Friday, July 31, 2020

New compact Volkswagen Caddy Mini-Camper van revealed

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These concept drawings are our first official look at the new Volkswagen Caddy Mini-Camper. It’s the successor for the old Caddy Beach, which features a range of convenience updates and some extra equipment. The compact camper will make its official debut in September, before going on sale later this year.

Volkswagen’s new Mini-Camper is based on the same platform as the fifth-generation Caddy panel van. As such, it’ll come with the same range of chassis tweaks and the same updated engine-range, which includes either a 114bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with either 74bhp, 101bhp or 120bhp.

On the outside, the Mini-Camper looks almost identical to the standard Volkswagen Caddy MPV, retaining the same alloy wheels, LED headlamps, vertical tail lights, roof rails and 1.4 square-metre panoramic glass roof as the passenger model.

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However Volkswagen has given the Caddy’s cabin a serious overhaul. The standard MPV’s rear bench has been swapped for a two-metre-long folding bed and all of the van’s rear windows – including the glass roof – have been fitted with blinds to prevent the morning sun from waking the occupants.

Buyers also get the same foldable camping chairs and table from the larger California, which can be stowed in bags under the bed – and there’s plenty of support for add-ons such as roof racks and detachable awnings. What’s more, the bed can be removed completely to turn the Mini-Camper back into a van.

Like the standard Caddy, the Mini-Camper will get Volkswagen’s latest MIB3 infotainment setup, which features a central screen measuring up to 10-inches across. There’ll be a host of safety equipment too, such as side assist, rear cross-traffic alert and Volkswagen’s trailer assist system, which promises to make towing a trailer far easier.

Are you in the market for a camper van? Check out our long-term report of the Volkswagen California Ocean



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New compact Volkswagen Caddy Mini-Camper van revealed - pictures

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New 2020 Toyota RAV4 Black Edition added to line-up - pictures

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Pictures of the new Toyota RAV4 Black Edition

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New 2020 Toyota RAV4 Black Edition added to line-up

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This is the new Toyota RAV4 Black Edition. It’s a special edition version of the standard SUV, which has been fitted with a range of – you guessed it – black cosmetic tweaks. The new model will go on sale in October this year, but prices have not yet been revealed. 

Upgrades over the standard RAV4 include new 19-inch alloy wheels, intelligent parking sensors and a black paint finish called Galaxy Black. The SUV’s radiator grille, door mirrors, skid plates, bumper trim and rear spoiler have also all been swapped for gloss black replacements.

Inside, buyers get black synthetic leather upholstery with contrasting grey stitching and a new black headliner, along with a host of additional equipment. Alongside the car’s standard eight-inch infotainment system, buyers get a digital rear-view mirror, a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a 360-degree parking camera.

Like every model in the RAV4 range, the Black Edition is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol-hybrid powertrain, which has a maximum output of 219bhp and 221Nm of torque. Performance figures are yet to be officially confirmed but, like the standard car, 0–62mph should take around eight seconds, while top speed should stand at 111mph.

Like the standard model the Black Edition should boast fuel economy figures of between 47.8 and 49.5mpg and CO2 emissions of between 129 and 133g/km, depending on whether you option the front or four-wheel-drive powertrain.

Click here for our list of the best hybrid SUVs on sale right now



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Bentley Bentayga now available with scatter cushions and custom golf bags

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The newly facelifted Bentley Bentayga line-up has been given a lift with a fresh range of accessory packages, which allow owners to customise the interior and exterior design of the SUV.

Exterior tweaks are minimal, stretching to a pair of optional carbon fibre door mirror caps and a new fixed side step. The latter option can be specced in either black gloss, carbon or Bentley’s “Moonbeam” paint finishes and features a rubber tread running along its length.

Inside, the Bentayga is now available with a new range of luxury accessories. Options include leather-trimmed scatter cushions and extra footrests for rear seat passengers – both of which can be trimmed to match the SUV’s upholstery.

Bentley now offers a set of branded, heavy-duty floor mats for those who take their Bentayga off-road. There’s also a new boot-liner and bumper protector.

