As dog owners know their car choice will often have to take in to account the hairiest member of the family, (no we don’t mean dad!)

So what do we look for in a car suitable for dogs?

This will depend on whereabouts in the car you put your dog, the size of your dog and how many you have.

Some dog owners don’t like hairs and mud on their upholstery so they will be looking for a car with a boot big enough to put their dogs. Other drivers will use restraints that fit to seatbelt plugs or seats, so they will probably look for cars with three seats in the back.

Convertible cars are probably a bad idea; we don’t want Fido making a run for it when you’re doing 40mph down a dual carriageway, just because he’s seen a cat. For the same reason drivers will want to look for windows that don’t open all the way down.

According to the Highway Code dogs should be restrained in a vehicle so they don’t distract drivers or injure themselves, or drivers, if you have to brake suddenly.

We’ve looked at these five vehicles from a different perspective. So which are the best cars for dogs?

Hatchback: Ford Focus

The Ford Focus a five-door hatchback is within the top five best-selling cars in the country. It has been designed with comfort and safety in mind, scoring five stars in the Euro NCAP tests.

The Focus has a boot space of 316 litres and 1148 with the back seats down and interior storage is good with large door bins, an armrest cubby up front and a good-sized glove box too.

MPV: Fiat 500L

The Fiat 500L is the five-door version of the 500, that is taller and longer than the original, with a boot space of 343-1310-litres. It has been awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, for those of you with safety in mind.

The mini MPV has an original Fiat dog guard available that separates the boot and the rear passenger seats while still being able to see the boot, allowing dogs to travel safely there. Light steering, soft suspension and raised seating position make an easy drive for both you and your dog.

Once you have decided on the ideal dog vehicle you will need to look at ways to restrain your dog as per the Highway Code regulations.

Dog seatbelts

Car safety harnesses for dogs are relatively cheap ranging from £5 to £30. They are either adjustable or sized for your dog. They simply hook on to your dog’s collar or harness like a lead and then attach to the seatbelt plug. They are perfect for keeping your dog restrained yet comfortable on the back seat whatever their size.

Dog car seats

Car seats for dogs are similar to the one’s you would find for children, they keep your dog in one place within the car. Your furry friend is able to see out of the window as you drive, designed for smaller sized dogs. These are quite niche and we have only seen them online, so you may need to search for the perfect one for your pooch. The majority of them need to be used in conjunction with a dog car harness or seat belt.

Grille/crate

A grille or crate is used in the boot of the car. Grilles range from £30 to £60 and need to be fitted to your car. They make sure your dog can’t get in to the interior of the car, while still being able to see them.

A crate is more like a cage and keeps your dog restrained in the boot; they vary in size according to how big your pet is. They can be metal, plastic or fabric and range from £20 to £160.

Last week, it was revealed that Apple might be looking to enter the automotive market. However, instead of being worried, Renault-Nissan came out and said that they saw Apple as ‘allies’ rather than enemies. Renault-Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn said he was excited about the news, rather than being scared by it. He announced:

‘It’s not about who’s going to have the bigger share of the entry market. It’s about how the companies join in promoting the electric cars.’

This commitment to open innovation, rather than greedily scrambling over patent ownership, got us thinking about what other car innovations have brought brands together for the good of society as a whole.

Check out these three HUGE automotive innovations that car manufacturers have decided to open up and share over the years.

2) Seat belts

In 1959, Nils Bohlin, and engineer at Volvo, created the world’s first three-point seat belt. The company then decided to open up its patent, so that all car manufacturers could benefit. The decision was made in the interests of safety. Volvo’s managing director Alan Dessell is quoted as saying:

‘The decision to release the three-point seat belt patent was visionary and in line with Volvo’s guiding principle of safety.’

As a result, not only did Volvo help to save lives, it also gained a reputation for being one of the safest car manufacturers in the world, which it still holds today. Volvo’s class-leading safety features can still be seen in models such as the XC90.

Makes you feel all fuzzy inside, doesn’t it? Let’s hope that the commitment to safety that helped spur car manufacturers on to share their innovations in the 1950s will continue today, as innovators in the automotive industry look towards solutions for creating a greener planet.

