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Articles by Michael Docherty
Save Nunawading Studios from decommissioning
Nunawading Studios has been home to many shows over the years, including Neighbours and Prisoner, and it cannot be decommissioned and developed.
Polo Goes Electric
Familiarity will be at the heart of Volkswagen when the ID.Polo launches next year. The new ID.Polo will allow VW to have “better orientation” for customers, who may be delaying their move to electric. ICE and EV models will be sold alongside each other with VW their model names into the future.
Duster Gets Hybrid Upgrades
Dacia has revealed upgrades for the Duster with sales starting in November. Bigster arrival has given Dacia the push it needed, to further enhance the Duster to a wider audience and in keeping with current pricing. The 155 Hybrid will replace the 140 and will combine a 109bhp four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and an automatic electric gearbox. Regenerative braking is something city drivers will enjoy, with the Duster always starting in all-electric mode.
Chery launches first model in UK
Chery has launched its first standalone model in the UK, the Tiggo 8 Super hybrid with deliveies expected later this summer. Launching at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and joining both Jaecoo and Omoda, Chery only revealed its plans for the UK in the last few days. The Tiggo 8 is a seven-seat SUV which combines a 1.5-itre petrol engine with a 150kW electric motor. This gives the Tiggo an EV-only range of 56-miles and is available with fast charging.
"Battle of the Forms” in the Hong Kong Construction Industry | JD Supra
Introduction What lawyers call a “battle of the forms” occurs when two parties, negotiating a contract, exchange conflicting standard terms during the contract negotiation and formation. This leads to the obvious and not uncommon dilemma: which side’s standard form applies to the transaction?
Leapmotor prices up Europe
Leapmotor has announced prices for Europe, with UK sales expected to start before the end of the year. The Stellantis-backed brand will see the C10 cost from £30,000 and the T03, cost from £17,900. The C10 is a Tesla Model Y rival and will offer 260 miles of range from a 69.9kWh battery with 218bhp and 320Nm of torque.
Optiq-cal illusion? Cadillac to relaunch in Europe
Cadillac is to give the OPTIQ electric SUV its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. The Tesla Model Y rival will follow the LYRIQ into the European market in 2025, with the UK being on the list too. Powered by a 54kWh battery, the OPTIQ will have 300bhp and 300 miles of range with the ability to charge up to 150kW at a DC fast charger. 19.2kW charging is standard, with up to 79 miles able to be added in ten minutes at a DC charger.
Updates for Smart #1 and #3
Smart has introduced updates to the #1 and #3, seeing performance and driver convenience improved. Both models now get Vehicle-to-Load, allowing the cars to power external devices, including charging other cars along the way. Brake regeneration has also been improved and gives drivers an option of further choices at the level of regen needed.
Ready to head to the ‘electrified’ future?
Heading up the Salon Privé this year, will be an electrified version of the DeLorean DMC- 12 The DeLorean DMC-12 has been given a ‘plug and play’ conversion kit which allows the performance to match its futuristic looks. Out goes the Renault V6 engine and in its place is a 42kWh battery with 150 miles of running. Originally designed by Lotus, the DMC-12 was well known for its styling and gullwing doors.
Paris Motor Show 2024: What to expect…
With three months to go until the Paris Motor Show gets underway, there have been announcements left, right and centre about who will, or will not be, attending the biannual show. An obvious inclusion are the Renault Group, with the Renault 4 expected to be revealed in production form and cost under £20,000. Based on the same AmpR platform as the Renault 5, the 4 will take on an SUV-body with city driving in mind.
UPDATED: Paris Motor Show 2024: What to expect…(and what not to!)
With three months to go until the Paris Motor Show gets underway, there have been announcements left, right and centre about who will, or will not be, attending the biannual show. An obvious inclusion are the Renault Group, with the Renault 4 expected to be revealed in production form and cost under £20,000. Based on the same AmpR platform as the Renault 5, the 4 will take on an SUV-body with city driving in mind.
