BYD Atto 3: Chinese electric SUV on sale now, prices from £36,490

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March 10, 2023

The BYD Atto 3 electric family SUV is now on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £36,490.

China’s BYD, which announced its UK launch plans in January, is the world’s largest electric and electrified car brand, selling more vehicles than any other company – yes, even Tesla.

The Atto 3 is a pure electric alternative to models such as the Kia Niro EV (prices from £36,795) and the Volkswagen ID.4 (from £38,845).

It measures around 4.45 metres long, meaning it’s closely matched to the Kia, and a little smaller overall than the VW.

It has a 60.5kWh battery, for an official WLTP range of 260 miles, while the 204hp motor delivers 0-62mph acceleration in a sprightly 7.3 seconds.

The BYD Atto 3 can use 150kW DC public rapid chargers, boosting the battery from 30 percent to 80 percent charge in 29 minutes.

All three model grades also get vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality – so you can plug in devices such as laptops with a three-pin plug.

On sale this month

There will be three versions of the BYD Atto 3: Active, Comfort and Design. The higher grades are available from launch, with the more affordable Active arriving in the second half of the year.

Bosses say first deliveries will begin on 15 March 2023, through a series of newly-opened BYD ‘Pioneer’ stores (or car dealers) located in a growing number of areas, including Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Milton Keynes.

Michael Shu, general manager and MD of BYD Europe said: “BYD’s passenger car business has developed rapidly. We have made some preparations for the British market and brought a new product matrix, including our first car – the BYD Atto 3.

“At present, BYD has served a total of 3.5 million car owners. We hope to bring these experiences to the United Kingdom, which we recognise as one of the top European markets.

“With the advantages of BYD’s core technology, cost and production capacity, combined with the localised resources of local dealer groups, we will bring diversified choices to consumers and provide great customer service.”

Motoring Research will be driving the new BYD Atto 3 soon… come back to read our first drive review.

BYD Atto 3 UK Prices

Active: £36,490
Comfort: £36,990
Design: £38,990

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Skoda creates a playlist to help dogs relax on car journeys

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John Redfern

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March 9, 2023

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Skoda has released a new music playlist on the Spotify streaming service, but it isn’t aimed at drivers.

Instead, the Happy Hounds playlist features a selection of songs designed to help the 60 percent of dogs who become anxious when travelling in a car.

Three-quarters of the dog-owning drivers surveyed said they have been distracted by their furry friend while on the move.

It makes nervous dogs a road safety concern for Skoda, with the brand now a sponsor of the famous Crufts dog show.

Chill-out tunes for dogs

Developed with Anna Webb, a leading dog behaviourist, Happy Hounds includes songs that are scientifically proven to help canines feel calmer.

The songs chosen all have a beats-per-minute (BPM) count that mimics the heart rate of dogs. Emulating the heart rate has been shown to have a soothing effect.

Music genre choices are also important, with Webb noting that “it’s proven that dogs like reggae”, whereas heavy metal is likely to disturb their sleep cycle.

Webb has also given tips on how to make dogs feel more comfortable when travelling. This includes securing them with a harness before getting into the car, ensuring the cabin temperature is set to 20 degrees Celsius, and keeping music volume low at first.

Top of the pups

Making dogs familiar with the music playlist before a car journey is also recommended by Webb. This means dogs will then associate the songs with relaxing times, and thus feel less stressed in the car.

Following the creation of the playlist, Webb tested the songs with drivers who had struggled with their dog’s anxiety on car journeys.

The top 10 songs from the Skoda Happy Hounds playlist are:

No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley and the Wailers
Oh my God – Adele
Good Days – SZA
More Than a Woman – Bee Gees
Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift
Orphans – Coldplay
Coming Back – James Blake ft. SZA
Candy – Paulo Nutini
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Fly Me to The Moon – Frank Sinatra

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Audi’s new electric mountain bike is inspired by Dakar racers

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John Redfern

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March 9, 2023

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Audi has revealed a new electric mountain bike, designed for serious off-road performance.

Developed with Italian bicycle company Fantic, the bicycle takes inspiration from Audi’s RS Q e-tron Dakar racer.

Just as Audi vehicles make use of aluminium construction, the electric two-wheeler utilises the same lightweight material for its frame.

Maximum pedal power

A 36-volt lithium-ion battery pack is mounted inside the bike’s frame, powering a 250-watt motor on the rear axle.

Riders can choose between four levels of electrical assistance, with a digital display mounted on the handlebars.

