Month: November 2022

This is the new Volkswagen Golf eHybrid. It’s a cheaper plug-in hybrid version of the family hatchback, which sits alongside the Golf GTE in the German brand’s line-up. prices start from £32,995
The Volkswagen Golf eHybrid is powered by a detuned version of the GTE’s powertrain, which uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. This is fed by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the rear seats. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. 

Best plug-in hybrids 2022

Power and torque figures stand at 201bhp and 350Nm respectively, which Volkswagen says is enough for a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 137mph.
Advertisement – article continues below

More importantly, the Golf eHybrid offers claimed fuel economy of up to 235mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 21g/km, which place it in the lowest road tax bracket. On a full charge, the hatchback will cover 44 miles on electric power alone, and can travel at up to 80mph in e-mode.
When connected to a three-pin plug, the 13kWh battery pack can takes around five hours to charge. However, this drops to just 40 minutes when connected to a 3.6kW wallbox. However, the eHybrid even has a mode that can use its petrol engine to charge the battery pack.
Unlike the Golf GTE, which has five driving modes (including a sport mode), the Golf eHybrid makes do with just two. E-Mode forces the automobile to drive on electric power alone, while hybrid mode automatically manages the amount of electrical assistance.
Volkswagen says that, providing there’s enough power in the battery pack, the Golf eHybrid will always set off in E-Mode. The system can also be configured to save a set percentage of charge for later in the journey, (if the driver knows they’ll be entering an emissions controlled zone, for example), using a menu on the infotainment system.
The Golf eHybrid is only available in Volkswagen’s comfort-focussed style specification. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED tail-lights, an illuminated radiator grille and heat insulating glass.
Inside, buyers get a leather multifunction steering wheel, “Art Velours” seat upholstery, and a 30-colour ambient lighting system. There’s also a wireless smartphone charging pad, three-zone climate control, a customisable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Now read our review of the new Volkswagen Golf GTE…

This is the Overfinch range Rover Sport, the most recent Land Rover to benefit from an exclusive conversion from Leeds-based tuning company Overfinch.
Production is limited to just 100 models a year, each one priced from £87,995 before individual design preferences and options are added.
If the large Overfinch badges weren’t enough of a give away, marking the upgraded SUV out from the standard range Rover sport is a bespoke carbon fibre Body styling Package.  
Advertisement – short article continues below

Included in this is a larger front splitter and LED lights for the subtly flared front air intakes, with the rear diffuser also beefed up. This contrasts with the redesigned rear spoiler, creating an ‘X’ graphic around the boot lid when saw from behind.
Quad Overfinch exhausts and branded alloys – available in a range of finishes from 21-23 inches – complete the exterior look.
A choice of fine wood veneers serve a similar purpose in personalising the interior, although a carbon fibre trim is also provided in a selection of colours, including charcoal, bronze and green.
Customers are also faced with a dizzying range of options when it concerns deciding on seat design, stitch patterning and colour, with the upholstery trimmed in Bridge of Weir leather.
• Fastest SUVs on sale now
Meanwhile, an Overfinch performance package implies the changes aren’t purely stylistic. A digitally remapped ECU, revised exhaust system and upgraded supercharger all combine for an estimated 42bhp performance increase over the flagship range Rover Sport’s standard 510bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8.
Making the most of the extra output is a Bluetooth-controlled ‘track mode’ feature, activated through a button integrated directly into the Overfinch essential fob. One touch and twin Pulse width Modulated controlled electronic valves open in the exhaust, freeing the V8’s full potential.

Nissan has revealed extensive research study in to what it phone calls Brain-to-Vehicle technology, which will be showcased at the upcoming consumer electronics show in Las vegas on 9 January.
The Japanese marque, under its Nissan Intelligent Mobility branding, aims to harness the driver’s brain wave activity as well as mate it to onboard autonomous systems in order to enhance the car’s reactions in real-life driving scenarios. It’s the result of almost seven years of research, conducted with assistance from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland.
Advertisement – article continues below

