UK’s Top 10 car crime and road safety city hotspots

Vandalism, car crime and road safety concerns combined make London the worst city to keep your car, according to new research.

The latest insight from insurer Rias, which analyses 2016 police data with claims data and consumer research, shows that whilst London doesn’t have the highest level of car crime in the UK, when combined with car vandalism and people’s perception of road safety in their area, it tops the list for car crime and road safety concern.

Manchester is revealed as having the highest UK level of car crime, while Liverpool has low car vandalism rate and high perception of safe roads by residents.

City	Percentage of car owners who have had a car vandalised whilst parked in their home city	No. of car crimes per 10,000 registered cars	Percentage of residents who think their roads are unsafe	Overall Rank
London	33% (1)	162 (3)	39% (=3)	1
Bradford	7% (7)	176 (2)	64% (1)	2
Leeds	13% (=2)	113 (6)	39% (=3)	3
Manchester	8% (6)	198 (1)	29% (7)	4
Birmingham	11% (4)	89 (7)	38%(6)	5
Sheffield	4% (=9)	122 (5)	39% (=3)	6
Bristol	11% (8)	76 (9)	44% (2)	7
Edinburgh	9% (5)	86 (8)	25%(8)	=8
Glasgow	13% (=2)	48 (10)	18%(=9)	=8
Liverpool	4% (=9)	152 (4)	18%(=9)	10

Data taken from official police figures and the ONS vehicle licensing register

In terms of the number of car crimes committed, Bradford (176 car crimes per 10,000 cars) ranks as second, with London (162 car crimes per 10,000 cars) coming in third.

In contrast, people are four times less likely to suffer from car crime in Glasgow compared with Manchester (48 versus 198 per 10,000 cars), which is the safest city for car crime out of the top 10 most populated cities in the UK. Bristol has the second lowest car crime rate at 76 crimes per 10,000 registered cars.

While London sits in the top half for overall car crime, it tops the table for car vandalism by a significant margin. A third (33%) of London car owners have had their vehicle damaged or vandalised while parked in the capital. This is significantly higher than Glasgow and Leeds (both 13%) or Birmingham and Bristol (both 11%).

However, it appears moving cars are generally better off in London where six out of 10 (61%) London motorists describe the roads as ‘safe’. Four out of five of Glasgow’s motorists (82%) describe the roads as safe.

Bradford seems to have the least safe roads out of the top 10 most populated cities in the UK, with only a third (36%) considering their roads safe. Bradford motorists cite local drivers ignoring the speed limits (54%) as the most prominent reason for the city being considered an unsafe place to drive.

Rias also undertook further research to find out people’s perceptions of the clocks going back and impact on street crime and car theft. As a result of the nights getting darker earlier, almost one quarter (24%) felt there would be a negative effect on street crime, and just over a fifth (21%) believed there would be the same
effect on car thefts.

It appears these fears may not be unfounded. According to Rias claims data, over the past three years on average there has been a 78% rise in the number of motor insurance claims from the day before the clocks go back to the day after.

“Wherever you park your car, having the right level of cover is essential in maintaining peace of mind,” said Adam Clarke of Rias. “While official data appears to show that some cities have higher vehicle crime rates than others, people should always be mindful of crime in their city, town or village and not get complacent even the
crime rate is low.”

“And when the clocks go back, being more alert to other road users is essential to avoid unfortunate accidents whilst you’re out and about.”

Top tips from Rias to protect your car include:

• Never leave valuables on show in a parked car – they make a tempting target for smash and grab opportunists.
• Anti-theft devices do a great job of deterring thieves. Having some kind of measures in place makes your car a much more difficult target.
• Turning your wheels towards the kerb when parked can also deter thieves who are discouraged by a car that will take more time to drive away.
• Be sure your car is locked before walking away – this mistake is more common than people think.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/uks-top-10-car-crime-road-safety-city-hotspots/
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Nissan’s all-electric mobile office

Nissan has teamed up with UK-based design workshop Studio Hardie to transform its zero-emission e-NV200 van into the world’s first all-electric mobile office.

The e-NV200 WORKSPACe is a professional office environment on wheels features an integrated fold-out desk, touchscreen computer, wireless internet, smartphone-controlled LED lights, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth audio system, mini fridge and barista-quality coffee machine.

The concept paints a picture of what desk-based employment could look like in the future as hot-desking and flexible working grows in popularity across the globe.

The one-off vehicle also provides an example of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision, and the company’s view of how the relationship between vehicles and people are changing.

During 2015 the number of co-working and hot-desking spaces worldwide increased by 36% as small businesses and working professionals looked for increased mobility and a more cost-effective alternative to traditional city-centre office space.

Today, the average UK commuter already spends £3,582 on travelling to work each month, with London office space fetching £16,193 per square metre annually, and estimated to rise a further 1.4% over the next year.

With electric vehicles costing as little as £0.02 per mile to run, the e-NV200 WORKSPACe offers a cost-effective desk space solution allowing users to work for free in some city centres that offer free EV charging bays, or escape the city altogether for the countryside or coastal fresh air.

