#BrownCarGuy – News, Views & Reviews!
I know it feels odd to say so, but is this not the cutest Lexus you’ve ever seen? The typical styling for the luxury Japanese marque ranges from Merc-doppelganger to bullish business class or stern elegance. The LBX is almost cuddly by comparison.
Well, it’s looking more and more like Keir Starmer and the Labour Party will be taking the reins come the next election in July 2024. Even the Conservatives seem to have thrown in the towel, practically conceding defeat already. The Tories are doing so poorly that there’s chatter about them not even being the main opposition. Can you imagine? But let’s leave that circus aside and get down to what really matters: what does all this mean for us motorists?
Breaking news! The EU is set to impose hefty tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), with rates potentially reaching up to 48%. This dramatic move combines new tariffs with existing ones and is set to take effect from the 4th of July. This decision stems from the EU’s ongoing concerns over heavy subsidies provided by the Chinese government to its EV manufacturers, which is seen as giving them an unfair advantage in the global market.
Ever heard the saying, “Change is the only constant”? Well, hop into the driver’s seat of the new MG3 Hybrid with me, and let’s take a ride through the evolution of, not just this classic British brand, but automotive technology in general and our reaction to it, particularly those of us who’ve been around a while! This ride-along could force you to ponder the idea that embracing new technology is the secret to staying young and vibrant. Buckle up!
The Nissan Qashqai is one of Nissan’s biggest-selling cars in Europe and the UK. There was a new model about three years ago, with a whole new powertrain (e-power) launched in mid-2022. This 2024 model looks strikingly different, at least from the front, but surely it’s too early for a whole new model? Yup, this is a facelift designed to give the Qashqai a bolder look and align it with the style of the Ariya EV.
While on a Nissan media trip to Portugal to drive the new 2024 Qashqai (review coming very soon) we were also given a presentation on Nissan’s future plans up to 2026 and beyond, particularly in regards to drivetrains. And it’s not entirely EV as you might think. Watch the video below, or read on.
I thought I was done talking about ULEZ, but here we are again. The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London has popped back into the news, and for good reason. With the UK general election just around the corner, electioneering is in full swing, and both major parties are making big promises. But the latest from the Conservatives has really caught my attention – and not in a good way.
In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, new business models are emerging that could significantly impact our driving experience. One such development is the rise of in-car subscription services, where manufacturers like BMW are considering charging extra for features that were once standard. But how do these subscriptions compare to pay-per-mile road user charges in terms of restricting our driving freedom? During a recent press drive of the new Nissan Qashqai in Portugal, my friend and fellow motoring journalist Massimo Pini and I got deep into this controversial topic. Our conversation highlighted the growing concerns among car owners regarding these new charges. You can watch the video, or read the full article below.
Extensive tour of the 2024 London Concours at the Honourable Artillery Company. This is a must-watch for all classic car enthusiasts and features an extraordinary array of rare classics, celebrity-owned cars, and sensational supercars.
What’s a KGM? It’s actually a rebrand of the SsangYong marque, and indeed the badge remains the same. What is the Torres? A large family SUV with a capacious interior and rugged looks. More rugged if you get it as a petrol, sleeker when you opt for electric power as yes, it is available as both. But which is better? Let’s see how these two variants stack up against each other and which one might be the right fit for you.
