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First drive: BYD’s Seal U marks this firm’s entry into the plug-in hybrid SUV segment

The growing Chinese brand has high expectations with its Seal U, but can it cut it above its rivals from Europe and Japan? Cameron Richards finds out.

What is it?

A number of powertrain options will be available

BYD is a relatively new brand here in the UK and the Seal U kick-starts the firm’s approach of offering a variety of vehicles with different powertrains.

We’ve been given a host of electric models such as the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal, but now, the Seal U arrives as BYD’s first plug-in hybrid model to enter the line-up in the UK.

The Seal U is an SUV that will be going up against some stiff competition with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V.

What’s new?

The Seal U doesn’t deliver as much dynamism as rivals

The Seal U is a new model both inside and out with a new interior and exterior design. However, the big news is that this BYD model will come with an engine underneath its bonnet – electrically assisted, of course – and there will be a choice of different battery packs and trim levels, too.

It also features BYD’s Blade battery technology which is cobalt-free and developed in-house to enable the best blend of safety, longevity, performance and space. BYD also says that you’re able to repeatedly charge its Blade batteries to 100 per cent without any degradation.

What’s under the bonnet?

A number of engine and battery combinations will be available

There are two power outputs on offer, with entry-level models equipped with an 18.3 kWh blade battery pack that’s mated to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces a combined 214bhp and 300Nm of torque for the former while giving a claimed electric range of 49 miles.

Our test car, however, was the Design model which also comes with two electric motors – enabling four-wheel-drive in the process – and giving a torque figure of 550Nm and 319bhp.

A mid-spec model available this summer comes with a larger 26.6 kWh blade battery pack that produces the same power and torque figures as the lower-powered version but gives an electric range of 77 miles.

What’s it like to drive?

When you drive the Seal U, you know immediately that the car has been set up for comfort rather than driver engagement. The ride is smooth and absorbs lumps and bumps very well, remaining quiet at all speeds.

There is limited wind and road noise and the electric motors and engine work well together to make seamless changes between different drivetrains. The engine is relaxed and doesn’t groan too much, while at motorway speeds the car drives mainly on its electric motor, helping with its efficiency and refinement.

However, while the Seal U is comfortable and refined, it is by no means engaging with numb steering which feels vague both in Normal and Sport mode, and there is a lot of body roll around the corners, making the car feel nervous at higher speeds.

Although front visibility was good, looking out the rear was poor due to the small back window making it hard to see out of when reversing – thankfully the Seal U comes as standard with a reversing camera.

How does it look?

The Seal U is BYD’s latest model

At first glance, the Seal U looks like most other big SUVs, but look closer and you’ll see a horizontal slatted front grille with a rounded, curved exterior.

The car uses what BYD calls ‘Ocean Aesthetics Design’, which incorporates the rest of the firm’s vehicle design language and brings headlights which have a u-shape design and fit neatly into the bonnet, while 19-inch alloy wheels and rear bumper with black and silver details give the BYD its own bespoke look.

Furthermore, the LED rear taillights have been inspired by water drop elements which relate back to the brand’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design.

What’s it like inside?

The central screen can be rotated

Inside is a nice place to be with a blend of soft-touch materials and Vegan leather. The design of the dash is minimalist with few buttons while the large infotainment screen is clear and easy to read even in direct sunlight. You’re even able to rotate the screen 180 degrees giving the driver a choice of portrait or landscape view. However, features such as climate control are still located in the infotainment screen which is fiddly to use on the move.

The seats are comfortable and have a nice design with integrated headrests, while interior storage is good with a decent-sized glove box, large cup holders and a generous centre storage bin.

In the back of the Seal U is a mixed bag, as legroom is decent. However, due to the standard panoramic glass sunroof eating into headspace, taller passengers over six feet will find their heads brushing against the roof.

Boot space is also smaller than rivals from Volkswagen and Honda, with the Seal U having a total of 425 litres with the seats up and 1,440 litres with them folded down. In comparison, a Honda CR-V’S luggage capacity is 617 litres with all its seats in place and with them down extends to 1,710 litres.

What’s the spec like?

There are three trim levels on offer, the entry-level Boost, middle-rung Comfort and top-of-the-line Design.

