Grey was the UK’s favourite new car colour in 2021, topping the charts for the fourth year running.
Nearly one in four new cars sold was painted grey, with the colour’s popularity actually increasing by 2.8 percent last year. More than 408,000 new grey cars were registered in 2021.
In a monochromatic top three, black was second, with one in five new cars sold, and white was third, accounting for around 17 percent of new cars.
More than six in 10 new cars sold are now either grey, black or white.
Blue was back in fourth, but it is edging closer to the top three – finishing the year just 2,638 units behind white.
The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) collated the figures from official sales data. This showed a largely unchanged top 10, although green cars did overtake orange to finish in seventh.
Sales of green new cars actually grew for the first time since 2015, by an impressive 24 percent.
But even though more motorists picked a ‘green’ hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric drivetrain, they didn’t choose to paint them in green. Grey remained the most popular colour even for alternative-fuel cars.
Any colour you like so long as it’s greener
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “2021 was anything but normal, but British drivers stuck to their familiar favourites of grey, black and white cars.
“But while last year’s new cars might share the same shades as previous years, under the bonnet there has been a real shift, with one in six buyers choosing to go green.
“With car registrations still low compared to pre- pandemic, helping even more drivers move to greener cars – whatever the actual colour – has never been more important.”
Mr Hawes called for the installation of electric car charge points across Britain to be speeded up.
“Incentives are helping move the market and should continue, but the speed of this shift to electric must be matched by an acceleration in the pace of charging infrastructure investment.
“Drivers should expect to be able to recharge irrespective of wherever they live, work or visit.”
Local authorities will be given the power to enforce moving traffic offences from 1 June 2022.
This will allow councils outside of London to issue fines for breaking traffic rules such as incorrectly entering a yellow box junction, or making a prohibited turn.
At present, only authorities in London and Cardiff have the ability to enforce moving traffic offences. In all other areas enforcement is left to police forces.
As confirmed in a written parliamentary response this week, regulations to allow this have now been laid before parliament. Statutory guidance will be issued to local authorities in March, with the new rules coming into force on 1 June 2022.
This won’t allow councils to instantly start dishing out fines though. Instead, local authorities will have to apply to the Secretary of State for an order to be made. This will then designate the council as the enforcement authority in its area.
The AA is now calling for MPs to have closer scrutiny of the Government’s plans, given the experience of drivers in London. It is concerned that cash-strapped councils could see drivers as a way to ‘stuff town hall coffers with easy money’.
Checks and balances needed
Research by the AA found that while only two percent of UK drivers received a fine for stopping in a yellow box junction, this rose to 12 percent in London. Other offences are also more commonly given a penalty in London than elsewhere.
The AA also highlights that London traffic penalty adjudicators, who hear appeals, have shown numerous examples of ‘bad road layout, or councils ignoring or simply not understanding the rules of enforcement’.
Edmund King, the AA’s president, said: “The experience of London with enforcement of moving traffic violations sends a clear message to MPs: the roll-out beyond the capital needs effective checks and balances. That includes identifying, analysing and rectifying the causes of fines hotspots. And, where a traffic tribunal adjudicator identifies a problem that is not just a one-off, the council should suspend enforcement and report back to the adjudicator on how it has been resolved.
“Alternatively, or better still additionally, first-time offenders should be sent a warning letter, as set out by the Government previously. After all, the object of enforcement is to get road users to understand and comply with directions and restrictions – with the deterrence of fines if they deliberately ignore them.”
The 2021-22 FIA Formula E motorsport season begins this weekend, with a special double-header event.
A special circuit around the walls of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, will play host to the first two rounds of the year.
Now into an eighth season, there have been plenty of driver changes and calendar updates.
If you are new to Formula E, or need to catch up on the latest developments, read on to get yourself fully charged.
OK, what exactly is Formula E?
Put simply, it is the only FIA-sanctioned single-seater electric motorsport championship. Imagine Formula One-style racing cars, but powered by batteries, and you are on the right lines.
The championship began as a way to promote the significant development of electric vehicle technology, and prove that battery power does not have to be boring.
However, the championship has become about more than just the sheer novelty of electric racing.
Formula E is now into its eighth season, and has grown in popularity. This season sees a total of 11 teams competing, with several major car manufacturers involved.
What cars do they use in Formula E?
All teams use the same Spark SRT05e chassis, with batteries supplied by McLaren Advanced Technology. Hitting 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, with a potential 174mph top speed, means these are serious racing cars.
