Category: News

The Karoq’s practical touches leave James Batchelor really impressed

 On the face of it, the Skoda Karoq is just another family-sized SUV. Easily one of the better ones, but a spacious, efficient high-riding car for the sprogs and family shopping nevertheless. But my six weeks of driving it so far have revealed there’s so much more to it than just that.

When I was handed the keys to KY73 YSU by its former custodian Ted Welford, I was expecting nothing out of the ordinary. The Karoq has been around for some seven years now, and I’ve driven loads of them. Apart from a four-day trip driving one from the Czech Republic to London, I’ve usually only ever spent a week at a time with a Karoq, so the last six weeks have been a treat.

Long-term tests are the perfect opportunity to get to know a car and live with it in the same way an owner would, and this Karoq has revealed a number of very nifty things which I’ve really come to appreciate. Skoda likes to give its cars a range of ‘Simply Clever’ features – you all know about the ice scraper located on the inside of the filler cap that’s present on all Skodas, and how the Superb saloon has umbrellas in the doors like a Rolls-Royce, but the Karoq is chocked full of other things.

Take the door bins. They’re very large, which is great as that means they’re the perfect place to hide all of my empty chocolate bar wrappers, but more than that, Skoda has clearly thought of me here because there are little clip-on bins. They attach to the edge of the door bin and come with tiny little bin bags, meaning I now have a reason to eat more chocolate and use the bins provided. Also, Skoda has fitted a piece of elastic to the inside of the door bin to keep bottles (wine bottles in my case) from rattling around – I love that.

Speaking of bottles, the centre console is a treasure trove of cunning storage spaces. There are little cubbies and little slots to keep coins (real money, remember that?) for the parking machine. The cupholder is the real triumph here, though, as it has a special bottom to it to allow you to unscrew bottle lids one-handed when you’re driving. Cupholders are normally an afterthought in cars I find, and are either too large or too small. Not so in the Karoq.

Going food shopping is now my favourite hobby due to the Karoq’s key ring. Sometimes we have to get our weekly shop from a town where for some people stealing supermarket trollies is a pastime. And despite the opening of an M&S Food Hall, nicking trollies is still rife. Because of this, if you want to use a trolley to prance around with other middle-class people in M&S, you have to insert a £1 coin to unlock a trolley from the great line of them in the car park. 

Thanks to the Karoq’s coin slots in the centre console, I’m like a bullion van. Finding a shiny quid to unlock my supermarket steed is now no bother, but you can understand my delight when I realised recently I didn’t have to empty the Karoq’s coin cubby. Why? Well, because attached to my Karoq’s keyring is a magnetic disc. Pop it off and you can use it for your M&S trolly. In my 14 years of reviewing cars, this is one of the best features of any car I have ever come across.

There’s more. I needed to fill up with screenwash recently and after opening the bonnet and fiddled around with the screen washer bottle lid, I realised it turns into a clever funnel to make it easier to pour the fluid in. It’s a good thing, really, because I also noticed under the washer bottle are many, many exposed wires which I presume are important and wouldn’t like getting splashed with liquid.

 

Aside from this, the Karoq is averaging a solid 40mpg most weeks and is proving to be a perfect long-distance companion. More on this next time.    

 

Facts at a glance

Model: Skoda Karoq

Price as tested: £38,955

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol

Power: 148bhp

Torque: 250Nm

0-60mph: 8.8 seconds

Top speed: 130mph

MPG: 45.6mpg (combined)

Emissions: 140-144g/km CO2

           

By James Batchelor

The refreshed S3 will come with a torque splitter and dynamic plus mode for better handling.

Audi has revealed an updated version of its sporty S3 hot hatchback with more power and new technology.

The refreshed S3 will be available in two body styles – a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon.

There is more power from its 2.0-litre TFSI engine as well, producing 328bhp and 420Nm of torque – with the previous model making 305bhp and a torque figure of 400Nm.

A 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph means performance is the same as in the old S3.

A torque splitter is available allowing for variably distributed torque between the rear wheels to give better agility and stability when driving in different weather conditions.

