Category: News

Vauxhall has revealed its latest Mokka in a new image.

The car, which is heavily camouflaged, is the second generation of the popular crossover and has entered into its initial testing procedures with engineering teams.

Likely to hit forecourts in early 2021, this new vehicle will be the first Mokka to feature an all-electric powertrain, though conventional, combustion engine-powered variants will be available too. All variants will be available from launch, according to Vauxhall.

Production is expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year, and Vauxhall has taken the decision to drop the ‘X’ from the earlier car’s moniker – shortening it to just ‘Mokka’.

Stephen Norman, Vauxhall’s managing director, said: “The new Vauxhall Mokka will change people’s perception of our brand.

“Not only does it show that we’re serious about electrification, but also that we’re not afraid to innovate with design, both inside and out of the car. The Mokka is still in its development phase now, but it is set to be one of Vauxhall’s most important models when it arrives with customers at the start of next year.”

The pictures give little away about the intricacies of the car’s design but showcase an upright profile and a relatively tapered off rear end. The front of the car features an upright front-end design, which is likely to incorporate design elements seen on the current Corsa.

With the onslaught of electric vehicles to the market, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by all the new buzz words.

In fact, if you’ve only ever driven petrol and diesel cars, even knowing how to compare two electric models can be tough. That’s why facts and figures such as charging capacity and battery size are so useful – the larger the numbers the faster you can charge and the further you can go.

However, new advice from Audi encourages consumers to look a little deeper, because while a high maximum charge capacity might look appealing, if that’s only achievable for short periods of time, it might not dramatically improve charge times.

To Audi, charging capacity is the maximum rate at which electricity can be fed into the vehicle, while charging speed is the time it takes for a battery to be recharged.

The reason it’s not as simple as it first appears is because you can’t simply pump maximum electricity into the battery until it’s full. It must be managed to prevent damage to the cells, so charge rates are slowed as the battery reaches capacity.

Tesla describes this process as being like filling a glass with water. At first, you can pour a lot in, but as the glass gets filled you have to slow down to avoid spilling any. That’s why car manufacturers always quote charge times to 80 per cent; Tesla owners in the company’s forum, for example, say the last 20 per cent can take almost as long as the first 80, and it will be a similar story for other makes and models.

Audi has drawn attention to the ‘charging curve’ as it says its e-tron SUV is particularly strong in this department because complex thermal management in the batteries helps to maintain an optimal temperature. It says the result is that the maximum charging capacity of 150kW can be utilised from five per cent of battery charge all the way up to 70 per cent before it starts to taper off.

It means that a 10-minute stop at a fast charger could add 68 miles of range while charging to 80 per cent should take about 30 minutes.

For most electric vehicle owners, the majority of charging will take place at home or work, where fast charge times are not important and a slower rate of charge helps prolong battery life. However, if you’re EV shopping and spend a lot of time on the motorway, comparing how long it takes to hit 80 per cent charge could be the key selling point.

The Tesla Supercharger electric vehicle charging network has been crowned Britain’s best in a survey of EV owners.

Ten of the most-used networks were scored for their ease of use, cost, speed, and reliability, with Tesla taking top honours in every category.

Early Tesla buyers got free charging for life, but Auto Express magazine, which conducted the research, said even those that pay for the service were happy with it because the chargers are easy to use, reliable, and offer charging rates upwards of 120kW.

Instavolt took second place, being the highest-ranked provider available to owners of all car makes. It placed second for charging speed, ease of use and reliability, but this good service comes at a cost, as it was ranked ninth for charging costs.

Third place was ChargePlace Scotland, which scored well across the board, let down by its eighth-place finish in the reliability segment.

Perhaps surprisingly, Ecotricity came last by a long way, placing tenth in every category.

Auto Express said: “Given the firm has contracts with numerous motorway service station operators, and its ‘Electric Highway’ is a dominant force in the UK, these marks suggest the firm has the potential to make life tricky for EV owners.”

Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief at Auto Express, said: “Public chargepoints are vital for long-distance EV drivers, and their availability and reliability is of huge importance for current and future owners.

“Our data gives valuable insight into the best charging networks to use when you’re planning your route. And it shows that while many providers are doing a superb job, ease of use and good old-fashioned reliability shouldn’t be forgotten at the expense of network expansion.

“Tesla’s remarkable performance should come as little surprise to those who’ve plotted the brand’s growth. It is proof that the company knows precisely what its customers want, and delivers it to them consistently.

“And for those who don’t own or plan to buy a Tesla, Instavolt’s impressive scores mean we’re delighted to recommend the firm’s network of chargers.”

Motor insurer Admiral has pledged to hand back £110 million to car and van policyholders as claims plunge amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The Cardiff-based group said it will pay out £25 for each of the 4.4 million vehicles covered at April 20, with refunds being made by the end of May.

