Category: News

While 2020 will be best remembered for the coronavirus pandemic, it’s also been the year of the big luxury SUV.

Not only has the new Land Rover Defender finally gone on sale, the long-awaited Aston Martin DBX is also hitting dealer forecourts. Meanwhile, the Bentley Bentayga has been given a big update.

With that in mind, we run through the best luxury SUVs on the market to see how the new competitors stack up against the competition.

Bentley Bentayga

Bentley’s best-selling model received a refresh earlier this year, getting updated engines and a new look to bring it into line with the rest of the firm’s models.

What’s more, it’s just been joined by a high-performance W12 engine that makes a massive 626bhp, meaning you can outpace some supercars while sitting in sumptuous comfort.

Aston Martin DBX

The DBX is probably the most important car Aston Martin has ever made. The firm has been struggling financially in recent years, but now it’s in the hugely lucrative SUV market that could change.

It boasts smart looks and a lovely interior, but has put a focus on being one of the most fun SUVs to drive. That means it’s not quite Bentley levels of waft on the motorway, but it should be a hoot in the corners.

Land Rover Defender

The new Defender has upset some purists, who would prefer it to have remained the utilitarian off-roader it used to be. However, the switch to the premium segment will make this new model far more successful for Land Rover.

Fortunately, despite now having a more upmarket interior and vastly better on-road manners than before, it’s still the best off-roader the firm has ever made.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Much like the Defender, the G-Class made its name as an off-roader. Its boxy shape and back-to-basics interior won it many admirers, but these days it’s more likely to be seen cruising the streets of Knightsbridge.

It retains its squared-off aesthetic but boasts the kind of fantastic interior and buckets of badge appeal we’ve come to expect from the German brand. And it can still haul you up a mountain when required, too.

BMW X7

If you’re after the biggest most comfortable car you can find, the BMW X7 is the one for you. This absolute beast is the biggest car the firm makes and is best thought of as an SUV version of the luxurious 7 Series saloon.

As a result you get some monstrous diesel engines that pull you along in near silence thanks to the solid but premium cabin.

Volvo XC90

When Volvo made the switch to building premium cars it absolutely nailed its niche in the market, providing a cool and sophisticated minimalist-inspired alternative to its predictable German rivals.

That’s epitomised by the XC90, which is big, comfortable, brilliantly put together and comfortable behind the wheel. If interesting design is important to you, give this large SUV a shot.

Any list of the most iconic cars ever made will feature the McLaren F1. When it was released in the 1990s it was well ahead of its time, and its designer Gordon Murray is world-renowned as one of the greatest ever.

He’s created a new company in his own name, and has just revealed his first supercar, called the T.50. No expense has been spared in the production of the car, which has some fascinating details. Here we highlight some of the coolest features of the car.

The V12 engine

The T.50 is powered by a bespoke V12 engine that has been built by Cosworth. Murray had high demands of the company, but it has achieved them all. It makes an incredible 651bhp and revs to an unbelievable 12,100rpm. There’s no turbocharger, and Murray doesn’t like belts, so it has a small 48-volt motor that runs a number of parts to keep the design ultra clean.

When not in gear it can rev 28,400 times in one second. By revving so quickly up, it also revs quickly on the way down, so the company is having to develop software to help with gear changes.

It’s a manual

Modern performance cars almost never have manual gearboxes nowadays, because automatics are so much quicker, and so few buyers opt for the manual. However, Murray wanted the T.50 to be the ultimate drivers car, and decided to include a six-speed manual shifter.

The linkages between the shifter and the gearbox are on display, too, so passengers can see the inner workings of the car on the move.

Central driving position and no touchscreens

Much like his earlier design, the McLaren F1, the T.50 has a central driving position with a seat behind on each side for passengers to provide the purest possible driving experience.

There’s nothing in the car that’s unnecessary, so there are no touchscreens, because Murray isn’t a fan. Instead, the car connects wirelessly to the driver’s phone for entertainment and navigation purposes. Anything that can’t be controlled through the phone has a physical button or dial.

