Transport minister to ‘thoroughly explore’ 2035 petrol and diesel ban

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October 2, 2019

The proposed petrol and diesel car ban could be brought forward by five years, from 2040 to 2035. The idea was mooted by transport minister Grant Shapps at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this week.

Nothing is confirmed yet, though, with the minister saying “we will need to test the arguments and work in partnership with industry to examine how to proceed”.

Lewis Hamilton invests in meat-free burger chain

The electric Volvo XC40 will have a 30-litre ‘frunk’

The government’s advisory committee on climate change put forward the idea, saying that ‘2035 is a date for which we should aim’. Mr Shapps seems keen, though, citing his own positive experiences with electric motoring.

“As I drove up to Manchester in my family’s electric car, I found it easier than ever to plug-in and charge up. That’s because there are now more charging locations than petrol stations,” he explained.

The Tory party isn’t alone in talking about climate change. Labour talks of a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ and wants to offer interest-free loans on electric cars to increase sales. It also hopes to fund ‘gigafactories’ for battery production, as well as renewable energy developments.

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“This is about market transformation,” said Mike Hawes, chief executive of The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

“Despite growing choice, low and zero-emission vehicles still only make up a fraction of the market, underscoring the huge challenge of fast-tracking a shift to zero-emission transport.

“Ambition must be matched by measures that support industry allowing manufacturers time to invest, innovate and sell competitively. This includes long-term government commitment to incentives and investment in infrastructure to accelerate the uptake of these new technologies.”

A third say monthly car payments come second only to rent

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Ethan Jupp

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October 2, 2019

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A new survey reveals that, after paying rent or a mortgage, 30 percent of drivers say car payments are their next most expensive monthly outgoing.

For under-34s, that rises to more than half (56 percent). And over a quarter of that same demographic say car payments cost the same or more each month than their accommodation.

13 percent knowingly drive with illegal tyres

“Owning a car is still a substantial cost for people, and is clearly a heavy burden particularly for younger people,” said Ben Wooltorton of InsuretheGap, which commissioned the survey.

Preferring monthly payments

Around a quarter of UK drivers (24 percent) said they actually prefer to pay monthly for a car. The reason usually given was the ability to easily swap for a new model.

Indeed, a new car paid for on a monthly basis is likely to be more reliable than an older model bought outright. It should also be more efficient and cost less to tax.

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It’s mostly young people who prefer to pay monthly. Almost half of under-34s (46 percent) own a car this way, versus just 16 percent of over-55s.

Around the country, 35 percent of drivers in Scotland have car finance payment less than or comparable to their rent or mortgage. That rises to 36 percent in the West Midlands and 37 percent in the North East.

The electric Volvo XC40 will have a 30-litre ‘frunk’

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 2, 2019

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The all-electric Volvo XC40 will be unveiled on the 16 October 2019. Ahead of its reveal, Volvo has released new information about its first battery-powered vehicle.

That it will look similar to the standard XC40 is to be expected – why change a winning formula? – but the electric version will feature a few notable changes.

A unique, covered front grille in body colour will allow XC40 drivers to showcase their green credentials. Fittingly, the electric XC40 will be offered in a new Sage Green metallic paint option – one of eight exterior hues.

A contrasting black roof will come as standard, while two new 19- and 20-inch wheel options will be available.

Inside, a new driver interface specifically designed for Volvo’s electric cars will deliver relevant information to the driver. To further emphasise the XC40’s planet-friendly nature, the carpets are made of recycled materials.

Because the XC40 was designed from the ground up with electrification in mind, the battery pack is integrated into the floor and has no impact on interior space. In fact, the electric XC40 will offer greater practicality, thanks to a 30-litre ‘frunk’ located under the front bonnet.

Robin Page, head of design at Volvo, said: “The roots of Scandinavian design are based on visual clarity and the reduction of element. The XC40 is a great example of this.

“Its bold, instantly recognisable design is now even sleeker and more modern in the all-electric version. Without the need for a grille we have created an even cleaner and more modern face, while the lack of tailpipes does the same at the rear. This is the approach we will explore more and more as we continue down the road of electrification.”

