Latest news with #MotorsNews
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand's smallest motor bought by 300,000 drivers unveiled with new look… & will be hybrid-only
A MAJOR car brand has unveiled a new look for its smallest motor due to be rolled-out later this year. The tiny Toyota mini 1.0L petrol engine being swapped out for a hybrid powertrain, borrowed from its big brother , the Advertisement 4 Toyota has unveiled a new look for its popular Aygo X model Credit: PA 4 The updated car launches later this year with a new hybrid powertrain and upgraded interior Credit: PA 4 The current petrol-powered Aygo X will be discontinued once the new model launches Credit: Getty When it arrives in the UK later this year, it will be the smallest entirely hybrid car on sale in the country. Toyota will also discontinue its manual gearbox petrol version, making the Aygo X hybrid-only. The Japanese carmaker has found a great deal of popularity with its "A-segment" city car, selling nearly 300,000 since they were introduced in 2022. Now, its refreshed Aygo X could attract even more buyers with its 114bhp 1.5L petrol-electric hybrid setup - borrowed from the larger and more expensive Yaris and Advertisement Read More on Motors News However, the design has been adapted from these other motors, due to the Aygo's tight dimnesions. For example, while battery cells are usually found parallel in the Yaris, the The auxiliary battery will also be moved under the boot storage in order to not cramp the space inside the tiny motor. In terms of power , this new hybrid setup churns out a respectable 114bhp, far more than the 71bhp seen in the Advertisement Most read in Motors Toyota says this means the Aygo X will be able to go from 0-62mph in "less than 10 seconds". The new motor is also expected to boast fuel economy figures beyond 70mpg, reports Vauxhall Mokka hybrid is a smarter, greener & better equipped version of old motor… but small detail really lets it down On top of this all, Toyota says the new Aygo X will have CO2 emissions of just 86g/km, the lowest of any car that does not need to be plugged in. The iconic Japanese carmaker has also claimed to have made the Aygo quieter and more comfortable through increased noise insulation, especially on the top-spec model - which will come with thicker glass. Advertisement On its exterior, the updated Aygo X boasts new sharp LED headlights as well as a redesigned front bumper. The motor stretches 76mm longer than its predecessor, primarily to accommodate the larger hybrid powertrain. World's largest car maker hatching plans to invest £40 million in a new assembly line in UK The world's largest car maker is planning to invest a whopping £40million for a The Toyota plant at could be in line for a major investment, as the company weighs moving production for the US market from Japan to . The car maker plans to invest around £41 million to set up a new production line dedicated to making GR Corollas, according to Reuters. Toyota has denied that Trump tariffs are behind the potential shift, despite taxes on Britain being 10 per cent compared to Japan's 25 per cent. In light of the potential move, Japanese automaker Toyota revealed that new cars could be added to the European market. Currently, the GR Corolla is only available in Japan and is exported to North America and select other markets. Burnaston plant currently produces the Corolla hatchback and estate for the UK and European markets, but production rates could significantly improve with the proposed investment. A new production line could be operational within 12 months, with reports suggesting that Japanese engineers may temporarily relocate to Derbyshire to assist with the transition. On top of a new bonnet, there is also an option to have a retractable canvas roof. If you're feeling like splashing out some more cash, there's also a newly introduced GR Sport trim level for the Aygo X, said to be "inspired by Toyota's motorsport teams". Advertisement In the cabin, there aren't many changes to come with the update - although a new seven-inch digital instrument cluster has been added. There is also expected to be a new wireless smartphone charger for higher-spec cars. Prices and specifications have yet to be fully announced for the Aygo X, although experts have said to expect a "healthy increase" on top of the car's current starting price of £16,845. 4 The new Aygo X will roll out later this year Credit: PA Advertisement
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Shocking moment ‘idiots' tip over ‘pride & joy' vintage car – as owner says they should ‘pick on someone their own size'
THIS is the shocking moment two "drunk idiots" tipped over a prized vintage car in the middle of the night. Two men can be seen approaching the pristine 1972 Fiat 500, painted in a colourful orange, shortly before 4am on Friday, May 2, in Old Street, London. Advertisement 7 The two 'drunk idiots' can be seen approaching the vintage Fiat 500 in the dead of night, with one even trying to open its door Credit: Supplied 7 After failing to get in, the pair then lift up the car, raising it high above the tarmac Credit: Supplied 7 After the vandals lose control, the vehicle tips over entirely, slamming into the road Credit: Supplied As the pair stumble to the vintage motor, described by the owner as his " pride and joy", one of them can be seen attempting to open the car's door. Discovering it locked, he appears to then motion to his pal to come over to try and lift the classic car. The pair then grab the tiny motor from its side and begin lifting it until it reaches what appears to be a 45 degree angle. They hold it there temporarily before the car's weight begins to shift further away, pulling it down towards the street. Advertisement Read More on Motors News Losing control of the vintage motor, the vandals step back and let go, sending the "characterful" vehicle tumbling onto its side, slamming straight into the tarmac. As it crashes into the road, the cowards can then be seen fleeing towards the camera and away from the Fiat, which gently rocks back and forth in the middle of the street. The car remained there until later in the morning, when the heartbroken owner discovered his beloved motor had been vandalised. Speaking to The Sun, he said: "I was blissfully unaware of anything untoward until I opened my front door to take my dog out for his early morning walk. Advertisement Most read in Motors Breaking Exclusive Exclusive Breaking "I couldn't believe my eyes, instead of seeing my lovely vintage orange Fiat 500 I came face to face with the chassis. "I was totally shocked, it was a totally surreal experience." 