The car safety recalls you need to know about

July 12, 2019

The Rapid Exchange of Information (Rapex) is the European Union’s rapid alert system for unsafe consumer product, including cars.

In June, 16 car safety recalls were announced via Rapex, affecting 23 models of 15 brands.

Every month, we’ll provide a summary of the recalls from the previous month. These are the car safety recalls announced in June 2019, with thanks to Car-Recalls.eu.

Audi A4, A6 and A7 – tow bar

Audi A4, A6 and A7 models built between February 2018 and October 2018, and retro-fitted between March and November 2018, are being recalled for a faulty tow bar. The locking mechanism might be defective, causing the trailer to drop while the vehicle is in motion. The recall affects 135 A4s, A6s and A7s in the UK.

Bentley Continental GT – electronics

Bentley Continental GT models manufactured between 22 January 2018 and 6 March 2019 are the subject of a safety recall concerning the centre console switch pack. If the event of a fault, the hazard warning lights and windscreen defrost/demist functionality could fail, increasing the risk of an accident.

Cadillac ATS and CTS – steering

Cadillac ATS and CTS models built between 20 June 2016 and 11 May 2017 are being recalled due to a power steering defect. In some cases, the electric power steering could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Citroen Berlingo – brakes

Citroen Berlingo models manufactured between 7 November 2017 and 8 January 2019 are being recalled due to a possible misalignment of the ratchet on the handbrake lever mechanism. The handbrake might not engage, increasing the risk of an accident.

Ram pick-ups – steering

Ram models built between 31 October 2017 and 25 October 2018 are the subject of a safety recall concerning power steering. The ground connection on the battery may be loose, which could lead to over- and under-steering, potentially resulting in an accident.

Ford Ranger – brakes

Ford Ranger pick-ups built over a two-year period from 4 June 2016 to 28 August 2018 are being recalled for replacement front brake hoses. In some instances, the hoses could be ruptured, resulting in reduced braking efficiency.

Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette – steering

Defective power steering is the reason why Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette models built between 20 June 2016 and 11 May 2017 are being recalled.

Jaguar I-Pace – brakes

Jaguar I-Pace models manufactured between 23 August 2017 and 11 April 2019 are being recalled due to a potential failure of the regenerative braking system. The friction braking system may not engage, increasing the stopping distance of the electric car.

Jeep Compass – seats

Right-hand-drive Jeep Compass SUVs built between 25 August 2017 and 4 January 2018 are the subject of a recall concerning a defective rear seat-back mechanism. In the event of rapid deceleration, the seat back could fold forward unexpectedly, resulting in luggage entering the passenger compartment. Jeep will replace the left and right side rear seat-back release bezels in 342 UK-registered cars.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT – electronics

Faulty side radar sensors in the Pre-Safe impulse side function are the reason Mercedes-Benz AMG GT models built between 6 August 2018 and 22 February 2019 are being recalled.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class – brakes

Another Mercedes-Benz safety recall, but this one is likely to affect more drivers. The quality of the welding of the brake pedal plate to the brake pedal lever is the reason why A-Class models produced from 5 November 2018 to 23 March 2019 are being recalled.

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia – brakes

A defective seal on the brake master cylinder means that some 2018 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia cars are being recalled. The safety recall affects 1.6-litre diesel models with a manual transmission.

Peugeot Rifter and Partner – brakes

Peugeot Rifter and Partner models manufactured between 8 November 2017 and 20 December 2018 are being recalled for a possible misalignment of the ratchet on the handbrake lever. Just 89 vehicles are affected in the UK, and Peugeot will replace the handbrake if necessary.

Suzuki Swift and Swift Sport – airbag

A hard close of the Suzuki Swift’s rear doors could result in the activation of the side and curtain airbags, which is why models manufactured between 2017 and 2019 are being recalled. Once recalled, Suzuki will update the airbag control module software. A total of 22,437 Swifts are affected in the UK.

