JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We take a look at the Hyundai Kona SUV and open-top version of Ferrari Roma

In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John casts his expert eye over the Hyundai Kona SUV.

Korean manufacturer Hyundai has just revealed its new Kona compact SUV which in electric form will have a claimed range of up to 306 miles on a full charge.

The second-generation Kona will be offered with a choice of three powertrains with hybrid electric as well as conventional engines.

Hyundai says that the electric version has class-leading range and adds that sporty N Line versions will be offered on each engine variant.

Hyundai has developed the new Kona as an EV primarily and Jaehoon Chang, its president and CEO, said: “Kona Electric will play a major role alongside our IONIQ models in reinforcing Hyundai’s EV leadership.

“The new model builds on the great reputation of the first-generation Kona Electric and is designed and engineered to lead the competition with its many outstanding features.

“At Hyundai, we don’t see the EV revolution as just the latest trend. We believe it is a pivot point for not only the industry but also for society. Through the implementation of eco-friendly mobility solutions like our EVs, we hope to speed the transition to clean mobility and make progress for humanity.”

Among the upgrades are dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, a digital key, full over-the-air updates and a connected car navigation cockpit.

The new Kona EV comes with under the bonnet storage, active air flaps, interior and exterior vehicle-to-load outlets, a head-up display, i-Pedal driving mode, smart regenerative system, electronic-active sound design and an eco package.

It also features Hyundai’s SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and safety systems, including Level 2 autonomous driving, forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot view monitor, remote smart parking assist and a driver status monitor.

Compared to the previous generation Kona, the new model is larger all round and for the EV variant its length is now 4,355 mm, 175 mm longer than the previous generation in 2017, with a wheelbase of 2,660 mm, which is 60 mm longer.

Its width is 1,825 mm, which is 25 mm wider, and the height is 20 mm taller at 1,575 mm.

Luggage space is 466 litres with the rear seats upright and a further 27 litres is available in the frunk.

N Line versions have black mirrors, wing-type spoiler and optional black roof, a more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper to emphasize a lower stance, twin exhausts and silver side skirt.

Prices for the new models are still to be announced and the latest Kona is expected to be available in the UK in the next few months.

Meanwhile, If you have a stack of cash and you want to treat yourself then this latest Italian might just be the thing.

An open-top version of the Ferrari Roma has been revealed – the first front-engined soft top from the Maranello marque for 54 years.

Ferrari says the Roma Spider 2+ is a contemporary take on the chic, pleasure-seeking Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s.

It was presented during an exclusive event at the El Badi Palace in Marrakesh, Morocco, where clients got their first view of the car.

The soft top deploys in just 13.5 seconds and can be opened at up to almost 40mph.

Like the coupe version of the Roma it is powered by a 620hp 3.9-litre V8 engine and in the open model it results in a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of around 200mph.

Fuel economy homologation is still being carried out.

The Spider is said to have acoustic insulation in its hood that gives noise levels on par with retractable hard top vehicles.

The Ferrari Roma Spider’s long rear overhang, which is a characteristic of the Ferraris of the 1950s and 60s, has been re-proportioned resulting in a low, compact volume which hugs the rear axle Boot capacity is 255 litres.

As the spiritual successor to the 1969 365 GTS4 Daytona the engine of the Roma Spider is paired with an eight-speed DCT gearbox which has become renowned for its fast shift times and efficiency.

No prices have been released but it is expected to cost in the region of £200,000 – some £20,000 more than the Roma Coupe.

Alongside this, Safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is offering tips to ensure drivers have good vision on their journeys.

GEM says it’s vital to reduce the number of people of all ages who drive with defective vision.

This would contribute to reducing the number of fatal and serious injury collisions which occur every year on the UK’s roads because of poor eyesight, according to GEM.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “Poor eyesight is linked to nearly 3,000 fatal and serious injury collisions every year.

“We are concerned that there are too many people driving with defective eyesight that has deteriorated to a dangerous level,” he said. Figures suggest between two and three per cent of drivers are using the roads with vision that fails to meet the minimum standards.

“We urge everyone to prioritise safety and ensure they have a proper eye examination with an optician every two years. Eye tests allow professionals to identify and correct any problems, meaning the risks of driving are reduced and the road environment is safer.”

The current test requires a driver to be able to read a vehicle numberplate at a distance of 20 metres (65 feet) in good daylight.

GEM is keen to support people who wish to stay behind the wheel for longer. But safety has to be the priority. Under the present regulations, it’s down to individual responsibility for drivers to declare themselves fit to drive.

“The problem is that we are unlikely to notice many of the changes to our vision,” added Mr Worth. “It takes a professional examination to reveal changes to our visual acuity, peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, ability to focus and colour vision.

“That’s why having an eye test every two years is a key part of being a responsible driver, whatever your age, just to ensure there are no safety concerns about your vision and to deal with any issues at an early stage.”

Eye tests are free to those aged 60 or over, under 16 years of age and anyone aged 16 to 18 and in full time education. For others, an eye test typically costs less than £30.

GEM has issued the following tips for looking after your eyes:

1. To be as safe as possible on the road as a driver, it’s vital to ensure your vision is good enough.

2. If your vision has deteriorated, you need to ensure it is corrected by glasses or contact lenses as necessary.

3. Changes in vision can be so slow that you may not notice. That’s why it’s so important to let a professional give your eyes a thorough examination every two years.

4. Early signs that your sight may be changing include eye strain, unusual headaches and difficulty in seeing at night or when light conditions change.

5. It’s easy to get an eyesight test at your local optician – and you may even qualify for a free test.

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