Category: News

Each year, the tech world flocks to Las Vegas for CES — formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show.

Traditionally it was the place to see the latest phones, televisions and laptops, though now more and more car manufacturers and automotive parts suppliers are showcasing their latest developments at the event as tech plays an ever-more important role in vehicle development.

With CES 2020 having come to a close, we take a look at the stand-out reveals from the automotive world…

Sony Vision-S

Though Sony made a not-so-surprising announcement of the PlayStation 5 logo at CES, it sent shockwaves through the show with a completely different reveal — the Vision-S autonomous car concept.

In what proved to be an incredibly well-kept secret, the Japanese tech giant worked with engineering firm Bosch and automotive manufacturer Magna Steyr to put together this prototype.

There are 33 sensors inside and out of the car to identify and monitor people and objects, as well as a huge panoramic touchscreen up front which houses entertainment, AI and telecommunication functions. It’s unclear at this stage if Sony will put the car into production, or if it is using the Vision-S as a showcase of its technological capabilities.

Bosch Virtual Visor

Sun visors may be one of the least glamorous elements of a car, but they’re certainly one of the most useful — coming in handy to reduce glare when behind the wheel. The problem is they can also drastically reduce visibility on the road, which is a problem Bosch thinks it has solved with its new Virtual Visor.

This LCD display is capable of blocking out only sections of light that are hitting the driver’s eye, leaving a good part of what’s in front of the driver in view while minimising glare. It judges what sections to block out by using a driver-monitoring camera in combination with artificial intelligence.

Hyundai Smart Mobility Solution

Hyundai used CES as a chance to showcase its vision of the future of transport. The firm wants to move to being a ‘smart mobility solution provider’ rather than just a car manufacturer, and this three-part concept could be its key to doing that.

It consists of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle which would use urban skies as a means to cut congestion on the roads and make journeys faster, able to land at locations known as a ‘Hub’. From here, travellers are said to be able to socialise or head into an autonomous Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV). This PBV is used as ground transport, and could play host to a number of services — including coffee shops and medical clinics.

Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR

Through a strange mash-up between one of the best-known manufacturers in the world and a blockbuster film, the AVTR sees the worlds of Mercedes-Benz and Avatar combined. It features a ‘multifunctional control element’ within the car, which reacts to the driver’s hand and lights up accordingly, as well as 33 ‘bionic flaps’ at the rear of the car which can all independently move. Very Hollywood.

But in real-world terms, there’s some cutting-edge tech here too; the all-electric AVTR makes use of a new type of battery which, Mercedes says, is completely free of rare earth metals. It means the onboard battery is compostable and completely recyclable – limiting the environmental impact of the car enormously.

Land Rover Defender Tech

Land Rover debuted some ground-breaking new tech on its Defender at CES, too. It’s been revealed that the new Defender is arriving this year with a dual-eSim setup, which allows for over-the-air updates while giving the option to simultaneously stream music or apps. Essentially, the car can update on the move while streaming audio with no loss of quality.

NAWA Racer e-Bike

Sadly this stunning electric motorbike is merely a concept built by energy storage system firm NAWA Technology to demonstrate its new hybrid battery technology. It claims the set-up offers 10 times more power and five times more energy than traditional systems and could be fitted to any electric vehicle.

Despite not being a production model, NAWA released some impressive performance numbers for its e-Bike.

If you’re wanting to move lots of people in comfort and luxury, then a seven-seater is the only way to go. Certainly, for out-and-out people-moving you’ve got to go for a seven-seater as they provide the best practicality and spaciousness that passengers will want.

Now, there are plenty of seven-seater options, ranging from the entry-level to the downright luxurious. Let’s take a look at some of the best on sale today.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The newly-introduced Mercedes-Benz GLS certainly sits at the premium end of the seven-seater segment. It’s packed with features and technology, and it looks good too – even if it’s still one of the largest cars on the road.

There’s a lot of space inside and all three rows are treated to a generous amount of legroom too.

Seat Tarraco

Seat’s Tarraco arrived last year, bringing a sprinkle of Spanish flair to the seven-seater SUV segment. It’s based on the same platform as the Skoda Kodiaq, but gets slightly sharper looks and a different interior too.

