What Is the Dacia Striker? The Striker is a new C‑segment crossover from Dacia , blending aspects of an estate car, hatchback and SUV. It sits above models like the Sandero and Jogger in size, with a sleek aerodynamic silhouette, raised ride height and rugged cladding giving it a distinctive road presence. Its name is inspired by the idea of “hitting the mark” , reflecting its bold, practical character. Engine & Powertrain Options Dacia has confirmed a multi‑powertrain strategy for the Striker, although precise UK line‑ups and outputs are yet to be fully published. Here’s what’s expected: Hybrid Powertrains Self‑charging hybrid: Likely a 1.8‑litre hybrid unit (similar to what Dacia offers in the Duster and Bigster), with around 155 hp , automatic transmission and strong fuel economy (≈60 mpg+ anticipated). Hybrid 4×4 variant: A hybrid version with all‑wheel‑drive capability is planned, offering extra traction though technical details are still ...

Meet the Kia PV5 A Modern Electric People Mover The Kia PV5 represents Kia’s innovative step into purpose‑built electric vehicles (PBVs). Designed as a versatile passenger van with roomy interiors and smart electric performance, it’s tailored for families, businesses, and adventurous travellers alike. What sets it apart is its blend of practicality, efficiency, and contemporary EV tech all wrapped up in a stylish and customizable package. Power & Performance: The “Engine” Options Although the PV5 doesn’t have a traditional combustion engine, it offers two key electric powertrain options that essentially act as its “engine” variants: Battery & Motor Specs Standard Range (SR) Battery: 51.5 kWh Li‑ion Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) Output: ~89 kW (~120 hp) Torque: 250 Nm Range: ~295 km (WLTP) great for daily city and suburban use. Long Range (LR) Battery: 71.2 kWh Li‑ion Motor: PMSM Output...

Everything You Need to Know About the BYD Seal 6 Engines, Trims, Colours & More The BYD Seal 6 is turning heads in the midsize car market with its blend of efficiency, tech, and practical design. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a tech‑savvy driver who demands comfort and functionality, the Seal 6 is worth a closer look. Let’s dive into what makes this model stand out. Engine Options & Powertrain One of the key highlights of the BYD Seal 6 is its plug‑in hybrid powertrain part of BYD’s popular DM‑i (Dual Mode intelligent) system that pairs a petrol engine with electric drive for impressive economy without sacrificing performance. Here’s what you can expect under the hood: 1.5 L Plug‑In Hybrid Engine + Electric Motor This efficient combo delivers strong overall performance in everyday driving, with figures around 184 PS (≈135 kW) in base versions and up to 212 PS (≈156 kW) in higher‑output setups, based on different battery options. ...

Driver at Risk with New Parking Scam: The Hidden Danger of Scanning Codes to Pay In the modern age of convenience, drivers have come to rely on technology to make everyday tasks easier from navigation to contactless parking payments. But a growing wave of fraudsters are now turning that very convenience against motorists, exploiting QR codes and digital payment methods to con unsuspecting drivers out of money and personal data. This isn’t some fringe cybercrime it’s a burgeoning scam that’s hitting towns and cities across the UK and beyond. The Scam Mechanics: How It Works At first glance, the scam seems innocuous: you park your car, pull out your phone, and scan a QR code that appears to be the official way to pay for your parking. In many areas, QR codes are indeed used legitimately by councils and private operators as a quick way to open the payment page in your browser or app. But scammers are taking advantage of this trust: Fake QR codes are being printed ...

Nissan Qashqai e‑POWER - Technology, One-Foot Driving & Full Overview The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER represents a different approach to hybrid SUVs. Instead of using the petrol engine to directly drive the wheels like most hybrids, Nissan designed a system where the electric motor alone drives the wheels , while the petrol engine acts mainly as a generator producing electricity. This creates a driving feel closer to a fully electric vehicle while still using petrol for long journeys. In this article, we’ll explore the unique one-foot driving system , engine options, trim levels, colours, and why this hybrid SUV has become so popular. A Different Type of Hybrid: How e-POWER Works Unlike conventional hybrids, the Qashqai e-POWER uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that generates electricity rather than directly powering the wheels. The electricity feeds a 190 hp electric motor which actually drives the car. Key advantages of this setup include: ...

