MINI John Cooper Works Rally is a new racing car and the result of an extensive development through racing experience of the existing MINI ALL4 Racing. Based on the new MINI Countryman; the car has been adapted to suit the necessary safety requirements and the current race regulations as laid out by motorsport’s governing body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

The introduction of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Rally underlines MINI Motorsport’s long-term commitment to its involvement in motorsport especially in the arena of rally-raid and the FIA World Cup, the legendary Dakar Rally and the latest long-distance endurance challenge of the Silk Way Rally.

The 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Rally is an exciting new development from MINI and X-raid and destined to repeat race success achieved so far. Based on the all-new MINI Countryman, its sporting dynamics readily provided a platform for the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally and its role as a specialist cross-country rally car.

To produce a car able to successfully tackle and survive the rigours of cross-country rally is a challenge in itself. However, the MINI John Cooper Works Rally has been designed and constructed to achieve and exceed the same level of success as the previous car thanks to an exacting development programme.

The MINI John Cooper Works Rally will also be subject to constant development via motorsport partner X-raid in order for the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally to become as victorious and iconic in the cross-country rally world as its predecessor. At the same time, technical feedback gained from its racing development programme can, of course, be used to further aid reliability and performance programmes in all aspects of MINI production cars.

Simply Smart has successfully completed Beaulieu’s season of Simply rallies, bringing the total number of visitors to 3,000 extra for this year’s season. The number of visitors attending Simply rallies has risen by more than a third, from 7,500 in 2015 to 10,700 this year.

For the full calendar of 2017 Simply events see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events or call 01590 612888 for more details.

Admission to Simply events includes entrance to the whole of the Beaulieu attraction including the National Motor Museum, the World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House and the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and grounds.

Wilton Classic and Supercar – a major new event for the 2017 international automotive calendar and beyond – is confirmed for the weekend of 3-4 June 2017. The event will take place at the iconic Wilton House, which has been home to the Earls of Pembroke since Tudor times.

Designed as a season-opener, Wilton Classic and Supercar is the perfect place for guests to not only to see and hear some of the greatest high-performance cars of all time, but also to learn about the people that make automotive history.

Wilton Classic and Supercar will comprise over 10 sub-events, each one very different, providing entertainment and fascination throughout the weekend. Details of these will be revealed in the months leading up to the weekend and are shaped around three core events: the Wilton Wow!, the Wilton 6 Nations and the Wilton 100 – Concours d’Histoire.

The Wow! will be a daily gathering of 150 of the greatest supercars in the world – pre-1990 on Saturday, 1990-onwards on Sunday. The 6 Nations, meanwhile, celebrates automotive excellence and culture from around the globe in six dedicated national zones, while the Concours d’Histoire brings together a diverse variety of models with rich and interesting stories to tell. Owners can apply for their car to be displayed at Wilton Classic and Supercar 2017, via the all-new website.

Lord Pembroke, whose fascination with speed, power and all things automotive gave birth to the event, said: “This will be by far the biggest venture I have ever started at Wilton, and is the result of 18 months’ hard work. I have held relatively low-key supercar events here for several years, mostly as fundraisers, and supercars remain central to my vision, but the all-new WCS 2017 will be something very different. We will have around 700 cars on display in a host of different features and will be telling the story of the car in completely new ways. This will be a show like nothing staged before.”

The show has also spawned a new story-telling website – www.wiltonclassicsupercar.co.uk.

More information about Wilton Classic and Supercar, including ticket prices and further event details, will be revealed regularly over the months leading up to the weekend.

Mazda revealed the all-new CX-5in the run-up to the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s a completely redesigned edition of the compact SUV that in 2012 kicked-off a generation of critically acclaimed cars featuring the company’s lightweight SKYACTIV Technology and award-winning KODO – Soul of Motion designs.

The all-new CX-5 comes with the full range of SKYACTIV Technology including two petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 – and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel. All three deliver powerful, linear performance along with outstanding real-world fuel economy and remarkably low emissions. The new model also features G-Vectoring Control, a new Jinba Ittai – enhancing technology from Mazda. Additional highlights include a windscreen head-up display – one of the first in its class – and a remote-controlled power liftgate.

Its physique emphasises a solid stance and expression of forward momentum, while the newly developed Soul Red Crystal body colour premiering on the CX-5 highlights KODO’s appeal by heightening the depth of the body’s surfaces. Soul Red Crystal is an advanced version of Soul Red Metallic, imparting a fresher, more radiant transparence with 20% greater colour saturation and 50% more depth.

The all-new CX-5 will go on sale in February in Japan prior to its roll-out in other markets around the world. Currently Mazda’s best-selling model in Europe, the CX-5 is sold in more than 120 countries and represents around one-quarter of Mazda’s global unit sales.

