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Jane Hyde

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tiguanAutomotive data experts cap hpi have revealed the fastest selling used cars based on the latest market sales data.

Philip Nothard, consumer and retail specialist at cap hpi, said: “Looking at the data from the number of used cars advertised in the UK we are able to identify the best-selling makes and models and how quickly they are being snapped up.

“The key positive for the used market to take from this is that there is strong appetite for used vehicles, particularly convertibles, executives, lower medium cars, MPVs, Superminis and SUVs, with an average selling period of just two days.”

The data examines sectors in the used car market analysing everything from city cars and coupe cabriolets to large executives to sports and supercars.

According to cap hpi, the fastest selling cars in the various car sectors are:

Vehicle Sector Make & Model
City Car Fiat 500 Hatchback
Convertible BMW 3 Series Convertible
Coupe Cabriolet 207 Coupe Cabriolet
Electric Vauxhall Ampera
Executive Audi A5 Coupe/Diesel Coupe
Large Executive Jaguar XJ Diesel
Lower Medium Mitsubishi Carisma
Luxury Executive Bentley Continental GT
MPV Mercedes Viano Diesel
Sports Audi TT
Supercar Lamborghini Murcielago Coupe
Supermini Ford Fiesta
SUVS VW Tiguan (08-11)
Upper Medium BMW 3 Series Coupe

navaraAlready the holder of the International Pick-up Award 2016, and renowned for its tough attitude and robust performance, the entire Nissan Navara range has now switched to a more advanced and eco-friendly Euro 6 engine.

The upgrade covers both the 190PS twin-turbo and 160PS single turbo versions of the Navara’s 2.3-litre dCi diesel engine. It has made a significant difference to the pick-up’s environmental performance – a vital consideration for buyers because it affects running costs. CO2 emissions now start from as low as 159 g/km, a reduction of 8g/km on the predecessor Euro 5 engine. It’s an enhancement which makes the Nissan Navara the best in its class. Fuel consumption on the Official Combined Cycle has improved to 46.3mpg, up by 1.4mpg.

Red AlloyGators are a hit with Manchester and Liverpool fans

Red AlloyGators are a hit with Manchester and Liverpool fans

Football fans up and down the country who are gearing up for the season ahead following their favourite team on the road, can now show their support while on their travels by customising their car in their club’s colours.

AlloyGator’s patented alloy wheel protection system not only prevents damage to wheels caused by scuffs from kerbs or potholes, but as they’re available in a range of 13 colours, allows fans to ‘kit’ out their car in the club’s colours.

“Following Leicester’s success in the Premier League last season, we’ve seen a spike in demand for our blue AlloyGator’s from fans in the Midlands,” comments Curt Rathbone, managing director, AlloyGator. “There’s no surprise that our red product is popular in both Manchester and Liverpool and our brand new sky blue option is perfect for Manchester City and Coventry City fans. Supporters of championship team Norwich City or League Two Blackpool can also show their colours with our yellow or orange AlloyGators and our green system is ideal for Celtic fans north of the border or even those at the other end of the UK in Plymouth.”

AAlloyGators also help reduce potential damage to fans’ cars while on the road. Made from super-tough nylon, the system sits between the car’s tyre and wheel rim, reducing the risk of damage caused by scuffs on kerbs or potholes. For fans preferring to take advantage of the protection benefits of AlloyGator without showing support for their team’s colours, there’s even a range of discreet options including black, graphite or silver.

“Travelling to football matches to see your favourite team play can be an expensive hobby,” adds Curt. “And there’s perhaps nothing more frustrating than trying to park your car close to an unfamiliar ground, squeezing into a tight spot, only to hear your alloys scraping on the kerb, knowing that this is going to add further expense to fix. AlloyGator’s can protect your wheels and help remove one potential hazard from your day out.”

Fans looking to customise and protect their car with AlloyGator should visit www.alloygator.com to find out the location of their nearest approved installer.

 

lod3The ŠKODA KODIAQ aims to impress: the wide, three-dimensional radiator grille gives the KODIAQ a striking presence. In combination with the narrow, raked headlights, which are available with full-LED technology for the first time, the brand’s first large SUV will be instantly recognisable on the road. The side and rear views are also sharp: the doors are athletically shaped and the tailgate is expressively sculptured. The rear lights, with LED technology as standard, shine in the typical ŠKODA C-shape.

The KODIAQ offers an exceptional amount of space, with a capacity of 720 to 2,065 litres (with the rear seats folded down), offering the largest boot within its class.

