New ID.7 Pro S and Tourer Pro S will be the first, with more EVs and ICE cars to follow by 2025.
Volkswagen has confirmed that it will follow the likes of BMW by offering the AirConsole mobile gaming platform in select models, allowing owners to indulge in a raft of video game titles while charging or stationary.
The German marque says the app will be first available in ID.7 Pro S and ID.7 Tourer Pro S models, where both drivers and passengers can simply scan a QR code with a smartphone and then use their handheld device as a controller for games displayed on the vehicle’s 15-inch Discover Pro Max infotainment display.
Current titles include a comedic Olympic-style Smoots Summer Games, the Burnin’ Rubber 5 racing game and quizzing with Hang in There and Who Wants to be a Millionaire? on certain vehicles. New titles are being added regularly.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? on BMW AirConsole (AirConsole)
AirConsole uses the vehicle’s onboard eSIM to stream the mobile games from the Cloud and requires an active VW Connect Plus contract to function.
Despite initially being rolled out to VW’s ID electric vehicle range in Europe by September, the company also plans to make it available in the new Passat, the new Tiguan, the new Golf and the new Golf Estate that run the latest infotainment software by 2025.
Volkswagen isn’t the first to offer the gaming platform inside its vehicles, as German automotive counterpart BMW has enjoyed a partnership with AirConsole since 2022, introducing the system to various BMW and Mini models.
Recently, BMW stated that it would be the first manufacturer to introduce an in-car version of Mattel’s famous Uno card game, which allows up to four players to get involved when charging or stationary.
In addition to this, Mercedes-Benz announced at gamescom 2024 that it has partnered with developers of the Boosteroid app to allow owners of its vehicles to stream and play some of the most recognised gaming titles in the world on its infotainment systems in the near future.
Using a Bluetooth gaming controller or a smartphone, Mercedes-Benz says that games from popular third-party platforms like Steam or Epic will be available in-car for the first time, bringing a console or PC-like gaming experience to the automotive space.
Latest version of the compact SUV will be available with two trim levels and a hybrid powertrain.
MG has taken the covers off the latest iteration of its popular compact crossover the ZS Hybrid+.
The B-segment SUV market is fiercely competitive and this new model will be competing with the likes of the Seat Arona and Citroen C3 Aircross. However, this time the ZS will come solely as a petrol-electric hybrid and its equipment levels have improved.
The range kicks off at £21,995 making it one of the most affordable SUVs on the market. (MG)
There are two trim levels on offer, with the standard SE coming in at £21,995 and featuring equipment such as LED headlights and tail-lights, a 12.3-inch infotainment display and keyless entry. For an additional £2,500 at £24,495, the Trophy model adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass plus a 360-degree surround-view camera.
In terms of engines, there is only one on offer – a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor that gives a total power output of 193bhp and 250Nm of torque. It takes the car from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, with the top speed yet to be revealed.
Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display and keyless entry. (MG)
MG claims that the new ZS Hybrid+ can achieve a combined fuel economy figure of 55.4mpg while emitting CO2 emissions as low as 115g/km. That’s thanks to the on-board 1.83kWh high-voltage battery that is recharged by a 45kW generator.
David Allison, Head of Product and Planning for MG Motor UK, said: “The all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ delivers an exceptional driving experience and incredible value in the B SUV segment, featuring equipment and technologies that make daily life easier. The refreshed model has a more mature design with a sharper front end, and the new interior provides a comfortable and connected cabin. We’re confident about delivering the same appeal and accessibility that made its predecessor such a success.”
Order books for the new MG ZS Hybrid+ are open now, with it set to arrive in UK showrooms from October.
The firm says its flagship SUV is the first car to offer price parity for battery-powered and internal-combustion versions.
Vauxhall’s latest version of its flagship SUV the Frontera will be priced the same for its EV and petrol-hybrid versions.
The manufacturer is keeping it simple with the new Frontera with just two trim levels to choose from.
The range consists of Design and GS. (Stellantis)
The entry-level Design costs £23,495 for the EV and hybrid models, and has automatic headlights and wipers plus 16-inch black steel wheels as standard. The most expensive model, the GS, starts at £25,895 and boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, LED tail-lights and power-folding door mirrors.
