It was the US where the Dieselgate scandal all began for the Volkswagen Group. The pack of cards began to fall back in September 2015, when US authorities served notice on the company for breaching the Clean Air Act. Billions of pounds in compensation and a whole generation of executives later, VW – far from… Continue reading Editor’s letter: why there’s no Dieselgate hangover for VW in the US
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Mercedes-AMG SL 55
For an idea of how different the R323-generation Mercedes SL is to its predecessor, consider the press pack, which runs to nearly 20,000 words. A dissertation-length work, it contains an onslaught of information that explains Mercedes’ repositioning of the model from aristocratic two-seat tourer with sporting undertones to something much more muscular, aggressive and, according to at… Continue reading Mercedes-AMG SL 55
Greatest road tests ever: MG RV8
Tested 16.6.93 A full 13 years after the MGB had faded from view, Rover revived the model with an intriguing, but ultimately flawed, semi-modernised V8 roadster. The MGB’s live rear axle, basic suspension design (including rear leaf springs) and most of its bodywork were retained by the RV8, but wider wings made of GRP and… Continue reading Greatest road tests ever: MG RV8
Under the skin: Audi’s highly effective carbon capture system
Who would ever have guessed that some of the stuff that we all breathe could end up being among the biggest threats to the planet? Clearly CO2 is that, but what’s frustrating is that we can’t just magic up a giant school chemistry experiment and make it all go away. Or can we? There is… Continue reading Under the skin: Audi’s highly effective carbon capture system
Next MG Marvel R SUV to launch in UK after snub rethink
MG will launch the replacement version of the Marvel R upmarket electric compact SUV in the UK after restricting the current model to left-hand-drive European markets only, the brand has confirmed. No details about the new model have been released, but it’s expected to be built on the same modular electric underpinnings as the new… Continue reading Next MG Marvel R SUV to launch in UK after snub rethink
Can solar-electric cars break into the mainstream?
According to Lightyear, this all facilitates a potential range of 1,000km (620 miles) between plug-ins, and up to 70km (43 miles) of additional daily range. These figures are based on ownership in southern Spain, though – if you live in, say, the relative gloom of Glasgow rather than glorious Granada, an extra 30km (18 miles) a… Continue reading Can solar-electric cars break into the mainstream?
Jeep Avenger
From the outside, the Avenger looks like a robust and tough little thing. There’s lots of hard black cladding around the bottom, but leaving those surfaces unpainted saves €1000 (£875) in scuff and scrape repair costs over the car’s life, says Jeep. I don’t recall ever seeing a T-Cut bill that high, but I get… Continue reading Jeep Avenger
New Honda EM1 e: is firm’s first electric two-wheeler for Europe
Honda has unveiled its first electric two-wheeler that will launch in Europe, the urban focused EM1 e: electric moped. The new machine has been unveiled at the EICMA motorbike show in Milan, Italy, and is due to be released in the middle of next year. It will be the first of at least 10 electric… Continue reading New Honda EM1 e: is firm’s first electric two-wheeler for Europe
Clean Air Zones: what you need to know
However, even if your vehicle does fall outside of Euro 4 or 6, you may still be able to avoid a charge, depending on what kind of vehicle it is and the type of CAZ that you wish to drive through. Four types of CAZ exist, each of which targets different classes of vehicles. These… Continue reading Clean Air Zones: what you need to know
Winter tyres: should I buy them?
Secondly, winter tyres are made from a compound that has more silica in it, which means they stay soft and supple even in freezing temperatures. In very cold conditions, the rubber of a summer tyre becomes extremely rigid, meaning it slips across the surface of the road rather than clinging onto it. Finally, a winter… Continue reading Winter tyres: should I buy them?