More provisional drivers caught without insurance, reveals DVLA

By

-

February 10, 2022

The number of provisional licence-holding drivers caught without insurance rose by 16 percent in 2020.

More than 14,000 drivers were stopped behind the wheel without insurance: a notable increase compared with figures from 2018.

This worrying new data was revealed by RAC Insurance, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Unlicensed and uninsured

Information supplied by the DVLA showed those with provisional licences made up 14 percent of the 105,461 uninsured drivers stopped by police.

Some 15 percent of drivers without insurance were found not to hold any kind of licence at all. The data revealed that 23 drivers were aged just 13 years old, with 121 14-year-olds and 215 15-year-olds also caught.

At the other end of the scale, the oldest uninsured non-licence holders were 70.

The majority of uninsured drivers were at least full licence holders, making up 38 percent of the total. A further 31 percent had expired licences, whilst two percent were non-UK licence holders.

Effects of the pandemic

Despite the substantial amount of people caught, 2020 saw a six percent decrease overall in the number of uninsured drivers. However, as the RAC notes, this can likely be attributed to the pandemic.

RAC Insurance spokesman Simon Williams said: “The fact the number of provisional drivers caught without insurance increased in 2020 may well be a symptom of the onslaught of the pandemic and the impact it had on learning to drive and people’s finances. The shortage of available driving tests due to Covid is also likely to be a significant factor behind the high numbers.

“It’s also the case that younger drivers, who are more likely to have provisional licences, pay a disproportionate amount of tax when they buy car insurance, which makes their already expensive policies even harder to afford. Insurance Premium Tax at the current rate of 12 percent adds a huge £120 to a young driver’s £1,000 annual policy, which may be further reason why so many decide to run the gauntlet of driving with no insurance.”

ALSO READ:

World Car Awards reveals 2022 finalists

Ford Bronco fever finally reaches the UK

Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo 2022 review

Radio-controlled Tamiya Ford Bronco is ready for adventure

By

John Redfern

-

February 8, 2022

0

Fans of the all-new Ford Bronco now have a cheaper option to grab a piece of the off-road action.

As part of its new line-up for 2022, model maker Tamiya has announced a 1/10-scale radio-controlled Bronco.

With the full-size production car already sold out until 2023, this could be the easiest way for many to experience ‘Bronco Fever’.

Ready for miniature adventures

Based upon the two-door, sixth-generation Bronco, the 1/10 version measures just under 48cm in length.

With a detailed replica bodyshell, Tamiya’s Bronco is an impressive rendition of the real thing. The retro-inspired design has been accurately captured in polycarbonate, helped by a number of extra details.

Making the Tamiya Bronco trail-ready are an expedition roof rack, branded spare wheel cover and twelve-spoke wheels with chunky off-road rubber.

Electric Bronco pioneer

Using Tamiya’s CC02 chassis, the R/C Bronco features all-wheel drive, just like the original. However, there is no miniature EcoBoost turbocharged engine to be found here.

Instead, this Bronco’s horsepower comes from an electric motor. Think of it as an early example of a Bronco EV, if you must.

Deliveries and pricing for the Tamiya Ford Bronco are yet to be confirmed, although it will certainly be much cheaper than the real deal.

For those who prefer their off-roaders with a British badge, Tamiya also offers a 1/10 scale R/C version of the classic Land Rover Defender.

ALSO READ:

Ford Bronco fever finally reaches the UK

Hennessey VelociRaptor Bronco charges into production

World Car Awards reveals 2022 finalists

By

Richard Aucock

-

February 8, 2022

0

Finalists for the 2022 World Car Awards have been announced following the first round of voting from 102 jurors worldwide – including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock.

Automotive journalists from 33 countries submitted their votes to KPMG, which has now revealed contenders for each of the six awards.

The big prize is the 2022 World Car of the Year award, which has now been whittled down to 10 cars, from an initial list of 28 vehicles.

The shortlist is diverse, and includes four electric cars – the Audi Q4 e-tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

A further three are available in plug-in hybrid guise: the Cupra Formentor, Hyundai Tucson and Lexus NX, while the Genesis G70, Honda Civic and Toyota GR86 (and its Subaru BRZ cousin) round out the top 10.

The reigning 2021 World Car of the Year is the electric Volkswagen ID.4.

New World Electric Vehicle award

Reflecting the ever-hastening shift to electric cars, the World Car Awards organisation has introduced a new award for EVs in 2022: the World Electric Vehicle of the Year.

It intends to “recognise, support and celebrate the global transition to electrically-powered vehicles”.

The five finalists are the Audi e-tron GT, BMW iX, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Mercedes-Benz EQS.

Recognising a different sort of sustainability, the 2022 World Urban Car honours city-friendly cars which delivery plenty of comfort, safety features and value for money.

