Final Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the production line

Volkswagen has waved goodbye to one of its most iconic nameplates, with the final example of the Beetle rolling off the production line.

Built in Mexico at the Volkswagen de Mexico plant, the final example — finished in Denim Blue — will be displayed at the firm’s Puebla Museum. This news comes as no surprise. Volkswagen announced plans to axe the model in September 2018, with just 1,598 sold in the UK the previous year.

Originally introduced in 1938 in Germany, the Beetle became an icon around the world — remaining in production in its original guise right up to 2003 in some markets, with 23 million examples produced.

In 1998, the firm gave the nameplate a modern interpretation with the New Beetle — a retro-styled hatchback. It was revamped in 2012, remaining the same until the final example was built this week.

The firm has no immediate plans to revive the Beetle badge again but hasn’t explicitly ruled out the possibility in future. Speaking following the 2018 announcement that Beetle production would end, Hinrich Woebcken, chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America, said: “I would say ‘never say never’. The loss of the Beetle after three generations, over nearly seven decades, will evoke a host of emotions from the Beetle’s many devoted fans.”

Volkswagen’s Mexico plant will be retooled to accommodate production of a new North American market SUV that sits underneath the Tiguan in its range. Its equivalent in the UK would be the T-Roc, though there’s no confirmation if that car will be finding its way across the Atlantic.

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Video title: Final Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the production line

Video desc: Production of iconic hatchback ends in Mexico, with final example to go on display in Volkswagen Puebla Museum

Video copyright: Blackball Media

Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/msn-beetle-1.mp4

Crossovers to coupes: what do all these car types mean?

With the new car market becoming an ever-more diverse field, it can be a little daunting to learn about the variety of motors on sale today.

If you’ve ever looked broadly at buying a new car, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of terms like saloon, hatchback, coupe and whatever else. Though simple in nature, these car ‘classes’ can be a bit of a headache to understand for those with a lesser interest in cars. Is that you? We’ve put together a handy guide to help…

Coupe

Coupes are some of the most desirable cars on the road. Though referring to any two-door car, they’re most commonly associated with two-door sports cars and supercars — combining sleek looks with mega performance.

Crossover

The crossover — sometimes known as CUV — is the most rapidly-growing segment in the new car market. These vehicles combine the proportions and practicality of a hatchback with a higher ride height and more rugged looks often associated with an SUV. They’re the ‘in’ thing at the moment, with many manufacturers turning their focus to this segment.

Convertible

A convertible is a car that can either be had with its roof fixed in place, or dropped down for open-top motoring. Convertibles come in a variety of flavours — with hard-top (a roof made from metal), soft-top (a canvas or fabric roof) and targa (a hand-removed panel) the most common.

Estate

Estates have long been a favourite type of car amongst UK buyers, and its not hard to see why. These tend to combine the sleek looks a saloon brings, and adds practicality with an enlarged, squared-off boot. Coupes can also come in an estate-like form, referred to as a ‘shooting brake’ by many.

Hatchback

Hatchbacks are the most common form of car. These compact machines are small in size, yet often practical thanks to clever packaging — making them a favourite in a crowded Britain. They can range from dinky city cars, to larger family hatches.

MPV

The Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) may not be a popular choice today, but it remains a practical one. These vehicles put practicality ahead of everything else, usually taking boxy forms and packing five to seven seats — perfect as a family hauler.

Pick-up

Though more of a go-to choice in America than the UK, there’s a decent market for pick-ups on these shores. These more rugged vehicles have a flatbed at the back which is ideal for carrying huge loads, yet come with creature comforts found in regular cars to create a workhorse that’s usable on weekends too.

Saloon

Though not as in favour as a decade or two ago, the humble saloon remains an appealing option to UK buyers both private and fleet. These four-door machines combine sleek looks with potent powertrains — most often diesel for mile-munching — and feature a boxy boot at the back.

SUV

Much like crossovers, the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market is one that’s rapidly growing. These often-large cars have a big presence on the road, and boast the ability to carry people in comfort and style while majoring on practicality. Many are designed with off-road capabilities too.

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Video title: Crossovers to coupes: what do all these car types mean?

Video desc: We take a look at the variety of car types available on today's ever-diverse market...