Volkswagen Tiguan – tow bar

The Volkswagen Tiguan is affected by the same tow bar problem outlined in the Audi A4, A6 and A7 section. Tiguan models affected were built between February and December 2018. If necessary, Volkswagen will replace the tow bar swivelling module; the recall affects 454 UK Tiguans.

Volvo S90 and XC60 – seats

Volvo S90 and XC60 models manufactured in 2017 and 2018 are being recalled because of a possible missing screw connection on the front seat rails. In the event of a rear-end collision, the seat position may be impacted, reducing protection for occupants. According to the DVSA, the recall affects 71 S90 and 7,322 XC60 vehicles in the UK.

Game, Set and Match: tennis stars and supercars

July 12, 2019

Ah, Wimbledon: two weeks of dodging the showers, eating seriously expensive strawberries and cream, Sue Barker making smalltalk when the covers on and the entire nation pinning its hopes on one Scottish British tennis player.

But enough of all that – show us the cars…

Jaguar Ace Pace

In readiness for Wimbledon 2019, Jaguar developed a new app for your phone that lets you measure how fast your tennis serve is. Winners get prizes, including the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon for real, along with tickets for matches. The Ace Pace app uses accelerometers, which means you have to swing your phone like a racket. That’d be an interesting call to your insurance company…

Andy Murray ‘goes electric’

In June 2018, Andy Murray delivered on his promise to ‘go electric’ by taking delivery of a Jaguar I-Pace. It no doubt serves to keep the tennis star’s conscience clear, and Jaguar’s PR team happy.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

There’s no need to adjust your set, this Jaguar XF Sportbrake is indeed covered in a tennis ball camo wrap. It was part of a campaign culminating in the estate being unveiled by Andy Murray, before being sent on a nationwide tour with the Wimbledon trophy inside. “Letting go of the trophy will be difficult, but there’s no better vehicle than the Jaguar XF Sportbrake to take it on this UK tour,” said Murray (via the Jaguar press office).

Murray makes a mint

For 2016, Jaguar UK signed up Andy Murray as a brand ambassador to promote its #FeelWimbledon campaign, which involves a 360-degree virtual reality tour of Centre Court through the eyes of the British number one. Jaguar is also keen to point out that Murray owned an F-Type Coupe and had a new F-Pace on order.

Andy Murray smashes Jaguar F-Type SVR

Keen to maximise the return on its investment, Jaguar sent Andy Murray to Thruxton and asked him to serve at a target mounted to the back of a Jaguar F-Type SVR (here, he’s getting his eye in with an XE). The Jaguar just happened to be driven by John McEnroe and Murray served an ace as the car sped past at 130mph. This must have been as strange for Murray as it was for us to write.

Advantage, Jaguar

In 2015, Jaguar announced a five-year deal to become the official car partner to the All England Tennis Club for Wimbledon. As part of the agreement, Jaguar supplies 170 vehicles to the London venue throughout the two-week tournament. No wonder the traffic is so bad on the streets of Wimbledon.

Rolls-Royce and the Tennis Classic

Away from Wimbledon, the stars at this year’s Tennis Classic at Hurlingham will be chauffeured around in a selection of Rolls-Royce models. The likes of Marin Cilic, David Ferrer and Richard Gasquet will escape the showers courtesy of a Phantom and a Ghost. At least they’ll have access to an umbrella.

The MercedesCup

“The estate version of the new E-Class is all set to be served up at the MercedesCup tennis tournament in Stuttgart.” You serve up the tennis puns, Mercedes-Benz, we’ll volley them home.

Angelique Kerber nets a new Porsche 911

In 2015, Germany’s Angelique Kerber won the Porsche Grand Prix tennis tournament in Germany by beating Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki in the final. Her prize included a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS. Nice.

Andy Murray and his BMW i8

Meanwhile, over in Munich, Britain’s Andy Murray collected the keys to his new i8 electric supercar after winning the BMW Open tennis tournament. Looks like he’s struggling to get comfy. Probably a good idea if Murray doesn’t mention this car to Jaguar…

Lindsay Davenport and her Porsche 911

Of course, scooping a new car by winning a tennis tournament is nothing new. Here’s American tennis star, Lindsay Davenport and her Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS at the German Porsche Grand Prix tennis tournament in 2004.