Teams are able to supply and develop their own electric powertrains, but the rules are kept tight to ensure the racing is close. Maximum power output for each car totals 250kW (335hp), reduced to 220kW (295hp) in race mode.
The cars do feature aerodynamic wings and spoilers, but these are nowhere near as intricate as thoe aero seen in Formula One. Again, this helps cars race in close proximity to each other, encouraging as much overtaking as possible.
Formula E had planned to introduce a modified car for the 2020-21 season. However, coronavirus saw the GEN2 Evo idea shelved, with an all-new GEN3 car planned for the 2022-23 season instead.
Which car manufacturers are involved in Formula E?
With electric cars becoming more prevalent on the road, manufacturers have seized on Formula E as an opportunity to demonstrate to the world what they can do.
This season sees five familiar car manufacturers involved. Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, DS Automobiles, and Jaguar are all on the grid for 2021-22.
Where does Formula E take place?
Formula E is dedicated to bringing action straight to the fans, which means racing takes place on street circuits in major cities throughout the world.
The circuits used are shorter in length than those used in Formula One, but feature tight layouts designed to encourage overtaking. Dramatic backdrops only boost the racing’s appeal.
The 2021-22 season has races planned in London, Rome, New York and Berlin, amongst other locations. See the calendar at the end of this article for the full list.
Is Formula E exciting to watch?
Equal machinery, plus talented drivers and compact circuits, mean the competition is as fierce as you would imagine.
Bumping and barging on track is a common occurrence, aided by the strong design of the cars. In fact, one of the reasons Formula E wanted to introduce the GEN2 Evo car was to try and stop drivers from making contact on the track!
Drivers have the use of ‘Attack Mode’, which sounds like something inspired by Mario Kart. By moving off the racing line to run through a special designated area of the track, drivers receive a temporary power boost for their car.
Fans can also use social media to vote for their preferred driver in the run up to each E-Prix. The most popular five drivers then receive an extra ‘Fanboost’ of power to deploy during the second half of the race.
Will I know any of the Formula E drivers?
Initially stocked with a wealth of ex-F1 racers, the Formula E grid has become a desirable motorsport career choice for a wide array of drivers.
F1 experience is still well-represented for 2021-22. Stoffel Vandoorne, Pascal Wehrlein, Sebastien Buemi, and Jean-Eric Vergne all previously raced in F1 before making the switch to EVs.
Antonio Giovinazzi, who spent three seasons with the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 team, is the latest addition to the Formula E grid.
The championship is not all about retired F1 drivers, though. André Lotterer, who drives for Porsche, won the World Endurance Championship in 2012.
New Zealander Nick Cassidy, who drives for Envision Racing, has previously won the Super GT and Super Formula championships.
Which British drivers compete in Formula E?
Sam Bird, who drives for the Jaguar Racing team, is pictured here winning the second New York ePrix race last year. He led the championship for much of the 2020-21 season, so will be looking to build on that success in 2022.
Cumbrian-born Oliver Turvey has raced in multiple championships, and is a McLaren F1 test-driver. He is partnered at the NIO 333 team for this season by London-born Dan Ticktum.
Barnsley’s own Oliver Rowland is now into his fifth Formula E season, and currently races for the Mahindra team. Formula E race winner Alex Sims will be alongside him this year.
Avalanche Andretti driver Jake Dennis returns for a second year of Formula E, and has previously competed in the DTM series.
Who is the reigning Formula E champion?
Dutch driver Nyck de Vries won the Drivers’ Championship in the 2020-21 Formula E season.
Driving for the works Mercedes-EQ Formula E team, de Vries notched up two wins, and scored two additional podiums. He edged out Edoardo Mortara, who took second, with Britain’s Jake Dennis in third.
The Mercedes-EQ team also scooped the Teams’ Championship for 2020-21, the first time the German team has won the top prize. Jaguar finished second, with DS Techeetah in third.
What is new in Formula E for 2021-22?
For the 2021-22 season, Formula E organisers have incorporated a host of changes to how race weekends will run.
A new qualifying format will see drivers placed in groups, with the fastest moving through into a duel knockout phase. This will work to a final shootout, seeing two drivers go head-to-head for pole position.
Races can be extended by up to 10 minutes where incidents cause Safety Car or Full Course Yellow neutralisations. This will be in addition to the regular ‘45 minutes plus one lap’ race time.
The cars themselves will also benefit from more power this season. Race output has increased from 200kW to 220kW, with ‘Attack Mode’ now offering up to 250kW.
What safety car does Formula E use?
Another major change for the 2021-22 season is the use of an all-new safety car.
