Ford Mustang is the world’s best-selling sports car… yet again

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April 15, 2022

The Ford Mustang has, once again, claimed the crown of being the world’s best-selling sports car.

Success in 2021 marks the seventh year in a row the American pony car has proved popular with a global audience.

News of Ford’s sales success comes as the Mustang celebrates its 58th birthday this weekend. Sunday 17 April has been designated as ‘Global Mustang Day’.

A success story continues

Ford has analysed vehicle registration data, provided by S&P Global Mobility. This tracks sales across 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes, covering more than 80 different countries.

Internal data from Ford shows that, perhaps unsurprisingly, the United States remains the Mustang’s most important market.

With more than 52,000 examples sold in the USA during 2021, the Mustang’s home country accounts for 76 percent of worldwide sales. However, American sales were 14.2 percent lower than in 2020.

In New Zealand, demand for the Mustang increased by 54.3 percent. Other key growth markets included Brazil (up 37.3 percent) and South Korea (16.6 percent).

‘Feeling of freedom‘

It should be noted these sales figures do not include the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. Ford says the plug-in Mustang has proven successful in its own right, and was recently named a finalist in the 2022 World Car of the Year awards.

Ford released a number of different special-edition Mustangs last year, including the California Special and Ice White model. The latest Shelby GT500 became the fastest road-legal Ford in history, thanks to its 760hp 5.2-litre supercharged V8.

“When enthusiasts around the world get into a Mustang, they unlock that feeling of freedom and experience the open road,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue. “That feeling, along with iconic design, awesome powertrains and a passionate global community all contribute to making Mustang a sales leader for the seventh year in a row.”

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Drivers plan 21 million journeys for Easter – these are the roads to avoid

By

John Redfern

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April 14, 2022

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A collective 21.46 million leisure trips are being planned by British drivers for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

After two years of the pandemic curtailing travel, drivers are keen to make up for lost time. The RAC expects it to be the busiest Easter break on the roads since it began tracking travel plans in 2014.

Problems with trains and railways, including potential strike action, are likely to add to the overall number of drivers hitting the road.

The Good Friday getaway

Good Friday is set to be the busiest day of all, with an estimated 4.62 million leisure trips expected to start the weekend. Easter Monday is likely to see 3.96 million trips, with Saturday and Sunday accounting for 3.63 million car journeys each.

A further 5.6 million other car journeys are expected to take place across the four-day weekend.

However, surging fuel prices have led one in five drivers (20 percent) to plan shorter journeys this year for Easter.

More than a quarter of drivers (28 percent) will use their cars less, with a third (33 percent) aiming to drive more economically.

All the ingredients for jams

The RAC has named the roads likely to experience the worst Bank Holiday congestion. Using data from INRIX, these are:

M6 north J26 Liverpool to J36 South Lakes
M6 south J20 to J16 Stoke-on-Trent
A303 approaching Stonehenge
M25 clockwise J8 to J16

RAC traffic spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “After two years of relatively quiet Easter Bank Holidays on the roads, our research suggests a return to traffic levels that are much more typical of this time of year, and it’s very possible this weekend could turn out to be one of the busiest for leisure journeys for many years.

“Add in the impact of disruption on the rail network and one of the biggest fixtures of the sporting calendar taking place this weekend, and you have all the ingredients needed for problems on the roads. Traffic volumes will likely be even higher if some warm spring sunshine makes an appearance.”

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 2022 review

Hyundai Ioniq 5 is World Car of the Year 2022

By

Richard Aucock

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April 14, 2022

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The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been named World Car of the Year 2022 by the World Car Awards organisation. It also scooped the World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design prizes.

The thrilling triple win was announced during the 2022 New York International Auto Show.

Hyundai chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke was also named World Car Person of the Year and was on hand with other senior executives to collect the company’s unprecedented four trophies.

The World Car Awards is officially the largest automotive awards prize in the world.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 World Car Awards triple winner

“We are truly honoured to receive these prestigious awards,” said Hyundai president and CEO Jaehoon Chang. “Ioniq 5 represents a pivotal achievement for us.”

The World Car of the Year was chosen from an initial list of 28 vehicles, which an international panel of more than 100 jurors whittled down to a shortlist of 10, followed by three finalists.

The Ioniq 5 triumped against the Ford Mustang Mach-e and Kia EV6.

All cars had to be on sale in at least two continents between 1 January 2001 and 30 March 2022 – and be produced in numbers of at least 10,000 a year, with prices sitting below the luxury level in each market.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has also been named the 2022 UK Car of the Year and German Car of the Year.

World Car Awards 2022

In sweeping the board, Hyundai enjoyed the headline success in the 2022 World Car Awards – but there were other notable winners.

