Category Archives: Motoring

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