Car news round-up

Manufacturers have been busy refining existing models and producing new ones. We look at 10 of the results...

VOLKSWAGEN

Coupe-styled ID.5 SUV goes on sale from £50,550

VOLKSWAGEN’S ID.5 has gone on sale with prices starting from £50,550.

The couple-styled SUV expands VW’s line-up of electric cars, arriving as the flagship of the IDbadged series and bringing a range of up to 313 miles from its 77kWh battery.

Thanks to a charging speed of up to 135kW, the ID.5’s battery can be topped up to 80 per cent in just 29 minutes. There are also three outputs available – 172bhp in the PS Pro, 201bhp in the PS Pro Performance and 295bhp in the tip-top GTX models.

NISSAN

It’s hello yellow with Juke Kiiro special edition

NISSAN has unveiled a limitededition version of its Juke, the Kiiro, which brings a range of new design elements to the best-selling crossover.

Named after the Japanese word ‘kiiro’, meaning yellow, the model gets a range of accents in this colour to make it stand out from other Juke models. The new car will also be promoted in advertising for the upcoming film The Batman, due in cinemas on March 4.

All Kiiro models are painted in Ceramic Grey, which contrasts with bright yellow accents on the front and rear bumpers, and across the bottom of the doors. The Juke also gets large gloss black 19inch alloy wheels as standard.

SKODA

Enyaq iV Coupe widens line-up of EVs

SKODA has unveiled its new Enyaq iV Coupe, widening the firm’s line-up of electric vehicles.

Essentially a sleeker and more aerodynamically styled version of the regular Enyaq iV, the Coupe features a sloping roofline and standard-fit panoramic glass roof – the largest fitted to any Skoda model on sale today. It stands 6mm taller and 4mm longer than the standard Enyaq, too.

At the front is the option to fit the ‘Crystal Face’, which adds 131 LEDs to the car’s grille to give it a striking, illuminated appearance.

From launch, there will be just a single battery option – a 77kWh usable capacity unit – although three different power variants will be available: the Enyaq Coupe iV 80, Enyaq Coupe iV 80x and Enyaq Coupe iV vRS.

MINI

New special editions are added to range

MINI has added three specialedition models to a variety of cars within its line-up.

Resolute, Untold and Untamed bring added design features as well as extra equipment to some of Mini’s most popular cars.

Resolute Edition, for example, is available on the three-door Hatch, Electric, fivedoor Hatch and Convertible models, and brings a Rebel Green exterior colour that was previously only available on performance John Cooper Works cars.

MG

Cheapest SUV EV now costs even less

THE least expensive electric SUV on the market just got cheaper, thanks to a smaller battery variant.

The MG ZS EV Standard Range joins the Long Range model but still has a useful 198 miles – 35 more than the previous entry-level model.

The SUV’s 51.1kWh battery can be topped up at speeds of up to 100kW, which can get from 10 to 80 per cent in 36 minutes.

With the £1,500 plug-in car grant, the price is £27,495 – a £2,000 saving. The lower-cost model also has a bit more power at 174bhp.

MERCEDES-AMG

Power to the people with first plug-in hybrid giving 831bhp

MERCEDES-AMG has launched its most powerful car ever – and the GT 63 S E Performance is its first plug-in hybrid.

It boasts 831bhp and a maximum torque output of up to 1,400Nm, giving it a 0-60mph time of less than three seconds and a 0-124mph time of under 10 seconds.

Pricing has been confirmed as starting at £173,665, with deliveries beginning in April, but UK buyers won’t be able to get the special edition ‘green hell magno’ version.

It also has a suspension system that ‘adjusts the damping force for each wheel to suit the situation in just a few milliseconds’ as well as a lightweight ceramic braking system.

RANGE ROVER

Plug-in hybrid to travel further on charge than claimed before

THE new Range Rover plug-in hybrid will offer an electric range of up to 70 miles and start from £103,485.

Revealed last year, the Range Rover hybrid’s original figures have improved. An electric-only range of up to 62 miles was claimed, as well as CO2 emissions of below 30g/km.

However, the latest figures are better, with Range Rover saying that the P510e and P440e models will travel up to 70 miles on electric power while emitting just 18g/km.

Both hybrids combine a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, with the more powerful P510e managing the 0-60mph sprint in 5.3 seconds.

VAUXHALL

Trim levels simplified after debut on Astra

VAUXHALL will be applying a new simplified range structure to its Grandland, Crossland and Insignia models following its debut on the new Astra.

