FORD is giving enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to help create a new FordPerformance model.

A new Puma ST special edition model will be developed in collaboration with fans via an innovative series of online polls - the first time Ford has enabled customers to vote on the design of a vehicle that will actually go into production,

Twitter and Instagram users have until June 10 to choose a range of design features for the limited-run version including the colour combinations of elements including the model's paint, decals, brake callipers and seatbelt stitching, as well as choosing between a badged or de-badged exterior. In addition, the name of the special edition model will be decided by the fans.

Participants will be able to choose from alternatives for each element, with each vote open for 24 hours. The final specification and name of the Ford Puma ST special edition will be revealed on June18.

Launched in late 2020, the Puma ST is powered by a 200PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine for 0-62mph acceleration in 6.7 seconds.

ANYBODY who is sitting on the electric fence when it comes to choosing their next car can get some help in embracing the change from MG with a tempting £750 discount on any of the company's electrically-powered models.

Until June 30, 2021, anyone booking a test drive in the ZS EV, MG5 EV or MG HS Plug-in Hybrid can download a £750 discount voucher - and the discount is on top of any other offer at the time of purchase including 0% finance deals.

MG's Commercial Director, Guy Pigounakis, says: "MG's mission is to make EV motoring accessible for everyone as we head towards 2030. Customer acceptance and demand for EVs has grown as battery range has gone up and cost has come down, and we are proud that MG has become the go-to brand for affordable electric cars.

Battery electric models have made up over 30 per cent of MG sales so far in 2021 and the Chinese-owned company has taken a 5.5 per cent share of the entire BEV market in the UK.

THE search has started for Britain's best young driver - but the catch is they must not legally be able to drive on the road.

Entries for the Young Driver Challenge 2021 are now open and the hunt has begun to find the 40 best young drivers in the UK, who must be aged from 10 to 17 years old, to compete in a national final in October.

Organised by the UK's largest pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, this year marks the seventh time the Challenge has taken place.

Under 17s can enter at any of Young Driver's 70 UK venues until mid-August. Lessons take place in a brand new, dual-controlled Vauxhall Corsa with a fully qualified driving instructor and follow a similar pattern to those taken on the road at 17.

During the course of a lesson anyone wanting to enter the Challenge will be scored on a number of essential driving skills. The winner of the Challenge will receive £200 and Young Driver lessons worth £750.

THE Jaguar I-PACE has been crowned the New Car of the Year 2021, according to a consumer vote featuring the views of 148,000 car owners for the fifth annual Auto Trader New Car Awards.

It's the second year running that the top spot in the awards has gone to an electric vehicles while other EVs recognised included last year's winner, the Tesla Model 3, the Renault ZOE, the Polestar 2, the Kia Soul and the Peugeot e-208

Highlighting the growing popularity of electric vehicles, 2021 saw the highest number of EV winners with electric cars accounting for 36 per cent of this year's finalists and winners, up from just 16% in 2020.

Unlike other car awards which rely on editorial judging panels, the Auto Trader New Car Awards are decided by votes cast by car owners.

DEALERS have opened the order books for the new DS 9 with first deliveries of the luxury saloon expected later this year.

With a design which pays tribute to the legendary 1955 DS, the DS 9 is built on the newest version of the Stellantis Group's EMP2 platform and has limo-like dimensions with a significant 2.90m wheelbase and an overall length of 4.93m.

Initially it's available with a choice of two powertrains - 225hp, 1.6 litre petrol automatic or plug in hybrid - and in two trim levels with prices starting from £40,615.