The Capri is back - but not how you remember
Ford has resurrected Capri name for its new saloon-SUV, with sales expected to start later this year and prices starting at £48,075. The new Capri could not be further from the coupe of the 1970s and follows the habit of Ford resurrecting past names for new models – think Kuga and Puma and you would not be going far wrong. Based around the Volkswagen Group’s MEB Platform and sharing its underpinnings with the Explorer, the Capri will be available with two powertrains at launch.
Say “Bonjour” to Symbioz
New Renault models are like buses. You wait for one then three come along at once. Hot on the heels of the Renault Scenic and Renault 5 E-Tech, in comes the Symbioz. The Symbioz will slot between the Captur and Austral and be priced from £29,295 and deliveries are expected in September. Rivalling the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Niro, it will join Renault’s full-hybrid E-Tech family – joining the Arkana, Austral, Megane and Scenic Electric.
A Car Fit For Social Media? Meet the INSTER…
Hyundai has revealed the all-new INSTER, which will be available later this year, push 221 miles of electric range – and an estimated £22,000 price tag. Based on the Korea-only CASPER, the design of the new entry-level car will be in urban SUV and offer masses of interior space. At the front, the INSTER has LED daytime running lights and a ‘pixel-graphic’ indicators, taillights, and bumpers. It is on the inside where the ‘INSTER-grammable’ stuff happens.
Fourth generation Conti GT revealed
Bentley has revealed the Continental GT and GTC, with prices starting at £236,000 and available now. Entering its fourth generation, the Continental GT is the first Bentley to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Called ‘Ultra Performance,’ a 4.0-litre V8 engine with 584bhp twinned with a 25.9kWh battery and gives 771bhp. A range of fifty miles is available on speeds of up to 87mph. The battery can be charged in just under three hours via a 11kW charger.
Freelander Name To Be Reborn
Jaguar Land Rover is bringing back the Freelander name, synonymous with an SUV, and giving it a new lease of life under a new joint venture. JLR and Chinese brand Chery will enter a 50/50 joint venture, which will allow them to design and produce electric models built on Chery’s EV architecture at their plant in Changshu – these will be under the ‘Freelander’ brand.
New Continental GT teased
Bentley is to reveal the new Continental GT Speed, at an event next Tuesday. First launched 2002, the new fourth generation Continental GT will have over 770bhp and will be the most powerful Bentley ever – some. Alongside this, the GT Speed will be the first in over 100 years to feature a plug-in option. This means the car will be capable of 50 miles of electric running and a claimed 50g/km of carbon emissions – these are in WLTP conditions.
The ‘Leap’ of faith?
Taking a ‘leap’ into a crowded market – is a new Stellantis joint venture going to disrupt the electric vehicle sector? Established in 2015, Leapmotor has sights firmly set on the European market. Two models are already confirmed for the Chinese brand, with the first coming to the UK in March and produced in Poland – meaning Stellantis will reduce taxes added to locally-built cars. The first will be a Dacia Spring rival, the ‘T03’ with a 36.5kWh battery and up to 165 miles of range.
Get ‘INSTER’ ready. Hyundai goes small.
Hyundai has teased their sub-compact EV, the Inster which will make its debut at the Busan Motor Show later this month. The INSTER will be based around the Korean, petrol-powered CASPER and promise some new standards in terms of driving range, tech and safety. Design language will follow Hyundai’s recent cars with a striking, signature LED daytime running lights and incorporate pixel style elements.
Powering ahead for ID.7
Volkswagen has added the GTX badge to the ID.7 and is now the most powerful electric car from the brand. Featuring an 86kWh battery, the GTX offers 335bhp and sprints to sixty in 5.4 seconds. Alongside these performance credentials, the ID.7 offers 370 miles of electric running in WLTP settings. Charging the ID.7 can be done at a rate of up to 200kW via a DC charger, getting 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.
MG Specs Up Cyberster
MG has announced prices and specifications for the Cyberster sports EV with prices starting at £54,995 and deliveries expected in the Summer. The first thing to hit your eyes, not literally, are the scissor doors which are a design encapsulated by Carl Gotham and allows the Cyberster to make a real statement. The fabric roof can be opened and closed in fifteen seconds – ideal for the bursts of sun we get here in the UK.
