[X]

  • 23% of car owners say they have bought their car a Christmas present in the past
  • More than four in ten greet their cars when they walk up to it
  • 25% of owners have named their cars
  • Car personality is the biggest reason Brits name their cars, with Ford owners most likely to name theirs 

A new survey asking 1,000 car owners how they treat their vehicles has found that 23% of car owners have bought Christmas presents for their cars in the past. 

A mixture of maintenance gifts and ‘sprucing up’ products, like new wiper blades and air fresheners, are just some of the Yuletide presents that Brits like to give to their beloved vehicles over the winter period.

A further 23% say they haven’t bought their cars Christmas presents but would like to in the future. 

Interestingly, more than four in ten (42%) of British drivers also say they routinely greet their cars when they walk up it, with Londoners (67%) being the main region of vehicle greeters.

When gender was analysed, the survey by Vertu Motors found that men are most likely to greet their cars. They are also the most likely to buy their cars Christmas presents. 

However, men aren’t always showing affection to their vehicles, with nearly three-quarters (73%) admitting they show anger or resentment towards their car if it performs badly, suggesting men have a strong emotional connection with their cars regardless of circumstance.

Women are more likely to name their car because they think it has a personality, whereas men prefer to name theirs after a person or object, such as a favourite film, music artist, or beloved relative.

The survey further found that young car owners (18-24 years) are the most sentimental towards their cars. Out of all the age groups, they are most likely to name their car, greet their car, and buy it a Christmas present. They are also the age group most likely to name their next vehicle.

When asked about naming conventions, the survey found a quarter of Brits (25%) have named their car in the past and 63% are likely to name their next car. 

Some of the top reasons Brits said they name their car are:

RankingReasonPercentage
1The name fits the car’s “personality”38 %
2Because of the colour of the car26 %
3Because I like to think of my car as a member of the household26 %
4Named it after a character from my favourite film21 %
5Named it after a beloved family member19 %

Of all car models, Ford owners are most likely to name their vehicles, with 36% saying they have named their Ford motors at some point.

The most sentimental time for car owners is that fateful first car, with almost two-thirds (61%) of Brits saying they named their first car.

A Vertu Motors spokesperson commented:

“It is wonderful to see so many car owners not only naming their vehicles, but also treating them to special gifts and treating them like one of the family.

“The sentimentality that many of us share with our motors remains strong for the majority of Brits, from the very first car and beyond. 

“More than just being a means of transport, our cars become our closest allies in times of need and often become a focal feature of many car owners’ biggest life events. There is a strong bond there, which we completely understand here at Vertu Motors.”

Millions of motorists are being urged to book MOT’s as the pressure of the COVID backlog starts to mount on mechanics.

The car leasing experts at LeaseCar.co.uk are encouraging drivers to book their MOT’s in as soon as possible to ease the strain on garages.

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)  granted a six-month extension for MOT’s at the start of the pandemic which has led to experts predicting an intense surge in bookings this autumn.

This extension will change what was generally an even spread of MOT’s across the year, to a high concentration in the latter months of 2021.

The surge in demand is expected to come not from those who took advantage of the extension but for those who have a MOT due in October, November, and December.

As a result, drivers will need to book their vehicles in order to remain road legal and road safe ahead of the change in season. 

A spokesperson for LeaseCar.co.uk said: “Over the last 18 months garages have felt the pressure from the sheer volume of work that they are receiving.

“We’re encouraging those who haven’t already to book their MOT’s in good time, as to avoid the last minute rush and relieve the pressure on mechanics.

“Not only this but as we move into the autumn and winter period it’s important that our vehicles are safe for the roads especially as the conditions begin to change.

“They are simply overrun; there is no other way to put it.”

Concerns not only surround the road safety and legality of British motorists but also the mental and physical strain on the country’s mechanics.  Experts are reminding drivers to show compassion towards the automotive workforce ahead of an extremely busy period.

MOT’s must be renewed every 12 months unless your vehicle is less than three years old, in which case an MOT must be carried out on its third anniversary.