• CES 2018 preview
The Brain-to-Vehicle innovation needs the driver to wear a brain wave measuring gadget to determine his/her believed process. If the driver detects a situation that needs the cars and truck to brake, accelerate or turn the steering wheel, the system can send the brain signals to the car.
According to Nissan, the innovation can step in as well as react 0.2-0.5 seconds quicker than the driver can, improving performance when the cars and truck is under human control.
The system is likewise stated to find the driver’s mood as well as change the driving configuration in a moment, to fit the driver’s needs. The vehicle’s autonomous driving system utilizes the brain wave measurements too, to finest match itself to the driver’s driving style.
Nissan is attempting to humanise autonomous driving innovation by implementing Brain-to-Vehicle innovation into its fleet. Nissan’s executive Vice president Daniele Schillaci said: “When most people believe about autonomous driving, they have a extremely impersonal vision of the future, where humans relinquish manage to the machines. Yet B2V innovation does the opposite, by utilizing signals from their own brain to make the drive even more interesting as well as enjoyable.”
Do you like the noise of Nissan’s brain-to-vehicle technology? tell us what you believe below…

The forthcoming electric production vehicle series has been officially sanctioned by the FIA – the governing body for world motorsport – ahead of its inaugural 2018 season.
The series will be contested by as much as 20 identical, race-prepared Tesla design S P100Ds, customized to create 784bhp (585kW) as well as capable of 0-62mph in 2.1 seconds thanks to a vastly minimized kerbweight.
Advertisement – post continues below

• Tesla design S P100D race vehicle revealed
Electric GT Holdings Inc. – the business behind the all-electric series – has likewise verified the sporting guidelines for every race weekend, appealing two method sessions, a three-heat qualifying style as well as two 60km races – one to be held during the day as well as one at dusk.
Drivers as well as teams will make points utilizing the exact same system deployed in formula 1, with 25 points offered for a race win, down to one point for 10th place.
However, bonus offer points will likewise be awarded for pole position, fastest race lap, as well as success in what has been dubbed a ‘Drift Off’ competition.
Consisting of ‘drifting challenges’, this final stage will be contested by each weekend’s two winning drivers, plus the two a lot of prominent motorists as voted by fans on social media.
Mark Gemmell, electric GT Holdings Inc. CEO, said: “This is such an interesting day for us as we verify that the electric production vehicle series has been officially sanctioned by the FIA. We respect the FIA as well as we are honoured to have their support ahead of our inaugural season.
“We are likewise delighted to officially publish the sporting guidelines for the electric production vehicle Series. We have put a great deal of time into refining the guidelines to enable for competitive as well as thrilling racing.
• finest electric vehicles on sale
“With a three-heat qualifying system as well as two EPCS races, plus our eKarting as well as eSports rounds, fans will have a great deal of racing action to get ecstatic about.”
While the inaugural season is set to take location this year, race dates have not yet been confirmed. The EPCS’s web site currently listings France, Italy, Germany as well as the UK among eight venues, with a ninth yet to be revealed.

Organisers are appealing “a weekend-long celebration of innovation as well as innovation” at each event, with races set to be streamed on the internet by means of Twitch, Facebook online or YouTube.
The electric production vehicle series complies with formula E as an all-electric racing series. discover all about the latter here…

Ford has provided the focus ST hot hatch an update for 2021, to coincide with the mid-life facelift bestowed on the company’s household hatch. 
Like the basic hatchback, the facelifted Ford focus ST gets a modified front bumper, a somewhat larger radiator grille as well as much more aggressive LED headlights, all of which work to pull the car’s style into step with newer cars in the company’s line-up, such as the Mustang Mach-e as well as the just recently updated Fiesta.

Mountune releases 360bhp power upgrade set for Ford focus ST

Other modifications include a new satin grey surface for the front bumper vents, a fresh set of lights at the rear as well as the addition of the exact same “Mean Green” paint surface very first seen on the Puma ST. Ford’s exterior styling tweaks are rounded off with two new alloy wheel designs, offered in either 18- or 19-inch diameters.
Advertisement – short article continues below

Inside, Ford has ditched the old car’s Recaro seats in favour of some in-house developed 14-way adjustable sports seats. There’s likewise a new-look dashboard with a new infotainment system. The screen steps an huge 13.2 inches across as well as now integrates the car’s climate manage settings, eliminating a few buttons from the dashboard in the process.
The new touchscreen runs Ford’s newest SYNC4 infotainment software, which introduces advanced speech recognition as well as some new linked features, such as online weather condition reports as well as web traffic updates. The system can even be linked to the driver’s phone utilizing the FordPass app, enabling owners to remotely inspect their car’s fuel level as well as oil quality.
9

