Category: News

The supermini and small crossover get updated engines and improved equipment levels.

Skoda has updated its Fabia and Karoq line-up with new equipment levels and revised engines.

The Fabia is Skoda’s smallest model and shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza. It’ll now be available in one of four guises with SE Comfort, Colour Edition, SE L and Monte Carlo all there for customers to choose from.

SE Comfort comes with an eight-inch digital display, an 8.25-inch infotainment screen, front centre armrest and front and rear speakers.

The Colour Edition adds cruise control with a speed limiter and electric rear windows while SE L boasts a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit, privacy glass and LED rear taillights. The top-of-the-range Monte Carlo features a larger 8.25-inch infotainment display and updated interior inserts.

Engines for the Fabia consist of a new 1.0-litre TSi engine that produces 114bhp and is available with either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

The Karoq is Skoda’s rival to the Nissan Qashqai and the updated line-up includes three different trim levels consisting of SE Drive, SE L and Sportline.

The entry-level SE Drive comes with a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit and wireless smartphone charging.

The SE L adds a new 18-inch alloy wheel design with the tip-top Sportline variant adding two tablet holders and a front passenger Isofix child seat anchor point.

The engine choices in the updated Karoq remain the same as before with four petrol engines and one diesel unit.

The 1.0-litre TSi unit has been updated with a 6bhp increase bringing total power output to 114bhp.

Prices for the new Fabia start at £19,730 for the basic 1.0-litre SE Comfort and rise to £22,965 for the Monte Carlo. Karoq prices start at £28,380 for the 1.0-litre TSi SE Drive and rise to £35,130 for the flagship Sportline model.

Both updated versions of the Fabia and Karoq are available to order now with deliveries expected later this year.

By Cameron Richards

New flagship model for the performance German Coupe gets a 4.0-litre V8 with a hybrid powertrain.

Mercedes has revealed the GT 63 S Coupe which will be the fastest accelerating AMG series model yet.

Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre biturbo engine mated to an electric motor that will produce 804bhp and 1,420Nm of torque, enabling a 0-60mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 198mph.

The electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, and produces the equivalent of 201bhp alone, while it has an electrically switched two-speed transmission.

The GT 63 comes as standard with a limited-slip differential and Mercedes’ 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system to give the best traction.

The 6.1kWh battery pack on-board enables a claimed electric driving range of up to 8 miles.

There are eight different AMG driving programmes including ‘Electric’, ‘Battery Hold’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Slippery’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’, ‘Race’ and ‘Individual’.

The GT 63 S E Performance is also equipped with active rear-axle steering as standard. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels can steer in the opposite direction to the fronts when travelling up to 62mph or in the same direction at speeds over 62mph. It helps to make the car more agile at slower speeds but still controlled at higher ones.

Word’s out: The most advanced AMG GT to date is here. Say hello to the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE!#MercedesAMG #GT63 pic.twitter.com/SCuEgfnlao

— Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) April 20, 2024

High-performance ceramic brake discs with six-piston fixed calipers at the front and one-piston calipers at the rear all help the GT 63 improve stopping power.

On the exterior, there are grooved twinned trapezoidal tailpipes, 21-inch alloy wheels and an integrated charging flap.

Inside, there are AMG sports seats available in a variety of patterns and trim designs including one and two-tone Nappa leather or leather with diamond quilting.

Mercedes hasn’t revealed prices for the GT 63 S E Performance yet but the standard GT63’s starting price of £165,000 means that the E Performance could creep closer towards the £200,000 mark.

By Cameron Richards

One in two drivers think that the rise in fuel costs is one of the biggest challenges over the next 12 months.

Rising car insurance and hikes in the cost of fuel have topped a list of motorist concerns, a new study has found.

A total of 2,000 drivers were included in a survey conducted by Close Brothers Motor Finance which found that 53 per cent think rising fuel prices are the most challenging issue, while 52 per cent cited insurance hikes instead – an increase of 34 per cent compared to last year.

The research also found that one in ten drivers are having to ask people to contribute towards petrol when giving them a lift and 39 per cent have had to cut back on how often they drive their car – which is a 27 per cent increase compared to last year.

Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance said: “The ongoing hike at the pumps will add further pressure to drivers who already feel they’re faced with increased costs from all lanes, making car ownership difficult to afford.

She then added: “Consumers all over the country are looking at ways to tackle rising costs. With day to day living costs soaring, high interest rates, and the increasing prices at petrol pumps – many are now having to explore other measures to stretch their finances further – including charging loved ones for fuel when giving them a lift.”

Other cost issues found that 37 per cent of drivers were concerned about the price increase in servicing and MOTs, 30 per cent at the cost of purchasing a new car and another 30 per cent at the inflation in road tax.

By Cameron Richards

Aston Martin remains committed to physical controls in its cars following customer feedback, one of the firm’s development bosses has stated.

Neil Hughes, head of product management at Aston Martin, told the PA news agency that it was ‘hard to put craftsmanship on a touchscreen’ and that he thought the car industry had reached ‘peak touchscreen’.

