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THERE was a sad and unnecessary tone of “I told you so” within some areas of the automotive industry when news broke that Dyson had pulled the plug on its plans for an electric car. It’s hugely sad for those involved, but it does reveal, yet again, how hard it is to make the car business work. I remember former General Motors CEO Dan Akerson talking about a rumoured Apple car back in 2015 and saying: “They’d better think carefully if they want to get into the hard-core manufacturing. We take steel, raw steel, and turn it into a car. They have no idea what they’re getting into if they get into that.” A bit blunt, but clearly – as the demise of some big names over the years has…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk ● All-new Juke offers better practicality and economy ● Range kicks off with Visia trim, priced from £17,395 NISSAN has taken its time with the second-generation Juke – and you can see why. Despite a nine-year run, the previous version of this segment-defining SUV still left showrooms in big numbers right up to its demise. More than 60,000 were sold globally last year, with over a million finding homes since launch in 2010. Sitting on a new platform shared with the Renault Clio, the underpinnings are tasked primarily with supporting a car that needs to be better to drive than its predecessor. Nissan has also targeted improvements in fuel economy and practicality, as well as updated on-board technology. There’s a clear family link to the original model, with the…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk ● Improved dynamics and a switch to lithium-ion battery ● Shorter than outgoing model but with a longer wheelbase THIS is the all-new Toyota Yaris, which will try to capitalise on wider recognition for hybrid power when it lands in British showrooms next summer. The Japanese company’s new rival for the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa is the fourth generation of a model that has sold four million examples since it was first introduced in 2000. The Yaris switches to a newly adapted version of the same Toyota New Generation Architecture that underpins the latest Corolla, RAV4 and C-HR. Called GA-B, the new Yaris’s chassis gets extra strengthening in a bid to improve the steering response. The rack itself is quicker, and the car’s electric power steering has a…

TOYOTA is working on multiple performance versions of the new Yaris to give the car broader links with the company’s World Rally Championship effort. The outgoing model’s £26k hardcore GRMN limited edition was aimed at enthusiasts, and the poorly received GR Sport gave the Yaris Hybrid a sportier look. Toyota Europe executive vice-president Matt Harrison (shown above) revealed to Auto Express that the company had to work harder to show links between its rally effort and cars that appeal to enthusiasts. “With the GRMN, we tried to establish more of a link to the rallying,” Harrison said. “You won’t have to wait too long for our thoughts for Gazoo. It’ll be in the next few months. But we need to build a stronger connection between success on the track and…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk ● Sporty coupé takes on CLA ● Uses 1 Series running gear BMW has expanded the 2 Series line-up with a newcomer designed to challenge the Mercedes CLA head-on. Called the 2 Series Gran Coupé, its arrival means the 2 Series family is the most diverse range in the BMW fold. The Gran Coupé is a compact four-door and it lines up alongside the two-door Coupé and Convertible models, as well as the Active Tourer and Gran Tourer MPVs. It’s also a junior to the new 8 Series Gran Coupé, and goes on sale next March, with prices starting from £25,000. The 2 Series Gran Coupé shares running gear with the latest 1 Series hatchback and the X1 and X2 SUVs, as well as the MINI. Known as UKL,…

TOYOTA has released images of the second-generation, hydrogen-powered Mirai Concept, ahead of its official debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The concept is based on a platform which is shared with the Japan-only Toyota Crown executive saloon, and the Mirai has grown in size over the current model. It’s 85mm longer, at 4,975mm, while the wheelbase has increased by 140mm to 2,920mm. But its the radical new looks that really set the Mirai apart; the long, low body and cab-rearward design replaces the slightly frumpy look of today’s model. This concept also features a wide front grille, a large chin spoiler, a deep rear diffuser and new 20-inch alloy wheels. Full technical details of the second-generation Mirai’s hydrogen-electric drivetrain are yet to be announced, but Toyota has confirmed it…