Tag Archives: UK

NEW CARS

Mazda MX-5 1.5 Gets More Power as UK Says Goodbye to the 2.0-Litre

The Mazda MX-5 is entering a new chapter in the UK, and it is a bittersweet one for fans of lightweight sports cars. Mazda has confirmed a modest power increase for the 1.5-litre MX-5 just as the more powerful 2.0-litre version disappears from the British market.

For the updated model, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine now produces 134bhp and 114lb-ft of torque. That represents an increase of 4bhp and 3lb-ft over the outgoing engine. The numbers are hardly transformative, but Mazda insists that the changes are about more than simply chasing peak output.

The bigger story is what has been lost. The 2.0-litre MX-5, which produced 181bhp and 151lb-ft, is being phased out of the UK because of increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Existing cars will continue to be available until remaining stock is exhausted, with Mazda UK expecting that to happen around January.

That leaves the 1.5-litre as the sole engine choice for buyers seeking a new MX-5 in the UK.

Mazda Says the 1.5-Litre Is the Engine the MX-5 Was Designed Around

While losing the 2.0-litre engine will disappoint enthusiasts who value outright performance, Mazda is keen to point out that the smaller engine has always been central to the character of the current-generation MX-5.

The company says the 1.5-litre engine’s combination of low weight, responsiveness and accessible performance better represents its Jinba Ittai philosophy—the Japanese concept of creating a close connection between horse and rider.

That philosophy has been fundamental to the MX-5 since the original model arrived in 1989. Rather than relying on huge horsepower figures, the roadster has traditionally focused on low weight, agile handling, rear-wheel drive and driver involvement.

The updated 1.5-litre engine continues that formula, albeit with a little more muscle.

Mazda has also revised the engine’s sound in an effort to make the car feel more engaging from behind the wheel. At the same time, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 1g/km.

Mazda MX-5 Gets Chassis Upgrades

The biggest hardware change may not be under the bonnet.

The range-topping Homura and Homura Plus versions of the 1.5-litre MX-5 will now receive Bilstein dampers and a front strut brace. These components were previously associated with the more powerful 2.0-litre model.

The upgrades should give the 1.5-litre roadster a more focused chassis, with improved body control and sharper responses when the road starts to twist.

For enthusiastic drivers, that could make the reduced engine output easier to accept. The MX-5 has never needed huge power to be entertaining, and a lighter engine combined with upgraded suspension could preserve much of the car’s appeal.

There is, however, one significant omission.

The 2.0-litre MX-5’s asymmetrical limited-slip differential will not be carried over to the 1.5-litre version. That differential was one of the features that helped make the larger-engined MX-5 particularly attractive to drivers who wanted to exploit its rear-wheel-drive chassis.

As a result, the 1.5-litre may gain some of the 2.0-litre’s chassis hardware, but it will not become a direct replacement for the outgoing performance model.

The 2.0-Litre Mazda MX-5 Is Leaving the UK

The disappearance of the 2.0-litre engine is ultimately being driven by emissions regulations rather than a sudden change in Mazda’s opinion of the engine.

According to Mazda UK, the 2.0-litre MX-5 was already removed from European markets in 2024 because of changing emissions requirements. The UK was able to continue selling the model for longer because of different regulatory derogation timings.

That extension has now ended.

Once the remaining 2.0-litre cars are sold, British buyers will no longer be able to order a new MX-5 with the 181bhp engine.

For a car that has built much of its reputation around mechanical simplicity and driver engagement, the change illustrates the growing difficulty of keeping relatively low-volume sports cars compliant with increasingly demanding emissions rules.

Mazda MX-5 Price and Availability

The updated 1.5-litre Mazda MX-5 is scheduled to arrive in the UK in January, although Mazda has yet to announce its pricing.

The company has nevertheless stressed that affordability remains an important part of the MX-5 formula. Mazda says the roadster is one of only three convertibles available in the UK for less than £30,000.

That positioning is increasingly significant in a market where affordable two-seat sports cars have become rare.

The MX-5 remains one of the few cars that offers a traditional sports-car recipe—front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, two seats, manual transmission and a folding roof—without moving into premium-car pricing.

Is the Mazda MX-5 Still Relevant?

The MX-5’s future is not completely guaranteed.

The current generation is now more than a decade old, and sales in the UK have declined considerably. Around 4,000 examples were sold in 2019, while annual volumes have subsequently fallen to roughly 1,500 cars.

