Tag Archives: should

Opinion

Why UK velocity limits are complicated for pick-up drivers

Well, it is a little embarrassing. 

When I beforehand urged that each one drivers needs to be frequently reminded of their duties on the street, reader Phil Townsend wrote to recommend that I ought to not be overtaking vehicles doing 60mph on twin carriageways in my Ford Ranger Raptor as a result of its velocity restrict can be 60mph on such roads, owing to it being a light-weight business automobile.

Light business automobiles – vans and so forth – have totally different velocity limits to vehicles, as it’s possible you’ll know, and certainly as I knew. They’re the identical as vehicles for velocity limits as much as 50mph, however as for nationwide velocity restrict roads, they’re restricted to 50mph on single carriageways (not 60mph), 60mph on twin carriageways (not 70mph) after which revert to 70mph on motorways.

There are exceptions to this rule. Car-derived vans, such because the Toyota Corolla Commercial that can be at the moment on the Autocar fleet, have the identical velocity limits as vehicles. So do double-cab pick-up vans, that are classed as dual-purpose automobiles.

I don’t have the Raptor’s V5C doc, however I knew that’s what it was. Except it wasn’t. Because right here’s the factor: dual-purpose automobiles are solely such if their unladen weight is lower than 2040kg, and the Raptor’s weight of 2454kg is considerably over that.

I have to undergo the spec sheets for all the UK’s present double-cab pick-ups, as a result of I believe that not many are beneath that restrict.

On this level, it doesn’t matter that HMRC doesn’t deal with the Raptor as a van, owing to its sub-1000kg payload.

To qualify as a car-derived van, a automobile should weigh lower than 2000kg when totally loaded. So whereas the Corolla Commercial complies, the Land Rover Defender Commercial doesn’t.

Also, the velocity restrict rule for car-derived vans works just for vans spawned from vehicles, moderately than vans which have spawned passenger variations.

So the Corolla Commercial has automotive velocity limits however the Citroën Berlingo continues to be outlined as a van and due to this fact topic to decrease velocity limits (though I learn that later variants may need ‘car-derived van’ on their V5Cs, and this isn’t one thing that applies to the passenger variants anyway, so don’t fret concerning the 10mph you probably have a kind of).

This can all be fairly complicated, I believe, and is actually model-specific: Isuzu D-Maxes can qualify as dual-purpose automobiles, extra road-focused pick-ups won’t and no single-cab pick-up is allowed to.

News

Suzuki’s Just Dropped the Dates for Its 2024 Motorcycle Demo Tour

Try before you purchase: that is the mantra we should always reside by when looking for a brand new motorbike. Oftentimes, a bike will enchantment to us on paper, however as soon as we swing a leg over and go for a journey, it may depart us wanting, or on the flipside, be a bit an excessive amount of for us to deal with.

And whereas all bikes are cool in their very own proper, there’s no denying that the previous adage of “different strokes for different folks,” applies right here, too. Luckily, practically all producers are more than pleased to allow us to lovers swing a leg over their machines and take them out for a spin freed from cost.

Case in level: Suzuki, with its demo tour throughout the US.

2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring - Riding 3

2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition - Riding 2

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa twenty fifth Anniversary Edition

Scheduled for the primary half of 2024, the Hamamatsu firm is bringing all its new and returning fashions close to you, so you may simply attempt them out for yourselves.

Among the bikes on supply are the groundbreaking superbike GSX-R1000R, in addition to its smaller siblings, the GSX-R750 and GSX-R600. The all-new GSX-8R and GSX-8S parallel-twin sport and bare bike may also be obtainable for take a look at rides, and so too will the complete V-Strom vary of ADVs. Those searching for liter-class efficiency gained’t be disenchanted by the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000 GT. And after all, no Suzuki occasion can be full with out the long-lasting Hayabusa.

Check out the schedule of occasions under:

Venue Date
Savannah Motorsports Mar 15 – 16, 2024
Deland Motorsports Mar 15 – 16, 2024
Arizona Bike Week Apr 3 – 7, 2024
Kevin Powell Motorsports Apr 5 – 6, 2024
Plano Suzuki Apr 19 – May 20, 2024
Road Atlanta Apr 19 – 21, 2024
Hankster’s Motorsports May 3 – 4, 2024
The Motorcycle Mall May 3 – 4, 2024
Road America May 31 – Jun 2, 2024
 

According to Suzuki’s official website, demo journey hours are from 9:30am to five:30pm on Fridays, and 9:30am to 4:30pm on Saturdays. It additionally mentions that journey occasions could also be topic to vary because of climate situations. So be sure you examine again on Suzuki’s web site a day to 2 earlier than you head out to the demo rides.

