New research by Citroen aims to dispel typical preconceptions about van drivers in the UK.
Some 2,000 drivers were surveyed, including van drivers, to establish whether the stereotypical ‘white van man’ still exists in 2024.
The study found van drivers were likely to have a wide array of interests, with almost half (44 percent) enjoying cooking and baking as a regular pastime.
Two sugars, no tabloids
The most popular hobbies among van drivers questioned in the survey were walking (chosen by 58 percent), followed by travelling (47 percent) and video games (45 percent).
Exercise is an important consideration for many of Britain’s van drivers, too. More than a third (41 percent) attend a gym, while 14 percent enjoy yoga or pilates.
Despite the health kick, a full English breakfast is still the meal of choice for 39 percent of van drivers, compared to 25 percent of car drivers. And those driving a van are more than twice as likely to take sugar in their tea.
Forget the stereotype of a red-topped newspaper on the dashboard, too. Just under half (47 percent) get their news from a broadsheet newspaper, while a quarter listen to podcasts and audiobooks.
Van drivers have moved on
The overall perception of van drivers on the UK’s roads appears to be improving, based on the results of the Citroen survey.
Almost two thirds (62 percent) of drivers said they were no more likely to report a van driver for poor driving than a car driver. Close to half (41 percent) of those asked said they think a van driver and a car driver would be equally likely receive to a parking fine.
Greg Taylor, managing director at Citroen UK, said “It is clear that the habits and lifestyles of van drivers in the UK have moved on from the preconceptions of the previous decade.
“As the pioneer of the leisure activity vehicle, Citroen has always offered its customers a robust model that suits them and adapts to their every need.”
Finance offers for the first Alfa Romeo EV have been announced, with costs starting from £299 per month.
Those who order an Alfa Romeo Junior will also receive a £500 contribution towards an Octopus charging device for their home.
This comes on top of a £1,000 deposit contribution from Alfa Romeo across the model range, which sees cash prices starting from £33,895 on the road.
News of Alfa Romeo’s finance offers follows the announcement of prices for the Kia EV3, plus the introduction of a new, cheaper version of the Volvo EX30.
More electric SUV competition
Alfa Romeo initially named its compact EV the Milano, in honour of the Italian marque’s home city. However, some Italian politicians took exception to the fact that the car is produced in Tychy, Poland. The result was a name change to Junior.
The standard Junior Elettrica and Junior Speciale use a 156hp electric motor, with a potential range of up to 250 miles when fully charged. With a higher 240hp output, the sportier Veloce has a reduced range of 215 miles.
All versions come with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. There is also a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus safety systems including adaptive cruise control and active lane assist.
The Junior Speciale gains a sportier exterior styling kit, along with satellite navigation and a 180-degree reversing camera. At the top of the range, Veloce models have lowered sports suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
From less than £300 a month
The Alfa Romeo offer for the Junior is available until 8 October 2024, covering vehicles purchased using Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance with a 6.9 percent APR.
Based on a 37-month contract, the Junior Elettrica costs £299 per month, with a £8,860.84 customer deposit contribution, plus a mileage allowance of 6,000 miles per year.
For the Junior Speciale, the same terms see a monthly cost of £329 when combined with a £8,954.58 customer deposit.
Finally, opting for the range-topping Junior Veloce will see customers paying £399 per month, following an initial deposit of £10,701.46.
The Volvo EX30 electric SUV has just become more affordable, thanks to a new entry-level model.
Volvo has announced a new ‘Core’ trim level as the cheapest offering in the EX30 lineup. It also becomes the most affordable electric vehicle in the Swedish marque’s range.
An on-the-road price of £32,850 means the Volvo EX30 Core undercuts the rival Kia EV3, which recently had its UK pricing confirmed.
Two battery options
Despite being the most basic EX30, Volvo will offer the Core with a choice of two battery sizes. Both are combined with a 272hp single motor that drives the rear wheels.
Performance remains impressive, with both versions capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in less than 6.0 seconds. Top speed is limited to 112mph.
The smaller 51kWh battery is available for the £32,850 price tag, and provides an official range of up to 209 miles. Opting for the £37,050 Extended Range version, with a larger 69kWh battery, ups the potential range to 295 miles.
Being compatible with 175kW rapid-charging devices means replenishing the battery pack from 10 to 80 percent should take less than 30 minutes.
Low price, strong spec
Standard equipment for the EX30 Core includes single-zone climate control, automatic LED headlights with active high beam, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.
The central 12.3-inch touchscreen incorporates Android Auto connectivity, and now wireless Apple CarPlay as well. Satellite navigation, a DAB radio, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are all included.