Tommy Haas and his BMW Z4

Meanwhile, in 2003, Tommy Haas drove home in a brand new BMW Z4 after beating Philipp Kohlschreiber in the final of the BMW Open tennis tournament in Munich. We won a few tennis tournaments at school, but we were never given a car as a prize. That’s probably because the tournaments were sponsored by the local double-glazing firm and not an international car company. Pictured is a later “Winner” Z4.

Wimbledon and parking in 1923

But enough of these lavish prizes and on to something more civilised. Wimbledon is of course the oldest tennis tournament in the world. The first championships were held in 1870 and the Olympics arrived in Wimbledon in 1908. The tournament moved to Church Road in 1922 and No.1 Court opened in 1924. Here we see the tennis courts in 1923. You probably had to be someone very special to park this close to the court.

Where to see the latest Top Gear challenge cars

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 12, 2019

Cars from the current series of Top Gear are now on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

In a press release that describes Chris Harris as a ‘veteran’ – we’re sure @harrismonkey is chuffed with that – Beaulieu says that six cars have joined the World of Top Gear display.

So that’s the Triumph Spitfire, Subaru Brat and Nissan Leaf from the 24 Minutes of Le Mansfield, the Overtaker hearse, and the Austin Allegro and Matra Bagheera from the Borneo jungle.

The Allegro and Bagheera starred in the latest episode, with Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness tasked with buying rare but cheap classic cars. Upon their return to the UK, the cars were painted in rainbow colours, as a protest against Brunei’s stance on homosexuality.

Let the monkey see the nuts

The bright blue Overtaker started life as a Daimer hearse before McGuinness set about creating the ultimate secondhand family car. The Overtaker took part in a series of events before Flintoff unceremoniously rolled it during an off-road challenge.

When it comes to crashing Top Gear cars, Flintoff has form. During the 24 Minutes of Le Mansfield, the former cricketer and king of the jungle crashed his Subaru Brat ‘hybrid’ into a market stall.

‘Veteran’ Chris Harris drove an electric Triumph Spitfire, while McGuiness took to the streets in a modified Nissan Leaf.

Let the crown see the jewels

The World of Top Gear display has a number of former challenge vehicles, including the SsangYacht, Dampervan, Reliant Robin Space Shuttle and the indestructible Toyota Hilux.

Visitors to Beaulieu can view the Top Gear cars as part of their general admission ticket, with advance tickets costing £19.50 for adults and £9.50 for children. Under 5s go free. For more ticket information visit the Beaulieu website.

In 2017, we caught up with Chris Harris ahead of the relaunch of the World of Top Gear exhibition. You can watch the interview here:

Highways England has ONE WAY to tackle F1 traffic

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 12, 2019

More than 340,000 spectators and 125,000 vehicles are expected to converge on Silverstone for the F1 Grand Prix this weekend, creating a potential traffic disaster.

But Highways England has come up with what it calls a ‘winning formula’ to help ease congestion around the Northampton circuit.

A one-way system will be introduced on the A43 and extra traffic officers will be patrolling the roads over the three-day F1 weekend (Friday to Sunday), with the aim of reducing traffic and minimising delays.

More advice on Motoring Research

From 6am until around 1pm on Sunday, the A43 northbound will be one-way from the B4525 interchange to Silverstone. The A43 southbound will be closed to through traffic at Silverstone.

Later, from 2.30pm to around 8pm, the A43 southbound will be one-way from Silverstone to the B4525 interchange. Meanwhile, the A43 northbound will be one-way from Silverstone to the Abthorpe roundabout.

Keeping the traffic moving

Highways England’s emergency planning officer, Jamie Tomlin, said: “The British Grand Prix is the biggest date in the motor racing calendar so we have been working closely with Silverstone Race Circuit to try to ease traffic flow and get the tens of thousands of people to and from the event as smoothly and safely as possible.

