These were the most stolen cars in 2020

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January 28, 2021

Stolen vehicle claims up 22 percent in first quarter

The Ford Fiesta is the most stolen car in the UK. This is according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

A total of 3,392 Fiestas were stolen in 2020 – up from 2,384 in 2019. This represents around 4.5 percent of all cars stolen in 2020. The DVLA data reveals that 74,769 cars were stolen last year – the equivalent of 205 a day. Worryingly, this is up from 56,288 in 2019.

The list of stolen cars is certainly predictable. Nine of the cars retained their top 10 position for a second consecutive year. Only the Audi A3 dropped out of the top 10, to be replaced by the Nissan Qashqai.

The Ford Fiesta is by far and away the UK’s most popular new car, so its position at the top of the list of most stolen isn’t necessarily a surprise. Nearly 50,000 Fiestas were registered in 2020 alone, in a market affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Strong sales are led by keen pricing, a large dealer network and brand awareness.

Some of the other cars in the top 15 might raise a few eyebrows. The FOI submitted by Rivervale Leasing found that premium cars are likely to be a target for thieves. The Range Rover is the second most stolen car for the second consecutive year, with the Land Rover Discovery also making the top 15.

There’s no place for the Land Rover Defender. This follows a report that at least four Defender thefts a week were being reported to NFU Mutual in January 2020. Organised criminals scour farmyards and country properties in search of Defenders and Series Land Rovers they can steal.

Top 15 most stolen cars of 2020

1. Ford Fiesta: 3,392
2. Range Rover: 2,881
3. Volkswagen Golf: 1,975
4. Ford Focus: 1,587
5. BMW 3 Series: 1,435
6. Vauxhall Astra: 1,126
7. Land Rover Discovery: 900
8. Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 766
9. BMW 5 Series: 678
10. Nissan Qashqai: 655
11. Ford Kuga: 620
12. BMW X5: 551
13. Fiat 500: 358
14. Mercedes-Benz GLC: 342
15. Audi A6: 268

Click here to read the full Rivervale Leasing report.

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Volkswagen ID.4 orders open, with prices from £37,800

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Richard Aucock

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January 28, 2021

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Volkswagen has opened ordering for the ID.4 electric SUV, with prices for the launch-spec 1st Edition starting from £37,800 after the Plug-in Car Grant.

UK deliveries are expected to begin in March 2021.

The ID.4 1st Edition comes with a 77kWh battery, which gives a 310-mile range.

It has a 204hp electric motor – and is Volkswagen’s first electric car to be available with an optional tow bar.

The ID.4 has a towing weight of 1,000kg.

More affordable ID.4 variants, including all-wheel-drive models, will follow later in 2021.

VW ID.4 1st Edition

Volkswagen ID.4 1st edition variants are marked out by ‘1st’ badging outside and in. Buyers can choose from four colours: Glacier White, Blue Dusk, Manganese Grey and the Honey Yellow pictured here.

20-inch alloys and LED lights front and rear are standard.

The interior is described as ‘striking’ and features Florence Brown highlights.

Seats are trimmed in ArtVelours microfleece, there a 10-inch infotainment display and 30-colour ambient lighting.

Stretching the full width of the windscreen is Volkswagen’s ‘ID Light’, which uses colourful light patterns to aid sat-nav signals, charging status and driver assist tech.

Volkswagen ID product manager Joe Laurence said the ID.4’s external dimensions are “similar to the Tiguan, but thanks to the MEV platform and the packaging benefits of an electric drivetrain, it boasts even more interior space along with that all-important lofty driving position.

“This really is an incredibly practical car… we know our customers are going to love it.”

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UK car production plunged to 1984 levels in 2020

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Richard Aucock

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January 28, 2021

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The number of cars built in Britain dropped 29.3 percent in 2020 to a level last seen back in 1984.

A total of 920,928 vehicles rolled off the production lines, a figure the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders described as “the worst in a generation”.

The numbers mirror a 29 percent fall in UK car sales while registrations in Europe declined 23.7 percent.

The coronavirus pandemic “slammed the brakes on the sector” with car manufacturing severely disrupted throughout the year due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

Export demand was also depressed, again due to Covid-19, with exports to the EU down 30.8 percent and US exports falling 33.7 percent.