Like the rest of the EX30 range, the Core model has a home entertainment-style 100-watt soundbar spanning the dashboard. This helps to maintain a minimalist Scandinavian look.
With the launch of the new Core version, Volvo has increased prices of other models in the EX30 range by around £1,350. The Single Motor Plus now starts at £35,150, with the top-level Ultra costing from £43,350.
The Arcade Sojourn will be offered with an array of customisation options, from an eight-seat interior to a fully electric powertrain.
The aim is for customers to “own one of these legendary vehicles without the challenges associated with owning classic cars”, explained Arcade Cars founder and CEO, Rishav Kanoria.
Swiss Army surplus
The G-Wagens chosen by Arcade Cars for its restomod project all started their lives in the Swiss Army. Every vehicle is thoroughly inspected and assessed before work can begin, then taken apart to rectify any imperfections.
Arcade will offer a paint-to-sample service, giving buyers an unlimited colour palette for their Sojourn. Alternatively, the company’s signature paint finishes are Desert Tan, Dark Olive, Matte Black and Pacific Blue.
As standard, the Sojourn is powered by an original Mercedes-Benz 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This musters 128hp and 140lb ft of torque, providing ‘authentic’ G-Wagen performance.
Arcade Cars also offers an upgraded 151hp 2.8 petrol engine, or the potential to go electric. The Sojourn EV is being developed with electric restomod specialist Everrati. More details will be revealed in due course.
Utility meets luxury
The interior of the Sojourn is where Arcade Cars promises the greatest transformation. Customers can select from a variety of finishes, including original-grade leather upholstery and the choice of wood or metallic trim.
Seats and steering wheels can also be swapped for different items, meaning Sojourn owners don’t have to stick with utilitarian, Swiss Army style.
The traditional ‘long-bench’ eight-seat layout can also be retained, with a roll-up canvas soft-top fitted as standard. Alternatively, individual seats can carry six people in comfort.
Digital upgrades for the restomod G-Wagen include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, alongside a premium sound system that incorporates a subwoofer.
A debut in Monterey
Xenon or LED headlights, roof racks and various alloy or steel wheel options will be available, too. The result should be a classic 4×4 tailored exactly to each owner’s taste.
Arcade plans to unveil the Sojourn at Monterey Car Week in California next month. The car will make its public debut at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Ahead of the launch, orders for the Soujourn can be placed now, at prices starting from £101,000 ($130,000). The first deliveries of completed cars are expected in late 2024.
Kia has announced prices for the new EV3 – making this the Korean marque’s most affordable electric SUV to date
Starting from £32,995, the EV3 competes directly with EV rivals made in China, such as the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1.
EV3 buyers will be able to choose from three trim grades, with the potential for a driving range of up to 372 miles.
Kia EV3 prices revealed
Kia has given the EV3 a comprehensive standard specification, with all versions featuring climate control air-con, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors, plus a comprehensive suite of safety equipment.
A 12.3-inch central touchscreen is complemented by a 5.3-inch display for the temperature controls, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included, along with a reversing camera.
Kicking off the model range is the Kia EV3 Air, which starts from £32,995 for the version with a 58.3kWh battery – offering an official range of 267 miles. Increasing your budget to £35,995 means a range of 372 miles from the larger 81.4kWh battery.
The Air trim level comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, blue interior accents and grey cloth upholstery.
Climbing the EV3 ladder
GT-Line specification is the next rung on the Kia EV3 ladder, with prices from £39,995.
Only the larger 81.4kWh battery is available here, with an official range of up to 347 miles. Like all versions of the EV3, a single electric motor drives the front wheels, providing a power output of 201hp.
GT-Line trim brings a longer list of standard equipment than the Air model, including 19-inch alloy wheels, wireless mobile phone charging, a digital key and customisable LED interior lighting.
It also has two-tone GT-Line upholstery, gloss black exterior trim and flush door handles that open automatically.
Top of the EV3 range
Priced at £42,995, the GT-Line S crowns the Kia EV3 range, and comes packed with premium features. These include a head-up display, eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 360-degree surround-view camera and blind-spot monitoring.
The interior features front seats with electric adjustment and ventilation, heated rear seats and a power-opening tailgate. A vehicle-to-load function allows domestic appliances, such as a portable fridge, to be powered by the EV3’s battery.
Kia will start accepting orders for the EV3 on Thursday 1 August, with all three trim levels available immediately. UK deliveries will begin later in 2024.
A study by Jeep and Ordnance Survey has confirmed what millions of parents already knew: that getting through the summer holidays can be a challenge.
