The firm has stopped taking customers’ specified orders for its compact executive saloon and flagship SUV.
Genesis has stopped taking orders for its G70 and GV80 models and instead is only selling them from stock.
The decision comes in the wake of poor sales – since the models launched three years ago in the UK, it’s only managed to shift around 400 examples combined.
Parent company Hyundai axed the Genesis brand as a separate legal entity in the UK at the beginning of the year and brought the Hyundai and Genesis UK businesses together under common management.
A Genesis spokesperson told the PA news agency today: “The G70 and GV80 are still being made, but we’re not taking customer-specified orders for them any more – we’re selling from stock only.”
The spokesperson added that Genesis had no intention of stopping production of the two models.
A G70 can still be ordered in Shooting Brake guise, though. Priced from £42,955, it features a sloping rear roof line plus a more practical estate bodystyle. As standard, the model comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 242bhp plus 353Nm of torque, and has rear-wheel drive.
Although the G70 and GV80 haven’t sold well, by way of contrast the GV60 EV is one of Genesis’s best-selling models. It offers a 77.4kWh battery pack that gives a claimed electric range of up to 321 miles.
For the future, Genesis will continue to introduce new models, starting with its high-performance Magma series towards the end of 2025.
The famous German family hatchback has been around since 1974, evolved through eight generations and sold 37 million units worldwide.
The Volkswagen Golf has been crowned best car of the half-century as part of Best Cars of the Year from the New Car World Championships.
The judging panel comprises of independent car designers, engineers, journalists, broadcasters, automotive industry figureheads, vehicle retailers, media professionals, motorsport personalities, automotive consultants and motoring event organisers.
One of the judges, motoring journalist Mike Rutherford recognised the Golf as one of the best cars of the half century.
Since its launch in 1974, the Golf has become Volkswagen’s most successful model selling a total of 37 million units worldwide and amassing a total of eight generations.
Mike Rutherford said: “Some manufacturers are barely able to keep up with their ‘most important’ models in production for five years. The fact that Volkswagen has been successfully building and selling petrol, diesel, pure-electric and hybrid versions of the Golf around the world for 50 years really does say it all. The Golf has, since it was born in 1974, been the car for the people.”
To celebrate its 50th birthday, the Golf has been given an update to its current eighth iteration, offering styling tweaks and an improved infotainment system featuring ChatGPT as standard as well as including a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The new Golf is priced at £27,035 for the entry-level Life and rises to £44,570 for the R Black Edition.
Customers who reserve their cars early before the order books open should receive one of the first 50 cars in the UK.
Cupra has announced that order books are soon to open for its new electric vehicle in its range – the Tavascan.
The Tavascan is an electric SUV that will rival cars like the Skoda Enyaq Coupe and Volkswagen ID.5.
It will be available in four different guises including V1, V2, VZ1 and VZ2 – although equipment levels have not been revealed yet.
Power-wise, the Tavascan comes as standard with a 77kWh battery pack that is linked to an electric motor with a choice of two different power outputs. The lesser powered version will be available on V1 and V2 models and the higher powered unit comes as standard or VZ1 and VZ2.
The former produces a total of 252bhp and 545Nm of torque providing a claimed electric range of up to 352 miles. It also takes the car from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. The latter gives out the same torque levels but its power increases to 335bhp and acceleration improves taking 5.3 seconds to get from 0-60mph. Meanwhile, AC and DC charging is compatible with both power units – however, charging speed has not been revealed yet.
Marcus Gossen, director of Seat and Cupra UK, said: “We’re really excited about the Tavascan opening for order in the UK. This is a culmination of years of hard work, innovation and design coming together to create the future of Cupra. The Tavascan marks the next step in the Cupra electrification journey, and we’re delighted to be able to bring that to life on the roads from September 11 this year.”
However, if customers reserve a car before that date, they are prioritised to receive one of the first 50 cars in the UK. Prices start at £47,340 and rise to £60,835.
With plug-in hybrid power, the Range Rover Sport is cleaner and greener than ever, but has that made it lose its appeal? Cameron Richards finds out.
What is it?
The original Sport was launched back in 2005 and became an instant success in the world of premium SUVs.
Now in its third generation, the Range Rover’s smaller sibling has become more luxurious, has improved its onboard technology and is now kinder to the environment thanks to a plug-in hybrid setup. Does the new car have what it takes to shrug off the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne? Let’s put it through its paces.
What’s new?
To make a car instantly recognisable, it has to update itself subtly. This new car still has a taller, rakish design, but there are more curves and swooping lines to make it look more svelte and modern. The door handles are now flush into the bodywork to improve aerodynamics and the door mirrors have been redesigned, too.
