McMurtry takes the covers off ‘Spéirling Pure’ hyper track car

McMurtry has revealed the production-ready Spéirling Pure hyper track car and features several new components over the prototype.

McMurtry Automotive is a British hypercar company that was founded by engineer Sir David McMurtry. The McMurtry Spéirling Prototype was the company’s first car and has broken several lap records including the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hill Climb and around the Top Gear Test Track.

The Spéirling Pure is the production car that will be limited to just 100 units and features a larger 100kWh battery pack with dual electric motors that produces 1,000bhp. The 0-60mph sprint comes up in just 1.5 seconds and the car will reach a top speed of 190mph.

Underneath, the Spéirling Pure is equipped with McMurtry’s patented ‘Downforce-on-Demand’ technology which are two high-speed fans that generate suction below the car to produce as much as 2,000kg of downforce from 0mph. This is to make the car as planted as possible around corners and reduce the chances of the vehicle spinning or losing control on a race track.

The cabin features a one-seater layout with custom-moulded seats. (McMurtry)

Compared to the prototype, the production Spéirling Pure has a 10 per cent longer wheelbase; is 14 per cent wider and 11 per cent longer to accommodate the larger battery pack. The bodywork is made from carbon fibre and has been sculptured around its new dimensions, while the carbon monocoque chassis helps keep the weight to a minimum.

The cockpit features a one-seat layout with a bespoke racing-style steering wheel; there’s a central display screen that shows important information such as power, fan settings and state of charge, while there is optional air conditioning, custom-moulded seats and adjustable pedals.

Prices for the McMurtry Spéirling Pure start at £995,000, while the car will make its world debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed which takes place between July 9 and July 12. Customer deliveries are set to begin later this year.

By Cameron Richards

Citroen celebrates Berlingo’s 30th anniversary with new ‘Collection’ trim

Citroen is celebrating 30 years of the Berlingo van and MPV with the introduction of a new ‘Collection’ trim level.

The Citroen Berlingo van was launched in 1996 followed by the MPV variant in 1997 and kickstarted the van-derived family car trend back in the late 1990s.

Thirty years after its debut, Citroen is celebrating that milestone with the new Berlingo Collection, which replaces the old ‘Plus’ trim.

Its exterior boasts a ‘30’ badge located on the front pillars, rear privacy glass and 16-inch black alloy wheels.

The Berlingo Collection replaces the old ‘Plus’ trim. (Citroen)

The interior is accompanied by a 10-inch infotainment system, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a heated steering wheel.

Under the bonnet, the Berlingo Collection can be fitted with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 108bhp and comes as standard in the short-wheel base ‘M’ five-seater guise.

There is a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine that’s available with 108bhp and 128bhp power outputs, while -short five-seater and long-wheel base ‘XL’ seven-seater models are available with these powertrains.

You can also have the car as an electric e-Berlingo which is equipped with a 52kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 134bhp and can travel a claimed 213 miles on a single charge.

Prices for the Citroen Berlingo Collection start at £25,305 for the five-seat petrol model, while the e-Berlingo Collection is eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant which will slash £1,500 off its list price, meaning the flagship seven-seat XL model comes in at £31,890.

By Cameron Richards

Kia introduces ‘Storm’ special-edition variants to EV5 and Sportage SUVs

Kia is expanding the EV5 and Sportage SUV range with the ‘Storm’ special-edition variants.

The ‘Storm’ trim level will sit between the two models’ popular GT-Line and GT-Line S specifications and adds more kit for similar money.

The EV5 ‘Storm’ boasts new 19-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED headlights, artificial leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting and a powered tailgate.

Powering the car is an 81.4kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces 214bhp and can travel a claimed 329 miles between charges.

Meanwhile the Sportage ‘Storm’ features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front and rear silver skid plates, silver roof rails, black leather and suede seat upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and keyless entry with push button start.

The ‘Storm’ trim will sit between the GT-Line and GT-Line S models. (Kia)

Under the bonnet, the Sportage ‘Storm’ can be specced with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 148bhp, while there is a hybrid model that is equipped with the same 1.6-litre turbocharged unit mated to an electric motor that makes 235bhp.

