Speaking at the UK launch of the 2019 model year Levante, Mike Biscoe, Maserati GB General Manager, confirmed that demand for the diesel-powered version of the SUV was still strong. There are also no immediate plans to add hybrid power to the premium 4×4 model.
With 275hp from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the diesel Levante has marked the least costly route into ownership of the Italian-built SUV.
However, the new 2019 Levante sees the addition of a new turbocharged V6 petrol engine, offering a more affordable option for buyers wanting to eschew diesel power. Built by Ferrari in Maranello, the new 350hp version of the 3.0-litre V6 engine bridges the gap in the Levante range between the diesel model and higher-powered 430hp petrol Levante S.
With a list price of £61,425, the new 350hp petrol Levante undercuts the Levante S by more than £11,000. The diesel Levante is still the cheapest model at £58,315.
The Levante is of key importance to Maserati brand, accounting for 50% of total sales for the brand. Sales in China and North America have also proven to be significant, with the Levante GTS recently being crowned as the ‘SUV of Texas’ for 2018.
Adding a luxury SUV to the range has also proved significant in attracting new customers to the brand. Some 90 percent of Levante buyers are new to Maserati, with 70 percent attracted from key competitor brands.
Along with the addition of the new petrol engine, the changes to the 2019 model year Levante aim to ensure it remains competitive against rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q8.
Revised exterior styling for the GranSport trim level, a wider range of exterior and interior trim choices, and updates to the infotainment system are part of the revisions.
BMW has released details of the new 330e plug-in hybrid, which will go on sale in July 2019.
It’s faster and lighter than before, but the big news is the electric range, with the 330e offering up to 37 miles of emissions-free driving – a healthy increase of 12 miles over the outgoing model.
Other figures of note include a WLTP-certified 138mpg and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km. Sadly, following the recent changes to the government plug-in car grant, the BMW 330e no longer qualifies for a green car discount.
Still, at least the performance gets a boost, thanks to the development of the aptly-named XtraBoost mode. In a first for BMW, the system temporarily increases the output of the plug-in hybrid drive from 252hp with an addition of up to 41hp.
‘Flair and precision’
BMW claims that this system offers the ‘drive characteristics that are typical of the 3 Series’, and includes an accelerator pedal curve that offers ‘sporty flair and precision’. There’s even a model-specific sound design that includes ‘highly emotional engine acoustics’.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, with adaptive suspension, sports steering and upgraded brakes available as options. This might just be a greener alternative to the recently announced BMW M340i.
The 0-62mph time has dropped to 6.0 seconds, while the top speed is 143mph, or 68mph in electric mode.
The 330e will be available in SE, Sport Line and M Sport trim levels, and ‘virtually the entire range of optional equipment features’ will be available to UK buyers. No prices have been announced, but we’d expect the new BMW 330e to cost upwards of £40,000.
Motorcycle Live begins this weekend, one of the final major motoring events of 2018. To help provide guidance as the 2019 new bike buying season begins, Auto Trader Bikes has conducted its annual run-through of the best new bikes you can buy.
The Auto Trader Best Bike Awards 2018 comprises 12 categories, with one bike going forward to be named the overall winner of the Best Bike Awards. “Whether you’re a first-time rider looking for a humble 50cc,” say the judges, “or an adrenaline junkie seeking a 200+ horsepower superbike… the awards reveal the best machines on two wheels”.
Find a used motorcycle on Auto Trader Bikes
How the bikes were judged
A total of 36 motorcycles were tested for the 2018 Auto Trader Best Bike Awards, from 16 different manufacturers. Machines for all levels of rider ability were sampled, including for learners and those taking their CBT.
Judges assessed machines across a broad criteria, including performance, practicality, reliability, running costs, appearance and technical features. “Our impartial awards, now in its fifth year, brings independent judges together to celebrate the best bikes available in each category, giving honest and transparent advice and guidance to UK bikers, said Auto Trader Bikes director, Rob Morphet.
Best Scooter: Honda X-ADV
Runners up: Piaggio MP3, Vespa GTS300
Half scooter, half adventure bike, more than a little bonkers – the judges didn’t quite know what to make of Honda’s innovative X-ADV, but they ended up falling for it. “This bold hybrid is practical and fun,” they said, and is “brilliantly executed”. However, the price of almost £10,000 did raise a few eyebrows.
Best AM: Peugeot Speedfight 50
Runners up: Yamaha Aerox 50, Aprilia SX50
The long-running Peugeot Speedfight is the gold standard among scooters if you’re 16 years old. This is the poster scooter, the ultimate, and the latest model is “smart, cool, easy to ride and has a top notch image”. Complete with phone dock, USB socket and backlit digital dash, the cool factor is better than it’s ever been, too.
Best A1: Aprilia SX125
Runners up: Honda CB125R, Lexmoto Titan 125
This is “Aprilia at its best”. The SX125 is “cool, fun, easy to ride, well equipped and affordable”. Judges described it as the perfect A1 motorcycle and a great learner supermoto with proven quality. The only area where some may struggle with this novice-friendly motorcycle is its tall saddle.
Best A2: Kawasaki Ninja 400
Runners up: Honda CB300R, Triumph A2 Speed Triple
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is “a great sports bike introduction for novices”. Its mini ZX-10R styling means the wow-factor is off the scale, but while it’s involving to ride, it’s also unintimidating. An easy, entertaining machine.