The fine for driving without a valid MOT certificate can be anywhere up to £2,500 and in some cases three points on your license.

According to GOV.uk the maximum charge for a car MOT is £54.85 and £29.65 for a motorcycle.

In anticipation of the James Bond premiere, a Bond edition Series 3 Land Rover® was provided to Sotheby’s by John Brown 4×4 for sale in a celebrated Luxury auction earlier this month. 

With the latest James Bond film finally set to hit screens on September 30th, the auction gave Bond fans the perfect opportunity to experience a slice of 007 action for themselves.

The new film No Time To Die is the 25th James Bond film.  Trailers and clips released for the film show James Bond driving a blue Series 3 in a car chase. These images were pored over by the specialist Land Rover® team at John Brown 4×4, and carefully recreated in this 007 spec vehicle.

Rebuilt by the John Brown 4×4 team, the build incorporates some new parts for easier handling and a smooth drive when racing around on the silver screen, while retaining the vintage elements of the classic 4×4 Land Rover® Series 3 base. The special edition car includes overdrive, which adds gearing options to increase top speed and reduce fuel consumption, and a galvanised chassis, that offers the car additional protection against corrosion. Featuring flared wheel arches, new cappings, vintage plates and defender mirrors, the Bond edition is a true collector’s item for film fans and car enthusiasts alike.

The Bond edition cars have been produced by John Brown 4×4 in very limited numbers since the first clips of No Time to Die aired. They take twice as long to refurbish and build than the standard Land Rover® Series 3, and usually require several months of waiting for the owner to take delivery. 

Greg Hendry, Marketing Manager at John Brown 4×4: “We’ve had great fun building a car so emblematic of British heritage and culture. This limited run of special edition vehicles gave us the chance to build something different. 

James Bond fans ourselves, we’ve taken every measure to recreate the Series 3 exactly as Bond would experience it. As the much anticipated No Time to Die hits screens,  we’re looking forward to giving a 007 fan their very own piece of history.”

Keen car fans might have also spotted the Land Rover Defender 2021 in trailers for No Time to Die. John Brown 4×4 have previously compiled data showing that the Defender 2021 is one of the most popular Land Rover® cars – which is likely to only rise further once viewers experience the offroading capabilities this model has through the eyes of Daniel Craig’s James Bond. 

Custom rebuilds like Bond’s are a special case, but John Brown 4×4 can also rebuild and restore any Land Rover to customer specifications, with the option to select your choice of model, configuration and colour. Every vintage model undergoes a full assessment, with modern upgrades if necessary to ensure a smooth drive and authentic feel. If you’re interested in viewing one of these incredibly limited-edition vehicles, get in touch.

General Tire Provides Tips for Safe Off-Road Trips

The SUV and pure off-road vehicle segment has been growing in popularity for years. All these vehicles are characterised by their comparatively long wheelbase and generally have a permanent or at least switchable all-wheel drive. That’s the perfect setup for moving forward, even when the paved roads are behind you. But to have control at all times on soft and loose surfaces, such as gravel and loose stone, and even rocky terrain, off-road beginners in particular, should always observe a few basic rules. After all, unlike on public roads, there is no breakdown service in the forest to get damaged vehicles running again within a short period of time.

Off-road operations are traditionally a main focus of General Tire. The tyre brand is regarded as an expert in 4×4. “Automotive manufacturers know that hardly any of their vehicles ever drive off the road,” explains Matthias Bartz, Business Development Manager at General Tire. “ SUVs are increasingly being fitted almost exclusively with purely on-road tyres at the factory, even true for off-road vehicles and pickups. The problem is that these tyres aren’t sufficiently damage-resistant, and they also can’t interlock sufficiently with loose surfaces.” So, if you are also planning off-road driving, you will need to replace your tyres. Well-known manufacturers such as General Tire have all-terrain tyres in their product line that offer balanced performance both on and off the road. “Special off-road products like the Grabber AT3 meet the everyday requirements of modern SUVs, pick-up trucks and off-road vehicles, with the advantage of an excellent drive and braking forces transmission even on loose ground, thanks to the numerous grip edges on the tread pattern design that interlock with all kind of terrains” adds Angélica Cáceres, 4×4 Product Manager at Continental Tyres.

