Guy Ritchie’s Land Rover Defender could reach up to £85,000 under the hammer

The legendary off-roader was used by the famous film director for trips into London and around his estate, with the auction commencing on November 9.

A Land Rover Defender 110, used by the famous film director Guy Ritchie, is heading for auction on November 9 at Iconic Auctioneers.

In 2015, Land Rover Defender Specialists, Nene Overland of Peterborough, were approached by Ritchie to create a vehicle to his exact tastes. He wanted something he could drive to London in and trundle around his 1,100-acre Ashcombe Estate in Wiltshire.

The Defender uses a 6.2-litre V8 from a Chevrolet. (Iconic Auctioneers)

The car in question is a Defender 110 from 2011 and originally, it used a 2.2-litre ‘Puma’ diesel engine. However the team at Nene Overland whipped it out and fitted a 6.2-litre small block V8 engine from a Chevrolet that gives the vehicle a total power output of 430bhp. Plus, since its creation, the vehicle has only covered 19,000 miles.

It also features a six-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, air-suspension, upgraded brakes and 20-inch black alloy wheels. Inside, there are heated, ventilated and electrically operated leather seats pinched from a Range Rover and there is a lockable gun drawer under the boot floor.

The interior features seats from a Range Rover and there is a Focal audio system. (Iconic Auctioneers)

Furthermore, the interior trim features Lincoln green with black quilted leather door cards, a Focal premium audio system and everything is sound proofed with carpeted and alcantara trim as well as ambient lighting.

The exterior paint scheme is finished off in satin Keswick green, there are auxiliary lights supplied by Lazer, and there is a recovery winch unit as well as twin exhausts to allow the 6.2-litre engine to breathe better.

The Defender will be going under the hammer at Iconic Auctioneers on November 9 with an estimated price of anything between £75,000 to £85,000.

By Cameron Richards

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BYD unveils the Sealion 7 SUV at Paris motor show

The Chinese firm has revealed a flagship SUV that will rival cars like the Tesla Model Y.

BYD has used the Paris motor show to reveal its biggest and most practical model yet – the Sealion 7 SUV.

This new seven-seat SUV will be going up against vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq Coupe and Hyundai Ioniq 5 when it comes to the UK next year.

The Sealion 7 will be the firm’s largest model. (BYD)

Although specifications for its powertrain have not been revealed yet, in other markets such as China, the car is available with two battery packs – 71.8kWh or 80.6kWh.

BYD claims that the Sealion 7 has a charging rate of up to 230kW and that it will come with a four-wheel-drive option that will be able to do 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds. Furthermore, the car will feature the firm’s blade battery and body-to-cell construction as well as sit on the same e-Platform 3.0 architecture as the Seal saloon.

In terms of design, this new car adopts a lot of cues from other models in the firm’s line-up with its full rear light bar and angular front end. The sloping roof line gives the car a sporty profile, too.

The interior features a 15.6-inch touchscreen. (BYD)

Inside, the interior is almost identical to the Seal saloon, meaning that there is a 15.6-inch touchscreen display which can be used in landscape or portrait guise.

Michael Shu, BYD’s European managing director, said: “Our customers have been showing great interest in high-performance SUVs, so today, the Sealion 7 comes to Paris. Besides its blade battery, cell-to-body construction and our LFP battery chemistry, it is equipped with the world’s highest-speed electric motor in mass production, with a speed of 23,000rpm and 400 revolutions every single second. We are the only company to achieve such a record.”

Prices have not been revealed yet, but given the Seal costs from around £45,000, it’s likely that the Sealion 7 will start nearer the £50,000 mark.

By Cameron Richards

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Paris Motor Show: The stars of the show

After a long absence, the Paris Motor Show is back, and these are the most interesting and exciting cars to take note of.

It’s been missing from the automotive calendar since 2018, but now the Paris Motor Show is back and there is plenty of new metal to get excited about.

As with a lot of motor shows, it’s the manufacturers that are close to home that really show off, so it’s no surprise that a lot of the stars are from France.

Not only that, but an array of electric and performance vehicles are on show, demonstrating that the future of transportation has a lot of excitement in store.

We’ve put together a list of some of the stars of the show, highlighting the vehicles that could turn heads when they arrive on the public roads in the near future.