It’s also available with an efficient range of engines and represents excellent value-for-money, with a healthy dose of practicality too.

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover’s go-anywhere Discovery, as well as being capable of traversing all manner of terrain, is also an excellent seven-seater option. There’s loads of space, and though the boot is quite small when all the seats are in place, there’s enough room to swallow a few bags.

It lies on the more expensive end of things, we’ll admit, but it’s impressively well kitted out as a result.

Audi Q7

Audi’s Q7 is now into its second generation and is now more refined and premium than ever before. It remains an imposing car to look at with a huge grille up front, but it’s a far more elegantly styled car than the one it replaces.

Inside, there are high-tech features aplenty, with large twin-touchscreens controlling most functions, heated front seats, and wireless charging, while on the outside there’s adaptive air suspension for a comfy ride and Matrix LED headlights for great visibility at night.

Skoda Kodiaq

If value for money is at the forefront of your mind when buying a new car, the Skoda Kodiaq should be top of your shopping list. As a member of the VW Group, you get excellent build quality despite the relatively inexpensive cost, and a smart-looking exterior.

Inside, there’s plenty of space with bags of on-board technology, too, so there’s no need to scrimp on important features to save a few quid.

Seat Alhambra

Some of the cars in this list push the idea of being a true seven-seater a bit, because you might find that only children can fit in the very back. However, the Seat Alhambra is one of those where even adults should be able to get comfortable.

It might be a little dull to look at and lack some of the tech of rivals, but as an overall package it has all bases covered.

Volvo XC90

The premium SUV segment has been booming and shows no signs of relenting. Volvo’s XC90 has long been one of the very best, with its sleek exterior styling and unique minimalist interior, it’s easy to see why buyers have flocked to the Swedish brand.

It’s pretty pricey, but for the extra cash you get fantastic quality and style, as well as class-leading safety technology and a decent boot – even in seven-seat mode.

Lexus RX L

The Lexus RX L takes a standard RX, adds some length out back and fits a couple of extra seats where the boot used to be. It features Lexus’s quirky exterior styling and infuriating infotainment system inside, while the driver will be well aware of its heft on a twisty road.

But where it makes up for those negatives is the fact that it’s very relaxing to drive, and features a quiet and fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain.

Tesla Model X

Few brands enjoy the badge appeal Tesla has achieved in its short existence. The Model X is the American electric car maker’s SUV/MPV offering, featuring all the cutting edge tech you expect from Tesla, as well as those show-stopping ‘falcon’ doors.

If you can face the steep starting price you’ll enjoy emission- and guilt-free motoring with incredibly low running costs.

It may seem strange given the climate, but the convertible is an immensely popular option in the UK. That wind-in-your-hair experience is hard to beat, even if the weather across Britain is a little temperamental.

And we’ll admit, winter may not seem like the obvious season to take advantage of a convertible. But wrap up warm, switch the heaters to full and we’re adamant that a drop-top can be just as much fun as when the sun’s shining down.

Porsche 718 Boxster

Convertible and sports car are two terms that go hand-in-hand, with that reputation bolstered by the Porsche 718 Boxster.

It may be seen as Porsche’s entry-level sporting machine, but the 718 Boxster has a lot to offer in the way of a rewarding drive. Its chassis feels sharp and responsive, with a decent amount of power coming from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine too. Oh, and it has an easily-stowed electronic roof that makes taking advantage of a rare ray of sunshine a breeze.

Mazda MX-5

Every list of convertibles has to feature a Mazda MX-5, right? It’s a huge cliche at this point to recommend one when it comes to drop-top considerations, but with very good reason.

Over its four generations of production, it has delivered big on a pure and exciting driving experience without commanding a huge price or offering performance out of the capabilities of most everyday drivers. In its latest ‘ND’ guise, the little Japanese icon has gone back to its roots and is a common sight across the UK.

Mini Convertible

Drivers looking for a convertible supermini may not have the broadest selection of options in the market, but Mini’s unchallenged offering is fortunately pretty impressive in itself.