“One of the key elements of the traffic management is operating a one-way system on the A43, which makes optimum use of the carriageways during peak times.

“We will have extra traffic officers and recovery resources on duty and patrolling the area to deal with any incidents as quickly as possible to keep the traffic moving.

“We would urge anyone attending the Grand Prix to leave plenty of time for their journeys and to follow the signs from the M1, M40 and on their car parking pass, rather than relying on sat navs.”

On-site parking for the weekend is now sold out, so Highways England is urging visitors to avoid the car parks unless they have pre-booked. Silverstone is advising F1 visitors to use the Megabus and Stagecoach services and warns motorists that they will be fined if they have not pre-purchased a car parking pass.

Around 90,000 vehices are expected to use public parking, with a further 21,000 taking advantage of the park and ride facility.

More information on the event, car parks, buses and timetable can be found on the Silverstone website.

Skoda Scala launches THIS WEEKEND in UK dealers

Richard Aucock

July 12, 2019

Deliveries of the new Skoda Scala five-door family hatchback begin this weekend in dealers across the UK. The new family five-door hatchback costs from £16,595 and many retailers are holding special launch events for the all-new motor.

Skoda has put together a special finance offer for the new Scala in time for its launch. The 5.9 percent APR Solutions PCP deal includes a £1,250 dealer deposit contribution.

A Skoda service plan, including the first two services and inspections, can be added on for just £159.

Skoda’s rival to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf will come very well-equipped straight out the box; every variant features LED headlamps, air conditioning and alloy wheels as standard. Every model also has the biggest boot in the family hatch sector.

The entry-level S gets a snazzy leather steering wheel, all-round electric windows and DAB radio, along with safety aids such as front brake assist and a lane-keeping aid. However, the S won’t be among the first batch of deliveries: it arrives later in the year.

This means the effective entry-level Scala for buyers eager to get behind the wheel is the mid-grade SE – with prices starting from £18,580.

The SE does come with a useful equipment boost, though. An upgraded infotainment system called Bolero, with an 8-inch touchscreen and more speakers, plus cruise control rear parking sensors and Skoda’s famous built-in umbrella, feature as standard.

Top-line Scala trim is SE L grade, priced from £20,380. This version, claims Skoda, has one of the most comprehensive standard specs in its sector. The infotainment system is upgraded again, to a 9.2-inch Amundsen setup with glass touchscreen (which Skoda also claims is the biggest in the sector), the gauges turn into a digital cockpit display, and air con becomes climate control.

Alloys grow from 16-inches to 17-inches, the rear lights turn into LED units, with fancy ‘sweeping’ indicators, and privacy glass is added at the rear. Inside, seats get Microsuede trim and extra chrome features inside.

Just as with trim lines, Skoda also keeps the engine choice down to three: two petrols and, because it still makes sense to some, a diesel.

A 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine comes with 115hp at launch (a cheaper 95hp motor arrives with the S grade later in the year – this is the £16,595 car) and the range-topper is the 150hp 1.5-litre TSI. The diesel is a 1.6-litre TDI with 115hp. Skoda will let every engine bar the base 95hp motor be paired with an optional DSG automatic. It will also tell us fuel economy and CO2 figures a little nearer launch time.

Filling the gap in the range between the Fabia supermini and larger Octavia, the Skoda Scala is to fight with some of the best-selling cars in Britain. With prices several thousand pounds less than its new rivals, it will be an interesting new addition to the sector.

Renault Australia creates special Koleos SUV inspired by Formula 1

John Redfern

July 12, 2019

Australian fans of the Renault F1 Team can now grab themselves a special edition of the Koleos family-sized SUV.

The Koleos is currently the best-selling model in the Renault Australia range, and now pays tribute to the company’s motorsport heritage. The Formula Edition also makes a nod to Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Just 400 units of the Formula Edition will be offered for sale, with prices beginning from $36,940 across the nation.

The 400 buyers who opt for the Formula Edition will see 19-inch Prometheus alloy wheels, black exterior mirrors, and silver side steps making an appearance.

