From lawn mowers to the Civic Type R: we drive Honda’s model range

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October 23, 2015

Can you remember 1965? It was the year the Beatles performed the first stadium concert in the history of music, and Tom and Jerry made their debut. Cigarette advertising was banned on British TV, the Sound of Music premiered and Churchill was buried.

But it was also the year Honda first came to the UK – meaning it’s now celebrating 50 years of selling, er, things here.

Why ‘things’? Well, although you may think of Honda as being that company that makes the Jazz (your nan’s pride and joy, right?), it also makes record-breaking hot hatches, trusty all-terrain vehicles and even lawnmowers. So, for its 50th birthday party, Honda got together a load of its things and we went along to try them out.

Honda Civic Type R

We’ve already spent a lot of time in the new Civic Type R, but there’s nothing quite like a soaking-wet race track for showing off just how capable it is. With 310hp going through the front wheels, there is only so much its systems can do to prevent torque steer if you chuck it into a greasy corner with too much throttle. But lift off at that moment and enjoy the Type R’s adjustability. It’ll go properly sideways very easily, while depressing your right foot brings it nicely back into line and makes you feel like Gordon Shedden.

That’s until you have a passenger ride with Gordon Shedden. Which we did. The Scot, crowned British Touring Car Champion for the second time just a few weeks ago, manages to hold a conversation while teasing the Type R with the handbrake and showing just how far that adjustability extends when you’re one of the country’s handiest drivers.

Go karts

You could say the Honda Civic Type R ‘handles like a go kart’, but we won’t. Not only because it’s a lazy cliche, but also because, on a wet track, you could say it handles better than a go kart.

Honda let us loose on a tight, twisty track in one of its karts – only it was very, very damp. With little more than four wheels, a seat and an engine, it’s very easy to find yourself understeering towards a tyre wall and wishing you had the Civic Type R’s clever electronics to make you look more skillful than you actually are.

Still, engage your brain and learn how to extract the best out of the karts (stamp on the brakes until the back end starts to swing around and then drift, yo) and you’ll have an awful lot of fun in them – if not achieve a particularly good lap time.

ATV

Honda offers free training with the sale of all its new all-terrain vehicles. You may scoff but if you’ve never ridden one before, it’s definitely worth it. Rik Mayall and Ozzie Osborne both diced with death following serious quad bike accidents – and they were both experienced riders.

But that’s enough of the scary stuff. Hammering around the off-road site at Silverstone (we stayed away from the circuit on the ATVs…), you can have an absolute blast at relatively low speeds. It takes a little bit of getting used to – the hand throttle, for example – and they don’t turn quite like a go kart. But for farmers and those who need to tackle tough terrain, there really is little else that comes close.

Lawn mower

Honda holds the world record for the fastest ever lawn mower – bagged last year with its 109hp Mean Mower, capable of 130mph. That thing is nuts – created with input from Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden, it boasts a high-carbon steel chassis and a 2.0-litre engine from a Honda VTR Firestorm.

We weren’t allowed to drive that at Silverstone (something about health and safety), but we did get a go on a more down-to-earth (common or garden?) mower. The only complication here is that the accelerator is operated using the left-hand pedal, with reverse on the right and a brake in the middle. Yup, we promptly reversed it into a fence.

Still, in keeping with a theme that’s starting to become clear, it’s amazing how much fun it’s possible to have in something many regard as little more than a tool. Seriously, if you’ve got an acre or two, invest in one of these.

Motorbike

And finally, Honda let us loose on a motorbike. We say ‘let us loose’, but a lack of motorbike licence meant we were restricted to a pillion ride. However, it still made for an exciting experience for someone who has never been on a bike before. It’s not as scary as you may expect – pootling through the countryside is pleasurable even at a gentle pace.

The Honda VFR1200F we ‘rode’ is powered by a 170hp V4 engine, combined with a dual-clutch transmission that provided almost-imperceptible gearchanges.

Boris Johnson test drives new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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Motoring Research team

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October 15, 2015

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We first saw the facelifted Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at this year’s New York Motor Show, but now London Mayor Boris Johnson has been to Japan for an early drive of the new model.

It comes a day after it was revealed that Johnson had already placed an order for the new hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai.

European specifications for the new Outlander PHEV are yet to be confirmed, but an improvement of around 8% in efficiency is expected. This would translate in a combined MPG of 159mpg and emissions of 40g/km CO2.

Mr. Osamu Masuko, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Chairman and CEO said: “We greatly appreciate the significant progress the Mayor’s initiatives in London have made to encourage the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles. We are very proud that the Mayor has taken this opportunity to unveil our new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here in Tokyo today.”