Video copyright: Blackball Media

Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/car-types-msn.mp4

Bentley celebrates centenary with EXP 100 GT luxury autonomous vehicle

Bentley has revealed its vision of a future autonomous, zero-emission luxury vehicle in the form of the EXP 100 GT.

Built to celebrate the brand’s 100th birthday, the new model features self-driving technology, electric propulsion and sustainably sourced materials.

Designed to reimagine the Grand Tourer segment ‘for the world of 2035’, the EXP 100 GT features a choice between getting behind the wheel yourself or opting for autonomous driving.

The intelligent self-driving system would understand when a spirited drive is required, for example on a mountain pass, or whether a smoother, more relaxing drive might be preferred.

It is powered by a battery-electric powertrain that uses a motor on each wheel, offering all-wheel-drive and torque vectoring to provide increased grip. Bentley claims the 0-60mph time would be 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 186mph.

Over the next decade or so, range anxiety should have been eradicated, as Bentley imagines a range of 435 miles on a full battery — while charging would take just 15 minutes to go from zero to 80 per cent.

The cabin itself is built for luxury, with plenty of space for occupants and an intelligent personal assistant that can be controlled through hand gestures. Bentley is also keen to demonstrate the importance of sustainability, using recycled rice husks for the paint, organic leather-like textiles for the upholstery and natural materials such as wood where possible.

The body is made from aluminium and carbon-fibre, and its design is inspired by some of the most iconic Bentley models of the past 100 years – with a modern twist.

Adrian Hallmark, Bentley chairman and chief executive, said: “Urbanisation continues to redefine the way people think about cars. Technology is bringing people closer together while posing serious questions about security and wellbeing.

“Climate change means that governments, companies and individuals must look for more sustainable ways to move forward, and Bentley can and will provide answers to these big questions.

“The birth of the automobile sparked a love affair with the freedom, self-expression, social mobility and personal space it brought. We believe that these values will remain at the heart of luxury travel and we are excited by the huge opportunities ahead, especially as the shift to new energy vehicles consigns all issues on emissions to the history books.”

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Video title: Bentley celebrates centenary with EXP 100 GT luxury autonomous vehicle

Video desc: Bentley has revealed its vision of a future autonomous, zero-emission luxury vehicle in the form of the EXP 100 GT.

Video copyright: Blackball Media

Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bentley-EV-concept-3.mp4

The best luxury convertibles on sale today

Europe is going through somewhat of a heatwave at the moment and in Britain it seems to have been welcomed by most. With the sun out and temperatures upwards of 20 degrees, now is the ideal time for doing some relaxing top-down motoring. 

What cars are best at this, though? Here are our favourites… 

BMW M8 Competition Cabriolet

The 8 Series Cabriolet is BMW’s flagship convertible and the M8 Competition variant is the fastest and most luxurious pick of the range. It features a 616bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with a whopping 750Nm of torque, a 0-60mph time of just 3.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph (or 189mph if you opt for the M Driver Package). 

Mercedes S Class Cabriolet

The S Class Cabriolet, in top-of the-range S65 form, comes with a fire-breathing 6.0-litre V12 packing a massive 621bhp and 737Nm of torque. It also comes with as much leather, tech and posh materials as you’d ever want in a plush performance cruiser.  

Bentley Continental GT Convertible

Is there a better way to cross continents than in a Continental GT Convertible? With the W12 powerplant delivering 626bhp and 900Nm of torque, the GT is a 2,514kg rocket ship – top speed is pegged at 207mph! 

Porsche 911 Cabriolet

The iconic sports car has managed to retain its classic character in this convertible bodystyle. A range of turbocharged flat-sixes now power all 911 models and help deliver a smooth, yet enthused driving experience. The car can be had with either two- or four-wheel drive, too.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante

With a claimed top speed (with the roof up) of 211mph, the DBS Superleggera Volante is about as rapid as convertibles get. The Volante achieves this savagery by utilising a 715bhp 5.2-litre V12, launching it from 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds. However, being an Aston, it can also allow you to simply cruise gently down the road if you so please. 

Rolls-Royce Dawn

The Dawn brings together everything Rolls-Royce knows about making a luxury car in a beautiful convertible bodystyle. Despite having a 563bhp 6.6-litre V12, the speed is really the only thing that’s noticeable, as the car does an amazing job of shielding you from the bellow of the engine and the outside world in general.

