Motoring

Skoda raises the bar

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Skoda Kodiaq Sportline

By Bill McCarthy

The Kodiaq is a success story for me, a vehicle that takes Skoda up a level and a challenger in the premium segment. |It’s a clasy SUV available with either five or seven seats and keenly priced – against premium competition that is.

That does not mean its cheap. This latest model comes with a variety of trims and engine options and with the choice of  two or four wheel drive and uprated suspension. It is right up there challenging the likes of its VW, SEAT, Audi siblings, not to mention the likes of Volvo and Jaguar.

It has been around for a while now, since 2016, and had a mini makeover to offer, what the manufacturer describes as taking sustainability (All textiles used for the seat upholstery, the carpets in the cabin and the luggage compartment as well as the headliner are made of 100 percent recycled materials) and efficiency to the next level.

I t also offers for the first time LED Matrix headlights and ergonomic seats.

 It is available with two diesel and two petrol engines delivering various outputs and the first Kodiaq plug-in hybrid powertrain.

It is bigger both inside and out and in the seven-seat version, passengers in the third row of seats now have 920 millimetres of headroom, 15 millimetres more than in the predecessor.

It certainly looks the part and when offering motors at stratospheric prices it needs to be to give potential customers that option.

This particular model, the porrtline offers comprehensive equipment, typical black accents and a metal-look trim in the interior. Equipment includes just about everything you could need for a seven seater, with uprated interior design and equipment.

It has an imposing, high off the ground road presence, sitting on 20-inch alloys and featuring sport font and rear bumpers, spoiler with integrated LED brake light and Sportline badges on each wing. Black roof rails, door mirrors and radiator grille also enhance the sporty look.

 This model is packed with standard kit including the usual electric aids and gizmos, plus rear view parking camera, auto dimming mirror, climate control and a full complement of safety equipment.

It now features a 13-inch display, innovative smart dials and haptic controls. The touchscreen operates the sat nav, infotainment and smartphone connectivity, which includes ŠKODA Connect  which provides live journey information and real-time navigation details plus remote access to assistance. The dashboard itself has SportLine plaque with sports dials, alloy pedals and sporty badging throughout the cabin, just to remind you in case you forget which model you are driving.

There is a smart multifunction sports steering wheel and the rest of the dash layout is clear and logical  with the entire cabin feeling put together with high-end material and quality finish,

It is a large cabin with good head and legroom and good all round vision. In practical terms, five adults can be seated in comfort, with the third rearmost pair only really suitable for children.

Luggage capacity has also increased and in the five-seater version, it has grown by 75 litres to 910 litres without folding the rear seats down. With the rear seats folded down, capacity has increased by 40 litres to 2,105 litres.

The 190PS petrol engine drove here is smooth, flexible and economical. Mated to the VW Groups seven-speed DSG auto box, it proves a comfortable drive, slipping through the gears without any fuss.

Accelerations is brisk for such a big vehicle and hits 60mph in just ver seven seconds while delivering decent economy of around 35mpg. Acceleration is excellent and it is a fine motorway cruiser, with little noise intruding into the cabin.

 All-wheel-drive versions also offer Snow mode, which adapts the operation of the ABS, ASR and ACC (if fitted) systems, as well as the engine management and electronically controlled, all-wheel, multiplate clutch to slippery road conditions.

 Handling also decent for this type of model, with little body roll, while the ride adapts well to road or rougher terrain.

If not quite a full fat go anywhere 4×4, the VW group’s offroad capability is already well established and should prove more than capable of handling all but the roughest of terrains.

Factfile

Kodiaq Sportline 2.0 TSI 190 PS 4×4 DSG

Price: £44,330

Mechanical: 1,968cc, 190PS four cylinder petrol engine driving all wheels via seven-speed DSG auto gearbox

Max speed: 132mph

0-62mph: 7.8 seconds

Combined mpg: 35.1

Insurance group: 18E

CO2 emissions: 185g/km

BiK rating: 34%

Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles

Motoring

MX-5 leads Mazda charge

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Car maker unveils models facelift

One of the most recognisable sports cars on the road will remain a key part of Mazda’s line up as it powers ahead with a raft of tweaks across its range and the prospective launch of a much anticipated new flagship, the CX-80, this year. 

