Used car sales up 11.5% in ‘volatile’ 2021

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February 8, 2022

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.

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Skoda confirms UK prices for updated 2022 Karoq SUV

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John Redfern

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February 7, 2022

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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.

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Ford Bronco fever finally reaches the UK

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John Redfern

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February 5, 2022

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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.

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

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John Redfern

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February 4, 2022

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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.

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

By

Richard Aucock

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February 4, 2022

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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

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Amazon Alexa comes to Jaguar and Land Rover cars

Free Amazon Alexa upgrade for Jaguar and Land Rover cars

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John Redfern

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February 3, 2022

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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.”

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Award-winning hot rods and roadsters crowned in California

By

John Redfern

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February 2, 2022

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The return of the Grand National Roadster Show has seen a celebration of America’s best roadsters, hot rods and custom cars.

Held at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, the 2022 show marked the event’s return after the 2021 edition was postponed.

More than 1,000 custom cars were on display. The event culminated with the presentation of trophies for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award.

America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Winner

Taking the top AMBR Award was a 1934 Chevrolet Roadster. Owned by Jeff Breault and built by Devlin Rod & Customs, the Chevy had been subject to an extensive two-year build project.

Using a custom Roadster Shop chassis, the Chevrolet has a host of bespoke exterior touches and details. A modern LS V-8 engine is found under the hood, covered with parts to make it appear like a vintage block.

The interior is also completely customized, with the work performed by Downey’s Auto Upholstery.

Beating 10 other contenders, the Chevrolet will now be immortalized on the nine-foot-tall trophy. The winner also receives a prize of $12,500, provided by ARP Bolts.

Al Slonaker Memorial Award Winner

Taking the other major prize at the 2022 event was a 1932 Ford Coupe. It collected the Al Slonaker Memorial Award, dedicated to the founders of the Grand National Roadster Show, as the top non-roadster on display.

Owned by Pat Gauntt, and built by Hollywood Hot Rods, the Ford has been more than 15 years in the making. It features a 331-cubic inch Cadillac V-8 engine, fitted with race-specification parts.

Making the Ford even more impressive is its bespoke suspension setup. A cockpit-controlled system uses pressurized oil, and is adjusted by valves mounted near the gear shifter.

Celebrating history and heritage

More than 600 awards were presented during the show weekend, with tens of thousands of visitors attending.

As part of the 2022 event, a celebration of the 1932 Ford’s 90th anniversary was held, and featured at the Grand Daddy Drive-In.

A special exhibit also placed attention on “A Gathering of Hot VWs”, with the display including a previously unseen Volkswagen Beetle, owned by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.

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Porsche Taycan breaks world record for driving across America

By

John Redfern

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February 2, 2022

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The Porsche Taycan has claimed a new Guinness World Record with an epic journey across America.

Travelling from Los Angeles, California, to New York City, the all-electric Taycan set a record for the amount of time it spent charging.

To cover the 2,835-mile journey, the Taycan required just two hours and 30 minutes connected to charging devices.

Fast charging for the win

Porsche’s achievement comes just months after the same Guinness World Record was broken. In November 2021, a Kia EV6 completed the trans-American trip, requiring seven hours and 10 minutes of charging.

The Electrify America CCS DC rapid-charging network allowed Porsche to shave almost five hours off the record. Electrify America, and the European Ionity network, offer more than 4,800 charging points across the world.

This includes 350kW devices, which offer ultra-fast charging capability.

“Comparing charging performance from a variety of EVs I have driven to date, the Taycan sets the bar,” said the car’s driver, Wayne Gerdes. “The first time I charged on a 350kW charger, 6-82 percent occurred in just 22 minutes.”

Another record for the collection

Gerdes has previously set multiple Guinness World Records for driving efficiency. This EV challenge required him to plan a route using the Electrify America app. He also benefited from Plug-and-Charge capabilities for the majority of the trip.

Porsche supplied Gerdes with a standard 2021 Taycan, equipped with the 93kWh Performance Battery Plus. Adaptive Cruise Control and Porsche Electric Sport Sound were added to make the journey more enjoyable.

Last month the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo off-road estate set a different Guinness World Record. Gaining 4,842.967 metres, the Cross Turismo now has the official title for the greatest altitude change ever achieved by an electric car.