7 The distressed owner came face to face with the underside of their beloved motor when they walked down later that morning Credit: Supplied 7 The tipped motor suffered from minor dents and scratches and a broken door handle Credit: Supplied Advertisement 7 The owner of the motor has slammed the cowardly vandals, saying they should 'pick on someone their own size' Credit: Supplied He said the vehicle was blocking traffic on the "narrow street", despite the car's small stature. Thankfully, some nearby builders came to his assistance to help put the motor back on its four wheels. The distressed owner also told of how he "feared for the worst" when the motor was brought back upright. Advertisement He said he was concerned his "sweet little car" could have "sustained a lot of damage". Fortunately, upon flipping it back up, the owner discovered no broken glass, and just a broken door handle, as well as some dints and scratches on the There was also a pool of oil that had formed after the fluid leaked from the motor. Venting his frustrations, he said: "I just couldn't understand how anyone would want to vandalise such a sweet little car. Advertisement "I still feel very emotional, it's my pride and joy. "People often stop to take photos my little characterful car, [but] no one has ever hurt it." 'DESPICABLE' AND 'DISGUSTING' VANDALISM In direct response to the heartless vandals, the owner berated their cowardice, adding: "They should pick on someone their own size". The owner had shared the shocking footage on social media of the "two drunk idiots", drawing in sympathy from viewers. Advertisement One commented: "What was the point of that? What did they gain from doing that except shame? "Running away from something you did proves you are ashamed of what you did." Another added: "Absolutely gutted for you, man. "Such a disrespectful thing to do. Hope the damage isn't too bad." Advertisement A third said: "Hope they will be found to pay for the damage," while a fourth added: "That's despicable - that's someone's pride and joy". Echoing other comments, one user slammed the "disgusting" behaviour of the vandals, adding: "What's wrong with people?" 7 The vintage Fiat 500 resting on the road the morning after it was tipped over Credit: Supplied
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Nine cars confirmed for discontinuation in 2025 – including two iconic convertibles & beloved hot hatchback
WE'RE almost at the halfway point of 2025 in what's been a whirlwind six months or so in the motoring world. The UK is in the midst of a transition to electric vehicles which comes with new regulations and economic pressures, while the industry continues to adapt to changing consumer behaviour. Advertisement Elsewhere, We've also had some exciting car releases, from the Alpine A290 hot hatchback and Dacia Bigster SUV, through to the outrageous Aston Martin Valhalla. We've also learned of the demise of some of our favourite models - ready to drive off into the sunset. Here are some of the biggest nameplates reaching the end of their production runs in 2025. Advertisement Read more Motors News Lexus LS 7 Lexus LS 500h Credit: Lexus After some 35 years on sale, the ultra-luxury Lexus LS saloon has finally reached the end of the road after a sustained period of poor sales. Once described as a game-changer when it hit dealerships in 1990, the LS helped establish Toyota's plush sub-brand as a challenger to the elite carmakers of Europe and America. Marketed with a cheaper starting price, four further generations followed, with the final one, the LS 500, launching in 2017 before it was updated in 2020. Advertisement Before it was removed, the LS range's price tag began at £101,000, rising to £128,000 for the Takumi version. Most read in Motors Breaking However, just 39 of the hybrid V6-powered saloons have been purchased since 2020, of which just three were sold last year. Mazda2 7 Mazda 2 Hybrid Credit: Matt Vosper After 10 years on sale, Mazda confirmed back in February that its Mazda2 supermini can no longer be ordered. Advertisement A brief history of the Mazda MX-5 Often praised for being fun to drive, the petrol-powered and mild-hybrid versions of the hatchback have seemingly been replaced by Mazda2 Hybrid - essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris. Despite two face-lifts in 2019 and 2023, which both added extra tech to the compact car, the car's near ten-year run in UK sales has finally come to an end. Mazda did not explain why the vehicle was cancelled, but a spokesperson told Autocar: "As we move towards increased electrification of our cars, the Mazda 2 Hybrid meets consumer demand in the B-segment and is a step in our journey to ensure all our cars have some form of electrification by 2030." Mazda MX-30 7 Mazda MX-30 Credit: Mazda Advertisement Criticised throughout its existence for its limited range and cramped cabin, the subcompact crossover SUV - offered as an EV or plug-in hybrid - was launched in the UK in 2021, with a view of taking on the likes of the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008. But it was never a popular choice among drivers, largely because of its modest range of just 124 miles. This was down to its smaller battery size, which was chosen to reduce the car's weight - and while this improved its handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production, it also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers. Advertisement While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK. Porsche