Back in 2018, your correspondent spent an eye-opening two days at the Guangdong International Circuit near Guangzhou testing and judging 23 different Chinese cars as part of a Car of the Year test organised by local media. It was memorable for all kinds of weird and wonderful reasons, the quality of the cars on show… Continue reading The Chinese cars you’ve not seen before – driven
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Write-off categories for cars explained
What you need to do when your car is written-off Of course, the insurer and DVLA must be notified that a vehicle has been damaged so that it can assess the damage to determine whether it should be written off, and to what extent. An insurer will offer the owner an agreed market value for the damaged… Continue reading Write-off categories for cars explained
What are e-fuels and how can they reduce car emissions?
As bans on new pure-combustion cars approach, questions are being raised about whether alternative fuel solutions – such as e-fuels – also have a role to play in reducing transport emissions alongside electrification. Some car manufacturers and governments are working to produce alternative means of fueling a car, such as hydrogen, but others are pushing two main… Continue reading What are e-fuels and how can they reduce car emissions?
How salary sacrifice can save you money on your new electric car
Despite generous sales incentives, many electric cars are more expensive than their petrol equivalents. But a long-established workplace scheme called salary sacrifice is making them more affordable. With this, an employee agrees to deduct a portion of their gross or pre-tax salary each month to cover the cost of a benefit or item provided by their… Continue reading How salary sacrifice can save you money on your new electric car
Sweden’s greatest hits: Exploring the World of Volvo museum
Volvo L248 (1939-1954) Known as the Roundnose, the L248 drew inspiration from American, British and German trucks, and was the first Volvo commercial vehicle to differ significantly from the cars in terms of design. Its 99bhp diesel engine helped it become a popular hauler, and Volvo’s first sales smash. Volvo White Bus (1945) Currently located… Continue reading Sweden’s greatest hits: Exploring the World of Volvo museum
When automated driver assistance systems go badly wrong
Recently I was driving through Bakewell town centre. A lorry was coming towards me with ample room for both of us. It was mid-afternoon but wet. As I neared a T-junction, a car approached, clearly preparing, and able, to stop at the ‘give way’ line. I was doing 20-25mph, my foot on neither pedal, in… Continue reading When automated driver assistance systems go badly wrong
Challenger meets Charger: farewell to the V8 Dodge
A Lamborghini Huracán might be the stuff of lottery wins, but everyone can see themselves behind the wheel of a Hellcat. What about the Charger? Nowhere near as immediately appealing as the Challenger, the Charger was always going to be the last big Dodge left standing. When it emerged as a four-door cousin to the… Continue reading Challenger meets Charger: farewell to the V8 Dodge
Who killed the Geneva motor show?
Who killed the Geneva motor show? That might not rival ‘who killed JR?’ for a place in the pop culture lexicon, but in the wake of today’s bombshell news from the event organisers, it’s a question that is worth exploring for anyone interested in the automotive industry. First, we can all agree the show really… Continue reading Who killed the Geneva motor show?
VW GTI Clubsport returns to mark Golf’s 50th anniversary
Volkswagen has revealed the new track-honed, range-topping Clubsport version of the Golf GTI to coincide with the hatchback’s 50th birthday. The new GTI Clubsport packs a significant power advantage over the standard GTI, with 296bhp on tap from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, and is among the most powerful front-wheel drive cars on the market, out-punching… Continue reading VW GTI Clubsport returns to mark Golf’s 50th anniversary
Geneva motor show axed indefinitely
The Geneva motor show has been axed indefinitely, as organisers have cancelled next year’s edition and pulled future editions. Bosses cited difficult post-pandemic market conditions and “too many uncertainties” currently within the automotive industry having “eroded the attractiveness of major European shows”. President Alexandre de Senarclens blamed a “lack of interest from manufacturers” and the growing competition from the… Continue reading Geneva motor show axed indefinitely