Fast food steers UK motorway drivers

09.50 0

Nine out of 10 motorists choose carrier stations based on their favorite fast meals retailers, new studies has found out.

The 1/3 says the choice of diverse places to consume is the maximum essential component for them while visiting the carrier, in line with Europcar UK vehicle lease giant.

However, at the same time as rapid meals chains are on the top of the chart for most carrier station stores, drivers pick out Tebay's services (on M6) and Gloucester (on M5) because the primary choice in their provider stations.

Hailing from the identical own family business (Westmorland), the two stations offer alternative providers to common carrier station price lists - selling locally sourced clean produce to cast off or be loved at farm-fashion cafe cafes.

But with ninety seven stations presently operating on UK highways, it appears that evidently conventional services offering speedy food, gasoline and shops are right here.

"Fast food joints are frequently successful for the whole circle of relatives, even the maximum unusual eater amongst us," celeb chef and Phil Outick stated this morning.

"Although fast meals on the nearby workshop may be a welcome event for households on the road this summer time, from time to time we just want some thing a chunk healthier.

"They may be few and some distance among but services - including Tebay and Gloucester - are now reacting to the public soliciting for clean and healthful food to energize them on their way." Let's wish in the future there are more provider stations on the UK highways that Offering first-rate meals at the pass. "

Vacation damage

Europcar UK also determined that for 64% of drivers, lavatory cleanliness is on the top in their want list for the service stations they choose.

Indeed, smooth toilets are important, as more than seven out of 10 drivers surveyed with the aid of Europcar admitted that they best rested on lengthy trips when they wished bathrooms.

The significance of making ordinary pauses on long trips is not, however, reputedly diagnosed by most people of British riders. Only 16% stated they issue in preventing on a protracted journey each  hours.

Meanwhile, 1 / 4 stated they simply stopped to apply the bathroom and then went on their way as quick as possible - which possibly intended they did no longer have a terrific smash.

Skoda Kodiaq review

09.22 0

Skoda has built a reputation for developing a wide-ranging, dependable, and nice automobile.

Not distinctly, the business enterprise is now turning its attention to the SUV - the fastest growing area of the day - and applying its USP.

If you do no longer matter the specific Yeti, Kodiaq is Skoda's first foray into the crossover marketplace, and this certainly makes an outstanding first impression. This is huge.

The duration of four.69 meters, width 1.88 m and height 1.67 m, truly have the presence of the street. Add a clean Skoda internet line, and this is a extraordinary yet elegant package deal.

Step inside and it's the identical story. Unusual design, but appealing, the front and rear room bags, lots of garage area, huge boot (720 liters or class 2065 excellent in its class with rear seat folded down).

But here's the problem, Kodiaq additionally has  seats folded flat on the trunk that may be effortlessly reversed, turning the SUV right into a service of people.

At first look, they seem like appropriate for small home equipment, however push the middle row forward and perhaps the adults take a seat in the backseat too.

And even though passengers in seats 2, 3 and 4 do now not have the limousine foot area as earlier than, it's far very bearable.

So, Kodiaq is a triumphing package deal and is obtainable with numerous fuel and diesel engines, and 4-wheel-force, if specific.

But with diesel getting underneath pressure, extra consumers can be tempted to choose a smaller gas version - TSi 1.Four.

At first it regarded extraordinary to have this type of small gadget in a rather big car, but the punchy unit advanced 150PS and turned into capable of push this animal as much as 62mph in 9.7 seconds and drove at a pinnacle speed of 122mph.

Paired with a six-speed DSG vehicle field in my take a look at vehicle, it is surprising and subtle, and with three pressure modes (Normal, Eco, Sport) there's no doubt that DSG exceptional fits the remaining placing due to the fact the gear changes are not continually the exceptional of times, especially If you put your ft in different modes.

That said, laid again and the gearbox is first-class. Better yet, crusing on the highways and flowing roads and that's amusing.

My different reservation is that with a passenger and bags companion, the 1.4 turbo gasoline engine can be having problem at times, so if you bear in mind this spec, move for a take a look at power that is armed with volunteers and headed for the hills.

Obviously, the choice of engine will even affect the financial system, so in case you accumulate miles at the highway, perhaps the 2.Zero diesel option might be proper for you. This engine (with output of 150PS and 190PS) produces up to 57mpg, whilst emitting CO2 emissions of 131g / km.

1.4TSI is right for forty four.8mpg which is alleged with 143g / km CO2 emissions, and I surely managed to method 40mpg on diverse turns. There is another 2.Zero-liter fuel 180PS petrol engine, which is rapid, but only produces 38mpg.

It's additionally well worth mentioning that 1.4TSi makes use of Active Cylinder Skoda Technology (ACT) which turns off the second one and 0.33 cylinders whilst the weight and engine pace is low.

Kodiaq handles properly for a massive SUV furnished you do not try to force it like a warm hatch.

It's large and will roll and roll a bit if pushed too hard into a corner, but commonly stable, comfy and at ease.

Choose Sport mode if you need to make development quicker and the suspension can be a touch tight, but it's no longer tough to neglect which you drive a huge SUV.