The interior has upped its gain in terms of technology, with a large 13.1-inch touchscreen, which houses Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as a more modern digital driver’s cockpit and redesigned centre console and gear selector.
There is optional rear-wheel-steering which enables this big old bruiser to have an 11-metre turning radius, too.
What’s under the bonnet?
We are driving a plug-in hybrid petrol model that is badged P440e. It comes with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that is mated with a 38.2 kWh battery pack that gives a combined 446bhp and 620Nm of torque.
Furthermore, the car can do 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and will go on until it hits its limiter at 140mph. The battery pack enables an electric driving range of around 42 miles and DC rapid charging is compatible allowing the car to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 35 minutes.
What’s it like to drive?
No matter where you drive a Range Rover Sport, you know that it will get you to its destination in an effortless and comfortable manner. Its air suspension does a great job of ironing out those bumps in the road and when driven on the motorway it feels as quiet and as refined as sitting in the bath with very little noise entering the cabin.
As it’s a tall car, you expect it to lean a little around the corners, and even though there is a little bit of body roll, by no means does it disappoint. In fact, on the road, the Sport is extremely impressive.
On a run, the car manages 31.2mpg, which is respectable for something of this shape and size while the engine is smooth, quiet and isn’t too intrusive when switching between EV and combustion power.
The seats are like armchairs and don’t give you any aches or pains on a long journey, and the lofty driving position ensures a very commanding view of the road ahead.
Things that aren’t so impressive are the forward visibility, which makes it hard to see over the bonnet and the large rear head restraints impair your vision more when looking out the back.
Its sheer size also makes driving around town a chore with narrow gaps difficult to manoeuvre and finding a parking spot that is big enough also takes time.
How does it look?
Looks are a subjective topic, however, the Range Rover image has built up a reputation over the years of being the go-to choice for those who like the finer things in life.
This latest model still maintains its sportier image with a lower roof line and twin-exit exhausts. The black A-pillars and roof with a larger rear spoiler still give it that distinctive edge over the normal Range Rover.
The side vents and bonnet scoops also remain the same as in the old model and therefore make it distinctively the ‘Sport’ in the range.
What’s it like inside?
A Range Rover’s piste de resistance has always been its sumptuous interior and the Sport definitely excels in this area.
Our test car features the standard Windsor leather seats and Ebony headlining making the cabin feel bright and airy. The panoramic roof also lets a lot more light into the cabin.
All the controls all have haptic feedback giving you a reassuring click every time you press a button. Meanwhile, storage is plentiful with felt-lined door pockets that are large, an extremely deep centre console storage bin, an electrically split double glove compartment and a subtle storage bin under the gear selector.
Space in the back is superb with a load of leg, head, knee and shoulder room as well as two USB-C charging ports. There are airplane-style front seat pockets and a centre armrest with an integrated cup holder and passengers get their own climate control as well.
Boot space consists of 647 litres with rear seats in place, but fold down the seats which lie completely flat and that room extends to 1,491 litres. It may not be as big as the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE, but the Sport’s large opening and usable space still make it practical enough.
Another good point to make is you can lower the car’s air suspension from a button located in the boot. Its purpose is to lower the loading lip and make it easier to load those heavier items.
What’s the spec like?
You can buy a Range Rover Sport in four different guises. It starts with the basic S model, then goes up to SE, Dynamic SE and Autobiography.
As the Range Rover brand is a prestigious one, it also carries some hefty price tags, too.
We are driving the Dynamic SE which with a few options comes in at £93,660 and features pixel LED headlights, a Meridian sound system, a heated steering wheel and 20-way electrically adjustable front seats with memory function.
The flagship Autobiography starts at £98,445 and boasts soft closing doors, digital LED headlights and four-zone climate control.
Verdict
The Range Rover Sport offers luxury, go-anywhere off-road capability and prestige all rolled into one.
The driving experience is sumptuously comfortable and effortless, while its interior quality, equipment and space are also up there with the very best in class.
With an impressive 31.2mpg achieved and decent electric driving range for our plug-in hybrid car, it really is all the car you could ever need.
It may be expensive to buy, and fairly hard to manoeuvre around town, but if you want that prestigious image with the best off-road technology and luxury, the Sport should win the hearts of many who are looking for a luxury SUV with an engaging driving experience.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV P440e
Price as tested: £93,660
Engine: 3.0-litre twin turbocharged petrol with 38.2kWh battery
Vauxhall’s Mokka-E electric crossover is a firm favourite here in the UK, this one-off concept is designed to help improve the EV experience.
