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

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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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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 3, 2019

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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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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 3, 2019

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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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Ethan Jupp

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October 2, 2019

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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

By

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’

By

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

By

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.