Sales of electric and low emission vehicles ‘unbalanced’ across Europe

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October 29, 2019

Around a quarter (26 percent) of new drivers pass their test first time. This is according to figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

A Freedom of Information Request (FOI) shows that, of the 1,692,782 drivers who took a practical test in 2018, just 447,442 passed first time. A total of 13,155 candidates required 6-10 attempts, 328 needed 11-15, while ten passed after 15 or more practical tests.

The FOI suggests learner drivers are taking longer to get behind the wheel. In 2016, three drivers required 15 or more attempts to pass the theory test. In 2017, this went up to seven, with 10 requiring a mammoth effort last year.

The DVSA introduced changes to the practical driving test in 2017, and this is seen as the primary reason behind the number of failures.

In September, we revealed the most likely reasons for failing the driving test. Pulling out of junctions topped the list, followed by inadequate use of mirrors, turning right at junctions, steering control and traffic light responses.

Learner drivers in London and the South East are the most likely to require 15+ theory attempts, followed by the Midlands, North of England, Wales, South West and Scotland.

‘Rite of passage’

Tom Preston, managing director of Hippo Leasing, the company behind the research, said: “For almost a century, the driving test has been a rite of passage for many young adults in the UK. But while safety principles have remained the same, the test has frequently adapted to the country’s changing roads. Driving tests are designed to be challenging and you’re more likely to fail on your first attempt than pass.

“It’s important that learners feel 100 percent ready before signing up to take a theory or practical driving test. Multiple failures can leave learners with huge additional costs and knock their confidence at a vital time in their driving careers.”

A theory test costs £23, while the practical driving test costs £62 on weekdays or £75 on weekends and Bank Holidays. The costs are different for lorries, minibuses, buses, coaches, motorcycles and mopeds.

Van thefts up 45 percent to record high

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October 29, 2019

The number of vans stolen in the UK has increased by 45 percent over the last four years, according to new figures.

Police have recorded 32,056 incidents of van theft since 2015 – with 9,371 vans reported stolen in the last year alone.

Of these, 4,777 vans were reported stolen to the Metropolitan Police – a 15 percent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, in Leicestershire, van theft is up 843 percent to 377.

A Freedom of Information Request (FOI) found that van theft is up in most of the police forces included in the study, although the figure is down 73 percent in the West Midlands.

The study was conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. It’s advising van owners and fleet managers to ensure their vehicles are fitted with the latest anti-theft devices and to remove tools overnight.

Over the weekend, thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen from vans in the West Midlands. Julie Meer, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) on the Tyburn Neighbourhood Team said: “”Can we please remind residents to be vigilant at this time and not to leave items of value including tools inside their vans and please use vehicle alarms where available.”

How to protect your van from theft

Volkswagen has the following advice for van drivers:

Park in well-lit areas or car parks with CCTV. Alternatively, position your van so that the doors are blocked by another vehicle
Window guards or full internal bulkheads can prevent thieves from seeing inside
Adding security film to the side glass and back window can stop thieves from breaking in
Fitting additional locks is a good idea
Invest in lockable internal racking or secure storage boxes
Fitting a tracking device can assist the police in the hunt for a stolen van

David Hanna, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles head of service and parts operations, said: “Our most recent findings are concerning as it reveals that the problem of van theft is getting worse rather than better – and it’s a problem right across the country.

“Vans are the lifeblood of so many businesses up and down the country and it’s not only the emotional stress of replacing the vehicle but also the days and weeks of letting customers down and the cost of replacing tools, often worth thousands of pounds, before you can get back to ‘business as usual’.’

Number of van thefts

The FOI request was sent to 47 police forces across the UK. A total of 42 responded – here are the top 10.

Police force	Stolen vans (2017/18)	Stolen vans (2018/19)	Year-on-year increase
Metropolitan Police	4,137	4.777	15 percent
West Yorkshire	557	931	67 percent
West Midlands	1,505	409	-73 percent
Essex	228	387	70 percent
Leicestershire	40	377	843 percent
Hertfordshire	206	253	23 percent
Derbyshire	n/a	229	–
Surrey	210	208	-1 percent
Avon and Somerset	166	193	16 percent
Sussex	n/a	181	–

Car steering lock sales DOUBLE in the fight against keyless theft

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October 29, 2019

Sales of steering locks have DOUBLED over the past year, says Halfords, as the true scale of the keyless theft issue is revealed.

