Motoring News
Yesterday, 30 October 2016The Nissan deal hints at a route for Brexit Britain
The longer the interim period, the softer the Brexit. That might be the face-saving compromise
read moreUK seeks to shield cars from post-Brexit tariffs
Nissan pledges are extended to other carmakers with plants in Britain
read moreJapan insurers prepare for self-driving vehicles
New technology change could redefine premiums for carmakers and auto parts makers
read moreDriving an eRally Renault Zoe - the world's first junior EV rally car
Thanks to a small British company, an all-electric junior rally series is on the horizon; we sample the competition Renault Zoe that could help kick it off
Single-seaters have Formula E, touring cars will soon have Electric GT and bikes have MotoE. But so far rallying has had nothing to bring to the electric table.
A few independent electric entries into events such as the Dakar Rally have shown the potential of electron-fuelled rallying, but no electric-only series exists. That could soon change, however, because a small British company wants to lead the way by establishing the world’s first electric rallying championship.
Fife-based eRally already has support from UK motorsport’s governing body, the MSA, and it hopes to offer electric rally cars to compete in junior rallying in the next year or two. The key to securing this future comes in the form of a Renault Zoe, which has been transformed into a prototype electric rally car by the eRally team. Company founder and ex-British Rally Championship driver Ellya Gold headed up the project, with input from Formula 1000 junior rally series chairman Tristan Dodd and Stavtec Rally Prep, based near Aberdeen.
On a damp morning at Glan-y-Gors kart track in north Wales, we meet Gold to find out why the eRally Zoe could be the catalyst electric rallying needs to get off the ground.
TORQUE ADVANTAGE
Because of the high torque levels of electric motors, EV powertrains are very well suited to rallying, even before any m
read morePCP (Personal Contract Purchase) explained: How to get it right
Personal Contract Purchases are becoming increasingly popular in the UK
British buyers are increasingly turning to PCP deals when buying a new car; we run through seven ways to make sure you maximise an agreement
PCP or Personal Contract Purchase deals are becoming an increasingly popular way for British motorists to run brand new cars.
With attractive down payment and monthly rates, PCP deals can often work out as the most cost effect way to land yourself with the latest model.
We run through seven key pointers you should follow to make sure you get the most from a PCP agreement.
1. Always work out the entire cost of the plan, including not just what you’ll be paying each month but also the deposit. Remember also that PCPs frequently last for as little as two years or as long as four.
2. The size of the initial deposit and amount paid each month are inextricably linked; the less you pay for one, the more you’ll pay for the other. Make sure that the plan you choose is the right one for you.
3. Companies offering PCPs must also allow you to buy the car outright at the end of the contract period and for a sum agreed at the time of the contract guaranteeing its future value. However, this has the effect of turning the PCP into a hire purchase (HP) agreement and, in such cases, it may be cheaper and better to take out an HP plan instead.
4. Beware excess mileage charges. Have a good idea about how many miles you’re likely to drive each year, and if the plan d
read moreThe best new cars for £100 per week or less
BMW i3, Ford Focus RS and the Nissan Leaf. You might be surprised at the sort of new car you can put on your driveway for £100 per week or less, once you’ve laid down a deposit
One hundred pounds. What will that get you these days? A tank of diesel for your large SUV, most (but not all) of a one-way anytime train fare from London to Cardiff or, if the papers are to be believed, the fine for outstaying your welcome in a McDonald’s car park.
Or were you prepared to pay as much on a weekly basis and stump up a deposit of varying size, £100 is all you need to park a fine new car outside your house, ideally suited to whatever your heart desires or head requires your daily driver to be. Think about that: think how easy it is to blow that amount on a Saturday night once you’ve had a few drinks, dinner and a taxi home. And you won’t even wake up with a hangover.
Read more: PCP (Personal contract purchase) explained: how to get it right
The truth is, the way we buy cars has been changing for some time now. Today, fewer and fewer people subscribe to the old model of walking in to a showroom and buying a car outright with either their own or the bank’s money. Instead, they choose to pay a deposit and a weekly sum and then, after a fixed period of time, give the car back and choose another. These personal contract purchases (PCPs) are popular because the sums involved are low relative to a hire purchase agreement, because you’re not buying the car bit by bit. They’re also flexible, so at the end of the deal you have the choice of returning the car, trading it
read moreLotus Exige S2 Buying Guide: At a glance
Print out and take to any Exige viewing for the essential checks!
read moreLotus Exige S2 Buying Guide: Interior
Purists may sneer but if you seek one creature comfort air con should be it!
read moreLotus Exige S2 Buying Guide: Body
Rust won't be an issue with GRP bodywork but check for signs of damage
read moreLotus Exige S2 Buying Guide: Rolling Chassis
Lack of weight keeps wear and tear in check, even when used on track
read moreLotus Exige S2 Buying Guide: Powertrain
High-rev thrills underpinned by Toyota reliability - a winning combo!
read moreLotus Exige S2: PH Buying Guide
Thrilling to drive, built to take punishment and a solid investment - what are you waiting for?
read more
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