And in a bold move, Mazda’s first EV production car the MX-30 has become even cheaper to buy and is offering an enticing deal for PCP customers.

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 sees the award-winning sports car receive an exterior design change for the first time since the launch of the current generation MX-5 in 2015. The subtle changes include a new LED headlight design that now incorporates the daytime running lights, while the rear LED lights have also been redesigned. Updated features include a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential for 2.0-litre models.

The engine lineup is unchanged across the  Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura model grades that include the sweet revving 1.5 litre and two-litre petrol engines.

The eight-model range features four Roadster and four RF models. 

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best two-seater sports cars on the road in terms of value and driving enjoyment. The roar from the engine with the top down and the superb handling make it a real icon in the motoring world.

  •  In addition, a completely restyled Mazda2 hybrid now features unique front and rear-end design. It is available in five trims and will have an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible multimedia system. The Homura Plus trim will include a 10.5-inch central display and panoramic sunroof.
  • There have also been styling upgrades to the 21-model CX-30 which features a new grade structure:  Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Takumi. together with infotainment upgrades.
  • The 18-model  Mazda3 range features a new grade structure across the 15 hatchback and three saloon models in the new line-up while retaining the efficient 186ps e-Skyactiv X and 122ps e-Skyactiv-G engines.

Meanwhile, the pricing move for the premium electric MX-30 sees three highly specified models with on-the-road prices reduced by over £3,000, plus 0% APR PCP offer.*

Retail customers also benefit from a free Pod Point home charger offer.

The pricing structure means a sub £200 a month cost on a 0% APR PCP that features a £6,000 deposit contribution for a limited time.

It now starts at just £27,995 for the Prime-Line, with the Exclusive-Line and Makoto priced at £29,995 and £32,395, which across all models represents a list price saving of over £3,000.

electric, MG, Motoring, Sports saloon and hatches

Stylish coupe takes on the supercars

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The MG4 XPower

MG4 XPower

By Bill McCarthy

The name MG conjures up many images. And in its centenary in 2023, the iconic and desirable sports cars took on the best in the world.

Once a prestigious British marque, it has moved through to its association and then demise with MG Rover, its rebirth under Chinese owners SAIC as a budget brand and now again producing quality cars and a model to take on the world.

The fastest growing brand and hoovering up various awards, its latest EV, the MG4 is an excellent electric car, but the X Power version is just bonkers.

It has performance that puts in the same territory as supercars like Porsche with features like launch control, track mode display and four-wheel drive. MG says is the first of the next generation of high-performance hatchbacks – and let’s not forget that seven-year warranty, providing extra peace of mind.

Just imagine, an electric car, with electrifying performance and all for under £37k.

Already a slick and stylish vehicle with its its sharp angular profile, featuring a twin aero rear spoiler, this sportier version adds  18 inch alloy wheels, orange ‘XPOWER’ brake callipers and polished trim accents.

A new innovation is Dynamic Cornering Control System which features a locking electronic differential for maximum traction and outstanding composure in a wide range of driving condition

It looks, sporty, in an understated way, but delivers enormous grunt, from the huge 435PS and 600 Nm of torque available to rocket the car to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds.

The all-wheel drive system enhances traction, stability, and safety with active braking on the inside wheels, while launch control, usually found on the likes of Porsche, is supposed to deliver enhanced  performance.

However, the car is quick enough without the counter intuitive feeling of revving the car while holding the brakes a the same time before releasing the brake for launch.

The floating 10.25″ colour touchscreen also displays the track mode data, which includes vehicle performance analysis, power distribution, speed/time, G-Force, steering angle, and throttle.

The powerful brakes also bring the car to halt from 62 in just 33.9 metres, give the game away.

The interior is just as impressive, with a premium feel and soft-touch finish that belies its low price tag. The black fabric upholstery adds to the premium feel. There is decent headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

The touchscreen is the dominant feature of the minimalist layout. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. There is also a configurable seven-inch driver display that provides real-time information.

