Volkswagen reveals retro-inspired ID.3 GTX Fire + Ice edition

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August 5, 2025

Volkswagen has unveiled a limited-edition version of its ID.3 electric hatchback, taking direct inspiration from a classic Golf.

The ID.3 GTX Fire + Ice is a homage to the Mk2 Golf Fire + Ice, sold during the early 1990s, and now a cult classic amongst Volkswagen enthusiasts.

Following the unveiling of the ID.3 Fire + Ice concept car at last year’s ID. Meeting in Locarno, Switzerland, Volkswagen has green-lit a full production version.

As a tribute to the Golf Fire + Ice’s debut year, the fully electric ID.3 GTX special edition will be limited to 1,990 examples worldwide.

Retro style, modern performance

Clearly marking out the GTX Fire + Ice from regular ID.3 models is a bespoke exterior paint colour. The ultra-violet finish was developed to be reminiscent of the original Mk2 Golf.

There is also a geometric ‘F+I’ pattern applied to the ID.3’s C-pillar, and even a version of the Fire + Ice logo from the 1990s on the roof spoiler.

More design details include red roof strips, tinted LED rear lights, and ‘GTX Fire + Ice’ badges in red. New puddle lights illuminate with a fire logo on the passenger side and ice on the driver’s side.

A set of 20-inch ‘Locarno’ alloy wheels with diamond-cut detailing extend the ultra-violet theme. Matching GTX centre caps complete the exterior makeover.

Bringing Volkswagen’s past into the future

On the inside, the GTX’s sports seats feature red and blue highlights, along with a quilted pattern inspired by outdoor down jackets made by Bogner. Fire + Ice logos, plus bespoke stitching, are found throughout the cabin.

Using the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance as a base means the Fire + Ice comes with a 326hp electric motor and 79kWh battery pack. Capable of accelerating to 62mph in 5.7 seconds, it also offers a range of up to 367 miles.

Martin Sander, member of the Volkswagen board of management, said: “The response to last year’s show car was overwhelming. Many Volkswagen fans expressed a strong desire to see this car enter series production, and we were only too happy to make that wish a reality.

“The ID.3 GTX Fire + Ice demonstrates the emotive appeal of our premium sports model, while also carrying a piece of Volkswagen history into the electric future.”

Available to order from Thursday 7 August 2025, UK prices for the ID.3 GTX Fire + Ice will start from £48,260.

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Mazda announces six-year new car warranty

By

John Redfern

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August 5, 2025

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From next month, every new Mazda sold in the UK will come with an extended, six-year warranty.

The revised manufacturer warranty, applied to cars registered from 1 September 2025, will provide cover for either six years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

At present, all new Mazda models have a warranty capped at only three years or 60,000 miles.

Find a lease deal on a new Mazda

Four out of five cars in the UK still come with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty at present, although Kia and Hyundai have provided lengthier cover for many years.

However, new-entrant Chinese car manufacturers such as Omoda and Jaecoo are upping the pressure with seven-year warranties as standard.

‘A commitment to reliability and engineering’

Jeremy Thomson, managing director at Mazda UK, said: “It’s great that we can now offer our customers in the UK a six-year warranty. If you consider that just 21 percent of cars registered in the UK year-to-date have longer than a three-year warranty, this is a fantastic reflection of our commitment to the quality, reliability and engineering of our cars”.

Thomson added: “I’m delighted that our dealers can now sell our new cars with one of the best warranties in the industry and in the years ahead our excellent approved used scheme will benefit with customers able to buy previously owned cars with added confidence of a full manufacturer warranty”.

The forthcoming Mazda 6e all-electric hatchback, set to rival the Tesla Model 3, will come with an eight-year battery warranty in addition to its standard vehicle cover.

European roadside assistance is also provided by Mazda in more than 30 countries across Europe, lasting for three years or 60,000 miles.

Making a difference in a crowded market

To maintain the six-year/100,000-mile warranty coverage, owners will need to comply with Mazda’s recommended servicing routine.

This means servicing every 12 months, or 12,500 miles, for most Mazda models. The Mazda 2 Hybrid has 10,000-mile or 12-month service intervals.

David Wilson-Green, customer service director at Mazda UK, said: “Our new warranty will be a great differentiator in an ever more crowded and competitive landscape. It highlights our focus on customer service, whether that’s retail, fleet or used cars. While for our dealers it represents a great opportunity to maintain customers in our network for longer in sales and service for years to come.”

