What’s stopping you buying an electric car? With ultra-low emission electric and plug-in hybrid car sales booming within the last year, the AA reckons we could be on the verge of a ‘tipping point’ – with half a million expected to be on the roads by 2020.
But many of us are continuing to snub electric and plug-in hybrid cars. Why is that? The AA has teamed up with charging experts Chargemaster to dispel the top five myths surrounding electric car ownership.
1: Electric cars costs too much (82% concerned)
Apparently 82% of those surveyed are put off by the high purchase price of an electric car. They are more expensive than conventional petrol and diesel cars, but savings are available. Government grants slash up to £4,500 off the list price of a new electric car, with the Renault Zoe starting at £13,945 (although battery hire is charged on top of that).
Impressive lease deals are available – and electric cars have been around long enough for them to start cropping up at tempting prices in the classifieds. You can buy a three-year-old Renault Zoe or a more practical Nissan Leaf from around £5,000.
2: Availability of public charging points (81% concerned)
This is a chicken and egg situation – as more of us buy electric cars, more public charging points will pop up. Currently, Chargemaster says 4,000 publicly accessible charge points are available through its scheme – with a further 500 to be added this year. Ecotricity has fast electric chargers at almost every UK motorway service station.
3: Time taken to offset higher purchase price through fuel and taxation savings (68% concerned)
Although we’ve said that electric cars are more expensive to buy than conventionally-fuelled vehicles, you will save some money through their low running costs. But 68% say they don’t think those running costs will offset the higher purchase price quick enough.
Of course, it depends on your personal circumstances, but you might be surprised how much money running an electric car can save. For a start, you won’t pay road tax and company car drivers will save money on benefit in kind (BIK) tax. If you drive into London regularly, you could save a fortune on the congestion charge – and EVs usually get free parking while charging, saving you money if you regularly pay and display.
4: Durability of battery (65% concerned)
Replacing a battery could be a huge cost in electric car ownership, so prospective buyers are right to be concerned about the cell’s lifespan. The AA says that batteries in older EVs are aging better than expected, however, and a number of manufacturers are now offering warranties of around eight years on batteries in new EVs.
5: Limited range (59% concerned)
You can refuel some diesel cars and not have to visit a petrol station for at least 600 miles, while some electric cars have a real-life range as short as 60 miles. But how far do you really need to travel on a charge? National statistics suggests that 95% of car journeys are under 25 miles – and a third of UK households have two or more cars. Using an electric car everyday is a very realistic proposition for most of us, then – just use a second car (or hire one) for that occasional journey to the in-laws.
As battery technology progresses, the realistic range of electric cars are getting longer, and the AA says that it expects 200 miles from a single charge to be the norm within two years. You can already expect a Tesla Model S to cover 250 miles from a charge, while plug-in hybrids are available with a petrol engine as back-up for when you run out of electric juice.
The partnership between AA and Chargemaster brings a number of advantages to members and electric car owners, to help make ownership easier and more appealing. These include discounts on Chargemaster membership, enabling access to its chargers for £7.85 a month, and a programme to install charge points at AA-rated hotels.
Lewis Hamilton has helped Mercedes-AMG reveal a dramatic new 585hp AMG GT R in a dramatic dynamic drive at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands, UK. The new Mercedes-AMG GT R has had most of its development carried out on the Nürburgring race track to make it one of the most focused high-performance road cars yet built by AMG.
And it even has a paint job to match – a special ‘AMG green hell magno’ green, in tribute to the racetrack Sir Jackie Stewart called ‘green hell’…
Hamilton was in great form at the reveal of the GT R, grabbing the keys from Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers to take it for a quick spin at the famous Brooklands circuit. “I was surprised it was street legal,” he said: the wide body, extra power and bellowing sound all get his vote.
“The improved aerodynamics are cool too – most people don’t notice that.” So, how has Mercedes-AMG created the bright green new GT R that’s so impressed the reigning F1 World Champion? We found out…
The Mercedes-AMG GT R has been created to bring closer links between its road-going supercars and the firm’s motorsport GT3 racers. There’s a thriving AMG GT3 customer-sport racing series and many of these features have been incorporated into the new GT R. It’s a much, much more focused car than any AMG GT up to now.
