Ed Jackson and Ross Stirling completed the challenge for the Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation.
A gruelling charity event has seen a pair drag a new Kia Picanto over 30 miles in 24 hours on foot, raising over £12,000 in the process.
Ed Jackson and Ross Stirling pulled along the new Picanto – which weighs just under a tonne – as far as they could within the 24-hour period along a runway at Bovingdon Airfield, Hertfordshire.
The event took place at Bovingdon Airfield
By the end of the gruelling event, the team had raised more than £12,000 for the Millimetres 2 Mountains (M2M) Foundation, which Ed and his wife Lois co-founded. A mental health charity that helps individuals through exploration in the great outdoors, M2M was founded following Ed’s 2017 accident which had seen him misjudge the depth of water in a pool and break his neck – leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Despite being told that he would never walk again, Ed has submitted several mountains – and helped to pull along a Picanto for this event.
Ed said, “Wow, that was a challenge and a half. Every year, we love spreading some Christmas cheer by taking on something a bit daft, and this might just have been our toughest one yet! A huge shoutout to Kia and FJ Chalke for donating the car—not only did it look fantastic, but it made the journey from Somerset to the airfield an absolute breeze. Thank you!”
The pair went into the depths of the night for the challenge
Ross, meanwhile, has so far raised more than £1 million for charity and is a trustee of the M2M Foundation. He’s currently the creative director of a music venue operator in the US.
Stirling said: “When it comes to fundraisers, I knew this one would be a real mental challenge. Pushing through at 4am in complete darkness was tough, but the incredible supporters who showed up in the morning gave us the energy to keep going! A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors and everyone who contributed—you all made this possible!”
A hardworking truck can make the biggest of jobs easier, but which ones should you check out today?
A pick-up can be the ideal tool for all kinds of jobs. Whether you need to transport heavy goods on a frequent basis or like to take mountain bikes on big adventures, a pick-up truck is something that can make the toughest of jobs a little easier.
Though the pick-up market might have been dwindling over the last few years, there’s still some good variety out there to consider. Let’s see what’s on offer today.
Ford Ranger
The V6 engine gives the Ranger plenty of grunt
Ford’s Ranger has routinely proven to be one of the most popular pick-up trucks in the UK. It’s not hard to see why, either, as with a robust chassis setup and a rugged yet comfortable interior, you can push it to the limit-off road and still have a reasonably refined experience when you return to the paved sections.
There are a good number of specifications to choose from, too, including the range-topping Raptor which throws in a punchy V6 petrol engine and a range of performance upgrades which make it near-peerless on the rough stuff.
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
(Ineos)
The Grenadier Quartermaster is one of the newest additions to the pick-up market and it does so with a healthy dose of style. Like the standard Grenadier, the Quartermaster is available with BMW-sourced engines which are smooth and responsive. The pleasant gearbox comes courtesy of the German manufacturer, too.
It’s got enough load space to carry a full-sized Euro pallet, too, and just like the standard car should prove very capable off-road.
Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok feels more composed at speed
The first-generation Volkswagen Amarok showed that pick-up trucks could drive just as pleasantly as a large SUV and it still continues to deliver a similar experience into its second-generation. Today, the Amarok sits on the same platform as the Ford Ranger but brings a slightly more upmarket experience than its American cousin.
There’s loads of good equipment inside and the whole interior is built solidly as well. Fortunately, it’s backed up by decent off-road manners as well.
Maxus T90EV
The T90EV should manage over 200 miles on a charge
It’s not something you expect to find in this list – an electric vehicle. However, Maxus has bucked the trend by delivering its completely battery-powered T90EV, which is here to show that EVs can be just as practical as their combustion-engined counterparts.
It can match many rivals in terms of its load-carrying ability and should be able to return over 200 miles from a single charge. Top-up using cheap home energy rates and it’ll prove a lot cheaper to run than others on this list, too.
KGM Musso
The new Musso has hit dealerships
KGM – which was formerly known as Ssangyong – has one of the more hard-wearing pick-ups on the market today with its Musso. It’s available in a variety of specifications, too, with all getting a trustworthy 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet.
Available with both manual and automatic gearboxes, the Musso is a truck which punches well above its weight in terms of capability.
Isuzu D-Max
The D-Max has always been a reliable tool for those who need a no-nonsense pick-up
The D-Max remains one of the ‘core’ pick-ups on sale in the UK today and it’s one which has been around for a little while now. Solidly made and with a 1.9-litre diesel engine under the bonnet, the D-Max is very much a ‘tool’ that will get the job done.