The electric Frontera has a 44kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces a total power output of 115bhp. It takes the car from 0-60mph in 11.9 seconds and has a top speed of 87mph. Meanwhile, it has a claimed range of up to 186 miles and is 100kW DC rapid charging-compatible, going from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 26 minutes.
The hybrid features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that comes with a choice of two power outputs. The lesser-powered version produces 101bhp and 205Nm of torque, taking the car from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds and on to 112mph.
The electric version comes fitted with a 44kWh battery pack. (Stellantis)
Meanwhile, the higher-powered 138bhp version produces 230Nm of torque and its 0-60mph time is reduced to 8.8 seconds while its top speed increases to 118mph.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, said: “With the launch of the new Frontera, Vauxhall has eliminated the list price premium that often applies to electric vehicles, with both electric and petrol hybrid versions offered for an identical price list. At just £23,495, the new Frontera Electric is a significant milestone in our mission to make electric mobility accessible to everyone across the UK.”
Order books are due to open in the autumn, and customers can expect deliveries in early 2025.
Over 13,000 registrations submitted to Vauxhall on over 11,500 streets across the country during its Electric Streets of Britain campaign.
Tens of thousands of motorists have called for councils to speed up installation of on-street charging facilities for EVs, according to vehicle manufacturer Vauxhall.
The Stellantis-owned brand kick-started its campaign in 2023, dubbed ‘Electric Streets of Britain’, which quizzed scores of UK motorists about their thoughts on charging provisions across the country.
The campaign’s main aim was to support the 40 per cent of households without access to a driveway, seeing as the data gathered revealed that 80 per cent of electric vehicle charging is done at home.
As a result, Vauxhall says it will collaborate with three chargepoint operators, including Char.gy, ConnectedKerb and Surecharge to not only share its findings with local councils up and down the country, but to also find workable solutions.
This initiative comes following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Vauxhall, which was issued to 414 councils across the country. A total of 267 responded and the results showed that 56.5 per cent of the local governments still did not have a published on-street residential charging plan.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall said: “On-street residential charging is critical to adoption and acceleration of electric vehicles. Thanks to the public, we already know of over 11,000 roads where we need to install on-street chargers today to make it more convenient for EV drivers and remove a barrier for those wanting to switch to electric.”
The 267 councils that responded to Vauxhall’s Freedom of Information request told the firm that they have collectively installed 15,000 on-street chargers currently on UK roads, and plan to install a further 8,000 over the next year.
The UK government is aiming to install around 300,000 public chargers by 2030. (Stellantis)
However, the UK government is aiming to have 300,000 public EV charge points installed by 2030 – and with the country’s slow progress, Vauxhall says that councils need to ensure a fast uptake in installation to meet these ambitious targets.
Results showed that some areas have been more forthcoming with EV provisions than others. London’s Boroughs of Southwark and Barnet, for example, collectively make up 20 per cent of the total on-street charge points in the country – while Coventry City Council is not far behind in third place.
In addition to putting the pressure on councils to increase on-street charging provisions, Vauxhall is also supporting those that can’t install a home charger with the announcement it made earlier this year, which saw the carmaker partner with the supermarket chain Tesco to provide its EV drivers with one-year free charging at stores.
Available in two body styles and fitted as standard with a 5.0-litre petrol V8, this model will make its debut at the Goodwood Revival in September.
Land Rover has unveiled a special-edition of its famous off-roader – the Defender V8 by its in-house commissioning service Works Bespoke.
The Classic Defender programme restores and personalises vehicles from the Land Rover line-up – with the original Defender being the first model to receive the treatment.
Available in four-seat 90, five or seven-seater 110 body styles, all versions of the Defender by Works Bespoke are hand-built by expert Land Rover Classic engineers.
Under the bonnet resides a 5.0-litre petrol V8 that produces 410bhp and 515Nm of torque. Power is transmitted via the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and all vehicles come as standard with all-wheel-drive.
Each car comes fitted with high-performance Alcon brakes, as well a revised spring rate Eibach coil suspension and anti-roll bar, as well as Bilstein dampers.