Last month, Volvo unveiled a new T5 Twin Engine petrol-electric hybrid powertrain for the XC40 compact SUV, which is its best-selling model in the UK. It means that Volvo is the first car manufacturer to offer plug-in hybrid versions across its entire model range.

Deliveries of the XC40 plug-in hybrid will begin in February 2020. There’s no word on when the electric XC40 will be available. More details will be announced following its launch in two weeks.

VW Connect app coming to 2020 Volkswagen models

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 2, 2019

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Volkswagen has announced several updates for its 2020 models, including the widespread adoption of the VW Connect app.

The app turns a Volkswagen into a connected car and is available for Android- and iOS-enabled smartphones. It offers many of the benefits of Volkswagen’s high end Car-Net system.

VW Connect shows the most important information about a car on a smartphone. Data includes mileage, battery voltage, fuel level, pending service intervals and current warning signs.

The app also saves a vehicle’s parking position and allows users to compare themselves to other Volkswagen drivers in a series of tasks and challenges. These include efficient driving, discovering new places and avoiding short trips.

VW Connect will be fitted as standard to the follow model year 2020 Volkswagens:

Volkswagen T-Roc – S, SE and Design
Volkswagen Golf – S and Match
Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace – S and Match
Volkswagen Touran – SE and SE Family

The VW Connect is also available for any Volkswagen built from 2008 and delivers modern connectivity to older vehicles. The app has been standard equipment on Up and Polo models since April 2018.

Other changes for 2020

Volkswagen’s model year 2020 refresh also includes the following updates and changes:

The Volkswagen Up in high-spec High Up trim can now be ordered with the 60hp 1.0-litre engine.
Lumbar adjustment is now standard on Volkswagen Polo SE and R-Line trims.
The Volkswagen Polo Beats can be ordered without exterior decals.
A Shadow Steel dash pad replaces the Caribou Grey item on the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line
An Akrapovic sports exhaust system is now standard on the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.
The Volkswagen Tiguan gets a new 115hp 1.6-litre TDI engine, which replaces the old 2.0-litre TDI in the S trim.
LED headlights are now available for the Volkswagen Tiguan S and Match.
The Volkswagen Sharan gets a host of standard equipment, including Discover Navigation, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert with lane assist and dynamic road sign display. SE trim is removed, meaning the range starts with S and moves up to SE Nav and SEL.
The Volkswagen Touran gets two new alloy wheel designs.
The Volkswagen Arteon gets the latest MIB Generation 3 infotainment system, along with the second-generation Active Info Display and wireless App Connect.
The Volkswagen Arteon also gains a new entry-level SE trim.
Finally, the Volkswagen Touareg gets a new Park Assist Professional system and optional air suspension.

Geraldine Ingham, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Model-year updates are commonplace across the industry, but it’s uncommon for such a comprehensive raft of changes to all come at once.”

“From adding a value-focused new trim level to the Arteon, to a sporting specialist exhaust system on the Golf GTI TCR, model year 2020 for Volkswagen represents great design, a focus on quality and, above all else, notable value.”

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No-deal Brexit threat to Nissan Qashqai production in Sunderland

By

John Redfern

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October 2, 2019

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Nissan could review current production plans at the Sunderland factory in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit scenario.

According to reports in the Financial Times, this could include examining whether the next-generation Qashqai will be built on Wearside. Some 7,000 workers are employed directly at the Sunderland site by Nissan, with thousands more involved in the complex supply chain.

The future of the best-selling family SUV had previously been thought to be safe, following an agreement made in 2016 between Nissan and then prime minister Theresa May.

Definite deal breaker

However, that agreement was made on the basis that the UK would secure an effective deal with the European Union for withdrawal.

It should also be noted that Carlos Ghosn was the Nissan chairman responsible for the agreement. He was ousted from the company in November 2018, following his arrest by Japanese authorities on suspicion of financial misconduct., whilst Theresa May was replaced by Boris Johnson as prime minister in July this year.

The deal struck between Nissan and Theresa May, which included up to £80 million in government funds, also included keeping production of the X-Trail SUV at Sunderland.

Nissan announced earlier this year that the next-generation X-Trail would be built elsewhere, citing Brexit worries as one influencing factor.

