The firm’s smallest crossover comes with a choice of three powertrains and three trim levels.
Vauxhall has given its smallest SUV – the Mokka – a few nips and tucks to keep it looking fresh.
This new car now features the firm’s black Vizor front end which has the headlights and Griffin badge integrated into the nose of the car while a redesigned bumper completes things. Also, in terms of sustainability, Vauxhall has removed all the chrome trim from the outgoing car to keep up with its ‘Greenovation’ strategy which is driving the firm to go carbon neutral by 2038.
All of the Mokka’s fabrics are made from recycled materials. (Vauxhall)
Inside, the sustainability theme continues with all the fabrics made from recycled materials, plus there is a new steering wheel, while the switches from the electric parking brake and driving modes are pinched from the new Grandland SUV. Also, there is a new 10-inch digital driver’s display and updated infotainment screen that uses ChatGPT..
In terms of powertrains, you’ll be able to get the new Mokka with a standard 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces a total of 138bhp and comes with a six-speed manual transmission. There will also be a 1.2-litre petrol hybrid with 48V technology and a total power output of 166bhp.
Additionally, there is an electric version with a 54kWh battery pack and electric motor pushing out 158bhp and 260Nm of torque. In terms of range, Vauxhall claims that the updated Mokka electric can do up to 250 miles between fill-ups, while 100kW rapid charging is compatible – taking the car from 0 to 80 per cent in half an hour.
The Mokka is available with three different powertrains. (Vauxhall)
James Taylor, managing director of Vauxhall UK, said: “Our new Vauxhall Mokka is bold, pure, and mistakable. A car full of character that stands out in the crowd. Its current popularity alongside Corsa Electric means Vauxhall is the leading brand for electric sales in the combined B-segment.
“We are committed to making electric mobility accessible to everyone, with a fully electric version of each model in our line-up set to be available by the end of the year.”
Furthermore, the new Mokka will be available with three trim levels, consisting of Design, GS and Ultimate – although specifications have not been revealed yet.
Vauxhall has not announced prices for the new Mokka, but it’s expected to cost around the same as the old car from £24,000 up to £35,000 for the electric version.
Morgan is calling time on its flagship Plus Six model with a limited-edition Pinnacle version.
Production of the Plus Six, which has acted as the range-topper for the Malvern-based firm, is set to finish early next year and ends a lineage which runs all the way back to the start of Plus 8 building in 1968.
However, to celebrate, Morgan is creating 30 examples of the Plus Six Pinnacle, which will also be the last ‘high-powered Morgan’ to feature the brand’s classic-looking design with a new flagship set to be unveiled next year.
NEWS: Introducing Plus Six Pinnacle. Limited to just 30 examples, Plus Six Pinnacle marks the end of Plus Six production. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/iugRVFQcHA
Each Plus Six Pinnacle will be available to specify in one of three interior colourways – Fawn, Explore or Riviera – which have been created in partnership with material specialists Bridge of Weir. To contrast, there will be a range of exterior colours to choose from, though customers are free to bring their own sample shades and Morgan will match the car to it.
Throughout the Pinnacle you’ll find a range of high-quality materials, from the sheepskin carpets to special embroidery. Each car gets a special Pinnacle logo on the backrests of the seats, too.
Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “The cars we create are exhilarating to drive but also offer an escape, providing a comforting, relaxing, and engaging natural environment through the use of high-quality materials.
“This project has enabled us to build upon this. Plus Six Pinnacle represents a truly befitting conclusion to the Plus Six story, and the team and I have greatly enjoyed crafting this special edition to celebrate everything this model stands for.”
As with all Plus Six models, the Pinnacle is powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engine with 335bhp, enabling a 0-60mph time of just over four seconds and a top speed of 166mph.
Just 30 examples of the Pinnacle are set to be created, with each costing from £96,995.
