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George Dove

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Skoda have confirmed that their small SUV, that will sit below the Karoq, will be called the Kamiq.

The Kamiq will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and takes its name from a model already used by Skoda in China. The word Kamiq is derived from Inuit used in Canada and Greenland, and refers to something that fits as well as a second skin. But more importantly, it begins with a K and ends in a Q, so it fits the Czech brand’s SUV naming convention.

In one package, the Kamiq will aim to be both a lifestyle SUV as well as a handy city car. It will feature safety and assistance systems afforded by the Skoda platform and will have classic Simply Clever features like the rest of its family.

More details will be revealed after it debuts in Geneva in March.

The updated Ford Ranger has been revealed, with refreshed engines, improved connectivity and driver aids introduced to the range alongside a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford have given the Ranger a trio of 2.0-litre EcoBlue, four-cylinder diesel units. There are two single turbo variations, producing either 130bhp and 251lbf.ft or 170bhp and 310lbf.ft, with the units capable of 35.3 and 34mpg respectively. The range-topper features both a variable-geometry high-pressure and a low-pressure fixed geometry turbo, which results in figures of 213bhp, 369lbf.ft and can cover 30.7 miles on a gallon.

Some clever features have been engineered into the engine to reduce friction within the unit, such as a 10mm offset crank design that reduces chafing against the cylinder walls of the iron block. The valve-train has been optimised and features a single-piece camshaft module.

As well as a six-speed manual transmission, Ford are offering the 10-speed automatic ‘box from the irrepressible F-150 truck. You know, the one that is driven by nigh on all Americans… It sounds like overkill, but the extra notches are designed to give the Ranger more adaptability, as real-time adaptive-shift scheduling alters the transmission depending on the situation. This means it’ll behave differently when you’re towing a trailer to when you’re dropping the little ‘uns off at school.

An on-board modem enables the Ranger to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the FordPass mobile app makes it easy for the driver to keep on top of vehicular status. Oil level, tyre pressure and mileage can be checked remotely, whilst there is also a vehicle locator for those who are either forgetful or victimised and it is also possible to toggle the vehicle’s central locking from the app.

The third version of Ford’s Sync multimedia system can be voice activated or by using the 8-inch touchscreen and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled. The Ford MyKey system allows fleet managers to limit the driver’s speed and radio volume, plus it can permanently switch on all of the Ranger’s safety features.

Those safety features include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and intelligent speed-limiter as standard. The latter of these monitors road signs, and if the speed limit is lower than the set speed of the adaptive cruise control, it will slow down and then speed back up again in line with the speed limit. The 2019 Ranger also features lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, parking sensors both front and rear, a rear view camera and electronic stability control that features both rollover mitigation and trailer sway management.

On the updated version, both Wildtrak and Limited spec will include a new easy-lift tailgate with a torsion bar that increases the ease of closing it back up.

There is no word on pricing as of yet, but the updated one-tonner will be arriving in mid-2019.

Over the next three years, Ford will supply a fleet of 450 vehicles to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

This year, the national charity will take delivery of 210 vehicles, with another 120 arriving both next year and in 2021.

The 2019 fleet will include twenty 4×4 Rangers, which will carry out their duties on the British shorelines as the fleet for the RNLI’s beach patrols.

All of the RNLI’s on-road transport will also be covered by Ford, with a fleet including Fiestas, EcoSprt, Focus, Kuga and three variations of the Transit.

Volkswagen and Ford have announced their Global Alliance, which will help them offer more competitive products as they collaborate on EVs, autonomous vehicles and mobility services.

The two brands will also work together to in developing commercial vans and medium-sized pick-ups as soon as 2022. As early as 2022, the two automakers say that this will power significant scale and efficiency that will enable them both to share investments in vehicle platforms.

Ford’s CEO Jim Hackett has said that the alliance will ‘help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers’. He added ‘it will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility.’

His VW counterpart Herbert Diess echoed much the same, hammering home that both brands see this as a key to remaining competitive and pushing the market forward.

It’s one of the few true off-roaders still in production, and with the latest diesel version, there’s a new entry price for the Mercedes G-Class.

