Section of the A3 in Surrey to close all weekend
A National Highways spokesperson said: "We are restoring heathland and upgrading the junction with the A3 Wisley Interchange to reduce congestion, improve safety and create more reliable journeys."We thank drivers and the local community for their patience and ask anyone travelling during these times to plan their journeys carefully."Full details of diversions are available here. A further weekend closure of the A3 near junction 10 is planned for 12 to 15 September.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge car brand returning to the UK selling all EV line-up only available in four countries
The legendary manufacturer's return to Great Britain signals the accelerating evolution of the automotive industry, with petrol-guzzling muscle cars making way for emission-free automobiles An iconic name in the automotive world is making a clean break from its past and gearing up for a major return to the UK market following an eight-year absence. American luxury brand Cadillac, which has long been associated with big V8s and bold design, will be offering a lineup of fully electric vehicles when it relaunches on British soil. Cadillac's return is a bold move by General Motors (GM), which established its European headquarters in Zurich back in 2021 as part of a renewed continental push. The first UK-bound model will be the Cadillac Lyriq, a premium all-electric SUV retailing at around £68,000, that has so far only been available in Switzerland, France, Sweden and Germany. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. According to CEO of GM Europe, Pere Brugal, the brand will focus solely on electric vehicles, with the UK being one of its key markets going forward. He told Autocar: "It is one of the [markets] that we're focusing on right now." While the UK release date hasn't yet been revealed, the CEO did confirm the Lyric will be available soon after final testing is completed in Ireland, and that Cadillac is aiming to launch in the UK with at least two models. But Mr Brugal declined to confirm which ones will be joining the Lyriq, saying: "We want to make sure we launch not only with one model portfolio. We want to make sure we launch with at least a two-model portfolio." The specifications of the Lyriq are impressive — the entry-level version offers a range of around 330 miles and generates 520bhp. Those wanting an extra boost can choose the performance-focused top-tier model, which increases power to 606bhp. However, as Mr Brugal pointed out, launching in the UK is not just about shipping cars across the Atlantic. The ability to import Cadillac's growing portfolio will depend heavily on the alignment of emission regulations and safety standards between the US and Europe. "If the regulations between the US and Europe harmonise, it will make our life easier," he explained. "We will bring a lot of benefit to the final customer, because that will increase the range of options.' He also noted the possibility of designing a bespoke GM model specifically for European tastes. Unlike previous Cadillac ventures in the UK, the relaunch will eschew traditional dealership networks. Instead, the all-electric models will be sold using an online-based model, supported by pop-up 'experience' centres inviting customers to see, drive and configure their cars. This strategic attempt to modernise the buying experience mirrors the approach used by other EV manufacturers such as Polestar. As the Lyriq prepares to hit UK roads, Cadillac's all-electric resurgence signals not just the return of an iconic brand, but also the accelerating evolution of the automotive industry, with tradition giving way to innovation and petrol-guzzling muscle cars making way for emission-free automobiles.
Times
3 hours ago
- Times
Dacia Bigster review: not that ugly — and a fuel economy to make Ceausescu proud
Saying 'I've got a Bigster' while swinging your car keys at a party sounds like a cheap gag, but cheap is good when it comes to family cars. This £25,215 Romanian-made SUV with a funny name manages to undercut better-known rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Ford Kuga. It's cheap to run too. We measured it at 60mpg for the 1.8-litre petrol hybrid (PHEV) version. That's pretty remarkable considering 30mpg was the best you could expect from a big SUV not long ago. • Read more expert reviews, news and insights on cars and motoring More about the fuel-sipping engine technology in a moment, but first here are the reasons you may want to test-drive a Bigster, apart from the fact that it's not another Chinese import. First is that the Bigster manages to feel roomier than rivals thanks to a bigger boot — 677 litres — and low window lines that give it an airy feel inside. The seats neatly split and fold so you can easily load a bike in the back, or lots of suitcases if you're doing the airport run, or even a stubby kayak. Rear-seat passengers — even tall ones — get enough legroom to avoid having their knees up round their chin, budget airline style. And unlike many cut-price SUVs, the Bigster doesn't look like a cheap knock-off. It's chunky enough to pass for a Jeep, albeit a soap rendering of one that's been left in the shower. There are skid plates front and rear to protect the underside, and the bumpers, wheel arches and sideskirts are made from a tough plastic called Starkle. Dacia boasts that Starkle is made from recycled materials possibly plastic dashboards from early Dacias. So far so good, but before signing on the dotted line, prospective customers will be asking themselves a deep and searching question: do they want the automotive equivalent of an 'own brand' supermarket item sitting on their drive? • VW Tayron review: seven seats and 600 miles on a single tank Founded in 1966 in the early days of the Ceausescu regime, the Dacia automobile company was the puppet state's answer to Russia's Lada, assembling cars for the masses under licence and offering slightly more luxurious versions for Communist Party officials. Dacia was successful enough to outlast both the Ceausescus and the Soviets. Renault saw the possibilities of a low-cost manufacturing outpost