Ground effects

On the back of the car is a large fan, which aids downforce. Most cars rely on wings of varying sizes across the car to create downforce and improve handling. However, the fan allows the air to be sucked through the diffuser at a steeper angle, making a lot of downforce without the need for wings. The result is a very clean-looking car that therefore also creates minimal drag, improving top speed and efficiency.

The fan has various modes depending on the driver’s need, including one that sees it spin up to full speed during emergency braking.

It’s lightweight

Given the huge performance on offer and the mid-rear-mounted V12 engine, you might be surprised to learn that the T.50 is tiny – it’s actually slightly shorter than a Porsche 911. That’s partly because Murray didn’t want anything unnecessary on the car to keep weight low.

Through the use of lightweight materials and clever tricks, such as hollowing out the alloy wheels to save weight, the T.50 weighs just 986kg. For some perspective, the Mazda MX-5, itself considered a tiny, lightweight car, weighs more than 1,100kg.

With dealerships closed for a couple of months during the coronavirus pandemic, new vehicle registrations were almost non-existent in April and May.

However, after showing signs of a resurgence in June, the industry was able to relieve a lot of pent-up demand in July, seeing sales up 11.3 per cent on the same month last year.

Here we look at the models that sold best when dealers reopened.

Vauxhall Corsa – 5,455

Vauxhall’s latest Corsa continues to be a massive hit with buyers, topping the charts again and outselling its key rival, the Ford Fiesta last month.

The latest generation was introduced earlier this year and is clearly striking a chord with buyers, who appear to appreciate its stylish new look, improved equipment levels, and the option of an electric version for the first time.

Ford Fiesta – 5,421

It was incredibly close at the top of the charts in July, with the Fiesta coming second by just 34 units. Ford won’t be too worried, though, with its supermini still topping the year-to-date sales figures for 2020.

Despite the Corsa’s popularity, the Fiesta is still widely considered to be the best to drive in this class, proving incredibly affordable despite being a class leader. It’s also getting some new mild hybrid engines to make it more economical too.

Ford Focus – 4,981

The Ford Focus has long been the go-to family car, fighting off the popularity of crossovers to hold its place high in the sales charts.

Variety is one of the Focus’s key selling points, with lots of trim options to suit every budget and lifestyle, as well as estate and more off-road-focused body styles furthering its appeal. With a recent update improving kit and introducing mild-hybrid engines, expect the Focus to continue to sell well.

Volkswagen Golf – 3,936

For most people, a Volkswagen Golf is all the car you could ever need – it looks good, has badge appeal, drives well and is decently practical. It’s a great all-rounder even if it’s not necessarily class-leading in any specific area.

The Golf’s shot back up the charts this month because a new eighth-generation model has gone on sale. That means there are great deals on the outgoing model and plenty of buyers are after the latest version.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class – 3,922

The latest A-Class has been a huge hit for Mercedes. It brings premium appeal to the small hatchback market, offering a relatively affordable route into the German brand.

The interior is a step above most other rivals in this class, with large infotainment screens and high quality materials used throughout. It’s also got plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains to give it wide appeal.

Nissan Qashqai – 2,971

When it comes to crossovers, the Qashqai is king. It revolutionised the segment and has continued to be a sales hit.

There are technically better and more recently updated rivals, but with good looks, tonnes of practicality and a decent driving experience, it’s no surprise so many buyers turn to the Qashqai – and stick with it when it’s time for something new.

Volkswagen Polo – 2,932

Although largely overshadowed by the Golf, the Polo continues to quietly rack up sales, proving hugely popular with supermini buyers. It brings a little premium appeal to the small car market, feeling solidly put together and packed full of kit.

It has wide appeal thanks to offering everything from tiny petrol engines that are perfect for young drivers, to more powerful GTI versions.

Mini – 2,906

Despite Mini’s move to the premium segment, its Hatch continues to be hugely popular, thanks to its style, heritage and the fact it’s British-built.

It’s available as a three-door and a five-door, while an Electric model is also now on offer with a 145-mile range, though it remains to be seen whether this particular variant will be a sales hit.