Suzuki’s been asserting its dominance not too long ago, with the launch of a slew of recent fashions. I’m notably excited in regards to the Suzuki GSX-8R. A breath of contemporary air in Suzuki’s sportbike lineup, the 8R is proof that Suzuki isn’t one to take a seat by the wayside whereas its rivals roll out potent middleweight equipment.

Locking horns with the likes of the Yamaha YZF-R7 and Aprilia RS 660 is definitely a problem in its personal proper, not to mention competing head-to-head with these bikes within the MotoAmerica Twins Cup.

But that are you going to go for on the tour? Let us know within the feedback under. 

Cars

What Is Fuel Stabilizer & Is It Necessary For Your Engine?

The conditions the place you need to be utilizing a gasoline stabilizer are if you personal a car that you do not drive very a lot, like a collector’s car, or if you’re placing a car in storage for an prolonged interval like in the course of the winter season. Rather than with a often used automobile, the perfect situation for a gasoline stabilizer is maintaining the gasoline recent in a car that is going to be sitting unused for a very long time.

Normally, if you’re storing a car long-term, you are presupposed to fully drain out the gasoline tank so you aren’t getting any of that aforementioned evaporated crud on the internals. However, if you cannot be bothered to do that, or in any other case plan on driving the car sporadically, gasoline stabilizer eliminates the necessity for tank draining by simply stopping evaporation from occurring within the first place. Just understand that completely different stabilizer manufacturers have completely different shelf lives; many can hold a tank recent for as much as a yr, however you must learn the model’s instructions simply to make certain.

Featured

Skoda Sub-4m SUV Naming Contest Introduced, To Go On Sale By March 2025

The SUV’s title ought to start with and finish with ‘K’ and ‘Q’ respectively, following Skoda’s regular SUV-naming model

Skoda sub-4m SUV naming contest

  • Entries for the competition may be submitted until April 12, 2024.

  • One winner stands an opportunity to win the brand new SUV, whereas as much as 10 fortunate winners can win a visit to Prague.

  • Naming model must be according to Skoda’s different SUVs just like the Kodiaq, Kushaq and Karoq.

  • Skoda’s shortlisted names embrace Kwiq, Kylaq and Kyroq.

  • Prices for Skoda sub-4m SUV might begin from Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

It was not too long ago confirmed that there can be a brand new made-in-India Skoda sub-4m SUV set to enter the market by March 2025. However, the title for this new providing is but to be determined and the Czech carmaker has opened this course of to the followers as effectively. It has rolled out a naming contest that’s open to everybody to submit their entries suggesting a reputation of the brand new Skoda SUV.

Details Of The Contest

A few circumstances for the brand new title are that it ought to start with the letter ‘K’ and finish with ‘Q,’ and it ought to be a 1 or 2 syllable phrase solely. Entries are open now and may be submitted until April 12, 2024 from the official contest website, or by utilizing the hashtag #NameYourSkoda on its official social media handles. One winner stands an opportunity to win the brand new Skoda SUV, whereas 10 fortunate winners can win a visit with Skoda to Prague.

Skoda has additionally shortlisted a number of names for its upcoming sub-4m SUV, that are detailed beneath with their meanings:

  • Skoda Kariq (crafted to encourage)- Derived from the Hindi phrase ‘Kaarigar’

  • Skoda Kwiq (energy and intelligence in concord)- Derived from the English phrase ‘Quick’

  • Skoda Kylaq (timeless class)- Derived from the Sanskrit phrase ‘Kailasa’

  • Skoda Kymaq (treasured such as you)- Derived from the Hawaiian phrase ‘Kaimana’

  • Skoda Kyroq (constructed to rule)- Derived from the Greek phrase ‘Kyrios’

Also Check Out: Priya Mani Raj Of ‘The Family Man’ Series Buys A Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV

In Line With Its Naming Style

Skoda Kushaq

The carmaker has been following this nomenclature sample for some time now and already has SUVs whose names start and finish with ‘K’ and ‘Q’ respectively, such because the Kushaq, Kodiaq, and Karoq.