Volkswagen prices up ID.7 Tourer
Volkswagen has announced pricing for the all-electric ID.7 Tourer with prices starting at £52,240 and is on sale now. One version will be available at launch, the ID.7 Tourer Pro Match and will get a 77kWh battery and 374 miles of WLTP range. With just a drag coefficient of 0.24, it means it is less air-resistant and more energy efficient. In due course, the ID.7 Tourer range will grow to include a Pro S model with a larger 86kWh battery and 425 miles of range.
Five alive for Renault
Renault has reinvented the 5, with prices expected to start from £25,000 and deliveries in 2025. Taking inspiration from the 2021 concept car, the R5 E-Tech has kept the retro styling and harks back to the original. Based on the AmpR small car platform, it allows for agile handing and new tech – it’s bigger than a Zoe but not treading on the Clio’s toes. Instantly hitting is the light signature, with two rectangles with rounded edges in the front bumper.
MG launches new MG3
MG has showcased the MG3 Hybrid+ at Geneva, with a focus on shifting the car upmarket and keep the focus on electrification. The new MG3 is longer and wider than the model it replaces, so this will impact on passenger and load space. Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine twinned a 100kw electric motor and three-speed automatic gearbox, the MG3 will offer 192bhp and get to sixty in eight seconds. The reason for a three-speed gearbox is to help with efficiency and enjoyability when driving.
All-new Mini breaks cover
Mini has revealed the all-new Cooper, priced from £22,300 and deliveries expected in the Spring. To be built at the Mini plant in Oxford, the new model will join the Mini Electric in the range. Power options come from two petrol engines. A 1.5-litre, three-cylinder will be on offer with 156bhp, 230Nm of torque, meaning sixty miles an hour will be with you in 7.7 seconds. Cooper S models get a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder and 204bhp. This means the car will hit sixty in less than seven seconds.
MG3 to launch in Geneva
MG has revealed more details about the hotly anticipated MG3, which is to be launched at the much smaller Geneva Motor Show later this month. The MG3 has been on sale in its current guise since 2011, albeit in China to start with, so the current-gen model is well due a replacement. It has been confirmed the MG3 will have hybrid plus technology, which combines efficiency, performance, and zero-emissions driving.
Sales start for Polestar 4
Polestar has kicked started sales of the 4 in the UK, with prices starting at £59,990 and deliveries scheduled for August. The new Polestar 4, which showcases an SUV Coupe shape, will be positioned between the 2 and 3 and the number isn’t reflective of the size of the car. The sweeping shape allows for high levels of efficiency and is assisted by the car’s low nose, retractable door handles and rear air blades.
Renault’s high five for Geneva
The Geneva Motor Show is somewhat smaller than we are used to but that isn’t stopping Renault giving us both a history lesson and a vision for the future. They have launched the Renault 5 at the Geneva Motor Show which has design linked back to the original model – however, this car is all-electric and will lead the EV revolution for the French marque.
Lucid to show Gravity SUV at Geneva
Lucid Motors is expected to showcase its new SUV at the smaller Geneva Motor Show next month, with a market launch expected later this year. Gravity follows on from the Air saloon, offering over 440 miles of electric running and will get to sixty in under four seconds from the 800bhp powertrain. Ultra-fast charging at 300kw will add 200 miles of range in under fifteen minutes.
MG: An Anniversary Like No Other
From British icon to a Chinese rebirth, MG has a history like no other carmaker. The days of sports cars have been replaced with affordable and family-friendly models, such as the MG4 EV and MG5. It does not mean MG has forgotten its roots, though – the Cyberster is on its way. Humble beginnings in an office in Abingdon and the MG brand was launched. Cecil Kimber saw an opening for an affordable sportscar and began developing them from his desk.
Order books open for Tiguan
Volkswagen has opened the order books for the third-generation Tiguan with prices starting at £34,060 and available now. Now in its third generation, and VW’s biggest selling model globally, the Tiguan is based around the MQB-evo platform. This platform will also underpin the upcoming, ninth-gen Passat. Targeting rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage, the new Tiguan has a fresh design language and takes inspiration from recent VW models.
