Land Rover launches its own official Defender V8 restomod

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September 3, 2024

Land Rover Defender Classic V8 by Works Bespoke

For those who want a Defender restomod, but with the official stamp of Land Rover – rather than an aftermarket company – your prayers have been answered.

Land Rover has revealed a reborn Defender V8, as produced by its Classic Works Bespoke department. And the powerful 90 and 110 models offer huge scope for personalisation.

Described as the ‘next chapter in the Land Rover Classic story’, the Defender V8 is built to order, with support from teams in both Coventry and Essen in Germany.

Paul Barritt, director of Land Rover Classic, said: “From start to finish, clients of Works Bespoke will be given an experience like no other, creating their ultimate Classic Defender V8”.

Modern power, old-school style

This is not the first time Land Rover Classic has sold a V8-powered version of the original Defender. Back in 2018, the company produced a limited-run of 150 Defender Works V8 models, priced from £150,000.

More recently, 30 examples of the Defender V8 Islay Edition were made in 2023. This Defender celebrated the Hebredian birthplace of Land Rover company founder, Spencer Wilks.

Like those previous models, the ‘new’ Defender makes use of a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 405hp and 380lb ft of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is standard, as is the traditional Land Rover four-wheel-drive system. Zero to 62mph takes around 6.0 seconds.

Upgraded Alcon brakes with four-piston callipers are fitted, along with an in-house developed suspension kit. The latter includes Eibach coil springs and anti-roll bars, along with Bilstein dampers.

Unlimited options for customisation

Land Rover Works will offer the Classic Defender V8 in both 90 and 110 station wagon forms. The 90 accommodates four people, while the 110 will be available with five or seven seats.

Customers can pick from Heritage, Contemporary, Premium or SV Metallic colour palettes, along with endless options for exterior personalisation.

Modern LED lights are included as standard, with side steps, expedition roof racks and a front-mounted winch also available. For more extreme adventurers, a roof-mounted tent can be fitted – or even a complete Ply Guys camper conversion.

A luxurious classic Defender

On the inside, the formerly utilitarian Defender can be trimmed in luxurious leather, with five monotone or eight duotone colour options on offer. Buyers can also select from heated ‘Premium’ seats or a racier Recaro alternative.

A Land Rover Classic infotainment system incorporates satellite navigation, Bluetooth and DAB radio, operated through a 3.5-inch touchscreen that helps retain the original dashboard’s look.

Inevitably, owning an official Land Rover Defender restomod will not come cheap. Prices for the 90 start from £228,000, while the 110 requires at least £238,800 (before the inevitable foray into the options list).

An online configurator is available now to help potential customers explore possible specifications. The Classic Defender V8 will make its public debut at the Goodwood Revival meeting this weekend.

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Half of UK van drivers still breaking mobile phone law

By

John Redfern

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September 2, 2024

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More than half of van drivers in the UK are using their handheld mobile phones while on the move, according to a new study.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles commissioned a survey of 1,000 van drivers, questioning them on telephone use behind the wheel.

Shockingly, some 57 percent of those who responded to the survey admitted to physically checking their mobile phone while driving.

This comes despite an update to Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, which bans the use of all handheld devices behind the wheel.

Van drivers most at risk

The findings mean the majority of van drivers are risking a £200 fine, combined with six penalty points on their licence, just for touching a mobile phone.

Of the van drivers surveyed, one in 10 admitted that they would ‘often’ use their phone when driving.

This fits with a recent separate Department of Transport study, which found van drivers were twice as likely to use a mobile phone behind the wheel, compared to those driving all other types of vehicle.

However, Volkswagen’s survey did reveal a seven percent year-on-year fall in van drivers using their phone, down from 64 percent in 2023.

Technology is not the issue

The use of a handheld mobile phone by some drivers is not due to a lack of alternative technology. Almost every respondent (98 percent) said their van is equipped with built-in features to make hands-free phone calls.

Also, 93 percent said that they used this hands-free technology at least once per day, with 82 percent making up to 10 calls daily.

John Ricardo-Neto, head of product planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “While there is still a large number of van drivers ignoring the mobile driving laws at some stage throughout the day, it’s positive to see that van drivers are, for the most part, using hands-free technology while on the road.