On 2nd March 2015 there was a reform of the drug-driving law in England and Wales. The reform now means police are able to catch and convict drug drivers more easily. It is important to acknowledge that this law is not only applicable to illegal drugs, but also prescribed or over-the-counter medicines.

Changes in the law

Changes in the law make it easier for police to convict drug drivers. As with drink-driving it is now an offence for your blood levels to be above a certain amount of the drugs listed. Alcohol levels are different in England and Wales to Scotland. This applies to sixteen legal and illegal drugs. Taking a small amount of illegal drugs could put you over the limit, as the limits are very low.

If you are over the limit

As with drink-driving the penalties for a drug-driving conviction include:

• A criminal record;
• 6 months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5000; and
• A minimum 12-month driving ban.

Further consequences include increased car insurance, job loss and problems with travelling to different countries.

The last week of February saw movie superstar, Will Smith, make his return to the silver screen in romantic dark comedy, Focus.

Contrary to what the title of the film suggests, the storyline isn’t about Ford’s popular hatchback.

The story centres on the life of career conman, Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith), his 'business' of misdirection, pick pocketing, and high-stake gambling, and his intern, Jess (Margot Robbie).

From the get-go, the film has you on the edge of your seat with its action and gripping storyline.

However, you know we’re not here to write a film critique. We’re here to talk about cars!

Throughout the film, there are glimpses of beautiful cars such as Ferraris and American ‘muscle cars’.

But the star of the show (apart from Smith or Robbie) has got to be the Peugeot RCZ.

The RCZ is the Spurgeon’s car of choice during the climax of the movie. And it’s a great choice if you ask us!

Looking gorgeous with its deep red paint job, the RCZ fits right in with Spurgeon’s lifestyle, as it speeds through the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

But what is it about the RCZ that’s so seductive?

Its low driving profile and double bubble roof sets it apart from other cars, making it instantly recognisable. Its mixture of sleek lines and curves make it very easy on the eye.

With this car, though, beauty isn’t just skin deep. There’s much more to the RCZ than it’s looks.

With great features such as a sports steering wheel and improved grip on the road, it’ll be hard to top your driving experience in the RCZ.

You can also order the car to suit your wants and needs.

As well as offering a choice of either a petrol or diesel engine, the RCZ can also come in manual or automatic transmission, ensuring your RCZ's performance and emissions meet your lifestyle.

As well as being gorgeous, sporty, and fast, Peugeot’s wonderful creation is also practical.

Other cars in the same bracket can be small and cramped inside and don’t allow for much boot space. Not the RCZ though.

With this car not only do you get a spacious boot, you also get a rear bench seat allowing for even more flexibility. Perfect when it comes to doing the weekly shop or going on staycation.

There’s so much more we could say about the RCZ but really, you need to see it to believe it.

So, what do mums look for in a car? Well we took into account safety, space, storage, fuel efficiency and any other family-friendly features such as ISOFIX fittings.

Ford Focus

(There is also an estate version for those who want more space.)

The Focus is the best selling family hatchback in the UK, so they must be doing something right. Perhaps it’s so popular because of the choice on offer, with fuel-efficient options or turbocharged for those who are interested. There are a range of petrol and diesel engines, most are efficient to run and emit less than 140g/km (with the exception of the ST). Safety is good scoring a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and ISOFIX mounts fitted in the rear.

Interior space is ideal for families with good storage in the front door bins, glove box and armrest cubby. There is 363-litres of boot space, which is not a large as some competitors’ hatchbacks but big enough for an average sized pram. For those looking for more boot space there is the Focus Estate.

The Focus Estate has the same wheelbase as the hatchback, but is 198cm longer and has a 476-litre boot and extra headroom in the rear for when the kids get big. Entry-level includes 16-inch alloys, air conditioning, DAB radio, roof rails and a tonneau cover as standard.

Renault Captur

The Captur was first debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013 and was awarded 2014’s What Car? Car of the Year for best small SUV less than £16,000. This small practical crossover has a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with the most economical being the 1.5-litre dCi diesel option with 76.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 95 g/km making it road tax exempt. Safety is good, with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating for its features such as its speed limiter, ESC, ABS and visual and audible seatbelt warnings.