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Citroen is first to announce Electric Car Grant eligibility

By

Richard Aucock

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August 5, 2025

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Citroen has become the first car brand to officially announce eligibility for the UK government’s Electric Car Grant.

The French firm says six models from its range of electric cars will receive the £1,500 Level 2 support.

This means the entry price of the new Citroen e-C3 drops to £20,595, while the Citroen C3 Aircross, which arrives in October, will cost from £21,595.

The Citroen e-C4 now starts from £26,150, the Citroen e-C4 X is from £27,215 and the roomy Citroen e-Berlingo costs from £29,740.

There will also be £1,500 Level 2 support for the upcoming new Citroen e-C5 Aircross family SUV. Prices will start from £32,565.

The discount will be automatically applied in the purchase of the vehicle, says the government, and customers do not need to complete any paperwork.

The ECG is on top of Citroen’s existing offers, which include a two-year, zero percent finance PCP. This requires a 20 percent deposit.

Citroen Electric Car Grant

Citroen has had to showcase its environmental credentials as part of its application for the Electric Car Grant.

While it doesn’t qualify for the full £3,750 amount, its European-built models have met sufficient technical and environmental criteria to qualify for the lower £1,500 grant.

Factors include the eco-friendliness of both vehicle and battery production, along with the firm signing up to science-based targets.

“We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant and are delighted to be the first to have vehicles in our electric range, including the new e-C3, new e-C4, new e-C5 Aircross and e-Berlingo, approved and eligible,” said Citroen UK MD Greg Taylor

“We’re pleased that the support from the UK government makes our range more accessible, with six vehicles under £36,000.”

Taylor adds that Citroen also offers a ‘We Care’ package. This covers the electric motor, onboard transmission and all key electrical and mechanical components for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.

The drive battery itself also has an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

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How to take your child car seat on a flight

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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August 4, 2025

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If they are travelling by car, children up to the age of 12 (or less than 135cm tall) must use a child car seat. So it’s important to take one on holiday with you.

IAM RoadSmart advises parents to travel with a child car seat when going on holiday abroad, as not all car hire companies will provide them.

‘Most airlines will allow you to bring your car seats for free,’ said the road safety organisation. ‘However, please call and check with your airline first. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and be charged a fee.

‘Consider getting the car seat wrapped with padding at the airport as it will be going in the hold and may get damaged during the flight. If you choose to hire a car seat from a hire car company, get them to send photos to ensure it is is up to standard.’

Check before you fly

It’s worth checking with the airline in advance. For example, British Airways allows travellers to take up to two of the following items free of charge as checked baggage: a fully collapsible pushchair, car or booster seat, travel cot or baby back carrier.

EasyJet says parents can carry two child items for free, including a travel cot, pushchair, double pushchair, buggy, car seat, collapsible or non-collapsible pram, booster seat and/or baby back carrier.

Ryanair allows parents to carry one pushchair, plus one of the following items free of charge: car seat, booster seat or travel cot. The items must be tagged for travel at a bag-drop desk. Any other items of baby equipment must be checked in and paid for.

Wrapping the car seat is essential if you want to avoid damage during the flight. A traveller was unable to get their child home safely after their seat was damaged during an EasyJet flight from Venice to Liverpool.

It’s also worth remembering that child car seats – especially the bigger ones – are an awkward piece of luggage to carry around, so it might be worth contacting your hire car company to see if safety-approved seats are available at your destination.

Using a child car seat during the flight

There are a separate set of guidelines and advice for parents intending to use the child car seat during the flight. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says that children under the age of two must be secured whenever the seatbelt sign is on.

This can be achieved through the use of a seatbelt loop provided by the airline to secure the infant on an adult’s lap, or by using a child restraint device, i.e. a car-type child seat, or an alternative provided by the airline.

British Airways permits travellers to bring their own car seat for use by infants in their own seat, subject to a number of conditions. For example, the car seat must fit between the armrests and must be secured in accordance with the seat manufacturer’s instructions.

The website eSky.co.uk has an excellent guide to the rules and regulations of different airlines.

