Rolls-Royce unveils 10mph luxury electric car

Iconic luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has taken the wraps off its smallest ever car.

The unique Rolls-Royce SRH has been crafted for one very special customer – St Richard’s Hospital Pediatric Day Surgery Unit in the marque’s home town of Chichester, West Sussex.

The car will allow children awaiting surgery to drive themselves to the operating theatre, through the Pediatric Unit corridors which are lined with ‘traffic signs’. The experience of ‘self-drive to theatre’ aims to reduce child patient stress.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars welcomed two test drivers from the Pediatric Unit at St Richard’s Hospital, Molly Matthews and Hari Rajyaguru, to the home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.

In true Rolls-Royce style, the two children and their families enjoyed VIP hospitality with one notable addition to the usual customer experience. Molly and Hari both enjoyed first drives on the Rolls-Royce production line, an exceptionally rare privilege.

“We are a proud member of the community here in West Sussex,” said said , CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“The Pediatric Unit at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester does such vital work in providing essential care to young people and their families.

“We hope that the RollsRoyce SRH will serve to make the experience for young people during treatment a little less stressful.”

Created from the ground-up by the dedicated Bespoke Manufacturing team, the Rolls-Royce SRH presents to its very important customer a landmark study in bespoke luxury.

Finished in a two-tone paint-scheme of Andalusian White and Salamanca Blue with a hand-applied St James Red coachline, the interior features a two-tone steering wheel, while the 24 volt gel battery propels the car with the same whisper-quietness as Rolls-Royce’s awersome V12 engines.

Marianne Griffiths, Chief Executive, of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Just like the joy it will bring to our young patients, the Rolls-Royce SRH is simply priceless.

“It is a very special gift and one of the most wonderful donations ever received by Love Your Hospital, our trust’s dedicated charity.

“On behalf of everyone at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and especially the small team who volunteered so much of their own time in support of St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester and the children we care for.”

The post Rolls-Royce unveils 10mph luxury electric car appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/rolls-royce-unveils-10mph-luxury-electric-car/
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Sand stunt to launch limited edition Jeep

Watch top sandboarder Alex Bird celebrate the new Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk on Britain’s largest sand dunes.

Alex performed a series of epic stunts and tricks on Braunton Burrows beach, North Devon. at speeds of up to 40mph.

“I’ve never done anything like that before,” said the 34-year-old. “It took time to get used to being towed at such speeds but I do a lot of wakeboarding and it was principally very similar.

“The car performed incredibly well on such deep sand; if it wasn’t so good off-road there’s no way I could have got up to 40mph and nailed the jumps and stunts.”

With more than 11,000 Renegades sold in this country last year, the Renegade Desert Hawk – limited to just 100 – follows in the tyre tracks of the popular Night Eagle and Dawn of Justice versions.

Designed to enhance Jeep Renegade’s striking design, the new Desert Hawk version takes the Renegade Trailhawk’s rugged appearance and all-terrain capability a step further with exclusive features and functionality inspired by the desert.

Available in Alpine White, Anvil, Black or – exclusive to Desert Hawk – Mojave Sand, the Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk features 17-inch Low Gloss Black wheels, exclusive bonnet and rear body panel decals.

Inside, the Renegade Desert Hawk is enhanced with exclusive seats in black leather and fabric – the seat base features a Moab desert map logo – with electric lumbar support for the driver. There is also a leather wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, DAB UConnect radio with 6.5-inch touchscreen, Live services, Bluetooth and satnav, 7-inch full-colour thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display and cruise control.

The Desert Hawk, like the Trailhawk, delivers best-in-class Trail Rated 4×4 capability with standard Jeep Active Drive Low with 20:1 crawl ratio; Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode, 8.7-inch ground clearance, skid plates, 8.1-inch wheel articulation, Hill-descent Control, 19-inch water fording.

The Renegade Desert Hawk comes as standard with a 170 hp 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It features a ParkView rear parking camera and 7-inch full-colour thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display.

The new Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk costs from £28,995 for the 2.0 MultiJet II 170hp 4WD.

The post Sand stunt to launch limited edition Jeep appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/sand-stunt-launch-limited-edition-jeep/
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Testing times for new drivers

One in five under-35s take at least three driving tests to pass, according to new research.

The study by London-based 3-in-1 transportation app, Ubeeqo, also found that learner drivers spend an average of £186 on driving tests – alarming given that 16% of 17-34 year old car owners have not driven since passing their test.