It blends the iconic and quirky styling of the Mini Hatch with an easily-collapsible soft-top roof so all occupants can catch the fresh air on the move. It’s available in Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works S guise for those looking for a drop-top hot hatch as well.

Audi TT Roadster

Once the poster child of being the wheels of choice for hair salon owners (we’ll argue that’s the Range Rover Evoque now), the Audi TT has been a mainstay in the convertible segment ever since its original 1998 inception.

Though it may not be as famous as its older brethren, the latest Audi TT packs quality and respectable performance into a handsome package. Those looking for a bit of oomph can opt for the TTS Roadster, with the RS Roadster available to those after serious levels of performance.

BMW Z4

The latest-generation Z4 is back and sharper than ever. Though many questioned its looks upon first release, its appearance is certainly striking – and it’s probably one of the best examples of BMW’s latest design language, in our eyes at least.

Lighter than before and incorporating a more centrally-placed cockpit for better weight distribution, it’s incredibly precise to drive, whichever engine variant you opt for.

Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

The C-Class Cabriolet is a drop-top version of one of Mercedes’ most popular cars, transferring everything people love about the regular C-Class into a soft-top variant. The latest, facelifted model still looks sharp, and the interior is equally tasteful.

Again, like many cars in this list, there are a variety of engines to choose from – as well as a range-topping C63 packing a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine.

Audi A5 Convertible

The A5 Convertible is a car which can be used day-to-day without any problems and a range of petrol and diesel engines – both economy-based and performance-orientated – mean that this Audi drop-top is likely to suit anyone.

Plus, it features a well made and high-end interior and a surprising amount of space. There’s a decent boot, too, so it could be a great choice for those who want that soft-top experience without forsaking practicality.

BMW 8 Series Convertible

For jaw-dropping looks, go no further than the BMW 8 Series Convertible. Subtle it certainly isn’t, with a huge front grille dominating the face of the car. Inside, there’s a luxurious and high-quality interior which is brimming with high-tech features.

There’s the option of a powerful diesel or V8 petrol – and both provide more than enough performance.

Renault has revealed a full list of pricing and specifications for its latest Captur.

Priced from £17,595 and available to order now, first deliveries of the all-new Captur are expected to commence in March 2020.

Officially unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Captur follows on from its predecessor which took the title as the best-selling B-SUV in Europe.

Built on a new CMF-B platform, the new Captur boasts more interior space than before as well as better levels of equipment. It’s longer than before – up 110mm – with an exterior beefed-up by front and rear skid plates and protective mouldings for the lower part of the body.

That increased length means there’s now 17mm more legroom in the rear than before, while boot space has been bumped up by 81 litres to a peak capacity of 536 litres.

LED headlamps are now standard-fit across the range, with Renault’s C-shape daytime running light incorporated into the unit’s design. Three new colours – Alabaster White, Highland Grey and Celadon Blue – are now available to choose from on the Captur.

Inside, Play and Iconic-specification models receive a seven-inch touchscreen system as standard, with those on S Edition are increased in size to a 9.3-inch portrait unit. Both get full navigation and connectivity systems too. In addition, each unit features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration technology.

Mid-range Iconic cars start from £19,095 and get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lamps and rear parking sensors as standard – among other features. At the top of the range sits the Captur S Edition, which starts from £20,595. Diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver are a few notable extras among a whole host of additions.

Three petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch. Entry-level cars use a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit with 99bhp and 160Nm of torque, driven through a five-speed manual gearbox. Up next sits a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit with the choice of either 129bhp and 240Nm of torque or 153bhp and 270Nm of torque. Both come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

There is also a diesel offering which uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine in one of two outputs – 95bhp or 115bhp – with both coming with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Registrations for the upcoming Ford Mustang Mach-e are ‘slightly ahead’ of expectations, a Ford spokesperson has said today.

Around 200 UK registrations have been made since pre-orders opened three weeks ago, with each requiring a £1,000 deposit.

It equates to around 65 registrations per week since registrations opened ahead of first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2020.

This all-electric pony is lighting up the night. Reserve yours today.