No official changes, yet

Sources who spoke to the Financial Times suggested that the potential disruption caused by a no-deal Brexit could force Nissan to think again about the future of the Qashqai. Frictionless trade between the UK and the EU is seen as vital to ensure Nissan can retain production on Wearside.

In response to the report, Nissan has commented that the present plans for the Qashqai “have not changed” but that the company is still “waiting for clarity” on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

Loss of the Qashqai from the Sunderland facility would have a major impact, with it accounting for the majority of the vehicles produced there. Nissan has recently revealed the second-generation Juke SUV that it will also build at the UK factory.

The report in the Financial Times follows other announcements from car manufacturers about the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit.

Vauxhall owner Groupe PSA stated that the next Astra will be built at the Ellesmere Port factory, providing the UK can secure a favourable Brexit deal.

A pan-European group of automotive manufacturers has also warned that a no-deal Brexit would “devastate” the car industry across the continent. Other analysis has suggested that a no-deal Brexit could cost the UK automotive sector £4 billion each year.

1997 Integra Type R achieves record $82,000 in online auction

By

John Redfern

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October 1, 2019

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Branded as one of the greatest front-wheel drive cars ever built, the DC2 Acura Integra Type R has become a cult classic.

Following a recent sale on auction website Bring a Trailer, it has also joined the growing ranks of compact performance cars achieving huge sums of money.

This one-owner example, having covered just 6,000-miles since 1997, clocked up an incredible winning bid of $82,000 (£66,700). That’s more than the price of a 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, or a new Porsche 718 GTS.

Yet arguably anyone in the market for an Integra Type R has no interest in those two modern sports cars. Neither of them have a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of revving to a frenzied 8,400 rpm, for a start.

Today the 195 horsepower output for the B18C5 engine seems almost mundane, whilst the 130 lb-ft of torque is lower than the twist from a modern Honda Civic sedan. Yet the raw figures hardly matter, as the DC2 Type R was about the intensity of the VTEC experience as it chased the redline.

A close-ratio five-speed manual was the only transmission offered, and it connected to the front wheels through a limited-slip differential.

However, the DC2 Integra Type R was about more than just the engine. The chassis was stiffened with extra welding in key locations, whilst the suspension was also heavily upgraded.

Sound-proofing material was removed to save weight, as were standard features such as cruise control. Debate also exists as to whether 3,850 U.S.-spec cars gained the thinner front windshield fitted to Japanese versions.

What American cars certainly did have were the lightweight 15-inch alloy wheels, with the ones on this 1997 model matched to the Championship White bodywork.

Unlike Integra Type R versions sold around the world, American models did without the bright red Recaro bucket sports seats. Instead, black microsuede versions were fitted, along with a chunky Acura-branded four-spoke steering wheel.

The record-breaking car sold on Bring a Trailer was undoubtedly in great condition, having belonged to the same owner since new. Original sales documentation, a front bra to protect the paintwork, and a clean CarFax report will have helped push up the value.

Recent maintenance had included new timing belt, along with the associated tensioners and water pump, being installed early this year. The tires, dating from 2004, are reported to have covered just 1,000 miles.

When new, this 1997 Acura Integra Type R cost $23,535 (£19,144), meaning the auction price has netted the owner a hefty profit for 22 years of ownership.

Previously the highest price paid on Bring a Trailer for an Integra Type R was $65,500 (£53,300), achieved by a 1998 model with higher mileage earlier this year. In contrast, a late 2001 version sold in August 2019 for just $26,666 (£21,700).

The big question for the new owner will be whether they decide to preserve the Type R in this low-mileage state, or hit the road and enjoy the VTEC sound.

The classic Porsche 911 saved after a decade of decay

By

Ethan Jupp

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October 1, 2019

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Cars don’t like sitting still for too long. It can only be good news, then, when someone rescues a Porsche 911 that has gathered dust for a decade.

Taking a punt on a dream

This 911T was its owner’s dream car. The gentleman, Graham, first procured the Porsche back in the early 2000s, with money his parents gave him for a house. That money, roughly £13,000, was sent to the Netherlands to buy a 1967 911T. Having had the briefest of drives, Graham took a leap of faith. The gamble paid off. The purple 911 became Graham’s daily-driver for nearly four years.

