Kia has unveiled two frugal new petrol-electric additions to its range: the Xceed and Ceed Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid. The new models represent the first time Kia has electrified its family hatchback mainstay. They come at a time of increased popularity for the Ceed range, with Kia claiming a 40% increase in year-on-year sales in the first… Continue reading Kia releases plug-in hybrid Ceed Sportswagon and Xceed
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Ian Callum revives Aston Martin Vanquish for debut project
“There are things on the car I’ve always wanted to fix,” he said. “Now I have the chance.” One strong theme running through the whole car is a unique fabric and trim pattern that Ian Callum, a loyal Scot, calls his “abstract tartan”. It appears in the Vanquish in surprising places, such as air outlets… Continue reading Ian Callum revives Aston Martin Vanquish for debut project
Bugatti Chiron goes 304mph to set hypercar record
Bugatti’s decision to introduce the Chiron with a 261mph speed limiter left the question of what it was truly capable of. Now the company has revealed the spectacular answer, with a slightly modified car smashing both the production car speed record and the 300mph barrier. British sportscar veteran, Le Mans winner and official Bugatti tester, Andy… Continue reading Bugatti Chiron goes 304mph to set hypercar record
The two cars that could transform Fiat and Alfa Romeo
Will an electric Panda come? “Yes. Before 2025, perhaps around 2023.” Alfa Romeo Tonale It takes 10 seconds to sketch the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That’s according to Alfa Romeo design boss Scott Krugger, who reckons this fact is a “beautiful testament” to its design strength, and to one of a pair of unusual processes that… Continue reading The two cars that could transform Fiat and Alfa Romeo
Suzuki Celerio and Baleno axed from UK sale
Suzuki has confirmed it has discontinued its two cheapest models – the Celerio city car and Baleno supermini – in the UK in a revamp of its product line-up. The Skoda Citigo and Honda Jazz rivals are still visible on the company’s UK site, but a spokesman said that from the end of this month, no… Continue reading Suzuki Celerio and Baleno axed from UK sale
Car ownership “not compatible” with emissions targets
Private car ownership needs to end and vehicle use should be cut if the UK is to become a carbon-neutral country by 2050, a committee of MPs has claimed. A scathing report by the cross-party Science and Technology Select Committee claims the Government “should not aim to achieve emissions reductions simply be replacing existing vehicles… Continue reading Car ownership “not compatible” with emissions targets
Volkswagen to reveal new logo at Frankfurt motor show
Volkswagen will unveil a redesigned logo as part of a major rebranding at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, coinciding with the launch of the new ID 3 electric hatchback. Called New Volkswagen, it has been developed to make the brand appear “significantly younger, more digital and more modern”. It has been in development for more than three years and has… Continue reading Volkswagen to reveal new logo at Frankfurt motor show
New engine raises Dacia Duster prices by £1000
Dacia has raised the pricing of its Duster SUV following the addition of a new entry-level petrol engine. The new engine is available on Dusters equipped with Access, Essential and Comfort trim, with prices ranging from £10,995 to £13,995. This marks a £1000 increase over the Duster’s previous £9995 entry price. The turbocharged three-cylinder TCe 100 unit… Continue reading New engine raises Dacia Duster prices by £1000
Aston Martin launches bespoke garage design service
Aston Martin’s bespoke personalisation outfit, Q by Aston Martin, has launched a new service to help owners create their ideal car storage facility. Automotive Galleries and Lairs, revealed today at Pebble Beach, will assist owners in designing bespoke garages or display units to house their Aston Martins. The new sub-division can also design and build… Continue reading Aston Martin launches bespoke garage design service
Audi RS Q3 Sportback drops disguise before Frankfurt reveal
Audi Sport is working its magic on the recently revealed Q3 Sportback – and the hot coupé-SUV will make its public debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show. The RS version of Audi’s seventh SUV will join its less style-focused RS Q3 sibling at the event. Since the standard Sportback has already been revealed, the performance… Continue reading Audi RS Q3 Sportback drops disguise before Frankfurt reveal