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Double blow for drivers as fuel prices rocket and government hint at duty rise

Posted on by Karl — No Comments ↓

You’ll have all noticed the relentless increase in fuel prices over the last couple of months. In fact, this week marks the 10th consecutive week that fuel prices in the UK have risen.

Don’t expect this trend to reverse soon either, with Hurricane Florence set to batter the East of Coast of America concerns over supply have already sent crude prices up 3%. Mated with the governments hint that fuel duty could be on the rise could mean dark times ahead for the UKs cash strapped motorists.

According to fuelprices.co.uk the average price of diesel is 134.2 p/l with petrol trailing closely at 131.3 p/l.  We’re not quite at the levels seen in 2012 where 140p/l was common place but we’re very quickly heading that way as you’ll see from the fuel price graph below (Source RAC Foundation).

furl prices over last 10 years uk

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Leaked internal Skoda document shows Octavia VRS MY19 changes DPF & OPF

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Leaked Skoda Octavia VRS MY19 changes

In the quest to upgrade my 2015 Skoda Octavia VRS diesel to a shiny new 245BHP petrol wagon, I have uncovered some very interesting news (thanks OvRSOC) about the new MY19 “model year 2019” changes to my favourite performance family mover.

As with every model year update, manufacturers make some subtle changes to the spec, equipment levels and sometimes even a face lift. However, a leaked internal Skoda document shows something a little more worrying for those of you interested in what will be under the hood of the new Octavia VRS range (when you can actually order a new one)

Changes to the TSI Petrol VRS MY19

The engine lineup for the petrol VRS will see all variants pushed to 245PS, as seen in the limited edition 245PS run last year. Skoda will also make standard the electronic limited slip differential (VAQ) as seen the in the special edition 245 and 230 models before it. With the extra power on tap the differential is certainly a welcome change however addition of a petrol particulate filter (to meet EU6.2 AG emissions standards) might be a little worrying for those rightly concerned about their use in diesel engines (DPF filters) within the VAG lineup. More on DPF filters here.

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VR & Electric Cars Inevitably Cross Paths

Posted on by Karl — No Comments ↓

It would be hard to argue against the idea that virtual reality and electric cars represent two of the most exciting tech developments of the current decade. Neither is actually new this decade, mind you, but they’ve certainly emerged in new and significant ways these last few years. And perhaps inevitably, they’ve started to cross paths.

This probably shouldn’t surprise us, not just because they’re two prominent technologies but because virtual reality in particular has branched out in some unexpected ways. It started out with some fairly rapid expansion through the video game ranks. While VR started with demos and app-like games, it’s now embracing new versions of major franchises that were already very popular on Xbox, PlayStation, etc. And internet casino games, which have become thoroughly integrated with mobile devices, are also starting to dip their toes into virtual reality.

If people were surprised to see virtual reality editions of Skyrim and popular online slot games though, it’s nothing to how odd it was to see other applications for VR. There are virtual fitting rooms popping up in some retail stores; there are virtual treatments for migraines and anxiety; there’s VR storytelling to take you through everything from mysterious crime scenes to Biblical tales. VR is just about everywhere – which, again, is why we shouldn’t really be surprised that it’s apparently in electric cars, in more ways than one.

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Volkswagen diesel customer forum crowd funds VW van to help spread the word over dieselgate “fix”

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Over 7300 members of the Volkswagen diesel customer forum have raised over £6,000 to purchase and sign written VW caddy van carrying a stark warnings over the so call diesel gate “fix”. 

The van will be displayed around the country to help warn other motorists and raise awareness of the issues facing owners who have suffered at the hands of VW diesel emissions cheating.

In a statement to the press, group spokesman Gareth Pritchard said, “The group believes this is good timing given that the EU has recently come out and stated that Volkswagen have yet to guarantee that the fix does not affect fixed vehicles’ performance. The group will be using the van to travel throughout the country to hopefully keep the public informed that some customers (our members) report that the “fix” has so far seen many vehicles suffer performance related issues post fix.”

The van will start it’s tour of the country in Yorkshire and will work its away around the country, spreading the truth about the VW Group’s so called “fix” which has seen thousands of owners suffering with failure of EGR values, DPFs, turbo and fuel systems.

We’ve covered the “dieselgate” scandal since the very beginning and have worked with the group to help raise awareness over the issue. We applaud the work that the Volkswagen diesel customer forum has done. Keep up the good work!

If you’re affected by the recall then please do take the time to join up and express your feelings about the issue and how its affected you. Click for The Volkswagen Diesel Customer Forum (Emissions Scandal)

Let’s hear from you!

Have you suffered at the hands of the VW emissions fix? Did you break down as a result? Let’s hear from you in the comments below.

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If you’ve found this article helpful you might also like to read our other dieselgate – VW emissions fix articles

 

 

 

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SMMT urges UK government to back new diesel technology as new car registrations fall

Posted on by Karl — 1 Comment ↓

new uk car cales smmt march 2015

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past 6 months, I’m sure you’re aware of the demonetisation of the once heralded diesel car. The government U-Turn on diesel cars combined with diesel emissions cheating by more than one manufacturer has rocked consumer confidence in which was once the nation’s favourite fuel.

Our rocky relationship with diesel combined with uncertainly over Brexit has seen new car registrations fall overall (-3.5%) with diesel cars being worst hit. 

Figures from the SMMT show that diesel sales in 2018 so far have fallen 28.2% compared with the same period last year. That’s quite a fall and very much a sign that diesel has well and truly had it’s day.

With crumbling diesel sales and fragile car sales overall the SMMT has called on government to support industry investment in all fuel technologies in order to help consumer choice and ultimately new car sales as a whole. 

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Fuel prices rocket with highest monthly rise in at least 18 years say the RAC

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filling with supermarket fuel prices petrol green pump

According to a press release from the RAC, fuel prices in the UK rose at their highest rate in May since their records began.

As of today, average fuel prices across the UK show unleaded retailing at 129.2p/l whilst diesel commands a whopping 132.4p/l – revealing the highest monthly increase in at least 18 years. For the average diesel car, that’s over £70 to fill up from empty!

Whilst fuel prices are rocketing, we’re yet to see such heights as 2012 where prices of diesel nearly topped the 150p/l mark, sending the UK into a Hypermiling frenzy.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “May was a hellish month for motorists. Sadly, they have been besieged by pump price rises for three months with nearly 9p a litre being added to petrol since the beginning of March.

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Hypermiling Tesla Model 3 breaks record with 606 miles on a single charge

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tesla-model-3-blue

In an epic showcase of Tesla’s Model 3, a hypermiling duo from the states managed an incredible 606 miles from a single charge.

The record-breaking feat saw the Model 3 embark on a 32-hour hypermiling marathon around a closed 1-mile airport loop, only stopping for toilet breaks. 

The course certainly didn’t represent “real world” conditions with speeds below par for normal roads (20-30MPH) but we’re still rather impressed with Tesla’s “budget” EV.

With battery technology improving all the time this record just might go some way to highlight whats possible from a bone stock production EV and help those still suffering from range anxiety.

Unfortunately, after the record, the Model 3 refused to charge and had to be towed away to a Tesla service centre. That’s the price you pay for progress!

** Update – We’ve just learned that due to the complete draining of the Model 3’s battery pack – a 12V battery which controls the charging process was flat – preventing it from charging ** 

Want to learn more about Hypermiling? Check out our Hypermiling Techniques page on how you can save fuel, money and help the environment.

You can also check out Sean M Mitchell’s Twitter account for info and videos from the record breakers.

 

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