Revamped Hyundai Ioniq gets electric range boost

Hyundai Motor is launching connectivity and design enhancements for the new Ioniq. As of its launch in 2016, the Ioniq was the world’s first car planned from the start to offer three electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric. The Ioniq now gets added technological features and a refreshed look

New Land Rover Defender enters final phase of testing

Land Rover has announced plans for the new Defender to complete a final phase of field testing with the Tusk Trust, on location in Kenya. The prototype will tow heavy loads, wade through rivers and carry supplies across unforgiving terrain in a series of real-world trials at the 14,000-hectare reserve.

Vauxhall unveils new UK-built Vivaro van

Vauxhall has celebrated its return to the CV Show with the world premiere of the all-new British-built Vivaro van. The Luton-built Vivaro is shown in both panel van and doublecab body styles.“ As the UK’s largest CV manufacturer celebrating its 90th year of van production, we’re proud to present a new Vivaro model that not only has class-leading credentials, but also secures the future of our Luton workforce for many years to come,” said Stephen Norman, Vauxhall’s Group Managing Director.

Vauxhall readies next Corsa – including electric model – for summer launch

Vauxhall’s all-new fifth generation Corsa is close to the end of development, “primed to become the most efficient Corsa ever after undergoing extensive testing and tuning”. The company says its engineers have used the long polar winters in Swedish Lapland for intensive testing on frozen lakes and on snow-covered roads. Pre-production cars have been lapping the test tracks at the test centre for handling tuning, and the car has undergone electrical tests in the laboratory.

Volkswagen tests the electric ID. R at the Nürburgring

One day after the world premiere for the new ID. R at the Nürburgring, Romain Dumas drove the first test laps on the circuit’s Nordschleife in the fully electric race car. On the 20.832-kilometre-long (12.94 miles) circuit, the Frenchman completed an extensive testing programme, driving two alternative ID. R chassis to make optimal use of the available time. In doing so, Volkswagen Motorsport began the final preparation phase for the attempt to set a new lap record for electric vehicles on the tradition-steeped track in the Eifel with the 500 kW (671 bhp) race car.