More advice for travelling abroad with children

IAM RoadSmart has the following advice for driving abroad with children:

Plan your journey: travelling can be stressful, so check where the hire car company is located
Make sure you’re familiar with your hire car and that the child seat is safely secured
Make the journey fun: ask the children to look out for landmarks or play a game of I-Spy
Make sure your child is as comfortable as possible
Pack your children’s favourite toys, games and books to keep them entertained
Pack some snacks and consider taking a cool bag for chilled drinks

Richard Gladman of IAM RoadSmart said: “If travelling a long distance try to arrange your travel to coincide with nap time or bed time – this may make for a more relaxing drive for you and the children. For short journeys, encourage simple games. It not only distracts but can be educational, too.”

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Jaecoo off to a flying start, with more than 10,000 UK orders so far

By

John Redfern

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August 4, 2025

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The Jaecoo 7 family SUV has already surpassed 10,000 orders in the UK, just seven months after going on sale.

Priced from £30,215 in turbocharged petrol form, or £35,165 as a plug-in hybrid, the Chinese-made Jaecoo 7 is one of the more affordable options in the highly competitive family SUV sector.

Jaecoo and its sister brand Omoda accounted for 2.1 percent of the UK’s new car market in June 2025.

As one of the many new Chinese brands entering the British market, the level of interest generated by Jaecoo since the start of the year is considerable.

Jaecoo’s PR push included taking on the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb, using an all-female driving team.

Brand building on a global scale

The 7 is Jaecoo’s first vehicle for the British market. However, the company sold more than 2.6 million vehicles around the world in 2024.

In our recent review of the Jaecoo 7 in SHS hybrid form, Motoring Research’s Tim Pitt said the new SUV offered various positives, including a ‘five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and sheer value for money’.

As with many modern SUVs, though, we found the lack of physical buttons inside the car could be frustrating – even more so with ‘an ever-vigilant camera atop the steering column’ demanding you keep your attention on the road.

Nonetheless, despite Tim’s decidedly lukewarm verdict, the Jaecoo 7’s bargain pricing and attractive seven-year/100,000-mile warranty are clearly proving a hit with UK drivers.

“This is just the beginning”

Gary Lan, CEO of Jaecoo UK, said: “To pass 10,000 orders for the Jaecoo 7 in just seven months is a clear signal of what’s possible when a new brand combines real product quality with cultural relevance and strategic visibility.

“We’ve worked hard to make Jaecoo a brand people can see, feel and experience – whether at events, on the road or through our growing retailer network. This is just the beginning.”

The Chinese marque recently announced the launch of its second UK offering, and will hope for a similar level of success.

Set to arrive in the UK this October, the smaller Jaecoo 5 crossover SUV will cost from just £24,505. It comes with the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine as used in the Jaecoo 7, but a fully electric version is also on the way.

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Classic car emissions down, despite greater numbers on UK roads

By

John Redfern

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August 4, 2025

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Analysis reveals that exhaust emissions from classic cars are falling year-on-year, despite the overall number of these vehicles increasing.

New research by automotive communications agency Loop found the number of classic cars being driven on British roads has doubled in the last decade.

Despite this, emissions from the entire classic vehicle sector have only increased by 34 percent.

The trend for ‘modern classic’ cars, with newer fuel-saving technology, has contributed to a 16 percent reduction in average emissions per vehicle.

Modern classics bring modern tech

Loop’s study found the UK had 466,830 classic cars in 2013 (officially defined as vehicles aged more than 30 years old).

By the end of 2024, this number had more than doubled to 1,056,919, with some 63,000 cars gaining classic status in 2024 alone.

With vehicles from the mid-1990s now entering the classic sector, technology such as fuel injection and electronic ignition is becoming commonplace.

Engineering innovations, along with better manufacturing processes and quality control, are also credited by Loop for a 21 percent improvement in average fuel economy between 1978 and 1995.

Millennials make a difference

Average annual CO2e emissions per car fell from 899kg in 2013 to 757kg last year. And despite the increased numbers of classic cars on the road, they still contribute just 0.3 percent of the UK’s overall transport CO2 emissions.

Classic car use is increasing again, with vehicles driven for an average of 1,535 miles a year – the same as in 2013.

“Ten years ago, there were roughly 18,000 cars on our roads that were exactly 30 years old,” explained Alex Kefford, head of editorial at Loop. “Today there are nearly 70,000. In fact, there are now more 30- to 33-year-old cars than the total number of classics of any age a decade ago.”