However, in spite of these big changes, the powertrain goes without alteration. like before, it’s a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder system establishing 276bhp as well as 420Nm of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed handbook gearbox as standard, although a seven-speed automatic is offered as an optional extra.
Further optional extras include adaptive dampers as well as Ford’s dynamic Pixel LED headlights, which utilize a front-facing video camera to checked out the road as well as immediately illuminate dark areas by altering the beam. 
The facelifted Ford focus ST is offered to purchase now. costs begin from £33,885, which makes it around £3,000 much more costly than the outgoing version. very first deliveries are expected to show up in early 2022.

Now click right here to checked out our evaluation of the new focus ST edition – the swansong of the outgoing hot hatchback’s line-up…

Jeep has revealed its 2019 facelifted Cherokee SUV at this year’s Detroit motor show with a revised front end as well as a new turbocharged petrol engine. It will be making its method to the UK in 2018.
The new engine is a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder petrol system creating 266bhp as well as 400Nm of torque. It’s the exact same system that debuted on Jeep’s most current Wrangler. two naturally aspirated petrol engines are likewise offered for the 2019 Cherokee – a 178bhp 2.4-litre four-pot as well as a 267bhp 3.2-litre V6.
Advertisement – post continues below

• 2018 Detroit motor show news round-up
All three engines are mated to nine-speed automatic transmissions as well as long-term four-wheel-drive. The Cherokee includes Jeep’s all-new rear drive module that makes the new Cherokee front-wheel-drive only at specific times. A low-range gearbox as well as five-way driving mode selector are likewise fitted.
On the style front, the Cherokee gets a modified front end, which moves away from the sharp, directed nose of the outgoing Cherokee in favour of a rounder, traditional look a lot more according to the current Compass.
24

Changes around the back are obvious as well – the number plate housing has been transferred to the tailgate, as a fresh, chunkier looking rear bumper with a larger scuff plate now sits in its place. Refreshed taillights with new illumination signatures appear as well. All Cherokee designs are fitted as basic with 19-inch wheels, with the top spec Trailhawk design fitted with special 17-inch off-road tyres.
The facelifted Jeep Cherokee is available in five trim levels, starting off with Latitude as well as topping out with the tough Trailhawk model. the current Uconnect infotainment system can be specified with either a seven or 8.4-inch screen, the latter being equipped with satellite navigation. The infotainment system is compatible with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay as well as Android automobile as well as options of digital instrument clusters are likewise available, with a 3.5-inch grayscale or seven-inch full-colour instrument cluster on the list. 
According to Jeep, the updated Cherokee features a lot more than 80 security as well as safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, park assist, ahead collision alerting as well as lane departure warning. A Jeep spokesperson verified that the facelifted Cherokee will make its method to the UK, although pricing has yet to be confirmed.

What would you modification on the Cherokee to assist it keep speed with rivals? tell us in the comments…

Kia has kicked off 2018 with an update to the Sorento SUV range, introducing two new, sporty trim levels and a fresh eight-speed automatic gearbox, replacing the six-speed transmission previously used.
GT-Line and GT-Line S variants of the Sorento inject a racier look into the firm’s flagship SUV. Both feature 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, alongside stainless steel side steps, red brake calipers, new foglamps and twin exhaust pipes. GT-Line models get projection headlights, while GT-Line S features LED headlights as standard.
Advertisement – post continues below

• best SUVs on sale 2018
The new GT-Line automobile is based on the mid-range KX-2 Sorento, but gains a stop/start button, eight-way adjustable electric seats, a 7-inch LCD instrument display, lane keep assist, and a motorist attention alerting system. GT-Line S builds on this with a park assist feature, a top-down look 360-degree cam system, adaptive cruise control, a ten-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, a panoramic roof, additional motorist assists including autonomous emergency braking, and a premium Harman & Kardon sound system. 
In the cabin, both automobiles feature black leather upholstery with light grey stitching, a perforated leather trimmed steering wheel, and a GT-Line gear selector. GT-Line and GT-Line S models are priced from £36,495 and £41,995 respectively, and come equipped with the new eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
The new transmission is optional on KX-2 and KX-3 trim level cars, and Kia claims it improves fuel economy over the outgoing six-speed. With the new gearbox in place an official figure of 43.5mpg is quoted, with 170g/km CO2. No changes have been made to the Sorento’s 2.2-litre, 197bhp turbodiesel engine. 
Elsewhere, one minor change across the range has been introduced for 2018; Apple CarPlay and Android automobile is now installed as conventional on KX-1, KX-2 and KX-3 models. The refreshed Sorento is on sale now. 
What do you make of the Kia Sorento GT-Line and GT-Line S? tell us your thoughts in the comments…

