DriveBlog

If this is the future of green motoring count me in

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-08-30T20:00:48+01:00

I’ve previously driven the Polo Bluemotion and, while impressed by its economy, low emissions and driveabllity, it would be a stretch to suggest it was a real driver’s car. ...Where the Polo Bluemotion had quite a gruff diesel that made its presence noticed and felt, the Golf Bluemotion whispered so softly and smoothed its vibration so much that my wife was genuinely surprised (at the end of our drive) when I said it was a diesel! ...This is a whole lot more lively than you would expect from a diesel that has been set up with the principal aim of returning headline-grabbing economy and CO2 emissions. ...In chasing outstanding economy and low emissions, the Golf Bluemotion is fitted with the now common stop-start system that turns off the engine when you are stationary. ...That may be a chunk less than the official figure, but it is still outstanding for a family-sized hatchback... especially as I have to admit I was not driving in a particularly economical manner.

Volvo S60 - more rewarding by degree

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-08-19T09:20:31+01:00

The test cars I drove were all diesels, yet the two-litre, five-cylinder S60 D3, in which I spent the most time, takes just 8.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph. ...At the end of the most testing section of the route over the mountain roads, I got out of the driver’s seat feeling a sense of disappointment that the expectations of a more sporting, responsive style had not been delivered. Had Volvo not made such a song and dance about the new car’s more sporty style, I might have been more willing to accept that this was simply a comfortable, quiet and undramatic way to eat up the miles. ...Next year, the line-up will expand to include the 115 PS diesel DRIVe model (which has achieved a preliminary figure of 65.7 mpg on EU combined cycle), plus three petrol engines – 240 PS T5, 180 PS T4 and 150 PS T3. ...It was difficult to conquer an involuntary lift on the throttle pedal, or dab on the brakes (both of which suggest to the car’s computing systems that you have spotted the pedestrian and are reacting).

Vauxhall introduces lifetime warranties

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-08-05T16:19:23+01:00

Until now it is Kia that have been the warranty kings with the UK with seven-year warranties, although fellow Korean manufacturer Hyundai offers a ten-year warranty in the USA. It seems likely that the move by Vauxhall, which points out it is Britain’s oldest surviving car manufacturer with a 107-year history, will encourage other manufacturers to look at extending their warranties, or even matching the Vauxhall offer. The new Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty will be introduced immediately and will apply to the first owner of any Vauxhall car registered from August 1 2010. ...‘With the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty, we are making a strong statement of confidence in the quality of our products and a clear intent to provide the very best customer service in the UK,’ Duncan Aldred, Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors asserted at the press conference announcing the new warranty. ...Vauxhall has also said it plans to announce how second owners of Vauxhall cars will be able to purchase the Lifetime Warranty.

Citroen rediscovers style and class

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-07-29T17:04:16+01:00

How do you maintain your sales in the price-led market for practical daily transport and carve a slice of the style-conscious market at the same time. ...But where Mini and Fiat developed retro designs that evoked the iconic cars from their past, Citroen has chosen only to take a model designation from the pages of their history book. ...It was an unbelievably advanced model for its time, with styling that looked as though it was straight from a Dan Dare comic, hydro-pneumatic, self-levelling suspension, hydraulic powered brakes, steering and clutch. ...So, just as first of the new DS models, the DS3 lines up as the alternative to the C3, so a forthcoming DS4 will provide the same counterpoint to the C4 and DS5 for the C5. ...There is good space in the rear seat for children or smaller adults, but (as you would expect on a smaller hatchback) taller adults will have to ‘horse-trade’ with front-seat occupants for knee and leg room.

Audi takes wraps of new executive coupé saloon

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-07-28T11:02:48+01:00

Audi has taken the wraps of its new Audi A7 Sportback, the German manufacturers challenger in the growing market for four-door saloons with coupé looks. ...The A7 makes considerable use of aluminium in its construction and Audi say this has resulted in 15% weight loss compared with an equivalent all-steel car. There will be two petrol engines and two diesels at the time of the launch – a 2.8 FSI with 204PS, a 3.0 TFSI with 300PS, a 3.0 TDI with 204PS and a 3.0 TDI with 245PS. The front-wheel-drive models will use a Multitronic CVT automatic gearbox, while quattro models will have a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. For the A7 3.0 TDI (204PS), Audi claim it will achieve 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds while returning a combined fuel economy figure of 53.3mpg with a remarkably low139g/km of CO2.

Mini set to return to rallying

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-07-28T12:42:53+01:00

Mini is to make a return to rallying with ambitious plans to tackle the World Rally Championship, starting with selected rounds in the 2011 series and a full season in 2012. ...Hopkirk won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally at the wheel of a Cooper S, while Aaltonen won the RAC Rally in 1965 and the Monte Carlo Rally 1967. The car for the new rally challenge will be the new Mini Countryman WRC, which is being developed with Mini by Britain’s Prodrive competition car specialists, probably best known for their long association with the Subaru rally team. Power for the rally version of the Mini Countryman will come from a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine produced by BMW Motorsport. As such it will comply with the new Super2000 regulations introduced by the FIA for cars with 1.6-litre turbo engines and four-wheel drive.

Land Rover Discovery 4: Big isn't it, impressive too.

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-07-28T15:42:05+01:00

My road test car was the Land Rover Discover 4 3.0 V6 HSE so it had all the toys right down to the heated steering wheel. ...But, although, we have established that the Discovery is big, apart from the height in multi-story car parks, I found no problems when nipping around town or tackling cross-country B-roads. Diverted from the multi-storey, I had to resort to an on-street parking place and I have to say there are many cars more fearsome to manoeuvre into a tight space. ...While many of its competitors are really only fit for light off-roading, the Discovery will tackle the worst of conditions – if you have the courage to risk muddy footprints, plus undergrowth scratches and mud splatters on your fine metallic paint. ...At more than three tons, you would not expect the Discovery to have lightening performance but this big beast will accelerate from 0-60 mph in a remarkable nine seconds.

Peugeot 3008 is quite appealing

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-07-19T15:22:26+01:00

The 3008 follows the current Peugeot “big mouth” styling, but to my eyes it is a little bit more successful in that, being a taller car, the maw is more like a conventional radiator grille. ...The bottom half swings down to offer a flat area for your picnic goodies, or (presumably if you are not too gargantuan in size) to use like a seat as you do on a Range Rover. ...The other unusual feature is that the boot floor that I saw when I lifted the tailgate is actually a shelf that you can position at different heights to give yourself a split-level boot. ...If the drone can be the downside of some diesels, the upside is usually fuel consumption and that is certainly true on the 3008 where I thought a mid 40s figure overall was quite noteworthy. ...At £20,595 for the Peugeot 3008 Exclusive HDi 110 (just three slots down from the top-of-the-range), With entry-level 3008 models from £16,695, it also seems quite competitively priced..

Ford Galaxy: civilised transport for six, or seven

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-07-17T17:54:09+01:00

The prospect of driving a Ford Galaxy for some days left me wondering whether I really wanted to drive a small bus, usually with just myself on board. ...The Galaxy may be a sizeable MPV with three rows of seats to accommodate six or seven passengers, but it feels nimble and agile on the open road. ...As to its load-carrying capacity, I was visiting a community worker during my time with the Galaxy and parked it alongside his almost identical car. ...Although he is over six foot, he assures me that he can sit reasonably comfortably in the fold up rear seats, but added “at least for a short distance”. ...Although they open in line with the vehicle, rather than at the side, they are certainly reminiscent of small versions of the overhead bins in an aircraft.

Land Rover produces baby Range Rover

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-07-01T18:47:02+01:00

The aim of the new car is, of course, to capitalise on the cachet of the Range Rover name and use it to expand Land Rover’s market in a world where the trend is towards more compact and more economical cars. ... ...Recognising that many buyers would like the image of a Range Rover, without necessarily ever intending to don green wellies, the new Range Rover Evoque will be available in two-wheel-drive form – surely the first time Land Rover has produced a two-wheel-drive vehicle. With the aid of two less driven wheels, Land Rover say that some models of Evoque will have carbon dioxide emissions under 130g/km – a figure that will puncture many objections to so-called ‘Chelsea tractors’ (4x4 off-roaders that never tackle anything tougher than the kerb outside the posh shops of Chelsea). ...Phil Popham, managing director, assured buyers that Land Rover would not be letting the Range Rover moniker head down market: ”Customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just as special as the other Range Rover models,” he said.

Murray's city car unveiled

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-29T19:26:40+01:00

Gordon Murray – best known for his design of the McLaren F1 supercar and Formula 1 racing cars – has turned his attention to designing a radical new city car. The result, Gordon Murray Design’s T.25 City Car has been seen in public for the first time. ...Gordon Murray Design has even suggested the T.25 could allow authorities to explore the possibility of two vehicles travelling and overtaking in the space normally allocated for one lane. Even with conventional-width lanes, the company says that its short length offers the potential to triple the lane usage at peak times. ... • a unique door opening system, that allows occupants to get in and out when space is limited and allow easy access easy access to the rear child seats.

Mini updated to add appeal

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-30T19:22:29+01:00

There is a mild redesign both inside and out and two new diesel engines that (at 99 g/km) qualify for free road tax in the UK. Both the Mini One D and MINI Cooper D achieve the same combined consumption figure of 74.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. Yet, Mini say the Mini D Cooper accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds while the Mini One D Hatch (90hp as compared to the Cooper D’s 112) still reaches 62mph in 11.4 seconds. ...Using the same 112hp engine as the Hatch, the Convertible accelerates to 62mph in 10.3 seconds, but has a 70 mpg combined mpg figure and emits just 105g/km of CO². ...New style fog lamps adorn either side of the air intake which on MINI One and Cooper features a black cross bar to emphasise the car’s low, wide stance.

Skoda's executive load carrier

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-28T08:52:56+01:00

Well, just as the Skoda Superb saloon offers outstanding space and luxury for the money, now you have the option of the estate car version. ...Adding to the limo image, as with the hatchback, there is an umbrella built into the rear door, so that you can perform your chauffeur act in true style. ...A two-litre engine in a big estate car may sound like the recipe for dull performance, but the Superb responds well and the quoted 0-62mph acceleration is a remarkable 8.9 seconds. Combined fuel consumption sounds really good at 47.9 mpg, but (possibly because I was working this small engine a little harder) my best overall was 33 mpg – still quite creditable for a big estate like this. ...But, if you want a reasonably priced estate car, with real comfort for rear-seat passengers, the Skoda Superb Estate actually is in a class of its own.

Ford reveals 2011 Mondeo

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-25T13:53:27+01:00

This is Ford’s updated 2011 Mondeo, which will be launched at the 2010 Moscow International Automobile Salon on August 25, before going on sale in the UK in October. ...Inside there is a new centre console design, revised door treatments The interior is also upgraded and features a new flow-through centre console design, revised trim and a new central overhead console with ambient lighting. The new Mondeo be the first with a new 240PS version of the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine, alongside the existing 203PS version of this engine launched in Mondeo, new S-MAX and new Galaxy earlier this year. The new Mondeo will feature energy regeneration and also an active grille shutter system, that closes the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment reduce drag and improve warm-up times in cold weather. ...New features already introduced in the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models are now extended to the Mondeo range, including the Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and Rear View Camera.

Greenest Skoda ever

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-24T13:43:04+01:00

The new Skoda Fabia Greenline II will become the most environmentally-friendly car ever to wear the Skoda badge which goes on sale on sale in the UK next week. The second generation Greenline is powered by a new three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2 TDI CR 75bhp DPF common rail engine which achieves 83.1 mpg on the combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions are 89g/km, which means the Fabia Greenline II qualifies for a free tax disc in the UK. One of the biggest technological changes to boost fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions is the introduction of the stop-start system. ...At the moment it is only available as an estate car, but the hatchback version will be available from October.

Clio Renaultsport targets young enthusiasts

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-24T13:00:14+01:00

Even though it was warm week in summer, I would probably still have my white woolly “skully” crammed onto my head and pulled down over my ears to protect them from the non-existent biting wind. ...Admittedly, the last half a mile of road to our house is unsurfaced with potholes that put even our cratered public roads to shame (much to the chagrin of my fellow motoring writers who have to accept cars coated with mud or dust). ...This car loves twisty roads and it awakened my old motorsport days – I would love to have had a race circuit, or a hill climb track to drive it on. ...The gearbox is close ratio and changing gear is enjoyable because the pedals are ideally positioned for heel-and-toe changes (where you use the side of your foot to raise the revs, while braking, ready for the lower gear). ...At 70 mph the engine is revving at over 3000 rpm and is accompanied by the rorty exhaust note that gives the car some of its raw, sporting character.

Saab 9-5 the start of a new era

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-11T21:56:10+01:00

Six months on from the obituaries, against all the odds Saab is back with a brand new model the new Saab 9-5. ...High-tech features on the 9-5 include an aircraft-style head-up information display projected on to the windscreen, adaptive lighting and adaptive cruise control, parking assistance and a four-wheel-drive system. The engine line-up, all-turbocharged, starts at 1.6-litres with a choice of petrol and diesel versions. “This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s CEO. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance.

Saab 9-3X driven by all fours

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-19T19:52:50+01:00

Although the 9-3 has been around for some time, the 9-3X is the four wheel drive version that was just launched at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. ...The 9-3X has the estate car or, as Saab call it, the Wagon body offers a very usable load space with a volume of 419 litres with the rear seat up and 1,287 when it is folded down. ...In those early days, when the turbo cut in, I recall it was like some giant planting his big feet on the accelerator as the Saab took off with the front wheels scrabbling for grip. ...On this, and the previous Saab 9-3 1.8t that I drove some years ago, the power is clearly boosted, but it is delivered in such a way you as to be smooth and totally progressive. ...At £26,805, the Saab 9-3X provides a welcome option for the buyer who wants an up-market load carrier with the added reassurance of four-wheel-drive.

Renault on the right Latitude

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-09T18:54:42+01:00

The Renault Latitude will get its first public airing at the Moscow Motor Show at the end of August, while European motorists will be able to see it at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October. At the front a central grille is flanked by bi-xenon adaptive directional headlights, while chrome is used to project the car’s up-market aspirations. Chrome features on the rear of the car, with a strip that bears the model name between LED rear lights. ...Based on the same architecture as the Samsung SM5, which was recently launched in Korea, Renault say the Latitude will offer a comfortable, quiet ride, as well as a precise chassis. ...The Renault Latitude is due to go on sale this autumn, chiefly in Asia, Africa, the Gulf States, Mexico, Turkey, Russia and Australia.

New Suzuki Swift unveiled

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-10T14:35:32+01:00

Suzuki has released the first images and preliminary information of the new, third generation Swift which will go on sale in the UK in the Autumn. The new Swift will be produced at the Magyar Suzuki Corporation factory at Esztergom, in Hungary. Suzuki says the aim has been to make significant advances in styling, impact safety, driving performance and handling, along with improved fuel consumption and significantly lower emissions.

Nissan 370Z a true hairy sports car

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-06-10T15:18:51+01:00

But, with the seat fully back, it was right up against the rear bulkhead, so – short of getting a coachbuilder to build me a long wheelbase version – that was it. Combine this slightly restricted foot space with a clutch pedal that bit at the very last fraction of its travel and it took me quite a few miles to find a way to drive reasonably smoothly at low speeds. ...But let the horns come out a little when you find a nice twisty bit of tarmac and you can really begin to enjoy the Nissan 370Z the way it was intended. ...This is something that enthusiasts achieve manually using the ‘heel and toe” technique – with the left side of your throttle foot on the brake, rocking your foot to press the throttle with the right side. ...Over the left shoulder vision at oblique junctions is non-existent, meaning you have to square up on the approach to a junction, as you would in a van.

