Santa’s chilly grotto could be consigned to Christmas past thanks to Land Rover’s engineers. They have created a cosy cabin that can be transported for a much-needed festive getaway – it fits inside a Land Rover Discovery Sport compact SUV.

The cleverly designed cabin has space for two adults to sleep snugly in North Pole temperatures as low as -20°C. It folds down to fit in the rear of Land Rover’s Discovery Sport, so Santa could even fit it on his sleigh this Christmas.

Land Rover engineers carefully used every bit of the versatile Discovery Sport’s 1,698-litre rear load space to carry the wooden cabin’s components. Even the glove box, cup holders and door bins were filled with nuts, bolts and festive decorations fit for Santa himself.

The Christmas cabin was tested in Land Rover’s own cold-climate chamber, in which all Land Rovers are subjected to sub-freezing temperatures, by mountaineer and 12-times Everest climber Kenton Cool. It was then transported by Discovery Sport – not sleigh – to its final secret location in the heart of the frozen wilderness.

Kenton Cool said: “There is a growing trend for off-grid living and ‘wilderness cabins’ and only Land Rover could create a ‘go anywhere’ cabin like this. The design is cleverly engineered and incredibly robust, making it perfect for remote locations across the world.”

Helen Ali, Vehicle Package Team Leader, said: “We wanted to create a Christmas  cabin for Santa, in a truly Land Rover way. The spacious and versatile Discovery Sport was perfect for this project. The seats can be folded flat at the push of a button from the load space, which is wide and square and there are plenty of hidden storage spaces like the area under the front cup-holders.

“Building a cabin that utilised all these features was a lot of fun. We could have built this in one of our bigger models, but we wanted to prove just how versatile the baby of the Discovery family truly is.”

Land Rover engineers made a virtual model of the cabin to get the most from every millimetre of space. Then they worked with specialist Danish architects LUMO to build it from sustainable materials. Designed to have a minimal impact on the environment, it rests on 212mm wooden struts that exactly match the Discovery Sport’s ride height.

The cabin shares several features with Discovery models, including an optional tailgate seat on the deck. The wide horizontal door opening is inspired by the vehicle’s full-length panoramic roof and provides epic landscape views. There’s a solar charger on the roof, while lights and a kettle can be connected to the Discovery Sport’s 12V power socket.

Land Rover packaging engineer Muhammed Malik helped design and build the cabin. He said: “Anything that wears the Land Rover badge has to be capable and versatile, with beautiful, simple design. Our cabin also had to be sustainable and easily transportable. We are used to working with VIP clients at Land Rover, but this was definitely one of the most unusual.”

Land Rover will be using the cabin over the next few years to support ongoing partnerships and upcoming events, and it will be making appearances through its network of Land Rover Experience centres. 

ROAD SAFETY AND breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is warning motorists about the dangerous effects medication can have on driving.

As part of its long-term initiative to raise awareness, GEM has produced a free leaflet entitled ‘Don’t Motor on Meds’, which offers advice on driving while taking prescription drugs.

Some cold and ‘flu treatments, painkillers and other drugs can cause drowsiness, reducing a driver’s ability to concentrate on the driving task. Not only that, but driving under the influence of drugs, even some prescribed by a doctor, is a criminal offence.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “You may not be aware that your driving can be compromised by medicinal drugs. Therefore you could be breaking the law without realising.

“So it’s very important to read labels and seek advice from healthcare professionals before driving. If you face a risk that your driving may be impaired, then either don’t drive or ask for a medicine that won’t cause drowsy side-effects.”

GEM has designed a leaflet, ‘Don’t Motor on Meds’, which has more details on the potentially dangerous effects some medicines bring.

There is also a short video, funded by the GEM Motoring Assist Road Safety Charity, which sets out how certain medicines can affect driving.

Suzuki Motor Corporation unveiled the new IGNIS for Europe as its new global compact crossover and it clearly demonstrates convenience and comfort in a stylish new exterior.

In addition to its stylish exterior design in a compact size of just 3,700mm long, the IGNIS  features excellent visibility, a spacious cabin and ample luggage space.

Under the ‘SUZUKI NEXT 100’ plan announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, Suzuki  developed a new platform strategy for its future models and the IGNIS is the second model (following Baleno) with this new generation platform to be introduced in Europe.

This new platform targets the reduction of weight as well as further increased rigidity and the lightest IGNIS model has a kerb weight of just 810kg.