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How classics influence the cars of today and tomorrow

The car has been with us in one form or another for some time now, and after thousands of companies and consequently, millions of different models, it’s getting harder and harder to be original in the world of car design.

This leads to all sorts of questions about the nature of creativity and originality. Where will the next aesthetic trend come from? Technology? Material science? Fashion? They’re all possible sources of inspiration for car designers the world over.

And what of the past? Do classic cars have a direct influence on the cars of today and tomorrow? Many would argue that motoring’s current ‘white goods’ level of ubiquity suggests not.

Companies are constantly on a mission to be more financially efficient, so platform-sharing has become commonplace. The Gold, Audi A3 and Octavia were a solid case in point. This can sometimes hinder the design process, as not all the designer’s ideas and flourishes can be employed as the car needs to satisfy three manufacturers.

Then there’s the safety element. New cars have stricter-than-ever standards to meet, and again, this can influence the direction of a car’s aesthetic.

Back in the good old days, cars were designed from the heart first. They were the metal embodiment of all things exciting and radical. The only real concession a designer had to make was to ensure there was in fact enough room for the engine and some people. Other than that, it was pencil-based carte blanche – a giddy time in design indeed.

But what about now, in the age of technology and science? Can flair still be a part of a car’s image. Can those classic lines of the past find their way onto new, modern metal? We want to know the art behind it, and what the cars of the past can bring to cars of today and tomorrow. To do that, there was only one thing we could do: bring in two time-served car designers.

Firstly, we spoke to Stephen Harper. Currently at the helm of his own company, SHADO, Stephen has been designing cars all his life.

He dabbled with the Metro, he worked on the MG-F, there’s a mass of Volvo metal out there representing Stephen’s penmanship and he also designed a modern classic. Yes, this is the man behind the Escort RS Cosworth. We asked him; do cars of the past bring elements of design through to cars of the present?

“Sometimes they do… and at other times they don’t even come close. But in the case of the latter, it’s because some brands have no real history to pull from. However, a small detail of consistency can often define a brand that’s looking to identify itself. Like the shoulder-line on a Volvo. It’s been there ever since the 144.

“There’s the hockey-stick D-pillar at BMW, too. It’s a feature that still makes its way to every car released. It’s become classic through being constantly applied.”

So you can make your own lines classic and use them to identify the brand. It’s clever stuff, but only if it’s all yours, as Stephen explains: “Rarely do you steal features from outside your own box. You have to be fresh. It’s in homage, a hint at what someone could latch on to. Though in reality if it’s not as blatant as the new Beetle/500/MINI no one really notices. But, us designers still try and bring those lines through!”

So the classic lines and ideas are implemented subtly, unless of course it’s blatant re-birth of a car with modern underpinnings. Or of course, the classic lines are earned ‘in-house’ after decades of use. Though there are people with a different outlook, like Matthew Humphries.

He’s worked on many an automotive project, most notably as Morgan’s Head of Design for a number of years. And you can’t get more classic than that. What’s his take on bringing forward the styles of old?

“I think there are different elements that are considered with different vehicles.  If I was to use a vintage car for influence (this could still be a 60s or 70s car) it’s all about the essence.  What made the vehicle great?  Was it the construction, the materials used?  Was it the way the package dictated the design?  It could even be the story.

“For example, if I was to re-design a Bentley ‘Blue Train’ it would be about the journey.  How would the design expose the feeling of that journey?

“With other ‘iconic’ cars, key lines and characteristics can be used as a hook for the consumer to relate to the original, but just producing retro designs is not the key.  The new 500 doesn’t remind you of the original just because of the shape of the lights.  It has a certain charm that the original did.  It’s a mix of materials/the way the light is let in the cabin etc.”

An important observation there. The essence and capturing it, is that the key to emulating the cars of the past? It certainly sounds like it. Though as Matthew goes on to explain, there’s another fundamental element to be considered, too.

“Proportion is always the key to capturing the instant recognisable feature. If a car is proportioned correctly from wheelbase to roof height, it works. That’s why, as designers, we still need to look back to classics and understand them before we can abstract them. It was exactly the same with Picasso. He learned and respected classic paintings before understanding how to abstract them.”

So yes, inspiration from the classics is still very much alive and well. But only when it’s done right, when it’s respected and when it’s brought into modern times with care, compassion and consideration.

It just goes to show that while the computers and accountants might make the fight for beauty and design harder, those people with the pens, pencils and inspiration can still push on through.

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McLaren F1: simply the best

The McLaren F1 has been crowned the Greatest Supercar Ever at The Classic & Sports Car Show.

Built between 1992–1999, the F1 beat a host of other icons to the title including the Jaguar XK120, Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, Lamborghini Miura, Lamborghini Countach and Bugatti Veyron.

The brainchild of genius engineer Gordon Murray, the F1 shocked the world right from the start. It was light at 1138kg – thanks in no small part to its stunning Peter Stevens-penned carbon fibre body – and hugely powerful with a bespoke BMW-designed 627bhp 6.1-litre V12.