It said it is able to give customers the cash thanks to falling claims as fewer drivers are on the road due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The group also pledged another £80 million towards lowering prices for cover to reflect the drop in claims, as well as for further initiatives to support NHS staff and local communities.

This includes waiving all motoring claim excess fees for NHS or emergency service workers, and guaranteeing cover for customers using their vehicle to transport people, deliver medical supplies and equipment, or items to people who are self-isolating.

Cristina Nestares, chief executive of UK insurance at Admiral, said: “This is an unprecedented time when people across the country are driving significantly less than before the lockdown, and we expect this to lead to a fall in the number of claims we are seeing.

“We want to give the money we would have used to pay these claims back to our loyal customers in this difficult time.

“We have also already reflected this change in driving behaviour in our pricing for customers and will continue to do so.”

The group added that the £190 million committed is equivalent to roughly a month’s premium income, or a third of its 2019 profits.

It stressed that it has not furloughed any of its staff and continues to pay them their full salary.

It comes as figures on Monday showed that motor insurance premiums have fallen by 1% – or £6 – on average in the first quarter.

But the data from Confused.com and Willis Towers Watson also found there was little evidence of an overall pricing trend amid the uncertainty over the length of the lockdown.

Consumer group Which? called for other insurers to follow suit and offer policyholders rebates and premium price cuts.

Gareth Shaw, head of money at Which?, said: “People will remember how businesses treated them during this crisis and Admiral’s decision to provide partial refunds to all of its car and van policyholders will certainly be welcomed by customers experiencing unforeseen pressure on their finances.

“Firms that act fairly now may see that they are rewarded in the future and we encourage all other car insurers to follow Admiral’s lead.”

The Ford Mustang outsold all other sports cars in 2019 with more than 100,000 leaving dealer forecourts.

The American muscle car sold a total of 102,090 units across the globe according to new data from industry analysts IHS Markit, with sales increasing 33 per cent in Germany, 50 per cent in Poland and almost 100 per cent in France.

Sales are based on both engine variations of the Mustang, which is available with a 5.0-litre V8 GT model that appeals to purists, as well as a more affordable and economical 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit. Both engines are petrol-powered, and can be had with a coupe or convertible body style.

Jim Farley, chief operating officer at Ford Motor Company, said: “We’re proud of our growing Mustang stable and performance variants.

“From Sweden to Shanghai, more and more driving enthusiasts are enjoying the feeling of freedom and the American open road in these new Mustangs. We are honoured to serve our owners, enthusiasts and fans for 56 years and counting.”

The American market continues to be the Mustang’s biggest market, with Ford claiming it has been the country’s best-selling sports car of the past 50 years. In Europe, Mustang sales increased in 2019 by three per cent to 9,900, with 1,300 coming to the UK.

The average price of car insurance cover has risen to £809 per year, according to new data.

New figures compiled as part of the Confused.com car insurance index and based upon around six million insurance quotes made by the site each quarter found that the average quote rose by six per cent over the last 12 months.

It means prices rose by £47 in the last 12 months, and pushes the average premium price close to the record high of £858 recorded in 2011.

In addition, 46 per cent of 2,000 drivers surveyed by the company were sent an auto-renewal quote which was higher than what they were currently paying. If these people chose to shop around instead – of which 37 per cent did – each saved an average of £59. Another 17 per cent saved more than £100.

Younger drivers were hit the hardest, enduring price rises of £121 in 12 months and £55 in the past three months for 17-year-old motorists. Drivers of this age can now expect to pay £2,026 for cover.

Drivers aged 36 also saw cover costs increase by £61 year-on-year to £674. Motorists aged 67 also felt a jump in coverage costs, up £40 since last year to £485 on average.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, says: “The fact that car insurance costs have increased is not the news we need especially right now. Year on year prices are up, but over the past few months they haven’t changed that much.

“However, as a result of the lockdown the majority of people are using their cars less, it is therefore likely that we will see some change to prices in the coming months as insurers adjust to reflect this. We are constantly monitoring the situation so that we can update our customers on any changes that happen.

“Automatically renewing with your insurer might seem like the easiest, stress-free option, but it could be costly. Even if your renewal price is cheaper, or the same, it’s likely there will be another insurer out there willing to offer a better price. At Confused.com we’re so certain drivers will be able to find a better price than their current insurer that we’re offering to beat their renewal quote or give them the difference, plus £20.

“Please don’t pay more than you have to – take a few minutes to check your renewal letter and get a cheaper price because now, more than ever, it’s so important to shop around.”

Vehicle ownership in the UK has surpassed 40 million for the first time, according to new data released today.

The figures, revealed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show that more than 35 million cars and five million commercial vehicles were in use during 2019 – an increase of one per cent on the previous year.

