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Tiguan Tales – A Week Behind The Wheel
The new Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line represents a compelling option in the competitive SUV market, offering a blend of performance, practicality, and premium features that cater to discerning UK drivers.
Warning To UK Drivers To Brace For Fog And Mist This Autumn
Photo by Behzad Kamyab on Unsplash
Following a period of mild autumn conditions, the Met Office is predicting brisker conditions to arrive in Britain that could bring an ‘increased chance of frost and fog, which could be slow to clear in places’ by the end of the month. Autumn and winter fog can significantly increase the risk of being involved in an accident.
1:00 AM 2nd November 2024
Dacia Duster – UK Launch Review
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
I am really rather fond of the Dacia Duster and have recommended it to various friends and acquaintances over the years. Initially it was a rather no frills offering, but as with all Dacia’s cars, latterly they are better equipped and built to a higher standard. Prices have risen, but still affordability is the Dacia buzzword.
1:00 AM 2nd November 2024
Project 8 – Memories Of A Joyous Jaguar
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
A recent YouTube video reminded me of a brief drive I had some four years or so ago in a rather special Jaguar. The XE SV Project 8 was a car that defied conventional logic yet managed to captivate with its sheer audacity and performance. This supercharged V8 monster took the humble XE saloon and transformed it into a track-focused beast that could still be driven on public roads.
10:25 AM 30th October 2024
One In Five Sleepy Brits Risk Potentially Expensive Roadside Naps
photo supplied by Regtransfers
Research from private plate provider Regtransfers reveals tired Brits using hard shoulder to rest risk a fine and points on their license.
12:00 AM 26th October 2024
5 Bizarre Driving Fines That Could Impact Your Spooky Season
With Halloween approaching, millions of UK drivers are being warned of five unusual driving offences that could result in thousands in fines and penalty points. From masks on passenger seats to Halloween stickers on your car, there are plenty of unusual laws that can get you fined between £100 and £5,000 during the spooky season.
12:00 AM 26th October 2024
Drivers Warned To Take Extra Care As Clocks Go Back
Drivers have been warned to take extra care on the roads later this month as the number of accidents increases by a quarter when the clocks go back. The UK will wind timepieces back an hour at 2am on Sunday, October 27, as the country switches from British Summer Time to Greenwich Mean Time.
12:00 AM 26th October 2024
Tread Carefully This Autumn
More than half (55%) of UK drivers do not always check their tyre tread before a long journey, new research from National Highways reveals as its new autumn safety campaign is launched.
12:00 AM 19th October 2024
A Little Cullinan Time
Family-owned car dealership, JCT600, has just redeveloped one of its sites to provide an opulent home for three of its prestige marques, Bentley, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce. Oh, to have a bulging bank balance, as the Geldard Road site would be one of my go-to destinations.
12:00 AM 19th October 2024
Jeep’s Extreme Off-Roader – Wrangler Rubicon On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with a Tentbox roof tent system is the ultimate adventure vehicle, combining legendary off-road capability with convenient overnight accommodation.
Off-Road Performance
The Wrangler Rubicon stands out as one of the most capable off-road vehicles available straight from the factory.
12:00 AM 12th October 2024
Alfa Romeo Stelvio – Combining Luxury With Sporty Dynamics
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce is a compelling entry in the luxury midsize SUV segment, offering a blend of Italian flair, engaging driving dynamics, and practicality. As one of the sportier trims of the Stelvio lineup, the Veloce aims to deliver a more performance-oriented experience without sacrificing everyday usability.
10:15 AM 9th October 2024
Perky Picanto – Kia’s City Car On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The latest Kia Picanto recently rolled up my driveway, bringing a fresh face to the city car segment. This pint-sized Korean contender aims to prove that good things do indeed come in small packages.
Exterior Styling
At first glance, the updated Picanto catches the eye with its sharper looks.
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
Splashing Pedestrians Could Cost You Up To £5,000
Photo by Roman Zipp on Unsplash
As severe flooding sweeps across Britain, drivers are facing not only treacherous road conditions but also the risk of breaking little-known traffic laws. With heavy rainfall causing widespread disruption, cinch, a UK online used car retailer, is shedding light on often overlooked driving regulations that are particularly relevant during these wet conditions and can cost drivers up to £5,000.
