Volkswagen has made a special dog toy inspired by the ID. Buzz

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March 27, 2025

Volkswagen has revealed a limited-edition dog toy inspired by its ID. Buzz electric people carrier.

The ‘VW Kong For a Cause’ is the result of joint project with the Kong dog toy company, alongside VCA Charities pet shelters in the United States.

For every example of the VW Kong For a Cause sold, another will be donated to an animal shelter. All net proceeds from sales of the toy will go to charity, too.

If the link between Volkswagen and dog toys has you scratching your head, there is a good reason for it – and one rooted in the German marque’s history.

A rocky start to a winning idea

Inspiration for the original Kong rubber dog toy came from a mechanic’s workshop in Denver, Colorado during the 1970s.

Workshop owner Joe Markham had acquired a German Shepherd dog, named Fritz, to help protect his workshop after a spate of burglaries.

Rejected by the local police academy’s canine division due to his excessive chewing, Fritz lived up to his reputation at Markham’s workshop.

Fritz attempted to chew everything from rocks to radiator hoses, but salvation finally arrived in the shape of a rubber bump stop from a 1969 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus.

Honouring design classics

Markham realised the bump stop had the perfect consistency to resist chewing without damaging a dog’s teeth, and spent the next six years designing the ultimate canine toy.

This led to the Kong company being launched in 1976, and millions of the rubber dog toys being sold around the world.

As the modern equivalent to the classic Volkswagen Type 2, the ID. Buzz has donated its Cabana Blue colour scheme to the special Kong toy, which is sadly only available to enthusiasts in the United States.

“At Volkswagen, we believe in the power of connection between people and their pets,” said Rachael Zaluzec, SVP for brand marketing at Volkswagen of America. “The ID. Buzz embodies that spirit, and this collaboration carries forward Kong’s wonderful origin story that began with a man, his best friend and a VW bus.”

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New survey reveals 2 in 3 Brits will not buy an electric car

By

John Redfern

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March 26, 2025

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The majority of British motorists have no plans to buy an electric car, according to a new study.

Research commissioned by AXA insurance, which questioned 1,501 UK motorists, found that almost two thirds (63 percent) are not interested in purchasing an EV.

Of those surveyed, more than a third (37 percent) said concern about the lifespan of batteries in an electric car was the major factor in their decision.

Such are the fears about battery life, a mere eight percent of those who responded said they planned to buy a second-hand electric vehicle.

Battery life causing concerns

However, battery life were not the only concern about electric cars held by the survey respondents.

Some 61 percent said they thought electric cars were too expensive to buy. And 36 percent believe there is a shortage of public charging points in their local area.

AXA also uncovered a lack of knowledge from members of the public about electric cars, in particular relating to used EVs.

Nearly two thirds (64 percent) of those questioned said there is not enough public information on how to buy a used electric vehicle.

Boosting consumer confidence

AXA believes the used electric car market could be stimulated through standardised battery health certificates.

Such certificates would offer a clear guide as to the state of the battery in a second-hand EV, comparing its maximum level of charge against what was available when the car was new.

Marco Distefano, managing director at AXA Retail, said: “We urge the Government to urgently publish guidelines to support standardised battery health testing.

“Not only will this stimulate the used EV market, but it also has the potential to positively impact insurance premiums by providing a barometer for assessing the value of EVs in a similar way that mileage is used for vehicles with an engine.”

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New Aston Martin Vanquish Volante turns up the V12 volume

By

John Redfern

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March 25, 2025

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Aston Martin has revealed a drop-top version of its flagship V12 super GT. The new Vanquish Volante becomes the most powerful open Aston Martin ever – and the world’s most powerful front-engined convertible.

Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark said: “For 60 years, Aston Martin Volantes have defined the art of elegant, sporting, open-top motoring.

“At Aston Martin we are proud to be doing such justice to our heritage while, as the unprecedented performance of the Vanquish Volante shows, keeping our eyes firmly focused on the future.”

Open for business

The Volante version of the new Vanquish was designed alongside its coupe counterpart, meaning there were no compromises in terms of the car’s design.

