Author: Robin Roberts

The rejuvenated Jaguar brand is on the hunt for new buyers in the booming SUV sector and its compact E-Pace is squarely aimed at the compact segment within these mushrooming models, writes Robin Roberts. To meet as many wishes as possible, the E-Pace series is available in standard or R-Dynamic styles, each trimmed to S, SE or HSE specifications and the choice of three diesel and two petrol engines based on a 2.0 litre capacity which offer between 150 and 300hp. Depending on engine, most have 9-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and are 4×4, but there is also a…

The all-electric Tesla Model 3 outsold the Ford Focus in Britain last month. In a major turnaround for battery powered cars, the mid-sized Tesla led a battalion of battery powered cars which saw registrations jump 377.5% as they powered ahead in new car sales. Fiesta and Golf topped the charts but the Tesla Model 3 achieved 2,000 registrations and beat the Focus by 196 sales to record its best ever result in the UK market. Car makers body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported the staggering 377.5% rise in pure battery car registrations in August, a typically quiet…

The TVR sports cars’ Welsh factory will be fitted out for assembly of its 200mph Griffith supercar, the company has told its enthusiastic owners’ club. West Wales-based Jones Brothers has been appointed to carry out the work on its site adjacent to the A465 Heads of the Valleys road and overlooking Ebbw Vale. In a statement, the TVR Car Club said, “The TVR Car Club welcome the positive news from Les Edgar at TVR in particular the appointment of Jones Brothers for the factory fit out in Ebbw Vale.“ Richard Sails TVR Car Club Chairman said, “Les’ recent statement is…

Refinement and rarity are the driving forces behind the new BMW 8 Series, and its halo has to be the convertible. Relaunching its flagship series last year after nearly two decades out of the market it means the premium German brand is better placed to tackle its rivals and raise aspirations among owners. The 8 Series comprises four-seat coupe or cabriolet body styles with a choice of 320ps six-cylinder 3.0L diesel or 530ps eight-cylinder 4.4L petrol engines, with all-wheel-drive and costing from £76,300 to £107,100. Our 840d cabriolet had the slightly more torquey 700Nm tuned version of the 3.0d which…

Thousands of shoppers, holidaymakers and sports enthusiasts saw some of the world’s most advanced cars in Swansea at the weekend for Britain’s first exclusively low carbon rally.   [aoa id=”1″] Fuel cell models lined up with a wide range of battery electric vehicles from nearly every manufacturer selling in Britain to compete in the Green Dragon EV Rally and Show.   Streets around Castle Square were filled with examples of the latest ev cars and competition cars together with demonstrations of electric trials bikes and high performance electric racing bikes which have lapped the Isle of Man TT Course,  along…

Launched in the UK in spring 2019, it is competing in a tough sector of family and company cars but its about to get a big boost this autumn. The new Mazda3 hatchbacks initially came with either a 122ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol or 116ps Skyactiv-D diesel engine, in five trim levels: SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. Now, Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv-X Spark Controlled Compression Ignition engine will join the range in October together with saloon versions and an innovative intelligent all-wheel-drive model just in time for winter. Mazda3 breaks new ground for owners with its…

Within weeks of its launch the Skoda Scala started winning awards for its family friendly practicality and praise for its styling around the new roomy interior. Scala is the first VW Group product to be built on the latest MQB A0 modular platform developed for all future Group models and simply relies on one fixed distance – front bulkhead to front wheels centre-line – and then everything else can be varied to suit. So it produces a changeable wheelbase, track and overhangs. So far as Skoda is concerned with its newcomer, the Scala range is available in SE and SEL…

Swansea is gearing up for the a unique look into the future of transportation as the Green Dragon EV Rally and the Future of Electric Show takes to the streets on Saturday August 24th this coming August Bank Holiday Weekend. [aoa id=”1″] Promoted by Low Carbon MC and organised by Maesteg Motor Club in association with Swansea BID (Business Improvement District) the Green Dragon EV Rally and Show is due to become an annual fixture on the Swansea calendar. This year’s inaugural event is focused on all forms of transportation electric and hydrogen. The Green Dragon EV Rally is open…

Global demand for the Ford triple-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine is lower than expected and driven the decision to close its production line in Bridgend next February. [aoa id=”1″]Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe, in a conference call said the employees and management at Bridgend Engine Plant had done all they possibly could to support Dragon production, but it was simply not cost-effective when compared to other plants, particularly in Mexico.[/aoa] He confirmed that Ford will repay about £11 M to the Welsh Government for not fulfilling its investment promise made in 2016 and the company will begin an enhanced separation…

First shown in 2010 as a 3-door, the 5-door came 12 months later and arrived in Britain in 2012, and it’s a successor to the Audi A2. Today, Audi’s entry level model comes in a comprehensive range of over 30 versions utilising some 5 engine choices with manual or automatic gearboxes, and 7 trim levels in 3 or 5-door versions. Options play a big role in Audi’s appeal and our test model included the £1,650 technology pack along with £995 comfort and sound pack, and £450 dual-zone climate control, in the near £7,600 of extras on the car. That seems…