“This influx of young-timers is having a positive impact on the classic sector’s overall emissions, as they bring greater fuel efficiency and tighter emissions controls with them, helping to offset what would otherwise have been a doubling in the environmental footprint of our motoring heritage.”

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New 1,250hp Corvette ZR1X makes history at the Nurburgring

By

John Redfern

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August 1, 2025

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Chevrolet Corvette Nurburgring Lap Records

The latest, eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has completed an ambitious assault on the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

Chevrolet took three examples of the mid-engined Corvette to Germany: a Z06, the 1,064hp ZR1 and the astonishing new 1,250hp ZR1X.

Notably, those piloting the Corvettes were not professional racing drivers, but three Chevrolet engineers responsible for developing the sports car.

Demonstrating its incredible performance, the ZR1X became the fastest American-made car to lap the Nurburgring, posting a time of 6min 49.28sec around the 12.9-mile Nordschleife loop.

Taking top American honours

It means Chevrolet vehicle dynamics engineer Drew Cattell now holds the record for the fastest lap time by any non-professional racing driver at the circuit.

Just behind the ZR1X, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 posted a lap of 6min 50.76sec. Both of these times elevated the Corvette into the top 10 fastest production cars around the Nurburgring.

They also put the ZR1 and ZR1X ahead of the Ford Mustang GTD, giving Chevrolet the upper hand against its perennial American rival.

Even the Corvette Z06, with ‘only’ 670hp, completed the Nordschleife in 7mins 11.83sec – faster than a Porsche Carrera GT or BMW M4 CSL.

Making Corvette history

All three examples of the Corvette used were US-specification production models, albeit with modifications for improved safety. This included fitment of a roll cage, full containment race seat, six-point safety harness and fire extinguisher.

“No auto manufacturer has done a Nurburgring lap attempt like this before,” said GM president Mark Reuss.

“From development through production, and now at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the Green Hell, we have clearly shown there is no limit to what our GM engineers and vehicles can accomplish. These are the best Corvettes in history, period.”

The Corvette still has some way to go to beat the outright Nurburgring lap record: a time of 6min 29.09sec set by the Mercedes-AMG One.

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Is it illegal to drive while wearing headphones?

By

John Redfern

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August 1, 2025

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Driving a car while wearing headphones is considered dangerous by road safety experts. They cite the potential of headphones to cause a distraction and isolate you from the outside world.

Department for Transport figures reveal distracted driving accounts for 15 percent of all road traffic collisions. More worryingly, distractions led to 26 percent of deaths on British roads.

Despite the rise in the use of smartphones for music and navigation functions, however, no specific law bans the use of headphones while driving in the UK.

Being driven to distraction

Despite the lack of an outright ban, though, motorists could still be found guilty of breaking road traffic laws by driving with headphones on.

Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that motorists should ‘avoid distractions when driving or riding’. Included in the list of examples for distractions is ‘loud music’.

Research undertaken by Nelson and Nilsson in 1990 found that drivers took longer to react to hazards when wearing headphones. Judging speed was also found to be affected, causing them to drive faster.

Under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the offence of careless driving can occur where a driver is ‘avoidably distracted’.

Risk of a fine and licence points

Careless driving can be punished by a police officer with an on-the-spot fine of £100. This is accompanied by a driving licence endorsement of three points, which will likely increase the cost of your car insurance the following year.

More serious offences could be referred to court. They can result in a fine of up to £5,000, nine penalty points or even a total driving ban.

So while no specific law prevents the wearing of headphones while driving, doing so could still result in offences being committed.

Listening to music through the car’s built-in speakers, if loud enough to be distracting, could also run the risk of committing the same offences.

Driving with headphones in other countries

Other countries around the world have acted to tackle the hazard of headphones. In 2015, France made it illegal for any driver, rider or cyclist to wear sound-emitting devices – punishable by a fine or a three-point endorsement on their driving licence.

Numerous US states have also introduced laws to ban the wearing of headphones while driving. Will Britain eventually follow suit?

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Wild 788hp supercharged Ford Mustang Dark Horse hits UK roads

By

John Redfern

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July 31, 2025

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American performance specialist Clive Sutton has revealed an enhanced version of the latest Ford Mustang. Based on the Dark Horse model, the Mustang CS800 DH receives a comprehensive overhaul both inside and out.

The undisputed highlight of the CS800 DH conversion is a 3.0-litre Whipple supercharger, which is bolted to the Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine.