Citroen C3 endears itself

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-05-19T16:27:49+01:00

The 1.6HDi engine may be just 90hp but it feels a lot faster than the 0-60 time of 11.3 seconds would suggest. ...Translated into real driving conditions, what that means is that diesels may be reasonably easy to beat off the line, but they tend to perform better where it really matters – in the overtaking range. ...There is very little to suggest there is a diesel engine under the bonnet – the cabin being well insulated from noise and vibration. ...The C3 grips the road well and with good balance and good feedback, the driver can feel confident in its ability. ...The combined fuel consumption figure is 65 mpg and, in the real world, I managed to record 60 mpg on country roads – a figure that, not so long ago, would have seemed nigh impossible.

Insight fails to impress

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-05-06T19:23:57+01:00

To do that, I assumed the Insight would be an ‘aspirational’ car, projecting a technological image and providing a strong appeal to sophisticated types (like the Hollywood actors who have been falling over themselves to buy the Prius, in an attempt to parade their green credentials). ...The rather garish instruments are obviously inspired by the Honda Civic, but are a lot less successful, with the honourable exception of the neat display showing what the power units and regeneration. ...Given that there are many non-hybrid cars that will achieve these sorts of figures, or better, I have to say that the Insight again proved a disappointment. ...It may just be the test car, which had clearly had a long and hard life, but I was disappointed to note a number of rattles. ...The lower section of this window has an unusual “squashy” net panel that can be popped in or out to provide privacy for the boot’s contents, Although the boot floor is quite high, due to the electronics, there is a remarkably deep cubby below the boot floor.

Prius revisited. The first hybrid matures well.

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-04-23T15:55:44+01:00

In those days, it’s seamless mixing of electric motor and internal combustion power was so fascinating I remember asking my wife to drive so I could just watch the graphic display that shows, second-by-second, where power was coming from and going to. ...I am now told I was not giving it time, Toyota’s UK PR people kindly pointed out that you just have move it to neutral and “hold it a second or two” (to prevent accidental selection). ...What’s more, it doesn’t just do this to provide the power to drive the car, it also has the ability to switch on the petrol engine to recharge the battery pack when needed, or to run both motors in tandem for maximum power. ...If you press the accelerator to demand more acceleration, the Prius will, almost imperceptibly, start up its petrol engine and, if you demand maximum performance, the electric and petrol engines will work in tandem to deliver it. ...

Suzuki's chunky hatchback

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-04-19T17:58:10+01:00

This is the latest version of the Suzuki SX4 a small hatchback/SUV/MPV crossover that was developed in partnership with Fiat and is manufactured in Hungary. Although it has been around for a number of years, this is the latest version with a number of revisions which make it much more appealing. ...We have seen with cars like the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga, that there is a demand for cars that have an off-road image, but without the cost and the economy penalty of a full-time four-wheel-drive system. ...For this latest model, the 1.6 petrol has been re-worked and now produces 10% more power (up to 120PS), but also 10% lower fuel consumption and a 13% reduction in emissions at 143g/km of CO2. ...It is also an easy car to drive, either nipping around in traffic, or, out on the open road.

Panamera: Can it really be a four seater?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-04-18T17:40:45+01:00

Ever since I first saw a Porsche Panamera lurking in San Francisco street, before the launch, I’ve been intrigued as to how practical the rear seats actually are. ...I stopped off to visit a fellow motoring writer from carkeys.co.uk, who currently had a Panamera on test. Unfortunately, there wasn’t time to go for a drive, but I just had to check out the rear seat in a town centre car park. Proof that the rear seat is usable, even in a tight car park ...I do think, David, that you could have removed your can of Irn-Bru, though!

Fastest-ever road-going Ferrari

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-04-08T11:18:35+01:00

Described as “an extreme V12 berlinetta”, the 599 GTO has been developed to a specific performance-oriented brief. It is an exclusive limited edition special and is described by Ferrari as “a completely new concept, albeit inspired by a production car”. ...The 599 GTO is reserved for just 599 customers who will be discerning enough to seek “the maximum expression of high performance driving”. ...The 599 GTO puts out 670 hp, which – in a 1495kg car – represents a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp. Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 3.35” and the top speed is over 335 km/h (208mph).

New Volkswagen Touran launched

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-04-09T10:59:49+01:00

The third row of seats can be folded down into the floor to make space for 695 litre of loads pace. ... Oddments space is well catered for, with Volkswagen boasting that there are no less than 39 storage compartments around the new Touran – just remember where you put everything! ...The entry-level petrol engine is a new 1.2-litre TSI unit delivering 105 PS. ...A 1.6-litreTDI engine is available with a choice of 90 or 105 PS outputs while the 2.0-litreTDI engine offers 140 or 170 PS. In addition, the 1.2 TSI 105 PS petrol and 1.6-litre 105 PS diesel engines can be specified in BlueMotion Technology trim complete with Start/Stop and, in the case of the latter, the ability to return 61.4 mpg on the combined cycle – making the new Touran the most efficient MPV Volkswagen has ever produced.

No, I did not crash the Pagani Zonda

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-25T16:37:36+00:00

(I did once set a new class record on a hill climb and had minor success on a couple of club rallies, but that hardly counts as being a “champion driver”!) ...Poor Sir Jackie Stewart got sucked into the story today, with The Press and Journal newspaper running a story naming the former world champion as the “professional driver” who was behind the wheel when the Zonda spun into an Aberdeenshire telephone pole. ...At that time I was presenting a motoring programme on the radio and my producer at the time spotted one of the Cadbury’s Creme Egg promotional vehicles parked at a hotel just doors from the radio station. ...I completed my high-speed test driving round the building at a dizzy 30 mph and was in the process of trying to park when my foot got jammed against the steering column. I was not able to extricate it in time when we rolled gently forwards into the back of what was instantly renamed as a Ford Eggscort.

Kia joins the clean elite

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-22T15:52:23+00:00

In actual fact -- as I was driving this Cee’d EcoDynamic around the roads -- in Geneva Kia was taking the wraps off a newer version which scrapes below the threshold to win a free tax disc for its owners at 90 g/km! Like so many of this new breed of “eco“ cars, I found the Cee’d a little difficult to drive smoothly at first. ...You also have to overcome the fear that the engine is simply going to labour and bog down as you take off in a higher gear that feels right. ...These cars are also not particularly responsive to the throttle and, in a world that has become used to 0-60 times around ten seconds, the Kia’s 13.5 does look a bit relaxed. ...That means with the Kia Cee’d EcoDynamics you are getting a car that is almost the size of a Ford Focus for the price of a Fiesta.

Hidden danger of 'keyless entry'

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-22T15:45:21+00:00

At a convivial lunch last week, with fellow motoring writer friends, I was reminded of the occasion when we found that the downside of keyless entry systems. I had just handed over a Renault to the next driver in line and made him a cheery farewell as he headed off down the street, only to stop and do a three-point turn. ...Just as well he asked, because I was about to drive off in my own car in the opposite direction. I’m not sure at what point poor Dave would have discovered that he didn’t have the keys which were, of course, in my pocket. Probably it would be somewhere in the middle of nowhere, in the pouring rain, with the doors locked and his mobile phone sitting on the centre console inside a locked car!

Alfa brings back the Giulietta

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-07T19:10:00+00:00

Previously this name was used on the attractive to door coupe produced in the 1950s and then again for a series of saloons produced in the 1970s. The new Giulietta was exhibited at Geneva in five different versions — two Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) versions fitted with Alfa Romeo’s 235 HP 1750 TBi engine, two Distinctive versions with 170 HP 2.0 JTDMturbodiesels, and a Distinctive version fitted with the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol engine. At the front the Giulietta has the trademark Alfa triangular grille, complete with a new interpretation of the classic shield, embedded in the front bumper. ...The navigation system, with pop-up display, allows the driver to view either maps or mechanical operating information about the car, without looking far from the road. As with the Alfa MiTo, customers can customise the Giulietta with sports or premium packs, plus a range of options that includes a large panoramic sunroof, navigation system, sound systems and Bluetooth packages.

Bentley announced details of Mulsanne

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-06T18:43:35+00:00

At the Geneva Motor Show, Bentley announced details of its new Mulsanne, stating that it “reaffirms the marque’s intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore”. ...With a long bonnet the design is intended to convey a sense of power and movement and design director Dirk van Braeckel says that his team set out “to create a sculpted form that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines”. Customers will have a vast range of options, with more than 100 pink colours and through the bespoke Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can be chosen to match a customer’s precise requirements. ...The Mulsanne comes with a 14 speaker audio system connected to the world’s most powerful production car amplifier, offering 2200 watts of power. A personalised keyless entry system offers multiple pre-programmed configurations -- automatically setting radio stations, phonebook, seat (including ventilation and massage modes front and rear), steering column, seatbelt settings and even the electrically operated rear seat blinds on the side and rear windows!

Audi A1 e-tron extends range with Wankel engine

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-05T18:20:55+00:00

Unless I’m mistaken, this is the first automotive use of the Wankel engine, outside Japan, since the NSU Ro80 produced in Germany during the 1960s and 70s. The Wankel rotary engine, used in the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8, does not have conventional cylinders, but uses a rotary action for a compression, combustion and exhaust. The electric drive system on the A1 e-tron gives the car a range of more than 31 miles in city traffic, with a peak output of 102 PS. ...The expectation is that its fuel consumption will be rated at 140.7 miles per gallon, with carbon dioxide emissions of only 45 g/km. Audi say that the electric drivetrain, with range extending engine, require “absolutely no sacrifices in terms of sportiness or comfort” and go on to assert that the car will offer high standards in terms of driver enjoyment.

Seat shows IBE concept car at Geneva

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-04T18:01:31+00:00

Described as a compact sports coupe, it is intended to be a zero emission car of the future combining “a sporty and dynamic concept for urban mobility”. It is a welcome return to a unique design language for Seat, still focusing on the marque’s target youthful market. ...Visual highlights include the LED headlights, the Seat signature of an arrow shaped bonnet and at the back the rear light clusters again feature LED technology. ...Maximum power output is said to be 75 kW (102 PS), Seat see this delivers exactly “the kind of dynamic driving fun you would expect of a car that looks so sporty”. ...Battery capacity is said to be “plenty to cover all the daily mobility requirements of city life”, but no specific driving range has been quoted.

Vauxhall shows Flextreme concept

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-03T16:11:29+00:00

The Flexstream is described as an extended range electric vehicle designed to achieve power without using fossil fuels. Vauxhall say the intention is to show that side is no barrier to driving a car with zero carbon dioxide emissions. ...The car has been given what Vauxhall describe as a distinctive nose and grille, with muscular, sculpted bodywork. ...There is a fixed glass panel in the roof and this automatically allows sunlight to warn the car include weather, darkening to reduce heat in the summer. The drive system for the Flexstream is similar to the Vauxhall Ampera and the car is expected to offer similar performance, with a battery power range of 40 miles and a total range of more than 300 miles.

Seat Ibiza Cupra tiptoes through snow

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-01T17:04:00+00:00

Had I known it was only a one-day break between two periods of snow, I would have made sure I drove the car more that day. ...My own car being four-wheel-drive, not surprisingly I reached for its keys and for the next few days the Seat languished under a mountain of snow. ...You don’t have to look far to spot that this car is put together using platforms, engines, gearboxes and the myriad of other bits from the groups corporate parts catalogue. ...It took me a few minutes to find my driving position, adjusting the sport seats to the perfect position and then finding I had to raise the steering wheel just a tad, so that I could see the top of the instrument panel. ...I was returning figures on my trips well into the upper 30 mpg bracket (had the roads been clear, the temptation to use the performance would no doubt have increased the consumption!).

Ampera prototype drives to Geneva Show

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-03-01T16:37:43+00:00

The first prototype of Vauxhall’s production Ampera has successfully completed its long-distance drive debut from Rüsselsheim to the Geneva Motor Show. ...The team fully charged the 16kWh lithium-ion battery at Opel/Vauxhall Opel/Vauxhall’s European headquarters, then set off using pure battery-electric power. After around 60 kilometres, near Heidelberg, the gasoline-powered generator started up to provide the Ampera’s electric motor with power. ...“As 80% of drivers normally travel less than 60 kilometres per day, it is the exception rather than the rule that they experience the combustion engine in operation,” said Nick Reilly at his arrival in Geneva. “Of course we want to be certain that the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera also runs smoothly during long-distance operation.”

Chevrolet Cruze not one for the enthusiast

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-02-24T18:15:16+00:00

Even after a lot of adjustment, I still found my clutch foot hanging in midair, because the pedals are so far off the floor. ...They resembled ashtrays, and it was far too easy for your fingers to slip out the slot and to tear a fingernail (or two, in my wife’s case). ...The 1.8-litre engine puts out 141 bhp and propels the Chevrolet Cruze from 0 to 62 mph in 10 seconds. ...Oh, and if you are seduced by the very American sounding name, just note that the Chevrolet Cruze is produced in Korea, badged Chevrolet following GM’s takeover of Daewoo. ...It just seems that the final refinement and sophistication of the driving experience was one of the economies in the development of this car.

A1 is Audi's new compact supermini

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-02-11T19:37:32+00:00

In the UK the range will start with a new 1.2-litre TFSI petrol engine which will have a power output of 86PS, delivering a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds along with what Audi describe as “55.4 mpg capability”. ...Next up will be the now familiar 1.4 TFSI power unit, delivering 122PS with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. The 1.4TFSI accelerates to 62mph in 9.1 seconds, but matches its smaller-engined sibling on both economy and emissions, delivering up to 55.4mpg with CO2 output of 119g/km*. ...Xenon headlamps with Audi’s trademark LED daytime running lights will be available at extra cost exclusively for S line models, but there is likely to be the usual Audi tempting list of options. ...The ‘roof contrast line’ — a contrasting colour scheme for the A, B and C pillars as seen first in the A1 project quattro study in Tokyo – is just one of the many options available.

Nissan Juke, as British as a duke?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-02-11T19:37:10+00:00

Nissan has unveiled the new Juke, some weeks before its official launch at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Following the lead its sibling, Qashqai, the Juke is styled to have the appeal of an SUV, but most models will be only front-wheel-drive. ...Nissan say the aim was to blend the rugged appeal of an SUV with emotion of a sports car. ...The top-of-the range Juke will use this more powerful engine mated to a CVT gearbox and four-wheel-drive. Where some cars, with four-wheel-drive on only certain models, miss out on potential luggage space (such as the Ford Kuga) when the rear drive is deleted, the Juke has an additional underfloor space in the back for front-wheel-drive versions.

Touareg loses weight and becomes more green

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-02-11T18:13:12+00:00

They say, with some justification judging from the first photos, that it is more distinctively Volkswagen and it also looks to have been designed to look less massive than its predecessor. ...Technology options include High Beam Assist, which will dip the headlights automatically when it senses oncoming traffic, Side Assist warns of vehicles in the driver’s blind spots, while adaptive roll compensation air suspension presumably does ‘what it says on the tin’. ...With a power output of 240 PS and 405 lb/ft of torque, Volkswagen claim it will return 38.1 mpg on the combined cycle emitting 195 g/km of CO2 to place it in VED band J. ...Available with the V6 TDI engine, the Escape model features a system called 4XMOTION which comprises reduction gearing, centre and rear differentials that can each be fully locked for off-road applications and five stage control for the four wheel drive system. The first stage is for on-road applications, the second is for off-road use and activates automatic control for the mechanical differential locks, stage three engages the low-range gearbox with revised mapping of the gearbox to raise the shift points and switches off the automatic upshift in manual mode.

More detail about way forward for Saab Spyker

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-02-02T14:07:42+00:00

The intention is that Spyker Cars NV will change its name to Saab Spyker Automobiles NV, with two separate operating companies – Spyker and Saab – focussed on their own particular markets and their own vehicle lines. ...Saab will be a stand-alone niche car manufacturer and Saab Spyker plans for Saab to have three or four model lines: ...This will be followed by the new 9-4X early in 2011 and the all-new Saab 9-3 in 2012. ...The new owners believe that Saab’s Technical Development Center in Trollhättan has the capability to developing complete vehicles. ... Against that background they envisage production and sales volumes building back to recent pre-crisis levels of about 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles, including the 9-4X which will be built in Mexico.