Renault 4

The new Renault 4 is a modern day take on the R4 from the 1960s. (Renault)

First, we had the Renault 5 EV and now we’ve got the 4 EV which harks back to the very popular small hatchback of the 1960s – but now it’s an SUV.

Competing against cars like the Peugeot E-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka, the 4 will be available with electric power only and sits on the same platform as the smaller 5 in the range.

Under the bonnet, there are the same 40kWh or 52kWh battery packs as its smaller sibling, with the latter getting a claimed 249 miles between charges. In contrast, the smaller battery setup gets a claimed 186 miles according to Renault.

Like the old car from the 60s, this new car features some quirky design cues such as the low boot lid, flat front end and lower body lines along the doors. Inside, it’s almost identical to the 5 with the same 10-inch infotainment screen that features Google built-in and physical shortcut buttons.

Renault Twingo

The Twingo is making a comeback and will be one of the cheapest new EVs to go on sale. (Renault)

The electric car market is crying out for affordable vehicles and cars like the Dacia Spring and Hyundai Inster have arrived to solve that problem. However, Renault also wants a slice of that action with its latest Twingo concept, which will see the nameplate return to our shores after a five-year absence.

This new compact city car will cost under £17,000 according to Renault. Plus, this EV should give design elements of the new 5 hatchback with a similar face and round front headlights. There are also vents on the bonnet which hark back to those on the original car from 1993 and the round door handles are also from the Twingo of yesteryear. The new model will come with five doors and hidden rear handles which aren’t like the original Twingo but are similar to the third-generation car. Further details are yet to be revealed for the final production car, but it’s likely we will hear more next year.

Leapmotor B10

The B10 will be the firm’s C-Segment SUV. (Leapmotor)

A relatively new brand – and one in partnership with the Stellantis group – is Leapmotor. The B10 will be the firm’s new C-segment SUV that will be rivalling cars like the new Mini Aceman when it arrives on British shores next year.

The car will sit on the firm’s new 3.5 architecture platform allowing for a lot of advanced driver safety systems while inside there will be a customisable digital cockpit, too. The B10 is just the tip of the iceberg of what to expect from this new start-up company, with the C16, C10 and T03 all new models coming to market very soon.

Citroen Ami

The updated Ami features a new front end and updated design cues. (Citroen)

The Citroen Ami quadricycle has been given a mid-life makeover. When Citroen decided to bring its cute and cuddly Renault Twizy rival over to the UK, it was as basic as transportation with four wheels could get. But, fast forward four years and Citroen has given the Ami a new face inspired by the Oli concept from 2022 alongside an updated wheel design, a flatter front bumper and design cues from the 2CV with its slots of the front wings and more pronounced wheel arches.

However, the drivetrain remains the same with the vehicle getting a 5.5kWh battery pack that produces 8bhp and gives a claimed electric range of 46 miles.

Citroen C5 Aircross concept

The next C5 Aircross will sit on the firm’s STLA Medium platform. (Citroen)

Citroen has given us a hint of what the next C5 Aircross will look like with the concept version. The new car will use the Stellantis STLA Medium architecture, just like the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 – which allows for a multiple selection of different powertrains.

It’s also rumoured that the car will use the same 73kWh and 98kWh battery pack for the electric versions as in the Peugeots as well. This concept suggests that the next generation of C5 Aircross will be bigger, longer and more practical, too. The exterior design is similar to the C3 Aircross and with hints of the Oli concept showcased back in 2022, alongside the gloss black lower wheel arch trims giving it a more rugged look.

The production car is due to be released in the middle of next year with hybrid and electric versions to be offered, as well.

Alpine A110 R Ultime

The A110 R Ultime will be the Alpine’s most expensive car ever. (Alpine)

One of the most exciting and expensive cars at the show is the Alpine A110 R Ultime.

Limited to just 110 examples globally, the A110 R Ultime will cost the equivalent of around £222,000, which makes it the most expensive Alpine there has ever been. Performance has also been enhanced with an extra 49bhp, taking power to 345bhp and the car can now do 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds.

Alpine claims that the downforce has been improved by up to 160kg and there is a new and improved gearbox, a new exhaust, adjustable dampers and upgraded brakes for the best possible stopping power. The firm hasn’t confirmed how many of the 110 units will be coming to the UK.