However, from launch, there will only be two models available with the mid-spec Comfort coming later in the year.

Prices for the UK have not been officially revealed yet, but it’s estimated that the range will start from around £33,000 and rise to £39,000.

The base level Boost comes very well equipped with LED headlights, four driving modes such as Normal, Eco, Sport and Snow, a panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate, a 12.3-inch TFT screen, a 15.6-inch electrically rotatable touchscreen and an Infinity 10 speaker sound system.

The Design trim features extra driving modes such as Sand and Muddy and has the added benefit of four-wheel-drive.

Verdict

The Seal U is a good effort from BYD in an attempt to bring a car to a very competitive sector of the market.

It has a good-looking exterior, a very comfortable ride and if prices go by our estimates, represents great value for money, too.

It may not be the most engaging car to drive and won’t have the prestige or pedigree from the likes of Volkswagen, Mercedes or Audi but the Seal U is a sensible choice for those looking for a comfortable and well-equipped plug-in hybrid SUV.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: BYD Seal U Design

Price as tested: £38,995 (EST)

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol hybrid with electric motors

Power: 319bhp

Torque: 550Nm

Max speed: 112mph

0-60mph: 5.7 seconds

MPG: 31.8mpg

Emissions: 26g/km

Range:49 miles

By Cameron Richards

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UK drive: Hyundai takes EV performance to new level with Ioniq 5 N

The N versions of i20 and i30 are no more – long live the performance electric era of Hyundai. Cameron Richards has driven the first electric N car.

What is it?

The 5 N remains quite a wide car to drive in the UK

We are entering new territories for the petrolhead. Combustion engines are being pushed to the background and for many drivers, this means that cars are moving away from true ‘enthusiast’ ways of getting around.

However, to Hyundai, it’s a golden opportunity to reveal a performance car that fits in well with a whole new generation of car lovers – that being the Ioniq 5 N.

The Ioniq 5 N is the ‘hot’ version of its standard electric hatchback but incorporates a variety of go-faster touches to make it more involving, more exciting and more engine-like than ever.

Many hot EVs are entering the market such as the Abarth 500e, Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and the MG4 XPower, so can the Ioniq 5 N do enough to come out on top?

What’s new?

The Ioniq 5 is one of a new breed of electric hot-hatches

Hyundai’s ‘N’ performance arm has always focused on making its cars as useable and exciting as possible, so it’s much the same story here – though some firsts going on.

Not only is it the first electric Hyundai N car, but it features several driving modes to help when being used on a track. There’s a launch control function and bigger front brakes to cope with harsh track use while an N Active Sound system and N e-Shift essentially recreate the sound and feel of a traditional gearbox that you’d expect to find in a petrol-powered hot-hatch. It’s all there to make the 5 N feel as involving to drive as possible.

What’s under the bonnet?

The N can accept up to 350kW of charge speed

You’ll find a larger battery pack underneath the 5 N compared with the standard Ioniq – up to 84kWh over the regular model’s 78kWh pack. However, a larger battery doesn’t mean that it comes with a longer range, with a claimed 278 miles compared to 298 for the standard car.

Courtesy of two electric motors the Ioniq 5 N produces an impressive 609bhp, while one press of the NGB button on the steering wheel unlocks a full 641 bhp for a 10-second period.

This means that 0-60mph can be dealt with in 3.5 seconds (or 3.4 with the NGB button engaged) while the N’s top speed stands at 162mph. All Ioniq 5 N’s come with four-wheel-drive as standard.

What’s it like to drive?

Slot in behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 N and even from the first press of the starter button, it’s easy to tell that this is like no other electric car. Even though the simulated internal combustion engine noises that are pumped through the speakers may be fake, they still add to the fun factor when you drive it – they’re quite realistic, too.

Sharp and nimble steering combines with the Ioniq 5 N’s flat cornering characteristics well and even though it’s a heavy car weighing over two tonnes, it doesn’t feel like a tank to drive. The acceleration is seemingly unending while the ‘gearshifts’ really do work – you can even ‘hit’ the rev limiter if you leave it in a certain gear.

You can customise the suspension and steering with Normal, Sport and Sport+ with the ride comfort still adequate in Normal and Sport, however its most fierce setting made the N very sharp over bumps – the steering gets quicker in Sport and Sport+ mode and you can even change the noise of the fake exhaust, too.