Spyker statement on Saab purchase

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-01-27T11:05:36+00:00

General Motors Company and Spyker Cars N.V, late yesterday confirmed the details of a binding agreement over the transfer of ownership of Saab Automobile AB of Trollhättan, Sweden. The transaction is expected be finalised in February and Saab will then come out of the wind-down process set in motion by GM. ...The purchase agreementis subject to the implementation of a €400 million loan between Saab and the European Investment Bank (“EIB”), guaranteed by the Swedish Government. ...Spyker also say the sale of pre 2003 Saab 9-3 and current Saab 9-5 technology to BAIC in December 2009 did not result in any part of Saab’s business being divested or devalued. They add that Saab has already started the production of the new generation Saab 9-5 in Trollhättan.

Mini Countryman the new 4x4 Mini

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-01-20T17:56:28+00:00

The new Mini Countryman is not only the first MIni to offer four wheel drive, it is also the first with four passenger doors (the Clubman has three passenger doors, the third controversially being on the “wrong” side for the UK). ...There will be three petrol and two diesel engines in the Mini Countryman range at launch, ranging from the from 90 hp Mini One D Countryman through to the 184 hp in the Mini Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management which BMW claims will offer the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. ...It utilises an electro-hydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive, to vary the power distribution from front to rear, with an infinite range of permutations. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, but under extreme conditions this can go right up to 100 per cent.

New Ford Focus unveiled

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-01-11T14:27:43+00:00

The new Focus will be one of up to ten unique models to be built from Ford’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of two million units annually by 2012. ...“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. ...The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of state-of-the-art four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines dubbed EcoBoost, offering reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20% compared to the outgoing models. ...Ford say these new technologies have been designed to be simple and highly intuitive to enhance both convenience and safety, Among these will be what Ford describe as “a combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features”. ...Attention to detail is said to include not only the touch and feel of cabin materials, but also their smell and the design team are said to have worked on detail such as the sound of the doors when they are closed and the thickness of the padding and size of the stitching on the steering wheel rim.

Peugeot celebrates 200th year with new look

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-01-08T20:02:58+00:00

It was in 1810 that Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot turned their father’s cereal mill into a steel foundry and took the Peugeot family into the industrial era. Now 200 years later, Peugeot has launched a new version of its famous lion badge and a new look for its cars based on the SR1 concept car. The new look is a welcome move away from the “gaping mouth” look of recent Peugeots and, judging by the SR1, the new look is more likely to win plaudits in the style stakes. ...On the SR1a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine, with a power output of 218 bhp, is combined with a rear electric motor developing 95 bhp. In electric-only mode, the car becomes a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 57.7 mpg or 119 g/km of CO2.

Spyker submits offer on Saab

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2010-01-07T19:52:12+00:00

Spyker Cars, of The Netherlands, today confirmed it has made a revised offer to General Motors for the acquisition of Saab Automobile AB. "We have continued a constructive dialogue with GM over the acquisition of Saab,” Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars stated. "We believe the Saab brand has lots of potential and would be keen to close a deal as quickly as possible." ...The news comes at a time that General Motors have started the process of “winding down” Saab, while also stressing that they will continue efforts to find a buyer. GM have confirmed that they have “several proposals” for Saab, including a bid from a group that includes Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.

Google Earth in new Audi A8

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-12-29T21:18:54+00:00

Owners of the new Audi A8 will be able to use services like Google Earth to search for points of interest, if they choose the optional integrated GPRS/EDGE modem linked to the latest generation MMI navigation plus. ...A8 owners will also be able to plan destinations in Google Maps (or on Audi’s web portal) at home or in the office, then retrieve the information in the car. ...Using this new modem Audi will become the first motor manufacturer to integrate Google Earth with the car’s sat-nav system. With Google Earth on the eight-inch LCD, the Google Earth imagery and 3D terrain model are combined with the detailed street network from the navigation database. The MMI navigation system also analyses navigation data to help predict driving conditions and relay information to the control units for the automatic cruise control (with Stop & Go), adaptive lights and the eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

By-pass proposed in 1957 is approved

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-12-21T12:57:25+00:00

John Swinney, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Scottish Goverment, has give the green light to a 28-mile, £395 million by-pass for Aberdeen. The approval for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route comes 52 years after the then Secretary of State for Scotland approved the new river crossing for the first by-pass proposal in 1957. ...But it was not until 2003 that then First Minister of Scotland Jack McConnell announced that the Scottish Government would pay 81% of the cost of the by-pass, with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils paying the balance. ...Until the by-pass is built, Aberdeen – the principal centre for North Sea oil and gas – will continue to be connected to the European trunk road network by the Bridge of Dee built in 1527. Having driven the road myself a few years ago, I know that the bridge is the first break in a dual carriageway roads that stretch (apart from the Channel) some 1,800 miles from Pisa in Italy.

Saab: The end.

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-12-19T15:20:38+00:00

The statement says: “Spyker and General Motors ("GM") decided today that the intended sale of Saab Automobile AB will not be concluded. “During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe cannot be resolved prior to the expiry of the deadline set by GM (i.e. ...Victor Muller of Spyker added: “We sincerely regret that we are not able to complete this transaction with GM. We worked 24/7 for three weeks, but the complexity of the transaction in combination with the strict deadline simply did not allow us to complete the transaction timely. ...Footnote: On Sunday, December 20 reports came of a revised offer from Spyker and some news media hinted that there might be other offers.

Aston Martin's Cygnet hatched

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-12-17T17:38:06+00:00

Aston Martin has released the first official images of its new Cygnet, previously seen here as a styling mock up. Based on the Toyota IQ, the Cygnet is described by Aston Martin as “a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence”. The aim is to combine fuel efficiency with the prestige and luxury of an Aston Martin. The idea is that you would keep keep your DBS, DB9 or Vantage for grand touring, but use the Cygnet for your more eco-friendly daily commuting. Aston Martin say that work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010, but they hope it will become a production reality.

BMW 1 Series electric concept

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-12-17T17:24:12+00:00

The aim of the Concept ActiveE is to test out practicality of electric drive for every day use and BMW says it will also aim to deliver “driving pleasure” as one of the characteristics of a BMW. ...The drive system is also powerful enough for dynamic acceleration and the engineers have also aimed for a high level of efficiency, so that the vehicle can be practical beyond purely urban mobility. Unlike the Mini (and other electric vehicles where battery storage takes up passenger or luggage space), the Concept ActiveE has four full-size seats and a 200-litre boot volume. ...Its maximum output is 170hp, the maximum torque of 250Nm is available from standing as is typical for electric motors and remains available over an unusually broad load range. ...Flexible charging technology enables the lithium-ion battery pack to be recharged by a conventional power outlet at public charging stations or at a special wall box.

Jaguar XF just gets better

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-12-17T20:16:12+00:00

When I had my first real drive of the Jaguar XF I was just about as impressed as I hoped to be, given all the compliments that were flying around from those who had driven the new generation Jaguar before me. ...While it was as refined as you would expect for a Jaguar and would, quite frankly, have been described as “superb” in many cars, it was just a tad short of performance for a car bearing the leaping Jaguar. ...It has taken some time to get my hands on the higher-performing model, but for the best part of a week I have been wafting around in a Jaguar 3.0 Diesel Sport Portfolio. ...If that is not edgy enough for you, you can then prod the chequered flag button on the centre console to enter the dynamic mode, which really is a bit ‘hyper’. ...It was obviously too early in the morning to remember that there was likely to be a heated windscreen, so I prodded the demist button without much hope of avoiding the scraper.

BMW Z4 is a true sports car

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-12-05T17:57:28+00:00

Being the entry model in the range, the 23i is not the car you would buy for ultimate performance, but I found it very satisfying and it combines its performance with remarkably good economy. ...‘Sports+’ switched off the electronic aids like ESP and, noting the greasy nature of damp winter roads, I felt happier with the “safety net” of these systems to help gather things up if I put a foot wrong. ...On the open road my grin simply got wider as I savoured the wonderful balance of a well-sorted rear-wheel-drive sports car that just went exactly where you pointed that purposeful bonnet. ...In an era when so many cars have us stowed in a very vertical “sit-up-and-beg” driving posture, I really liked getting back into a car where you sit more like a racing car driver — low down, with your legs outstretched in front of you. ...But at £28,650 you have to remember that — if you want to carry larger numbers of passengers, or bulkier things — this is quite an expensive second car.

Ford Kuga goes 4x2

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-11-24T16:37:23+00:00

I have to admit that I did not approach my road test of this Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi in a particularly positive frame of mind. ...The fact that – at the end of my time with the new Kuga 2WD – I was more than a little fond of it, speaks volumes. ...That’s because, in normal road conditions, your Kuga 4x4 disconnects the power to the rear wheels and becomes front-wheel-drive. ...On my mix of country and city driving I got an average of around 37 mpg, which is about two mpg better than with the four-wheel-drive version. The combined figures of 46.3 mpg suggest there is greater economy to be had if you exercise even more care with the right foot, Emissions down 10 g/km to 159 g/km of CO2.

New BMW 5 Series unveiled

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-11-24T15:35:58+00:00

The new car is not likely to cause quite the stir that the fifth generation model did when it was announced with its then controversial styling. ...While some are going for taller profiles, prestige manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes seem to be competing to see whose saloon looks most like a sports coupé. Much of the news with the 5 Series is under the surface, with features like a new automatic start-stop technology to boost economy, park assist, night vision, head-up display and an automatic gearbox with no less than eight gears! ...Opinions will have to wait until we have had a chance to drive the new car, but BMW are talking boldly of “unrivalled driving dynamics” and a car that “sets new standards”. Notably, the latest BMW has very short front and rear overhangs with the result that it claims the longest wheelbase in its class at 2.9 metres.

Spyker relocates to the UK

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-11-23T09:56:45+00:00

Spyker Cars, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of specialist sports cars, is relocating its assembly operation to the UK. The company says that relocating its assembly lines from Zeewolde to Coventry, will result in considerable improvements in efficiency and also substantial cost reductions. ..."In these challenging times, a small manufacturer like Spyker has to find ways to reduce costs as well as improve its efficiency,” says Victor R. ...“With approximately half of our vehicles’ parts and components sourced in the UK, and virtually all key suppliers being located there, moving closer to our suppliers and engineering partners will result in substantial savings and tangible efficiency improvements”. ...The original Spyker company ceased trading in 1925, but its brand name and reputation for technologically advanced, exotic and dependable cars has been passed on to the new Spyker company and its cars.

Formula one news and rumour

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-11-19T21:52:15+00:00

As if the rumour mill was not hot enough, Autocar waded in on Wednesday, November 18 with the suggestion that Michael Schumacher would drive for Mercedes in 2010. This was quite the most surprising of the current rumours, given the on-again, off-again story of how he was going to take the seat for the injured Felipe Massa this past season. ...On Wenesday, November 18 the BBC was saying that Kimi Raikkonen was going to try for a drive in the World Rally Championship. ...On Tuesday, November 17, the BBC reported that Formula 1 returnees, Lotus, were feeling the pressure of rejoining the sport with a name that has so many associations with success in the past. ...On Monday, November 16 at 22:00 GMT, the Guardian announced that Jenson Button had indeed agreed to join McLaren on a three-year, £6 million-a-year deal.

New Volvo S60 first official pictures

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-11-10T21:05:16+00:00

These are the first official pictures of the new Volvo S60, which the design team say is “sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo car”. Under the new-look exterior the Volvo S60 puts strong emphasis on safety as usual. Volvo say the new S60 will be available with Pedestrian Detection, a system that can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver doesn’t react in time. The new Volvo S60 will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March next year. Production will start early summer 2010 at Volvo Cars’ plant in Gent, Belgium.

Focus RS delivers performance

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-11-04T16:40:44+00:00

I didn’t seem to attract hordes of boy racers trying to show me who was master (only one who was determined to get past to show me a clear pair of heels), but I know other testers who have had more unwelcome attention. ...Mine were not the only eyebrows raised that the new Focus RS is not four-wheel-drive and that has fuelled some concerns about the ability of the front wheels to cope with all that power. ...As fate would have it, the roads remained particularly wet and greasy throughout my time with the Focus RS, but I can tell you that (with the usual measure of common sense) it is indeed very controllable. ...As someone who has always preferred the handling of rear-wheel-drive or rear-biassed four wheel drive I was wondering if I would be disappointed with the RS. ...There are huge reserves of performance on tap and seldom do you have to open the throttle more than half way to produce a seamless surge of power right through all six gears.

Volvo takes on the small SUV market

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-10-23T17:28:10+01:00

I found that sitting in the back seat, my knee space was just adequate – but that was with the driver’s seat set pretty near the back of its adjustment. The load floor is big and flat, taking 495 litres with the back seat in place, or 1455 with the rear seat folded. the power tailgate on the test car is nice, especially when it avoids soiling your fingers on a tailgate coated in winter road muck. ...However, mindful that some people don’t need four-wheel-drive and that only two driven wheels will be more economical, Volvo have said that they plan a front-wheel-drive 2.4-litre version. ...But (usually when I was at the head of a traffic queue or as traffic lights change to green) it would exasperate me by flashing up messages about needing to release the switch, or press the footbrake, before being permitted to progress. ...I’m sure I would understand the logic of the parking brake given time, so were I in the market for a small SUV this would be one on my list.

New Bipper Tepee launched

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-10-15T11:41:06+01:00

The Bipper Tepee is what Peugeot calls “a multi-space family vehicle”, basically it is a spacious, practical small family car with some of the versatility of an MPV. ... Recent ones I have driven have have featured include the Citroen C3 Picasso, the Fiat qubic, the Kia Soul, but there are many others. (Indeed, as is the way in these cross-company collaboration days, you may notice more than a passing resemblance to the Fiat and also to the Citroen Nemo Multispace) The Bipper Tepee (I just like saying that) packs five seats and good load space (884 litres) into its 3.96 metres length. With low emissions the 70 bhp 1.4-litre HDi Bipper Tepee costs just £35 to tax and returns a combined fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg.

Eiffel launch event for new Citroen C3

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-10-15T11:32:13+01:00

Citroen is to use the 20th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower and 90 years of Citroen to launch its new Citroen C3. Every night for three months from 22nd October, they will be organising a special 12-minute light show. with the first the new Citroen starring in the first show at 8pm on the first day. Citroen will be streaming live footage on www.toureiffel.citroen.com. The footage will take advantage of the new C3 sensational windscreen (yes I did check whether I should tone that “sensational” down before publishing this, but looking at it... well it is pretty sensational!). The windcreen wraps right over the heads of front seat occupants and Citroen say it is “... perfect for admiring the full height of the Eiffel Tower ...”.

Rolls Royce Ghost to haunt Frankfurt motor show

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-09-06T14:27:43+01:00

Chief Designer, Ian Cameron says that the intention was to make it: “...less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake,” A contrasting Silver Satin finish (introduced on 200EX) is an option for the bonnet, grille and windscreen surround. ...Inside Ghost, the interior design team’s aim was to come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ traditions of fine materials and peerless comfort. ...Using infrared heat images, the camera then assesses from the car’s speed and direction the danger they pose, determining what action (if any) needs to be taken, then displaying the appropriate warning to the driver. ...A lane departure warning system alerts the driver if the car should drift out of its current lane, by sending a slight vibration through the steering wheel if the car crosses lane markings without signalling. ...What this achieves is a feeling of endless, surging power, which is illustrated by the traditional Rolls Royce “power reserve gauge” on the fascia, in place of the the more common rev counter.

A fun roadster for small hatchback price

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-09-05T18:06:32+01:00

If British Leyland executives in the 1970s hadn't forgotten the importance of playing to our strengths, then something like the Daihatsu Copen might have wearing an Austin Healey Sprite badge today. Instead, as we know, they axed all the desirable cars from their range – MG Midget, MGB, Austin Healey Sprite and Triumph Spitfire which had a worldwide following – and started producing such charismatic style icons as, err, the Austin Allegro, Morris Marina and Leyland Princess. ...If, on the other hand, you want an affordable car, but are tired of boring characterless hatchbacks and are willing to suffer just a tad to broaden the grin on your face, this could be the car for you. ...I also found that it comes with a free smile, which was fixed to my face all the time I drove the Copen (even when it was jiggling a bit on poor surfaces).... apart from one. On this occasion I was in a queue of slow moving traffic on a two-way A-class road grinding along at 40 mph behind a truck that obviously had something rather disgusting under the tarpaulin over the back.