The rotary gear selector sits on a floating central console, which also houses a wireless charging pad. The boot space is decent with 363 litres available, and it increases to a decent 1,177 litres with the split rear seats folded down.

Like all MGs it is packed with standard equipment, including 360 degree parking camera, sat nav, heated front seats and steering wheel and mobile phone Bluetooth key.

The car not only looks good but also drives well. It’s well balanced through the centrally placed, slim battery and all-wheel drive provides exceptional handling, making it feel safe and secure even on twisting country lanes at higher speeds.

The 64kWh battery is also capable of recharging at up to 135kW, meaning a charge time of only 35 minutes from 10 per cent-80 per cent using a 150kW DC rapid charger.

Safety is a key feature and the car has been awarded the full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings and offers a host of safety features including a range of airbags and stability control, with MG Pilot advanced driver assistance as standard on all models.

Factfile

  • MG4 EV X power
  • Price: £36,495
  • Mechanical: 435PS Twin electric motor all wheels rear wheels via single speed transmission
  • Max speed: 100mph
  • 0-62mph: 3.7 seconds
  • Range: 281 miles
  • CO2 emissions: 0g/km
  • BiK rating: 2%
  • Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles
Electric/hybrid, Motoring, Toyota

Toyota C-HR

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Crossover offers dramatic styling

By Bill McCarthy

Toyota’s striking mid-level crossover stands out in many ways with its sleek and dynamic shape with sharp creases, angles, high riding stance.  The vehicle has always been stylish, but now the profile is even more dramatic and now features a unique coupe-like silhouette, larger alloy 18-inch alloy wheels and a shortened ‘hammerhead’ frontal design.

If you like gizmos such as flush-fitting door handles, then it has them and it also features full LED headlights with integrated turn indicators and in case you missed it, the model name is integrated into the rear light bar and is illuminated as you start up or switch off.

 Toyota makes much of it being ‘customer-centred’ and includes premium features such as ambient lighting with 64 colour options and a panoramic roof that requires no sunshade  and rear privacy glass.

The cabin feels light and airy robust, high-quality fixtures and fittings and a piano black plastic finish. There are neat chrome finishes and blue strips throughout the cabin to emphasise the car’s eco-friendly nature.

In practical terms, a reasonably spacious 388 litre boot will accommodate most needs.

The line-up includes the latest two litre plug-in hybrid which joins the 1.8 and 2.0-litre models, powered by the fifth generation Toyota full hybrid electric system.  This system delivers a stronger combination of power and efficiency. 

The 1.8 HEV system driven here, boasts an ultra-efficient engine and delivers a powerful total output of 138bhp. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre hybrid offers an even more engaging driving experience with its higher output of 195bhp.

The electric motor is always in operation and the petrol engine kicks in at any speed, depending on the battery charge and driving conditions. You can monitor your driving performance using the myriad dials and readouts on the 12.3-inch touchscreen, which also controls smartphone connectivity, sound system, and cloud-based navigation. 

A 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display in the binnacle delivers instant information to the driver.

On the road, performance is brisk with the petrol/electric combination delivering decent pace and excellent fuel economy. It accelerates to 60mph in just over 10 seconds, a second quicker than it previous incarnation and the claimed economy of nearly 60mpg, with careful driving, was not far off the mark.

Designed with the European market in its sights, the ride is comfortable with the suspension working efficiently to iron out all but the worst of the lumps and bumps our dismal roads have to offer.

Handling is also decent enough, it’s no performance car after all, but it feels stable with responsive steering.

All models are well-equipped, even the entry-level version, with 17-inch alloy wheels, powered/folding door mirrors with auto-folding function, smart entry, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic wipers.

 Move up the grades and the creature comforts expand, with the likes of a climate control system that incorporates nanoe-X air quality technology to combat viruses, bacteria and odours in the cabin.

 Other advanced features include Toyota Safety Sense, which alerts drivers to potential crashes and provides assistance like autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. 

Also featured are lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, auto full-beam headlights, blind spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, and lane change assistance.