Vauxhall has revealed a one-off concept of its popular compact crossover – the Mokka Coffe-E.
This concept aims to improve the EV ownership experience for customers through their own personalised coffee breaks.
The Mokka Coffe-E features two coffee machines with a milk steamer, grinder, knock box and fridge which are all integrated in the boot of the vehicle. There is also a bespoke pull-out drawer that houses barista tools, including scales and an espresso tamper to all help drivers make their favourite cup of coffee when charging.
James Taylor, managing director of Vauxhall, said: “Three-quarters of EV drivers plan their trips around their desire for coffee so we decided to create the Mokka Coffe-E.”
He added: “The UK is a nation of coffee drinkers, with 95 million cups drunk in a day, and Vauxhall owners are no exception to this, with 64 per cent drinking at least one cup a day.”
Under the bonnet features a larger power unit compared to the standard Mokka-E. It’s a 54kWh battery pack with an electric motor that produces 154bhp. DC rapid charging is compatible and can take the car from empty to 80 per cent in half an hour, while Vauxhall claims a total range of up to 252 miles. In comparison, The standard car, in contrast, features a 50kWh battery pack that produces 134bhp and does 209 miles between trips to the plug.
Sadly, there are no plans to put the Mokka Coffe-E into production and is solely a concept for now. However, the standard Mokka-E is on sale and is priced at £29,495.
Available in both hatchback and saloon, the RS3 still features a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 394bhp.
Audi has unveiled an updated version of its flagship hot hatchback – the RS3.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find the same 2.5-litre TFSi turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine that produces a total of 394bhp and 500 Nm of torque as featured in the previous RS3. It takes the car from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds and enables a top speed of 155mph. On higher-specced models, the top speed of 155mph increases to 174mph.
To keep the RS3 looking fresh, the firm has decided to update the exterior design with redesigned LED daytime running lights, vertical side reflectors of the air intakes at the front and refreshed taillights.
The interior features a new steering wheel, RS sports seats and an updated 12.3-inch virtual cockpit. Meanwhile, new displays show the car’s G-force, power output, torque, acceleration and lap times, too. Furthermore, the new RS3 now features an app store which can be accessed via the vehicle display. The selected content can then be installed into the infotainment system via a smartphone.
You can get the RS3 in three trim levels consisting of the standard model, Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung. Standard equipment includes an RS sports exhaust system, LED headlights, Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive and steel brakes with black brake callipers.
Prices start at £59,510 for the standard RS3 Sportback and rise to £68,650 for the top-of-the-line Carbon Vorsprung model. For the saloon, the range kicks off at £60,510 and rises to £69,650.
When looking for your first set of wheels, you need to be sensible and look at affordability, reliability and above all else – insurance.
Passing your driving test is a momentous occasion and a gateway to freedom out on the open road.
Not only that, but it’ll represent the first time you’ll be allowed to drive a vehicle unauthorised, making you more confident in yourself and your road-going abilities. But, even though the process and exhilaration may be exciting, you need to put your sensible cap on and do your homework before purchasing your first set of wheels.
Forget high performance, big spoilers, side skirts and V8s – a small, sensible and economical hatchback is where you need to be for the first year of your driving.
Look for cars with low insurance groups, decent reliability records and running costs that won’t break the bank. We’ve compiled a list of the best first cars you can buy on a budget.
Hyundai i10 (2008-2014)
It may have a boxy and square design, but don’t despair, because Hyundai’s i10 is one of the best of the bunch when it comes to cutting the L plates off your car.
The i10, believe it or not, is fun to drive and is very versatile thanks to its split folding rear seats and spacious interior for passengers.
It comes with the choice of either a 1.1-litre or 1.2-litre petrol engine that gives 40mpg and only costs £20 or £35 to tax – making it very cheap to run.
In terms of insurance, the little Hyundai sits from insurance group eight for the entry-level Classic model and rises to group 12 for the top-of-the-line Style model.
Toyota Aygo (2005-2014)
Regarded as one of the best first cars is the Toyota Aygo. Underneath its skin, it shares all of its platform, chassis, mechanicals and electrics with the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1, but the Toyota comes with the added reassurance of its reputable badge.
It comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit that’s free from any road tax, sits in a very low insurance group of just two or four, plus, it can do 60mpg.
The Aygo is also very light, making it very good fun to drive. Maintenance costs are kept to a minimum thanks to parts being readily available and easy to repair.