That makes the MX-5 an increasingly unusual proposition in Mazda’s line-up. It is effectively the brand’s halo model, but it operates in a shrinking segment and uses a platform that has been around for many years.

Nevertheless, the MX-5 continues to have something that many modern performance cars have lost: simplicity.

There is no need for hundreds of horsepower, an enormous battery or an elaborate all-wheel-drive system to make the MX-5 entertaining. Its appeal comes from how little car the driver has to manage.

That is also why the 1.5-litre engine could prove to be more than merely a consolation prize for buyers who can no longer have the 2.0-litre.

The 1.5-Litre MX-5 May Be the Purist’s Choice

On paper, dropping from 181bhp to 134bhp looks like a substantial step backwards. There is no getting around the fact that the 2.0-litre MX-5 is considerably faster and has more performance potential.

But maximum power has never been the only measure of an MX-5.

The 1.5-litre engine’s lower weight helps preserve the roadster’s lightweight character, while the additional chassis hardware on higher-specification models could make the updated car even more enjoyable on a winding road.

In an era when sports cars increasingly depend on enormous outputs and sophisticated electronic systems, the MX-5 continues to make a different argument: less can be more.

That makes the updated 1.5-litre particularly interesting. It may not replace the 2.0-litre as the ultimate MX-5 for outright performance, but it could remain the model that most faithfully represents Mazda’s original philosophy.

A Fitting Evolution for the Mazda MX-5

The end of the 2.0-litre MX-5 in the UK marks the end of an important chapter. Its 181bhp engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and limited-slip differential made it one of the most compelling affordable sports cars still available.

But the 1.5-litre MX-5 is not simply being left behind.

With 134bhp, improved engine sound, slightly lower CO2 emissions, Bilstein dampers and a front strut brace on the Homura and Homura Plus trims, Mazda is giving its smallest engine a meaningful update while preserving the qualities that have defined the MX-5 for decades.

Whether that will be enough to keep the MX-5 relevant in the UK remains to be seen. What is certain is that the affordable, lightweight roadster is becoming an increasingly rare species—and that makes the Mazda MX-5 more important than ever.

Mazda MX-5 1.5 Key Specifications

  • Engine: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder
  • Power: 134bhp
  • Torque: 114lb-ft
  • Power increase: 4bhp
  • Torque increase: 3lb-ft
  • Drive: Rear-wheel drive
  • Updated chassis: Bilstein dampers and front strut brace on Homura and Homura Plus
  • Limited-slip differential: Not available on the updated 1.5-litre
  • CO2 emissions: 1g/km lower than before
  • UK arrival: January
  • 2.0-litre output: 181bhp and 151lb-ft
  • 2.0-litre UK sales: Ending once existing stock is sold
  • UK pricing for updated 1.5-litre: Yet to be announced

Source: Autocar

News

Alfa Romeo Tonale: Why UK Drivers Are Putting the Journey First This Bank Holiday

A new survey commissioned by Alfa Romeo reveals that British motorists are planning to embrace the open road this August Bank Holiday weekend, with millions of drivers expected to cover billions of miles across the UK.

Around one in three UK adults, or 34%, plan to travel by car over the August Bank Holiday weekend, according to new research from Alfa Romeo. Collectively, motorists are expected to cover an estimated 2.3 billion miles, highlighting just how important the car remains for Britain’s traditional weekend escape.

For many drivers, however, the destination is only part of the attraction. The research suggests that the journey itself is becoming an increasingly important part of the weekend getaway, with scenic roads, driving enjoyment and the freedom to explore influencing how people plan their trips.

More Than Half of Drivers Expect to Travel Further

The August Bank Holiday traditionally provides an opportunity for Britons to leave the cities behind and explore more of the country, and this year’s research suggests motorists are prepared to put extra miles on the odometer to do it.

Of those planning to travel, 51% expect to drive further than they normally would on a weekend getaway. Despite the rise of rail travel and other forms of transportation, the car remains the preferred way to enjoy a UK weekend escape for 78% of respondents.

Freedom and flexibility are the biggest reasons for choosing the car, with 47% of those surveyed identifying them as the main appeal. Another 34% say the opportunity to see more of the country is one of the biggest attractions of a road trip.

That combination of flexibility and exploration means the humble road trip remains a compelling proposition for British drivers.