The interior space is good too, with plenty of leg- and headroom up front and rear seats that slide backwards. The Captur offers good storage options with deep door pockets and a good-sized cubby in the centre console.

The boot space varies between 377 litres and 455 litres depending on rear seat positioning. There are four trim levels available in the UK, if you choose the Dynamique, at the top of the range, then you even get washable seat covers (all cars should come with this when kids are involved).

So, that was our list of top five new cars for mums. Any of the cars mentioned are suitable whether you have babies or teenage children and hopefully you found the ideal car for your family, and we helped you make the decision on your new car.

To celebrate the launch of the all-new Jeep Renegade, Arnold Clark Kemnay is bringing a selection of the excellent Jeep range down to Queens Links Leisure Park in Aberdeen.

Our Kemnay staff welcome you to head down and explore the features of the current Jeep family as well as the new addition. Pop down any time between 12 noon and 10pm on both Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th March to see the innovative new model.

Our expert staff will be on hand to give you the lowdown on the new Renegade as well as showcasing others models including the award-winning Jeep Wrangler.

If you can’t wait until then, take a look at our inside look at the new Renegade in our video below.

How does it work?

Enjoy a test drive in a brand new 15 plate or delivery mileage car from 20th–23rd March at Arnold Clark, and receive a £25 restaurant voucher.

In addition, any new car purchases will receive a FREE 2-year Service Plan up to the value of £400!

Our ‘Drive In Dine Out’ event is happening this month to coincide with the launch of the brand new 15 plate registrations hitting showrooms.

Test drives by appointment only.

Where can I spend my voucher?

These tasty giveaways can be redeemed in a range of high street food chains, including Jamie’s Italian, Nandos, Zizzi’s, Yo! Sushi and Ask Italian, among others.

What's on offer?

Some of the tasty deals on offer on brand new 15 plate and delivery mileage cars at Arnold Clark are:

• Brand new Renault Clio 1.2 Dynamique MediaNav 5dr, list price £13,495, available now from £13,402 – with 0% APR representative.
• Brand new Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Sting 3dr, list price £8995, available now from £7995 – save up to £1000.
• Brand new Fiat 500 1.2 Pop 3dr, list price £10,420, available now from £9690 – save up to £730.
• 64 plate Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 3dr, cost new £12,945, available now from £10,488 – save up to £2457.

If you’ve had your eye on a new car then this weekend is the perfect time to seal the deal!

Further information

If you’re thinking of becoming a greener motorist, there are plenty of advantages to choosing a car with a lighter carbon tread. Whether electric or hybrid, in addition to their overall economy, fuel-efficient vehicles will reduce your car tax and take you further for your budget. Green cars have come along way in the last few years and developments are expected to continue in this area of the market. Here are some of the best.

Renault Zoe

With its Gallic good looks and overall fluidity of design, the Renault Zoe best resembles the classic Clio, albeit with a minimalist twist. An R-link info screen with downloadable apps and Bluetooth, blue exterior lights and a TFT display all add to the futuristic feel. Its electric motor offers responsive acceleration and a 60bhp in Eco Mode, while its traditional gearbox will delight those who prefer manual-style controls.

Volvo V60

The Volvo V60 balances the powerful performance you would expect from a car in its class with the saintly CO2 emissions of just 49g/km that warrant a car tax break and competitive insurance prices. The hybrid model is rubbing bumpers with other, comparably economical cars in terms of fuel efficiency, offering 150 mpg and good acceleration levels before the diesel engine takes over. With a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating and roomy estate build, it’s also a viable option for the larger family on the move.

While Google is busy developing self-driving cars for our roads, Aeromobil has been developing flying cars.

Flying cars become a reality in 2014

Back in October 2014, Aeromobil released a video of their flying car in action (the official video is shown below). Of course, this got everyone very excited. Science fiction is pretty much becoming reality in the automotive industry right now.

We featured this as one of our craziest car stories of 2014, not so crazy now it’s a step closer to reality.