In case you’re wondering…
Hello from me Evening Folks! Just thought I’d reintroduce myself to those of you who don’t know who I am or if you’re new to my website. I’m Mike, 29 and based in the North East. I studied at Teesside University for my Multimedia Journalism Degree, with which I graduated in 2012. Before heading back to University in 2017, I climbed the ladder at McDonald’s – becoming a manager in 2016. In 2017, I returned to education and began my Automotive Journalism MA at Coventry University.
Prices announced for new Hyundai i10
SE will kick off i10 at £12,495 Hyundai has announced further details on the new i10 with prices starting at £12,495 and set to go on sale next month. Engine options for the i10 include a 1.0-litre 66bhp engine, with the ‘Premium’ trim getting an optional 1.2-litre 83bhp engine. Kicking off the range is SE with standard equipment such as DAB radio with 3.8-inch display, Bluetooth, Cruise control and a host of safety features – lane keep assist, forward collision warning and High beam assist.
Seat adds new model to Tarraco range
New front-wheel drive option for Tarraco Seat has introduced a new, front-wheel drive version of its Tarraco SUV which is available to order now and priced from £29,900. The new front-wheel drive model is focusing on fleet drivers and those who don’t find all-wheel drive appealing. Both emissions and fuel consumption from the 1.5-litre engine are 164g/km and 35.3mpg, which make it an appealing choice.
Corsa becomes award winner
Awards already coming in for Corsa Vauxhall’s all-new Corsa has already become an award winner, even with the car not officially being on sale yet. During final test drives in Istanbul, the Corsa and Corsa-E was highlighted for its value-for-money and the first car to win in three generations. The fifth-generation is also the first Corsa available in three power options – petrol, diesel and all-electric.
New Year, New Car?
With it being Christmas, MDocCars has decided to compile a list of sports cars which you can buy right now with any budget. Whether it be £500 or £250,000, we have you covered. Fancy something sporty for the New Year, then read on for more. £500 to £5,000 Mazda MX-5 We had a pick of a good bunch for this price bracket, but went with one sports car favourite over the last thirty years – the Mazda MX-5. We found a 2001 example with a 1.6-litre engine, giving 110bhp with a five-speed gearbox.
2020 upgrades for Mazda2
2020 updates for Mazda2 Mazda has refreshed the Mazda 2 for the New Year, which is on sale now and prices starting from £15,795. Design wise, the Mazda2 sees a development of the KODO design language which has been seen on the Mazda3. Mild-hybrid techology is also available in the Mazda2. ‘Mazda M Hybrid’ uses a start generator and brake regeneration to help lower emissions, with models emitting 94g/km.
Vauxhall adds to Grandland X range
Front-wheel drive option for Grandland X Vauxhall has announced a new front-wheel drive Grandland X Plug-in Hybrid, which is on sale in April and priced from £32,390. Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and 13.2kWh battery, the Grandland X PHEV produces 225bhp and has a pure electric running of 34 miles under WLTP testing. To further improve efficiency, the Grandland X has regenerative braking, which is energy fed back into the battery from deceleration and braking.
Aston Martin opens new plant in Wales
Aston Martin DBX will be built at new plant Aston Martin has opened its new manufacturing plant in Wales, with the creation of up to 750 new jobs when the first model enters production early next year. St Athans was announced as the location in 2016 and makes the move from RAF bases to manufacturing facility in three years. The first new model, the DBX, will be built there from late 2020 and will see 600 new jobs initially, rising to 750 when the plant is fully operational.
Trim changes for Volkswagen Touareg
New trims make Touareg a better proposition Volkswagen has announced some tweaks to the Touareg range with new models now offering better value for money and reducing entry point to £45,445. Entry-level cars now start at SE trim, which features 19-inch Osorno alloy wheels, Discover Pro 9.2-inch touchscreen with gesture and voice control. Engine option for this model is the 228bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
Class-leading residuals for Zoe
High resale values for Renault Zoe Renault has released the residual values for the Zoe with an increased battery and is on sale now. With its 42 percent residual value after three years and compares with the competition – including the Nissan Leaf. As well as exterior refresh, the battery has been increased to 50kWh and has a class-leading 245 miles of range which is just ahead of the Leaf.