If you want to avoid missing the adventure of driving off-road under extreme conditions, you should consider using specialist off-road tyres. “These tyres are designed primarily for use on unpaved terrain,” says Bartz. “A true mud terrain tyre even delivers performance in deep, muddy ground and, with its stable and solid tread blocks design, protects against damage to the sidewall which occurs when in contact with obstacles on the track.”

To ensure optimum traction off the road, Matthias Bartz recommends adjusting the tyre pressure to the applicable situation: “The information provided by vehicle manufacturers in the operating manuals assume you are driving on the road. In rough terrain, contact with the ground improves when the tyre pressure is reduced by around 10 percent. This will increase the contact area and grip. On sand, a reduction of 25 to 40 percent is well advised. On very soft surfaces, the tyre pressure can even be reduced by up to 50 percent compared with the manufacturer’s specifications.”

General Tire: Know-How Beyond Tyres

Due to their rich history in the off-road industry, General Tire’s expertise goes well beyond the area of tyres. “If your vehicle is stuck in the mud, it’s time to keep calm. Some simple tricks can usually help you continue your journey,” advises Bartz . “Anything that helps the tyres build up traction is useful. For example, you can try to remove the mud in front of the wheels with a shovel. Or you can put car floor mats under your wheels. If absolutely necessary, you can even use sticks. Alternatively, you can try to interlock the side walls of the tyres using careful lateral steering movements.”

In the worst-case scenario, you should always also have salvage equipment in the vehicle. That includes gloves, cable winches, straps, or chains as well as a shovel, axe, and tree protection. “Straps can be fastened to recovery points with cable winches,” says Bartz. “To do this, always make sure that the tree is sufficiently stable and that the strap does not damage the trunk.” For vehicles without a cable winch, Bartz advises against using a jack: “Using a jack can be very dangerous in off-road terrain unless you have experience with it. In addition, a stable baseplate is essential.” Lifting bags are a somewhat unknown alternative – they are large PVC bags filled with air from the exhaust that can lift the vehicle up quickly to get it back on track. They are expensive, but lightweight, easy to stow and easy to handle.

Dave Dineen, Head of the Specialist Division for Micheldever Tyre Services says “For over twenty-five years, we as a business have helped develop product patterns and niche fitments with General Tire. Listening to the needs and requirements of our customers and the end consumer has assisted in creating a range of 4×4 tyres which are market leading”. Dave continues “The partnership between MTS & General Tire has helped develop even more new niche fitments, which will be introduced over the next 12 months, further reinforcing both companies’ dedication to developing this important segment”.

General Tire has published even more tips and tricks for a trip into nature here.

  • Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour is coming to the UK to find the best classic, custom or race car to recreate for its iconic series of toy cars
  • Virtual judging makes it simple for fans to upload their car to be entered
  • Since its foundation in 1968, over 7.5 billion cars have been produced making it the number one toy worldwide
James Williams’ Hillman Imp – UK finalist in 2020

The unique opportunity to have your car immortalised as a Hot Wheels die-cast is being offered to one lucky enthusiast in the UK. The number one toy car producer is asking classic, modified and race car owners to submit their special car builds for judging at its virtual Hot Wheels Legends event on 14 October 2021. The vehicle that best embodies Hot Wheels’ high standards of performance, authenticity and ‘garage spirit’ will then go head-to-head with winners from the US, Japan, Mexico and Germany. The global winner will then be faithfully reproduced in 1:64 scale for children and collectors to cherish, or simply blast around that most challenging racetrack; the living room floor.

Dionna Mascunana’s US regional finalist 2007 Porsche Cayman S

Originally launched in the US in 2018 to celebrate 50 years of the iconic cars that have brought pleasure to millions, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour now comes to the UK for only the second time. To enter, car enthusiasts simply submit a video of their car at www.hotwheelsuklegendstour.co.uk before the 1 October. A judging panel, which includes respected car designer Ian Callum CBE, will pick the car that best captures the Hot Wheels spirit. The judging will be broadcast live on 14 October on Car Throttle’s YouTube channel.

