Subaru has announced pricing and specification levels for its new All-Wheel Drive crossover vehicle, the XV. Priced from £21,295 for entry level 1.6i S models, the latest addition to the Japanese brand’s stable is set to firmly establish itself as one of the most capable and best-value-for-money compact crossovers currently available.

The five-star Euro NCAP-rated Subaru XV – officially certified as the safest vehicle in its class and which scores particularly highly for child occupant safety – combines style and functionality with generous levels of standard-fit equipment, making it more than a match for many of its established compact crossover rivals.

Every XV is equipped with two core Subaru technologies – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Boxer engine – ensuring that this new vehicle feels both engaging and incredibly safe to drive, in all conditions. Subaru is confident that the XV will thoroughly satisfy the needs of existing customers, while also attracting new consumers to the brand.

Three Euro V-compliant Boxer engines are offered with the new XV: 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines develop 114ps and 150ps respectively, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces 147ps and 350Nm. The go-anywhere XV is available with a choice of either a five and six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic (petrol only).

Reaching 60mph in 9.3 seconds, the 2.0 diesel XV – likely to be the best-selling variant in the UK – offers class-leading fuel economy of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 146g/km of CO2. Subaru’s XV also features the highest ground clearance and lowest centre of gravity in class, making it a highly capable performer both on and off road.

Even entry-level S models feature a standard kit list to make many models from premium compact SUV manufacturers blush. Buyers can expect to find ABS, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning as standard.

SE models add cruise control, rear-view camera, Bluetooth functionality and USB/iPod connectivity. Meanwhile, top-of-the-range SE Lux Premium models also come with a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation. All 2.0-litre models are fitted with roof rails.

Petrol-powered XV models benefit from Subaru’s new fuel-saving Auto Start Stop System as standard, boosting fuel savings in congested traffic. It was the aim of Subaru engineers to make the engine cut-out virtually unnoticeable to the driver, and they achieved this with a time lapse between stop and start of approximately 0.2 seconds, one of the fastest currently available.

Pricing for the new XV range starts at £21,295 for the 1.6i S models, and rises to £29,995 for the range-topping 2.0D SE Lux Premium. For more information about the XV or the rest of the Subaru line-up, visit www.subaru.co.uk.

In case you haven’t ventured out of the front door over the past few days of Feb 2012 (who can blame you either given the apparent sub zero temperatures), we’re now in one of the worst cold snaps this winter has seen. There are currently six severe weather warnings running on the Met Office UK site, flights from Heathrow were halved on Sunday and accidents are abound in areas badly affected.

As always, drive carefully and consider cancelling all non-essential journeys. There isn’t a journey that is worth your life.

Lighter Later, the campaign to stop the practice of daylight saving, received a massive blow today, which according to road safety supporter, GEM Motoring Assist, could be putting road users lives at risk.

Despite having the support of more than 90 organisations in favour of the bill, and 120 MP’s who all voted to pass the motion, (just 10 attending MPs were against) somehow, due to what might be construed as deliberate acts of sabotage the session ran out of time before the motion could be passed.

Lighter Later proposes that Britain’s clocks are shifted forward by one hour throughout the year, so an hour of daylight moves from the morning to the evening, which campaigners believe will have a significant positive impact on road safety, energy saving, and the general health and wellbeing of the nation.

GEM has backed this campaign from the outset, and is bitterly disappointed that the efforts of so many have been wasted at the point of which should have been a ‘rubber stamping exercise’.

Number one for breakdown cover in the UK, GEM Motoring Assist, offers its commiserations to Lighter Later, but pledges to continuing supporting the campaigns next steps. However, David Williams MBE, GEM Chief Executive, has very grave concerns about what has happened today: “Year on year the evidence shows that the accident rate on the roads increases after the clocks go back and we believe that this unnecessary hold up will cost lives. Poor weather, decreased visibility and bad road conditions are all rife during the winter months and have a serious effect on the rise in accidents and hazardous breakdown situations. Changing the clocks is proven to add further to the dangers for road users.”

Determined to continue with the campaign he added: “Introducing lighter evenings will make our roads a safer place by increasing visibility and in turn will help prevent unnecessary accidents.”

