The European driving laws you should know about

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August 16, 2024

The Highway Code explains the rules of the road for drivers in the United Kingdom. But how about motoring laws in other parts of Europe? If you plan to drive abroad this summer, read on…

Many European road rules are straightforward and predictable. Speed limits, wearing a seatbelt, not using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, and so on. Driving on the right is a given, too. Or is it? Do so in Cyprus, Ireland or Malta and you’ll be on the wrong side of the road.

For UK motorists, there have also been rule-changes since Britain left the European Union. For instance, you may need an international driving permit if you have a driving licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

Also, you must display a ‘UK’ sticker – not one of the older ‘GB’ stickers – if your car’s number plates don’t have a UK identifier or a Union Jack symbol.

It’s also worth downloading the European Union’s ‘Going Abroad’ smartphone app, which details the important road safety rules in the different countries.

Alternatively, you could use the interactive map, which includes EU member states and other European nations. Click on the relevant country for info on speed limits, permitted blood-alcohol levels, traffic light operation and more.

You can also find a brief guide to driving in the EU on the UK Government’s official Gov.uk website.

Lesser known Euro driving rules

Drivers more likely to be breathalysed in Europe

Now let’s reveal a dozen of the more unusual European road rules. Bear these in mind if you’re planning to cross the English Channel this summer.

Remove your headphones – France and Spain. You’re not permitted to drive while wearing headphones, regardless of whether they’re connected to music or for making phone calls.

Mind your manners – Cyprus and Germany. Rude or offensive hand gestures could result in a steep fine.

Carry spare glasses – Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. If you require glasses to drive a car, you must carry a spare pair on the Iberian Peninsula or in Switzerland.

Reversing with hazard lights – Slovenia. You must use hazard warning lights when reversing in Slovenia.

Get a permit – Italy. You require a special permit to drive through some historical areas in Italy.

Steer clear of snacks – Cyprus. You must not eat or drink behind the wheel in Cyprus.

Watch your fuel – Germany and Portugal. It’s illegal to run out of fuel on a German autobahn. Meanwhile, carrying cans of petrol is banned in Portugal.

No off-road driving – Iceland. It is illegal to venture beyond the boundary of a road in Iceland unless there’s a specific parking area.

No smoking – Greece. You can be fined €1,500 for smoking behind the wheel in Greece, or €3,000 if there are children in the car.

Carry a rope – Serbia. You must carry a tow bar and three metres of rope when driving in Serbia.

Engine off by the railway – Germany. Drivers must switch off their engines when queuing at a level crossing in Germany. Not an issue in modern cars equipped with stop-start technology, of course.

Skoda matches Golf GTI with most powerful Octavia vRS yet

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John Redfern

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August 15, 2024

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Skoda has updated the Octavia vRS hot hatchback and estate models for 2024, including a boost in engine power.

The fourth-generation Octavia vRS retains a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, now with an additional 20hp.

This increases peak output to 265hp, along with 273lb ft of torque. It means the Octavia vRS now matches the related Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Along with achieving horsepower parity with the related Golf GTI, this latest model is also the Czech marque’s most powerful Octavia vRS yet.

Pace and space

As part of the update, Skoda has discontinued the frugal, diesel-powered Octavia vRS. And it has given no word on a replacement for the plug-in hybrid Octavia vRS iV. For now, petrol power – with the potential for 40.8mpg – is the only option.

A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is now the only transmission offered for the Octavia vRS, too. The six-speed manual ‘box is no longer available.

Driving the front wheels through a ‘VAQ’ electrohydraulic differential lock, the official 0-62mph time is 6.4 seconds for the Octavia vRS hatchback, or 0.1 seconds slower for the estate. Top speed for both models is limited to 155mph.

On paper, this means the Octavia vRS remains slower than the Golf GTI, which posts a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds. On the road, the gap is likely to feel much narrower.

Czech it out

As part of a mild facelift that covers the whole Octavia range, the vRS gains reprofiled front and rear bumpers. Skoda has also updated the design of the vRS logo applied to the black front grille, and fitted new 19-inch ‘Elias’ alloy wheels.

