Seat confirms new SUV model: is Skoda next?

By Ollie Kew and Damion Smy Motor Industry 26 March 2014 13:00 Seat has officially announced today that it is developing an all-new compact SUV model to join the Spanish outfit’s range in 2016. Seat says that the new SUV is already two years into development at the company’s Martorell technical facility in Spain. The as yet unnamed car is likely to share engines and platform with other ‘compact SUVs’ made by parent company, Volkswagen Group, such as the next-gen VW Tiguan and Audi Q3, which will use the MQB modular architecture.

Two thirds using mobile phones while driving

TWO THIRDS of drivers in the UK admit to using their mobile phone while driving despite it being illegal and dangerous. A study has found 60% of drivers make calls, send texts and even browse the internet on their phones when behind the wheel. Research by Flexed shows six out of 10 drivers say they answer the phone or reply to texts when driving.

Designer insights: highlights of Auto Design Prague 2014

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, might not seem the most obvious choice for an automotive design conference. But when one considers the country's history of innovation in the arts and architecture, its long-lived automotive marques like Tatra and Skoda, and Prague's central location in Europe, it makes perfect sense. Conference speakers included the program design director for Citroën DS, Ivo Groen; Volvo vice president of design Thomas Ingenlath; Jaguar advanced design director, Julian Thomson; Gert Hildebrand, head of design for Qoros; and Johann Lemercier, program manager at Ferrari design.