Best Middleweight: Suzuki SV650X
Runners up: KTM 790 Duke, Ducati Monster 821
The SV650 isn’t the newest of machines, but it’s ‘X’ naked makeover has turned it into a fun cafe racer that’s appealing and affordable. Not only is it surprisingly convincing, it’s also great value for money. It may seem like bandwagon jumping by Suzuki, but the overall machine is much better than that.
Best Naked: Triumph Speed Triple RS
Runners up: Honda CB1000R, Husqvarna Vitpilen
The original super naked has been improved for 2018 and is now better than ever. A 10hp power boost is useful (although others remain more powerful still), and the RS additions of Ohlins suspension, carbon bits and Arrow exhausts add to the classic charisma. Handling is now better than ever, too.
A tiny British motorcycle maker, CCM has come up trumps with the Spitfire Flatracker. It’s a cool, fun city bike that’s simple and packed with feel, although the judges do admit it’s “not versatile, practical or sensible”.
Best Adventure: BMW R1200GS Adventure
Runners up: Honda Africa Twin Sports Adventure, Triumph Tiger 800
The standard by which all others are judged: Auto Trader Bikes calls the BMW R1200GS “the Range Rover amongst bikes – the definitive”. The Adventure is the ultimate version, with a bigger tank and more rugged looks.
Best Sports Tourer: Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
Runners up: Kawasaki H2 SX, Yamaha Nikken
The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT is the best ‘do it all’ sports tourer of 2018 – made even better by a revised body and seat. The MT-09 underpinnings mean it’s a fun ride and the GT spec adds panniers, adjustable suspension, heated grips and a cool TFT screen.
Best Cruiser: Harley Davidson Fat Bob
Runners up: Triumph Bobber Black, India Springfield
Harley Davidson has completely revamped its big twin cruiser line-up for 2018. Now focused on the Softail, an all-new frame means it’s lighter, handles better, is quicker and generally more modern-feeling. The V-twin engine is now liquid cooled, there’s an LED headlight at the front and equipment levels are 2018-spec as well.
Best Tourer: Honda Gold Wing GL 1800
Runners up: BMW K1600 Grand America, Triumph Trophy 1200
The gold standard of full-size luxury tourers, the Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 is another machine that’s all-new for 2018. New Gold Wings don’t come around that often, and the latest one offers “astounding refinement and ability… it’s a quantum leap on before”. The flat-six engine is silky-smooth and delivers more power, there’s a clever new DCT gearbox, it’s surprisingly lighter than before – although, at nearly £30,000, it’s hardly a budget buy.
Best Sports: Ducati Panigale V4S
Runners up: BMW HP4, Yamaha R1M
Ducati has done the unthinkable, and swapped the Panigale’s V-twin engine for a brand new V4. In doing so, it’s transformed its sports bike, “setting a new standard in superbike performance”. The decision to ditch the V-twin is “utterly vindicated [by] the sheer brilliance and speed of the Panigale”. The only negatives? The fact that it looks virtually identical to the old model. Oh, and the small matter of a list price as much as £10,000 more than some rivals.
Best Bike Awards 2018 overall winner: Ducati Panigale V4S
It’s a strong gathering of new bikes for 2018, but the exceptional Ducati Panigale V4S’ sheer breadth of brilliance saw the judges give it the nod.
Guest judge Andrew Shim – ‘Milky’ from This is England – summed it up: “The Ducati V4S is by far the superior bike this year. I own a Ducati V4S and I can say first-hand that Ducati hasn’t just moved the goal posts; it’s changed the game.”
Jaguar Land Rover is trialling a guidance system that helps drivers avoid red lights by telling them the best speed to drive at.
The feature, fitted to a Jaguar F-Pace prototype, uses futuristic Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2X) tech, which allows cars to ‘speak’ to infrastructure such as traffic lights.
Cars of the future will know the sequence and timings of traffic lights and set the best speed to avoid stopping at red signals.
Jaguar Land Rover calls it the ‘Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory’ system, or GLOSA. In the prototype, an ideal speed range is shown on the speedo in green: if the driver sticks to this, they’ll pass through the traffic light ahead on green.
The firm says tech such as this will improve air quality because drivers won’t race to beat the lights or get stuck at them and then have to race away again.
The freer-flowing traffic will lead to fewer delays as well – and less-stressed commuters.
Other features developed as part of the V2X project include collision warning systems at junctions, and an emergency vehicle warning – signals are sent to connected cars to say an emergency vehicle is approaching, and in which direction it will arrive.
Oriol Quintana-Morales, Jaguar Land Rover Connected Technology research engineer, said: “This cutting-edge technology will radically reduce the time we waste at traffic lights.
“It has the potential to revolutionise driving by creating safe, free-flowing cities that take the stress out of commuting.”
The system is being tested as part of the UK Autodrive project, which is based in Coventry and Milton Keynes. This is a £20 million government-funded three-year project that aims to speed up the roll-out of self-driving and connected car technology. Jaguar Land Rover is a core partner in the project, which began in October 2015.