On the negative side, the Ioniq 5 has always been a large car and the N still suffers from the same problem, especially with its larger body kit. Feeding through narrow gaps in town and traffic is still a chore as the car is quite wide and it doesn’t inspire confidence.

How does it look?

Hyundai’s N performance arm comprehensively upgrades its cars

When the standard car was launched, it had a very daring and unique look to it – which is good or bad, depending on how you look at it.

The N version carries on that eye-catching style by featuring Hyundai’s flagship Performance blue paintwork, flared wheel arches, side skirts, front bumper lip and large rear boot spoiler.

There’s a lot of carbon and gloss black trim around the front bumper and on the rear diffuser and bumper while 21-inch alloys and red accents surrounding the lower part of the car around the front lips and side skirts help complete the traditional ‘N’ look.

What’s it like inside?

The interior has plenty of performance-focused parts

Inside the Ioniq 5 N is a little different compared to the standard car with a sporty steering wheel with controls for your different drive modes, there are also N sports bucket seats which do a superb job of keeping you in place around the corners and there are aluminium pedals and blue stitching throughout the interior.

The cabin itself was very spacious and had lots of cubby holes and cup holders – we liked the decent-sized glovebox which adds to the car’s practicality. In the back, there is loads of head and legroom and the doors open very wide for easy access.

Boot space was a decent size at 480 litres with the seats up and extended to 1,540 litres with them folded down.

The only negative was that the interior quality wasn’t as good as other Hyundai products with a lot of hard plastics used throughout – which is disappointing on a car at this price point.

What’s the spec like?

There are plenty of N badges across the car

There is only one specification and it comes with a load of goodies including the N Bucket seats and sporty steering wheel, 21-inch forged alloy wheels, digital key, rear electronic slip differential, Bose sound system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Prices for the N start at £65,000 and rise to £66,250 depending on any accessories you may wish to add such as piano black or silver side trims and C pillar decals.

Compared to other performance EVs, the Hyundai is rather expensive compared to £47,000 for the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and £36,000 for the MG4 XPower – making the South Korean almost double the price.

Verdict

Hyundai has proved that just because a car is electric, doesn’t mean it’s just a tool for getting around.

The Ioniq 5 N is a car tailored to driving enthusiasts and petrolheads from a new era of motoring and in many ways it makes this a groundbreaking car.

The driving experience and overall feel of the car are unique and even though it’s expensive at £65,000 it doesn’t stop the N from being the car that could break the ice between EV sceptics and full-blown car enthusiasts.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Price as tested: £65,000

Engine: Electric motors

Power: 641bhp

Torque: 740Nm

0-60mph: 3.5 seconds

Top speed: 161mph

MPG: NA

CO2 emissions: NA

Range: 278 miles

Maximum charging speed: 350kW

By Cameron Richards

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Limited-run Super Sport models created for Guilia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Limited-run Super Sport models created for Guilia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo has revealed limited edition Super Sport versions of its Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models.

Both will be sold globally with the former limited to 275 units and the latter at 175.

The Super Sport name is a tribute to the company’s 6C 1500, which won the 1928 Mille Miglia – driven by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi.

A variety of carbon fibre parts help to shed weight (Credit: Stellantis Media UK)

The Mille Miglia is an endurance race that runs across Italy covering just over 1000 miles, with 82 cars participating and only 40 reaching the finishing line.

The two cars both use the same 2.9-litre V6 engine that produces 527bhp and 443Nm of torque and can manage 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds for the former and 3.6 seconds for the latter while a mechanical limited-slip differential helps manage the power through the bends.

Externally, the Quadrifoglio logo has a black background, new LED matrix headlights, black brake calipers and carbon fibre door mirrors and roof – while the carbon roof is an option on the Giulia.

Sports alloy wheels are standard, with 19 inches for the Giulia and 21 inches for the Stelvio.

The interior features upgraded materials (Credit: Stellantis Media UK)

The saloon is also available with an optional livery consisting of three-layer Rosso Etna, metallic Nero Vulcano and Bianco Alfa.