Other additions include a new all-wheel drive variant added to the EV5 line-up. The standard 81.4kWh battery uses a dual electric motor which will be available on GT-Line and GT-Line S models. In terms of power, Kia has not revealed the car’s brake horse power figure, though the manufacturer says the car will sprint to 60mph in 7.2 seconds and has a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,800kg.

Orders for the new Kia EV5 and Sportage ‘Storm’ range open on July 1 with prices starting at £34,395 for the petrol Sportage and rise to £43,145 for the EV5. The EV5 AWD comes in at £45,646 for the GT-Line and £50,145 for the GT-Line S.

By Cameron Richards

The Dacia Spring is now the most affordable new car on sale

The Dacia Spring has reclaimed the title of Britain’s cheapest new car after receiving a £4,000 price cut with the range now starting at £11,990.

It comes in the wake of its main rival, the Leapmotor T03, which recently received a £3,000 price reduction through its ‘Leap-Grant’ incentive. The Dacia now undercuts the Chinese electric city car by more than £1,000 and is £4,000 cheaper than before.

The entry-level Expression model comes with a decent amount of standard kit for the money including air conditioning, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a digital instrument cluster and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

All Springs are hooked up to a 24.3kWh battery pack. (Dacia)

For £1,000 more, the range-topping Extreme adds a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, electric rear windows and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system which enables electrical appliances such as a coffee machine to be plugged in using the car’s battery pack.

All Springs are hooked up to a 24.3kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces 68bhp. The flagship Extreme model comes with a more powerful 98bhp setup and can travel a claimed 140 miles between charges.

In terms of charging, 40kW DC rapid-charging is compatible enabling a 20 to 80 per cent top-up to be completed in 29 minutes.

The revised Dacia Spring range is on sale now with deliveries expected to commence later this year.

By Cameron Richards

Fifth-generation BMW X5 brings ‘Neue Klasse’ design as well as diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric power

BMW has taken the covers off the new fifth-generation BMW X5 which brings the firm’s ‘Neue Klasse’ design language.

The X5 is BMW’s longest-serving SUV after it was launched in 1999. More than 25 years on, and the latest model brings more tech than ever before including a new electric powertrain.

Its exterior boasts the German firm’s ‘Neue Klasse’ design language with an illuminated vertical kidney grille and ‘double-X’ daytime running lights. Down the side, the car’s silhouette features a sloping roofline, flared wheel arches, chunky rear haunches and new LED taillights that run the width of the tailgate.

For an additional cost, the X5 can be specced with electrically powered front and rear doors which feature BMW’s ‘winglet’ door handles that are built seamlessly into the lower door frames for a sleeker appearance.

The interior boasts BMW’s ‘Panoramic iDrive’ system. (BMW)

Inside, the new X5’s cabin boasts a wraparound dashboard design for a sportier feel with a 3D backlit ambient light strip. Furthermore, there is BMW’s ‘Panoramic iDrive’ system that incorporates a 3D head-up display, a central display, and for the first time in a BMW, a passenger screen.

Under the bonnet, the X5 is available with a plethora of powertrains. The first is a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which makes 309bhp and 670Nm of torque.

There are two plug-in hybrid setups which use a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 26.5kWh battery pack. The lower-powered ‘50e’ model produces 482bhp and 700Nm of torque and has a claimed electric range of up to 63 miles, while the beefier ‘M60e’ makes 603bhp and 800Nm of torque and can travel a claimed 61 miles on electric power.

The electric ‘iX5’ provides a claimed class-leading 525-mile range. (BMW)

For the first time, there will be an electric ‘iX5’ variant which is equipped with a 141kWh battery pack with dual electric motors that makes 570bhp and 805Nm of torque, while the manufacturer claims the car will manage a class-leading 525 miles between trips to the plug.

Prices, specifications and further details for the UK market on the new BMW X5 will be revealed soon when the car goes on sale in the spring next year.

By Cameron Richards

Leapmotor T03 becomes Britain’s cheapest new car thanks to £3,000 price cut

The Leapmotor T03 is now Britain’s cheapest new car with a starting price of £12,995 through the firm’s ‘Leap-Grant’ incentive.