Aeromobil looking into self-flying cars

As if the prospect of flying cars wasn’t enough, Aeromobil thought it would just come right out and stun everyone again at South By Southwest 2015 by saying they are working on a self-flying car. I know, we can hardly believe it either.

How much would it cost?

Juraj Vaculik, co-founder and CEO of Aeromobil, announced that their self-flying cars would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, to put them in the same price bracket as supercars or sport aircraft.

So while we can all get excited about the prospect of this new technology, it will very much be the privilege of the rich and famous.

How would it work?

Aeromobil’s self-flying car concept would use much of the already existing technology used in their current Roadster model, whilst using advanced vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology. Google and many other car manufacturers are developing autonomous vehicle technologies, so Aeromobil would build upon these technologies as well.

What’s the point?

Apart from being unbelievably cool, of course, Aermobil’s long-term goal is to reduce inefficiency in journeys.

A flying car would drastically reduce the time it takes to complete what they call a ‘medium’ distance. For example, to complete a 400-mile journey, you would have to factor in getting to the airport, checking in, flight time, and making your way to your final destination.

With Aeromobil’s flying car, the journey time could be almost cut in half.

What’s holding them back?

Aeromobil needs funding. They also need the initial Roadster concept (shown below) to be successful first, before they can start investing time into developing their self-flying car concept.

When can we expect developments?

Aeromobil’s flying car will be put on the market in 2017, so we’ll just have to wait and see if it is successful before they delve further into the self-flying car concept.

George Osborne announced the 2015 financial budget today. There were many interesting points in particular the belief that the country is ‘walking tall again’ after struggling post-recession. He remained positive suggesting the economy will increase by 2.5% this year compared to a previous estimate of 2.4%.

Some of the changes suggested may not come into play until after the general election in May, and will depend on a victory by the Conservatives.

Investment in autonomous cars is welcome news after the mention of investment in the Autumn Statement last year.

Apprenticeships also received a mention, with praise from Mr Osborne. He explained there had been an increase of over 50% of apprenticeship programmes during his time as chancellor. This is good news for the motor industry where there are numerous opportunities for apprentices.

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is proud to serve the Edinburgh International Festival as Official Automotive Partner in 2015.

Since 2012, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental has been supporting the festival by providing vehicles to transport performers and displays.

This year a selection of MPVs, vans and a minibus will be handed over to organisers for the duration of the festival. This important partnership ensures the event, which has been nicknamed the greatest show on earth, runs smoothly and to schedule.

Margaret Speirs, operations manager at Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental said:

‘We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with the Edinburgh International Festival. This will be the fourth year we have worked with the festival team and are looking forward to helping deliver another excellent and high quality event. As an Edinburgh resident myself, I am especially proud for our company to be part of such an internationally renowned event which manages to remain distinctly local.’

The programme for the festival has been announced today and is looking as exciting as ever.

If you’re thinking about heading to the festival this year, why not take advantage of Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental’s great offers on car rental?

The Kia Cee’d has impressed once again by winning the Best Used Car accolade at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards.

A great car to own

Carbuyer judged the Cee'd and its competitors with their highly regarded review approach, prioritising the ownership factors that matter most. When summing up running costs, practicality, reliability, manufacturer care, style and equipment, the Cee’d came out on top.

Scoring a remarkable 4.6/5 in the road test and being praised for its value for money, smooth ride and practicality, the Cee’d thrashed some pretty tough competition.

Why the Kia Cee'd won

Editor of Carbuyer, Stuart Milne, commented on the win:

‘The Kia cee'd is more than a match for the most upmarket of brands in terms of quality, but it's the reassuring seven-year warranty that really sets it apart. The warranty, coupled with Kia's reputation for reliability makes it a brilliant and worry-free used car choice.’

Excellent features

Really, it’s no surprise that the Cee’d is getting some recognition considering it boasts excellent features including satellite navigation with European mapping, park assist, Bluetooth audio and telephone connectivity, smart key entry, reversing camera display. There’s also substantial storage and passenger space that makes for comfortable drives.

Smooth and responsive engines

Combine this with the quality diesel engines and you can definitely see Carbuyer are on to a winner. The 1.6-litre CRDi is smooth and responsive, claiming an impressive 10.4-second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 121mph. Sophisticated suspension, great handling and plenty of grip can also be expected from the Cee’d.