The 2017 Soul crossover and Carens compact MPV – are now on sale in the UK. Both feature upgraded exterior and interior styling, improved standard equipment and, for the first time, state-of-the-art connectivity systems. The restructured Soul range is now headed by a 201bhp Sport performance model, while several versions consume less fuel and emit lower CO₂ emissions.

The Soul line-up now consists of grades 1, 2, 3 and Sport, bringing it closer into line with every other model in the Kia portfolio. Pricing starts at £13,995, with the Soul Sport introduced at £23,250. The revised Carens range is on sale from £18,995 to £27,790.

All versions are of the Soul and Carens are protected by a seven-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty, Kia’s industry-leading demonstration of faith in the quality and reliability of its cars. For retail customers, Kia’s Care-3 and Care-3 Plus inflation-proof three- and five-year servicing packages are available. The servicing packages are also transferable if the car is sold before they expire.

The SsangYong range of 4x4s and SUVs is now available in Hyde, following the appointment of Premier SsangYong.

The dealership will operate the SsangYong franchise from its premises at Pitt Street, Hyde, Greater Manchester SK14 2AT.

Welcoming the company to the network, Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK said: “We and our dealers are focused on giving customers great service, so whether buying a new or used SsangYong, choosing accessories or helping to maintain their car in the years ahead, we are confident customers will appreciate the car, their dealer and the brand.”

With the FIA World Motor Sport Council ratifying a revised date for the British Grand Prix, next summer’s Silverstone Classic is now confirmed for the weekend of 28-30 July 2017 – a week later than the provisional date originally announced.

The UK’s round of the Formula One World Championship had initially been set for Sunday 9 July but, with the German Grand Prix no longer on the 2017 F1 calendar, the British event has now been rescheduled for Sunday 16 July.

The massive operational complexities involved in the organisation of the two major international events – both attracting more than 100,000 visitors – make it impossible for Silverstone to host its two most popular annual attractions on consecutive weekends.

“We’re sorry to have to make this change but, unfortunately, it’s due to factors outside of our control,” said Nick Wigley, CEO of Silverstone Classic organiser Goose Live Events.

Tickets already purchased for the 2017 Silverstone Classic will be valid for the revised dates, while ticket-holders now unable to attend due to the date change have until 28 February to request a full refund. Details of this process have been emailed to those who have already taken advantage of the Early Bird ticket offer and a helpline is available for further assistance.

Early Bird tickets for the 2017 Silverstone Classic are on sale, with prices for adults starting from just £35 and the cost of the three-day weekend ticket remaining at £99, making them a great Christmas gift. Details of all ticket prices, as well as hospitality and camping options are now available on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

Full information about the 2017 Silverstone Classic entertainment programme – including more exciting new races, special car club celebrations and live music performers – will be announced in the coming weeks. All the latest news will be available at silverstoneclassic.com and via its social media platforms.

Road Safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to make safety their priority this Christmas and not to take any risks with alcohol. The advice comes as official figures show there has been no decline in the number of people killed through drink-driving in recent years.

An average of 240 people are killed in the UK through drink-driving each year, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2010 (source: Department for Transport).

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth commented: “It is unacceptable that drink-drive deaths have not reduced.  The time is now absolutely right for a reduction in the limit, which we believe will give a strong and clear message to anyone still willing to take a risk by drinking and then driving.”

Latest Government figures show there were more than 607,000 breath tests conducted in England and Wales (2014), of which 67,000 were positive or refusals.

The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms (µg) of alcohol in 100ml of breath. In Scotland the limit changed in December 2014 and is now 22µg. This is equivalent to a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.8 in England and Wales and 0.5 in Scotland.

The penalty for a first drink-driving offence is a minimum 12-month ban, a fine of up to £2,500, and even a prison sentence of up to six months. Refusal to provide a specimen carries the same penalty.

Neil Worth continued: “Don’t ever take a risk with drink-driving. If you’re going out for a few drinks, then make arrangements to get home. A £20 taxi fare is definitely worth every penny for your peace of mind. And if you prefer to drive, then stay on soft drinks.

“Finally, do be aware that alcohol takes time to be expelled from your system. Just because you’ve been to sleep does not mean you’re safe to drive next morning. That’s why around one in six of all positive breath tests are provided ‘the morning after’”.

Whether stocking up on festive treats, taking the kids to the school panto or picking up last minute presents ahead of the Christmas rush, MG Motor UK’s all-new SUV, the MG GS, blends style and practicality.

Fun, affordable and available with a whole host of great practical accessories, the GS will stand up to every challenge you throw at it. With space for the whole family, the fully collapsible 60:40 split rear seats create a massive 1,336 litres of space to fit even the most lavish shopping trips. Optional roof top bars paired with a 360-litre top box provide even more space in the GS.

