A Revolutionary Vision on Wheels

The Renault 16 emerged from Project 115 in the early 1960s, representing a leap into uncharted territory for the French automaker. Its radical formula combined a front-wheel-drive layout with a five-door body a format that would eventually become the norm for family cars, but at the time was considered futuristic.

Changing Minds in a Conservative Market

Skepticism met the 16’s unconventional silhouette. Critics questioned its appeal compared to stalwarts like the Peugeot 404. Yet Renault’s then-CEO Pierre Dreyfus had unwavering confidence. He believed the R16’s distinctive shape and innovative features would set it apart and he was right. Within a year of its 1965 Geneva debut, the R16 was crowned European Car of the Year for 1966.

A Car Designed for the New Era

Marketed as “a car for the new man,” the Renault 16 positioned itself as more than a mere vehicle it was a lifestyle statement. British adverts described it as looking “decidedly modern” compared to boxy competitors, while its mix of comfort and function caught the attention of family drivers and government fleets alike.

Engineering That Stood Apart

• A die-cast aluminium cylinder block a European first, according to Renault
• Steering-column mounted four-speed gearbox slick and easy to use
• Unique torsion bar rear suspension enabling an asymmetrical wheelbase

Such quirks weren’t just eccentric they enhanced space and practicality. The 16 GL offered multiple interior configurations, allowing for creative ways to fold or suspend seats and adapt to different storage needs. It was part-saloon, part-estate, but fully original.

A Survivor Among Millions

From its launch to its final production in 1980, Renault built over 1.8 million units of the 16. By the time the last one rolled off the line in Sandouville, its design influence had spread across Europe. Yet few remain especially in GL trim.

David O’Leary’s 1969 GL

This rare survivor spent decades tucked away in a shed, having been retired in the early ’80s due to engine trouble. When O’Leary acquired it from the family of the original owner, the car was in rough shape. Years of patient restoration followed and the result is nothing short of showroom-worthy.

Today, O’Leary treasures its eccentric charm: “Even some other owners don’t know how versatile these cars really are.” From the seemingly haphazard dashboard switchgear to the distinctive gear-change feel, the 16 still holds unique appeal.

Legacy of a Trailblazer

While the Renault 16 may not grace the pages of modern buyers’ guides, its legacy lives on in nearly every hatchback and crossover on today’s roads. It helped redefine how families think about space and function long before such terms became industry buzzwords.

So if you’re ever at a classic car show and spot a sleek, unassuming Renault that prompts someone to ask, “Is that an Alfa Romeo?” take a moment to appreciate one of Europe’s most quietly radical cars. With only a handful left in the UK, the 16 GL is a reminder that sometimes, practicality and originality are the most enduring forms of elegance.

The post Britain’s Rarest Rides: The 1969 Renault 16 GL A Pioneer of Practicality first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Why the Ride Feels Harsh

Much of the Ecosport’s firm ride comes down to its suspension design and tyre choice. If your particular model is equipped with low-profile tyres those with a short sidewall height you’re more likely to feel every pothole and road ripple.

Tyres Play a Big Role

Low-profile tyres are popular for their sharper looks and improved handling response, but they sacrifice comfort. Less sidewall means less cushioning over bumps. Switching to a taller-profile tyre seems like a quick fix, but it’s not always straightforward.

Can You Change Tyres for a Smoother Ride?

Yes, but not without caveats. Simply installing tyres with taller sidewalls will increase the overall rolling radius of the wheel, which can lead to:

• Inaccurate speedometer readings
• Potential clearance issues with suspension or bodywork
• Increased ride height and more body roll in corners

These changes might also raise eyebrows with your insurance provider, especially if the modification deviates from factory specifications.

What’s the Safer Alternative?

A more effective and safer route is to investigate if your Ecosport model supports a smaller wheel size. For example, if you currently have 17-inch wheels, you may be able to switch to 16-inch factory-approved wheels with higher-profile tyres maintaining the original rolling radius but gaining comfort.

Using manufacturer-spec wheels ensures better fitment and preserves your speedometer accuracy. Be sure to notify your insurer beforehand to avoid policy issues many companies accept original equipment swaps, but a quick call can prevent surprises.