“With so many passionate enthusiasts and talented car builders and restorers, the UK has a truly diverse car culture with a thriving modified and performance scene,” says Ted Wu, Head of Hot Wheels Design, Mattel. “We’ll be looking for the very best whether that’s a pre-war British hot rod, a ‘70s or ‘80s ‘restomod’, an extreme custom hot hatch build from the ‘90s or one of today’s bespoke hypercars, we want to see the finest cars the UK has to offer. And who knows? Your pride and joy could well become a small-scale legend.”

Founded in 1968, Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler challenged his design team to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything else on the market. That ethos has continued today, ensuring Hot Wheels is the number one selling toy worldwide with 16 cars sold every second. Beyond the toy boxes and collector shelves, Hot Wheels continues to be a key influencer on car culture, inspiring full-scale designers, car builders and tuners.

Riley Stair’s 2020 winning Pontiac Trans Am met its Hot Wheels counterpart last week – General Motors Trademarks used under license to Mattel, Inc.

“From an imposing stance, full of presence, vivid colours and an impression of speed, Hot Wheels captures a creative freedom that inspires the rebel spirit in a car designer,” says Ian Callum, Design Director of eponymous design and engineering business, CALLUM. “Hot Wheels take me back to a misspent youth when I wondered why real cars couldn’t be this way. Well now I know they can and are. They inspire an excitement that we all need in our lives.”

The UK winner will be announced on 14 October 2021 and will go head-to-head with the other global finalists, with the overall winner’s wheels being released in the Hot Wheels’ 2022 range.

To learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in the UK visit www.hotwheelsuklegendstour.co.uk and follow #HotWheelsLegendsTour.

Formerly the Property of Oscar Winner Rex Harrison, 1943 Ford GPW Jeep, for Sale with H&H Classics at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, September 8th Estimate £25,000 – £30,000

This WW2 survivor, formerly the property of Oscar-winning actor Rex Harrison. still retains many genuine WW2 parts. It comes up for sale for an estimate of £25,000 to £30,000 with H&H Classics at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on September 8th.

It is understood to have served with the 6th US Armoured Division in World War 2 and finished its war in Italy. It subsequently became the property of Rex Harrison, the Oscar-winning film star who played Professor Henry Higgins in ‘My Fair Lady’ (Lerner and Loewe’s great musical masterpiece) and Dr John Doolittle in ‘Doctor Do Little’. Copies of Italian paperwork and a logbook relating to Rex Harrison’s ownership, two images with Rex Harrison in the Jeep including one depicting himself and Rita Hayworth accompanies the vehicle.

Paul Cheetham of H&H Classics comments: “We are delighted to offer such an iconic WW2 Jeep with its links to the film world. Professor Henry Higgins it seems had an appreciation for tough and robust qualities, be it in vehicles like this Jeep, or indeed the Cockney character of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.”

It has been subject to a full service and mechanical fettling in July 2021.

Arguably more iconic than a Sherman Tank or P-51 Mustang, the Jeep is for many the definitive WW2 vehicle. Equipped with a torquey L-headed 2.2-litre engine driving all four wheels via a three-speed manual box and two-speed transfer case, the tough, go-anywhere four-seater did its job exceptionally well. By the end of the war, 647,870 Jeeps had been produced – 281,448 of which were manufactured by Ford.

Rita Hayworth and Rex Harrison in the Jeep

This 1943 example of the Ford GPW is thought to have ended its war in Italy after the end of hostilities, being registered ‘GE 62652’. The Jeep is subsequently understood to have been painted in Green over the original paintwork, which is being carefully removed in areas and revealing the original wartime painted decals.

The Ford GPW still retains many of its genuine WW2 features including the body-tub, front bumper, early bonnet, combat wheels shod with Firestone Bargrip tyres, very scarce lubrication bags, rare USA shovel and the canvas and frame are thought to be original too. Fitted with a period Willys MB unit (with engines commonly changed during WW2), the GPW has been subject to a 12-volt conversion.