Most important is the special Formula Edition decal, attached to the rear of the Koleos. Customers can pick between Universal White, Metallic Grey and Metallic Black as exterior colour choices.

Although Daniel Ricciardo may have provided some of the inspiration, don’t expect performance like his Renault F1 car. All Koleos Formula Editions come in front-wheel drive format, and use a 2.5-litre petrol engine with 126kW and 226Nm of torque.

Ricciardo made the shock decision to ditch Red Bull Racing at the end of 2018, making the leap to the Renault F1 Team for the 2019 season.

Despite notching up seven race wins in F1 with Red Bull, Ricciardo believed Renault would offer him better opportunities in the future. On making the move, the Perth-born driver accepted he would need to take some short-term pain.

So far Ricciardo has scored 16 World Championship points in 2019, leaving him 10th in the overall standings after nine races. This weekend sees the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Ricciardo will be hoping for better fortune.

The Volkswagen Beetle is dead (again)

Ethan Jupp

July 11, 2019

Volkswagen has officially ended production of the Beetle in Mexico – again. The original Type 1 Beetle survived there until 2003 and now the third-generation car (successor to the ‘New Beetle’) is no more.

Production of the third-gen Beetle was short compared with the Type 1, which was made (on and off) for more than five decades. Indeed, its roots go back to designs first conceived in the 1920s.

In all, more than 21 million Type 1 Beetles were built.

The outgoing car, meanwhile, ends production just eight years after its 2011 debut. Half a million have been made in that time.

The Volkswagen de Mexico production line will now gear up for a small, sub-Tiguan SUV.

“It’s impossible to imagine where Volkswagen would be without the Beetle,” said Scott Keogh, president of Volkswagen Group of America.

“From its first import in 1949 to today’s retro-inspired design, it has showcased our company’s ability to fit round pegs into square holes of the automotive industry. While its time has come, the role it has played in the evolution of our brand will be forever cherished.”

The second-generation New Beetle was a bit more of a success. The Mexican plant built 1.2 million examples of that car between 1998 and 2010.

It was something of a pioneer at the time, introducing the idea of a modernised retro design. It also came with a flower vase on the dashboard.

The Beetle has been around for near-on 75 years. And if you count the KdF-Wagens of the Nazi era, that’s over 85 years.

Regardless of what we think of the Beetle, a couple of things are certain: it was the original people’s car, and it will be remembered.

Drivers more likely to be breathalysed in Europe

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 11, 2019

British motorists driving abroad this summer are being advised to stay off the booze. Lower drink-drive limits and a higher chance of being stopped and breathalysed are the issues facing drivers who choose to drink and drive in Europe.

In Estonia, an astonishing 68 percent of inhabitants are breath-tested every year, while the figure in Poland is 47 percent, 28 percent in Finland, 19 percent in Austria and 15 percent in France.

Drivers should be prepared for strict drink-drive laws, with Malta the only country with the same 0.8mg of alcohol per millilitre of blood limit you’d find in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In most European countries, the limit is 0.5mg, while drivers in Poland, Norway and Sweden are limited to 0.2mg.

Meanwhile, the authorities in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Russia operate a zero tolerance approach to drink-driving.

‘Remove the guesswork’

Hunter Abbott, managing director of AlcoSense Laboratories, suggests carrying a breathalyser in the car to “remove the guesswork” from drink-driving.

“It’s far easier than you think to still be under the influence the morning after a few drinks the night before. If you drank four pints of medium-strong beer or four large glasses of wine, it could take as long as 14 hours for the alcohol to clear your system.

“This is especially important when extra care must be taken driving on the opposite side of the road.”

When driving through France, drivers are obliged by law to carry a single-use breathalyser in their car that is NF approved (the French version of the British Standard Kite Mark).

Drink-drive limits across Europe

These are the maximum drink-drive limits across Europe for drivers, along with special limits for commercial and novice drivers. All figures shown in grammes per litre.

See the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) website for more information.