Volkswagen Tiguan – 2,880

Another popular car for Volkswagen is the Tiguan, which although it’s outsold by the Golf and Polo in the UK, is the firm’s best-seller worldwide.

It’s set to be updated soon, with a performance-focused R version on the way as well as a more economy-focused plug-in hybrid. Expect these to contribute to the Tiguan remaining in the best-sellers chart.

Ford Kuga – 2,686

Finally, it’s another Ford to wrap up the top 10. The Kuga has long been a big hit with UK buyers, providing decent SUV space and equipment while representing great value.

It was recently updated, slipping out of the charts during the changeover, but now it’s back. With a more stylish new look and a plug-in hybrid that will make it hugely appealing to business buyers, expecting it to make its way back up the charts.

A new British-built supercar from the company started by legendary car designer Gordon Murray has finally broken cover.

The Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) T.50 claims to be ‘the most driver-centric supercar ever built’, with the ‘most advanced and effective aerodynamics ever seen on a road car’.

Power comes from a bespoke 3.9-litre V12 engine that makes 654bhp and revs to an incredible 12,100rpm, while the car itself weighs just 986kg.

However, the unique selling point is the 400mm rear-mounted fan, which rapidly accelerates air passing under the car. Known as ‘ground effects’, it has a big effect on downforce, so the technology allows for the surface of the car to have fewer aerodynamic devices resulting in a cleaner design.

The fan is run by a 48-volt motor, and has six different modes to optimise airflow for high downforce or high top speeds.

Speaking of the fans, which Murray also used on his most famous car design, the McLaren F1, the 74-year-old said: “Next-level aerodynamics allow us to avoid the current supercar trend for exaggerated wings, vents and ducts. I was determined to create a clean and pure shape that would remain timeless, ensuring the T.50 will still look fresh in 30 years.”

If it wasn’t for the fans, the engine would be a major talking point too. Developed by Cosworth, the engine is a naturally aspirated unit that GMA claims is the lightest V12 ever made thanks to its aluminium, steel and titanium construction.

Murray said of the engine: “To be truly remarkable, an engine needs to have the right characteristics: highly-responsive, an amazing sound, engaging torque delivery, free-revving, and it has to be naturally aspirated. For all those reasons, the engine in the T.50 was never going to be anything other than a V12.”

Customer deliveries of the T.50 will begin in January 2022, and each will cost £2.36m before local taxes.

Ford is including four-legged robot dogs in a new trial scheme which aims to save time and money at one of its American plants.

Created by Boston Dynamics – a mobile robotics company – the two machines (called Fluffy and Spot) are being trialled at Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Michigan.

Bright yellow and equipped with five cameras, the robots can travel up to 3mph for around two hours per charge. They’re being put to work scanning the plant floor and, by doing so, help engineers who are updating a computer aided design of the site prior to retooling.

The robots can get into hard-to-reach places, and should be able to drive down the usual cost of the job which stands at nearly $300,000 (£233,000) for a full scan of the site.

Mark Goderis, Ford’s digital engineering manager, said: “We design and build the plant. After that, over the years, changes are made that rarely get documented.

“By having the robots scan our facility, we can see what it actually looks like now and build a new engineering model. That digital model is then used when we need to retool the plant for new products.”

“We used to use a tripod, and we would walk around the facility stopping at different locations, each time standing around for five minutes waiting for the laser to scan. Scanning one plant could take two weeks. With Fluffy’s help, we are able to do it in half the time.”

Currently, the robots are programmed to follow a specific path and can be controlled from up to 50 metres away. Operators control the robots with a device which allows them to remotely see the camera view.

However, the future intent for the project is that the robots will be controlled remotely.

The robots are capable of changing positions from a crouch to a stretch, and even have three different ‘walks’; a regular walk for stable ground, an amble for uneven surfaces and a special speed for going up and down stairs.

Motorists have been reminded that the MOT extension period ends next week and those that forget could face a hefty fine, points on their licence or even a ban.

The extension was issued because of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, with the government announcing that cars with an MOT ending after March 30, 2020 would get an automatic six-month extension.

However, it recently announced that this would no longer apply to vehicles with an MOT ending on or after August 1, 2020.

