Special Mini pays tribute to rally legend Paddy Hopkirk

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December 15, 2020

Paddy Hopkirk’s new Mini has, quite literally, got his name on it. It’s one of 100 cars built to honour the Northern Irish rally driver’s exploits at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.

The Mini Paddy Hopkirk Limited Edition is based on the Mini Cooper S Hatch, but features the 1964 car’s famous number 37 on the doors and side scuttles. Other exterior features include Paddy Hopkirk Monte Carlo stickers and a single white bonnet stripe, which features the ‘33 EJB’ number plate from the victorious Mini Cooper S.

Hopkirk’s signature appears on the decorative trim strip on the passenger side, while the Paddy Hopkirk LED door entry sills should leave you in no doubt that you own a car named in honour of a rally legend.

Further upgrades include 17-inch John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels, high-gloss black exterior accents and a motorsport-inspired Alcantara John Cooper Works steering wheel.

It costs £27,405, which makes it the most expensive variant of the Mini Cooper S Hatch. It actually pitches it against a full-fat John Cooper Works model.

‘A wonderful job’

Having taken delivery of his new car, Paddy Hopkirk, now 87, said: “I’m so flattered to have a Mini named in my honour. Motorsport is long behind me now and for my win at the Monte Carlo Rally to be remembered in this way is a great thrill and honour.

“The designers at Mini have done a wonderful job. They’ve got a lot of the features on it just like the classic Mini I took to victory, with the number 37, the bonnet stripe and the colours – it reminds me of my very lucky days and wonderful memories.”

The Mini Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally for the first time in January 1964. Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hopkirk and his co-driver Henry Liddon caused a major upset, with the small and lightweight Mini producing a proper ‘David and Goliath’ performance against larger and more powerful rivals.

Hopkirk crossed the finish line just 17 seconds off the pace set by Bo Ljungfeldt in the V8-powered Ford Falcon. However, the handicap formula meant the Mini led the way in the overall standings, with Hopkirk defending his advantage in the sprint through the streets of Monte Carlo.

‘Everybody wanted to win the Monte Carlo Rally’

Reminiscing about the Monte Carlo Rally and his win, Paddy added: “Everybody wanted to win the Monte Carlo Rally, it was a very glamorous event, so when I joined the British Motor Corporation and the Mini came along it surprised the world. It became a David and Goliath with the might of the other car manufacturers spending a fortune to try and win the event.

“We were beaten by the big American cars down the straights, but we would beat them on the twisty bits! For the Mini to win against really powerful cars, showed just how good it was – it made the car famous.”

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Calls for 50 percent tax on most polluting cars

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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December 15, 2020

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deaths linked to toxic air pollution cities

The most polluting vehicles should be hit with a 50 percent purchase tax to accelerate the transition to electric cars. That’s according to analysis by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC).

In its Review of Energy Policy 2020, it warns that the economic impact of the pandemic could last until 2025, with buyers delaying the purchase of a new car by four years. With less disposable income, many consumers will be reluctant to buy a new electric car until 300 miles of range is the norm and prices have come down.

The UKERC projections show an additional one million diesel cars operating on Britain’s roads in 2025. Without the impact of Covid-19, the total number of diesel cars would have fallen by 4.7 million between 2020 and 2030, it says.

The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in 2030. The UKERC argues that while this ‘phase out’ target date is helpful, it could be too blunt, leading to what the report calls “distortions and perverse behaviours” in the lead up to 2030.

Manufacturers could flood the market with diesel and petrol cars ahead of the ban, while consumers could purchase the most polluting vehicles in 2029, creating a ‘long tail’ effect for CO2 emissions.

It proposes the introduction of a 50 percent purchase tax in 2021. This would increase the cost of cars emitting more than 225g/km CO2. Under the proposals, the price of the Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 would go up (emissions for this model range from 268g/km to 287g/km), while the price of the Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost would be unaffected.

From 2022, the 50 percent tax would apply to all cars emitting more than 190g/km CO2 and so on, until only zero emission cars avoid the tax in 2030.

In its report, the UKERC references Norway, where two decades of EV incentives and high taxes on petrol and diesel cars have created Europe’s strongest market for electric cars. The ‘50 percent rule’ means that electric car owners cannot be charged more than 50 percent of the price for fossil fuel cars on ferries, parking and toll roads. Electric cars are also exempt from purchase taxes and VAT.