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
Maserati Masterpiece – Granturismo Driven
Every year, the SMMT holds a drive day in Yorkshire. It’s a chance to catch up with industry friends and colleagues, but most importantly there are cars to drive. This year the good folk at Maserati were in attendance and they bought along a brace of beauties for our driving pleasure and no surprise, I made a beeline for them.
8:52 AM 3rd October 2024
Mobile Phones Named The Biggest Accident-Causing Distraction On UK Roads
New research from Prima, the car insurance provider, reveals the number of accidents on UK roads caused by mobile phones and other tech devices distracting drivers. In the past five years, 7.3 million Brits (14%) have been involved in a car accident. Of those surveyed, 15% said their accident was entirely or in part caused by a phone call. 14% blamed a navigation app.
11:00 PM 30th September 2024
Flooding Brings Pothole Problem To Surface
The rain has hit many areas across the UK hard over the last few days, with floods causing widespread travel disruption. We can expect to see road damage revealed in the aftermath, with the number of potholes likely to increase.
12:00 AM 30th September 2024
Lorry Drivers Warned Of Dangerous Manoeuvre Ahead Of Wet Winter
A recent study has revealed the most dangerous manoeuvres to perform on the road, with a particular warning being issued for HGV drivers in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
Premium EV From Genesis – GV70 On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The Genesis Electrified GV70 is a compelling entry into the luxury electric SUV segment, offering a blend of refinement, performance, and distinctive styling that sets it apart from its German rivals.
Design and Interior
The GV70 Electrified maintains the sleek and elegant design of its combustion-powered sibling, with subtle changes to denote its electric powertrain.
12:00 AM 28th September 2024
All Hands On Deck For Next Phase In £23 Million Bridge Works
Work earlier this year saw two huge beams, weighing a combined 97 tonnes, successfully installed at the bridge to carry vital utility services.
It will be a case of all hands on deck for the next phase of a £23 million National Highways project to replace a motorway bridge. For the main bridge deck, on which vehicles run, and supporting structures at either side of the St Anne’s Road bridge in Denton, Greater Manchester, are to be demolished. The ageing bridge crosses the M67 and needs to be replaced.
8:58 AM 26th September 2024
Just £15,995 For The New Leapmotor T03 EV
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The Leapmotor T03 is set to make waves in the UK electric vehicle market when it launches later this year, positioning itself as one of the most affordable EVs available to British consumers. This compact city car from Chinese automaker Leapmotor aims to challenge established players like the Dacia Spring and BYD Seagull in the budget-friendly EV segment.
7:55 PM 25th September 2024
AA Travel Advice – Amber Rain Warning
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
The AA is advising drivers to take extra care on Monday as the Met office has issued an amber weather warning for heavy rain expected to affect large parts of the country on Monday which could effect the morning and afternoon rush hours. This follows on from the heavy rain and thunderstorms experienced by many this weekend.
7:44 AM 23rd September 2024
Skoda’s Family SUV Better Than Ever – New Kodiaq On Test
The Skoda Kodiaq has established itself as a formidable contender in the family SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and value. Now in its second generation, the Kodiaq continues to build on its strengths while addressing some of the shortcomings of its predecessor. The new Kodiaq retains its recognizable Skoda DNA but with a more refined and modern look.
12:00 AM 21st September 2024
BYD Expands The Dolphin Range – A First Drive Report
The BYD Dolphin has made quite a splash in the electric vehicle market, offering an enticing blend of affordability, practicality, and eco-friendly motoring. I've had the pleasure of putting both the Active and Boost variants through their paces on some of Yorkshire's finest roads.
12:00 AM 14th September 2024
Car Expert Reveals Tips For The Elderly As Insurance Soars By 27%
Elderly drivers were recently issued a stark warning as car insurance costs soar, potentially costing an extra £600 to stay on the roads. It was revealed that those aged between 65 and 79 saw a steep increase in premiums at 26%, and those aged 80 experienced a rise of 27%.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
Driving Over Three World-Famous Alpine Passes
As a longstanding Formula 1 correspondent, the sport is obviously a personal passion of mine and occupies much of my time, but sometimes it’s good to step away briefly and recharge your batteries.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
An Astonishing Time – DB12 On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The Aston Martin DB12 represents a significant evolution in the brand's lineup, marking a departure from traditional grand touring to what the company describes as the "world's first Super Tourer." This new model is a dynamic and luxurious vehicle that aims to redefine the standards set by its predecessor, the DB11. The DB12's design is both a continuation and a departure from the DB11.