Toyota Yaris (1999-2005)
It may be getting on a bit in age but the first-generation Toyota Yaris is one of the most sensible, likeable and reliable cars out there.
Not only that, but it’s available with a choice of 1.0-litre,1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines and is incredibly versatile with its clever sliding rear seat and ingenious cubby holes scattered across the interior.
The entry-level 1.0-litre model is the best pick for a first-time driver as it offers over 50mpg and sits in a rather low insurance group five.
It’s also incredibly reliable with cars hitting 250,000 to 300,000 miles without fault and to drive, the Yaris is light, nimble, agile and great fun no matter what model you choose.
Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)
The discontinued Fiesta is still a strong contender for those looking for a sporty and efficient car that won’t cost the earth to run.
The seventh-generation Fiesta is still one of the best small cars out there and it’s easy to see why first-time drivers choose them as their entry-point into motoring thanks to this car’s low running costs and easy controls.
Firstly, avoid any Fiesta with a turbocharged Ecoboost engine as they’re prone to failing and can cost a lot to replace.
It’s better to go for a naturally-aspirated 1.25-litre petrol as they are proven to be solid and reliable units.
Also, the Fiesta is fantastic to drive with really direct and precise steering that makes you feel like you’re driving something that feels a lot more expensive.
In terms of running costs, the Fiesta scores well here with the 1.25 petrol falling into insurance groups as low as three and you should be getting around 40 to 50mpg, too.
Kia Picanto (2017-)
Looking at the newer scale in the market, if you’re fortunate enough to afford to buy a new car, look no further than the latest Kia Picanto.
It comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 45mpg and it sits in one of the lowest insurance groups of three.
If you go for a GT-Line it comes with some sporty exterior and interior upgrades, plus tons of standard equipment. The Picanto is great to drive, too, and delivers bags of character for not a lot of cash.
Seat Ibiza (2017-)
The final car on this list is the latest Seat Ibiza. You can get the Spanish hatchback with a choice of engines ranging from a 1.0-litre to a 1.5-litre TSi turbocharged petrol.
However, if you want cheap running costs, you’ll be sticking with the entry-level 1.0-litre as it’s group two for insurance and should be very frugal by offering over 50mpg.
The Ibiza shares its platform with the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo but has a far better-looking exterior design while still keeping that high-quality feel on the inside.
To drive, the Ibiza also feels very grown up and is very easy for anyone to get comfortable behind the wheel.
Just 10 examples will be made and will be sold through Rolls Royce’s private office network.
Rolls Royce has celebrated its 120th birthday with a unique version of its flagship Phantom luxury limousine – the Scintilla Private Collection.
There will only be 10 Phantom Scintilla Private Collections made and they will be sold exclusively through the firm’s private office network.
Finished in a two-tone paint scheme, featuring the upper body in Andalusian white and the lower body in Thracian blue, inspiration has been taken from the colours of the sea around the Greek island of Samothrace. There is also a hand-painted double coachline and wheel pinstripes finished in blue.
The interior focuses on the Spirit of Ecstacy, with different design elements and features dotted about the place. This includes a total of 869,500 stitches consisting of six layers of tatami stitching. Meanwhile, the door cards have illuminated perforations with a variety of different coloured stitching and the seats are upholstered in twill fabric. On the roof, there are 1,500 fibre-optic stars, which are fitted by hand and have a unique pattern, too.
Furthermore, the rear picnic tables have 19 coats of lacquer applied to them and the full wood set is rendered in Arctic white. Finally, running the full width of the front fascia is what Rolls Royce is calling ‘Celestial Pulse’ which includes seven ribbons, each individually milled from aluminium to give the interior a bespoke and unique look.
Chris Brownridge, chief Executive of Rolls Royce Cars, said: “The unveiling of a Private Collection is always a landmark moment. These rare and collectable motor cars, limited to just a handful of examples worldwide, are true masterpieces. They illustrate the boundless ingenuity and skill of the creatives and craftspeople at the home of Rolls Royce and stimulate ideas among our clients for their own commissions.”
Prices have not been revealed for this very special and rare car, however, we expect all of the 10 examples to carry a very expensive price tag.
The first 911 Turbo was released back in 1974 and to celebrate a 50-year legacy, the firm has revealed a special edition.
Porsche is celebrating 50 years of the 911 Turbo by introducing a new limited run-out model – the 911 Turbo 50 years.
The original car was launched back in 1974 and brought Porsche’s racing car technology into its road cars. This new model is based on the 911 Turbo S, which was introduced back in 2019.
This new model uses the same 3.7-litre boxer engine as in the 2019 model. It produces 641bhp and 800Nm of torque, while the car can get from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 205mph.
