New Hyundai i10 Play 2019 review

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Image 1 of 26

31 May, 2019 3:00pm Alex Ingram

The new Hyundai i10 Play comes with plenty of extra kit, but does that make the i10 a more desirable option in the city car class?

This is the Hyundai i10 Play: a recent addition to the city car’s range that aims to breathe new life into the brand’s Volkswagen up! and Toyota Aygo challenger. Having been around since 2013, does the improved kit list do enough to make it worth considering?

Priced from £11,195, the Play costs roughly the same as the existing SE, but it’s treated to a heap of extra kit to make it a more desirable option. Two features, one cosmetic, one practical, are lifted from the top-spec Premium SE trim, to add to the Play’s appeal. On the outside that means the Play rides on a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, while inside it benefits from a seven-inch infotainment system.

• Best city cars on sale

Not only does the touchscreen offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but also built-in satellite navigation. If you want that elsewhere in a city car, you’d need to spend at least £13,150 on a mid-range Kia Picanto, or over £15,000 on a high-end Fiat 500. It’s a good system, too; not quite as responsive to touches as the tech you’ll find in pricier cars, but the layout it functional and the graphics are clear.

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Image 2 of 26

The new special edition model adds a few more extras unique to the i10. The Play’s door mirrors are finished in a contrasting gloss black paint, while there’s unique badging on the B-pillars. Other standard equipment includes rear privacy glass, air conditioning, electric windows (both front and rear) and cruise control. There’s five colours to choose from, with white and red both no-cost options. The rest command a premium of £550. 

The Play is only offered with the lesser of the i10’s two engines: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit with 66bhp. As one of the least powerful cars on sale in the UK today, it’s not surprising to learn that in some situations – at motorway speeds or when loaded with passengers, for example – the i10 needs to be worked to make decent progress. However, a kerb weight of less than 1,000kg means that, at town speeds, it performs perfectly fine. It’s helped by the five-speed manual gearbox, which snappy and fairly precise. 

There’s other reasons to recommend it for city driving, too. The dinky dimensions mean that it’s fairly easy to fling about narrow streets, while a soft, forgiving suspension set-up makes it among the most comfortable cars in its class, too. Refinement is also a strong point; wind and road noise are well contained for a car so small, and the thrummy little three-pot engine doesn’t sound unpleasant, even under hard acceleration.

Parking manoeuvres are made easy thanks to a tiny turning circle and light steering. However, it’s a little vague too, which ultimately means that it’s not quite as fun to drive as the VW.

Elsewhere, the Play remains much the same as the rest of the i10 range. That means that dashboard design is starting to look a little dated – particularly in the Play’s greyscale scheme – but build quality feels acceptable. The layout is logical, too, with big, chunky dials for the air conditioning and physical shortcut buttons for the infotainment system. Storage is great; there’s a big shelf ahead of the gear lever that’s ideal for storing a smartphone, and the door bins are huge.

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Image 3 of 26

As with most city cars, there’s no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, but the height adjustable seat compensates slightly. Wherever you put the seat, it’s mounted quite high, which means that visibility out is pretty decent. The tall roofline means that it’s one of the roomiest city cars around, and while the cabin is narrow, the three rear seatbelts mean that you can carry five if you really need to. The boot measures a respectable 218 litres, though that includes a space-saver spare wheel. Without it the i10 just edges the up! at 252 litres.

This is a class where price matters, and in this regard, the i10 makes for a tempting proposition. In terms of spec, the closest match is the up! Beats. While it lacks the integrated navigation system, it does feature a 300-watt sound system. However, in five-door configuration, the up! costs £745 more.

Thanks to current zero percent finance deals things start to look even better for the Hyundai. Place £3,000 down up front, and it’ll cost just £126 per month to take out a two-year PCP. That’s £42 per month less than an up! Beats on matching terms.

4

The Hyundai i10 is getting a little long in the tooth now: the engine needs to be worked hard out on the open road and the interior design is a little dated. However, a smooth ride and light steering means that as an unpretentious city runabout, there’s much to like. The new Play trim offers great value, too, usefully undercutting rivals like the VW up! on price. That it offers several features – such as built-in sat nav – that are rare in this class, ensures there’s still life in the i10 yet.

• Model: Hyundai i10 Play
• Price: £11,195
• Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol
• Power/torque: 66bhp/95Nm
• Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive

• 0-62mph: 14.7 seconds
• Top speed: 97mph
• Economy/CO2: 49.6mpg/117g/km
• On sale: Now

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Unique Volkswagen Golf GTI and R created for Worthersee festival

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Luke Wilkinson 2019-05-30 13:00

VW commissioned two teams of apprentices to build a pair of bespoke high performance Volkswagen Golfs for Worthersee 2019

Volkswagen brought a bespoke Golf GTI and a unique Golf Estate to this year’s Worthersee auto show. Called the Golf GTI Aurora and the Golf Estate FighteR, the special edition models were constructed by two teams of Volkswagen apprentices, with both featuring improved performance and revised styling.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora was built by the German brand’s Wolfsburg apprentice team and features a revised body kit, a larger rear wing, lowered suspension, a roll cage, a hand-painted livery with Mint Green accents, an upgraded 3,500 watt stereo system and a range of additional display screens in the centre console and dashboard.

• Best hot hatches to buy

Volkswagen’s Golf GTI Aurora show car also features a holographic display, mounted in the boot floor, which can be used to operate the car’s sound system. The system can only be operated when the car’s tailgate is open and offers a range of control elements such as a graphic equaliser, volume control and playlist display.

The German brand’s chairman, Thomas Schmall, commented: “It is like a mirage that you can clearly see and which we use to deliver a whole new user experience,” Schmall continued. “The hologram floats freely in the air, above the hardware that is integrated into a compact module in the luggage compartment.”

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora is powered by a re-tuned version of the standard Golf GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 374bhp. Performance is fed to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Volkswagen’s second apprentice team built a one-off, performance-focussed Golf Estate for Worthersee, called the FighteR. It’s powered by a heavily revised version of the Golf R’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 396bhp – almost 100bhp more than the standard Golf R Estate.

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Image 4 of 5

Styling updates for the Golf Estate FighteR include a unique paint scheme and livery, a set of aggressively-flared wheel arches, a roof-mounted light system, grille-mounted strobe lights, a 360-degree camera, a custom-built sound system and a pair of leather-and-Alcantara trimmed bucket seats.