According to chief creative officer Marek Reichman: “The opportunity to create a true flagship Volante is rare. The challenge is always to maintain Aston Martin’s core brand DNA, and it was vitally important to create the Volante alongside the coupe in order to deliver excellence in proportion and drama.”

A lightweight, K-fold roof completely disappears beneath the tonneau cover, and can be opened or closed in 16 seconds. Aston Martin says the fabric roof’s level of thermal insulation matches that of the Vanquish coupe.

A new stainless steel exhaust system with quad tailpipes has been developed specifically for the Volante. With the roof down, passengers are said to enjoy ‘an enhanced range of frequencies and resonant V12 howl’. For those who want more V12 volume, a lightweight titanium exhaust is on the options list.

The fastest Volante ever

Providing the acoustic hit is the same twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 as found in the Vanquish coupe. This endows the Volante with a mighty 835hp and 738lb ft of torque.

A ZF eight-speed automatic paddle-shift transmission sends all that power to the rear wheels, aided by an electronic limited-slip differential. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 3.4 seconds in the Volante: 0.1 seconds slower than the Vanquish coupe.

A top speed of 214mph makes the Vanquish Volante the fastest open-top Aston Martin to date.

Continental cruising for two

Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard to the Vanquish Volante, along with new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers that should switch it from boulevard cruiser to sporting grand tourer in an instant.

Unlike the 2+2 Vanquish coupe, the Volante is solely a two-seater, maximising space for the roof when retracted. A substantial cross brace divides the cabin from a rear storage space that can be filled with bespoke saddle leather luggage.

Aston Martin fits Sports Plus seats as standard, with carbon fibre Performance seats available at extra cost. A combination of Alcantara and semi-aniline leather is the default upholstery option. As ever, though, the Q by Aston Martin bespoke service can create a near-endless array of finishes as desired.

The Vanquish Volante is the latest car to use Aston Martin’s new infotainment system, which combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. Pleasingly, there are still plenty of traditional buttons and switches throughout the cabin.

Celebrating the Volante legacy

The launch of a new Vanquish convertible also marks the 60th anniversary of Aston Martin’s Volante nameplate. Applied to numerous open-top Astons over the years, the badge was first used on the rare 1965 Short Chassis Volante – only 37 examples of which were made.

The Vanquish Volante will be built in larger numbers, although combined production of both Vanquish variants is capped at 1,000 cars per year.

Orders for the new Vanquish Volante can be placed now, with first deliveries planned for autumn 2025. Prices have yet to be announced, but expect a premium of at least £20,000 over the £330,000 asked for a Vanquish coupe.

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Volkswagen to reveal Golf GTI 50th Anniversary special edition

Peugeot unveils ‘motorsport-inspired’ Expert Sport van

By

John Redfern

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March 25, 2025

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Peugeot has revealed a racy new Sport version of its Expert van, creating a rival for the MS-RT range of modified Ford Transits.

The French marque says it took inspiration from a ‘rich motorsport pedigree’, but clearly used its recent racing history as a starting point for the Expert Sport van.

That means you won’t find the red, navy blue, yellow and light blue livery worn by competition Peugeots of old, but rather the modern eye-searing shade of Kryptonite green.

This colour has appeared on Peugeot’s 9X8 Le Mans hypercar, along with road-going performance models such as the 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered.

Mean, green, load-carrying machine

For the Expert Sport’s bodywork, Peugeot adds a deeper front splitter, side skirts with integrated protective front mudguards, and a revised rear bumper.

A new rear spoiler is also painted in Kryptonite green. However, there is no word from Peugeot on whether it increases downforce when circling the city ring road.

A set of bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels are shod with high-load-capacity Nankang tyres, with more Kryptonite green used for the exterior badges, front grille and large side stripes.

Inside, the Expert Sport’s seats are finished in black ‘eco-leather’ with, of course, Krytonite green contrast stitching.

Choose diesel or electric power

Peugeot has fitted the Expert Sport with more equipment than the regular ‘Asphalt’ model. Dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, and wireless smartphone charging are all standard on this motorsport model.

Buyers get a choice between Ice White or Titanium Grey exterior colours, and can have the Expert Sport in either Panel Van or Crew Van body styles.

Similar to the Vauxhall Vivaro GS, the Expert Sport comes with either a 180hp 2.0-litre diesel engine or a 136hp electric motor.