12:00 AM 7th September 2024
Preparing Your Car For Autumn And Beyond
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
There’s a definite nip in the air this morning and although we are enjoying a late and much needed burst of sunshine, my thoughts turn to getting my ageing fleet of cars ready for colder weather. And for me, tyres are the best place to start.
12:00 AM 31st August 2024
One In Four Brits Can't Drive Without A Sat Nav
image supplied with permission by Regtransfers
New research from private plate supplier Regtransfers reveals almost on in four British road users are now reliant on technology to navigate the UK’s roads.
12:00 AM 24th August 2024
A Little Morgan Time
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
It has been a few years since a Morgan graced my driveway, but with recent changes made to the Plus Four, it was all the excuse I needed to call up the good folk in Malvern. All too soon a pickup truck with enclosed trailer appeared at the bottom of my driveway, a sparkling Fly Yellow example hidden within.
12:00 AM 24th August 2024
Jimny Adventures – An Aussie Tale
My love of the diminutive Suzuki 4x4 goes back as far as the 1980s. The SJ models at the time offered go-anywhere capability in a small and affordable package. The soft-top versions were much sought after by the cool young things and whilst not falling into that category, I did own a couple. They were a lot of fun, though in reality they were very slow and had a rock-hard ride.
12:00 AM 17th August 2024
UK Drivers Warned Of Simple Manoeuvre Causing Crashes
New data has revealed the riskiest driving manoeuvres to make on the road, with turning right in first place, accounting for an average of 21,347 collisions each year.
12:00 AM 17th August 2024
Vehicles Worth More To Criminals Dismantled Than Whole
During the first six months of 2024, joint operations between stolen vehicle recovery expert (SVR) Tracker Network (UK) and UK police forces have uncovered 37 illegal ‘chop shops’ nationwide that were being used to strip and dismantle stolen cars. Alarmingly, this figure is over two-thirds of the way to reaching 2023’s total of 55.
12:00 AM 17th August 2024
Car Maintenance Tips For The Summer
During summer, many people plan to go on road trips or visit their friends to take advantage of the warmer weather. While checking your car throughout the year is essential, warmer temperatures can be particularly problematic for certain parts of your vehicle.
12:00 AM 17th August 2024
7 Summer Car Maintenance Tips
Image by Jander Nunes Jander Nunes from Pixabay
During summer, many people will plan to go on road trips or visit their friends to take advantage of the warmer weather. While checking your car throughout the year is essential, warmer temperatures can be particularly problematic for certain parts of your vehicle.
12:00 AM 10th August 2024
Seven Mistakes That Could Void Your Car Insurance This Summer
Photo by Giuseppe Mondì on Unsplash
£47 million worth of claims were rejected in the second half of 2021, with more than 14,000 motor insurance claims turned down between July and December, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. As more drivers hit the road for vacations and road trips, many risk unintentionally invalidating their car insurance through common summer habits.
12:00 AM 10th August 2024
More Than Two Years On, Yet Two Fifths Of Drivers Still Unaware Of Flagship Highway Code Changes – AA
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
Two fifths (42%) of drivers remain unaware of a flagship update to the Highway Code, despite it being introduced more than two years ago. On 29 January 2022, the Highway Code was updated with the ‘hierarchy of responsibility’, which states that road users that cause the greatest harm have more responsibility to reduce the danger they pose.
12:00 AM 9th August 2024
Warning: Driving With Pets Could Land You A £5,000 Fine This Summer Holiday!
image supplied by Trusted Housesitters with permission
With the school holidays underway, the RAC predicts 27 million drivers will be going on leisure trips by car this week, making it the second busiest summer getaway weekend since 2015. Many holidaymakers will be bringing their pets along for the ride; however, drivers should be aware that failing to follow certain lesser-known rules could lead to hefty fines of up to £5,000.
12:00 AM 3rd August 2024
Six Germiest Spots In Your Car To Clean This Summer
UK drivers are guilty of cleaning their cars less than five times a year with nearly a quarter admitting they don’t really care what their car looks like to others. But did you know that the interior of our cars can be germier than the average toilet seat?