Toyota go hybrid with the Auris

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-09-02T19:12:33+01:00

Toyota is, of course, one of the pre-eminent promoters of hybrid cars with the Toyota Prius, but this is the first time that Toyota has applied full hybrid technology to a mainstream model. The company adds that it is the first step in deployment of their Hybrid Synergy Drive across the company’s model range. Adding to the Toyota hybrid focus at Frankfurt is the first showing of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept car. Unlike the normal Prius which generates all its own electricity from a combination of its conventional petrol engine and energy recovery systems, the new Prius concept can be charged from the mains supply. ...Toyota plans a field trial with 150 of the new Prius Plug-in Concept cars being leased to selected fleet customers.

New Saab 9-5 revealed

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-28T09:01:50+01:00

Against all the odds of a difficult market and the bankruptcy in the USA of former parent company GM, Saab has entered its new era of Koenigsegg ownership with the launch of the new Saab 9-5, the flagship of its range. Getting its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show, the new car has an array of high-tech features including an aircraft-inspired head-up information display (HUD), adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam), adaptive cruise control,adaptive chassis, keyless entry and starting, dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD an all-wheel-drive system that Saab claim is “industry-leading”. There are a range of four and six cylinder engines from 1.6 to 2.8 litre, offering a range of three fuel types – petrol, diesel and bioethanol. To give the all important Saab cockpit look, the designers have disguised windshield and side pillars and Saab say the the windscreen and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Peugeot RCZ aims to add excitement

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-21T10:03:10+01:00

Peugeot has signified that the new RCZ is the start of a new chapter for the French manufacturer as it aims to refocus on driving enjoyment as well as daily transport. ...As a 2+2 the RCZ has what Peugeot call “two occasional seats” in the back, who have a little extra headroom thanks to that double-bubble roof. To go on sale in the spring of next year the RCZ will offer a number of engine options including a 1.6 litre THP 200 bhp with a six speed manual gearbox. ...There will also be the 2.0 litre HDi FAP 163 bhp which offers a combined fuel economy figure of 52.3 mpg in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. ...The range options include: a real carbon roof, roof arches in different colours (black chrome, “satin finish”), a range of 18” and 19’’ alloy wheels in several finishes (matt black, polished black, dark grey, diamanté), black lacquered body parts at the front, carbon door mirror covers, bodywork detailing, etc.

Toyota IQ "a door on wheels"

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-25T15:36:59+01:00

I was a little concerned to see quite how close the rear seat head restraints are to the rear window glass, but, in this respect, I suppose it is no worse than many rearmost seats in MPVs. ...But, the reality is that you would not even get a full supermarket bag in there without dropping one of the rear seat backs. ...At this point, lest we get too hung up on rear seat and luggage space, let us reflect on the fact that most cars on the road carry only one or two people. ...Although it is longer and perhaps not such a pure city car as the Smart Forfour, I can see it appealing, not just on cost grounds, to people who want a more conventional car with a straightforward manual gearbox. For those who want even lower-priced city transport there are two models of IQ with a 960cc two-cylinder engine with prices starting at £9,615.

Jazzing up the small Honda

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-18T09:00:37+01:00

The previous Honda Jazz built up a loyal following among those who wanted a practical small family hatchback which came with the promise of reliability and customer satisfaction that is expected from the Honda badge. ...If I owned a Jazz, I would have to sneak out in the dead of night to find the pesky fuse that controls that infernal beep and silence it for ever. ...Without the previous model sitting alongside it is hard to say, but you still need to be mindful that the pillars do create a bit of a blind spot. ...There is a load sill, but it is reasonably low and, once you have hefted anything over that there’s 399 litres of space in there with the rear seats up. ...As well as offering a supermini that will appeal on merit alongside others, the Jazz has a particular appeal for those who are trading down to a smaller car.

New Bentley Mulsanne unveiled

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-17T14:48:02+01:00

Appropriately it W.O.’s own eight-litre company car that shared the podium with the new Mulsanne in Pebble Beach. Now owned by the Volkswage Group, Bentley Motors was at pains to stress the British heritage, pointing out that the new car has been conceived, styled and engineered at Bentley’s HQ n Crewe, where it will go into production on a new manufacturing facility next year. “The challenge we set our engineers was to create a new grand Bentley that would stand as the pinnacle of British luxury motoring, offering the world’s most exclusive driving experience,” Dr. ...“They have responded to this challenge with real passion and the result is a luxury grand tourer that sets new standards in terms of comfort, effortless performance and hand-crafted refinement – the very qualities for which Bentley is renowned.” ...“From the very first hand sketches in the styling studio, we were inspired by the traditions of the grand touring Bentleys and have sought to evolve this story for a new generation of Bentley enthusiasts,” explained Dirk van Braeckel the design team leader.

The nation's best wheels?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-17T14:37:13+01:00

Approached by The Nation’s Best to nominate my best British car of all time (but not the Mini or the E-type which had already been nominated) I plumped for the original Range Rover. ...It was the car that literally launched a whole new genre of vehicles that were not only practical for every day use, but could also take to the muddy stuff. ... SUVs have been the real growth sector worldwide in recent years and it all started with that original Range Rover in 1970. ...Instead of extending the idea of the Range Rover into smaller more affordable models, it sat back and watched the Japanese manufacturers steal that market. It took no less than 27 years to extend the idea to a small SUV with the launch the Freelander in 1997.”

Kia ups their game with new sharper looks

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-11T12:48:20+01:00

Kia Motors has issued a series of images showing a sharper, more confident look for future Kia models as they seek to shake of a worthy-but dull-image. ...Most startling are the first images of the new premium saloon due to go on sale in Korea at the end of the year. ...The new sharper Kia look and corporate grille are also shown on other new models, with photos release of the new Kia Sorento, which is longer and lower than the current model. The new car will go on sale in the UK from October 1, after being unveiled in Europe at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. ...Also at Frankfurt will be the latest version of the Cee’d which also has the new corporate grille.

Alfa's new junior hatch

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-08-11T10:46:09+01:00

Just as there was a geographical element to the Alfasud name (it meant Alfa-South to signify the factory location in the south of Italy), so it is with the Mito. ...Where I do agree with Mrs D is that, while we both liked the DNA (dynamic, normal and all-weather) switch, its location is not handy, set ahead of the gearlever low on the centre console. ...The test car was the Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 TB Veloce, which is the top of the range petrol model in terms of performance and equipment. ...The only fly in the ointment is that the steering wheel doesn’t come quite as low as I would like to match and with this straighter-leg driving position, legroom is only just adequate. ...In price, power and performance terms that slots this Mito somewhere between the Mini Cooper and the Mini Cooper S, which is probably quite a good place to be.

Schumacher to make sensational return

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-07-30T16:17:52+01:00

Michael Schumacher is about to return to the Formula 1 circuit to take the place of Filipe Massa injured by flying debris in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The announcement that Schumacher, seven-times world champion, will drive for Ferrari in the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23 ended speculation. ...One announcement said he would come out of retirement to take the vacant Ferrari seat. But almost coinciding with this was a statement from Schumacher’s entourage pouring cold water on the idea. ...s=78327&v=744&q=64612&r=16571">

... ...The XJ's cabin is said to blend elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and sporting style expected of a Jaguar. ...Virtual Instruments in 12.3-inch high-definition complement an innovative, Dual-View technology eight-inch touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger, while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

Suzuki Alto returns

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-07-06T13:51:32+01:00

I was driving along a favourite B-road in the Suzuki Alto, when my brain made the connection back over the years. ...As you would expect the economy is strong and – although there was no way to check my consumption – a combined consumption figure of 64.2 mpg suggest good economy should be well within reach. ...So, when it came to time to choose some back roads that would avoid the rush hour traffic, I feared this car would not be the most enjoyable to drive on a twisty country road. But, after only quarter of a mile driving along the twisty blackstuff, my mood was good andI was reminiscing in my mind about those student days. The original Suzuki Alto grabbed a niche in the market by being the only small hatchback to be offered with automatic (indeed, if my memory is not playing tricks, you could only get in the UK in automatic form).

Aston-ishing small car concept

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-07-06T16:25:59+01:00

Based on the Toyota IQ the Cygnet would be positioned as a luxury commuter car, offering Aston Martin distinction and luxury for owners of Aston Martin’s ‘mainstream’ models. You keep your DBS, DB9 or Vantage for grand touring on high days and holidays, but for the daily commute you take the more practical, more eco-friendly Cygnet commuter car. ...In some quarters it is suggested that this collaboration with Toyota could develop into other areas and Aston Martin say the two companies “share the philosophy of engineering excellence and innovation underlined by a strong passion for cars”. ...“Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota’s stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez. ...“This concept – akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht – will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market,” he conclluded.

Audi A3 – the pocket executive

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-07-04T20:05:47+01:00

But I had to park a new and an old model side by side to spot things like the subtle re-working of the grille and the sculpted line that now runs from the bonnet down either side of the grille. ...The 0-62 time is quoted at 9.4 seconds – a time that would have put the 1.4 TFSI well into hot hatch territory not so many years ago. ...As a lowly model in the Audi A3 range there appears to be no trip computer, so I cannot give you any actual economy figures from my test, but the official combined figure is 49.6 mpg. ...The Audi A3 1.4 TFSI is positioned as a premium model and priced as such, starting at £16,880 and rising to £17,515 for the SE. ...I really liked the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI and if, like me, you don't mind paying a little more for the finer things in life and you want a small family hatchback, the A3 is very possibly the car for you.

Jaguar designer talks about the new XJ

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-06-22T18:30:05+01:00

We have a month to wait for the announcement of the new Jaguar XJ in July, but Jaguar designer Ian Callum has been giving a little insight into the new car and Jaguar has released some ‘teaser’ images. Ian Callum says: “The car is very modern, and it certainly meets up the expectations of people who understand design with a capital D, I have no doubt about that whatsoever. ...The lines are beautiful, but we reinterpreted them in quite a different way that actually is right and correct for the twenty-first century – and that is what’s important. ...“With this car I really do feel that I’ve taken almost thirty years of learning and put it into something that is very complete for me; and that’s taken a lot of discipline, a lot of pushing; on my part, on my design teams part, and the engineers. ...s=76933&v=744&q=63487&r=16571">

New Bentley, no that really is all!

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-06-10T19:04:00+01:00

As teases go, Bentley’s “All-new Grand Bentley” is worthy of a marque with mystique. All they are showing at the moment is this dark photo showing some of the sweeping lines of the new “Grand Bentley” and the quote from W O Bentley’s first customer in October 1921: “The reason I bought a Bentley was because of its exceptional performance in all respects on the road. ... ...s=74629&v=744&q=61464&r=16571">

Mazda PR director lost on Rio to Paris flight

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-06-03T15:08:25+01:00

Mazda Motor Europe has confirmed that Neil Stuart Warrior, Director of Public Relations, was a passenger on Air France flight 447 from Rio to Paris. ...Warrior's death has not been officially confirmed, but yesterday parts of the Airbus were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean and it is unlikely that there were any survivors. ..."Our entire company is shocked and saddened by this terrible news," said Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe. ...We want them to know that it was a privilege to have had Neil as our colleague and friend." Neil Warrior was born on 13 April 1961 in Hillingdon, England and began in automotive public relations at the start with Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

GM Europe continues as US operations bankrupt

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-06-01T21:43:53+01:00

GM Europe has issued a press statement to make it clear that the European operations of the car giant are continuing as normal and are not included in the moves for bankruptcy protection by the US parent. ...“We’re extremely grateful to the various members of the German Government, led by Chancellor Merkel and Vice Chancellor Steinmeier, the various German ministries as well as the federal state governments of Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia, and the leadership of the U.S. ...With the financing, even with the GM actions in the US, we can now confidently say to our employees, customers, suppliers and dealers that it’s business as usual as we go through the process of creating a new, more independent Opel/Vauxhall.” General Motors Europe has secured approval for a €1.5 billion bridge financing agreement with the German government based on the partnership with Magna, which will allow sufficient time to finalize the partnership agreement. ...Under the agreement, the Opel/Vauxhall group of assets have been pooled under Adam Opel GmbH, with the majority of the shares of Adam Opel GmbH being put into an independent trust (the balance to remain with General Motors), while final negotiations with Magna proceed.

GM ready to offload Hummer

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-06-02T21:29:36+01:00

General Motors, which yesterday filed for bankruptcy protection, says it has reached an understanding with a buyer to sell its Hummer brand. The sale is not expected to take place until the third quarter of this year and is subject to a number of conditions. ...Following yesterday’s turmoil – when the motor giant became the biggest industrial bankruptcy in the USA just a month after Chrysler’s similar move for bankruptcy protection – GM say the deal is expected to secure more than 3,000 US jobs. ...It manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries with a worldwide employment total of 235,000 in some 140 countries. ...s=6594&v=361&q=3778&r=16571">

New Fiesta has all-round ability

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2009-01-06T16:24:24+00:00

It wasn’t all show either, the new Fiesta is remarkably faithful to the look of the concept car and, as a result, it is quite a looker. ...The new Fiesta takes that a stage further with dynamics that make this a very pleasant car to drive, whether it be nipping round town or travelling on twisty, cross-country roads. ...If I was being carping I might say that the silver plastic highlights around the dials and the centre of the dashboard, do look a little like the finish on some oriental transistor radio. ...My test car was the Ford Fiesta 1.4 Titanium five-door, so it was an upmarket model from the Fiesta range. ...

Recession, what recession, the gold-plated car

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-10-25T12:55:49+01:00

Visitors to MPH, the Prestige and Performance Motor Show that opens in London’s Earls Court next week, will have a chance to drool over the ultimate car for the recession – a gold and platinum-plated Aston Martin DB7! Luxury customisation company Alchemist has covered the Aston Martin with 24-carat gold and platinum leaf. Just to ensure it is really classy, the Aston also comes with seven diamonds embedded in the bodywork.

Swindon - the centre of enlightenment

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-10-24T09:21:24+01:00

Swindon, in England, may not seem like the place for the dawn of a new enlightenment. But, that is exactly what it is. The council in the Wiltshire town have recognised that fixed speed cameras are having no effect on road safety (noting that actually accidents have increased as the forest of speed cameras have grown) and have voted to chop the lot of them. Instead, £320,000 (the price of just six to seven cameras!) will be spent on educating drivers, installing betters street lighting and lowering speed limits in danger areas.

Plug-in racing car for British Championship

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-10-22T19:13:27+01:00

Next year, electric vehicles will take a further step in shaking off their “milk float” image with the entry of an electric racing car in one of Britain’s fastest motor sport series. The Bee Four ERV (electric racing vehicle) is to be driven in the British Hill Climb Championship by twice British champion Graeme Wight from Aberdeen. ... Speeds of over 100 mph are common and the events are very much a test of consistent performance with winning margins down to hundredths of a second. ...Driver Graeme Wight, in addition to two titles, has held outright track records at Doune, Loton Park, Prescott and Shelsley Walsh. The Bee Four is part of a business plan by Bee Automobiles to produce a range of electric production cars.

The Scirocco is back

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-10-12T19:20:24+01:00

It goes exactly where you point it and, apart from the occasional scrabble from the front wheels if you try to accelerate too aggressively out of a corner, it just clings on to the tarmac. ...I could almost feel my grin getting wider as I explored some of the more interesting roads on my daily commute and – like all good driver’s cars – the Scirocco rewards the driver even when using only a fraction of its potential. ...You do have the option to chose manual control of the system, with a button that you can select ‘normal’, ‘comfort’ and ‘sports’ settings. ...But, once over the novelty, I found that the automatic system really does do the job just fine and I learned to leave the ‘adaptive chassis control’ to do its stuff automatically. ...As I said the Scirocco 2.0 TSI costs just £90 more than the Golf GTI, which it is closely related to.