Almost half (44 percent) of parents surveyed said they take their children to the same places every summer.
A lack of inspiration was a factor for 32 percent of parents, with a lack of time to research new destinations an issue for 28 percent of those who responded.
To help parents with these problems, Jeep and Ordnance Survey have created an interactive map detailing 100 potential locations for family fun across the UK.
Inspiring parents this summer
Many parents surveyed by Jeep said the cost of living crisis has impacted on their holiday plans, with 42 percent noting they could not afford to travel abroad.
Even for those remaining in the UK, families will spend an average of £425 on entertaining kids during the summer break. It means affordable fun is even more important than ever.
Kris Cholmondeley, managing director at Jeep UK, said: “Summer holidays with the kids can be challenging, requiring a lot of energy, planning and resources, so we want to help inspire parents with some fresh ideas for adventure.
“We’ve focused our top 15 ‘off the beaten track’ outdoor locations on places that are free to visit, as keeping costs down is a top priority for parents. These locations showcase the very best of the great British outdoors, yet those that are lesser known to the wider public.”
Affordable family adventures
The interactive map from Jeep and Ordnance Survey features 100 destinations across the UK, with the top 15 aimed at families with children including locations in England, Scotland and Wales.
The recommended locations for free summer holiday fun, away from the crowds, are:
The first new BMW M5 destined for North America will be auctioned to raise money for charity. A bespoke example of the seventh-generation super saloon is up for grabs at next month’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California.
The one-of-one M5 is to be auctioned at no reserve by Gooding & Company. Proceeds go to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, which supports literacy and education in Monterey County.
It means the winning bidder will get a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 saloon with 717hp and hybrid technology. Plus the chance to help a good cause, of course.
This is the only 2025-model M5 finished in BMW Individual Frozen Orange metallic paint. The stunning colour has been discontinued at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, meaning the Pebble Beach M5 had to be painted weeks in advance.
Complementing the paint are a set of bespoke M Dual-Spoke alloy wheels, with hand-finished orange accents. Behind these lurk huge carbon-ceramic brake discs, with the calipers painted in matte gold.
An optional Carbon Package means the roof panel, rear spoiler and wing mirror caps are finished in the lightweight material, too.
High-speed charity work
On the inside, BMW Individual has trimmed the M sports seats in a unique combination of Kyalami Orange and Silverstone Extended Merino leather.
The front seats also have the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance logo emblazoned on their headrests, using an innovative new printing technology.
Gloss carbon fibre trim spans the dashboard, with another Pebble Beach logo next to the infotainment display.
Get bidding for a good cause
A host of options are added, including the M Driver’s Package that increases the top speed of the M5 to 190mph.
Following the auction on 14 August 2024, the lucky new owner should receive their bespoke BMW in late October.
Gooding & Company suggests a guide price of between $150,000 and $200,000 (approximately £117,000 and £156,000) for the special BMW M5.
Electric car owners seem doomed to struggle for choice when it comes to finding a hotel that offers EV charging.
A study of some 15,000 hotels with parking facilities, covering 74 cities in the UK, was undertaken by Drax Electric Vehicles.
The research dicovered that only six percent of hotels made EV charging available to guests, with smaller cities leading the way on charge point provision.
Small in size, big on charging
St Davids in Wales may be one of the smallest cities in the UK, but it manages to lead the way in terms of hotels with EV charging provision.
Of the 18 hotels in the city that provide parking, more than a fifth (22 percent) have the option to recharge an electric car.
Other small cities in the top 10 include St Albans, with 13 percent of hotels offering charging. Ely in Cambridgeshire has 11 percent doing the same.
Central London claimed third place on the list overall. Even so, only 79 of the 539 hotels surveyed (15 percent) could offer EV charging on-site.
However, Manchester (six percent), Birmingham (four percent) and Liverpool (three percent) all demonstrate that Britain’s big cities have plenty of work to do.
EV charging now a necessity
Adam Hall, director at Drax Electric Vehicles, commented: “We are seeing a record number of electric vehicles on our roads, with zero-emission vehicles accounting for 2.7 percent of all cars in use in 2023. While uptake is often higher in major metropolitan cities like London, where policies such as the ULEZ incentivise EV ownership, our research shows a need for further development in charging infrastructure across many hotels.
“If hospitality businesses want to keep pace with the rapidly growing EV market, they must invest now to build a reputation for offering good EV charging facilities.”
Naomi Nye, charging specialist at Drax, added: “As electric car adoption grows, hotels must focus on becoming more EV-friendly. Offering EV chargers is no longer a premium experience but a necessity.”