“Setting the clocks so we can enjoy more hours of daylight, will also help the nation save on electricity bills and hugely decrease the amount of pollution caused by electric lights. With numerous benefits, the change is welcomed by GEM.”

GEM provides three levels of recovery service to suit all needs and pockets; full details of all the options can be found on GEM’s website (www.motoringassist.com) along with other useful road safety and driving advice.

Well, the new year is upon us. As is tradition, you may well have set some new year resolutions. Here are some you should consider from a motoring point of view:

1. I will maintain my vehicle
Many of us just quietly cruise the year by, paying no attention to things like oil, water tyre pressures and so on. Don’t be one of the many. Keep up your vehicle maintenance and you will have much less trouble from your motor. Think of it this way – your car will thank you for it and statistically is far less likely to malfunction/suffer excessive wear.

2. I will become a better driver
We all get complacent and can at times let our driving skills slip. Make 2012 a year to remember by boosting your skills either through a local driving school, the Institute of Advanced Motorists or another accredited organisation. If we were all better drivers we’d all be that much more safe on the road.

3. I will lower my motoring costs
This is one we really all can benefit from. No-one wants excessive motoring costs and why should we face over the top charges? So, use price comparison sites for insurance, shop around if your motor needs work done and see what benefits you get from your bank account – it may even come with free breakdown cover you’d forgotten about!

4. I will take regular motorway breaks
Motorways are some of the safest roads in Britain. However, when accidents do take place they can be horrific. No-one wants to be in an accident, so please take regular breaks if you’re taking an extended journey. A simple coffee and a sit down can be enough to charge your batteries and ensure you have concentration to continue on safely.

5. I will not use my mobile phone behind the wheel
It still amazes me that people use their mobile phones behind the wheel. It is proven that this is not only distracting for the driver but it can come with lethal consequences for other road users. Don’t risk points on your license, a fine or a visit to court. If your phone bleeps or rings, find a safe, legal, considerate place to pull over and stop the engine. Then pick up the phone. Alternatively, finish the journey, I’m sure it can wait!

Auto Express has covered the upcoming changes that are set to take place next year for those learning to drive. The biggest change in terms of practicalities is the inclusion of motorway driving being legal for a learner driver. The objective being to reduce the number of fatalities on British roads amongst this particularly at risk group.

I think this can only be a good idea. The more varied experiences that a driver faces prior to being unleashed on their own, the better. We need to continue to move away from ‘learning to pass a test’ and more toward learning ‘skills for life’ behind the wheel.

With the first reports of snowfall it is more important than ever for road users to prepare for the worst, and GEM is continuing to offer practical advice through its FREE winter driving leaflet. Packed full of advice and checklists, the leaflet is a useful resource for all motorists and aims to help prevent drivers from being a victim of a serious accident or hazardous breakdown situation over the winter period.

Expanding its winter road safety campaign this year, GEM has also created a winter driving video inspired by the recent success of its Blue Light Aware video which has had over 40,000 hits. Featuring visual scenes on winter driving, the four minute video highlights how dramatically driving dynamics change as the conditions worsen. The video demonstrates how much more time and space should be allowed when driving in wintry conditions as stopping distances increase tenfold and the slightest over steering or braking can cause complete loss of control.

GEM Chief Executive, David Williams MBE, comments: “It’s been a strange year weather wise with heat waves and milder weather when we’d normally expect to see colder conditions. This has made it more difficult to predict when the wintry weather will really set in but with the recent fog and snowfall we are urging drivers to take the necessary precautions when out on the road in poor weather”.

GEM’s top ten winter driving tips:

1. Plan your journey – is it necessary?

2. Keep winter driving safety essentials in the car including cold weather clothing

3. Ensure the radiator contains anti-freeze

4. Before driving, make sure all windows and mirrors are clear of snow and ice

5. Always wear a fluorescent/ high visibility jacket in breakdown situations

6. Use dipped headlights in poor visibility

7. Reduce speed compared to ‘normal’ driving conditions

8. Keep a safe stopping distance behind the vehicle in front

9. Avoid harsh braking, acceleration and steering

10. Keep a careful watch out for other road users especially motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians

David continues, “Making the necessary checks and being properly prepared can make all the difference between a safe journey and one that ends in disaster. Not only does snow reduce tyre grip and traction, but it hides icy surfaces underneath, not to mention the problems that decreased visibility can cause. We hope our leaflet and new video continue to help motorists and have a positive impact on road safety this winter season.”