More impressive luxury and performance than economy

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-10-04T16:00:17+01:00

After all it has a similar hybrid set up to the RX400h, running as an all-electric car on low throttle, bringing in the petrol engine to add power when necessary and also to charge the batteries. ...All hybrids are necessary heavy beasts – thanks to the additional electric engine and batteries – and the Lexus LS600h L (the L denotes long wheelbase, which is 120 mm longer than the standard car) is one of the heaviest cars in this class with a gross weight of 2,750 kg. ...It's probably best to do this as a passenger though as it can be quite mesmerising to see the arrows depict power flowing to or from the battery, the engine and regeneration of power from the brakes. ...The smoothness of everything is no doubt helped by the stepless CVT transmission, which emulates and eight-speed gearbox should you decide to use the manual holds – although I can see little reason for you to do so. ...From a safety perspective, there is the radar system that identifies obstacles in front of the car and another radar at the back that will detect a vehicle approaching too hard and move the head restraint ready for any rear impact.

Volkswagen Eos the all-weather convertible

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-09-13T20:39:55+01:00

With their folding metal roofs, these cars aim to offer the best of both worlds – the full open air motoring experience, plus the comfort and security of a metal roof. ...It looks good roof up, or down, and, when you get behind the wheel it manages to still feel rather special, too - particularly with the burgundy leather interior trim on the test car. ...Simple it may be to operate, but the remarkably complex balletic manoeuvres that make it all possible are sure to attract a small crowd of on-lookers. ...Acceleration feels quicker than the 9.8 seconds quoted for the Eos 2.0 FSI Sport and it pulls strongly in all six gears. ...That’s a bit more than you would pay for some of the other offerings, but the Eos not only feels more special and more rewarding, it is likely to hold more of its value when it comes time to sell.

Mercedes CLC targets a younger, sportier market

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-08-21T13:35:25+01:00

However, having tried to juggle hill starts in the past on a manual car with a foot-operated parking brake, I would say the auto box is one option you really should tick straight away. ...Whereas many Mercedes-Benz cars that I have driven in the past have excelled on motorways, but felt not so much at ease on twisty by-ways, the CLC absolutely loves B roads. A large part of this is down to that nicely weighted steering that offers precise positioning on the road, feels good and complements the inherent rear-wheel-drive balance. ...The final quibble is that I would rather have the more conventional back and forward manual shift movement on the gear selector – or, better still – racing-style paddles behind the steering wheel. ...At £22,260 (or £23,310 with the automatic gearbox) it is also quite competitively priced at just £400 more than one of its most obvious competitors – the BMW 120d Coupe.

Honda's low profile executive saloon

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-08-14T14:09:04+01:00

As if that rather brash fascination with acronym badges wasn't enough of a clue, when you jump into the Legend Japanese fascination with chimes assails your ears with an insistent "bong, bong, bong..." to remind you of something. ...It may not have an Audi, BMW, Jaguar or Mercedes badge on it, but the Honda Legend certainly has the credentials to earn its place alongside them on any list of executive sports saloons. ...It reads the lane markings and, if you start to veer out of lane (as you might do if tired, for example) without using the indicators, then it will alert the driver and, if there is no reaction, it will start to correct the steering. ...Given that a third of all accidents in the UK are caused by drivers not looking properly, systems like this will surely be a considerable benefit if the cost can come down to the point where more cars are similarly protected. ...But, when you want quicker responses, there is an eager kick down that will have the car holding its five gears for longer as it zips up to speed with a wonderfully urgent engine note.

Report admits obstructing traffic was policy, says ABD

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-08-13T17:22:36+01:00

The latest report from Transport for London states that despite 70,000 fewer cars a day entering the central zone and 30,000 fewer in the Western Extension, congestion in both of these areas is every bit as bad as it was before the charge was introduced, according to the Association of British Drivers. Although some of this is down to road works, the ABD say the report "admits that many traffic lights and other road schemes have reduced road and junction capacity, and publicly confirms what previously was only admitted behind closed doors - that obstructing traffic was a deliberate policy". ...They just increase the number of traffic lights and reduce the road space available until drivers are just paying through the nose to sit in the same jams as before." ...All money from the congestion charge should be ringfenced to pay for such schemes which benefit all road users equally and reduce danger and stress for all. ...This means no bus lanes through junctions or across pelican crossings, which halve the amount of traffic that can pass when there are no buses or taxis on the road.

First view of new Volkswagen Golf

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-08-07T13:45:12+01:00

Stung a little by criticism about the quality exuded by the materials in the current golf, Volkswagen have paid particular attend to to the new Golf and claim to have adopted "materials and equipment usually associated with a vehicle in a higher segment". ...The new Golf, which will go on sale in January 2009, will come with engines designed to produce better economy and lower emissions. Notable among them is the 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail diesel which produces just 119 g/km of CO2 while returning 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle. ...This is available on the Passat CC and standard on the new Scirocco, and allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey. Automatic Distance Control is also offered, which monitors the area around the vehicle through a series of sensors and will, if necessary, reduce the vehicle’s speed should an obstruction be identified.

First pictures of the new Aston Martin One-77

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-08-08T13:37:43+01:00

Aston Martin has released the first photo of the new One-77, which they describe as "the ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque". Based on a carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body, the One-77 7.0 litre V12 super car only a strictly limited number are planned.

Ford finally launches into small SUV market

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-08-07T19:04:08+01:00

The Kuga has just gone on sale in the UK and, for those of us used to the almost bewildering range of models, engine sizes and trim levels for models like the Focus, the Kuga comes as something of a surprise. ...To modify Henry Ford's famous quote more than a little – you can have any engine you want, as long as it is the 2.0 TDCi. ...As you would imagine for a vehicle that is based on the Ford Focus it is very much at home on road. I must have sensitive ears, but I did find the diesel drone, every time you accelerate hard, a little tiresome and there is also a modicum of diesel vibration fed through the pedals. ...The Kuga turns in very eagerly and as you tug the steering round tighter corners you are aware that this is a tall vehicle with a high centre of gravity.

New Ford Ka out this Autumn

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-08-01T19:33:06+01:00

Ford has released the first official pictures of the Ford Ka, which is to be launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show this October. Twelve years after the original Ka was launched the new model is the result of an agreement between Fiat and Ford. ...The Ford team say they have aimed for the same youthful and cheeky spirit as the original, with the same qualities – compact size, good looks, lively dynamics and fun personality. The styling is based on Ford's current 'kinetic design' form language, with some visual cues to provide a connection to the original Ka. ... Ford say the interior will feature bold contrasts and expressive colours to appeal to the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ka buyer.

Cuteness is more than skin deep

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-28T13:06:08+01:00

Back in my college days, I remember how one of my fellow students fell for the charms of a second hand Fiat 500 which, even in those days was well past its prime. ...On this particular occasion, the little Fiat displayed no intentions of starting and, frustrated by lack of success with my pokings and proddings, I asked her why, precisely, she had chosen to buy this particular car? ...It is actually more feasible than it looks and there is (just) enough headroom for an adult in there, although some hard bargaining would be needed with the front seat passengers to secure sufficient legroom. ...A very minor quibble would be that (as with the Citroen C5) it is not so easy to read the speedometer when you can only see the tip of the needle. ...This is a very small capacity for a diesel engine, so I had fears that its acceleration would be recorded in hours, not seconds.

MiTo aims for style conscious young buyers

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-27T11:28:49+01:00

Alfa Romeo's new small, sporty hatchback, the Alfa MiTo, makes its UK public debut at the current British Motor Show. ...The distinctive styling, picks up on traditional and current Alfa Romeo design cues and is clearly aimed at the style-conscious younger drivers who choose cars like the Mini (an obvious target) and the new Fiat 500. ...The MiTo will be fitted with Alfa Romeo’s D.N.A. system (Dynamic – Normal - All weather) system, which acts on the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox to create the best set-up for different driving environments. For increased roadholding characteristics, the Alfa MiTo range features a host of driver aids, including ABS with EBD, VDC (vehicle dynamic control), ASR, CBC (cornering brake control), DST (dynamic steering torque) and HBA with Hill Holder. On sale early next year, with pre-ordering beginning in October, prices for the Alfa MiTo start at £10,975 OTR for the entry level 1.4 16V 95 bhp Turismo, and rise to £14,975 for the 1.4 TB 155 bhp Veloce.

How to save £2 on your fuel bills

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-25T13:29:39+01:00

Did you know you can save up to £2 of fuel per week by simply reversing your car into a parking space, so you drive away forwards? ...New data from the IAM Motoring Trust shows it takes an average five year old car a minute and a half for the engine to warm up and the most efficient way to warm it up is by driving it. Reversing out of a space when the car's engine is cold uses around 20 to 25 times more petrol in the first few seconds than it does when warm. If you do this 10 to 12 times a week that adds up to a cost of about £100 a year, not to mention the increased wear on the car's engine. ...Reversing into somewhere you can see (a parking bay) rather than reversing out into somewhere you can't see (often a line of moving traffic) is much safer.

British Motor Show has new model buzz

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-24T19:00:17+01:00

As with the Vectra the Insignia will be available in saloon and hatchback styles, to ensure that it has the widest possible market acceptance. ...The Insignia is so different from the Vectra that you can see why Vauxhall (and Opel in other European markets) wanted the car to have the fresh start of a new name. Vauxhall describe the looks as coupé style and say that this has helped in achieving the very low aerodynamic coefficient of 0.27CD. ...There is also an optional warning system should drivers veer off the road and a heated windscreen washer for those cold winter days. ...During preliminary testing around the famous Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and great fun to drive - even when clad with the full development disguise.

Have an Agila

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-16T18:42:53+01:00

It's the result of the sort of deal that car manufacturers have been doing for years and all the more so now, given the huge costs of vehicle development. ...The test car had the 1.2-litre engine and, as you would expect, it doesn't have a lot of extra power to offer. With three adults on board, we all chuckled as the little Agila gradually increased speed on a steep incline – even with my foot making what must have been a huge dent in the pile of the carpet. ...It is a small car and so you will occasionally bump elbows with your passenger - that is inevitable, but the space is good. ...Given that it also drives rather well, the Agila is definitely worth adding to your short list when looking for a budget price small car.

Coulthard - "driving is a huge responsibility"

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-15T12:35:02+01:00

Formula One Racing star David Coulthard may be leaving the Formula 1 circuit at the end of the year, but he is still maintaining a close interest in driving and using it to encourage young drivers to share their ideas to produce better, safer drivers. He is backing the government's campaign and four-month nationwide consultation tour in a bid to collect public thoughts on how to overhaul driver testing and training and make Britain's roads safer. ...Although the number of people killed in road accidents fell by seven per cent between 2006 and 2007, 30,720 people were still killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads. ...I know how much young people enjoy the freedom that driving brings, but it is also a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously. "Changing the way that people are taught to drive, and making the test more real, can only be of benefit," he continued.

BMW's new 7 Series goes hi tech

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-13T11:00:11+01:00

While the looks are less controversial than the Chris Bangle design of the fourth 7 Series, under the skin BMW has worked hard to create a car that will win back buyers. ...All three engines offered at launch – one diesel and two petrol – produce more power, but use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace. The new 730d, the three-litre diesel which is likely to be the most popular, has the lowest CO2 emissions of any 7 Series with 192 g/km and 39.2 mpg. ...Building on the lane change warning, the new 7 Series can also be fitted with a radar system that monitor the blind spots at the rear of the car, warning drivers of any vehicle in that zone, by displaying a triangle in the appropriate door mirror housing. ...Things have been quiet since, but the new BMW 7 Series has the option of up to 3-degrees rear steer that is designed to help manoeuvrability and improve the composure and driving dynamics.

Citroen – France v Germany

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-11T13:31:09+01:00

From time to time manufacturers cast an envious eye at the reputation of Germany's finest prestige car manufacturers – Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – and think to themselves 'we would like a slice of that'. ...My test car was the Citroen C5 2.7 HDi V6 Exclusive which comes with Citroen's legendary liquid-and-gas suspension, which is now dubbed Hydractive 3+ (lesser models come with more conventional suspension). ...It may seem unimportant for many drivers, but my point is that one of the attributes that attracts people to the German marques (that the C5 seeks to emulate), is driver enjoyment. ...If Citroen could take the classic looks of this C5, try a little less hard with the bells and whistles, and squeeze a little bit more feedback from the steering and the suspension then they could be onto a real winner. ...But for less-demanding drivers who look primarily for comfort, refinement and value-for-money £24,395 for the top of the range Citroen C5 2.7HDi Exclusive has to be a pretty tempting proposition.

Audi's A5 delights

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-10T19:28:55+01:00

Although I did no long distance driving during my time with the A5, I have no doubt that it would sip fuel at a very leisurely rate on substantial motorway drives. ...It will probably come down to your average journey length, the type of roads you drive on (motorways are likely to make more sense out of opting for diesel) and your total annual mileage. ...You need to upgrade to the 3.0 TDI for quattro four-wheel-drive, but the 2.7 TDI handles superbly without In the diesel range of Audi A5's you will need to upgrade to the £1,800 more expensive 3.0TDi to benefit from Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system. Although I might prefer to have the quattro system for potential winter road use, the reality is that just driving the two front wheels seems to lose little, if anything, in terms of handling and Audi really have managed to purge the last vestiges of front wheel drive corruption out of the steering.

Skoda's compact load carrier

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-10T18:59:21+01:00

If you count the Skoda Roomster as a Skoda Fabia (which effectively it is) there are now three distinct model choices at the start of the Czech manufacturer's range. ...I have experienced this engine in various Volkswagen Group cars over the years and it has to be said it is not the most refined by the latest standards. ...Rather than complex initials to denote the extras that come with any particular model, Skoda have opted for a simple Fabia 1, 2 or 3. The Fabia 2 adds alloy wheels, four extra radio speakers, air conditioning, alarm, body coloured bumpers, door handles and wing mirrors, electric heated mirrors, halogen headlights, remote central locking, trip computer and roof rails. ...With its mix of keen pricing and practicality, the Skoda Fabia 2 Estate 1.9TDi, makes a convincing case for the active family who need maximum space for their money.

Are hybrids really good for the environment?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-07-04T19:48:12+01:00

However, the recent item about the Toyota Prius did suggest that we think more deeply than many of the Hollywood elite about our evironmentally-friendly motoring solutions. For those who didn't see it, Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson explained the globe-crossing journeys involved in getting the material for the Prius batteries from Canada to Japan, via China. Having suggested that its carbon footprint was already big, he then introduced a test around the Top Gear circuit with a Prius going as fast as it could and a BMW M3 keeping up with it. ...However, it did suggest we should be giving deeper thought to what cars are good for the environment. As I found out with the Polo Bluemotion, there are some more conventional and extremely low emission motors out there.

Sat-navs need common sense

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-06-23T19:32:55+01:00

We've all heard the story about satellite navigation systems that have encouraged artics into impenetrable situations in vilalges and drivers, who really should have more sense, to try to take their Ford Fiestas through four-foot deep rivers. ...In a strange town they are great at helping you to concentrate on traffic, pedestrians and all the other things you should be looking for as they calmly tell you where to go. ...If you are on a motorway and see standing traffic in the distance, you can dive off at the next junction and let the sat nav help you find a way along the B-roads and back to your destination. ...Usually when you look back on what you were told (while finding some double back in a network of one-way streets to try to get back on course) the announcement was correct, when considered as pure logic! ...Not that there are many of the former, or latter, as our roads building programme is all but at a standstill due to the pressure of environmentalists who, it seems, would like to encourage waste of fuel and localised pollution caused by vehicles sitting in a queue going nowhere.

BMW future - cars tailored to suit

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-06-13T10:20:00+01:00

BMW have released details of their extraordinary GINA project which features a cloth skin body stretched over a frame. It's the new idea from the team headed by Chris Bangle, who caused so much controversy with the introduction of the flame-surface styling. BMW says that the idea of a flexible outer skin breaks new ground in automotive engineering, although, I suppose, those familiar with some of the vintage cars produced in the 1920s might disagree. ...BMW calls it GINA Light Visionary Model and it has an almost seamless outer skin, a flexible textile cover that stretches across a moveable substructure. ...The largest extends from the front of the vehicle to the edge of the windscreen and down the sides to the rear edge of the doors.

