As drivers increasingly opt for automatic gearboxes, the number of new cars available with three pedals has decreased dramatically.
Could manual gearboxes become extinct in the coming years? That question has been posed after research found the number of new cars available with a stick shift has more than halved in the past decade.
According to used car marketplace CarGurus, which analysed data from the leading 30 car brands in the UK, 89 new models are available with a manual gearbox in 2024. That is down from 197 cars in 2016.
A rapid decline for manual
Interestingly, the number of new cars with a manual transmission remained virtually constant between 2014 and 2018, varying by no more than four percent.
However, the decline became noticeable after 2018. And in the past year alone, there has been an 18 percent decrease in new models available with a manual ‘box
Among the manufacturers who no longer offer any new cars with a manual gearbox are Volvo, Mercedes, Jaguar, and Lexus.
New drivers switch to automatics
It seems car makers are merely following market trends. There has been a large increase in the number of UK drivers taking automatic-only driving tests, according to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data.
During the 2012-2013 period, there were 87,844 automatic-only driving tests. A decade later in 2022-2023, this had increased to 324,064.
However, drivers taking automatic-only tests are ‘potentially missing out on opportunities for savings,’ said CarGurus. It claims buyers can save £3,466 on average if they choose a used car with a manual gearbox over an automatic option.
“Between the increasing consumer demand for cars with an automatic gearbox and the rapid expansion of new EV models coming to market, we could be approaching the end of the road for the manual gearbox,” said Chris Knapman, editorial director at CarGurus UK.
Why do lorries collide with railway bridges? The reasons include the UK not imposing height restrictions, bridge heights being displayed in imperial units, and a lack of cheaply available data displaying how tall structures are.
That’s according to transport consultant, Tom Reddy. In a widely-shared post on X (the social network formerly known as Twitter), Reddy pointed out several flaws in the law and driver training protocols that lead to lorries damaging railway infrastructure on a daily basis.
“There is no legal maximum height in the UK. You can run as high as you like, just don’t hit anything,” he explained. “So we got greedy with height. Europe has a four-metre maximum.”
£12 million cost of rail delays
Network Rail data shows that in the 2021-2022 financial year, a total of 1,833 bridge strikes were recorded, costing the publicly-owned infrastructure firm £12 million in delay and cancellation fees alone.
Reddy said there is a legal requirement for all vehicles over three metres tall to have a sign in the cab displaying the vehicle height, but “most drivers don’t adjust it.”
Let's have a look at this, I am reminded so often that most people don't necessarily understand what they are looking at with this industry, so it might be quite interesting to dissect.
We call this a Bridge Strike, when you understand a bit more you can see why they happen 🧵 https://t.co/WJk0xB7mMx
The Stonea Road bridge on the B1098 in Cambridgeshire has the unflattering title of the most bashed bridge in Britain. Drivers struck it 33 times in the year ending March 2022. This amounted to £10,526 in ‘unnecessary train delay and cancellation costs’, said Network Rail.
“Legally speaking, in the UK, it is only a requirement to display the bridge height in feet and inches. In reality, most bridges will now display both, but it is not unusual to find imperial only” Reddy said. Potentially, this could cause conversion problems for overseas drivers.
Don’t be a bridge basher
Reddy also blamed the demise of truck-specific maps and the rise of sat-navs for drivers hitting bridges.
“Know your height? Plan your route. But few do that because for the last 20 years, sat-nav has been doing that for us. Paper maps are gone. They saw this coming of course and designed HGV sat-navs, but they are still prohibitively expensive (£300+) so most drivers don’t use them,” Reddy claimed.
Network Rail chairman Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill said: “Bridge bashers cause serious safety issues on the transport network, for both road and rail users. Every incident can delay tens of thousands of passengers while we inspect the bridge and repair any damage – creating a huge cost from public funds.”
The car manufacturer with the lowest servicing bills is Tesla, according to a new analysis of the top 20 companies’ running costs.
Automotive data provider Cap HPI says that, over a period of three years and 60,000 miles, servicing a Tesla will cost an average of £338. This makes it the cheapest of the 20 best-selling car manufacturers, at £143 less than second-placed Skoda, £195 less than Renault and £217 less than Honda.
However, Tesla finishes in 20th and last place when it comes to tyre costs, dropping the American marque down to 16th for total service, maintenance and repair (SMR) bills.
Tesla also ranks first for brakes, with an average cost of £113. That compares with £916 for Land Rover in 20th place.