Inside, electrically adjustable sports seats, aluminium pedals and a vRS-branded three-spoke steering wheel are all included. An updated 13.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is (thankfully) said to be easier to use.

UK orders for the new Octavia vRS are open now. Prices start at £38,670 for the hatchback, with the estate costing £39,775. For comparison, you can expect to pay at least £38,900 for the latest Golf GTI.

New VW Golf GTI Clubsport and Golf R prices and specs revealed

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John Redfern

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August 14, 2024

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Volkswagen has announced UK prices for the new Mk8.5 Golf GTI Clubsport, following a dramatic reveal event earlier this year.

Launched at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race, the GTI Clubsport has been developed to tackle the notorious German race track, and is available to order now

Along with the GTI Clubsport, Volkswagen has confirmed UK prices and specifications for the Mk8.5 Golf R and R Black Edition hot hatchbacks.

A new King of the ‘Ring

The association with the Nurburgring means the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport offers a ‘Special’ driving mode. This was tuned to optimise the car for swift progress around the Nordschleife circuit.

Power comes from the familiar ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which serves up 300hp and a top speed of 155mph. Choosing the optional GTI Performance Package (£3,280) adds an Akrapovic titanium exhaust and increases the car’s maximum speed to 167mph.

Volkswagen includes LED matrix headlights, three-zone climate control and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission as standard. On-the-road prices for the Golf GTI Clubsport start at £41,655.

Golf R powers up

Although the updated 2024 Golf R looks similar to its predecessor, Volkswagen has made plenty of detailed changes beneath the surface.

Notably, the all-wheel-drive Golf R now serves up 333hp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This represents an extra 13hp over the outgoing model, making this one of the hottest Golfs ever made.

The 0-62mph sprint takes 4.6 seconds, with a 155mph limited top speed. As with the GTI Clubsport, an optional Performance Package stretches this to 167mph.

Priced from £43,320 in hatchback guise, or £44,685 as an estate, the Golf R comes with LED tail lights and an updated infotainment system with ChatGPT artificial intelligence.

Back in black

Taking the prize as the most expensive Golf currently on sale is the R Black Edition. Offered solely as a hatchback, prices start at £44,570.

The Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition comes with 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, black exterior badges, black brake calipers and darkened exhaust tailpipes. Paint colours other than black are available, however.

Choosing the R Black Edition sees the Performance Package included as standard, along with a larger rear spoiler. The result is a top speed of 168mph, and there is even a Drift setting included amongst the drive modes.

As with the GTI Clubsport, all versions of the new Golf R are available to order now.

Nissan is testing special paint tech to make cars COOLER

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John Redfern

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August 9, 2024

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Nissan is trialling a cutting-edge automotive paint technology, aimed at making car interiors more comfortable in warm weather.

Developed in collaboration with a company called Radi-Cool, Nissan’s new paint incorporates metamaterial synthetic composites – and has a two-stage method of reducing temperatures.

Initial tests have shown the special white paint can potentially reduce exterior bodywork temperature by 12 degrees Celsius. This translates into lowering the cabin temperature by five degrees Celsius.

The benefits are a more comfortable driving experience, along with less energy needed to cool the car’s interior.

The coolest Nissan around

Nissan’s advanced metamaterial, incorporated into the paint, has two types of particles that react when exposed to sunlight.

The first set of particles reflect near-infrared rays in the light, which would normally cause the paint’s resin layer to heat up.

Even more impressive are the second set of particles. These create electromagnetic waves, which are able to counteract the sun’s rays by directing their energy away from the car.

In November 2023, Tokyo International Air Terminal took on several Nissan NV100 vans painted with the new finish. The airport’s open tarmac exposes vehicles to relentless sunlight, making for an effective real-world test of the cooling paint technology.

The future looks bright

Dr Susumu Miura, senior manager at the Nissan Research Centre, has been responsible for developing the new cooling paint. Although heat-reflecting paint has been used in building construction for decades, adapting it for automotive use has proved more challenging.