The process to decide which car would receive the accolade began earlier in 2016 when Classic & Sports Car’s experts drew up a supercar ‘long list’.

Three cars from each decade of the past 100 years were chosen – then the roll call was thrown open to the public.

At the end of September the list of 33 was whittled down to 11 as the most popular from each decade was selected as a finalist.

After more than 17,000 votes were cast, the McLaren F1 was the overwhelming winner, taking more than 30% of the overall vote.

The other finalists:

Up to 1914
Mercedes 1908 GP

1914-1929
Bentley 41/2-litre Blower

1930s
Alfa Romeo 8C

1940s
Jaguar XK120

1950s
Mercedes 300SL ‘Gullwing’

1960s
Lamborghini Miura

1970s
Lamborghini Countach

1980s
Ferrari F40

1990s
McLaren F1

2000s
Bugatti Veyron

2010s
McLaren P1

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New Citroen van gets rally shakedown

World Rally stars Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle have put the new Citroen Dispatch van through its paces in the only way they know how!

The duo, who normally campaign a DS3 in the FIA championship, gave the Dispatch a thorough shakedown on a specially prepared rally handling stage.

“I’m impressed, that was really good – I enjoyed it,” admitted Kris.

“With slippery conditions on the stage, New Dispatch coped really well. It gave me the stability I needed in the corners, with great handling, which made it easy and fun to drive.”

Citroen says the new Dispatch is “inspired by the world of passenger cars and SUVs” and it was designed “with efficiency and user-friendliness in mind”.

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Peugeot 308 GTi review

These days we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hot hatches.

Admittedly, some are more warm than hot, but not everyone wants to drive around in an overgrown go-kart.

The Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R occupy the hardcore end of the spectrum, while the Golf R and Audi RS3 are a little more grown-up, but if you’re looking for something more restrained, then the Peugeot 308 GTi should definitely be on your shortlist.

Sporty in a discreet way, the 308 has a fine pedigree because it’s been developed by Peugeot Sport no less. And remember, Peuegot knows a bit about this sector – the Peugeot 205 GTi of the 1980s is, after all, one of the legendary hot hatches.

Attractively styled, the 308 GTi can be differentiated from its more regular stablemates by an exclusive black radiator grille, sexy red brake callipers, 19-inch alloys, a few discreet Peugeot Sport and GTi badges and an 11mm lower stance.

There are two versions available (both five-door) – it’s just a question of whether you want the 250bhp or 270bhp four-cylinder engine.

My test car was the more powerful of the two. Priced at £28,890, it came with supportive sports seats, leather and alcantra upholstery, plus a tiny steering wheel (measuring just 35 x 32cm).

The cockpit design has a unique Peugeot feel. Classy and distinctive, the raised instrument binnacle features cowled retro-looking dials set back slightly, while the clutter-free centre console is dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen.

Red piping on the dashboard, door panels and floor mats and an aluminium tipped gear lever complete the sporty look.

Press the Start button and the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which until recently graced the RCZ R coupe (God rest its soul), fires up with a gorgeous growl.

Purists point out that it’s artificially enhanced via the speakers – all I know is that it’s a soundtrack I would never tire of.

It’s a sweet and deceptively powerful unit capable of propelling the GTi 270 to 62mph in six seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and Torsen limited slip differential, progress is as rapid or relaxed as you want it.

There’s bags of grip in dry conditions, but it should be treated with caution in the wet where the front wheels struggle slightly for traction, while the brakes provide serious stopping power.

The car is set up beautifully. Slightly firmer than half-fat 308s, it’s still comfortable, yet fast and totally planted.

Performance is one thing, but the GTi is economical too, if you can resist the temptation to plant your right foot. In theory, 47.1mpg is possible, though in the real world it’s likely to be closer to 35-40mpg, while CO2 levels are a low 139g/km.

The Sport mode deserves a mention. Press the button and the dials turn an angry red, the ride firms up and the exhaust note is even more intoxicating.

The GTi 270 may not be as fast as the Focus RS or as hardcore as a Civic Type R, but it’s a car that can thrill one minute then handle the school run the next.

Verdict: Understated, yet packing a punch, the 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport is a stylish, entertaining, comfortable and practical alternative hot hatch.

Review: @garethherincx

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Valvoline to keep Manchester City moving

Valvoline has teamed up with Manchester City to become the Premiership giant’s ‘Official Automotive Lubricants Partner’.

Throughout the multi-year partnership, City and Valvoline will work together on a series of innovative marketing campaigns that will exemplify their passion for progress and excellence, whilst also bringing them closer to their respective supporters and customers across the globe.

Valvoline, which has been “keeping the world moving since 1866″, and Manchester City will work together on a series of innovative marketing campaigns, bringing them closer to their respective supporters and customers across the globe.“Keep Moving” will be a key theme in this alliance.

“Everyone at Manchester City is excited to kick-off our partnership with Valvoline,” said Damian Willoughby, Senior Vice-President of Partnerships for City Football Group.