Formula E has previously used the electric BMW i8, with a Mini Electric used for selected rounds in the previous season. However, the 2021-22 season sees the electric Porsche Taycan leading the field.
With a power output of 751hp (560kW), the Taycan Turbo S certainly has the pace to react quickly to incidents. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 161mph.
The radical livery used by the Porsche Taycan safety car includes colours from all 11 teams competing in the series, as well as those of the FIA and Formula E.
What is the future of Formula E?
The introduction of a new, third-generation ‘GEN3’ Formula E car for the 2022-23 season is the biggest development on the sport’s horizon.
Under the GEN3 rules, Formula E would impose exit penalties on manufacturers who leave the series early. It means manufacturers may need to think hard about signing up for the new series.
Audi Sport and BMW left the series at the end of the 2020-21 season. However, both companies remain as powertrain suppliers. Mercedes-Benz will also leave at the end of the 2021-22 season.
It means Formula E will seemingly need to work hard to retain major manufacturers, and attract new ones. Maserati has committed to entering the competition with the introduction of GEN3 cars.
How can I watch Formula E?
In the United Kingdom, Channel 4 will now provide live coverage of all qualifying sessions and races.
Viewers in the United States can watch all races live through CBS Sports, with a selection to be featured on the CBS Television network. CBS Sports HQ will offer streaming for practice and qualifying.
Formula E also offers live streaming through its dedicated YouTube channel.
Last year saw the release of a 15-episode documentary series called Formula E Unplugged on the official YouTube channel.
Nearly 1.2 million examples of the entry-level Citroen have been delivered to customers since 2005, but the final car has now left the factory.
With no direct replacement, Citroen will attempt to appeal to buyers with the smaller, all-electric Ami instead.
A more basic version of the Citroen C3 will also go on sale in April, aimed at those who want a conventional, petrol-powered hatchback.
C1 in a million
The first generation of the Citroen C1 was launched in 2005, as part of a joint venture between what was then called PSA and Toyota.
This saw the C1 produced in the Czech Republic, alongside the platform-sharing Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo.
Compact dimensions and low prices made the C1 and its brethren an instant hit with younger drivers. Buyers could pick three- or five-door versions of the first-generation C1, with a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.4 engines.
An electric version called the C1 ev’ie, created by the now-defunct Electric Car Corporation, was offered in the UK.
Czech mates no longer
A second-generation C1 was launched in 2014, with the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 108 again on offer, too.
Along with the three- and five-door hatchback versions, Citroen released an Airscape model with an electric, cabriolet-style canvas roof.
The C1 continued to be popular with new drivers, with Grammy Award-winning singer Foxes (see above) learning to drive in one.
Toyota has now taken complete ownership of the Czech Republic plant, bringing an end to the Citroen- and Peugeot-badged models. Instead, the factory will build the latest Toyota Aygo X and Yaris.
Located on Astwood Mews in Kensington, Morgan Works London will offer both new and used vehicles to the capital’s car enthusiasts.
Intended to be a ‘destination showroom’, five Morgan vehicles will be on display at any one time within the redeveloped building.
Working up a thirst
Morgan Works London is the company’s second factory-owned outlet. It follows on from Morgan Works Malvern, which is located at the brand’s traditional headquarters in Worcestershire.
Design elements from the newly opened Morgan Experience Centre in Malvern are used for the London showroom. Morgan’s core materials of wood, leather and aluminium feature extensively.
Customers will be able to design their dream Morgan, along with viewing the company’s latest creations. On display at the launch event were the radical Plus Four CX-T, along with the newly announced Plus Four LM62.
The launch also saw Pol Roger announced as the ‘official champagne’ of the Morgan Motor Company.
‘Key piece in the puzzle‘
The London showroom is part of Morgan’s plans to expand its global dealer network. In the past year alone, the company has seen its retail outlets increase from 56 to 74 locations.
Joining the London and Malvern Works showrooms will be a third site in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
Marcus Blake, head of sales at Morgan, said: “Throughout the last year Morgan has strategically elevated and grown its dealer network to enhance its customer experience, increase its global reach, and introduce the latest Morgan products to entirely new audiences.
“Morgan Works London forms a key piece in the puzzle, representing us in the capital city of our home market, and serving a unique customer demographic.”
The best tunnels for drivers to enjoy the sound of their cars have been assessed and ranked by Alfa Romeo.
Featuring both objective and subjective measurements, the ‘Sound Tunnel Index’ comprises a top 10 list of subterranean roads to enjoy.
Alfa believes the chosen 10 tunnels are the best possible environment to appreciate a car’s engine and exhaust sound.