Incorrectly declared as manufactured in 1947 by the DVLA, ‘XBV 227’ will be supplied with a letter from the IMPS (Invicta Military Preservation Society) and MVT (Military Vehicle Trust) stating the correct date of manufacture as 1943 for the DVLA rectification.

Imported into the UK in 2015, the Ford GPW will have  UK-plates in time for the sale. and a current V5C. It has been the subject of much mechanical fettling in July 2021 including engine and ignition system service, a new master cylinder, fuel system flush and new points, plugs and condenser.

Have you been looking for some of the best and classiest cars to add to your garage? Today, we’ll be looking at some of our top picks for the most beautiful cars that make you look classy. After all, if you’ve got the money to spend on a phenomenal vehicle, you want to be sure you’re making the best impression possible on those who pass you by!

Beautiful Cars That Make You Look Classy!

When it comes to cars that make you look classy, few can rival the following choices. We’ve picked out some of the most beautiful cars that we’re sure you will absolutely love – because for this list, it’s all about the class! With that being said, the cars we’ve picked out are all at the top of their game, so you can be sure you’re getting the best of everything with these incredible models that we’re pretty sure everyone will love!

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

If the Italian name alone isn’t classy enough for you, then this stunning vehicle from Alfa Romeo could be the perfect choice for you! It’s an incredible model that’s perfectly in proportion and finished with the finest attention to detail possible. Plus, you can even customize the model if you’ve got a spare £5000 lying around!

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is a stunning, sleek design that’s perfectly aerodynamic and offers truly phenomenal performance – but we’re here for the aesthetics, and luckily, this model meets every design choice you might want. A stunning color, with unique bodywork and an eye-catching whale shark grille design, ensures that you’ll be drawing plenty of side looks while driving around in this absolutely beautiful car! A spare £10,000 will get you full customization with a carbon-fiber roof panel, bespoke wheels, and painted brake calipers as well.

Chevrolet Impala

According to Lottoland, William Shanteau chose a Chevrolet vehicle after he won $1.2 million – and he’d be in good company, as Chevrolet models are often among the most loved for their aesthetics.

As one of the slightly more affordable options on our list (although still coming in at over £25,000), the Chevrolet Impala is a stunning vehicle that’s definitely going to turn heads when you drive past. What’s more, if you’d prefer a slightly glitzier model, the slightly higher-priced model with top LTZ trim level can be purchased for about £10,000 more. The vehicle comes in multiple different colors, too, although the most refined choices are generally considered to be the darker choices – namely, navy and black.

Buick LaCrosse

Priced at around £25,000, the Buick LaCrosse is a stunning four-door sedan that’s absolutely phenomenal in terms of balancing class and refinement with relative affordability! The design is sleek, clean, and eyecatching, and you would be forgiven for mistaking this model for being one of the most refined cars on the road!

Porsche Panamera

Despite being the epitome of what one might expect from a lottery winner’s car, the Porsche Panamera is surprisingly affordable (as far as top-class Porsche sportscars go, anyway) and offers a stunning, streamlined, and aerodynamic aesthetic that’s instantly recognizable. It’s a combination of a sports car and a limousine and offers the spaciousness and luxury you would expect as such. What’s more, the recent design improvements mean that the modern Porsche Panamera is amazingly comfortable and simple to drive, too – so you’ll be getting a perfect balance of style without having to compromise on the comfort of the drive!

Spyker C8 Aileron

The Spyker C8 Aileron is an incredible vehicle, and it’s one that most definitely deserves a spot on this list of the classiest cars. There’s nothing this amazing vehicle doesn’t do, and the overall aesthetic is one that will draw attention from everyone! Plus, the closer you look at the vehicle, the more you’ll actually notice about it. So, if it’s an amazing model of car you’re after, that will make everyone immediately turn and stare; this could be it. 