Factfile

  • Toyota C-HR Dynamic Hybrid 1.8 CVT
  • Price: £34,685
  • Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,798cc, 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via e-CVT transmission
  • Max speed: 106mph
  • 0-62mph: 10.2 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 58.5
  • Insurance group: 20E
  • CO2 emissions: 108g/km
  • BiK rating: 26%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
Motoring

Townstar at another level

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Nissan Townstar

By Bill McCarthy

The image of the traditional white van  has been transformed over the years, with a focus on improving the vehicle’s style, comfort, and performance.

The stereotypical van driver image has also moved on. Hasn’t it? Maybe. But the image of the van certainly has.

Okay, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, the van will always be a workhorse. But like its more glamorous saloon/SUV/crossover cousins, the stylists have been earning their money.

So too have the marketing people with comfort and performance now important factors. The Townstar an excellent example, having won numerous awards since replacing the popular e-NV200 van.

It seems from Nissan’s point of view that the days of the diesel are over with the Townstar available only with either a petrol or electric powertrain,

There are two wheelbases, the L1 driven and here and the longer L2.

Both have a spacious load space of 3.3m3 (L1) or 4.3m3 (L2), and a payload capacity of between 600 and 800kg and a maximum braked towing capacity of a class leading 1,500kg. The cabin is protected by a full width bulkhead.

Access is via wide-opening 180-degree double doors to the rear with a low loading lip and a pair of sliding doors on the side of the van making access a real doddle.

Securing boxes, pallets, furniture or any  equipment is aided by multiple harness points.

Rapidly entering and leaving a vehicle is ever more important for delivery drivers and the Townstar’s ergonomic design allows for excellent entry and egress while on the move.

The electric powertrain features a 45Kwh battery, connected to a 122hp electric motor, supplemented by intelligent energy management and battery thermal cooling technology to optimise its performance.

This means a class-challenging range of 183 miles WLTP Combined (or up to 269 miles on the City Cycle), figures I have to say I got nowhere near, although rainy conditions at the back end of winter do not help battery life. Having said that it still outperforms the range of closest rivals.

But like all electrically powered vehicles it offers swift acceleration, important in and around town making deliveries and it does seem quicker than the 0-60mph time of 14 seconds. It offers a fairly quiet driving experience, with little of the booming you would expect from a mostly empty, enclosed space behind the driver.

Both models  are also pretty full of creature comforts and with a starting price of well over £32k, it just as well as it features technologies like Intelligent Emergency Braking, Hands-Free Parking, Intelligent Cruise Control, and surround view monitor.

The entry level Visia offers remote locking and deadlocks, air conditioning, LED front lights with daytime running light, electric, heated door mirrors, auto headlights and wipers and a DAB system with Bluetooth.

This range-topping Tekna + is pushing the £40k mark and adds climate control and heated steering wheel, front rear and side parking sensors and Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist advanced driving assistance system which, along with the camera  provides drivers with extra assistance, particularly in view of there being no rear view mirror.

The interior is comfortable with loads of head and legroom. It is dominated by and 10-inch colour central screen that includes connectivity via  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and control of the more than decent sound system. 

Charging supports both AC up to 22kW and 80kW DC CCS quick-charging allowing the battery from 15 to 80 per cent in just under 40 minutes.

It is covered by Nissan’s pan-European five-year or 100,000-mile warranty, 5-year roadside assistance, and in this case, an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty for the EV version.

Factfile

Nissan Townstar Tekna+ L1

Price: £37,345 

Mechanical: 45Kwh battery, connected to a 122hp electric motor and single step automatic transmission 

Max Speed: 139mph

0-62mph: 14 seconds 

Range: 183 miles (WLTP)

C02 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: Five years, 100,000 miles

Estate/Sport Tourer, GENESIS, Motoring, Sports saloon and hatches

Shooting star a real looker

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GENESIS G70 Shooting Brake

By Bill McCarthy

There was a time, long, long ago, when if you described an estate car as slick and chic, you would hear the flapping of white coats. Traditionally seen as barges on wheels, sorry Volvo, they were highly practical and extremely capable – but good looking? I don’t think so.

Designers have upped their game and in the case of GENESIS have produced one of the most stylish estates, or Shooting Brake if you like, on the road.
The designers have cleverly targeted their audience with trim and styles with more appeal to younger buyers and the Shooting Brake, is a prime example.

