Electric Vehicle shocks for dealers… …By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). The move towards electric cars is going to be a shock for many car dealers, according to a new survey. While they are generally satisfied with the manufacturers’ plans to introduce battery electric vehicles and hybrids, they are far less happy about their dealership costs and how they are going to make … [Read more...]
Features by Robin Roberts
What do all those markings mean on your vehicle’s tyres?
TALKING TYRES by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Washing a car the other day and my eyes were attracted to the tyres, specifically what all those numbers and letters might mean... It was just as well because two needed changing and I know it's important to get not only the correct size but also their loading weight, as set out in the manufacturer’s handbook. They might all … [Read more...]
A van tops the UK vehicle sales charts
A van has become Britain’s best selling vehicle during the coronavirus lockdown according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Robin Roberts (and Wheels Within Wales) reports... While the Mercedes Sprinter delivered for dealers the chaotic charts saw the pure electric Tesla Model 3 top the passenger car list, but even that couldn’t match the … [Read more...]
Need work carried out on your car? Fixter may be able to help you
FIXTER LINKS INDEPENDENT GARAGES WITH OWNERS NEEDING WORK ON THEIR CARS… …By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). In a period of continually rising prices, one business is delivering potentially big savings and changing the way thousands of owners get their cars serviced. It’s also giving an unexpected boost to hard pressed independent garages. We are all accustomed to doorstep … [Read more...]
What price electric vehicles in the UK and abroad?
PRICEY OR PRICELESS – ELECTRIC CARS AROUND THE WORLD. We know electric cars are expensive in Britain, but they can be a fraction of the price charged in other countries, writes David Miles & Robin Roberts (Miles Better News Agency)… Somemes they are dearer in the UK, but overall a survey for Compare the Market found Britain ranked 13th out of nearly 50 locations. Here is a link to the … [Read more...]
Norton Motorcycles goes to India…
TVS Motor – the £16m Indian takeaway of the British Norton Brand. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). TVS Motor from India has confirmed they have purchased Norton Motorcycles for £16 million. The iconic British motorcycle brand of the Norton slid into administration in February this year after having sold only 128 motorcycles globally in 2019. The company was rescued by TVS … [Read more...]
Latest Peugeot 2008 – Road Test
The new Peugeot 2008 GT Line PT 130 manual compact SUV. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). With over a million Peugeot 2008 models made since launch in 2013, it was already a success before the new second generation was announced at the end of 2019. But in just a few months a lot has changed as the world copes with the coronavirus pandemic and Peugeot is like all makers … [Read more...]
Jaguar XE P250 SE R Dynamic – Road Test
The 2020 model year Jaguar XE P250 SE R Dynamic… … Tried and tested by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). You have to admire Jaguar, which has gone through tough times yet always produces some head-turning desirable cars. The latest Jaguar XE saloon is a good case in point and offers a very broad range of eye-catching four-door saloons in rear and all-wheel-drive as it pitches … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta Active ‘crossover’ – Road Test
The Ford Fiesta Active Edition 1.0T Ecoboost tried and tested... ...By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Ford has put a lot of eggs in its family car basket as it seeks to build sales in difficult and highly competitive times. The best-selling Fiesta has an added new name at the top of its range, a crossover series called Active, which is probably more widespread in appeal than … [Read more...]
News – Garages call for MoT test moratorium
Robin Roberts (and wheelswithinwales) reports on growing calls for MoT tests to be postponed... Kim adds: "Please see 'Stop Press' note (received this morning, 25th March 2020) to update the information given in this feature..." Garages are calling for an MoT test moratorium during the coronavirus pandemic. It is crucial that franchised dealers’ workshops stay open to help the … [Read more...]
Latest Mazda CX-30 – Road Test
New Mazda CX-30 2.0 180 hp, 2WD, GT Sport SUV tried and tested. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). I have always been skeptical of the car awards bandwagon, until now. In the week I was testing the new Mazda CX-30 I learned it is one of the SUV finalists in the 2020 World Car Awards, and it is probably justified being included. Even before it was introduced, CX-30 picked up a … [Read more...]
Motoring aspects of the ‘splash the cash’ budget
Motoring groups generally welcomed the Chancellor’s “splash and dash” Budget. By Robin Roberts. He’s poured hundreds of millions of pounds into boosting the automotive sector, greener energy and road improvements, and eased borrowing for businesses while also boosting technology. Some thought, however, that he could have gone further in particular areas and the end of a tax relief for Red … [Read more...]
Skoda Superb 1.5 (petrol) – Road Test
The Skoda Superb SE L 1.5 petrol 5-door Hatch… …assessed by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). When a car-maker gives a model a name it risks being memorable, forgettable, laughable, unpronounceable or ultimately it means little, but in the case of the Skoda Superb, it actually means a lot. It’s the 125th anniversary of Skoda in 2020 and for 85 years it has been making models with … [Read more...]
Suzuki Jimny – Road Test
THE SMALL BUT MIGHTY SUZUKI JIMNY SZ5 ALLGRIP... ...Test-driven by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Every manufacturer loves to cram features into their model to make as much money as possible, but the Suzuki Jimny has something few ever include, a free smile. The standard-spec smile is something so many modern cars lack but the simple Suzuki has it in spades. And then … [Read more...]
Hyundai Ioniq PHEV (2020 model) – Road Test
The more you drive, the more energy you save with the latest Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, says Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales)… It sounds illogical but it’s true because the familiar standard 1.6 litre petrol engine is now joined by a more sophisticated electric motor and battery system which recovers energy lost during braking. This recovered energy when transformed and pushed into … [Read more...]
Fiat 500 Rockstar – Road Test
Fiat 500 Rockstar hatchback lives up to its name. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). In my experience, if they are not larger than life, rock stars tend to be small and noisy performers, and the Fiat Rockstar lived up to expectations. Very much the noisy baby in the extensive Fiat family of city cars, the 500 has been one of its most successful and in 2019 passed the 3-million … [Read more...]
Suzuki Swift SZ5 ALLGRIP – Road Test
Robin Roberts (WheelsWithinWales) test drives Suzuki’s all wheel drive Swift… Winter weather is a great leveller for motorists. Heavy rain, snow showers, ice and mud can combine to make any possible winter journey an impossibility unless you have a big and expensive 4x4, or you cannily drive a Suzuki Swift SZ5 ALLGRIP. This is the hatch that’s a match for many winter road washouts or … [Read more...]
Skoda Kamiq SUV – Road Test
Skoda Kamiq SE 1.0 95hp compact SUV… …put through its paces by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Skoda is making sales inroads with its family-friendly SUV range. Their large Kodiaq and mid-sized Karoq have now been joined by the compact Kamiq as this SUV sector wipes away sales wise traditional saloon and hatchback models across Europe and throughout the USA. No volume … [Read more...]
Honda HR-V Sport CVT – Road Test
Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales) assesses Honda’s likeable HR-V… The word ‘crossover model’ is often over-used and exaggerated, but not in the case of the Honda HR-V in its top Sport CVT trim. The original Hybrid Recreational Vehicle from 1999 was a more sober suited trendsetter but a lot has happened in two decades as fashions changed. More manufacturers have poured into the market … [Read more...]
Ford Mondeo Vignale – Road Test
Ford Mondeo Vignale 5-door executive hatchback 2.0 EcoBlue diesel… …tried and tested by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Size can make a world of a difference to buyers and that’s where the Ford Mondeo range packs them in. It has consistently won awards for its internal dimensions, roominess and popularity with families and business users and it’s easy to see why. The trend … [Read more...]
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