Inside, there is a red carbon fibre 3D effect finished on the dashboard, centre console and door panels, while the red Super Sport logo is embroidered into the headrests on the seats with the production number located below it. The steering wheel is finished in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon fibre accents.

The Super Sport takes a lighter approach than the standard Quadrifoglio, too, with the bonnet, spoiler and side skirts all made from carbon fibre and the Giulia gets an active front splitter to control airflow under the car. Both models also come with an Akrapovic exhaust system for that unforgettable soundtrack.

It’s unconfirmed how many allocations will be coming to the UK, but the Giulia will be priced at £82,815 and the Stelvio comes in at £91,835.

By Cameron Richards

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Nearly half of motorists think of their car as a human – survey

A survey conducted by Motorpoint’s Sell Your Car function found that we are more attached to our cars than we think.

Motorists in the UK are more in touch with cars than first thought according to a new survey.

Around 2,000 motorists were surveyed by Motorpoint with data finding that 49 per cent looked at their car as human, referring to it as a friend or companion.

Furthermore, it is clear that the UK is a nation that loves the car in general, with 28 per cent of motorists saying that they love their car.

John Wood, who heads up Motorpoint’s sell your car proposition said: “With a car being such a big purchase, it’s no surprise that motorists can view it as so much more than just a vehicle.”

First cars seem to carry the most emotion, with 41 per cent of motorists saying that they have the biggest connection with their car when they are new drivers, with the love fading the more cars they own.

A further 32 per cent of motorists would care about what happens to their car once they have sold it and 11 per cent would try and sell it to someone who would look after it and one in 10 admitted that handing their keys over would be an emotional experience.

Georgina Sturmer, an attachment and transactional analysis counsellor said: “We can’t go back in time, and that’s why it can be really hard to let go of a vehicle that has been with us through part of our life. Consider what else you can do to help yourself to separate the physical car from your emotional memory bank, like emptying it out and giving it a good clean.”

John Wood added: “My biggest piece of advice for motorists struggling with the idea of letting go of their current car would be to take your time with the process and make sure you’re really happy with the price you are getting for your current car and that you feel excited about the car you’re getting next.”

For motorists who love their vehicle, another good way of coping when the car is gone is to remember that the memories and experiences you had in it remain with you even when the car has passed on to its next owner.

By Cameron Richards

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UK Drive: Does the Peugeot’s e-3008 deliver a drive to match its eye-catching looks?

Electric SUVs are the new norm in today’s car world, so does the e-3008 break the ice or will it blend in with the rest? Cameron Richards has driven it.

What is it?

(Peugeot)

The Peugeot 3008 came onto our roads in 2009 and since then it has gone through a number of changes. Firstly, the original car had an MPV-style design with a split tailgate, while the second-generation car arrived as an out-and-out SUV when launched in 2016.For the third-generation 3008, Peugeot has decided upon a new ‘fastback’ style while introducing the electric model that we’re looking at today – the e-3008.

It will be competing in the ever-expanding electric crossover segment and go up against accomplished rivals like the Kia EV6 and Renault Scenic E-Tech. We’ve been driving it on home soil to see how it gets on.

What’s new?

(Peugeot)

The e-3008 sits on Stellantis’s STLA Medium Architecture – which was designed for electric vehicles first then was adopted by internal-combustion models.The design is new with a lot of wild creases and cuts, while the traditional ‘Lion Claw’ Peugeot front LED daytime running lights still give it the distinctive look that made the previous 3008 such a stand-out model while tying it to other models in the French firm’s range which use the same lighting.

What’s under the bonnet?

(Peugeot)

From launch, the e-3008 will be available with just one powertrain. It uses a a single electric motor that produces 207bhp while the 73kWh battery pack that it’s linked to should be good for 326 miles on a single charge.Later down the line, there will be a Long Range option that will produce 227bhp and receive a bigger battery pack of 98kWh, resulting in a claimed range of up to 435 miles from a full top-up. Peugeot will also add a more performance-focused dual-motor version later on, bringing 316bhp, a 73kWh battery pack and four-wheel-drive.

What’s it like to drive?

Sitting behind the now-familiar compact steering wheel that we’ve become used to in modern Peugeots, the e-3008 relays a sporty feel. Sure, this is no performance car, but with smooth power delivery and very little road and wind noise it’s a good package. Well-judged suspension means that body roll is pleasantly controlled during cornering, while a later drive in a GT-specification model on larger 20-inch wheels appeared to do little to upset the e-3008’s decent ride quality.