The Dacia Sandero will compete with the Renault Kiger, Toyota Yaris Cross, Vauxhall Mokka and Volkswagen Taigun.

Luxury, performance and design

The popular 2022 World Luxury Car will be chosen from a group including the Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW iX, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz EQS and Volvo C40 Recharge.

Meanwhile the exciting 2022 World Performance Car will be either the Audi e-tron GT, BMW M3 and M4, Porsche 911 GT3, Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, or the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R.

Every shortlisted car is also automatically eligible for the 2022 World Car Design of the Year Award.

This year, an expert panel of judges has chosen a shortlist which includes the Audi e-tron GT, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Mercedes-Benz EQS.

The next landmark in the 2022 World Car Awards is 15 March, when the ‘Top Three in the World’ will be announced.

The winners will be declared live from the 2022 New York Auto Show (NYIAS) on Wednesday 13 April.

ALSO READ

New car sales up 27.5% compared to lockdown-hit 2021

Ford Bronco fever finally reaches the UK

Award-winning hot rods and roadsters crowned in California

Selekt Direct: Volvo launches online used car sales and delivery service

By

John Redfern

-

February 8, 2022

0

Volvo has created a brand-new online sales platform dedicated to approved used cars.

The Volvo Selekt Direct service allows customers to find and buy a used Volvo without needing to leave their home.

Launching Selekt Direct is part of Volvo’s growing commitment to ecommerce, with plans to have all new vehicle sales online by 2030.

Swipe right to buy

Customers will be able to search for a pre-owned Volvo, pay for it, then arrange nationwide delivery. All cars will be sold directly by Volvo, rather than through the dealer network.

Each car will be subject to 150 separate checks, including software upgrades, before being sold. A 12-month warranty will be included, along with cover for the vehicle’s next MoT test.

Top 10 best-selling used car of 2021

Servicing and aftersales work will be performed by Volvo dealers as normal.

As part of the online transaction, customers will have up to 30 days, or 1,500 miles, to exchange their vehicle if they are unhappy.

Focused on customer needs

Volvo aims to sell all its new electric models via the internet, and move most UK new car sales online by 2025.

Beyond that, Volvo plans to sell exclusively online around the world by 2030. This will coincide with its move to offering only electric new cars.

Kristian Elvefors, MD of Volvo UK, said: “In designing Volvo Selekt Direct, we have focused firmly on the needs of consumers, personalising the service so it works in the way that’s right for them. That means not just the convenience of direct online access, but also peace of mind that the process is secure, robust and delivers a premium experience that fully reflects the qualities of our brand.

“With Volvo Selekt Direct, we are improving our service to consumers and developing a blueprint for our transition to online sales. Strategically, our retail partners will remain central to our business in providing full aftersales support, including servicing, maintenance and repairs.”

ALSO READ:

Used car sales up 11.5% in ‘volatile’ 2021

Free tyre and windscreen repairs offered for all Volvo drivers

Lexus NX 350h 2022 review

Used car sales up 11.5% in ‘volatile’ 2021

By

Richard Aucock

-

February 8, 2022

0

Used car sales grew in 2021 with 7.53 million vehicles changing hands, up 11.5 percent on Covid-hit 2020.

However, the secondhand car sector remains affected by the pandemic, with transactions down 5.5 percent on the pre-Covid five-year average.

The month-by-month performance was volatile, too. May 2021 was the best month on record for used car sales, with 769k motors changing hands – but volumes in December actually fell more than 10 percent due to the Omicron variant.

Semiconductor shortages squeezing new car sales are also gradually starting to affect the secondhand market as well.

What’s more, electric and hybrid cars are still very much a minority in the used car sector, despite the government’s target of electrifying new car sales from 2030.

Despite battery electric demand growing 119 percent last year, 96.6 percent of used car transactions were still either petrol or diesel.

Ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles represented just 3.1 percent of the secondhand car market.

This, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, is “evidence of how far the market must go to meet zero emission ambitions”.

Small cars dominate

Superminis, such as the Ford Fiesta, were the most popular type of used car, taking almost a third of the market.

Family hatchbacks, such as the Ford Focus, took a 26.4 percent share, and SUVs took 13.2 percent.

All segments saw transactions increase – with demand for SUVs growing the most, rising 18.3 percent.

Almost a million secondhand SUVs were sold in Britain last year.

The Ford Fiesta was Britain’s most popular used car in 2021, with the Vauxhall Corsa in second and the Ford Focus in third.

Showing Britain’s love of premium cars, there were also two BMWs and an Audi in the top 10 models in 2021.

ALSO READ

Used cars for £2k and under FELL 25% in 2021

Citroen has produced the very last C1 city car

Skoda confirms UK prices for updated 2022 Karoq SUV

By

John Redfern

-

February 7, 2022

0

UK prices and specifications for the revised Skoda Karoq have been announced.