Leapmotor is a Chinese brand that has a 51:49 joint partnership with the European conglomerate, Stellantis. The T03 is an electric city that is a rival to the Dacia Spring and Honda Super-N.

Customers ordering a T03 will receive a £3,000 saving through the ‘Leap-Grant’ incentive, while there is just one trim level to choose from with all cars featuring a panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive cruise control, keyless start, a reversing camera and a 10.1-inch infotainment system.

All cars are equipped with a 37.3kWh battery pack. (Leapmotor)

Underneath the electric city car is equipped with a 37.3kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 94bhp and can travel a claimed range of up to 165 miles between charges.

In terms of charging speeds, the T03 is compatible with 48kW DC rapid-charging which enables a 30 to 80 per cent top-up to be completed in 36 minutes.

Damien Dally, Leapmotor UK’s managing director, said: “To celebrate 12 months of helping buyers ‘take the leap’ to electrification, we’re delighted to be doubling the Leap-Grant on the T03, making it not just the most affordable new EV in the UK, but the most affordable new car full stop.”

Orders for the Leapmotor T03 with the ‘Leap Grant’ incentive open on July 1 with deliveries expected to commence later this year.

By Cameron Richards

Skoda reveals flagship Peaq electric SUV

Skoda has unveiled its new flagship entry into the electric seven-seat SUV market with the Peaq.

The Skoda Peaq is an electric alternative to the firm’s combustion Kodiaq SUV and will rival the Kia EV9 and Peugeot E-5008.

On the outside the Peaq has been inspired by Skoda’s ‘Vision 7S’ concept car which was first shown in 2022. At the front, the car uses Skoda’s ‘Tech-Deck’ face with vertical slats and LED backlighting, while there is a wraparound strip that sits prominently on the bumper and forms part of the LED lights and daytime running lights.

Down the side, the Peaq is the first Skoda to use flush door handles to improve efficiency while at the back the vertical taillights feature the same single strip that wraps around the bumper.

Inside, the Peaq is fitted with Skoda’s latest 13.6-inch Android-based infotainment system complemented by a 10-inch digital driver’s display. There are several of the brand’s ‘Simply Clever’ storage solutions which include a windscreen-mounted parking ticket holder, a picnic table, 25W wireless charging pads and a USB socket integrated into the interior mirror.

All models are hooked up to an 86kWh battery pack. (Skoda)

With all the seven seats in place, the Peaq provides 299 litres of space while with the third row of chairs pushed forward, that room extends to 890 and 2,075 litres with all the seats folded down. As standard, all cars come with a 37-litre frunk which can also stow the charging cables.

Underneath, the Peaq is equipped with an 86kWh battery pack, badged ‘90,’ which is hooked up to an electric motor to produce 282bhp and can deliver a claimed range of up to 390 miles. Higher-spec cars are available with a dual-motor variant of this setup named ‘90x’ that makes 295bhp; however Skoda has not revealed the claimed electric range for this model at this stage.

All cars will be compatible with 199kW DC rapid-charging, which will take the car from a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in 28 minutes.

In terms of standard kit, the entry-level SE L comes with the 13.6-inch vertical infotainment system, 19-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. The mid-level Edition adds matrix LED headlights, a horizontal light bar and black leather upholstery. Meanwhile, the range-topping Sportline boasts 20-inch wheels, sports seats, a sports three-spoke heated steering wheel and black exterior detailing.

Prices for the Skoda Peaq start at £51,980 and will rise to £60,380 for the dual-motor Sportline model. Orders will open in September with expected deliveries to commence at the beginning of next year.

By Cameron Richards

Renault Megane E-Tech receives new nose and battery pack

The Renault Megane E-Tech has been given several updates including a new nose and upgraded battery pack.

The Megane E-Tech is an electric hatchback that is a rival to the Kia EV4 and Volkswagen ID.3 and this new model is more advanced than ever before.

Its exterior boasts a new front end with a revised bumper and light signature that features eight diamond-shaped elements in a chequerboard pattern. The Renault logo has been re-positioned beneath the bonnet, the daytime running lights feature a new diamond pattern and the car sits 20mm taller than its predecessor.