Lexus IS

Lexus – it’s one of the big names in the luxury car world, and to this end, you’re probably not too surprised to see a Lexus featuring on this list. The Lexus IS is a stunning model that’s perfectly aerodynamic and is a thrill to drive – but fortunately, it won’t completely break the bank compared to some Lexus models either. The bold design is one that anyone can enjoy, and best of all –

Conclusion

Today, we’ve taken a look at some of the best choices for classy cars that you might want to add to your garage! From high-end vehicles to hypercars, we’ve gone through some of the top picks to ensure that there’s a car on our list for everyone, from avid vehicle lovers right through to those lucky few who’ve been lucky enough to win the lottery! What did you think of our top picks? Did you agree with our choices? Have you ever been lucky enough to own or drive any of these amazing cars?

Motorists looking to go on road trips this summer are being warned about roller coaster roads in the UK.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have revealed a round-up of the routes you may want to avoid this holiday season due to their roller-coaster-like nature.

From narrow roads, steep hills and sharp corners, there are many roads around the UK which resemble a roller coaster that Brits might not be aware of until it’s too late.

Among them are routes including Snake Pass in Derbyshire, Vale Street in Bristol and Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District.

A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said “We want motorists heading out on the road this summer to be well prepared and know what sort of roads they may be coming up against.

“These twisty roads are enough to incite fear in even the most experienced of drivers. Their sheer drops, sharp bends and uneven terrain should definitely be avoided where possible!”

1. Vale Street

This residential street located in Bristol is one of the steepest roads in England. Manoeuvring its way between houses, this tightly packed road is sure to cause concern to even the most skilled motorist. 

Drivers at the bottom of the road are met with an incline so sharp that it is almost vertical, with a roughly 33% gradient incline. In fact, this incline is so immense that residents often have to park their cars horizontally outside their properties so that the cars don’t roll away on their own. Although not ideal for motorists, perhaps this street could provide some excellent opportunities for skiing in the winter!

2. Kirkstone Pass

Breaking records as the Lake District’s highest road, Kirkstone Pass has a spine-chilling altitude of 1,489 feet. The road gradient approaches 1 in 4 and is traditionally referred to as ‘the struggle’ by locals due to the harsh gradient making it so difficult for motorists. 

However, ‘the struggle’ may eventually pay off for motorists as the summit reveals stunning views of both Patterdale and Troutbeck valleys. 

3. Rosedale Chimney 

Located in North Yorkshire in the centre of the North York Moors national park, this roller coaster road is a mountain pass with a gradient of 33% and a maximum of around 1 in 3. This fearsome road isn’t only difficult due to its steep gradient, it is also very narrow and challenges motorists with a series of steep turns. 

4. Snake Pass

The name of this road alone is sure to warn motorists that this is a roller coaster road. Filled with twists and turns, this road sits between the Ladybower reservoir and Glossop. The road’s poor accident record should concern any motorist looking to travel this route. 

The route was once advertised as the main avenue between Manchester and Sheffield, however authorities have recently thought better of directing traffic towards this dangerous trail. 

5. Zig Zag Hill

The aptly named Zig Zag hill is the bendiest one mile stretch of road in the UK. This route is attributed a roller coast road spot as a result of its steep incline, several sharp turns and rocky terrain! 

The hill is part of the B3081 road located near Shaftesbury, Dorset. Drivers making the route up this winding road could be forgiven for believing they are ascending on to a mile of alpine driving due to the vast trees surrounding the route. Motorists are warned that many of the sharp corners along the route can often be covered in leaves and grease, at times disguising the sharp angles of the road. 

6. Cat and Fiddle road

Once labelled the ‘UK’s most dangerous road”, this ribbon-like route is a 7.5 mile stretch which runs between Buxton, Derbyshire, Macclesfield and Chesire.

Whilst offering picturesque views of the Greater Manchester conurbation, the route is scattered with a plethora of sharp roller coaster corners, which have caused many motorists to lose control of their vehicle unexpectedly. 

More recently, improvements have been made to the road to make it safer for motorists, including the installation of motorcycle crash barriers and speed check cameras. Luckily for motorists looking to take this route, these improvements have taken the road away from the top spot of most dangerous.

