Volkswahen has announced prices for the updated 2024 Golf GTI, ahead of order books opening this month.
Revealed earlier this year, the revised ‘Mk8.5’ version of the famous hot hatchback comes with subtle styling tweaks and a revised interior.
A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine remains beneath the bonnet, but its 265hp output is up 20hp versus the outgoing car. Zero to 62mph takes 5.9 seconds, with a seven-speed DSG transmission fitted as standard. The Golf GTI now costs from £38,900.
A subtle facelift for 2024
In traditional Volkswagen fashion, styling changes for the latest Golf GTI are not immediately obvious.
They include new ‘IQ.Light Matrix’ LED headlights, along with an illuminated Volkswagen roundel for the front grille.
Buyers also get redesigned LED tail lights, new GTI model badges below the side mirrors and a set of 18-inch ‘Richmond’ alloy wheels. The latter look similar to the ‘Teledial’ wheels favoured by Alfa Romeo.
Inside, the updated Golf has a new 12.9-inch central touchscreen, which finally comes with backlit illumination for the volume control sliders.
Sadly, there are no new physical buttons for the climate control system, but ChatGPT AI is now integrated as standard.
Physical steering wheel buttons are new, however, along with heated front sports seats trimmed in classic GTI-style cloth. Keyless entry, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control are part of the package as well.
Plug-in options on the way
Volkswagen will start accepting orders for the updated Golf GTI on 20 June 2024. It will be followed by two new plug-in hybrid Golf models, available to order from 27 June.
Priced from £36,760, the Golf Style eHybrid has a 204hp petrol-electric powertrain and is capable of covering up to 89 miles on battery power only. Three-zone climate control and a host of safety equipment are included.
The Volkswagen Golf GTE raises power output to a combined 272hp, with a potential 82 miles of EV range. Like the eHybrid, it attracts a low, five percent Benefit-in-Kind company car tax rate. Prices for the Mk8.5 Golf GTE start from £39,750.
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A new partnership between Vauxhall and Tesco will see new-car buyers receive 50,000 Clubcard points.
When purchasing a new car or SUV from a Vauxhall dealership, customers will be able to exchange the 50,000 Clubcard points for £500 in Clubcard vouchers to be spent in a store.
Alternatively, they can opt for having £1,000 to spend with Tesco Clubcard Reward Partners.
The offer follows an agreement reached earlier this year between Vauxhall and Tesco on electric car charging access.
Every little helps
In 2018, Tesco embarked on an ambitious strategy to roll out electric vehicle charging to its supermarkets across the UK. More than 600 stores are now included, with 2,700 individual charging points available.
The Tesco charging network was originally established by Volkswagen and Pod Point. At first, it allowed EV drivers to charge for free while shopping.
However, this new offer means anyone who buys a new electric Vauxhall will receive one year’s free EV charging credit, which can be used at Tesco stores nationwide.
A supermarket sweep
Both the 50,000 Tesco Clubcard points and free EV charging offers will run concurrently, offering a double bonus for anyone purchasing a new electric Vauxhall.
James Taylor, managing director of Vauxhall, said: “Vauxhall is always looking for ways to both reward and support our customers and we are delighted to be able to bring this incredible offer to them through the Tesco Clubcard scheme.
“What is particularly exciting for us, is that for our new electric vehicle customers, we can now not only reward them for their purchase of a new EV, but also provide the incentive of one year’s free EV charging credit.”
The offer of 50,000 Clubcard points applies to new Vauxhall vehicles purchased before the end of 2024.
BMW has refreshed the M2 for 2024, with a host of detail updates for its compact, sporty coupe.
Although the M2’s styling remains virtually unaltered, there are changes to the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine beneath its bonnet.
Output now peaks at 480hp, an increase of 20hp compared to the previous version. Maximum torque also climbs to 443lb ft, moving the M2 closer to its larger BMW M4 cousin.
This reduces the car’s 0-62mph time to exactly 4.0 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. However, this can be upped to 177mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Still sticking with it
BMW may be ditching manual transmissions from most of its models, but the M2 retains the option of clutch pedal. An eight-speed Steptronic automatic comes as standard, with the six-speed manual an extra-cost option.
Shifting gears yourself increases the 0-62mph time to 4.2 seconds, yet arguably makes the car more involving to drive.
On the inside, there is a new flat-bottomed steering wheel that features a red 12 o’clock marker. Buyers can specify a wheel trimmed in Alcantara, along with carbon fibre sports seats.
The latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is fitted to the new M2. This combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen.