We are proud to announce that Arnold Clark has been awarded SEAT Dealer of the Year.

Our SEAT Linwood branch beat off stiff competition from 125 dealers to come out top, after achieving and exceeding sales targets.

John Reilly, Dealer Principal at SEAT Linwood said:

‘We are delighted to have won the title of SEAT Dealer of the Year. It is fantastic to be recognised by SEAT, and we are pleased to be part of a successful brand that is only growing stronger. These awards really motivated us to hit targets, especially in the second half of the year.’

John and his team were presented with a trophy at a special event in London, which was attended by the SEAT senior management team. Commenting on the award, Neil Williamson, Director of SEAT UK, said:

‘A big congratulations to Arnold Clark. They’ve been top of the balanced scorecard for most of the year – a really consistent performance. After working hard for their results, Arnold Clark deserves all the praise it gets.’

As well as picking up Dealer of the Year, Linwood SEAT was also awarded Sales Dealer of the Year. On top of the double award win, Arnold Clark Linwood is celebrating 20 years with SEAT.

Arnold Clark Linwood has a huge range of new and used SEAT models, including Ibiza, Leon and Alhambra. Visit SEAT Linwood to view current stock and meet the award winning team.

There are few things more disconcerting than that sudden, stomach-wrenching discovery that you've been functioning an hour behind the rest of the world. Time is, after all, precious.

This Sunday, 29th March at 1am, the clocks go will forward, spiriting away a full 60 minutes from your already hectic schedule (or plans to indulge in a lie-in). Just don’t forget to sync up your life accordingly.

Most smartphones, laptops and tablets will adjust automatically to the local time, but analogue clocks and watches will still need to be changed when you awake on Sunday morning.

One oft-neglected device that escapes the reset-dragnet is that of your car’s dashboard or radio. This can engender abject confusion if you tend to watch the clock on a lengthy commute, and may give you the impression you’re running an hour ahead of time.

If it all sounds like a bit of an inconvenience, look on the bright side – evenings will be significantly brighter. Now that the weather has improved, this signifies more time to catch up with the gardening, and better visibility for evening drives.

And if you always struggle to figure out what you’re supposed to be doing with your watch, just remember the two phrases ‘spring forward’ and ‘fall back’.

When you take those first, tentative steps towards becoming a fully-fledged driver, the importance of car maintenance is drilled into you from your provisional test. Cleanliness maintenance, however, is not given so much as a passing mention.

Here are some ideas for keeping a fresh interior. Disclaimer: follow these tips, and you might find everyone wants a lift in your perfectly pristine drive.

Set a car cleaning rota – and stick to it Just because you’re the family’s designated chauffeur, doesn’t mean you should be their valet, too. Unless you take your car off-road or into particularly muddy terrain, a once-per-month exterior wash will be more than adequate for banishing dirt. If you drive in a locale that has a lot of pollution or sea salt in the air, wash your vehicle more frequently to keep your paintwork from deteriorating, and up to once a week in those wintery months that throw slush, mud, rain and grit into the equation.

Banish clutter It’s a staggering statistic: almost a quarter of UK motorists have confessed to using their car as a permanent means of storage. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to lose that pile of magazines spilling out from the behind the seat pockets, ditch the picnic basket which has been on standby since November and dismiss the solitary, forlorn golf club abandoned in the boot. Unloading the ballast that’s weighing you down on the road will save you money in fuel costs, and an empty car is far more environmentally friendly than one bursting at the seams with useless weight. Now might even be a great time to consider getting a roof box to house all your clutter on the move, just in time for summer road trips.

Cover it up If your car is always getting caked in mud, dust or pet hair, cover up well-trafficked areas with plastic slip-on covers and disposable floor mats. Perfect for welly-specific occasions, post-football matches and rainy days, you’ll never have to call off walkies again. Even the best cars for dogs can’t repel the blanket of pet hair and dander that your furry friends leave behind, but you can shield your seats with a simple, waterproof cover, so when Fido and Spartacus are at home, it’s easy enough to fold it up and stash in the boot.