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) December 3, 2019

It does, however, lag some way behind Norway – a country heavily invested in electric vehicles – which is said to already be on a ‘four figure total’.

A spokesperson from Ford told the PA news agency that TrustFord – the largest Ford-dedicated dealer group for new and used cars – has taken ‘double the second-placed dealer group’s deposits’, with a majority of those registering in metropolitan areas.

However, the spokesperson stated that the ‘overall spread of deposits is national’, stretching across the country and even as far-reaching as the Channel Islands.

An all-new, purpose-built vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E is one of 14 electrified Ford vehicles due to come to Europe by the end of 2020.

It’ll be launched initially with two battery pack sizes and three power outputs. At the entry point of the range sits a single motor-driven version with either a 75kWh battery and a 245bhp motor or a 99kWh battery and a 285bhp motor. Both should hit 60mph in under eight seconds, while ranges of 280 miles and 370 miles should be possible from the respective powertrains.

The future is electric, or so it would seem. Manufacturers across the globe are pushing towards plug-in power, with almost every brand bringing their own electric car to market. It means that over the next few months the electric segment will surge forward in size considerably.

But with so many cars set to be released, which are the ones you should be focusing on? We’ve done the hard work there – and these are some of the electric cars you should be getting excited about next year.

Ford Mustang Mach E

V8 muscle goes green. Ford has swapped the shouty V8 heart of the classic Mustang for a more refined eco alternative but promises the same untamed driving thrill that you expect from the Mustang name. Boasting a 370-mile range, 15.5” display for their next-generation Ford Sync System and striking looks, it’s a great addition to the electric SUV market.

Audi E-Tron Sportback

Building on the success of their first production electric vehicle, Audi is going to be adding to the line up with their E-Tron Sportback. With similar features and styling to the original and an expected range of around 248 miles, the Sportback will be a lower, more style focussed version to challenge the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace.

Fiat 500 Electric

The city is the perfect location for a small electric vehicle, so Fiat’s choice to combine its classic city car with a new electric powertrain seems like a match made in heaven. With a rumoured range of 250 miles, this fun city run around will retain its classic Italian looks but underneath become a whole new vehicle. The new electric power will play to the 500’s city strengths of nipping in and out of traffic and parking just about anywhere.

Peugeot e-2008

With the new e-2008, Peugeot is adding another car following its new philosophy of ‘Pick your Peugeot, pick your powertrain’. The new e-2008 has had a technology infusion in what Peugeot calls its new 3Di cockpit, and even comes with green stitching to remind you how eco-friendly you are being. The e-2008 has a projected range of 198 miles, but Peugeot states that it can be charge from 0 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes on a 100kw fast charger.

Volkswagen ID.3

Volkswagen has broken tradition a little by producing a purpose-built electric hatchback rather than adapting an already popular model. The ID.3 is set for release in 2020, with all the first edition cars they offered already reserved. With a longer wheelbase, but a body not much bigger than the traditional Golf, the ID.3 is set to have more interior room and great technology to match. At 340 miles of range, the larger battery version will take you further between charges than many of its competitors.

Vauxhall Corsa-e

A familiar look, but a brand new drive. The new Corsa-e comes with a 205-mile range and if you order before the end of 2019, Vauxhall will include a free home charger that will get you from flat to full charge in 7.5 hours. To keep its fun driving style, the Corsa-e comes with a Sport mode to give you that extra performance burst or switch to eco to increase the range.

If you’ve never heard of Polestar before, let’s bring you quickly up to speed.

It started out in life as Volvo’s performance car division – a key hit being the short-lived V60 Polestar. Given the firm’s continued alliance with Volvo, you can opt to have its plug-in hybrid models available with a ‘Polestar Engineered’ package – essentially bringing performance tweaks to an otherwise non-sporty model.

And it’s that performance theme that has continued, with Polestar launching in 2017 as its own standalone brand, and its first all-new model is this – the new ‘1’ GT car.

We’ve been in Florence to put it through its paces, but to also understand some of its key features. Here are five of the most interesting features available on it.