It was a sad period for all motoring enthusiasts when Land Rover called time on its iconic Defender, ending a 67-year production run as the old-school off-roader was put out to pasture in 2016. But since that period – and despite the introduction of a new version – there’s still real classic Defender demand, with all manner of third-party suppliers getting in on the action.
The thing is, Land Rover itself has remained quiet in this area – until now. It’s the turn of in-house personalisation and upgrading arm Works Bespoke to turn its attention to the Defender, creating the car we’re looking at today – the Classic Defender V8.
What’s new?
It’s an end-to-end process getting a Classic Defender V8. Works Bespoke will source you a chassis – unless you’ve got a particularly clean one to hand – and after upgrading it with revised suspension and beefier brakes, you’re free to pick between a near-endless list of options and personalisation touches. Want a go-anywhere, Camel Trophy-inspired version? Not a problem. Fancy an all-black inner-city warrior? That’s more than possible.
You’re waiting for the catch, of course, and there is one – the price. Our example test car came in at an eye-watering £243,836. That’s for a short-wheelbase 90 version, too, so expect to pay even more for a longer 110 example. It’s a big chunk of change, that’s for sure.
What’s under the bonnet?
Included in that price is some serious under-bonnet hardware, however. It’s a 5.0-litre V8 unit delivering just shy of 400bhp and 515Nm of torque being driven – as you might expect – to all four wheels through a modern ZF automatic gearbox. This Defender comes accompanied by an estimated 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds and, providing you’re feeling brave enough, this classic off-roader will manage a limited top speed of 94mph.
Naturally, the best possible efficiency isn’t to be expected from a car like this. While official figures haven’t been released, it’s more than likely that if driven hard this Defender will return single-digit consumption.
What’s it like to drive?
While many aspects of the Defender V8’s underpinnings have been overhauled, there are plenty of areas where this car feels like the old-school off-roader it always has been. There isn’t, for example, room for your right arm when you’re driving while the steering has the slightly wayward character that the Defender has always had. The suspension does, however, feel less sharp than on a ‘regular’ version of this car and this helps to make it feel ever-so-slightly more assured through bends.
The engine has got bags of character. In truth, it’s hard to put a 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet and not give the car it’s attached to a slightly naughty edge but even under part throttle the Defender’s engine cackles away in the background. Surprisingly, it does quieten down very nicely when you’re driving at more leisurely paces while the ZF automatic gearbox does a great job of transitioning through the cogs smoothly.
How does it look?
Imagine the basic Defender setup as a blank canvas for this Works Bespoke model and you’re on the right track. Available in both 90 and 110 configurations, you’re free to pick between thousands of colour options, trim pieces and interior shades to make a car that is personal to you. Of course, you can’t get away from the fact that it is still very much a ‘classic’ Defender, but the tweaks and changes you can make help distinguish it from more regular models.
Our test car, for example, came in a 90 specification with quite a ‘traditional’ feel overall. It’s like every little bit has been polished and finished to the highest standard possible without losing the character of the original.
What’s it like inside?
Much the same as the exterior, you’re free to change whatever you like when it comes to the interior. There are several seat designs to pick between – including rather sporty Recaro versions for those looking to give their car a more performance-focused edge – though the slightly more comfort-orientated ones would likely give the Defender a more classic feel.
All of the main control points in the Defender feel good, too, though some of the original plastic buttons don’t entirely live up to the price tag that this car commands. It might be nice to upgrade the windscreen wipers too – they still squeak past like a hungry mouse and don’t feel all that ‘premium’, even if they are true to the original.
What’s the spec like?
So the kicker really does come with the Classic Defender V8’s price. Our test car, in 90 configuration, came in at a rather eye-watering £243,836. Step up to an equivalent 110 example and you’re looking at well over £250,000. It’s a truly incredible amount of money for a Defender, that’s for sure, but then you are getting a full strip-down and build-up process with all of JLR’s special knowledge and the very best materials.
