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MINI Clubman Cooper Exclusive: long-term test review

First report: Our new MINI Clubman Cooper Exclusive looks like it’ll be right up our street in busy LondonVerdict4There's a lot to learn about our new Clubman, but we can’t wait to get stuck in. We’re already loving several aspects of the MINI, including the powertrain and interior.

Mileage: 3,158
Economy: 39.4mpg

My new fleet car is here, and the latest MINI Clubman has so many features that I feel like I’m going back to school learning about them all. After a little Continue reading “MINI Clubman Cooper Exclusive: long-term test review”

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BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC

The revised Mercedes GLC is drawn against the class-leading BMW X3 in this premium SUV battle

For years Mercedes’ mid-size SUV model wasn’t available in the UK due to constraints of converting it to right-hand drive, but that changed in 2015 with the launch of the brand’s GLC.

Now, four years later, the car has rather fallen by the wayside under the onslaught of other premium off-roaders. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Porsche Continue reading “BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC”

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UK’s most dangerous drivers: car dealers, priests and tree surgeons in the frame

Study shows men are six times more dangerous than women on UK roads, with car dealers, and tyre technicians among the worst

Loaders, car dealers, tyre technicians and priests are among the UK’s most dangerous drivers, a new study has shown.

Insurance comparison site MoneySuperMarket looked at the 7.8 million car insurance enquiries it’s had in the last 12 months and cross-referenced the occupations of drivers with dangerous driving offences they had declared, including causing serious Continue reading “UK’s most dangerous drivers: car dealers, priests and tree surgeons in the frame”

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New 2020 Audi Q2 facelift spotted testing

New Audi Q2 baby SUV set for a mid-life update with only minor design tweaks

Audi’s smallest SUV, the Q2, is now the brand’s oldest so engineers and designers are busy putting the final touches to an updated version of its Mercedes GLA rival. 

These first spy pictures show the updated Q2 cold weather testing. As a mid-life update the visual changes, as you can see from the images, are somewhat minor. Behind the disguise at the front and rear, a new set of bumpers will be fitted to Continue reading “New 2020 Audi Q2 facelift spotted testing”

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Number of luxury cars being stolen doubles in five years

There were 117 per cent more premium car thefts between January and October 2019 than in the same period of 2015

The number of high-end cars being stolen has doubled over the course of the last five years, new data has revealed.

Between January and October 2019, Direct Line Group saw 14,300 claims for premium cars being stolen, up 117 per cent from the 6,600 claims in the same period in 2018.

• Fewer than half of all stolen cars recovered by police

There have been a total of Continue reading “Number of luxury cars being stolen doubles in five years”

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New Mazda CX-30 SkyActiv-G GT Sport review

The new Mazda CX-30 compact crossover is based on the impressive 3 hatchback, but is the SkyActiv-G GT Sport model as good on the road?Verdict4Much like the new Mazda 3 hatchback, the CX-30 is a good car lacking a good petrol engine. However, we’re told that the 178bhp SkyActiv-X motor will be available when the car arrives in November, and it should go some way to addressing this. Interior quality surpasses that of most mainstream rivals, and the CX-30 is good to drive, but there are more Continue reading “New Mazda CX-30 SkyActiv-G GT Sport review”

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Company car tax guide 2019/2020: everything you need to know

Don't be confused by BIK company car tax rates – our guide explains all and shows you how to calculate them

Company cars have long been used by businesses to reward and retain staff as an extra perk on top of a standard salary. Unfortunately, the Government or, more precisely, HM Treasury, is aware of this kind of incentive and levies tax on them. This company car tax is called Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) tax, as the cars are seen as an additional taxable benefit that falls outside of your Continue reading “Company car tax guide 2019/2020: everything you need to know”

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New Ford Focus Vignale Active X trim level revealed

New Ford Focus Vignale Active X aims to bring luxury feel to rugged off-road Focus

Ford has broadened its Focus lineup by adding a new Vignale Active X edition to the range, making the Focus range the most comprehensive in its class. 

The model combines Ford’s top-spec Vignale trim with the rugged exterior look and raised ride height of the Active trim level.  Standard features on the new trim include 17-inch alloys, contrasting black roof and mirrors, LED headlamps, Vigale interior Continue reading “New Ford Focus Vignale Active X trim level revealed”

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Number of high-end cars being stolen doubles in five years

There were 117 per cent more premium car thefts between January and October 2019 than in the same period of 2015

The number of high-end cars being stolen has doubled over the course of the last five years, new data has revealed.

Between January and October 2019, Direct Line Group saw 14,300 claims for premium cars being stolen, up 117 per cent from the 6,600 claims in the same period in 2018.

• Fewer than half of all stolen cars recovered by police

There have been a total of Continue reading “Number of high-end cars being stolen doubles in five years”