Boxster/Cayman 7 Porsche 718 Cayman Credit: Posrche Porsche has officially announced the long-anticipated news that production of the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will come to an end. While no replacement for the iconic models has been announced, it's assumed an electric counterpart will eventually be released - though details remain scarce and no release date has been confirmed. Advertisement For now, production is scheduled to continue until October 2025, including for the UK market. Frank Wiesmann, product communications manager for Porsche Cars North America, recently told Road & Track: 'Production for all current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman variants, including RS models, is scheduled to end in October of this year.' In Europe, sales of the 718 Boxster and Cayman stopped in summer 2024 due to new EU cybersecurity regulations - although the UK market remained unaffected by these EU rules post-Brexit. This led to Porsche's head of production, Albrecht Reimold, confirming in an interview with Automobilwoche that the petrol-powered 718 models will end production globally by October 2025, except in markets already affected by the EU regulations. Advertisement Nissan GT-R 7 Nissan R35 GTR Credit: Getty We're cheating here a little, because in the UK, the mighty Nissan GT-R has been unavailable to buy for a little while now. The GT-R R35 was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 before being updated and facelifted many times, most recently in 2023. However, in February, Nissan announced production of the iconic motor was to end in Japan - meaning it had lost its final market. Advertisement Nissan had already discontinued deliveries of the R35 in Europe and the UK in March 2022, while Australia and New Zealand lost them even longer ago in October 2021. North America was the second-last to fall, with production wrapping up there in October last year. Furthermore, with Nissan facing financial difficulties recently, plans to have the GT-R's successor be a fully electric model could be derailed. Audi A1 & Q2 7 Audi A1 Credit: Audi Advertisement next year. Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range, but they now reached the end of the road with Audi ready to launch a new entry-level electric car as an indirect replacement. Claimed to sit beneath the top selling Audi Q4 e-tron, the upcoming EV will serve as an alternative to the A3 hatchback and Q3 crossover. Gernot Dollner, Audi's CEO, revealed they "will end production of the A1 and Q2" in 2026 "and there definitely will be no successor for the A1." Advertisement He added the brand 'will have models in the lower A-segment" and that 'we will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt, which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment". Ford Focus ST 7 Ford Focus ST Edition Credit: Ford After 23 years, the Ford Focus ST has been taken off sale in the UK - with production of the hot hatchback set to end in November. The Focus ST had been open for orders as recently as April, but has seemingly disappeared from dealer price lists in an update issued on 26 May. Advertisement Many of the other variants of the Focus are still available to order, but the ST is no longer one of those - as clicking on the Ford UK's configurer leads to a dead end. Later confirmed by Ford UK to Autocar, there is - at the time of writing - still stock parked up in dealerships across the country. In a statement, the Blue Oval said: 'There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment, but there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network. 'This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue.' Advertisement Better get in fast.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major change kicks in for EVERY driveway in England ‘to save months of delays and cut costs'
A MAJOR rule change has come for drivers around the UK in a positive move for home and vehicle owners. The change involves the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers for both public and private use. 2 The new driveway law is for every household in the UK Credit: Alamy 2 It is expected to save thousands of pounds a year and wait times Credit: Alamy There is a current target to install 300,000 chargers across the UK by 2030, a goal set out by the previous Conservative government. From this week, those wanting to install an The new move by Labour is expected to save driver £1,100 a year, as well as months of delays. Liberty to install EV chargers was already the case for most on a private property with off-street parking. Read More Motors News But for CEO of charger provider Osprey, Ian Johnston, told The process has been deemed a key bottleneck in the roll-out of the nation's EV and The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more charge points to power from and less red tape to deal with." Most read in Motors These rule changes hope to help the "EV revolution" by what Ms Greenwood considers making it "easier than ever to install EV chargers" for EV drivers across the UK. The Labour MP continued: "We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals - creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future as part of our Plan for Change." Audi launches NEW superfast charging hybrid with eye-watering price Operations Director at Osprey Charging Network, Lewis Gardiner welcomed the government's "practical change" in policy which he believes will make a "huge difference" for the industry. He added: "Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need." Jack Counsens, head of roads policy at The AA, praised the positive step but said the government should be doing all it can: "The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. "This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking." A charger mapping by firm Zap-Map has shown there were more than 79,000 publicly accessible charge points across the UK at the end of last month. This is an increase of 6,000 since the end of 2024, but just a quarter of the final goal for the next five years.