Audi R8 Spyder

With an engine as glorious as the R8’s 5.2-litre V10, you want to hear it as much as possible. This is where the Spyder version comes in. With no roof, the sound of 620bhp (in the R8 Performance) is even more prominent. The roof can be folded down in as little as 20 seconds and up to a speed of 31mph.  

Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder

The Huracan Evo Sypder makes use of the same 5.2-litre V10 as the R8, but turns the theatre aspect up to 11. Producing 631bhp, the Evo boasts a 0-60mph time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 202mph – so not only does it look like a jet fighter, it also goes like one.

Oliver Young

 

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Video title: Best luxury convertibles on sale today

Video desc: These are the best drop-tops for the summer sun.

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These are the safest electrified vehicles on sale today

Electric vehicle uptake is on the rise. Latest figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that in the first six months of 2019, sales of all-electric vehicles were up more than 60 per cent on the same period last year.

That’s still just a 1.1 per cent market share, but with more manufacturers adding pure EVs to their ranges all the time, and consumer confidence constantly improving, that number is set to skyrocket.

So if you’re one of those people looking for an EV for your next car, but want to take safety considerations into account, we’ve got you covered. Of the electric and hybrid vehicles tested since the start of 2018, all have received five stars. Read on to find out what they are…

Tesla Model 3

As usual, Tesla is the standard-bearer for both electric vehicles and general vehicle safety. In recent testing, the Model 3 set a ‘new benchmark’ for safety assistance technology, receiving 94 per cent in this category.

The all-electric family car and BMW 3 Series rival also scored a hugely impressive 96 per cent for adult occupant safety.

Order now and you could be waiting a while, as the first UK customers only received their cars recently. However, it’d be worth the wait, with a spacious cabin, high range options and impressive performance.

Toyota Corolla

The best-selling badge in the history of cars is back with a new model, and while it has traditionally been considered pretty dull, this new one looks great. It’s offered in petrol-electric hybrid form, with the only real downside being the CVT gearbox. Get past that, and it’s a handsome, economical and good-to-drive hatchback.

It’s safe, too, getting high marks for adult occupant and pedestrian safety. Its scores for child safety and driver aids were bang on average among the electrified vehicles tested so far.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is another petrol-electric hybrid, but this one’s a bit more spacious than the Corolla thanks to its SUV-like shape. It also has a CVT, but this one’s less annoying than the Toyota’s, while build quality is impressive. Perhaps the only negative is that the rear seats aren’t particularly spacious.

However, once you’re squeezed in, you should be pretty safe. The CR-V scored well across the board despite not really standing out in any department – good or bad. 

Audi e-tron

Tesla better watch over its shoulder, because the big guns are now entering the electric vehicle market. Here we have Audi’s first EV built from the ground up to be pure-electric, and the biggest compliment you can pay it is that it’s just a very Audi SUV – stylish, practical and well-built.

Like the CR-V, the e-tron doesn’t particularly stand out in any area, scoring well in all categories. However, its child occupancy rating of 85 per cent puts it in the top half of the electrified table, offering peace of mind for families.

Lexus ES

Lexus’ long-standing luxury limousine was updated in 2018, and as you’d expect from a high-end automaker, scored particularly well for safety. While it might sell itself as a quirky, characterful alternative to German rivals such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi, its crash tests prove it takes safety seriously too.

The petrol-electric hybrid earned Euro NCAP’s 2018 ‘best in class’ nod in both the large family car and hybrid and electric classifications. This is thanks in part to it having the highest child and pedestrian safety scores of any vehicle in this list at 87 and 90 per cent respectively, as well as hitting the average for adult safety and driver aids.

Hyundai Nexo

The true alternative option in this list, the Nexo is a hyrdogen-powered vehicle. It’s essentially an electric vehicle that is powered by on-board hydrogen, but despite many people’s concerns about the volatility of the fuel, the South Korean firm has worked hard to keep occupants safe. (Though fuel stations are few and far between in the UK, which is worth bearing in mind.)

It has excellent occupant safety scores, which are rated at 94 per cent for adults and 87 per cent (joint-highest with the ES) for child safety. Its pedestrian safety is by far the weakest here at 67 per cent, but that’s countered by one of the highest safety assistance scores of 80 per cent.