The biggest percentage growth was recorded in the light commercial vehicle sector, which saw an increase of 2.7 per cent on the previous year to 4,527,724 units – up 28 per cent compared the previous decade.

Passenger car numbers increased by 0.8 per cent to 35,168,259 over the same period.

Thousands of these vehicles are currently in operation to help provide transport for key workers during the coronavirus crisis, as well as for performing deliveries and emergency service duties. Some 25,000 ambulance and fire service vehicles are currently in operation, along with more than 20,000 supermarket delivery trucks and lorries.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “As the UK continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, keeping food, medical supplies and the people serving on the front line moving has never been so important – and these figures show the essential role Britain’s vehicle fleet plays for society.

“They also provide evidence that industry’s ongoing investment into ever cleaner, safer and more reliable vehicle technology is paying off, even as demand for mobility grows. To ensure this trend continues, we must get the right support for businesses and their workers in place now so that when this crisis is over, the sector can help get the whole country and our economy back on the move.”

Electric vehicle ownership is also surging ahead, with more than three-quarters of a million low, ultra-low and zero-emissions cars making up that 40 million figure. The number of these cars on the road grew by 26 per cent last year, with 11,832 hybrids, 144,335 plug-in hybrids and 92,213 battery-electric vehicles now in use across the UK.

The number of diesel cars, meanwhile, fell by 0.9 per cent to 13,723,299.

An American technology firm has announced plans to build an all-electric SUV with a massive range.

Triton Solar says the Model H will be able to travel up to 700 miles on a single charge, with space for eight adults and a luggage capacity of up to 5,663 litres – thought that latter figures is likely available when all seats are laid flat.

The Model H’s unique selling point is that it uses a 200kWh battery pack, which is a proprietary technology of Triton Solar. It’s this battery that provides that impressive range claim.

The New Jersey-based technology firm says the battery feeds four electric motors, with one in each wheel, for a total of about 1,500bhp. The 0-60mph is claimed to be 2.9 seconds, while it should be able to ‘carry and pull heavy loads without compromising the driving comfort’.

Other vital statistics listed on the company’s website include a kerb weight of 2.4 tonnes and a towing capacity of seven tonnes. It will also come with a 10-year or 150,000-mile warranty.

The company has never made an electric vehicle before, with its existing product range focusing on energy storage solutions, particularly from solar panels.

Order books are open now with the first 100 customers receiving a Founder’s Edition vehicle, which gets as-yet-unannounced ‘surprise features’. The initial deposit is $5,000 (circa £,4000) with the remaining $135,000 (circa £108,000) being transferred closer to production.

Ducati has teamed up with Lego to reveal the latest Technic model in the line-up – the Panigale V4 R.

The first-ever brick reproduction of a Ducati model, the Panigale V4 R is made up of 646 individual bricks and features scale representations of many of the full-sized bike’s inner workings.

The two-speed gearbox, for example, has been included in brick form, while realistic suspension gives the bike ‘life-like’ movement. It also gets front and rear disc brakes, kickstand and exhaust and even a realistic dashboard.

In total, it measures 32cm in length, 16cm in height and eight centimetres in width.

Alessandro Cicognani, Ducati licensing director, said: “We have all been children fond of Lego bricks and I think it is easy to understand that this new licensing agreement between Ducati and the Lego Group is like a dream come true. Two excellences that share the same values of dedication, passion and attention to detail come together to give life to a unique experience.

“Our hope is that the Ducati Panigale V4 R Lego Technic can bring together, excite and entertain children and parents, but also all the fans who ride their motorbikes every day.”

The Ducati Panigale V4 R has been designed for motorcycle fans aged ten and up, and will be available to order from June 1, priced at £54.99.

Prince Philip’s car crash caused a spike in the number of elderly drivers handing back their licence.

On January 17, 2019, the Duke of Edinburgh rolled his Land Rover after colliding with another car near the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Following a Freedom of Information request from retirement mortgage experts Responsible Life, DVLA figures revealed a 21 per cent increase in the number of drivers aged 90 and over voluntarily surrendering their licence last year. The Duke was 97 at the time of the crash.

The number rose from 6,612 to 8,014, and came after a rise of less than 10 per cent in 2018.

The data also shows that the number of drivers aged 100 and over that surrendered their licence increased 146 per cent to 32 in 2019.

Steve Wilkie, executive chairman of Responsible Life, said: “When to stop driving remains one of our most difficult decisions in later life. For many retired motorists it means letting go of a symbol of their independence, even if they only make the occasional trip to the local shops.

“Older age is also cruel and creeps up on you, making it impossible to judge the best time to hang up the steering wheel and get a taxi, rather than soldier on for another year.

“Prince Philip’s misfortunes, however, seem to have jogged a great number of people into confronting this difficult decision head on.”

Although there is no age limit for when people must stop driving, elderly drivers that are concerned about their ability to drive can ask for objective assessments from organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.