Furthermore, one in of young motorists who have not driven within the last month regret bothering to take their driving test, while nine in 10 (87%) under-35s use their driving licence as ID rather than to drive

Once young drivers shed their L plates, they are now far less likely to drive their vehicle (16%) due to the high cost of petrol, parking costs and congestion.

In fact, 15% of all licence holders surveyed did not own their own car and when it comes to the under 35s, this stat is even higher (19%).

In addition, a quarter (27%) of 17-34-year-olds who drive once per month or less share a car with someone else.

When it comes to driving licence usage, once tests have been passed, nearly half (43%) use this official document to gain access age restricted products rather than to drive, compared to just one in 10 (10%) of respondents who use their licence to show the authorities they are legal to drive.

“The fact that younger drivers are forking out nearly £200 just on tests never mind the lessons to hardly drive their car just isn’t logical,” said Henrik Jensen, UK Managing Director of Ubeeqo.

“This supported by the fact that people predominantly use their licence for buying age-restricted products rather than for driving provides an indication that the need to own a car could be on the decline.

“It is good to see the younger generation sharing their cars and embracing services like car clubs as this is an affordable way to have the flexibility of owning a car, without the added cost.”

The post Testing times for new drivers appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/testing-times-new-drivers/
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Cristiano Ronaldo tests a Bugatti Chiron

Watch football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo get behind the wheel of Bugatti’s awesome new Chiron supercar in a tongue-in-cheek video…

The post Cristiano Ronaldo tests a Bugatti Chiron appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/cristiano-ronaldo-tests-bugatti-chiron/
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Margot Robbie’s high-speed Monaco glide

Watch this cool video of Wolf of Wall Street star Margot Robbie driving a 100% electric Nissan BladeGlider through the streets of Monte Carlo.

The actress tested the Nissan BladeGlider – which can hit 62mph in less than five seconds – against an identical car on closed roads in the iconic French Riviera Principality.

The three-seater prototype, which hits 100km/h in less than five seconds, challenges the conventional thinking of what an all-electric sports car could look like in the future.

Showcasing all the fun and excitement of pure electric vehicles, the concept is part of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision of how cars should be driven, powered and integrated into society.

In the video, the Suicide Squad and The Wolf of Wall Street star is also seen demonstrating the drifting prowess of Nissan BladeGlider around one of the most famous corners in the world of motorsport – the iconic Fairmont Hairpin.

“It’s a really exciting time for electric vehicles,” said Margot, Nissan’s first electric vehicle ambassador.

“More people are choosing to go electric, leading the way to a more sustainable future and the Nissan BladeGlider hints at the future of smarter performance cars.”

The post Margot Robbie’s high-speed Monaco glide appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/margot-robbie-glides-round-monte-carlo/
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Bald tyre Britain exposed

One in four MOTs are failed by defective tyres, with ‘bald’ tyres being the most common tyre-related reason for rejection, according to new research.

Freedom of Information data, obtained by car savings site Confused.com, also found that more than 32,000 penalty points were handed out to almost 9,000 drivers with defective tyres.

Almost three quarters (73%) of drivers say they know how to check their tyres – yet only a quarter (26%) know the legal tread depth.

Perhaps it is no wonder drivers are being caught out, with many failing to notice their illegal tyres until they reach the garage.

One in three (35%) motorists who have driven with defective tyres only realised when their car was checked at the garage.

A further quarter (28%) only noticed when it was pointed out to them by a relative or friend. And with the Department of Transport proposing to extend the MOT period for new cars from three years to four years, we could see even more drivers unwittingly fined for defective tyre offences.

Yet drivers’ apparent reliance on garage checks does not appear to be due to lack of confidence, as almost three quarters (73%) say they know how to check their tyre tread.

But despite this, only a quarter (26%) actually know the legal tread depth for car tyres in the UK is over 1.6mm. And for some motorists, checking their own tread depth rarely appears to be at the forefront of their mind with 15% carrying out a check once a year or less and a further 16% admitting they never check.

Given that only 3% of drivers know they can be fined up to £2,500 per tyre, it may be unsurprising that some have little urgency when it comes to getting them replaced. Of those who discovered their car had defective tyres, more than a quarter (26%) had them replaced over a week later, with almost one in 10 (9%) waiting more than a month to have them corrected.

Most shocking is the distance some motorists are prepared to drive with bald or defective tyres, with the average motorist taking six trips in the car and driving 13 miles before having them replaced.