“Every new Volkswagen van is packed with useful in-cabin tech such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the ability of voice control, allowing drivers to maintain their eyes, and focus, on the road at all times.”

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New Kingsley Defender adds modern luxury to classic Land Rover

By

John Redfern

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August 29, 2024

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Land Rover restoration specialist Kingsley Re-Engineered has unveiled a series of upgraded classic Defender models.

Two Defender restomods have made their public debut at the prestigious Salon Privé car show, held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

Oxfordshire-based Kingsley has more than 20 years of experience with restoring the Range Rover Classic, having saved more than 500 examples since 2001.

Now, the company is using that know-how to overhaul and enhance the ever-popular original Land Rover Defender.

Back to bare metal

The market for restomod Defenders is a busy one, with no shortage of companies offering their take on the formula. However, Kingsley says a long history with the marque will help its Defender stand out.

Each vehicle will undergo 1,500 hours of restoration work at Kingsley’s headquarters in Witney (located just a few minutes from Blenheim Palace, in fact). The cars will be stripped back to bare metal, with a 15-stage process returning each one to ‘a brand-new state’.

Buyers can specify a near-endless range of custom colours; a broader palette than Land Rover originally offered. Kingsley uses its own on-site paint shop, too, with the options of ceramic coatings and paint protection film.

On the inside, Recaro seats are fitted in the front of all Kingsley Defenders, with customers able to specify Nappa leather with Alcantara inserts. Further bespoke options include wonderfully retro ‘Spinneybeck’ leather weave seat centres – as in the demo car seen here.

Pick your perfect powertrain

Beneath the restored bodywork, Kingsley offers an array of powertrain options, including V8 petrol engines and a Rover-sourced diesel. The Defender 90 demonstrator makes use of a 4.2-litre ‘high-torque’ V8, producing 220hp and 266lb ft of torque.

Combined with a rebuilt five-speed manual gearbox, this V8 allows the Defender to accelerate from 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds, and reach a top speed in excess of 100mph.

A ‘stage one’ brake kit is fitted as standard, although an upgraded setup is available from the options list. Similarly, the standard suspension can be replaced with Kingsley’s own electronically controlled active dampers.

Roof configurations range from the skimpy ‘bikini’ cover seen on this D90 demonstrator to a full-length canvas – or even a panoramic glass sunroof.

Honouring Defender history

John Sawbridge, managing director of Kingsley Re-Engineered, said of the launch: “Reimagining the Defender is not just about preserving its legacy, but about enhancing it for the modern driver. We take great pride in our meticulous approach to restoration and customisation, ensuring that each vehicle not only honours the past but also embraces the future with innovations and comfort – all while staying true and representative of Kingsley for a new age.”

He added: “Our goal is to deliver a Defender that resonates with the same spirit of adventure and robustness, but with the sophistication and driving dynamics that today’s discerning customers expect.”

Following its unveiling at Salon Privé, Kingsley is now accepting orders for both D90 and D110 versions of its re-engineered Defender, with test drives also on offer.

Prices start from £168,000 including VAT, with an online configurator now live to reveal how your Land Rover could look.

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX electric hot hatch to cost from £46,225

By

John Redfern

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August 28, 2024

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Volkswagen has announced UK prices and specifications for its new ID.3 GTX electric hot hatchback.

Revealed earlier this year, the GTX is the flagship model in the ID.3 range, and will cost from £46,225.

It becomes the latest vehicle in Volkswagen’s ID lineup – which now includes the ID.7 saloon and ID.Buzz MPV – to receive the sporty GTX treatment.

Volkswagen is making bold claims for the ID.3 GTX, saying that it should be considered as the ‘electric counterpart to the Golf GTI Clubsport’.

The electric Volkswagen GTI?

Earlier this year, Kai Grünitz, member of the Volkswagen board in charge of technical development, said: “Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their own unique character. Yet the ID.3 GTX and the Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate.”

The ID.3 GTX certainly has the on-paper power to support Volkswagen’s assertion about its hot hatch credentials.

A total of 326hp, complemented by 402lb ft of torque, allows the rear-wheel-drive GTX to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. That makes it only 0.1 seconds slower than the recently revised Golf GTI Clubsport.

