Extinction Rebellion uses dirty diesel for climate change protest

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October 3, 2019

New research has revealed the most popular car colours in the UK, as well as which paint colours help cars hold their value.

The first thing to note is that the two aren’t one and the same. The most popular colour isn’t also the one that best helps combat depreciation.

Most popular car colours

To ascertain what the most popular car colours are, the Crusader Vans study examined how many days, on average, it took cars to sell. In other words, how long between being listed for sale and being bought.

Grey is the new black, it would seem, as it tops the table for speed of sale.

Grey, white and black are the top three quickest-sellers in that order, taking 34.2, 35 and 36 days to sell on average.

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In fourth place is green, selling in 36.2 days. Blue (36.8 days), orange (38.1 days), silver (38.8 days) and red (40.9 days) follow.

The two least popular colours studied are yellow and beige. They sell in 41.5 and 46.6 days respectively.

How colours help cars hold value

That last point is interesting when you then consider how cars hold their value. That’s because yellow cars, followed by orange cars, take the lead in terms of least depreciation.

Yellow cars typically suffer 27 percent depreciation over three years. Perhaps that’s due to yellow being a popular colour for exotic and limited-edition cars.

Orange (30.6 percent), green (30.9 percent), white (32.6 percent) and red (32.7 percent) follow to complete the top five.

Blue, popular grey, black, silver and beige occupy the rest of the list, ranging between 33.5 and 36.6 percent depreciation over three years.

So, what’s the best colour to buy? Basically, when you sell your yellow car, it might take a while, but you’re likely to get more of your money back. When you sell your grey car, it’ll shift quickly, but might sell for less.

We’d go with white or green on the basis of these results, for a combination of a quick sale and a good return.

News UK Motor Awards reveal Clarkson’s favorite cars of 2019

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October 3, 2019

The second News UK Motor Awards event was held yesterday, announcing the cars of the year decided upon by journalists from the UK’s premier newspapers, including a certain Jeremy Clarkson, although he only appeared to weigh in on the faster stuff. Let’s round up the winners.

Clarkson’s cars of the year

Bentley Continental GT V8

It’s back! The Continental GT V8 claims the ultimate prize: a recommendation from Jeremy Clarkson as the ‘People’s Car of the Year’. We’re sure there’s something to be said about how in-touch with ‘the people’ Clarkson is if his ‘people’s car’ is a £100,000+ Bentley, but that’s the Jezza way.

Ferrari 488 Pista

Although it’s been superseded by the Ferrari F8 Tributo, the outgoing 488 Pista claims the coveted Clarkson Supercar of the Year award. Jezza, we’ve little to no arguments on that front.

The sensible stuff

Range Rover Evoque

The new Range Rover Evoque was awarded Family SUV of the Year. It’s a worthy winner, as a long-awaited update to the marque’s big-selling miniature ‘Rangie’.

Volvo XC40

Volvo’s XC40 takes home the Small SUV/crossover of the Year award. It’s another we can agree on. This is a quirky yet classy, high quality and capable fly in the German establishment’s ointment.

Ford Fiesta

Although it’s been around for a couple of years now, as per the brilliant Ford Fiesta wins Small Car of the Year for 2019. We can get behind that. Nothing’s come along since to challenge it, although we’ll be driving the new Peugeot 208 very soon…

Nissan X Trail

Getting rather specific is the award for Dog-friendly Car of the Year. Still, this is Britain. We’re nothing without our pups. To that end, the Nissan X-Trail takes home the award for dog-friendly car of the year. We’ll stick with a Mercedes-AMG E63 Estate…

Tesla Model 3

Could anything else have won Green Car of the Year? The Tesla Model 3 delivers brand coolness, questionable quality, undeniable performance and an affordable price point to a wider range of buyers. Arguably a contender for overall Car of the Year, even though it was revealed three years ago…

Kia Picanto

The worthy little Kia Picanto wins Value Car of the Year. We can’t argue with that, though for us the Volkswagen Up! GTI could be in with a shout in terms of bang for your buck.