Sporting style with economy

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-06-10T07:55:57+01:00

This is, after all, a vehicle with a sporting flavour using the latest engine technology to achieve its expected performance with outstanding economy. ...More importantly in the overtaking range, the 123d will pick up speed, pass and get back to its own side of the road in double quick time. ...But the overall average at the end was just a shade over 40 mpg, which I would rate as outstanding considering the performance that I put to good use during that time. ...Initially this is disconcerting, but as this is now the third car with this system that I have driven (the most recent being the Mini Clubman Cooper D), I am becoming quite used to it. ...If you listen carefully with the window down you can just make out the very muffled characteristic sound of a diesel, but on the open road you would not know.

Seat heads off road

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-06-03T11:37:36+01:00

To give it this ability to mix it with the off-roaders, the Freetrack 4 has a four-wheel-drive system, the suspension has been jacked up 40 mm to give greater ground clearance and there are the obligatory plastic sill extensions to give it that all important purposeful off road look. ...At the front these extend up to near the top of the grille, so – if you want your Freetrack to look its best – it is important to choose a colour that suits this split. ...The good news for buyers is that – far from going up – Seat have actually chopped up to £1,400 off the previous asking price. ...The combination of MPV practicality with off road ability should put this car in the sights of many families, especially country dwellers who want to keep going when conditions get a little difficult. There is good space for passengers and luggage and the storage options are augmented by a series of small roof bins to store all sorts of oddments.

Adding style to practicality

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-06-02T16:43:04+01:00

Now, much (possibly too much) has been made of the fact that there is only one of these rear door and that it is on the "wrong" side for the UK market. Sure, it might be better to be on what is normally the pavement side, but being beside the driver and impossible to open until the driver opens their door, the youngsters in the back should be under the driver's control the moment they hop out. ...I can vouch for the fact that it does make getting in and out of the back seat that much easier, just as it does with the RX7. ...The increased length of the Clubman hasn't spoilt the usual sharp Mini handling, so this is a very pleasant driving companion whether your journey be in city traffic, country roads or motorways. ...So, if you like a car that is stylish and different, if you have a dog and if you want to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying your driving, this may be just the car for you.

So fuel price increase is nothing to do with tax?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-05-29T12:26:13+01:00

When the Prime Minister and the Chancellor flew to Aberdeen to meet with the bosses of the UK oil industry, Gordon Brown tried to deflect attention from high fuel taxes as the cause for the current fuel price crisis. ...With the UK being one of the highest taxed fuel markets in the world, it is difficult to accept the Government's argument that fuel tax is not the issue. ...In the past the North Sea oil and gas industry's requests for an equitable tax regime and for government support in extending the life of the North Sea fields have received, at best, a lukewarm reaction from government. ...I can't imagine the industry leaders would miss the opportunity to point out the need for more government support for the industry that has helped keep the UK economy afloat for almost 40 years, before agreeing to take part in the announcement of increased production. ...North Sea oil and gas produces three-quarters of the UK's prime energy needs and, far from declining, it is expected this figure will rise to 80% by 2020.

Living in a Materia world

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-05-15T19:24:14+01:00

To my eyes the Daihatsu Materia looks like a Chrysler PT Cruiser which was snatched out of the crusher at the last second, just before it became a perfect cube. ...Those, not so agile at getting in and out of lower, more-cramped hatches will love the easy access and spaciousness of the the Materia. ...Daihatsu has apparently tweaked the suspension for European markets to make it a little stiffer and less prone to body roll. ...To underline the positioning as a quirky car to appeal to those who want to be different, one of the prominent switches on the dashboard which turns on a blue neon style light around each door speaker. ...If you do, you will be rewarded with that excellent practicality of carrying four, maybe five, passengers with good space for all.

Biofuels - vision or mirage?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-04-09T15:54:31+01:00

People seem to have latched onto the idea that we can grow our own fuel as being the panacea for all our fossil fuel ills. America is particularly enthusiastic because of the promise that biofuel could be used to replace imported oil. ...According to experts at the Macaulay Institute for land use research, achieving the target of 5% of biofuel content in petrol and diesel by next year (2009) would require ONE FIFTH of Britain's agricultural land to be turned over to biofuel production! ... • If we, or the Americans, can't grow food, will we snatch it from under the noses of those in third world countries? ...If so, will we look to third world countries to grow our fuel, by stopping their food production, or destroying their rain forests to replace them with oil producing palms?

BMW’s Canine Repellent Alloy Protection

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-04-01T09:18:43+01:00

Designed to stop dogs fouling against the sparkling alloys of new BMW cars, the innovative Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system (C.R.A.P.) is the latest offering in the BMW EfficientDynamics programme. Using the EfficientDynamics Brake Energy Regeneration system, energy that would normally have been lost during engine over-run and during braking is harnessed as Rim Impulse Power (R.I.P.) and stored for future use. Whenever a dog tries to relieve itself on the wheel of a suitably-equipped BMW, a small and relatively painless electric shock is immediately administered to the animal, thus deterring it from future fouling. Dr Hans Zoff, Head of Automotive Security from BMW AG, said; “Research shows that most BMW customers like to keep their cars clean and dog fouling is a constant irritant. Not only does the Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system support this aim, but it does so using energy created through the EfficientDynamics programme.

Average speed cameras could be a threat to safety

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-03-28T09:58:59+00:00

I just think that the best place for our eyes to focus, as drivers, is on the road.... not on our speedometers! ...So – if we are really serious about road safety – we should be putting more emphasis on what causes the other 95% of accidents. ...The benefit of traditional speed cameras is that they can be (but often aren't) used to ensure that we do slow down where speed is critical. ...There they encourage drivers to think about the speed they are doing, glance (and hopefully only a glance!) ...Average speed cameras (unless you happen to have cruise control) mean that you have to watch the speedometer like a hawk, to the inevitable detriment of looking at the road and observing what is going on around you.

Ford says Tata to Jaguar and Land Rover

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-03-26T13:07:35+00:00

One of the most open secrets in the motor industry was confirmed at today when the Ford Motor Company made the official announcement of the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors of India. The US $2.3 billion deal will provide a welcome boost for Ford's finances and should end the uncertainty about the immediate future for the British brands. In addition to their car manufacturing business Tata recently took over steel maker Corus and are also the company behind the Tetley Tea brand. ...We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavour to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact. "We aim to support their growth, while holding true to our principles of allowing the management and employees to bring their experience and expertise to bear on the growth of the business."

New Tiguan is a great all-rounder

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-02-29T20:20:04+00:00

It’s 0-62 acceleration of 10.5 sounds slower than the car feels and the usual diesel torque means is plenty of punch at overtaking speeds. ...It’s 0-62 acceleration of 10.5 sounds slower than it feels and the usual diesel torque means that, at overtaking speeds, there is plenty of punch. ...You simply drive slowly past a line of parked cars with Park Assist activated and the car will alert you when it finds a space big enough. ...Where other off-roaders can have passengers feeling like they are on a stormy crossing in the Pentland Firth, the Tiguan stays remarkably calm and flat. ...But, the off-road button adjusts the throttle response, engages hill-descent assist and uses the brake sensors to stop the wheels spinning – Volkswagen say it mimics the effect of a differential lock.

Claim that potholes endanger lives

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-01-31T16:53:05+00:00

Manufacturers from this country went to France to give their suspension a serious test, now the continental manufacturers are coming here for testing because our road surfaces are notorious. TyreSafe have highlighted the problem citing a report last year that revealed damage to vehicles from potholes and bad road surfaces amounted to £320 million in 2006. Motorists are most at risk from potholes in hours of darkness or in periods of reduced visibility, TyreSafe rightly point out, adding that there are increased dangers for those who are more exposed on motorcycles. Frequently, damage to the tyre is not immediately visible, they point ouot, and therefore motorists may be unaware of this until a potentially catastrophic failure occurs, thus putting the vehicle occupants and other road users at risk. ...Whilst it should be common practice for motorists, TyreSafe says that one method of reducing damage to tyres caused by potholes is to maintain them at the levels of pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Freelander grows up

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-01-24T19:26:21+00:00

What impressed those of us on the launch was the way that Land Rover had met the brief of a more affordable small 4x4, but with the sort of off-road ability that you would expect of a Land Rover. ...I can say that as witness to a Mitsubishi Shogun which ended up on two wheels, within a whisker of falling over, after the driver tried to slow her descent with the brakes. So impressed was I with the Freelander that, when we took the decision to become country dwellers, we paid a visit to our local Land Rover dealer and purchased a six-month old, extremely-low mileage model. ...You would expect reasonably good economy from a relatively small 4x4 with diesel power, but I thought 27 mpg on my daily commute was a bit disappointing, given that most of the 44-mile round trip is on country roads. ...For an off-roader it also has remarkably sharp steering, although on tall tyres it is never going to have the responses of a low-profile tyred hatchback.

Volkswagen Touareg - the discrete off-roader

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2008-01-11T12:21:38+00:00

Yet, when you tell someone you drive a Volkswagen Touareg, they are not likely to think big, or expensive, in the same way as they might about some other marques. ...It is spacious, powerful and capable - particularly in the five-litre V10 form that I drove for my most recent road test of this model. The range starts at £36,532 for the V6 3.2-litre and rises to £54,867 for my test car, the Touareg 5.0 V10 TDI SE - just one notch down from the top-of-the-range Altitude version. ...Many years earlier they had produced a military off-road vehicle and, of course, many of the company's mainstream models are available with 4Motion four-whee-drive as an option. ...Inevitably, such a big engine is not going to be the most economical and - on my daily commute - the Touareg V10 consistently returned just a fraction under 20 mpg.

Renault Laguna Sport Tourer

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-12-13T19:11:08+00:00

So, when I picked up the new Laguna Sports Tourer - which won't go on sale until January 2008 - it didn't really attract much attention for a model that no-one had seen on the roads yet. ...Although, the added bonus is that it perhaps has a little more Gallic design flair than some of the sombre, no-nonsense German car interiors. ...It's hard to argue with the economy though and even I can see the logic of the diesel when you look at the average consumption. ...My 44-mile daily commute returned more than 40 mpg, which is remarkable for a spacious estate car. ... Acceleration 0-62 mph is dispatched in a very rapid 8.7 seconds and the Sports Tourer will pull strongly right through to the legal limit.

Sell the Prius, it's not green enough

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-12-10T12:55:21+00:00

But this one is the Polo BlueMotion, which, in its basic form, has such low emissions that it costs nothing to tax in the UK and allows you free access to London Congestion Charge zone. ...With the addition of creature comforts like air conditioning, this version pushes double digit carbon dioxide emissions just into three figures – enough to qualify for tax, but buy the BlueMotion 1 and your tax and congestion charge are zero. ...If I head out the door with the keys to my own car, then that is a pretty sure indicator that I don't much care for the road test vehicle. ...In reality the Polo BlueMotion 2 bowls along quite happily and I found myself musing that, if this is the immediate future of motoring until zero emission cars become a reality, then it is not too bad. ...But, bear in mind that you are likely to get at least 10 mpg more, plus – if you stick with the BlueMotion 1 – you won't have to pay for road tax or London Congestion Charges.

Smooth sailing with London Congestion Charge

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-11-29T09:27:35+00:00

I have often wondered how easy it would be to pay the London Congestion Charge. Recently I found out. It was so easy that the first I knew of it was when the charge showed up on my credit card. Interestingly the charge applied to a day when my car was safely tucked up in its garage and I was enjoying the efficiency of Switzerland's outstanding public transport system!

C-Crosser comes late to the party

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-11-14T13:23:50+00:00

Considering that Citroen has had a long involvement in events like the Dakar Rally, in the tough off-road conditions of the Sahara, it's perhaps surprising that it has taken until now for the famous chevrons to appear on the nose of an off-road vehicle. ...But, when it comes down to the things that make a vehicle like this a pleasure to own - style, refinement and ability, then the C-Crosser gets more of a run for its money. ...I did find that progress in traffic queues was a little jerky (particularly until I became really familiar with things like clutch 'bite' points) due to the sudden transition between power on and power off. ...With its ability to run as a front wheel drive vehicle it is perhaps not surprising that it is a tad more economical, according to the figures, than the equivalent 2.2 Freelander. ...The Freelander, however, is the more technically advanced option for off-roading - it has Land Rover's Terrain Response system, where you dial in the conditions and the car adjusts the setting to suit.

Audi TT, now it is a driver's car

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-11-02T18:35:49+00:00

Such has been the pace of Audi’s new model programme in recent months that the German manufacturer has seen its UK sales continue to grow. ...If you want the four-wheel-drive version (and almost twice the UK average opt for four wheel drive in this area) then you need to go for the bigger 3.2 litre Quattro model. ...The test car also had the £1,400 S-tronic semi automatic gearbox, which, unlike most auto boxes, is actually fractionally quicker than the manual, shaving two tenths of second off the 0-60 time down to take just 6.4 seconds. ...Again this has been achieved with no loss of practicality, because the steering is remains light enough to make searching for elusive parking places in the centre of Aberdeen less of a chore. ...However, the options list is rather tempting and, with its S-tronic transmission, those amazing magnetic dampers and the Napa leather upholstery, plus other attractive items, the test car’s price ended up a little over £30,000.

Mazda MX-5 goes trendy

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-10-15T14:49:07+01:00

More than any other car, the Mazda MX-5 has taken over the market that the British motor industry, in a bout of corporate madness, abandoned. ...The seats are very much like traditional sportscar seats you sit low down with your feet slightly offset to the right, which is more noticeable in an era of front wheel drive cars where there is no transmission tunnel. ...Surprisingly in these days of six-speed gearboxes, the MX-5 retro feel is heightened by a short, stubby five-speed gearstick on top of a big power tunnel. ...But, this is the type of car that you will really enjoy on those rare occasions that you find a reasonably quiet country road. ...But, if much of your driving entails motorways or city roads, the great thing is that the MX-5 will prove perfectly practical - as long as you only have one passenger and a sensible amount of luggage.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-09-20T17:41:15+01:00

If your name is Mark Page and you scooped a jackpot of £4.7 million you wouldn't go out and buy Ferraris, Porsches or even a Rolls Royce. ...The 37-year-old father of two celebrated his win at St Andrews Old Course, announcing he would use his jackpot to retire and perfect his game. ..."I chose the Audi RS4 after seeing it on the ‘Top Gear’ programme," Mark explained, "and the Audi S5 coupe, because I liked the look of it. ...“We were delighted to assist Mr Page in his purchase of the two new Audi cars," said Mike Pugh, General Manager of Dundee Audi. “Both RS4 and S5 have big luggage compartments which allows easy storage of large items so Mark’s well-filled golf bags will fit perfectly!”

Tragic loss of Colin McRae in helicopter crash

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-09-16T13:23:50+01:00

The sporting world is reeling from news of the tragic death of Scotland's Colin McRae MBE, his five-year-old son Johnny and two family friends in a helicopter crash yesterday afternoon in Lanarkshire. Britain's first rallying World Champion was apparently piloting his Squirrel helicopter when it crashed in the trees close to his home. Our thoughts are with his family - his wife and daughter, father Jimmy McRae who was five times British Rally Champion, Colin's mother, his sister and his British Rally Champion brother Alister. ...When they were not competing they would be found trudging into the forests alongside all the other rally fans to enjoy the competition. We hope this closeness, combined with the knowledge that others are sharing their grief, will help pull them through this dreadful tragedy.

Ford give Focus Mondeo look

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-09-14T19:39:27+01:00

Ford has given the Focus a makeover that gives it the acclaimed family look of the new Mondeo. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show the updated focus has what Ford call their 'kinetic design' styling, designed to echo the looks of the new Ford Mondeo. In addition to the new Mondeo-style grilles and swept back headlights, the new Focus has bolder wheelarches and a new shape of rear window glass, with a contoured tailgate and new rear lights. Inside there are now soft-touch plastics on the instrument panel and upper doors. ...A new version of the 1.6 TDCi engine drops CO2 emissions to 119g/km.