Externally, there is a Turbo vinyl graphic that runs down the rear quarter panels and harks back to the old RSR Turbo from 1973 – the forerunner of the 911 Turbo. It also features an Anthracite grey rear wing, air intake trims, rear diffuser and mirror base. Plus, for the first time on a 911, it comes with the firm’s new Turbonite paint scheme which is an exclusive metallic grey used on Turbo models for exterior colour and interior trim.
On the inside, there is more Turbo memorabilia with a McKenzie tartan design on the centre of the seats and door panels. There are black brushed aluminium kick plates and an illuminated Turbo 50 logo, too. Meanwhile, the seats feature an embroidered logo on the head restraints and on the back of the left rear seat. Also, there is a numbered plaque finished in aluminium located above the glove compartment, too, showcasing the car’s build number.
Production will be limited to just 1,974 units, while prices start at £200,700. Order books are open now with expected deliveries to arrive in the autumn of this year.
As the covers have just come off BMW’s latest power wagon, how does it stack up against the competition in this niche sector?
It’s been 14 years since BMW gave us an estate version of its legendary M5. However, for 2024, the German carmaker has decided to reinstate the famous model with its new M5 Touring.
Estate cars have always been about space, and the new M5 Touring scores well in this category. Boot space stands at 500 litres, but, fold the rear seats down and that space increases to 1,630 litres, making it not only performance-focused but practical, too.
However, what if you feel its looks are a little too strong? Or, you fancy something German but don’t want a BMW? Well, this sector may be shrinking with options, but we can compare the M5 Touring to its biggest rivals to see how it fairs in this niche market.
Audi RS6 Avant Performance
The Audi RS6 has always been a tough act to follow in the performance family wagon market and this latest version is by far the best yet.
Here in the UK, you can only buy the Performance model which has a boost in power compared to the standard car. Now, its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 639bhp and 850Nm of torque as well as featuring four-wheel-drive.
Not only that, but this big old bruiser can get from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 174mph. However, if you pay a little extra, you can have the limiter removed taking the car to around 200mph.
Unlike the BMW, which uses a plug-in hybrid system, the Audi doesn’t and instead uses a 48V mild-hybrid system to help boost its efficiency and improve running costs to some extent.
Its boot space stands at 565 litres and expands to 1,680 litres which is bigger than the M5 but smaller compared to the Mercedes E63 estate.
Mercedes-AMG E63
The M5 Touring’s other main rival is the Mercedes-AMG E63 estate. On the outside, you know the big Mercedes means business with its large 20-inch alloy wheels and quad tailpipes to let others know this is simply not just an average family bus.
The Mercedes E63 also focuses on delivering as much space as possible with an exciting power delivery and driving experience.
Like the BMW, the Mercedes uses a plug-in hybrid system that helps boost its economy and efficiency, while still maintaining enough power and torque to make this model fun and exciting.
Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 604bhp and 627Nm of torque – the same engine found in the AMG GT supercar.
Boot space also is bigger than both the M5 and RS6 at 695 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,945 litres when they’re folded down.
Alpina B5
A rare and unique alternative is from those at Alpina that have been sprucing up BMW estates and saloons since the 1970s. The B5 is a 5-Series Touring with a bit of fine-tuning to make it a strong competitor against the M5.
The B5 is extremely exclusive, and with its modified 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out a total of 625bhp and 627Nm of torque, the B5 will be keeping up with all of the cars on this list. It’s just a shame that all examples are sold out, meaning you will have to rely on the used market to get your hands on one.
BMW i5 Touring
If you fancy a BMW estate but want to go down the electric route then the i5 Touring could be the perfect solution.
Available in a high-performance M60 xDrive spec, it comes with an 81.2kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 609bhp and has a claimed electric range of up to 310 miles. The xDrive also benefits from four-wheel-drive and being an estate means that it still has a capacious boot at 570 litres.
The i5 Touring is still great fun to drive – despite its lack of an engine – and the interior is very well screwed together with a lot of plush cabin materials used throughout.
Porsche Panamera
The final car on this list also comes from Germany and it’s the controversially-styled Porsche Panamera.
The Porsche is more of a fastback saloon, which makes it the odd one out on this list, but don’t shy away from its different routes as this is still a very practical and fast vehicle.
You can get the Panamera with a variety of different powertrains including a 771bhp e-Hybrid model that can go from 0-60mph in just 2.7 seconds.
Boot space stands at 494 litres or 1,255 litres with the rear seats folded down making it a very versatile car, but not quite on par with traditional estates.