“As a globally recognised organisation which operates across a range of markets where our fan base is strong and continuing to grow, we are looking forward to collaborating with them to connect with our global supporters in new and engaging ways.”

Craig Moughler of Valvoline added: “We are very pleased to connect in this way with the most followed sport on earth.

“Since football is so relevant to our customers globally, this is a unique opportunity to take a global branding and advertising programme and activate it in regional and local markets all around the world. We’re excited to unleash the power of these two storied organisations and their forward-moving brands.”

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Confessions of a UK motorist

Have you ever used your phone whilst driving? Had a quick check of Facebook? Driven off after clipping another car? Be honest and take an anonymous quiz…

A survey by car and van insurance company, Staveley Head, has revealed the secrets about driving in Britain today.

For instance, a huge 94% of motorists admit to exceeding the speed limit – which means that just 6% of motorists drive at legal speeds.

More than half (55%) still use their phones while behind the wheel even though it’s been illegal since 2007.

Women are more likely to hit your car and drive away, while 44% of men admit to driving after a drink – even if they think they may be over the limit.

Take the online quiz…

“We were surprised by some of the results from the survey. As an insurer of thousands of commercial vehicles every year, we know that the majority of drivers are extremely careful on the roads,” said Ashley Peters of Staveley Head.

“However, of those who completed the survey, we did discover groups who freely admitted to speeding, using their phone while on the move and even potentially driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

“It goes without saying that we would always recommend people take the upmost care behind the wheel and that they abide by all the laws of the road at all times.”

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Autumn half-term getaway traffic alert

Beware of busy roads on Saturday October 22 when half-term getaway traffic is predicted to peak with around 4.4 million leisure journeys.

In all, RAC Traffic Watch reckons more than 15 million separate leisure trips will take place between Friday 21 and Monday October 24.

The RAC advises that roads are likely to be busiest on the evening of Friday October 21, when leisure and commuter traffic combine, and again on the mornings of Saturday 22 and Monday, October 24.

“This coming week will be the last chance for many people to have a break before Christmas so it’s understandable that millions of us are set to take to the roads to spend time with friends and family,” said RAC Traffic Watch’s Rod Dennis.

“We’ve had a long period of pretty settled weather recently and while things might be set to cool down a little into next week, there is still likely to be a lot of dry weather about – meaning this half-term will be a great time for families to pack up the car and get away for a day or more.

“A few basic checks of the car now can save real headaches later, so we’re advising drivers to have a look at things like oil, coolant and washer fluid levels before they set out on a long car trip. And don’t forget to check each tyre for tread and pressure – last year nearly 600 road accidents were caused by motorists driving on illegal, defective or underinflated tyres.

“The sun lingers lower in the sky now that we are well into autumn, so anyone setting out early in the day or around sunset needs to be mindful of glare. Every year there are between 2,500 and 3,000 accidents on UK roads caused by the dazzling sun so motorists should make sure they have suitable eyewear with them that is within easy reach.”

Predicted leisure car journeys by day

Friday 21 October	3.8 million
Saturday 22 October	4.4 million
Sunday 23 October	3.5 million
Monday 24 October	3.8 million
Tuesday 25 October	2.5 million
Wednesday 26 October	2.8 million
Thursday 27 October	2.2 million
Friday 28 October	3.1 million
Saturday 29 October	2.8 million
Sunday 30 October	1.6 million

RAC members can quickly report a breakdown using the new RAC app – and those with an iPhone can use its in-built GPS to easily help report their location to the RAC’s breakdown assistance team.

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Toro Rosso’s awesome new timepiece

Formula One team Scuderia Toro Rosso and Casio have launched a new watch to mark their official partnership.

The new addition to the Casio Edifice line costs £200 and combines “dynamic design with advanced technology”.

The limited edition EFR-554TR uses Toro Rosso’s red team colour to accent the second hand and the hands of the inset dials, while navy blue and gold are highlighted on the case as well as the hour and minute hands.

The team’s logo is emblazoned on the watch face and back cover, while three inset dials evoke motor sports, giving an even sportier look to this model. The new watch is specially packaged and comes with a display stand and a commemorative card.

“I am proud to be able to launch a watch that symbolises our official partnership with the youthful and promising Scuderia Toro Rosso. We look forward to the future success of the team,” said Casio’s Shigenori Itoh.

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Revealed: UK’s angry women drivers

Women drivers are angrier than men, claims new research.

A study of 1,000 UK drivers for Hyundai Motor UK revealed that women are, on average, 12% angrier than men when they’re behind the wheel.

In an experiment conducted by Patrick Fagan, a behavioural psychologist at Goldsmiths University, London, drivers were ‘sense tested’ to see how sound, sight, smell, touch and taste provoke emotional responses in different driving scenarios.

Researchers found driving sparked ancient ‘defence’ instincts from when humans were hunter-gatherers.