Once the Golf Estate FighteR has made its debut at Worthersee, Volkswagen plans to use it as a safety car for the Sachsenring racing circuit.

Now read our review of the standard Golf GTI and Golf R. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…

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Recall for over 5,000 Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models

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Tristan Shale-Hester 2019-05-31 10:05

Kia has recalled 5,020 hybrid and plug-in hybrid examples of the Niro in the UK due to an overheating issue in an electrical relay

Kia Motor UK is recalling over 5,000 Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models following the discovery of an overheating problem.

Approximately 5,020 UK models are affected by the voluntary recall, which has been caused by a potential overheating issue in one of the car’s electrical relays. At present, only hybrid and plug-in hybrid examples of the Niro are affected – not the all-electric e-Niro.

• Best plug-in hybrids 2019

Kia says recalled cars will be inspected at dealerships and any relays affected by the problem will be replaced free of charge, with the repairs taking an estimated one hour per vehicle.

The fault was identified as part of Kia’s ongoing research and development programme, with the manufacturer saying it is not aware of any fires or injuries having occurred as a result of the problem.

The models affected were built between November 2016 and September 2017. Kia is contacting all owners whose cars are subject to the recall, but invites anyone who is concerned about their vehicle to call Kia customer services on 08000 158757 or email enquiries@kiacustomercare.co.uk.

• Car recalls explained

Chris Lear, director of aftersales at Kia Motor UK, said: “The safety of our customers is our number one priority and we are taking this action to ensure their vehicles are not affected in any way.”

This isn’t the first time Kia has had to recall one of its cars. Back in 2013, the South Korean brand recalled 25,192 examples of various models – including some that were no longer in production – as a result of a potential problem with the brake lights.

Then, the following year, the manufacturer called back around 5,787 Sportage and 1,432 Soul models due to an issue with the seatbelt pre-tensioning system.

Have you experienced any problems with your Kia Niro? Let us know in the comments...

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New Mercedes CLA 250 AMG Line 2019 review

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Image 1 of 23

30 May, 2019 4:00pm Alex Ingram

We've driven the new Mercedes CLA 250 AMG Line to see if it can offer something more than just being a stylish A-Class saloon

Buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to small premium cars at the moment. Audi makes the A3 in a wide variety of flavours, the VW Golf remains ever-present, and there’s an all-new BMW 1 Series on the way.

But one glance at the Mercedes range suggests that the Stuttgart-based brand could cover the segment on its own. Joining the two new A-Class (hatchback and Saloon) models there is now a pair of CLA variants: a ‘Shooting Brake’ swoopy estate, and the four-door ‘Coupe’ driven here.

• Best hatchbacks to buy

On the face of it, it’s hard to work out why Mercedes offers the CLA alongside the A-Class Saloon. With this CLA 250 AMG Line Premium Plus – as pricey as the petrol range gets outside of the full-fat Mercedes-AMG models – costing £36,630, it makes quite a jump from the £34,955 you’ll need to fork out from the A-Class saloon; itself £595 more than the equivalent hatch. So what sets it apart?

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Image 2 of 23

As with the previous model, the CLA aims to be the trendiest member of Merc’s small car family. While it shares its wheelbase with the A-Class, it’s longer overall – 4,688mm to the Saloon’s 4,549mm – and very slightly wider, too. As a result, the gentler flow towards a tapered boot lid helps to give off a mini-CLS vibe, and a look that’s more coherent than the Saloon’s somewhat abrupt rump.

The extra length benefits boot space, too: at 460 litres, the CLA is almost on par with the larger C-Class for storage, and is more spacious than the A-Class Saloon (420 litres) and the hatch (370 litres). Obviously, the latter benefits from a much larger opening.

The sleek shape does bring with it other compromises, though. Step into the back seats – an act which comes with an extra sense of occasion thanks to the stylish frameless doors – and the 36mm drop in headspace will make taller people feel a little cramped. It’s compounded by the fact that foot room is tight under the front seats, so buyers looking to carry adults regularly would probably do better with the Audi A3 Saloon.

Up front, however, the story is much more positive. Sharing its dash design with the A-Class, the CLA manages to make the Audi, and any other rival for that matter, look old-hat. Mercedes’s latest MBUX infotainment system places two digital displays in a continuous sweep across the top of the dash. Other features, like the turbine-style air vents and climate toggle switches, look and feel great, too.

In the AMG Line, the MBUX system uses a 10-inch touchscreen beside digital dials shown on a seven-inch display. Spend £1,395 on the Premium pack, and this switches to a 10-inch screen, offering customisable trip, navigation and media functions that are controlled through the touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. Other Premium extras include augmented reality navigation, which can impose digital instructions onto the nav screen in real time; plus an upgraded sound system, ambient lighting and keyless go.

Above that sits the AMG Line Premium Plus. This costs a further £1,495 and comes with a panoramic glass roof, electric seats, traffic sign recognition and LED intelligent lighting.

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Image 3 of 23

Out on the road, the CLA feels much the same to drive as the conventional A-Class models. The CLA has a wider track, and the extra metal out back means that it weighs 35kg more, but neither changes are significant enough to transform the experience. The CLA turns into corners with more enthusiasm than an A3, and remains flatter as the weight loads up. The outgoing BMW 1 Series, thanks to its rear-driven chassis, feels slightly better balanced, though.

The BMW is more comfortable, too. A 1 Series equipped with optional adaptive dampers is able to round off little bumps which the CLA jiggles over. However, at motorway speeds, the CLA manages to settle, and the slippery body shape generates barely a whisper of wind noise. 

That’s not something that can be said of the engine. Whether it’s the diesel-like clatter at idle or the harsh, thrashy sound it makes towards the red line, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine seems rather out of place in a Mercedes. And while performance is strong – a 6.3-second 0-62mph time is well within hot hatch territory – it’s hampered by a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox which is slow to kick down and surges on upshifts. In our experience, the CLA 180 petrol or CLA 220 d diesel are smarter all-rounders.