Like Bond in Skyfall when he carted M off to Scotland in his decidedly analogue and therefore untraceable Aston Martin, modern car owners are going old-school and heavy-duty to protect their cars from thieves.

High-tech keyless thieves have been hacking cars. With nothing but software, they unlock, start and steal them, without so much as a scratch or a triggered alarm.

They hijack the signal from your keys that unlocks and primes the car to start when you near it. As a result, Halfords reckons consumers have gone old-school. It’s reporting that sales of steering locks have doubled.

Keyless car theft – how to prevent it and stay safe

Traditionally, it’s the time of year for car thefts to increase. Daylight in short supply and unattended defrosting cars are just a couple of reasons why more cars are stolen in the winter months.

In a survey of 2,000 motorists, Halfords found that 25 percent use steering locks, while just five percent have invested in an RFID wallet to shield their fobs from keyless signal hijacking.

“Organised gangs have mastered how to get around high-tech security devices, leading to a significant rise in car thefts across the UK,” said Pavan Sondhi, car security expert at Halfords.

Stolen in seconds: keyless new cars that fail security tests

“To guard against falling victim to these car thieves, Police are advising drivers to invest in a physical deterrent.

“Classic steel steering locks first became popular in the 1980s and 90s but remain an extremely effective – and visual – way of deterring thieves, and we’ve recently seen a huge increase in sales as car owners turn to old school solutions.”

In response to demand, Halfords has launched a range of items to secure your car. While they do offer an anti-theft key wallet, everything else is decidedly more analogue. Take your pick between a T-Bar steering lock with an alarm, a wheel clamp, or a double bar steering lock.

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Opinion: I’m in love with the new Honda Jazz

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October 28, 2019

Confession: I think I may have fallen for the new Honda Jazz. In a week when the great and the good of the motoring world have tripped over their travel bags and squabbled over frozen party food to bring us the latest news from Wolfsburg, I’ve been pondering the simple beauty of the Jazz.

It’s beautifully simple. Honda hasn’t lost sight of what makes the Jazz so appealing. Like it or not, this is the car you’d want your parents to drive when they retire. It’s as familiar as The Archers theme tune, as dependable as a Golden Retriever, and as practical as a Cub Scout leader.

We don’t want the Honda Jazz to be quick (unless we’re stuck behind one on a B-road). We don’t want the Honda Jazz to be snazzy. We don’t want the Honda Jazz to be exciting. Which is why Honda appears to have nailed the fourth-generation model.

What’s up, Doc?

Take the styling, which is almost exactly how you’d want the Mk4 Jazz to look. The front end is a bit goofy, with a hint of Bugs Bunny, but overall, it puts right the wrongs of the outgoing Jazz.

The Jazz has always felt like a supermini XL – like a pair of beige slacks with an elasticated waist. Honda is promising ‘class-leading’ levels of interior space, thanks to the position of the fuel tank below the front seats and the hybrid tech in the engine bay.

Oh yeah, did I mention that the new Jazz is powered by a two-motor hybrid system? Honda hasn’t released any figures, but has promised ‘impressive fuel economy’. Needless to say, Jazz drivers won’t be making regular trips to the petrol station, so that plastic loyalty card can be recycled.

The Magic Seats are retained, because removing them would be akin to chasing away the ravens from the Tower of London. The flexibility afforded by the rear seats is one of the joys of Honda Jazz ownership.

Yes, I just used the word ‘joy’ in the context of the Honda Jazz.

Which brings me on to the dashboard. I suspect the press photos show a top-spec interior with all the bells and whistles, but notice how all the switches and buttons are positioned in a neat and driver-focused manner.

Volkswagen reckons the world is ready for a Golf with virtually no physical buttons. I beg to differ. Such an approach would see Jazz loyalists voting to leave for the sanctuary of the Yaris, leaving the remainers to wonder what on earth just happened.