These evolutionary traits kicked in during the test when women were either undertaken, shouted or beeped at, had to deal with a back-seat driver (women 14% angrier) or were faced with a road user who failed to indicate (women 13% angrier).

In all test scenarios, women were more likely to respond with anger than male drivers.

The study found there are two dominant emotions: happiness – intrinsically linked to a sense of freedom when driving – and anger when drivers feel out of control.

New test

Hyundai and Fagan have used data from the research and cutting-edge technology to create the world first Driving Emotion Test (DET). This unique experiment involves facial coding technology, eye tracking analysis, galvanic skin response and a heartrate monitor to record how specific stimuli impact our emotions when we’re driving. The results are then fed into specially-created software to provide subjects with a unique DET score.

An online version of the DET is available at www.houseofhyundai.com, where free tickets to House of Hyundai – a three-day sensory experience on the November 4-5 at Unit London in Soho – can also be secured. The event is aimed at inspiring motorists and giving them a glimpse into what the future of driving could look like.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK’s President and CEO added: “We are constantly striving to better understand what impacts people’s behaviour when they are driving and this research has certainly revealed some interesting, and somewhat surprising results. By examining drivers’ emotions, our aim is to help them get a better drive both today and in the future.”

Other key findings include:

• The primary reasons for our continued love affair with driving are the freedom it gives us (51%), mobility (19%) and independence (10%)
• If you want a man to open up, take him for a drive. Just under a third (29%) of men said they find it easier to have a conversation in the car – 14% added that a chat actually makes them a better driver
• 54% of Brits said the thing that made them really happy in the car was singing – which explains why Carpool Karaoke has resonated with so many people
• When the researchers looked at what makes us happy behind the wheel, 84% of people said “empty roads”, 78% said “the countryside” and 69% “the seaside”
• Music also makes drivers happy. Eight out of 10 people nearly always listen to something while driving with Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody top of the driving charts. Pop (70%) and rock (61%) are the most popular genres

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Hyundai Ioniq review

The pace of change in the car industry has been palpable since “dieselgate”. Suddenly, ultra low and zero emissions feature in all manufacturers’ game plans.

Hyundai has been ahead of the curve and is first out of the box with a new breed of eco car – one that can cater for all tastes.

Meet the all-new Hyundai Ioniq – the first car available as an electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid.

Those willing to wave goodbye to the internal combustion engine altogether can opt for the 100% electric version, while others looking to dip their toes into the brave new world can go hybrid.

Next year a PHEV, or plug-in hybrid version, will be launched – a halfway house for those wanting the best of both worlds and still not yet ready for possible range anxiety.

The Ioniq shares a platform with its cousin, the Kia Niro, which will also be available in three versions.

Unlike the Niro crossover, the Ioniq is a more conventional hatchback, though with a drag coefficient of just 0.24, it’s also very sleek.

The styling is more modern than futuristic, but it’s not weird like some rivals. The back is dominated by a spoiler built into the the rear hatch, while the front grille in the hybrid features active air flaps no less, making it extra slippery.

The electric version doesn’t have a grille at all because there’s no need to cool the engine. Instead there’s just a smooth, body-coloured panel.

The Ioniq’s most obvious rival is the pioneering Toyota Prius – now in its fourth generation. But here’s the thing – with prices starting at £19,995 for the hybrid, it’s around £3,000 less than the Toyota. In other words, Hyundai has taken a giant step in making hybrid technology available to the masses.

The fully-electric version costs from £24,495 (including the government grant of £4,500), is £1,500 cheaper than a Nissan Leaf, however, there’s no price yet for the plug-in hybrid next year, but it could be a game-changer.

The Ioniq comes with Hyundai’s excellent five-year warranty, plus eight years/125,000 miles cover on the high-voltage battery.

Inside there’s space for a family of five. Legroom at the back is average and taller adults might struggle for headroom due to the sloping roofline.

That said, the seats are comfortable and the dashboard and centre console are well laid out, with a solid look and feel.

Hyundai claims the Ioniq features an “innovative use of recycled or ecologically-sensitive materials”.

For instance, the interior door covers are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone, the headliner and carpet include raw materials extracted from sugar cane, while the paint features renewable ingredients extracted from soy bean oil.

The Ioniq, which comes in refreshingly few trim levels, is well equipped, and there’s plenty of tech and driver aids available.

Ioniq Hybrid

A 105bhp 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine and 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery powering a 32kW electric motor combine to boost the engine’s power and torque to 139bhp and keeping CO2 emissions as low as 79g/km and fuel economy officially as high as 83.1mpg.

The hybrid powertrain is mated to a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, which is close to a conventional auto box.

The system uses braking regeneration and surplus engine power to charge the battery, which then drives the motor. At very low speeds you can drive on electric only, switching to both on harder acceleration, or engine only when maintaining higher speeds.

The Ioniq Hybrid is no sports car. It’s designed for efficiency, reaching 62mph in 10.8 seconds and going on to a top speed of 115mph.

Drive is in a leisurely fashion and you’ll be fine, try to push it and the engine will get more vocal and the gear changes lose their slickness.