For the first time in a VW ID model, the GTX’s top speed is not limited. However, a 124mph maximum is still well short of the 155mph achieved by the Clubsport.

Progressive-rate steering and sports suspension featuring Volkwagen’s DCC adaptive dampers are both included as standard.

GTX on sale soon

A 79kWh battery pack means the ID.3 GTX can cover an officially tested range of up to 369 miles. Recharging from 10 to 80 percent takes 26 minutes with a 185kW charging device.

Exterior changes for the GTX include bespoke front and rear bumpers, along with redesigned side sills and a set of 20-inch ‘Skagen’ alloy wheels.

Sports seats, trimmed in a mixture of cloth and leatherette, are found inside. There is also a GTX-specific steering wheel, Harman Kardon sound system and plenty of decorative red stitching.

Prices in the UK start at £46,225, and UK orders can be placed from today: Thursday 29 August 2024.

What are Clean Air Zones and what are classes A, B, C and D?

By

Motoring Research team

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August 28, 2024

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A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is defined as an area, usually within a city or urban location, in which targeted action has been taken to improve air quality.

Clean Air Zones aim to address all sources of air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and particulates, reducing public’s exposure to them. Oxford has recently gone one further by introducing a full Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in the city.

Here, we’ll explain the different categories of CAZ, along with what the ZEZ means for Oxford.

Non-charging Clean Air Zones

These are geographic areas, normally city centres, used as a focus for action to improve air quality. The are various measures open to the local authority, but charging a fee for entry into the CAZ isn’t one of them.

Charging Clean Air Zones

These are zones where motorists are required to pay a fee to enter or move within an area if they are driving a vehicle that does not meet a particular ‘Euro’ exhaust emissions standard.

Classes of Clean Air Zones

There are four classes of Clean Air Zone – A, B, C and D – and a local authority can decide what level of restrictions to apply.

Note: Class D is the only CAZ to include cars.

Class A: buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles:
- Buses and coaches: Euro 6
- Taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
Class B: buses, coaches, taxis, priviate hire vehicles and HGVs:
- Buses, coaches and HGVs: Euro 6
- Taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
Class C: buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs and LGVs:
- Buses, coaches and HGVs: Euro 6
- Large vans, minibuses, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
Class D: buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, LGVs and cars:
- Cars: Euro 4 (petrol), Euro 6 (diesel)
- Buses, coaches and HGVs: Euro 6
- Large vans, minibuses, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
- Motorcycles and mopeds (optional): Euro 3

This is just an overview of the different classes. For a more in-depth description, read the government’s framework.

Where are Clean Air Zones?

A number of cities were required by the government to either reduce air pollution or carry out feasibility studies to determine whether or not a CAZ was required.

Here, we list all the schemes that are currently live or set to go ahead in 2022.

Bath

Bath has introduced a Class C Clean Air Zone, meaning charges only apply to taxis, vans, buses, coaches and HGVs that do not meet the required emission standards. Drivers of private cars and motorcycle riders don’t have to pay, even if using their vehicle for work.

Birmingham

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone went live on 1 June 2021. It covers everywhere within the A4540 Middleway ring road – but not the Middleway itself.

Non-compliant cars, taxis and LGVs will be subject to a daily charge of £8, rising to £50 per day for HGVs, coaches and buses. Failure to pay the charge results in a £120 fine, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

The City is working with car supermarket Motorpoint to offer those who work within the CAZ a £2,000 scrappage scheme to trade in their non-compliant car.

Click here for more information on the Birmingham CAZ and how it affects you.

Bradford

Bradford is introducing a Class C+ Clean Air Zone in spring 2022. It covers the area inside – and including – the Bradford outer ring road. It also extends out along the Aire Valley corridor to include Shipley and Saltare – here’s a full map of the Bradford Clean Air Zone.

The lead-in period was extended but the city has now launched its Breathe Better Bradford website with all the information.

Bristol

Bristol plans to introduce a Class D Clean Air Zone in summer 2022. The planned charge will be £9 per day for private cars, rising to £100 for coaches and HGVs. Bristol City Council says it will allow drivers of older cars to apply for a one-year exemption from the charge.

Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone goes live on 30 May 2022. It is a Class C Zone. It will be the largest in England, covering 10 areas: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and the cities of Manchester and Salford.

