Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has revealed details of its new industry-leading Approved Used Car Programme.

Under the heading “Because It’s New To You”, the enhanced programme offers a minimum two-year vehicle warranty with no mileage limitations and two years’ roadside assistance, providing 24-hour support for motoring emergencies in the UK and Europe. An Approved Used Mitsubishi will also benefit from free vehicle health checks for life, MOT protection cover, a 30-day vehicle exchange plan and a guaranteed service history.

The scheme includes an independent vehicle history check, a Mitsubishi multi-point inspection and seven-day drive-away insurance.

There is also a range of flexible finance options on offer, with vehicles available on hire purchase and personal contract purchase with a fixed rate of 9.9% APR representative.

Mitsubishi’s award-winning Outlander PHEV is available for just £199 a month, plus deposit and final payment, for a pre-owned 2015 model or £299 a month, plus deposit and final payment, for a used 2016 model.

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “We are really proud to unveil our impressive new Approved Used Car Programme, which gives people even more reasons than ever to choose a Mitsubishi. The improvements we’ve made to our Approved Used Car Programme will ensure people can drive away happy in the knowledge that not only have they bought a quality, reliable vehicle but that it also comes with all these key benefits, offering them complete confidence.”

Britain’s most bizarre car auction will take place in Hampshire this week with lots including a dilapidated Batmobile, a giant bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese and a Nissan dressed as a dog.

The unusual sale is made up of a wacky assortment of vehicles that successfully completed the Bangers4BEN 2016 rally – an annual drive across the Continent in aid of BEN, Britain’s automotive industry charity.

This year’s epic trek saw 38 teams and 41 cars drive the 850 miles between the UK to Maranello – the home of Ferrari – and back, in just four days.

Among the competing vehicles – all of which will be included in the charity auction – was a Zombie-fighting Ford Fiesta, a Ford Ka covered in fur, the Bolognese-covered Beetle and a 1999 Daihatsu HiJet dressed up as Scooby Do’s Mystery Machine.

Previous auctions have seen the Bangers4Ben cars go on to have second lives on TV, as promotional vehicles or even be used in other banger rallies.

This year among the ragbag assortment of the weird, wonderful and woeful were a handful of rare and collectible gems, which will also go under the hammer.

These include a very early example of the BMW-built MINI, registered in August 2001 which is already seen as something of a classic, with or without its current Jurassic Park themed wrap.

Another future classic is the early Mercedes-Benz SLK. Once someone’s pride and joy, the drop-top Merc is wrapped in white with the Italian flag and will be sold with no reserve.

Organisers hope the sale will push the total amount raised by this year’s rally past the £50,000 mark.

The auction takes place at BCA in Blackbushe at 1pm on Friday, October 28^th. BCA will also donate its commission from the sales to BEN.

Andy Entwistle, Managing Director of Blackball Media, the company which organises the rally, said: “Bangers4BEN has grown to become a real highlight of the UK automotive calendar. But all the silliness is for a serious cause, with all the proceeds from the event going to help fund BEN’s fabulous work to support thousands of individuals and families connected with the UK automotive industry.

“Hopefully, those attending the auction will bid generously and help us raise as much money as possible for this brilliant charity.”

Trade buyers wishing to bid for lots in the auction can do so online by using their BCA account. Private buyers can register and bid in person at the auction. Full details of the cars on offer can be found at www.british-car-auctions.co.uk.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is launching a new high-specification special edition of its award-winning Outlander PHEV called the Outlander PHEV Juro.

For the same price as the Outlander PHEV GX3h+ on which it is based, £32,749, the limited edition Juro offers the added convenience of a touchscreen CD/DVD infotainment unit with TomTom satellite navigation, smartphone integration and DAB radio as standard, while the exterior is enhanced with an Outlander bonnet emblem.

As you would expect from the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Juro comes fully loaded with a host of other features, including cruise control, 18” alloy wheels, heated front seats, the Mitsubishi PHEV appand dual-zone climate control.

The Outlander PHEV can travel up to 32 miles in electric mode alone – more than enough to accommodate most daily average journeys – and has effectively defined the emergence of the UK’s plug-in hybrid sector.

In 2013, the year before its arrival, the total plug-in hybrid market across all marques stood at just 989, but Mitsubishi has sold more than 25,000 Outlander PHEVs in the UK since the pioneering 4×4’s launch here in 2014.

Motorpoint has landed its very own square on the Monopoly board.