Ohlins suspension offers up to 180mm of travel, with disc brakes and off-road tyres also fitted as standard.

Production numbers for the Audi mountain bike will be limited, and buyers can pick from three frame sizes. Prices in the UK start from a not-insubstantial £8,499, with registration for interested buyers now open through the Audi website.

Expanding e-mobility

Audi is the latest carmaker to launch an electric-powered mountain bike in recent months. Porsche updated its range of eBikes at the end of 2022, including the off-road-focused eBike Cross.

Motorcycle manufacturers Ducati and Triumph have both released electric bikes in recent years, too.

“At Audi, we’ve been bold in our commitment to becoming a leader in providing sustainable premium mobility,” said Andrew Doyle, director of Audi UK.

“The Audi electric mountain bike in cooperation with Fantic is another fantastic example of how we can expand our mobility offering to customers that extends beyond the award-winning models they drive.”

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The OTHER off-road Ferrari: tiny Testa Rossa takes on ice race

By

John Redfern

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March 9, 2023

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Oxfordshire-based The Little Car Company has taken its small-scale electric cars to the Swiss Alps.

As part of the recent International Concours of Elegance (ICE) in St. Moritz, visitors were able to drive the three-quarter-scale replica classics.

It made for an ice racing experience in miniature, tackling a slippery course with trophies awarded to the best drivers.

Batteries are included

Founded in 2019, The Little Car Company has created a range of downsized classic cars for children (or perhaps the young at heart). Don’t mistake them for toys, however: each one is a lovingly hand-built recreation of an iconic car.

Drivers in St. Moritz could sample the company’s three main models. The Bugatti Baby II, Aston Martin DB5 Junior, and Ferrari Testa Rossa J all took to the ice during the two-day event.

Joining them was the new, limited-edition Testa Rossa J ‘Pacco Gara’, an upgrade offering enhanced performance for the miniature Ferrari.

With top speeds of up to 50mph, driving one of the battery-powered Little Cars on ice requires some skill, and a few choice upgrades. Each car was fitted with studded tyres and a limited-slip differential.

Frozen speed in miniature

Officially licensed by their respective manufacturers, each vehicle is made at The Little Car Company’s base at Bicester Heritage. Such attention to detail does come at a cost, with prices starting at £39,000 for the Aston Martin DB5 Junior.

Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, said: “The ICE at St. Moritz is an unbelievable event that holds a special place in the diaries of car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. For us here at The Little Car Company, we were thrilled to be presenting four of our cars on the ice, and just as excited to see attendees get behind their wheels.

“We are already looking forward to returning to the ICE again next year with some exciting additions to the Little Car fleet, which we are confident will have heads turning.”

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Price of a new car rockets 43% in five years

By

Richard Aucock

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March 8, 2023

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New car prices have risen by a staggering 43% since 2018, new research from Auto Trader has revealed.

At the start of 2018, the average new car cost £27,305. Fast-forward five years, and the average new car list price is a heady £39,038.

New car prices have risen consistently over the years, peaking with growth of 12 percent at the start of 2020, while prices rose 9 percent at the start of 2023.

Auto Trader experts say some of the increase can be put down to the changing preferences of British new car buyers – namely, the shift from regular hatchbacks to SUVs.

Back in 2018, hatchbacks took almost 1 in 3 new car sales, making them the most popular type of new car.

However, in 2023, SUVs are by far the preferred body type – accounting for over 40 percent of new car sales.

Barely 1 in 5 new car buyers now favour hatchbacks.

Electrifying prices

However, the biggest impact on the rise in new car prices is the move to electric cars.

The share of the more expensive electric cars has increased from 1 percent of all new cars on sale to 12 percent over the past five years, while hybrids have grown from 2 percent to 14 percent.

In contrast, the share of new diesel cars has shrunk from 46 percent of the new car marketplace, to just 17 percent.

Add in the significant rise in inflation leading to increased borrowing costs, and Brits are spending a growing amount per month on new cars.

As the Bank of England base rate has risen from 0.5 percent to 4.0 percent, so too have PCP finance rates gone up.

Auto Trader research shows average new car APRs powering finance calculators have risen from 5.1 percent in January 2022, to 8.1 percent at the start of this year.

At least, adds the new and used car marketplace, used car prices are following suit: they have risen for 35 months in a row.

The average price of a used car is up by around £4,000 since the start of the pandemic.

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Bring a Trailer has just closed its 100,000th auction with this Datsun

By

John Redfern

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March 7, 2023

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Auction website Bring a Trailer (BaT) is celebrating the end of its 100,000th auction, marking a major milestone for the online platform.