Despite the repercussions, convenience appears to be the main reason why motorists are continuing to drive after realising their tyres are illegal. More than a third (34%) did not get their tyres changed straight away because they didn’t have time, while a quarter (24%) said they could not afford it at the time. And a further quarter (23%) said the garage could not fit them in sooner.

To help drivers save money, avoid bald tyre fines and ease the hassle of arranging a trip to the garage, Confused.com has launched an online tyre tool (www.confused.com/tyres) which allows drivers to compare tyres and book a fitting for a single pay-on-the-day fee.

Drivers can compare the cost of budget, mid-range and premium tyres by simply entering their car registration, picking their tyres and choosing from a range of local fitters at a time and date to suit them.

“We understand that arranging to have your tyres changed seems like a hassle, and we know some drivers are concerned about how big a hole it’s going to burn in their pockets,” said Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com. “But motorists need to ask themselves if it’s really worth risking three points on their licence and enormous fines of up to £2,500 per tyre.”

The post Bald tyre Britain exposed appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/bald-tyre-britain-exposed/
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Kia Rio review

Some cars that are seemingly launched without huge fanfare turn out to be surprisingly good. The all-new Kia Rio is just such a vehicle.

Now in its fourth generation, the Rio has the unenviable task of doing battle in a sector, dominated by Britain’s best-selling car for the past eight years – the Ford Fiesta.

Add to that, Vauxhall’s popular Corsa, the new Citroen C3, plus others including the Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia and Audi A1, and it’s clear that to survive these superminis need a USP.

The latest Rio can still fall back on its unbeatable seven-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) warranty, which is transferable if the car is sold before the time/mileage limit expires.

However, the good news is that it’s also a good car in its own right, plus it’s competitively priced and has a couple of surprises up its sleeve.

First, let’s put the Rio into context. In the UK it’s overshadowed by the successful Sportage crossover and cee’d range, but the Rio is actually Kia’s best-selling car globally with sales of some 475,000 a year, accounting for almost one-sixth of the company’s sales.

At first glance the Rio, only available as a five-door, doesn’t look that different to the outgoing car. Look harder and you’ll see that the previous generation’s cute curves have been replaced by sharper lines and smoother surfaces. There’s also a longer wheelbase and bonnet, a lower roofline, a more pert rear end and Kia’s “tiger-nose” front grille is more emphasised..

There’s also plenty of kit available – crucially in the safety field. Kia claims the Rio is the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, which uses radar and a camera to detect sudden and potentially dangerous braking by a vehicle ahead, and activates the brakes.

At speeds between 5-50mph, it will come to a complete halt, avoiding many potential collisions. It is also able to detect pedestrians who wander into its path and apply the brakes in the same way.

The fact that this safety technology is available across the range is great news. One day all cars will have AEB as standard.

For now, Kia is offering it as an option on the entry-level car, but standard across the rest of the range, which is better than nothing, but an opportunity missed nevertheless.

A Lane Departure Warning system is also available. It relies on a camera that reads lane marking and senses when the car is about to veer off course without the indicators being activated and warns the driver to take corrective action.

Priced from just £11,995, there are 10 versions of the Rio in three trim grades – badged 1, 2 and 3, plus a limited-run First Edition model, priced at £17,445.

The entry-level 1 specification includes air-conditioning, remote central locking, Bluetooth phone connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo system.

Upgrading to 2 spec adds a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, alloy wheels, leather trim for the steering wheel and gear lever, electric folding wing mirrors, cruise control, reversing camera and autonomous emergency braking.

Go for 3 and the wheels increase in size from 15 to 16-inch, there’s a 7-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, full smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), climate control and faux leather seats (heated up front).

First Edition adds 17-inch alloys, keyless entry and the more powerful 1.0-litre petrol engine with six-speed gearbox.

In terms of engines, the pick of the new Rio range is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo available in two states of tune – 99bhp and 118bhp.

Kia quotes 68.2mpg for the 99bhp unit, with 102g/km CO2, while the 118bhp engine is capable of 60.1mpg, emitting 107g/km CO2.

Two other petrols will be offered – 1.25 (83bhp) and 1.4-litre (99bhp) naturally aspirated MPI units – the former is good for 58.8mpg and 109g/km CO2, while the 1.4-litre delivers 56.5mpg and 114g/km with a manual gearbox.