Available to order soon, the diesel Expert Sport starts from £42,675 excluding VAT. Going electric elevates the starting price to £48,315 excluding VAT, but with the Plug-in Vehicle Grant applied.

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Volkswagen to reveal Golf GTI 50th Anniversary special edition

By

John Redfern

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March 21, 2025

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Volkswagen’s legendary hot hatchback, the Golf GTI, will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2026. However, VW plans to start the party early.

As part of the Nurburgring 24 Hours race in June – now Germany’s largest motorsport event – Volkswagen will preview a commemorative Golf GTI 50th Anniversary, due on sale next year.

Volkswagen will also showcase other performance models from its range at the ‘Ring, including the Golf R hatchback and estate.

On track, the Max Kruse Racing customer team plans to enter two Golf GTI ‘Clubsport 24h’ cars, one of them piloted by Volkswagen development driver, Benjamin ‘Benny’ Leuchter.

Five decades of GTI history

Volkswagen is keeping quiet on details of the 50th anniversary Golf GTI, only noting it will be a ‘a sporty special model’.

However, the German marque does have plenty of experience with commemorative GTIs, having started in 1996 with the 20th Anniversary Edition – based on the Mk3 Golf.

Limited to 1,000 examples, the Golf GTI 20th Anniversary came with 16-inch BBS alloy wheels, red badges and chequered Recaro seats.

Later Anniversary Editions, released every subsequent five years, have continued the trend of larger wheels and bespoke styling, giving some indication as to the direction the 50th Anniversary GTI could take.

‘Ring in the celebrations

The Nurburgring 24 Hours has become the event of choice for Volkswagen to launch new performance models, with more than 230,000 fans attending over the race weekend.

Back in 2016, it was used to announce the limited edition Mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S. This 310hp, two-seat GTI later entered the record books by breaking the front-wheel-drive production car lap record around the Nordschleife circuit.

Last year, the updated Golf GTI Clubsport was revealed at the endurance race, featuring a ‘Special’ drive mode optimised for use at the Nurburgring. The 2025 Nurburgring 24 Hour race takes place from 20-21 June.

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Leapmotor EVs arrive in the UK, priced from £199 a month

By

John Redfern

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March 20, 2025

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Chinese electric car brand Leapmotor has launched two new vehicles in the UK, with the promise of ‘value without compromise’.

Aotomotive conglomerate Stellantis purchased a 20 percent stake in Leapmotor during 2023, establishing an international joint venture to bring the Chinese EVs to a global audience.

This includes the UK, with 44 dealerships across the country set to offer Leapmotor vehicles. This network will be expanded to 80 dealers by the end of 2025.

Damien Dally, managing director of Leapmotor UK, said: “These exciting new electric cars epitomise our bold mission to be the best value EV brand in the UK by delivering the highest level of specification and the highest level of technology, as standard.

“We believe customers shouldn’t have to compromise on quality for affordability and that this is truly a value without compromise proposition for UK car buyers.”

Challenging the Dacia Spring

The cheapest model in the Leapmotor UK range is the distinctive T03 hatchback, with prices starting from £15,995. It makes this city car one of the cheapest ways into new EV, competing with the Dacia Spring for outright affordability.

PCP finance deals on the Leapmotor T03, with zero percent APR, start from £199 per month.

Powered by a 37.3kWh battery pack, the T03 can officially cover up to 165 miles on a full charge. A 95hp electric motor means 0-62mph takes a sedate 12.7 seconds.

Offered in one single trim level, the T03 comes with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, 8.0-inch digital instrument panel, climate control air-con, a panoramic sunroof and a reversing camera.

A budget electric SUV

With more space, and a more substantial starting price of £36,500, the Leapmotor C10 is intended to challenge D-segment electric SUVs such as the Skoda Enyaq and and Volkswagen ID.4.

Pressing the value point, the C10 comes as standard with a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, a surround-view camera, a 12-speaker audio system and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen.

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control. This all helped the C10 receive the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Only one powertrain is available: a 218hp motor with a 69.9kWh battery. A range of 263 miles is claimed to be possible.

