Former Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell CBE has given his backing to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart’s Christmas drink drive campaign, which urges no alcohol at all if you are driving during the festive season.

The charity’s campaign also encourages groups of friends to reward their designated driver as a true ‘hero of the road’ this season.

Nigel, who has been President of IAM RoadSmart for 10 years, says that as a Formula 1 driver he couldn’t have achieved the success he had without the backing of his team – and that similarly, a group of friends need to work as a team and make sure the designated driver feels a part of the evening. In this way, there is no temptation to down a swift pint and risk the lives of everyone in the vehicle.

IAM RoadSmart wants to remind everyone of some of the shocking statics that surround drink driving:

• There were 35,000 drink drive offences recorded in the first nine months of 2015
• Having alcohol in your system at just below the limit increases your chances of dying in a crash six fold
• The total number of drink drive related accidents of all severities were 5,620 in 2014

Nigel, who won 31 Formula 1 races for Ferrari and Williams, said: “Often racing drivers are seen as heroes. But to me, the real heroes of the road are those who make sure their friends and family get home safe and sound during the festive season.

“So let’s make sure these real heroes of the road are rewarded. Treat them to a meal or their soft drinks for the evening. And don’t forget to take part in IAM RoadSmart’s designated driver competition for a chance of winning a very special prize.”

To give that hero designated driver and their guest a pat on the back, IAM RoadSmart is offering afternoon tea at The Savoy in London as a competition prize – all entrants have to do is tweet a picture to the IAM RoadSmart Twitter page using the hashtag #herooftheroad, showing your designated driver being celebrated by his or her group of friends.

Nigel added: “Let’s make this festive season one to remember for everyone. And let’s show some love for our designated drivers, who all make sure we are safe on the roads this month.”

After exactly 30 years away from the public eye, Nissan has brought one of its most iconic motorsport machines back to life. The 1987 Nissan Patrol Fanta Limon Paris-Dakar rally car has been fully restored to its former glory, and made an emotional return to its spiritual home in the sand dunes of the Saharan desert.

The car’s legendary status is second to none, writing its very own chapter in Dakar mythology. It took victory in the diesel category, and was the first diesel car to ever finish in the race’s overall top 10, taking ninth spot. Today, all the top cars are diesels.

The Fanta Limon car has been given a new lease of life thanks to a dedicated team of engineers at Nissan’s European Technical Centre (NTCE) in Barcelona, Spain. For more than two years they restored the car after work and at weekends, turning it from a rusting wreck in a Spanish museum to a highly capable off-road racer.

Pedro Diaz Illan is Manager of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering team at NTCE, and the only member of the original 1987 team still working there. “That was a proud moment. Our brains, hearts and souls have gone into this project and it has not been easy. But to see the car in the desert again was just fantastic.”

The story of the car’s success in the 1987 Paris-Dakar rally starts the year before, when Nissan Motorsport devised a plan to take part in high-profile off-road endurance rallies. The base vehicle was to be the Patrol – Nissan’s popular 4×4 vehicle – with the team at NTCE in Spain leading the project.

The sponsorship with Fanta Limon came through links between Nissan Spain and drinks brand Coca-Cola, which was looking to exploit the global publicity generated by the Paris-Dakar race. Success came quickly, with victories in the diesel class in three events during 1986 (see results table, below).

But the main target was the Paris-Dakar. It began on 1 January 1987, with 312 vehicles lining up at the start of the gruelling 13,000 km race through Europe, Algeria, Niger, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal. The Nissan Fanta Limon team entered two vehicles; car 211 with Miguel Prieto and Ramon Termens as driver and co-driver respectively, and car 212, crewed by brothers Jorge and Hansi Babler.

Things did not run smoothly. The team’s support truck broke down on the second stage, leaving the pair without spares for the rest of the race. Car 212 was eventually forced to withdraw after rolling down a dune, but 211 battled on to the end. It was the first diesel to finish, in ninth place overall.

Mission accomplished, the cars were retired from racing. The whereabouts of 212 is unknown, but 211 was offered to the Salvador Claret, a private car collection and automotive museum south of Girona, Spain. There it remained for almost three decades.

The idea for recovering the car came in February 2014, when NTCE technicians spotted images of it on an internet forum. Realising the 30^th anniversary was less than three years away, they contacted the museum to ask for it back.

Juan Villegas, an NTCE technician and part of the restoration team, explained: “The engine was in terrible condition. It was impossible to start and many parts were heavily corroded. The front axle was quite damaged, but the worst thing was the electrics, which had been badly attacked by rats.”

The wreck was transported to NTCE Barcelona in May 2014 and the eight-strong restoration team began work, using their own time at evenings and weekends. They searched all over Europe for parts, asking Nissan dealers to search their warehouses for old stock. Some components were bought used and also restored.

Juan added: “We wanted the car to be accurate in every way, and were lucky to get the very old drawings and service manuals from NTCE. We followed all the fine adjustments to get the exact Paris-Dakar race set-up.”

In November 2016 the Patrol was complete and made a return to its spiritual home – the sand dunes of the Sahara. It was an amazing moment for the team.

Juan commented: “The spirit of innovation that was at the heart of Nissan’s entry into the 1987 Paris-Dakar has been all around us as we have completed this project. We felt inspired by the memory of that team, which decided to participate in the most challenging race in the world and achieved such success.”

The restoration’s cost has been covered by Nissan as part of its ‘Performance Innovation’ fund. It’s a pot of money set aside each year for projects which bring the company’s brand promise – Innovation That Excites – to life.

The hugely popular Jeep Renegade has been named 4×4 Magazine’s ‘4×4 of the Year 2017’, retaining the crown for the second year in a row.

Rapidly growing in popularity on the UK’s roads, and hugely capable off them, the Jeep Renegade has had an excellent year of sales. To date, more than 16,500 two- and four-wheel-drive Renegades have been sold in this country while, in the UK and around the world, the successful B-segment SUV has continued to scoop numerous awards.

In this latest recognition, the off-road driving publication’s panel of expert judges was unable to find a contender capable of taking away the Jeep Renegade’s ‘4×4 of the Year’ crown. Excellent on-road, the range-topping Trailhawk version also outshone rivals on 4×4 Magazine’s tough off-road evaluation course.

“Since winning last year, we are now seeing many more Renegades on the roads here in the UK and in Europe,” says Nigel Fryatt, Editor, 4×4 Magazine. “Admittedly, not all of them are Trailhawk versions, and some are front-wheel drive, yet that merely underlines the importance of this small SUV.

“The Renegade range is comprehensive and every owner is getting a well built, well equipped and surprisingly spacious small SUV. Those that choose four-wheel drive options get a lot more, with the Trailhawk version the absolute master.”

In the same awards, the Renegade won the ‘Mid-range SUV’ category, the legendary Jeep Wrangler took the ‘Hardcore’ class for the fifth consecutive year, and the Jeep Cherokee won the ‘Top-Range SUV’ group.

“This has been another very good year for Jeep and for Renegade, rounded off nicely with the top award from a leading 4×4 magazine,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK.

“Growing sales, continual good reports from the media and thousands of happy customers tell us that Jeep has a winning product in Renegade. And the verdict of expert panellists, such as those at 4×4 Magazine, confirms that view. I am delighted that Renegade has been crowned ‘4×4 of the Year’ for the second year running.”

The Jeep Renegade range starts at £18,195 OTR for the 1.6E-TorQ 110hp Sport, rising to £29,495 for the 2.0 MultiJet II Trailhawk.

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’”.