World’s oldest Ford Mustang owner

Meet 97-year-old Swede Lennart Ribring, who’s just bought a brand new 5.0-litre V8 Ford Mustang.

Looking for a “little fun in life”, the nonagenarian thrill-seeker says the 412bhp fastback, capable of 155mph and 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, is “the real thing”.

Young-at-heart Lennart fell in love with Mustangs after being among the first in his native Sweden to buy an original model when it was launched in the 1960s.

Born in 1919, when the Ford Model T had only been in production for 11 years, Lennart got his driving licence at the first opportunity, when he turned 18 in 1937. Now he has treated himself to a new Ford Mustang fastback.

“I fell in love with the first Mustangs that came out and I have hardly thought about another car since. You felt a bit like king of the road,” explained Lennart.

“I don’t have long to live now, maybe. So, I want to take the opportunities I have to drive and have a little fun in life. This is the real thing.”

The new Mustang, the first to go on sale across Europe since the model was first launched in the US in 1964, is available as a fastback or convertible, and with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, as well as the 5.0-litre V8.

Lennart’s race red sports car takes pride of place on his driveway at his home in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Coast to coast in a Mercedes-Benz

A fleet of Mercedes-Benz four-wheel drive vehicles have successfully traversed the UK, from the east coast to the west coast, without the use of any open public roads.

In what is believed to be the first ever journey completed off-road, the 12 vehicles – a mixture of GLE, GLS and G-Class models – made the 65-mile journey across the Scottish Highlands, over the course of two days.

The 4x4s were all standard UK-specification cars, fitted with road-legal ‘mud tyres’, but with no modifications apart from the removal of side steps where fitted.

The secret route was made possible thanks to the kind permission of 11 landowners.

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Bride opts for the perfect pick-up

A Yorkshire farming couple rejected the traditional wedding car in favour of a fleet of 11 rugged Isuzu D-Max pick-ups.

David Lee and his bride Esther, who run a farm in Thirsk, tied the knot in Croft-on-Tees, Yorkshire.

Both run Isuzu D-Max pick-ups, a firm favourite with many a farmer because of its ability to cope with tough workloads and challenging rural terrain, while also being refined and comfortable inside.

On their wedding day, the groom chose to arrive at the church in style in his own Isuzu D-Max, while a whole fleet of D-Max vehicles, all owned by family members and friends, delivered ushers and bridesmaids to the ceremony.

After completing their nuptials, the newlyweds were chauffeured to the reception in Esther’s own accessorised D-Max.

Even the local Isuzu dealership helped out, as Colin Huggins explains: “We heard that Mr Lee and his bride, as well as their family and friends, were using D-Max’s for their wedding day, and we were delighted to offer them our demonstrators – in ‘Blade’ and ‘Huntsman’ specification – for transporting other members of the wedding party.

“The procession of gleaming, ribbon-adorned Isuzu pick-ups making their way through the Yorkshire countryside was an amazing sight, and I’m proud that we played a part in making the day extra special for the bride and groom.”

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/11/bride-opts-perfect-pick/
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Young drivers ‘licensed to lose points’

One in three young drivers will receive points on their licence within 12 months of passing their test, a survey has revealed.

New research by money saving website www.VoucherCodesPro.co.uk indicates that more than a third of drivers receive points on their licence in the first year.

Furthermore, it was found that one in 10 young drivers polled lost their license within the first two years of passing.

It was also found that first time drivers spend on average £940 on their first car if it was not gifted to them.

The team at VoucherCodesPro.co.uk polled a total of 2,457 respondents aged 18-25. All participants held a valid driving license for at least one year and own their own car.

Initially, respondents were asked if they felt they are a good driver. The majority of participants (89%) stated they did think they were good on the road.

Next all participants were asked if they had ever received points on their licence to which 55% stated they did, with 34% stating they received points on their licence in the first year of them driving.

Following on from this, participants were asked if they still held a valid licence, to which 11% stated they did not. All of these said they lost their licence in the first two years of passing.

To understand this more, participants who stated they have received points were asked how they got these. The following answers emerged as the top 5:

1. Using a device while driving (eg phone) – 34%
2. Speeding – 18%
3. Dangerous driving – 16%
4. Running a red light – 14
5. Using a defective vehicle – 12%

Next, all participants were asked how much they spent on their first car – 36% stated it was a gift. Of the remaining 64%, it was found that, on average, participants spent £940 on their first car.