As with the T03, the Leapmotor C10 comes with a four-year warranty as standard, along with eight years of cover for the battery pack.

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Tesla in freefall as leasing enquiries plummet 87%

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Tesla in freefall as leasing enquires plummet 87%

By

John Redfern

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March 20, 2025

0

UK motorists are losing interest in Tesla electric cars, according to new data from a leading lease company.

Leasing Options has analysed the volume of leasing enquiries during the past 12 months. Overall, there has been an 11 percent decline in customers looking at a Tesla.

Of greater concern for the American EV brand, however – and its highly controversial CEO Elon Musk – is the speed of the decrease seen in the past month.

Comparing enquiries from February 2025 with the same month in 2024 reveals a dramatic 87 percent fall in demand for leasing a Tesla.

Tesla no longer ‘the automatic first choice’

Mike Thompson, COO at Leasing Options, comments: “Tesla has always been as much about brand image as it has been about technology. However, growing controversy around Elon Musk – both in his leadership of Tesla and his wider public persona – is alienating consumers.

“His outspoken political views, erratic decision-making, and controversial social media activity have led some former fans to distance themselves from the brand. People are re-evaluating their options and right now, Tesla isn’t the automatic first choice it once was.”

The analysis by Leasing Options follows a recent survey of Tesla owners that highlighted 70 percent were now ‘ashamed’ of their car.

A competitive EV market

Remaining members of the ‘Teslarati’ cannot simply attribute the drop in Tesla enquiries to a lack of interest for leasing electric vehicles, either.

Indeed, Leasing Options has seen an enormous 509 percent increase in customer enquiries about electric cars during the last year. Interest in Chinese brand BYD has rocketed by 793 percent, with even the long-established Ford brand seeing a 156 percent jump in enquiries about EVs.

Enquiries about Volkswagen’s electric models have grown by 127 percent, with a host of other brands also witnessing a rising demand.

Thompson explains: “Tesla, once the undisputed leader in the EV space, is now facing serious pressure from competitors who are matching or even surpassing them on price, range and features.

“Brands like BYD, Polestar, Volkswagen and Kia, plus emerging players such as Jaecoo and Omoda, are providing strong alternatives, and UK consumers are clearly paying attention.”

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London ULEZ checker: How to check if you need to pay

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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March 20, 2025

0

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been in operation for 24 hours a day in London since early 2019. It means drivers of certain vehicles must pay a daily charge to enter the Greater London area.

The ULEZ originally covered the same inner-city area as the Congestion Charge, then expanded to everywhere within the North and South Circular roads. It then grew again in August 2023 to cover most of the area inside the M25 orbital motorway.

Cars must meet certain Euro-mandated exhaust emissions standards to comply with the ULEZ. Diesel cars registered as recently as 2015 could be eligible for the £12.50 daily charge.

How to check if you need to pay the ulez

Transport for London (TfL) – which oversees the ULEZ and has earned more than £875 million in revenue from the scheme since 2019 – has created an online check tool to see if you must pay to enter the zone.

Click here and input your registration number to discover if your car is liable for the daily fee.

If in doubt, this online checker from automotive data provider HPI offers a breakdown of the different Euro emissions standards for cars.

London ULEZ: Do I need to pay?

Drivers who enter the London ULEZ in vehicles that do not comply with the emissions standards are subject to a £12.50 daily fee. That’s on top of the £15 Congestion Charge if you enter the central zone, don’t forget.

Unlike the Congestion Charge, the ULEZ is enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It applies every day of the year apart from Christmas day.

Vehicles affected are those with pre-Euro 6 diesel engines and pre-Euro 4 petrol engines. Diesel cars that meet the standards are generally those registered after September 2015. Petrol cars registered after 2005 should meet the minimum requirements.

Riders of motorcycles built before 2007 also have to pay the ULEZ charge.

Read our full guide to the London ULEZ charge here, including more details of the forthcoming expansion to the zone in autumn 2023.

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Goodwood Festival of Speed to celebrate genius of Gordon Murray

By

John Redfern

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March 19, 2025

0

The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed will honour one of Britain’s greatest engineers, Professor Gordon Murray CBE.

Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) will star as the featured marque at this summer’s event, taking pride of place on the central display outside Goodwood House.