Hyundai is the most expensive of the 20 brands analysed for servicing, at £1,122 on average.
Renault is cheapest to run overall
Overall, the manufacturer ranking first for total service, maintenance and repair costs – including servicing, tyres and brakes – is Renault, at £1,883.
The French firm is followed by Honda (£1,902), Seat (£1,933), MG Motor (£1,999) and Peugeot (£2,039). Tesla comes 16th overall, with a total SMR cost of £2,946. BMW ranks 20th and last, with an SMR figure of £3,944.
“Outside of servicing, tyres are the main cost consideration for EV drivers. These are typically more expensive as they become worn sooner… mainly due to vehicle weight,” said Andrew Turner, senior product specialist at Cap HPI.
Turner said electric cars tend to “have larger or less common tyre sizes that are more expensive”, which could also explain Tesla’s poor showing in this area.
“Fundamentally, when it comes to basic service costs, EV models do cost less to run,” Turner added.
Ineos has launched a van derivative of its rugged Grenadier 4×4, designed for those who need an off-roader for work purposes.
Unlike the regular version of the vehicle – and the previous Grenadier Utility Wagon – the Grenadier Commercial allows business buyers to reclaim VAT and receive lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates compared with the standard SUV.
It features a full-length flat floor with a full-height cargo barrier behind the two front seats, and can carry a standard 1,200mm x 800mm Euro pallet.
The Commercial also has a braked 3.5-tonne towing capacity, more than 2,000 litres of load space and 5.5 tonnes of winching power – the latter useful to potentially recover other, less capable cars.
No rear seats for Grenadier LCV
The Grenadier Commercial is only available in the UK. As part of the modifications to make it VAT-exempt, Ineos has removed the chassis mounting points to prevent a second row of seats being added.
The rear passenger windows have also been replaced with aluminium panels, plus there is blacked-out glazing on the 30:70 split rear doors.
Like its five-seat counterpart, the Commercial is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged BMW straight-six engine in petrol or diesel guises.
VAT-free prices from £51,931
“Customers in the UK have been asking for this addition to our model line-up since we launched in 2022, so we’re pleased to make this available,” said George Ratcliffe, commercial director at Ineos Automotive.
“The versatility of the Grenadier platform allows this level of modification without any compromise to the driving dynamics or off-road capabilities.”
The Grenadier Commercial is priced from £51,931 excluding VAT and is available to order now.
Petrol and diesel prices have risen by 10p a litre since the start of 2024 – typically adding £5.50 to the cost of a tank of fuel.
That’s according to the RAC, which said the cost of unleaded petrol and diesel increased by 3p and 2p per litre respectively in April. The breakdown organisation also said filling a typical petrol car with a 55-litre tank now costs £82.47. The cost for a similar diesel vehicle is £86.77.
The lowest prices for petrol and diesel in 2024 so far were both recorded on 16 January.
Calling for government intervention
The RAC claims the increase in fuel prices at the pump is ‘weighing heavily on household budgets’ and it called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to help motorists save money.
According to the RAC, fuel retailers have ‘unfair margins’ that ‘lead to drivers getting a raw deal’. The CMA estimates that UK drivers were effectively overcharged by around £900 million in 2022.
Diesel profit margins increased by 6p last month to 18p per litre, says the RAC, while the average margin now stands at 9.5p per litre.
Responding to this claim, Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said fuel stations are “operating on razor-thin margins” and are doing “all they can to keep prices low for their customers”.
RAC versus the fuel industry
Taking aim at the RAC, Balmer added: “It is disappointing that we are constantly having to devote time and resources to correcting the inaccurate narrative offered by some commentators about pump price increases. We are doing all we can through the appropriate policy channels to address this issue, while others would prefer to offer criticism without taking the time to understand how the industry works.”
If the CMA and government were to intervene as requested, the RAC says fuel prices across the UK mainland could come down to match those charged in Northern Ireland, which are ‘consistently 5p a litre (£2.50 a tank) lower’. It also blamed higher diesel prices on retailers using larger margins to subsidise the cost of unleaded.
“It is very apparent that retailers are making massive margins on diesel. To put this into perspective, the wholesale price of diesel has been lower than petrol since the middle of April, yet diesel is nearly 8p a litre dearer at the pump,” said RAC fuel spokesperson, Simon Williams. “If retailers were treating drivers fairly, this gap would be starting to close instead of getting wider.”
The CMA declined to comment when approached by Motoring Research. However, in late March it issued a report stating that high fuel margins are ‘concerning’ for motorists and ‘indicated weakened competition.’