Pretty much everything involved in performance and dynamics is new. Key features of the Mercedes-AMG GT R include wider front and rear wings to cover wider tyres (325-section at the rear!), bigger rear spoiler and a double diffuser similar to that which was banned in F1 for being too effective. It has adjustable coilover suspension, active rear-wheel steering and lightweight wheels with racy cup tyres – plus a huge number of expensive detail changes throughout. Extensive upgrades indeed…
The GT R’s stance oozes attitude. Carbon fibre front wings are 46mm wider, and they’re 57mm wider at the rear. Tracks are wider and there are 19-inch forged alloys at the front, 20-inch rims at the rear. That big rear wing is also manually adjustable depending on the type of use (or type of racetrack you’re at): just like in motorsport.
All-out speed isn’t really the focus here, even though the engine does boast a serious step-up in power to 585hp (compared to the current GT S’ 510hp). This delivers 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 197mph.
Oh, and you’re probably aware there’s already a GT-R in the world – the Nissan GT-R. Clearly though, Mercedes-AMG has reached an agreement that means Nissan’s happy with its GT ‘racing’ being called GT R. We’re sure the lack of a hyphen in AMG’s version is key here…
The front end oozes aggression. A 15-fin chrome grille mimics the AMG GT3 racer, while the shape of the grille mimics the famous 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL that won Mexico’s Panamerica race. It’s lower and meaner at the front, feeding extra air to the engine, reducing lift and enhancing aerodynamics.
There are active aerodynamics underneath: at 50mph, a carbon fibre panel lowers 40mm, ‘sucking’ the car to the road, something that adds greater stability and extra feel to the steering. It also helps send more air to the rear double diffuser, clamping down the rear end at speed as well. Don’t worry – it’s mounted on springs, so won’t easily be broken…
A Mercedes-AMG first is active rear-wheel steering. Up to 62mph, they turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, making the GT R more agile. Over this, the turn in the same direction, improving high-speed stability and also making it more responsive at speed.
Mercedes-AMG has given the interior a race-style makeover with weight-saving manually-adjustable bucket seats, yellow-highlight dials and, brilliantly, yellow seatbelts.
The 585hp engine is faster-responding and Mercedes-AMG has fitted a lighter flywheel to further enhance the race-like feel. The ‘race start’ launch control has been sharpened too: it now dials up more starting revs and has better control of wheel slip. Dynamic engine and gearbox mounts are fitted.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are standard – rubber that Mercedes-AMG amusingly calls “street-legal racing tyres”. Not only do they have more grip than the regular tyres, they also last 50 per cent longer on a racetrack.
Car tuners love coilover suspension because it’s just like tech from motorsport. It’s fitted to the Mercedes-AMG GT R; it’s fully adjustable and is paired with AMG Ride Control adaptive damping with three settings. Mercedes-AMG suggests ‘comfort’ for the road, ‘sport’ for challenging, undulating racetracks such as the Nürburgring and ‘sport plus’ for flatter, higher-speed circuits such as Germany’s Hockenheim.
You want settings and adjustability? The Mercedes-AMG GT R gives you settings and adjustability – not least a nine-level traction control system, adjusted via a cool yellow twist-dial in the centre console. Choose level 1 for wet weather, up to level 9 for maximum slip. Be Lewis Hamilton om the move, in other words.
The Mercedes-AMG GT R will be a step up from the GT S because “it combines the driving dynamics of our AMG GT3 racing car with the everyday practicality of the AMG GT,” says Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers. “It’s a new benchmark in performance for street-legal cars.”
The Mercedes-AMG GT R is lighter than other AMG GT models, courtesy of some exotic components. The carbon fibre torque tube, which delivers drive to the rear wheels, weights 14kg, 40 per cent less than standard. There’s less soundproofing, a titanium exhaust silencer, forced alloy wheels and other tweaks. The 15kg overall weight saving over a GT S doesn’t sound huge, but when you consider extra tech such as a stiffer chassis, rear-wheel steering, that larger rear wing, it’s more impressive than it seems.
There’s an interesting nugget in the tech pack for the new Mercedes-AMG GT R: the firm says that incorporating motorsport tech into the AMG GT road car has seen networking between race teams, aerodynamics boffins and designers that has “even resulted in an innovation that now has a patent pending”. Once the patent is granted, we’ll find out what that innovation is, we’re sure…
“Our sports-car and performance brand AMG has its roots in motorsport and, ever since its formation, has repeatedly faced up to the competition on the racetrack. These genes are particularly prevalent in the new AMG GT R. Boasting a wealth of technological innovations, the new top-of-the-range model is proof of the close collaboration between our constructors of racing cars and road-going vehicles,” said Daimler AG board member Prof. Thomas Weber.
