Latest news with #VW
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Skoda Superb review: A spacious diesel that outshines SUVs and premium rivals
Its greatness has not diminished in any shape or form top drawer, while the décor is also top drawer – even in this mid-range model They say that old friends are best and, if that's the case, then — in automotive terms — myself and the Skoda Superb must be bosom buddies. For 24 years now, the two of us have been bessie mates — since, in fact, 2001, when the Czech manufacturer revived the 'Superb' nameplate, something it had originally initiated in 1934 and ran with until 1949. Back in the early noughties, a lot of people scoffed at Skodas in general and burst out laughing altogether when they named a car called the Superb. In the post-war period, when the Russians were handed control of Eastern Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Belarus, as well as the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, the native car industries in those countries fell into a steep decline by comparison with their Western rivals. Names such as Lada, Polski, Trabant, and, to a lesser extent, Skoda were common fodder for comedians looking for a soft touch — 'What do you call a Lada with a sunroof? A Skip.' The Czechs, however, retained a degree of credibility through the 1950s, '60s, '70s and into the '80s. Models such as the rear-engined 105/120 (Estelle) were a common enough sight on Western roads and, remarkably, had a wonderful motorsport record, coming home with class wins on events such as the RAC Rally in Britain for 17 consecutive years. By the late '80s, however, Skoda products were dated and only sold to the budget end of the market. However, as the company was slowly privatised by the Czech government, one particular investor came to the fore — the Volkswagen Group. VW came on board when the main Skoda factory at Mlada Boleslav was still using ponies to move car parts from one production line to another. No such thing as automated lines back then but they were not far off. I wonder what happened to the ponies? Superb's spacious interior Anyway, after a lengthy tendering process involving motoring giants such as Renault, Mercedes, BMW, and others, VW was selected as the preferred buyer. Between 1991 and 2000, the Wolfsburg outfit slowly took control and a significant overhaul of the company's model line-up ensued. Some might pooh-pooh the idea that, once given access to the VW parts bin, the Czechs were like kiddies in a toy shop but that wasn't too far removed from the truth. They began an era of unsurpassed growth. Having got stodgy — but necessary — models such as the Felicia to an acceptable level for public consumption, they then took then VW Golf and made it into another thing altogether — the Octavia. Cheekily, they then did the same with the Passat and came up with the Superb. In both cases, the cars were bigger and roomier than those they were based on. Over its 21 years, the Superb has gestated from being a slightly ungainly big family car with huge comfort levels into a svelte, smart-looking family car with a big spec — even in the entry models — and massive comfort levels. With the advent of the SUV — sorry, complete takeover — the death of the saloon car has been the result. Well, the segment is not quite moribund but it damned nearly is and the Superb is one of the few left, even if it is officially classified as a fastback because of its fifth door. But given that Skoda already has all the SUV segments covered, making the Superb as an in-house alternative makes perfect sense. It is a joyous alternative to SUV motoring and, for those not in need of a high-perch driving position, it represents a real option for those wanting a fast, practical, roomy, and economically advantageous option. And it is swimming against the hybrid/EV tide by offering a normal, common turbo-diesel option alongside its non-ICE variants. Skoda is covering a lot of ground with this car, perhaps more so than most manufacturers these days. It was the ICE car which we tested recently and not only was it a pleasure not to have to worry about range issues or finding a working charger which didn't have a queue at it but it seemed like a throwback to simpler and less arduous times. Skoda Superb The 150bhp engine was a joy to live with — smooth, distinctly lacking on the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) front, and economic too. And, if you're a little guilty about its lack of greenness, you can console yourself that, as well as diesel, it will run perfectly normally on HVO (treated vegetable oil), which is fast becoming a thing in the motoring sector. There is a seven-speed automatic 'box allied to the engine and the Superb will cover the 0-100km/h dash in 9.2 seconds, while top speed is 225km/h. Consumption is 5.0l/100km (56mpg) and, with just 132/4 of CO2 emissions, the annual tax is a hardly prohibitive €210. Like all Superbs, it is massive inside, and simply looking at the amount of rear legroom will put a smile on your face — your average basketball player would be quite happy back there. The boot, too, is vast — 645 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,795 with them flat. For God's sake, Bruce Springsteen could comfortably hold an intimate gig back there. This thing ticks so many boxes, it is hardly true. The fact some of them go unseen and yet contribute greatly to the car's efficiency is also worthy of note. Take one example — the air intakes for the braking system are integrated into the front bumper and form a neutral and cooling low-pressure area for the front discs. The result is the layout not only makes the brakes more efficient but lowers wind noise and minimises drag. Clever. Getting into this car was as pleasurable as meeting an old friend you'd lost contact with for one reason or another — rapport is immediately re-established and it is like you'd never been apart. Notable, too, is the quality of the interior and the thoughtfulness that has been invested in making this a car that will delight drivers and passengers alike. From the driver's point of view, the ride and handling are spot-on. These are characteristics that will, always and ever, remind you why you decided to buy it in the first place. If ever a car was made that illustrates a manufacturer completely in tune with its customers, this is it. Skoda has genuinely gone to exceptional lengths to continuously improve this car and has done so to the point where it very nearly embarrasses its larger — and way more expensive — rivals, from Audi and Mercedes to BMW. As a standout option for SUVs, it is in a class of its own. That's why we've been bosom buddies for so long.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen to offer investments to US to ward off Trump's car tariffs