The Audi e-tron GT (pictured above) was named World Performance Car of the Year 2022 – a pure electric success over two combustion-engined finalists: the BMW M3 and M4, plus the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ.

An EV also won the World Luxury Car of the Year 2022 category, with the Mercedes-Benz EQS edging out the BMW iX and Genesis GV70.

In the World Urban Car category, the Toyota Yaris Cross beat the Vauxhall Mokka and Volkswagen Taigun.

The 102-strong World Car Awards jury is truly international, representing 33 countries (and including Richard Aucock of Motoring Research). The results are tabulated by KPMG and, for the 17th year running, were announced during the New York International Auto Show.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 succeeds the 2021 World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen ID.4 – meaning an electric car continues as the World Car Awards’ top choice of the year.

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What3Words app encourages new users to cope with Easter traffic

By

John Redfern

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April 13, 2022

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This Easter Bank Holiday weekend looks set to be one of the busiest on record, with more than 21 million motorists planning to hit the road.

According to research by the RAC, Good Friday alone could see in excess of 4.62 million leisure trips.

Given the high likelihood of traffic jams, drivers are being encouraged to download the What3Words smartphone app to assist with navigation.

Navigation squared

What3Words says its free app will allow drivers to communicate their exact location, so emergency and breakdown services can locate them quickly and efficiently.

The app works by dividing the earth into 57 trillion three-metre (10-foot) squares. Each square is then assigned a unique combination of three words, meaning non-traditional addresses can be identified.

The system is used by 85 percent of the UK’s emergency services, along with roadside assistance providers such as the AA and LV= Britannia Rescue.

Good enough for Lamborghini

What3Words can be downloaded to both Apple iOS and Android smartphone devices.

Automotive manufacturers have started adding the software to their cars, including Ford and Mercedes-Benz. In 2021, Lamborghini made the software part of the navigation system for its Huracan supercar.

Aftermarket companies are also able to offer in-car downloads of the service.

Despite its popularity, some have expressed concern that What3Words can lead to wrong locations being given. Mountain rescue teams have highlighted the potential for words to be misspelled or misheard, especially when spoken with strong accents.

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Austin-Healey is back: Caton reveals ultimate restomod roadster

By

John Redfern

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April 13, 2022

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The classic Austin-Healey 100 has been given the restomod treatment by new luxury brand, Caton.

Branded ‘Healey by Caton’, the reborn roadster blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

Almost every aspect of the 1950s British sports car has been modernised, with production limited to just 25 examples.

West Midlands born and bred

First shown at the London Motor Show in 1952, the Austin-Healey 100 went into production at the Longbridge plant the following year. Six versions of the original ‘Big Healey’ were produced until 1958.

Caton’s revived Healey also hails from the West Midlands. The company’s Coventry headquarters are just 10 miles away from where Donald Healey built his prototype 100 roadster.

Darryl Scriven, who designed the Healey by Caton, said: “Donald Healey got so much right when he designed the Healey originally. We wanted to pay homage to the car, while making it more comfortable to live with, more fun to drive and even more dynamic and beautiful to look at.”

Changes to the body include removing the bumpers and exterior seams for a cleaner look, plus a new front grille and LED headlights.

A bigger Big Healey

Powering the Healey by Caton is a heavily updated version of the four-cylinder Austin-Healey block. The new 3.0-litre engine is stripped down, lightened and balanced, then refurbished with performance parts.

A steel crankshaft, high-compression pistons and aggressive camshafts help boost power output to 185hp, with 195lb ft of torque.

This should result in a top speed much greater than the 100mph ability that the Austin-Healey 100 was named after.

Front suspension is by double wishbones and adjustable coil springs, while the steering remains unassisted for plenty of analogue feedback.

No infotainment required

Caton has completely redesigned the Healey’s interior, with the five-speed manual gearbox housed inside a slimmer transmission tunnel to create more space. A racing car-style pedal box has improved legroom, too.

There is no roof or tonneau cover fitted to the Healey by Caton. Unlike many restomods, there is no infotainment system either, although two USB sockets allow for charging of mobile phones.

Caton upholsters the seats in premium Bridge of Weir leather, with shrink-optimised leather used for the rest of the interior.

Bespoke build service

Limiting production to 25 cars will allow Caton to liaise extensively with its customers. They will be offered a one-to-one commissioning service, with bespoke paint colours and interior options.

Caton will give the Healey its public debut at Salon Privé London, which takes place from 21 April to 23 April, followed by Bicester Heritage Scramble on 24 April. Production will begin in the second quarter of 2022.

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Smart is back – with new #1 electric small SUV

By

John Redfern

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April 8, 2022

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Smart has announced the first vehicle created by the new partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese carmaker, Geely (owner of Volvo, Polestar and Lotus).