Mercedes-AMG GT R launches at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands on 24 June – the opening day of the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It will go on sale on 21 November 2016 and deliveries will begin in March 2017. Prices? To be confirmed, but there will be a serious hike over today’s £110,000 GT S, that’s for sure…
Britain has voted to leave the European Union, a decision that could have a particular impact on the automotive industry: of the 1,682,156 vehicles produced here in 2015, 77.3% were exported and 57.5% went to Europe.
Opinion: should carmakers have done more to prevent a Brexit?
In or Out: European cars we love – and those we’d send back
That equals almost 750,000 cars being exported to the EU: with the average value of an export being £20,900, this means £15.6 billion of trade could be in jeopardy if, once British export plans are confirmed, a swift resolution to trade deals is not found.
Britain’s next-biggest automotive trade partner is the United States, which take just 10.9% of exports: the ramifications are potentially thus serious.
Top export destinations for UK cars
EU: 57.5%
US: 10.9%
China: 7.0%
Turkey: 2.9%
Australia: 2.8%
Russia: 2.0%
Japan: 1.8%
South Korea: 1.7%
Canada: 1.2%
Israel: 1.2%
The short-term impact on British motorists is also potentially costly. The RAC has already predicted fuel prices will rise by 2p a litre due to the fall in the value of sterling, while Glass’s says there will be a slowdown in market activity as people put off big-ticket purchase decisions because of the Brexit uncertainty.
The UK automotive industry employs almost 800,000 people and had turnover of £69.5 billion in 2015. Seven mainstream car manufacturers build vehicles here, as do eight premium and specialist brands. It is one of the UK’s most important industries.
Here, then is how the automotive industry has reacted to the news – and keep coming back to more Motoring Research analysis of what Brexit means for the automotive industry…
SMMT
Chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The British public has chosen a new future out of Europe. Government must now maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU which safeguards UK automotive interests.
“This includes securing tariff-free access to European and other global markets, ensuring we can recruit talent from the EU and the rest of the world and making the UK the most competitive place in Europe for automotive investment.”
Jaguar Land Rover
A JLR spokesperson said: “For Jaguar Land Rover, today is just business as usual. We are a British business with a strong manufacturing base in this country, we call Britain home and we remain committed to all our manufacturing sites and investment decisions.
“We respect the decision of the British people and in common with all other businesses, Jaguar Land Rover will analyse the issues arising from it: as of today, nothing has changed for us or the rest of the British automotive industry.
“Europe is a key strategic market for our business, comprising 20% of global sales, and we remain absolutely committed to our customers in the EU.
“There will be a significant negotiating period, and we need to understand more about that as details emerge. We will work hard with all parties to ensure that the importance of the British automotive industry is fully understood at every level of the negotiation process.”
In 2015, Jaguar Land Rover produced 500,000 vehicles in the UK: 80% of production was exported to more than 180 countries
BMW Group
A BMW GB spokesperson said: “BMW Group respects the British electorate’s decision to leave the EU. While it is clear there will now be a period of uncertainty, there will be no immediate change to our operations in the UK.
“Today, we know that many of the relevant conditions for supplying the European market will have to be re-negotiated, but of course we cannot say what this means for our UK operations until those future regulatory and legislative arrangements are agreed. We will not speculate about the outcome of these negotiations nor about any possible effects that might have on our production operations in the UK
In 2015, 201,206 MINIs were built in the UK. 80% of MINIs built in Oxford are exported, and 50% of those go to Europe
Honda
A Honda spokesperson said: “A decision has been taken by the British people and Honda respects that decision. At this moment, it is not clear what conditions and rules will ultimately replace the UK’s membership of the EU. We will therefore carefully monitor developments.
“We continue to prepare for the production launch of the 10th generation Civic from our Swindon plant. Honda remains committed to its business in Europe.”
In 2015, Honda built around 130,000 cars in the UK. 40% went to Europe
Nissan
Motoring Research contacted Nissan for comment: the firm said it is making no comment at this time.