All models now come with Renault’s ‘openR Link’ 12-inch infotainment system with Google Built-in. (Renault)

Inside, the car uses the latest version of Renault’s ‘openR Link’ 12-inch infotainment system which features Google Built-in and Google AI Gemini for the first time, while there is a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.

Underneath, the updated Megane E-Tech is fitted with a 67kWh battery pack and an electric motor that makes 217bhp and 300Nm of torque. The car can return a claimed range of up to 310 miles between charges and can be topped up at speeds of 165kW from a DC rapid charger enabling 15 to 80 per cent to be completed in 24 minutes.

There is a new 67kWh battery pack and electric motor that provides a claimed range of 310 miles. (Renault)

There will be two trim levels to choose from with the standard ‘Techno’ car coming with 19-inch alloy wheels, an energy-saving heat pump and the dual 12-inch screens with Google Built-in. The range-topping Esprit Alpine adds 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable massaging front seats and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Prices and further details on the updated Renault Megane E-Tech will be revealed at a later date with more information to follow soon.

By Cameron Richards

Honda Super-N will be priced at £18,995

The quirky Honda Super-N will be one of Britain’s cheapest new EVs when it goes on sale next week with a starting price of £18,995.

The Super-N is Honda’s next chapter into the electric city car class and is the replacement for the old ‘E’ supermini.

Its exterior design takes a lot of inspiration from the Honda City Turbo II of the 1980s with its flared wheel arches, wide stance and aero ducts.

Inside, the similarities from the City Turbo continue with the bolstered front seats, ambient lighting and blue-highlighted trim dotted about the cabin.

The cabin features bolstered seats and blue accents. (Honda)

In terms of practicality, the Super-N provides 162 litres of boot space and all models feature Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’, where the rear-seat bases flip up to create more space in the back to carry taller items. Fold the 50:50 split rear seats down and the total load volume increases to 967 litres – one of the largest in its class.

Underneath the car is equipped with a 29.6kWh battery pack and a single electric motor which can deliver a claimed range of up to 128 miles on a single charge, while 50kW DC rapid-charging is compatible enabling an 80 per cent top-up to be completed in 30 minutes.

The car is equipped with a 29.6kWh battery pack. (Honda)

Honda has not revealed the car’s standard specification list at this stage, though the car will come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Bose eight-speaker premium audio system with a subwoofer.

Orders for the Honda Super-N open on June 22 with deliveries expected to commence later this year.

By Cameron Richards

Citroen introduces ‘Collection’ trim level on C3, C3 Aircross and C4 models

Citroen has revealed a new ‘Collection’ trim level on the C3, C3 Aircross and C4 models.

The ‘Collection’ trim sits above the entry-level Plus specification and adds lots of extras for a similar price.

The C3 and C3 Aircross collection gain red colour clips on their front bumpers and rear quarter panels, while the C4 receives them on the rear of the side skirts. Meanwhile, all cars come with black alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and a black bi-tone roof.

Inside, the C3 and C3 Aircross receive Urban Blue trim on their seat bases, backrest centres, dashboard, armrests and trim. The C4 boasts grey Alcantara door panels as well as an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with a massage function.

All models come with bespoke exterior detailing. (Citroen)

Underneath the C3 and C3 Aircross can be specced with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 98bhp. The C4 uses the same 1.2-litre setup but power increases to 128bhp.

All models are available as a hybrid which uses a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 48-volt battery with the C3’s powertrain making 108bhp, while the C3 Aircross and C4 produce 143bhp.

There is also electric powertrains with the e-C3 Collection equipped with a 44kWh battery pack and an electric motor to deliver a claimed range of up to 202 miles, while the e-C3 Aircross and e-C4 are fitted with a larger 54kWh battery and electric motor that deliver claimed ranges of 249 miles and 257 miles respectively.

The e-C4 Collection comes with a massaging driver’s seat. (Citroen)

Plus, all the electric models are eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant, which will slash £1,500 off their list prices to make them more affordable.

The Citroen Collection range is available to order now with prices starting at £19,670 for the C3 petrol and rises to £30,995 for the e-C4 with the ECG incentive.

By Cameron Richards