Meanwhile, a new dynamic plus mode works alongside the new torque splitter to send as much power as possible to the rear wheels and axle, allowing the car to oversteer around corners when driving hard.

There are larger ventilated front brake discs and two-piston callipers, as well as thicker brake pads, all of which helps improve braking performance.

Externally, the design changes are subtle, with a new rear bumper, vertical side reflectors, larger angular side intakes and updated front grille.

Drivers can choose how they want the LED daytime running lights angled and displayed, thanks to four customisable light signatures on the infotainment system.

Inside features ambient lighting in the storage compartments, footwells, in front of the gear lever and on the doors.

A black roof lining, stainless steel pedals, illuminated door sills with aluminium inserts featuring the S logo and sports seats all add to the appeal of the updated S3 as well.

It also boasts a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, DAB radio, wireless smartphone charging, two USB-C charging ports in the centre console and two in the rear.

The new S3 hatchback and saloon will go on sale in May, with prices to be revealed nearer its launch.

By Cameron Richards

The Boodles Continental GTC will go on sale from April 11.

Bentley’s coachbuilding house Mulliner and jewellers Boodles have joined forces to produce a one-off Continental GTC.

Externally, the Boodles Bentley features an anthracite paint finish, grey fabric roof and 22-inch alloy wheels along with gloss-black brake callipers.

Under the bonnet, the Mulliner and Boodles Continental GTC comes with Bentley’s flagship 6.0-litre W12 engine – producing 650bhp, 900Nm of torque and a top speed of 208mph.

There’s a pink pinstripe round the edges of the front spoiler, sills and rear spoiler, as well as a Boodles 1798 logo on the front wings, marking the year when the luxury jewellery group was founded.

Open the door and there are welcome lights on the door mirrors that feature the Boodles logo as well.

The interior features linen upholstery plus pale grey hide on the back seats, gear lever, fascia and steering wheel.

A powder pink finish is found on the steering wheel tab, inner door pockets, console pockets, seat piping and stitching, fascia console and waist rails.

The dials, bezels, air vents and controls are framed in Mulliner’s specification – giving them a jewel-like finish.

The central parts of the air vents are painted in powder pink to add to the piping and stitching on the seats – and its controls for the ventilation are plated in 24ct gold.

There are illuminated scuff plates and engraved tread plates, while the lower fascia houses a ‘1798’ overlay in chrome on piano linen.

There is no indication of how much the Mulliner and Boodles Bentley Continental GTC will cost – but it will be offered for sale from April 11 at Jack Barclays in London.

By Cameron Richards

The second-generation SUV will offer a new plug-in hybrid variant and go on sale later this year.

Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for its new Kodiaq SUV.

The new second-generation Kodiaq offers more space, efficiency and technology, and from launch will be available in one of two trim levels – SE and SE L.

The entry-level SE model starts from £36,645 and comes with equipment such as 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, a 13-inch touchscreen and the option of either five or seven seats.

The top-of-the-line seven-seat-only SE L starts from £40,205 and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlamps, a powered tailgate and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.

On the exterior, the new Kodiaq has a sloping roofline, a new front grille and LED headlamps. At the rear, there are new taillights that slope around into the tailgate as well as a redesigned rear bumper, too.

Inside the cabin of the Kodiaq, you’ll find matching trim on the seat upholstery, door panels and decor. In terms of onboard technology, things are centred around a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit instrument cluster, a 13-inch infotainment screen and wireless charging for smartphones with a cooling function to help top-up devices as effectively as possible.

Space on the inside has increased, too. There is more room for passengers and an increase in boot space with five-seater models having 910 litres of capacity when the seats are up and 2,105 litres when folded down.

The seven-seater model has a boot capacity of 340 litres with the seats upright and 2,035 litres with them folded down.