A full colour palette
As part of the 2024 update, BMW has also added an array of new paint colours for the M2. These include bold Sao Paulo Yellow, Fire Red and Portimao Blue. Curiously, BMW opted to release press photos using the understated Grigio Telesto.
After a production run lasting 11 years, Jaguar has built its final F-Type sports car – now off to become a museum piece.
The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust will become custodians of the last F-Type convertible, having previously taken ownership of the final coupe as well.
It means the F-Type will sit alongside icons from the history of the Jaguar brand – including the very last E-Type – as part of a carefully preserved heritage collection.
End of the line for F-Type
Rather poignantly, the F-Type will enter the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust exactly 50 years after the final E-Type left the factory.
The E-Type in question is a 5.3-litre V12 Series III Convertible. It represents one of the 72,528 E-Types made between 1961 and 1974, before production ended with a special run of 50 cars.
Jaguar’s inspiration for the final F-Type came from its illustrious predecessor, with Giola Green paint and a black roof chosen for the 5.0-litre V8-powered convertible. On the inside, the F-Type has a tan leather interior.
Although production of the F-Type has now ended at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich facility, the car will remain available to buy until early 2025.
An electric future beckons
The end of the E-Type production led to the launch of the modernised XJ-S, but the F-Type’s replacement will be an even more radical transition.
Instead of the combustion-engined sports car, Jaguar will reveal an fully electric four-door GT in early 2025.
The plan is for Jaguar to become entirely electric, with the XE and XF saloons also having now reached the end of their production runs.
Rawdon Glover, managing director of Jaguar, said: “Today, as we celebrate F-Type and our 75-year history of innovative Jaguar sports cars, we are also looking forward to the beginning of a new era.
“We will reimagine and elevate the Jaguar brand that will be focused on growing client intimacy and engagement, underpinned by our purpose to inspire like no other.”
The 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place this weekend, with BMW racing in the premier Hypercar category.
It marks the first time the German company has competed in the top class at the French endurance classic since 1999.
BMW is using two of its M Hybrid V8 race cars at Le Mans, and the number 20 entry is the latest racer to get the Art Car treatment.
At the same time, BMW is paying tribute to the very first vehicle in the Art Car Collection via a special clothing collaboration with Puma.
Travelling without moving
The first BMW Art Car was created in 1975, when racing driver Hervé Poulain asked American artist Alexander Calder to paint his 3.0 CSL race car.
Chiefly known for his work as a sculptor, Calder used intense primary colours and sweeping lines on the BMW’s bodywork. The aim was to make the 480hp 3.0 CSL look like it was going flat-out, even when standing still.
Sadly, Poulain’s BMW had to retire from the Le Mans race after seven hours due to mechanical issues. Yet Calder’s design captured the imagination of the crowd – and the Art Car project was born.
BMW has since raced multiple other Art Cars at Le Mans, including those designed by Jenny Holzer, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Putting a price on style
The clothing collaboration between BMW and Puma makes use of the design elements Calder included on the 1975 Art Car.
This means plenty of bold colours, contrasting lines and the number 93 – as found on the BMW 3.0 CSL racer.
Enthusiasts can pick from two t-shirts, a shirt, shorts, a five-panel baseball cap and a set of trainers, all with a similarly elaborate design.
Prices start at £46.50 for the baseball cap, rising to £102.50 for the shorts, with all items available through BMW’s online shop.
Given that Calder’s own artwork has achieved prices in excess of £20 million, these Puma accessories could be considered a bargain…
Ford has chosen this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans for the European debut of the Mustang GTD – and to reveal more information about its ultimate pony car.
Conceived to allow Ford to enter the Mustang in the GT3 racing category at Le Mans, the road-going GTD promises an extreme driving experience.
Intriguingly, Ford will also start accepting expressions of interest for the 800hp Mustang from European enthusiasts.
Fastest pony in the stable
Although the GTD looks relatively similar to other models in the latest Mustang range, beneath the skin it is very different.
Not simply another modified muscle car, the Mustang GTD is closer in concept to supercars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. As such, it is a true homologation special – developed with Ford’s racing partner, Multimatic.
Beneath the carbon fibre bonnet is a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 that produces more than 800hp. This is connected to the rear wheels by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with titanium paddle shifters.
The trick suspension includes Multimatic’s DSSV spool valve dampers, with motorsport-style coilover springs occupying space in the boot. For the first time on a Mustang, there is a nose lift option to help negotiate speed humps.