Other Ways to Improve Comfort

Consider the Tyre Compound

If your Ecosport is fitted with summer tyres, switching to all-season versions may help. All-season tyres typically have a slightly softer rubber compound, which adds a bit more give over imperfections in the road. The difference won’t be night and day, but it could offer a small improvement in ride quality.

Don’t Expect Miracles

Even with tyre and wheel changes, the Ecosport’s ride quality is inherently firm. It’s a common critique from road testers and owners alike. The suspension is tuned more for responsiveness than plushness and there’s only so much tyre tweaks can do to smooth things out.

Is It Time to Reconsider Your Vehicle?

If you’ve tried all the above and the ride still leaves you and your passengers wincing, it may be worth thinking about whether the Ecosport is the right car for your needs. Vehicles like the Ford Kuga, Citroën C3 Aircross, or even a used Toyota CH-R tend to offer more compliance over rough roads without extensive modifications.

Ultimately, comfort is a personal matter and while there are ways to fine-tune your Ecosport’s ride, there’s no substitute for a suspension designed with softness in mind from the start.
None of these small SUVs is exemplary in this regard, but you should find the Skoda Kamiq to be a little softer.

The post How to Soften Your Car’s Ride: A Guide for Ford Ecosport Owners first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Manufacturers Adjust to Market Realities

The latest wave of industry announcements marks a sharp shift in tone. Aston Martin’s plans to electrify its fleet including a starring role for an EV in Amazon’s upcoming James Bond series are being shelved. BMW, citing “multiple uncertainties,” has postponed a major retooling effort at its historic Oxford plant. Even Mercedes, once bullish on its all-electric pivot, now acknowledges that customer demand isn’t keeping pace with political timelines.

Falling Sales Reflect Consumer Hesitancy

The problem is straightforward: EV sales are flatlining. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in 2024 dropped by 1.3 percent to 1.99 million units not the trajectory needed to replace petrol and diesel in five years. Customers continue to raise concerns about:

• Limited public charging infrastructure
• Higher upfront purchase costs
• Plummeting second-hand EV values
• Uncertainty around long-term maintenance and insurance

For most consumers, the trade-offs simply aren’t worth it particularly outside urban centres where access to reliable charging points remains spotty at best.

Government Policy Now at Odds with Industry

While manufacturers adapt their strategies, the UK government remains anchored to its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales. That deadline is beginning to look disconnected from market reality. If automakers can’t deliver enough EVs or if the few available models are priced out of reach consumers will have nowhere to turn. The unintended consequence? Ceding the British auto market to low-cost Chinese EV makers like BYD, who can flood the market with inexpensive, well-equipped electric cars.

Risking a Strategic Surrender

Without intervention, UK-based auto manufacturing could face a critical blow. Domestic and European brands risk being undercut by Chinese imports, which benefit from lower production costs and strong vertical integration. The fear is that Britain’s auto industry once a source of pride and employment could erode under the pressure of unrealistic policy and aggressive overseas competition.

What the Future May Actually Look Like

The industry now sees the future as diversified, not electric-only. EVs are expected to play a dominant role in city driving, where their efficiency and quietness shine. But for longer journeys and rural areas, petrol, diesel, and hybrid options will likely remain relevant especially if technological improvements allow for cleaner emissions and better fuel economy.

We may even see entirely new propulsion systems emerge, from hydrogen to synthetic fuels, reshaping the market in ways no single government policy can anticipate.

A Call for Pragmatism

It’s time for Westminster to catch up with the industry. Sticking rigidly to a 2030 ICE ban in the face of mounting evidence that the infrastructure, demand, and manufacturing readiness are all falling short risks more than just political embarrassment it could cripple one of Britain’s few remaining world-class industries.

The market is evolving quickly, and in directions no one fully predicted. Rather than fight it, the UK must adapt. The EV dream is far from dead, but forcing it to maturity before it’s ready could turn a promising transition into an industrial collapse. For the sake of Britain’s automotive future, flexibility is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity.

The post As Carmakers Retreat from EVs, Will the UK Rethink Its 2030 Ban? first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.