By Cameron Richards

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Leapmotor reveals its new B10 SUV at the Paris motor show

The B10 is the first model in the firm’s B-series range and the vehicle will sit on the 3.5 architecture platform, too.

The Stellantis-partnered firm, Leapmotor, has revealed its new B10 SUV at the Paris motor show.

The company wants to expand its model line-up even further and this new C-segment SUV will be going up against cars such as the Jeep Avenger and new Mini Aceman.

The B10 is one of many new models to come from Leapmotor, with the T03, C10 and C16 all other vehicles in the firm’s portfolio.

Underneath its skin, the car will sit on the 3.5 architecture platform which allows the vehicle to be fitted with advanced driver safety systems and a customisable digital cockpit, too.

However, we are yet to know what battery pack the car will come fitted with and what the performance figures and electric range will be.

The car will sit on the firm’s 3.5 architecture platform. (Leapmotor)

The Paris motor show is a chance for Leapmotor to kick-start its global expansion. Since September 23, the firm has started sales in Europe with a total of 200 dealers across 13 countries. However, its target is to expand its dealership network to around 500 by the end of 2025. With four new models being introduced to the market, Leapmotor is another brand that aims to deliver low-cost electric vehicles.

Tianshu Xin, CEO of Leapmotor International, said: “Leapmotor International may be a start-up, but it’s a start-up with two incredibly strong parents. One brings innovation and competitive [pricing to the table, while the other – through our partnership with Stellantis – offers powerful global resources and an unmatched service infrastructure. Together, we are able to offer consumers products like the B10, which combine cutting-edge technology with affordability.”

The B10 will be coming to the UK next year, however, prices are yet to be revealed, but expect it to cost less than £30,000.

By Cameron Richards

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Electric vehicle discounts reach a new average of £5,000

The average saving on a new petrol or diesel car is almost half at £2,652, in contrast.

Discounts for new electric vehicles in the UK are now almost double the amount compared to their internal combustion-engined counterparts, new data has shown.

Electric vehicles receive an average of £5,006 in price reduction – compared to £2,652 for a diesel or petrol car, according to automotive analysis and intelligence firm Jato Dynamics.

Battery-powered vehicles have shown a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in discounts across the country. Meanwhile, ICE vehicle discounts have only risen by 13 per cent.

Year-on-year price reductions mean that a new MG4 can now be had for £3,508 less compared to £1,213 in 2023. (MG)

Jato cites the increasing number of budget-focused Chinese electric vehicle brands entering the market and a ‘sluggish’ demand from consumers are key reasons for the widespread discounting of EVs.

However, through Jato’s analysis, it seems that different car makers tackle price reductions differently from others. For example, MG discounts on EVs have risen 106 per cent year-on-year, but BMW’s EV savings have only increased by 14 per cent compared to 2023.

Best-selling electric cars like the MG4 and Hyundai Kona have seen significant reductions in their prices. For example, a new MG4 can be had for £3,508 less compared to last year’s saving of £1,213 – an 189 per cent year-on-year reduction. In contrast, the Kona is now £2,987 cheaper compared to £1,063 12 months ago – an 181 per cent reduction.

Matt Crow, senior product manager at Jato, said: “Our latest research reveals that manufacturers are trying a variety of strategies to make a success of their EV sales operations. Volumes are being protected in some areas; demand is being stimulated in others.

“This is evident in the growing number of incentives offered by both manufacturers and UK dealerships. These dealerships play a crucial role in shaping the market, as they use insights from data to influence negotiations and provide competitive offers that attract buyers.’

“The main takeaway from our latest data is straightforward. Carmakers are offering more generous discounts on EVs than they were at this time last year – and they are allowing buyers of electric vehicles to negotiate more money off than those sticking with ICE powertrains.”

By Cameron Richards

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Citroen’s new C5 Aircross Concept shows dramatic transformation for mid-size SUV

Striking model has been revealed at this week’s Paris Motor Show.

Citroen has unveiled a striking new take on its C5 Aircross mid-size SUV.