Ready for the ‘Ring
Want even more? An optional new Performance Pack helps the Mustang GTD target a sub-seven-minute lap of the fearsome Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
It includes a deep front splitter, underbody flaps, extra dive planes and a Formula One-style Drag Reduction System (DRS) for the gigantic rear wing. Active aerodynamics are used to boost the GTD’s top speed.
The Performance Pack also includes 20-inch magnesium alloy wheels, along with the removal of sound deadening to save weight.
Greg Goodall, chief engineer for the Mustang GTD, said: “From the lightweight carbon fibre body on every GTD to the active aerodynamics of the Performance package, we’ve learned from motorsport how to make the Mustang GTD excel everywhere – all in the quest for a sub-seven-minute lap of the Nurburgring”.
Supercar power and pricing
The GTD Performance Pack has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, trimmed in Dinamica, with buttons to adjust the suspension settings and alter the exhaust mode.
Buyers will have a choice of six colours, including the dramatic Chroma Flair red shown here. A Carbon Series option leaves the body panels unpainted to show-off the carbon fibre construction.
Ford has been coy about prices for the Mustang GTD, but North American buyers are expecting to pay in the region of $325,000 (£254,000). However, this did not stop more than 7,500 enthusiasts applying to own one.
Skoda has revealed the plug-in hybrid version of its new, second-generation Kodiaq SUV.
The previous Skoda Kodiaq was sold only with petrol or diesel engines. This is the first time plug-in hybrid technology has been used in one of the Czech manufacturer’s SUVs.
The latest Kodiaq was intended to be a hybrid from the outset, ensuring its design was optimised for a plug-in version. The new Kodiaq iV joins the existing Skoda Octavia and Superb in offering a hybrid option.
Plug-in hybrid power
Powering the Skoda Kodiaq iV is a 150hp 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with a 116hp electric motor.
The result is a total output of 204hp, allowing the Kodiaq iV to accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds. Engaging Sport mode unlocks the full power output, with drivers also able to swap between fully electric and hybrid modes.
A 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack is fitted, located behind the rear seats. This restricts the Kodiaq iV to being a five-seat SUV, however, while other models in the range are available in seven-seat format.
Fully charged, the Kodiaq iV has the potential to cover up to 76 miles on battery power alone. Company car drivers will likely be attracted by a low Benefit-in-Kind tax rate of just five percent.
Fast-charging included
Skoda has designed its new hybrid powertrain to work with public DC rapid chargers. When connected to a 50kW device, the Kodiaq iV’s battery can be replenished from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 26 minutes.
Using a home wallbox charger, topping up the battery takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
Available to order now, prices for the Skoda Kodiaq iV start at £41,395 in SE trim. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation.
The SE L version costs from £44,635, adding LED matrix headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery to the car’s specification.
Are you heading to France – or perhaps further into Europe – for a summer holiday? If so, Eurotunnel’s ‘Le Shuttle’ train service is the quickest way to cross the English Channel.
You’ll need to allow extra time for passport checks since Brexit, but once on board, the train takes just 35 minutes to whisk you from Folkestone to Calais.
The Eurotunnel is also convenient. Buy an appropriate ticket and you can arrive at any time, then board the next available train. You get quick access to the motorway network when you drive off the train in France, too.
Here, we reveal what you need to know about using the Channel Tunnel. For the latest travel information, check out the official Le Shuttle Twitter feed.
How to buy Eurotunnel tickets
Tickets cost from £39 per car for a single crossing, although this price is based on returning the same day or the following day. A standard ticket is £116 each way, or £151 if you choose the refundable option.
If you can afford it, we recommend a Flexiplus ticket (from £214). This gives you the flexibility to travel at short notice and with minimal delays.
A Flexiplus ticket is a little like an upgraded flight ticket. Travellers are treated to a dedicated check-in, access to an exclusive lounge and complimentary refreshments, magazines and newspapers.
This guide will help you to choose the best ticket:
Short Stay Saver: from £94 per car, each way. Five days or fewer. Must be purchased as part of a return journey.
Standard: from £116 per car, each way. Single or return.
Standard Refundable: from £151 per car, each way. Single or return. Can be refunded if your plans change.
Short Stay Flexiplus: from £214 per car, each way. Five days or fewer. Return ticket.
Flexiplus: from £274 per car, each way. Any duration. Single or return.
The quickest way to book a ticket is to use the Eurotunnel website. You can also telephone 0344 335 3535 to make a reservation. The lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm, and at weekends from 9am to 5.30pm.
Arriving at the Eurotunnel
Whether you arrive at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone or Calais, you should check-in at least 45 minutes and no more than two hours before your booked departure time. You will need your booking reference number and credit or debit card used to make the booking.