2018 is proving to be a vintage year for petrolheads seeking events to attend and car shows to go to. There’s something to do every single month, from the national headline-grabbers to regional must-sees that even those living miles away should try not to miss.
We’ve thus rounded up a variety of events for 2018, from local classic car shows to unmissable motorsport spectaculars. You’ve spent enough time prepping and waxing: now join us in planning your year of cars.
We start with the ones you still have the chance to attend. Then, further down, there are the ones you’ve missed, but which might still inspire you for 2019…
Motorcycle Live, NEC Birmingham (17 – 25 November)
Motorcycle Live is Britain’s biggest bike show. This year’s opening day on Saturday 17 November will be attended by no fewer than 11 motorcycle world champions, and all the biggest brands will be there too with their 2019 machines. Parking is free if you ride to Motorcycle Live (the organisers have secure, covered parking) and while adults pay £19.50, children aged 11 to 16 go in for just £1, and those aged 10 and under get in for free!
Sorry! The car shows in 2018 you’ve already missed!
These are all so good, we’d advise booking early for next year…
Ace Cafe Ford Enthusiasts meet (6 January)
If you live close to London and are stuck for something to do of an evening, there’s something on at the Ace Cafe most nights. We’ve included the Ford Enthusiasts meet on 6 January because it’s for charity, it’s on a Saturday and who doesn’t love fast Fords?
Autosport International (11 – 14 January)
Motorsport your thing? If so, get down to Birmingham’s NEC for Autosport International. Celebrating its 28th anniversary in 2018, the annual event will cover all aspects of motorsport from grassroots karting right up to Formula One.
London Classic Car Show, Excel (15 – 18 February)
If classic cars are more your cup of tea, you don’t have to wait long until the London Classic Car Show, held at Excel in February. For 2018, the central Grand Avenue will focus on ‘specials’, while a ‘getaway cars’ feature will pay homage to the likes of the Audi Quattro.
Race Retro, Stoneleigh (23 – 25 February)
Historic motorsport fans need only to wait until February for the annual Race Retro event, held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. Highlights include an auction of historic cars, interviews with legendary racing drivers and, of course, a live rally stage.
Geneva Motor Show (8 – 18 March)
The Geneva Motor Show is one of the biggest motoring events on the calendar – we attend every year to bring you the latest concept and production cars on display in Switzerland’s second biggest city. But you don’t need to be a journalist to attend the Geneva Motor Show: it opens its doors to the public from 8 March, allowing you to get up close with the latest cars. It makes for a fantastic road-trip.
Ultimate Dubs (11 March)
From Geneva to… Telford. Ultimate Dubs is the UK’s largest indoor VW Group event, catering for modified Volkswagens, Audis, Seats and Skodas. If slammed VW Golfs and Audi TTs with more attitude than a bored teenager are your thing, Ultimate Dubs is the ultimate place to be in March.
Goodwood Members’ Meeting (17 – 18 March)
The exclusive Goodwood Members’ Meeting is a weekend of motor racing, enjoyed only by members or a small number of lucky ticket holders. By keeping attendance down, spectators can enjoy motorsport with limited crowds. Alternatively, watch it unfold online.
Techno Classica, Essen, Germany (21 – 25 March)
The five-day-long Techno Classica show in Essen, Germany, is a must for British classic car fans who’ve outgrown our own shows. It attracts nearly 200,000 visitors from around the world.
Looking for an excuse to travel further afield? Stuttgart hosts Retro Classics, one of the biggest classic motor shows in the world. There’s something for everyone, say the organisers, from exotic Maseratis to motorbikes, and even a gathering of historic agricultural machines.
Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham (23 March – 25 March)
The Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show is a relatively new addition to the calendar, but 21,000 enthusiasts are expected to head to the NEC for the event in 2018. There will be more than 1,000 cars on display – from restored classics to neglected barn finds. Adult tickets start at £18 in advance.
Great Escape Cars & Coffee, Redditch (25 March)
The best classic events can involve little more than arranging a gathering of enthusiasts (and their motors), giving them coffee and letting them chat cars. Hire firm Great Escape Cars lets you do just that – and donates £1 to charity for every classic car that turns up. They’re held once a month between March and October, with the first on 25 March.
BTCC season launch, Donington (27 March)
Where else can you see names such as Gordon Shedden and Jason Plato hammering souped-up road cars on tracks around the UK? Head to Donington in March for a pre-season preview of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship.
The Fast Show, Santa Pod (15 April)
If your idea of a car show is a village green full of MGBs and, at a push, a beer tent, The Fast Show at Santa Pod probably isn’t for you. It involves an open ‘run what ya brung’ drag strip sessions, a nightclub in the evening and even an on-site lap dance club. Yup, in 2018.
Top Marques, Monaco (19 – 22 April)
The Fast Show this is not. Top Marques is held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, and allows visitors to get up close to the world’s hottest supercars. Demonstrations take place on the iconic F1 racetrack and, if you’re a serious supercar buyer, you might even be able to take some test-drives.
Drive It Day (22 April)
Drive It Day is a nationwide thing, introduced by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) to encourage classic car owners to drive their cars. It’s held in spring every year – giving enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to get their cars on the road after winter. Events are held all over the country, including at Beaulieu, Brooklands and Gaydon.