The Outlander PHEV is able to cover 32 miles under electric power alone before the petrol engine kicks in. It can offers a combined range of around 540 miles.

With the help of the government’s plug-in car grant, Mitsubishi has so far offered the Outlander PHEV at a price that proves competitive against conventionally-powered rivals.

With all the tax breaks that it brings, it’s proved to be a very successful vehicle for Mitsubishi in the UK. It’s hoping that this success will continue with the launch of next year’s smaller ASX.

Now watch what Boris got up to after he pulled off the covers of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Japan…

https://youtube.com/watch?v=deBbbzxcJoE

Boris has bought a Toyota Mirai hydrogen-powered car

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Motoring Research team

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October 14, 2015

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Transport for London has bought one of the first Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars to be sold in Britain, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has confirmed.

The zero-emissions car will be tested in the British capital to “see everything Mirai can do and… take another great step towards improving air quality in our city and protecting the health of Londoners,” said Johnson.

During a three-day trade mission to Japan, Boris Johnson drove the Mirai at a Toyota test facility; he also spoke with senior Toyota execs about how London could become a key market for alternative fuel cars.

Johnson also hopes the arrival of the Mirai will help kick-start development of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in London – something he considers ‘important first steps towards the wider adoption of the technology’.

“We applaud the mayor’s commitment to embracing new technology in his mission to make London a leading global city for low-emission, low-carbon transport,” said Toyota GB president and MD Paul Van der Burgh.

“The success of hydrogen will require constructive dialogue and action, bringing together industry, national governments and city authorities like London to share and develop skills and experience and to communicate the benefits that can be delivered to business and to individuals.

“Our Mirai fuel cell vehicle is a milestone in the history of the motor car and opens up unprecedented opportunities for cleaner, sustainable transport.”

Earlier in the year, Toyota took an unprecedented step towards accelerating the development of the hydrogen fuel cell car – by giving away all the patents it developed while creating it.

Two-thirds of motorists ‘less likely to buy a Volkswagen’ after dieselgate scandal

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Motoring Research team

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October 8, 2015

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A poll by Apester has found that 69% of motorists say they’re ‘less likely to purchase a Volkswagen’ after the #dieselgate scandal, in which 9.5 million cars worldwide are believed to be affected.

More than half (54%) of those polled said this is because they don’t trust Volkswagen engineers, while 27% said they don’t want to drive a car that pollutes too much. A further 19% said they care too much about their reputation to drive a Volkswagen – saying they don’t want to be seen driving one.

The scandal affects diesel models across Volkswagen Group, with premium brand Audi saying it’s not overly concerned about losing sales.

More on the Volkswagen emissions scandal on Motoring Research

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Volkswagen emissions recall to begin in January 2016
France ‘to begin move out of diesel’
No road tax hike for VWs with illegal software, UK government confirms
‘No collusion’ in car industry over emissions tests says SMMT
Realistic fuel consumption tests? Careful what you wish for
SEAT: 700,000 cars affected by VW emissions scandal
RAC calls for more stringent lab tests following VW emissions scandal
Volkswagen emissions scandal: new diesel info website to advise customers
Audi: 2.1 million cars contain cheat code software
Switzerland bans Volkswagen Group sales
VW scandal: Matthias Müller becomes CEO, priority is to ‘win back trust’
VW scandal: who is Matthias Müller?
Volkswagen: ‘We are sorry. And will put it right.’
#Dieselgate: company cars set for a nasty shock?
Dieselgate latest: what we’ve learnt – LIVE
SMMT says Volkswagen emissions scandal ‘not an industry-wide issue’
Volkswagen U.S. boss: ‘we totally screwed up’
Volkswagen diesels ‘manipulate US emission testing: VW CEO ‘deeply sorry’

Calls for 20mph limits to reduce NOx emissions

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Motoring Research team

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October 5, 2015

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Campaign groups are calling for lower speed limits in urban areas in a bid to reduce the amount of NOx pollutants being emitted from diesel cars.

Research by Imperial College London found that the average Euro 4 compliant diesel (between 1.4- and 2.0-litres) emits an extra 8.2% of NOx at 30mph – 0.81g/km compared to 0.74g/km.

In 2014, 37% of cars on UK roads were diesels – so reducing speed limits in urban areas could lead to a substantial reduction of NOx emissions.

The research is being highlighted by the 20’s Plenty for US campaign group, which says a blanket reduction of speed limits in urban areas will improve safety as well as improving air quality.