At Folkestone, take junction 11a off the M20 and proceed to the check-in booths.
At Calais, exit the A16 at junction 42 and follow the ‘Tunnel sous la Manche’ signs to the check-in booths.
If you have made a booking in advance, you can proceed to the self-check-in lanes. Simply insert your payment card into the machine and follow the instructions. Either way, you will be given a departure hanger for your car’s windscreen.
Boarding the Le Shuttle train
Once you have checked in, you are free to use the passenger terminal. Here, you will find shops, restaurants, toilets and baby changing facilities.
Next, drive to the British and French frontier controls where your passport, vehicle and official documentation will be checked.
Boarding commences 25 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Check the screens and listen for announcements, before following the arrows to your allocated boarding lane.
Vehicle types on the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
The following vehicle types are permitted on the Eurotunnel:
Most cars will be directed to the double-deck trains, which are suitable for vehicles less than 1.85 metres in height. Taller, wider and longer vehicles, plus those towing a caravan or trailer, will be directed to the single-deck trains.
Once you have boarded Le Shuttle, you are free to leave your vehicle. There are toilets on board, but smoking is not permitted.
Are there electric car charging points at the Eurotunnel?
You will find rapid (50kW) and ultra-rapid (210kW) electric car chargers in both Folkestone and Calais.
However, Eurotunnel notes that: ‘Customers with vehicles that require a Type 2 plug must be in possession of and use their own charging cable. None are provided or available on the terminal’.
There are also dedicated Tesla Superchargers – with those at Folkestone open to other (non-Tesla) cars with CCS charging compatibility as part of a pilot scheme.
Eurotunnel: other things to remember
There are up to four train departures per hour, and the price of a Eurotunnel ticket covers a car and up to nine passengers. There are also no baggage restrictions.
For more information, including details about travelling with a pet, fuel types and duty-free shopping, visit the Eurotunnel website. Don’t forget your passport and a ‘UK’ sticker for the back of your car. Bon voyage!
The Lamborghini Countach has become the latest supercar to receive the Lego Icon treatment.
For those who couldn’t stretch to Lamborghini’s recent, limited-edition remake of the Countach, this brick-built version is a more affordable alternative.
The original Countach joins the likes of the classic Land Rover Defender and Porsche 911 as a Lego replica model.
An iconic supercar
Lego hasn’t chosen just any version of the Countach to transform into a scale model, but has gone all-out on 1980s excess. The 1,500-piece Lego Icons Lamborghini is based on the Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, launched in 1985.
As a result, the Lego Countach features a gigantic rear wing, flared wheelarches and a set of deep-dished alloy wheels. On the inside, bold red seats contrast with the retro white exterior.
Standard features include the iconic scissor doors, an opening front trunk and a flip-up engine cover. Beneath the latter is a detailed version of the Countach’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V12 engine.
Not exactly child’s play
Intended to be challenging but rewarding models to build, the Lego Icons range is aimed at adults – rather than childen.
The new Countach is a sizable creation, too, measuring around 34cm (13 inches) in length and 16cm (6.5 inches) across.
Enthusiasts will be able to purchase the Lego Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole from 4 July 2024. The model’s recommended retail price is £159.99.
Buying a new Tesla this month? You will now receive free access to the company’s public Supercharging network.
It marks a welcome return for a major Tesla perk, which has been offered at various times to help promote the American marque’s electric cars.
UK customers taking delivery of a new Tesla will now receive the equivalent of 15,000 miles of free Supercharging with their purchase.
Free Supercharging included
There is a time limit on Tesla’s new Supercharging offer, however. To take advantage, customers must take delivery of their new car by 1 July 2024.
Tesla does say that the offer applies to both custom orders and pre-configured cars while stocks last. It also notes that the 15,000 miles of free Supercharging can still be claimed ‘if the time of delivery is postponed due to circumstances within Tesla’s control’.
Previously, Tesla offered unlimited free Supercharger access for life on its Model S and Model X vehicles. However, this standard bundle was removed at the start of 2017, in anticipation of the Model 3 entering production.
Sustaining demand for EVs
Tesla enthusiasts in European countries have also reported similar offers to that introduced in the UK. The timing of Tesla Supercharger deal is significant, as the end of June coincides with the company reporting new vehicle sales for the second quarter of 2024.
Tesla experienced a fall in deliveries during the first quarter of this year – the first time this had occurred since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Elon Musk’s company is locked in battle with China’s BYD for dominance of the global electric car market, and has also been dealing with a softening demand for EVs.
