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THE amount of technology going into our cars these days provokes much debate and is often criticised. Whether it’s driver distraction or tech we just don’t want that might even let big brother spy on us, there seems to be a natural wariness of technology. But with new tech comes progress, making our lives easier and more enjoyable. Even if it takes a few iterations to get it right – and it usually does. Autonomous driving technology seems to have fallen off the radar a bit over the past 18 months, but Audi has put it back on the agenda with its skysphere concept (Page 18), previewing the company’s design direction in a largely electric and autonomous future. Of all the new tech we cover, autonomous driving is one of…

Steve_Fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowler HONDA UK boss Jean-Marc Streng has confirmed that the brand will introduce a second all-electric model within the next two years, joining the Honda e city car. Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, Streng said, “We are going to bring a new model of BEV in 2023 – that’s the next step, which will help us to have a wider offer.” Although Streng wouldn’t be drawn on any more details on the new model, he did say, “It’s going to be an offer in the right segment, which will achieve more sales.” Auto Express understands it is likely to be a crossover, similar to the Honda SUV e:concept revealed at last year’s Beijing Motor Show. Our exclusive images show how the new car could look, with slim LED lights…

James_Brodie@autovia.co.uk @jimmybrods AS confirmed to us by Honda UK MD Jean-Marc Streng, the brand is busy with the development of the next Civic Type R hot hatchback. What’s more, performance car enthusiasts can breathe a little easier about the model’s future, because Streng sees the continuation of the hot Civic not as an obligation, but as a vital part of the company’s business. “Type R is still relevant,” said Streng. “So we will bring Type R on the new design – I think that it makes the brand unique. I’m glad that Type R stays, because it helps us tremendously – it has a good impact in bringing in new customers.” Streng told us nothing about the new car, but it has been spied previously, and we’ve previewed it in…

James_Brodie@autovia.co.uk @jimmybrods MORGAN has revealed a new version of the Plus Four that’s designed to take on the trailblazing Ariel Nomad. It’s called the Plus Four CX-T, and the company says it is intended to pay homage to owners who use their Plus Fours in all-terrain time trials. Just eight Plus Four CX-Ts will be made, each costing from £170,000 before local taxes are applied. In the UK, that means an on-the-road price of around £204,000. The engine is the same as that in the standard Plus Four, a 2.0-litre turbocharged BMW petrol unit developing 255bhp, and sending its power to a six-speed manual gearbox. The CX-T is still rear-wheel drive, but has a BMW xDrive differential at the back that has three settings. Road leaves the differential fully open,…

EXPECT another special project from Morgan in 2021. The firm has confirmed the Plus 8 GTR will be revealed later this year, with production limited to nine units. It will be a polar opposite to the new Plus Four CX-T, arriving as a track-bred V8-powered Plus 8 inspired by the British brand’s racers from the nineties. The Plus 8 went out of production in 2018, but the chassis that will sit beneath the nine GTR models aren’t newly built. Morgan has reacquired them from a private owner, and intends to build the ultimate Plus 8 on them, using a mixture of mechanicals faithful to the new-edition Plus 8 that was built between 2012 and 2018. Power comes from a BMW V8, the same N62 4.8-litre naturally aspirated unit used in…

Luke_Wilkinson@autovia.co.uk @LT_Wilkinson • New looks and tech added • Range remains at 286 miles BMW has given the all-electric iX3 SUV an early facelift to keep it in line with the recently refreshed X3 line-up. Styling tweaks include a new front bumper, which BMW says shares elements of its design with its latest electric vehicles, the iX SUV and i4 saloon. The iX3’s kidney grilles are also slightly larger than before and feature new mesh-style inserts. Reshaped adaptive LED headlights have been added, too, while the M Sport styling package is now standard across the range. This adds a lower front splitter and some new air vents on the front wings. Inside, the revised iX3 has sports seats plus upgraded infotainment with a larger 12.3-inch screen. The centre console has…