More than 100 different samples have been tested so far, with Dr. Miura and his team refining the paint to make it easier to apply.

“My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy,” explained Miura. “This is especially important in the EV era, where the load from running air conditioning in summer can have a sizeable impact on the state of charge.”

Ford reveals new e-bikes inspired by Mustang and Bronco

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John Redfern

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August 9, 2024

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The list of car manufacturers offering electric bicycles has gained a new addition, as Ford announces details of two official eBikes.

A partnership with electric bike specialists N+ – which already builds the range of Mercedes-AMG F1 eBikes – has created the Mustang and Bronco-inspired duo.

Ford hopes its electric bikes will transfer the ‘spirit and performance’ of its automotive icons onto two wheels.

As yet, however, here is no mention of a mountain bike inspired by the reborn Ford Capri…

Saddle up your Ford Mustang

Focused on road use, the Mustang eBike will be available in two versions, including a commemorative 60th Anniversary Edition.

With a 750w electric motor that produces 63lb ft of torque, the Mustang eBike is capable of reaching an assisted top speed of 28mph. Four-piston hydraulic brakes are included, along with semi-slick Pirelli Angel GT tyres.

Charging the 720Wh battery pack will take 3.5 hours, and gives riders an electric range of up to 60 miles. A colour LCD screen is standard, displaying information on battery status, range and speed.

Prices in the United States will begin at $4,000 (around £3,135) for a model with ‘Carbonized Gray’ paint. Buyers can pick from 10 other colours for an additional $390 (£305).

Bronco ready for the great outdoors

The Bronco version of Ford’s eBike is, like its four-wheel-drive namesake, built with off-road action in mind.

Its dual suspension system includes an air-sprung front fork combined with a coil shock absorber at the rear. Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall tyres provide extra grip, plus it has a motocross-style seat for good measure.

Power comes from the same electric motor and battery as the Mustang version, offering an equal 60-mile range. Priced from $4,500 (£3,500), the Bronco comes finished in Area 51 Blue as standard.

The new eBikes are available to buy online, or from Ford dealerships throughout the United States. British Ford fans will have to wait and see if these two-wheelers cross the Atlantic.

Revealed: unique electric hypercar designed for Batman

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John Redfern

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August 8, 2024

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Automobili Pininfarina has unveiled a unique version of its B95 electric hypercar. The B95 Gotham roadster is inspired by the luxurious lifestyle of Batman’s civilian alter-ego, Bruce Wayne.

A partnership between Pininfarina and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (owner of the DC Batman brand) will see a series of four custom hypercars created.

The B95 Gotham is the first of these special projects to be revealed. It will make its public debut next week at The Quail – part of Monterey Car Week in California.

What would Batman drive?

The starting point for the B95 Gotham is the Automobili Pininfarina B95: effectively an open version of the Battista hypercar. Four electric motors are tucked within the minimalist bodywork and together they generate 1,900hp: good for 0-62mph in less than two seconds.

Pininfarina has painted the B95 Gotham’s carbon fibre body in Argento Vittorio gloss black, which is combined with alloy wheels in a unique design. These feature a matt black inner section, contrasting with a gloss black outer rim.

Designed with Bruce Wayne’s personal tastes in mind, the B95 Gotham has ‘Wayne Enterprises’ logos on its bodywork and chassis plate.

The theme continues inside, with tan leather upholstery and Bruce Wayne’s famous “All men have limits… I ignore mine” quote on the driver’s door sill.

For good measure, Pininfarina has configured the infotainment system with a bespoke Wayne Enterprises display. The voice of Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s butler, is used for the virtual assistant.

Bringing a dream to life

Dave Amantea, chief design officer at Automobili Pininfarina, said: “The B95 Gotham exemplifies how we bring our brand promise of ‘dream cars, made real’ to life for our clients.

“We place them at the centre of everything we do, and delivering bespoke and coachbuilt cars like this one is driven by our vision and commitment to design unforgettable client experiences.”