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Image 7 of 23

The CLA 250 will do up to 41.5mpg according to the latest WLTP testing procedure. While a figure close to that should be achievable on a motorway run, it’ll struggle to achieve 30mpg in urban driving. That’s despite the best efforts of the stop-start system, which cuts in at every opportunity and fires up the engine again almost instantly. The low CO2 emissions are very competitive for the performance on offer, however; the Audi A3 40 TFSI (190), which gives up over 30bhp to the Merc, emits the same.

While there’s a decent step change in retail price between the CLA and the A-Class, should you choose to take out a finance deal, there’s really not much of a difference. Put down a £5,000 deposit on a PCP agreement, and you’ll be paying around £504 per month for a CLA 250 over three years. That’s only £21 per month more than an A 250 hatch – or £16 more than the Saloon – on matching terms. 

3.5

The new CLA should sit well with buyers looking for a style-focussed alternative to the A-Class. While the retail price is higher than the conventional hatchback for almost no mechanical benefit, the swoopy styling should help to tempt some buyers, especially when PCP finance deals mean that the extra outlay is quite small. However, this CLA 250 isn’t our pick of the range; engine refinement disappoints, and it’s likely to be quite thirsty, too.

• Model: Mercedes CLA 250 AMG Line Premium Plus
• Price: £36,360
• Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
• Power/torque: 221bhp/350nm
• Transmission: Seven-speed auto, front-wheel drive

• 0-62mph: 6.3 seconds
• Top speed: 155mph
• Economy/CO2: 41.5mpg/139g/km
• On sale: Now

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Almost a fifth of drink-drivers are caught the morning after

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Tristan Shale-Hester 2019-05-30 14:17

Data shows a third of all breath tests and nearly 18 per cent of drink-driving convictions are for drivers stopped between 7am and 1pm

Almost a fifth of all drink-drivers are caught the morning after consuming alcohol, according to new data.

Government figures show that 17.8 per cent of drink-driving convictions and a third of all breath tests are for drivers who are stopped by police between the hours of 7am and 11pm.

• Volvo models to watch for drunk drivers with in-car cameras

The news comes in the run-up to the police's annual summer drink-drive crackdown. In June 2017 (the latest year for which summer figures are available), police in England and Wales breathalysed 36,041 motorists – around 50 per cent more than the monthly average of 23,840. Of these, 3,275 tested positive.

Drivers in Merseyside were the most likely to be stopped in June 2017, with police there conducting 3,010 roadside breath tests. Meanwhile, 2,532 were carried out in Hampshire, 2,265 in Thames Valley, 2,178 in South Wales and 1,952 in North Wales.

Figures from the Department of Transport show that the number of people killed in road traffic collisions where the driver was over the legal alcohol limit rose from 200 in 2015 to 290 in 2017 – an increase of 45 per cent.

• Drink-drive fatalities hit eight-year high

Hunter Abbott, managing director of breathalyser firm AlcoSense Laboratories, commented: “The police always focus on June as, statistically, it’s a drink drive hotspot.

“With warmer weather, sporting events and barbeques, June is a month when motorists are more likely to unintentionally drink drive the morning after socialising – posing a risk to themselves and other road users.”

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Jaguar XJ production to end in July

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Tristan Shale-Hester 2019-05-30 13:20

The last Jaguar XJ will roll off the production line in July, making way for a new all-electric flagship model in 2020

Production of the Jaguar XJ will come to an end in July this year in preparation for the expected arrival of a new all-electric flagship in 2020.

The last example of current XJ – known as the X351 – will roll off the production line on 5 July 2019, having first been launched a decade ago, with 122,330 examples having been built since then. A Jaguar spokesman said the company could “confirm that production of the current Jaguar XJ will come to an end, as planned, this summer - ten years after it launched.”

• Best luxury cars on sale

The XJ was facelifted in 2015, however the range was then cut back last year. The high-performance XJR – which was fitted with Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8 – and all other petrol engines in the range were axed, leaving just the 296bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel. Jaguar also unveiled a special edition XJ 50 model in 2018 to celebrate 50 years since the original XJ first launched in 1968.

Jaguar has yet to officially give any specific details of a replacement for the X351, although it has confirmed that it intends to use the XJ nameplate again in future with the help of the brand’s “renowned engineering capability and technological innovation”. It’s predicted this will take the form of a new XJ with an all-electric powertrain, launching next year.

The X351 is the eighth-generation XJ and the first to feature Jaguar’s modern design language, with the previous seven generations having shared the same iconic look.

• Ultimate Jaguar XJ road test: XJ6, XJ12, XJ40 and XJR 575 driven

In addition, the X351 was the fifth-most produced XJ. The one built in the highest numbers was the XJ40, with 208,733 being made between 1986 and 1994, while some 177,243 examples of the XJ Series III were built from 1979 to 1992.

Furthermore, 127,078 units of the XJ Series II – in both saloon and Coupe forms – were produced between 1973 and 1979 and 126,620 X308 XJs were made from 1997 to 2002.

Are you sad to see production of the current Jaguar XJ come to an end? Let us know your thoughts below...

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75% of electric car owners dangerously use extension leads to charge

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Tristan Shale-Hester 2019-05-30 13:00

Lack of public chargers for EVs leads to extension leads being used in order to charge at home, risking safety

Three-quarters of electric and plug-in hybrid car owners admit to using unsuitable extension leads to charge up their cars at home due to a lack of public charging infrastructure.

In a survey of 1,500 EV owners by consumer protection charity Electrical Safety First, around 75% of respondents said they had used unsuitable extension leads to charge their cars from their mains electrical supply at home rather than purpose designed, weather proof, electric car charging cables. 

• UK has more electric car charging sites than fuel stations

Of these respondents, 75% went on to admit they had “daisy-chained” multiple extension leads in order to reach their car, increasing the risk of electrocution or an electrical fire.

Electrical Safety First carried out an analysis of data from the Department for Transport and Zap-Map, finding that the growth rate of licensed plug-in vehicles has outpaced that of public charging sites by as much as six times in the space of five years.

The number of EVs on UK roads increased from 25,983 in 2014 to 186,386 in 2018, while in the same period the number of charging locations rose from 3,251 to 6,669. 

• Best electric cars to buy now

Although further data released by Zap-Map shows EV charging sites actually outnumber fuel stations now, Electrical Safety First’s research shows how chargers are unfairly distributed between different regions with approximately 2.6 per 10,000 residents in London, for example, compared with 1.03 per 10,000 residents in Wales.

