The tradition started when I was at university, now far too many years ago for my liking, as a way of energising the long, traffic-clogged drive from Keele in Staffordshire to the West Country in the pre-Christmas gloom. Given the time of year, the journey was livened up with a CD of Christmas music. Well, I say livened up,… Continue reading Driving home for Christmas is anything but a pain in the Rea
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Value-focused Citroen C3 platform set to underpin C4 successor
The car safety testing body “would like to have more, more and more”, he said. He added: “To meet the safety regulations of the different states or the European Commission is already something where you have to add a lot of features, additions and so on to the car; that is our job and we do that.”… Continue reading Value-focused Citroen C3 platform set to underpin C4 successor
Questions over safety as ICE drivers swap into “brutally” fast EVs
The subject of EVs and their surplus of performance has been given fresh attention by a leading motor insurance broker. They told us that electric cars are involved in more accidents than petrol- and diesel-engined models, and the only explanation can be that they’re quicker. “There are 26% more accident claims for EVs than for… Continue reading Questions over safety as ICE drivers swap into “brutally” fast EVs
Progress report: Which car makers are meeting the ZEV mandate?
Many car makers found ramping up EV sales to meet the UK government’s 22% target a struggle, especially those with a more volume bent. But they’re a resourceful bunch, and those with EVs to sell rose to the challenge. Traditional premium brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo definitely found it easier, thanks to their… Continue reading Progress report: Which car makers are meeting the ZEV mandate?
Honda to unveil 0 Series SUV concept next month
Meanwhile, large models will have a pack of around 100kWh. It’s unclear if different battery options will be offered on each model. As well as extensive use of mega-casting, Honda will use a number of new production techniques designed to increase the platform’s rigidity while reducing weight. That includes expanded use of a system called… Continue reading Honda to unveil 0 Series SUV concept next month
Report: Nio to launch in UK in early 2025 with new Onvo L60
Nio will reportedly bring its new affordable EV brand Onvo to Europe next year, starting with the launch of the L60 coupé-SUV in the UK. As reported by Automotive News Europe, Nio’s product planning boss Eric Yu explained that Onvo would come to the UK first because, unlike the EU, it doesn’t put import tariffs on… Continue reading Report: Nio to launch in UK in early 2025 with new Onvo L60
DVSA to hire 450 new examiners to cut driving test backlog
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will hire an extra 450 driving test examiners across Britain as it bids to cut waiting times. The move to add extra test capacity comes as the average waiting time for learner drivers hits four and a half months. This is double the average from nine years ago and doesn’t account… Continue reading DVSA to hire 450 new examiners to cut driving test backlog
Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GLC gearing up for EV reinvention
As Mercedes-AMG launches AMG.EA as its breakthrough electric architecture, Mercedes-Benz will follow suit with MB.EA, a platform that has been called the “backbone” of the brand’s future electric line-up. MB.EA will underpin the C-Class’s move to electric power from 2026, along with its GLC sibling, which is currently the firm’s best-selling model. Based on the platform’s… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GLC gearing up for EV reinvention
The ‘green diesel’ that is now powering Stellantis
Stellantis says its diesel engine line-up has now been fully validated to use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) ‘green diesel’. It also says many of its earlier Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesels are already compatible, and certainly those marked with ‘XTL’ (denoting synthetic fuel made using a ‘something-to-liquids’ process). HVO gives the same performance as… Continue reading The ‘green diesel’ that is now powering Stellantis
How we bought a classic Lancia and drove it back to the UK
Selling the Melbers helped fund the change, the effect of which was transformational: steering weight, grip, ride and handling all improved. And those are among the dynamic talents photographer Max Edleston and I have resolved to explore along the Scotland-England border where Dere Street – the Roman superhighway to the northern extreme of the Empire – stands… Continue reading How we bought a classic Lancia and drove it back to the UK