Volkswagen (VW) is offering to make large-scale investments in the United States to ward off high tariffs on its imported vehicles, according to chief executive Oliver Blume. "The Volkswagen group aims to invest more in the US," Blume told Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung daily in remarks published on Friday. VW already employs more than 20,000 people in the US, who assemble cars, school buses and trucks. VW is currently building a new plant for its Scout Motors, a US start-up founded in 2022. "We will build on this with further massive investments," Blume said, adding that he expected this to play a key role in decisions on tariffs. Talks to date have been primarily with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, but the issues discussed also passed over President Donald Trump's desk, Blume said. "We are so far having absolutely fair and constructive talks," he said, without saying when he expected a conclusion. "I would of course like them to proceed quickly, but this depends on many factors, and I cannot promise anything," Blume said. Other German carmakers are also looking to hold talks on tariffs. BMW head Oliver Zipse told a recent shareholders' meeting that long and strong engagement in the US would help the company to be heard. BMW operates its largest plant in the world in the US and is reported to be the country's largest automotive exporter. Mercedes is also reported to be in talks with the US administration. At the beginning of April, Trump imposed additional tariffs of 25% on imported cars. While other tariffs were later suspended, those on cars remain in place. The US is the German automotive sector's biggest foreign market, with almost 450,000 German-produced vehicles exported there in 2024, according to industry figures.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including ‘sharp looker' Seat and ‘astonishing' Hyundai
THE best value second-hand cars you can buy for less than £5,000 have been revealed. Seven cheap alternatives have been identified for bargain hunting Brits looking for luxury vehicles at a fraction of the price. Advertisement 9 One of the cars is available to buy from as little as £1,000 Credit: Getty 9 All seven budget buys can be bought for less than £5,000 Credit: Getty The list contains a mix of four-wheelers for big families, dog owners and car enthusiasts with expensive taste. Some of the popular vehicles can be found in a decent condition from as little as £1,000. The budget cars boast a wide variety of practical features, such as four-wheel drive and turbo-boosted engines. Volkswagen Up ! 9 The Volkswagen Up! is an equally cheap car to run Credit: Alamy First up is the Advertisement The city car has been praised for its slick style and high quality, providing a smooth ride for the driver. As well as its low second-hand cost, the VW is an equally affordable vehicle to run with low fuel consumption and emissions. Young drivers can also benefit from the cheaper insurance prices that come with the Up. Prices start on selling-site Autotrader at around £1,500. Advertisement Most read in Motors Latest Seat Leon 9 It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer Credit: Alamy Despite being modelled on a It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer. Even the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine is capable enough for most journeys, and the handling is more engaging than many rivals. Advertisement The most common problems reported involve the DSG automatic gearboxes, minor satnav faults, and some condensation in the rear lights. Mazda MX-5 9 At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing Credit: Alamy Those wanting a car that's more about enjoyment might consider the This version is slightly heavier and more refined than earlier MX-5s, making it more usable on a daily basis while still offering the same fun handling and simple, rear-wheel-drive setup the car is known for. Advertisement At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing. Owners should keep an eye on rusty sills and body panels, sticky brake callipers, and hard-top models with roof mechanism issues. Hyundai i30 BlueDrive 9 It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax Credit: Alamy If saving money on fuel and tax is your top priority, the Hyundai i30 BlueDrive is a practical choice. Advertisement Built between 2012 and 2017, this diesel hatchback was designed during a time when low emissions and economy were major selling points. It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax. It's also chain-driven, meaning you won't need to worry about replacing a cambelt. Most faults reported are minor, such as scuffed interiors, and the engines themselves have a good reputation for dependability. Advertisement Honda CR-V 9 This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed Credit: Alamy For dog owners, the Honda CR-V built from 2006 to 2012 is worth a look. This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed. It's also known for its mechanical reliability and general durability. Advertisement Four-wheel-drive versions are better suited to rural areas and country walks, especially in poor