Smaller accommodation businesses are potentially eligible for grants to assist with EV charging, through the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme.
Customer examples of other European restomods, including the Porsche 356 and Jaguar XK120, are due for completion later this year.
Light is right
Thornley Kelham uses a pre-1989 ‘G series’ Porsche 911 chassis as the basis for the European RS. This is then lengthened by 19mm and widened by a substantial 220mm, providing the car with a better stance and benefiting its dynamics.
Bespoke front and rear bumpers are fitted, along with a ducktail rear spoiler that channels the look of the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS and 2.8 RSR models.
Carbon fibre and aluminium is used extensively for the bodywork, while polycarbonate replaces glass for the side windows. The result is a kerb weight of just 1,070kg – some 300kg less than a stock 964-generation 911.
All of the bodywork on the European RS is finished by hand, requiring some 2,500 hours alone. The total restoration and build time amounts to 6,000 hours.
A real rev-elation
Those fortunate enough to commission a Thornley Kelham European RS can choose a variety of engine options to power their completed car.
The ‘standard’ version comes with a hand-built 3.8-litre flat-six engine, with billet aluminium cylinder heads and forged pistons. Individual throttle bodies allow for a peak output of 385hp, with an accompanying 290lb ft of torque.
Customers can also specify a 4.0-litre 24-valve flat-six, which delivers 400hp and plenty of low-down torque. Or there is a special 3.6-litre engine that can rev to a dizzying 10,000rpm – with an optional F1-grade Inconel exhaust system also available.
A Porsche ‘G50’ six-speed manual gearbox is used with all engines, along with a Wavetrac limited-slip differential. Upgraded brakes are fitted, plus there is the option of a carbon-ceramic setup to save a further 17kg.
Bespoke front wishbone suspension is based upon a modern Porsche 911 GT3 design, with JRZ Motorsport adjustable coilovers and Eibach springs. A new Quaife steering rack has the option of electric power assistance.
Who needs CarPlay here?
The 18-inch Fikse FFR alloys are inspired by the Fuchs wheels found on many classic 911s. They come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, but stickier, track-biased Michelin Cup 2 tyres are on the options list.
A Momo Prototipo Black Edition steering wheel is one of the highlights inside the cabin, along with a pair of one-piece carbon fibre Recaro bucket seats. Thornley Kelham has also repositioned the gear lever and updated the dashboard gauges.
The European RS comes with the benefit of climate control, using a system that weighs just 14kg. An optional Porsche PCCM infotainment system brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
However, with the enhanced flat-six engine right behind your ears, listening to Spotify is likely to be less of a priority here…
Combining the 911’s best bits
Those interested in their own European RS can contact Thornley Kelham now. Production will be capped at 25 examples, with prices from around £580,000.
Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham, said: “The European RS combines the pure engagement of the original 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS, but comes complete with a lightweight, handcrafted body and reimagined, driver-focused interior.
“This is a truly unique car imbued with the nuanced dynamics and feedback of the legendary 2.7 RS, the thrill of the 2.8 RSR, and the performance, precision and progressive handling of the legendary 997 GT3 RS 4.0.”
We’ll soon have the chance to drive the European RS, and discover whether it can match up to the benchmarks set by such icons. Come back to Motoring Research soon for the review.
Think you’re familiar with vehicles, road signs and street furniture when driving in the UK? We bet there are a few ‘secrets’ in our list below that you didn’t know.
So, pull on your anorak and join us for a journey deep into motoring trivia. At the very least, you can impress your friends in the pub. Who knows, you might even become a better driver?
ARV symbol on police cars
See that star symbol on the back of the BMW X5? It means this is an Armed Response Vehicle (ARV), and the car is crewed by police firearms officers.
These cars also feature roof markings to make them identifiable to helicopters. Move over safely if you see one of these vehicles with blue lights and sirens on.
Double-length white lines
A broken white line marks the middle of most roads. However, when the centre lines get longer and the gaps between them become shorter, it means there is a hazard ahead.
Do not cross the central lines unless you can see the road ahead is clear.
‘Wiggly’ road signs
The double bend road sign actually shows you the direction of the first corner coming up. In the case of the example above, the road bends to the right, before then turning left.
If the sign is reversed, the opposite is true. The same rule applies to the standard ‘road bend’ sign.
Lamp posts for unfamiliar bends
If you’re driving on an unfamiliar road, use lamp posts to anticipate the road ahead and guide you through bends.
Whether they’re switched on or off, the lamp posts can act like safe waymarkers, helping you to brake and steer smoothly.
