standard. The K40 adds a 3D 360-degree surround view monitoring system to aid parking.
Externally, the Torres EVX features horizontal LED daytime running lights, wheel arch mouldings and a floating C-Pillar design.
There is a new 12.3-inch digital interface. (Credit: KGM Media)
Inside, there is a dual 12.3-inch digital interface, and, like its petrol-powered counterpart, will offer plenty of space for luggage and passengers. Boot space comes to 839 litres with the seats up and 1,662 litres with them down.
Kevin Griffin, managing director of KGM UK said: “Torres EVX is our new electric vehicle innovation. It builds on our advancements and proud SUV heritage by integrating cutting-edge technology, unparalleled safety features, and exceptional performance, representing a significant leap forward in mobility solutions.
The Torres EVX is available to order now with prices starting from £35,080 for the entry-level K30 and rising to £47,495 for the K40.
We’ve got some of the key items to remember to pack, as well as those pre-flight checks that’ll ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
This time of year sees the beginning of festival season. The cold dark days are fading as we enter brighter and warmer weather – so it’s the ideal opportunity to take you, your friends and family on trips away in your car.
As with any vacation in your vehicle, preparation and planning is key to ensure that your journey runs smoothly, calmly and efficiently.
There are many festivals that take place all over the UK, whether it be music, cars, food or even cultural – being prepared is vital especially if you plan to take a trip away for more than a day or so.
We have compiled a list of pre-flight checks to ensure you and your passengers get to your destination as stress free as possible.
Make sure your car is maintained well and all the fluids are topped up
Make sure to check your engine oil. (Credit: PA Archive – Ian Nicholson)
When travelling to a festival, the most important part is getting there safely, on time and above all, smoothly.
Before you set off on your journey, make sure that you have filled your car up with fuel and that all the tire pressures are correct – as low pressure can cause blowouts, uneven tyre wear and will contribute to worse fuel economy too.
Your car is your best friend on a long journey, but only if you’ve maintained it well. Before setting off, check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum on the dipstick, the brake fluid is topped up and that you have enough engine coolant – which you can check by opening the coolant cap under your engine bay and look to see a translucent reservoir.
Pack plenty of food and drink
Pack plenty of snacks, driving while hungry or thirsty can affect your concentration levels. (Credit: PA Archive – Anthony Devlin)
Food and drink is your very own fuel and by not packing enough of it, could make for a very long and tiring journey.
Festivals usually supply lots of beverages and snacks from different stalls and markets, however always make sure that you keep topped up in the car as you may find by having a limited supply that you will run out very quickly. You’ll also save money as lots of events charge considerably more for food and drink.
Driving while thirsty or hungry can affect your concentration levels and will put you and your loved ones at greater risk of being in an accident.
Water and fruit juice are great examples of drink, while small snacks that can be easy to hand on the move like biscuits or even fruit are great at filling you up for longer.
Toiletries are essential for camping away
Always make sure you’ve got enough toiletries like toothpaste and toothbrushes. (Credit: PA Archive – Niall Carson)
Many festivals are held over more than a one day period, which means you’ll be staying away from home. Make sure to pack all the essential toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, hair shampoos and during the summer, always pack sun cream.
You will find that you’ll be out in the sun all day, and even if you drive there in a convertible with the roof down can still be damaging to your skin if not protected.
First aid kit
Going prepared is always better than not at all, and a first aid kit will come in handy for any bumps or scrapes that you might encounter. If you’re travelling with young children, having plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes will really benefit if anyone were to have an accident.
You may not need one to take with you, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Take chargers and electronic devices
Always take electronic devices to keep passengers occupied. (Credit: PA Archive – Apple)
You’ll be travelling with your phone and you may wish to take an electronic tablet like an iPad. Make sure you take plenty of chargers as not only you will want to charge them up, especially if you’re driving a long journey and your passengers are using them constantly throughout the trip.
Having multiple chargers will help reduce any arguments or shouting when someone needs to charge up their phone or tablet.
Check your car’s MOT
A car with a valid MOT doesn’t always mean that it’s roadworthy as minor defects can deteriorate over time. (Credit: PA Archive – Liam McBurney)
A vital one that you may not even encounter is to check your car’s latest MOT record. Check if there were any minor defects or advisories that were picked up as even though at the time your car was fit for the road, those defects can deteriorate over time.
Before heading off, make sure those issues have been rectified because otherwise you could be driving a car that may be a hazard to everyone around you.
Take a jump pack just in case of a flat battery
Take a jump pack as it might save you from calling a breakdown company that will add more time to your journey. (Credit: PA Archive – Barry Batchelor)
Always take a jump pack with you just in case your car fails to start on the morning that you begin to head home.
No one wants to be stranded in their car, especially if you’ve got small children with you. Not only is it stressful and creates more hassle, but it will also add a serious amount of time to your journey.
If you don’t bring a jump pack and your vehicle doesn’t start, you will then have to rely on breakdown recovery companies to come to your rescue – which may take longer than you think.
The Swedish car firm and StoreDot, an extreme fast charging company have collaborated together to develop the world’s quickest charging time.
Polestar and extreme fast charging company StoreDot have developed battery technology that enables a charging time of 10 minutes.
In a recent experiment, a Polestar 5 with a 77 kWh battery pack was charged using StoreDot’s extreme fast charging high energy silicon-dominant battery cells.
The experiment consisted of a Polestar 5 Prototype that took 10 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent. (Credit: Polestar Media)
The advantage of silicon-based cells is that they have the ability to push both energy density and charge rates for several battery generations to come – with the technology constantly improving.
The vehicle went from having a 10 per cent charge to 80 per cent in 10 minutes. A consistent charge rate of 310kW – alongside a peak rate of 370kW – made it one of the fastest charges ever for an EV – with all temperatures, voltage and charged capacity monitored throughout the process.
Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot said: “We’re happy to see our partner is among the first EV car makers to acknowledge that XFC is now a necessary standard to make vast EV adoption a reality. With our extreme fast charging technology, you can add 200 miles in under 10 minutes.
A consistant charge rate of 310kW and a peak of 370kW. (Credit: Polestar Media)
He added: “This breakthrough revolutionises EV ownership experience by eradicating the barrier of range anxiety once and for all. Drivers can now truly travel long distances with the same freedom and convenience as traditional petrol-powered vehicles.”
By improving the charging speeds of EVs to similar filling times of internal-combustion engines could help speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar commented: “This technology will reshape consumer expectations and accelerate mass EV adoption by making EV ownership a seamless experience for the mass market.”
Storedot still has plans to reduce charging times even further by delivering 100 miles of range in five minutes by this year – while by 2026 to reduce it to four minutes and even further still to three minutes by 2028.
