Wheels and Deels

According to new figures collected by Auto Express magazine’s annual Driver Power survey, the average satisfaction rating for a car in the top 100 was a huge 88.36%, which equates to a 7% rise since the survey’s launch in 2002.
DAB digital radio in an Audi.DAB digital radio in an Audi.
DAB digital radio in an Audi.

Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief of Auto Express, said: “The UK car market is booming at the moment with over two years of consecutive growth and new car registrations up 3%, and it is no surprise given the Driver Power results. Britons are happier than ever with their cars, scoring their vehicles much more highly than in previous years.”

Skoda has done an incredible job this year, having taken the top three places with the Yeti, the Citigo and the Superb. The Yeti, which with a satisfaction rating of 92.7% just edged out the Citigo’s 92.6%, was voted easiest to drive, while the Citigo was declared the cheapest car to run.

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The best-performing British car was the MG6, assembled in Longbridge, West Midlands, which received an overall satisfaction rating of 90.9% despite having sold only a few hundred units.

The Driver Power survey asks owners to rate their vehicles on build quality, reliability, performance and more. This year, the survey received more than 50,000 responses.

Chelsea Football Club manager Jose Mourinho has been presented with a brand new Jaguar F-Type R Coupe — by two of the men responsible for building it.

Two members of Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich manufacturing team, Gary Johnson and Steven Gaut, were invited to present the car to the charismatic boss.

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Steven Gaut was given the opportunity in recognition of his exemplary contribution at Castle Bromwich, and his tireless support of local charities for whom he has raised over £60,000 in recent years. He was joined in presenting the car by Plant Quality Manager Gary Johnson.

As a Jaguar brand Ambassador, Mourinho got to personalise his new hard-top F-Type R. Spec highlights include Stratus Grey Metallic exterior paint, 20-inch Gyrodyne Black and Diamond Turned Wheels with Red brake calipers, a Panoramic Glass Roof and a 12-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System.

Speaking at the handover event, Mourinho said: “I am very proud to now own the new F-Type R Coupe. It was an honour to receive this spectacular sports car from the gentlemen responsible for building it and I would like to thank the Jaguar team at Castle Bromwich for producing such a wonderful car.”

Gaut said: “It was exciting to deliver a vehicle that I have personally had a hand in producing to Mr. Mourinho. We take immense pride in building Jaguar cars at Castle Bromwich, and this has been a special reward for producing some of the most beautiful and capable cars in the world.”

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Series production of the F-Type Coupé is now under way at the Midlands facility that also builds the convertible version.

Scheduled to hit the showrooms this summer, the restyled car boasts an improved interior and better vehicle dynamics that its maker believes will position the car as one of the strongest contenders in the fiercely competitive supermini market.

The Yaris follows the example of new Aygo, adopting a dramatic look that integrates a distinctive cross shape, centred on the front emblem, which separates the new-look upper and lower grilles. At the rear there are restyled light clusters fitted with LEDs.

According to Toyota, customer feedback has inspired improvements in three principal areas: a greater feeling of roominess and dynamic appeal; higher levels of perceived quality; and more choice in terms of colours and equipment.

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To back up its claims, under the skin Toyota has revised the car’s suspension to improve both comfort and handling. The engine line-up remains unchanged, with 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol and 1.4 D-4D diesel engines alongside the car’s flagship hybrid system.