Volvo V60

You can’t go far wrong with a Volvo estate for a family car. A fact reflected in the humble model’s winning of Family Car of the Year. Not many cars combine style, safety and sensibleness with quite the aplomb of the V60.

The fun stuff

Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford’s UK-friendly baja-basher wins Adventure Car of the Year. We can absolutely get behind this. Motoring Research’s Tim Pitt said: “In the right environment, this pumped-up pick-up is as exciting as any supercar. Forget that Ferrari.” Advice we’d pass on to Mr Clarkson.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante

We’re not absolutely convinced by the Sports Car of the Year award. Our money would go into a McLaren 600LT Spyder if we were buying a sports car. Still, the Aston is a lovely thing all the same. Tim Pitt said: “Coupe or Volante, I think this is the best car Aston Martin currently makes”. High praise in such an accomplished lineup.

Mercedes-AMG A35

The hot hatch market is a hotly contested one. Could the Mercedes-Benz A35 be overshadowed by the likes of the Renault Sport Megane Trophy R? In terms of value, perhaps not. The Merc is a lovely thing and, in the very strange world we live in now, cheaper to buy than a specced out Renault Megane.

Bentley Continental GT V8

The second of two gongs for the big ‘Benters’ is British-built Car of the Year. It’s a lovely thing, though for our money it’d be a tough toss-up between the aforementioned DBS and a McLaren 600LT…

Porsche 911

The Sunday Times Car of the Year is the Porsche 911. Is it really a motoring awards ceremony if the latest Porsche 911 doesn’t win something? It’s a worthy winner, too. Somehow, even though it’s the fastest, most capable, and most digital 911 ever, the new 992 still has that quintessential Porsche sports car sizzle.

Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabrio

The mega Merc wins Luxury Car of the Year overall. We can’t fault it on that front, even if it’s approaching pensionable age. Could the new Bentley Flying Spur have been in with a shout? No matter, we’ll take the S 63 if we must…

Opinion: Why the Kia XCeed is surprisingly perfect for British families

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Richard Aucock

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October 3, 2019

The most rewarding new car launches are the ones that genuinely surprise you. And so to Newbury, for the first UK drive of the new Kia XCeed, the high-rise, crossover-look version of the Ceed family hatch range.

Expectations were for something perfectly commendable, as all Kias generally are these days. What I actually discovered was something nigh-on perfect for British family car buyers, and for British roads.

Years ago, the family hatchback was king. These days, they still sell, but their share has been diminishing due to the rise of the SUV. Indeed, Kia’s best-selling car in Britain, by far, is the Sportage SUV. The Ceed? Some way back, vying with the Picanto for third.

We all know why: high-rise seating position, rugged looks, practicality for growing families (at the near-complete death of the previous family hatch alternative, the MPV).

But there are downsides of SUVs. They’re thirstier than hatchbacks, and more expensive, and generally don’t drive as well because of their extra weight, higher centre of gravity and need to at least show some willingness to go off-road.

Enter the XCeed, which slots into the price gap between Ceed hatch and Sportage. For starters, it looks great, with a bespoke body that’s easily sportier than any SUV. As it’s lighter, it can use smaller engines, delivering better economy and lower CO2.

It’s an inch and a half higher than a normal Ceed, giving nearly seven inches of ground clearance and the all-important higher stance; this extra height also gives a more confident feel behind the wheel and better visibility in town, so it’s easier to drive.

But the real revelation is how Kia’s used this extra suspension travel to perfect the suspension. The ride, perhaps a touch bumbly on smooth A-roads, comes into its own when surfaces worsen. It brilliantly cushions potholes, broken surfaces, sunken drains and all the other random road detritus UK roads serve up.

There are times where it feels like a premium Mercedes-Benz. It’s exceedingly satisfying.

It also handles just like a regular Ceed too, with sophisticated suspension giving agile handling and a wieldy nature. Those coming from an SUV will feel like they’ve got behind the wheel of a hot hatch.

So there we have it: the Kia XCeed, and other such crossover-style family hatchbacks, are the perfect middle ground for the modern British family car buyer, delivering a drive that copes uncommonly well with our roads.

No wonder Kia is now predicting it to now take half of all Ceed range sales. I for one won’t be surprised if it does.