Exhaustive evaluations
To narrow down the list of tunnel options, the company asked Alfa enthusiasts to make their recommendations. This created a shortlist of tunnels.
An Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV was then driven through each one. Dynamic mode was engaged, ensuring maximum noise from the 510hp 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine.
Detailed sound recordings were taken from each tunnel, with the passenger window down to ensure the engine and exhaust note were captured fully.
The records were then handed to acoustic experts, Sandy Brown. Measurements of engine and exhaust sound, along with tyre, road and wind noise, were all used to produce an objective score. A subjective score was also generated, with the two combined for the overall Sound Tunnel Index.
Top tunnel of love
Topping the 2022 Sound Tunnel Index is the Penmaenbach Tunnel in North Wales. With one-way traffic, a smooth road surface and an optimal U-shaped design, it ensured maximum aural pleasure.
The Saltash Tunnel in Cornwall and Beaminster Tunnel in Dorset claimed second and third places in the ranking respectively.
Richard King, associate at Sandy Brown, said: “The shape and size of tunnels, their length, the speed of the road, background sounds such as other cars, airflow and tyre noise, all have an impact on the sound you hear while driving.
“This is heightened in a performance SUV like the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, where the combination of the V6 turbo engine and exhaust sound add to the excitement. This index will help petrolheads and car lovers across the UK make the most of their drives.”
The Highway Code has introduced new regulations for 2022 called ‘The Hierarchy of Road Users’.
The objective is to encourage those who can do the greatest harm to others to reduce the danger or threat they pose.
It is intended to alter motorists’ behaviour behind the wheel, so they are more aware of the disparity in risk, and potential to suffer injury, between different road users in the event of a collision.
Here, we explain how the Hierarchy of Road Users will work.
The Hierarchy of Road Users concept
In the Hierarchy of Road Users, those at most risk in the event of an accident are at the top of the hierarchy.
The idea is for drivers of larger vehicles to look after more vulnerable road users.
The Hierarchy of Road Users comprises:
Pedestrians, in particular children, older adults and disabled people
Cyclists
Horse riders
Motorcyclists
Despite what some critics have suggested, the Hierarchy of Road Users does not give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in every situation.
Rather, it aims to encourage more mutual respect and consideration of others, to keep all road users safe.
To clarify this concept, there are a number of rules to support the Hierarchy of Road Users. These are called the ‘H’ rules.
H rules and the Hierarchy of Road Users
The ‘H’ rules ‘tackle one of the safety issues pedestrians encounter or perceive when walking’, says the government.
Rule H1
It is important that ALL road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others.
Rule H1 explained: those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger to others.
But cyclists and horse riders likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.
Rule H2
Rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists
Rule H2 explained: drivers and motorcyclists should give way to pedestrians waiting go cross at a junction. They MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and should give way to those waiting to cross.
Horse riders should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing.
Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks – and only pedestrians may use the pavement.
Rule H3
Rule for drivers and motorcyclists
Rule H2 explained: motorists should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction, just as they wouldn’t turn across the path of another vehicle.
Drivers should also not turn at a junction if doing so would cause a cyclist to swerve or stop.
They should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists, which includes when cyclists are moving off from a junction, passing stationary or slow-moving traffic, and travelling around a roundabout.
What are the other changes to The Highway Code in 2022?
Overall, there are four new rules and 49 changes to The Highway Code in 2022.
Updates include:
Giving priority to people walking across and people cycling straight ahead when turning in and out of junctions
Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph – and even more space when passing at higher speeds
Pass horse riders at speeds under 10mph, leaving at least 2 metres of space
Keep to a low speed and leave at least 2 metres of space when passing a person walking in the road
Encouraging the ‘Dutch Reach’ when exiting a car – opening the door with the hand furthest from the door, to help over-shoulder glances
Cyclists are allowed to ride in the centre of the road, or two abreast, for their own safety – but should allow others to overtake where safe to do so
The government is also reminding motorists that many of the rules in The Highway Code are legal requirements.
If motorists disobey the rules, they’re committing a criminal offence – and if they do not follow the other rules in the code, it could be used as evidence in court to establish liability.
There is a dire shortage of affordable used cars with the number of secondhand motors on sale for £2,000 or less falling 25 percent in 2021.
Experts are now warning low-cost motorists are ‘being priced off the road’.
There are now 23 percent fewer Vauxhalls on sale for £2k and under, and 17 percent fewer Fords.
Car buying website Desperate Seller has compiled the data and says the ‘unprecedented’ situation is being caused by a ‘perfect storm’.