Jaguar I-Pace

After betting on diesel just before the VW emissions scandal proved catastrophic for black-pump power, Jaguar Land Rover was in real trouble. Fortunately, the I-Pace electric vehicle came along to show the British firm was capable of pivoting its business somewhat to offer a green luxury car that was also desirable.

Again, it’s bang on average for the segment in all categories, but considering it’s received the full five star overall rating, average is a high bar to hit.

Nissan Leaf

Think electric car and you probably think Nissan Leaf. It’s been the best-selling electric vehicle for years and in its latest form is quite the looker. A new model has recently been released with more power and more range at 239 miles. It’s also the ideal size for families, with its only real downside being cost – that high range model starts at about £36,000.

However, when it comes to safety, you get your money’s worth. The Leaf scores a hugely impressive 93 and 86 per cent for adult and child occupant safety respectively, with a decent if unremarkable score of 71 per cent in both the pedestrian and safety assistance sections.

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Video title: These are the safest electrified vehicles on sale today...

Video desc: Looking to buy electric but want to make sure your family is safe? These are officially the safest EVs on sale

Video copyright: Blackball Media

Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/safe-msn.mp4

Explained: air conditioning — what do all of those buttons do?

Now that summer is well and truly upon us, keeping cool in the car takes more of an importance than it does at other times of year. Though lowering the windows, sliding the sunroof back or – in certain cars – folding away the roof completely may seem like a good option to keep the heat at bay, there’s really only one way of properly doing it – and that’s with air conditioning.

For many years it was reserved for premium cars or left to the expensive end of the optional extras list, but air conditioning is now a feature you’ll find on the vast majority of cars on sale today. Some are more complex systems than others, but all feature a myriad of buttons to help control them. But what do they all do? Let us explain.

Snowflake sign

The snowflake icon is one of the most crucial to the air conditioning’s control. Why? Well, it turns the system on, for starters. Pushing it engages the air conditioning, and kick-starts the a/c pump which draws heat and moisture out of the air before leaving it cooler than it was before.

One thing to note – you’ll have to turn the air blowers on in order for the air conditioning system
to initiate.

Auto sign

Lots of cars on sale today come with automatic air conditioning. This means that the on-board system notices the desired temperature you’ve set for the cabin, and constantly adjusts the air conditioning to ensure that this is maintained.

Some cars get dual-zone climate control too – this gives the passenger and driver the option to choose two seperate temperatures and have the car maintain them.

Sync

The sync button again applies to those cars which are fitted with dual-zone climate control. As driver and passenger can both choose separate temperatures, it can mean that one side of the car has the potential to be wildly warm and the other freezing cold.

Clicking the ‘sync’ button aligns the two temperatures – meaning the cabin will be one consistent heat rather than two.

Recirculation

Want to get your car as cool as possible? You’ll want to use the recirculation button then. It recirculates the cold air generated from the air conditioning system, and stops the warmer air outside the car from entering the cabin.

Just make sure you don’t use it when things get chilly outside. This is because the air conditioning needs to be adding fresh air to the cabin and reducing the amount of moisture inside – so fogged up windows are more likely to happen.

 

Air vents

Air vents are – obviously – the source of the air being transferred into the cabin. Keeping them clear and dust-free means you shouldn’t get any grubby air sent into the interior of your car.

Most cars get air vents with all manner of angles, meaning you’ll be able to direct the air exactly where you want it.

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Video title: Explained: air conditioning - what do all of those buttons do?

Video desc: While everyone knows what air conditioning is, and it will likely be in your car, do you know what all the buttons do?

Video copyright: Blackball Media

Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Explained_-air-conditioning-what-do-all-of-those-buttons-do__m152123.mp4

The best used MPVs for under £15,000

SUVs may be the big trend on the current new car market, but these perceivably large machines aren’t always as practical and spacious as they may seem. If those two things top your priority list on your next car, you might want to turn to the humble MPV.

Sure, they may not be the most fashionable vehicles, but it’s hard to argue with the value for money in terms of sheer space. We’ve picked out the best the used market has to offer on a £15,000 budget…

Citroen C4 Grand Spacetourer/Picasso

Citroen’s quintessentially French ‘Picasso’ models might be known as the ‘go to’ choices when it comes to the firm’s people carriers. However, last year Citroen dropped the Picasso name in favour of the Spacetourer badge.