The 3.0-litre six-pot boasts a power haul of 286bhp and 443lbf.ft. It’s the punchiest diesel-runner to ever be fitted beneath the enigmatic squared bonnet. This equates to a 0-62 time of 7.4 seconds and the German Goliath reaches terminal velocity at 124mph and on a combined cycle could return up to 29.4mpg.

Standard alloys are 20-inchers, and LED headlights and so are a whole host of features such as leather seating that is electronically adjustable and heated front and back, 12.3-inch cockpit display, AMG styling cues, plus the driver assistance package including blind spot assist, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist and automatic tri-zone climate control.

Option packages on offer include the Premium package, the Night package and the Winter package. The Premium package adds an intelligent multi-beam light system, adaptive air suspension, Burmester sound system, interior air ionisation, 64-way ambient lighting, sliding sunroof and a parking package with a 360˚ camera.

The Night package adds black coloured alloys, darkened indicators and tail lights, black radiator grille, exterior mirrors, darkened glass and a black spare wheel ring.

Adding the Winter package installs a heated windscreen and a remote controlled auxiliary heater. For those in the back, there’s a Rear Seat Entertainment package that adds two 10-inch touchscreens that work with a digital TV tuner, integrated media player and internet access.

The base G350d, without adding any of the several thousands of additional packs, starts at £94,000 on the road. That’s a steal, given that the only other G-Class currently on the market is the G63 at an eye-watering £143,305 OTR.

Skoda have revealed the first performance SUV in the company’s history, with the 238bhp Kodiak vRS being launched after a prototype set the lap record at the Nürburgring for a seven-seater.

The turbo diesel engine is the most powerful diesel unit the Czech brand have ever produced, and combined with four-wheel drive – which is standard on all Kodiak vRS models – a pre-production model completed the menacing lap in 9 minutes and 29 (point 84) seconds.

Dynamic Sound boost in the family rocket ship enhances the audible qualities of the diesel power plant. The 20″ alloys are also standard for the first time on a Skoda, and out of the box the Kodiak vRS also has full-LED headlights and tail lights, whilst exterior design cues are finished in gloss black.

Combining practicality with speed, the speedy SUV offers space for up to three rows of passengers, depending on the format selected.

More details of the Kodiak vRS will be released closer to launch, with pricing starting at £41,375.

With the launch of the new, fourth-generation X5 BMW have released the new X family aesthetic into the world, along with an active chassis system and a new interior.

Sitting larger on the road (36mm longer, 66mm wider, 19mm taller and 42mm longer wheelbase) with separate styling cues for xLine and M Sport models. xLine specification sees aluminium matt bars on the front grille, satin aluminium finish for the roof rails and side window surrounds, with the other exterior trimmings in pearl-effect chrome. M Sport X5’s are supplied with body coloured wheel arch and bumper trim, plus the rear underguard and side skirts, too. Extra large intakes at the front feature too, with the same aluminium matt barred grille. Roof rails, window surrounds and other exterior trimmings are finished in a glossy black hue. The two trims sit on 19″ and 20″ alloys respectively, with M Performance versions wearing 22s as standard – wheels up to this size are available on lesser X5s as options.

A single petrol option will feature alongside a duo of diesel  powertrains in the new X5. The X5 M50d will utilise an inline six-cylinder diesel with four-turbos – two low and two high-pressure. The 3.0-litre unit utilises both low-pressure turbos and one high-pressure at all times, with the remainder coming into play at 2,500rpm and above. The full figures quoted for the power unit are 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, combined fuel consumption of 41.5mpg, 400bhp and 561lbf.ft – potent, you could say.

The unit in the xDrive40i enlists a 3.0-litre petrol six-pot that makes do with a mere pair of turbochargers achieving 340bhp, 332lbf.ft, 5.5-seconds to 62mph and 33.2mpg on a combined cycle. Under the hood of xDrive30d is another straight-six (diesel) with a solitary turbo producing 265bhp, 457lbf.ft, a 0-62 time of 5.2-seconds and achieving 47.1mpg.

Traction – on xDrive models – is managed by the latest version of the BMW all-wheel drive system, which can now shares the power between the front and rear axles with greater precision than before. A rear-biased approach is available for spirited driving, and the rear diff-lock can enhance this for even sportier characteristics – although it is only standard on the M Performance variants.