It means buyers will now have three streamlined trim levels to choose from with each model, making it easier to decide on which one fits their needs best.

Now, just Design, GS Line and Ultimate grades will be available on the Grandland, Crossland and Insignia, with different levels of standard equipment and style touches.

BMW

8 Series models receive updates

BMW has announced a raft of updates to its 8 Series models.

Applied to the Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible models, the revisions include the lower air intakes gaining horizontal struts.

Alongside these changes come new 20-inch alloy wheels with a double-spoke design, while standard equipment now includes a performance M sports brake system with blue callipers.

Inside, an M leather multifunction steering wheel is standard, while the infotainment screen has gone up from 10.25 to 12.3 inches.

ALFA ROMEO

Tonale finally here after 2019 reveal

ALFA Romeo has bolstered its line-up of SUVs with the muchanticipated Tonale.

First revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Tonale’s launch had been pushed back, but the compact SUV has now been unveiled in production-ready form.

Arriving under the Stelvio, the Tonale incorporates many traditional Alfa Romeo styling cues such as the triangle ‘Scudetto’ shield. Meanwhile, the ‘3+3’ headlights take inspiration from the SZ Zagato as well as the Proteo concept.

How has motor trade insurance been affected by supply chain issues?

2021 saw well-documented challenges for car manufacturers concerning shortages of semiconductors and vehicle parts, which impacted on both new and used car markets.

By June of last year, new car production in the UK dropped to its lowest level since 1953, according to the SMMT, which stated a combination of ‘the pandemic, new industry trading rules with Europe, and supply chain issues’ continued to contribute to ongoing challenges for the sector*. With fewer new cars rolling off production lines, demand for used cars increased exponentially, driving their values upwards.

On top of this, the government objective of removing new diesel and petrol engine cars from the road by 2030** adds another challenge for car manufacturers, which will need to invest heavily in new technology. As a result, new car values could also be on the rise.

Against this backdrop, insurers constantly review their rates and availability of cover for all motor trade businesses. So, what does this mean for you when it comes to renewing your insurance policy?

How these factors could affect your insurance Numerous variables can affect insurance premiums and cover. However, the recent climate in the industry has impacted on insurance in various ways: • As the cost of used cars rises, they cost more to replace. This leads to more significant losses for insurers if vehicles are stolen, for example. Dealers selling used cars may, in turn, need a higher limit of indemnity (or a higher sum insured). If a used car cost £20,000 a year ago but now costs £25,000, then £100,000-worth of insurance last year could have covered five similar vehicles – now, it would only cover four. Increasing your sums insured may lead to an increase in insurance premiums. • The cost of replacement parts has also increased. Any issues in the supply chain that make parts more scarce can increase their value, as the general rules of supply and demand come into play again. If it is more difficult to obtain parts – because of production issues, problems transporting and importing them, or both – this can increase costs. This increased value can also have an impact on insurance. If parts are damaged, stolen, or lost in transit, then their replacement cost could be higher now than it was previously, which may impact on the cost of insuring them. • When repairing or restoring vehicles, costs have also increased exponentially. Many dealers also work in service and repair, and it’s not just the cost of parts that has increased. With fewer new cars available, the need to maintain and restore vehicles is greater than before. Labour shortages, and demand for increased wages, can compound these issues. As the cost of repairs increases, so does the cost to insurers that may need to instruct them. • Parts shortages also make it more difficult to repair used vehicles, particularly where issues are related to auto-electronics and a need for replacement semiconductors. Delays can lead to more demand for courtesy cars, for example, potentially increasing costs and risks for insurers. • Inflation is also driving up costs. Inflation levels are rising in the UK and across Europe, impacting on everything from the cost of energy involved in producing and maintaining vehicles to their end value. These costs also need to be reflected in insurance sums insured.

Keeping on top of insurance requirements

PARTICULARLY in challenging times, it can prove crucial to speak with an insurance broker who understands the challenges you face and can provide insurance and risk management solutions to meet them. This means constantly evaluating where you might need extra cover or support for your business.

Finding an insurance broker willing to look at your policy before it is due for renewal – to spot gaps in cover or potential underinsurance – can help ensure that your policy remains adequate for your requirements. Then, as the landscape changes, your insurance policy can continue to reflect any changes to your business.

Your insurance broker should be able to find a solution, working with you to identify and help accommodate the risks you face.

The opinions and views expressed in the above article are those of the author only and are for guidance purposes only. The authors disclaim any liability for reliance upon those opinions and would encourage readers to rely upon more than one source before making a decision based on the information. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909.