SEAT set for new role in VW Group with focus switched to Cupra

SEAT’s role as a car manufacturer in the future will be lessened with Cupra, the high-performance branch of the brand, taking its place.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of VW, said that the existing SEAT models will carry on being produced in their current lifespan through most of this decade. However, when it comes to the SEAT brand name in the future, “a different role” would be found for it, including the manufacturing of e-scooters and maybe even some small cars.

Ultimately, VW Group believe that the earning potential for Cupra will be far greater, with investment in the brand due to “ramp up” in the near future.

Half of drivers reluctant to switch to EVs

As part of the Road to 2030 report by Auto Trader which details the potential obstacles faced before regulations change in the UK, research has shown only 47% of drivers think that owning an EV would suit their lifestyle.

The research also shows that 56% of drivers consider EVs too expensive, with 47% worried over a lack of charging points. Affordability is proving a genuine issue, as the number of new EVs on sale for less than £30,000 shrinks, with only nine models now fitting that bracket. In contrast, 87 diesel and petrol models are on sale below £30,000.

However, a small glimmer of hope is provided by the fact that the price of second hand EVs is reducing, largely in part to the amount of new EVs being produced. More than a quarter of all used EVs were priced under £20,000 in August - up from 7% this time last year.

YouGov poll shows near split in manual/automatic preference

A Motor Ombudsman-commissioned YouGov poll of over 1,700 UK driving licence holders has revealed that just over half (53%) would choose a manual gearbox ahead of an automatic if they were to buy a new car within the next 12 months, showing a near-even split in preference.

The main reason for people choosing manual was simply because it was how they had learned to drive. For those who chose automatic (47%) as their preference, having a less tiring driving experience, especially in stop-start traffic, was the main reason.

New rapid EV charging sites open in Yorkshire

Osprey Charging, one of the UK’s leading EV charging networks, has opened new rapid charging sites in Hull and Yorkshire. Probably the largest concern to drivers still on the fence is the lack of infrastructure for EVs in the UK at present, but Osprey’s efforts are going some way to better that as well as well as improving local air quality and reducing noise pollution.

The 75kW rapid charge points are compatible with every EV on the market today and can typically add 100 miles of range in around 35 minutes, depending on the model of the car and its specific battery. They accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay and app payments.

1979 ‘MG B-EAST’ is 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK Winner

A 1979 MGB GT nicknamed ‘the B-EAST’ has won this year’s Hot Wheel Legends Tour UK at the RADwood automotive event, beating 274 other entries. It will now represent the UK on the global stage and ultimately hope to be recreated at a 1:64 scale.

Michael Wallhead’s MGB GT features a 3.0-litre Jaguar AJV6 engine, to achieve 0-60mph in 4.2s and a top speed of 148mph. It took eight years to build and has used many recycled parts, including a propshaft from a Range Rover, an axle saved from a Reliant Scimitar, Triumph motorcycle throttle bodies, Nissan Silvia S14 brakes, and jeans for the seat upholstery.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: SEAT, Osprey, Mattel.