This increases horsepower by 76 percent, taking the Mustang from 447hp to a colossal 788hp. Torque is also up by 61 percent, with a thumping 642lb ft of twist available.

More ponies in the corral

Clive Sutton’s transformation of the Mustang Dark Horse includes the addition of a Borla ATAK quad-tip exhaust system, complete with a custom H-pipe.

The suspension is lowered and stiffened compared to a regular Mustang. This gives the CS800 DH a squat stance on Vossen alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

A carbon fibre bodykit includes a substantial rear wing atop the Mustang’s boot. A deep front splitter, sculpted side skirts and a bespoke bonnet complete the makeover.

Inside, a pair of adjustable Recaro sports seats have heating and cooling functions. Clive Sutton has also trimmed the entire cabin of the demo car in blue Alcantara, demonstrating the level of customisation on offer.

‘Nothing like a Mustang’

Prices for the CS800 DH start from £135,000, although adding bespoke options can push the price towards £165,000.

All enhancements made are in line with Ford Performance guidelines, meaning the CS800 DH retains its original three-year or 36,000-mile Ford warranty. Clive Sutton will provide equivalent cover for the modified components.

Clive Sutton said: “Our customers love the Mustang and consistently turn to us to unleash its full performance capability, alongside accessing our suite of distinctive exterior and interior enhancements. With 788hp, the full Ford Performance warranty, a glorious supercharger whine and our bespoke exhaust, there’s nothing like the CS800 DH Mustang.”

The new Mustang will make its public debut at the prestigious Salon Prive car show, taking place at Blenheim Palace between 27 and 31 August 2025.

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How and when to use your car’s hazard warning lights

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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July 31, 2025

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UK law says hazard warning lights must be fitted to any car built after 1 April 1986. They are checked as part of the annual MOT test and the car will fail if they don’t work.

As the MOT inspection manual states: ‘Hazard warning lamps must operate using only one switch, and with the engine or ignition switch in both the on and off positions’.

Classic cars first registered before April 1986 do not need to have hazard warning lights. They are also not required on vehicles that:

Do not have front and rear position lamps (lights)
Have front and rear position lamps that are permanently disconnected, painted over or masked
Were first used before 1 January 1936

Tricycles and quadricycles classed as mopeds also don’t need hazard warning lights. Only ‘bodied’ mopeds must have direction indicators.

What are hazard warning lights for?

The Highway Code states that hazard warning lights ‘may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking‘.

To quote again from the guide: ‘You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.’

Examples include stationary traffic on a motorway. If you find yourself at the back of a queue, with fast-moving vehicles approaching from behind, your hazard warning lights could provide an early warning for other drivers.

Similarly, they can be useful on a bend or brow of a hill where visibility is reduced. Be sure to switch them off when your presence has been observed.

Is it illegal to drive with hazard lights on?

There’s no set penalty or fine for driving with your hazard lights on, but you could be charged with careless driving if it leads to an accident. This could mean a fine of £100 and three points on your driving licence.

Careless driving (driving without due care and attention) carries a maximum penalty of disqualification or nine points, plus a fine of up to £2,500. However, it’s highly unlikely that a hazard warning light offence would result in severe punishment.

The problem is that fellow motorists will be unable to see your turn signals if the hazard warning lights are in use.

How do I turn hazard lights on?

The hazard light warning switch is likely to be a white triangle on a red background or a red triangle on a black background. Common places for it to be located include the top of the dashboard near the air vents, on the centre console between the front seats, or behind the steering wheel.

The switch and green indicator warning lights will flash when they are in use, and you’ll also hear the ticking sound of the turn signals.

Hazard lights: an expert view

Neil Greig of road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart told the Sun: “According to Rule 116 in the Highway Code, hazard warning lights may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic.

“It is a grey area because you can use them when moving to alert other traffic to a hazard ahead and they don’t define ‘only use them long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed’, so our advice would be to use them sensibly and for the police to be as flexible as possible in enforcing the regulations.

“Hazard warning lights should not be used when they could cause confusion. If you are driving very slowly due to a car problem and are about to stop, ensure you switch them off if you are carrying out a manoeuvre, such as turning left or right.

“It would be ironic if your use of hazard warning lights became the cause of a collision. If you were fined, it would most likely be £100, plus three points fixed penalty, for careless driving.”

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