Note the two USB ports, the deep cupholder in front of the air vent, the positioning of the LCD touchscreen and the two-spoke steering wheel. Jazz, if I’m honest, you had me at the two-spoke steering wheel.

There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for when the grandchildren come to visit, wireless smartphone charging, and even a wifi hotspot. Now, Jazz owners can browse the online version of the Daily Express as they enjoy tea from a Thermos on the East Sussex coast.

The unfortunately named Crosstar is a faux crossover I could do without, but no doubt Honda has done its homework. To be fair, the Jazz wears the two-tone paint job rather well. It’s like ‘man at C&A’ has wandered into H&M by mistake.

I’m fully aware that this declaration of love for the new Honda Jazz merely cements my reputation as the odd uncle who is always left off the guest list. The one who’s estranged from the extended family. I’m not concerned.

The world doesn’t need another compact SUV, million-dollar hypercar or ‘Ringmeister. What it needs is an efficient, sensible and clever supermini that’s easy to park, cheap to run and is unlikely to let you down. Jazz hands to that.

Engine and interior upgrades for 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

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October 28, 2019

Such is the success of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, it’s easy to forget that there’s a non-plug-in hybrid version of the SUV on sale.

With prices starting at £28,085, the Outlander petrol undercuts its headline-grabbing sibling by around £7,500 and offers the added bonus of seven seats.

For 2020, CO2 emissions from the 2.0-litre petrol engine have been cut to 169g/km, reducing the first-year VED rate by £325.

Further updates include a larger 8.0-inch infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a built-in TomTom sat-nav on top versions.

The climate control panel has been redesigned, while the driver’s seat now features lumbar support. In the back, rear-seat comfort is improved thanks to additional ergonomic padding.

Design and Exceed

For 2020, the new entry-level Outlander will be the Design version, which offers seven seats, four-wheel drive, automatic transmission and the new 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard.

The Outlander Design also packs 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and privacy glass.

The top-spec Outlander Exceed adds leather seats, 360-degree camera, TomTom sat-nav, LED headlights, heated steering wheel, electric tailgate, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and two USB ports in the rear.

In Design trim, the Mitsubishi Outlander costs £28,085, while the Exceed is priced at £30,385. The new Mitsubishi Outlander petrol is in showrooms now.

Mitsubishi updated the Outlander PHEV in September. On sale since 2014, it’s the UK’s most popular plug-in hybrid vehicle, offering an all-electric range of 28 miles and CO2 emissions of 46g/km.

PHEV prices start from £35,455 for the Verve trim, rising to £43,455 for the Exceed Safety.

Vauxhall outlines EV plans, with electric Astra on the way

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October 28, 2019

Vauxhall has reaffirmed its dedication to electrification, promising eight electrified models by 2021. By 2024, the company says its entire range will be fully electric or hybrid-powered.

It’s the first time Vauxhall has talked strategy since the reveal of the new Corsa, which includes an electric version.

Own an electric Vauxhall Corsa-e for £270 a month

In addition to the Corsa-e and hybridised Grandland X SUV, Vauxhall is looking to release an all-electric variant of its Vivaro van in 2020.

Joining it will be an electric version of the next Mokka X crossover, presumably sharing many parts with the Corsa. Combo and Combo Life EVs will follow, along with an electric Vivaro Life in 2021.

Within three years, we can expect to see an electric Astra in Vauxhall’s line-up.

Vauxhall has made an electric Corsa rally car

“We will electrify our entire product portfolio by 2024. Further models will follow very soon after we made the start with the Corsa-e and the Grandland X Hybrid4 this year,” said Vauxhall/Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller.

“This product portfolio will put us in an excellent position to meet the ambitious future emission targets in Europe. Electro-mobility is an indispensable component in this.

“But our ultra-modern and efficient combustion engines and research into fuel cells at the Rüsselsheim-based Centre of Competence will also make an important contribution to making our company sustainable and future-proof.”