Paul Loughlin, solicitor and a specialist in motoring law at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, has warned motorists that there will be no exemptions or extensions.

He said: “With the easing of lockdown restrictions, there can be an overwhelming urge to jump in our cars and travel anywhere other than being cooped up at home. However, that sense of urgency can come back to bite, particularly if you’re found to be driving without a valid MOT or driving a dangerous vehicle.

“The government’s decision to reintroduce mandatory testing from August 1, 2020 means that if your MOT is due on or after that date, you must book your vehicle in to be tested as usual. Failure to do so can result in a fine up to £1,000 and if your vehicle is found to be dangerous, it can mean fines of up to £2,500, three points on your license or even a possible ban from driving.

“There is so much going on at the moment that it can be easy to prioritise other areas. However, the cost of inaction can be so much greater, not only financially but also in respect of your safety and that of any passengers.”

The solicitor also warned that rules around taxing and insuring your vehicle have not changed during this period.

Nissan has ruled out producing its new Ariya EV at its large production facility in Sunderland.

The UK plant, which produces key crossovers – such as the Qashqai and Juke – as well as the electric Leaf, seemed like a prime spot to produce the Ariya (unveiled today), given its expertise.

However, Nissan has ruled out producing this new EV alongside the Leaf in the UK, and it will instead be built in Japan at the Tochigi facility, which produces more premium Nissan and Infiniti models, along with the GT-R and 370Z sports cars.

Marco Fioravanti, vice president of product planning at Nissan Europe, said: “The Ariya is going to be produced in Japan, at the Tochigi plant, and it’s been totally changed and modernised in order to accept the new platform, which we’re launching with the Ariya.”

Nissan’s Sunderland facility employs around 7,000 people, and has recently had an uncertain future because of Brexit. The Japanese firm is holding off expanding the facility, which is the largest of its kind in the UK.

Fioravanti said: “Regarding Sunderland, it’s definitely one of our top priorities and it’s the heart of our European manufacturing facilities. At the moment we’re eagerly awaiting Brexit to give us the green light to expand it further.”

In June, Nissan confirmed 250 temporary jobs would go at the plant due to declining demand for new cars from the Covid-19 crisis, while it had a blow in 2019 when the Japanese firm said it would not produce the popular X-Trail SUV there as expected.

Back in May, Nissan announced it would shut its plant in Barcelona, at the expense of 2,800 jobs, though confirmed that its Sunderland operations were safe in the short-term.

The Ariya heralds a new era for Nissan – ushering in a bolder design direction for the firm. It will arrive in the UK in the second half of 2021, and offer a range of up to 310 miles.

What is it?

If you’re after a purist driving experience, the Lotus Elise is one of the go-to names. The model has been around since 1996 and has become world-renowned as a lightweight sports car that’s utterly fantastic to drive.

In the two and a half decades since its inception, the principles have remained the same and the car doesn’t look much different either. It’s still very small and very lightweight, preferring to be agile in the corners than fast in a straight line. As mainstream cars get bigger and bigger this Lotus arguably gets even more appealing, but is it still as relevant in 2020 as it used to be?

What’s new?

This is not just any Elise, this is the Cup 250, which Lotus says is designed more for track use than as a sporty road car. In fact, the Norfolk-based firm boasts that the car could be raced competitively ‘by adding little more than a roll cage’.

With weight the brand’s key focus, the Cup 250 is 14kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of carbon-fibre, titanium and aluminium. The manual gear shifter has been optimised, and now has a beautiful open-gate design that lets you see its inner workings. Meanwhile the body design has been tweaked to improve aerodynamics.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Elise Cup 250 uses a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 240bhp. While that might not sound like much when hot hatches make more, the little Lotus weighs just 931kg, giving a power-to-weight figure of about 275bhp-per-tonne.

The result is a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 150mph, but that’s not what this car is about. Behind the wheel, putting your foot down results in a sharp response from the engine, which fizzes away behind your ear and feels every bit as fast as you could want from a sports car.

What’s it like to drive?