British parents spend almost nine weeks* of their lives ferrying kids to and from the school gates, according to new research** from ŠKODA. And for many – over a third (36%) of UK mums and dads – the ‘school run’ is the most stressful parental duty that they undertake.

However, whilst traffic (64%) is the most common obstacle facing people on their daily commute, spare a thought for those living in the most remote parts of the UK. According to ŠKODA’s study, in the furthest flung places such as the Scottish Highlands and Welsh Valleys, delays to school runs caused by hazards such as flooding rise by as much as 18% against the national average (56% vs 38%).

Livestock on the roads also causes issues. In the county of Sutherland in the far north of Scotland, and in the mid Wales county of Ceredigion, an average of one in ten parents regularly has to stop to bypass rogue sheep and cattle – almost twice as often as any other rural location.

On the back of these figures, ŠKODA sought out the country’s ‘most extreme school run’ – a nationwide search for the family facing the toughest terrain and obstacles – to put its brand new large SUV, the Kodiaq, through its paces in the UK for the first time.

Step forward the Joneses, a farming family based in Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion, Wales.

Nestled amongst stunning picture-postcard scenery, the Jones’ land even features its own waterfall. However, despite beautiful appearances, their location also offers up problematic driving obstacles than cause the family delays of anywhere between ten minutes and two hours.

Dad William often has to use his chainsaw to help remove fallen trees, whilst ice and floods also present regular challenges – with a broken-down lorry blocking the road for two solid days last year. The Jones’ cottage, Cwmmoiro, sits within its own micro-climate, meaning it can be snowing at home when it is raining at the children’s school.

Mum Sarah Jones explained: “Every day when we wake up we don’t know what we’re going to come up against on our school run, which is part of the fun of living up here really. We could take our horse Willow, but a 4×4 makes things so much easier.”

Prior to its secretive arrival in Wales from the Czech Republic, the seven-seater ŠKODA Kodiaq had completed over a million miles of testing in some of the most extreme climates around the world. In what was a typically wet and windy day in Pontrhydfendigaid, that testing was the perfect preparation. The Joneses got to experience the Kodiaq’s outstanding 4×4 functionality, cutting across the valley via a slippery off-road route that features lots of mud and water crossings.

Sarah Jones concluded: “We were hugely impressed with the Kodiaq and our journey to school was the smoothest we’ve ever experienced. It tackled flooded areas and hills with ease and we enjoyed the headroom and nice little extras such as the heated seats. The seven seats would definitely come in handy for collecting our children’s school mates and when they’re not being used, we can pop our dogs in the back. The kids really want us to buy one now!”

Watch the Jones’ extreme school run here:http://skoda.uk/ExtremeSchoolRun

Arriving in 2017, but available to order from November 2016, ŠKODA’s first ever seven-seater SUV will start from just £21,495 (OTR), and will be available from launch in four trim levels with five engine options, two and four-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes. Find out more at www.skoda.co.uk

* Average daily school run is 25 minutes (to and fro). Most UK schools are open for 274 days a year – meaning that parents spend 6,850 minutes (or 4.75 days) a year doing the school run. Across 13 years of a child’s schooling, that’s 62 days (or 8.8 weeks).

**ŠKODA carried out quantitative research with Censuswide on 2,000 UK parents who complete a daily school run

Here are some tips to prepare drivers and riders on this late leaf falling season from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

• Check your motor battery.  In winter we often place a strain on the battery with lights, heated screens, seats and the air conditioner to demist and keep us warm and if there is any sign of your car battery struggling now, it is likely it will let you down as it gets colder.
• That low winter sun can be an issue. Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car and also make use of the sun visor too. If you are dazzled slow down immediately.
• Now is the time to check your antifreeze levels. The good thing about antifreeze is that it contains additives that prevent corrosion and improve summer cooling too.
• Top up the windscreen washer with de-icing additive.
• Check your windshield wipers. If they begin to blur the front/ rear window, it’s time to replace them with new ones.
• Have a look at your car headlights. It is dangerous for you and for the other road users if your lights do not work properly.
• Leaves or pine needles on the road can turn into a mushy film which obscures potholes, road markings and increases stopping distance. Anticipate problems when you approach woods and trees and slow down until the road is clear

Richard said: “As the temperature drops your car is a nice cosy place to be when it is working properly and sound preparation will help your journey go smoothly. Frosty mornings and falling leaves might be picturesque but they can cause all sorts of problems, particularly for two-wheeled road users. Give motorcyclists and cyclists more room and anticipate their actions.

“Drivers also need to stay alert for blocked drains and localised flooding at this time of year. Your aim should always be to have a clear view of the changing seasons around you and for other road users to be able to see you.”

IAM RoadSmart has welcomed an increase in the punishment for drivers caught using a held-held mobile phone whilst driving – saying drivers need to learn that their actions could kill.

The Government has announced that anyone caught using a hand-held mobile phone while at the wheel of a car would be fined £200 and receive six points on the licence – a doubling of the existing penalty.