During a mixture of city driving and country roads, we managed 50mpg, but I’m sure closer to 60mpg is possible on the right kind of journeys.

The ride is smooth enough, but don’t go expecting sharp handling if you’re in a hurry. The impressive luggage space is worth a mention too – the deep, shallow boot has a 550-litre capacity.

Ioniq Electric

A 28kWh Lithium-ion Polymer battery helps the electric motor generate a healthy 119bhp on the pure electric version of the Ioniq.

On paper it’s capable of 174 miles on a single charge and there are three driving modes – Sport, Normal and Eco. Top speed is 103mph and 0-62mph acceleration is between 9.9 and 10.2 seconds, depending on your mode.

Apart from a tell-tale slight whine at low speeds, the Ioniq EV is whisper quiet and feels zippy enough with plenty of instant response from the electric motor. Press the Sport button and there’s a definite power boost, but Eco will do just fine.

The brakes seem spongy at first, but that’s not unusual with an electric car because there’s a lot of clever tech going on behind the scenes such as regenerative braking.

There are different levels of regenerative braking available and they are controlled via paddles on the steering column (not unlike the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV).

Set it to the highest level and this noticeably slows the car, but it quite possible to find a happy medium. In fact, you’ll soon start using the paddles as much as the brakes to slow down. And one thing’s for sure, it’s very satisfying to know that everything from braking to coasting is recharging your battery and booting your
range.

For me, the Electric’s ride seems smoother and the handling is better than the Hybrid’s, and of course, it’s very quiet too.

The car can be rapid charged to 80% in 33 minutes on a fast charger. From the mains on a three-pin plug, a full charge will take 12 hours from empty or around 4-5 hours on a public fast charger.

It’s not all good news, the EV has less boot space thanks to a larger battery pack than the hybrid so (shallow) capacity is down from 550 to 455 litres.

Verdict: Respect to Hyundai. In three giant steps, the impressive Ioniq makes eco-friendly motoring more attainable than ever.

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/hyundai-ioniq-review/
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Million motorists haven’t driven since passing test

Nearly one million licence holders in Britain haven’t driven since passing their test, new research has revealed.

A poll conducted by comparethemarket.com also found that one in 10 of all licence-holders in Britain haven’t driven in the past year – with a crisis of confidence and financial barriers stopping them from getting behind the wheel.

More than a third of ‘parked’ motorists (37%) said the “costs of driving are too high”, while a quarter (25%) admitted they “no longer have the confidence to drive”.

Despite being statistically safer, women are much less confident drivers than men. Almost triple the number of women (12.5% vs 4.6%) admitted that they “don’t feel confident” behind the wheel compared to men, while three times more female ‘parked’ drivers (22% vs 7%) said they don’t drive because they “fear having an accident.”

This long-term lack of confidence is extremely tough to overcome, with half (50%) of all ‘parked’ drivers confessing that they “wouldn’t feel confident driving again”, while more than one in three (36%) stated that they wouldn’t drive again without professional refresher lessons.

One likely cause of this statistic is the fact that people are starting to drive as early as possible, with the research finding that more drivers pass their test aged 17 than any other age.

Nearly one in 10 (9%) drivers said that they felt “pressured” to pass their test at a young age and a fifth (21%) admitted they didn’t actually consider the costs of driving before taking their test.

“Passing the driving test is a big moment in anyone’s life but this research shows that it’s not always the start of a motoring love affair,” said Simon McCulloch of comparethemarket.com.

“It can be extremely hard – and expensive – for ‘parked’ drivers to get back behind the wheel, and as this video shows it’s a good idea to take it slow and get professional help when you do hit the road again.”

The post Million motorists haven’t driven since passing test appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/million-motorists-havent-driven-since-passing-test/
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Alfa Romeo MiTo’s art attack

The new enhanced MiTo was given a unique challenge for its UK launch.

A masked pro-driver used Alfa Romeo’s exclusive DNA driving mode selector to create a MiTo work of art in a special warehouse course spiced up with powder and paint.

Starting in Dynamic mode, the MiTo blasted through the paint powder circuit with ease, showing off its sporty performance and stylish new look.

Once the All-Weather mode was selected, the slippery paint also proved no challenge to the new Alfa MiTo thanks to the mode’s improved control and handling in adverse weather conditions.

In an industry first, the video was captured using the new dual camera feature on the water resistant new iPhone 7 Plus.

The new Alfa MiTo, which features a new look and more technology, is available to order now from Alfa Romeo showrooms with prices starting from £12,960.

To find out more about the Alfa MiTo Work Of Art campaign, visit the Alfa Romeo website – http://www.alfaromeo.co.uk/mito-art

The post Alfa Romeo MiTo’s art attack appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/alfa-romeo-mitos-art-attack/
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“Ice man” melts into Fireman Kimi

Formula One star Kimi Raikkonen has taken part in a unique job swap – becoming a firefighter for the day.

