 For most car drivers, trucks are large, slow, smelly juggernauts that just get in the way. Moving swiftly on past the fact that just about everything we consume travels in a truck at some point, you may be surprised at just how much technology goes into a modern truck. In fact, much of the advanced tech in the latest cars has already been firmly established in trucks for some time. Colin Barnett explains.
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Unable to track down a surviving example of his great grandfather’s revolutionary motorcycle, Mark Wardill is reviving classic engineering with the help of Welsh craftsmanship. By Alex Grant.   After two years of ‘confinement’ it was great to be able to set off for Dover, cross to Calais and head south for a late spell of warm weather before the winter.
The car’s the star, of course and a 2,500 mile 11-day round trip in a Kia Stinger 3.3-litre Twin-Turbo V6 was a stark reminder of what we will lose should the UK insist on its 2030 ban on the sale of new ICEs (2035 for Hybrids – as yet undefined). But hope remains that wiser counsels might prevail. The EU has had compromised, to an extent, and delayed its draconian Euro 7 Regulation — but only until around 2025-2026 apparently (and all cars will still have to be ‘zero emission’ by 2035). WMW affiliate ship, the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, is playing a vital role in developing and testing the technologies of tomorrow’s armed forces, resulting in an eventful 12 months.  © Crown copyright 2013 One year on from its closure, Alex Grant reflects on the global importance of Ford’s engine plant, and how it could continue to root automotive R&D in South Wales.  St David’s Day 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of Wales Air Ambulance. Mark James looks back on the charity’s history and achievements.  Following a year of disruption, restrictions and some noteworthy departures, Alex Grant finds out how healthy the Welsh automotive sector is looking, and the innovations putting it on the map.   Kia’s new Sorento arrived late Summer last year edging further into “premium”
territory with yet another step up in fit and finish. A simple three-grade (‘2’,’3’,’4’) range and three engines, asking prices range from £39,360 to £47,610. Drivetrain: 1.6-litre HEV T-GDi 226bhp mild hybrid (self-charging) electric motor and battery-aided petrol 6-speed auto; 2.2 CRDi 199bhp eight-speed dual clutch auto Diesel; 1.6 T-GDi Plug-In Hybrid 261bhp 6-speed auto. No manual ‘box option, sadly. Diesel (‘3’ grade only): 127mph; 0-60, 9.1-secs; 42.2mpg official (combined). Max braked trailer weight is 2,500kg (500kg up on previous model) and tow-ball capacity 100kg - a load-haul ability “usefully more than almost all … key rivals” it is claimed.  Kia first brought the Sorento to Europe in 2002 as a mid/large sized 4x4. Revised in 2007 it had a separate chassis, beam rear axle and high/low ratios via transfer box.
Sorento II in 2009 (now a joint project with Hyundai’s Santa Fe) traded separate chassis and transfer box for front wheel drive with rear axle ‘kick-in’ if slip detected. Variable up to 60-40 front-rear, drive can be locked 50-50 (to 25 mph) if needs be. This and Hill Descent control meant a decent degree of ability off-road was retained. Unitary bodywork with independent rear suspension brought improved steering, cornering and ride quality – it was lighter too benefitting fuel consumption and emissions. Sorento II also came with Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty.  Our members know that Wales offers an unrivalled combination of scenery, a variety of different road types, and challenging off-road sites, all in relatively close proximity.
Although we sometimes get to sample UK versions of the latest models in Wales, such as with the Hyundai Kona and Ford Fiesta in November 2017, it is sometimes surprising (to us) that more media launches of new cars don’t take place on this side of the border. But for Caroline Burnell, senior press officer for Mercedes-Benz Vans, Wales seemed to be the ideal location for the UK media launch of the new X-Class pick-up truck, late in 2017. |
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