A choice of four, five and seven-seat versions are on offer. (Land Rover)
On the exterior, clients can specify a choice of unique paint schemes, as well as customise a selection of exterior details, such as bonnet scripts, front radiator grilles and door handles – which can be finished in silver or black.
A choice of 16-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels designs are available as well as side steps and accessories, such as a roof rack, expedition cage, ladder and a winch. Customers can also spec a full roof-mounted LED light bar. Meanwhile, every Defender by Works Bespoke comes with modern LED headlights as standard, too.
Paul Barritt, Director of Land Rover Classic, said: “With Works Bespoke, we are giving clients the opportunity to create their perfect Classic Defender V8, a vehicle that will suit their exact lifestyle. Every vehicle is lovingly crafted, with creativity the only limit when it comes to personalising each vehicle to the owner’s desired specification.
“From start to finish, clients of Works Bespoke will be given an experience like no other, creating their ultimate Classic Defender V8.”
Inside, there is a 3.5-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes DAB radio and satellite navigation. (Land Rover)
Inside, an array of leather can be found on the seats, side trim, doors, roof lining and dashboard. The centre console is finished off in piano black and there is an infotainment system that features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth and satellite navigation.
The Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke will make its debut at Goodwood Revival, which takes place from September 6 to 8, 2024.
Prices start at £190,000 plus VAT for the four-seat 90 version, while the five-seat 110 comes in at £199,000 plus VAT and the seven-seat model is priced at £204,000 plus VAT.
Last week saw me jump behind the wheel of two mud-plugging SUVs, the Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Defender.
Up until last week, I had never been off-roading before. But, Land Rover UK invited me up to its Eastnor driving experience centre to test out some of the go-anywhere technology fitted to its vehicles to see just what it’s like to tackle difficult conditions in a four-wheel-drive.
When you’re offered to go mud-plugging in some of the world’s most capable off-road vehicles you never turn the opportunity down, and for me, it would be a first-time experience too.
Land Rover was showing off its latest collection of driving modes when it comes to the wet, rough and wild stuff. This included Wade control and Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control or AOCC.
For the first stint, I got behind the wheel of a Range Rover Sport P510e First Edition. I would be driving through the rutted and narrow forest route first. It consisted of steep grass slopes, bumpy terrains and muddy tracks. As we entered the wilderness, I was a little nervous as it was all new territory for me.
As I drove onto the gravel track with a steep incline, the Sport was in its gravel terrain response setting. The system maximises the traction control, increases the suspension to improve ground clearance and improves the throttle response. The car performed faultlessly as though it was born to do this type of driving with everything feeling very composed, quiet and effortlessly achieved.
The first course consisted of rough terrain and muddy tracks. (Martin Domeney)
My instructor, Clarky, was sitting in the front passenger seat and was there to give us a guide on how the latest technology worked. The first of the new additions was the car’s rear-wheel steering, which essentially means the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front ones enabling a turning circle of 11 metres – the same as the Volkswagen Golf. This improves manoeuvrability for on and off-road use and takes the strain out of any awkward encounters a big vehicle such as a Range Rover may find.
AOCC stands for Adaptive Off-road Cruise Control. (Martin Domeney)
As I drove onto the grass hills and fields, it was the perfect opportunity to see how the AOCC worked. Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control is engaged via the steering wheel controls. The system senses ground conditions and automatically fine-tunes the speed of the vehicle to maintain stability, control and comfort – depending on which of the comfort levels has been selected. It uses multiple algorithms to sense and detect the terrain and vehicle movements such as body tilt, roll and pitch. The comfort levels are selected by using the same buttons on the steering wheel that operate the Adaptive Cruise Control. Once you’ve selected the speed of the vehicle and comfort level, the driver can focus on steering the vehicle, with the cruise control consistently monitoring the terrain and gradients.
If the vehicle is put into its highest comfort mode, the car will go slower to maintain a smooth and composed off-road experience. However, lower the comfort and the system will increase the speed closer to the set preference the driver has made on the AOCC.
The Defender can wade through water of up to 900mm when fitted with air suspension. (PA)
I then jumped into a Land Rover Defender with another instructor, Meg. We drove over to the other side of the course for some wading in water. This was to test the firm’s latest Wade mode and sensing technology that was first introduced in 2020. I started off driving through a river that turned out to be a fairly deep stream, but thanks to air suspension fitted to my particular Defender – enabling a maximum wading depth of up to 900mm – this didn’t prove an issue in the slightest.