Greater Manchester leaders are keen to stress private cars, motorbikes and mopeds are not affected by the charge.

Portsmouth

The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone launched on 29 November 2021. It is a Class B Zone.

Other Clean Air Zones

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) came into force in April 2019, with non-compliant vehicles charged £12.50 for entry into the city.

Sheffield City Council plans to introduce a Class C Clean Air Zone in late 2022, with polluting HGVs, buses, coaches, LGVs and taxis charged to enter the inner ring road and city centre. The city will not charge drivers of private cars, though, saying: “Private cars make up 80 percent of road traffic, but only contribute 50 percent of the pollution”.

Local authorities in the North East have announced plans for a Tyneside charging CAZ and a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Newcastle. They won a court challenge against the schemes, but the process has been delayed by other legal issues.

Further schemes are also expected in Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Watch this space.

Will Clean Air Zones become the norm?

With the government under pressure to improve air quality, other towns and cities are expected to introduce Clean Air Zones or their own interpretations of the schemes. In the future, paying a fee to enter an urban area might become the norm rather than the exception.

Dirty air is linked to 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, with 70 percent of people urging the government to take action.

What is a Zero Emission Zone?

Oxford is the first UK city to introduce a Zero Emission Zone. A pilot scheme went live on 1 March 2022, with a wider scheme covering the whole city centre due to follow next year.

Only pure electric zero-emission cars can enter the ZEZ, which includes Queen Street and Cornmarket, for free. All other vehicles will be charged between £2 and £10 per day, with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras used to enforce the zone.

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London ULEZ has generated £875 million in revenue since 2019

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2024

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An investigation by Peugeot has revealed the vast amount of money generated by London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Since the ULEZ began operation in April 2019, a total of £875 million in revenue has been raised by the scheme.

In August 2023, Transport for London (TfL) expanded the area covered by the ULEZ, which now incorporates all 32 London boroughs. This brought an additional five million people into the ULEZ area of operation, making it the world’s largest clean air zone.

Since the expansion a year ago, TfL has received £226 million in fees and penalty fine payments charged to the capital’s drivers.

Expanded horizons

Drivers of petrol vehicles that do not meet Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards, and diesel vehicles unable to meet the Euro 4 rules, are required to pay a daily fee of £12.50 to enter the ULEZ.

Unlike the London Congestion Charge, the ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, with nine million residents now covered by it. By law, TfL must use all the surplus revenue generated by the ULEZ for investment into local public transport schemes.

The success of London’s ULEZ has led to 12 more Clean Air Zones, Low Emissions Zones or Zero Emissions Zones being established across the UK.

Given the greater number of such zones in operation, Peugeot is offering a £900 discount to key workers on a new electric vehicle, allowing them to avoid daily, emissions-related charges.

Zoning in on revenue

By analysing data from a number of Freedom of Information Act requests, Peugeot has calculated that the UK’s Clean Air Zones have generated a total of £1.044 billion in revenue.

The research also identified the 10 Clean Air Zones that generate the most income in the UK. In descending order, these are:

London Ultra Low Emission Zone: £875 million
Birmingham Clean Air Zone: £125.27 million
Bradford Clean Air Zone: £16.76 million
Bath Clean Air Zone: £15.23 million
Tyneside Clean Air Zone: £4.77 million
Sheffield Clean Air Zone: £2.81 million
Oxford Zero Emissions Zone: £1.88 million
Portsmouth Clean Air Zone: £1.49 million
Glasgow Low Emission Zone: £1.20 million
Dundee Low Emission Zone: £43,320*

*Only started operation in May 2024

Hyundai is opening a new digital car hub on Amazon

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2024

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Hyundai has announced a new partnership with online retail giant Amazon. The aim is to help UK consumers learn more about Hyundai cars and SUVs.

A special ‘brand space’ on the Amazon website and smartphone app will provide information about Hyundai’s history, along with details on its latest models.

Adverts within the Amazon online store will also highlight the Hyundai digital hub to raise its profile and increase the number of visitors.

No Prime delivery just yet

Once inside the Hyundai brand space, users will be able to request a test drive of their preferred vehicle.

For now, UK buyers won’t be able to purchase a car directly through the Amazon platform; a visit to their local Hyundai dealer is still needed.