The choice of ‘#1’ as the name for the electric crossover, with a deliberate hashtag, celebrates the youth market the car will be aimed at.

Set to be built in China, the Smart #1 will target the company’s new ‘dual home’ strategy of Chinese and European markets.

Electro Smarts

Larger than previous offerings from the Smart brand, the #1 measures 4,270mm in length. This puts it in competition with established crossover EVs such as the Vauxhall Mokka-e and DS 3 Crossback.

Geely provides its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform for the #1. The new Smart can also take advantage of Geely’s expertise in battery and electric vehicle technology.

A 66kWh battery is standard, offering a potential official range of between 260 and 273 miles. DC rapid-charging capabilities allow the #1 to be replenished from 10 to 80 percent in less than three hours.

The #1’s rear wheels will be driven by a 272hp electric motor, with top speed limited to 112mph.

Smart space for four

Smart describes the exterior design as ‘forward-thinking and progressive’, with electric door handles and a ‘halo’ roof. Matrix LEDs are used for the front and rear lighting, with 19-inch alloy wheels standard on launch cars.

On the inside, a floating centre console is the highlight of the #1’s design. Ambient LED lighting can be customised with 64 colours and 20 illumination levels, while a 12.8-inch touchscreen controls all major functions.

Smartphone integration will be central to the #1, with drivers able to use mobile devices as a digital key. This allows access to the car to be shared between friends and family.

A sliding rear bench offers a choice between increased passenger legroom or more luggage space. Moving the bench will vary boot capacity between 273 and 411 litres. Under the bonnet, a 15-litre ‘frunk’ offers space for the charging cables.

Restart my Smart

The launch of the #1 is claimed to only be the beginning for the German-Chinese joint venture.

Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe, said: “We are very proud to finally present the production version of our Smart #1. It is not only a symbol for our new Smart approach, but it is also the nucleus of all things to come. With the re-branding, we will put an even greater focus on a seamless mobility experience.”

When it comes to buying a #1, Smart promises to deliver a ‘real and customer-oriented omni-channel experience along the entire customer journey.” Translated, this means customers will be able to purchase a Smart from traditional dealerships or completely online.

UK prices and availability for the #1 have yet to be confirmed, but expect to see the car on sale here later in 2022.

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Free Karai app could save motorists 25 percent on fuel

By

John Redfern

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April 7, 2022

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As petrol and diesel prices continue to reach record highs, a new app promises to help drivers cut fuel use by up to 25 percent.

The Karai by Drive Key smartphone app was originally created to allow drivers to offset carbon emissions through real-time tracking.

However, the free app has the added bonus of monitoring individual driving styles, offering feedback on smoother, more efficient motoring.

Tracking carbon emissions

The use of DVLA data for emissions, combined with location tracking, allows the Karai app to monitor eco-driving scores.

Users are given a rating out of 100, with the app assessing inputs such as acceleration, braking and cornering. Along with an overall eco-score, drivers get tips on how to improve their rating, ultimately helping them to save fuel.

Karai also offers the ability for drivers to carbon-offset their car’s tailpipe emissions. Prices for the offset are based on the amount of CO2 produced. A Vauxhall Corsa driver covering 6,000 miles per year would need to pay £3.95 each month to be 100 percent carbon neutral.

Saving money, saving the planet

Karai is currently available to download through the Apple App Store for iOS devices. The developers have plans to increase coverage to other operating systems by summer 2022.

Calin Saftoiu, CEO of Drive Key Corporation, said: “With the fuel and energy crisis showing no signs of slowing down, we are excited to be able to help motorists save money and do something good for the environment at the same time.

“Our primary aim is to help facilitate the reduction of tailpipe emissions, and by adopting better driving habits, drivers who use Karai can decrease their carbon footprint by up to 25 percent whilst simultaneously saving money, as they’re using less fuel in the process.”

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Fuel prices soar to highest increases on record

By

John Redfern

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April 6, 2022

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The latest figures from RAC Fuel Watch show petrol and diesel prices increased by more in March 2022 than in any previous month on record.

The staggering highs came despite the Chancellor’s announcement of a 5p per litre cut in fuel duty during the Spring Statement.

Drivers are now paying almost £22 more to fill the tank of an average petrol car than a year ago, with diesel owners out of pocket by close to £28 per tank.

Fuel reaches record highs

Prices for petrol peaked at 167.3p per litre on 22 March, with an average cost of 163.3p seen throughout the month. An increase of 11.62p was the largest single-month jump ever recorded by the RAC.

Diesel drivers have suffered even more, with the average price of a litre rising by 22.06p. A high of 179.9p was seen on 23 March, with diesel ending the month at 177.29p per litre.