The Ferrari ace took the wheel of an 18-tonne fire truck, usually driven by Mohd Uzair bin Abdullah – a veteran with Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department.

The Shell V-Power high-speed challenge took place at a specially constructed track in Senawang, Malaysia.

“I take my hat off to firefighting experts like Uzair whose job is to protect us all,” said Kimi.

“Whilst I never thought our jobs had any similarities, today I have learnt that protection and performance are important in both of our worlds,” said Kimi on the Job Swap challenge.”

The post “Ice man” melts into Fireman Kimi appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/ice-man-melts-into-fireman-kimi/
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Shop for a Caterham at Harrods

Meet the special edition Caterham designed by world famous department store, Harrods.

The £59,999 car is on display in the store in Knightsbridge, London, throughout October for Harrods Man month.

On sale exclusively in store, the car includes personalisation options Caterham buyers can add to their vehicles, including paint colours and designs, dashboard and interior styling, embroidery and even the colour of the chassis.

Painted in Harrods green, it also features a custom white stripe and gold pinstripe while, beneath the bodywork, the chassis has been powder-coated in gold.

Inside the cockpit, the butterscotch leather upholstery also reflects Harrods’ colour scheme, while the store name is embroidered on the seat backs and the Harrods ‘H’ adorns the gear knob.

The car’s styling was created in conjunction with Harrods and its design team and buyers can pick one up in store along with their fashion and luxury items.

“The Caterham Seven has always been one of the easiest cars on the road to personalise, because every car is hand-built and bespoke for each customer,” explained Caterham’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley.

“But now we’ve formalised the personalisation options available to our customers into the Caterham Signature programme, which will outline the almost infinite combinations of options you can select. You can even have your name stitched into the seat.

“Harrods is a global brand as proudly British as Caterham so it makes perfect sense that the very first Caterham Signature car has been created in partnership.”

Guy Cheston of Harrods, added: “Caterham is one of Great Britain’s most famous and instantly recognisable motoring brands and it has been a pleasure to partner with the team there to create this Harrods special edition of the legendary Seven.

“We wanted to make our Harrods car a real object of desire, so our Harrods touches are subtle and understated and, at the same time, reflect genuine quality.”

Caterham’s first personalisation programme – Caterham Signature – is available now to new customers looking to place their orders.

The post Shop for a Caterham at Harrods appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/shop-caterham-harrods/
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Stay safe during the deer breeding season

Road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is advising drivers to take extra care in areas where deer are common, as their breeding season gets underway.

RSPCA research indicates that up to 75,000 deer are killed each year in road collisions – 10,000 instantly.

The human death toll from accidents involving deer range between 10 and 20 annually, and industry estimates put the cost of damage to vehicles alone to be at least £17 million.

The coming weeks mean deer are more mobile than usual, bringing them onto roads and increasing the risk of collisions.

“We encourage drivers to be extra observant, especially as the mornings and evenings get darker,” said GEM road safety officer Neil Worth. “Be ready to take appropriate avoiding action if you come across a deer on the road ahead.

“Periods of highest deer activity tend to occur at dawn and dusk, coinciding with the morning and evening rush hour, increasing collision risks in areas where deer are common.”

GEM offers six simple tips for drivers to reduce risk from deer collisions:

• Take note of deer warning signs. These are placed in locations where wild animal crossings are likely, so keep your speed down and be ready to encounter a deer at very short notice.
• Be particularly watchful at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active.
• If you spot one animal, it’s likely there may be others following, so don’t speed up and assume the danger has passed.
• Remember the importance of always being able to stop – on your side of the road – in the distance you can see to be clear ahead. But also be ready to react if a deer leaps out right in front of you.
• Ideally we want to avoid any sort of collision, but swerving to avoid a deer could prove a very dangerous action if it leads to a collision with another vehicle.
• If you hit a deer, stop somewhere safe and report the collision to the police, who can organize professional veterinary assistance.

The post Stay safe during the deer breeding season appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/stay-safe-deer-breeding-season/
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Drink-driving myths debunked

There are numerous myths surrounding drink-driving, some of which are actually widely believed.

Drink driving is back in the spotlight because the number of drunk drivers involved in accidents has risen for the first time in a decade.

In 2015, 3,450 drivers failed a breath test after a crash – up from 3,227 in 2014.

Department for Transport (DFT) records show the number had previously fallen every year from a high of 6,397 in 2005.

We’ve teamed up with Mark Rigby from Insurance Revolution to put the record straight.

“If you hold your breath before the test you’ll pass”
This popular myth has been around for years, and wrongly teaches people that if they hold their breath prior to a breathalyser test, their body will not release alcohol into the lungs and will allow them to pass the test.

This is not true. In fact, if you hold your breath prior to taking a breathalyser test, it may even increase the concentration of alcohol in your breath.

“If you eat lots of starchy foods it will soak up the alcohol in your system”
This is partly true. Eating lots of starchy food like bread or pasta will soak up the alcohol that is in your stomach. However, this means that it will take longer for the alcohol to leave your system altogether.