Martyn Allen, technical director at Electrical Safety First, said: “We warn EV users against giving in to temptation to use standard domestic extension leads to charge their vehicles outside, and never to ‘daisy-chain’ them together.

“We recommend taking advantage of the Government’s grant scheme, which will contribute towards the cost of a specially designed home charging point.”

Have you ever charged an electric car or plug-in hybrid with an extension lead? Let us know in the comments...

 

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Facelifted 2020 Lexus RX revealed with updated tech and styling

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Luke Wilkinson 2019-05-30 11:55

Updated Lexus RX has launched with mild styling tweaks and improved connectivity with the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Lexus has unveiled a facelifted version of the RX SUV. Updates include a minor styling refresh, revised mechanicals and Lexus’s latest suite of safety equipment. The new RX will go on sale in the UK this autumn, in both five and seven-seat body styles.

Exterior styling updates for the facelifted RX include revised front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, a fresh rear diffuser, reworked exhaust tips and a new set of front and rear lamps. Inside, Lexus’s latest RX comes with a redesigned third seating row, which features an additional setting which claims to offers increased leg-room for the rear-most occupants.

• Best SUVs on sale in 2019

Lexus has also improved the RX’s structural rigidity by stitching its body shell together with more spot welds and fitting stiffer anti-roll bars. The RX also comes with new shock absorbers, revised power steering and Active Cornering Assist, all of which the Japanese firm claims will reduce understeer and offer more stable handling characteristics.

Like the outgoing model, the RX will only be available with a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain, producing 308bhp and 335Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a CVT and an electric all-wheel-drive system, which results in a 0-62 mph time of 7.7 seconds and economy figures of 54.3mpg.

The new RX is the first car in Lexus’s line-up to feature the firm’s new BladeScan Adaptive High-beam LED headlights. The system projects light onto a pair of spinning blade-shaped mirrors, which is then bounced through a lens onto the road. Lexus claims the system offers greater visibility for the driver, without dazzling oncoming road users.

Lexus’s latest flagship SUV also comes with the brand’s latest suite of safety technology, which includes road sign assist, radar-controlled adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system, which can now detect pedestrians during both day- and night-time.

Connectivity has improved, too, thanks to the introduction of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control, while drivers also benefit from a new smartphone holder and a fresh touchscreen infotainment system.

What are your thoughts on the new Lexus RX? Let us know in the comments section below…

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Facelifted 2020 Lexus RX revealed - pictures

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Government announces plan to “revolutionise” parking

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Tristan Shale-Hester 2019-05-30 11:10

New national parking data standards will allow for smoother and easier payment methods to be employed at car parks across the UK

The Government has announced plans to “revolutionise” the way parking works in the UK, with smoother and easier payment methods.

New national parking data standards revealed by the Department for Transport (DfT) will see all parking data released by councils and companies across the UK use the same language in order to support the development of apps that will make parking easier for drivers.

• UK’s largest car-park operator made £2.44m from drivers with wrong change

The standardised data system – which is being created by the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS) and funded by the DfT – could “transform the way we park as the Oyster card transformed the way we travel in London”, the Government has said.

The scheme is part of the Government’s Future of Mobility: Urban Strategy and will be designed to help streamline parking, making it easier for drivers to find a suitable parking space, based on price, quality, safety and availability of on-site services such as electric car charging points. It will also free up more space in cities in order to ease congestion and boost high streets.

• New legislation introduced to clamp down on private parking companies

When the scheme is first introduced, four research and development projects will be set up in Manchester City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and across a consortium of South Essex Councils. Each local authority will receive a share of £1 million to start putting the APDS standards into practice, while a further seven projects will also be set up to identify ways of opening up local authority data.

Nigel Williams, chair of the APDS, explained: “The new standards will enable the next generation of apps and connected cars to find a parking space, park and pay – with little or no intervention from the driver.”

Do you think parking should be made easier? Let us know your thoughts below...

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Big drop in uninsured drivers caught on UK roads

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Tristan Shale-Hester 2019-05-30 00:01

Last year saw the lowest number of uninsured drivers caught on the road since 2012, even though 2017, by contrast, saw the most

Fewer drivers were caught behind the wheel without insurance in 2018 than in any year since 2012, new figures have revealed.

Police apprehended 79,713 uninsured motorists last year – the lowest number in the last seven years – compared with 118,698 in 2017, which was the highest number since 2012, according to a Freedom of Information request made to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) by the RAC.

• Cheapest cars to insure in the UK

The figure for 2018 represents a 33 per cent drop from 2017’s high, or a 27 per cent decrease from 2012, when 108,616 people were caught driving without insurance, the penalty for which is six to eight penalty points being placed on the offender’s licence for four years.

Year	Number of uninsured drivers caught
2012	108,616
2013	108,486
2014	102,417
2015	92,804
2016	113,502
2017	118,698
2018	79,713

Of the offenders caught last year, 872 were under the age of 17 and therefore not even of legal driving age. This is 47 per cent fewer than 2017, when 1,644 under-17s were caught and 31 per cent less than the 1,255 in 2012.

The youngest offender in 2018 was 11 years-old, but the youngest recorded since records began in 2012 was a 10-year old who was caught in 2016. In contrast, the oldest offender on record is a 96-year-old found behind the wheel without insurance last year.

Some 3,309 24-year-olds were caught driving uninsured last year, the highest total of all the age groups in 2018. The largest number of offences by drivers of a single age, however, occurred in 2017, when 5,052 23-year-olds were caught.

In 2011 the Department for Transport – along with the DVLA and the Motor Insurers Bureau – introduced Continuous Insurance Enforcement, which sees uninsured drivers receive warning letters and Fixed Penalty Notices if they fail to take out insurance.

RAC Insurance director Mark Godfrey believes this policy contributed to the overall decrease in uninsured drivers from 2012 to 2018, while attributing the increases in 2016 and 2017 to the rising cost of insurance premiums.

What do you think are the reasons behind the fall in uninsured drivers caught in the UK? Let us know in the comments...

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New Ferrari hybrid tech to spread to other plug-in models

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James Brodie 2019-05-29 18:30

The first plug-in hybrid Ferrari is the SP90 Stradale, a V8 supercar, but electrification will work its way across Ferrari's range

Ferrari will trickle down its new plug-in hybrid technology applied to the SF90 Stradale onto smaller, less expensive models as the brand goes in search of new customers.

