The radically restyled and mechanically reinvented eighth-generation Vauxhall Astra will be available as a pure-EV in 2023, it has been confirmed. Giving new details of the reinvented hatchback ahead of its market launch next month, Vauxhall revealed it will spawn an ‘Astra-e’ version to join the Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life in the… Continue reading New Vauxhall Astra to get pure-electric variant in 2023
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Hyundai reveals self-driving Ioniq 5 ‘robotaxi’
A fully autonomous Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi has been revealed by the South Korean car maker and Motional, a driverless tech firm that was founded in March last year. The Ioniq 5 robotaxi boasts level four autonomy, which means it can drive itself in all situations unless a driver takes manual control. The companies say… Continue reading Hyundai reveals self-driving Ioniq 5 ‘robotaxi’
New 2021 Kia Sportage gets bespoke European version
Kia has unveiled the European edition of the new fifth-generation Sportage – and it’s the first time in 28 years that it has offered a version of the SUV specifically developed for the region. The Sportage is among the Korean firm’s most successful models sold globally and the new version switches to the Hyundai Motor… Continue reading New 2021 Kia Sportage gets bespoke European version
Dacia to reveal new Jogger seven-seater at Munich show
Dacia will reveal a new seven-seat family car called the Jogger, which will be revealed at the Munich motor show as a replacement for the Lodgy MPV. The new model from Group Renault’s budget brand, described as “a versatile family car”, will be revealed on 3 September ahead of going on display at the Munich… Continue reading Dacia to reveal new Jogger seven-seater at Munich show
From the boardroom: BP’s head of future mobility on biofuels and EV adoption
Is the idea of battery swapping dead? “No, but it does require standardisation, so that every car has the same battery – or at least enough do. In China, battery swap works for Shanghai’s taxis – and it’s possible because the government buys a lot of the same vehicle from a car maker that it… Continue reading From the boardroom: BP’s head of future mobility on biofuels and EV adoption
Inside the industry: Why aren’t politicians leading by example?
What is it they say about leading by example? As a recent BBC investigation revealed, when it comes to electric cars, our politicians are rather keener to promote the uptake than spend their own money on it. The BBC founded just two takers: Conservative MP Grant Shapps, a Tesla Model 3 owner, and Labour Ed… Continue reading Inside the industry: Why aren’t politicians leading by example?
Under the skin: Bentley’s amazing carbon fiber wheel
Shaving significant amounts of unsprung weight from a car has a real effect on its handling, roadholding, braking performance, steering and agility. Unsprung weight means just that: the weight in a car that isn’t supported by the suspension springs. A large chunk of that on any car is the wheels and tyres, especially if they’re… Continue reading Under the skin: Bentley’s amazing carbon fiber wheel
The Highway Code: here’s what’s about to change
If you last read the Highway Code when you were preparing to take your driving test, now would be a good time to revisit it – or rather think about having to do so soon. Over the years, updates and new rules great and small have crept into it; and now changes have been proposed… Continue reading The Highway Code: here’s what’s about to change
Aston Martin chassis guru Becker set to take new role at McLaren
Autocar has learned that Matt Becker, Aston Martin’s chief executive for vehicle attributes – and the winner of Autocar’s Mundy Award for Engineering – is set to leave the company for a new role at McLaren. David King, who heads Aston’s special vehicle operations, is also departing. The news comes just two months after it… Continue reading Aston Martin chassis guru Becker set to take new role at McLaren
Lotus terminates partnerships with several UK retailers
Lotus has terminated contracts with several franchised dealerships in the UK as part of a “restructuring” of its retail network to coincide with the launch of the Emira. The move has sparked concerns that the availability of parts for second-hand Lotus models – already a concern for owners – could be restricted. According to a… Continue reading Lotus terminates partnerships with several UK retailers