Scenic Routes Are Becoming Part of the Destination

For a growing number of motorists, getting there isn’t simply something to endure before the holiday begins. It is part of the experience.

More than half of respondents, 52%, say they would be willing to drive further than usual to take a more scenic route. Meanwhile, 40% would add up to 30 minutes to their journey if it meant enjoying beautiful scenery along the way.

Almost four in 10 drivers, or 38%, go even further, saying that beautiful scenery during the journey is an essential part of a weekend getaway.

The findings suggest that navigation apps and the fastest possible route aren’t necessarily the only considerations when planning a road trip. For some drivers, a winding country road with spectacular views can be more appealing than shaving a few minutes off the journey.

The Road Can Influence Where Drivers Go

The route itself can also influence the choice of destination. According to the research, 41% of respondents say the roads they need to take influence where they choose to go for a weekend getaway.

For 22%, enjoying the drive is among the most important factors that can make or break a weekend escape.

That puts the driving experience firmly back in the spotlight. Rather than simply viewing a car as transportation between two points, these motorists see the journey as part of the leisure experience.

It is precisely the kind of driving experience Alfa Romeo says it has targeted with the new Tonale.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Targets the Weekend Road Trip

The new Alfa Romeo Tonale is positioned as an SUV for drivers who want practicality without giving up the enjoyment of driving.

The Italian SUV combines Alfa Romeo’s distinctive styling with a chassis, steering and suspension setup designed to deliver a more engaging experience behind the wheel. The company highlights its balanced chassis, direct steering and sporty suspension as key elements of the Tonale’s driving character.

Jules Tilstone, Managing Director of Alfa Romeo UK, said the research shows that the journey remains an important part of the getaway for many British drivers.

“For many British drivers the journey to reach a weekend getaway destination is an important part of the trip itself, with scenic routes and driving enjoyment influencing how they choose to travel,” Tilstone said.

He added that the Tonale is designed to combine the driving experience associated with Alfa Romeo with the practicality required for longer journeys.

Practicality Still Matters on a Long Weekend

While driving enjoyment is clearly important, motorists heading away for several days also need enough space for luggage, passengers and everything else that comes with a bank holiday escape.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale offers up to 500 litres of boot space, which can be expanded to 1,550 litres with the rear seats folded. That gives the compact SUV enough flexibility for longer journeys, particularly when carrying luggage for a family or group of passengers.

Powertrain choice is another part of the Tonale’s appeal. The model is available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology, giving buyers different approaches to combining performance, efficiency and everyday usability.

That flexibility is particularly relevant for drivers who may spend a mixture of time navigating urban streets, motorways and scenic country roads during a long weekend.

Drivers Want Time to Switch Off

Perhaps the most revealing statistic in Alfa Romeo’s research is that 54% of respondents consider having time to relax an essential part of a weekend getaway.

The road trip can therefore serve two purposes. It is a practical way of reaching a destination, but it can also provide an opportunity to disconnect from the routine of everyday life.

For drivers who enjoy being behind the wheel, an enjoyable road can become part of that experience. A scenic route, an engaging car and the freedom to stop wherever the mood takes you can turn a straightforward journey into something closer to an adventure.

Why the Car Still Matters for UK Getaways

The research provides an interesting snapshot of Britain’s relationship with the automobile. Even as motorists face rising running costs, changing powertrain technology and increasing alternatives to private-car travel, the freedom offered by a car remains difficult to replace for leisure journeys.

The ability to choose when to leave, alter the route, discover smaller destinations and carry everything needed for a weekend away gives the car an inherent advantage.

And for more than half of those surveyed, the willingness to take a longer or more scenic route demonstrates that speed isn’t always the priority.

Sometimes, the best part of a road trip is simply the road.

Alfa Romeo Tonale: A Road-Trip SUV With Driving Enjoyment in Mind

With 2.3 billion miles expected to be covered across the UK during the August Bank Holiday weekend, British motorists will spend plenty of time behind the wheel.

Alfa Romeo’s research suggests that many of them won’t necessarily want the quickest possible journey. Instead, scenic roads, flexibility and the enjoyment of driving are increasingly important elements of the getaway.

That is the space in which the Alfa Romeo Tonale is looking to make its mark: combining SUV practicality, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and usable cargo capacity with the sharper driving character traditionally associated with the Alfa Romeo brand.