Naturally, at over 2.1 tonnes the e-3008 is no lightweight and it can’t shake this bulk when you’re going through the bends. The brake pedal feels relatively long and lacking in feel, too, while rear visibility is compromised due to the small rear window. There’s also a significant blindspot as a result of the thick rear C-pillars – though all cars get a reversing camera which does help rearward visibility when you’re moving at slower speeds.

How does it look?

(Peugeot)

In the last decade we’ve seen Peugeot take a bold and brave move with their design language, and it really has paid off. The new e-3008 follows that trend of a wild exterior with lots of sharp edges and angles while the rear is just as impressive with a large gloss black rear diffuser and taillights that sweep around the entire tailgate.The side profile also consists of gloss black lower side mouldings and the wheel arches are also painted in black, too. You’ll notice that the blacked out C-pillar give off a ‘floating’ roof look and the silver accents that run alongside the pillars is a nice touch.

Compared to its competition – perhaps with the exception of the Kia EV9 – the e-3008 really does have a unique and daring look.

What’s it like inside?

(Peugeot)

Peugeot has stepped up its game with its interiors, making cabins which manage to look both unique and futuristic – the new e-3008 being no exception in this regard.There is a 21-inch display that wraps around the driver, alongside body hugging seats with a large centre console that separates the driver and front passenger. Hop into the back and you’ll find plenty of legroom, though headroom is tight due to the sloping roof line.

Large front door bins and a big centre storage box located to the passenger side of the centre console makes the e-3008 practical inside, though it’s just a shame that the fuse box takes up a lot of glovebox space as it would really boost the e-3008’s overall storage offerings.

Boot space is larger than its rivals from Kia and Renault with a 588 litre capacity with the seats up or 1,663 litres with them folded down.

However, although the cabin looks great aesthetically, it can be a case of form over function with the touch sensitive buttons not being as intuitive to use as physical ones.

What’s the spec like?

(Peugeot)

In the UK, the e-3008 is available in two trim levels. Things kick off with Allure, which starts at £45,850 and comes as standard with a reversing camera and wireless smartphone charger, whereas the GT, priced at £49,650, adds 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and pixel matrix LED headlights.

Verdict

Peugeot has really moved things forward with the new e-3008. Its wild exterior and interior design makes it one of a kind while still giving an upmarket feel and comfortable driving experience.

Its impressive electric range of 326 miles and 422 miles for the upcoming Longe Range model gives it an advantage over its competitors when it comes to range anxiety and though it may not be the most exciting drive and its £45,000 starting price may be a bit steep, this new SUV will still go down well with those looking for an attractive and well equipped electric crossover.

Facts a glance

Model as tested: Peugeot e-3008 Allure 73kWh

Price as tested: £48,000

Engine: 73kWh single electric motor

Power: 210bhp

Torque: 345Nm

0-60mph: 8.6 seconds

Top speed: 105mph

MPG: NA

CO2 emissions: NA

By Cameron Richards

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UK drive: The Lexus UX receives a bigger engine, but does that make it better than the old 250?

The UX 250h has been around since 2018 and now Lexus has decided to update it with a bigger power unit. Cameron Richards has driven it.

What is it?

The UX stands for Urban Crossover. (Credit: Lexus Media UK)

The UX is one of the Lexus’ smallest models in its vehicle line-up and since the original car’s launch six years ago, it has become a common sight on our roads.

Now for 2024, Lexus has decided to discontinue the old UX 250h, replacing it with a more powerful and cleaner UX 300h which will sit alongside the UX 300e – the firm’s first and only electric model.

What’s new?

Externally, the new UX 300h looks identical to the outgoing model. (Credit: Lexus Media UK)

Primarily, the UX 300h looks virtually identical to the outgoing 250 model, with the bulk of the changes going on under the skin. There is also an improved E four model that brings all-wheel-drive alongside a motor generator that produces an extra 40bhp and 84Nm of torque. It also serves as a motor for the regenerative braking to help charge the battery and boost its efficiency.