‘Our’ test car did come equipped with plenty of equipment – as you’d hope, given the price. Highlights include LED headlights, ‘premium’ front seats and a pleasant silver exterior styling pack which gave the car a distinctly classic appearance out on the road. It’s an eye-catching thing to see, but then it does come with an eye-catching price too.
Verdict
The Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke shows this off-roader in its very best light. It drives nicely enough (for what is quite an agriculturally designed vehicle underneath) and the ability to tweak and change its design means that, in theory, no two should look the same.
Yes, the price is momentous – but it isn’t out of the ordinary for the ultra-luxury classic four-wheel-drive market that continues to surge in popularity. You could argue that this car’s price tag is enough to secure several pristine classic Defenders, but for those who want the very best – and can afford to get it – then this car is unlikely to disappoint.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke
Price: £243,836
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 399bhp
Torque: 515Nm
Max speed: 94mph
0-60mph: 5.4 seconds
MPG: 18mpg (est)
Emissions: NA
Both models receive a mid-life makeover with a more modern exterior design and improved powertrains.
Citroen has revealed updated versions of its C4 and C4 X to make them stand out more in the market.
Two different hybrid set-ups will be on offer each using a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine – one with 100bhp and 205Nm of torque, and another more powerful version with 164bhp and 230Nm. Both come with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
The electric versions, badged e-C4 and e-C4 X, come with a choice of two different battery packs. The first is a 54kWh unit that comes with a 154bhp electric motor, with Citroen claiming a 258-mile range for the e-C4 hatchback and 264 miles for the more swoopy e-C4 X.
The e-C4 and e-C4 X come with a choice of 50 or 54kWh battery packs. (Citroen)
Citroen is also offering a smaller 50kWh battery with a 134bhp electric motor, to give a claimed range of 220 miles for the e-C4 and 223 miles for the e-C4 X. Both versions are compatible with 100kW DC rapid charging, taking the cars from 20 to 80 per cent battery capacity in half an hour.
Also, next year, Citroen will offer a V2L or ‘vehicle-to-load’ plug socket on the e-C4 and e-C4 X allowing owners to plug in their electronic devices and use the car’s batteries to power them.
Both cars receive the firm’s new logo and updated radiator grille as well as LED indicators. Meanwhile, there’s a choice of new alloy wheel designs and ‘Colour Clips’ – side bodywork detailing that can be personalised in different colours.
Inside, there is a refreshed dashboard layout with a new seven-inch digital instrument cluster as well as the standard 10-inch infotainment screen. Additionally, Citroen’s renowned Comfort seats have also been redesigned with thicker foam to improve support for occupants.
There will be two trim levels, Plus and Max, but Citroen hasn’t revealed standard equipment levels at this stage.
Pricing for the new C4 and e-C4, and C4 X and e-C4 X models have not been confirmed, but the first cars will arrive in dealerships at the beginning of next year.
With a choice of two and four-wheel-drive versions, the Nissan Qashqai has consistently been in the top 10 best-sellers list. Cameron Richards has driven the latest version.
What is it?
(Nissan)
Compact crossovers are a pillar of the British driving community. They’ve flooded the market over recent years and put a significant dent in the popularity of the family saloon, estate and MPV.
Nissan’s Qashqai was seen as the trendsetter for the compact crossover market when it was released back in 2007 and since then, it’s gone on to be a sales success here in the UK.
However, fast forward nearly two decades and the Qashqai has grown in size, has updated technology and comes with a choice of mild and full hybrid powertrains. But, now the Japanese firm has given its bread and butter model a hefty facelift to keep it looking fresh, but is it enough to take it to the top of the class? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
(Nissan)
Some cars use facelifts to subtly change their mechanicals and exterior designs, but the changes made to this new Qashqai are noticeable from any angle.
At the front, there is a new nose with a bold radiator grille along with clear tail lights, updated alloy wheel designs and a new trim level called N-Design.
Inside, there is a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display that uses Google Built-in and includes wireless smartphone systems such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while equipment levels have been given a significant overhaul and also improved.
What’s under the bonnet?