Donington Historic Festival (4 – 6 May)
It seems like the first Bank Holiday weekend of May is the one for car enthusiasts to look forward to in 2018. Classic car racing fans in the east of England are catered for by the Donington Historic Festival – and we don’t mean Download. Advance tickets cost £21.
Auto Italia – Italian Car Day, Brooklands (5 May)
In May, Brooklands hosts Auto Italia’s fabulous Italian Car Day. Visitors in Italian cars – whether it’s a Fiat or a Ferrari – get to park in a special area, while fans can enjoy track demonstrations.
Japfest, Silverstone (6 May)
Meanwhile, over at Silverstone, Japanese car nuts can enjoy the enormous Japfest event. Watch drifting demos, take part in club line-ups and even get out on track. There’s even a show and shine for those who like to keep their motors in mint condition. Can’t make it? There’s another Japfest event at Donington in June.
Truckfest, Peterborough (6 – 7 May)
And now for something a bit different. For one weekend, the East of England showground becomes the country’s biggest truck park – with more than 2,000 lorries heading along the A1 to take part in Truckfest. You don’t have to be a trucker to attend, with adult visitor tickets starting at £17.50. If trucks are your thing, there are a number of Truckfest events around the country throughout the year.
National Kit Car Motor Show, Stoneleigh (6 – 7 May)
If you like your cars to be of the DIY variety, the National Kit Car Show at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire is a must. From have-a-go opportunities to live music and hundreds of trade stands, there’s plenty for the casual fan as well as the serious kit car enthusiast.
Worthersee Treffen, Austria (9 – 12 May)
If you’re a VW enthusiast and want to travel a little further afield, the Worthersee Volkswagen festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. There’s a manufacturer-backed element – VW revealed its Up GTI there last year – but the whole town is taken over by retro and modified Vee-dubs.
Nurburgring 24-hour, Germany (10 – 13 May)
Why not combine a trip to Worthersee with a visit to the infamous Nurburgring for its annual 24-hour race? More than 200 cars take part in the event on the 15.5-mile Nordschleife circuit, making it a mesmerising spectacle.
Mille Miglia (16 – 19 May)
The original Mille Miglia race took place between 1927 and 1957, but has been brought back since 1977. The thousand-mile event crosses Italy and is only open to cars made before 1957 that participated in the original race. While most of us aren’t lucky enough to own such a car, it’s worth a trip to see the spectacle of such exotic motors being put through the challenge.
London Motor Show (17 – 20 May)
After a number of years without a motor show in the UK, the London Motor Show returned in 2016, while 2017 saw a record-breaking 25,000 spectators visit the event. With a new venue at the Excel, organisers are promising a show two-and-a-half times bigger than previous years.
Silverstone Speedmachine Festival 2018 (26 – 27 May)
Silverstone Speedmachine brings together the British round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship with a packed array of attractions including motorsport, music, food and more. Check out our full event preview to see why you need to be at Silverstone this weekend. Even better: on-the-gate tickets for Saturday and Sunday cost from £70.
Coventry MotoFest (2 – 3 June)
You can imagine the conversation that led to the inaugural Coventry Motofest taking place in 2014. A group of petrolheads got together and decided it’d be fun, for one weekend a year, to take over the city of Coventry with motoring-related activities. Could they show off the city’s motoring heritage, display classic cars in the centre and even hold demonstrations on the ring road?
Turns out, yes they could. It’s definitely worth a visit.
MG Live, Silverstone (2 – 3 June)
Think of MG enthusiasts and you might picture a small gathering of classic MGBs at a local car show, but MG Live is a much bigger event than you’d expect. Held at Silverstone, the two-day motoring festival is dubbed ‘the world’s largest MG event’, celebrating all that’s great about the brand: from historic racing to displays of the latest models.
Classic Ford Show, Santa Pod (3 June)
Classic Fords, run what ya brung and some no-doubt top class entertainment (DJ Pied Piper himself turned up last year), the Classic Ford Show at Santa Pod in June really has it all. Well, if you like old Fords, drag racing and tasteless garage music.
Fully Charged Live (9 – 10 June)
Want to see every electric and electrified car currently on sale in Britain all in one place? Curated at a show created by former Red Dwarf star, Scrapheap Challenge presenter and YouTube EV evangelist Robert Llewellyn? Then head over to Silverstone on June 9th and 10th for the first-ever Fully Charged Live show. Who knows, it could even convince you that an electric car really could be your next car.
Isle of Man TT (2 – 8 June)
The Isle of Man TT is a must-visit event for bike fans. It’s been taking place every year since 1907, with star racers such as Guy Martin taking to public roads to test their limits. It’s a thrilling event and well worth the cost of a ferry.
24 Hours of Le Mans, France (16 – 17 June)
Even if you’re not a big motorsport fan, no one can fail to get caught up in the atmosphere at Le Mans during its annual 24-hour race. Enjoy a ride on the ferris wheel, watch cars hit 200mph on the Mulsanne Straight in the early hours of the morning and find out exactly what a ‘beer mountain’ is.