Emergency diversion route symbols
Note the little black-on-orange symbols on the left of this motorway gantry. There are four shapes – square, triangle, circle and diamond – but they can be shown filled in or outlined (as shown here). These are for Emergency Diversion Routes, and can be used in the event of a motorway closure to guide motorists to the next junction.
Drivers will be told to follow the symbol, with the diverted route marked by the symbols and/or trigger signs.
Driver location signs
Look closely at this image and you’ll spot a blue sign on the verge. Driver location signs – or distance marker posts – were introduced in the early 2000s to alert drivers to the whereabouts of the nearest emergency phone.
The top line shows the road you’re travelling on (the M25 in this case). The letter shows the direction of travel (usually A or B), and the bottom shows how far you are (in metres) from a given location.
The signs are positioned every 500 metres on a motorway, and can be used to guide the emergency services or a recovery vehicle to a stricken motorist.
Airport signs
Once you’ve seen this one, you’ll never look at road signs the same way again. Thanks to our friends at PetrolBlog, we discovered the little plane on a road sign faces in the direction of travel to the airport. Not just the route, but also the DIRECTION. So now you know.
Coloured studs
Although we commonly associate reflective road studs – or cat’s eyes – with white ‘lights’ to mark the centre of the road, other colours are used for different purposes.
Red marks the left edge of the road, amber marks the central reservation of a dual carriageway or a motorway, green marks the edge of a layby or slip road, while green/yellow studs are used for temporary adjustments to lane layouts.
Route numbers in brackets
If a road number is shown in brackets, it means that the road in question can be reached by taking the route indicated. Helpful if you’re driving in a city and are searching for the nearest A-road or motorway.
The distance to London
Have you ever wondered where the distance to and from London is measured from? No? We’re going to tell you anyway.
It’s Charing Cross, and it dates back to 1290 when a memorial cross (one of 12) was installed just south of Trafalgar Square.
Pavement ‘art’
Sorry, you haven’t discovered a Banksy or ancient hieroglyphics. The dots and arrows painted on our pavements are used by utility companies to signify what lies beneath the ground.
We’d urge you to visit the BBC website for more details on the ‘squiggles’. You’ll lose at least half of your lunch hour…
Head up, foot up
This one dates back to a Suzuki launch we attended in North Wales. We were given a set of instructions to follow a set route and told to watch out for sheep, but to take extra care when the woolly ones weren’t grazing.
‘Head up, foot up’ – basically, it means slow down if the sheep isn’t eating. ‘Head down, foot down’ – if the sheep is eating, you’re fine. We say: always slow down for sheep.
Yellow ‘H’ signs
These little yellow signs are a common piece of street furniture, but have you ever stopped to wonder what they mean? They’re used to show the location and size of the nearest water hydrant.
In the case of the example shown, the size of the water main is 75mm, and the distance is 10 metres.
Escape lanes
Escape lanes are sand traps located alongside the downhill side of a steep road that are designed to ‘catch’ a vehicle in the event of brake failure.
As braking technology improves, they are becoming less common, but you’ll often see evidence of a driver forced into making an impromptu visit to the ‘kitty litter’.
Dartmoor road signs
There are three different types of direction signs on roads in and around Dartmoor. Signs with a blue border show roads that are generally suitable for all traffic, while signs with a brown border are used for roads that are smaller with passing spaces.
Finally, signs with a black border are unsuitable for large vehicles. The brown signs are not to be confused with the common tourist signs, which can be seen across the country.
‘Mystery’ junction
Anyone who has travelled eastbound along the M4 has probably spotted the exit marked with ‘Works unit only’ signs. Conspiracy theories exist, but it’s actually used for RAF Welford, which is one of the largest European ammunition compounds for the United States Air Force.
According to Forces Reunited, it’s at its busiest when the U.S. government deploys bombers to a forward air station at RAF Fairford.
Baby on board sticker
Baby on board stickers were designed to encourage other drivers to be more considerate and to alert the emergency services that a child or baby is on board in the event of an accident. This isn’t so much a ‘hidden secret’, more a case of the sticker losing its meaning and impact.
A ‘Michael Bublé fan on board’ sticker wouldn’t encourage many of us to drive more carefully. Although we guess we’d probably keep our distance…
Roadside milestones
According to the Milestones Society, mileposts became compulsory on all turnpikes in 1767. Their role was to inform travellers of direction and distances, as well as keeping coaches on schedule.
Around 9,000 of them survive today, as many were removed or defaced during World War II to baffle potential German invaders.
Old toll houses
Toll houses were built at turnpike gates to collect tolls from road users. Today, their unique design makes them easy to spot. You just haven’t noticed them yet.
These charming buildings are especially common in the West Country.
