Opinion: the internet is wrong about the new Ford Puma

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October 1, 2019

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

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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.

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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.”

Car insurance: drivers save £132 by renewing early

By

Ethan Jupp

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October 1, 2019

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New figures released today reveal that drivers who renew their car insurance early, specifically eight days before it expires, save an average of £132 on their new policy.

MoneySupermarket calls this the ‘optimum’ time to save on car insurance. A quarter of drivers who accepted their quote eight days in advance enjoyed an average saving of 28 percent compared with the cost when taken out on renewal day. That’s the £132 figure.

This means that instead of around £490, the savviest drivers pay around £360 on average.

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High renewal prices are exacerbated by leaving it to the last minute. However, the research shows that drivers can make savings by shopping around in advance of their renewal date.

It’s common knowledge that if you switch providers, you’ll save money. But you can use quotes from rival insurers to haggle with your existing provider.

“If there’s one thing to remember when it comes to saving money on your car insurance, it’s making sure you shop around before your policy automatically renews,” said Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesperson at MoneySupermarket.

“You could save hundreds of pounds. Insurers know that many of us leave buying insurance to the last minute, which is why we see prices increasing closer to the date a policy is due to expire. To avoid higher costs, you should shop around for your new policy at least a week before the old one runs out and lock in the price you are offered at that point.”

The Superbus is coming: UK promised ‘bus revolution’

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 1, 2019

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The government is planning a ‘bus revolution’ as it announces a package of measures designed to boost Britain’s bus network.

Britain’s first all-electric bus town, improved passenger information and a ‘Superbus’ network are the headline acts of a package worth an estimated £220 million.

Embracing the cashless society, the government is promising contactless payment on every city bus, along with better information for passengers. A long-term bus strategy is also part of the plan, which includes support for local authorities to create London-style franchised services in their areas.

What is a ‘Superbus’ network?

Not to be confused with a giant bus or one with special powers, a ‘Superbus’ network will have low fares and bus priority measures designed to speed up journeys and make them more reliable. These could include bus lanes, priority at traffic lights and access to car-free zones.

The first ‘Superbus’ network will be rolled out in Cornwall. The county can expect lower fares, increased frequency of services and integration with the rail network. The government wants the ‘Superbus’ network to connect people on lower incomes with jobs, education and evenings out.

Other ‘Superbus’ networks are planned, with a focus on areas with significant deprivation and social exclusion.

Where is the first all-electric bus town?

The location of the first all-electric bus town is still being discussed with local authorities and operators and will be announced later. The entire fleet of town or city buses will be switched to wireless electric vehicles, while country buses will be hybrids, using electric in urban areas and diesel in rural locations.

Other measures

Around £20 million will be spent on new bus express lanes in the West Midlands, where a million people travel by bus every day. A further £30 million will be paid to local authorities in 2020 to 2021 to improve services or restore those that have been lost.

Meanwhile, local authorities interested in creating London-style franchised services will have access to a long-term funding package. Greater Manchester is expected to adopt a franchised model in 2020, but other areas are invited to submit proposals.

Speaking at the Conservative party conference, Sajid Javid said: “The truth is, successive governments failed to invest enough for the long-term. We’ve started to put that right, but we can do more – a lot more. This Government is going to build Britain’s future, and bring in a new infrastructure revolution.

“Infrastructure is the foundation of everything – it’s the new road that connects local communities, the bus you need to get to school and the broadband that helps your small business trade around the world. The full benefits of our infrastructure revolution may not be felt for some time. But the work must start here and now.”

New Ford Puma SUV now open for ordering from £20,845

By

Richard Aucock

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October 1, 2019

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The new Ford Puma SUV is open for ordering, with prices for the lead-in Titanium variant starting from £20,845.

Ford is also offering a higher-spec Puma Titanium First Edition as a launch special, from £22,295. This includes luxuries such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel, intelligent adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera.

A Ford Puma ST-Line X First Edition variant (pictured here), costing from £25,195 has sportier exterior and interior looks, sports suspension, LED headlights and a full digital instrument cluster. Also standard are 18-inch alloys and a premium B&O sound system.

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Buyers can choose even larger 19-inch alloys with the ST-Line X First Edition Plus, priced from £27,345. This also has a panoramic roof.

Every Ford Puma has standard massaging front driver and passenger seats – a segment first, says Ford. A wireless smartphone charger is also standard.

Ford is launching the Puma with its new 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid engine, in either 125hp or 155hp guises. The firm is calling the mild hybrid tech ‘mHEV’.

Non-hybrid versions will follow in 2020.

“Our stunning new Ford Puma will be first offered in a range of exclusive first editions incorporating the latest and best technology usually reserved for large executive cars,” said Lisa Brankin, passenger vehicle director, Ford of Britain.

“Alongside our new mild hybrid powertrains, best-in-class loadspace and striking design, the new Ford Puma offers exceptional comfort and technology for compact crossover customers.”