For first time ever, ŠKODA will offer a seven seat option. Using the position of the seats and angle adjustment, KODIAQ can be adapted to offer a wide range of seating and loading solutions. With the front passenger seat down, the car can transport items up to 2.9 metres long.

lod1The latest driver assistance systems ensure improved safety and comfort. Area View, using surround-view cameras with wide-angle lenses at the front and the rear as well as in the wing mirrors, displays various views of the car’s immediate surroundings on the in-car monitor. These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree pictures from the areas to the front and rear. Tow Assist is also new to the range: When towing, the system takes over steering when reversing slowly. Additionally, while reversing, the new Manoeuvre Assist will brake as soon as an obstacle is detected behind the vehicle.

lod3The ŠKODA Connect mobile online services are another innovation. They are divided into two categories: the Infotainment Online services ensure more information and navigation in real time, and the Care Connect services provide remote access as well as assistance.

The centrepiece of the Care Connect services is the emergency call following an accident: if an airbag is activated, a so-called Emergency Call (e-Call) automatically connects to an emergency call centre.

The ŠKODA KODIAQ will celebrate its world premiere on 1st September 2016, in Berlin.

Jeep_Ultimate Renegade_02Jeep UK and Factory Media, are unveiling a series of videos in which the popular Jeep Renegade helps explore the past, present and future ‘renegades’ of its surf and mountain biking sports ambassadors.

The series, called ‘Ultimate Renegades’, will reveal the adventures of Jeep ambassadors, mountain bikers Dan, Rachel and Gee Atherton – all part of cycling team Trek Factory Racing – and, to be released later in the summer, big wave surfer, Andrew Cotton. All are renegades who have helped shape the face of their sports.

The Renegade, will be at the helm of the story helping extreme sports presenters Tim Warwood and Adam Gendle go off-road to meet the Athertons.

Warwood and Gendle will give an insight into the sporting personalities as well as showing exclusive behind-the-scenes content and teaser footage.

Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK, said: “It’s great the likes of the Athertons are able to travel to off-road remote locations in their Renegades and test themselves to the extreme. The Renegade is literally enabling them to go anywhere and do anything.”

The Ultimate Renegades series is live on social media, which can be found on Jeep’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeepUK, Twitter: @Jeep_UK and Instagram: @jeep_uk

Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic - exterior (4)For 2017, Range Rover receives a suite of advanced semi-autonomous driving technologies and the introduction of the new Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic.

The new SVAutobiography Dynamic model is the most powerful, most dynamic production Range Rover to date. The SVAutobiography Dynamic marries attention to detail with elegant and luxurious materials including diamond quilted leather seats, contrast stitching and a knurled finish rotary shift controller and pedals.

Powered by a 550HP V8 supercharged engine, the SVAutobiography Dynamic, through specially configured suspension, delivers the ultimate combination of performance and handling without compromising Range Rover’s peerless comfort and refinement delivering a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds.

ignisThe new Ignis, Suzuki’s new compact crossover offering stylishness and utility, will make its European premiere next month at the 2016 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile.

Suzuki’s styling design heritage nurtured in a long history of compact car manufacturing has been passed down and some attributes are brought to life in the Ignis. The minimal exterior design looks fresh but undoubtedly Suzuki which makes the model purely iconic. The new Ignis will go on sale in the UK and Europe in January 2017.

Latest environmental technology from Suzuki includes a rigid, lightweight new-generation platform as well as the option of a compact and lightweight SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) which allows extra assistance through the electric motor and provides efficient battery recharge, these elements help achieve fuel efficiency without sacrificing good performance.

scrossAlso on display as a main exhibit is the SX4 S-Cross face-lift, with revamped front exterior design and further refined interior quality for a stronger yet more sophisticated character of an SUV. The facelifted model now features 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet direct-injection turbo engines that replace the existing 1.6 petrol unit. The 1.6 DDiS engine continues to be available and the new S-Cross model range will be launched in the UK in mid-October.

 

q2The new Audi Q2 is now available to order in the UK. Featuring a host of customisation options designed to make every model stand out from the crowd, the Q2  incorporates a suite of Vorsprung durch Technik innovations from the full-size class with a focus on connectivity and infotainment.

Prices start from £22,380 OTR, with more engines and an even lower pricing point to follow shortly, including an entry level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI and a 2.0 TDI with 190PS, the latter introducing the option of quattro all-wheel drive. From next month, Audi is also introducing an entirely new and individual specification to the line-up – the Q2 Edition #1.

Three specification levels will be available from launch – SE, Sport and S line. Both SE and Sport models are equipped with contrasting lower bumpers, side skirts and wheel arch trims in matching Manhattan grey, while the signature S line full body colour finish further enhances its distinctive visual appeal.