Started as a blog by Randy Nonnenberg in 2007, BaT has grown to become a leading destination for enthusiasts to buy and sell cars.

Datsun 240Zs have become a staple of BaT auctions. It was therefore fitting that the 100,000 car sold would be this Lime Yellow example, owned by Bring a Trailer Media LLC since 2018.

It even made an appearance in our own ‘behind the scenes’ look at the auction company in 2019, seen residing in the company’s San Francisco headquarters.

An icon of the Bring a Trailer community

Since being added to the BaT fleet in 2018, the Datsun has made multiple event appearances across the United States. This included taking part in events such as the Copperstate Rally, Targa Baja California, and the three-day Overcrest Rally.

It also proved to be a star attraction at several BaT alumni gatherings, held at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway.

Bidding for the special Datsun was predictably intense, with the final winning bid a substantial $124,240 (£105,000).

The car also attracted a huge number of comments from the extensive BaT community, something which has shaped the direction of the auction site over many years.

Building a bright yellow future

For the substantial sale price, the new owner will have a Datsun 240Z powered by an upgraded Rebello Racing straight-six engine. Multiple modifications helped push its total output to a dynamometer-tested 203 hp with an accompanying 190 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels.

A new five-speed manual transmission was installed prior to the auction, with multiple brake and suspension upgrades having previously been fitted. A set of 16-inch Panasport alloy wheels completed the exterior makeover.

All of the money raised from the auction, including the BaT buyer’s fee, will be donated to the Piston Foundation. This charity helps young technicians build careers in the collector car industry, by funding programs in the skilled trades

It all makes for a successful outcome from BaT’s milestone 100,000th auction event.

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Electrified black cabs now outnumber diesels in London

By

John Redfern

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March 7, 2023

0

There are now more London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) TX taxis on the streets of London than diesel TX4s.

The electrified TX, a range-extender hybrid, now represents 40 percent of the officially licensed black cabs covering the capital.

More than 6,000 examples of the Coventry-built TX are working in London. LEVC says this is helping the city transition to a greener fleet of hackney carriages.

A greener black cab

First launched in 2018, the LEVC TX uses a plug-in hybrid drivetrain to offer zero emissions capability. The rear electric motor is solely driven by battery power, which can be recharged by plugging in, or via the on-board 1.5-litre petrol engine.

There is no link between the internal combustion engine and the driven wheels, with petrol power used solely to extend battery range.

Used in pure electric mode, the TX is capable of covering up to 78 miles. With the range extender engine, this is stretched to 333 miles.

The TX boasts space for six passengers inside, and is the only black cab capable of accommodating a forward-facing wheelchair. Luxury car specialists Clive Sutton have even created a VIP version, designed for low-key chauffeured luxury.

Lowering emissions for London

LEVC calculates that since being launched, TX models have accumulated more than 534 million miles across the globe. This is said to have prevented 162,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, commented: “We are witnessing a significant tipping point in the push towards cleaner transportation, with the TX overtaking the diesel-powered TX4 as the cab of choice in London.

“Since LEVC launched the revolutionary TX taxi, it has successfully delivered an unrivalled sustainable mobility solution, perfectly suited for urban environments. With each new TX on the road, we are preventing thousands of tonnes of harmful emissions, helping to create healthier and happier cities.”

Helen Chapman, Transport for London’s director of licensing and regulation, added: “London’s taxi drivers are rightfully proud to be at the vanguard of cleaning up the city’s toxic air. The step-change in the taxi fleet moving to zero-emissions capable is an important part of the bold action the Mayor is taking to deal with the public health crisis that is being caused by deadly pollution, and for tackling the climate emergency.”

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Vauxhall grabs 1-2 in February’s best-selling new cars chart

By

John Redfern

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March 7, 2023

0

Vauxhall is celebrating a 1-2 finish in the February 2023 new car sales charts, following the release of Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) registration data.

The Vauxhall Corsa took the top spot as last month’s best-selling new car, with 2,818 examples sold. It was followed by the Vauxhall Mokka in second place, with 1,805 being registered.

Healthy outlook for new car sales

Crossover SUVs like the Mokka proved popular in February, with the Nissan Juke in third place, followed by the Ford Puma. The Hyundai Tucson claimed fifth in the sales charts, with seven of the top ten best-sellers being SUVs.

New car sales as a whole increased by 26.2 percent in February, representing the seventh month of growth in the marketplace.

