Auto Express 1657

WHAT better way to sign off for Christmas than with a drive of an all-new Ford – a car that’s important not only for Britain’s biggest-selling auto brand, but also for all our motoring futures as we move through this decade. Ford is back again producing some great models these days. We’re big fans of its latest Puma and Kuga SUVs, while the Fiesta remains one of our favourite superminis, and even the Focus has won a group test this year. And it’s great to report that the new Mustang Mach-E is, in the words of John McIlroy, a cracker. I was able to have a quick spin in the car, too, and really enjoyed the range (up to 379 miles) and performance (0-62mph in as little as 3.7 seconds),…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy • Accomplished SUV will lead Ford’s charge into all-electric future • Rear and 4WD models offer up to 346bhp and 580Nm of torque LET’S start this story by putting to one side the fact that for its all-new, all electric SUV, Ford has used the nameplate of one of the world’s most famous sports cars. Because if we’re to properly establish the merits of the Mustang Mach-E, driven here for the first time, then we need to tune out all prejudices on what some say it ought to be. What it is, in the here and now, is the model on which Ford is pinning its electrification hopes – and that makes it one of 2021’s most important new cars. It’s an SUV alright – a 4.71m-long one,…

Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk @stevefowler • New role is helping to define brands, not just the look • Design team being encouraged to think big and dream • EXCLUSIVE GERRY McGovern is much more than just a car designer. His brief as Chief Creative Officer at Jaguar Land Rover is as much about the direction of the brands he’s responsible for as devising the look of some of Britain’s most stylish cars. McGovern has been heading Land Rover design since 2004, but has now been given responsibility for Jaguar, too. It’s the first big appointment by new JLR boss Thierry Bolloré and arguably the most important. Jaguar has always played second fiddle to Land Rover in terms of sales and, therefore, financial impact on the JLR business. Now’s the time for that to…

Luke_Wilkinson@dennis.co.uk @LT_Wilkinson OFFICIAL KIA has confirmed that the new plug-in hybrid Sorento will cost from £44,995 in the UK. Prices rise to £53,095 for the flagship model, with first customer deliveries due early next year. The Sorento PHEV’s powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, a 90bhp electric motor and a 13.8kWh battery, which provide a combined output of 261bhp and an electric range of 30 miles. The plug-in Sorento range mirrors that of other versions of the SUV, starting with a 2-spec model and moving up to 3 and top-spec 4. As ever on a Kia, the kit list is very generous, and every Sorento PHEV will come with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front fog lamps, all-round parking sensors, roof rails and electrically adjustable door mirrors. Buyers…

Rapid new addition to Stelvio SUV range ALFA ROMEO had added a new performance version of the Stelvio to its range, called the Veloce Ti (above). Upgrades include a unique rear bumper, tinted exterior badging, privacy glass and black window surrounds. It’s powered by a 276bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which sends drive to all four wheels. Brakes put on Uber’s self-driving project UBER is to sell its autonomous vehicle division in a move that sees one of the biggest players in the field exit the market. The ride-hailing firm has pumped millions of dollars into autonomous research over the past five years, but has come under pressure from investors to focus on the profitability of its main businesses. THE Auto Express podcast is here to take you through to…

Hugo_Griffiths@dennis.co.uk @hugo_griffiths • Calculation based on fines, legal fees, lost earnings and increased insurance • Comes as police annual drink-drive campaign is in full force A DRINK-drive conviction can cost almost £70,000 in lost earnings, court fines, increased insurance premiums and other losses, according to a new report. IAM RoadSmart, formerly the Institute of Advanced Motorists, has released its shock investigation in the run-up to Christmas, when alcohol often flows freely. The organisation’s calculations are based on a number of assumptions relating to the consequence of a drink-driving conviction, but all are feasible. Many motorists found guilty of the offence would lose their job following a criminal conviction, while others would find the automatic ban that being caught drink-driving brings would mean they would either be unable to get to…