For a free downloadable winter driving leaflet CLICK HERE FOR PDF or download from www.motoringassist.com/leaflets. To view the video CLICK HERE or watch at www.motoringassist.com/winter.

As I write this it’s late on 30th November 2011, but I couldn’t not write about the two most terrible examples I have seen of driving so far this winter (and I’m sure it’ll get worse as conditions deteriorate). The first was on a dual carriageway approach to quite a fast roundabout. There were a few cars in front of me and the lights were changing to red.

The car directly in front of me didn’t slow. At all. Instead, it shot through the red light to reach the slip road, almost ploughing into two cars as it did so, who, rightfully, put their horns on to warn this rather idiotic driver that they were in fact directly in front of her (I’m not sexist, I’m stipulating it was a female driver). So, a very near miss and a red light clearly jumped for no reason. Did it get worse? Oh yes. The car was slammed into reverse and shot at speed toward the front end of my car! Utterly terrifying. Thankfully the lights changed and this ‘expert driver’ managed to pull away without harming anyone or breaching any other parts of the Road Traffic Act.

The second incident was on the way home, which takes me through a sub-urban area with some speed bumps. I don’t mind them too much as they aren’t huge and are reasonably well spaced. A taxi driver obviously thought that this was not quite the case however when he began careering rather quickly down the wrong side of the road. Quite why he thought that this was a better approach is beyond me, given that both sides of the road had the same speed bumps of the same size. At one point he slammed his brakes on, putting us almost side by side, given that I was driving on the correct side of the road!

Come on people, it’s not difficult. Use more, not less care, when visibility and grip are reduced and conditions worsen out there. If this doesn’t happen, it could cost some their lives.

There’s no doubt that extra care is required for anyone who is driving during winter. Snow, heavy rain, fog and ice mean that it’s vital to prepare before you set off on your journey to stay safe and avoid a breakdown.

Certainly, along with the winter season arrives a high number of vehicle breakdowns, as people struggle to tackle extreme road conditions. So, how can you prepare effectively for the colder months?

Here are a few helpful tips

• Electrics/Battery
  Always check that your battery is in good condition – generally speaking, car batteries will last at least 5 years (model dependent). Also note that additional strain, such as the extended use of heaters, wipers and lights during winter puts extra demand on your battery – so avoid over-using them if possible. If you find that you don’t use your vehicle for a long time over winter it may be a good idea to give the battery a regular overnight trickle charge.
• De-icer
  This is a very simple product – but absolutely necessary during the winter months. Very cheap to buy – de-icer can help you cope with a number of scenarios, including frozen windows and even door locks. Always keep a can of de-icer in the house, or take it with you to work – it’s amazing how many people keep their de-icer cans in the car then find that they need it to thaw the locks!
• Vision
  Fog, rain and snow can severely limit visibility – therefore it’s vitally important to keep your windscreen (and other windows) clear at all times. The last thing that you will need is dirt or other debris further hindering your visibility. Don’t forget to clean the inside and outside of your windows and if you spot any scratches, chips or cracks, get them repaired as soon as possible. Also take into consideration dazzle – low winter sun can cause drivers a number of problems. Always make sure that your windscreen wipers are in good condition and if necessary, get them replaced. Finally, always observe the correct lighting procedures – you will need to use your fog lights in severe conditions, but turn them off on clearer days to avoid dazzling other drivers.
• Tyres
  It is recommended that tyres of at least 3mm tread are used to tackle winter conditions – and certainly they should not be any smaller than 2mm tread. Many people think that by reducing tyre pressure they can get more grip – this simply does not work and can in fact reduce the stability of the vehicle. Keep checking your tyres on a regular basis for any wear and tear or obvious defects. If you plan to navigate along an extremely difficult area (i.e. smaller roads where the snow may not have been cleared) – snow chains may be required – however, they must be removed when not required. Perhaps consider getting Winter Tyres
• Driving Lessons

  Many people have no real experience of driving in winter conditions and one or two driving lessons focusing on what you need to consider would be sure to help. Some issues to think about would be selecting the correct gear in winter conditions, increased breaking distances and clearing all the snow from your car before you start!