Brexit uncertainty was an added factor, added the SMMT, due to a deal not being reached until Christmas Eve.

Despite the lower numbers, more than 8 in 10 cars built in Britain last year were still exported, with the EU taking a 53.5 percent share of them, underlining the importance of a tariff-free trade deal.

‘Devastating’

The impact of the pandemic on UK car production has been “devastating”, said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, “with Covid lockdowns depressing demand, shuttering plants and threatening lives and livelihoods”.

Around 10,000 jobs have already been lost in the industry as a result and this is “just the tip of the iceberg”.

The outlook for 2021 is more positive, with car production forecast to rise back up to the 1 million mark – but much of this depends on the speed of rolling out Covid measures and reopening car showrooms.

Nissan was Britain’s biggest car producer in 2020, taking over the title from Jaguar Land Rover, with Mini in third and Toyota in fourth.

Production tumbled 47.8 percent at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant, with just over 61,000 Astra rolling off the line.

Bosses await a decision on the factory’s future with a decision expected within the next few weeks.

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These are the countries with the best virtual racing drivers

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John Redfern

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January 27, 2021

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With racing games proving more popular than ever, new research has found which country has the greatest virtual racing drivers in the world.

To find the nations with the best gamers, leaderboards for more than 800 different racing games were analysed. Top rankings were then scored, with weighting applied based on the population of each country.

Esports have made racing games into serious competition, meaning there is potentially more than simple bragging rights at stake.

First-place Finnish

Pentagon Motor Group began by looking at the nations that come out on top when all 801 games are compared.

Finland takes the prize as the top virtual driving nation. The Scandinavian country had more high-ranking gamer scores per capita than any other nation.

Estonia took the second podium place, followed by New Zealand in third.

The UK is responsible for a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, and even the World’s Fastest Gamer. However, it only ranked 15th in the overall racing gamer league table.

Gran Turismo Greats

Along with overall rankings, Pentagon also examined which nations did best at individual games.

The Gran Turismo series of games are some of the best-known and well-respected virtual racers. Gran Turismo Sport, the most recent game, even features FIA-certified esports competitions.

When it comes to the nations rated best at ‘The Real Driving Simulator’, the UK does perform better. But, it is American gamers who lead the top five countries:

United States
Australia
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Russia

Leading the virtual F1 grid

Formula 1 games remain a constant favourite with virtual racers, with the officially licensed F1 2020 by Codemasters the most recent edition.

With Formula 1 being such a global sport, it is pleasing to see that a diverse variety of countries make up the top five. Again, the UK manages to secure fourth in the rankings.

Japan
New Zealand
Germany
United Kingdom
The Netherlands

Masters of Mario Kart

Although Mario Kart may offer a slightly different racing game experience, mastering it still demands a particular set of skills.

First released in 1992, more than 150 million copies of the various Mario Kart games have been sold since. European countries dominate the top five for this arcade experience.

The Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Sweden
Finland

Top 15 nations for racing gamers

European countries perform well in the overall top 15 nations for the best racing gamers, too.

Finland
Estonia
New Zealand
Australia
Switzerland
Sweden
Lithuania
United States
Denmark
Canada
Uruguay
The Netherlands
Bulgaria
Hungary
United Kingdom

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New £140k BMW M5 CS is most powerful M-car ever

By

Richard Aucock

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January 27, 2021

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The new BMW M5 CS has been revealed ahead of its launch in the spring – with a headline power output of 635hp making it the most powerful M-car ever built.

It’s also likely to be one of the most expensive, with a confirmed UK list price of over £140,000…

It’s actually the first time BMW has launched a CS version of the M5, and the firm hasn’t held back in making it a landmark.

The M5 CS builds on the already-potent M5 Competition with bespoke ‘Goldbronze’ 20-inch alloys and body accents in the same colour.

The bonnet is made from lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser.

Lightweight materials also help the M5 CS weigh in 70kg lighter than the M5 Competition.

Standard BMW Laserlight headlights accent the daytime running lights in yellow when low or high beam is activated – or when the driver unlocks the car.