How the system works is by softening the throttle response and setting the heating and ventilation to recirculate air. It also turns off the start-stop function, locks the driveline and adjusts the ride height. The Wade sensing can be activated and deactivated using terrain response. The exterior heating vents are closed off to prevent water ingress and our car fitted with air suspension automatically lifts the ride height to its off-road setting.
As I drive into the water, I can hear a slight trickling surrounding the car making me even more cautious and slowing my speed down. As I gingerly manoeuvre the Defender around the tight river, there were moments where I thought the water was going to make its way into the cabin, but the car behaved brilliantly and with the technology you also get a warning chime a bit like a parking sensor to tell you when the wading depth is getting too high – which is good to know from my point of view.
After I de-select the system it gently applies and wipes the brakes to make sure the stopping power is still at its best for the next application.
Both cars I drove were plug-in hybrids that have battery packs on board, however, what I wanted to know is if there were any additional changes between Land Rover’s of yesteryear and the modern counterparts of today with the firm’s latest off-road technology.
The PA news agency spoke to Mike Smith, project manager for JLR off-road development and he said: “Predominantly the technology across the two is the same. The advantage you have with a PHEV is you have the option of going with the machine only, so you can drive just on the electric motor that’s in the transmission. What that ultimately gives is when we think about Range Rover as it stands at the moment, the vast majority can be done with the engine off – which is a really nice thing to do as it’s really quiet and relaxing.”
Additionally, he spoke about the development of these new technologies and what goes into them to make the Land Rover brand top of the class when it comes to off-roading, he said: “There is a huge amount of people at JLR who will be involved in how all the technology comes together. We would start off with the concept, then look at the enhancement we would like to offer the customer and then that has to go through a proof of concept. Is it feasible? What does it offer the customer and what is the benefit?”
He added: “Once all that’s done we then have to look at how do we get that into a car? What technology do we need, what sensors and what feedback from the car to be able to make it effective? And then we start talking about the product of where it is going to work, but in that process, there could be anything from 10 to 100 people all having to play a part on where the technology needs to be.”
Overall, my first time driving on the rough stuff has been an enjoyable and memorable experience. The engineers at Land Rover really know how to develop a car that can cope with any abuse that is thrown at it, and with its latest AOCC and Wade Technology, I’m looking forward to the future of what the brand has to offer next.
The firm has stopped taking customers’ specified orders for its compact executive saloon and flagship SUV.
Genesis has stopped taking orders for its G70 and GV80 models and instead is only selling them from stock.
The decision comes in the wake of poor sales – since the models launched three years ago in the UK, it’s only managed to shift around 400 examples combined.
The GV80 is the firm’s flagship SUV. (Genesis)
Parent company Hyundai axed the Genesis brand as a separate legal entity in the UK at the beginning of the year and brought the Hyundai and Genesis UK businesses together under common management.
A Genesis spokesperson told the PA news agency today: “The G70 and GV80 are still being made, but we’re not taking customer-specified orders for them any more – we’re selling from stock only.”
The spokesperson added that Genesis had no intention of stopping production of the two models.
A G70 can still be ordered in Shooting Brake guise, though. Priced from £42,955, it features a sloping rear roof line plus a more practical estate bodystyle. As standard, the model comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 242bhp plus 353Nm of torque, and has rear-wheel drive.
Although the G70 and GV80 haven’t sold well, by way of contrast the GV60 EV is one of Genesis’s best-selling models. It offers a 77.4kWh battery pack that gives a claimed electric range of up to 321 miles.
The Magma series goes on sale towards the end of 2025. (Genesis)
For the future, Genesis will continue to introduce new models, starting with its high-performance Magma series towards the end of 2025.
The famous German family hatchback has been around since 1974, evolved through eight generations and sold 37 million units worldwide.
The Volkswagen Golf has been crowned best car of the half-century as part of Best Cars of the Year from the New Car World Championships.