The UK’s largest car supermarket, which is headquartered in Derby, is the only automotive retailer to feature on the Derby edition of the iconic board game.

Satvir Atwal, General Manager of Motorpoint Derby, said: “We are all huge fans of Monopoly as children so it’s great to be able to come full circle and as a company take one of the transport squares on the Derby Monopoly board. We can’t wait to have a go later and collect £25 every time someone lands on our square.”

Councillor Linda Winter, Mayor of Derby, added: “I have always found Monopoly highly enjoyable and I am absolutely thrilled that there is now an official Derby version. I am sure this board will put Derby yet further on the map.”

Following its global reveal last month, Land Rover confirms the new Discovery is already leading the field with class-leading residual values as rated by industry body CAP.

According to CAP, the new Land Rover Discovery is expected to retain 59% of its value over three years or 36,000 miles resulting in compelling finance offers for customers. Thanks to its combination of seven full sized seats, class leading towing capability, reduced fuel consumption and reduced CO₂, the new Discovery has broad appeal.

Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks said: “The new Discovery is already proving to be immensely competitive against the established competition. High residuals and reduced running costs mean that Discovery customers can enjoy all the improved benefits over the outgoing Discovery and its peers for less.

“The new Discovery is Land Rover’s most versatile and capable vehicle to date. It’s a do anything, anywhere vehicle that will appeal to new and existing customers. We have seen a fantastic response with over 6000 people registering on our website in just two weeks to find out more as we launch in the UK.”

The new model is available to order now with deliveries commencing in the spring in the UK priced from £43,495 on the road. In the UK, 600 ‘First Editions’ will be available from the start of sales priced at £68,295 on the road.

Nissan has announced that Qashqai models specified with 18” alloy wheels will now benefit from factory-fitted low resistance tyres delivering improved efficiency and reduced cost of ownership across the range.

The special tyre design means CO₂ and fuel consumption figures now match those of the 17” alloy wheel size, saving £130 in VED payments on some models with lower BIK across the line-up.

The update presents an enhanced offer for fleet and business users with all Qashqais equipped with 18” alloys gaining a 1% BIK improvement. On selected models this means BIK is as low as 19%, with combined fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg.

The improved efficiency of the tyres means dCi 110 engines on Acenta with Premium Pack, N-Connecta and N-Vision grades now deliver CO₂ emissions of just 99g/km. DiG-T 115 and dCi 130 4WD versions now emit 129g/km, which means they’re exempt from VED in the first year, saving customers £130.

The model improvements are outlined below:

*DiG-T 163 engine available on N-Connecta and N-Vision grades

Kieran McMenamin, Category Manager for Qashqai at Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd said; ‘Qashqai has always offered a great balance of style, technology and affordability so we’re delighted we’re improving the model yet again with these wheel improvements that will reduce cost of ownership, improve environmental credentials and add presence with the slightly larger alloy size.’

UK prices and specifications for the all-new ŠKODA Kodiaq have been announced ahead of its showroom debut early next year. ŠKODA’s first ever seven-seater SUV will start from just £21,495 (OTR) when ordering starts in November, and will be available from launch in four trim levels, five engine options, two and four-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes.

The Kodiaq will be available in 24 different variants when order books open in November. The range comprises three familiar trims; S, SE and SE L along with a new Edition grade that celebrates the arrival of the brand’s first ever seven-seater SUV.

S

The range starts with the S model that despite its entry level status and price tag of just £21,495 (OTR), is brimming with standard equipment. The specification list includes LED daytime running lights, 17-inch Ratikon alloy wheels, leather multifunction steering wheel and manual air-conditioning. S models also feature Front Assist, KESSY Go, Swing touchscreen infotainment system, DAB digital radio and SmartLink for seamless smartphone connectivity. The S model is available with a 1.4 TSI 125PS engine only.

SE

SE models are priced from £22,945 (OTR) and are available with a broad range of engine and transmission options (see table for availability). Standard specification includes 18-inch Elbrus alloy wheels, sunset glass, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Customers also benefit from a Bolero touchscreen infotainment system with eight-inch display, dual-zone climate control, rain and light sensors and auto-dimming rear view mirrors. Seven seats are available as a £1,000 option in SE trim.