(Nissan)
The Qashqai comes equipped with a choice of two engines. There is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology – which is also available with either two or four-wheel-drive. The total power output stands at 118bhp and 270Nm of torque.
We’re driving the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid, which the firm badges ‘e-Power’. Only available with front-wheel-drive, the car has greater power figures with 192bhp and 330Nm of torque. Meanwhile, 0-60mph takes 7.7 seconds and the car will go to a top speed of 105mph.
What’s it like to drive?
(Nissan)
Pleasant is the word that springs to mind when behind the wheel of the Qashqai. It may not be the most dynamic drive, but the Qashqai does comfort very well with the e-Power hybrid model being very quiet around town. Our test car had the larger 20-inch wheels, but that didn’t affect the ride at all, plus the multi-link suspension also helps here.
However, on faster roads and on the motorway, there is a fair bit of wind and road noise, which is a shame. Plus, as mentioned, the Qashqai isn’t as engaging as some other cars in this sector such as the Honda ZR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The steering feels vague and a bit slow to react.
However, where the Nissan does score well is with its e-Pedal mode where its regenerative braking means that around town you can effectively drive just using the accelerator with the car braking to recharge the battery. Fuel economy isn’t bad either with our test car averaging 49.1 mpg – but not quite the claimed 54mpg that the manufacturer says.
Visibility is also excellent thanks to the thin A-pillars and rear quarter lights, plus our car’s 360-degree surround camera with monitors also makes parking a lot less of a chore.
How does it look?
(Nissan)
The Qashqai still remains a tall vehicle, however over the years it has gained a few more curves to make it look more appealing and this latest facelift is by far the best-looking version yet.
The two-tone paint scheme, large 20-inch alloys and gloss black lower body cladding make it stand out while the new front grille is very bold and fits in well with Nissan’s latest design language.
What’s it like inside?
(Nissan)
Inside, there is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display that now incorporates Alexa and Google Built-in. There is also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and our test car comes with a choice of 64 different colours for its ambient lighting.
The cabin materials are of high quality and the Tekna+ model has the standard quilted leather and Alcantara door card inlays, while this material is also used on the side bolsters of the seats, on the dashboard and centre console – giving the cabin a more premium feel.
It’s great to see a manufacturer still using chunky physical buttons for its climate controls and there is a nifty shortcut button located on the steering wheel for your driver assistance settings, too.
The only gripe is the materials used lower down feel cheap and the glovebox is rather small – however decent door bins and a generous centre console cubby under the armrest make up for this shortfall.
Space in the back is good and thanks to the rear doors opening to nearly 90 degrees it makes getting into the rear seats a doddle. Once you’re in the back, knee and leg room is good, but it would be nice to be able to slide your feet underneath the front seats, and headroom would be better without the glass panoramic roof – but average-sized adults should have no problem in getting comfortable.
Boot space is the same as in the pre-facelift car, which is 504 litres with the seats up or that nearly triples to 1,504 litres with them pushed down. It’s smaller than a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, however. That said, the rear bench folds flat and there are two adjustable boot floors to help stop items moving about in the back.
What’s the spec like?
(Nissan)
The revised Qashqai range isn’t short of choice, with a selection of five different trim levels consisting of Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, N-Design, Tekna and Tekna+.
The entry level model starts at £30,135 and includes features such as rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Our test car is the top-of-the-line Tekna+ trim which starts at £38,875 but boasts equipment such as a Bose premium audio system, multi-link suspension, massaging front seats and quilted leather upholstery. However, the car we’re driving with a few options comes in at over £43,000 which makes this family-focused Nissan rather expensive.
Verdict
It’s easy to see why the Nissan Qashqai has become a firm favourite with British car buyers. It looks good, has a great interior layout, is well-equipped and features frugal powertrains that make it cheap to run.
It may not be the most exciting car to drive or to live with, but with such a competitive market, the Qashqai does everything very well and comes in a very sensible and complete package.