The new Ferrari SF90 Stradale, the first ever plug-in hybrid from the Itailian firm, sits as a flagship model in Ferrari’s series production range. While that leaves space above it for special projects and limited run models building on the hybrid technology, electrification will also be applied further down the line-up in the near future.

• Best plug-in hybrid cars

Speaking to Auto Express, Ferrari Chief Technology Officer Michael Leiters said that it would be “very easy” to adapt the hybrid technology used on the SF90 Stradale for use in other new cars. “There will be other [hybrid] models, but with specific powertrain characteristics,” Leiters explained.

The SF90 Stradale’s turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine is supplemented by three electric motors that develop 217bhp, which are fed by a small 7.9kWh battery pack. The battery is produced by a third party with little supply constraints.

“By entering this segment I am certain we will attract new customers,'' said Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri on stage at the reveal of the SF90 Stradale, while reiterating that Ferrari will reveal five new cars in 2019.

Camilleri recently revealed that the marque would release 15 new models by 2022, 60 per cent of which will feature an electrified powertrain. The upcoming Ferrari SUV is expected to be the last of the models to be launched during that time frame.

Ferrari has already confirmed development of a new V6 engine family for use lower down the range in its ‘Sports’ series models. An electrified version of this powertrain was expected to feature in the new model, but now looks set to be reserved for future, cheaper models and the brand’s upcoming SUV.

Let us know what you think of Ferrari's move to plug-in technology in the comments... 

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Jaguar Land Rover reveals sensory steering wheel

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Faris Sultan 2019-05-29 15:18

Jaguar Land Rover has developed a new sensory steering wheel that uses temperature-based instructions to inform drivers about navigation

Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Glasgow University to develop a new sensory steering wheel that heats and cools to inform drivers of upcoming junctions.

To alert drivers, the temperature of the sides of the steering wheel changes by a difference of six degrees celsius but can be adjusted to suit individuals. JLR said the tech will be useful when driving in poor weather conditions.

• JLR reveals new 'earn as you drive' technology 

The technology has been developed to help raise drivers’ awareness and keep their eyes on the road, rather than a sat-nav screen, as driver distraction is one of the biggest contributors to road accidents.

JLR said the tech can also be integrated into the gear-shift paddles for future autonomous vehicles. The paddles will heat or cool when the control of the vehicle has been handed from the driver to the car itself. Other applications of the technology include non-urgent warnings such as fuel level or points of interest ahead and can be used as an alternative to audio or vibrating notifications.

The project follows on from previous safety features developed by JLR such as autonomous mobility pods fitted with ‘digital eyes’ to inform other road users about their direction of travel and awareness.

Do you think a sensory steering wheel is a good safety idea? Let us know in the comments below...

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UK has more EV charging sites than fuel stations

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Tristan Shale-Hester 2019-05-29 14:40

Data shows there are now 8,471 EV charging sites in the UK with a total of 13,613 chargers, compared with 8,400 fuel stations

The number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging sites in the UK now outnumbers the number of fuel stations for the first time.

As of 22 May 2019, there were 8,471 public EV charging stations across the UK with a total of 13,613 chargers, according to figures from Zap-Map, while data from the Experian Catalist Market Summary Report shows there were 8,400 fuel stations at the end of April.

• Best electric cars to buy 2019

Zap-Map says the number of public EV charging sites has increased by 57 per cent in the last 12 months. This has supported a growth in the number of EVs on the road from 3,500 six years ago to 210,000 now.

By the end of 2022, it’s expected that there will be at least one million EVs in the UK, with the UK Government planning to ban the sale of new, conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040.

Not only is the number of public EV chargers in the UK on the rise, but so is the rate of charge offered at them. At present, a rapid charger can be expected to offer a 50kW charging rate, which can fully recharge a standard EV in around 40 minutes.

• UK’s first 350kW EV charging station opens in Kent

The rollout of the next generation of public EV chargers has already started in the UK, though, offering charging rates of up to 350kW that will allow the electric cars of the future to fully recharge in as little as 10 minutes.

The range of EVs is another factor than can be expected to improve drastically in the future, with a battery that can power a car for up to 600 miles currently being developed in Germany.

Ben Lane, Zap-Map’s co-founder and chief technology officer, said the fact EV charging sites now outnumber fuel stations in the UK “reveals the rapid pace of change already underway as the age of the combustion engine gives way to an all-electric era”.

Do you think the UK's charging network is keeping up with demand? Let us know your thoughts below...

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New Bentley Bentayga Speed 2019 review

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Image 1 of 8

29 May, 2019 1:00pm Jonathan Burn

We hit the track in the new Bentley Bentayga Speed, the world’s fastest SUV

A 2.5 tonne SUV does not belong on a racetrack, but that’s where we find ourselves with the new Bentley Bentayga Speed. This particular SUV holds the rather extraneous title, some could argue, as the world’s fastest - hence our location. 

This is our first opportunity to get to grips with the Bentayga Speed, but it is far from a thorough test; limited to several laps of Anglesey Circuit in Wales we’re able to get only a taste of what the latest addition to Bentley’s Speed portfolio is capable of - a more in-depth road test will follow.

• Best SUVs on sale

Let’s start with the numbers, because they make for quite some reading: the 6.0-litre W12 engine churns out 626bhp and 900Nm of torque, which can slingshot the Bentayga Speed from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and carry on until it hits 190mph. It will also set you back £182,000 - a £40,000 premium over a regular Bentayga V8.

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A Lamborghini Urus, previously the world’s fastest SUV, will get from 0-62mph 0.3 seconds quicker than the Bentley, but in a game of top trumps the heavyweight Brit will outrun it by less than 1mph. 

There’s isn’t a great deal to mark the Bentayga Speed out as the halo SUV in the range, with the exception of a unique finish to the front grille, a subtle bodykit and roof-mounted rear wing. It’s a subtle overhaul, but the Bentayga was hardly an SUV lacking in presence to begin with. 

It’s the same story in the cabin where the main change is the addition of swathes of Alcantara trim on the seats, steering wheel and dash. And it’s unlikely you’ll ever see two Bentayga Speeds the same given the level of customisation offered on the Bentley Mulliner programme. 