The issue was brought into sharp focus recently when lorry driver Tomasz Kroker was jailed for 10 years when he killed a family of four in a crash caused by him being distracted by his mobile phone.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, said: “Addressing the growing problem of smartphone use whilst driving will require a combination of enforcement and education as well as drivers, passengers, companies and individuals taking more responsibility.

“IAM RoadSmart is disappointed that the government did not support our calls for first time offenders to be sent automatically on a re-education course specifically tailored to mobile phone use and breaking our apparent addiction to being constantly connected. We also want to see car companies, mobile phone makers and social media providers working together to develop technical solutions to hand held mobile phone use in vehicles.”

Neil added: “It is essential that drivers get the clear message that if you are on the phone and have a fatal crash you can expect to go to prison for a long time. There is a lot of support among the driving public for stronger penalties and more enforcement focus on mobile phones, but also a feeling that this is not always reflected in sentencing.

“The Home Office must also review it’s policing priorities to ensure they reflect the risks that new technology can bring on the road.”

Nissan has announced a pioneering new digital-first shared car ownership service which is set to transform the traditional car sharing industry. NISSAN INTELLIGENT GET & GO MICRA will give people the possibility to part-own a brand new Nissan Micra.

Social networking is at the heart of this plan, as Nissan is able to profile-match consumers to form next-generation car sharing communities through a 100 percent digital experience.

Launching initially in the Paris area later this year, cars are expected on the road by April 2017. The service, based on a unique algorithm that uses social profiling and geo-localisation technology, will match compatible owners with complementary driving needs to form a 100 percent digital, shared ownership community. With bespoke monthly invoicing based on car usage, members can expect no surprises.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ghosn said: “We are moving toward a future where car usage may be more flexible, social and shared. At Nissan, we’re pioneering new ways to allow drivers to enjoy the freedom and financial benefits of shared car ownership. And there is no better vehicle to launch this program than the all-new Micra, which embodies the vision of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.”

This new service is borne out of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision, which provides a framework for how cars are powered, driven, and integrated into society, all while staying focused on creating more enjoyable driving experiences. With the proliferation of the shared economy model, which impacts everything from cars to food to homes, today’s announcement is a step towards realising this Intelligent Mobility goal.

Preparing for its final classic car auction of the year, specialist auction house Silverstone Auctions is offering 123 best of breed cars, as well as three classic motorcycles, luxury lifestyle and automobilia items, in its two-day sale at the Classic Motor Show, at the NEC, Birmingham, on 12th and 13th November.

Suitably offered just miles from the home of Land Rover itself, are five classic Land Rovers. Among them an early, truly historic 1948 Land Rover Series I in superb order offered at a sale estimate of £26,000 to £29,000, a concours winning 1950 Land Rover Series I estimated at £25,000 to £28,000, and a 1990 Land Rover 110 V8 County Station Wagon, believed to be the lowest mileage (15,020 miles) and the most original of any 110 V8 in the country, estimated at £23,000 to £28,000.

For more information and or to view all the lots in Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Motor Show Sale please visit http://silverstoneauctions.com/nec-classic-motor-show-sale-2016/view_lots/pn/all.

With the nights closing in, temperatures dropping and driving conditions worsening every day, it’s important to ensure your car is ready for the colder weather. To give drivers complete peace of mind, MG Motor UK has launched a complimentary vehicle health check (VHC) programme* across its national dealer network.

The 16-point visual inspection, available via any MG Authorised Repairer, will review key vehicle components to ensure the highest levels of winter road safety and driving performance. From clutch and brake feel to driveshaft operation, battery condition and exposed belt use, the step-by-step check will clearly indicate if any servicing or repair work needs to be immediately undertaken.

Fluid levels – including engine oil – will also be checked, alongside the wear of windscreen wipers, tyre tread and suspension. Finally, qualified technicians will analyse the exhaust and steering system, test seat belt clasps and ensure all lights are fully functioning.

Following the VHC inspection, drivers will be provided with a report. Outlining any essential servicing and repair work that needs to be undertaken on the day, this document will advise any components that require attention in the near future.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, commented: “The safety of MG drivers is paramount, which is why we’re offering free vehicle health checks at dealerships nationwide. We all know that driving in winter can sometimes be a little more challenging, so it’s important your car is ready to head out on the road.

A recent study by the Institute of Advanced Motorists found that in autumn and winter, drivers are 11% more likely to have a car accident due to road conditions than in spring or summer. Indeed, a third of all accidents in colder months can be directly attributed to the road environment, or weather related issues. Furthermore, research from the Department of Transport Road Accident Statistics found that the number of accidents caused by wet road conditions increase by 267% in winter.

To find out more information about the MG vehicle health check, or find your nearest dealer, visit www.mg.co.uk/dealers.