Originally launched in 2017, Skoda has treated its mid-range crossover SUV to a makeover for 2022.

UK orders open from 17 February, and Skoda aims to make the first deliveries of completed cars in late spring 2022.

Czech it out

As one of the Czech brand’s most popular models, the Karoq’s facelift is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary.

New styling elements include a wider front grille, as seen on other Skoda SUVs, along with slimmer headlights. With an eye on fuel economy, rear window finlets and a new rear spoiler are added for better aerodynamic efficiency.

Buyers can pick from a 110hp 1.0-litre and 150hp 1.5 petrol engines. A 2.0 diesel is also offered in 116hp and 150hp outputs, with the latter available in all-wheel drive.

Skoda’s seven-speed DSG automatic transmission is offered on the two 150hp models.

High equipment levels all-round

Prices start from £25,950 for the Karoq SE Drive. This trim level includes 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Karoq SE L models start at £27,785, adding 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rails, a winter pack and a reversing camera to the standard specification. Keyless entry and VarioFlex seating are included, too.

Topping the range is the Karoq Sportline, which features bespoke styling enhancements such a deeper front splitter and black front grille. Other niceties include matrix LED headlights, LED interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof and an electrically operated boot.

ALSO READ:

Skoda Enyaq iV review

Honda HR-V review

Car dashboard warning lights: what do they all mean?

Ford Bronco fever finally reaches the UK

By

John Redfern

-

February 5, 2022

0

The UK has finally got a taste of ‘Bronco Fever’, with the first examples of the retro-inspired Ford SUV arriving on British shores.

Such was the excitement for the new Bronco, Ford received more than 125,000 orders when the truck was launched. The demand has seen production quotas filled until 2023.

However, luxury vehicle dealer Clive Sutton has secured a ‘pipeline’ of models for British enthusiasts.

Built for the wilds of America

Built with serious off-road action in mind, the sixth-generation Ford Bronco comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

Buyers can pick from 2.3-l or 2.7-l turbocharged engines, with the choice of seven-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmissions. All will come in left-hand-drive only.

Like any true 4×4, the Bronco has high and low ranges for its all-wheel-drive system. Front and rear electronically locking rear differentials are standard, too.

Ford offers multiple body and trim options for the Bronco, with the first examples secured by Clive Sutton in four-door form. Owners can remove the doors and replace the roof panels with a convertible soft-top.

Standing out from the SUV crowd

Clive Sutton states that UK buyers can secure a Ford Bronco for between £45,000 to £85,000 ($61,225 to $115,500). This will be dependent on specification, and how wild customers go with optional extras.

Included in this price is a two-year or 30,000-mile warranty, which Clive Sutton notes would not apply to Broncos imported privately.

Company founder Clive Sutton commented: “As soon as Ford announced the new Bronco 4×4 SUV, we had enquiries from customers far and wide. Alongside our core luxury and supercar services, we pride ourselves on being the first to bring the most desirable models to the UK from the US. The Bronco offers British buyers a way to stand out from the crowd in a vehicle that is as capable as it is distinctive.”

Earlier this year the Bronco won the North American Utility of the Year Award, while Ford recently released a 400hp Bronco Raptor.

ALSO READ:

Hennessey VelociRaptor Bronco charges into production

Forza Horizon 5 gains rare MG XPower SV-R and more

By

John Redfern

-

February 4, 2022

0

Players of the Forza Horizon 5 Xbox game will be able to drive one of the oddest creations from the ill-fated MG Rover era.

A new Series 4 update for the open-world racing game includes the addition of a 2005 MG XPower SV-R to virtual garages.

With fewer than 100 examples ever produced, the XPower SV-R will be a far more common sight on Forza’s virtual roads than real ones.

Virtually a collector’s item

Designed by Peter Stevens, and with a carbon fibre body, the XPower SV-R was intended to be a cut-price supercar. With 385hp from a Roush-tuned 5.0-litre Ford V8, it certainly delivered on performance. Top speed was 175mph.

Sadly, costing as much as established sports cars, notably the Porsche 911 GT3, left the MG hopelessly exposed in the marketplace. Forza Horizon 5 players can now see if it deserved greater success.

It is joined in the game by the modern MG3 supermini, best known for its low prices and respectable handling. However, the MG3 isn’t the most unlikely car added as part of the latest Forza update.

That honour goes to the 2013 Wuling Sunshine S. Made by SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile, the diminutive microvan is one of the best-selling vehicles of all time in China.

Microvan-tastic voyage!

An 82hp engine is hardly likely to set pulses racing, so Forza players will undoubtedly be keen to upgrade and modify the Sunshine S.

The reason for the addition of the MG3, Wuling Sunshine S and also the NIO EP9 electric supercar is to celebrate the recent Lunar New Year.