The term is supposedly from turn-of-the last century England, where it referred to a car used to transport a hunting party and its gear. “Brake” refers to a chassis that was used to break in horses.

It eventually just came to refer to early wagons in general. 

This vehicle is a premium and elegant model designed to take on German market leaders and just like them, has a significant price tag that can be quickly increased by a host of optional features. On this case over £11k worth.

It features a sleek, coupe-like profile accentuated by the signature crest grille quad lamps and the well-known Bentley-inspired winged bonnet badge.

This variant adds a dark-chrome finish for the window surrounds and front grille, with a dark tinted chrome mesh insert. It also features 19-inch alloys with red Brembo brake calipers. The rear of the vehicle is designed with a single-piece glass hatch that accommodates part of the light cluster and a “floating type” integral spoiler. 

The vehicle is a premium model with state-of-the-art technologies, quality materials, and a finish that creates a fighter jet cockpit appearance. The car is centred on a 10.5-inch HD infotainment screen and 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster that controls connectivity and navigation functions. It also operates the impressive sound system. The Genesis Connect system offers voice recognition, live updates, and smartphone integration.

The turbo-charged two-litre turbo petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox drives the rear wheels and that delivers rapid, but not stunning pace, and uninspiring fuel economy, hovering around the 30mpg mark. 

However the interior is spacious and luxurious, with a range of high-end features. Notably, it is equipped with artificial intelligence that learns about the driver and builds on existing state-of-the-art advanced autonomous driver assistance technology. 

One of the standout features is the pair of main binnacle dials that transform into cameras to show the road ahead when the indicator is activated. This feature contributes to pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Given the slick silhouette of the vehicle, boot space is not huge, with 465 litres of space, but this expands to a 1,535-litre load area with 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats offering significant stowage space.

On the road, the 245bhp engine delivers smooth acceleration and powers to 60mph in under seven seconds.

 It is also a fine motorway cruiser, just whispering along at higher speeds, with plenty of torque in reserve for acceleration and overtaking.

Drive modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes allow the driver to choose between fuel economy and sporty driving by adjusting steering, suspension, throttle, and transmission response.

The ride and handling are excellent, with tuned suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers that reduce the impact of potholes while providing agile handling for such a large car. Additionally, a mechanical limited slip differential improves handling and traction on winding roads.

Factfile

Genesis G70 Sport Shooting Brake 2.0T

Price: £41,995

Mechanical: 247PS, 1,998cc, four-cylinder petrol engine driving rear wheels via eight-speed automatic transmission

Max Speed: 146mph

0-62mph: 6.9 seconds

Combined MPG: 30.2

C02 emissions: 200g/km

Bik rating: 37%

Warranty: Five years/unlimited miles

Honda, Manufacturer

Beefed up Jazz a smart alternative

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Jazz and Jazz Crosstar MMC

Honda Jazz Crosstar

By Bill McCarthy

There are models that can sometimes appear to slip under the radar, for one reason or another. And while the excellent Jazz is pretty well known, tried and tested in the country, its muscular sibling, the Crosstar offers a significant alternative.

Both models received a makeover for 2023 with the 1.5 litre petrol e:HEV hybrid powertrain revised to generate extra power, an extra 10 kW, and efficiency.

A small SUV, it really defies that description, with Tardis like cargo space and practically in spades. It has a more rugged look than the Jazz with side skirts and rear bumper redesigned to complement its more rugged appearance,

Add to that a super-efficient full hybrid power unit showing economy of just shy of 60mpg, even more than the official figure, and you have quite a package.

 Include the bells and whistles which give this range topper  a genuine premium feel and at a shade over £28k, and given the cost of new cars and the kit on offer, it seems a reasonable price.

It looks pretty good as well, sitting higher off the ground than the standard Jazz, offering integrated roof rails, revised grille and smart 16-inch alloys.

In practical terms, an impressive 304 litre capacity can be extended to a huge 1,205 litres with the rear ‘Magic” seats down. That familiar seat configuration allows for fold-flat or flip-up flexibility to boost stowage space.