Graham used the 911 for everything, from day-to-day commuting to trips down to Goodwood, plus classic car meets at the Ace Cafe. He’d dreamed of owning a 911 since he was 10 years old. Now he was living the dream.

The dream comes to an end

It had to end, though, when he jetted off to the United Arab Emirates for work. What was expected to last no longer than two years, turned into a 10-year career move. As such, the poor purple 911 sat gathering dust and falling into disrepair. Although checked on by friends and family, the T was past its best.

On Graham’s return, the car was almost unrecognisable. Its tyres were deflated, its purple paint dulled by dust. This classic 911 was no longer part of the 70 percent of all Porsche 911s that remain on the road. The job was on, then…

Wakey wakey

The specialist that had looked after the car previously, Tower Porsche, took on the job. Surprisingly, it needed little more than a surface refresh and a thorough service to get it running again.

Fixed timing and a cleaned fuel system got the flat-six motor closer to its original 125hp power figure. The car’s first outing, appropriately, was a jaunt down to Goodwood for the 2019 Festival of Speed.

Who do you think you are?

The next adventure for the revived 911T? Meeting its modern equivalent with Porsche in the Yorkshire Dales.

Two back-to-basics 911s from five decades apart took to some of the UK’s best roads. The family resemblance is still clear to see.

Opinion: the internet is wrong about the new Ford Puma

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 1, 2019

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It’s a good job the new Ford Puma cannot read. If the internet is anything to go by, the ‘not a coupe’ is doomed to failure before it hits the streets in January.

“It’s a fat Fiesta on stilts,” cries one commenter. “What a pathetic waste of a model,” says another. “The new Ford Puma is nothing like a Ford Puma,” bemoaned a ‘Welsh Brummie’ on Twitter, earlier.

Only it is a Ford Puma – it says as much on the boot lid. And, like it or not, Ford can do whatever it likes with a name from its back catalogue.

Does it really matter? More than two decades have passed since the Ford Puma coupe arrived in all its Steve McQueen glory, and much has changed. Three-door cars are as hard to find as a reasoned opinion in a Wetherspoons, while small coupes are as current as a Blockbuster store.

Sure, Ford could build a three-door coupe with the driving dynamics of a Fiesta ST and the same visual appeal as the original, but what would happen? Motoring journalists would dish out five-star reviews like a foodie influencer in a restaurant before a grand total of 63 people actually buy one.

A new Ford Puma coupe would fall from grace faster than a semi-finalist on The Voice.

“The world doesn’t need another bloody crossover” appears to be the most common complaint, and I have some sympathy for that argument, but here’s the thing: manufacturers are building them because YOU are buying them.

And if you’re not buying them, your neighbour is. As is your neighbour’s best mate in Cheltenham. And your neighbour’s best mate’s aunt in Widnes, etc. In a depressed market, the crossover segment continues to grow, which is why cars as unpleasant as the Vauxhall Mokka X are littering our streets.

Imagine the analysts and marketeers at Ford studying the data that says launching a small crossover would be a good idea, only to unveil a three-door coupe. That would be like Apple turning its back on smartphones and launching a fax machine (ask your parents).

Here’s one they made earlier

Don’t get me wrong, I’m as much a fan of the original Ford Puma as the next internet commenter. I bought one new in 2001, before trading it in for a Racing Puma less than a year later. Some of my most memorable drive involve a Puma – it deserves the hype.

But rather than sully the great name, I think Ford has struck gold. Some of the new car’s target market were still wearing disposable Pampers in 1997, so they won’t carry the INTERNET RAGE baggage of others. For others, the name will have a whiff of nostalgia.

And we know what Ford + nostalgia equals: ££££££££££s.

I also happen to love the look of the new Puma. In ST-Line spec, it manages to pull off the coupe-crossover thing far better than BMW or Mercedes, and I like the subtle nods to the original.

Heck, it even has a cheerful face, like some kind of Happy Eater and Pacman crossover. In profile, the Puma looks compact, well proportioned and almost alluring. And if it drives as well as the Fiesta and Focus, it’ll be a welcome addition to a segment filled with too many makeweights.