1. Longest electric range of any plug-in hybrid

Is there a point in launching a new car and brand if it’s not going to make other manufacturers wake up and take notice? Probably not, which is why Polestar aims to do things a bit differently.

Bizarrely all of its upcoming models, with the exception of this car, will be all-electric, so it’s a bit unusual that this new ‘halo’ car is a plug-in hybrid instead. But it still makes a bang – featuring a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, along with a pair of electric motors and a huge 34kWh battery. That latter figure is the focus here, as that gives the ‘1’ the longest electric range of any plug-in hybrid – travelling up to 78 miles on electricity.

2. Carbon fibre structure

Another key feature on the Polestar 1 is what it’s made from – carbon-fibre reinforced plastic. It’s not the first car to be made from the material – in fact it’s what its closest rival – the BMW i8 – is constructed from.

It brings a few benefits – the first weight saving, as it is 230kg lighter to be made from the material. It also lowers the centre of gravity in the ‘1’, too, which essentially results in improved handling.

3. Manually-adjustable dampers

While it’s increasingly common for manufacturers to fit their car with electronic dampers, Polestar has gone old-school with the ‘1’, as it’s fitted with manually adjustable ones instead.

They’re produced by Ohlins and can be adjusted at home without the need for it to go into a dealer to have them changed.

4. Batteries on show in the boot

Most manufacturers often scramble to try and hide the electrical underpinnings on their car – unlike an engine when they often like that to be on show. You often see them covered up underneath the boot, but Polestar’s doing things a bit differently and has deliberately left them on show in the boot of the ‘1’.

It’s a cool touch and gives the ‘1’ a particularly futuristic feel.

5. Looks exactly like a concept car

The Polestar 1’s entire inspiration is a 2013 show car – the Volvo Concept Coupe, which was a dramatic-looking model previewing a new platform that would be used in future Volvos, as well as a new styling language.

But there’s yet to be a new road car that exactly replicates that concept car. Until now. It’s remarkable how close the ‘1’ looks to that concept, with the carbon-fibre structure allowing for even more freedom to create the model exactly how the designers envisaged.

Lynx deodorant is an icon of gym changing rooms and thoughtless Christmas gifts across the UK, but now it’s looking to be just as at home in your car.

The popular Unilever-owned brand has released a range of car air fresheners, bringing some of its most popular scents to the cabin.

Available at launch as a Halfords exclusive, there is a variety of fresheners to choose from. The cheapest offering is a disc-shaped freshener designed to hang from the rear-view mirror and is available at £2.99.

For £3.99, a ‘gel can’ freshener that fits into a cup holder or door pocket is said to be a solution for a ‘long-lasting release’ of fragrance, while the same price can also secure a unit that clips to air-con vents. Smaller versions of the latter are available at £3.59.

Finally, those who just can’t get enough Lynx can opt for a refillable, vent-clipping freshener. This £7.99 unit incorporates a scented stick, which can be swapped out at any time for a replacement of a different smell — with packs of two sticks costing £1.99.

Scents available include Lynx’s Africa, Black, Ice Chill, Gold and Dark Temptation.

Mariana Freitas, car air freshener expert for Halfords, said: “Lynx is an instantly recognisable and iconic brand with fragrances and shower products loved by millions, so we are thrilled to be selling these exclusively for the next two months.

“It means that motorists will be able to bring Lynx fragrances into their cars with the ultimate car accessory – a long-lasting car freshener with a modern and high-end design. We know our customers love to look after their cars and hope this latest addition means they will be excited about keeping their car interiors smelling fresh.”

What is it?

If you know your Porsche lineage well, you’ll know the 356 of 1948 was the genesis of the firm’s now-iconic sports car range. That stunning model is the inspiration for this new 911 Speedster model, which started life as a concept but now enters production in limited numbers.

It bears design cues from the classic model, but with modern, motorsport-inspired underpinnings. You might be taken aback by the £211,599 price tag, but with the 911 R and 911 GT3 serving as the ‘basis for development’, you’re getting the combination of two of the most highly sought-after Porsches in modern history with retro-inspired styling.

What’s new?