Finally, participants were asked if they had ever had to take their car to the garage due to ‘reckless driving’ to which 41% stated they had. Finally all respondents were asked “Have you ever had a car written off?” to which 21% stated they had.

“Young, first-time drivers are often seen as reckless racers that have little regard for road rules and with results like this it’s easy to see where this image comes from,” said George Charles of www.VoucherCodesPro.co.uk.

“It’s sad as so many young people are fantastic drivers who take their safety and their cars safety, which they probably have spent a lot of money on, seriously.

“Risking your life for a laugh or wasting money by having your licence revoked or car written off isn’t funny or hard. It’s pretty ridiculous.”

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/11/young-drivers-licensed-lose-points/
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Winter car maintenance essentials

Avoid the misery of a breakdown this winter with these five basic car maintenance tips…

Road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is offering advice for drivers to ensure trouble-free journeys over the next few months.

Here are GEM’s simple steps for reducing the chance of a breakdown or malfunction this winter:

• Make sure all the lights on your car, inside and out, are working properly. Clean them regularly to ensure they are free of dirt, so that you can see, and others can see you.
• Check tyre tread depth and pressure weekly through the winter. Good tyres will ensure the safety systems on your car are as effective as possible. GEM recommends a minimum tread depth of 3mm (the legal minimum is 1.6mm), as this will disperse much more water from the road and will minimise your risk of skidding and losing control.
• Get the battery and charging system checked to ensure best performance. A large number of winter calls to GEM’s breakdown control centre relate to flat batteries. Cold weather puts a lot of strain on tired batteries, so consider changing it now to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown.
• Ensure your car’s cooling system has the correct levels of anti-freeze, which is vital to prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing. GEM recommends you consult your local dealer or a qualified mechanic to ensure this is done correctly.
• Do you need new windscreen wipers at front and rear? Check for efficient working and use cold weather washer fluid. Do not use the windscreen wipers to clear ice, as this will very quickly lead to damage.

“The current cold snap is likely to have caught many drivers by surprise, and the last thing anyone needs is to break down on a chilly morning,” said GEM road safety officer Neil Worth.

“Prevention is always better than cure, so by paying some attention to basic winter maintenance needs, you have the best chance of ensuring you don’t get stranded out in the cold.”

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from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/11/winter-car-maintenance-essentials/
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Mazda3 – range refresh review

Mazda’s classy Focus/Astra challenger has only been with us since 2014, yet it’s just received a makeover to bring it bang up to date.

The changes to the biggest selling car globally (five million sales and counting) in Mazda’s range are subtle to say the least.

In fact, from the outside you’d struggle to notice any difference. Inside, the switch from a traditional handbrake to an electronic switch is the most obvious change.

Personally, I prefer proper handbrakes to electronic switches (even if it does free up space in the centre console), but there you go…

The reality is that a lot has been going on. For instance, the 2017 Mazda3, which as before is available as a hatchback and fastback, marks the world debut of G-Vectoring Control (GVC). It varies engine power to optimise the load on each wheel, thus improving handling and comfort.

There’s also something called Natural Sound Smoother (NSS) which is supposed to refine the diesel engines on offer.

Technology highlights include an enhanced head-up display with full colour, plus adaptive LED headlights are now available too.

If you look very carefully outside the car you’ll notice that it’s a little more slippery with a revised grille, new front fog light housing, tweaked door mirrors now featuring wraparound indicators, while hatchback versions get a redesigned rear bumper.

Inside, there are “higher-quality” switch panels and door handles, revised dashboard trim and a new leather steering wheel design.

Finally, the Mazda3 is now available in eight colours, including on-trend Machine Grey Mica, which debuted on the new MX-5 RF at the 2016 New York Motor Show, plus Eternal Blue Mica.

So, more evolution than revolution, but then there wasn’t much wrong with the car in the first place.

Otherwise, the 3 is much the same, which isn’t a bad thing because it’s a serious contender to its more run-of-the-mill opposition – not just in looks, but driving dynamics too.

Engine options are as before. Choose between a 1.5-litre (118bhp) or 2.0-litre (163bhp) petrol, or a 1.5-litre (103bhp) or 2.2-litre (148bhp) diesel, then select one of the two super slick six-speed gearboxes – automatic or manual.

If you’re after zero road tax, economy and low emissions, go for the smaller diesel, but don’t expect thrills. It’s smooth and capable of an impressive 74mpg with a CO2 figure of just 99g/km.

But perhaps it’s the 2.0-litre petrol unit which offers the best blend of performance, economy and refinement.