Of the top 20 best-selling cars in Norway this year, 13 are fully electric, four are hybrid, two are plug-in hybrid and just one (Skoda Octavia) is conventional.

The top six cars are electric: Audi E-tron, Volkswagen e-Golf, Volkswagen ID.3, Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3. Volkswagen shifted 2,475 units of the ID.3 in October alone. That’s significantly more than the second most popular car in October: the MG ZS EV (586 units).

The UKERC’s Professor Rob Gross said: “You might think that people not buying cars is a good thing for the environment. But it’s not a good thing if they delay buying a relatively inefficient car, and that car is still being used for longer.

“Every gram of CO2 that enters the atmosphere stays there, potentially for hundreds of years.”

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Seat Leon is AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2021

By

Richard Aucock

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December 15, 2020

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The new Seat Leon has been named AUTOBEST 2021 Best Buy Car of Europe, ahead of the Skoda Octavia and Peugeot 2008.

The 31-member AUTOBEST jury, representing all European nations (including Motoring Research’s own Richard Aucock for the UK), assessed seven finalists for the first time in the organisation’s 19-year history.

Despite challenges from Covid-19, all members were able to vote on all cars with the Seat and Skoda emerging as front-runners.

In the final rankings, the Leon nosed ahead with a winning margin of just 0.69 percent over the Octavia.

The Leon follows the reigning 2020 AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe, the Vauxhall Corsa.

“We had a tough competition between the Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia,” said AUTOBEST jury president Ilia Seliktar.

“Both are great cars, deserving to win. But we can have only one winner, and the AUTOBEST jury voted the Leon our 2021 Best Buy Car of Europe.”

The organisation aims to find the best real-world car for European buyers: models must be affordable, practical and versatile.

Safety, the service network, environmental credentials and cost of ownership are all factored into the voting system.

Other contenders for the 2021 AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe were the Toyota Yaris, Citroen C4, Honda Jazz and Dacia Sandero.

Volkswagen, Honda, Renault are winners

Other awards announced at the end of 2020 include the latest inductee to the MANBEST Hall of Fame for the industry’s top managers and leaders.

Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen Group, is the 2020 victor, for helping transform the giant organisation into a global leader in electric vehicles.

“In time, his achievements may be seen as era-defining,” said the judges: “The era of everyday electric vehicles for all.”

Renault’s clever E-Tech hybrid system took the TECHNOBEST 2020 award, an ingenious development that is genuine racetrack-to-road technology.

“Renault is bringing to market an effective, affordable solution that really delivers in everyday driving.”

The Honda e has taken the ECOBEST 2020 award: with it, the Japanese company has “not only demonstrated it’s ready for a city BEV, but also has the right sense for technical innovation.

“It is charismatic, luxurious and great fun to drive, proving how exciting the future of ECOBEST motoring will be.”

AUTOBEST 2021 Best Buy Car of Europe

1: Seat Leon

2: Skoda Octavia

3: Peugeot 2008

4: Toyota Yaris

5: Citroen C4

6: Honda Jazz

7: Dacia Sandero

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New app helps motorists support Covid isolators

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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December 14, 2020

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A mobility smartphone app has launched a new feature designed for people who require help due to the coronavirus pandemic. It works by connecting motorists with friends, family or neighbours who need an errand running.

This comes as research conducted by Skoot reveals that 25 percent of Brits have required help this year but didn’t ask for it. This could be because they didn’t know who to ask or they didn’t want to feel like a burden.

Skoot Errands allows app users to ask up to 10 contacts at a time, with a description of the task, timeframe to complete the request and the locations the helper needs to collect from and deliver to. The helper can view and accept the tasks in the app, then use real-time navigation to complete the task.

Skoot, a London-based start-up which launched in the summer, will plant a tree for every three errands completed. The company says it’s ideal for picking up a prescription, using a click and collect service or returning items to the post office.

The app is free to download, and there’s no fee for requesting an errand, but users can opt in to offer a £5 tip.

‘Long-term platform for the gig economy’

Young motorist sitting in the driving seat

Greg Gormley, CEO and co-founder of Skoot, said: “Our mantra has always been ‘What would a friend do?’, so during the first lockdown we identified the need for Errands during the pandemic as we saw those unable to leave the house struggling.