Hybrid electric vehicles saw a considerable 40 percent jump in sales, with battery electric registrations rising by 18.2 percent. Plug-in hybrids increased by only 1 percent, whilst diesel sales fell by 7 percent.

The SMMT expects sales of new plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles to reach 488,000. However, it says that the “upcoming Budget must deliver measures” that continue to help sales of electrified models.

Vivaro electrifies new van sales

Vauxhall also claimed another top spot in the February 2023 sales charts, thanks to the electric Vivaro van.

It achieved the result of being the best-selling electric Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) in the UK for the month, with 264 examples finding new homes. Combined with the smaller Combi Electric, it means one-in-four electric vans sold had a Vauxhall badge.

Overall van sales increased by 8.5 percent in February, marking the best month for LCV registrations in 25 years. However, total electric van registrations fell by 44.5 percent compared to February 2022.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Following a torrid 2022, the UK van market is returning to sustained growth that is exceeding even pre-pandemic levels. Given the importance of vans to keeping the British economy and society on the move, this growth is good news.

“With the ZEV market still at a very early stage, however, a concerted effort by all stakeholders to accelerate van-suitable chargepoint installation must become an urgent priority, enabling long-term net zero fleet investment at the scale necessary.”

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New Audis to feature YouTube, Spotify, TikTok and other apps

By

John Redfern

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March 6, 2023

0

Audi has announced a major update for its in-car MMI infotainment system, including a brand-new app store.

Due for release in summer 2023, the app store will allow Audi drivers to download a host of new applications.

The change means third-party apps can be installed directly into the MMI system, without the need to use a smartphone.

Check out the TikTok trends

A variety of different app categories will be offered at launch, including music, navigation, parking, weather and productivity. For instance, the music options include big-name applications such as Spotify, Amazon Music and Tidal.

Jonathan Tarlton, business development lead at Spotify, says the new platform means “Spotify now feels like it’s seamlessly built into the car. Whether it’s your favourite song, podcast or audiobook, our listeners can now soundtrack their ride in a fun and easy way”.

TikTok will also be one of the available apps to download. This follows news that the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class will incorporate the infamous social media app into its infotainment system.

Other apps available to Audi Drivers include YouTube, The Weather Channel, Webex remote conferencing and the Vivaldi open web browser.

Audi first, Volkswagens later

The new infotainment system update has been developed by Cariad, the Volkswagen Group’s independent automotive software company.

The Audi A3, A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, A8, Q8 e-tron and E-tron GT will be the first models to receive the updated technology, starting in June 2023. It will expand to the rest of the Audi range later in the year, with other Volkswagen Group cars to follow.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users need not worry, however. Audi says it will continue to offer support, via smartphone integration, for those who prefer to mirror their apps instead.

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Honda builds a CR-V powered by an IndyCar race engine

By

John Redfern

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March 3, 2023

0

Honda has made a CR-V powered by an IndyCar hybrid engine

Honda has created a one-off, extreme version of its CR-V SUV, fitting the engine from an IndyCar racer.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer was designed by Honda Performance Development (HPD) as a ‘rolling electrified laboratory’.

It previews the hybrid twin-turbocharged V6 engine that will be used by Honda-powered IndyCars for the 2024 season.

Hybrid theory in practice

Compared with a regular Honda CR-V, the Hybrid Racer is somewhat more extreme. A Chromoly tube frame chassis has been used, with the electrified V6 mounted in the middle.

The top half of the bodywork is taken from a standard production CR-V, but the lower half is made of carbon-composite. This includes the jutting front splitter, huge rear wing and numerous vents and flares.

Butterfly doors allow the driver and passenger to climb inside the spartan cabin, which features the steering wheel from an IndyCar.

Other special components include rear suspension from a Dallara IndyCar, with the front setup borrowed from an HPD-developed Acura NSX GT3.

A beast on the streets

A blue and red livery contains a number of ‘easter eggs’, such as ghosted images of Honda-sponsored race tracks and an overhead view of the engine beneath.

“This project vehicle is an IndyCar beast in Honda CR-V sheep’s clothing,” said David Salters, president and technical director at HPD.

According to Salters, the CR-V Hybrid Racer will be used to investigate “where HPD and Honda could go with electrification, hybrid technology and 100 percent renewable fuels. It epitomises Honda’s fun-to-drive ethos, showcases electrification and it just rocks our car culture roots and racing heritage.”

The CR-V Hybrid Racer will make its public debut at this weekend’s NTT IndyCar Series season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida. It will also appear at other IndyCar events throughout the year.

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