With a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds (10.4 for the automatic), a 121mph top speed, claimed economy of 55.4mpg (50.4 auto) and low C02 emissions of 119g/km, this version of the 3 ticks the right boxes.

The Mazda3 is as comfortable as ever, featuring a low-slung seating position. It’s also fun to drive with a firm, sporty feel.

Inside it feels classy and well built with plenty of space up front, though it’s slightly tighter at the back, especially for taller passengers, thanks to the sweeping roofline.

Boot space is a decent 364 litres in the hatchback (1263 with the rear seats down) or 419 litres for the fastback.

The infotainment system is one of the best out there and it’s great to see that Mazda is sticking with the additional rotary controller near the gear selector.

The range starts at £17,595, rising to £24,195, so the 2017 Mazda3 is still a strong contender in a highly competitive market. Distinctively styled, well equipped and with a classy interior, it’s as driver-focused as ever. One of the best just got better.

Review: @garethherincx

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Audi Q2 review

Funky isn’t a word you’d necessarily associate with Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik”, but that’s precisely what you get with the distinctive new Q2.

The newest, smallest SUV to join the ever-expanding Audi range will please traditionalists, while also attracting newer customers who might otherwise go for the established, more run-of-the-mill alternatives.

Audi claims it’s created a new compact premium SUV segment with the Q2, but in reality its rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLA, MINI Countryman and Mazda MX-3 at one end, and the Renault Captur, Vauxhall Mokka and Citroen C4 Cactus at the other.

Slightly lower than most of its competitors thanks to its sporty roofline, the Q2 is perhaps closest in size overall to the Cactus.

Priced from £22,380, there are three trim levels to choose from (SE, Sport and S Line) and five engines, ranging from a 150PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI petrol to a 160PS 2.0-litre diesel, with a 190PS 2.0-litre TFSI to follow late in 2017.

I drove versions with the 1.6-litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol units. Unusually, Audi expects the latter to be the most popular, while customers are also expected to go for the higher trim levels (Sport and S Line).

Our pick would be a 1.4 TFSI model in S Line spec with 7-speed S tronic gearbox, though we’re looking forward to driving the 1.0-litre TFSI version, featuring one of the best three-pot engines in the business.

The first thing that strikes you about the Q2 is that it looks like no other compact SUV. We’ve already mentioned its height, but it also features clean, sculpted lines and a C-pillar which is available in various colours.

Add that to the range of exterior colours, including our favourite – Vegas Yellow – and you have a car that stands out, in a good way.

Hop inside and it has Audi’s signature premium look and feel, and the higher the trim level you opt for, the better it gets.

The seating position is comfortable, if a fraction lower than some rivals. Visibility is good and there’s plenty of room up front and in the rear. There’s definitely room for four 6ft adults, though much taller passengers at the back might struggle for headroom. Luggage space is a decent 405 litres (1,050 with the back seats down).

The dashboard design, ventilation controls and materials used are up to Audi’s high standard, and naturally it features state-of-the-art connectivity, plus multi-colour LED mood lighting.

The Q2 is equipped with a 7-inch infotainment screen (an 8-inch upgrade is available) positioned high on the instrument panel and there’s a rotary controller and additional shortcut switches lower down near the gear selector.

DAB radio, multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning are standard, but if you got for the higher trim levels, options such as cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, plus various driver and safety aids come within range.

We’d recommend going for the Audi Virtual Cockpit – the impressively fluid 12.3-inch driver’s digital display first seen on the TT.

So how does it go? Well, it’s easy to find the right driving position and the smooth 1.4-litre petrol engine is a punchy performer, while the car itself drives more like a hatchback than an SUV/crossover.

The ride may be a little firm for some, but it’s refined and more spirited drivers can switch to the Dynamic option in Audi Drive Select where the Q2 feels particularly planted with well-controlled body lean and precise steering. Most off all, it’s a lot of fun. For the record, it’s capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 132mph.

With a claimed 54mpg and low CO2 emissions of 119g/km, running costs are competitive.

The Q2 is a premium choice with plenty of kit, but for many it will be the connectivity and personalisation options that swing it.

Whether it’s switching the mood lighting inside or choosing a vibrant colour and contrasting C-pillar blade for the exterior, few Q2s will look identical.

Yes, the Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI S line S tronic will set you back around £30,000, but for that money you get a classy, practical, modern compact SUV with a sportier, lower profile and impressive driving dynamics.

Review by @garethherincx

The post Audi Q2 review appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/11/audi-q2-review/
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