“We refocused from an app being primarily about lift sharing to one that helps those who are vulnerable or self-isolating and unable to get out for essentials. Errands is our way of connecting communities who are looking for ways to help each other. The positive thing we’ve seen during the pandemic is the desire for people to help each other, and we believe Errands provides a long-term platform for the gig economy.

“As errands are only undertaken by people you know, it means trust is at its heart. Whether that’s asking someone to collect your sick pet from the vet, or getting your keys cut for your new flat, Errands will allow users to send out a request to any of their contacts, even if they haven’t downloaded the Skoot app. Future versions will look to add additional tasks like picking up and delivering a package or even a lift to an appointment.”

The Skoot app is available to download via the App Store and Google PlayStore. It’s a ride-sharing app that connects friends needing lifts to friends that are driving. It maps the best route, enables auto collection of payment for petrol and running costs, and carbon offsets the entire journey.

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Hyundai launches no-deal Brexit price promise

By

Richard Aucock

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December 14, 2020

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Hyundai has promised not to increase prices on new cars ordered throughout the rest of 2020, even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The firm’s Brexit price protection applies to all orders placed until 31 December.

It means that customers can order a new car confident prices won’t increase even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

A failure to secure a Brexit deal could see new levels of duty applied to imports into the UK – which, warned the firm, would likely lead to an increase in prices.

“This price protection promise will support our dealers this month while also reassuring our customers,” said Hyundai UK MD Ashley Andrew.

“The remainder of 2020 is a fruitful opportunity for our retailers and we don’t want the uncertainty of a no-deal Brexit to stand in the way of sales.”

Hyundai says it is planning a further series of initiatives to help safeguard the business against all iterations of Brexit, including no-deal.

Both fleet and retain customers can take advantage of the Brexit price protection, which is valid across the firm’s model range.

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Barrett-Jackson reschedules Scottsdale auction to March 2021

By

John Redfern

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December 11, 2020

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Barrett Jackson reschedules Scottsdale 2021

One of the biggest events on the collector car auction circuit has been moved from its traditional January date.

Barrett-Jackson has announced that it will reschedule the vast Scottsdale sale, held at WestWorld in Arizona, to March 2021.

The flagship event for the company was set to be held between January 16 and 23, 2021, and would have celebrated the 50th anniversary of Barrett-Jackson.

However, the increase in coronavirus cases across the USA has prompted a rethink.

‘An abundance of caution’

Barrett-Jackson returned to hosting live auctions earlier in 2020, with an event at the WestWorld site in October. Yet the decision has been made now ‘out of an abundance of caution’ due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The auction company is concerned about a potential increase in coronavirus cases ‘following the upcoming holidays’, which would have coincided with the January auction date.

Even with protective measures used at the Fall auction in October 2020, Barrett-Jackson believed that the ‘uncertainty related to the coronavirus pandemic’ made postponing the safer option.

Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, commented: “This is truly an unprecedented challenge in our country’s history, and one we take very seriously,” and that the “decision to delay the auction was made to protect the public’s safety and health.”

New date, same selection of desirable metal

Rescheduling the auction date will not affect the vehicles listed for sale. Instead, the current Scottsdale docket will roll over to the new date, planned for the week commencing March 22, 2021.

The new date will include the Barrett-Jackson Cup Competition. This features 50 custom vehicles from the USA’s best car and truck builders.

Exact dates for the March 2021 auction will be confirmed closer to the event. Those who had bought tickets for January will be able to transfer them across to the rescheduled dates. Full refunds will also be available.

The 2020 Scottsdale auction saw 1,900 vehicles listed for sale, with a record-breaking $141 million achieved overall.

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2021 Hyundai Tucson: prices, specs and on-sale date

By

Richard Aucock

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December 11, 2020

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The new 2021 Hyundai Tucson will cost from £28,495 when it goes on sale in the UK from 7 January 2021.

Hyundai will offer the fourth-generation Tucson compact SUV in three guises from launch: SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate.

The engine line-up is all-petrol, based around a 1.6-litre T-GDI turbo motor.

There will be a regular 150hp version, a 48v mild hybrid alternative, and a 230hp full hybrid version.

A plug-in hybrid Tucson arrives in spring 2021, along with further model grades.

The new Tucson has a very distinctive new look, with all models featuring ‘Parametric Jewel Hidden Lights’. This sees the headlights integrated into the SUV’s grille pattern.