As well as the gorgeous Frozen Deep Green metallic featured here, the M5 CS is also available in Brands Hatch Grey metallic, and Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic (‘frozen’ is BMW-speak for matt-finish).

Four bucket seats

Inside, BMW has fitted a bespoke Alcantara steering wheel, carbon fibre gearshift paddles and a lightweight fixed cover for the centre console – which the firm says gives a “significant weight reduction”.

The front seats are M Carbon chairs and there are, uniquely, two individual bucket-style seats in the rear as well. All are trimmed in Merino leather with Mugello Red contrast detailing.

The head restraints on all four seats have an outline of the Nurburgring racetrack.

The 635hp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 is 10hp more powerful than the M5 Competition – and 0-62mph in just 3.0 seconds makes it 0.3 seconds faster than the car it’s based on.

Top speed is electronically capped… to 189mph.

Sensibly, M Carbon ceramic brakes are standard – pick from red calipers as standard or gold as an option – and the M5 CS is also 7mm lower than the M5 Competition, and fitted with dampers from the M8 Gran Coupe.

Various other parts of the suspension have been retuned and grippy Pirelli P Zero Corsa track tyres are standard.

BMW has confirmed the starting price of the new M5 CS will be £140,780, with deliveries beginning in the spring.

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Mini range revised with ‘minimalist’ makeover for 2021

By

Richard Aucock

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January 27, 2021

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The Mini Hatch, Convertible and Mini Electric have been facelifted for 2021, with a modern ‘reduced’ design and new interior tech.

Mini is also offering a world-first new paint finish called the multitone roof – with each one rolling off the production line claimed to be unique.

The revised line-up is open for ordering now, with prices starting from £16,045 for the Mini 3-Door Hatch. Deliveries are due from the spring.

Mini-malism

It’s actually the third facelift for the latest-generation Mini, which was launched in 2015; the last revision came two years ago.

This time round, it’s much more comprehensive, inspired by the aero-look Mini Electric. The central bar of the radiator grille is body-colour, not black, the chrome slats have disappeared, and there are vertical air inlets on either side to reduce drag (and replace the fog lamps, which are now integrated into the headlights).

For the first time, the round Mini headlights are no longer inset with chrome detailing, to highlight the circular light band that serves as daytime running lights and indicators.

Compared to before, it’s simpler, bolder and less fussy, and really helps modernise the Mini.

Mini also offers matrix LED headlights with four segments that turn on and off to give full-time main beam without dazzling oncoming drivers.

There are three new paint colours, various different alloy wheel choices and a new piano black exterior detail pack – turning door handles, side scuttles, the fuel cap, Mini logos, model lettering and even the exhaust tailpipes gloss black.

The multitone roof is an intriguing new option. It has a paint gradient from San Marino Blue to Pearly Acqua to Jet Black.

Each paint colour is applied one after another in an all-new process called Spray Tech.

“Slight deviations in the colour pattern occur due to changing environmental conditions during the painting process,” says Mini, meaning every multitone roof is “completely unique”.

Inside, all Minis feature an 8.8-inch colour touchscreen and there’s far less chrome. Minor controls have been tidied up, as have the air vents, which are now flush-fit.

There’s also a standard digital instrument display on all Mini models: the 5.0-inch colour display replaces the traditional analogue clocks and further adds to the modernity lift inside.

Under the skin

Mini engines are broadly the same as before. The Mini One has 102hp, the Cooper has 136hp and the Cooper S has 178hp. All engines are now compliant with the latest Euro emissions standards – and every version has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an automatic optional.

There’s a new version of optional adaptive suspension, which uses ‘frequency-selective damping’. These constantly adjust within milliseconds and, says Mini, allow the suspension to be as much as 50 percent softer without spoiling the ‘go-kart’ handling.

The Mini Electric gets an electric parking brake as standard, and it’s offered in other versions too – but bizarrely, only if owners choose an automatic gearbox, optional Driving Assistant and at least 17-inch alloys.

2021 Mini prices

Mini 3-Door Hatch: prices from £16,045
Mini 5-Door Hatch: prices from £16,745
Mini Convertible: prices from £20,705
Mini Electric: prices from £27,920

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First McLaren Speedtail sold at auction achieves $3.2 million

By

John Redfern

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January 26, 2021

0

The very first example of the McLaren Speedtail to be offered at a public auction made a considerable $3,277,500 (£2,396,00).