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There's also a new range of branded luggage, which includes a range of waterproof golf bags, a traditional suitcase and a weekend bag – all of which are designed to fit perfectly in the Bentayga’s boot, while also matching the car’s interior upholstery.

For those in need of a little extra storage capacity, Bentley now offers a branded, lockable roof box, which has the capability to carry up to three bikes or six pairs of skis. It can support up to 75kg of weight and has a volume of 320 litres.

The roof box can be paired with a 100-litre storage crate, which slots into the Bentayga’s boot. It features a waterproof lining and integrated drain holes – perfect, Bentley says, for wet sports wear – and can be fitted and removed using new sliding load rails.

Bentley now offers the Bentayga V8 with a new, titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, which the British brand says will provide the SUV with a more “exciting” exhaust note. The system features a straight-through pipe instead of a centre resonator, a freer-flowing rear silencer and a pair of adjustable valves which allow the driver to muffle the exhaust noise.

Click here to read our review on the new Bentley Flying Spur...



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Bentley Bentayga now available with scatter cushions and custom golf bags - pictures

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Pictures of the new Bentley Bentayga accessory packs

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New Toyota RAV4 Black Edition - pictures

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Pictures of the new Toyota RAV4 Black Edition

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New all-electric BMW iX1 SUV set for production

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BMW has confirmed it will add another all-electric SUV to its range with its smallest SUV model - the X1 -  next in line to benefit from the electrified treatment. 

Exclusively revealed by our sister title Driving Electric, the new model, set to be called the BMW iX1, will offer buyers a greater choice in a very popular market segment. BMW has only confirmed that the iX1 project is in the works and nothing more. But given that the existing X1 was recently subjected to a mid-life facelift, we expect the electric iX1 will form part of the next-generation X1 line-up. 

However, a launch before 2023 is certain, as BMW has stated that the electric X1 will form part of its drive to slash its average CO2 emissions through the range. This will see over 25 new electrified models from the BMW Group (indlucing BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce) launch within that time frame - and half of those will be fully electric.

Official specs for the iX1 are still to be confirmed, but the new model is set to ride on a heavily reworked version of the current car’s UKL platform. An electric version of this platform is already in use under the new MINI Electric, though expect the BMW to feature the brand’s next generation of EV tech - first shown in the upcoming iX3 - and therefore larger performance and range figures than the MINI.

With its next X1, BMW will aim to cater for as many buyers as possible: not only will the iX1 be fully electric, but the X1 will sit alongside it, offering diesel and petrol mild hybrid options, plus a plug-in hybrid model. This mirrors the approach, dubbed “Power of Choice” that BMW is taking with the next 5 Series and 7 Series, too.

The move by BMW to expand its electric fleet is part of wider measures by the group to reduce its overall carbon footprint. By 2030, the Group aims to lower supply chain CO2 emissions to 20 percent below levels recorded in 2019, while an 80 percent drop in emissions from its factories and other sites is targeted by the same date.

Check out the latest on BMW's electric 7 Series here...



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Mitsubishi's UK exit: full details and what it means for owners

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Mitsubishi will depart the UK and European markets in the near future, following confirmation that it won’t introduce any new-generation models to Europe or develop cars for the European market moving forward. 

Its existing model line-up will remain on sale in Europe and the UK for as long as emissions regulations and residual stock levels will allow. UK dealerships - run by the Colt Car Company - will continue to offer after sales services, parts and servicing. 

The announcement follows a bleak first quarter of the financial year, with the Japanese manufacturer suffering a £1.29 billion loss. 

New Mitsubishi models destined for launch within the next few years will aim to maximise the company’s profits in South-East Asia – with the aim of increasing its market share in the region from 6.4 to 11 percent. Sales fell by 68 percent in South-East Asia during the first quarter of 2020, making it the worst-hit market in the brand’s portfolio.

In 2021, the firm will launch a replacement for the aging Outlander SUV, along with an all-new, pure-electric SUV for the Chinese market. 

In 2022, Mitsubishi will also launch a new version of the L200 pick-up truck and a plug-in hybrid version of the fourth-generation Outlander. Then, in 2023, the firm will unveil the Xpander MPV and the new Pajero Sport SUV.