Just 799 examples will be produced and the car comes with a 3.0-litre V6 powertrain and will rival the recently revealed McLaren W1.
Ferrari has revealed its latest hypercar to go up against the McLaren W1 – the F80.
It’s powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 888bhp on its own. Furthermore, with the addition of a further two electric motors bolted to the front axle, these produce an added 140bhp each – taking the total power figure to 1,183bhp. A third motor – which helps recover lost energy and uses it to boost performance – is located at the rear of the car, too. The F80 features four-wheel-drive for the best traction and each electric motor comes with a 2.3kWh battery pack.
There are a total of five electric motors. (Ferrari)
The F80 also gets a clever ‘e-turbo’ system which sees an electric motor located between the turbine and compressor of each turbocharger on the engine to help the Ferrari deliver a high power output alongside better throttle response from lower down the rev range.
In terms of performance figures, the F80 can do 0-60mph in just 1.9 seconds and has a limited top speed of 217mph.
Meanwhile, the car’s cell is made from carbon fibre and the subframes for the front and rear suspension components are crafted from aluminium keeping the car’s kerb weight as low as possible – though this exact figure has not been revealed yet.
Externally, the F80 sits 50mm lower than the outgoing LaFerrari and uses a floating bubble structure to make the car more aerodynamic and stiffer. Up front, there is a black screen running across the front of the bonnet, alongside concealed headlights and a huge rear wing that can be stowed away or deployed at the touch of a button. The tail lights are arranged into two distinct ‘layers’, organised into sections in both the rear spoiler and bumper, too.
The dashboard is angled towards the driver. (Ferrari)
Inside, the dashboard is angled towards the driver, plus the passenger seat is located a lot further back to allow for a narrower passenger compartment without impacting on space and comfort. The car boasts a new steering wheel, plus it features physical buttons that replace the digital layout from previous Ferraris to make it more user-friendly when driving.
Sadly, all 799 examples have been sold, and if you are one of the lucky customers, you’ll have to fork out £3.1 million. Deliveries commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The world of SUVs is rich and varied. Responding to customer demand for a high-riding model of every shape and size, manufacturers across the board have leant into the desire for SUVs by creating ones that fit into every little segment. This car – the T-Cross – provides an entry point to Volkswagen’s range of SUVs and gives an alternative to those who find the Polo a little too ordinary.
Because despite this car’s upright stance it is, in fact, the same basic vehicle underneath as the Polo hatchback. But should you choose this SUV instead? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
The T-Cross has actually been around for a little while now, but Volkswagen has seen fit to refresh it in order to keep interest in this pint-sized SUV maintained. We’ve got some of the ‘traditional’ upgrades that you’ll find applied to a car mid-way through its lifecycle, including redesigned LED headlights and Volkswagen’s powerful IQ.Light LED Matrix lamps can now be added for the first time to the T-Cross.
Inside, there’s a slightly tweaked interior with an updated infotainment system now taking a free-standing design, reflecting changes that we’ve seen applied to a variety of Volkswagen vehicles of late.
What’s under the bonnet?
As you might expect, the T-Cross get a range of engines that is focused on efficiency rather than outright power. They’re all turbocharged and petrol yet despite the SUV focus of the T-Cross, you can’t get it with four-wheel-drive. The one we’re testing here uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a decent 148bhp and 250Nm of torque, driven through a DSG automatic gearbox to get the T-Cross from 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds and onwards to a 124mph top speed.
But though the performance of the T-Cross is more than adequate, it isn’t the primary focus of a car like this. No, efficiency is what this smaller Volkswagen is really aimed at, which is reflected in this car’s impressive combined consumption of 47.4mpg. Emissions, however, are slightly higher than with rival hybrid-driven rivals at 135g/km. The Lexus LBX, for example, emits just 103g/km in contrast.
What’s it like to drive?