Listed for the 22nd annual RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction, the 2020 Speedtail contributed to total sales of $35 million (£25.6 million).

Held at the OTTO car club in Scottsdale, extremely limited amounts of in-person bidding was permitted. However, over half of all auction activity came from online bid, with 90 percent of all lots listed being sold.

One, very, careful owner

One of 106 Speedtails made, chassis number 36 was first delivered to McLaren of Philadelphia last year. Even with an original list price of $2.25 million (£2.1 million), the first owner spent a further $170,000 (£137,711) on options.

Painted in MSO Atlantic Blue, with bespoke pinstripes, the interior of the Speedtail is a combination of tan Aniline leather and carbon trim.

A twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, combined with an electric motor, gives the hybrid Speedtail an output 1,035 hp. Trick aerodynamics allow a potential top speed of 250 mph.

Despite this, the first owner added just 30 miles to the odometer. This is far below the 2,500-mile annual limit, imposed by federal ‘Show and Display’ rules in the United States. These apply due to the Speedtail not being strictly road legal in the USA.

A diverse range of top-selling cars

As impressive as the McLaren’s final price was, it was only the third top-selling car at the RM Sotheby’s sale.

That accolade went to the 1955 Jaguar D-Type, once sold by Bernie Ecclestone of Formula 1 fame. The bright red D-Type achieved a considerable $6,000,000 (£4,380,000) on the auction block.

A 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Tourer by Corsica claimed second place in the most-expensive stakes.

Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s, commented that the “diverse top three” of cars sold proved that “once again that best-of-category, top-quality cars of every era continue to draw significant interest from collectors and bring strong prices.”

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Calls for lower drink-drive limit in England and Wales

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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January 26, 2021

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Drink driving accidents highest since 2010

The UK’s drink-drive limit is no longer adequate and should be reduced in England and Wales. That’s according to a new report by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS).

Lowering the drink-drive limit is just one recommendation in the report, titled Drink Driving: Taking Stock, Moving Forward. PACTS is calling for a ‘broader approach’, encompassing improved enforcement, education, health measures and alternative transport provision.

Drink-driving is one of the biggest causes of road casualties, accounting for 13 percent of deaths. In the past decade, 240 people have died every year on the roads when the driver was found to be over the drink-drive limit. Seventeen percent of drink-drive offences are committed by a repeat offender.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen an increase in the number of people with alcohol and mental health issues. This, combined with a fall in the number of people using transport and an increase in road traffic, ‘may lead to increased drink-driving’. PACTS points to a rise in the number of drink-drive deaths in the USA as a reason for the government to monitor the situation in the UK.

It is making the following recommendations:

The introduction of mandatory breath testing powers for the police.
The reduction in enforcement levels to be reversed. Police enforcement has decreased by 63 percent since 2009.
Increased penalties for drivers who combine drink and drugs.
Specialist rehabilitation courses for drivers with mental health and alcohol problems.
A lower drink-drive limit in England and Wales.
Reforming the High Risk Offender Scheme.
The government to pay more attention to drink-driving in alcohol harm and night-time economy policies.

There are strict alcohol limits for drivers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with even stricter limits in Scotland:

Micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath: England, Wales and Northern Ireland (35), Scotland (22)
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood: England, Wales and Northern Ireland (80), Scotland (50)
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine: England, Wales and Northern Ireland (107), Scotland (67)

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England should lower drink drive limit, scotland says

David Davies, executive director of PACTS, said: “After 10 years of declining levels of enforcement and social media campaigns aimed at young men, it is time for a new, more comprehensive approach to reducing the toll of drink-drive deaths and injuries.

“Drink-driving is often cited as a road safety success story, yet it remains a major killer and progress has ground to a halt since 2010. Not only is better enforcement important, but also the problems of mental health and alcohol dependency need to be recognised.

“The problem is not a simple one of law enforcement. It requires a more comprehensive approach. The legal limit should be reduced in England and Wales, police should be given additional powers to test drivers, the High Risk Offender Scheme should be reformed, rehabilitation courses should be designed for those with mental health and alcohol problems, and the growing danger of combining drink and drugs driving needs to be addressed.