The judging panel comprises of independent car designers, engineers, journalists, broadcasters, automotive industry figureheads, vehicle retailers, media professionals, motorsport personalities, automotive consultants and motoring event organisers.
The latest version is available now and is priced at £27,035. (Volkswagen)
One of the judges, motoring journalist Mike Rutherford recognised the Golf as one of the best cars of the half century.
Since its launch in 1974, the Golf has become Volkswagen’s most successful model selling a total of 37 million units worldwide and amassing a total of eight generations.
Mike Rutherford said: “Some manufacturers are barely able to keep up with their ‘most important’ models in production for five years. The fact that Volkswagen has been successfully building and selling petrol, diesel, pure-electric and hybrid versions of the Golf around the world for 50 years really does say it all. The Golf has, since it was born in 1974, been the car for the people.”
To celebrate its 50th birthday, the Golf has been given an update to its current eighth iteration, offering styling tweaks and an improved infotainment system featuring ChatGPT as standard as well as including a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The new Golf is priced at £27,035 for the entry-level Life and rises to £44,570 for the R Black Edition.
Customers who reserve their cars early before the order books open should receive one of the first 50 cars in the UK.
Cupra has announced that order books are soon to open for its new electric vehicle in its range – the Tavascan.
The Tavascan is an electric SUV that will rival cars like the Skoda Enyaq Coupe and Volkswagen ID.5.
It will feature a 77kWh battery pack. (Cupra)
It will be available in four different guises including V1, V2, VZ1 and VZ2 – although equipment levels have not been revealed yet.
Power-wise, the Tavascan comes as standard with a 77kWh battery pack that is linked to an electric motor with a choice of two different power outputs. The lesser powered version will be available on V1 and V2 models and the higher powered unit comes as standard or VZ1 and VZ2.
The former produces a total of 252bhp and 545Nm of torque providing a claimed electric range of up to 352 miles. It also takes the car from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. The latter gives out the same torque levels but its power increases to 335bhp and acceleration improves taking 5.3 seconds to get from 0-60mph. Meanwhile, AC and DC charging is compatible with both power units – however, charging speed has not been revealed yet.
Prices kick off at £47,340. (Cupra)
Marcus Gossen, director of Seat and Cupra UK, said: “We’re really excited about the Tavascan opening for order in the UK. This is a culmination of years of hard work, innovation and design coming together to create the future of Cupra. The Tavascan marks the next step in the Cupra electrification journey, and we’re delighted to be able to bring that to life on the roads from September 11 this year.”
However, if customers reserve a car before that date, they are prioritised to receive one of the first 50 cars in the UK. Prices start at £47,340 and rise to £60,835.
Vauxhall’s Mokka-E electric crossover is a firm favourite here in the UK, this one-off concept is designed to help improve the EV experience.
Vauxhall has revealed a one-off concept of its popular compact crossover – the Mokka Coffe-E.
This concept aims to improve the EV ownership experience for customers through their own personalised coffee breaks.
The Mokka Coffe-E features two coffee machines with a milk steamer, grinder, knock box and fridge which are all integrated in the boot of the vehicle. There is also a bespoke pull-out drawer that houses barista tools, including scales and an espresso tamper to all help drivers make their favourite cup of coffee when charging.
The Mokka Coffe-E uses a larger 54kWh battery than the standard car. (Stellantis)
James Taylor, managing director of Vauxhall, said: “Three-quarters of EV drivers plan their trips around their desire for coffee so we decided to create the Mokka Coffe-E.”
He added: “The UK is a nation of coffee drinkers, with 95 million cups drunk in a day, and Vauxhall owners are no exception to this, with 64 per cent drinking at least one cup a day.”
Under the bonnet features a larger power unit compared to the standard Mokka-E. It’s a 54kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces 154bhp. DC rapid charging is compatible and can take the car from empty to 80 per cent in half an hour, while Vauxhall claims a total range of up to 252 miles. In comparison, The standard car, in contrast, features a 50kWh battery pack that produces 134bhp and does 209 miles between trips to the plug.
There are 95 million cups of coffee drunk in a day in the UK alone. (Stellantis)
Sadly, there are no plans to put the Mokka Coffe-E into production and is solely a concept for now. However, the standard Mokka-E is on sale and is priced at £29,495.