“You have to drink a lot to still be over the limit the next day”
Alcohol always takes the same amount of time to leave your system, regardless of whether or not you’ve slept.

If you drink a large glass of wine, it will take around three hours for your body to break it down. If you drink a bottle of wine, it will take around nine hours for the alcohol to leave your system completely. This is more than the average person spends asleep overnight, so if you’ve had a heavy night, you may still be over the limit the next morning.

“Drink driving is only a problem around Christmas and New Year”
Surprisingly, the most common time for drink and driving, according to the amount of arrests made, is June.

The police are just as strict about drink driving over Christmas and New Year as they are throughout the rest of the year, so it’s always good to be aware of your limits at all times.

“You have to actually be driving to be convicted”
The legal definition of being drunk and in charge of a motor vehicle is: “A person is in charge of any motor vehicle on a road or other public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the legal limit.”

Being in charge of a car does not mean that you have to actually be driving it. You could, for example, be searching for something in your parked car. However, if you have your keys on you, you are still in charge of the vehicle, and face prosecution.

“Hardly anyone has an accident the morning after”
Did you know that almost a quarter of fatal road crashes that happen between 6am and 12 noon are alcohol related? Many of these drivers are people who think they are okay to drive the morning after the night before.

Of course, the only way to be completely certain that you’re within your limits is to never drink and drive….

So, don’t drink and drive!

The post Drink-driving myths debunked appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/drink-driving-myths-debunked/
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Fiat Tipo review

“Amore for less” – rarely has an advertising slogan summed up a new car so well as the 2016 Fiat Tipo.

The all-new Tipo range starts at £12,995 (£159 a month in the PCP world), and at entry level it really is a lot of car for the money – a family hatchback for supermini money.

The last Tipo was produced between 1988–1995, winning European Car of the Year in 1989, while Fiat hasn’t competed in the Focus/Golf/Astra sector since the Stilo went out of production in 2007.

Fiat may well have dusted off an old name for its comeback, but the Tipo is a completely fresh proposition.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the distinctive looks of the Tipo certainly work for me with bold creases, an aggressive front end and a sexy rear spoiler.

Available as a five-door hatchback or ‘Station Wagon’, it’s clear that a lot of effort has gone into the styling. In fact, it’s so sleek the drag coefficient is a very low 0.29 – and it shows. The hatchback is attractive, but the estate is arguably even better proportioned.

It looks good inside too in a very un-Fiat, conservative way. No retro chic or quirkiness here – the Tipo is a serious car in a grey way.

The front seats are comfortable, the dashboard is functional and uncluttered, while the various cabin compartments add up to 12 litres of storage.

But what sets the Tipo apart is the amount of space – not just up front, but in the rear. It’s a triumph of packaging and there genuinely is room for five adults to sit comfortably in the car.

Its boot capacity is also best-in-class with a volume of 440 litres, while the Station Wagon boasts a massive 550 litres, which is also top of the class, plus a low load sill for extra convenience.

There are five engines available – three petrol units ranging from a 95hp 1.4-litre to a 120hp 1.6-litre MultiJet II, plus two diesels (a 95hp 1.3 MultiJet II and 120hp 1.6 MultiJet II).

We’ve only driven the top-of-the-range 1.6 diesel with six-speed manual, though Fiat’s new DDCT six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission is also available with this engine.

Like most diesels, it’s a bit noisy initially, but soon settles down and on smooth roads the Tipo is refined for its class, rides well and there’s very little body roll in corners.

The engine has plenty of pulling power, though it’s a bit breathless at the top of the range, but for everyday driving or cruising on A roads and motorways, it’s just the job.

For the record, it can accelerate to 62mph in a respectable 9.8 seconds (10.1 in the estate), it has a top speed of 124mph and it’s capable of 76.3mpg with low CO2 emissions of 98g/km.

It’s also “Amore for less” when you look at the spec – air conditioning, six airbags, DAB digital radio, chrome door handles, USB and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel remote controls are among the kit available on the most basic car.

There are three trim levels available. Another sign of the seriousness of the Tipo is the fact that there’s no Pop and Pop Star like the 500 – here you have entry level Easy, mid-level Easy Plus and top of the range Lounge.

So far so good, but here’s the thing – once you start moving up the trim levels and engine range, the Tipo goes from being “Amore for Less” to “Amore for Average”.

The top spec Lounge model we drove costs £17,995, which is good, but not quite such a bargain, especially when you weight up some of the car’s bad points. For instance, the 5-inch touchscreen is meagre and some of the plastics used inside are a bit cheap. That said, Fiat has come on leaps and bounds in terms of build quality and the Tipo is well put together.

At this price point it’s also in direct opposition with the likes of the Astra and Focus. So we suspect the best option would be to go for an entry level model, add a few extras and buy your own big screen sat nav.

Verdict: the new Tipo is a bit on the dull side for a Fiat, but it’s competitively priced, distinctive, spacious, economical and practical.

Review: @garethherincx

The post Fiat Tipo review appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/10/fiat-tipo-review/
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