Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Suzuki Swift Sport goes hybrid only

The Suzuki Swift Sport has become hybrid only as the brand seeks to electrify its line-up and meet upcoming emissions regulations. The latest Swift Sport, which goes on sale in the UK in April, has adopted mild-hybrid tech by using a 48V set-up alongside a reworked version of the outgoing car’s 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol… Continue reading Suzuki Swift Sport goes hybrid only

Reborn Lotus Esprit spied testing for the first time

The spiritual successor to the Lotus Esprit has been spotted testing for the first time ahead of its 2021 debut. Development prototypes of the upcoming £100k-plus sports car have been seen close to Lotus’s headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, disguised by Evora body shells that have been widened to accommodate the modified chassis. Although these early prototypes don’t give… Continue reading Reborn Lotus Esprit spied testing for the first time

New Volkswagen Amarok teased with design sketch

Volkswagen has given the first image of its new Amarok pick-up, due in 2022, which is being jointly developed with Ford. The two firms agreed a wide-ranging ‘global alliance’ last year, which will commercial vehicles and electric cars. The next-generation Amarok will be the first model launched as a result of the initiative, and is… Continue reading New Volkswagen Amarok teased with design sketch

2020 Kia Sorento: European details for new SUV confirmed

Highlights include a Mercedes-style panel that links a larger infotainment touchscreen to a new digital instrument display, while a separate climate control panel is flanked by central air vents. The brand calls the new Sorento the ‘most high-tech’ model it has ever produced.  Technical firsts for Kia include improved cruise control that automatically readjusts limits… Continue reading 2020 Kia Sorento: European details for new SUV confirmed

2020 Jaguar XJ: latest images reveal electric luxury car’s look

JLR’s current electrified models, the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrids, are built at its Solihull plant, while the electric Jaguar I-Pace is produced by contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Autocar first reported that the next-generation XJ would go electric in 2015. The company said the new XJ will “build on… Continue reading 2020 Jaguar XJ: latest images reveal electric luxury car’s look

PSA Group closes European factories to prevent coronavirus spread

Groupe PSA has become the latest vehicle manufacturer to pause vehicle production in Europe, including both Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port and Luton plants, in response to the rapid acceleration of the coronavirus pandemic. The manufacturing group, incorporating Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall/Opel and DS, outlined a detailed schedule of planned factory closures. As well as the two UK plants, the shutdown… Continue reading PSA Group closes European factories to prevent coronavirus spread

Government to ask UK manufacturers to build ventilators

UK automotive manufacturing firms could be asked to produce ventilators for the NHS, as the health service’s resources are put under heavy strain due to the coronavirus outbreak.  Reports suggest Prime Minister Boris Johnson will speak today (16 March) to engineering firms and vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, Honda, Rolls-Royce and JCB, to discuss whether their… Continue reading Government to ask UK manufacturers to build ventilators

Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari close factories amid coronavirus outbreak

Fiat Chrysler is halting production at the majority of its plants until 27 March, as the car makers reacts to the disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak. It follows Saturday’s news that Ferrari will close its Maranello factory until the same date. The supercar firm cited supply issues as the reason. Premium brakes firm Brembo,… Continue reading Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari close factories amid coronavirus outbreak