7. A361

This treacherous road is the longest of this run-down, spanning a length of 195 miles. However, the most dangerous part of the road is said to be the section connecting Chipping Norton to Banbury in Oxfordshire. This single carriageway is a hotspot for vehicle accidents. 

Between 2012 and 2014 there was a spine-chilling total of 22 serious accidents. Motorists are encouraged to slow down when winding through residential villages on the route. 

• 37% holding onto cars longer than usual as not sure which fuel type to go for
• Only 8% of drivers say they will buy an electric car for next car

Almost one in three drivers (32%) say if they were buying a new or a second-hand car they do not know whether to buy a petrol, electric or diesel powered one. Younger drivers, 18 – 34s, are even more undecided with almost half (49%) saying they are unsure what type of fuel-powered car to go for.

The Opinium survey of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a provider of GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance, finds that over a third (37%) are also holding onto their current car for longer than usual as they do not to know whether to buy a petrol, electric or diesel car (men 41% and women 33%).

While the government is keen for drivers to switch to non-fossil fuel cars, and the sale of wholly- powered new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2030 (and new hybrids from 2035), this survey reveals that consumers are unsure of what they should or should not be buying.

Also, only 8% of drivers say they will buy an electric car for their next car purchase (10% men and 6% women).

Ben Wooltorton, Chief Operating Office, InsuretheGap.com, said: “With the UK government banning the sale of new diesel and petrol cars from 2030, drivers do need to start looking at electric cars seriously. However, this survey clearly shows that there is still little appetite and more than a little confusion. It looks like a lot more reassurance is needed before many motorists will be ready to ditch their internal combustion engines for good.”

The survey of 2,001 drivers (18+) was carried out by Opinium from 5 – 9 February 2021.

Half a century has passed since Land Rover unleashed the Range Rover on an unsuspecting world. The original premium SUV was launched on 17 June 1970 – not that anyone knew it was a premium SUV at the time, of course, but turns out that’s exactly what it was.

Back then, the Mk1 Rangey was a posh but practical off-road wagon with an interior you could hose out. It might have had a lord-of-the-manor image from the word go, but it was just as down-to-earth as the Series IIA Land Rover was still selling at the time.

Incredibly, the Rangey is still only in its fourth generation. But few vehicles can have evolved as far in their time. Today, it’s still a mighty proposition off-road – but the levels of luxury and high-tech equipment it comes with are unrecognisable in comparison.

On the subject of luxury and high-tech engineering, Land Rover has plenty of previous for celebrating milestones with special limited-edition models. And sure enough, what you’re looking at here is the Range Rover Fifty – an ultra high-speccer of which a total of 1970 examples (get it?) will be available worldwide.

Based on the already sumptuous Autobiography model, the Fifty is available in standard and long-wheelbase form and can be specced with either of two unique designs of 22” alloy wheel. Depending on the market, it will be offered with a choice of petrol, diesel and P400e plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Appearance-wise, it’s admirably subtle. The vehicle features a number of exterior trim highlights in Auric Atlas (or ‘black’, to use a name which will clearly never catch on) and there’s a special ‘Fifty’ badge in a script created for the vehicle by Land Rover’s design boss Gerry McGovern. That’s Professor Gerry McGovern OBE these days, apparently.

If you want to make one of these stand out in a crowd, Land Rover is offering the Fifty in three Heritage solid paint colours: Tuscan Blue, Bahama Gold and Davos White. These will only be available in ‘extremely limited numbers’, so bid high or face a lifetime of slumming it in Carpathian Grey, Rosello Red, Aruba silver or Santorini Black.

Land Rover hasn’t yet given any indication of what one of these bad boys is going to cost you. Sufficient, we’d expect, that if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. What started as a genteel workhorse for lords of the manor has, after all, become a globally recognised status symbol.

What will the next fifty years hold? It’s hard to imagine what the Range Rover Hundred will look like when it’s launched on 17 June 2070.

But we’ll take a wild punt and say it won’t have a hose-out interior.

Prev1...456Next Page 5 of 6