Royal Daimler with seats for the Queen’s corgis sells for £80,500

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October 28, 2019

A Daimler Double Six bought new by the Queen in 1984 has sold for £80,500.

The luxury saloon, a royal custom order, was test-driven for 3,000 miles to ensure it was perfect before the Her Majesty took delivery.

First look: stunning hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai, due in 2020

Special features included a bench seat in the back for HRH’s corgis, in place of the standard chairs. A blue convoy light was also carefully hidden near the rear-view mirror, so the car could be easily identified in case of an emergency.

The Double-Six long-wheelbase, which was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, is finished in a very dark green, with tan leather and wood trim.

During its time at Buckingham Palace, it was regularly driven by the Queen herself. She used it for three years, but it stayed in the household until 1990, when it was sent back to Jaguar. It covered 29,000 miles in royal ownership.

Ford Transit PHEV promises to clean up our cities

It remained in Jaguar’s custody until 2010, when it was sold to a private owner.

“This Daimler is quite literally fit for a Queen, having known to be regularly driven by Her Majesty herself when the car was new in the 1980s,” said Paul Darvill of RM Sotheby’s.

“To this day, the car remains in perfect condition, having been immaculately maintained by Jaguar at the factory after its royal tenure, up to when it came into the hands of the consignor in 2010 and carefully curated thereafter.”

Revealed: the most expensive place to run a car

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October 28, 2019

New research reveals the most expensive places to run a car – and it’s bad news for drivers in Manchester.

The city is the most expensive in the UK, where it costs £2,808.63 a year to run a petrol car. It’s less expensive to run a diesel, with the total running to £1,095.76.

At the opposite end of the scale, Carrick, Ayrshire, is the least expensive place to run a car. The figures are £1,958.72 for petrol and £1,142.60 for diesel cars.

To compile the data, researchers looked at the cost of car insurance, breakdown cover, MOT fees, average annual fuel costs for each area and vehicle excise duty (VED).

While breakdown cover, MOT fees and VED were consistent across the UK, there are wild fluctuations in the cost of petrol, diesel and insurance.

Manchester: expensive car insurance

The cost of car insurance is the big issue for drivers in Manchester. At £1,638.51 per annum, the cost of cover is around £1,000 more expensive than in the cheapest area.

Conversely, petrol shouldn’t break the bank, with drivers in Manchester paying an average £908.43 for fuel – the seventh lowest.

Predictably, large cities dominate the top half of the table for expensive car insurance, with drivers in Manchester paying £1,638.51 a year. Next up is Birmingham (£1,572.19), followed by Bradford (£1,571.65), Luton (£1,545.43) and Blackburn (£1,522.97).

On the flip side, drivers in urban areas tend to pay less for fuel than drivers in rural outposts.

Comparethemarket, the company behind the data, produced a separate set of results for London. It found that drivers in the City of London are paying the most to run a car, while motorists in Richmond and Kingston are paying the least.

Most expensive places to run a petrol car (excluding London)

Area	Total cost (petrol cars)
1. Manchester	£2,808.63
2. Luton	£2,743.25
3. Birmingham	£2,736.49
4. Bradford	£2,706.94
5. Blackburn with Darwen	£2,673.96
6. Pendle	£2,651.59
7. Oldham	£2,647.96
8. Rochdale	£2,641.63
9. Liverpool	£2,626.55
10. Sandwell, West Midlands	£2,625.84

Least expensive places to run a petrol car (excluding London)

Area	Total cost (diesel cars)
1. Carrick, Ayrshire	£1,958.72
2. Exeter, Devon	£1,975.70
3. Torbay, Devon	£1,990.77
4. East Dunbartonshire, Scotland	£1,995.08
5. East Renfrewshire, Scotland	£1,996.86
6. Weymouth and Portland	£2,001.33
7. Aberdeen City	£2,003.53
8. South Hams, Devon	£2,006.20
9. Restormel, Cornwall	£2,010.73
10. South Gloucestershire	£2,015.12

Figures used: breakdown cover (£36.84), MOT (£54.85), VED (£170).

Car insurance prices are down, but Brexit looms

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October 25, 2019