MG4 CONFIRMED FOR AUTUMN DEBUT

MG Motor UK has revealed the first official images of its all-new MG4 EV, ahead of the launch in September.

The key new model will be built on a new platform designed for a wide range of vehicles, from hatchbacks to SUVs and sports cars.

Initially available with battery capacities from 51kWh to 64kWh, MG says the new model will be capable of between 218 and 281 miles of range on the WLTP cycle.

MG Motor UK product and planning chief David Allison said: "The MG4 EV is a key part of the next phase of growth for MG.

"Our new MSP architecture will enable us to offer multiple options for the rapidly expanding UK electric car market, with all choices reinforcing our reputation for outstanding design, market-leading technology and excellent value for money."

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for MG, following the sales success of its existing range of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with the brand growing by 83 per cent in the first five months of 2022 in a market which has contracted by 8.7 per cent during the same period.

HONDA GOES ELECTRIC TO THE ‘MAX'

HONDA has unveiled a new Honda e Limited Edition following the success of its all-electric urban EV.

On sale from £38,120, the Honda e Limited Edition is based on the Advance Grade and is available for the first time in Premium Crystal Red paint with a host of contrasting black accents.

Black badges have been introduced at the front and rear along with unique 17-inch black alloys to further elevate the car's sleek styling.

Restricted to only 50 units across Europe, the new Limited Edition offers the most exclusive Honda e experience yet and has already won various awards, including World Urban Car of The Year and the Red Dot Design award.

F1 world champion Max Verstappen drove the Honda in the medieval Italian village of Dozza and said: "The Honda e Limited Edition is simply lovely. It has funky looks, a compact design and is fun to drive. It's a great electric urban vehicle."

VOLVO ANNOUNCES THIRD EUROPEAN PLANT

VOLVO has announced it will establish a third manufacturing plant in Europe, positioning the company well to meet the demand for electric cars.

The new plant will be climate neutral and build only electric cars, underpinning the company's ambition to become fully electric by 2030 and climate neutral by 2040, and to continue expanding its global production capacity to match its growth ambitions.

By picking Slovakia as the location, Volvo is creating a European triangle of manufacturing covering its largest sales region - complementing the Ghent factory in Belgium and the Torslanda plant in Sweden.

The new facility represents an investment of around EUR 1.2 billion and will be located close to Kosice, in the eastern part of Slovakia, where it will benefit from a well-established automotive supply chain as it becomes the fifth car plant in the country.

Volvo has an ambition to move towards annual sales of 1.2 million cars by the mid-decade, which it aims to meet with a global manufacturing footprint spanning Europe, the US and Asia.

The company's chief executive Jim Rowan said: "We have a clear focus on becoming a pure electric mobility brand by 2030, which is in line with our purpose. Expansion in Europe, our largest sales region, is crucial to our shift to electrification and continued growth."

KIA CONTINUES SCRAPPAGE SCHEME

KIA is continuing its scrappage scheme, benefiting customers looking to upgrade their old car to a Picanto, Rio or Stonic.

This takes up to £2,000 off the price of a Stonic or £1,500 off the price of a Picanto or Rio, for customers scrapping their old car.

Customers are able to pay for their new car in full or choose from a 36-month 6.9 per cent PCP or PML deal, offering a cost-effective way to upgrade to a newer and more efficient vehicle, with both the Rio and Stonic available with mild-hybrid engine options.

Every new Kia sold in the UK offers a seven-year/100,000 mile warranty as standard, bringing enduring appeal to the Korean company's entire range.

Kia has also launched its latest set of summer offers, including the all-new Niro and Sportage models.

The electrified all-new Niro model range is on sale now from £27,745 and will be available in Kia showrooms for customer test drives later this month and is available with a variety of launch offers, including 4.9 per cent APR and £500 Finance Deposit Allowance (FDA) for the Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid, while the fully-electric all-new Niro EV is offered with 6.9 per cent APR.

In the case of the Sportage, it is available with a 5.9 per cent APR and zero customer deposit on select PCP and PML deals and with a £500 FDA.

This offer is available across all grades and engine options, including the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid. The Sportage range starts from £26,775.