New Subaru Forester: details announced
New Forester takes advantage of new safety features Subaru has announced details of its fifth-generation Forester, which is priced from £33,995 and on sale now. Powered a 2.0-litre petrol engine with e-Boxer technology and linked to an all-wheel drive, the new Forester features a battery and allows pure EV driving at speeds below 25mph. This latest Forester claims to be the most practical yet, with rugged styling and new alloy wheels included on both trim levels.
LA Motor Show: Audi RS Q8
RS Q8 will be Audi’s flagship Audi has launched its flagship ‘RS’ branded model, with ordering beginning at the start of next year. The RS Q8 features a 4.0 V8 engine, which produces 592bhp and gets hits sixty in little shy of four seconds. The Q8 is electronically limited to 155mph. Putting the power onto the road is an eight speed tiptronic gearbox. Mild-hybrid technology has also been added to the RS Q8, recovering up to 12kW of power from decelerating and braking.
LA Motor Show: Volkswagen I.D Space Vizzion
Space Vizzion is the seventh I.D-badged model from VW Volkswagen has used the Los Angeles Motor Show to introduce the new I.D Space Vizzion Concept, which will lead to a production version in 2021. With aerodynamics at the heart of the new model, the seventh I.D-badged model will be powered by a 82kWh battery with a range of 368 miles and sees it rival the recently-launched Ford Mustang Mach-E for range.
LA Motor Show: Audi E-Tron Sportback
Can you tell it’s a coupe? Audi has unveiled the coupe version of the E-Tron – called the ‘Sportback’ – at the Los Angeles Motor Show, with deliveries expected in the first quarter of next year. Sharing the same 95kWh battery as the standard E-Tron, giving the car 355bhp and a sprint to sixty in less than seven seconds, the new Sportback has a range of 277 miles on a full charge.
Smart City Expo: SEAT reveals new scooter concept
Concept to become reality in the next year SEAT has given a vision of it s mobility future, with the launch of the E-Scooter Concept at the Smart City in Barcelona, which will lead to a production model in 2020. Powered by a 7kW electric motor, which is equivalent to 125cc, the scooter will have a range of 71 miles and a top speed of 62mph. The battery can be removed, which will allow no-hassle charging at home.
BMW announces i4
High performance for new BMW i4 BMW has announced the latest in its electrification push with the announcement of the i4, which is set to be introduced in 2021. The i4 targets the drivers who require power, efficiency and range, with brand-new electric motor, charging points and battery being developed. With maximum power at 530bhp, it’s not sluggish in the slightest and can match combustion engines. i4 can hit sixty in a claimed four seconds and onto a top speed of 124mph.
LA Motor Show: Can Detroit change the world again with Mustang Mach-E?
Ford Mustang Mach-E officially launched Ford has taken the wraps off their latest SUV, the all-electric Mach-E and it is available to pre-order now with deliveries in late 2020. Powering the new Mach-E is a 370-mile range electric motor either standard or extended-range, either 76kWh or 99kWh respectively. Standard models will be priced from £40,270, Mid-range £46,570 and First Edition models at £58,000.
LA Motor Show: New electrified models from Audi
Hint at what is to come from Audi Audi is going to use this year’s LA Motor Show to debut two new models, the e-tron Sportback and RS Q8, which is will be their flagship model. With electrification being the focus, the e-tron Sportback will blend the design cues of a coupe with a fully electric car. The car also sees a production first: Digital Matrix headlights, which uses micromirrors to light up the road ahead.
Mini celebrates sixty years with fastest ever model
No other pictures revealed of hot Mini – apart from this Mini has announced prices for the much-anticipated John Cooper Works GP, which will be officially revealed the LA Motor Show in November. Priced from £33,895, and limited to 3,000 models, the hot Mini will be powered by a 306bhp, four-cylinder engine and has adapted chassis and design features which help aerodynamics.
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