Finally, if you’re after a diesel, a 1.4-litre unit is available with either 76bhp or 89bhp. These are capable of  80.7mpg and 92g/km CO2 and 74.3mpg and 98g/km CO2 respectively.

For added peace of mind, the Rio is also available with Care 3 and Care 3 Plus transferable servicing packages, covering the cost of all routine servicing work for three or five years.

See where I’m going – the Kia Rio is a good package, but here’s the thing… it also drives well.

We drove both versions of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo engine, plus the more powerful 89bhp 1.4-litre diesel.

Both three-pots are surprisingly swift, punching way above their weight. Yes, you’re aware of the thrum on heavy acceleration, but they soon settle down nicely. The diesel obviously offers more grunt, but again is refined as any diesel in a small car and potentially very frugal.

The Rio’s ride is average, but certainly not awful, while its handling if pretty good too. Yes, there’s some body lean in corners if you’re on a mission, but ultimately this is a car that will be driven from A to B fairly gently and it’s no hot hatch, so does it matter? Visibility is good, while the steering is light, making parking and tight manoevers a doddle.

Inside the cabin is pleasant enough with plenty of space, comfortable seats and enough room in the back for full-size adults, which is pretty impressive for a supermini. Yes, it’s not oozing in soft-touch plastics, but it is well put together all the same. Boot space is up by almost 13% compared to the outgoing model to a generous 325 litres, though there is a high load lip and the rear sets down fold down totally flat.

The instrumentation is clear ahead of the driver, while the 7-inch “floating” touchscreen in the centre console is excellent. Sadly, it’s only available in ‘3’ spec – ‘1’ and ‘2’ have to make do with 3.5 and 5-inch screens respectively.

Verdict: The new Kia Rio isn’t the best car in its class, but it scores highly in a few key areas, including safety, comfort, equipment, engine choice and peace of mind, making it a great all-round package.

The post Kia Rio review appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/kia-rio-review/
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Stay safe in the dazzling winter sun

Sunshine is in short supply at this time of the year, but driving into the glaring low winter sun can be extremely dangerous.

In fact, in 2015, dazzling sun was a factor in more than 2,500 crashes, including 17 fatalities.

Here’s IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, with his top tips for staying safe on the roads this winter.

• Keep your windscreen clean both inside and out. Dirt or salt residue will magnify the effect of the sun
• On the outside check for chips or cracks, replace worn wiper blades and make sure your washer bottle is kept well topped up with good quality screen fluid strong enough to avoid freezing
• Keep a cloth or chamois to wipe away the dirty film that builds up on the inside due to screen heating and condensation
• Use your sun visor. It may sound pretty standard but a surprising number of people forget
• Invest in polarised sunglasses and remember to take a rest. Your eyes will strain quickly if you are squinting.
• Slow down and leave extra space between you and the driver ahead if you are dazzled. This will give you more time to regain full control and assess the situation.

The post Stay safe in the dazzling winter sun appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/stay-safe-in-the-dazzling-winter-sun/
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Watch Ford’s Paris cult car film remake

Ford reimagines iconic 1970s driving film – C’etait un rendezvous – in 360-degree VR with the Ford Mustang.

The original nine-minute movie, created by French film maker Claude Lelouch in 1976, captured an audacious drive through Paris in the early hours of the morning.

Ford’s ‘Re-Rendez-Vous’ follows a similar route past landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur and Montmarte. However, for this 40-year remake, the driver is a woman.

In the new version, viewers can control the camera angle and virtual environment as the Mustang 5.0-litre V8 GT Fastback powers through the French capital.

“I had goose bumps watching ‘C’etait un rendez-vous’ 40 years later in virtual reality,” admitted Lelouch.

“At the time, my movie was about the feeling of freedom and the pleasure driving generates. I knew that Ford would do more than just a tribute to the original in this new version.”

However, perfectly recreating the main aspects of the route was a challenge all these years later, as some roads have since disappeared.

And here’s Claude Lelouch’s original…

The post Watch Ford’s Paris cult car film remake appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/ford-remakes-paris-cult-car-movie/
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Top 10 most inconsiderate driver habits

Not indicating clearly has been named as the most inconsiderate driving behaviour on UK roads, according to an RAC Insurance survey.

Nearly six in 10 (58%) drivers surveyed said not signalling clearly, or failing to indicate at all, was their top inconsiderate action at the wheel, ahead of hogging the middle lane of a motorway (56%) and driving too close to the car in front, which was voted for by more than half (51%).