Although the B95 heading to Monterey Car Week is a show vehicle, Automobili Pininfarina has already started building a single customer example of the Gotham. No price tag has been announced, but a ‘standard’ B95 costs around £4 million.

Ahead of its public debut, the car was photographed with the Tumbler vehicle, as seen in The Dark Knight trilogy of Batman films. It has some strong competition, but we reckon the B95 Gotham might be the coolest Batmobile yet.

BMW reveals M Performance tuning parts for new 2024 M5

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John Redfern

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August 8, 2024

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BMW has only just revealed its seventh-generation M5 super saloon, but already there is a range of upgrades on offer.

The new M Performance Parts can amplify the styling of the 727hp hybrid-powered four-door BMW, which blasts to 62mph in 3.5 seconds.

You might think a vehicle already costing upwards of £111,000 should not require immediate enhancement. However, BMW seems keen for M5 customers to customise their cars.

An executive express

In standard form, the latest M5 features a large BMW M illuminated kidney grille, bespoke front and rear bumpers, and four exhaust tailpipes.

The M Performance Parts include a deeper, two-piece carbon fibre front splitter, which BMW says ‘showcases the central lower air intake’ of the M5.

More carbon fibre is used for the M Performance side skirts, with the lightweight material also featuring on the exterior mirror caps. But given a standard M5 tips the scales at more than 2,400kg, the effect on kerb weight isn’t likely to be transformational.

At the rear, the M Performance diffuser (also in carbon fibre) is more defined than that of the standard car. A mixture of carbon and titanium is used for the M Performance exhaust tailpipes, complete with embossed ‘M5’ branding.

Buyers can also choose between two carbon fibre rear spoilers: one a small Gurney flap on the boot lid, the other a more pronounced option.

Take it to the track

BMW has yet to announce UK prices for the new M Performance extras. Based on the cost of similar upgrades for other M models, however, the carbon fibre will likely have a hefty price tag.

For those on a more limited budget, or with subtler taste, there is an aramid fibre aerial cover, a branded fuel cap cover and M Performance exterior decals.

Lastly, if you want to take your M5 on a circuit, BMW will sell you a set of M Performance tyre bags to store your track day rubber. Enthusiasts will need to wait until 2025 for the accompanying M Performance light alloy wheels, though.

‘Italian automotive art’: Aehra names first two EVs, due in 2026

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John Redfern

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August 7, 2024

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Aehra, the ‘ultra-premium’ Italian EV startup, has revealed names for its first two planned production models.

Aiming for a launch in late 2026, the sleek Aehra Estasi saloon will be sold alongside the taller Impeto SUV.

Both have radical, concept car styling by Filippo Perini, previously of Lamborghini. They also promise class-leading performance and battery ranges.

To make the Estasi and Impeto a reality, Aehra has now submitted a €1.2 billion (£1 billion) development plan to the Italian Ministry of Industry and Made in Italy.

Seizing the impetus

The dramatically styled Aehra Estasi saloon was unveiled last year. Highlights include upwards-opening ‘elytra wing doors’, along with a smooth, aerodynamic profile.

The latter contributes to Aehra’s claims that the Estasi, with its 925-volt electric architecture, will offer a range of almost 500 miles when fully charged.

A similar battery range is intended for the Aehra Impeto SUV, which takes its name from the word ‘impetus’.

With a three-metre wheelbase, Aehra says ‘four NBA-size basketball players’ can travel in premium comfort inside the Impeto.

‘Beauty and innovation’

Aehra Founder and CEO, Hazim Nada, commented: “We are delighted to unveil the names of the first Aehra models, the Impeto SUV and Estasi sedan. These highly conceptual vehicles represent an expression of pure Italian automotive art that is, in our eyes, an unprecedented fusion of beauty and innovation.”

Aehra is now waiting to see if its development plan will be endorsed by the Italian government. Doing so will allow it to progress plans for a new production facility, having identified a site at Mosciano Sant’ Angelo in the Abruzzo region in northeast Italy.