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
True cost of driving 10 of UK's favourite Bank Holiday road trips & how to drive Lake District Loop for under £3
NEW data reveals the significant savings UK drivers could enjoy by switching to an electric motor – with the cost of some of the country's best road trips being remarkably low in an EV. Experts at Advertisement 4 The Peak District features rolling hills, quaint villages, and tranquil dales Credit: Getty 4 The breathtaking Lake District Loop passes serene lakes and charming towns on one of the UK's most scenic road trips Credit: Getty 4 Celebrate the May bank holiday with a sustainable road trip, combining breathtaking views with greener travel choices Credit: Getty 4 Drivers can enjoy the fun of exploring new destinations in an eco-friendly electric vehicle Credit: Getty Even long routes like the North Coast 500 come in £54 cheaper than petrol - when factoring in one home and one public charge. Ahead of the May bank holiday, many Brits are likely musing with the idea of a sunny spring road trip. In a recent survey, it comes as no surprise that the Lake District and Peak District claimed the top two spots on the list, while the breathtaking Jurassic Coast – stretching majestically from East Dorset to Devon – secured third place. Their data also found that Brits' top motivations for getting out on the open road were to soak up the surrounding scenery (40%), discovering parts of the UK not seen before (38%), and the desire to feel a sense of freedom and adventure (37%). Advertisement Read more Motors News Yet while 50% of drivers are planning to hit the roads for either a road trip or staycation, only a third (33%) of those will get behind the wheel of an electric or hybrid set of wheels . Indeed, the majority (63%) will drive gas-guzzling cars - which can cost substantially more. Ovo's findings are perhaps not as surprising as how motorists can save up to 88% on their travel costs by swapping to an EV, with charging at home on a cheaper EV rate a great way to save money. Top 10 scenic UK road trips and cost savings with an EV 1. Lake District Loop (150 miles) Highlights: Circles through the Lake District, passing key towns and lakes. Cost in an EV: From £2.63 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £23.18 2. Peak District Scenic Drive (60 miles) Highlights: A circular route through the Peak District, covering scenic dales and charming villages. Cost in an EV: From £1.05 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £9.27 3. Jurassic Coast Drive (95 miles) Highlights: Follows the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast from Exmouth to Swanage. Cost in an EV: From £1.66 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £14.68 4. Yorkshire Moors Coast Loop (130 miles) Highlights: A route along the rugged Yorkshire coast, including Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay. Cost in an EV: From £2.28 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £20.09 5. The Cotswolds Circuit (102 miles) Highlights: A circular drive through picturesque Cotswold villages and rolling countryside. Cost in an EV: From £1.79 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £15.76 6. Snowdonia & North Wales Explorer (75 miles) Highlights: A loop through Snowdonia National Park, including Llanberis and Capel Curig. Cost in an EV: From £1.31 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £11.59 7. North Coast 500 (516 miles) Highlights: A breathtaking circular route through the Scottish Highlands and along the north coast. Cost in an EV: From £34.33 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £54.42 8. South Downs & Sussex Coast Loop (100 miles) Highlights: A scenic drive from Arundel to Eastbourne, following the South Downs and Sussex coastline. Cost in an EV: From £1.75 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £15.45 9. East Anglia Coastal Drive (120 miles) Highlights: A picturesque coastal route from Hunstanton to Southwold along the East Anglian coast. Cost in an EV: From £2.10 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £18.54 10. Causeway Coastal Route (120 miles) Highlights: A stunning drive from Belfast to Londonderry, featuring the Giant's Causeway. Cost in an EV: From £2.10 Savings vs Petrol: Up to £18.54 Alex Thwaites, Director of EV at OVO, said: 'The issues that plagued EV drivers five years ago are being tackled by improved tech and charging infrastructure. Advertisement Most read in Motors 'Public charger installations increased by 37% in the last year alone and you can travel up to 300 miles on a single EV charge now - more than double the amount of miles of the majority of the UK's favourite road trips. 'Last year my family took a road trip from Warwickshire to the beach town of Weston-Super-Mare, we stopped for a hot chocolate treat for the kids and a speedy 20 minute charge on the way home and that was it. Major parking change for ALL drivers in England 'A 250 mile round trip made simple, and more affordable, thanks to OVO's Charge Anywhere.' With Advertisement By combining that with OVO's Charge Anywhere, you can get discounted public charging and avoid wasted time at the curbside, as you'll see if a charger is available before you stop off.