The new X5 sits on a new chassis, which comprises of a double wishbone front axles and a five-link rear axle. This works in conjunction with dynamic damper control that electronically adjusts the handling to offer the best performance and the highest ride comfort. Air suspension is standard on both the xDrive30d and xDrive40i models, which monitors each wheel individually, and can counteract things such as uneven loading of the boot. Adaptive M suspension Professional comes with M Performance models, with active vehicle stabilisation integral active steering which aids the SUVs agility.

Inside, the instrument cluster is entirely digital, mirroring the graphics of the centre console. Drivers will also notice the newly designed, crystalesque gear selector. The control panel has also been redefined. Vernasca leather drapes the sports seating, which is electronically adjustable and heated as standard. Seat ventilation is added with the comfort packages on offer.

Much like the turbochargers, you can choose to have four different climate zones. As out of this world as that seems, you can also fit a panoramic roof with 15,000 graphics patterns that actively simulate the stars in the night sky. Neat, right?

On the topic of needless (but really cool) excess, the ambient air package ionises the air and infuses the interior with a choice of eight selectable parfums.

For those impossible to please, adolescent passengers in the back, there’s a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system featuring 20 speakers, which when combined with the rear entertainment package adds 10.2-inch 1080p HD touchscreens with a blu-ray compatible DVD player, two USB ports, an HDMI socket and a pair of headphone jacks.

Part three of the ‘I want that but bet it’s an expensive option’ section is the heated and cooled cupholders in the centre console – thus ensuring that your bovril is hot and your champagne is oh so cooled.

As with any new vehicle, the X5 features plenty of safety tech, such as lane change warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-end collision warning and speed limit information that even includes whether overtakes are allowed.

Parking assistance is also available on the X5, requiring the drivers to operate the accelerator and brake alone, with the Beemer taking control of the steering input. Parking cameras are also available.

Prices for the new X5 begins at £57,495 and it is on sale now.

After a fair while of intense speculation, Jeep have officially revealed their Wrangler-esque pick-up, a.k.a. the Gladiator – and it will be coming to Europe in 2020.

The jaw-dropping design features the instantly recognisable front end of the newly released JL Wrangler paired with a five-foot truck bed. This means the frame is 31” longer than the Wrangler and has over 19” more in the wheelbase. It also promises to be an incredibly capable off-road pick-up, featuring the Command-Trac and Rock-Trac off-road systems, rides on third-generation Dana 44 axles, has front and rear axle lockers and a limited-slip diff. Top-spec models will also have an electronic sway-bar disconnect.

Gladiators will come ready for a day’s graft, with skid plates and rear tow hooks as standard. The Rubicon spec will also have a heavy-duty steel rear bumper and will pose the option of a winch prepared counterpart at the front. The ground clearance comes is at 11”, and the approach, departure and breakover angles are 43.6°, 20.3° and 26° respectively. Standard wading depth is quoted at 30” and the Gladiator has a towing capacity of 3,470kg and 726kg payload.

The body-on-frame design rides on a five-link coil suspension system, with lightweight materials used to keep down weight and boost economy. Aluminium is used for the doors and their hinges, the bonnet, wheel arches, fold-down windscreen frame and the tailgate. In another attempt to keep kerb weight down, the Gladiator’s track and stabiliser bars are hollow, and the engine mounts and steering gear are, too, made of aluminium.

Taking lead from the new Wrangler, the Gladiator will feature a bed load of safety tech, with a grand total of 80 active and passive features – the headline gear being a front facing off-road camera. There’s also blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control and electronic roll mitigation.

Jeeps fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment system is available via three different screens, measuring either 5”, 7” or 8” – the latter two are also available with satellite navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also up for grabs with the bigger screens.

Two engine choices will be offered with the Gladiator, with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 unit available at launch and a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 coming shortly afterwards. The petrol version kicks out 285bhp and 260lbf.ft and will feature stop-start functionality as standard. The unit is ideal for truck life, as it’s designed to have a broad torque band that really comes into its own lower down. Once the diesel option hits the streets, punters will be able to have a more economical variant that combines 260lbf.ft and 442lbf.ft – also with stop-start abilities and paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, unlike the petrol which has the six-speed stick as stock.

News on the pricing and more detailed UK specs will come closer to the launch, but with the new Wrangler being more expensive than many predicted the Gladiator might be a pricey option when it finally arrives.