“I think we’re off the peak of that, and some lessons have been learned across the industry that customers want a choice of both, and you can go too far with one.

“It’s very hard to put craftsmanship on a touchscreen, whereas a luxury brand like us, we want to show detailing.”

Hughes was speaking at a preview event for the new DBX707. Acting as Aston Martin’s flagship performance SUV, the DBX707 has been upgraded with a new touchscreen and driver display but, crucially, a large number of physical controls for some of the car’s features.

It shuns a trend which has seen many car manufacturers adopt a screen-centric approach with many firms housing all of a car’s key settings and controls within the main touchscreen.

The DBX707 retains key ‘hard controls’ for systems such as the driving modes, suspension, exhaust and heating and ventilation adjustment.

“You can familiarise yourself with it, you can have the muscle memory, you know where they are”, added Hughes.

“You’re not fumbling around looking for touch buttons for those items. You want ready access on a day-to-day basis without having to figure out through sub-menus on the main display.”

Both SUV and Coupe models will get revised styling, suspension, engine and gearbox.

Porsche has revealed an updated version of the Cayenne GTS and Coupe with revised suspension, engines and styling.

Under the bonnet, both cars get a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with increased power and torque figures of 493bhp and 660Nm. Porsche claims 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds, too, alongside a top speed of 171mph.

The transmission has also been revised and comes as standard with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox.

On the exterior, there are now bigger cooling air intakes at the front, black GTS badging on the rear and sides of the car, dark-tinted headlights and taillights and red brake callipers.

There are standard 21-inch alloy wheels that are finished in anthracite grey, as well as side skirts, front inlays, wheel arch extensions while the tailpipes now have a bronze finish.

Head inside and you’re greeted with a heated sports steering wheel, eight-way adjustable sport front seats and there is suede with fabric headliner, armrest and door panels.

The new GTS also boasts Porsche’s new curved digital instrument cluster and has the option of a passenger display, too.

The Coupe version also benefits from a glass panoramic sunroof fitted as standard and has an adaptive extending rear spoiler.

Both models of the Cayenne GTS and Coupe are available to order now with expected deliveries for the UK and mainland Europe in summer 2024.

By Cameron Richards

New limited edition version of the Subaru Outback will be available to order soon.

Subaru has revealed a limited run of its rugged and dependable estate with the Outback Touring X.

The Subaru Outback has gained a reputation over the years for being the go-to choice for those who want an off-roader that isn’t an SUV.

With its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and its go-anywhere capability, the Outback can deliver great usability over rough ground and, as standard, it comes with a CVT automatic transmission alongside a towing capacity of up to two tonnes.

The Outback Touring X will be limited to just 100 examples here in the UK and will come with a whole load of extras.

On the exterior, the Touring X will come with Geyser blue metallic paint with black contrasting accents, dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors and roof rails while the lower surrounds on the front and rear bumpers are also finished off in gloss black.

Jump inside and the Outback Touring X gets Nappa leather, heated front and rear seats, a leather steering wheel, a sunroof and a reversing camera. There is an 11.6-inch touchscreen display which comes with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there is an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The Outback Touring X will be available from May 1 and priced from £43,635.

By Cameron Richards

Citroen has revealed the first images of the next generation C3 Aircross.

Citroen has taken the covers off its new C3 Aircross and this time will be rivalling cars like the seven seat Dacia Jogger.

A choice of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains will be on offer with further details to be revealed nearer the car’s launch date which is set to be later this year.

Externally, the new C3 Aircross has grown in size measuring at 4.39 metres long.

It also shares similar design cues to the new C3 with a vertical front end that houses the Citroen logo and both petrol and electric versions will sit on the same platform.

Say hello to the all-new Citroën C3 Aircross👀

A Compact SUV with a lounge-like interior. With up to 7 seats, New C3 Aircross offers plenty of space on-board.

Discover more: https://t.co/s8nq49GHtm

Coming soon👀#CitroënC3Aircross #Citroën #C3Aircross #CitroënUK pic.twitter.com/LaVkoKVo0O

— Citroën UK (@CitroenUK) April 18, 2024

Customers will also be able to customise the look of their Aircross with a two-tone paint option and colour clips located on the bumper and rear quarters can be interchanged for different colours, too.

This new model is now an SUV rather than a crossover and Citroen promises that the larger exterior dimensions will help increase the cabin space with more leg and headroom for second row passengers and sufficient space for third row passengers.

Not only has the C3 Aircross grown in size and length, it also sits higher off the ground over the outgoing model allowing for more ground clearance and allows passengers and the driver to sit higher up giving better visibility when driving.

The next generation C3 Aircross will be fully revealed in the summer of this year with further details on pricing, specifications and engines to follow nearer the car’s release date – while order books will open once the car’s launch.

By Cameron Richards

Range-topping SUV will start at £46,775 when it goes on sale later this year

Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Santa Fe, will go on sale later this year priced from £46,775.

The fifth-generation Santa Fe will come with seven seats as standard in the UK, with a six-seat option also available, and will be offered in three trim levels.