I drove the SE L spec vehicle that is close to the pinnacle of the range and is possibly to be the maximum famous choice.

The S and SE are nicely ready, however the SE L provides a full LED the front and rear lights, pick drive modes, seven chairs, black alcantara seats, heated front seats and a high-quality nine.2 inch infotainment touch display with Columbus navigation.

Kodiaq is likewise safe. Euro NCAP gave it the first-rate five stars in crash protection assessments, achieving ninety two% for person protection and seventy seven% for a way to protect their youngsters. The wellknown computerized emergency braking inside the range is likewise inspired, even as different propulsion equipment such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Butak Spot Detection, Emergency Assistance, Traffic Hour Assistance and Traffic Identifier are also available.

Starting at £ 28,650, this is a manner down from the bottom fee of £ 22,a hundred ninety Kodiaq, but the price remains desirable.

And of path, this comes with the Skoda specialization we have been watching for, which includes an umbrella at the front door and an ice scraper in the back of a fuel cowl, plus a removable LED flashlight on boot.
Verdict: Kodiaq is any other strong car from Skoda. Go with the clean alternatives and you may get a large variety of SUVs in your cash from companies that make the addiction of assembly patron pleasure surveys.

A fortune wasted on failed driving tests

08.52 0


More than £ 60 million changed into spent in 2011 on my own, in step with new studies.

The evaluation by using vehicle finance provider Moneybarn found out that 1.5 million tests had been failed.

The practical check in the UK fees inexperienced persons £ sixty two, and £ 53 million is spent and misplaced by way of those hoping to make it onto the open street.

Although the principle assessments are far cheaper, at £ 23, beginners took some of the fifty one%, £ 20 million was spent on unsuccessful attempts.

Driving test: cost of failure




Analysis of facts from the DVSA has discovered a huge drop in concept skip costs from the final decade, from a median of 66% in 2007/08 to 49% ultimate yr.

The drop of coincided with more than one modifications to the theory check, beginning in 2007. The fundamental changes consist of an boom of the number of questions (35 to 50), the addition of a brand new case look at segment with the accompanying questions Published online.

Testing instances


Now the UK is gearing up for fundamental changes to the exercise driving check this wintry weather. It is a hoped-for-high-velocity, so they may be as organized as possible before riding independently.

Road collisions are the biggest killer of young people, accounting for a quarter of all deaths of those aged 15 to 19.

Learners can even want to show they can observe guidelines the use of a sat nav. This exchange displays the fact that fifty three% of drivers now own one and the DVSA wants to ensure they may be competently.

The hope is that the modifications, which might be supported via a public consultation of nearly four,000 humans, will enhance avenue safety and help new drivers adapt to fashionable era.

However, for the reason that pass rates go down when the modifications are made to the theory take a look at within the UK, it is notion that the changes to the test may have a comparable impact on skip costs - and money wasted.

"This highlights an exciting trend in concept," Simon Bayley of Moneybarn stated.


"As generation on our roads develops, the exams that allow our drivers on them have to also improve. These changes ought to offer new drivers with the talents and awareness to preserve themselves and others safe as delivery in the UK is going via a duration of transition. "

Used electric car best buys named

09.47 0

The developing demand for electric automobiles (EVs) is charging in advance which means it's also a very good time to keep in mind shopping for used items.

The UK market for alternative gas motors (AFVs) noticed a record 4.Four% marketplace percentage in June with over 10,seven hundred crashed into the street - up 29.Zero%.

More than 60,000 new AFVs have joined the United Kingdom roads to date this 12 months and the general market used for electric powered automobiles has extended by way of an growth of seven%.


Motor expert Chris Plumb of hpi stated: "Interestingly, this is a longitudinal model that drives a sturdy latest overall performance due to the fact the cost of pure energy has been in hassle currently.Bmand i3 is a famous desire and is a wonderful 2d buy. Good degree of specification and prestige badge.

"The elective extender variety extends the variety of the BMW i3 in consolation mode from as much as a hundred twenty five miles to a complete of 206 miles.The small -cylinder rear-installed gasoline engine presents generator strength that maintains the battery fee at a consistent degree, so the BMW i3 can hold to accelerate. "

Nissan Leaf with 30KWh electricity educate pulls a better wear fee than 24 kWh as it has a larger range, with a NEDC range of as much as 124 miles (LEAF 24kWh) or as much as 155 miles (LEAF 30kWh).

The demand for hybrid fuel used automobiles stays excessive. The marketplace fashion price utilized in June and the price reinforced universal, moving up a mean of zero.2% at 3 years 60,000 miles. Certain superb derivatives like the Toyota Prius Plugin (12-17) are up through three.Nine%, Lexus RX (12-sixteen) Hybrid, which sees a 2% growth in cost, as well as Prius + (12-) Hybrids .

Read too 

Rolls-Royce unmasks new Phantom

09.42 0
The luxury automobile maker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched its eighth-era Phantom limousine.

At first look the flagship car does no longer appearance 1,000,000 miles faraway from the version out, however a great deal more is happening.