The next most popular answers in the top five driving behaviours that cause other motorists the greatest angst were: getting angry with other drivers (46%) and selfish parking (45%).

Rank	Which do you think are the most inconsiderate driving behaviours?	Percentage
1	Not indicating clearly	58%
2	Hogging the middle lane on a motorway	56%
3	Not leaving plenty of distance behind the car in front	51%
4	Getting angry with other motorists	46%
5	Selfish parking – not parking between lines	45%
6	Not saying thank you to other drivers for letting them out of a junction / giving way to them	43%
7	Not slowing down when passing horses	34%
8	Not adhering to speed limits	30%
9	Not giving cyclists plenty of space	29%
10	Using the horn in anger	27%

Interestingly, when motorists were asked to say what makes a courteous and considerate driver the greatest proportion – seven in 10 (69%) – cited ‘always saying thank you to drivers that let them out of a junction giving way to them’.

Six in 10 (59%) felt it was slowing down when passing horses and half (49%) said giving cyclists plenty of space. Indicating clearly was the fourth most popular response (48%), but quite a long way ahead of ‘leave plenty of distance behind the car in front’ which was named by 40% of respondents.

Almost all drivers surveyed described themselves as being a courteous and considerate driver – only 1% didn’t – but they believe that poor driving is an all-too-common sight on the nation’s roads with only 4% saying they were unlikely to see any thoughtless behaviour on a typical half-hour drive.

While every driver polled by RAC Insurance thought it was important to show consideration for other road users nearly half (46%) didn’t know that ‘being considerate’ is actually mentioned in the Highway Code.

RAC Insurance spokesman Simon Williams said: “There are a variety of behaviours at the wheel that motorists class as being inconsiderate, most of which involve deliberate acts which are blatantly thoughtless, but the top answer of ‘not indicating clearly’ is probably more due to misunderstanding or forgetfulness.

“The confusion that it can cause is no doubt responsible for, at worst: accidents and at best: needless wasted seconds of waiting only to find out the driver wasn’t really going where you thought they were.

“The biggest example of ‘indicator confusion’ has to be at roundabouts. There seem to be different schools of thought on how to signal at roundabout and very few that follow the rules set out in Rule 186 of the Highway Code. If more of us were to follow the indicating rules there would probably be fewer bumps at roundabouts.”

The post Top 10 most inconsiderate driver habits appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/top-10-inconsiderate-driver-habits/
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Jenson Button’s Ford GT for sale

A 2005 Ford GT first owned by ex-F1 World Champion Jenson Button is to be offered for sale by Silverstone Auctions.

The car is one of five ‘VIP’ marked models and will go under the hammer with an estimate of £250,000 to £300,000 at Race Retro, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire (February 25-26).

Swiss Ford GT dealer Grimm of Geneva delivered the car to the Frome-born racing driver in August 2005 and it was subsequently UK registered in 2006.

The high performance Ford GT showcases advanced technologies. For instance, it’s constructed on a lightweight aluminium chassis coated in superplastic-formed lightweight composite and features aluminium body panels.

Finished in evocative white with blue racing stripes, it’s powered by a mid-mounted, hand-built, supercharged quad-cam 550bhp V8 and can hit 60mph in about 3.5 seconds, while the maximum speed is limited to 205mph.

The car was acquired by its current owner in 2011 and has just 8,350 miles on the clock. It will be supplied with a history file including stamps and invoices from ‘Mountune’ and two services by Ford GT experts GT101, as well as copies of the order form signed by Jenson.

The post Jenson Button’s Ford GT for sale appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/jenson-buttons-ford-gt-sale/
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Take-off for Aston Martin’s Spitfire specials

Aston Martin Cambridge invited the new owners of the limited edition V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 models for an ultimate handover experience.

Designed to celebrate an iconic car and to mark the 80th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight, just eight models of the V12 Vantage S Spitfire were produced globally.

The VIP guests gathered at IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire, for the unveiling of their new limited edition Aston Martin. IWM Duxford comprises Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield together with one of Europe’s premier aviation museums.

Aston Martin Cambridge extended the day to include a Spitfire flight experience with pleasure flight operators Classic Wings, an armoured vehicle driving experience, as well as a personal tour of the museum and a talk from a Second World War Spitfire pilot.