Although largely based on the previous-generation 911 GT3 and sporting the Speedster name that’s been used on various Porsche models before, this is an all-new variant, being the first time the German firm’s GT division has been given the chance to make a drop-top.

Its stand-out features are the elegant roof – it’s manually operated and tricky to get to grips with – and the double-bubble rear section into which it folds, giving the Speedster its classic silhouette. There are also various weight-saving measures such as the carbon-fibre bonnet and interior door pulls, while downforce is optimised through aerodynamic exterior parts.

What’s under the bonnet?

This being a Porsche 911, rather than sitting beneath the bonnet, the Speedster’s engine sits hidden away behind the driver. Famously rear-engined, this particular example is powered by a 4.0-litre, naturally aspirated six-cylinder unit making 503bhp and 470Nm of torque. 0-60mph comes up in 3.8 seconds and the top speed is 193mph.

And, when conditions allow you to give it full throttle, it feels every bit as fast as those numbers suggest – and then some. The fat rear tyres bite into the tarmac and there’s barely a moment’s hesitation before you’re absolutely catapulted forward, your eyes focused on a pinprick on the horizon as the straight-six’s raucous soundtrack dominates every other sense.

That’s not hyperbole, either. That something with such elegant styling features can be this stupid-fast is fantastic.

What’s it like to drive?

‘When conditions allow’ is an apt caveat for this test, though. Taking a 503bhp sports car to the deserted roads of the Northumberland wilderness is a recipe for greatness. Just not in November.

With the rain lashing down and roads resembling rivers, a full throttle blitzkrieg quickly feels more like a kamikaze mission as all that power tries hard to cut through endless standing water. Then there’s the steep roadside drops, keen to compound the misery brought on by any overeager throttle inputs.

And yet. Even driven well within its capabilities, the theatre of the occasion – the engine’s delight at being revved towards 9,000rpm and the noise that accompanies it – means the weather doesn’t dampen spirits.

When short sections of dry road do appear, charging on is euphoric. The Speedster’s suspension is stiff, with the rough roads unsettling the car and ensuring you remain switched on at all times. But swallow some brave pills and it feels happier once you’re pushing on, with the ride smoothing out and the sharp handling reminding you that Porsche’s GT division is full of engineering magicians.

How does it look?

Porsche detractors often mock the fact modern 911s still look a lot like the old ones. So, with a new 911 here directly inspired by the most classic of all the firm’s sports cars, could this be just another cynical marketing ploy to play off the brand’s heritage? Maybe. Does it matter when it looks this good? Not a jot.

Up front sits the familiar oval headlights, with large intakes in the front bumper hinting at the performance hidden out back. However, it’s the roof that makes this car stand out. In place it looks great, with the sweeping rear sections producing some interesting design angles.

Drop the roof though, and the rear buttresses become more prominent, rising up from the rear section behind the passengers’ heads to evoke imagery of classic roadsters. The whole rear section pivots up to contain the roof, too, so even the simple act of removing or replacing the drop-top becomes an event.

What’s it like inside?

Inside, it’s typical Porsche fare, which is to say high-quality and restrained design. As standard, the model gets black leather upholstery with Speedster logos dotted throughout, black and white dials like the old 356 Speedster, and a badge between the seats to denote the serial number of each particular model.

It feels spacious for a two-seater, and despite being a performance-focused model, there are plenty of creature comforts and the feeling that you could conduct long journeys without tiring – though there are naturally some concessions to practicality in the cabin.

What’s the spec like?

With a starting price of £211,599, the Porsche 911 Speedster is suitably well-equipped, with standard kit including 20-inch black alloy wheels, leather upholstery, an infotainment system that can be deleted, free of charge, to save weight, and a choice between 18-way adjustable sports seats or full bucket seats.

Naturally, you can go mad with the options, though given the extortionate starting point, nothing feels too outrageous. There’s a Bose stereo for £1,002 and a leather luggage set for £5,276, for example. Meanwhile, our test car had extra leather and red stitching for £2,147, a front axle lift system for £1,599, and extra LED lighting in the cabin that took our car to almost £220,000.