	Standard	Commercial drivers	Novice drivers
Austria	0.5	0.1	0.1
Belgium	0.5	0.2	0.5
Bulgaria	0.5	0.5	0.5
Croatia	0.5	0.0	0.0
Cyprus	0.5	0.2	0.2
Czech Republic	0.0	0.0	0.0
Denmark	0.5	0.5	0.5
Estonia	0.2	0.2	0.2
Finland	0.5	0.5	0.5
France	0.5	0.5 (0.2 bus drivers)	0.2
Germany	0.5	0.0	0.0
Greece	0.5	0.2	0.2
Hungary	0.0	0.0	0.0
Ireland	0.5	0.2	0.2
Italy	0.5	0.0	0.0
Latvia	0.5	0.5	0.2
Lithuania	0.4	0.0	0.0
Luxembourg	0.5	0.2	0.2
Malta	0.5	0.2	0.2
Netherlands	0.5	0.5	0.2
Poland	0.2	0.2	0.2
Portugal	0.5	0.2	0.2
Romania	0.0	0.0	0.0
Slovakia	0.0	0.0	0.0
Slovenia	0.5	0.0	0.0
Spain	0.5	0.3	0.3
Sweden	0.2	0.2	0.2
UK*	0.8	0.8	0.8
Switzerland	0.5	0.1	0.1

*Scotland 0.5 for all groups.

Bond theme for Red Bull F1 racers at Silverstone GP

Richard Aucock

July 11, 2019

The Red Bull Racing F1 cars will carry prominent 007 James Bond logos – and Bond number plates – for the Silverstone Grand Prix this weekend to mark a fun milestone: the 1,007^th Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The Aston Martin-backed racers will feature 007 logos as part of a one-off race livery. The pit garage will also get a makeover styled on Q’s MI6 laboratory.

Both F1 cars will even display Bond number plates on their rear wings.

Lead driver Max Verstappen will get the most famous plate: BMT 216 A, from the Aston Martin DB5 in 1964’s Goldfinger.

His team-mate Pierre Gasly will get B 549 WUU, as seen on the Aston Martin V8 from 1987’s The Living Daylights.

Aston Martin will also run the special edition Aston Martin DBS Superleggera ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ on track during the F1 race weekend.

The firm is building 50 limited-run cars to mark 50 years since the original DBS featured in the film.

In addition, a display of classic Aston Martins will be displayed in the Bond In Motion exhibition, located in the Fanzone.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “Aston Martin is proud of its association with James Bond.

“This weekend, we look forward to celebrating this longstanding partnership at Formula One’s 1,007^th Grand Prix.”

Bentley boss: “If we could build an electric Bentley tomorrow, we would”

Ethan Jupp

July 10, 2019

Last weekend I joined Bentley at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This is an important year for the British brand, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Bentley’s presence could be felt across Goodwood. On the hillclimb, legends from the road and the track were giving no-holds-barred performance demonstrations. Elsewhere, a pack of concours Continentals celebrated the R Type, while a centenary display spanned the company’s history on the ‘cricket pitch’.

Bentley ‘Birkin single-seater’ making a lovely racket at #FOS pic.twitter.com/utZ1uqvWcx

— Ethan Jupp (@EthanIsSaying) July 10, 2019

While all eyes were on Bentley’s illustrious past, however, I sat down with Adrian Hallmark, the new chairman and CEO, to talk about what the future holds. The Gurney enclosure is the perfect spot to enjoy action on the hill, with a view straight down after the second corner past the house. It’s not so great for in-depth conversation, but we weren’t complaining. As lunch was served, we wasted no time…

What comes next?

It’s a curious period of transition for Bentley. The vice of emissions regulations grips ever tighter and the marque is also dealing with rapidly changing customer demands. It has also just previewed what the Bentley of 2035 might look like, with the stunning EXP 100 GT Concept.

In the immediate term, coupes and saloons aren’t the volume-selling machines they once were, but SUVs continue to find favour. Saloons remain popular in China and the United States, though, and should be served perfectly by the new Flying Spur. The Bentayga answered the SUV question a couple of years back.