Mechanically the changes are all software-based, so all of the oily bits remain as they were. Instead Bentley’s engineers have focused on the Bentayga’s complex electronic systems to manipulate how the SUV drives. All of the changes occur when you select Sport on the plethora of driving modes offered - there are eight in total. Here, the newcomer’s damping and active anti-roll bars are stiffened, while the exhaust volume is cranked up. 

The extra 30bhp is difficult to pick up on in the Speed given the torque-rich nature of the W12 engine. It serves up all of its power from little more than idle, at 1,500rpm, so the Bentayga accelerates with a relentless surge that belies its sheer size and 2.5 tonne kerbweight.

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It also remains remarkably flat and stable during high-speed corners, something Anglesey isn’t short on, which allows you to really lean on the front axle and four-wheel-drive system, using as much of the engine’s vast reserves of power as you dare.

The reins on the Speed’s traction control setting have also been relaxed, so by taking an aggressive approach with steering inputs and the throttle, you can encourage the bulbous back end into small slides. There aren’t many SUVs which so effectively package dynamic prowess and luxury together - the Porsche Cayenne Turbo comes close.  

Of course, it has its limits; carry too much speed into a corner and its the front axle that will lose grip first, ploughing into speed-sapping understeer. One extra on the extensive options list that will be worth splashing out on, if for whatever reason you intend taking your Bentayga Speed on track, are the carbon-ceramic brakes. They help shed speed as fast as the engine helps pile it on.

Given more than half of Bentley’s sales are made up of Bentaygas, it was inevitable the brand’s first SUV would be in line for the Speed treatment. The performance upgrade cements the model’s place as one of the most dynamically capable SUVs on the market. But for some customers, the fact it is now once again the fastest SUV in the world will be enough for them to part with their cash.

• Model: Bentley Bentayga Speed
• Price: £182,200
• Engine: 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12
• Power/torque: 626bhp/900Nm
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

• 0-62mph: 3.9 seconds
• Top speed: 190mph
• Economy/CO2: 21.4mpg/308g/km
• On sale: Now

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'The all-electric Vauxhall Corsa is a landmark car for EVs'

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Steve Fowler 2019-05-29 12:10

The new Vauxhall Corsa has gone electric and editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks this could be a game changer for electric cars

We write a lot about electric cars these days. It’s our job to report on what’s happening in the car business and, whether we like it or not (and many don’t), it’s a subject that’s dominating new car stories and the wider news agenda. Not a day seems to pass without a story cropping up about climate change and electric vehicles. 

One of the phrases that the car industry often bandies about when talking about EVs is that they have to be ‘normalised’. That means cheaper, more accessible and more akin to what we’ve been driving for decades. For me, one car has always stood out as one that could help normalise electric car ownership: the Vauxhall Corsa. 

• Best electric cars to buy

The Corsa is one of those cars that everyone has a story about; whether they learned to drive in one, owned one or had a mate who modified one. It’s a constant in the UK best-sellers list – last year it was the third best-selling car in the country. And now it’s going electric; this is really EVs going mainstream. 

It’s going electric in some style, too. As you can see, the Corsa has matured nicely, with Vauxhall’s design team led by Mark Adams producing one of the best-looking superminis we’ve seen for a while. Alongside its sibling, Peugeot’s 208, the humble supermini is looking posher and cooler than ever.

One of the most important parts of normalising an electric car is the range. Vauxhall says that a real-world range of 205 miles should be achievable – more than enough, I suspect, for most Corsa owners.

Of course, that’s nothing if the car’s not affordable and, let’s face it, most EVs are expensive even when fuel, tax and other running cost savings are taken into account.

So what about the Corsa? Converting the cost from the expected German price in Euros and taking away the current plug-in car grant, you could have an electric Corsa on your driveway for as little as £23,000. Expensive for a Corsa, maybe, but not for an EV that promises as much as this one.

Do you agree that the new Vauxhall Corsa is a landmark for electric cars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...

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Insurance premiums set to rise for cars vulnerable to keyless theft

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Hugo Griffiths 2019-05-29 11:54

Experts set to increase “risk rating” system insurance companies use to set premiums for cars vulnerable to keyless relay attacks

Cars that are vulnerable to keyless theft are set to face higher insurance costs, after the industry experts responsible for setting vehicle “risk ratings” confirmed they would be penalising vehicles that are susceptible to relay attacks.

Thatcham Research, the insurance industry’s automotive research centre, confirmed that if manufacturers failed to include countermeasures to fend off relay attacks on cars with keyless entry systems, the organisation would recommend insurers judge them less favourably when calculating premiums.

• Car crime rises again with 113,000 vehicles stolen last year

While carmakers will be given a grace period to beef up the robustness of keyless systems, from 2021 Thatcham will change its new vehicle security assessment programme (NVSA) to reflect which models are most vulnerable to keyless theft. Insurers don’t have to abide by the guidelines, but the NVSA rating system helps to determine a car’s insurance group rating, meaning many cars are likely to attract higher premiums once the changes come into place.

Owners seeking to future-proof any prospective new-car purchase against potential insurance price hikes post 2021, meanwhile, can head to Thatcham’s security page to check if a car has a Superior, Good, Basic, Poor, or Unacceptable NVSA rating – though the grading system only applies to models introduced since the start of 2019.

The UK is currently experiencing an epidemic of car theft, with insurance payouts for stolen cars at their highest level since 2012, a study by German engineers finding almost every keyless system can be hacked, and police recording under half of all stolen cars as recovered. Carmakers have recently started to roll out fixes to the keyless conundrum, however, with Ford introducing a new keyless key with a motion sensor that puts the fob to sleep when it is not moving.

Commenting on the news, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the automotive industry “takes vehicle crime extremely seriously”, while the latest models “feature sophisticated immobilisers, tracking devices and encrypted key codes which prevent cloning.” Hawes also called for the government to ban the relay boxes that facilitate keyless theft.

Have you ever been a victim of keyless car theft? Let us know your experiences below...

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Next Audi A8 set to go all-electric

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Alex Ingram 2019-05-29 11:40

Audi looks set to take on the Tesla Model S with a zero-emission version of its next-generation A8 luxury saloon

Audi is considering revolutionising the next A8 luxury saloon by offering it exclusively with fully electric power. Audi Chairman of the Board Bran Schot announced the plan at the brand’s annual general meeting. 