The #AllNewKodiaq has once again grown in size and now features the first elements of the Modern Solid design language. It comes equipped with state-of-the-art #infotainment systems, including an optional 13-inch screen and a head-up display. Explore more details in the new press… pic.twitter.com/V4jNvwvn6J

— Škoda Auto News (@skodaautonews) April 8, 2024

The new Kodiaq will come with a choice of two petrol engines and two diesels. The entry-level 1.5-litre TSi e-Tec will come with mild-hybrid technology and produce 147bhp while a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol brings produces 201bhp and has four-wheel-drive as standard.

In terms of diesel, there is one 2.0-litre unit with a choice of two power outputs of either 147bhp or 190bhp.

Later down the line, there will be a plug-in hybrid model called the Kodiaq iV which will come with a 25.7kWh battery capacity and will be capable of an electric driving range of 62 miles.

Prices for the new Kodiaq start at £36,645 for the SE and rise to £46,225 for the SE L 2.0-litre diesel 190bhp four-wheel-drive model – prices for the plug-in hybrid are yet to be announced.

Order books open for the new Kodiaq on April 10 2024.

By Cameron Richards

The C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge will be renamed to EC40 and EX40.

Volvo has announced that it will bring an array of updates to its model line-up including a new naming strategy, powertrains and revised prices.

Prices for the updated EC40 start at £52,555 for the Single Motor Plus and rise to £61,855 for the Twin Motor Plus.

The EX40 starts from £45,955 for the Single Motor Core and rises to £61,855 for the Twin Motor Ultra.

The current C40 Recharge will be renamed to the EC40 and the XC40 Recharge will be named the EX40. This brings them in line with other electrified models in Volvo’s range with the EX30 and EX90 SUVs. The ‘Recharge’ name, previously used on plug-in hybrids, has been ditched entirely too.

The XC40 name will remain the same for the mild-hybrid petrol versions.

The EC40 and EX40 will be given new powertrains, too. Now available is a single-motor extended range that will offer an electric driving range of up to 346 miles for the EC30 and 343 miles for the EC40.

The new powertrain comes with a 78 kWh battery, and a 255bhp electric motor, that will produce 420Nm of torque.

There is also a performance software upgrade that allows the power of the current EC40 and EX40 twin motor versions to increase from 413bhp to 448bhp.

A new exterior colour called Sand Dune has been added to the EC40, EX40 and XC40 models, too.

The updated Volvo model range is on sale now with deliveries expected in the summer.

By Cameron Richards

Tips on how to pass your driving and theory test first time

With more vehicles on the road than ever before, is the driving and theory test in the UK too difficult?

Learning to drive is one of life’s most exciting moments, providing the gateway to freedom and the ability to go anywhere you want.

The driving test has been mandatory since the mid-1930s while the theory test has been in force since 1996.

However, with more and more cars on our roads, broken road surfaces, congestion, road works, speed cameras, potholes and the fact we now have clean-air zones like ULEZ – is it harder to learn to drive in the UK?

If you are learning to drive, there are great ways to get behind the wheel with a full licence quickly, safely and calmly.

Here are our top tips and guide into how to pass your driving and theory test for the first time.

Take multiple mock theory tests online or on smartphone apps

In the UK, you can’t take a practical driving test without passing a theory test first. The theory test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test which is scored out of 75 points.

The questions are all motoring-related and ask the candidate questions regarding road signs, medical assistance, accidents and how the road network works.

The hazard perception works by giving the user scenario videos of where potential hazards are appearing, with the person clicking the mouse on the computer every time they think a hazard is in sight.

To pass a theory test you need to achieve at least 43 out of 50 to pass and 44 out of 75 to pass the hazard perception.

The best method to pass your theory and hazard perception first time is to just keep practising over and over again.

As with most things, the more you practise the more you’ll remember – so those questions that you might’ve found tricky initially will soon become second nature. The same goes for the hazard perception – it’s all about getting used to it. There are plenty of good online sources of mock tests, or some handy smartphone apps which do the same so you can brush up no matter where you are.

Take your time and have plenty of lessons with a qualified driving instructor

It may be easier said than done, but having enough driving lessons before your practical driving test will benefit you in passing the first time. Rushing and only having a couple of lessons with your mum and dad may sound like an easy way to pass – but it’s not.

