Tag Archives: purepetrol

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Renault Clio offers new pure-petrol option in the UK for £17,795

The new Renault Clio now has a more affordable pure-petrol engine option available in the UK. This comes after the supermini was exclusively made as a hybrid in a recent facelift.

The decision was made in response to the current cost of living crisis, which has had an impact on consumer demand for new cars throughout the market.

Renault stated in a statement to Autocar: “We are committed to achieving 100% electrification in the UK with Renault’s E-Tech electric technology, available in both fully electric and full-hybrid powertrains.

“The new Renault Clio will be launched with an E-Tech full-hybrid [143bhp] engine.

“To cater to the needs of some customers in a challenging economic climate, the new Clio will also be available with an [89bhp] TCe petrol engine.”

2023 Renault Clio interior

The hybrid powerplant consists of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors that work together to deliver 143bhp and 151lb ft of torque to the front wheels. It is only available with an automatic gearbox and offers a fuel efficiency of 67.3mpg.

On the other hand, the TCe 90 is a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 89bhp and 118lb ft of torque. It achieves a fuel efficiency of 56.5mpg.

The new petrol engine, which is shared with the Dacia Sandero and is only offered with a manual gearbox, is £3500 cheaper than the hybrid option.

As a result, prices for the Clio now start at £17,795 instead of £21,295. This makes it more affordable compared to key rivals in the supermini segment, such as the Peugeot 208 (starting from £20,610 but expected to increase with an upcoming mid-life facelift), the Hyundai i20 (£20,770), and the Vauxhall Corsa (£19,275).

2023 Renault Clio rear quarter

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New Skoda Kodiaq vRS to offer 268bhp petrol power and 4WD

Skoda is developing a high-performance vRS version of its new Kodiaq SUV, which is expected to be powered by a pure-petrol engine.

The next-generation Kodiaq will be launched with three powertrain options: pure-combustion, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. The most powerful version will feature a turbocharged petrol engine delivering 201bhp to both axles.

Although there won’t be a dedicated performance model available at launch, Skoda is actively working on a replacement for their successful first-generation hot SUV. The previous model was initially offered with a diesel engine before being updated with a petrol engine producing 242bhp, similar to the Octavia vRS.

Johannes Neft, Skoda’s technical development boss, confirmed the development of the performance SUV, stating, “We are working on it.” Insiders suggest that the positive sales of the first Kodiaq vRS have highlighted the demand for a successor, which could be introduced as early as 2024.

While Neft did not provide specific details, he stated that the new model might not necessarily utilize a plug-in hybrid powertrain. He also implied that it would likely feature a four-wheel-drive system. The most probable engine option is the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 268bhp, used in the closely related Volkswagen Tiguan and derived from the Golf GTI.

This would offer a significant power increase compared to the previous vRS model and, when combined with the traction-enhancing 4WD system, should achieve a 0-62mph time of around 5.5 seconds and a top speed near 155mph.

Interestingly, the new Kodiaq already offers an advanced Dynamic Chassis Controller system that uses twin-valve dampers to enhance cornering and stability. This feature would likely play a crucial role in a dedicated performance variant.

Like its predecessor, the new Kodiaq vRS will distinguish itself from the standard model with sporty styling elements such as unique bumpers, wheel designs, and contrasting trim. It will continue to be a niche offering as a sporty family SUV with the option of seven seats. However, Cupra, Skoda’s sister brand, has achieved success with its own high-performance crossover, the Formentor. Additionally, Volkswagen is rumored to be considering a revival of the full-performance Tiguan R.

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Top 10 cheapest electric cars

With the approaching ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is stronger than ever. In the past, the main concern with EVs was their limited range, but as technology has advanced and charging infrastructure has improved, the focus has now shifted towards affordability.

While there are many EV models available, the cost of components and rapid technological advancements have made most of them quite expensive. For example, the electric version of the Vauxhall Corsa is priced at £32,445, which is £12,820 more than the entry-level petrol Corsa.

Vauxhall is not the only brand guilty of this pricing strategy. Many manufacturers target early adopters who are willing to pay a premium for the latest and most advanced EVs. However, in order for EVs to become more commonplace, there need to be more affordable options.

Fortunately, there are some cost-effective EVs available, although they are still relatively rare. One brand, in particular, is focused on providing customers with an affordable electric experience. Here is a list of the 10 most affordable EVs currently on sale in the UK:

Cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK

10. Mazda MX-30 (£31,250)

Mazda MX30 front tracking

Mazda, known for its rotary engines, takes a different approach compared to Western manufacturers. Their first-ever electric car, the MX-30, has a relatively short range of 124 miles, which the company believes is sufficient for the average daily commute.

The MX-30 stands out with its upmarket feel, offering a surprisingly premium experience for an EV in its price range.