Vehicles from Murray’s six decades of design and engineering will be showcased, from his earliest work through to the latest GMA supercars.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place between Thursday 10 July and Sunday 13 July 2025.

Championship-winning design

Born to Scottish parents in Durban, South Africa, Murray studied mechanical engineering at Natal Technical College. He soon built his first car, the IGM Ford, entering it into local motorsport championships.

Murray moved to the UK in 1969, finding a job with the Brabham Formula One Team. He was promoted to chief designer when the business was bought by Bernie Ecclestone.

This led to radical innovations such as the Brabham BT46B ‘fan car’, and the BT52 that took Nelson Piquet to the 1983 Formula One Drivers’ World Championship.

Joining McLaren in 1986, Murray was responsible for designing cars that won four consecutive Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships between 1988 and 1991.

60 years of pushing boundaries

Later turning his attention to road cars, including the iconic McLaren F1, Murray founded his own design consultancy in 2007, followed by GMA in 2017.

Alongside classic road and race cars from Murray’s back catalogue, Goodwood will assemble a host of modern GMA supercars. The celebration will culminate with the launch of a brand new T.33-based model from GMA.

Professor Gordon Murray CBE said: “For 60 years I have enjoyed the design and engineering challenge of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible – be that in racing or road cars.

“The supercars that Gordon Murray Automotive builds today are inspired by every car I’ve designed, raced and owned. Lightweight design, innovative use of materials, the latest technologies, and even bending the laws of physics come into all we do.”

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BMW X3, Hyundai Inster and Kia EV3 are finalists for World Car of the Year 2025

By

Richard Aucock

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March 18, 2025

0

Four people on stage at the New York Auto Show, receiving an award. A blue car is displayed, surrounded by photographers.

The BMW X3, Hyundai Inster and Kia EV3 have all been named finalists for the prestigious World Car of the Year 2025 prize.

The top honour in global automotive awards, the trio will now progess to the final at the New York International Auto Show on 16 April.

The 2025 winner will follow on from the Kia EV9, which was named 2024 World Car of the Year.

Kia’s place in the Top Three also comes just weeks after the new Kia EV3 was crowned UK Car of the Year 2025 – coincidentally, following 2024’s UKCOTY winner, the Kia EV9.

Category contenders

Both the Hyundai Inster and Kia EV3 are also finalists for World Electric Vehicle 2025, along with the Porsche Macan Electric.

The Kia EV3 is a finalist for World Car Design as well, with the Toyota Land Cruiser and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

In the World Luxury Car 2025 category, it’s a showdown between the Porsche Macan, Porsche Panamera and Volvo EX30,

There are two Porsches in the World Performance Car 2025 Top Three – the 911 Carrera GTS and Taycan Turbo GT along with the BMW M5.

Finally, the World Urban Car 2025 category celebrates city-friendly models. The BYD Seagull and Dolphin Mini, plus the Hyundai Inster and Mini Cooper Electric, will now do battle for this year’s prize.

World honours

Gold trophy with a planet and ring design above text "World Car Awards," symbolizing global automotive recognition.

The Top Three in the World finalists are powered by Brembo.

“We are honoured to celebrate the finalists of the prestigious World Car of The Year Awards,” says Daniele Schillaci, Brembo’s CEO. “These awards recognise the best cars in the world, setting new benchmarks in technology, performance and design.”

The votes have been tabulated by LPMG. Ninety-six jurors from 30 countries – including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock – chose their Top Three in the World by secret ballot.

World Car Awards is the biggest automotive awards in the world, with the largest reach and greatest exposure.

All winners will be announced live at the New York International Auto Show ahead of it opening to the public, This year marks the 20th year of the World Car Awards’ partnership with NYIAS.

Top Three in the World finalists in full:

World Car of the Year 2025

BMW X3
Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
Kia EV3

World Electric Vehicle 2025

Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
Kia EV3
Porsche Macan Electric

World Luxury Car 2025

Porsche Macan
Porsche Panamera
Volvo EX90

World Performance Car 2025

BMW M5
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT

World Urban Car 2025

BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini
Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
Mini Cooper Electric

World Car Design 2025

Kia EV3
Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250
Volkswagen ID. Buzz

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