The month of July 2024 was, as usual, a packed month of automotive goings on for the Southern Group of Motoring Writers. Here, we run through the automotive highlights from last month.
SGMW car launch watch: the Ford Capri returns and Audi numbers confusion
Of all the reveals and news that arrived last month, there was one that grabbed most of the attention: the new Ford Capri. Its arrival caused much anger amongst blue oval diehards because, you guessed it, the new Capri is now a big shiny electric coupe-SUV, because of course it is. Was Ford really bothered by the negativity? No, not really, as even negative coverage is still coverage. To reveal the return of the iconic nameplate, Ford teamed up with Premier League football legend and occasional kung-fu kick specialist Eric Cantona under the tagline ‘The Legend is Back.’ And no, we don’t understand the connection either.
Southern Group gearing up for 2024 Heritage Day
In other car launch news that didn’t make people angry, Honda showed Ford how it (possibly) should be done by teasing a new Prelude coupe, which looks rather pretty. Elsewhere, the new Fiat Grande Panda arrived with a digital front end and funky styling, giving us a severe case of ‘take my money.’
Audi also revealed the stylish looking new A5 as a replacement for the outgoing A4 line-up. Confused? Allow us to try to explain as best we can.
From 2024, Audi’s with ICE power get odd model numbers, while EVs get even model numbers. This means the gap left by the outgoing A4 Saloon and Avant has been filled by the new A5 Saloon and Avant, while the old five-door A5 Sportback coupe, two-door coupe, and convertible models are no more. It’s a similar story with the S4, which is being replaced with the S5 Saloon and Avant models – while the old S5 Coupe, Sportback, and convertible models will be killed off. To confuse matters further still, the new A5 and S5 Saloon (or Sedan) models have a Sportback-style rear hatch rather than a traditional boot lid.
As if this wasn’t enough, the new fully electric A6 and S6 e-tron Sportback and Avant models were also revealed last month. But these are not direct replacements for the old ICE-powered A6 and S6, which are now no more and are likely to be replaced by new ICE models badged as A7 and S7. Still confused? So are we.
SGMW test drives watch: new Peugeot e-3008 driven, the Dacia Spring is here, and the updated Volkswagen Golf arrives
Luckily, new car drives in July were far more straightforward.
Last month, journalists got to sample a varied array of new models, including the Peugeot e-3008, the brand’s largest EV to date, and the new Dacia Spring, which is now Britain’s cheapest EV. Elsewhere, several refreshed models were launched, including the Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf with more buttons, and the updated Renault Captur and Kia Sorento, both of which have a refreshed design and more technology. Volvo also let journalists drive the refreshed/renamed versions of their smallest EVs, the EC40 and EX40 EVs, which were formerly known as the C40 and XC40 Recharge.
Now, and to avoid any further confusion, we’ll move onto the main event. This is the SGMW happenings for July 2024.
SGMW digital watch:
First Drive: Skoda Superb Hatch Review – Big, Bold and Brilliant – Phil Huff
In large car reviews, Phil Huff’s tests the new fourth-generation Skoda Superb for Average Joes. A drive that prompted him to confess that he’s always had a soft spot for the large Czech family car.
Read the Average Joes review here
F1 Vs IndyCar: The Differences Explained – Phill Tromans
Ever wondered the difference between F1 and Indycar? Well, apart from the fact that one is global and the other is only held in North America, that’s about all we know. However, to help us out, Phill Tromans has come to the rescue with an in-depth guide to explain the differences.
Read the Car Throttle article here
Highlights From The 2024 Goodwood Festival Of Speed – Trinity Francis
Despite sunshine, mud, rain, an array of car launches and celebrations, and some crashes on the hill, Trinity Francis made it through the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed to pick her personal highlights for Forbes.
DeLorean DMC-12 restomod: Fast forward to the future – Tim Pitt
In the 1980s, the DeLorean DMC-12 was one of the best-looking cars of the era, with a powertrain that didn’t really match the looks. Now, Tim Pitt puts an electric DMC-12 restomod to the test to find out if it can actually hit 88mph unlike some of the original automatic US-spec models.
Read the City A.M. review here
SGMW magazine watch:
Auto Italia issue 443: September 2024
In the September 2024 edition of Auto Italia Magazine, Chris Rees attends Fiat’s 125th birthday party to preview the new Fiat Grande Panda, while also test driving the new Alfa Junior SUV.
Go here to buy a copy of Auto Italia issue 443
SGMW social watch:
Last month, Chris Rees informed us that the six-wheeled Saab 9-5 pickup is a real thing. And yes, we absolutely want one.
In very fast yellow car news, Tim Pitt tells the world about how new Lotus Emeya S generated so much G-force that he left at least one of his vital organs behind.
In old car news, Stu Bird’s end of term MoT report for the Birdy Fleet of Broken Dreams didn’t go very well.
Lastly, in the southern state of Kent, Matt Richardson has been on undercover patrol in his wonderful Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor.