Ford has revealed a motorsport-focused, off-road-only variant of its Bronco SUV. Called the Bronco DR, or Desert Racer, it’s been heavily modified to tackle the gruelling Baja 1000 off-road race, with a lot more power than any production Bronco in history. just 50 examples are planned, but as with the rest of the Bronco line-up, the DR won’t be available to UK customers.
Advertisement – post continues below

The DR is intended as a turn-key Baja racer, and uses the chassis and body structure from the roadgoing Bronco, albeit with some significant revisions. The exterior has been redesigned with a lot more muscular, fibreglass body panels to save weight. 

New 2022 Ford Bronco available in the UK now priced from £45,000

The wheelarches have been widened in buy to house 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres, and under the skin, the Bronco DR uses a suspension system created by Multimatic – builder of the Ford GT supercar. This comprises heavy-duty, reinforced dampers with fluid cooling channels and new billeted-aluminium lower control arms. The inner tie-rod joints have also been upgraded, and the changes result in 55 per cent and 58 per cent a lot more suspension travel than a four-door ‘Badlands’ Bronco, for the front and rear respectively. 
14

Ford has also shaved off some kilos with the removal of the Bronco’s air-conditioning system, other interior luxuries and window glass. The doors have also been replaced by fixed side panels. 
Weighing in at around 2.8 tonnes in competition trim, the Bronco DR also features a full roll cage, created by Multimatic, and a pair of racing seats. The standard Bronco’s semi-digital instrument panel remains, alongside a Motec motorsport display.
Powering the four-wheel-drive off-road racer is Ford’s 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8, producing 395bhp. This drives through a 10-speed automatic gearbox and electronically locking front and rear differentials. The front driveshafts have been redesigned to work with the extra suspension travel and engine torque. 
An massive 246-litre fuel tank has also been installed for the long stints at Baja, along with air intakes on the sides and roofing of the car to cool a rear-mounted radiator. The Bronco DR uses the same braking system as the standard car, albeit with new brake pads. 
Initially, 50 units of the Bronco DR will be available, priced at around $250,000 (£184,000) apiece. Each will wear a distinctive red, white, black and blue Ford performance livery, in tribute to a Baja 1000-winning Bronco in 1969. 

Click here to read about the 415bhp Hennessy VelociRaptor Ford Bronco…

Hyundai has released pictures of an upcoming SUV which the brand declares will produce “an all new cars and truck class that never existed before”. A cross between a city cars and truck as well as a crossover, the new Casper will be the smallest SUV to be offered by the brand as well as is destined for markets outside of Europe. beneath its rather adorable styling, the Casper is likely to utilize the exact same platform as the i10 city cars and truck – which must assist put the Casper’s small size into perspective.
Advertisement – post continues below

There will at first be a option of two trim levels, each with a variation of a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. The choices will be either the common model, featuring a 66bhp naturally-aspirated MPI engine, or the sportier active variant with a 98bhp turbocharged T-GDI unit. other versions will most likely follow, as well as while it is unlikely that a hot ‘N’ version will be among them, there is rumour of a fully-electric drivetrain for the Casper by the 2023 design year, though this is currently unconfirmed.

New Hyundai Bayon 2021 review

Although details such as the interior style as well as pricing are yet to be revealed, Hyundai seems to be orienting the Casper towards a younger client base with its emphasis on dynamic as well as stylish credentials – so much to ensure that the name ‘Casper’ is really originated from a skateboarding trick, rather than a specific supernatural being as some may have very first thought.
The Casper is set to only go on sale very first in the brand’s South Korean house market. thinking about that Hyundai’s present smallest SUV, the Venue, has never been offered in the UK, it is unlikely that we will get the Casper, either. ‘Early bird’ preorders for the Korean market are now open by means of a devoted web site for the model.
Click right here for our listing of the very best little SUVs on sale in the UK…