weather. Some used examples suffer from weak air conditioning, batter drain issues and fading interior trim, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder. Ford S-Max 9 Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling Credit: Alamy If you need seven seats, the Ford S-Max offers better practicality than many SUVs in the same price range. Advertisement Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling. There's plenty of space inside, and the rear seats can be folded flat when not in use. Older examples can be found for as little as £1,000, though well-kept ones with a full history hover around £5,000. Common faults include electrical issues, damp carpets, and noisy power steering. Advertisement Audi TT 9 Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated Credit: Alamy For those who want a more stylish option, the second-generation Audi TT from 2006 to 2014 still looks modern and drives well. It shares its engine with the Golf GTI, giving it decent performance and a solid driving feel. Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated. Advertisement These cars can be had for under £5,000, though buyers should watch for high oil consumption, noisy timing chains, and electrical niggles like dodgy window mechanisms or condensation in the lights. Not every used car in this price range is a smart buy, though. One model to avoid is the first-generation BMW 1 Series, sold between 2004 and 2011. Read more on the Irish Sun While the badge may attract some buyers, these cars are often cramped in the back, hard-riding and plagued by mechanical issues in many versions. Advertisement Even well-maintained examples can feel tired, and the dark interiors make them less pleasant to spend time in compared to rivals. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start * If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including ‘sharp looker' Seat and ‘astonishing' Hyundai
One popular car make is available for as little as £1,000 GOLDEN OLDIES Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including 'sharp looker' Seat and 'astonishing' Hyundai Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE best value second-hand cars you can buy for less than £5,000 have been revealed. Seven cheap alternatives have been identified for bargain hunting Brits looking for luxury vehicles at a fraction of the price. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 One of the cars is available to buy from as little as £1,000 Credit: Getty 9 All seven budget buys can be bought for less than £5,000 Credit: Getty The list contains a mix of four-wheelers for big families, dog owners and car enthusiasts with expensive taste. Some of the popular vehicles can be found in a decent condition from as little as £1,000. The budget cars boast a wide variety of practical features, such as four-wheel drive and turbo-boosted engines. Volkswagen Up! 9 The Volkswagen Up! is an equally cheap car to run Credit: Alamy First up is the Volkswagen Up! which provides an ideal small car with plenty of space on the inside. The city car has been praised for its slick style and high quality, providing a smooth ride for the driver. As well as its low second-hand cost, the VW is an equally affordable vehicle to run with low fuel consumption and emissions. Young drivers can also benefit from the cheaper insurance prices that come with the Up. Prices start on selling-site Autotrader at around £1,500. Seat Leon 9 It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer Credit: Alamy Despite being modelled on a Volkswagen Golf, the cheaper Seat Leon provides a sharper look and better value for money. It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer. Even the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine is capable enough for most journeys, and the handling is more engaging than many rivals. The most common problems reported involve the DSG automatic gearboxes, minor satnav faults, and some condensation in the rear lights. Mazda MX-5 9 At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing Credit: Alamy Those wanting a car that's more about enjoyment might consider the Mazda MX-5, particularly the third generation model built between 2005 and 2015. This version is slightly heavier and more refined than earlier MX-5s, making it more usable on a daily basis while still offering the same fun handling and simple, rear-wheel-drive setup the car is known for. At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing. Owners should keep an eye on rusty sills and body panels, sticky brake callipers, and hard-top models with roof mechanism issues. Hyundai i30 BlueDrive 9 It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax Credit: Alamy If saving money on fuel and tax is your top priority, the Hyundai i30 BlueDrive is a practical choice. Built between 2012 and 2017, this diesel hatchback was designed during a time when low emissions and economy were major selling points. It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax. It's also chain-driven, meaning you won't need to worry about replacing a cambelt. Most faults reported are minor, such as scuffed interiors, and the engines themselves have a good reputation for dependability. Honda CR-V 9 This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed Credit: Alamy For dog owners, the Honda CR-V built from 2006 to 2012 is worth a look. This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed. It's also known for its mechanical reliability and general durability. Four-wheel-drive versions are better suited to rural areas and country walks, especially in poor weather. Some used examples suffer from weak air conditioning, batter drain issues and fading interior trim, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder. Ford S-Max 9 Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling Credit: Alamy If you need seven seats, the Ford S-Max offers better practicality than many SUVs in the same price range. Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling. There's plenty of space inside, and the rear seats can be folded flat when not in use. Older examples can be found for as little as £1,000, though well-kept ones with a full history hover around £5,000. Common faults include electrical issues, damp carpets, and noisy power steering. Audi TT 9 Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated Credit: Alamy For those who want a more stylish option, the second-generation Audi TT from 2006 to 2014 still looks modern and drives well. It shares its engine with the Golf GTI, giving it decent performance and a solid driving feel. Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated. These cars can be had for under £5,000, though buyers should watch for high oil consumption, noisy timing chains, and electrical niggles like dodgy window mechanisms or condensation in the lights. Not every used car in this price range is a smart buy, though. One model to avoid is the first-generation BMW 1 Series, sold between 2004 and 2011. While the badge may attract some buyers, these cars are often cramped in the back, hard-riding and plagued by mechanical issues in many versions. Even well-maintained examples can feel tired, and the dark interiors make them less pleasant to spend time in compared to rivals.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Rivian is using software to compete with rivals
Rivian (RIVN) is expected to start delivering its R2 SUV in 2026. One of the big things the company is focusing on with both the R2 and its existing fleet is software. In the video above, Rivian's chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, shares the importance of software to the next generation of vehicles. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Asking for a Trend here. I lead the software team at Rivian. And my team is responsible for the entire technology stack that underpins Rivian vehicles. And then the end-to-end user experience that we provide to our customers. In parallel, and then since November, I'm the co-CEO of the joint venture that we have with the VW Group, which is delivering reference platforms to Rivian to the VW brands and then eventually, our goal is to have that for other brands as well. Wassim, you mentioned, you know, software, software-defined vehicles, VW, right? Is that what that deal is all about? Is basically Volkswagen saying, Hey Rivian, you guys have great software. You know, we're talking about a vehicle that they were able to update the software to make the suspension better, believe it or not. Is that what we're talking about here when we talk about software-defined vehicles? That's exactly it. I mean, when you look at the technology trends in automotive technologies, like electrification, autonomy, connectivity, they are resulting in much bigger amounts of software. And customers now have very high expectations in terms of the end-to-end experience. And modern architecture require a lot of software to really power and unlock that experience. The R2 prototype, Wassim, is on the streets. It's been It's being tested. What do you love about it? Give me Give me the feedback. I love it. First of all, you have seen that wrap. I mean, it's it's so awesome. We have it. Yeah. I think we have it. We have it here. But R2 is a program we're extremely excited about the R2. R2 brings the essence of the Rivian brand, great design, great interior, great drive dynamics, great technology, but then into a price point that will be accessible by a much broader set of customers. So, there's no day where we don't get requests from customers, when can I get my R2? It's really the culmination of a long journey in terms of building our technology, so that we can get it into a vehicle that many more customers can now access. So talk to me about your also the co-head, you mentioned like you mentioned of the JV between Volkswagen and Rivian. What does that entail and are we going to see that R2 technology kind of flow into VW vehicles, for instance? Yeah, exactly. I mean, think about it as the R2 is the platform that will underpin actually all future EV products at VW. So, it's really that modular, scalable technology stack that we will take into VW brands. And we will do it in a way where we will still allow each of the brands to express their own identity. Each brand will have their own UI, look and feel. Each brand will have their own suspension tuning, as you mentioned, but underneath, the guts of the vehicle will be optimized based on the same technology and software architecture. There are questions out there, Wassim, about R2 scalability. Walk me through how you're thinking about that dynamic. Scalability, you mean, from which standpoint? Well, the ability to get as many of those many of them out there as people want. Yes. I mean, everybody is waiting for the R2. Everybody is exciting about the R2. It's the absolute number one priority for the customer. And I think what we are really excited about is when you look at from the technology standpoint, the R2 is an evolution of the architecture that we introduced with our gen two vehicles. And there's a ton of lessons learned that went into how we make the R2 from a technology standpoint, from engineering, from manufacturing. And that is allowing us to really not only make progress, but we're extremely happy with the maturity of R2 compared to where R1 was at the same time from a program standpoint. With the R2, you're going after the Model Y. So walk me through why your product is superior, Wassim. What is setting you apart? I mean, first of all, the the Model Y is a great product, and I think kudos to Tesla who have designed and built a fantastic product. R2, as I mentioned, brings really like everything which is beautiful about the Rivian DNA. That great design, that great interior, great storage, great drive dynamics, the Rivian drive dynamics and then all this technology content into the same price point as the Model Y. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