Of course, you don’t get the full high-riding driving experience in the T-Cross that you might with other full-sized SUVs, but it gives a useful bump over a traditional hatchback. With its square proportions it’s easy to position when you’re parking too, while the light steering means that tighter spins and turns aren’t tricky either.
As with other Volkswagen-group vehicles the DSG gearbox in the T-Cross can be hesitant at times and it can be tricky to make a quick start without the car lurching forwards. However, you’re getting quite a composed driving experience overall, while the 1.5-litre engine under the bonnet affords the T-Cross with more than enough punch for most driving situations – it feels quite happy on a motorway cruise, for instance.
How does it look?
With its light refresh, the T-Cross is certainly looking sharper than before. It’s an altogether different approach to the standard Polo, but the upright proportions of this compact SUV play into the demand for chunkier cars that give the impression of an ability to go off-road – even if they’re primarily designed for life on the tarmac.
Our Style-grade car gets some upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels, too, while contrast silver roof rails do a good job of injecting a little life into the car’s styling. You’ve got a good selection of exterior colours to choose from, too, including a very eye-catching ‘Rubber Ducky Yellow’.
What’s it like inside?
The cabin of the T-Cross does a good job of taking the best bits from Volkswagen’s other vehicles and leaving some of the not-so good sections. The material quality is, largely, quite good – there are some scratchier plastics lower down – but the general layout of all of the major controls is good. It’s nice to have proper physical buttons on the steering wheel, too, as opposed to the haptic-style ones we’ve seen on other Volkswagen vehicles.
The boxy dimensions of the T-Cross give more headroom inside than you might think, while the rear seats can be slid forward and back depending on how much boot space you need. It stands at 384 litres with them pushed right to the rear of the car, or 455 litres with them pushed to the front – though the latter configuration will mean you won’t be able to take adult rear-seat passengers. In either way, that’s more space than you’ll get from a Polo.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the T-Cross kick off at just over £24,000, which represents decent value considering you’re getting standard features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a full suite of driver assistance systems. ‘Our’ Style-specification car sees that price creep up to £27,780, but it’s at this point that you start getting useful additions such as a full ‘Discover Navigation’ system which elevates the in-car experience and makes streaming media and connecting your phone far easier.
With its optional, larger wheels and a few other extras added, our test car came in at a hefty £32,840, the point at which the T-Cross starts to look a little out of its comfort zone price-wise.
Verdict
Given that it’s a practical, comfortable and well-specified compact SUV there’s no reason why the Volkswagen T-Cross couldn’t slot easily into a variety of roles. With its good-size boot and surprisingly spacious interior, it’s better suited at family life than you might think, yet its compact proportions mean it could be good for those who need a smart around-town ruanbout too.
You do need to go easy with the options to avoid the price of the T-Cross creeping up too far, but bear this in mind and the T-Cross could provide a very smart and frugal way of getting from A to B.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Volkswagen T-Cross Style
Price: £3
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 148bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Max speed: 124mph
0-60mph: 8.2 seconds
MPG: 47.4mpg
Emissions: 135g/km
The baby coupe will feature two or four-wheel-drive models, as well as new and improved on-board technology.
BMW has taken the covers off its second-generation 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The new car gains an additional 20mm in both its length and wheelbase while it stands 25mm taller than its predecessor. This growth spurt should help the 2 Series Gran Coupe to deliver more interior space than the car which came before it, though boot space remains the same at 430 litres for the all-wheel-drive model.
The mild-hybrid 220, however, suffers a space penalty with overall boot capacity dropping to 360 litres.
A choice of mild-hybrid and turbocharged engines are available. (BMW)
The exterior appearance is more modern with a front end taken from the recently updated 1 Series with new front headlight designs, a slimmer BMW front kidney grille and two arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights that are incorporated into the light units themselves.
At the back, there is a lower rear bumper finished off in gloss black and the tail lights also use similar design elements to the headlights with the LED two arrow-shaped theme. The body itself also features a swooping rear roofline to keep with the sporty coupe look, too.