By following the above advice, your journey will hopefully be a little smoother, however, it’s vital to monitor road conditions on a day-to-day basis during the winter months. It’s also wise to allow an extra 15 minutes or so in a morning to prepare your car. Also remember to wear dry and comfortable shoes for driving and keep your speed down – stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.

With some of the major car manufacturers now offering to fit winter tyres, No. 1 for breakdown cover in the UK, GEM Motoring Assist is advising motorists to be fully aware of all the facts before opting for winter tyres when the seasons change.

After two consecutive bad winters, the awareness of winter tyres has greatly increased in the UK, and GEM is warning motorists that while winter tyres offer a number of benefits in low temperatures, they should not be confused with snow tyres. When the weather takes a turn for the worse and ice and snow come into the equation, motorists must not expect them to match up against such elements.

GEM Chief Executive, David Williams MBE, comments: “Winter tyres are most efficient in temperatures below 8°C when the rubber and silicon compounds in normal tyres are affected; reducing their flexibility and resilience. In such temperatures, winter tyres will significantly reduce stopping distances and offer more feedback to the driver’s fingers. However, when slush, ice and snow are on the roads, motorists must remain as cautious as ever.”

While drivers will see an extended life expectancy for their ‘summer tyres’, as they get a break during the coldest months of the year, having two complete sets of tyres will be an expensive investment. Similarly, drivers should be aware that if re-using winter tyres from the year before, tread depth may be affected. Any wear to tyres automatically means reduced levels of grip in both wet and cold conditions.

David concludes: “The most important issue for us is making sure motorists, whatever tyres they have fitted, take extra care when driving in wintry conditions. Leaving much more space between the car in front allowing more time to brake, and driving at speeds that suit the conditions around them will help prevent serious accidents this winter.”

For more information on road safety and winter driving please visit www.motoringassist.com.

There’s recently been some press coverage over issues around ownership of new vehicles fitted with a diesel particulate filter, or DPF. It stops the nasty black smoky stuff from pouring out of the exhaust of your diesel powered car. It seems that some owners of said diesels are feeling a little mis-sold, as they are finding that their car is malfunctioning due to the DPF not regenerating. What does this mean I hear you ask?

How the DPF works
A diesel particular filter is a trap that captures ‘soot’ from the exhaust process. This is so that engines have lower emissions in order to comply with the ‘Euro 5′ standard. A diesel vehicle fitted with one is therefore better for the environment, but, depending on how you drive, it may not be better for you.

Why does it go wrong?
The diesel particulate filter can ‘regenerate’, or clean itself, but this process will not initiate if the required temperature is not reached. When the DPF temperature remains too low, the DPF can become clogged up and then performance can tail off – leading to greater emissions and potentially a drop in performance. A total lack of regeneration can also ultimately lead to DPF failure (a new DPF can cost around £1,000). Any car fitted with a DPF can be affected, not just brand new vehicles.

How can I initiate regeneration of the DPF?
The simplest way to do this is to stay in lower gears for longer and use the full rev range of your car. Perhaps ten minutes of vigorous driving should be enough to complete the regeneration process, though as with most other things mechanical this is not an exact science. Be mindful that a good motorway run in sixth gear may not be enough to regenerate the DPF if the revs remain extremely low (this will apply if you have a very tall geared car). Another suggestion is to get to speeds above 40 miles per hour and keep your car there in the power band for some minutes of driving. As always, I recommend reading your vehicle manual thoroughly for further information.

Is a diesel engined car with a DPF for me?
This question can only be answered by you. If you drive a relatively low number of miles per week and they are over very short distances, you may well be better with a small economical petrol unit or a hybrid/electric. If you still choose the diesel, you’ll have to take it for good runs to clean the DPF, which you might find a pain if that’s the only reason you’re taking the car on the journey. Alternatively, if you do a mixed run of driving and regularly give the car a run, there’s no reason why a DPF fitted diesel vehicle shouldn’t be perfect for you.

The bottom line
When you’re buying the car, check thoroughly with the seller exactly what kind of engine it has, what running requirements there are and what sort of driving style/conditions it is made for. Don’t luck out and buy something not suitable for your purposes.