Motoring Research is at the Le Mans 24 Hours this year, so keep coming back through the weekend for more news and insights from the show. Indeed, Ferrari’s already made sure it’s a memorable event, by revealing the surprise new 488 Pista Piloti Ferrari there – and it’s no surprise that BMW will be revealing the all-new iteration of its classic 8 Series too…
Bromley Pageant of Motoring (17 June)
With more than 3,000 classic cars in attendance, the annual Bromley Pageant of Motoring claims to be the world’s largest one-day classic car show. Cars are grouped into special one-make parking areas, while the show often attracts special guests in the form of ex-Top Gear presenters.
The BMC and Leyland Show, Gaydon (1 July)
The chances of seeing an Austin Allegro or Leyland Sherpa on the roads today are slim, but if your boat is floated by these unloved classics, the BMC and Leyland show is the place to be. It’s held at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon and is open to all British Motor Corporation, British Leyland and Rover Group vehicles.
The Peugeot Sport Club’s Peugeot Festival, formerly known as Pugfest, has been held at the historic Prescott Hillclimb since 2002. Whether you’re a fan of the legendary 205 GTI or slammed 306s are more your bag, the Peugeot Festival is a must-visit for Pug fans. Tickets start at £12 for non-members, and visitors can drive their car up the hill for just £7 (as long as it’s a Peugeot).
Grand Auto (5 – 8 July)
London car enthusiasts are well catered for in 2018. Grand Auto, a new event held at Olympia by the same company behind the London Classic Car Show, is dedicated to “luxury, prestige, performance and style,” explains its website. Said website makes some big promises, featuring photos of a Bugatti Veyron, a classic Ferrari F40 and various Aston Martins. Watch this space…
Formula 1 British Grand Prix, Silverstone (6 – 8 July)
Like Le Mans, you don’t need to be a huge motorsport fan to be caught up in the atmosphere of the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Tickets are selling out, so book soon if you want to avoid massively inflated prices.
The Supercar Event, Dunsfold (7 – 8 July)
How would you like to take a passenger ride in a supercar on Top Gear’s test track and to raise money for charity at the same time? That’s precisely what The Supercar Event at Dunsfold offers, with owners giving up their time and petrol for nothing. Book ahead for £30 to be guaranteed a ride.
Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood (12 – 15 July)
In 1993, Lord March hosted a hillclimb in the grounds of Goodwood House in Sussex and created the Festival of Speed. Back then, 25,000 spectators attended – today attendance is capped at 150,000. It’s a brilliant opportunity to see historic race cars driving up the infamous hill climb and the recent addition of the Moving Motor Show even allows visitors to get behind the wheel. In 2018, the Festival of Speed will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special ‘silver jubilee’ theme.
Silverstone Classic, Silverstone (20 – 22 July)
Disappointed to have missed out on the Grand Prix? Or just prefer older cars? Don’t miss Silverstone Classic, held in July. It’s more than just classic motor racing: there’s live music, classic car line-ups and even a special retro run on the roads around Silverstone.
It’s the biggest week-day classic car show, with more than 1,000 classics heading to the Hertfordshire town of Harpenden for its annual Classics on the Common event. Starting around lunchtime and running throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the event combines a great atmosphere with an eclectic mix of old and new cars.
Classic Nostalgia at Shelsley Walsh (28 – 29 July)
Worcestershire’s Shelsley Walsh, the world’s oldest motorsport venue, hosts one of the West of England’s “flagship social events” – Classic Nostalgia. The focus is on cars built pre-1980 but there are special showcases each year: for 2018, it’s F1 through the ages, which means an amazing display of F1 racers including Nigel Mansell’s Williams-Renault FW14B!
CarFest North (27 – 29 July)
CarFest was the mad idea of Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans. He may not have succeeded at Top Gear, but his charity event has been a runaway success since its launch in 2012. Millions of pounds have been raised for Children in Need, with tens of thousands of fans heading to CarFest North’s venue at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire each year.
CarFest South (24 – 26 August)
For those of us in the south, there’s a second CarFest event held at Laverstoke Park Farm near Basingstoke, Hampshire. Highlights include action on the hillclimb, as well as live music and even cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs.
Salon Privé, Blenheim Palace (30 August – 1 September)
Salon Privé describes itself as “the UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party”. If rare and exotic Ferraris are your thing, it’s the place to be. Tickets start at £195 plus VAT. No, that’s not a typo.
Beaulieu International Autojumble (1 – 2 September)
If a giant car boot sale full of automotive paraphernalia is your idea of a good day out, head to Beaulieu for its world-famous autojumble. More than 2,000 stalls will be selling every car-related item you could possibly imagine, and there’ll even be around 200 vehicles offered by private sellers.
Goodwood Revival (7 – 9 September)
Step back in time at the Goodwood Revival. Visitors are encouraged to dress in period clothing (in fact, you’ll stand out if you don’t), while historic race cars recreate the golden era of 50s and 60s motorsport. It’s a ‘can’t miss’ event.
Elvington motorcycle world speed record attempt (15 – 16 September)
Want to see a motorcycle possibly set a new world record top speed? Then you need to be at the Straightliners event at Elvington Airfield in North Yorkshire this weekend. Pro rider Zef Eisenberg will take to his 350hp supercharged Suzuki Hayabusa and try for a top speed greater than 217mph – watched by adjudicators from official body FIM. Astonishingly, he’s apparently already hit almost 225mph in testing, so is confident…
Manchester Classic Car Show (15 – 16 September)
The Manchester Classic Car Show lives somewhat in the shadow of its Brummy cousin, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a classic car nut. From a wide array of classic car clubs to a concours event and even a live rally stage, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained.