The average amount of driving lessons that is recommended varies from 40 to 45 hours prior to taking your test. Not only does it get you fully clued up on how a car and the road work, but it’ll also allow you to get used to the routes around your area and have more experience with different road situations.

Take the driving test in your instructor’s car

It’ll be a real help if you can take your driving test in the car you have been having lessons in. The more you drive a particular car, the more comfortable, confident and at ease you are with it – something you will want on the day of your driving test as sometimes nerves can cause lots of silly mistakes.

Learn the test routes

Before your driving test, it’s a good idea to drive around some of the routes which could crop up during your actual test. While your instructor won’t be able to pick out the exact route you could do, they’ll know where testers tend to ask those under examination to drive to.

Learning all the routes will stand you in better stead when the examiner tells you where to go. There will be less chance of you getting lost and even though this won’t cause you to fail, it can make things more stressful than driving somewhere familiar.

You’ll know what the speed limits are, what junctions you’ll come across and where they might ask you to conduct any manoeuvres like an emergency stop or parallel park.

Learn the basics

Sometimes the simple things get overlooked when you’re trying to pass your test, but it’s these aspects which make the difference. Mirror checks, for instance, are a must-do on a driving test and it’s always worth over-emphasising them to make sure your driving test examiner has spotted you doing them.

These cover a number of key areas, such as an eyesight test – usually done by asking the individual to read a number plate from a car nearby – as well as some typical mechanical queries, including showing where to top up your car’s washer fluid and how the horn is operated.

Learn in different driving conditions

When learning to drive, you must get practice in different weather conditions, such as rain, wind and during the night as doing so will make you a more confident and better driver. You’ll get to know how your car behaves in different driving conditions and it gives you greater experience out on the road with other road users.

Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner a question or to repeat their instructions

During your driving test it is better to be safe than sorry and asking the examiner a question or repeating what their last instructions were won’t do you any harm. In fact, it might be the make or break of you passing your driving test.

If you mishear the examiner and don’t ask them to repeat what they said, it may make you panic and cause an error in your test which would cause an instant failure.

Practice makes perfect

The simplest thing to do is just practice. If you are fortunate enough to have your own car before you pass your test, when you’re not having lessons with an instructor you can head out with your mum, dad, or someone who has been on the road for more than three years and is over the age of 21.

Make sure you get a good balance of your personal car and your instructor’s car to keep your options open, depending on which vehicle you’re planning to do your test in.

Every car has a different clutch and biting point, as well as different brakes, power and even size differences, which can all cause you to drive in a different manner.

By Cameron Richards

The stylish French hatchbacks have received cleaner powertrains to reduce emissions.

DS Automobiles has revealed hybrid versions of its DS3 and DS4 hatchback models.

Both models will come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 138bhp coupled to a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that incorporates a 28bhp electric motor – there is also a 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that helps boost the electric system.

Around town and at lower speeds, the new hybrid system allows both cars to run on pure electric power which helps improve fuel economy by 40 per cent, according to DS.

The DS3 hybrid can achieve a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds – which is 1.2 seconds faster compared to the conventional powered version while the DS4 hybrid does 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds.

Furthermore, there are two new trim levels for the DS4 hybrid called Pallas and Etoile.

DS 4 HYBRID.
Discover a new way to explore the world without charging.#DSautomobiles #DS4 #Hybrid pic.twitter.com/R4npUkMfHE

— DS Automobiles (@ds_automobiles) April 4, 2024

 

Pallas trim has a Diamond Tungsten fabric interior, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Etoile models add electric seats, DS’ Iris infotainment system, head up display, matrix LED headlamps and tinted rear windows.

Prices for the hybrid version of the DS3 start at just over £30,200 with the new Pallas trim for the DS4 hybrid starting from just over £34,300 and rises to £38,000 for the Etoile model.

All models are available to order now with deliveries expected later this year.

 

By Cameron Richards

The facelifted version of Hyundai’s popular crossover will come with five different trim levels.

Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its new Tucson with the updated crossover starting at £32,000.