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 has been tailored by Q, Aston Martin’s personalisation service. The car has been created in a special, Duxford Green colour, with the trademark Spitfire yellow pinstripe on the side strakes and deck lid. Also included are front and rear diffusers in satin carbon fibre; a louvred bonnet in Duxford Green to create a bold profile; and solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored ‘Old English White’ inlay.

The interior of the ‘Spitfire 80’ model boasts an array of features including the Spitfire 80 logo embroidered in Raven Black onto the headrests; saddle leather floor mats with sheepskin inserts relating to the iconic Irvin jacket; the passenger airbag embroidered with its unique aircraft identification code; and door inserts finished with door pulls in red ‘webbing’ to match the Spitfire aircraft.

To make the unveiling a day to remember, Aston Martin Cambridge presented customers with a unique Irvin Jacket with Spitfire 80 logo stitched inside; Irvin flying helmet and flying goggles; themed car cover; embossed owners’ manual; and a leather photo album featuring high quality images taken on the day.

The post Take-off for Aston Martin’s Spitfire specials appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/take-off-aston-martins-spitfire-specials/
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Free Winter tyres experience

Continental Tyres and Mercedes-Benz World have teamed up to offer free winter tyre tests to the public.

From Saturday, February 11 until Sunday February 19 the experience will be available between 11am – 1pm (other than on Feb 16 when it will be 12 – 2pm).

Hundreds of people have taken part in the event on previous occasions – all experiencing the benefits of fitting winter tyres when the temperature is at 7C and below.

In December, 100% of those who tried it out said that winter tyres exceeded their expectations and 98% said that they would now consider fitting winter tyres.

Those wishing to take part can turn up on the day – there’s no need to book.

Mercedes-Benz World is located at Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL

The post Free Winter tyres experience appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/free-winter-tyres-experience/
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World Car of the Year finalists revealed

The countdown has begun for the 2017 World Car Awards to be hosted by the New York International Auto Show on April 13, 2017.

The Road to the World Car continues with today’s announcement of the finalists in six award categories.

Winners of the 2017 World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car, World Car Design of the Year and the inaugural World Urban Car will all be declared.

The 2017 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following 10 finalists:
Audi A5 / S5 Coupé
Audi Q2
Audi Q5
Fiat/Abarth 124 Spyder
Honda Civic
Jaguar F-PACE
Mazda CX-9
Skoda Kodiaq
Toyota C-HR
Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2017 World Luxury Car will be chosen from one of these top five finalists:
Bentley Bentayga
BMW 5 Series
Genesis G90
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Volvo S90 / V90

The 2017 World Performance Car top five finalists are:
Aston Martin DB11
Audi R8 Spyder
Honda / Acura NSX
McLaren 570s
Porsche Boxster Cayman

The 2017 World Green Car top five are:
Chevrolet Bolt
Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell Car
Hyundai Ioniq
Tesla Model X
Toyota Prius Prime

The 2017 World Urban Car top five are:
BMW i3 (94 Ah)
Citroen C3
Ford KA+
Smart Cabriolet
Suzuki Ignis

The 2017 World Car Design of the Year five finalists are:
Audi A5 / S5 Coupé
Jaguar F-PACE
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet
Toyota CH-R

The post World Car of the Year finalists revealed appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/world-car-year-finalists-revealed/
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Honda Civic review

Is the 2017 Honda Civic as good as it looks? We flew over to Spain for a first drive of this important new entry in the highly-competitive family hatchback sector…

When the original, iconic Honda Civic was launched in 1972, it measured just 3.55m long and 1.50m wide. Fast forward to 2017 and the all-new 10^th generation Civic is a different beast at a metre longer and 30cm wider.

After quirky-styled recent Civics, the new model now looks very grown up and is up against formidable opposition including the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra, so it has to be good.

Longer, lower, lighter and wider than the outgoing model, the new car’s dramatic styling certainly sets it apart. Sleek and sporty, it’s arguably one of the most distinctive cars on the market.

A low roofline, sculpted profile, spoilers and other aerodynamic aids, plus Honda’s new corporate nose, contribute to an aggressive stance.

Inside, the cabin is spacious, while the new driving position is another obvious difference. The driver’s seat is now 35mm lower than the previous generation, creating a more sporty, involved feel.

Visibility is good, though the rear hatch and large spoiler mean your rear-view mirror outlook is more panoramic than full screen. Generally, the cabin has a conservative feel and there’s an extensive use of black plastics.

Up front there’s plenty of space for driver and passengers, front and rear, plus loads of storage spaces and cubby holes.