12:00 AM 3rd August 2024
Isuzu’s Mudmaster Put To The Test
Isuzu UK has announced the launch of its latest special project, the Isuzu D-Max Mudmaster. This vehicle is a testament to the potential of the D-Max when fully accessorised, showcasing unparalleled off-road capabilities while maintaining road comfort.
12:00 AM 27th July 2024
Harrogate MG Show 2024 Fast Approaching
Sunday 4th August will see MGs from across the UK flock to Pateley Bridge near Harrogate for the 37th annual MG show. Bigger and better than ever, the event will also incorporate the MG Owners Club Northern National gathering.
12:00 AM 20th July 2024
Fast Estate The Audi Way – RS6 On Test
Looking for a family friendly estate, that doubles up as a mighty fine driver’s car? Well Audi has had the answer for so very many years and when the opportunity presented itself to try its latest RS6 Avant, I jumped at the chance. Looking suitably resplendent in Nardo Grey, the RS6 attracted much attention on my travels across the North of England.
12:00 AM 20th July 2024
How To Safely Recycle Your Car - And Get The Best Price In The Process
Image by Robert Davidsson from Pixabay
The British Metals Recycling Association is encouraging motorists to follow a few simple steps to ensure they dispose of their vehicle responsibly. Doing so will help the environment, assist in the race to net zero and help drivers get the very best price for an unwanted vehicle.
12:00 AM 13th July 2024
Suzuki’s Newcomer – A Swift Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Earlier this year I travelled to Bordeaux to drive the new Suzuki Swift. However, it is always nice to drive a car on home turf and as I write, a Swift sits proudly on my driveway awaiting collection. This is the fourth generation of Swift, and it went on sale in the UK on 1st April. A staggering 9 million have been sold worldwide, so Suzuki is obviously doing something right.
12:00 AM 13th July 2024
Beaulieu Comes To Bowcliffe
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The National Motor Museum and Bowcliffe Hall, near Wetherby, are cooperating on a new classic car motoring event which will see the Museum go on tour and engage with motoring enthusiasts in the North of England. The new event, grandly titled Bowcliffe & Beaulieu Masters of Motoring 2024, will take place at the Yorkshire stately home on Thursday 1st August.
12:00 AM 6th July 2024
Nearly Half Of UK Drivers Admit They Feel Anxious When On The Roads
For many people, driving is a significant source of anxiety, transforming a routine activity into a stressful experience. Whether it’s navigating busy highways, dealing with unexpected road conditions, or the fear of losing control, driving anxiety can severely impact daily life.
12:00 AM 29th June 2024
A Raft Of New EVs To Excite And Delight!
As the UK rushes towards electrification, there is a steady flood of new models about to hit the market. Here’s a taste of what is to come.
Hyundai INSTER
The INSTER is a new A-segment sub-compact urban EV with up to 220 miles of targeted driving range according to WLTP. The car’s footprint, striking exterior design and spacious interior deliver versatility in the A-segment.
12:00 AM 29th June 2024
Mazda MX-30 R-EV On Test
Mazda is a company which charts its own course. Whilst most manufacturers have rushed to join the EV revolution, some with more success than others, Mazda has taken a far more measured approach. They continue to develop their range of combustion engine cars and haven’t yet completely abandoned diesel.
12:00 AM 22nd June 2024
Polestar Opens Eighth Space In Sheffield’s Meadowhall
Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, has opened its eighth UK Space in the Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield on Friday 14 June, replacing its temporary pop-up location at the popular retail destination. The Space will be part of Meadowhall Shopping Centre’s large array of 310 shops, restaurants, and leisure spots.
12:00 AM 15th June 2024
Alpine A110 Revisited
Every year the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders holds a drive day event at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. It is one of the highlights of the year. Not only is it a chance to catch up with industry friends and colleagues, but there is also the opportunity to sample a selection of each manufacturer’s cars.
12:00 AM 8th June 2024
Seven Car Maintenance Expert Tips To Prep Your Vehicle For Summer
Image by Ryan Doka from Pixabay
Three heatwaves are forecasted to sweep through the UK in June, tempting sun-seekers to hit the open road or flock to the beach for a sun-kissed glow. But have you checked in on your four-wheeled pal to ensure it is ready to take on the baking sun?
12:00 AM 8th June 2024
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