This means petrol drivers are paying some 32 percent more than a year ago. Diesel owners are having to spend an astonishing 40 percent more.

RAC pushes for VAT cut

The RAC says the Chancellor’s 5p per litre cut in duty failed to benefit motorists in full. Applied to the wholesale cost of fuel, the cut in duty was applied as market prices were still increasing. As a result, the cut merely tempered a further rise in pump costs.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “March 2022 will go down in the history books as one of the worst months ever when it comes to pump prices – over the 22 years we have been monitoring pump prices as part of our Fuel Watch initiative we’ve never witnessed such extreme rises in prices over such a short period. To describe the current situation facing drivers at the forecourt as ‘bleak’ is therefore something of an understatement.

“The fact pump prices have fallen so little reflects the fact that the cost to retailers of buying fuel had been going up ahead of the Spring Statement. Had the Chancellor temporarily cut VAT rather than fuel duty on fuel, as we asked him to do, the impact on pump prices would have been immediate, with drivers benefiting straight away. Cutting VAT would also have gone some way towards shielding drivers from future increases – something a cut in duty just can’t do.”

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Australia to get Ford F-150 pickup in right-hand drive

By

John Redfern

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April 5, 2022

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Ford has announced plans to sell its legendary F-150 pickup truck in Australia – and it will be right-hand drive.

As the best-selling vehicle in the United States for more than 40 years, the F-150 now gets the chance to prove how it handles the Australian Outback.

The Ford F-150 will be converted to right-hand drive in Australia through an agreement with RMA Automotive.

‘Dreams do come true’

Ford has experienced considerable success in the Australian pickup market. The Ranger is currently ranked as the country’s best-selling 4×4 vehicle, with Ford Australia responsible for development work.

However, Ford admits that enthusiasts Down Under have been persistent in their calls for a larger pickup.

Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand, said: “Whenever I speak to our dealers, they tell me that customers consistently ask about F-150, ask when it is coming, so I am very proud to now be able to say it’s heading our way.

“There are just so many passionate F-150 fans out there and we’re all thrilled to be able to bring this iconic truck to our roads with locally remanufactured right-hand-drive models.”

American truck showdown

Australian-market F-150s will be built exclusively with Ford’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine. Combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission, owners will have 400hp and 500lb ft of torque at their disposal.

The 3.5-litre EcoBoost has become the most popular engine in the 14th-generation F-150, and delivers more torque than the classic 5.0-litre V8. It offers the potential for the F-150 to tow up to 4,500kg.

Such towing capacity will make it competitive with the other two American pickups sold in Australia.

The F-150 will square up to the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ram 1500, just as it does in the USA. All three vehicles are now offered in right-hand drive for Australia.

‘Part of a new wave’

RMA Automotive will undertake the conversion of F-150s to right-hand drive at a facility in Melbourne. This includes working closely with Ford’s own engineers to ensure the iconic truck retains the same qualities American buyers have come to rely on.

Prices and final specification for the Australian F-150 will be confirmed closer to the official launch in the middle of 2023.

Andrew Birkic notes that more Ford imports could be on the cards. He said: “The F-150 is part of a new wave of Ford vehicles for our Australian customers”.

“We’re listening to customers and breaking down barriers to give them what they want – the best of our global line-up. There’s more where F-150 came from.”

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Toyota GR86 sports car to cost less than £30,000 – or £299 per month

By

John Redfern

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April 5, 2022

0

Toyota has announced UK prices and specifications for the new GR86 sports car.

In contrast to seemingly everything else in 2022, the GR86 looks set to be quite a bargain. Prices start from £29,995, with launch finance deals offering the chance to drive one for only £299 per month.

The GR86 forms the third part of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing range, along with the GR Supra and GR Yaris. Earlier this year, it was named as a finalist in the 2022 World Performance Car awards.

Boxing clever

Compared to the previous GT86, the new GR86 has a larger 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine. Retaining a 50:50 front:rear weight distribution, the rear-wheel-drive coupe now has more power to play with.

With 231hp and 184lb ft of torque, the 2022 GR86 accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Opting for an automatic transmission sees this increase to 6.9 seconds.

A limited-slip differential is standard for all models, along with 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. Climate control, heated front seats, cruise control and keyless entry are also included.

A sports car bargain

Offered in just one trim level, prices for the manual GR86 kick off at £29,995. The automatic version costs £32,085.

As part of the GR86’s UK launch, customers can take advantage of competitive PCP finance rates. Following a £4,777 deposit, customers will have monthly payments of £299 for a 42-month contract.

Toyota expects to begin the first deliveries in July 2022. Subaru has also created a BRZ version, although there are no plans to offer it to European buyers.

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