“We’ve been clear that retailers must pass fuel savings to drivers – and that’s why we are making sure there is no place to hide for anyone found to be unfairly hiking up their pump prices,” a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told us.
“Our new Pumpwatch scheme will help drivers find the best deal at the pump, by making real-time price sharing mandatory. We’re also taking action to bring competition back to the forecourts with new powers for the CMA to shine a light on any attempt to overcharge UK drivers.”
A new coachbuilt Bentley by Mulliner has been revealed, with plans for a very limited production run.
The latest bespoke Bentley is the Batur Convertible, a open-air derivative of the Batur coupe launched in 2023.
It joins the Mulliner-designed Bacalar as the third coachbuilt model based on the current Bentley Continental GT platform.
Coachbuilt glamour
The Batur Convertible is a true roadster, with only two seats and a retractable fabric roof. Bentley says the roof can be opened in 19 seconds, and at speeds up to 30mph.
Mulliner’s designers have opted for a wraparound cockpit layout, emphasising the two-seat nature of the Batur Convertible.
A dramatic ‘airbridge’ sits behind the driver and passenger, along with barchetta-style humps on the rear deck. The latter offer a practical purpose, too, with luggage space available underneath.
Infinite options for personalisation
Production of the Batur Convertible will be limited to just 16 examples. The Mulliner design team will work with customers to ensure each car is unique.
Bentley says paint colour choices are infinite, with custom graphics also available. Exterior details such as the front grille can be finished in light or dark trim, along with titanium.
Inside, customers can specify even more personalisation, including the exclusive option of 3D-printed rose gold. The material can be used for the engine start button and drive mode selector, with both parts hand-crafted by goldsmiths in the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham.
Celebrating the W12 engine
Powering the Batur Convertible will be a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 – one of the final outings for this long-serving engine.
Assembled by hand, it produces 750hp and 738lb ft of torque, and is matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
As a crowning glory, the Bentley’s entire sports exhaust system is 3D-printed from titanium.
Bentley has not revealed prices for the Batur Convertible. However, the coupe version of the Batur started from £2 million, so expect this open model to be even pricier.
Meet the latest classic car to go electric. Best known for converting the Porsche 911 to battery power, Everrati has turned its attention to the ‘W113’ Mercedes-Benz SL.
Known as the ‘Pagoda’ due to the shape of its hard-top roof, the W113 was built between 1963 and 1971, and attracted a host of celebrity owners. The late Sir Stirling Moss was a fan, clearly drawn to the SL’s timeless styling and effortless performance.
Now, Everrati has given the classic Mercedes a modern makeover, with two electric powertrain options on offer, plus the potential for extensive customisation.
A concours-standard restoration
Everrati starts by comprehensively restoring an SL Pagoda to concours standard, with all work undertaken by hand.
The British company has aimed to keep overall weight and weight distribution as close to the original car as possible. The electric conversion is also completely reversible, should the owner change his or her mind in future.
Standard versions of the Everrati Pagoda come equipped with a 54.4kWh battery pack, allowing a range of 160 miles when fully charged. Accelerating from 0-60mph takes less than 8.0 seconds.
For maximum performance, a larger 68kWh battery can be specified. This boosts the maximum range to more than 200 miles, also cutting the 0-60mph time to less than 7.0 seconds.
Driving with one pedal
Maximum power peaks at 300hp regardless of battery option chosen, with a limited-slip differential fitted as standard. The OEM-standard electric powertrain supports AC and DC fast charging, while one-pedal driving provides a modern EV experience.
The interior of the Everrati Pagoda can be finished in low-carbon leather supplied by Bridge of Weir. Buyers can also choose leather hides similar to those used when the SL was first launched.
Custom designed dials are found on the dashboard, with options including a Bluetooth audio system and heated seats.
A future-proofed classic car
Prices to commission an Everrati Pagoda SL start from £330,000 plus taxes (£399,600 including VAT), with the donor car at extra cost.
Everrati CEO Justin Lunny said: “Our redefined electric Mercedes-Benz SL ‘Pagoda’ is the new benchmark for understated, sustainable luxury. This meticulously restored and redefined car is the ultimate two-seater electric luxury grand tourer, a unique proposition that pays homage to the history of the legendary SL, yet is fully future-proofed, enabling it to be enjoyed today – and in the hands of the next generation tomorrow.”
Motoring Research will be driving the electrified Everrati Pagoda soon, so watch this space.