20’s Plenty for Us founder and campaign director, Rod King MBE, said: “A 20mph built up limit simply, immediately and effectively reduces dirty fumes. This government should urgently wake up to the air quality gains from 20mph. Lower speeds give so many road safety, active travel and public health benefits.”

The research also suggest that CO2 emissions from diesel cars in urban areas could be reduced by around 1% by decreasing speed limits in town and city centres to 20mph – but it would have the opposite effect on petrol cars, increasing CO2 emissions from these by around 2%.

As a result, the study found that 100 cars (a representative mix of petrols and diesels) would emit 24,591g/km CO2 at 20mph, compared to 24,309g/km at 30mph. That’s an increase of 282.5g/km CO2.

Former F1 driver quits motor racing for music career

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Richard Aucock

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October 2, 2015

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Former Toro Rosso has announced his retirement from motor racing at the age of 25 to begin a new career in music – under the stage name Squire.

Alguersuari became the youngest Formula 1 driver ever when he started his first race at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix: he was also the first born in the 1990s to compete in F1. During his three-year F1 career, he scored 31 points in 46 races.

The Spanish former racer also has a title to his name – he was the 2008 winner of the British Formula Three Championship, beating current F1 racer Sergio Perez in the process.

He also raced in Formula Renault 3.5 during 2009, winning a race during the season, although his title challenge was stymied by his concurrent promotion into F1: he finished the year third in the points.

After F1, Alguersuari raced in the Formula E championship in 2014 and 2015 – but missed the final two races of 2015 after fainting at the end of the Moscow ePrix in June; the FIA withdrew his racing licence while he underwent tests.

Now, Alguersuari has officially retired from motorsport – but says it’s unrelated to his health issues. “I’m fine with no illness, but I have decided to stop because it is a time for a change.

“Something tells me it’s time to take another road because I think I have fallen out of love with this bride who has been with me all of my life.”

The accomplished DJ and musician will now focus full-time on his music career, following up the 2011 album he released under the name Squire (which you can listen to on Spotify).

Alguersuari admitted “I have many people around me who do not understand my decision, but I want to live honestly, and that is now how I have felt in motor sport”.

“I do not want more money,” he told Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, “I want to live the truth.” From one type of track to another: all the best, Jamie Alguersuari and Squire.

Smoking in cars with children is now BANNED

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Motoring Research team

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October 1, 2015

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The law banning anyone from smoking in a vehicle containing passengers aged under 18 comes is now in force – despite concerns that 3.1 million smokers are unaware of the ban.

A survey by Kwik Fit Insurance has found that 22 percent of smokers don’t realise the new law is being introduced, putting them at risk of £50 on-the-spot fines.

The research has found that more than 9 million smokers admit to previously smoking in a car containing children – meaning a whopping £458 million in fines could be raked in if they continue.

But research by the RAC has found that the majority of motorists don’t have enough confidence in the police to enforce the new laws.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Nine in 10 motorists have concerns about the extent to which the new law is likely to be enforced. This is perhaps well-founded as traffic police officer numbers have fallen by nearly a quarter (23 percent) between 2010 and 2014 across forces in England and Wales, so it is hard to see how people flouting the law are going to be caught.

“The new ban joins a raft of other laws that have been introduced in recent years, such as making it illegal to undertake or hog the middle lane of a motorway. But without sufficient enforcement, there is a real danger that these laws will quickly be forgotten by a large proportion of the motoring population.”

Kwik Fit’s research found the majority of drivers support the ban – both smokers (80 percent) and non-smokers (87 percent). But they disagree about the £50 fines, with more than a quarter of smokers finding it too harsh, while one in five non-smokers claim it’s too lenient.

Stewart Barnett, Marketing Director at Kwik Fit Insurance Services said: “While there are a few differences in opinion on the ins and outs of the new law, it appears that the majority of people, whether they smoke or not, are in agreement that protecting the health of the nation’s children is the most important factor in these new rules.

“Cutting back on smoking has obvious long-term health benefits for all car passengers, not just children. Drivers need to make sure they are fully aware of the new rules in order to make sure they stay on the right side of the law. The added benefit is that the dangerous practice of driving with the distraction of smoking will also be limited.”

The survey also found that many smokers think there should be some leniency around the punishment, with 50 percent saying fines shouldn’t be issued if windows are left open, and 36% thinking having the air-con on should allow them to dodge the penalty.

Interestingly, more than a third of those surveyed – smokers and non-smokers – said they’d report a driver or passenger they saw smoking in the car.

ALSO READ

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Elon Musk reveals Tesla Model X SUV

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Motoring Research team

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September 30, 2015

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Tesla boss Elon Musk has taken the covers of the company’s new Model X SUV at an event held in California.