The design also retains the wide tailgate opening for optimum loading together with the stepless flat floor.

 It feels roomy all around with the fuel tank moved to benefit the front seats, which allows that extra boot space.

The interior is bright and roomy with a large, raked windscreen and plenty of headroom even for taller people. 

Seats are comfortable and Honda’s heated ‘anti-fatigue’ are designed to make long journeys less tiring. 

The centre point is a nine inch touchscreen, the brains of the car, controlling Apple and Android connectivity with sat nav and infotainment. In addition, WiFi hotspots and My Honda+ app keep occupants connected while driving.

A seven-inch TFT instrument cluster also feeds real-time information to the driver, while it is packed with creature comforts like multi-function steering wheel, climate control and important additions like rear view camera and parking sensors.

On the road the engine performs admirably, offering decent pace and the previously mentioned economy. The hybrid system works via a lithium-ion battery supplying direct power to the electric propulsion motor

  • Hybrid Drive: The engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies the electric propulsion motor
  • Engine Drive: Petrol engine connects directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch.

Switching between the modes is barely noticeable with the components working together for maximum efficiency.

Honda’s CVT transmission improves with each version of the car, despite that kind of transmission not being my favourite. 

Handling is pretty decent and the car feels stable, but the suspension does jar, picking up  the worst imperfections on our shocking roads.

It also features a new transmission tunnel edging and a revised black water-repellent seat fabric, while the boot also features a rubber

Packed with safety kit, it includes an upgraded Traffic Jam Assist function with steering support from 0 km/h, reducing the burden on the driver when navigating traffic,

Honda’s SENSING technologies include: Collision Mitigation Braking System,Adaptive Cruise Contro, Road Departure Mitigation system and EBlind Spot Information: and Intelligent Speed Limiter: together with a full complement of airbags, 

For those wishing to tow, a payload of 500kg is impressive, adding to what is already a practical motor. The Jazz never fails to impress and this version is no different.

FAST FACTS 

Jazz Crosstar Advance 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid

 Price: £28,010 

Mechanical: 1598cc, 107PS, petrol hybrid engine with single step CVT transmission 

Max Speed: 108mph 

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds 

Economy: 58.9 mpg (WLTP)
C02 emissions: 108g/km

Insurance: 19

Warranty: 3 years, 90,000 miles

Motoring news
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New electric vehicle charging points launched in Yorkshire’s National Parks

New electric vehicle charger-points have been installed across Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks to support zero emission car journeys whilst driving.
They are funded by BMW UK as part of its Recharge in Nature partnership with National Parks UK
Through this partnership, BMW UK is also supporting North York Moors National Park to develop outdoor volunteering programmes for families and young adults
Twelve of the new EV charge-points have been installed in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, at the Malham National Park Visitor Centre; the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes; and Grassington National Park Visitor Centre.

Meanwhile in the North York Moors, six chargers can be found at Sutton Bank National Park Centre, with an additional six chargers set to be installed at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.
The UK has nearly 54,000 public charging points but one third of these are currently in London. [2] With 93 million visits [3] to the UK’s National Parks made by car each year, this enhancement of the network throughout National Parks, supported by BMW, means more travel options for those choosing to drive.

Alongside the installation of EV chargers throughout all National Parks, the Recharge in Nature partnership is also supporting community impact and nature restoration projects unique to the individual National Parks. The North York Moors National Park is using BMW funding to support outdoor volunteering programmes for families and young adults.

The goal is to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of those volunteering and establish a community of committed conservationists. An important aspect of this is also ensuring young people have a say in the National Park’s decision-making processes.

Heather McNiff, Head of Outdoor Learning and Engagement at the North York Moors National Park, said: “Historically we have lots of very young volunteers, as well as people aged over 40, but we’ve struggled to engage individuals that fall between those age brackets.

” Thanks to BMW UK’s funding we’re able to support ‘Youth Plus’, which provides more opportunities for those aged 16 and over to engage with volunteering in the National Park. We’re passionate that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and so BMW’s funding also supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with additional accessibility requirements to access the National Park and its volunteering programmes.”

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