From launch, there will be two powertrains on offer. The entry-level 1.5-litre three-cylinder 220 M Sport comes with 48v mild-hybrid technology and is front-wheel-drive. In terms of power, the engine produces 172bhp and 280Nm of torque, while 0-60mph is dispatched in 7.7 seconds and the car should run to a top speed of 143mph.
There is also an all-wheel-drive M235 xDrive model that comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that pumps out 304bhp and 400Nm of torque, while acceleration improves to 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and the car runs out of puff at 155mph.
BMW has remove physical buttons for the climate control. (BMW)
Inside, all cars come with the firm’s latest curved 10.25-inch information display and 10.7-inch control display, with many of the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s physical controls removed to give a cleaner look and feel overall. Meanwhile, sports seats come as standard.
Prices start at £34,915 for the basic 1.5-litre 220 and rise to £44,435 for the all-wheel-drive M235. Order books are open from today and customers will take delivery of their cars commencing from March 2025.
A study conducted by fuel specialist Sustain found 59 per cent of drivers plan to keep their petrol and diesel cars running for as long as possible.
Over half of British motorists don’t think that the government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2035 will be met, a new survey has suggested.
From 2035, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned, though second-hand vehicles with combustion engines will still be available.
However, fuel specialists Sustain surveyed 2,000 people to get their views on the UK’s internal combustion ban and found that 59 per cent will be keeping their petrol and diesel vehicles for as long as they can. In addition, 50 per cent of people in the survey felt the environmental impact of scrapping a car in good working order would be too high and 40 per cent believe that electric vehicles don’t fit into their lifestyles.
A total of 54 per cent think they would like to hear more about alternative options rather focusing only with electric vehicles.
Sustainable fuel can be made from agricultural by-product waste. (Sustain)
Sustain was launched by the low-carbon fuel specialists at Coryton. It is responsible for making low-carbon fuels that use second-generation biofuel from agricultural waste such as straw or by-product waste from crops.
David Richardson, business development director at Coryton, said: “Whether we meet the deadline on new car and van sales or not, one thing is certain, we’re going to have ICE vehicles on our roads for years to come. What we need is a strategy that addresses this.’
He added: “Clearly, electric vehicles offer a lot of benefits and should form part of our environmental strategy. However, as a company that specialises in sustainable fuel, we urge the government to embrace the opportunities that our category, and others, present. We don’t have to pit one solution against another – we should be utilising all of the technologies.”
Reinstating the ban to its original 2030 date following a delay until 2035 by the Conservative government was one of the key pledges in Labour’s manifesto, but there has yet to be an official statement from the government. However, according to the Sustain survey, 27 per cent of people plan to buy a new ICE car just before the deadline, meaning that petrol and diesel vehicles could be seen on our roads for at least another two decades.
As the UK prepares for an electrified future, we are starting to see a flood of new Chinese EVs hit the market, but what is out there on the market?
The car industry is rapidly undergoing major changes – some of the biggest since the car was invented.
Now that electrification is the main talking point of any car manufacturer, the larger firms are in a race against time to bring out as many EVs as they can to avoid being hit with the ZEV mandate fines, which currently stand at £15,000 for every car that doesn’t meet legislation requirements.
In the last few years, we have seen a steady trickle of electric vehicles coming over from China, which have a lot more attractive and cheaper price tags than their European, Japanese and South Korean counterparts.
However, that trickle has now turned into a flood, and the amount of battery-powered vehicles coming over from China is now out of control. So, what choice is out there if you fancy going down the Chinese EV route? We’ve compiled a list of all the major car manufacturers selling electric vehicles in their range from China in the UK.
BYD
The Seal is BYD’s four-door saloon to rival the Tesla Model 3. (BYD)
The acronym stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’ and although that sounds like a slightly odd name, its cars are far from it.
Since the firm launched here in the UK just last year, its electric models consist of the Dolphin, Seal and Atto 3.
