SEAT celebrates 40 years of the Ibiza

Gareth Herincx

16 hours ago
Auto News

SEAT Ibiza 40th anniversary

Spanish car brand SEAT is marking 40 years of its best-selling model with the Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition.

Since its introduction in 1984, more than six million SEAT Ibiza cars have been sold over five generations.

Named after the island of Ibiza, it was a turning point for the company’s success.

The first-generation model was the first vehicle developed by the brand without the assistance of a technological partner, drawing on internal expertise and that of partners including Giorgetto Giugiaro for the exterior styling, Karmann for the interior design and Porsche for the powertrain.

“The success of the iconic Ibiza meant that some countries recognised the vehicle even before the brand! said SEAT CEO Wayne Griffiths.

SEAT Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition

The SEAT Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition will feature new equipment, as well as a new alloy wheel and design cues.

The vehicle’s exterior design benefits from the exclusive Graphene Grey colour on the body and Cosmo Grey on the 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as the standout lasered “Anniversary Limited Edition” logo on the car’s B-pillar.

Inside, the cabin is given a new twist with the introduction of exclusive textile Bucket seats, giving front occupants a new level of dynamism and comfort, a new Dark aluminium matt finish for the door and console, as well as a lasered “Anniversary Limited Edition” logo on the doorstep.

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Top 10 Christmas markets for EV drivers

Peugeot e-208 at Christmas Market

England’s best Christmas markets for electric vehicle drivers have been revealed in a new study, according to new research.

With Christmas market stalls being readied across the country, Peugeot UK researched which markets most suitable for EV drivers.

Manchester Christmas Market topped the rankings, followed by Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and Leeds’ Winter Favourites.

Using Visit England’s research of 14 popular Christmas markets in England, Peugeot compared how many of the markets could be driven to using the 225-mile range of the Peugeot e-208 from the 15 most populated cities in the UK.

The research also ranked how many public charging points were within a three-mile radius of the centre, as well as the charging speeds available, while accommodation options that offered free charging were also scored.

All top 10 Christmas markets, apart from Padstow’s Christmas Festival in Cornwall, were accessible from at least nine of the UK’s most populated cities.

Manchester’s Christmas Market was found to be the most accessible, with 14 cities in the UK within the 225-mile range of the market. Manchester also had the highest number of charging stations within a three-mile radius of the city centre, with 69 available, including 16 rapid chargers with speeds above 50kW.

The study also considered the number of accommodation options within three miles of the city centre that offer free charging for EV drivers, such as hotel chains and B&Bs, with York topping the tables, offering 19 with free chargers.

Top 10 Christmas markets in England for electric car drivers

1. Manchester Christmas Market
2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
3. Leeds’ Winter Favourites 2022
4. York St Nicholas Fair
5. Lincoln Christmas Market
6. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
6. Bath Christmas Market
7. Norwich Christmas Market
8. Chester Christmas Market
9. Rochester Christmas Market
9. Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market Festival
10. Padstow Christmas Festival

“With more than a million electric drivers on UK roads today, things like distance and charging infrastructure will play an important role in determining where drivers head to this Christmas,” said Julie David, Managing Director, Peugeot UK.

Skoda Fabia review

Skoda Fabia

We road test the all-new Skoda Fabia hatchback – a impressive car that’s shaking up the supermini sector…

The latest Skoda Fabia is quite simply one of the best small hatchbacks on the market. An alternative to the ubiquitous Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, it’s a fantastic all-round package.

Of course, no car is perfect, and the fourth-generation Fabia is no exception. For instance, it’s a petrol-only range, with no hybrid choice. In this day and age, it seems odd to be coasting and braking and NOT harvesting energy otherwise lost.

Skoda Fabia

However, not everyone is ready to go hybrid or fully electric, and many can’t afford the extra upfront cost or fit a home charger, so for now conventional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars are still the most popular new car option.

Only offered as a five-door hatchback (there’s no estate version this time round), it comes in cool colours (Phoenix Orange and Race Blue especially) and there’s a sporty Monte Carlo version topping the range.

The Fabia is longer than its predecessor, and the boot (up by 50 litres to 380 litres) is claimed to be the largest of any supermini on sale today.

Skoda Fabia

Its more grown-up, aerodynamic design brings it more closely into line with other newer Skodas, including the Octavia and Scala,

Priced from £17,800, there’s a choice of either a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a choice of three outputs (64, 94 or 108bhp), or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder (148bhp) unit available in the flagship Monte Carlo.

The two entry-level 1.0-litres get a five-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful version gets a six-speed, though a seven-speed DSG automatic can also be specified.

Skoda Fabia

We tested the 1.0-litre with the biggest output paired with the twin-clutch auto gearbox. Capable of up to 50.7mpg, CO2 emissions are as low as 126g/km, while 0-62mph takes 9.8 seconds and top speed is 126mph.

Inside, it’s attractive, well-built and offers lots of space. Up front there’s a large central floating touchscreen (there are three sizes, depending on how much you spend) with clear graphics. It’s well equipped too, though again, you get what you pay for.