The engine range is simple with just two units available – a 1.6-litre hybrid with 212bhp and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid with 249bhp, with both using a six-speed automatic gearbox. The former comes in two- or four-wheel drive, while the latter comes only with four-wheel drive, but the pure-electric figure is yet to be confirmed.

Three trims are on offer with entry-level Premium getting 20-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, power folding door mirrors, a powered tailgate, LED front and rear lights and a 12.3-inch dual curved infotainment screen.

Ultimate starts from £50,275 and features a Bose sound system, dual glass sunroof, electrically adjustable steering column, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

The top-of-the-range Calligraphy is priced from £52,775 and adds 20-inch black alloy wheels and Nappa leather seats. There is a choice of ten different exterior colours for the new Santa Fe, too.

The new Santa Fe will go on sale later this year with a starting price of £46,775 for the entry-level Premium hybrid and will rise to £57,635 for the Calligraphy plug-in hybrid.

By Cameron Richards

The CX-80 will be Mazda’s flagship SUV and is being hailed as a challenger to established premium brands.

Mazda has revealed the new CX-80 SUV, which will be available with diesel or plug-in hybrid power.

It’s due to arrive in the UK later this year and will come with the same engine options as the smaller CX-60.

The plug-in hybrid will have a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 173bhp electric motor, with a 17.8kWh battery pack. Mazda is also offering a 250bhp 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv diesel version that is an in-line six-cylinder.

Both models will be all-wheel-drive and have automatic gearboxes as standard.

The CX-80 is bigger than the CX-60, with a 250mm longer wheelbase measuring at 4,995mm allowing it to carry a third row of seats. It’s also 26mm taller at 1,710mm, which allows for extra headroom as well.

The UK market will get five trim levels – the Exclusive-Line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus and Takumi Plus.

A choice of three middle-row seat configurations will be on offer, comprising three individual seats, a walk-through space instead of a centre console, or a fixed centre console with no walk-through.

Drivers can also choose from nine exterior body colours, while the CX-80 will feature equipment such as Alexa in-car voice control of music and air conditioning as standard, too.

Discover the all-new #Mazda #CX80, a perfect representation of 100 years of Mazda DNA. 

Great design, Japanese craftsmanship and new technologies make the Mazda CX-80 a fantastic experience for up to seven people. Find out more: https://t.co/hwMe4tERhn pic.twitter.com/9VxK9ltncv

— Mazda UK (@Mazda_UK) April 18, 2024

Jeremy Thomson, the managing director of Mazda Motors UK, said: ‘The all-new Mazda CX-80 is our new flagship SUV – a car that sits at the very top of our range in the UK and will offer a unique blend of space, practicality, luxury and stand-out design.

‘It combines progressive design anchored in Japanese aesthetics with outstanding on-board accommodation that delivers quality, style, flexibility and superior technology, all combined with the signature driving performance delivered by every Mazda.’

He added: ‘The all-new Mazda CX-80 is a car that will allow us to challenge the established premium brands in the UK market with a luxury SUV that is the most spacious car in Mazda’s European line-up.’

Its full pricing and specifications are yet to be revealed, but prices will start at £48,920 when the car goes on sale in the autumn.

By Cameron Richards

Both models will be available with both petrol or electric power with deliveries expected in June.

Vauxhall is now taking orders for its new Corsa Yes Edition and Mokka Griffin with both models available with either petrol or electric powertrains.

The Corsa Yes Edition arrives in a choice of four different exterior paint finishes with ‘Record Red’ standing out with a contrasting black roof and door mirrors at a no-cost option.

Petrol models of the Corsa Yes Edition also feature new black alloy wheels designs, too.

Inside, there are sports-style front seats with red accents, Yes Edition badging located on the dashboard and a 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless smartphone changing. Petrol models also feature a seven-inch instrument cluster.

Engines in the Corsa start with the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol which produces 98bhp and is paired to a six-speed manual transmission.

The electric version comes with a 134bhp electric motor and a 50kWh battery pack that gives a claimed range of 221 miles and can go from zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

The Mokka Griffin comes with a contrasting black roof and tinted windows alongside 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, there is a flat-bottom steering wheel, rearview camera and rear parking sensors. There is also a seven-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Griffin also gets heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic climate control and keyless start.

Engines for the Mokka Griffin consist of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with three different power outputs – 98bhp, 128bhp or 134bhp.

The 98bhp and 134bhp come with six-speed manual gearboxes whereas the 128bhp comes with the option of an eight-speed automatic.

The electric version comes with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives a claimed range of 209 miles with an electric motor producing 134bhp. Fast charging will enable the Mokka to go from zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

Prices for the Corsa Yes Edition start at £18,505 for the 1.2-litre petrol and rise to £26,895 for the electric version.

The Mokka Griffin prices start at £21,555 for the 1.2-litre petrol with 98bhp and rise to £29,495 for the 134bhp electric model.

Both Corsa Yes Edition and Mokka Griffin deliveries are expected in June this year.

By Cameron Richards