The Hidden Secrets of Your Car Key: The Valet Key in the Fob & the Door Lock Under the Handle Cover Modern cars look sleek, seamless, and almost keyless but beneath that smooth design are clever mechanical backups many drivers don’t even know exist. Two of the most overlooked features are: The hidden valet key inside your key fob The concealed physical door lock hidden under a handle cover If you’ve ever faced a dead key fob battery or a locked car with no electronic response, these hidden features can save your day. Let’s uncover how they work and why they still matter in a push-button world. The Hidden Valet Key Inside Your Key Fob Most modern vehicles from brands like Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford include a mechanical key blade hidden inside the electronic fob . Why Is It Hidden? Today’s vehicles rely heavily on: Remote locking/unlocking Push-button start systems Passive keyless entry Because of this,...

How to Use Baking Soda for Car Battery Corrosion: A Complete UK Guide Car maintenance can be expensive and time-consuming, but some simple household items can help extend the life of your vehicle. One of the most effective and inexpensive solutions for tackling battery corrosion is baking soda. In the UK, where cold weather and high humidity can exacerbate battery problems, understanding how to safely clean your car battery is essential. ELECTRICAL SAFETY WARNING Vehicle batteries and electrical systems can cause burns, sparks, short circuits or damage to vehicle electronics if handled incorrectly. Wear appropriate eye and hand protection, keep sparks and flames away from the battery, and follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. If you are unsure, consult a qualified mechanic. What Is Car Battery Corrosion? Car battery corrosion appears as a white, green, or bluish powder around the battery terminals. This buildup occurs when the acidic battery fluid reacts...

In Some Cars, a Long Press of the Lock Button Closes Sunroof and Windows: A Modern Convenience In today’s automotive world, convenience and technology go hand in hand. One feature that often goes unnoticed by many drivers in the UK, yet offers remarkable practicality, is the ability to close all sunroofs and windows with a long press of the car’s lock button . While seemingly minor, this function combines safety, comfort, and cutting-edge engineering, reflecting the modern car’s evolution from simple transport to intelligent companion. How the Feature Works Most modern vehicles equipped with power windows and sunroofs allow remote operation via the key fob. Typically, a short press of the lock button simply locks the doors, but a long press usually holding the button for 2–5 seconds activates the closure of all windows and the sunroof automatically. Here’s the breakdown: Press the lock button on your key fob. Hold it down for the duration specified in y...

Understanding Your Fuel Gauge: How the Arrow Shows Which Side Your Tank Is On Driving in the UK comes with its unique set of challenges, from navigating narrow country lanes to mastering roundabouts. One subtle but vital feature in your car that often goes unnoticed until it matters is the humble fuel gauge. Beyond just showing whether your tank is full or empty, most modern cars include a small but incredibly useful detail: an arrow next to the fuel pump icon. This arrow tells you which side of the vehicle your fuel tank is on. Why the Fuel Gauge Arrow Matters Imagine you’re driving through the countryside, enjoying a scenic route, and suddenly your fuel warning light comes on. You pull up at the nearest petrol station, only to realise the filler cap is on the opposite side. It’s a small inconvenience, but in certain situations like a tight forecourt or heavy traffic it can be frustrating. That tiny arrow, usually pointing left or right, eliminates this guesswork. ...

Tighten Fuel Cap Until It Clicks: Why This Simple Step Matters One of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance is something as seemingly trivial as your fuel cap. Yet, that small piece of plastic plays a vital role in your vehicle’s performance, emissions control, and even your wallet. If you’ve ever seen your check engine light suddenly illuminate after a fuel stop, the culprit may not be a major engine issue it could simply be your fuel cap. The Role of the Fuel Cap in Your Vehicle Your vehicle’s fuel system is more than just a tank and a pump. Modern cars are equipped with evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. The fuel cap seals the fuel tank and maintains pressure within the system. When the cap is loose or improperly sealed, it allows vapors to leak, which can trigger the check engine light . Even a small leak like a cap that isn’t tightened properly can throw off the fuel system p...