A new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, which is available on higher specifications can be fully customisable from the type of information displayed and its appearance, too, while new exterior paint finishes such as Sonic Copper and thereto make the UX stand out even further.

What’s under the bonnet?

The engine has increased in power and size. (Credit: Lexus Media UK)

The UX 300h features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is joined with a lithium-ion battery that now produces 196bhp and does 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds or 7.7 seconds with the all-wheel-drive E four motor. Fuel economy for the former combined is 54.3 mpg, while the latter does a claimed 49.5 mpg.

CO2 emissions are low at 117g/km for the standard car, while the all-wheel-drive model produces 126g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

When you drive the UX 300h it’s a typical Lexus, in the fact that it’s effortless to drive, while being smooth, quiet and comfortable. The handling is good with the car feeling planted around the corners, and the steering is nicely weighted too.

Our test car also managed an impressive 58.3mpg on a mixture of A roads and dual carriageways. Driving in EV mode makes the whole experience even more relaxing; speeds lower than 30mph can allow the car to purely run in electric mode to help boost economy and reduce emissions.

Sport mode makes the acceleration sharper and the steering slightly heavier, but it appears that Normal mode was the best blend of the two.

We also had a quick drive in the all-wheel-drive model, but struggled to notice any difference in the way the UX300h drove. That model also came with Sport+ and Custom driving modes, but again, Normal mode still gave the best of both worlds when it came to driving enjoyment and comfort.

However, when you put your foot down, the groan from the CVT gearbox is quite noisy and rear visibility is on the small side due to its sloping rear window. Furthermore, general visibility is not great due to all the thick pillars obscuring your view when reversing or pulling out at junctions.

What’s it like inside?

Inside has plush materials used throughout. (Credit: Lexus Media UK)

Lexus has always been a byword for quality and durability and the UX 300h is a lovely thing to sit in. The cabin materials are of high quality and the design of the dash, although simple, everything was logically laid out and you still have physical buttons on the steering wheel and for your climate control.

There are large door bins that can fit generously sized bottles of water, a big centre console compartment and decent-sized glove box.

The space in the back is good with an ample amount of headroom, and decent legroom, however, boot space is fairly small measuring at just 320 litres with the seats up and 1,231 litres with them down. In comparison, rivals from Germany such as the BMW X1 have 540 litres with all seats in place and extend to 1,600 litres with them folded flat.

What’s the spec like?

In terms of value for money, Lexus has always been on the generous side with standard equipment and the UX 300h does follow down that path.

The base model Urban starts from £34,895 and features 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera and an eight-inch touchscreen. The Premium starts from £36,895 and offers heated front seats and steering wheel and keyless entry and start.

Our test car was the predicted best-seller, the F Sport Design, starting from £37,495 and gaining a striking F Sport exterior and interior detailing and rear privacy glass.

The F Sport Design Tech, starting from £39,395, boasts a power tailgate and the digital 12.3-inch driver’s display.

There are several trim levels to choose from in total, but flagship F Sport Takumi comes in at £50,995 and adds LED headlights with adaptive beams, head-up display and a sunroof. At this price point, the UX starts to feel quite expensive.

For an extra £1,300, the Premium Plus, F Sport, Takumi and F Sport Takumi models are available with all-wheel-drive.

Verdict

The UX 300h is a great car for those looking for a efficient and engaging car to drive. (Credit: Lexus Media UK)

The improved UX from Lexus has made this small crossover an even more tempting proposition. It’s got more power while maintaining an engaging drive and offering the chance of great fuel savings.

Rivals from Europe are still more practical in areas, but they don’t hold the same quality or durability as the Lexus and with plenty of trim levels to choose from, there is no shortage of options when it comes to specifications.

The UX 300h should certainly be on your shopping list if you’re looking for a compact crossover that delivers impressive driving credentials with low running costs.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Lexus UX 300h F Sport Design

Price as tested: £37,495

Engine: 2.0-litre petrol hybrid

Power: 196bhp

Top speed: 110mph

Torque: 190Nm

0-60mph: 7.9 seconds

MPG: 58.3 

CO2 emissions: 117g/km

By Cameron Richards

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What is the current state of hydrogen power for cars in the UK?

We go through the key things you need to know.

With every government and politician in Europe focusing on the future of transportation, hydrogen is one fuel source which is often in the conversation.