Ground-breaking could begin as soon as this year, with the finished facility potentially employing 540 staff – and capable of producing 25,000 cars per year.

Hazim Nada added: “Abruzzo is home to Italy’s world-leading carbon fibre industry. This factor will prove critical to the creation of the carbon fibre monocoque that sits at the heart of the Aehra Sedan and SUV models and represents a world-first for mainstream production vehicles. As an area of special regional development, Abruzzo unlocks further fiscal advantages.”

Electric car breaks world record with 570 miles on single charge

By

John Redfern

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August 7, 2024

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The Guinness World Record for the longest journey in an electric car using a single battery charge has been broken, thanks to an all-British team.

The distance of 569.94 miles was achieved using a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, which was sponsored by Webfleet-Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

A driving duo of Kevin Booker and Sam Clarke, supported by co-pilot Richard Parker of Webfleet, was responsible for covering the record-breaking distance.

Travelling across Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire, the new record was set in just 24 hours.

Proving how far EVs can go

The Mustang Mach-E was equipped with a 91kWh battery pack, and has an official WLTP battery range of 373 miles. Adding nearly 200 miles to this distance required some very considered and efficient driving.

Both Booker and Clarke are no stranger to setting Guinness World Records, holding five between them. These include a similar achievement for the longest distance driven in an electric van on a single charge.

Booker remarked: “Breaking this record has been an exhilarating journey and a powerful demonstration of what electric vehicles can achieve.

“It is incredible to see how far we have come with EV technology and efficiency. We hope this inspires more people to consider electric vehicles for their everyday travel.”

Going the distance

The attempt was documented with independently verified video footage, odometer readings, GPS data and battery level information. Together, it proved the previous EV range record of 563 miles, set in China, had been broken.

To ensure the attempt met all the Guinness World Record requirements, motoring organisation the AA acted as the official adjudicator. The AA’s dedicated EV support services were also on hand, in case they were required.

AA president Edmund King OBE commented: “We are delighted to have supported this incredible achievement with our expert patrols and backup team.

“The drivers, together with Ford Mustang Mach-E, Bridgestone and Webfleet, have all used their expertise to prove that EVs can go much further than people think. Such endeavours are important to show that electric vehicles can be a major part of the future transport mix.”

Driving abroad? Why GB stickers and number plates now risk a fine

By

Richard Aucock

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August 7, 2024

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Will you be driving abroad this summer? If so, the ‘GB’ sticker you might have fitted to your car must be swapped for a ‘UK’ one.

Since Brexit, government guidance states that any British car driving in Europe must have a UK identifier. Yet a recent survey by ferry operator DFDS found that 40 percent of British motorists would incorrectly affix a GB sticker to their car instead – risking up to €120 in fines.

If your car has number plates with a Union Jack flag and ‘UK’ text on the left-hand side, however, you do not require a UK sticker as well.

The rest of British

It’s worth noting that only the Union Jack flag is permitted, though. A UK sticker is still mandatory if your number plates display the national flag of England, Scotland or Wales. The EU ‘stars’ symbol is no longer permitted on newly manufactured UK registration plates.

Cars with plates that display numbers and letters only – i.e. there is no flag or country identifier – must display a UK sticker, too.

The government adds that if you’re driving in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must have a UK sticker on show, no matter what is on your number plate. But a UK sticker is not required to drive in Ireland.

Electric and classic number plates

In December 2020, the government introduced green number plates for electric cars. These non-mandatory plates are available to new and existing vehicles, and feature a green flash on the left-hand side. This can include a flag and ‘UK’ identifier, just like regular plates.

From 1 January 2021, changes were also made to eligibility for black and silver number plates. Only classic vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980 are now eligible to display these – and they must be licensed in the historic tax class.

Land Rover Owner International called this ‘a blow to owners of military vehicles which were approaching 40 years of age’. It referenced Land Rover models that would have displayed black and silver plates showing their military equipment registration mark (ERM) during service.