For example, the signature of the grill and the Spirit of Ecstasy mask is about slightly higher than the modern-day Phantom. Flanked with the aid of LED headlights, the grille is likewise integrated into the encircling bodywork for the primary time.

Emanating from the pinnacle edge of the grille, stainless-steel strip curves are polished alongside the top edge of the bonnet and around the windshield, accentuating the period of the hood.

Under this bonnet there's a brand new dual-faster dual-rapid 6.Seventy five-liter turbo engine that produces remarkable 563bhp and torque of 900Nm.

Paired with Satellite Aided Transmission (can make subject-based totally alternatives up the front) and ZF 8-Speed ​​gearboxes, can nevertheless attain 62mph from a standstill in just five.3 seconds and reach a pinnacle speed limited to 155mph.

Inside, dashboard, or "gallery" as it's far known, it's miles hidden in the back of a hardened glass clump that runs right in the dashboard area. Analog clock - traditionally "the loudest sound you can listen in Rolls-Royce" is also hidden at the back of glass.

A unique mention for the luxury returned seats are carefully tilted to make certain passengers can communicate to every different with out bending their necks.

The new Phantom is the first of the all-new Rolls-Royces collection, which includes the agency's first predicted SUV, on the way to be constructed on a completely unique aluminum spaceframe, known as "Architecture of Luxury".

Approximately 30% stiffer than the Phantom VII, this new structure will offer a "Rolls-Royce enjoy in driving consolation, acoustic comfort, seat comfort, outside and indoors space".

It is also claimed to be the most "silent" motor automobile within the world due to its 6mm double glazing and over 130kg of sound insulation.

Finally, the brand new Phantom is likewise "the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce gadget" - the on-board system consists of the Alert Assistant, a 4-digicam device with a breathtaking view, a entire viewing range such as helicopter view, Night Vision and Vision Assist, Active Cruise Control, Crash caution, pedestrian warning, cross site visitors caution, direction eradication and pathway signals, plus high resolution 7 × three excessive decision display.

There isn't any word on the fee tag for Phantom VIII, however we do not assume you'll get a lot exchange from £ four hundred,000.

Read too 

Car dashboards baffle drivers


Car dashboards baffle drivers

09.29 0

Millions of British motorists drive their vehicles with out the know-how of the symbols on the dashboard, in line with new studies.

A Cautious Assistance Advice study of two,000 drivers confirmed nine out of 10 people had symbols acting on dashboards they had now not yet identified.

One in 3 can not apprehend which image is the headlamp indicator, at the same time as 27% can't identify the take a look at engine signal.

And when people apprehend what the automobile is warning them, only a few know the way to control their very own problems.

Two thirds of these surveyed did no longer understand how to test oil, just below half did now not know a way to exchange tires and 44% had no clue the way to alternate windshield wipers.

While 58% do not realize the boundaries in their tire whilst it must be illegal, or how to check it.

David Carter, a spokeswoman for Accust Advice Adviceline, said: "It's worrying how few drivers realize their very own motors.

"Knowing the meaning of dashboard symbols in your vehicle might be the difference between having an accident or now not."

DIY mechanics

The take a look at found out that best sixteen% of drivers are now trying to restoration problems with their own cars.

Just below half of those surveyed will appearance on line if the dashboard begins flashing at them with an unrecognizable image.

And three% of people will retain to drive their vehicle regardless of warning until it's miles absolutely insecure.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, 1 / 4 of motorists admit they are overdue getting their car via MOT. Of those, 18% took their automobile to the storage greater than sixteen days after the check become completed.

The most common motive for losing a MOT car is to overlook, feeling the auto is secure and unable to have enough money it.

Read too

Ford GT special edition celebrates Le Mans win

Ford GT special edition celebrates Le Mans win

09.23 0

The Ford GT can be to be had in a constrained edition Heritage topic that honors the GT40 Mark IV racing car driven through victory by means of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt at Le Mans in 1967.

This supercar will characteristic unique indoors and exterior colour subject matters, and exceptional wheel rotation.

"In growing a worth successor to the 'sixty six history edition, we logically see Le Mans' next ancient victory with the All-American Dan Gurney and A. J. Foyt teams," said Dave Pericak, international director of Ford Performance.

The Ford GT '67 version of Heritage honors the victory, taking one of the maximum crucial vehicles within the records of Ford racing. "


This unique version capabilities a Red Gloss-finish Race outside with white stripes and carbon uncovered packaging.

It additionally sports Frost White No 1 caps and door snap shots, and 20 inch one-piece cast aluminum wheels in silver satcoin satin with black wheel beans. Red calipers and rear glass rear cowl complete the display.

The interior has a new leather-based decoration for carbon fiber seats, with purple accent sewing, which consists of the guidance wheel.

Woven seat belts at the moment are purple and anodised grey paddle shifter. Satin dark stainless appliques are used on instrument panel, bezel check in door and x-clamp.

Each version of '67 Heritage version also functions a unique serial identity plate, plus an open matte carbon fiber door frame, air safety pod and center console.
Read More

Kia and Volvo top brand dependability league