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Free tyre and windscreen repairs offered for all Volvo drivers

By

John Redfern

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February 2, 2022

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Volvo free puncture and windscreen repair

Volvo has launched a free repair initiative to help drivers fix two common driving problems.

Said to be a UK industry-first, Volvo owners will be able to get free repairs for punctured tyres and chipped windscreens.

These will be offered at no cost for all Volvo cars, regardless of their age.

Exclusive to Volvo drivers

Drivers will need to visit their local Volvo dealership, where technicians will make an assessment of the damage.

For windscreens, technicians will work to Volvo’s own National Safety Standards. Whether a repair can be made will depend on where the damage is located, and how large the chip is.

Should Volvo not be able to offer a free repair, the option of a cost replacement will be offered.

Free puncture repairs will also be dependent on the size and seriousness of the tyre damage. A Volvo technician will advise if a tyre cannot be fixed, with the price for a new one provided.

Reducing the nuisance

Drivers can take their Volvo to any UK dealership. The company hopes to be able to offer free repairs in most instances.

The service is designed to be completed while the customer waits. Should a repair take longer, the expected time required will be confirmed before work begins.

Kristian Elvefors, MD of Volvo Car UK, said: “As well as reducing the nuisance factor of minor damage, this new service helps keep cars in safe condition and, in the case of windscreens, can prevent chips leading to cracks and more costly replacements.

“We value all Volvo drivers, no matter how old their car might be, and this new service is the perfect way to help them stay safe, secure and mobile.”

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

By

John Redfern

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February 1, 2022

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Aston Martin has announced a flagship new version of the DBX SUV, designed to offer maximum luxury and performance.

Called the DBX707, its name gives a rather obvious clue as to the level of power available.

A 4.0-litre petrol V8 serves up 707hp, catapulting the family-sized DBX deep into supercar territory.

Ready to launch

The DBX707’s engine was developed in-house by Aston Martin Powertrain Engineering, led by Ralph Illenberger. It gains new ball-bearing turbochargers and a recalibrated engine management system.

Along with the hike to 707hp, torque has also increased to a substantial 663lb ft: gains of 157hp and 149lb ft over the regular DBX.

A nine-speed wet-clutch transmission is also new. Said to deliver much faster shifts, it contributes to the DBX707’s 0-62mph time of just 3.3 seconds. Top speed is 193mph.

A new ‘Race Start’ mode is found within the Dynamic Drive menu. Acting as a launch control, it helps the all-wheel-drive DBX707 demonstrate its ferocious acceleration.

Beyond brute force

The DBX707’s transformation is about more than just straight-line performance, however. Aston Martin’s head of vehicle engineering, Drummond Jacoy, said: “Too often this class of car is characterised by an obsession with brute force. With DBX707, our objective was to match immense performance with impeccable control and precision, combined with an authentic sporting character.”

Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, with discs measuring 420mm at the front. These sit behind 22-inch alloy wheels, with optional 23-inch rims introducing wider tyres.

Aston Martin has reconfigured the DBX’s electronic limited-slip differential, which can send 100 percent of torque to the rear axle. Detailed adjustments have also been made to the air suspension, while the power steering has been recalibrated for improved feel.

More bark, more bite

The DBX707 gains bespoke bodywork, with a larger front grille, new air intakes and a more aggressive front splitter.

At the rear, the larger diffuser is matched by broader exhaust tailpipes, designed to offer a ‘unique sound signature’. A new tailgate spoiler helps boost high-speed stability.

Inside, you’ll find sports seats finished in a mix of leather and Alcantara. Dark chrome trim is used throughout, complementing the dark satin chrome found on the DBX707’s exterior.

Buyers can use the bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ service to tailor the DBX707 to their own taste, too.

Pushing the boundaries

Aston Martin CEO, Tobias Moers, said the company has “pushed the boundaries in every area to create a car that sets new standards of performance and desirability. The fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind, it propels Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance”.

Prices for the DBX707 are yet to be confirmed, but expect a sizeable jump from the £158,000 for a regular DBX.

Production of the DBX707 begins soon, with deliveries expected in the second quarter of the year.

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