The Mulsanne remains a relic of the last decade, albeit a delightful one. Hallmark concedes that its days are numbered: “Mulsanne is a tiny business. It’s China, the US, the Middle East, and mostly long-wheelbase. We sell 500 cars a year globally. I love Mulsanne, but it’s the end of an era. That kind of product, for most people, even if you’ve got a billion in the bank, doesn’t fit with people’s lives anymore.

“Bentley always needs to be at the top of luxury and performance. Whether that means something like Mulsanne, remains to be seen,” he continued, on the notion of a ‘halo’ Bentley. The Mulsanne is on a clock, then, but it should live on until 2023.

As for the rest of the range, the coming years will see hybridisation across the board, from the new Flying Spur to the rest of the GT line-up. The Bentayga hybrid was first out, with deliveries scheduled to start soon.

Hallmark told us to expect a range of hybrid Continentals in dealers before the end of next year, although he insists they must be an option, not the option.

Will we see an electric Bentley?

Electric power is a curious question for Bentley. Our two cents is that it would suit something like the Mulsanne beautifully – being refined yet torque-rich. There’s the expense, too. It’s difficult to lump hatchback buyers with the premiums that such technology commands. A six-figure Bentley can more easily absorb the four- or five-figure cost of electric tech.

With the weight and power of current batteries, Hallmark is unsure, but has his finger on the pulse: “The problem we have is that batteries available are too weak. Power density, battery management and longevity need to improve. It’s got to be the right size, the right level of performance, with the right range. Parity with a petrol-engined car would be enough: 250-400 miles of range.

“We’re first in the queue to get the right level of battery in our cars, that’s around five years away, with the company that the Group [Volkswagen Group] has invested in, but we’re in no rush. If we could do a credible electric Bentley tomorrow, we would. But we can’t.”

Hallmark says we can expect the first all-electric Bentley on the road nearer to 2025.

Is there demand for an electric Bentley?

As far as customer attitudes to electric power go, it’s a mixed picture. On the one hand, Hallmark tells us, vintage Bentley owners couldn’t be less interested. On the other, younger Bentley buyers like the idea of an electric offering.

“Once a year, we survey buyers in the luxury marketplace. Around 30 percent of those people are Bentley buyers. Ask them if they’re interested in an electric vehicle and 10 percent say ‘yes’. If you ask those interested in a Bentley whether they’re keen on the idea of an electric Bentley, 30 percent say ‘yes’. I don’t want to be the last turkey in the butcher’s shop on Christmas Eve when it comes to customer choice. If we’re the last to get into the electric market, we will lose out.”

Why is there an increased interest in an electric Bentley? Well, the brand is slap bang in the middle-ground between sport and luxury – unlike McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini or even Aston Martin, where internal combustion powertrains are more central to their appeal. “Who wants an electric McLaren?” Hallmark jokes.

“Our brand is not as clearly positioned, because we don’t just build red sports cars with two seats. We build cars people use daily. Do they knock on the door saying ‘Where’s my BEV, where’s my BEV?’ No. But the interest is there.

“We did a clinic with a product concept that went really well. The upper end of what you’d hope for. We asked them: ‘What powertrain do you think it had?’. Most said ’12-cylinder, possibly hybrid, 600-800 horsepower’. ‘OK,’ we said, ‘how would you feel about it being a battery electric vehicle?’ A 30 percent increase in appeal.”

Will Bentley kill off petrol engines?

Although the desire for an electric Bentley is high, the petrol engine has life in it yet.

“We’re not ashamed of internal combustion. We want to offer both options and let the customer make the choice. We’re proud of the last hundred years, but we’ve got to think of the next hundred.”

“We may never phase out internal combustion if synthetic fuel is cracked. We’ll be one of the last if we do.”

Hallmark is simultaneously anxious to electrify, then, and keen to keep internal combustion. He told us the only Bentley model that the new WLTP fuel economy test didn’t ‘get’ was the Mulsanne, because its V8 is so under-stressed.

The ultimate luxury is choice, then, and it’s one that Bentley fully intends to keep on the options list.

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