Land Rover Owner International Show, Peterborough (15 – 16 September)
Once a year, Peterborough plays host to the Land Rover Owner International Show. Whether you drive a tricked-up Disco or a rare Series One, there’s plenty see for every Land Rover enthusiast. Visitors will even be able to take part in a little light off-roading at the nearby Tixover quarry.
Paris Motor Show (4 – 14 October)
The Frankfurt and Paris motor shows alternate every year, with 2018 being the turn of Paris to host the world’s car manufacturers in October. More than a million visitors will attend the event, with a wide range of carmakers revealing their new models at Paris.
Wales hosts a round of the FIA World Rally Championship every October – with Rally GB coming three weeks earlier than usual in 2018. While special stages such as Cholmondeley Castle are a good starting point, we suggest being more adventurous and travelling deep into Wales to get closer to the action without the crowds.
SEMA Show (30 October – 2 November)
To describe SEMA as simply a modified car show is doing it an injustice. It’s massive – taking over the Las Vegas Convention Centre with 2,400 companies all obsessed with tuning cars. You’ll find all kinds of modified cars there – from the classy to the downright outrageous. Even if you can’t stretch to a trip to Vegas for a show alone, it’s worth keeping an eye on media coverage of the show in autumn.
NEC Classic Motor Show, Birmingham (9 – 11 November)
The NEC Classic Motor Show is always a brilliant way to end the year. The show takes over five halls and features classic car clubs, exhibitors selling everything from rare parts to old magazines, and even an auction. Book in advance to save money on tickets. Motoring Research will there so keep coming back throughout the weekend for updates.
The RAC Rally of the Tests is the modern-day equivalent of the original RAC Rally. This year, it starts in Harrogate and runs across the UK to end in Bristol on Sunday. Join us for live coverage and updates from the event!
If you spend the working week with a Costa in the cupholder, a pressed shirt hanging in the rear window, and covering more miles than Chris Rea at Christmas, the chances are you drive a company car. So, you’ll need a vehicle that’s as reliable as your timekeeping and as well-constructed as those triple-height burgers you consume on a daily basis.
Fortunately, the Fleet News FN50 reliability survey is here to help. Put simply, these are the most reliable company cars, according to the country’s 50 biggest leasing companies.
10th most reliable company car – Nissan Qashqai
The Fleet News reliability survey is a big deal, as it’s based on breakdown and warranty data from the country’s biggest fleet operators. At the top of the list is Lex Autolease, a company with no fewer than 387,640 cars on its books. Other firms include LeasePlan, Arval, Alphabet and Arnold Clark. The Nissan Qashqai drops two places but manages to hold on to a top 10 position.
9th most reliable company car – Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is the only hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle to make the top 10, cementing its reputation as the default eco choice for the nation’s fleet drivers. Toyota offers a three-day test drive to business drivers thinking of taking the plunge.
8th most reliable company car – Kia Cee’d
The new Kia Ceed may have ditched the apostrophe, but it’s the outgoing model that bags eighth place in the Fleet News reliability survey. The new Ceed (without the apostrophe) offers CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km and fuel economy up to 74.3mpg.
7th most reliable company car – Volkswagen Passat
It’s a fall of one place for the Volkswagen Passat, which remains popular within fleet circles. The Passat is available on contract hire for £285 a month plus VAT and £855 initial rental.
6th most reliable company car – Ford Focus
Making a reappearance in the top 10 is the Ford Focus, as fleet drivers snap up the outgoing model before it makes way for the new one. The Focus has been a popular choice within fleet circles since its debut two decades ago.
5th most reliable company car – Audi A4
There’s a new Audi A4 on the way in 2019, but that hasn’t stopped the outgoing version from securing fifth position, four up on last year’s performance. Subjectively, the A4 is the perfect executive saloon, with a near-faultless interior, a generous level of standard spec and a range of economical engines.
4th most reliable company car – Volkswagen Golf
If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volks… Wait, what’s this? The evergreen Volkswagen Golf falls from second to fourth in this year’s Fleet News reliability survey.
3rd most reliable company car – BMW 5 Series
The Golf’s loss is the BMW 5 Series’ gain, as the large executive motor jumps from fifth to third in this year’s survey. The new 5 Series is a tech-laden saloon and arguably the best drivers’ car in the segment.
2nd most reliable company car – BMW 3 Series
After an eight-year reign as the UK’s most reliable car (according to the Fleet News data), the outgoing BMW 3 Series has lost its title. The all-new 3 Series will hit the streets in March, and BMW will be hoping that the lighter, more efficient model will reclaim its throne.
1st most reliable company car – Honda Civic
So, the Honda Civic is the country’s most reliable company car. Commenting on the title, Marc Samuel, fleet sales operation manager, Honda UK, said: “To have the Honda Civic named as the most reliable car for fleets is a fantastic achievement and testament to the work we are doing to deliver a unique and more dynamic proposition to end users.”
Keep scrolling as we reveal the best performing manufacturers.