While many car makers are transitioning and investing into a one-way street of electric powertrains, some are taking a multiple-solution strategy that could help bring vehicles into a cleaner and brighter future with one big contributor to this goal being hydrogen.

Even though things are looking up for this technology, the UK – among many other countries – is waiting to fully jump into hydrogen-powered cars. But where is the future heading for it?

Here are some of your questions answered.

How many hydrogen filling stations are in the UK?

There are currently only 16 hydrogen filling stations in the UK. (Credit: PA images/ Shell)

In September 2023, it was confirmed that there were just 11 hydrogen fuel stations located here in the UK – with only six of them open to the public. Most of them are in the South East of England.

By December 2023, there were 16 stations across the country with a further 16 projects set to open in Britain.

What cars can I buy that run on hydrogen?

The Nexo is the only hydrogen SUV on sale. (Credit: Hyundai)

In the UK, the new car market only offers two vehicles that run on hydrogen. The first and most well-known is the Toyota Mirai, which starts at £49,995 and rises to £64,200 for more luxurious versions. The Mirai is now in its second generation and is a four-door saloon that aims to be comfortable and refined.

The second car is the Hyundai Nexo, an SUV priced from £65,995 and rising to £69,495.

What investments are being made to make the fuel more accessible?

The UK is investing around £400 million over the next three years for the substance. (Credit: PA Alamy)

In December 2023, the UK government announced that 11 new production projects for hydrogen are underway and it will invest around £400 million over the next three years, creating over 700 new jobs across the whole country – with the government backing a £2 billion funding package over the next 15 years.

The goal is to produce green hydrogen through a process called electrolysis and it was confirmed that suppliers will receive a guaranteed price from the government for the clean energy they supply.

However, much of this investment looks to aid the use of hydrogen in cleaner power solutions, rather than directly for hydrogen-powered cars.

What does hydrogen fuel cell have over battery electric technology?

Electric cars have a longer waiting time when it comes to charging compared to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. (Credit: PA images)

Hydrogen fuel cell technology has several different advantages over battery electric technology.

Firstly, a hydrogen fuel cell requires just refuelling of the hydrogen tank itself which the process is very similar to filling up conventional fuel in an internal-combustion-engined vehicle. It takes just a few minutes to do and it’s a very simple process – whereas with EVs, the charging times are still a lot longer with the quickest still taking around 25 to 30 mins.

The other advantage is that a fuel cell can deliver a greater range of electricity, with the Toyota Mirai getting over 400 miles out of a tank. Electric car ranges are improving but only a handful of models – such as the Mercedes EQS – can achieve over 400 miles between charges.

What’s the difference between green, blue and grey hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is made with renewable energy such as wind and solar power. (Credit: PA images)

There are three types of hydrogen, all of which have different energy supplies and functions. The hydrogen produced from these sources can be used in hydrogen vehicles.

The first is green, which is made by using electricity from renewable sources to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen – it’s also known as carbon-free.

Blue is during the steam reforming process, a high proportion of carbon generated is captured and stored underground – this is low carbon hydrogen.

Finally, there is grey. It’s generated from natural gas or methane through the steam reforming process causing greenhouse gas emissions which is what most of today’s hydrogen is used for.

Finally, you’ve got grey. At this level, traditional fuels like natural gas or methane are used to create hydrogen – but this creates greenhouse gas emissions in the process.

But, the main focus of governments and companies around the world is to focus on producing green, because all of its processes are used through renewables such as wind and solar, which benefits the production process by lowering the overall CO2 produced to make hydrogen.

By Cameron Richards

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Skywell BE11 e-SUV to make UK debut at Harrogate show

Multi-brand EV distributor says latest electric vehicle from China sets a new standard for pricing and specification.

Multi-brand EV distributor Innovation Automotive is to unveil a new electric SUV from China later this month.

The Skywell BE11 will feature ‘razor’ LED front headlights, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and full-width rear lights.

Inside are leather-style seats, wood-style veneer and piano-black panelling. There’s also a 12.8-inch touchscreen display, panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, plus keyless entry and start, as well as a 360-degree around-view monitor.

Under the bonnet is a 72kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 201bhp and 320Nm of torque to take the BE11 from 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds.

