A fifth of drivers in the UK don't even know how to open the bonnet of their car. That's the rather worrying result of a survey carried out in the UK by tyre maker Kumho. The study further revealed that half of all drivers can't change a wheel by themselves and that one in six drivers over the age of 30 would still rely on their parents to help them out in the event of a breakdown. "It's a concern that such a large proportion of British road users don't know basic car maintenance, especially something as crucial as accessing the engine bay," said Dan Woodward, brand manager at Kumho Tyre UK.
Hyundai hints at sporty future
Hyundai is dropping hints at a sportier future for the brand with the unveiling of a one-off 300hp mid-engined version of the Veloster coupe. Developed by the same team that worked on Hyundai's i20 rally car, and revealed at the Busan Motor Show in Korea, the Veloster Midship isn't going to make it to production reality itself, but it is a pointer to a future of new, more aggressively sporty Hyundais. Hyundai has recently announced its N-badged performance sub-brand, designed to take on the Volkswagen GTI and Ford ST ranges. While the whole car won't reach dealerships, its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and lightweight aluminium suspension should do, in one form or another.
Smart money is on new Smart hatchback
Smart will post its first-ever profits once the new ForFour hatchback comes on stream next year. That's the prediction of Daimler-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche. "The new ForFour is an extended ForTwo and has all the characteristics of the new ForTwo." Zetsche told Automotive News. The previous Mitsubishi-based ForFour was a sales flop and almost precipitated the demise of Smart as a brand, but Daimler has persevered with the small car maker, and its tie-up with Renault could finally unlock the potential of the brand.