10th best performing manufacturer – Nissan
Nissan occupies 10th place in the manufacturer table, falling from seventh. It manages to hold on to a top 10 position thanks, in part, to the ever-popular Qashqai.
9th best performing manufacturer – Ford
The Focus might have performed well in this year’s Fleet News reliability survey, but that’s not enough to prevent the blue oval from falling from fifth to ninth.
8th best performing manufacturer – Volkswagen
Volkswagen may have two cars in the top ten, but both cars performed worse than last year, resulting in the German giant falling from eighth to fourth in this year’s table.
7th best performing manufacturer – Audi
It’s been a busy year for Audi, with the company launching the new A8, A7, A6 and Q5, but that can’t prevent a fall from second to seventh place.
6th best performing manufacturer – Kia
A strong performance from the C’eed sees Kia enter the top 10 manufacturers for the first time, securing sixth place. The rise and rise of the Korean brands looks set to continue for many years to come.
5th best performing manufacturer – Mercedes-Benz
The E-Class was pushed out of the top 10, but Mercedes-Benz still manages to finish fifth on the list of manufacturers. This shows remarkable consistency across its range, which includes fleet favourites like the A-Class, C-Class and E-Class.
4th best performing manufacturer – Hyundai
And, in at number four, it’s Hyundai, which secures a strong position despite not having any models in the top 10. This is the highest new entry and the best performance from a Korean company.
3rd best performing manufacturer – Toyota
Much of Toyota’s success is down to the Prius, but we should mention the Yaris, which is also available as a hybrid and finished 14th overall.
2nd best performing manufacturer – Honda
Honda may have driven away with the title of most reliable company car, but it has to be content with second place on the list of manufacturers. Still, this is a great result following the sixth place finish last year.
1st best performing manufacturer – BMW
With two models in the top three, it’s no surprise to find BMW sitting at the top of the fleet tree. Adam Harley, BMW Group UK national leasing manager, said: “For BMW to retain the title of most reliable car manufacturer for yet another year is an outstanding performance. Given the breadth of our range and the significant number of BMWs managed by the FN50, this firmly reinforces the substance of our product.”
With this year’s F1 championship in the bag, Lewis Hamilton has joined the ranks of Grand Prix racing’s all-time greats. To celebrate this living legend, artist Paul Karslake has created a Hamilton-themed art car. The results are… interesting.
Being a tribute to Lewis, it had to be a Mercedes-Benz, right? What steed for art car duty, then? An AMG SL? Maybe an AMG GT? Not quite, although the 2002 CLK 500 selected does at least pack V8 power.
Paul’s masterstroke, if you will, is the livery. It’s designed to ape Hamilton’s 2018 Formula 1 car, complete with a detailed portrait of Lewis on the bonnet.
The scheme required a mixture of Paul’s hand-painting and airbrush skills. Six layers of clear lacquer followed, locking down the livery beneath a glossy finish.
The CLK itself is far from standard. It sits on uprated Bilstein suspension with Cosmis Racing wheels, has a raucous performance exhaust and a raft of outlandish aero accoutrements to ramp up the racing appeal.
“The addition of the full bodykit and a specially-designed rear spoiler before I started added nicely to the look I wanted to achieve,” said Paul.
“But there are also some serious tweaks hiding beneath the surface, and it’s a brilliant fun car to drive.”
The car will be going up for sale with Historics on Saturday, November 24th at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey. The estimated take? They’re expecting this ‘one-off masterpiece’ to go for between £20,000 and £25,000.
Would you add this unique tribute to Lewis Hamilton to your collection? Could it be worth a small fortune in 50 years time? Stranger things have happened.
After revealing the all-new 3 Series at the recent Paris Motor Show, BMW will launch its low-calorie M3, the M340i xDrive, at the LA Auto Show later this month.
The budget M car is back with the four-wheel-drive M340i. The most muscle-bound new 3 Series to date will top the range before the full-fat M3 arrives in 2020.
The new ‘G20’ 3 Series was launched at the Paris Motor Show in September 2018, although only a couple of model variants were shown at the time.
More power than the outgoing M2
The big news with the new M340i is that its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six produces more power than 2016’s M2.
With a rorty 374hp under the bonnet, it’s up 48hp on the previous pumped-up 3 Series. Put through BMW’s rear-biased xDrive system, 368lb ft of torque will catapult it to 62mph in 4.4 seconds – within heel-nibbling distance of the outgoing M4.
Expect a more readily accessible 155mph (limited) top speed, too.
Eight-speed auto ‘box
BMW is also continuing its mission to phase out the dual-clutch DCT transmission.
The new M340i uses an eight-speed Steptronic sports automatic, with shorter-ratio lower gears for better acceleration, plus a launch control function. The car also comes as standard with the M Sport differential.
Lower suspension, variable steering
The M340i rides on M Sport suspension, lowered by 10mm. Active M suspension with adaptive dampers is optional.
In terms of stopping power, BMW is proud of the sporty setup on the M340i, which features a short pedal travel, four-piston calipers and 348/345mm front/rear brake discs.
What we’re dubious about is the Variant Sport Steering, which is said to ‘support agile cornering with outstanding feedback as well as spontaneous and precise response’. Variable steering systems have caused conjecture in recent years due to inconsistency and a ‘woolly’ feel. Can BMW get it right?