A revised version of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has been revealed. The new Series II aims to maintain the Cullinan’s status as the world’s most luxurious SUV.
As the best-selling model in the Rolls-Royce range, this is a vital car for the Goodwood-based company. Along with an updated exterior, the 2024 Cullinan features a number of changes inside its cabin, plus an array of bespoke options for customisation.
The Cullinan Series II will offer a performance-orientated Black Badge version from the outset, too.
Nip and tuck for the Cullinan
Although the Cullinan Series II looks similar to its predecessor, there are numerous subtle changes to its styling. Its daytime running lights now extend down to the front bumper, which itself has a new design – said to be inspired by the bow of a yacht.
The Series II also marks the first time the Cullinan has received Rolls-Royce’s illuminated ‘Pantheon’ front grille, which looks particularly dramatic at night. Gloss black trim is added to the rear bumper of the Cullinan, while its exhaust tailpipes are surrounded by mirror-finish trim.
New 23-inch alloy wheels are available, along with a new paint colour created specifically for the Cullinan Series II. Emperador Truffle is a minimalist grey-brown hue, said to be inspired by richly-veined brown marble.
Spirit of technology
Rolls-Royce says its ‘patrons’ have asked for more customisation options – and the Cullinan Series II certainly delivers. Central to the changes is the full-width glass fascia panel across the dashboard, which incorporates the display for the BMW-based infotainment system.
An updated digital instrument panel is also present, now with a permanently visible central information screen. This makes use of the Rolls-Royce SPIRIT operating system: the first V12-powered model to do so.
SPIRIT allows drivers to adjust the colour of the digital panel, and connects directly with the Whispers smartphone app for Rolls-Royce owners.
Two mobile devices can be connected to the rear screens to stream videos, with 18 speakers to provide the sound. The audio system uses cavities in the Cullinan’s chassis as resonance chambers, effectively turning the car into a giant subwoofer.
Inside the Cullinan Series II
An illuminated fascia panel can also be specified on the Cullinan’s dashboard for the first time. This features the model name and cityscape-inspired graphic, created by 7,000 laser-etched dots.
Rolls-Royce has also fitted a new Spirit of Ecstasy clock cabinet, with an analogue display and an uplit figurine. New interior trim choices include Grey Stained Ash wood finished with hand-stained ‘leaves’.
A new-for-2024 fabric called Duality Twill is made from natural bamboo fibres and took more than a year to develop. Finishing a complete Cullinan Series II interior with this textile requires 2.2 million stitches, and takes more than 20 hours.
V12 engine with up to 600hp
Rolls-Royce has carried over the existing twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine, which produces up to 600hp in the Cullinan Black Badge. With 90 percent of Cullinans now driven by their owners – rather than solely by a chauffeur – an engaging experience was said to be a priority.
Chris Brownridge, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented: “In 2018, Cullinan reframed super-luxury motoring, enabling Rolls-Royce clients to experience the brand’s hallmark magic carpet ride regardless of the terrain and in every corner of the world.
“In the six years since, Cullinan has attracted entirely new groups of clients to Rolls-Royce and profoundly altered perceptions of what a Rolls-Royce motor car is, and what it can mean to its owner.”
The MOT is a legal requirement for all cars aged over three years old. And around 40 percent of cars fail the test at the first attempt.
Data shows that half of all faults could be prevented by carrying out some simple checks before the MOT test. For example, 30 percent of the faults found relate to lights and indicators.
It pays to give your car a once-over before you send it to be tested. Although you won’t be able to fix everything at home, you’ll give it the best chance of passing first time.
The MOT test is a series of checks to ensure that your car is safe to drive and meets the current legal standards. Bear in mind that it doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox. It’s also not a replacement for having your car serviced.
Car parts checked in the MOT
This image provided by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is a good place to start. It provides a visual reminder of the things you should consider in the weeks leading up to the MOT test.
Beyond that, you need to pay close attention to the following parts and features of your car:
Interior MOT checks
Seats
The driver’s seat must be adjustable, while all seats must be securely fitted with the seat backs in the upright position.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts must be in place, suitable for the vehicle, working properly and attached securely. The tester will also check the airbag, seatbelt pretensioner and seatbelt load-limiter warning lights.
Warning lights
The tester will check if any key warning lights are permanently illuminated. This includes for power steering, airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), low tyre pressure and the engine ECU warning light. Our guide explains what every car dashboard warning light means.