Automatic headlights and cruise control come as standard, even on the entry-level Explore model, while the mid-range Excite adds rear parking sensors and reversing camera, along with DAB radio and Bluetooth. The top-spec GS Exclusive features an integrated sat nav, electric seats and state-of-the-art Xenon headlamps.

With all that snow, mud and sludge, winter can be a nightmare for keeping your interior clean. Fortunately, the GS comes with a range of stylish rubber mats (from £30.00) for the front, rear and boot. Simply wipe clean to get that showroom-fresh look, whatever the weather.

Until the end of December, the MG GS comes with a selection of special offers*. With OTR prices starting from £14,995, the GS is currently available with either:

• 0% APR with just a 20% deposit monthly finance option
• £660 contribution towards your deposit when financed on a PCP/PCH basis
• A five-year/80,000-mile (whichever occurs first) manufacturer parts and labour warranty

To find out more about MG’s latest models, visit www.mg.co.uk/gs. For more information about the full range of accessories available, visit www.mg.co.uk/owners/accessories/gs/.

To help those looking for a great deal, SsangYong has introduced special Winter Wonderland offers on its pre-owned Tivoli compact SUV. Available with either a 1.6 litre petrol or diesel engine, manual or automatic transmission and either two or four-wheel drive, there’s a Tivoli to suit.

Prices start from just £179/month for a 2015, 65 reg, Tivoli 1.6 EX petrol with 17,000 miles.

Example offer based on a 48 months repayment period

“In addition to offering great value and extremely well equipped cars, we are always looking to go that extra mile to help reduce the cost for motorists,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

“SsangYong is a real value-brand and we demonstrate that whenever possible.  Korean built and comprehensively equipped, affordable prices and with a warranty no other marque can match, we are confident that with such highly tempting offers on pre-owned Tivoli models, there will be even more SsangYong cars on the roads this winter.”

For details of the cars, purchase options and finance offers available, contact your nearest SsangYong dealer – SsangYong – Find a dealer

Volkswagen Van Centres across the UK have started taking orders for the new Amarok model, with first customer deliveries expected in January 2017.

Replacing the previous model’s 2.0-litre TDI engine, the new Amarok has at its heart a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine, making it the only six-cylinder model in the segment. The top-of-the-range version of this 3.0-litre V6 delivers 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque channelled through its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, giving a top speed of 119 mph and a 0 to 62 mph time of 8.0 seconds. An overboost function on the 224 PS takes the power up to 240 PS. Further iterations of this V6 TDI engine include a 204 PS version which is available to order at launch with an automatic gearbox, plus a manual 204 PS and a 163 PS manual to follow later in 2017.

Combining car-like comfort and technology with full off-road capability, UK customers can choose from selectable (with manual gearbox) and permanent (with auto) 4MOTION four-wheel drive. An optional mechanical rear-axle differential lock is also available for demanding off-road use.

From the outside the new Amarok distinguishes itself from the previous model through new front bumper and radiator grille design including front fog lights, new alloy wheels and a third brake light with LED technology.

Inside the cab the changes are more prominent with an all-new dash panel design which incorporates Volkswagen’s MIB infotainment system with touchscreen, radio and new technology including the option of navigation, Guide & Inform, Car-Net and App-Connect systems. Bluetooth and DAB digital radio are also now standard features.

A comprehensive list of safety equipment comes as standard on every new Amarok, including four airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme and Volkswagen’s award-winning Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. Additional highlights including Park Pilot and a rear-view camera also enhance comfort, convenience and safety.

UK specifications follow the previous model’s pattern and are familiar to buyers of Volkswagen’s other commercial vehicles. As such they range from Startline (later in 2017), through Trendline to Highline. Special editions will also be offered during the model’s life, for example the range-topping Aventura, 240 examples of which are available from launch.

The Aventura adds, on top of the Highline’s already generous equipment list which includes items such as bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a host of special features including 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 wide tyres and arch extensions. The bed of the Aventura’s cargo box also has a matt black Durabed coating. The interior is no less exclusive with ‘Discover Media’ navigation system and mobile online services. The Aventura also comes with ParkPilot automatic parking system, featuring front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. This model is available in exclusive Ravenna Blue metallic paint finish.

At launch, prices for the new model start at £32,493 (RRP OTR) for the Trendline with 204 PS. The limited edition Aventura launch model costs £39,381 (RRP OTR).

For further information on the new Amarok, visit your local Van Centre or go to www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.