There has been a long-running shortage of new cars due to the semiconductor crisis, which is now being felt in the secondhand market as fewer cars come off PCP and lease agreements.
This supply-and-demand imbalance is pushing up prices across the used car chain.
“The timing for this could not be worse for many consumers, set against the backdrop of the current cost of living crisis,” said Desperate Seller’s Henry Smith.
“Customers are faced with less choice, and potentially a longer distance to travel to see these cars in person – a luxury many shopping in this price bracket cannot afford.
“The worsening situation could result in vehicles being out of reach for low-income households – the people who often rely the most on having a reliable car.”
How can I buy an affordable used car?
Desperate Seller advises people in this price bracket to keep their options open. “You might have a dream car in mind but don’t narrow your search unrealistically.
“Be willing to compromise on make, model, colour, even miles on the clock. Be willing to compromise and you might just end up with a belter of a bargain.”
Used car buyers should not add the pressure of a deadline – but should be ready to move fast when the right car does crop up. Have everything in place, including finance and all the relevant documents.
It’s also important to resist the temptation of shopping in an unreliable, unestablished location. “It’s critical that you don’t make the wrong choice, or buy something shady that will give up on you in a few days or weeks.”
What are the best-selling cars for £2,000 or less?
The H.R. Owen Bugatti dealership in London has amassed an incredible collection of record-breaking hypercars.
Before being delivered to their very fortunate owners, the three Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ models were gathered together for photographs.
Bugatti will build just 30 examples of the ultimate Chiron. The three cars thus account for 10 percent of the entire production run.
A triple threat
Revealed in 2019, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ became the first series production car to break the 300mph barrier.
Driven by Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace at the Volkswagen Group’s Ehra Lessien facility in Germany, the Super Sport reached a top speed of 304.773mph – blasting it into the record books. The celebratory run of 30 cars was announced shortly afterwards.
Powering the Super Sport 300+ is an upgraded version of the mighty 8.0-litre W16 engine. Larger turbochargers, reinforced pistons and a more efficient oil cooler lift total output to 1,578hp, an increase of 99hp over the ‘standard’ Chiron.
To enable the incredible top speed, Bugatti made numerous detail changes to the car’s bodywork. These included replacing the electronically controlled rear wing with a more aerodynamic ‘longtail’ design.
Sold-out superstar
The Chiron Super Sport 300+ also has bespoke bumpers, vertical exhaust pipes and a rear diffuser that is 32 percent larger. Longer gear ratios were needed for the transmission to reach the ultimate top speed.
Each example of the €3.5 million (£2.95 million) Super Sport 300+ is finished in black carbon fibre with Jet Orange body stripes.
Special ‘Nocturne’ magnesium alloy wheels, plus a Bugatti logo made of genuine silver with black enamel, mark this out as a special edition.
All of the planned 30 cars have already sold out, as has the Chiron’s entire production run.
Bentley will launch a new electric car every year from 2025. The plan is part of a £2.5 billion sustainable investment that will also transform its famous Crewe works into a futuristic eco factory.
The Five-in-Five plan will coordinate the roll-out of new electric Bentleys. It accelerates the electrification of the firm’s luxury cars, which is already underway with the new Flying Spur PHEV plug-in hybrid.
By the end of this year, one in five new Bentleys will be a hybrid. Come 2025, the five new electric derivatives will see electrification grow much further.
Bentley Beyond100
It marks the ramping up of Bentley’s ‘Beyond100’ strategy, and the firm isn’t stopping with just electric cars.
Bentley is turning its famous Crewe headquarters into a zero-emission ‘dream factory’, building on the carbon neutral landmark it achieved back in 2019.
Now, Bentley wants to become fully carbon neutral across all products and non-factory operations.
The number of solar panels on-site will grow from 30,000 to 40,000, while water consumption, waste to landfill and other environmental impacts will also be minimised.
Bentley says the Crewe factory will become ‘a digital, zero environmental impact, flexible and high-value manufacturing facility’.
Even its dealers are set to play their part, with Bentley’s retailer network aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025 – and ‘possibly even sooner’.
Leading in sustainability
Bentley calls Beyond100 the boldest plan of its kind in the luxury car sector.
Accelerating it further, along with the ‘Five-in-Five’ EV plan, ‘confirms the initiation of a major transformative phase in the company’s long and illustrious history,’ says Bentley chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark.
“The world is changing and we need to play our part in neutralising our environmental impact.
“That means delivering on our aim to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, and reaffirming our role as the leader in sustainable luxury mobility.”