For motorists who believe that a weekend escape should begin the moment the engine starts, that could make the Tonale an interesting alternative to the more conventional family SUV.

And this August Bank Holiday, with millions of drivers heading onto Britain’s roads, there may be no better reminder that sometimes the journey really is just as important as the destination.

Source: Alfa Romeo

News

BMW’s Secret Weapon in the EV Era Is Still an Engine Plant in England

In an industry racing headlong toward batteries, silicon, and kilowatts, BMW is quietly doing something radical: perfecting the internal-combustion engine.

While headlines fixate on EV sales charts, BMW Group’s Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham has just crossed a milestone that matters far more to driving enthusiasts—25 years of building engines that still make cars feel alive. Since 2001, more than 7.6 million engines have left this unassuming factory, powering everything from humble MINIs to the kind of Rolls-Royces that glide rather than drive.

And no, these aren’t museum pieces. They’re modern, turbocharged, emissions-scrubbed, hybrid-ready combustion engines that prove ICE tech still has meaningful evolution left in it.

The Beating Heart of BMW’s “Technology-Open” Strategy

BMW likes to talk about being “technology-open,” which in plain English means:
We’ll build EVs—but we’re not throwing away engines that still outperform them in the real world.

Hams Hall is the backbone of that strategy.

This single UK plant builds:

  • Three- and four-cylinder turbo petrol engines for BMW and MINI
  • V8s for BMW’s high-performance lineup
  • And the last production V12 on Earth, built exclusively for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Yes—the V12 still lives, and it’s hand-assembled by specialist technicians before being shipped to Goodwood, where Rolls-Royce installs it into cars that cost more than a house. That alone makes Hams Hall a kind of mechanical sanctuary in a disposable digital age.

Old-School Power, New-School Intelligence

What makes Hams Hall special isn’t nostalgia—it’s how modern it is.

BMW has transformed the entire factory into a fully connected digital twin. Every machine, robot, and production cell is mirrored in software. Every vibration, temperature spike, and torque setting is logged in real time. Engineers don’t guess—they simulate, predict, and optimize before problems ever occur.

And then there’s SpOTTO.

Yes, that’s a robot dog.

Developed by Boston Dynamics (as “Spot”), SpOTTO patrols the plant using cameras, microphones, and thermal sensors, scanning machines for faults, leaks, and wear. It feeds all that data into BMW’s digital systems, turning Hams Hall into something closer to a living organism than a factory.

The name isn’t random either. SpOTTO honors Gustav Otto—the man whose father invented the four-stroke engine. That’s about as poetic as industrial automation gets.

A Factory That Got Greener Without Getting Slower

Here’s the part no one expects from an engine plant: it’s one of BMW’s cleanest.

Since full production began, Hams Hall has reduced its energy use per engine by 61%. Despite building far more engines today than it did 20 years ago, the site uses roughly the same total energy. All externally sourced electricity now comes from renewables, and natural-gas consumption has been steadily cut.

In other words, BMW didn’t wait for EVs to go green—it cleaned up combustion itself.

That matters, because for the next decade at least, most BMWs will still be powered by engines. Making those engines cleaner and more efficient is just as important as selling EVs.

From i8 Three-Cylinders to Twin-Turbo V12s

Hams Hall’s résumé reads like a BMW highlight reel:

  • In 2001, it launched series production using Valvetronic, BMW’s throttle-less variable-lift valve system
  • In 2006, it began building engines for MINI
  • In 2013, it became the exclusive producer of the three-cylinder engine for the BMW i8, one of the most technically advanced sports cars of its era
  • In 2022, it took over V8 and V12 production, cementing its status as BMW’s combustion crown jewel

Few factories on Earth can go from eco-hybrid triple-cylinders to twelve-cylinder luxury engines under the same roof. Hams Hall does it daily.

Why This Matters in 2026

BMW could have walked away from combustion. Many brands are trying to.

Instead, it doubled down.

By investing in places like Hams Hall—alongside massive EV facilities in Austria, Germany, and China—BMW has positioned itself to win no matter which way the market swings. If EV adoption stalls? BMW has world-class engines. If hybrids dominate? Hams Hall supplies them. If luxury buyers demand V12s? BMW still builds them.

That’s not hedging. That’s engineering confidence.

And as long as places like Hams Hall exist, the idea that the internal-combustion engine is “obsolete” remains what it’s always been:

A misunderstanding of just how good these machines have become.

Source: BMW