Wipers and washers
The driver must have a clear view of the road: the condition of the wipers will be checked, and the operation of the wipers. Some cars have been known to fail for having an empty washer bottle…
Brakes
The brakes must pass an efficiency test, while the anti-locking braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) must function (where fitted). The ABS, ESC, handbrake and brake fluid lights will also be checked.
Horn
The horn must work and be suitable for the vehicle.
Exterior MOT checks
Registration plates
The number plates must be in good condition, secured to the vehicle and be of the right colour, with characters correctly formed and spaced.
Lights
All lights must be working and in good condition. The headlights will also be checked for aim and the main beam warning light must be working.
Tyres and wheels
The tyres must be of the right size and type, have the minimum tread depth, and be in good condition. The tyre pressure monitoring system must be working on cars registered on or after 1 January 2012.
Windscreen
The windscreen will be checked for condition. The driver must have a clear view of the road.
Mirrors
Check the condition and security of the mirrors.
Doors
Check that the latches secure in the closed position, the front doors open from the inside and outside, and the rear doors open from the outside. Also check the condition of the hinges.
Bonnet
The car’s bonnet must close securely.
Tow bars
The tow bar will be inspected for security, condition and any inappropriate repairs. Make sure the 13-pin electrical socket is working correctly.
Body and vehicle structure
Make sure the body and structure are free from excessive corrosion or damage. Any sharp edges are likely to result in a fail.
Other MOT checks
Fuel system
The fuel system will be inspected to check for leaks and that the pipes and hoses are secure. Also make sure the fuel cap fastens and secures – and don’t forget to supply a key (if necessary).
Exhaust emissions
Emissions-related test failures have increased hugely since an overhaul of the MOT test in 2018. Diesel vehicles are at the greatest risk of failure.
Exhaust system
The exhaust system must be secure and complete, the catalyst must be in place, and there shouldn’t be any serious leaks.
Steering and suspension
These elements will be checked for their condition, the steering oil level, inappropriate repairs or modifications, corrosion to pipes and hoses, and the steering lock.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The VIN will be checked on vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1980. Some multi-stage build vehicles are exempt.
Cupra has announced an upgraded version of the Leon hot hatchback, featuring its new corporate look.
The sporty offshoot from Seat has also applied the new styling to its Formentor SUV – said to ‘embrace the brand’s new design language’.
Styling inspiration comes in part from the electric Cupra Born, as the company aims to build on a successful 2023.
Last year, Cupra delivered 230,000 cars in total, with the Formentor accounting for 121,000 of those sales alone. Sales of the SUV were up 23 percent compared to 2022.
Less button bashing
The new Cupra styling for the Leon hatchback and Sportstourer estate will help differentiate them further from the Seat versions. The Formentor gets the same treatment, too.
It certainly looks distinctive, with triangular Matrix LED headlights and a wide lower air intake. An illuminated Cupra logo is found at the rear, plus there are new Century Bronze and Enceladus Grey matt paint colours.
The Cupra model update is more than just skin deep, though. Both the Leon and Formentor SUV have fresh engine options, along with tweaks to their infotainment systems.
Perhaps stung by the constant criticism of its infotainment system, Cupra has given the Leon and Formentor a new 12.9-inch display screen. There are no buttons, as before, but the slider controls are now backlit.
Eco-conscious performance
New materials have been used inside, aiming to give the Cupra brand improved environmental credentials. The sports seats now come with a choice of eco-conscious leather or microfibre upholstery, the latter made from 73 percent recycled fibres
Cupra has enhanced the plug-in hybrid powertrain option, with the eHybrid version now serving up 272hp. Compatible with 50kW fast-charging, the PHEV Leon and Formentor models can now cover up to 62 miles on battery power alone.
A range-topping version of the Formentor and Leon Sportstourer offers a new 333hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It also features a torque splitter – creating the potential for drifting action – and hardcore Akebono brakes for good measure.
Automotive emotion
“The Cupra Formentor and Leon have both been a driving force in the brand’s success as it expands its footprint around the world. It’s an approach that has been incredibly successful with close to 600,000 cars delivered since the brand’s launch in 2018,” said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Cupra.
“The new Cupra Formentor and Leon are pure design obsession,” Griffiths added. “Two models built to provoke strong emotions and that strengthen the extraordinary bond with our tribe. Two models that represent what that small group of believers envisaged Cupra could be just a few years ago.”
Cupra is yet to confirm UK prices or final specifications for the updated Leon and Formentor. Expect more details to be announced before the first cars arrive this summer.