In 2015, Nissan produced 476,589 and exported 55% to Europe
Toyota
A Toyota spokesperson said: “Going forward we will closely monitor and analyse the impact on our business operations in the UK, and how we can maintain competitiveness and secure sustainable growth together with the UK automotive industry and other stakeholders.”
Aston Martin
An Aston Martin spokesperson said: “Aston Martin will now orientate its business to deliver our mid-term plan in the context of the exit and the market and forex volatility that may exist during the period of transition. As the UK could now be subject to new trade tariff barriers, we also anticipate the need for additional productivity and efficiency in the medium term.
“Nevertheless, it is important that Government must now maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU which safeguards UK automotive interests. This includes securing tariff free access to European and other global markets.
In 2015, Aston Martin sold 3,500 cars
Bentley
A Bentley spokesperson said: “Bentley Motors respects the outcome of the EU referendum and will now work with the UK Government and motor industry to secure a positive future for its business.
“Although it is too early to assess the full implications on our operations, our cars will continue to be built with the same passion and dedication by our skilled workforce. As a global business, operating in many different international markets, we are well-placed to adapt to changing economic and political conditions.
“We will stay focused on our exciting plans for new products. Bentley has a strong future and will continue to be the world’s most sought after luxury car brand.”
In 2015, Bentley sold 10,100 cars, of which 1,695 (17%) went to continental Europe
Glass’s
Rupert Pontin, Glass’s director of valuations, said: “A ‘Brexit’ is an interesting result that sees the UK very much embark on a new chapter that is largely unwritten.
“If the Brexit voters are correct in their thinking, it could create greater prosperity for the country in the long term but, over the next few months and years, the road is likely to be very bumpy. Markets will be affected, as will the value of the pound, and we expect to see consumer confidence tail off until the view of the way forward becomes clearer. How long this will take is difficult to predict.
“For the motor industry, all of these developments are very likely to have negative effects including a period of instability for new and used car sales, as well as an increase in pre-reg activity and downward pressure on values.
Road Haulage Association
Chief executive Richard Burnett said: “This is an ‘earthquake moment’ for the whole country, the economy and our industry. We simply cannot take anything for granted. It’s vital that Ministers and the Bank of England work quickly to steady markets and nerves.”
FairFuelUK
Howard Cox founder of FairFuelUK said: “We are hearing that major oil supplying countries may differentiate oil prices for the UK and EU States following Vote Leave’s victory in the EU Referendum. Any knee jerk reprisal by penalising UK drivers with higher prices at the pumps through higher oil prices, is nothing short of opportunistic, vindictive and unnecessary.
“We are horror-struck that there is hear-say, no matter if it is just grapevine gossip, that global oil prices may now be manipulated by economic region.”
It’s a historical turn of events that has divided the country: the UK has voted in favour of a so-called ‘Brexit’ of the European Union.
The markets have reacted, with the pound plunging to its lowest level against the dollar since the mid 1980s. No one really knows what the future holds for the UK – but there’s one thing that’s guaranteed, global car manufacturers who produce cars here are going to be disappointed.
More on Brexit from Motoring Research:
The Telegraph: What would Brexit mean for motorists and the UK car industry?
RAC: What the EU referendum means for drivers?
Japanese manufacturer Toyota produces cars at its site in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and warned this week that “if the UK leaves the EU, we think it unlikely that the UK can keep the current trading arrangements.”
It added this would mean paying duties on cars – as much as 10%, leading to huge losses to Toyota, or more expensive cars for customers.
Nissan meanwhile, with its huge Sunderland plant (where around half a million cars are built a year), went as far as taking legal action against Vote Leave for using its logo in its material. And other manufacturers, including Vauxhall, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover, all voiced support for the Remain campaign.
Industry body SMMT also backed staying in the EU – no surprise, as 80% of cars built in Britain are exported, contributing £15.5 billion a year annually to the UK economy.
SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said a Remain vote would continue the automotive industry’s success, “rather than jeopardise it by increasing costs, making our trading relationships uncertain and creating new barriers to our single biggest and most important market, Europe.”
So where did it go wrong? Seemingly at around 1am this morning when Sunderland was one of the first areas to reveal the results of local polls – with Leave taking the lead with 61% of the votes. That’s in an area where around 7,000 people are employed directly in car manufacturing by Nissan, a manufacturer which has strongly backed remaining in the EU.