It’s immediately obvious, though, that straight-line performance is not its USP. On a country road, the immediacy of response from every turn of the wheel is a delight, and actually takes some getting used to. It’s so responsive that you’ll find yourself turning in too early, but once you’re dialled in it’s a joy to thread along a country lane. The car feels light and nimble beneath you, and you can see why Lotus fans have eulogised its cars for decades.

It’s also an engineering marvel. Often with small sports car companies you make excuses for parts that don’t feel well put together, but everything is solidly built. Whether it’s the smooth as silk clutch, the snickety gear shift or buttery smooth suspension, there’s nothing sloppy.

How does it look?

While its predecessors could almost be considered cute-looking, the latest Elise has a somewhat meaner appearance. It’s far from aggressive, but there are fewer curvy lines and more sharp and focused ensign features. Much of this is likely to do with aerodynamics, but particularly with the Cup 250, it helps to indicate that this is more of a track-focused model.

It’s also tiny. It’s not until you’re alongside other traffic that you realise just how small the Elise is. However, despite the small surface area, there are some nice design touches, such as the air intakes ahead of the rear wheels, the Union Flag on the rear wing end plates, and the smart but simple multi-spoke alloy wheels.

What’s it like inside?

Much like the outside, the inside has a less is more approach, but here it’s taken to the extreme. There’s really little here that isn’t related to actually driving, with a small stereo headunit and soft Alcantara upholstery about as close as you’re getting to creature comforts.

The highlight is the gear shifter, which has a beautiful open design that allows you to see the linkages at work, but that’s about all there is to talk about.

It’s all about the driving position, though. At first, it’s tricky to climb inside, but it’s surprising how it doesn’t feel too claustrophobic inside once you’ve got into the seat. As a six-foot-plus driver I struggled for leg room, with my knees barely fitting beneath the steering column, but even that didn’t do much to take away from the driving experience.

What’s the spec like?

When it comes to on-board equipment, there really isn’t much to discuss. There’s a new in-car infotainment system by Sony, which has iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, with improved speakers for when you want to take a break from hearing the engine all the time. There’s also a heating system, classic analogue dials, and a plaque bearing the name of the person that built your car.

Outside of the cabin, the performance equipment is more impressive. For example, that exquisite ride is helped by Eibach coaxial coil springs and Bilstein high-performance dampers, while AP Racing twin-piston ventilated brake discs offer impressive stopping power. Meanwhile, endless grip comes from a set of Yokohama Advan A052 tyres.

Verdict

The Lotus Elise is a breath of fresh air in 2020. It’s been around more than two decades, but at a time when cars are getting heavier and more numb for the driver, this car is a reminder what a pure driving experience really is.

While the Cup 250 is theoretically the more hardcore version of the Elise, it actually hits a sweet spot for a road-going performance car, offering more than enough power for a car this light as well as instant response to your inputs.

It’s wholly impractical and lacking in on-board technology, but that’s actually what makes it so appealing.

A rare Jaguar E-Type owned by actor and comedian Steve Coogan is set to go under the hammer at auction.

One of the first 92 right-hand-drive cars produced and one of 56 used as dealer demonstration cars, the E-Type – chassis number 62 – was registered to its first owner in 1961. Sold to its second owner in 1978 in Edinburgh, the classic Jaguar moved to its third keeper and then kept a low profile with its fourth owner in Scotland for many years afterwards.

It was then sold by Silverstone Auctions in 2016 to Coogan, who added it to his collection of classic cars.

In 2017, a thorough restoration of the car was completed. In total, the project took two years to finish.

Despite its varied history, the E-Type has retained its matching body, engine and cylinder head. The gearbox matches too. The restoration process brought the whole car up to showroom standard and it now heads to auction with an estimate of between £300,000 and £350,000.

Nick Whale, Silverstone Auctions managing director commented: “Where do I start, this really is a fabulous car of the highest quality. The history that accompanies it is just perfect, the restoration speaks for itself and has been fully documented. Steve has kept this car in pristine condition in his own personal collection.”

“This is a very special opportunity to own one of the earliest and rarest of Jaguar E-Types with the external bonnet locks. A real collector’s car.”