Revealed at this week’s Paris Motor Show, the new C5 Aircross Concept is designed to showcase what the upcoming production vehicle could look like and follows on from the unveil of the new C3 Aircross last summer.

Even the rear lights have been aerodynamically styled

Underpinned by the Stellantis STLA medium platform – which is also used on cars like the Peugeot 3008 – the upcoming C5 Aircross will be available with a number of powertrain options, including petrol, hybrid and electric.

It comes in 15mm longer than the outgoing C5 Aircross and receives a wider track for more road presence, too. As we’ve seen on other recent Citroen models, the new C5 Aircross gets a distinctive light setup with a new three-point lighting system being fitted to the front of the car.

There are also Citroen’s ‘Light Wings’ which include flush-mounted rear lights, which help to boost aerodynamic efficiency. They incorporate a hollowed-out section, too, with protruding fins. An extended overhang section helps the C5 Aircross to cut through the air more effectively, too.

Citroen hasn’t released any further details surrounding the interior of the C5 Aircross but has said that it will feature many ‘innovations’ with the whole cabin of the car taking on the look and feel of a lounge. The French firm has said, however, that there will be space for five people inside. Further details – including pricing and specifications – will no doubt arrive later in the year, too.

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Mini’s Cooper and Aceman get performance John Cooper Works models

Marks the first time that a JCW electric model has been produced.

Mini’s John Cooper Works performance arm has given the go-faster treatment to a pair of electric models for the first time.

Both the electric Cooper and Aceman have gained a new John Cooper Works – or JCW – version, with the pair being unveiled at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

Both cars get an upgraded electric motor

Priced from £38,420 and £40,220 for the Cooper and Aceman models respectively, both cars get a 54.2kWh battery and a 247bhp electric motor enabling a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds in the Cooper and 6.2 seconds in the Aceman. They bring respective ranges of 251 and 243 miles, too. A maximum charging speed of 95kW means that a 10 to 80 per cent charge could be conducted in 30 minutes.

Both cars have been equipped with a special ‘boost’ function, too, which when pressed unlocks an additional 27bhp when the car is in a special John Cooper Works mode. It’s activated by a rocker switch on the steering wheel, meaning that it’ll be easy to activate when on the move.

It’s the first time that a JCW electric model has been produced by Mini

As with other JCW models which came before them, the upgraded Cooper and Aceman versions gain a number of sporty exterior revisions over the standard models including plenty of John Cooper Works logos, black side skirts and a black rear spoiler. There are 18-inch JCW alloy wheels for the Cooper, too, while the Aceman gains larger 19-inch versions instead.

Inside, there’s the traditional red and black colourway of JCW applied throughout the cabins of both cars, while a black and red pattern is used on the knitted dashboard. The seats are trimmed in synthetic leather, too, while the same 24cm OLED display as you’ll find on the standard cars is central to the interior.

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Dacia’s new Bigster arrives as firm’s latest mid-size SUV

Chunky-looking new model is made with a variety of sustainable materials.

Dacia has added a new mid-size SUV to its new car range – the Bigster.

Rivalling cars like the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai, the new Bigster gets the same value-focused approach as other Dacia models, arriving with plenty of standard equipment, a good range of engines and a strong emphasis on practicality.

The rear bench seat, for example, can be split 40:20:40 to allow for different-shaped items to be placed inside the car. With the rear seats folded down, Dacia says that the Bigster can return a maximum load length of 2.7 metres. The interior can even be equipped with an optional ‘Sleep Pack’ which integrates a double bed into the Bigster’s cabin.

The rear area provides ample storage space

Many hard-wearing materials are used throughout the interior, too, with Extreme-specification cars getting washable synthetic upholstery and rubber floor mats for the front and rear.

There’s the option of three powertrains, too. Things kick off with a hybrid setup – combining a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor – and this is followed by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol-powered version which is linked to a mild-hybrid setup for lower emissions and improved efficiency.

The Bigster is equipped with a variety of handy features

Finally, there’s the same 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine but linked to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. This particular Bigster is angled towards those who need extra traction off-road, though a mild-hybrid system can help to make it more efficient.