“Scotland introduced a reduced drink drive limit in 2014, in line with most other countries in Europe. It has been accepted by the public; it has not significantly impacted pubs and restaurants or overloaded the police or the courts. Northern Ireland plans to go further, with a zero limit for novice and professional drivers.

A lower limit is not a magic bullet, but government polices to reduce drink driving will lack credibility as long as they avoid this change.”

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Bloodhound Land Speed Record project seeks new owner

By

John Redfern

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January 25, 2021

0

The Bloodhound Land Speed Record team is actively seeking a new owner, capable of supporting a world record attempt.

Successfully tested to a speed of 628 mph in South Africa, the team has eyes on exceeding 800 mph with the Bloodhound LSR car.

Rescued from administration in 2018 by Ian Warhurst, the Yorkshire businessman is now putting the Bloodhound project up for sale.

Scrapheap challenge averted

Warhurst, who has acted as Bloodhound LSR’s chief executive, believes he has achieved all he can with personal ownership of the project. Along with saving the British-built and designed car from the scrapheap, he was also able to fund high speed testing in 2019.

Driven by land speed world record holder Andy Green, Bloodhound comfortably broke the 500 mph barrier on a 12-mile long dry lake bed in South Africa.

Since those tests, a new monopropellant rocket, built by Norwegian specialist Nammo, has been installed on Bloodhound.

Initially designed for use by the European Space Agency, the Nammo rocket is typically used to launch small satellites into orbit.

Television superstar

The Bloodhound team believes such power will take the car to more than 800 mph. This would see the existing 763 mph land speed world record, set in October 1997 by Thrust SSC, shattered.

Completing the installation of the Nammo rocket, along with a return to South Africa for the world record attempt in 2022, is anticipated to cost £8 million.

Last year, Bloodhound LSR was featured in a Channel 4 documentary titled Building the World’s Fastest Car, which helped raise the profile of the project.

Such exposure could help raise sponsorship to recoup costs, along with increasing the value of promotional rights associated with a record-breaking run.

“The world needs a good news story”

Covid-19 has complicated matters, causing a planned 2020 record attempt to be shelved. Ian Warhust admits that a global pandemic has also made funding the project much more challenging.

Work is needed to begin imminently, should a world record attempt want to be made this year. Should a buyer not be found, Bloodhound LSR will instead be placed in long-term storage.

Bloodhound LSR driver Andy Green commented: “In my opinion, the Bloodhound team has built the best Land Speed Record Car ever. It made our 628 mph test run look easy! We’re now raring to get to 800 mph+, to showcase this technical marvel and to invite a global audience to join in an incredibly exciting adventure.”

Green added: “After the horrible 2020 pandemic year we have all just experienced, the world needs a good news story, and Bloodhound is ready to deliver it”.

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You can buy the Peter Kay Car Share Fiat 500L

By

Richard Aucock

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January 25, 2021

0

The Fiat 500L driven by Peter Kay in BBC comedy Car Share is up for auction – with all funds raised set to go to charity.

Yorkshire car dealer Piccadilly Motors is selling the famous Fiat, through specialist trade platform Dealer Auction.

Traders are being encouraged to “throw away the price guides and bid generously for this piece of comedy history”.

Piccadilly MD Simon Watts originally bought the Car Share Fiat at auction, with the intention of raising money for the firm’s chosen charities.

“Due to the current pandemic and the restrictions we’re under, this has proven to be extremely difficult – therefore I thank Dealer Auction for helping us achieve our goal.”

All money raised will go to the Candlelighters charity, which supports families facing children’s cancer in the Yorkshire region.

The retailer also supports Martin House Hospice, which provides family-led care for children with life-shortening conditions across Yorkshire.

Over more than two decades, Piccadilly has raised more than £150,000 for its chosen charities.

The auction runs until Wednesday 27 January – and the winner will not only get the famous red Fiat, but also the car door that was knocked off in the final series, signed by Peter Kay, Sian Gibson and the crew.

Car Share ran for three series from 2015 and won numerous awards including the National Television Awards’ Best Comedy for three consecutive years.

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