Accessorise your drive There are loads of great products designed to help you keep your car spick, span and clutter-free. If you nurture a penchant for in-car snacking, buy a cheap, collapsible bin: this will make it easier to avoid stashing sweet wrappers in the storage areas. Stow a pack of wet wipes in the glove compartment for swiping away stains before they take hold of your car upholstery and some sanitiser spray for the steering wheel. There are loads of weird and wonderful car accessories to help clean your car up and make driving more fun, but let’s not forget the final piece-de-resistance to adorn your box fresh interior: an air-freshener in your favourite scent.

Words like solid, economical, and, dare we say it – boring are all too often deployed by commentators to describe hybrid cars. But with the release of its GTE hot hatch, have Volkswagen finally unlocked the hybrid’s sporty potential?

Fusing the power of a 1.4-litre petrol-injection engine with the economy of an electric-powered motor, Volkswagen’s plug-in certainly packs serious punch for all its compact size. A choice of three different drive modes (petrol, electric and hybrid) has been given to make the most of a range of driving scenarios, but the majority of drivers will find themselves plumping for the healthy balance offered by its hybrid mode. While the GTE is only available in an automatic model, its four-cylinder engine delivers a satisfyingly-speedy driving experience, zipping from 0–62mph in just 7.6 seconds.

It’s not just feisty under the bonnet, either. The body kit is the spitting image of its fuel-dependent siblings, the petrol-powered GTI and the diesel-dependant GTD, with its sporty, streamlined aesthetic. Its point of difference, an electric blue detailing which belies its AC/DC credentials, is a lust-have visual touch.

Those who aren’t mad for plaid might be struggling with the prospect of the base model’s tartan trim, but the interior’s sleek blue hues do feel like a sophisticated choice when allied with the flashy electric blue exterior colours. If you do feel like forking over a little more, black leather seats are an indulgent extra. Stainless steel pedals continue the GTI look. There’s also Volkswagen’s dedicated car-net app, which puts the control over everything from air conditioning to charging progress comfortably back into your hands.

As expected, much of the Golf GTE’s allure lies in its fuel economy. With an indicative 156 miles to the gallon, and only 39g/km CO2 emissions, not only will you travel further for your budget, but you’ll also swerve shelling out for road tax. What’s more, if you’re planning to buy it from within the UK, you might be eligible for a plug-in car grant, which can help with the cost of your new car, up to 25% off the price, to a maximum value of a cool £5,000.

It’s already equipped with all mod cons, including a touchscreen display, but as expected of an e-car, the Golf GTE is fairly customisable. Should you wish, you can indulge your automotive whims and dabblings with keyless entry, parking assist, a rear-view camera, and even a panoramic sunroof.

First released in the UK in January, Volkswagen’s new Golf GTE promises to kick things up a gear for the hybrid car market, offering performance, power and eco-efficiency, without compromising on style. If this is the new dawn of hybrid car design, we don’t want to look back.

Arnold Clark’s in-house Digital Print Facility is responsible for kitting the business out with all of our Large Format Print. They do anything from vehicle graphics, signage, posters and point of sale at branches.

The Digital Print Facility is based in Glasgow, and supplies the Group with vehicle livery and signage for all areas of the business.

The team were asked to complete a job for ACVM that involved carrying out a full vinyl wrap to transform the vehicle from black to white, then to apply cut vinyl graphics on top.

Watch the video below to see an interview with Chris Williams, Head of Digital Print, to see how the team completed the job in just two days.

The SUV market is saturated with premium brands offering luxurious vehicles that showcase the best in new car technology and performance, such as the Volvo XC90, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Jeep Cherokee. The success of these premium rivals has always left the Kia Sorento slightly dragging its heels. However, the 2015 Sorento shows Kia is ready to blow the competition out of the water.

Interior styling

Inside is where the real magic happens, though. Practicality has been made a priority, as legroom and headroom have been increased, passenger space improved and the cargo space is more than impressive.

With the third row of seats folded flat the boot space increases from 499 litres to 605. Seat split is 40:20:40 and the middle row can be adjusted using a lever in the boot.