What does it all mean for current Mitsubishi owners? Check out our questions and answer below to see how Mitsubishi's exit affects you...

Will my warranty be affected?

Mitsubishi has committed to covering all existing and new-vehicle warranties for the full term. The decision means the company will have to strike a new deal with its UK importer, the Colt Car Company, but in any case, Mitsubishi customers will still need to be catered for. 

It’s worth remembering that despite the European pullout, Mitsubishi isn’t like Saab or Rover, in that it will remain an ongoing concern elsewhere in the world. The company won’t want the PR heat that would come from not honouring existing warranties until they run out.

Will I be able to get my  car serviced, and find parts?

Yes. Any deal between the Colt Car Company and Mitsubishi to honour warranty work will also include both servicing and parts supply. These are lucrative areas of the business, so both parties will want to ensure they continue for as long as possible.

What will happen if my local Mitsubishi  dealer switches to another brand?

This is inevitable, in the medium to long term; dealerships could elect to stay with the Colt Car Company (CCC), if it signs a fresh import deal with another car manufacturer, but they may decide to switch altogether to an existing brand that wants to expand its UK network.

Both CCC and Mitsubishi are keen to ensure that owners won’t find themselves isolated far away from their point of service. So even if your existing garage does leave the CCC network, it’s likely that servicing centres will be set up. These could be smaller and easier to establish than dealerships, which means they could end up actually giving slightly better coverage than the current dealer network.

Should I reconsider buying a Mitsubishi?

The announcement doesn’t change anything about the company’s cars on sale today – and the Colt Car Company has around 15,000 vehicles in stock. But any relationship you enter with the brand is now, by definition, going to be finite; you shouldn’t do a deal on a Mitsubishi now, thinking that you’ll be able to trade into another one when your finance deal expires in three years’ time. 

Mitsubishi’s financial recovery plan

Mitsubishi’s heavy losses for the first quarter of 2020 forced the company to trigger an intense cost-saving initiative, dubbed the “Small but Beautiful” business model. 

The strategy, which focuses on minimising costs and maximising profit, will be rolled out over the next three years in an effort to reduce the company’s fixed costs by 20 percent.

Alongside the company’s gradual withdrawal from the UK and European markets, Mitsubishi will restructure its production staff, reduce research and development costs, issue significant salary reviews and close the firm’s Pajero factory in Sakahogi by 2021, with plans to assimilate the plant’s manufacturing duties into the firm’s Okazaki facility for improved production efficiency.

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Takao Kato, said: "We will shift our strategy from all-round expansion to selection and concentration. First of all, we will complete our structural reforms and further strengthen our competitive areas – ultimately to build a corporate structure that can surely generate profits during this mid-term period."

Mitsubishi aren't the only car company having a tough 2020, check out the full story on Renault and Nissan's struggles here...



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New Bentley Flying Spur 2020 review - pictures

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Thursday, July 30, 2020

Home electric car chargers: how to choose a wallbox and have it installed - pictures

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Pictures of a home charger and wallbox installation...

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Home electric car chargers: how to choose a wallbox and have it installed

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For most people, charging at home through a wallbox charger is the easiest way to top up your car’s batteries.

According to the Government’s Go Ultra Low campaign, up to 90 per cent of electric vehicles are charged at home. But it can take a long time to top up your batteries when using a standard domestic plug. So, to speed up the process, many owners invest in a charging unit known as a wallbox.

These discreet wall-mounted (as the name suggests) boxes (again, it’s in the name) can be connected to your existing home electricity supply without too much trouble. 

You’ll need some form of off-street parking, but within reason, your new wallbox can be placed exactly where you want it. Better still, there are dozens of units to choose from. 

Pick one of the latest ‘smart’ wallboxes and you could be eligible for a government grant of up to £350, allowing you to make best use of off-peak electricity tariffs by programming your car to charge at times when demand on the National Grid is low.