The Dolphin is a small affordable hatchback that rivals cars like the MG4 and Fiat 600e, while the Atto 3 is a small SUV that competes with the Hyundai Kona Kia Niro EV.
The flagship model in the range, the Seal, is a medium four-door saloon that focuses on some stiff opposition from BMW and its i4 and Tesla with its Model 3.
The firm has also just introduced its first plug-in hybrid model into the UK with the Seal-U DMi – a cheaper alternative to a Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson.
Furthermore, the firm plans to introduce more EVs into the future with a budget city car called the Seagull and the Sealion seven-seat coupe SUV.
GWM ORA
The ORA 03 is currently the only model that GWM sell in the UK. (GWM)
Even though the firm has only been in the UK since 2022, the company originally sold the Funky Cat, a compact urban hatchback EV to rival cars like the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4. However, very shortly after the car’s release, the firm changed that car’s name to the more conventional ORA 3. It comes with a choice of two battery packs; a 48kWh pack or a larger 63kWh version with claimed ranges of 193 miles for the former and 260 miles for the latter.
Soon, GWM will launch its second model here in the UK, which will be badged the ORA 07, which is a four-door saloon that will rival cars like the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. It will feature an 83kWh battery pack that will give a claimed range of 322 miles, plus the car will come with two electric motors pumping out 402bhp and 680Nm of torque.
MG
The MG4 XPower is an electric hot hatch. (MG)
Once a landmark name in the British automotive industry, ever since the Chinese took ownership and brought the MG6 over to our shores in 2011, the brand has changed into something completely different.
It now offers a wide selection of different EVs to suit a variety of buyers including the MG4, which is a small compact electric vehicle that is also offered with a supercar-rivalling XPower version with 441bhp.
There’s also ZS EV which is a small crossover which stands at the more affordable spectrum of the EV market with the entry-level model starting at £28,495.
The MG5 is also one of the first electric cars to come as an estate showing that the once British brand is innovating the world of electrification.
Furthermore, the firm has just introduced the first two-seat open-top electric sports car to the market with the Cyberster. It’s available from £54,995 and there is a choice of single or dual motor versions with up to 500bhp – to prove that going electric doesn’t have to be boring.
Omoda
Omoda sells the 5 and E5 SUVs in the UK. (Omoda)
Omoda is a brand as fresh as they come with its first two models only being in showrooms for just under two months. The Omoda 5 and E5 are mid-size SUVs with the former being the petrol model and the latter being the EV version.
The E5 comes equipped with a 61kWh blade battery pack that offers a claimed 257 miles and has a charging speed of up to 80kWs. It’s out to rival other crossovers such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and BYD Atto 3.
Leapmotor
The T03 will be one of the cheapest EVs on sale. (Leapmotor)
Leapmotor is a start-up firm which has a key partnership with European carmaking giant Stellantis. The two companies are helping bring electric vehicles to the masses with its range of affordable EVs with the T03, B10 and C10.
The T03 is an urban city car that will be one of the cheapest electric vehicles on sale and will rival cars like the Dacia Spring. The B10 is a mid-size SUV that is said to cost less than £30,000 when it goes on sale in the UK next year while the C10 is the larger SUV in the range competing against cars such as the Toyota bZ4X and Skoda Enyaq – but it will still have a starting price at under £40,000.
Maxus
A relatively unheard-of car manufacturer in the UK, Maxus not only sells electric commercial vehicles but battery-powered passenger cars, too.
The cars that are on offer are the Mifa 7 and Mifa 9 which are both large, practical MPVs.
The former comes with seven seats and brings a claimed electric range of between 298 and 395 miles. Furthermore, prices start at around £39,000 and the car comes with only one battery pack – a 77kWh setup.
The Mifa 9 can also carry seven people but is more luxurious and has a dearer price tag of £65,290. Under its bonnet sits a larger 90kWh battery pack that’s good for a claimed range of 273 to 370 miles. Inside, there are individual seats which allows for greater room for passengers and makes the whole interior feel a lot more luxurious.