This practical MPV can happily seat seven adults in relative comfort, and has an incredibly airy cabin thanks to a panoramic windscreen and glass roof. It’s also exceptionally comfortable. As the Spacetourer is a relatively new model, it’s the top end of this budget that we’re looking at. Around £13,500 will buy a one-year-old example with minimal miles on the clock.

Honda Stream

Honda may not be the go-to name for MPVs, but back in the mid-2000’s, it did offer an intriguing — if overlooked — competitor. This was the Honda Stream — a Honda Civic-based seven-seat.

It took a more compact form than most competitors of the time, but was equally as practical. Better yet, examples on today’s market can be had for as little as under a grand, and top out at about £5,000-6,000. With our budget, there’s plenty spare to pay for a proper family holiday. Or a Civic Type R weekend car, we won’t judge.

SsangYong Turismo

We’ll forgive you for not having heard of SsangYong. The little-known South Korean firm’s creations are far from a common sight on UK roads — but that’s not to say they shouldn’t be.

Focusing on the Turismo, it may be hard to get more car for the money in this budget. Examples from 2018 of the huge seven-seater come under budget, with slightly older but very-well equipped models comfortably available too.

Peugeot 5008

Peugeot’s stylish 5008 is arguably one of the better looking MPVs around. What’s more, it backs up the looks with decent build quality and a surprisingly involving drive.

Plenty of engine choices mean there’s likely to be a powertrain for all, while plenty of seating flexibility allow you to tailor your preference between outright boot space or passenger carrying abilities.

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

There was a certain amount of outcry when the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer was announced. Reason being that it was one of the first front-wheel-drive BMWs made, representing a significant departure from the firm’s tried-and-tested rear-drive layout.

However, the 2 Series Gran Tourer makes up for this with decent levels of interior space, as well as excellent built quality. It may not sparkle when it comes to an overall drive, but it does well everywhere else.

Nissan Elgrand

Who said MPVs had to be boring? If you turn to the market of wild Japanese imports, there’s plenty of interesting multi-seaters available — and the Nissan Elgrand.

Not only can this funky-looking machine swallow a lot of people, it can keep them entertained with drop-down screens with integrated DVD players. The best bit? It’s also got a 3.5-litre V6 straight from the 350Z. Examples from 2011 can be had well within budget.

Kia Carens

Kia’s practical Carens may not be much to look at, but it packs everything that you could want from an MPV. It offers seven seats, for starters, with driver and passengers able to get comfortable thanks to plenty of space and a refined interior.

And, being a Kia, it’s reliable too. Factor this into the remaining positives, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded zero-fuss MPV option.

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Driven: 2020 Ford Focus ST

What is it?

Whenever there’s a new Fast Ford, it’s a pretty big deal. Particularly in the UK, hot versions of the Blue Oval’s regular models have captured the imagination of car enthusiasts for generations. Although most will hark back to bewinged Cosworths tearing up rally stages, these days there are also more sensible, usable performance Fords.

These models tend to wear the ST badge, signifying a go-faster model that’s not quite as wild as those that wear the RS moniker. The Fiesta ST has long been the hot supermini standard-bearer, but while the Focus ST has earned a cult following, it tends to struggle to beat the best in the hot hatch segment.

Can this new model finally take the fight to the big boys? At circa-£30,000, it really has to.

What’s new?

It seems that Ford is fed up with being the alternative option – as in, the “yes, it’s flawed, but it’s less expensive than the best hot hatches” option – because this new Focus ST has been sent to war with the big guns in its arsenal.

The engine is a detuned version of that found in the previous-generation RS and current EcoBoost Mustang, it finally gets an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) to control power through the front wheels, there’s rev-matching on downshifts, new drive modes, and ST-specific suspension and steering. On paper, at least, it’s a serious bit of kit.

What’s under the bonnet?

So, the ST gets its own version of the now-familiar 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that has served Ford Performance so well. With 276bhp, it’s the most powerful Focus ST ever and is about 30bhp up on the old one.