Typically, this will be overnight, effectively allowing you to refuel your car while you sleep. At that cheaper rate, topping up a standard Nissan Leaf could cost as little as £4 – or just over 2p per mile. Most wallboxes will supply alternating current (AC) at a maximum of 7.4kW; a normal three-pin plug is limited to 3kW, although car manufacturers don’t recommend using these long-term, because this can cause damage to the socket due to the high amperage drawn over a sustained period of time.

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Faster (up to 22kW) three-phase set-ups are available if your home circuit will allow, but the idea of rapid direct current (DC) charging is almost exclusively reserved for public charging stations – for the time being, at least – where speeds of 50 or 100kW are common, and figures of up to 350kW are possible.

All wall chargers come with either a Type 1 or Type 2 cable. It’s more likely to be the latter, because these are currently accepted by all PHEVs and EVs sold in the UK. Once you’ve checked the cabling will fit, it’s time to look at how fast you’d like your car to charge. Think about how you intend to use the charger, cross-referencing with the size of the battery fitted to your car. A plug-in hybrid will charge fully overnight on a 7kW charger, while some larger-battery EVs may need longer.

The higher the power, the more the unit will cost. Wallbox providers will also arrange installation, and this process is usually included in the price. One company says 90 per cent of customers qualify for free standard installation, although some will need to pay extra. 

You’ll need to satisfy a series of safety checks, but once that’s complete, a certified technician can usually get your wallbox set up in a few hours. From here, you’ll be able to charge your car quickly and easily when you’re at home.

How does the home wallbox charger installation work?

  • Handover - Your wallbox supplier will arrange for your unit to be delivered
  • Fitting -  The installer will drill through the outside wall to allow the wallbox to be connected to the electric supply
  • Connected -  Your new wallbox is wired into the household mains via the consumer unit
  • Features -  Most wallboxes have WiFi connections to let you monitor usage, Units made after 1 January, 2019, have a ‘fuse saver’ to prevent circuits from tripping
  • In control -  Connecting your wallbox to the internet will let you monitor how much electricity you’re using and how much it is costing you to charge your car
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What home charger grants and tax breaks are available? 

New EVs costing less than £50,000 are eligible for the government’s £3,000 plug-in car grant. Yet whether you buy new or used, plug-in hybrid or fully electric, you can also apply for a government subsidy towards the cost of a home wallbox. There are a few criteria you must meet, but if you tick the boxes, it could make charging your low-emissions model quicker, cheaper and more convenient.

The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) oversees the grant, which will cover 75 per cent (up to the value of £350) of the cost of buying and installing a ‘smart’ wallbox charger. These cost from around £300, and let you take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs.

Find out about the best public charge point providers in the uk here...



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Facelifted 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 launched with 423bhp - pictures

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Facelifted 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 launched with 423bhp

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Mercedes has unveiled an updated version of its entry-level AMG E 53 performance saloon, hot on the heels of the facelifted standard E-Class range. The brand’s updated rival for the Audi S6 is on sale in the UK now, with prices starting from £64,750 for the saloon and £66,750 for the estate.

The updated AMG E 53 4MATIC+’s styling tweaks mirror those of the standard E-Class range, albeit with a more hardcore appearance. Up front, there’s a new radiator grille which mimics the design of the AMG GT Coupe’s – and at the rear, there’s an aggressive new diffuser which houses a quad-exit exhaust system.

The E 53 is available in a choice of two trim levels. The base model features 19-inch twin-five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, keyless go and AMG-branded brake calipers. Inside, buyers get a pair of leather-trimmed sports seats, carbon-fibre trim and Mercedes’s 12.3-inch dual-screen infotainment system.

The E 53’s infotainment set-up also includes AMG-specific functions, such as a lap timer, telemetry settings and track mapping. There’s a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is similar in design to the rest of the range, but is fitted with a pair of AMG buttons to adjust the car’s driving modes.

The more lavishly equipped AMG E 53 Night Edition Premium Plus is priced from £68,250 and adds a set of matte-black 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, gloss-black window surrounds and an improved 13-speaker Burmester sound system.

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Both E53s are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, which is supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Combined, the unit has an output of 423bhp and 520Nm of torque which, thanks in part to the car’s four-wheel drive system, is enough for a 0–62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

Like all Mercedes-AMG models, the E 53 gets a host of extra chassis technology, including adaptive dampers, a sophisticated five-stage traction control system, uprated disc brakes, dynamic engine mounts and a limited-slip differential for the rear axle.