As part of the Series 4 update, Microsoft has added full localised and simplified Chinese voiceovers to the game. This should improve the experience for players in China.

A new Horizon World Cup mode has also been added, with players rewarded for driving cars from their favourite country.

ALSO READ:

Free Amazon Alexa upgrade for Jaguar and Land Rover cars

Porsche Taycan breaks world record for driving across America

MG ZS review

New car sales up 27.5% compared to lockdown-hit 2021

By

Richard Aucock

-

February 4, 2022

0

New car registrations recovered in January 2022, with a 27.5 percent sales lift over a lockdown-affected 2021.

More than 115,000 new cars hit the roads – and one in five was a pure electric car, as Brits embrace EVs in ever-growing numbers.

Electrified vehicles – also including hybrids and plug-in hybrids – accounted for 71.5 percent of the January improvement.

Add EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids together and, last month, nearly one in three new cars was electrified. Significantly, pure electric cars outsold both hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

The diesel slump continued, with barely one in 10 new cars registered last month being either diesel or mild hybrid diesel.

Trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says the January increase came despite the ongoing semiconductor shortage.

This, it adds, is why last month was still 22.9 percent down on the pre-pandemic January 2020 level.

‘Reasonable start’

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Given the lockdown-impacted January 2021, this month’s figures were always going to be an improvement, but it is still reassuring to see a strengthening market.

“Once again, it is electrified vehicles that are driving the growth, despite the ongoing headwinds of chip shortages, rising inflation and the cost-of-living squeeze.

“2022 is off to a reasonable start, and with around 50 new electrified models due for release this year, customers will have an ever greater choice, which can only be good for our shared environmental ambitions.”

The SMMT is now predicting total 2022 new car sales of 1.897 million units. This is a downward revision on its October 2021 forecast, due to the semiconductor shortage.

The increased cost of living and interest rate rises are also expected to dampen demand in 2022.

However, a recovery is forecast for 2023, where the new car market is expected to ease over the two million mark for the first time since 2019.

Kia is number one

The outgoing Kia Sportage was the surprise best-selling new car in January 2021, as the firm clears the decks for the launch of the all-new model.

It was a Kia double on the podium, as the Niro took third place behind the Ford Puma.

Kia as a brand was the UK’s top-seller too, taking a 9.1 percent share of the overall market.

2021’s best-selling car overall, the Vauxhall Corsa, slipped down to fifth place – but a perennial UK best-seller, the Ford Fiesta, remains notable for its absence from the top 10 chart.

The British-built Toyota Corolla made a surprise appearance in the best-sellers table, taking 10th place.

Best-selling cars of January 2022

1: Kia Sportage

2: Ford Puma

3: Kia Niro

4: Mini

5: Vauxhall Corsa

6: Hyundai Tucson

7: Vauxhall Mokka

8: Ford Focus

9: Volkswagen T-Roc

10: Toyota Corolla

ALSO READ:

Used cars for £2k and under FELL 25% in 2021

Free tyre and windscreen repairs offered for all Volvo drivers

Amazon Alexa comes to Jaguar and Land Rover cars

Free Amazon Alexa upgrade for Jaguar and Land Rover cars

By

John Redfern

-

February 3, 2022

0

New and existing Jaguar Land Rover models fitted with the Pivi Pro infotainment system will now be able to use Amazon Alexa.

This allows drivers to ask Alexa to plan navigation routes or select music playlists, while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

It follows the launch of the Alexa service in the latest fifth-generation Range Rover, revealed late last year.

Primed for over-the-air updates

More than 200,000 owners of compatible vehicles will be able to gain the upgrade for free, as a part of an over-the-air software update.

Along with having the Pivi Pro infotainment system, installing Amazon Alexa functionality will also require an active Online Pack subscription. Owners will need to have an InControl account configured, too.

The Alexa service will work without the need to have a smartphone present. Drivers can make calls, check the weather, listen to audiobooks and control smart home features remotely.

Remote skills included

Jaguar Land Rover owners in the UK and United States will also gain access to ‘Remote Skill for Alexa’. This allows an Alexa-enabled device or smartphone to remotely control certain vehicle functions.

Features include being able to lock and unlock doors, check the car’s remaining range, or set the climate control system.

Remote Skill for Alexa is available on all Jaguar and Land Rover models with the Pivi Pro and Touch Pro infotainment systems.

Alex Heslop, director of electrical and electronic engineering at JLR, said: “The seamless integration of Amazon Alexa with our Pivi Pro infotainment system gives customers simple, intuitive voice control of regularly used features, making the driving experience even more enjoyable. The fact we can also offer this new feature to existing customers proves the value of our software-over-the-air-updates.”

ALSO READ:

Grey report: Britain’s favourite new car colours revealed

Porsche Taycan breaks world record for driving across America

Revealed: new Aston Martin DBX707 is the world’s most powerful SUV