The people of Derby, home to Toyota’s UK factory, also backed Brexit – with 57% voting Leave, despite the firm directly employing nearly 4,000 workers in the area. And 56% of people supported the Leave campaign in Solihull, home of Land Rover.
The SMMT has been quick to react. Mike Hawes said: “The British public has chosen a new future out of Europe. Government must now maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU which safeguards UK automotive interests. This includes securing tariff-free access to European and other global markets, ensuring we can recruit talent from the EU and the rest of the world and making the UK the most competitive place in Europe for automotive investment.”
We don’t know what will happen now. Manufacturers aren’t going to suddenly close down their huge British plants are move production elsewhere – but there could, and will be, significant consequences for car making in the UK.
It raises the question: should car manufacturers have done more? Many wrote to workers, making it clear where they stood. But should they have spelt out the consequences of backing Boris Johnson et al? Or would that have been undemocratic?
Nissan is seeking an injunction in the High Court against the EU Vote Leave campaign following persistent use of the firm’s name and logo without permission.
The official European Referendum ‘Brexit’ campaign has, says Nissan, used the firm’s name and logo in its literature and on its website – even after Nissan’s “repeated requests for them to stop.
Brexit Remain vote ‘critical’ warns UK automotive industry
“Permission to use our name and logo was not requested. If it was, it would not have been granted.” Nissan says Vote Leave’s use of its brand symbol “grossly misrepresents our widely circulated and publically stated position”.
Nissan has thus issued legal proceedings in the High Court, “asking for an injunction to stop Vote Leave’s use of Nissan’s name and logo, and to prevent them from making any further false statements and misrepresentations concerning Nissan”.
Rather than taking sides in the Brexit referendum, Nissan is not supporting any political campaign, deeming it “a matter for the people of the UK to decide”.
It did, however, say in February that it would prefer Britain remained in the EU: “For us, a position of stability is more favourable than a collection of unknowns,” said Nissan chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.
8 in 10 Nissans built in the UK are exported, with most of them going to other European markets.
The UK automotive industry says a ‘Remain’ vote in this Thursday’s European Referendum is “critical to the future” of the industry – and has warned a vote to Leave for Brexit could jeopardise jobs and investment.
Supporting 800,000 jobs in the UK, the UK automotive industry is a major player and its trade body, the SMMT, has spoken today to deliver “absolute clarity on the sector’s position given recent misrepresentations.
“There should be no ambiguity about the sector’s views ahead of such a critical vote.”
SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said a Remain vote will continue the automotive industry’s success, “rather than jeopardise it by increasing costs, making our trading relationships uncertain and creating new barriers to our single biggest and most important market, Europe.”
80% of cars built in Britain are exported, helping contribute £15.5 billion annually to the UK economy: nearly 6 in 10 go to Europe.
“Remaining will allow the UK to retain the influence on which the unique and successful UK automotive sector depends,” said Hawes.
Automotive industry leaders back Remain
The SMMT carried out a survey ahead of the campaigning period to find out members’ views on the European Referendum vote. 77% backed Remain; 9% backed Leave.
“Notably no large company said that an exit would be in their business’ best interests.”
Key reasons given for a remain vote by the SMMT include:
Unrestricted access to the world’s largest single market
The negotiating strength of the EU to secure international trade deals
The ability to shape technical regulations
Free movement of labour
The trade body has also today released statements from senior chiefs from Britain’s biggest automotive industry players.
Ken Gregor, Chief Financial Officer of Jaguar Land Rover: “Remaining in the EU – our largest market – will increase Jaguar Land Rover’s chances to grow, create jobs and attract investment in future technologies. Our European supply chain has been fundamental in helping us to meet customer expectations worldwide and achieve sustainable, profitable growth.”
Tony Walker, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK: “After considered review, we believe that continued membership of the European Union is best for our business and for our competitiveness in the longer term.”
Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management, BMW AG: “We firmly believe Britain would be better off if it remained an active and influential member of the EU, shaping European regulations which will continue to impact the UK whatever the decision on Thursday.”
Rory Harvey, Managing Director and Chairman of Vauxhall: “We are part of a fully integrated European company where we benefit from the free movement of goods and people. We believe not to be part of the EU would be undesirable for our business and the sector as a whole.”
Car manufacturers are having to cancel orders for plug-in hybrid vehicles as demand is greatly exceeding supply of right-hand-drive models for the UK – with waiting lists of more than a year for some models.