I do not like being lied to

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-09-14T13:32:29+01:00

▪ A group of three people are likely to produce twice the carbon dioxide emissions if they choose to go by train, rather than in an averagely economical car! ▪ Even on a ten-mile commute an average car with four passengers is likely to produce half the CO2 emissions per head than if they went on a bus or coach. ... ▪ A Lancaster University study showed that a London to Edinburgh train, even if all the seats were filled, used more fuel per seat than a reasonably economical car. Fill less than all the seats on the train or put more people in the car and presumably again the environmental benefit will go more strongly to the car ▪ Studies in the UK and Germany have shown that travelling by public transport can be up to 60% less fuel efficient than travelling by car.

Nissan cash cow?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-09-13T17:14:36+01:00

The thought of a car that I could milk for money, sounded pretty attractive, but, unfortunately I think he had just fallen foul of the recent Oriental liking for strange names. ...It may look like an off-roader, but four wheel drive is only available as a £1,600 option on two-litre models. ...Certainly this car has some character about its external appearance - something that medium-sized Nissan family saloons and hatchbacks haven't always had. ...The most important tactile area of any car, the steering wheel, although stitched like fine leather rim, has a rather unpleasant grained plastic feel in the hands. ...The test car was also a really light an airy place to be, because it had a ginormous glass sunroof.

Mercedes' people-carrying semi SUV

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-09-11T14:28:24+01:00

But it currently has one less seat than most MPVs - six instead of seven, although there are rumours of a seven seat version to come. ...But they are still not ideal, so when you walk up to the R-Class with six family or friends be prepared for a scramble to get the front or the middle row of seats! ...Front and middle seat passengers have plenty of room. in the rear, the wheel arches mean the seats are close together but there is reasonable legroom and headroom. ...Should you want to shuffle the gears yourselves you use the discrete up and down switches on the back of the steering wheel - a little bit like the gear change paddles on a Formula One car. ...In this country there will be some for whom the R-Class is perfect - families with four kids, or grandparents, or friends and hangers-on.

Wraps off the radical new Jaguar XF

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-08-28T11:21:44+01:00

The design is quite close to the C-XF concept car in that it presents a coupé image while being a four-door saloon.

Kia goes mainstream

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-08-17T13:14:18+01:00

Even at tickover, when cold (the time that diesels usually emit most clatter) it is quite subdued and once you get going you would not know it was a compression ignition engine under the bonnet. ...Offhand, apart from a Polo diesel that did nothing less than 48 mpg no matter how hard I drove it, that is one of the best economy figures on a normal commute for a long time. ...I don't know whether it is a Cee'd foible or just the test car, but my time with it conincided with one of those rare warm periods this summer. ...The only other fly in the ointment for what is otherwise a very pleasant car to drive, is that Kia - in common with other Korean car companies - puts the steering column stalks the opposite way round to the accepted norm. If you drove nothing but this car you would soon get used to it, but for those of us programmed to the wipers on the right and the lights on the left, it is infuriating.

London congestion charge will hit some hard

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-08-09T09:35:31+01:00

The reason that early hybrid drivers may now have to pay a toll is because of the requirement that, to be exempt the engines need to comply with the Euro 4 specification. ... • The majority of cars - VED Bands C, D, E and those in F with emissions up to 225g CO2 per km – will continue to pay exactly the same daily charge as at present - £8 • The highest CO2 emitting cars - VED Band G and equivalent vehicles (above 225g CO2 per km), as well as those registered pre March 2001 with engines larger than 3,000 cc, will pay £25 a day ... ▪ The Association of British Drivers has reacted angrily to the proposals: "As the Mayor has pointed out, only 8% of cars registered in London will be affected, but only 10% of the CO2 emissions in London according to Transport for London are created by private cars. ... In practice, a third might stop driving into London, a third might pay the charge, and a third might switch to a lower emissions vehicle - in the last case they are very unlikely to save more than 50% of emissions as most vehicles in Band G only slightly exceed 225 gm/km and they are likely to switch to vehicles that are just under the limit.

Zero emission luxury cars take to UK roads

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-06-05T15:31:20+01:00

A fleet of three BMW Hydrogen 7s will take part in tomorrow's Revolve Brighton to London rally for low and zero-emission cars. ...During the course of the event, HRH The Prince of Wales, a Government Minister, the Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavron and a number of other dignitaries will be introduced to the world’s first hydrogen-powered emissions-free luxury saloon car. ...With its unique dual fuel engine, the driver of a Hydrogen 7 can switch quickly and conveniently from hydrogen to conventional petrol power at the press of a steering wheel-mounted button. ... To make this possible the BMW Hydrogen 7 comes with a conventional 74-litre petrol tank and an additional hydrogen fuel tank holding up to 8kgs of liquid hydrogen, stored at -253 degrees Celsius. Such flexibility means the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the vehicle at all times, even when the nearest hydrogen filling station is out of range.

Hamilton and Alonso fizzing in Hungary

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-08-06T15:54:04+01:00

But, following the shenanigans in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren team boss Ron Dennis clearly has to deal with a feud between his two drivers. It seems clear that World Champion Fernando Alonso was as surprised as anyone in Formula One when young Lewis Hamilton appeared on the scene and started winning races. Not so surprising, perhaps, since Lewis Hamilton - more than any other driver before him - has been groomed for years for his Formula One career. ...I have not had the pleasure to meet Lewis Hamilton, but those who have speak of him as being an absolute gentleman and utterly charming. ...This delay meant that Hamilton, who was queued up behind, was unable to get out for a final fast lap and the chance to improve his grid position.

Tribeca opens new market for Subaru

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-08-04T11:24:47+01:00

When Subaru first appeared in the UK they were seen as workhorse vehicles for rural types - pick ups and estate cars that had some added go-anywhere ability, thanks to their four-wheel-drive system. ...The Tribeca is a five or seven-seat MPV (the six and seventh chair are options and slot right in the back), but it can also lay claim to compete against some of the 4x4 crowd with its permanent four-wheel-drive system. ... It doesn't seem like a vehicle for serious off-road stuff, even compared with vehicles like the BMW X3, Volvo XC90 and Nissan Murano (which are the vehicles that Subaru would like the Tribeca to be compared with). ...Power comes from a three-litre six-cylinder engine and Subaru purists will be delighted to know that it is a "boxer" engine with the cylinders horizontally opposed, just like the Impreza. ...I still felt it wasn't entirely at home on twisty roads, especially if you don't use the manual change to drop down a gear to stabilise the car and provide a smoother get away out of the bend.

Drivers urged to "keep left"

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-08-02T14:29:18+01:00

To raise awareness of the problems caused by drivers who don't keep to the left lane, the Highways Agency has launched a DVD, presented by John Stapleton, called 'Stay Safe, Keep Moving'. ...Dual carriageways and other roads with multiple lanes provide the only other reason to be in the right-hand lane and that is when you are in the process of turning right. ..."I was out with the traffic officers and saw lines of cars in the middle lane, five, six, seven vehicles only using one lane of a major motorway," John Stapleton said. ...Everyone should be using the left hand lane when it is free, making best use of the full road and reducing congestion," says Stuart Lovatt, safety action plan co-ordinator at the Highways Agency. ..."In the late 50's and early 60's "courtesy cops" advised drivers how to use the lanes on the new dual carriageways and motorways We need to practise more courtesy on the motorways today, in order not to hold up those in a greater hurry than ourselves."

How anonymous is your car?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-07-25T10:11:31+01:00

Stripped of all identifiable marks, New Car Net tested the anonymity of a small selection of ten vehicles to see how much of a visual impression they had left on the average motorist. ...The Toyota Avensis, Volvo XC90 4x4 and Suzuki Swift were next on the list, recognised by only some of the visitors, while the most anonymous vehicles were the Peugeot 407, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Polo and the Vauxhall Zafira. In recent years manufacturers have been making great efforts to give their cars a recognisable 'face' to make them stand out in the market. ...That of course is where BMW, Mercedes and Rolls Royce have scored over the years, with their distinctive radiator grilles making the cars stand out as distinctive. Other manufacturers have been busy developing a distinctive style - Audi (above), Vauxhall (with the chrome V), Ford (with the trapezoidal grille) and perhaps most unfortunately Subaru.

Fiat 500 looks so good

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-07T09:34:41+01:00

Judging by the pictures of the new Fiat 500, its future looks very good indeed. ...The new Fiat 500 looks as cute as the old one and - at the same time - very much up to the minute. ...I remember in my student days a fellow student buying an old Fiat 500 which had seen better days. ...That, as much as anything else, is what sells small cars these days. It doesn't matter how good a small car is these days, if it doesn't have style it just won't sell.

Golf GTI still nimble after 30 years

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-10T22:36:46+01:00

And if you have been disappointed by the "softness" of some of the preceding models of GTI, this one is a cracker... a fire cracker! ...In simple terms the DSG is automatic in that it can be left to select its own gears, but whereas a normal automatic saps power and performance and tends to be less economical than its manual brethren, the DSG is more efficient. ...When you go into a corner on a trailing throttle they will, if anything, change up to a higher gear giving the car an unsettled feeling. To stabilise the car on a tight corner you really want to change to a lower gear to make the car sit flatter on the road. With sports mode and full self-preservation instinct engaged, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 30 will cover the ground on such 'give and take' roads at a remarkable and safe pace.

Mondeo man would hardly recognise it

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-07-24T21:05:04+01:00

I turned round and the questioner indicated his own Ford Mondeo across the car park and started asking all sorts of questions about this, the brand new model. ...“So,” I warned my new friend, “if your Mondeo is a tight fit in your garage, you will need to get the tape measure out before you buy this new one!” ...European buyers want a high specification as standard and they also like to ‘build their own car’ from an options list strong on goodies. ...It may be a bit bigger, but driving the new Mondeo around tight multi-storey car park ramps was not a chore. ...The brakes, however, do remain a shade on the light side for my liking and it is easy to set your passengers’ heads rocking as you press the pedal.

Grand Prix's "1st Class" heroes!

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-07-03T16:23:08+01:00

The two first class letter mail stamps feature Sir Stirling Moss in a 1957 Vanwall 2.5L and Graham Hill in a 1962 BRM P57. ...Jim Clark, winner of 25 Formula One Grands Prix, is pictured in his 1963 Lotus 25, while Jackie Stewart is in his 1973 Tyrrell 006/2. The final two stamps are for rest of the world airmail up to 20gm (78p) and feature James Hunt in his 1976 McLaren M23 and Nigel Mansell in a 1986 Williams FW11. "Over the decades Britain has produced some of the world's finest drivers and built many of the sport's most famous cars," says Julietta Edgar, Royal Mail's Head of Special Stamps. "By bringing the mena and their machines together we have tried to capture the speed, excitement and history of this incredible sport which will now be seen by millions on items of mail every day."

You face a long drive in future to fill up

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-11T16:21:21+01:00

Remember when getting a loaf of bread or a pint of milk meant just a short walk (or a short drive in the country) to the local corner shop? ...Our filling stations are currently closing at the rate of one per day, according to the Petrol Retailers' Association! That's bad news for road users who can no longer rely on filling up conveniently. It's bad news for people like me who hate queuing, because - as the number of filling stations dwindle - the only ones remaining get busier and we have to queue for the privilege of filling up our cars. ...The only winners now will the big supermarkets who really don't need to control more of our spending.

Ford returns to the convertible market

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-10T16:19:36+01:00

Just over a year ago I was driving a Ford Consul convertible down the road into St Andrews and it set me thinking about how long it had been since Ford had been in the market with a drop-top version of one of their mainstream models. ...Whereas some Coupe Cabriolets look a bit fullsome about the rump as a result of having to have a boot big enough to swallow the roof, the Focus looks sleek and stylish. ...As usual with coupé cabriolets the boot is big when the roof is up, but somewhat less when the roof is down - plus there is the roof in the way when you want to load or unload items. The Focus claims a 'best in class' capacity roof up or down and there is reasonable space to get small items in or out, when the roof is stowed. ...Not so many years ago the idea of a diesel cabriolet would have provoked derision, but this is a sweet and wonderfully torquey diesel with only the faintest hint of clatter at tickover to remind you that the engine is indeed compression ignition.

Jaguar and Land Rover tipped to go private

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-06-26T16:18:32+01:00

Jaguar and Land Rover will almost certainly be bought by private equity investors as there is no interest from any other car companies around the world, according to a leading city analyst. Max Warburton, head of automotive research at UBS Investment Bank, said that another part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, Volvo, will also be sold although there was a lot more interest in the industry in buying the Swedish company. ...Speaking at the Automotive News Congress in Prague, he added: “That being the case then private equity is the only answer for Jaguar and Land Rover. Given the recent interest from the private equity sector in Chrysler following the break up of DaimlerChrysler I am sure that a deal for these two brands can’t be far away.” ... He added: “While it’s not for me to comment on the future of Jaguar, I wish all my former colleagues well – Jaguar is still a fascinating brand with a rich heritage.

Anti-car brigade are stuck in the past

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-07T16:18:19+01:00

When are our politicians going to waken up to the fact that emissions from cars are something that simply won't be a problem in ten to twenty years time. Given that most "planning horizons" are ten years or more, our politicians are accelerating global warming by spouting a lot of hot air over a problem which will simply disappear. ...Well, although I haven't driven a hydrogen-powered cars, I know a man who has (as they say). He has proven that they are real and they work and they are running on our road are running on the roads now. ...Yes, hydrogen is difficult to produce and store at the moment, but we can be pretty confident that problem will be overcome.

New season McLaren and Renault Formula 1 clothing

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-06T16:15:53+01:00

The new McLaren and Renault F1 clothing is now in stock at Grand Prix Legends. Formula 1 clothing for McLaren and Renault are now up on Grand Prix Legends site. Bikesport ranges from Rizla Suzuki and Airwaves Ducati are also up. ...Aprilia Jackets and Fleeces (you can alter the url to land on another sub category for Aprilia) ...We are just in the process of uploading these products and the category structure will be changing so please go to our F1 site and look under Teams / McLaren for the new categories.

Green Umbrella invents a new government

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-06T16:14:53+01:00

A press release from Green Umbrella Sport and Leisure landed in my inbox this morning promoting a new DVD on the Greatest Ever TT Races. In the first sentence the press release says "In the early 20th century the English government refused to allow the closure of public roads for any sort of motor racing". ...I thought the English Government united with the Scottish Government in 1707. Or perhaps Green Umbrella missed that part of their nation's history? ...The United Kingdom Parliament.

Petition to scrap speed cameras reaches 20,000

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-04T16:11:05+01:00

Cameras are certainly seen by many road users as a means to raise cash and the evidence that they have improved road safety is questionable at the least. Government figures (Department of Transport) show that 'exceeding the speed limit' (which is what speed cameras check) is a factor in just 5% of accidents on our roads during 2005. ...Indeed, if anything, the dramatic reduction in accidents over the past fifty years has come to something of a plateau at the same time as the authorities became fixated with speed limits. ... • encouraging people to believe that they are perfectly safe as long as they drive within the speed limit (70 mph I am OK, 75 mph I am a danger), rather than to think about how the way they are driving is demonstrably (see the statistics above - 85% of accidents were caused by other than speeding) the BIGGEST danger. • encouraging drivers to fix their eyes on the speedometer not the road - despite the fact that not looking (at the road) properly causes six times the the number of accidents caused by exceeding the speed limit.

Hyundai Coupe - now more desirable

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-04-02T16:10:12+01:00

I remember going on the press launch for the first Hyundai Coupé (as opposed to its predecessor the Hyundai Scoupe - S Coupe get it?). ...It looked almost like one of those obsessive styles where the designer hasn't known where to stop and has kept fiddling and ended up spoiling the result. ...It is comfortable, if a little firm in the suspension at times, and it drives well. ...At a fiver under £18,000 you have a sporty looking coupe that looks the part for a price that is on a par with smaller 1.6-litre coupés. ...But to all the people to whom I indicated with the wipers I would like to say "sorry".