The e-SUV has a claimed electric range of 248 miles, although an optional 86kWh lithium-ion battery gives a claimed range of 304 miles on a single charge.

There will be two battery packs on offer. (Credit: Innovation Automotive – Jonathan Becker)

It will be revealed at the Everything Electric North show in Harrogate, with sales due to start in the third quarter of this year. Prices are yet to be announced.

Skywell is a Chinese car maker that was founded by manufacturer Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus and industrial group Skyworth in 2017, and Samir Hmicho, the chairman of Cirencester-based Innovation Automotive, said: “As the UK representative of Skywell, we are delighted to be introducing the BE11 to the British public at Everything Electric North.

“The BE11 sets a new standard for specification and pricing in the mid-size e-SUV market, helping make the switch to electrification more affordable for families and individuals alike.”

The home energy and electric vehicle event is being held at the Yorkshire Event Centre between May 24 and 26.

By Cameron Richards

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The Bentley Batur Convertible is firm’s latest coachbuilt creation

New Convertible comes with Bentley’s W12 engine that produces 739bhp.

Bentley has shown off its new Batur Convertible, crafted by its Mulliner coachworking company.

The Batur will be limited to 16 units worldwide and features a two-door and two-seat configuration.

The interior of the Batur has a wrap-around cockpit inspired by the Bacalar Convertible. There is also Rose Gold detailing throughout the inside with the driver touch points such as the gear selector lever and start/stop button. There is also something that Bentley calls an ‘airbridge’ and ‘tapered cowls’ which is located behind the seats and harks back to the old Barchetta.

The electric roof takes 19 seconds to stow away and can be operated at speeds of up to 30mph.

All Baturs will use the most powerful version of Bentley’s W12 engine, producing 739bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed double-clutch gearbox and there is also a titanium exhaust system with tips that are 3D printed in titanium, too.

Customers will be allowed to specify their Batur in any colour or finish, allowing them to create their own individual car.

The Batur has a two-seater configuration

Bentley Mulliner has collaborated with goldsmiths in the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham to create unique parts – allowing customers to personalise their car even further.

It’s likely that the Batur will also be the last Bentley to use its flagship W12 engine before a new smaller V8 plug-in arrives in time for the electrified era.

There has yet to be an announcement of prices for this very exclusive Bentley, but bespoke Mulliner coachbuilt models often carry a hefty price tag.

By Cameron Richards

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Government calls for views on how to future-proof classic cars

What can be done to preserve classic icons such as the DMC DeLorean, MkII Jaguar and Aston Martin DB5?

Classic car enthusiasts are being urged to have their say on preserving iconic vehicles such as James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 and Inspector Morse’s MkII Jaguar for future enjoyment.

The government wants to gather views on how cars such as these can continue for generations and boost jobs in the £18bn classic car sector.

It has launched a call for evidence from drivers, classic car enthusiasts and the industry to share their ideas on restoring and upgrading historic vehicles to help them into the 21st century, while making road safety a priority and keeping accurate vehicle records.

The move will help shape policies that haven’t changed since the 1980s and have failed to take into account improving historic vehicles with modern technology.

The Belfast-built DMC DeLorean was featured in the famous Back to the Future films. (Credit: PA Archive – Stefan Rousseau)

Such changes could make it easier to register vehicles to fully recognise their value while protecting prospective buyers, as well as seeing classic cars modified to improve their performance and retrofitting some with electric powertrains.

Better preservation of classic cars could also help drive tourism to iconic classic car shows such as Goodwood Revival, help support jobs in the heritage car industry and boost the economy.

With 007’s Aston Martin DB5, Morse’s MkII Jaguar as well as the Belfast-built DMC DeLorean from ‘Back to the Future’ firmly embedded in popular culture, today’s call for evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will let classic car enthusiasts and the motoring industry speak out about how these and other motoring icons can remain as a beacon of British excellence in the UK and around the world.

A Jaguar MKII was featured in Inspector Morse. (Credit: PA Archive- Andrew Matthews)

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come.”

DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: “As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date.

“This is one of the many ways we are looking to make things easier and simpler for our customers, and we want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.”

The call for evidence runs until July 4, 2024.

By Cameron Richards

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