Perhaps even more impressive is its 420Nm of torque – that LSD better work, then. That figure is available in the middle of the rev range, while peak power is higher at 5,500rpm. The result is that putting your foot down even at lower revs gives a punchy response, but if you’re not in the mood for full banshee mode you can short shift and still feel a kick.

There’s also a diesel for those who are less fussed by hard-charging performance and want lower running costs. The 2.0-litre unit makes 187bhp and promises about 59mpg, though we haven’t tested it here.

What’s it like to drive?

So it’s looking good on paper, but what about on the Tarmac? Well, here’s the good news Fast Ford fans: it’s brilliant. Not perfect, but in a new league compared with old one.

Even in the tightest of corners, the eLSD manages power output to smoothly-but-rapidly shunt you out of corners, with the front wheels occasionally skipping across the rough Tarmac to let you know you’re on the limit before you step over it. Ease off and you’re brought right back into line.

The engine is boosty and the exhaust note sounds great, the steering is super direct, the brakes are superb, and the body stays in control even when you’re pulling off a chain of high-speed switchbacks. This is more RS than ST.

One thing to note, though, is that in Sport mode, the occasional bumpy section of road could unsettle the car. The exhilarating and picturesque Route Napoleon in the south of France, where the car’s launch took place, isn’t the smoothest, but there are signs the suspension could struggle more on Britain’s broken roads.

That said, in Normal the ride is impressively comfortable, and could be any more mundane Focus. (Which is intended as a compliment.)

How does it look?

There tend to be two ends to the hot hatch spectrum. You can either go subtle and subdued like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, or Fast and Furious wannabe like the Honda Civic Type R. The Ford definitely leans towards the Golf’s ethos, looking more like a sporty-trimmed family car than a performance monster.

That being said, the standard car is already quite handsome, and with more angular bumpers, twin-exit exhausts and bigger alloy wheels, the ST turns the temperature up just enough to match its performance. If you like your hot hatches properly lairy, though, you might want to wait for the RS.

What’s it like inside?

Again, inside, subtlety is the order of the day. Aside from a few ST badges and some fake carbon-fibre trim you really could be in any other Focus. Are you starting to notice a trend here? This will appeal to some, who want their hot hatch to blend into everyday life seamlessly. However, wanting something more special from your £30k Focus is also a justified viewpoint.

The stand-out feature of the interior, though, is the Recaro bucket seats. They’re brilliantly judged, offering enough side bolstering to keep you in place in corners without getting in the way when you’re changing gear. As always with Ford, the driving position is spot on, too.

What’s the spec like?

As you might expect from a £30,000 Focus, the ST is well-equipped. On the outside you get all the sporty bodywork you’d expect from a hot hatch, while inside those bucket seats are a welcome addition.

On-board equipment includes selectable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, a B&O sound system, wireless charging and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Keen drivers should also tick the performance pack option, which adds a Track driving mode, rev matching on downshifts, launch control and a shift indicator light. Having tested this option extensively it really enhances the experience.

Verdict

If you tried the old model and were underwhelmed, have a go in this one – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If you owned and loved the old one, this new one will blow your mind.

Ford has pulled off a big win here at a time when the hot hatch market has never been better, but the established benchmark models have been around a while.

The new Ford Focus ST has a price to rival some of the best-in-class, and fortunately, with the help of some impressive technological upgrades, it’s able to call itself a genuine on-road rival.

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Tesla Model 3 sets new safety tech benchmark in latest crash tests

The Tesla Model 3 has topped the bill in Euro NCAP’s latest safety examinations, impressing in a variety of different and demanding tests.

It achieved a full five stars in the examinations, receiving a score of 96 per cent of adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection and 74 per cent for vulnerable road users protection.

It’s thanks in part to the Tesla’s range of safety assistance systems, including lane departure avoidance, blind spot collision warning and a speed assistance system.

The Tesla’s much-talked about AutoPilot system wasn’t assessed by Euro NCAP, though the testers have stated that it will start to rate systems in a separate programmed due for launch in 2020.

Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, said: “The Tesla Model 3 achieved one of the highest Safety Assist scores we have seen to date. Its Collision Avoidance Assist system is first class, with its Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems showing high levels of performance.