XK8 air intake icon meets resistance in USA

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-03-26T16:08:44+01:00

The delicious XK8 has been facing some unusual resistance in the US market. Speaking with Ian Callum, Jaguar's design director he tells how there is some resistance to the XK8's air intake which harks back to the E-type original (below). Although most people love this reminder of the iconic Jaguar E-type, apparently some Americans are baulking at the fact that it reminds them of the recently retired Ford Taurus. ...That E-type style front intake apparently reminds Americans of the Ford Taurus The irony is that this particular Ford Taurus facelift was carried out by none other than....

Budget blues

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-03-24T16:07:34+00:00

And the top whack of road tax is to go up to £300 then £400, but the bottom rate is going down by 35%... or is it? Yes, Gordon Brown's final budget was one of those typical Brown Budgets where he plays the magician and leaves you guessing as to what he has actually done. ...But, that is at least £50 more tax on the average car driver's annual tax bill and it comes on top of some of the highest fuel taxes in the world. ...Mindful, perhaps, that that would seem like a direct attack on rural road users, Chelsea Tractors maybe being unnecessary in Central London but essential in remoter areas of Wales or the Highlands, he jacked up the tax on various tax bands. ...The justification for this is that they put out more carbon dioxide to add to the 0.45% that there is currently in our atmosphere.

Now Scotland does a U-turn on tolls

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-03-12T16:06:20+00:00

With Scotland's parliamentary elections coming in just two month's time, Scottish Ministers are perhaps even more concentrated on their political futures than their Whitehall counterparts. ...The problem is that no-one trusts the Government when they suggest that the tolls would not be an additional expense, despite the weak suggestions that road tax (and possibly... perhaps... maybe fuel tax) would be reduced to compensate. ...Road users have been hit with so many messages about how naughty we all are for daring to use our cars and polluting the planet that we are a soft target. ... • Public transport is not always greener (studies in Germany and UK have shown public transport producing more pollution per head and a Lancaster University study showed that - even with all seats taken - an intercity train from London to Edinburgh produced more pollution than if the passengers all drove in reasonably economical cars!) ...The recent Channel 4 programme The Great Global Warming Swindle seemed to demonstrate pretty convincingly that carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere tended to result from the natural warming cycles of the planet, rather than vice versa.

Government getting cold feet on road tolls

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-02-14T16:04:29+00:00

But, while Government in London is making noises about backing away from a nationwide scheme, the Scottish Transport Minister Tavish Scott is proclaiming that his foot is still on the gas. ...The Scottish Conservatives have jumped on the e-petition bandwagon at www.scotlandsaysnototolls.com ...That last point rings true because, as the Rowantree Foundation (a respected social research organisation) pointed out some years ago, road tolls would impact hardest on those living on lower incomes. ...On the other side of the road pricing argument there are people, like myself, who might possibly support the principle of congestion charging if we could be absolutely certain that other road taxes would be reduced proportionately, so that that it was 'revenue neutral' - in other words the overall tax burden was not increased. The trouble is, every time I hear road toll proponents talk about reducing other road user taxes to compensate for road pricing, I see this squadron of pigs flying by my window.

African experience shows how much progress we have made on emissions

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-02-07T16:03:10+00:00

Time spent in heavy traffic in Nairobi was a graphic reminder of how much the air quality in this country has improved, thanks to improvements in vehicle emissions. At every traffic queue (and there are lots of them in Nairobi) the air was thick with the oppressive smell of petrol and diesel emissions. ...Looking around the cars and trucks it is obvious that most of them are older vehicles which have been kept on the road, due to the ingenuity of the thriving repair trade. ...At junctions it is the first person who flinches who gives way as cars inch closer and closer to each other in a test of nerve. ...Emission reduction is continuing to be achieved and - within a planning horizon of 10-20 years many of us will be driving genuinely zero emission cars.

C-XF signals new way for Jaguar

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-01-12T16:01:47+00:00

When I was a youngster I used to get so excited about every new car launch and get enthused about the new design direction it signified. ...If the new model does have any of the looks of the C-XF it will be aradical change from the S-Type. ...Its appeal is enhanced by the sporting coupé style body, with its rear doors carefully disguised and the handles somewhat concealed in the rear pillar. Quite what that does to rear seat headroom, has to be seen, because buyers in the S-Type market will presumably want to be able to take more than children in the back seat. But, if they can achieve anything like the stunning looks of the C-XF in the new S-Type (rumoured to be named the Jaguar XF) then it ought to be a winner.

Congestion charges could cost thousands for commuters

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-01-03T15:59:17+00:00

As more insight is gained into the Eddington Review, which proposes a system or road charging for England (similar charges are proposed in the National Transport Strategy for Scotland), it is becoming clear that motoring in the future could be very expensive. ...If there are hefty charges for driving into cities, will people not vote with their steering wheels and either go elsewhere or go home to do their business on the internet. ...We are told, of course, that these charges might be accompanied by a reduction in fuel tax, or road tax. ...But if we removed some of the bus lanes that constrict our roads and carried out some sensible road building and engineering things could be a whole lot better. ...Emissions from road transport are falling and, with new fuels and future fuel cells, the zero emission car is a very real prospect.

Nanny state gone mad?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2007-01-02T15:58:25+00:00

I had to check the date when I heard that the Crown Prosecution service has floated the idea that talking to a passenger while driving could be made an offence. ...If we are not allowed to speak to people or tune the radio, who is going to be responsible for all the accidents caused by the resulting bored and frustrated drivers? ...The fact that you have to hold the thing means you are driving one-handed while also potentially distracted by the conversation. ...And existing laws already adequately cover offences of driving without due care and attention, or reckless driving - should you insist on driving while your attention is distracted. ...Not when someone committing a more serious crime like breaking into a car or a house is quite likely to get off with a mere fine.

Tightening up on traffic law

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-12-15T15:57:03+00:00

There have been suggestions that the Government will toughen up on traffic law, increasing the potential penalties for various offences. Is this finally a recognition that the focus on enforcing speed limits is entirely out of proportion with its effect on road safety? ...That will only work if there is a similarly stiff penalty for drivers who obstruct overtaking lanes by not moving back left once they have overtaken. Obstruction of overtaking lanes is one of the biggest causes of frustration for following drivers and we all know that frustration is the cause of many accidents. In Australia there are big signs on their dual carriageways warning drivers of stiff penalties if they obstruct the overtaking lanes.

Chancellor avoids temptation to hammer road users... for the moment

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-12-08T15:56:18+00:00

Putting 1.25p on a litre of fuel could be seen as road users getting off lightly and, certainly, all the green campaigners who have been baying for motorists to be squeezed till their pips squeaked, have been clamouring to get on the media to tell us so. ...On the other side of the North Sea they have had low-energy homes (costing no more than a few hundred pounds per year to heat) and even zero energy homes for years. ...Within ten years - the way technology is going - our cars are almost certainly going to be zero emission in any case, even without tax incentives. ...As in the USA, these fields could be turned to growing fuel, providing income for farmers, low-emission fuel for our vehicles and reducing use of fossil fuels. ...If the civil liberty concerns of tracking every vehicle's movements could be addressed, road charging might be acceptable if it didn't mean an increase in taxes (in other words if fuel and road tax were scrapped).

Where are all the extra cars to come from?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-12-01T15:55:11+00:00

In advance on the Eddington Review which will propose a tax per mile for roads used, Professor David Begg said that the alternative was to build five times as many roads as are currently proposed. Where are all these extra cars, suggested in this horror-story scenario, supposed to come from? ...So where are the extra millions of cars going to come from to produce the predicted nightmare scenario and global melt down? Is the truth not that the government see a way to claw even more than the current £36 billion from road users? (Fat chance that they would actually cut fuel and road tax to ensure that the total take was no more!)

Kia makes a convincing case, but infuriates

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-11-21T15:53:50+00:00

It makes a very convincing case and is certain to become a more common sight on UK roads, particularly with the new more powerful 2.5-litre turbo diesel. ...I took it off road, where - with the flick of the dashboard knob - the Sorrento drops down into low ratio. ...Still, as a vehicle that would keep you going in the occasional snow, or across a muddy field to the local fete, the Sorrento makes good sense - especially when prices start at just £19,995. ...Yes, I know that the logical place for the indicator stalk on a right-hand-drive car is on the right and up until the 1960s that's where most British cars had them. ...Sure, if you owned a Kia, going to the right for the indicators and dipswitch would become natural.

Rong Wei for Rover

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-10-19T15:52:28+01:00

With Ford having bought the Rover name to protect their own Land Rover brand, SAIC - who bought the rights to the Rover models - have had to reconsider their plans to start producing the cars with the Rover badge. ...According to Autocar Rong Wei means "glorious power" in Chinese, but given the troubled past of Rover it is bound to be misconstrued. Would we still have Rover in Britain if it hadn't been for the hideous Models produced by that worst of corporate excesses, Leyland. Even before they heard that they could bend them by towing them, or that the rear window could pop out if you opened the other windows at speed, who would want to buy an Austin Allegro? ...This story somehow (can't imagine how) reminded me of the story of General Motors wanting to use the British name Nova (the predecessor of the Corsa) for wider markets... until someone pointed out it meant "doesn't go" when translated!

LUNI

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-10-18T15:51:37+01:00

As the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us, it is is as important a campaign now as it was then. If I had a £1 for ever car that I see lurking in the mist then I would have quite a tidy bit of pocket money. ...These idiots - as the original campaign accurately dubbed them - are dicing not only with their own lives, but with yours and mine. ...It is no leap of logic to then say that failure to make yourself visible is a potentially fatal mistake. ...Conditions are, of course, a matter of judgement - so the best rule is 'if in doubt, switch your headlights on'.

Why change our switchgear?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-10-07T15:50:02+01:00

I'm driving a Vauxhall Astra Twintop at the moment and very good it is too. But it has reminded me... why are manufacturers changing our switchgear to the type where the lever moves, but returns to its off position? ...On the new stalks you have to nudge them the opposite way to cancel, say, a right turn indicator. ...Not only was it more intuitive, but the position of the stalk gave you an indication of whether the wipers were on or off and whether you were indicating left or right. Oh well, I suppose I can't expect to change automobile design... but I'm glad to have got that off my chest!

Why do Japanese cars beep so much?

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-10-13T15:49:20+01:00

I've been driving a Nissan Note for the last week. ... This constant nagging of differing tones of beep gets a bit wearing after a while. Every now and then you feel like screaming at it: "What is it that you want?". There's a beep to tell you that you've opened the door, a beep to tell you that you have climbed into the car, a beep to tell you that you have stopped the engine and a beep to tell you you have closed the door. In fact the only time it seems to be quiet is when you have the engine actually running.

Government figures lead to questions over speed camera 'obsession'

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-10-12T15:47:04+01:00

Inevitably this has led to questions about what is seen as a disproportionate effort on speed limit enforcement, which has resulted in speeding fines leaping by 61% between 2002 and 2003. ...Given that non-speed related causes presumably account for 85% of accidents, therefore, you would assume that police effort should be apportioned to driver education and enforcement in some of these other areas to a greater degree than on speeding. Given the daily horrors and blatant flouting of our road traffic regulations that we all see every day on the roads, that has to be something that would be welcomed. This morning, alone on the way to work, I witnessed two instances of cars veering suddenly from the overtaking lane of the A96 dual carriageway to carry out an illegal and dangerous 70 mph slalom to overtake on the left. ...The two drivers who flouted one of the basic principles of our road traffic system that you only overtake on the right, except when in slow-moving lane traffic.

Hybrids can produce headline grabbing economy

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-09-18T15:45:41+01:00

I find out how to do 57.6 mpg in a 4.7-metre long off-roader (with a little practice and some help from downhill gradients!). ...Wondering if it was a fluke, I did the same over the next four days and was staggered to see the figure rise each day to finish at an astounding 57.6 mpg! ...They have taken to stopping the owners of so-called “Chelsea tractors” as they use their off-road vehicles to drop their kids at school in central London – with not a green lane or muddy field in sight. ...As with the Prius when you turn the ignition there is no sound of an engine bursting into life, just a little light on the dash to tell you the car is ready. ...Throw away your green mantle for a few minutes, tramp on the accelerator and this big vehicle will focus all three motors on the job of shifting its bulk from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds.

Powerful, responsive and exciting - the Audi A3 quattro Sportback DSG

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-09-13T15:43:45+01:00

Audi boasts that its A3 has the widest range of engines in its market segment and, when you stop to think about it, this 3.2-litre quattro is exactly double the capacity of the 1.6-litre entry model. With considerable reserves of power at your disposal, it is perhaps not surprising that this range-topper comes with Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system as standard. ...Gearchanges are not only smooth and almost imperceptible, but the shift is achieved so rapidly, and with the throttle still open, that you can retain the power balance through a series of twists and turns. ...The combination of the responsive and refined 3.2-litre engine, the quattro four-wheel-drive system and the DSG gearbox creates a driver’s car that brings a whole new sensation to some of Grampian’s best driving roads. ...Perhaps to highlight the difference and emphasise the Sportback as a different model, it is currently distinguished from its three-door siblings by the use of the full-height Audi front grille on the front.

Unclogging Britain's motorways

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-09-10T15:42:15+01:00

I recently drove along the M42 just as they were preparing to allow traffic to use a fourth lane, during peak periods, in a bid to beat congestion. ...I saw for myself the preparations that were being made, including the addition of emergency lay-bys - so that road users who break down can hopefully make it to the refuges which are installed at 500-metre intervals. When the hard shoulder is in use for traffic there will be a 50 mph limit across all lanes of the motorway. ...But, given the need to make best use of limited road space and to keep traffic moving, it is something that should be applauded. ... Standing traffic is burning fossil fuel and producing pollution for nothing - something that helps no-one, except those who own the oil wells and the refineries!

Jaguar's new XK is a real driver's car

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-09-10T15:40:41+01:00

Its structure and body are made of aluminium (just like the new XJ saloons) with the result that the new Cabriolet is a significant 135 kg lighter than the previous model. ...Select ‘sport’ and you begin to wonder what sort of telepathy is reading the road, the way this car seems to predict corners and select a lower gear on entry. ...It also gave me a chance to appreciate how well the soft top insulates the driver, not only from the elements, but also from wind and other road noise. ...Like the Cabriolet, this a very bonnie car and I fancy there are even some hints of the E-type in the look of the rear tailgate, although – unlike its forebear – the XK’s door isn’t side hinged. ...Just as Ian Callum’s design team have blended tradition with modernity, so the engineers have produced a car that is worthy of the XK badge, but also delivers new levels of the sort of driver satisfaction that younger owners will seek.

Brooklands a mecca for motoring enthusiasts

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-09-09T15:34:46+01:00

As we headed south on the A3 we saw the sign to the Goodwood Revival and kicked ourselves for having missed this motoring extravaganza par excellence. ...Even before entering the museums, just to stand on one of the remaining sections of the banked circuit and imagine what it must have been like for the motor racing pioneers was amazing. ...There's an excellent museum of flying with a reconstruction of the interior of a Wellington Bomber, which gives you the merest inkling of what it must have been like to fly in one of these machines. My biggest surprise was finding how cramped it was inside, claustrophobia must have added to the fear of enemy fire from below and above. ...Brooklands Museum tracks cars throughout the history of Brooklands which a few more recent Formula One cars including one emblazoned with Ayrton Senna.

500 horses harnessed and ready to go

driver@driveblog.co.uk — 2006-09-08T15:18:48+01:00

These days the Viper's power output has been raised to 500 bhp, but in 2000 it put out a 'mere' 400 bhp. ...When the 'M' button wasn't pressed I had the M6 set up in relaxed mode with 'only' 400 bhp, softer suspension and automatic mode, which occasionally proved surprisingly slow in changing gears. ...Helping with this is the aircraft-style,'head-up' display which projects the speedometer, warnings and in sports mode the rev counter onto the windscreen just below the driver's line of sight. ...Out on the soaking wet side roads, I was aware that there was enough power under my right foot to have the car spinning backwards through the nearest hedge were it not for the various electronic driver aids. ...At £80,755 on the road, it is quite possible that you might just have a villa in Spain or a yacht on the Med that would make this the ideal combination of practical and comfortable transport.