Schot said, “The next generation of the Audi A8 might well be all-electric. That has not been decided yet, but I can well imagine it. We are thinking about revolutionising the top-end class with a completely new concept for the A8.”

• Best luxury cars on sale

That revolutionising of the luxury segment will mean that it will beat Mercedes and BMW to the punch when it comes to building a zero-emission limousine, and offer buyers an alternative to the Tesla Model S.

The silent, smooth running of electric motors would be an ideal match for a luxury saloon, and the brand’s e-tron SUV has already proven to give impressive refinement. Whether it shares that car’s electric drivetrain remains to be seen: the e-tron uses a twin-motor set-up mated to a 95kWh battery, while its 5.7-second 0-62mph time aligns quite neatly with the performance offered by existing diesel A8s. The e-tron’s 150kW fast charging facility means that a battery top-up from zero to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes.

The A8’s potential move to electric power aligns with Schot’s aim for Audi to “set the pace for e-mobility suitable for everyday use”. Should the A8 go battery-powered, it will be one of 20 electric Audis that are due on sale by 2025. Five of those are due by 2020.

The current A8 is offered with two plug-in hybrid models. The A8 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e offer 357bhp and 456bhp respectively, and an EV range of around 25 miles from a 14.1kWh battery.

Do you think luxury models should be all-electric? Let us know your thoughts below...

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New hot Audi e-tron S electric SUV on the way

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Alex Ingram 2019-05-29 11:15

A performance version of the all-electric Audi e-tron SUV is likely to hit showrooms next year, with a circa five-second 0-62mph time

Audi looks set to amp up its electric car family with a high performance version of the e-tron SUV. The new model will likely wear the S badge; with the Audi e-tron S taking its place in the brand’s range of hot SUVs between the SQ5 and SQ7.

The spy shots, snapped while the new model was testing on and around the Nurburgring, shows the all-electric SUV riding on a more purposeful set of alloy wheels and sitting slightly lower to the ground - an easy thing to achieve, as the e-tron runs on air suspension as standard.

• Best electric cars on sale right now

Though the lower section of the car’s bodywork is covered in camouflage, the changes to the overall design aren’t likely to be radical. Falling in line with the other S-badged Audis, the minor detail changes should include contrasting silver door mirrors, red brake calipers and small revisions to the bumper and grille designs.

We haven’t got close enough to the interior yet to see any detail, but the upgrades are likely to be similarly subtle. Expect sports seats trimmed in quilted leather, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and small flashes of carbon fibre trim.

To boost performance over the regular e-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor (one front, one rear) set-up, the S is likely to gain a second rear-mounted motor to up the output to around 500bhp. The current model can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, so the extra shove should drop this closer to five - roughly the same as the SQ5.

The extra speed could see the range drop relative to the standard e-tron, though. The 95kWh battery gives a WLTP-certified range of 248 miles, and a slight reduction in that figure should see the e-tron S achieve a similar range to the Tesla Model X Standard Range. However, the Model X manages those figures with a smaller battery.

A release date is yet to be confirmed, but with Audi announcing that it will release five new EVs in 2020, it’s likely that the e-tron S will make its debut next year.

Click here for our in-depth review on the new Audi e-tron SUV...

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New hot Audi e-tron S electric SUV on the way - pictures

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New 2019 BMW X1 facelift adds fresh tech and plug-in hybrid power

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Richard Ingram 2019-05-28 23:01

The updated BMW X1 has arrived with a new look, and is now available with a plug-in powertrain for the first time

A facelifted version of the BMW X1 has been revealed. Changes to the brand’s entry-level SUV include tweaked looks, fresh technology, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time. 

The company claims the design has been ‘buffed and polished’ for 2019; there’s a larger kidney grille, new bumper, and redesigned LED lights. In addition, BMW has added two-tone LED puddle lights for the door mirrors, which project an ’X1’ image to the ground below. Three new exterior colours and four new wheel designs complete the exterior updates.

• New BMW 1 Series revealed

Inside there’s some new trim, as well as BMW’s latest ConnectedDrive technology. There are three new upholstery options, taking the total number of colour and material combinations to 13. Flagship M Sport models get ‘Micro Hexagon’ fabric with special M piping.

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UK specs haven’t been confirmed, but entry-level cars are expected to feature a 8.8-inch infotainment screen as standard, with a 10.25-inch Touch Control Display offered as an option.

BMW’s ConnectedDrive services add ‘convenience-enhancing’ functions including Real Time Traffic Information and a Concierge Service that allows you to book and pay for things on the move. Apple CarPlay and a full-colour Head-up Display should both feature on a lengthy list of extras.

But the big news is the addition of a plug-in hybrid X1 xDrive 25e, which will join the range in 2020. This powertrain will allow the electrified X1 to do 31 miles on electric power alone, with CO2 emissions of 43g/km. All of the other engines, ranging from the basic 18i petrol to the powerful 20d diesel, have been updated to meet EU6d-temp emissions standards.

The entry-level X1 sDrive 18i SE costs £28,795, with the M Sport model commanding a premium of £3,550. You’ll need to step up to the 20i model for xDrive all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox (from £33,475), while diesels cost from £30,545 (sDrive18d SE). The range tops out at £38,145 for an xDrive20d M Sport.

All models apart from the PHEV are available to order now; the plug-in goes on sale in March, priced from around £35,000.

Do you like the look of the facelifted BMW X1? Let us know your thoughts below...

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New 2019 BMW X1 facelift adds fresh tech and plug-in hybrid power - pictures

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BMW Garmisch concept recreated as homage to Marcello Gandini

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Faris Sultan 2019-05-28 18:15

Unique BMW Garmisch concept revealed at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este nearly 50 years after disappearing

This is the BMW Garmisch concept, a modern take on an iconic concept car that went missing following its debut at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. It has been officially revealed at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.

The concept was originally designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone - many of BMW’s vehicles from the 1960s and 70s were inspired and influenced by Italian design and coachbuilding. The new Garmisch was unveiled to celebrate this long-held association and pay tribute to Gandini, one of Italy’s most influential car designers.

• Concept car: the greatest concept design of all time

What makes the Garmisch special are the unique design elements such as the bold, vertical and angular variation of BMW’s kidney-shaped radiator grill. Other distinctive features include the square glass-covered headlights and the honeycomb-patterned mesh cover for the rear window, which was a must in Gandini’s designs.