However, this will change for those resident in the United States later this year. Amazon will allow American customers to configure their Hyundai, arrange finance, then have the completed car sent to a dealership of their choice to collect.

Thankfully, this also means there is no need to recycle a car-sized Amazon Prime delivery box…

Add to basket?

Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai and Genesis UK, commented: “Our partnership with Amazon underscores Hyundai’s dedication to meeting customers where they are most comfortable. By utilising Amazon’s extensive reach and the trust it has built with consumers, we’re bringing Hyundai closer to our customers, enabling them to explore our brand and vision”.

Hyundai is not the first car manufacturer to enter into a partnership with the global e-commerce company, though.

Back in 2018, Volvo used Amazon to offer test drives of the V40 hatchback, delivering cars directly to the home or workplace.

Alfa Romeo followed suit later the same year, working to promote its then-new Stelvio SUV.

Updated 2024 Audi RS3 prices and specs revealed

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2024

0

Audi has announced UK prices and specifications for the revised 2024 RS3 Sportback and Saloon models.

The facelift follows the changes previously announced for the related Audi S3, including sharpened styling, revised chassis settings and even a better-smelling interior. Yes, really.

Audi also says the RS3’s trademark five-cylinder turbocharged engine will sound even more sonorous than before.

Five-cylinder soundtrack

Both the Sportback hatch and Saloon versions of the RS3 come with a redesigned front grille, larger side air intakes and daytime running lights with a chequered flag pattern. A new front splitter is said to be reminiscent of the Audi Sport Quattro S1, raced at Pikes Peak in 1987.

The reprofiled rear diffuser incorporates the oval tailpipes of the sports exhaust, which has been optimised to deliver an even throatier noise. Audi says to expect a ‘fuller-bodied sound’ whichever driving mode is selected.

Buyers will be able to pick from exclusive Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey paint colours, along with Ascari Blue and Progressive Red. A matt Daytona Grey is offered in a matt finish for the first time.

Standard RS3 models come with 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, while Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung versions use a 10-spoke design.

Drifting action encouraged

Audi Sport’s 2.5-cylinder engine remains unchanged, with 400hp and 369lb ft of torque on offer. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, of course, combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This allows for a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, plus a top speed of 155mph. Choosing the top-spec Carbon Vorsprung model increases the maximum to 174mph.

A standard torque splitter can shuffle drive between the axles, and works with adaptive suspension dampers to improve the RS3’s agility. Understeer is said to be reduced, and oversteer encouraged – with drivers able to ‘obtain the same drift angle faster’.

New performance displays for the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 10.1-inch central touchscreen can show lap times, power output and component temperatures. Motorsport-style gear shift lights are displayed when using the manual paddles, too.

‘The smell of excellence’

A new ‘double-flattened’ steering wheel is fitted, along with RS sports seats that are said to be more supportive. Audi has even analysed the 200 interior components used in the RS3, choosing materials that should make the smell of the Nappa leather more pleasant.

Prices for the Audi RS3 Sportback start from £59,510, with the mid-range Carbon Black version priced at £64,160. The top-specification Carbon Vorsprung will require £68,560.

Opting for the RS3 in four-door Saloon form adds an extra £1,000 to the price. Orders for both versions can be placed from next month.

Skoda builds modified Superb Estate ‘Sleeper Edition’ with 477hp

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2024

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Skoda UK has unveiled a special modified version of the Superb Estate, complete with a huge hike in horsepower.

The wonderfully named ‘Sleeper Edition’ has received a comprehensive set of upgrades, elevating its performance, handling and braking abilities.

From the outside, only the most ardent Skoda enthusiast might realise that something more potent lurks beneath the Superb’s Royal Green paintwork.

This leads to the ‘Sleeper’ name – often used for cars that hide their modifications beneath a standard exterior.

Truly Superb performance

Skoda used a flagship Laurin & Klement model, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, as the basis for the Sleeper Edition.

In standard form, this engine produces a healthy 280hp – making the Superb the fastest and most powerful production Skoda when first launched in 2016.

A trip to RE Performance has endowed the Superb with an upgraded turbocharger, revised fuel system, new intercooler and improved air intake. A custom-made exhaust system is fitted for good measure.