A Brief Of The New SUV

Kushaq’s 10-inch touchscreen picture used for reference functions solely

The yet-to-be-named SUV can be primarily based on the identical MQB-A0-IN platform because the Kushaq compact SUV however it is going to be resized to swimsuit the sub-4m section guidelines. We anticipate it to be a well-equipped providing, sporting an enormous touchscreen, a sunroof, and a digital driver show.

As it is going to be underpinned by the Kushaq’s MQB-A0-IN platform, which has a 5-star ranking within the Global NCAP crash exams, we anticipate comparable ranges of safety from the brand new SUV too. Expected security tech contains six airbags, digital stability management (ESC) and a tyre strain monitoring system (TPMS).

What Will Power It?

Skoda Kushaq's 1-litre turbo-petrol engine

Skoda is anticipated to supply it with the smaller 1-litre turbo-petrol engine (115 PS/ 178 Nm) from the Kushaq to cater to the tax advantages of the section. It might include each 6-speed handbook and automated transmission choices.

Expected Price And Rivals

We consider the Skoda sub-4m SUV will possible have a beginning worth of Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom). It will lock horns with the Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and the Maruti Fronx sub-4m crossover.

Featured

Mahindra Thar 5-door Spotted While Stuck In A Bit Of Slush

A contemporary spy video reveals that you must most likely plan for the 4WD variant if you wish to go off-tarmac within the 5-door Thar

Mahindra Thar 5-door Stuck In Manali

  • The check mule appears to be a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant.

  • There may very well be a number of components just like the out there traction and the situation of tyres which made it caught

  • Mahindra will supply the elongated model of the Thar with the identical 2-litre turbo-petrol and a couple of.2-litre diesel engine.

  • It is predicted to be priced from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

While there are a wholesome quantity of spy photographs of the Mahindra Thar 5-door check mules on the web, a brand new video has surfaced on-line that clearly reveals the draw back of selecting the rear-wheel-drive variant over the 4WD SUV. This check mule of the 5-door Thar was spied in Manali, the place it was struggling to drive out of a slushy path.

A post shared by Rajesh Thakur (@rajeshhimalayan)

In the video, upon nearer statement, solely the rear wheels of the check mule are seen spinning, suggesting that it could be a 4X2 (rear-wheel-drive) variant, or no less than didn’t have 4WD engaged. Consequently, there might not have been ample traction to navigate the slushy terrain. However, don’t dismiss the Thar 5-door’s off-road capabilities on this one instance. There are different components at play as properly, similar to mud that might have blended into the ice, making it tougher for the SUV to maneuver by it on common tyres that might not be one of the best for the slippery terrain.

There are different a number of components as properly, like driver’s talent and the situation of the tyres which have been used on the check mule. 

More About Upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door

5-door Mahindra Thar Cabin

The Mahindra Thar 5-door will use the identical engine choices as its 3-door counterpart, together with a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a couple of.2-litre diesel engine, however in increased states of tune. Both engines might be mated to both a 6-speed handbook transmission or a 6-speed automated transmission, and identical to that common Thar, the 5-door model will include the selection of each 4-wheel-drive (4WD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain. 

Also Check Out: Force Gurkha 5-door Looks Ready For Launch In Latest Set Of Spy Shots

More Features Over Thar 3-door

5-door Mahindra Thar Spied

Mahindra will supply the 5-door model of the Thar with extra options over the 3-door model, together with an even bigger touchscreen, a ten.25-inch digital driver’s show, a single pane sunroof, rear AC vents, and an auto-dimming IRVM. For extra particulars of what the elongated Thar may supply over its common model, click here.

In phrases of security, the Thar 5-door may get six airbags, digital stability management (ESC), entrance and rear parking sensors, a rearview digicam and it may additionally get a 360-degree digicam within the increased variants. 

Expected Price & Rivals

The Mahindra Thar 5-door is predicted to be launched in India within the second half of 2024 from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. It might be an even bigger various to the Maruti Jimny, whereas it’s going to additionally rival the 5-door version of the Force Gurkha.

Read More on : Thar Automatic

Featured

Top-spec Hyundai Exter Vs Base-spec Tata Punch EV: Which Micro SUV Is Right For You?