Ford have refreshed the Edge with a new look, some punchy powertrains and plush specs with ST-Line, Vignale and Titanium trims.

An assortment of cameras and tech have been installed on the Edge, with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functions, lane centring, post-collision braking and evasive steering assist. This more comprehensive safety suite is a step forward from the previous model.

The cabin has got new tech, too, with Ford’s latest Sync 3 8″ infotainment system (compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and  that has a wifi modem embedded to keep you and up to nine others connected. A wireless charging pad also features, the seats are heated all round with the front getting ventilation, too, and a B&O sound system will pump out the tunes. The FordPass modem brings in live traffic updates, and also offers connection to the corresponding mobile app, which has a vehicle locator for the forgetful, status checks on fuel, oil and the alarm, remote unlocking to grant access from afar and remote start on models with the eight-speed auto.

Powering the ship is a new 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel unit. the twin-turbo unit delivers 238bhp and is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Selectable four-wheel drive also features in the Edge, giving drivers the ability to prioritise either handling or economy – which is quoted at 35mpg. There is also a 150bhp version of the unit that achieves 41mpg.

ST-line Edges come with body-coloured arches, side and lower door mouldings, and a signature black ST-esque grille. The seats are partial leather, and the leather steering wheel and gear shifter (manual) gaiter get red stitching. 20″ alloys are standard on ST-Line models, with 21s an optional upgrade. Suspension tuning is also given to the sportier Edge, firming the ride a little to live up to the sporty image.

The Titanium model comes with 19-inch alloys, chromed roof rails and a sporty rear roof spoiler – inside it has lighting to illuminate the door sills. Vignale adds chrome to the fog lamp surrounds, a polished aluminium grille surround, 20″ alloys, hexagonal quilted Windsor leather seating and leather on the central armrest, door cards and instrument panel.

We were impressed with the Edge before, but with these updates it promises to tick more boxes for more people.

American electric vehicle start-up Rivian have revealed a pick-up due to begin production in 2020, that if the figures are to be believed, will send shockwaves not only across the pick-up market, but the EV sector, too.

The R1T was revealed at the LA Auto Show, and the Michigan manufacturers claim the ‘Electric Adventure Vehicle’ will be a proper off-roader and work truck with a possible range north of the 400-mile mark.

Conceived with a double wishbone setup at the front and a multi-link layout at the rear, the R1T also has a low centre of gravity with the batteries and drive train all habituated below the height of the wheels. Yes, that read batteries – plural. Four of them, located each at a wheel and offering 2581lbf.ft of torque and 197bhp. PER WHEEL. That’s a total output of a useful 826lbf.ft and over 700bhp which equates to a three second 0-60 time, up to 100mph below seven seconds and a range of over 400 miles.

That isn’t strictly true, as there are plans for three different battery configurations, and not all of them have these insane figures. But they’re still very impressive in isolation. The smaller 105kWh pack offers less torque and power than the two bigger ones, and also has slower sprint scores. It’ll supply 413lbf.ft and 402bhp in total to the gearbox, with a range of 230-miles. The quickest 135 kWh configuration produces 754bhp, and the ground-shattering afore mentioned torque and sprint figures. This motor will have a range of over 300-miles, but if you want to get the top range 400-miler, you’ll need to opt for the 180kWh, 700bhp version. For those extra hundred miles, you’ll have to settle for wallowing to 60mph in 3.2 seconds. Oh so leisurely…

All batteries will provide an equal towing capacity of 5,000kg, aka five-tonnes, have a wading depth of a metre and will also top out at 125mph. Using an air suspension set up, there are four ride-height settings: park at 7.9-inches; Aero at 9.4-inches; Standard at 11 and off-road at 14.2-inches. This off-road setting produces an approach angle of 34°, departure of 30° and breakover of 26°.

Storage is also comprehensive in the R1T a load bed measuring 1.4 by 1.39-metres with the tailgate up, or 2.1 by 1.39-metres with it down. There is also a 330-litre frunk, 200 more litres in the rear bin, 350-litres in the gear tunnel below the cabin and 95-litres storage below the seats in 105 and 135kWh models. The 135kWh model has also been quoted an 800kg payload.

Rivian have already opened orders for the R1T, with the top two models available at launch and the base version coming a year later.

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