Verdict

Just 1,948 examples of the Porsche 911 Speedster are being built, making this a special thing indeed. But it’s got more than just rarity on its side, marrying ballistic performance with a classic, iconic design.

Porsche’s GT cars are notoriously fantastic to drive, so it should be no surprise the first convertible GT continues this trend. With ballistic performance and an ultra-cool exterior design, the 911 Speedster almost justifies that ludicrous price tag.

Flooded conditions are some of the absolute worst to drive in when it comes to UK roads. Standing water can very easily catch a driver out, and the possibility of flooding a vehicle is a large risk to the safety of a driver and can cost a fortune to sort out.

Though its best to avoid driving in floods at all, it may be a necessity. If you absolutely must get behind the wheel, here is some advice to follow to help you stay safe.

Avoid it if possible

The safest approach to driving in floods is to not do it at all. Unless your journey is absolutely necessary, it’s better to keep your car parked up and remain at home.

Instead of driving to the shops, take a walk if you can or discuss with your boss about working from home. Though some journeys by car are necessary, stay off the road if you can for your own safety.

Check the route ahead

Before getting into the car, use a mobile maps application and check local reports to see any potential hazards on your route.

Some roads on your journey could be heavily flooded, posing a strong risk to yourself and your car, or even be closed. Clear diversions may be in place, though that may not always be the case — so you may need to plan an alternative route.

Pack an emergency kit

It’s worth having an emergency kit readily available in your car in the event you do become stranded while out in the flooded conditions.

We’d recommend packing at least a high-visibility jacket, a breakdown warning triangle and a torch at the bare minimum. Additionally, packing snacks, warm clothing, jump leads, a supply of drinks and a pair of wellies could all come in handy. A decent music playlist can help pass the time, too.

Have an emergency number stored in your phone

Though in the age of modern smartphones we always seem to be connected to the internet one way or another, there’s no guarantee of signal while out on the roads.

With that in mind, having an emergency contact number as well as that of a breakdown provider stored in your phone’s contacts is worth the few seconds it takes. If you are stranded, you may be a little out of luck if you’re relying on Google to provide a number — so it could be a big help.

Perform basic vehicle checks

While it’s worth doing these before every journey, we’ll admit that it’s something most people tend to forego. In any harsh driving conditions, though, it’s very important to check your vehicle is in a safe condition though.

Test your headlights and brake lights are working, tyres are at a good level and that the tread depth on them is also comfortably above the legal limit of 1.6mm. You can test this using the edge of a 20p coin, which the tyre tread should come above — though we’d always recommend changing tyres before it gets near that level.

Turn your headlights on

Your headlights are working? Great, now make sure to keep them on. In floods, rain is almost guaranteed too which heavily reduces visibility.

Ensure your lights are on to give other motorists the best chance to see your vehicle, and also maximise your visibility in low light conditions. Fog lights may also be necessary, with the Highway Code stating they must be used if visibility drops below 100 metres.

Drive to the conditions — don’t aim for the speed limits

Remember that speed limits are not targets to hit — rather the maximum permitted for a particular road. In flooded conditions particularly, driving at a high speed greatly increases the likelihood of losing control of a vehicle, while also reducing a driver’s ability to react to a dangerous vehicle.

Don’t be afraid to drop to a much lower speed than permitted to give yourself more control of the car, and to be able to react to incidents ahead.

Allow extra room

Though you should always allow for a good amount of room to the car ahead in case of any dangers, that’s even more crucial in harsh driving conditions like flooding.

The likelihood of a hazard is much greater here than in clear weather, and you should adjust your driving accordingly. Giving a car in front more space allows for you to react to any sudden braking or hazards that you may otherwise not see beyond them.

Don’t test the waters

If you’re unsure of the depth of a puddle or large body of standing water, then avoid it if possible.

Testing the waters is not a good idea here, as you could find yourself driving into something incredibly deep and putting yourself in danger as well as heavily flooding your vehicle. Look for an alternative route, even if that means adding more time to your journey.

Don’t be afraid to take a break

If you need to take a few minutes to catch your concentration, wait for the conditions to clear or simply have a drink of coffee, don’t be afraid to take a break and find somewhere safe to park up.