The full body colour paint finish can also be separately selected as a no-cost option on Sport models, if preferred. Vibrant colour choices include the newly available Coral orange as well as Vegas yellow and Ara blue, all of which accentuate the lines of the polygon design, concave door flanks andcoupé-like roof.

Entry-level SE versions benefit from many features as standard. Among them is the Audi smartphone interface, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto displayed via the MMI screen once a phone is plugged in via USB. A Bluetooth interface is also standard, as is the MMI radio plus with MMI controller and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors. Inlays can be chosen in white or orange as standard and in matt brushed aluminium or illuminated design (part of the LED Interior Pack Advanced) as an option. Progressive steering is also standard in the Audi Q2. Its steering rack is designed so that the steering ratio becomes increasingly direct when turning. The electro-mechanically driven and thus highly efficient steering adapts its assistance to speed and works together with the optional Audi active lane assist and park assist.

Sport models gain 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16 inches on SE), Audi drive select with five operational modes, cruise control, light and rain sensors and sport seats upholstered in cloth.

Stand-out features on S line models include the hallmark front, side and rear styling enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and dynamic sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting and front sport seats upholstered in cloth/leather upholstery with S embossing on the backrests.

A multi-function perforated leather steering wheel is also standard, featuring grey contrasting stitching and S line badging. Inlays are finished in brushed aluminium.

eraThe Endurance Rally Association (ERA) has revealed the first of its exciting events for 2018 – an all-new Trans-America Challenge that will combine great American roads with five-star luxury. Crews will rally from Charleston, South Carolina, starting on 27th May and finishing in Seattle, Washington some 21-days later on 17th June 2018.

The route has been put together by ERA Rally Director and former World Rally Championship co-driver Fred Gallagher with the support of American historic rally guru Steve McKelvie.

“The first Trans-Am in 2012 was very much following the famous tourist route, while the 2015 event took the northern route encompassing some well-known landmarks. Having competed in six professional USA rallies in the 1970s and 80s, I know there is a great wealth of terrain and stunning locations that have yet been untapped by historic rallying.

“Bringing in Steve will add a whole new dimension to the event. Our combined experience and knowledge will create a desirable route that not only takes in the best of the beautiful south but also features a fantastic range of gravel trails and forest regularities as we head towards the west. This will be the best Trans-Am yet!”

Starting in Charleston, the oldest city in the USA, on Sunday 27th May, the competitors will head to Charlotte, home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. From there, it’s on to Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, before heading into the deep south of Jackson, Mississippi, and a rest day in the amazing city of New Orleans.

Then it’s into Texas with Galveston, Austin, Wichita Falls and Amarillo on the route before entering Santa Fe, New Mexico. After experiencing ‘cowboy country’, its time to head north to Colorado Springs and a luxurious rest day in the famous ski resort of Aspen before heading to the stunning desert plains of Moab and Sundance, Utah, Boise, Idaho and Newberg, Oregon.

The competitors will arrive in Seattle three weeks later on Sunday 17th June having journeyed through twelve states and rallied 8,000 kilometres.

To find out more about the ERA’s events, visit www.endurorally.com.

040816-yourparkingHomeowners could add up to 10 percent to the value of their property and generate an additional income of £1,500 a year by adding a parking space to their home according to online parking marketplace, YourParkingSpace.co.uk.

With record house prices and current Brexit effect uncertainty surrounding the UK housing market, the news from YourParkingSpace.co.uk could provide a welcome solution to families who are finding it difficult to move up the property ladder.

“It’s never been a more difficult time for those on the housing ladder and many families are finding that they need to find new ways to raise money and bridge the funding gap to their next home”, said Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk. “Having a parking space close to your home is highly valued by potential property buyers and it’s one of the most profitable home improvements that you can make. You can also start earning money straight away. By renting out your parking space you can generate extra income meaning that if you do decide to move up the property ladder you’ll have even more money to help you out.”

Virgin Money estimates that creating a driveway could add up to around £19,000 to the value of a property, based on the price of an average home, compared with updating a kitchen or adding another bathroom which could add around £11,500 or adding a conservatory which could add just £9,600.

As house values continue to rise, the gap between the second and third rungs of the property ladder are likely to get wider making it difficult for many homeowners to make the step up.  Wage inflation is also unlikely to solve the situation with a recent report from the Resolution Foundation stating that millennials are at risk of becoming the first ever generation to record lower lifetime earnings than the previous generation.

According to forecasts from The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) last week, house prices are set to climb over the next five years and are expected to increase by £40,000 despite “tremors” caused by the Brexit vote.