All versions of the Bigster will come equipped with a 10-inch central touchscreen and a seven-inch driver digital instrument panel as well as dual-zone air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels. Extreme-grade cars add 18-inch wheels and a ‘Copper Brown’ exterior alongside a panoramic sunroof and hands-free key entry. Finally, Journey versions expand the list of standard equipment with an electric-powered tailgate, power-adjustable driver’s seat and a premium sound system.

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Mini adds to Cooper line-up with new Convertible

First deliveries of the drop-top are expected to commence in the early part of 2025.

Mini has completed the latest generation of its Cooper models with a new Convertible variant.

Priced from £26,200 – ahead of deliveries commencing early next year – production of the Cooper Convertible returns to Mini’s Oxford plant for the first time since 2015.

Petrol-powered from launch, the Cooper Convertible will be available with two engine choices. The first, in the Cooper Convertible C, gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 154bhp, bringing a 0-60mph in eight seconds and a top speed of 137mph. The more powerful Cooper S, meanwhile, gets a larger 2.0-litre engine 201bhp which unlocks a quicker 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds.

The interior gets a large OLED central screen

All variants get the same upgraded styling that has been applied to the latest hard-top model, with circular LED headlights being combined with short overhangs to help preserve the ‘Mini’ style that buyers are used to.

The new fully automatic soft top can be opened in 18 seconds and closed in 15 at speeds of up to 19mph. Plus, the middle section of the roof can be opened on its own, providing a sunroof area without the need to fold away the entire soft top.

With the roof in place, boot space stands at 215 litres – five litres more than the standard hatchback – though this falls to 160 litres when the roof is folded down. As on the previous generation Convertible, the tailgate opens downwards to help make accessing the boot area a little easier.

The rear tailgate opens outwards to help with access

From launch, the Cooper Convertible will be available in three trim levels – Classic, Exclusive and Sport. Entry-level Classic-grade cars get 16-inch alloy wheels – or 17-inch sport versions on the Cooper S – as well as black and blue cloth seats and a knitted-effect dashboard.

Exclusive cars, in contrast, get a ‘Vibrant Silver’ front grille and 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a British Racing Green exterior colour and a light beige dashboard.

Sport takes a more dynamic take on things with a hexagonal patterned front grille, larger front and rear aprons and John Cooper Works two-tone alloy wheels.

As with the hatchback, all versions of the Convertible get a large OLED central screen and a toggle switch bar, as well as Mini’s ‘Experience Modes’ which allow you to tweak and change the setup of the car.

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Volkswagen’s new Tayron will sit in between Tiguan and Touareg SUVs

Available with a choice of five or seven seats, the Tayron will replace the Tiguan Allspace and will rival cars like the Kia Sorento.

Volkswagen has unveiled its successor to the Tiguan Allspace – the Tayron.

This new SUV will be available with a choice of five or seven-seat options and accompanied by a range of different engines.

Externally, the Tayron features dual LED headlights and a sculptured bonnet, meanwhile, the bumper design differs depending on which trim level you go for and the radiator grille also consists of chrome or high-gloss black – model permitting. At the back, there’s a full-width light bar, and an illuminated Volkswagen logo and there are also plastic wheel arch covers for a chunkier, go-anywhere look

The interior receives Volkswagen’s latest technology

Inside, the Tayron receives the Volkswagen’s latest 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display and there is a 12.9-inch infotainment screen that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too.

Meanwhile, boot space stands at 885 litres for the five-seater variant and 2,090 litres with seats folded down. The seven-seat model comes with a total of 345 litres with all seats in place, or 850 litres with the third row pushed down and that space extends to 1,905 litres with the second row folded as well.

However, the five-seat plug-in hybrid comes with a smaller 705 litres of luggage capacity and 1,915 litres with the rear seats down, owing to the fitment of the batteries.

At the rear there’s a full-width light bar

There will be a range of seven different powertrains including turbocharged petrol and diesel units with different power outputs and if you want an electrified version, there will also be an efficient 1.5-litre eTSi mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid, too. Conventional models can also be opted with the firm’s 4Motion four-wheel-drive system – and all versions come as standard with an automatic gearbox.

A choice of three trim levels will be on offer including Life, Elegance and R-Line and all models come equipped with three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and adaptive cruise control.

Prices are yet to be announced, but the new Tayron will go on sale at the beginning of next year with order books opening soon.

By Cameron Richards

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