It’s also packed with safety and driver assistance systems, helping it earn a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests (there are three separate ISOFIX mounting points in the rear, plus the option for top and bottom mountings for the front passenger seat).

Skoda Fabia

It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position, and while there is extra room in the back, taller passengers might still struggle for legroom. However, overall, it’s excellently packaged. with plenty of smaller storage spaces too.

As we’ve already mentioned, the boot is huge for a car of this size. In fact, it’s comparable to some vehicles in the Ford Focus class above.

On the road it’s a surprisingly refined experience, and it’s clearly been designed more for comfort than performance.

Skoda Fabia

That said, it’s a punchy little engine and feels quicker than the official figures suggest. Spirited drivers can still have some fun in the Fabia because it handles well with ample front-end grip, while body roll is kept well in check.

The steering is light and it’s a doddle to drive in town, but it’s also a fine cruiser. The DSG works well enough, but it can be a little hesitant to change through the gears if you’re in a hurry. Skoda expects most buyers to opt for the six-speed manual anyway.

We achieved the magic 50mpg on a long run with mixed roads, so driven sensibly, the Fabia will reward you with lower running costs.

Skoda Fabia

Add Skoda’s hard-won reputation for reliability and the new Fabia is right up there with the best of them, even if there isn’t a hint of electrification.

Verdict: The all-new Skoda Fabia is a cracking little car. Attractive, affordable and delivering plenty of space, comfort and on-board technology, it’s pleasant, easy to drive and well worth a test drive.

Skoda UK

Skoda Fabia

Vauxhall Corsa leading the charge

Gareth Herincx

23 hours ago
Auto News

Vauxhall-Corsa-e

The Vauxhall Corsa was the best-selling car in the UK during May, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The supermini, which is available with petrol and diesel engines, plus an all-electric powertrain, is also the most popular car this year so far with a total of 17,198 registrations, closely followed by the Ford Puma (15,426).

However, May represented yet another month of decline for new car registrations, falling by 20.6% to 124,394 units, thanks mainly to the shortage of computer chips which is affecting vehicle production globally.

On the plus side, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs or EVs) rose by 17.7%, representing one in eight new cars joining the road last month.

Top 10 best-selling cars (May 2022)

Vauxhall Corsa – 4,399
Ford Puma – 3,580
Ford Kuga – 3,379
Volkswagen Golf – 2,623
Mini – 2,538
Nissan Qashqai – 2,261
Kia Sportage – 2,260
Kia Niro – 2,258
Volkswagen Polo – 2,118
Hyundai Tucson – 2,094

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Peugeot 208 GT review

Peugeot 208 GT review

Is this sporty small car just a piece of eye candy?

The latest Peugeot 208 is one of the best superminis on the market and has won various awards, including the coveted 2020 European Car of the Year title.

Offered with both conventional petrol and diesel engines and as a 100% electric vehicle, it’s a fine blend of style, technology, economy and build quality.

Peugeot 208 GT review

We tested the 208 in GT spec, which is very well equipped, coming in just below the range-topping GT Premium.

As standard, it’s equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, black wheel arch extensions and window surrounds, a blacked-out front grille and full LED headlights with Smartbeam.

Peugeot 208 GT review

Other features include a large 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with connected sat nav and TomTom Live traffic updates, a height-adjustable passenger seat, interior ambient lighting, blind-spot monitoring and a 180-degree reversing camera,

Priced from £24,810 and powered by the most powerful version of Peugeot’s eager 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine (129bhp), our car came in eye-catching Faro Yellow.

Peugeot 208 GT review

Driven through the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, it can complete the 0-62mph dash in 8.7 seconds and tops out at 129mph. Fuel economy is up to 51.9mpg and CO2 emissions are 122g/km.

Needless to say, the 208 GT cuts a dash, while the distinctive lion light signature it shares with its siblings never ceases to impress (tooth design at the front and claw effect at the rear).  

Peugeot 208 GT review

Inside, there’s a premium feel with the digital delight that is the 3D i-Cockpit taking centre stage. However, if you’re new to Peugeot’s range, it’s the small steering wheel/high-mounted dials combo that will catch your eye. You will get used to it. Promise.

The 208 GT is fun to drive, though more of a warm than hot hatch. Its thrummy three-cylinder is punchy, even more so if you switch from Eco or Normal mode to Sport, which sharpens up performance.

Peugeot 208 GT review

It’s light and nimble, and though it’s not blessed with class-leading handling, it copes well on more challenging country roads and body roll is kept in check. The ride is comfortable and the sports seats are supportive, while the cabin is generally refined.

The steering is accurate, there’s plenty of grip and it feels planted on the motorway, while the eight-speed auto box is slick – perfect for stop-start traffic in town.

Peugeot 208 GT review

However, the 208 only scores average points for practicality. It’s fine up front, but space for rear passengers is more limited and luggage capacity is 311 litres (expanding to 1,106 litres when the backs sets are flipped).

Verdict: Handsome, well equipped and fun to drive, the Peugeot 208 GT is a sporty supermini with a touch of class. Just don’t expect a GTI.