“We have taken a radical new direction with the styling of the all-new Tucson, highlighted by its unique light architecture,” said Hyundai UK MD Ashley Andrew, “but this compact SUV retains the characteristics that made its forebears so popular.”

Inside, all models feature dual 10.25-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and one for the central touchscreen.

2021 Hyundai Tucson equipment

The opening SE Connect grade features 17-inch alloys, dual-zone air conditioning, folding door mirrors and a rear-view camera.

The Hyundai Bluelink connected car service is standard too, allowing users to locate their car and remotely lock and unlock it via a smartphone app.

Premium grade costs from £30,195. Wheels grow to 18 inches (19 inches on the hybrid version), while LED headlights, heated front seats and a premium Krell sound system are also added.

Ultimate costs from £32,895 and brings 19-inch alloys to all models, plus heated and ventilated leather seats. Seats are heated in the rear too, and three-zone climate control is included, along with a panoramic glass roof and smart electric tailgate.

A sporty-looking Tucson N Line trim will follow in early 2021, adds Hyundai.

2021 Hyundai Tucson prices

SE Connect

1.6 T-GDI 150: £28,495
1.6 T-GDI 150 MHEV: £29,235
1.6 T-GDI 230 Hybrid: £32,255

Premium

1.6 T-GDI 150: £30,195
1.6 T-GDI 150 MHEV: £31,260
1.6 T-GDI 230 Hybrid: £34,355

Ultimate

1.6 T-GDI 150: £32,895
1.6 T-GDI 150 MHEV: £33,960
1.6 T-GDI 180 MHEV 4WD auto: £37,380
1.6 T-GDI 230 Hybrid: £37,195

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Financial cost of being caught drink-driving revealed

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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December 11, 2020

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Figures released by a leading road safety charity have revealed the financial cost of being caught drink-driving.

This comes following news that drivers are twice as likely to be breath-tested in December than in any month. Nearly 49,000 motorists were stopped on suspicion of drink-driving in December 2019, more than double the average for the other 11 months of the year across England and Wales.

IAM RoadSmart says the personal financial cost of drink-driving could be as much as £70,000. This is when taking into account fines, legal fees, higher car insurance premiums, alternative transport costs and potential loss of earnings following conviction. This is before you take into account the consequences of a crash caused by being under the influence of alcohol.

The cost is broken down as follows:

£5,000 fine (although fines are unlimited).
£11,000 in legal fees. This is based on information from solicitors specialising in not-guilty drink-drive convictions.
£13,500 in increased insurance premiums. This cost is over five years based on an average annual increase of £2,713.
£2,000 on taxis and public transport during a 15-month ban.
£38,000 in loss of earnings. This is based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

‘None for the Road’

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “In the run up to Christmas this year, many people’s drinking habits will have changed as a result of the coronavirus. So, whether you’re raising a glass for the festive season at home or, where you’re able, in a restaurant or pub, it’s important to remember that an extra drink comes with a huge hidden cost if it pushes you over the limit.

“Our advice is therefore quite simply to always stick with ‘None for the Road’.”

Roads minister, Baroness Vere, added: “Drink-driving kills, so during the festive season don’t be tempted to have a drink before getting behind the wheel – it’s irresponsible and incredibly dangerous. We are working tirelessly, through schemes like our award winning THINK! campaign, to tackle attitudes and behaviours that could lead to people drink driving, and we continue to invest in policing and enforcement on our roads.”

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Subaru Levorg is Japan’s Car of the Year

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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December 10, 2020

0

The Subaru Levorg has been named Japan Car of the Year 2020-2021 by a panel of 60 jurors. Surprised? Don’t be, because the Japanese know a good car when they see one.

The problem is, you may not have seen one. Despite being on sale in the UK since 2015, the Subaru Levorg remains a rare sight in the UK, with buyers failing to embrace the all-wheel-drive estate car. Around 500 units have been sold across Europe so far this year. That’s poor, even by 2020 standards.

We drove one in 2015 and rather liked it. “In isolation it’s a thoroughly convincing car,” we said. “You just know that the Levorg will run and run, long after many of its rivals have bitten the dust. It feels a bit special… exclusivity is guaranteed.”

Five years later, just £14,000 is enough to secure a 2015 or 2016 model, while a new one costs £34,770. That might sound expensive for a car you haven’t heard of, but look beyond the price and you’ll find an estate car that’s fully loaded, safe and spacious.

