Autoesque

Black Badge models have been successful in attracting a different type of customer to Rolls-Royce. Often younger than might be expected, they want their cars to combine luxury with dynamics and performance. In fact, over a quarter of worldwide Rolls-Royce orders are now configured to Black Badge specification.

With the new Sustaineer concept van, Mercedes-Benz wants to demonstrate how current technologies could be used to minimise the impact that ‘last-mile’ delivery vehicles have on the environment.

Honda’s latest touring motorcycle is the NT1100. It takes the steel frame and twin-cylinder engine from the CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure bike, then combines them with aerodynamic bodywork and a suspension set-up that’s optimised for on-road use.

Toyota is still the world’s most valuable automotive brand, according to the latest Best Global Brands study by Interbrand.

A change to the Citroën C3 supermini line-up has seen the mid-range Shine trim grade permanently replaced by the Saint James variant.

Various chassis changes just announced for the BMW M35i xDrive are intended to improve its driving dynamics and responsiveness.

Batteries might not be the best solution for the electrification of commercial vehicles, given their cost, recharging times and adverse effect on payloads. Hydrogen fuel cells are one alternative, but in many countries the necessary facilities are currently lacking.

Moscow might be considered an unusual city for a vehicle’s global launch, but that was the location chosen by Lexus to unveil the fourth-generation LX. Actually, the decision made a lot of sense, because past versions of this imposing luxury SUV were popular in Russia and across eastern Europe.

In June 2020, Ford and Volkswagen agreed to work together to produce a new range of commercial vehicles. The first model to result from that alliance – a compact van – has already been launched.

According to MG, the Marvel R Electric is a new brand flagship that boasts a premium interior and a generous level of standard equipment. However, this rebadged version of the Roewe Marvel R isn’t being built in right-hand drive form yet, so its European launch doesn’t include markets such as the UK and Ireland.

Six additional design packs have been released for the tiny Citroën Ami electric vehicle.

As its name describes, the new Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD combines an enhanced 5.2-litre V10 naturally-aspirated engine with rear-wheel drive.

Matt black paintwork and gloss black decals give the new GSX-R1000R Phantom a dark stealthy look, but some contrast is provided by a gold finish on the wheels and Showa BFF front fork.

Supply issues caused by the ongoing semiconductor shortage were largely responsible for dismal third-quarter new car registrations in the UK. In fact, 2021’s September performance – just 215,312 units – was the worst since the two-plate-change system was introduced in 1999.

Like its passenger-carrying counterpart, the Duster Commercial has received some minor styling changes and another powertrain option.

24 selected Seat dealers across the UK are now accepting orders for the brand’s new pure-electric Mó eScooter 125.

Following its unveiling in August, some technical specifications for the pure-electric Genesis GV60 have now been revealed.