and bought it in 1999, launching the '5,000 euros car', the Dacia Logan, which attracted buyers in France, Italy and Germany. Other cheap-as-chips models followed, including the Sandero, the Jogger and the Duster. And now we have the Bigster, a cheaply produced SUV that's spacious, economical and not as ugly as some rivals. Unfortunately that's where it runs out of road. Dacia may have pretensions to be a grown-up car company but it's not there yet. The Bigster's interior looks like a leftover from the Soviet bloc era. It's so basic it's spartan, soaking up vibrancy with a joyless blend of grey plastics. The infotainment system bongs relentlessly at the smallest of transgressions and the seats don't pass the comfort test. By the end of a long journey you feel as though you've sat through a drawn-out politburo meeting. • Ford Puma Gen E review — Britain's bestselling car goes electric From the outside the Bigster looks tall but inside it's more like an estate car without the high-up driving position an SUV should have, and hence without the good visibility and feeling of security. It does share some of the characteristics of an SUV, notably soaking up speed humps and potholes and smoothing out ruts and bumps, but cornering and changing lanes aren't its strong points. Neither does it offer the kind of off-road proficiency you'd expect judging from its ruggedised looks. When you stretch the engine in low gear there's a droning sound, as though the car has been surrounded by angry bees. The cleverest bit is the powertrain on the 155 model, a system developed by Renault. That 60mpg figure is achieved by combining a 109bhp four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors, a 1.4 kWh battery and an automatic electric gearbox. It sips fuel while cruising and then, when you lift your foot off the throttle, it gets busy harvesting energy and feeding it back into the battery. The result is fewer fill-ups and a low vehicle excise duty band (band F, £390 a year). For a whisker over £25,000 for the Expression trim, you're clearly not going to get the hushed ride and pillowy suppleness of a premium German SUV, but the Bigster still has a way to go before it can match the refinement of, say, Skoda, another eastern European brand that started as the butt of jokes. • Porsche Cayenne review — a family hybrid with oomph The Bigster feels like a work in progress. No doubt Dacia is already developing an improved version. Having overcome the ticklish engineering challenges of building the Bigster's powertrain, it will soon get to grips with the problems of comfort and handling. In the meantime, for a similar price, it's worth checking out a used BMW X5 or a Porsche Cayenne. Neither match the Bigster's laudable fuel economy, but they will get you to your destination with a little more panache —and you'll have a better key fob to show off at parties.
Auto Blog
6 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Mazda Drops Enticing 2025 Mazda3 Lease Offer For August
A rare Prodrive P25 that originally sold for around $600,000 is now listed for nearly $1 million in the UK. There's a niche demand for a truck smaller than the Tacoma in the US. Toyota's still looking into it. It's the only part of the car that isn't specially-developed, and even so, it's been modified for use in the Bug. The Mazda3 lives to impress If you're looking for a small, powerful car that's surprisingly spacious, the Mazda3 might be exactly what you need. The iconic small car from Mazda comes in either hatchback or sedan form and doesn't skimp on style. Available 18-inch black alloy wheels go with just about any paint color, and available leather seats beg you to stay seated and keep driving. This August, Mazda has impressive lease deals on the Mazda3 Hatchback and Mazda3 Sedan. The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback can be leased for $369 per month, with $2,499 due at signing. If you prefer a sedan, the 2025 Mazda3 Sedan can be leased for $349 per month with $2,499 due at lease signing. Both vehicles have a 36-month lease term. Mazda's lease offers are dependent on dealership participation. You can enter your zip code on Mazda's website to ensure your local dealers participate. We verified that zip codes for five major metro areas, all of which have plenty of dealers involved in this program. Mazda3 — Source: Kyle Edward Can you lease a Mazda3 for zero down at signing? You can, but while lease terms are negotiable, they depend on the willingness of the dealership you're working with. Putting no money down will increase the leased vehicle's monthly payment, and dealerships can choose to alter lease terms. Putting zero down when signing a lease typically increases the monthly payment by 15-25 percent. 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback and Mazda3 Sedan highlights A significant difference between these two is the body style, but it's not the only one. Whether you choose a hatchback or a sedan, you'll get many of the same great features in both vehicles. Those who need to haul a touch more might want to opt for the hatchback, though. Mazda3 — Source: Mazda Under the hood of the hatchback Mazda3, you'll get a 2.5-liter engine capable of 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. An available turbo version bumps the power output to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Available all-wheel drive and leather-trimmed seats up the ante, keeping you comfortable while the available G-Vectoring Control Plus adjusts braking and torque for a smoother, more stable ride. The 10.25-inch center console screen comes equipped with Mazda Connect for maps, music playback, and more. If you prefer, the Mazda3 also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Final thoughts 2025 Mazda3 2.5 S Hatchback — Source: Mazda The Mazda3 has been named a Car and Driver Editors' Choice for 2025, which is no surprise. It's pure Mazda, from its aggressive front-end to its incredibly fun ride. Small but mighty, the Mazda3 is great for city dwellers or those who just want a small car to rip through the countryside in. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Nate Swanner View Profile