New Ford Puma prices

Titanium

1.0T Ecoboost Hybrid mHEV 125: £20,635
1.0T Ecoboost Hybrid mHEV 155: £21,385

Titanium First Edition: + £1,450

ST-Line

1.0T Ecoboost Hybrid mHEV 125: £21,585
1.0T Ecoboost Hybrid mHEV 155: £22,335

ST-Line First Edition: + £2,300

ST-Line X

1.0T Ecoboost Hybrid mHEV 125: £22,685
1.0T Ecoboost Hybrid mHEV 155: £23,415

ST-Line X First Edition: + £3,700

New Ford Puma: in pictures

Values of used electric cars show ‘unprecedented growth’

By

Ethan Jupp

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September 30, 2019

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The latest figures from Auto Trader show average values of used cars advertised by retailers are decreasing. Bucking the trend, however, are EVs, with ‘unprecedented growth’ in prices.

The average used car sold by a retailer was advertised for £13,001 in August 2019, compared with £13,115 in July. Like-for-like advertised prices are also down by 1.3 percent compared with a year ago.

By comparison, electric car values have risen by 30.4 percent. Alternative-fuel vehicle values are also up 5.7 percent year-on-year, which includes EV models.

Why have electric car values soared?

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That’s an absolutely enormous jump in average value. It shouldn’t come as a surprise in what is still a fledgling market, however. Over recent years, a great deal of mid-level and premium electric vehicles have come to market. The Jaguar I-Pace, Audi E-Tron and Tesla Model 3 are just three heavy-hitters.

Consider, for example, that these cars all cost around £50,000 new. The EV used market average value was previously dictated by sub-£30,000 cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe.

That’s not to mention the number of new electric cars that have been launched over the past 18 months. In short, there are more electric cars available, and most of them are fresh to market.

Used car value drop

Used cars worth up to £1,000 less due to ‘market correction’

While the values of used cars previously rocketed due to the influx of nearly-new metal, that same influx has necessitated a market correction. With supply catching up with demand, this mild drop is indicative of a stabilisation, says Auto Trader.

This is corroborated by an 0.8 percent year-on-year increase in value of cars aged between 10 and 15 years. Demand for second-hand cars remains strong, too. Searches for used and nearly new vehicles were up four percent in August 2019, compared with August 2018.

“Used car prices will naturally fluctuate,” said Karolina Edwards-Smadja, director of commercial products at Auto Trader.

“But over the last few months there’s been a variety of unprecedented factors affecting average prices, not least the realignment of market values over the summer, which resulted in some cars having up to £1,000 knocked off their sticker price.

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“Supply and demand is less of an issue, but we shouldn’t entirely dismiss the impact the spike in new car registrations three to four years ago has had.

“Add to the mix the ongoing economic uncertainty and there’s clearly been an unusual amount of pressure placed on second-hand car values. It will be interesting to see whether these factors have any further influence during the closing quarter of 2019.”

Hyundai recruits boss of flying cars

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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September 30, 2019

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Dr. Jaiwon Shin has landed at Hyundai to head up its newly established Urban Air Mobility Division.

The aeronautics engineer is a former associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA, as well as a co-chair of the White House National Science and Technology Council’s Aeronautics Science and Technology Subcommittee.

As executive vice president and head of Hyundai’s air mobility division, Dr. Shin will lead the company into a “new era of developing smart mobility products within the aviation industry”.

Hyundai will leverage his expertise in airframe, engine, safety and air traffic management technologies to develop solutions for safe and efficient airborne travel.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Shin said: “Having worked on cutting-edge aviation research and development at NASA for 30 years, I am very excited and humbled by the opportunity to now shape urban air mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor Group.

“The new team at Hyundai will develop core technologies that will establish the company as a driving force in urban air mobility, a sector that is expected to grow into a market worth $1.5 trillion (£1.2 trillion) within the next 20 years.”

Last-mile parcels and air metros

Urban Air Mobility is expected to become a critically important part of a range of solutions designed to reduce traffic problems in the world’s mega cities.

Aerospace giant Airbus established an Urban Air Mobility division last year to “co-create an entire industry from scratch”.

Harini Kulatunga, head of unmanned aerial mobility solutions at Airbus, said: “By 2030, 60 percent of the world’s population will be urban. To help cities cope with this massive population growth, transport solutions need to safely and sustainably improve the way people get from A to B.

“Urban air mobility enhances the coverage and reach of the transportation system with minimal land impact [and] sustainable city development becomes possible.”

In November 2018, a report published by NASA found that a commercially viable market for last-mile parcel delivery and air metro could be in place by 2030.

However, the market for air taxis is likely to be limited to concentrated areas of high net worth individuals and businesses. An example would be an air taxi from Manhattan to the suburbs.

At the Global Urban Air Summit in Farnborough, Tim Johnson, policy director for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), argued that society has a “low tolerance [for risk] and high expectation of safety standards for air travel”.

Investment in the sector is expected to top $318 billion (£259 billion) from 2020 to 2040.

What is London’s Direct Vision Standard?