Opinion: Now is the time to buy a used Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

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October 3, 2019

Unless you’re buying a new car, depreciation is a wonderful thing. The faster a car sheds its value, the more attractive it becomes to used car buyers. Which brings us on to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

You could spend upwards of £65,000 on a new Giulia Quadrifoglio, and we wouldn’t blame you. After all, who wouldn’t want to own a rear-wheel-drive ‘four-door Ferrari’ with 510hp on tap? But there are two good reasons why you shouldn’t.

Firstly, used examples start from around £33,000. That’s not for a well-used and well-worn Quadrifoglio with many miles on the clock and several careless owners to its name. That’s for a 2017 car with 5,000 miles on the clock.

Admittedly, that’s a one-off, but low mileage 2017 cars tend to cost between £35,000 and £40,000. Got a niggling doubt about Alfa Romeo reliability? Don’t worry, those cars are still in warranty.

Don’t take our word for it: the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has just been crowned Performance Car of the Year at the What Car? Used Car Awards 2019.

“With its fantastic performance and that thrilling handling, it’s no wonder we love the Giulia Quadrifoglio.”

Not our words, Carol, but the words of What Car? magazine. Niggling doubts begone. Time to visit your local Alfa Romeo showroom?

It might not be the most sensible choice, but sensible people buy beige slacks from M&S and drive Honda CR-Vs. They don’t buy an Alfa saloon with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged engine and enough power to hit 191mph, and 62mph in just 3.9 seconds.

‘Remarkable value’

Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car? said: “Even in a category that was jam-packed with so many truly exciting cars, the Giulia Quadrifoglio stood out, thanks to its fantastic performance and thrilling handling.

“It sounds great too, thanks to its wonderful 503bhp [510hp] twin-turbocharged V6, and its undeniably massive appeal, whether you’re driving it, sitting in it or even just looking at it, is only increased further by the remarkable value it offers as a used buy.“

Andrew Tracey, marketing director for Alfa Romeo added: “Winning an award as a used car is testament to the quality of the Giulia Quadrifoglio. With its impressive performance credentials, coupled with a five-year warranty, the Alfa Romeo Giulia remains a great buy long after it has left the showroom”.

Still want that German performance saloon?

‘Remarkable’ BMW 1 Series M Coupe heads to auction

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October 3, 2019

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe – or BMW 1 M Coupe – is a modern classic. Values started to rise before production of the 450 cars had even finished.

Used cars start from around £40,000, but you’ll pay as much as £60,000 for the very best cars in the country. New, you’d have paid £39,995 to own one of BMW’s greatest performance cars of the decade.

If you thought you’d missed your chance to own a ‘new’ BMW 1 Series M Coupe, think again, because one example has been in underground storage for the past eight years.

Delivered new to BMW Park Lane, it’s believed that this particular 1 M Coupe was used to launch the model at the London showroom. Today, it has just 90 miles on the clock.

‘Quite remarkable car’

Gary Dunne of Classic Car Auctions (CCA), the auction house tasked with selling the BMW this weekend, believes it is a one-off opportunity:

“This is quite a remarkable car. Owned by one family, they bought the car and then stored it in an underground facility which has kept the car away from the elements for the last eight years.”

It passed its first MOT last month, and predictably there were no advisories. CCA expects it to fetch £60,000 to £70,000 when it goes under the hammer in Warwickshire.

It’s one of the headline acts of a packed auction, which includes another BMW 1 Series M Coupe. This example has 49,300 miles on the clock but is expected to sell for a more affordable £30,000 to £35,000.

Alternatively, a BMW Z3 M Coupe has a pre-auction estimate of £8,000 to £10,000, while a ‘real timewarp’ BMW 328i with 11,000 miles on the clock could achieve up to £7,000.

But all eyes will be on the 1 Series M Coupe to see if it will reach the top end of its pre-auction estimate. If you fancy placing a bid, the CCA sale takes place at the Warwickshire Event Centre this coming Saturday. Viewing is a day earlier on Friday 4 October 2019.

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”.

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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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October 2, 2019

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.

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“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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October 2, 2019

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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October 2, 2019