Motoring Research understands that customers who have placed orders for BMW’s newly-launched 330e have had them cancelled by their dealership because the company’s UK allocation for right-hand-drive models has already been filled.
One poster on the PistonHeads forum said: “I’ve had the dreaded phone call from the leasing company and I am one of those who has had the order cancelled.
“They mentioned they have about 65 orders that have been cancelled by BMW. I asked for alternatives and I was told most PHEV cars have really long lead times including the Mercedes-Benz C350e, expected delivery about July/August.”
We approached BMW for comment and they admitted that demand has greatly exceeded the UK’s allocation of the 330e.
A BMW spokesperson said: “We predicted UK sales of 2,500 for the 330e this year, but the demand was much higher than we originally anticipated. We do have high demand across other PHEV models, but it’s not to the same extent as this.
“Due to very strong demand we are indeed oversubscribed on 330e. We’re working with affected parties now and will let you know more when we have it regarding future supply.”
BMW also sells plug-in hybrid versions of its 2 Series Active Tourer and X5 SUV , with a 740e expected to debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Why are plug-in hybrids so popular?
Demand for the BMW 330e might be attributable to the upcoming change in the Government’s plug-in car grant. From 1 March 2016, it will only be eligible for a grant of £2,500 – compared to the £5,000 grant if customers order before this date.
It could also be influenced by the Government cancelling its planned lifting of the 3% BIK tax supplement for company car drivers. George Osborne announced in his autumn spending review that drivers of diesel company cars will continue to pay an extra 3% in tax following “the slower than expected introduction of more rigorous EU emissions testing”.
Could Dieselgate be driving demand?
In the wake of the Volkswagen ‘Dieselgate’ emissions scandal, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that registrations of diesel cars are remaining stable, but petrol and alternative-fuel vehicles are increasing in popularity.
Registrations of petrol hybrids grew by 44.1% in January to 3,783 cars, while plug-in hybrid demand grew to 1,592 vehicles – a rise of 32.3% compared to the same time last year.
UK Volkswagen sales were down by 14% in January, but it isn’t all bad news for the firm. Rather than ordering diesel Golfs, it seems that many are looking at the hybrid alternative.
A Volkswagen spokesman told Motoring Research: “Last year we took around 2,500 orders for Golf GTE, and that number is expected to grow appreciably through 2016. Demand comfortably exceeds supply, although we have, of course, adjusted production to accommodate that increasing demand. As such, the time between order and delivery is now an estimated 15 weeks or so.”
Order books for the plug-in hybrid Passat GTE are yet to open in the UK, but demand is expected to be equally strong for the plug-in hybrid saloon.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is credited for being the car that caused the boom in plug-in hybrids in the UK. The company sold 11,786 Outlander PHEVs in the UK last year – and it says it has no problem fulfilling orders in 2016.
Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Sales Planning & Analysis Manager, Joe Sutton, said: “We don’t have any volume restrictions imposed on us by Mitsubishi Motors, hence most variants/colours of the Outlander PHEV are currently available with no additional lead times outside of normal preparation and delivery times.”
Mercedes-Benz refused to comment on the lead times for its C350e – despite rumours that it was also struggling to meet demand.
The Transport and Environment campaign group is calling on regulators to investigate 30 cars it claims produced ‘suspect’ emissions results when tested by authorities. The organisation says it has evidence that ‘defeat devices’, such as those used in the Volkswagen emissions scandal, have been used by ‘most’ carmakers.
The group says this evidence includes inappropriate use of a ‘thermal window’ (29 models), high ‘hot-restart’ emissions (23 models) and plain shut-offs after a certain time (at least one model). These are the 30 cars the organisation believes may use defeat devices.
BMW 216d Gran Tourer
As BMW’s first people carrier and front-wheel-drive model, the 2 Series GT is no stranger to controversy. Transport and Environment claims that, during tests, the 2 Series GT made liberal use of what’s described as a ‘thermal window’, a period during which manufacturers can decrease emissions management systems in a bid to prevent parts being damaged by condensation.
BMW 530d
The campaign group says that 23 of the ‘dirty 30’ feature unusually high emissions following a hot engine restart, rather than a cold start. Although manufacturers claim this is normal, Transport and Environment disputes this – with the BMW 530D being accused as one of the 23 hot-start dodgers.
Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 BlueHDi
During cold track tests held in France, the group claims the Citroen C4 Picasso showed signs of the thermal window being abused.
Dacia Sandero 1.5 dCi
Bad news! The super-affordable Dacia Sandero is an emissions cheater, says Transport and Environment. Tested in France, the group alleges the Sandero ‘cheats’ the system using both thermal window and hot-start methods.
Fiat 500X 2.0 MJT
We quite like the Fiat 500X – although it’s better with the smaller 1.6-litre turbodiesel and fun 1.4-litre petrol than the 2.0-litre diesel featured here. Apparently, in German tests, the 500X’s exhaust treatment switched off after 22 minutes. Normally, emissions tests last for 20 minutes. Draw your own conclusions…
Ford C-Max TDCi
The organisation claims the popular Ford C-Max, powered by the turbodiesel in 1.5- and 2.0-litre guises, shows signs of dodging emissions tests. These include both the thermal window cheat and hot start.
Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi
It’s no surprise then, that the Focus, using the same 1.5-litre turbodiesel as the C-Max, also shows similar symptoms.
Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC
It was during track testing in the UK with a warm engine that the Honda CR-V, powered by the 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, showed signs of using both the thermal window and hot-start cheats.
Hyundai i20 1.1 CRDi
Tested in the UK, Transport and Environment says the Hyundai i20 with the super-efficient 1.1-litre CRDi engine shows signs of both thermal window and hot-start dodges.
Jaguar XE 2.0d
It’s the entry-level 163hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel Jaguar XE that’s been accused of cheating tests here. Again, it showed signs of playing both thermal window and hot start scams, says the organisation.
Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi
The Kia Sportage has recently been replaced, but it’s its predecessor that the organisation claims defeated emissions tests. The 1.7-litre diesel showed signs of using the thermal window and hot-start methods, apparently.
Mazda 6 2.2 diesel
With Mazda’s Skyactiv technology, you’d hope the 2.2-litre diesel would be fairly efficient. The organisation claims it’s cheated tests, however.
Mercedes-Benz A180d and A200d
Transport and Environment claims that three Mercedes-Benz models have produced suspicious results during German emissions testing. The first is the A-Class, which allegedly showed signs of using the thermal window technique in testing of the A180d model, and both thermal window and hot-restart methods during testing of the A200d.
Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec
The current generation S-Class, in S350 Bluetec guise, reportedly showed symptoms of cheating using the hot-start and thermal window methods.
Mercedes-Benz V250d
Vans are currently under the spotlight with regard to emissions tests – and Mercedes-Benz’s ‘van with windows’ V250d is alleged to have produced some ‘interesting’ results.
Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi
Ah, the wholesome, family-friendly Nissan Qashqai. Powered by the 1.6-litre diesel Renault engine, it showed peculiar results relating to the thermal window cheat during testing in the UK.
Peugeot 5008 1.6 BlueHDi
The only model by French manufacturer Peugeot alleged to have cheated tests is the 5008 people carrier, powered by the 1.6-litre BlueHDI turbodiesel engine.
Porsche Macan S Diesel
Porsche isn’t a big user of diesel engines – nor is it a company that is traditionally overly concerned about emissions. But buyers of its Macan S Diesel might be interested to know that Transport and Environment says it showed signs of ‘test recognition’ – just like VW’s cheat device.
Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4
Could this knock the ever-popular Range Rover Evoque off its perch? The 180hp turbodiesel apparently showed suspicious results in UK tests.
Renault Captur 1.5 dCi
Renault is potentially the biggest emissions cheat – says Transport and Environment – with no fewer than four cars showing suspect results. The first is the Captur crossover, with the 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Renault Megane 1.5 dCi
Unsurprisingly, the Megane powered by the same engine also showed signs of using the hot-start and thermal window dodges.
Renault Kadjar 1.5 and 1.6 dCi
As did the Renault Kadjar, in both 1.5- and 1.6-litre dCi guises.
Renault Espace 1.6 dCi
The 1.6-litre turbodiesel Renault Espace people carrier showed signs of using the thermal window cheat.
Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI
As a Volkswagen Group product, it’s perhaps unsurprising to see the Skoda Octavia 1.6-litre turbodiesel showed signs of thermal window, test recognition and hot-start cheats.