Like the Tesla Model S, the X is powered by two electric motors creating a combined output of 762hp – meaning it can hit 62mph in just 3.2 seconds.

That’s in ‘ludicrous’ mode – typically, the P90D model takes 3.8 seconds, while providing up to 250 miles of range from a single charge.

With the batteries located on the Model X’s floor, Tesla says it’ll handle better than other SUVs thanks to its low centre of gravity. It also boasts the lowest drag coefficient in its class of 0.24 – thanks partly to an active spoiler that adjusts depending on speed.

The Tesla Model X is practical, too, with seven seats and a towing capacity of 2,250kg. Tesla says it’s ‘designed to be the safest car on the road’ with automatic emergency braking and a side-collision avoidance system as standard.

Every model will also come with a forward-facing camera, radar and 360-degree sonar sensor that, the manufacturer claims, will ‘enable advanced autopilot features’. Although they’ll just be used for tricks such as automatic parking for now, Tesla hints that they bring ‘the Model X ever closer to autonomous operation’.

Like the concept version revealed in 2013, the Model X features ‘Falcon Wing’ doors that require just 30cm of space on either side to open. They open automatically as the driver approaches the car, meaning they never need to touch the door.

As in the Model S, the Model X will feature a large 17-inch touchscreen on the centre of the dashboard to control the car’s features, from audio to vehicle data.

Prices are yet to be confirmed for the UK, where the Model X is expected to go on sale before the end of the year. Expect them to be similar to the Model S, starting at around £55,000 and going up to £90,000.

ALSO READ

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Police admit to hiding speed cameras in tractors

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Motoring Research team

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September 29, 2015

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Humberside Police has admitted to hiding cameras in farm vehicles in a bid to catch speeding bikers on rural roads in East Yorkshire.

This is despite advice from the Government that ‘vehicles from which mobile speed cameras can be deployed should be liveried and clearly identifiable as an enforcement vehicle’.

A police spokesman confirmed to the Daily Mail that they were using tractors and other agricultural vehicles in a bid to cut down on fatal accidents involving motorbikes.

As part of Operation Achilles, the force has previously used marked bikes to catch speeders and reduce accident rates in the area.

But it decided that it’d prove cheaper to buy a tractor and a horsebox to hide police officers with handheld speed guns.

Inspector Mark Hughes from Humberside Police Road Policing told the Mail: “At the moment Humberside Police are conducting Operation Kansas in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

“This operation runs alongside the well-established and much publicised Operation Achilles. It is concerned with “high-end” speeding offenders in East Riding, deploying speed cameras, which are located in a variety of stationary vehicles.

“Vehicles which are detected travelling at very high speeds are stopped further along the road and drivers/riders are spoken to and dealt with at the roadside.

“Although the majority of offenders are motorcycles, a number of cars are also dealt with on this operation. We regularly record speeds in the high 90s and over 100 mph, these being on country roads where the national speed limit of 60 mph is in force.”

Dieselgate latest: Martin Winterkorn resigns

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Motoring Research team

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September 23, 2015

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As expected, Martin Winterkorn has resigned from his position as Volkswagen CEO. The news comes following a meeting of the executive committee of Volkswagen’s supervisory board, in which Winterkorn was invited to present his case.

It is believed the group met on Tuesday evening, but it was widely predicted that Winterkorn would be forced to resign. According to Bloomberg, “what Winterkorn knew about a scheme intended to dupe regulators and consumers” would have been critical to the discussions. Winterkorn issued an official apology to consumers and Volkswagen workers, but initially refused to step down.

But with pressure mounting, Winterkorn and the board of Volkswagen were left with little option.

Fresh start for Volkswagen

“I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation”, said Winterkorn.

But Winterkorn was quick to claim no wrong doing on his part, saying: “I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Stunned by the misconduct on such a scale possible in the Volkswagen Group.”

Winterkorn: Volkswagen will always be my life

Martin Winterkorn’s resignation statement, in full:

“I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group.

As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrong doing on my part.

Volkswagen needs a fresh start – also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.

I have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life.

The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust. I am convinced that the Volkswagen Group and its team will overcome this grave crisis.”

Fall-out set to continue

The fall-out from the emissions cheating scandal is expected to continue. Shares in the beleaguered Group fell by 17% on Monday, dropping a further 19.7% on Tuesday. The net result is one-third being wiped off the company’s value.

It is said that Volkswagen has hired US law firm Kirkland & Ellis to help deal with event. This is the same firm that handled the Deepwater Horizon investigation in 2010.

The Volkswagen board will discuss Winterkorn’s replacement on Friday and further changes in personnel are expected.