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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September 30, 2019

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From 26 October 2020, HGVs over 12 tonnes will be BANNED from entering or operating in Greater London unless they pass a new Direct Vision Standard (DVS).

The date coincides with the new London-wide Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards for heavy goods vehicles.

The Direct Vision Standard is being rolled out to protect and improve the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. It includes a new star rating based on how much a lorry driver can see through their cab windows.

Lorries are rated from 0 to 5, with any 0-star vehicles over 12 tonnes banned unless they incorporate a series of safety measures (Safe System) to reduce the risk to vulnerable road users. The Safe System includes the following:

Blind spot elimination and minimisation, i.e. a fully operational camera, Class V and VI mirrors and a sensor with driver alerts.
Warning of intended manoeuvres, i.e. audible left-turning warning system and pictorial stickers.
Physical impact minimisation, i.e. side-underrun protection.

Operators and drivers are also advised to take part in appropriate training, although this is not a requirement for the Safe System permit.

Fitting a Safe System will not change a vehicle’s Direct Vision Standard star rating, but will bring the safety standard of the vehicle up to a level required for a permit.

The Direct Vision Standard will affect 188,000 HGVs operating in London, with some 35,000 expected to be banned in 2020 and 94,000 by 2024 if standards aren’t improved.

From 26 October 2024, all 0 to 2-star HGVs will be banned unless they prove a Progressive Safe System. Transport for London (TfL) will review the system in 2022, taking into account new technology not currently available.

HGVs account for just 4 percent of London’s traffic but are disproportionately represented in fatal collisions. From 2015 to 2017, HGVs were involved in 63 percent of cyclist fatalities and 25 percent of pedestrians.

‘Vital for saving lives’

Christina Calderato, head of transport strategy and planning at TfL, said: “Our Direct Vision Standard and its associated HGV Safety Permit is vital for saving lives on London’s streets and achieving Vision Zero.

“We thank the freight industry for their input and support throughout the stages of development. We are just three months away from the first permits being issued and encourage all operators to check the star rating of their vehicle, so they are prepared and compliant.”

Permits will be issued from 28 October 2019, with enforcement beginning on 26 October 2020. The Direct Vision Standard will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be enforced on ALL ROADS within the Greater London Boundary.

Non-compliant HGVs will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £550 per day, which will be reduced by 50 percent if paid within 14 days.

Direct Vision Standard ratings for Euro IV, V and VI vehicles are available from vehicle manufacturers. The contact details for each manufacturer can be found here.

Brigade Electronics has provided this handy infographic, which provides a useful overview for HGV drivers and operators. For more detailed information, download TfL’s guide, which includes details of how to obtain a Safe System permit.

Direct Vision Standard: summary

Star rating system for HGVs over 12 tonnes.
Based on how much a driver can see directly through their cab windows.
Zero rated vehicles will need to be improved by fitting Safe System measures.
Free Safety Permit available from 28 October 2019.
Direct Vehicle Standard enforcement begins 26 October 2020.
Minimum star rating increases from 1 to 3 from October 2024.

Maserati commits to new models with electrification and autonomous tech

By

John Redfern

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September 28, 2019

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Luxury vehicle manufacturer Maserati has announced plans to release new models featuring electrification in the near future.

The company, part of the multinational Fiat Chrysler Automobiles corporation, has stated that 100% of all vehicles will continue to be made in its multiple Italian factories.

Following the fall of global sales volumes in 2018, Maserati has been keen to return to profitability. A total of 10 new or updated models is set to be released between 2020 and 2023.

Sparking the Italian Renaissance

Key to the future will be electrification, with the Ghibli saloon set to receive a hybrid drivetrain in 2020. Initially launched in 2013, the Ghibli is currently offered with a choice of turbocharged V6 petrol or diesel engines.

Set to be produced in the company’s Turin factory, the Ghibli will play an important role in revitalising the firm. European sales of the executive four-door have declined from a peak of 4,600 in 2015, to just 2,500 in 2018.

Maserati also promises that updated models will also gain enhanced autonomous driving technology. This will begin with Level 2 highway-assisted capabilities, progressing to Level 3 that allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel.

Turning the clock back

Also included in the announcement is news of the previously postponed Alfieri sports car concept.

After being displayed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, production of the 2+2 coupe was initially slated to begin in 2016. This was subsequently postponed to allow the company time to focus on the Levante SUV.

Now a launch is expected in 2020, with plug-in hybrid and full electric versions of the new sports car expected from the Modena factory.

Investment in customisation

Maserati will also add a new SUV to the range, with the first vehicles set to roll off the production line in 2021. This will follow a planned $800 million investment at the facility in Cassino.

Also due to be replaced are the longstanding GranTurismo and GranCabrio models, with the coupe version having been on sale since 2007. Maserati promises that both versions will be replaced with all-new creations, and will be part of the electrification efforts.

Finally, the company has also invested in a new paint shop and customisation programme, mimicking that now offered by Italian rival Lamborghini. Customers visiting the Modena factory will be able to watch their new car being painted.