The new Civic boasts especially impressive legroom at the rear, even with tall people up front. However, we’d say that back-seat passengers 6ft 2in or above might struggle for headroom – a casualty of the sleek roofline.

The good news continues when you open the rear hatch. Inside, there’s a class-leading 478 litres of storage, plus a hidden underfloor compartment (on all but S, Sport and Sport Plus models) offering additional capacity.

Finally, the rear seats split 60:40, there’s a low sill height and a wide boot opening. Job done.

As ever with Honda, it’s what the eye doesn’t see that’s just as important. There are numerous technical developments including two new VTEC turbocharged petrol engines, both boasting lively performance and decent fuel economy – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder (a 1.6-litre diesel will follow later in 2017).

The smaller of the two petrol engines produced 129PS, emits a low 106g/km of CO2 and is capable of a claimed 55.4mpg. This little engine effectively replaces the old 1.8, claims, Honda, which is a remarkable feat.

Meanwhile, the 182PS 1.5-litre unit can return 46.3mpg and emits 133g/km of CO2.

We tried both engines, each available with six-speed manual transmission or a CVT auto box.

The punchy 1.0-litre engine is very capable and refined for its size, Yes, there’s the familiar thrum of a three-pot, but unless you try to drive it like a hot hatch, it’s refined and will happily whiz around town or country lanes, or cruise on the motorway.

However, if you prefer a little more power and prefer a more relaxed drive, then the 1.6-litre unit might be more to your liking.

The six-speed manual has a suitably short throw for sporty shifts, while the automatic is one of the better CVTs around. However, if you floor it, especially in the smaller engine, it will rev a little eagerly, but if you have a smooth driving style the CVT in the 1.5-litre unit is especially rewarding.

Priced from £18,235 for the entry level 1.0-litre in S trim, the range is topped by the £27,480 1.5-litre Prestige CVT.

Honda expects a 70/30 split in sales of the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre, while 60% of buyers will opt for the manual over the CVT.

The new Honda Civic drives well. It’s no hot hatch (you’ll have to wait for the hardcore Type R version later in 2017 for that), but it is spirited and can be hustled around country roads if you so wish.

The steering is light and direct, while the ride is smooth. We haven’t driven it on British roads yet, but judging by our experience of a shorter distance on a rougher road in Spain, we’d say the ride is on the firm side. The seats are comfortable though.

The Honda SENSING suite of safety and driver assistance technologies with collision mitigation systems such as emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist are standard across the range. Honda is rightly confident the new car will gain the full five-star rating when assessed by independent crash testers Euro NCAP.

Staying with technology, inside the cabin there’s a simple feel, clutter-free feel. the conventional dials have been replaced by a TFT screen in the binnacle ahead of the driver, which can be customised to show everything from speed and fuel economy to sat-nav and media.

The centre console is dominated by a clear new 7-inch touchscreen display on which you can access the latest version of Honda Connect with infotainment and connectivity systems integrated with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It couldn’t be said that Honda has gone over the top with personalisation options, but subtle customisation is available. Customers have a choice of two optional exterior styling finishes – Black Line and Orange Line.

The Black Line and Orange Line add a front chin spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser, as well as mirror caps in either black or orange. Orange Line also includes interior accents across the dashboard in the same vivid colour.

A choice of 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs can be specified, while a sporty tailgate spoiler is also available in body colour or Tuscan Orange.

That said, the standard black alloys, which are standard except for the entry level car, look cool and the car looks especially good in blue, black or white.

And finally, choose a new Civic hatchback and you’re buying British because Honda’s huge plant in Swindon is a global production for the car. For instance, US-bound Civic’s have been rolling off the production line since late 2016.

Verdict: The new Honda Civic is a class act. Boasting distinctive, radical styling and plenty of tech, it’s rewarding to drive, spacious and safe. A welcome addition to the highly competitive family hatchback scene.

Review by Gareth Herincx

The post Honda Civic review appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/honda-civic-review/
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Milla Jovovich celebrates the new Toyota C-HR

Actress and model Milla Jovovich has starred in the world’s first drive-through immersive theatre experience, celebrating the all-new Toyota C-HR.

The seven-scene interactive production – entitled ‘The Night That Flows’ – was staged at The Printworks in London.

The experience saw 100 guests immersed in the story of one amazing fictional night as it unfolded across five European cities.

The story, narrated throughout by Milla Jovovich, centred around guests finding their perfect flow and took inspiration from the ‘flowing’ design of the new Toyota C-HR – created to look like it is always moving, even when at a standstill.