I know list prices are irrelevant in this age of PCP deals, but it looks like excellent value, especially given the level of standard spec. And if people buy this and not the horrifically mediocre EcoSport, that’s another positive.

‘A number of directions all in one go’

Look, if the original Puma means that much to you, go out and buy one. They cost about the same as a deposit on a PCP deal and will leave you grinning like a trio of middle-aged Top Gear presenters.

You can even have some fun repairing the rear wheel arches before the next MOT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3QuH7z1Z1o

On the another hand, if you’re desperate to own a fast, frantic and frenetic three-door Ford that’s based on the Fiesta, you’re left with one glorious option: the Ford Fiesta ST.

Sorted.

Older motorists hit by sharp increase in cost of insurance

By

Ethan Jupp

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October 1, 2019

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The cost of car insurance has risen sharply for motorists over the age of 50. While premiums for all went up by 3 percent on average, the over 50s have copped a 3.6 percent increase overall.

Data analytics firm Consumer Intelligence uncovered that the 3.6 percent rise for over 50s made for an average premium of £407. That’s a £15 increase, up from an average of £392.

Car insurance: drivers save £132 by renewing early

Younger drivers, as always, are the hardest hit when it comes to insurance. The average cost of a policy came out at £1,673 – a 3.2 percent hike over the past year. While the percentage increase is lower than for older drivers, the percentage represents more money. That hiked price is £52 up in the previous average. The over 25s were hit with a 3 percent hike, with an average price of £699, copping a £21 increase.

Older drivers still benefit from experience, then. In spite of suffering the highest percentage rises, their premiums have increased the least in terms of raw money.

Why is insurance going up?

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It down to the Ogden rate, which is used to calculate how much insurers pay in compensation when people suffer injuries. The important point to note is that lower rates mean higher compensation, and vice versa. The higher premiums are compensating for a drop in the rate, from 0.75 to 0.25.

“Pricing at an overall level will be driven by claims experience and the impact of the Ogden discount rate,” said John Blevins, pricing expert at Consumer Intelligence.

“Many insurers feel misled by the government and had planned for a more favourable discount rate being set. As such, premiums are being adjusted to compensate for the cash injections on to claims reserves made by many insurers.”

Ford and Vauxhall drivers the worst for vehicle tax dodging

By

Ethan Jupp

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October 1, 2019

0

Around 180,000 people were caught without tax last year, according to the DVLA. That’s a four percent increase on the year before, which equates to around 7,000 drivers.

What marques are the worst for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) dodgers? In terms of the number of cars clamped for not having vehicle tax, Ford and Vauxhall lead the way.

A total of 29,326 blue oval-badged cars were nicked by clamps in 2018. Vauxhall wasn’t far behind, with 25,949 cars being clamped. Next worst was Volkswagen, some way off at 16,610. Peugeots and BMWs round out the top five, with a respective 10,862 and 10,459 cars clamped in 2018.

Labour would use car tax to fund public transport

Of all manufacturers, Rolls-Royce had the highest percentage increase in cars being clamped for unpaid VED. A massive 900 percent jump over 2017’s numbers.

Vehicle Manufacturer	Number of clamps in 2018
Ford	29,326
Vauxhall	25,949
Volkswagen	16,610
Peugeot	10,862
BMW	10,459
Renault	9,816
Mercedes	9,218
Audi	7,813
Citroen	7,092
Toyota	6,196

The worst locations for tax dodging

Drivers in Ilford, South East London and Manchester are the worst offenders, with a respective 1,131, 996 and 885 cars clamped last year.

Scotland has the lowest number of car tax evaders. Aberdeen and Inverness come in first and fifth in the top five for lowest amount of VED-related clampings, with just six and 23 each. In the middle are Outer Hebrides (15), Dorchester (15) and West Central London (18).

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“It’s shocking to see the number of vehicles caught without road tax has increased so significantly in the past year,” said Tim Schwarz, head of marketing at Moneybarn, which published the findings.

“While most vehicles on the road are still taxed correctly, it is right action is taken against those who don’t tax their vehicles and then drive them. We urge motorists to be careful and pay due diligence in paying their road tax and completing their MOT on time to avoid potential penalties.”