SE L

Further up the range, SE L models start from £28,595 (OTR) and feature a generous specification list. Among the equipment highlights are seven seats, which now become standard, powered tailgate, 19-inch Sirius alloy wheels, and Columbus navigation system with WiFi. Drive Mode Select, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats and full LED headlights are also included as standard on all SE L models.

Edition

Topping the range from launch is a new Edition trim grade. Created to showcase the Kodiaq’s exceptional range of equipment, Edition models start from £30,695 (OTR). Standard equipment includes 19-inch Triglav alloy wheels, seven seats, leather upholstery, metallic paint and chrome roof rails. Technology features include Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, wireless charging and phone box, and Blind spot detection.

As we prepare to gain an hour of sleep the days are getting shorter as darkness is falling all over. Many of us will be off on the morning commute and it can be daunting driving in the dark for the first time in months. Here are some tips to prepare drivers and riders for driving in the twilight zone from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

• Familiar routes can pose totally different challenges in the dark so make sure you are wide awake and looking out for pedestrians and cyclists in the gloom
• Check your car lights. They are there for your safety and those around you. Do a daily walk around to check all lights are working and use a wall or garage door to check the rear lights if you are on your own. Changing a bulb on a modern car is often a garage – only job so get it done before the police stop you and issue a ticket or repair notice
• As well as being seen you need to see so get an eyesight check-up. It is vital to have your sight checked regularly as this may heavily affect your night vision. With age your eyes take in less light, no matter how fit you may feel, so be aware of your limitations
• Don’t blind me! One of the biggest night-time hazards is the dazzle affect caused by the bright light from on-coming motors. Dip your headlight when you meet other vehicles
• Carry a basic emergency kit. Anything can happen at night and it is important to be prepared. Having a tool kit, torch, map and a first aid kit (if you don’t have one already) can make a real difference
• A fully charged mobile with the details of your breakdown cover is another must

Richard said: “Per mile driven the risk of a crash is actually higher at night despite the quieter roads. Getting used to night-time driving can take time so take it easy until the old skills come back and you can start to enjoy the new challenges.”

TomTom has researched the 25 best driving routes in Europe and you can now download them directly onto your sat nav device.

These stunning routes include the remote yet spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway – just 5.1 miles long, it runs across a series of tiny islands with the sea either side and mountains in the distance.

Portugal’s Estoril Ocean Drive and driving round Lake Como are also among the best, along with Greece’s The Peloponnesus.

You can search for these routes by the kind of experience you enjoy – such as best mountain roads, perfect coastal drives, top historic explorations and ultimate woodland routes.

Just select the ones you want at www.tomtom.com and download them for free onto your sat nav device.

The UK’s most amazing drive according to TomTom is the Inverness to Nairn Circular in Scotland.

Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route is one of the best for seeing the sea, whilst the New Forest in Hampshire is a spectacular woodland drive.

SsangYong has announced the launch of the Musso one-tonne pick-up powered by a smooth and refined 2.2 litre Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine.

Designed to appeal to those who need a competitively priced work truck, the practicality of 4-wheel drive, the towing capability to haul up to 3 tonnes yet also the appointments of a family car, it’s ideal for towing a work trailer, boat trailer or horse box.

“Our commercial vehicles represent an intrinsic part of the SsangYong range,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, “and we decided to reintroduce the Musso name to differentiate this superb utility truck from our passenger cars.  Musso – which means rhinoceros in Korean – is a tough, robust proposition for any trade, and with a specification, price and warranty no others can compete with.”

The new Musso goes on sale in the UK this month, and will feature a newly developed Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine to meet the demand for a more powerful performance and lower CO2 emissions at the same time.  Maximum power is 178PS and torque 400Nm, with maximum torque delivered from a low of 1,400rpm and maintained through a wide range up to 2,800rpm for smooth, progressive driving from the start.

The new Musso is fitted with multi-link rear suspension and progressive rear coil springs – the only pick-up at this price to offer such a system – which gives a relaxed and comfortable car-like ride, while also carrying over a tonne weight on its load deck.

There are two models in the range.  The SE includes a new-look front grille and dashboard, as well as silver finish 18” alloy wheels and hard wearing ‘leather look’ TPU seat upholstery.  It is priced from £15,995 ex VAT.

The EX is distinguished by black 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, front LED daytime running lights, leather with heated front seats, power operated driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, 7” touchscreen RDS radio with iPod and Bluetooth.  The EX with manual transmission is priced at £17,995 ex VAT, and with a six speed Aisin automatic £18,995 ex VAT.