Soft-touch fabrics have been used for comfort, and the combination of matt and gloss plastic finishes put the Sorento’s interior on a par with that of the Santa Fe or BMW X5.

The large central screen is housed in an aluminium plastic frame, and the setup is uncluttered and easy to use.

Trims and technology

Lots of the new technology featured in the all-new Sorento is based around safety and convenience.

Kia wants to make driving easier for you. Standard technology features such as reversing sensors and cruise control help them do so. Upgraded trim levels feature some great new technologies as well, such as Adaptive Smart Cruise Control that keeps a distance between you and the car ahead, Around View Monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert to assist you when backing out of a parking space and a Smart Park Assist System which now includes reverse and parallel departure functions.

On the safety front, six airbags are standard, and new features such as Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, and ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist are available on higher trims.

The four trim levels available are:

• KX-1 (available with 6-speed manual)
• KX-2 (available with 6-speed manual or automatic)
• KX-3 (available with 6-speed manual or automatic)
• KX-4 (available with 6-speed automatic)

It’s worth jumping up to the KX-2 for the leather interior details and heated front and outer rear seats. The reversing camera linked to the touchscreen is also a nice extra.

The KX-3’s most desirable addition is the panoramic sunroof, perfect for summer days.

The range-topping KX-4 boasts a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and a 360-degree Around View Monitor and Smart Park Assist System.

Technical specifcations

Dimensions (mm):

• Overall length: 4780
• Overall width: 1890
• Overall height: 1685
• Wheelbase: 2780
• Minimum Ground Clearance: 185
• Approach Angle / Departure Angle: 16.9 / 21.0
• Headroom 1st / 2nd / 3rd: (6-speed manual) 1004 / 998 / 920, (6-speed automatic) 965 / 969 / 920
• Leg Room 1st / 2nd / 3rd: 1048 / 1000 / 805

Performance

Reverend Jonathan Fleming of Erskine Parish Church has been handed the keys to a new Renault Twizy Technic, which is entirely electric. The two-seater vehicle delivers a range of 50-60 miles in a single charge, and is environmentally friendly, with zero emissions.

Commenting on his new purchase, Reverend Fleming said: My decision to buy the Twizy was really to bring the stereotypical image of ministers riding their bikes around the parish into the 21st Century.

It also gives us the chance to do our bit for the environment, paying for battery rental instead of paying for mileage incurred. This will save our congregation in the region of £1,000 per year.

‘To many, the Church is seen as a dinosaur that does not try to move with the times. However I can assure you that there are many people in churches across Scotland, who are always willing to try new things and look to the future. Perhaps innovations such as this will show that as I silently zip around Erskine!’

David Munton, Renault franchise manager at Arnold Clark said:

We are delighted that Reverend Fleming chose to come to Arnold Clark to purchase the Renault Twizy. It really is a fantastic electric car and I know Reverend Fleming will enjoy driving it when carrying out his ministerial duties’.

The Renault Twizy can reach a top speed of 50mph, making it ideal for city and town driving. It also comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty and free road tax.

The UGRacing team proudly unveiled the car at a launch event last night, which was sponsored by Arnold Clark.

Andrew Reid, Team Principal for UGRacing said:

‘It's quite amazing to see how far the team has come. We have a really young team this year and for most, this is their first time at attempting such a complex and challenging project. To have a finished car built by the end of March is unheard of for UGRacing, but comes as no surprise to me after seeing the dedication and perseverance shown by everyone. It's been an intense six months for everyone involved, and we're incredibly excited to finally show the world what we've been working on!’

UGRacing competes in Formula Student educational motorsport competitions worldwide, which are organised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

The Formula Student competitions aim to encourage and develop talented young engineering students from universities all over the world. Students are tasked with designing and building a prototype single-seat racing car for a mock manufacturing firm.

Upon completion, industry professionals assess the prototype car, which is then raced at the Formula Student event held at Silverstone International Race Circuit.

UGRacing car specifications:

Transmission: 6-speed sequential


Engine size: 599cc



Power: 75bhp

Weight: 197kg

Top speed: 120mph

0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds

Suspension: Unequal length double a-arms – Push-rod actuated suspension


Torque: 50 Nm at 7500RPM