Both have an identical on-road worth. So must you select the Tata EV over the Hyundai ICE?

Top-spec Hyundai Exter vs Base-spec Tata Punch EV

The Hyundai Exter entered the market final yr because the prime rival to the Tata Punch, and supplied extra when it comes to design, cabin, and options than the Tata micro-SUV, that too on the similar worth. Since then, Tata has been introducing updates to the Punch to attempt to keep forward of the competitors. Now, Tata launched the Punch EV, the beginning worth of which is in the identical ballpark as the worth of Exter’s top-spec variant. 

Also Read: Tata Has Rolled Out 6 Lakh Units Of The Nexon SUV

If you’re contemplating a brand new micro-SUV priced round Rs 10-11 lakh, must you think about going electrical with the base-spec Tata Punch EV over one thing just like the top-spec Hyundai Exter as an alternative? Before attending to the comparability, let’s take a look on the variants and their worth:

Price

Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT

Tata Punch EV Smart

Ex-showroom Price

Rs 10.28 lakh

Rs 10.99 lakh

On Road Price (Delhi)

Rs 11.92 lakh

Rs 11.54 lakh

Both variants of those vehicles fall beneath the identical worth bracket. While the ex-showroom worth of the Punch EV is greater than the Exter, its on-road worth is much less because of the decrease taxes on electrical vehicles. Now let’s see what these fashions have to supply when it comes to design.

Design

Top-spec Hyundai Exter

Both fashions have their particular person design languages. The Exter carries a squarish rugged look with premium design components, whereas the Punch EV has a contemporary design that defines its electrical automobile nature.

Also See: Leaked: 2024 Hyundai Creta N Line Undisguised Spy Shots Surface Online

Here, the top-spec Exter provides LED projector headlights, LED tail lights and LED DRLs. It additionally will get 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, black bumpers, silver skid plate and dual-tone color choices. 

Base-spec Tata Punch EV

The base-spec Punch EV alternatively, additionally will get LED headlights and DRLs, together with LED tail lights. But it solely will get 15-inch metal wheels with wheel covers, body-coloured bumpers and misses out on the roof rails and dual-tone shades.

Interior

Top-spec Hyundai Exter Cabin

The Exter comes with a number of dual-tone themes primarily based on the color choices. It will get semi-leatherette upholstery and leather-based components on the steering wheel and drive selector. 

Base-spec Tata Punch EV Cabin

The base-spec Punch EV comes with full material upholstery in a dual-tone black and white cabin. Here, it options Tata’s new two-spoke steering wheel with a backlit brand, however doesn’t get any leather-based or chrome components. 

Features

Top-spec Hyundai Exter Screens

There is little doubt which automotive has extra options for this worth. The top-spec Exter is extra feature-rich in each sense. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wired Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital driver’s show, automated local weather management, a single-pane sunroof, rain-sensing wipers and a dual-camera dashcam setup.

Base-spec Tata Punch EV Climate Control Panel

The base-spec Punch EV will not be as well-equipped, and comes with automated local weather management (with contact controls), a built-in air air purifier, a semi-digital driver’s show, multi-mode regenerative braking, and a height-adjustable driver seat. There is not any infotainment system in any respect, which is an enormous miss for this price ticket. 

Top-spec Tata Punch EV Touchscreen

However, within the high variants, the Punch EV provides twin 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and driver’s show, wi-fi charging, linked LED DRLs with animated sequences, 16-inch alloys, and ventilated entrance seats.

Safety

Top-spec Hyundai Exter Rearview Camera

In phrases of security, each vehicles are properly outfitted. The top-spec Exter comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, digital stability management (ESC), hill maintain help, a tyre stress monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors, rearview digicam, seat belt reminders for all passengers, and ISOFIX baby seat anchors.

Base-spec Tata Punch EV Airbag

The base-spec Punch EV will get the identical security options because the top-spec Exter apart from a rearview digicam and seat belt reminders for all passengers. Higher variants of the Tata electrical micro-SUV additionally get a 360-degree digicam.