Engines are now all electrified with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains as well as two and four-wheel-drive options available.

The new Tucson will be available with five different trim levels, Advance, Premium, Ultimate, N-Line and N-Line S.

The range kicks off with the entry-level Advance – which starts at £32,000. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and taillights, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, front and rear USB-C charging ports and customisable interior lighting. The Advance is only available in two-wheel-drive format and can be chosen with mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.

The Premium models start at £34,500 and add 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated front seats and rear seats, heated steering wheel, cloth and leather seat trim. It’s equipped with the same offerings as the Advance trim in terms of engines with the Premium also available as a four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid.

The N-Line gets the same starting price as the Premium at £34,500 and adds equipment such as bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured wheel arches and sportier N-Line front and rear bumpers. You’ll find the same engine setup as Premium models here too. N-Line S starts from £37,000 and adds electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, among other features.

The top-of-the-line Ultimate spec is priced the same as the N-Line S from £37,000 but takes a more luxurious approach with 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlamps, memory function on the driver’s seat, ventilated seats and the option of either black, grey or Cypress green leather.

The new Tucson is available to order now with deliveries expected towards the end of this year.

By Cameron Richards

The automotive industry issued renewed pleas for electric car purchase incentives after new figures showed a decline in the vehicles’ market share.

Some 15.2% of new cars registered in March were pure electrics, down from 16.2% during the same month last year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

The industry body urged the Government to halve VAT on the purchase of new electric vehicles (EVs), amend plans to introduce vehicle excise duty for EVs, and reduce VAT on public EV charging to bring it into line with home charging.

Under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, at least 22% of new cars sold by each manufacturer in the UK this year must be zero-emission, which in most cases means they are pure electrics.

The threshold will rise annually until it reaches 100% by 2035.

Manufacturers who fail to comply or make use of flexibilities – such as carrying over allowances from previous years or purchasing credits from rival companies – will be required to pay the Government £15,000 per polluting vehicle sold above the limits.

Across all powertrains, some 317,786 new cars were registered last month.

That is an increase of 10.4% compared with March 2023.

Growth was driven by purchases for large fleets (up 29.6%), while demand from private buyers fell by 7.7%.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Market growth continues, fuelled by fleets investing after two tough years of constrained supply.

“A sluggish private market and shrinking EV market share, however, show the challenge ahead.

“Manufacturers are providing compelling offers, but they can’t single-handedly fund the transition indefinitely.

“Government support for private consumers – not just business and fleets – would send a positive message and deliver a faster, fairer transition on time and on target.”

Swedish brand is partnering up with Mattel’s Hot Wheels, with the winner being made into a real Hot Wheels model.

Polestar is running a design contest in partnership with Hot Wheels with the winning creation becoming part of the toy company’s offering.

Not only will the winning design be made into a Hot Wheels toy car, but there’s a chance that the creation could be made into a real production version of the model, too.

Entrants are encouraged to be as imaginative as possible with their designs, colours and performance figures.

Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s head of design said: “This is a chance for all participating designers to really push that Polestar envelope and let their imagination run riot.”

The finalists in the competition will receive one-to-one coaching by Polestar and Hot Wheels design professionals to refine their final submissions before a winner is decided.

Ted Wu, VP and global head of vehicle design at Mattel said: “Both Polestar and Hot Wheels dedicate time, energy and skill to ensure design is at the core of our vehicles.

“The Hot Wheels design team has always challenged the conventional approach and the Polestar design contest allows the design community to showcase their skills and wow us with something we have never seen before, and we cannot wait to see the submissions.”

Previous Polestar design contests have seen a car which tackles air pollution with on-board and externally visible air filters, while an electric and helium airship has also been imagined.

Juan Pablo Bernal, interior design manager at Polestar said: “I believe this year’s Hot Wheels collaboration will push the design community to work outside their traditional comfort zones by balancing the minimalist Polestar brand essence with the extreme Hot Wheels aesthetic.”

The Polestar design competition started on March 5 and runs until April 16 with a winner expected to be revealed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

By Cameron Richards