Check out the latest on the more powerful Mercedes-AMG E 63 here...



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New 2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe to stick to its rear-wheel-drive roots - pictures

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Pictures of new BMW 2 Series Coupe ahead of its official arrival

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The 'secret weapon' behind Mercedes' 1994 IndyCar 500 win - Motorsport Moments - pictures

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New Audi A5 40 TFSI 2020 review

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Verdict

The Audi A5 oozes premium appeal and is packed with plenty of tech. It’s surefooted and composed on the road, too, but this isn’t a two-door coupé that has driver appeal at its core; it’s not all that exciting to drive, and the large wheels on this S line model have a negative impact on comfort on British roads, but the revised 2.0-litre engine combines decent performance with sensible running costs.

As far as variety goes, Audi’s updated A5 range is about as expansive as it gets. Whether you want two doors or four, a coupe or a cabriolet, a performance diesel or a petrol engine, the choice is yours.

The version we’re trying here, the A5 Coupe 40 TFSI, is far from the most potent combination, but it is one that will account for a big slice of UK sales. This two-door, four-seat model sits at the lower end of the line-up but still comes in at £41,830, before options, in popular S line trim.

It’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 187bhp and 320Nm of torque. As standard, it’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which drives this sleek coupé through the front wheels.

As part of the updates, Audi has also added a 12-volt mild-hybrid system to improve efficiency. It includes a belt-driven alternator that harvests energy under braking and stores it in a small lithium-ion battery.

The system works away behind the scenes without any disruption to the driving experience. You only notice it’s there when you lift off the throttle at a cruising speed and the engine is able to drop down to idle, allowing you to cover some distance without using unnecessary fuel.

This is the only major mechanical tweak on this updated A5 40 TFSI, so like before, the 2.0-litre motor remains punchy and refined. Audi says 0-62mph takes 7.3 seconds, which is brisk enough, and the engine really gets into its stride above 2,500rpm. The seven-speed gearbox slurs gear changes nicely but it doesn’t like to be rushed if you ask for quick downshifts using the steering wheel-mounted paddles. A more laid-back approach suits the A5’s character.

While there’s decent punch from the engine and plenty of bite from the front end, there’s not a huge amount of fun to be had driving the A5. It’s easy and predictable to drive quickly, but the steering is numb, while the chassis is set up more for stability and composure than fun and adjustability.

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The ride is more of a weak point; the car’s large 19-inch wheels, which are fitted as standard, have a tendency to sniff out potholes. In combination with the S line’s stiffened and lowered suspension, it means this is not the most comfortable cruiser over the UK’s rutted roads.

However, image is perhaps one of the biggest factors when it comes to cars like the A5, so it’s a sacrifice that many buyers may be willing to make. Another will be practicality, because although there are two rear seats, they are on the cramped side.

You can squeeze adults into the second row, but kneeroom is virtually non-existent, and even average-sized passengers will feel their head rubbing against the roofline. Getting in and out is no easy task either, due to the restricted movement of the front seat. Given the A5 certainly isn’t a small car, some buyers are likely to be left a little disappointed with the amount of space they’ll find in the back.

There’ll be fewer complaints when it comes to the boot capacity, which is among the largest in its class, at 450 litres.

In our test car’s S line trim, there’s also an abundance of standard kit, such as Audi’s still-brilliant 12.3-inch digital cockpit and a new 10.1-inch infotainment system, plus matrix LED headlamps, three-zone climate control and cruise control.

The biggest update inside is the refreshed infotainment layout. Audi has removed the control wheel from the centre console and made the 10.1-inch display touchscreen-only. It feels like a backwards step, in truth, and the space that was occupied by the control wheel itself now features a small and rather odd-looking storage bin.

Model: Audi A5 Coupé 40 TFSI S line
Price: £41,830
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
Power/torque: 187bhp/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive 
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 150mph
Economy: 40.4mpg
CO2: 158g/km
On sale: Now


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