M badges galore
Naturally, any M car, be it the full ticket or not, has to have the form factor. As such, the M340i comes with the requisite M Sport body kit and 18-inch alloy wheels. Larger 19-inch wheels are an option, as are sportier exhaust trims for the M Sport exhaust and other M Performance body accoutrements.
The new conjoined kidney grilles feature a mild gold colouration (as do the wheels) and a new pattern inside, while the exhaust pipes are broad and trapezoidal. Of course, expect more M badges than there are moving parts, both inside and out, to let everyone know what you’re driving.
Pack all this together and the new M340i xDrive looks like it stacks up as a more sensible alternative to a fully-paid-up M car. Power, performance and looks match some of the best, if not the raw badge appeal. We’re in no doubt it’ll drive very nearly as crisply, too.
European market launches take place in July. Now all that remains is to wait and see how far on they’ve pushed the M3 to keep enough breathing room between the two models.
Mercedes-Benz has become one of the first brands in the UK to offer a ‘next generation’ RDE2 clean diesel engine that escapes the 4 percent company car tax surcharge introduced in March 2018. The new Mercedes-Benz A 200 d and A 220 d are on sale now.
First announced in the 2017 Budget, the surcharge saw existing company car diesel taxes, which added 3 percent onto the CO2-based Benefit in Kind bill of fleet car drivers, increased by another 1 percent.
But ultra-clean new diesels that met so-called RDE2 emissions tests, due to come into force from 2020, escaped the surcharge entirely.
Both the new 150hp A 200 d and 190hp A 220d are RDE2-compliant. They’re also going into the new B-Class, further broadening the range of RDE2 Mercedes-Benz.
For the A-Class, the savings are modest, but still welcome: around £150 a year for a 40 percent tax payer, compared to the old, non-RDE2 car.
The new 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, codenamed OM654, is offered as an A 200 d Sport for £28,805, and a A 220 d AMG Line for £30,005.
What is RDE2?
RDE2 is part of the Euro 6d emissions regulations that come into force from January 2020 for newly-launched cars, and 2021 for all new cars sold. It stands for ‘Real Driving Emissions 2’, or the second stage of the new real-world testing regime for NOx emissions.
Real Driving Emissions compares NOx emissions on the road with those from the regular WLTP laboratory tests. Since September 2019, RDE has been mandatory: it requires new cars to emit no more than 2.1 times their lab-tested NOx emissions in real-world driving.
RDE2 cuts the allowance to 1.5 times lab tests.
The ultimate aim is to reach parity with laboratory tests by around 2023.
But enough of this RDE2 excitement; how do they perform? The 150hp A 200 d does 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, and has a top speed (interestingly, it’s electronically limited) of 137mph. It also averages a WLTP-approved 67.3mpg and emits 110g/km CO2.
The 190hp A 220 d does 0-62mph in a speedy-sounding 7.0 seconds, and will run to 146mph. It averages a still creditable 65.7mpg and emits 114g/km CO2. Both engines have a standard eight-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
Ordering is open now and deliveries begin in Spring 2019.
The UK government has opened a consultation on how to adapt UK laws with a self-driving future in mind.
The first series of public consultations about legal reforms pertaining to self-driving cars – and the UK’s readiness for them – has been launched by the Law Commission of the UK, an independent body charged with keeping the law current, relevant and fair.
It’s an early step in a three-year review charged with examining how the law in its current state would affect the introduction of automated vehicles, and how it has to be changed.
Safety is the priority
Among the questions involved, views are being asked on a new safety assurance scheme for autonomous cars, as well as the creation of an Accident Investigation Branch to investigate serious incidents.
There’s also the question of whether additional training should be provided to prospective ‘drivers’ of these vehicles, as well as whether an independent test should be created to monitor the roadworthiness of automated cars.
To bend or change the rules
Existing road rules dictate to human drivers. Should they be adapted or changed for artificial intelligence?
Should an autonomous car be ‘allowed’ to mount a pavement, speed within the allowed ‘grey area’ or crawl through a group of pedestrians? These are all questions to be considered.
Who is at fault?
Perhaps the biggest question around self-driving cars is, if one crashes, who or what is at fault? Lines need to be drawn and clarified when it comes to incident liability.
Should there be distinct points where the driver is in control? Will there ever be an instance where the car is in charge from the time you get in, to the time you leave? What responsibility does a passenger (formerly driver) in an autonomous vehicle have?
It’s a brave new world we’re entering and the government wants our take on how to proceed.
“Automated vehicles will have a transformative effect on how we take journeys, our standard of living and the wider economy,” said Law Commissioner Nicholas Paines.
“We want to hear from stakeholders and the public about how to create an environment in which this technology can flourish whilst maintaining public safety.”
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With this year’s F1 championship in the bag, Lewis Hamilton has joined the ranks of Grand Prix racing’s all-time greats. To celebrate this living legend, artist Paul Karslake has created a Hamilton-themed art car. The results are… interesting. 
Mercedes-Benz has become one of the first brands in the UK to offer a ‘next generation’ RDE2 clean diesel engine that escapes the 4 percent company car tax surcharge introduced in March 2018. The new Mercedes-Benz A 200 d and A 220 d are on sale now.