Powertrain

Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT

Base-spec Tata Punch EV Smart

Engine

1.2-litre petrol

Battery pack

25 kWh

Power

83 PS

Power

82 PS

Torque

114 Nm

Torque

114 Nm

Claimed Mileage

19.2 kmpl (AMT)

Claimed Range

315 km

Both these vehicles are totally different when it comes to their powertrains, however provide comparable output efficiency and the comfort of two-pedal driving. One factor must be famous right here, that whereas the ability figures of each fashions are the identical, the Punch EV, being an electrical mannequin, provides higher preliminary acceleration. 

Based on the gasoline tank capability of the Exter, it ought to will let you simply journey over 500 km between refills. Meanwhile, the base-spec Punch EV solely comes with a 3.3kW AC charger which takes 9.4 hours to cost from 10 to one hundred pc. However, it does assist 50kW quick charging that may high the battery from 10 to 80 % in 56 minutes.

Verdict

Top-spec Hyundai Exter

Given the worth of each these fashions, shopping for the top-spec Hyundai Exter makes extra sense than going for the base-spec Tata Punch EV. You get extra options, higher security and a extra premium cabin with the top-spec Exter. 

Base-spec Tata Punch EV

However, should you’re searching for decrease working prices and also you solely intend to make use of the automotive inside the metropolis with easy accessibility to a charging station, you’ll be able to think about going electrical with the base-spec Punch EV and improve the cabin over time with aftermarket equipment.

Read More on : Hyundai Exter AMT

Cars

This Dash-Mounted Nintendo Game Boy Speedometer Is A Sight To Behold

We ought to level out that you just will be unable to play any video games on the Game Boy as soon as Zaku Mods is finished turning right into a speedometer. The transformation little doubt requires the elimination of the system’s 8-bit guts to make room for the block quantity counter, wires, and processors that work in tandem with the car’s current speedometer. So as soon as the transformation is full, you are left with a Game Boy shell wrapped round a functioning speedometer.

Yes, it is extremely doubtless your automotive already has a useful speedometer. Given that redundancy and the system’s lack of playability, a couple of naysayers popped into the feedback part of Zaku Mods’ Instagram submit to query the sensible want for a Game Boy speedometer, and it is simple to see their level. But who cares about practicality when cool is on the desk, proper? If the nostalgic cool issue is all you are in search of within the Zaku Mods’ Game Boy speedometer, it is possibly the best re-design it has executed up to now. That’s true even whether it is noticeably cumbersome as soon as mounted to the sprint.

Cool issue apart, in case you do process Zaku Mods with re-purposing a Game Boy to your automotive, you may nonetheless want to determine methods to connect it to your automotive’s speedometer. Some apparent security considerations might also should be addressed because it’s unclear how correct the re-purposed speedometer is. And no one desires to get caught explaining a Game Boy speedometer to a police officer who’s busy writing them a dashing ticket.

Motorsport

Ram Recalls 142K Trucks Because Turn Signals Could Activate High Beam Lights

Vehicle recollects are at all times a critical matter as a result of security ought to be the highest precedence. That mentioned, some recollects are extra critical than others. If we’re being sincere, high-beam lights activating through the use of a flip sign is not the worst factor on this planet. Actually, it feels like one thing James May would do to Clarkson in a basic Top Gear bit.

But this recall is not a joke. Ram is recalling 142,150 pickup vans as a result of turning left or proper simply may flip these headlights to full shiny. A malfunctioning module within the steering column is the offender, and may be answerable for stopping the flip alerts from robotically shutting off. The inconvenience to the driving force is a blue indicator on the dashboard denoting the excessive beams are on. Folks approaching the truck, nevertheless, is likely to be a tad upset over the non permanent blindness brought on by eyeball-searing headlights.


Smartphones

The iPhone Safari Change You Can Make If You Don’t Like Where The Address Bar Is

If you’re thinking of changing Safari’s address bar location, it’s worth considering that leaving it at the bottom allows you to swipe between tabs, which can be quite convenient. However, if you still want to change it, here’s how to do so on iOS 17:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Safari.
  3. Find the Tabs section.
  4. Tap Single Tab to move the address bar to the top.

If you change your mind, you can always go back to that section and tap Tab Bar.

For iPhone users with iOS 16, the steps will be slightly different:

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Tap the AA button on the address bar to reveal an options menu.
  3. Choose Show Top Address Bar.

Once again, if you change your mind, simply tap the AA button on the address bar and select Show Bottom Tab Bar to revert to the tab bar at the bottom and disable the top address bar.