The average weight of a new car has increased by nearly 400kg over the past seven years, according to Autocar data. Analysis of weight figures from Autocar road tests shows that between 2016 and 2023 – approximately one model cycle – the mean average kerb weight of new cars rose from 1553kg to 1947kg. The increase… Continue reading Average weight of new cars rises by nearly 400kg in seven years
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Volvo takes EX30 off sale as owners refunded over software issues
The Volvo EX30 has been taken off sale while the Swedish brand scrambles to fix serious software issues that has resulted in some owners handing their cars back. These issues, owners have told Autocar, range from screens going black and steering-wheel buttons not responding to cars not charging and even emergency braking systems randomly activating. Owners have… Continue reading Volvo takes EX30 off sale as owners refunded over software issues
New MG HS to be revealed at Goodwood Festival of Speed
MG has given its HS a “sophisticated” overhaul, with more interior space and a class-leading electric-only range from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, in a bid to boost sales of its UK best-seller. To be revealed at next week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new SUV is based on the Chinese-market Roewe RX5, according to an MG insider. It… Continue reading New MG HS to be revealed at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Humans are to blame for crashes – autonomous cars won’t fix that
Who is to blame for crashes? A study by the US’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggested the “critical reason” was “the driver”. In 94% of cases this is true, according to the results. This statistic has been misused by various advocates and enthusiasts of driver assistance, autonomous vehicles and LinkedIn over the years to the… Continue reading Humans are to blame for crashes – autonomous cars won’t fix that
Andreas Mindt’s plan to fix Volkswagen’s ID crisis
In June 1993, Autocar asked a group of students at Coventry University’s School of Transport Design to imagine a modern reinterpretation of the Caterham Seven. Exactly 31 years later, one of the students featured – a German, then on exchange from the Pforzheim University School of Design – is back on Autocar for his efforts… Continue reading Andreas Mindt’s plan to fix Volkswagen’s ID crisis
Life after Funky Cat: How China’s Great Wall will crack Europe
The Chinese car market is the biggest in the world. Last year alone more than 30 million of them were registered – three times the number in Europe. That’s not a surprise, of course: it’s why European firms have long flocked to China to sell their wares. What might be news, though, is that China is… Continue reading Life after Funky Cat: How China’s Great Wall will crack Europe
Suzuki axes Swift Sport and Jimny LCV to make strong start with EVs
Suzuki will axe the Ignis, Jimny LCV, Swace and Swift Sport in the UK in the coming months as the brand gears up to launch its first electric car. It has attributed the decision to the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which forces manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of EVs over the next decade. That starts at 22%… Continue reading Suzuki axes Swift Sport and Jimny LCV to make strong start with EVs
Skywell Skyhome: 617bhp Chinese limo EV confirmed for UK launch
The UK importer for Chinese EV brand Skywell, Innovation Automotive, has announced that it will launch a striking luxury saloon after the BE11 compact crossover. The Skyhome is a four-seater that majors on in-car entertainment and advanced technologies, with a design inspired by Chinese architecture. Its front lighting, for example, references the upswept roof on a Chinese… Continue reading Skywell Skyhome: 617bhp Chinese limo EV confirmed for UK launch
Bargain or burden? The truth about buying a Fisker Ocean
News that Fisker Group, the US electric car maker behind the Ocean SUV, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection won’t have surprised many owners of its vehicles, who have been monitoring the company’s troubles in recent months. However, for those bold enough to seize the opportunity, this development opens up the prospect of bargains… Continue reading Bargain or burden? The truth about buying a Fisker Ocean
British firm’s ultra-light, rapid-charging EV sports car hits the road
UK engineering firm Nyobolt is testing its ultra-fast charging and highly durable EV battery technology in a drivable version of its Lotus Elise-inspired concept. Revealed last year as a static show car, the Nyobolt concept is a 470bhp, 1246kg electric reworking of the S1 Lotus Elise, designed by the man who penned the original, Julian Thomson. … Continue reading British firm’s ultra-light, rapid-charging EV sports car hits the road