“Tesla has done a great job of playing the structural benefits of an electric vehicle to its advantage. Impact performance is enhanced by the absence of a mechanical engine and the car’s low centre of gravity. The Tesla Model 3 really benefits from its all electric-architecture.”

Skoda’s Scala was also praised following the tests, posting excellent scores in adult occupant and child occupant protection tests, as well as for safety assistance systems. Both the new Mercedes-Benz B Class and GLE also scored a full five stars.

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Video title: Tesla Model 3 sets new safety tech benchmark in latest crash tests

Video desc: The Tesla Model 3 has topped the bill in Euro NCAP’s latest safety examinations, impressing in a variety of different and demanding tests

Video copyright: Blackball Media

Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tesla-Model-3-awarded-five-star-Euro-NCAP-rating_m151973.mp4

What’s happening at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed?

A staple of the automotive calendar since its 1993 debut, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the world’s premier events for petrolheads.

This year, some of the most successful cars, bikes, drivers and riders from motorsport history are being showcased, with the theme for 2019 being ‘Speed Kings – Motorsport’s record breakers’.

And, while the event was – and is – still very much centred on motor racing, many manufacturers take the opportunity to show off the latest and greatest in motoring at the Festival of Speed. Here’s just some of what to expect from the Festival of Speed this year…

An even more exciting Ford GT

The Ford GT is certainly no slouch, but it seems that some of the power-hungry boffins at Ford Performance simply aren’t content with the standard car.

A teaser for a new variant of Ford’s flagship supercar was released recently, and a reveal is due for the car at Goodwood on Thursday.

It is clear from the teaser shot that this will be a racing-inspired take on the GT, and this is only confirmed by the confirmed presence of team members from Multimatic, the racing team behind Ford’s recent Le Mans successes, at the reveal.

The Rapture cometh

Radical has become an established name on the more track-focused end of the sportscar spectrum, and the new road and circuit ready Rapture model is looking to enhance that.

The teaser image that has been revealed suggests that this car will borrow some cues from the RXC Coupe already built by the firm, but – in a first for Radical – it will be powered by a turbocharged engine.

Timed shootout

Sunday is perhaps the best day for fans of cars with stripes and numbers on the doors, as the timed shootout sees teams wheel out everything from pre-war racers to spaceship-esque electric vehicles.

Indeed, it is the electric cars that are expected to be the kings of the climb this year, with Romain Dumas set to take the wheel of the Volkswagen ID.R that won the event in 2018, and all-time course record holder Nick Heidfeld taking the wheel of his Mahindra Formula E car.

Concours

As is so often the case at this event, there are just as many immaculate cars on display as there are on the course.

The most painstakingly maintained cars of all will be seen at the Style et Luxe Cartier Lawn, where expert judges will determine a winner from a stellar selection of classic and vintage vehicles.

Michael Schumacher’s cars and rivals

On the year of his 50thbirthday, and the 25thanniversary of his first World Championship victory in 1994, Michael Schumacher is to be celebrated at the event.

While the seven-time champion cannot be there himself as a consequence of his on-going recovery from a 2013 skiing accident, two of his greatest rivals – Damon Hill and Mika Häkkinen – will be on hand, as will a number of Formula One cars from his career at the top of the sport.

Aston Martin sculpture

The sculpture in front of the Goodwood house has become one of the most anticipated features of the event, and this year, it is Aston Martin that takes the honour of being showcased on the Duke of Richmond’s front lawn.

Aston Martin road and race cars will also be on display and on the hill climb, as the firm celebrates 60 years since its first Le Mans victory.

Aston isn’t the only brand marking an anniversary at Goodwood, either; Bentley will continue its centenary celebrations at the show, weeks on from a spectacular parade at Le Mans. 

New ‘arena’ area

While the strictly sideways, extreme drivers of the world seemed an odd match for the stately home setting of Goodwood, the antics of Ken Block, Terry Grant and Vaughn Gittin Jr have become an unmissable part of the event.

This year, all of the above drivers and a host of other tire-smoking adrenaline junkies will show off in the new ‘arena’ at the event, adding yet another dimension to the Festival of Speed.

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Video title: What’s happening at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed?

Video desc: An unprecedented set of spectacular cars and legendary racers are to participate at the 2019 event

Video copyright: Blackball Media

Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GOODWOOD-FESTY-MSN.mp4