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 DDiS
The latest Suzuki Vitara is one of our favourite crossovers, but Transport and Environment alleges that the 1.6-litre diesel showed signs of using the thermal window and hot-start bodges during testing.
Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D
The taxi drivers’ favourite – but is the Avensis pumping lots of nasty emissions into our city centres? The campaign group reckons so – with the 2.0-litre diesel showing signs of exploiting hot start and thermal window cheats.
Vauxhall Mokka 1.6 CDTi
Tested in Europe as an Opel, the diesel Mokka showed signs of using both thermal window and hot-start cheats according to Transport and Environment.
Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 CDTi
Amid the fire scandal, a Zafira’s emissions might be the last thing on an owner’s mind. Using the same engine as the Mokka, the newer Zafira Tourer showed suspicious results in hot-restart and thermal window tests.
Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi
The company car driver’s favourite thanks to its low emissions (on paper), has the Insignia been cheating tests? Transport and Environment thinks so.
Volvo V60 D3
Completing the ‘dirty thirty’ is the Volvo V60 D3. The Swedish estate car, tested in Spain, cheats thermal window and hot-start tests, according to the organisation behind the research.
Following his successful debut on the new series of Top Gear, petrolhead Chris Harris has revealed he will be fronting a new series of films for TopGear.com.
Harris has become well known amongst car enthusiasts over the years for his lengthy Youtube videos – but members of the public were in for a surprise when he appeared in a Ferrari F12tdf on Sunday’s Top Gear.
Speaking to TopGear.com, Harris said: “Obviously I’m thrilled to be making beautiful films like the F12tdf piece for the Top Gear television show. But the longer-form, more detailed web films I’ve made with Neil Carey over the years remain my natural format, and broadcasting them through TG’s huge online audience is a dream come true.
“If you want to know even more technical details about cars, hear more in-depth analysis, I hope we’ll be the perfect destination. I want the films to be just as they were on Chris Harris on Cars. With added slow-motion slides.”
I’m still doing the telly show and Extra Gear, but I wanted to keep making the longer, geeky films. And the dear old Beeb said ‘okay’!!
We’re yet to find out when the films will appear – or what cars they’ll feature – but a preview posted on the website shows Harris driving exotic hypercars including the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 and LaFerrari.
Harris added: “The Top Gear magazine and online team are the best out there. I can’t think of a more exciting recipe than applying myself and Neil’s skills in making engaging films for hardcore car enthusiasts, with their ability to actually be organised (never my strongest attribute) and push the content as far and wide as possible.
“But most of all I want to have fun. Having fun shooting cars makes much better films.”
Chris Harris made his Top Gear debut this evening behind the wheel of the ferocious Ferrari F12 TDF – but Harris hasn’t always had such a good relationship with the Prancing Horse.
In 2011, when Harris wrote a scathing blog post for Jalopnik entitled ‘How Ferrari Spins’, the boys at Maranello were more than a little miffed and knocked him off their list of ‘journos to lend cars to’.
In the article, Harris accused Ferrari of optimising test cars so they did well in magazine performance tests.
He said: “Sad to say it, but the ecstasy of driving a new Ferrari is now almost always eradicated by the pain of dealing with the organisation. Why am I bothering to tell you this? Because I’m p***ed with the whole thing now.
“It’s gotten out of control; to the point that it will soon be pointless believing anything you read about its cars through the usual channels, because the only way you get access is playing by its rules.”
He talked about the Ferrari 360 Modena press car, which was two seconds quicker to 100mph than a customer car he also tested – and a 430 Scuderia with ‘standard’ tyres that stuck themselves to the rollers during a dyno session.
“And this is the nub: how f***ing paranoid do you have to be to put even stickier rubber on a Scuderia?”, he added.
Despite building a reputation amongst enthusiasts for his YouTube videos, Ferrari banned Harris from driving its cars for a number of years.
In 2013, Harris did a review of the Ferrari 458 Spider, quipping “this car belongs to Ferrari, and I’m probably not supposed to be driving it, but I’m not going to dwell on that.”
The car, which was a Ferrari press car, was reportedly loaned to Jeremy Clarkson – who then allegedly lent it to Harris.
After several minutes of testing the 458’s oversteer abilities, Harris concluded that it was “an absurdly good car to drive.” The video got well over a million YouTube views.
Soon after, Ferrari called a truce with Chris Harris and started loaning him cars again.