Participants were thrust into the limelight as part of the event, taking centre-stage in the live multi-sensory performance and interacting with a variety of different characters as they made their way through the myriad of scenes.

Each scene brought with it unexpected twists and exciting scenarios, all inspired by key features of the car – from the dynamic drive and stylish diamond design, to the sophisticated interior and JBL concert hall sound system.

“I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of this event – I love that immersive theatre takes everyone on a completely unique journey and that no one experience is the same,” explained Resident Evil star Milla.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so when Toyota approached me with the idea, I was intrigued and knew I had to be a part of it.

“The C-HR is a completely new concept for Toyota – rooted in style and quality. It’s a beautiful looking car and incredibly stylish inside. The brand is always looking for ‘a better way’ to design or do things – and I’m a huge fan of that philosophy.”

The post Milla Jovovich celebrates the new Toyota C-HR appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/milla-jovovich-celebrates-new-toyota-c-hr/
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Car insurance premiums accelerating

The cost of motor insurance hit record levels in 2016, rising at more than five times the rate of inflation, according to the Association of British Insurers.

Increases to insurance premium tax, higher repair costs and rising whiplash claims all conspired to send the average comprehensive policy to £462 in the last quarter of 2016. The average premium over the whole of 2016 was now 9.3% higher than it was the year before

Repair bills for cars that have been in accidents have risen especially because of their increasingly sophisticated electronics, while buying in spare parts is also getting more expensive, due to the weakness of the Pound.

The average repair bill has risen by 32% over the last three years to £1,678, the ABI said.

The ABI’s motor premium tracker, which measures the prices consumers actually pay for their motor cover, showed that in the fourth quarter of 2016 policies rose by 4.9% ,or £22 on the average premium.

RAC Insurance director Mark Godfrey said: “Insurance costs are now listed as a significant concern by 26% of motorists surveyed for the 2016 RAC Report on Motoring, and with fuel prices having increased 17p a litre in the last year, motorists are facing a double whammy of rising costs this year.

“The Government needs to start thinking about how it can incentivise take-up of black box insurance products which reward careful drivers as they could help to reduce insurance costs for new and young motorists and in doing so create a new generation of better, safer drivers.”

The post Car insurance premiums accelerating appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/car-insurance-premiums-accelerating-2/
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Hyundai celebrates first ‘Click To Buy’ handovers

The first customers to have bought via Hyundai’s innovative Click To Buy website are now in possession of their new cars.

In an industry first, www.hyundai.co.uk/clicktobuy was launched on January 6. allowing customers nationwide to purchase a new car completely online, offering a no-haggle, fixed-price experience.

Hyundai claims it’s “simple, quick and transparent” and the entire process is possible to complete in less than five minutes when purchasing with cash, arguably making it easier than buying a weekly grocery shop online.

Since launch, 23 Hyundai cars have been ordered via Click To Buy and the site has had over 92,200 visitors with 43% of customers trading in and 93% collecting their new car from their local dealer.

One of the first buyers was 50-year-old John Freel, from York, who has just had a £20,000-plus Hyundai Tucson delivered to his house.

John part-exchanged his old car for the new SUV and didn’t even bother test-driving the Tucson before clicking to buy.

“I can’t be bothered going into showrooms half the time and I don’t like being pressurised,” said the health and safety manager.

“The Tucson is my fourth Hyundai in succession and I had an ix35 before, so I roughly knew what I was getting anyway.

“The showroom is still there and you can still go in and see everything, but I would say that this is definitely the future.”

When customers visit the website, they are able to get a trade-in price for their current car, use trade-in funds towards the new car purchase, configure their new car, add accessories and service plans, arrange finance and pay a deposit.

Cars can be delivered to owners’ houses or they can pick them up from the showroom.

Tony Whitehorn, president and CEO of Hyundai UK, said: “Click To Buy is an industry first developed by Hyundai in-house and it makes me incredibly proud to see the first new Hyundai cars purchased online handed over to absolutely delighted customers.

“Our aim with the site has always been to make the buying process easier and more transparent than ever before.

“With discounted fixed prices, Click To Buy is hassle free and with our detailed online trade-in valuation tool, the whole process is clear and easy to understand.”

The post Hyundai celebrates first ‘Click To Buy’ handovers appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2017/02/hyundai-celebrates-first-click-buy-handovers/
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