Every detail of the exterior and interior has been recreated using a small selection of black and white images sourced from BMW’s Group Design and Classic department. Not only that, but Gandini himself recalled his memories and contributed to recreate the Garmisch.

“Building the BMW Garmisch for a second time gave us the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Gandini, recall one of his lesser-known cars and highlight Bertone’s stylistic influence on the evolution of BMW design. For me, that alone was reason enough to do this project – filling in the gaps and completing BMW’s history” said Adrian van Hooydonk, SVP of BMW Group Design.

What do you think of the BMW Garmisch concept? Let us know in the comments below...

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BMW Garmisch concept recreated as homage to Marcello Gandini - pictures

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Used Volkswagen Amarok review

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28 May, 2019 4:45pm Richard Dredge

A full used buyer’s guide on the Volkswagen Amarok covering the Amarok Mk1 (2010-date)

It’s easy to think of pick-ups as being cumbersome, agricultural and basic, but if you’ve never driven one of the modern breed of these trucks, you’ll be amazed at just how usable, capable and comfortable they are.

The Volkswagen Amarok is a good case in point. This smart commercial vehicle is tough, and capable of lugging or towing more than most family estates; it can easily compete with many mainstream family SUVs.

Above all, though, the Amarok is a workhorse and, while it’s very well kitted out for a working vehicle, most premium SUVs come with a lot of kit (standard or optional) that you generally won’t find on the Amarok.

That’s not to do it down, but if outright luxury matters more than off-roading or towing ability, you could be disappointed.

Models covered

• • Volkswagen Amarok (2010-date) - Tough pick-up is a fine workhorse and classy enough to rival SUVs.

Volkswagen Amarok

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History

The Amarok went on sale in February 2011. Buyers could choose between 121bhp 2.0 TDI and 161bhp 2.0 BiTDI engines, with Startline, Trendline and Highline trims.

By the end of 2012 the 161bhp diesel had been upgraded to 178bhp, then five years later a heavily revised Amarok was launched, with a 3.0 V6 TDI engine replacing the previous 2.0-litre unit. This came in 201bhp or 221bhp forms, matched exclusively with four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

A year later a manual box was introduced for the lower-power engine and, in June 2018, a 255bhp V6 TDI unit joined the range.

Special editions include the Edition (300 in 2013), Canyon (350 in 2014), Dark Label (300 in 2014), Atacama and Ultimate (500 of each in 2015) and Aventura (in late 2018). 

Volkswagen Amarok reviews

Volkswagen Amarok in-depth review
Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI review
Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 review
Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label review
Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate review
Volkswagen Amarok Canyon review

Which one should I buy?

The V6 engine is streets ahead of its 2.0-litre predecessor for torque and refinement, yet there’s barely any economy penalty because you don’t have to work it so hard.

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No Amarok is truly spartan, and even Startline models have air-con, 16-inch alloys, electric windows front and rear, hill descent control, hill start assist, remote central locking and a Category 1 security system.

They also offer a two-speaker hi-fi, while the Trendline adds six speakers, dual-zone climate control, two extra 12-volt sockets in the cabin, cruise control, colour-coded body trim and 17-inch wheels.

Range-topping Highline brings upgraded trim with leather seats (heated in the front), all-round parking sensors and privacy glass. 

Alternatives to the Volkswagen Amarok

Not only is the Amarok up against talented pick-ups such as the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200, but it also rivals desirable SUVs.

The big VW is more upmarket than any direct rival except the Mercedes X-Class. If you’re on a tight budget, though, you could look at the Isuzu D-Max. It can lug large, heavy loads, tow and tackle tortuous terrain.

SUV rivals include the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Touareg. Also worth a look are the more functional Mitsubishi Shogun and Toyota Land Cruiser, which are capable off-road and tow cars.

What to look for 

Towing

All Amaroks can tow at least 2,800kg and some pull 3,200kg. But how much you can tow depends on when you got your licence.

Overheating

The 2.0 TDI engine can suffer water pump failure, leading to overheating, so keep an eye on the temperature gauge on test drives. 

Parking

This is a big car (5.25 x 1.95m) and parking sensors are a must. Many Amaroks don’t have these, though, so factor this into your search.

EGR

Valve  The exhaust gas recirculation valve cooler can corrode and contaminate the oil, which then damages the engine’s cylinder bores.

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Image 7 of 10

Interior

Eearlier Amaroks have a dash that’s quite utilitarian, but facelifted cars from 2017 have a far better set-up that feels more car-like. Refinement is good, if not up to the standard of many SUVs, while cabin space is excellent – there’s plenty of room for five adults. Carrying capacity is superb, too: the load bay is enormous and the payload of over a tonne means you can take almost anything. 

Running costs

Owners can choose fixed or variable servicing, with the former set at every 12 months or 12,000 miles; the latter stretches this to every two years or 24,000 miles.

Fixed servicing ranges from £219 to £449, while variable is £260 to £449. The 3.0 V6 TDI engine doesn’t have a cambelt, but the 2.0 TDI unit does, and it needs replacing every four years or 130,000 miles, at £558. That gets you a new water pump at the same time.

Recalls

Four recalls so far is no disaster. The first was issued in December 2013 because of possible fuel leaks, and two more followed in August 2015. One centred on the brake calipers, while the other was because of potential airbag glitches in the event of a crash. The most recent recall in December 2017 was sparked by possible failure of the power steering system.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Amarok hasn’t figured in our Driver Power surveys, but in the reviews on carbuyer.co.uk it scores pretty well. Five-star ratings make up half of the entries, with owners generally loving the refinement, build quality, comfort and economy. Its go-anywhere abilities get a big thumbs up, too, but one owner has had reliability problems, followed up with poor parts availability.

In an increasingly competitive market we’ve crowned the Amarok Best Pick-Up at our annual awards on numerous occasions, including three times in a row from 2012. At that point, we said: “Since its launch last year it has redefined what buyers can expect from a hard-working pick-up truck.” While most cars launched eight years ago would be showing their age now, VW has done a good job of keeping the Amarok feeling fresh, with tech upgrades, a new engine and updated styling. The Amarok is as usable as many SUVs, but it’s also a big, heavy car, so running costs can be high. If you need to tow heavy loads or traverse tricky terrain with a fair few comforts, though, it’s the perfect tool.

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