It’s the anti-SUV. The wagon with a petrol engine that gives a two-fingered salute to the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The all-weather estate that comes with a five-year warranty and Subaru’s gilt-edged reputation for reliability.

It’s worth pointing out that the Japan Car of the Year is the second-generation Subaru Levorg. Although it looks similar to the outgoing Levorg – and the one you can still buy in the UK – it’s actually entirely new and rides on the Subaru Global Platform first seen on the new Impreza.

This means its bigger than before, with more interior space and a larger boot. Power is sourced from a 1.8-litre flat-four turbocharged boxer engine producing 174hp and mated to a new Lineartronic CVT featuring 80 percent new parts.

The other big news is revamped interior, which seeks to edge the Levorg closer to its premium rivals in the estate car market. The 11.6-inch tablet-style infotainment display is very Volvo-like, while the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is similar in style to Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’. The Levorg’s dashboard looks superb.

We’re unlikely to see the new Levorg in the UK. Subaru shifted 272 cars in September 2020, a month in which 10,553 people registered a Vauxhall Corsa. This might be like comparing rally jackets to baseball caps, but sales measured in the hundreds aren’t sustainable for a company with 76 dealers to its name.

Subaru Levorg wins ‘distinctive award’

The Subaru Levorg raced to victory in the battle for this year’s Japan Car of the Year, securing 437 votes. This was more than enough to knock the Toyota Yaris (320 votes) and Honda Fit/Jazz (300 votes) into second and third place respectively.

“It is a great honour that the Levorg has been recognized with this distinctive award,” said Subaru Corporation president Tomomi Nakamura. “I would like to thank our customers and all other stakeholders for their continued support for Subaru.”

Subaru says it has plans to launch the Levorg in Europe and Australia. Just don’t hold your breath on Japan’s Car of the Year making it to these shores. We’ve only got ourselves to blame.

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Win the Lamborghini Huracan from Lady Gaga’s music video

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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December 10, 2020

0

Time is running out if you fancy getting your hands on the Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD from Lady Gaga’s 911 music video. The competition closes on 17 December, with the lucky winner announced in January 2021.

The funds generated by the sweepstake will support Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, which promotes the wellness of young people. Participants can enter via the Omaze platform, with no purchase or donation necessary. Alternatively, a $10 (£7.50) donation is enough for 100 entries, while $100 (£75) provides 2,000 chances to win.

Don’t let the title of the Lady Gaga song fool you, because it isn’t about her favourite German sports car. Instead, it’s about her antipsychotic medication: “My biggest enemy is me, pop a 911.”

The video is inspired by the Armenian film The Colour of Pomegranates, but you’ll have to wait until the end for the first glimpse of the Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD. There’s also a highly prominent advert for a South Korean television manufacturer.

In a tweet, Lady Gaga said: “Lamborghini was kind enough to offer to give away the Huracan Evo RWD featured in the ‘911’ short film to support Born This Way Foundation. Funds raised will go to support our mission to build a kinder, braver world.”

It’s quite a prize. The car is worth, as near as makes no difference, £165,000, which is around £34,000 less than the standard Huracan Evo. This makes it the most affordable Lamborghini, if we exclude the Urus SUV.

‘RWD’ stands for rear-wheel drive, which means 610hp goes to the Huracan’s rear wheels. On paper, this should make it the purest and hardest-to-tame Huracan you can buy, although this is unlikely to be the reason why it played a static role in Lady Gaga’s music video.

‘An absolute hooligan’

Our Tim Pitt is a fan. Of the Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD, that is. He’ll be subbing this news story, so he can add his thoughts on Lady Gaga.

He drove the car in the summer and said he prefers it to the four-wheel-drive Huracan. “With only two driven wheels, the RWD is a trickier prospect. You feel the car move around in corners, its steering more nuanced and throttle-dependent, its handling edgier and more exuberant. It rewards commitment and demands respect, particularly on damp roads. On a track, it would be an absolute hooligan.

“Ultimately, you’ll be going slower, but the Huracan Evo RWD feels faster. And despite everything, the feel of a Lamborghini is what matters most. That extra £34k sure comes in handy, though.”

It also made the Motoring Research list of the best cars of 2020. “Turns out the cheapest Lamborghini supercar is also the best,” Tim Pitt proclaimed.

We suspect Tim will be entering Lady Gaga’s competition. Winning would be a good way to end 2020. Good luck, Tim.

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