The result is a mighty 477hp, combined with 488lb ft of torque, which is sent through the Superb’s standard all-wheel-drive system.

Inside the Superb Sleeper Edition

Along with its upgraded engine, the Superb Sleeper Edition rides on adjustable KW coilover suspension.

This gives the car a purposeful stance on standard 19-inch alloy wheels, which have huge AP Racing brakes lurking behind them.

The lower ride height and red brake calipers are the only hints to the performance on offer. No modifications have been made to the car’s body, which wears Royal Green paint, The colour was introduced to the UK range in 2023 to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

On the inside, the Sleeper Edition has sumptuous Cognac leather upholstery, plus features such as a driver’s seat with massage function. Three-zone climate control, integrated wi-fi and a Canton sound system are all included.

A fitting finale

Boot capacity remains at 660 litres, or 1,950 litres with the rear seats folded down. So creating the Sleeper Edition has not affected the practicality the Superb Estate is known for.

Some 860,000 examples of the third-generation Superb have been produced since it went on sale, accounting for more than half of the 1.6 million models produced across all generations.

Sadly, you won’t be able to buy a Sleeper Edition, as it exists solely to commemorate the end of Mk3 Superb production, with the latest model already on sale.

However, Skoda plans for it to join the UK press fleet for journalists to experience in the near-future. We can’t wait to have a go…

How to stay focused while driving a car

By

Motoring Research team

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August 22, 2024

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Getting distracted while driving massively increases your risk of having an accident. Staying focused will help keep you, your passengers and others safe. In this guide, we will outline the biggest distractions while driving – and how you can avoid them.

Distractions can be visual, auditory, physical or cognitive. Are you looking at, listening to or thinking about something that is taking your attention away from the road? In other words, are you doing something in addition to the process of driving?

Attempting to multi-task can dramatically reduce your driving performance, from your reaction times and decision making, to your overall control of the car.

“As drivers, we now deal with more distractions than ever before,” explains Sandra Macdonald-Ames, a writer on road safety.

“There are so many potential demands on our attention, some inside the car, some on the outside and others occurring inside our heads. There is the potential for us to allow any distraction to take our minds off the central task of driving – with potentially disastrous consequences.

“But the good news is that we can banish just about any distraction, as long as we want to. This is best achieved through straightforward self-discipline and sensible journey planning.”

Driven to distraction

touchscreen distraction highways england

So what distracts us the most, and how do we avoid it? With help from GEM Motoring Assist, here are some workable tips for keeping your mind focused on the road.

Put your phone away

We hardly need to explain this one. Six points and a £200 fine is the penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel. No excuses: put it on silent or switch it off. Then place it out of reach and out of sight, to avoid the temptation to check your messages.

Bored in a traffic jam? Still don’t. It’s illegal to use a handheld phone behind the wheel unless you’re at a standstill, the engine is switched off and the keys are out of the ignition.

Map out your route

Planning your route is a great way to make driving easier. It means you are prepared for every step of the journey, instead of constantly thinking about your next move. Having the route rehearsed in your head means the sat-nav won’t be so much of a distraction, either.

Create a music playlist

Unlike a club DJ, you won’t be criticised for having a prearranged set of music. In fact, we recommend creating a playlist in advance, so you’re not tempted to faff about finding particular songs while driving.

Keep the volume down and don’t get too into the music. We all love a singalong, but don’t let it divert your attention from the road.

Keep children occupied

Driving with children on board? They can be the noisiest, liveliest type of distraction. Make sure they have something to keep them busy, so they don’t busy you. Older children should be less of a bother. Getting their help with observations can prime them for when they start driving, too.

Don’t eat and drive

Your dietitian and car cleaner won’t be the only people who thank you for keeping food consumption out of the car. Holding a snack means you have a hand off the wheel, and your mini-meal could be a distraction.

Pull over for a bite in a service station if you simply can’t wait. Breaks for food and drink are good practice on long trips, so it’s a win-win.

Stay awake!

Of course, all of this advice means nothing if you are too tired to drive. Generally, you should be taking a 15-minute break from the car every two hours.

A well-rested, hydrated driver is a better and safer driver. Get some fresh air and stretch your legs. A coffee or caffeinated energy drink might be in order as well.