You can also get it in head-turning Arctic Trucks specification, too, which adds in huge wheels and massively bolstered arches for even more performance off-road.
Based on the standard Grenadier Quartermaster cab chassis, the vehicles will be used for events and promotional purposes across Australia.
Ineos has revealed an exclusive one-off special in Australia of its Grenadier Quartermaster Cab, with the Kaiju.
Firstly, the name. The word ‘Kaiju’ is Japanese for ‘monster’ or ‘giant creature’ which really makes this Grenadier need no introduction.
The Kaiju will be used throughout Australia as a promotional tool for the brand and will be seen at many events in the coming months.
The vehicle utilises the standard Grenadier Quartermaster Cab chassis but has been built in partnership with some of Australia’s most well-known accessory suppliers including Norweld, Rhino-rack, Brown Davis, Redarc, Jmacx, GME, BF, Maxtrax and Stedi.
It comes with a host of extras to make it the ideal go-anywhere off-roader. (Ineos)
The Kaiju is finished off in an all-black exterior and also features a long-range fuel tank from Brown Davis giving an extra 168 litres of fuel over the standard 90 litres. There are raised air intakes, an access ladder, a compass and altimeter, an auxiliary battery, differential locks at the front and rear and a high-load auxiliary switch panel and external plugs.
Further features include a bolt-on jerry can holder, heavy-duty aluminium ute tray, rock sliders and a 1200mm trundle drawer with drop-in table.
Justin Hocevar, regional director at Ineos Automotive, said: “We wanted to create a truly unique Quartermaster together with some incredibly innovative local engineering and accessory partners. The Quartermaster Cab chassis is a ‘blank canvas’ that allows for great visibility when it comes to customisation, so together with these project partners, we let our imaginations run wild.”
As the Grenadier Quartermaster Kaiju is a one-off, there are no prices or order books, but expect the Kaiju to carry a very hefty premium if this exclusive model ever were to come up for sale over the standard Quartermaster’s £66,215.
Hyundai and Kia are definitely among the two most improved car firms over the last two decades and its latest creations are some of the best yet.
Gone are the days when we would sit there and point out laughing at South Korean cars.
Back in the late 90s and early 00s, they were nothing more than bland and beige transportation with no soul or character.
But, as time progressed, so too did the manufacturers that are Hyundai and Kia and in the last decade they have produced some of the finest cars on the market. Now, they are turning their hands out and out performance cars.
Among these is Kia’s new EV9 GT which packs 515bhp, all-wheel-drive and does a claimed 279 miles between charges.
But which other cars have the two brands made over recent years to get driving enthusiasts’ pulses racing?
To find out, we’ve compiled a list of the best models to come out of South Korea in the last few years, some of which seem destined to become future classics.
Kia EV6 GT
The EV6 GT comes with 577bhp and all-wheel-drive. (Kia)
Just like the recently revealed EV9 GT, the EV6 GT comes packed with performance including a 77.4kWh battery pack with dual electric motors to make all-wheel-drive and 577bhp.
In terms of its acceleration, the car can do 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 162 mph, making this Kia rather brisk out on the open road. Its design is very unique with the option of a matte paint finish, and the car also utilises neon accents on the brake calipers with GT logos as well as larger alloy wheels. But, it’s on the inside where you start to see some other changes including front bucket sports seats with the neon accents continuing on the upholstery, as well as on the stitching of the sports steering wheel, too.
Hyundai i20N
Hyundai’s i20N is destined to be a future classic. (Hyundai)
Sadly, one of Hyundai’s best cars, the i20N went out of production this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one as plenty remain available on the used market.
The i20N almost made up for the demise of the much loved Ford Fiesta ST, and it’s not hard to see why as this baby Hyundai comes packed with character and performance. In terms of its engine, this hot hatch features a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 201bhp and 275Nm of torque. Its acceleration stands at 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and the car will go onto a top speed of 143mph.
In any colour, the i20N looks the part with its lowered suspension, big rear spoiler, bodykit, rear diffuser and large single exit exhaust, while inside the sporty theme continues with bucket seats with the embroidered N logo on them, as well as blue stitching and a sports steering wheel. To drive, the car is agile, light, nimble and puts a huge smile on your face wherever you go, and for that reason the i20N is regarded as one of the best small hot hatchbacks around.
Kia Proceed GT
The Proceed GT was Kia’s first attempt at a hot hatchback. (Kia)
Kia’s first attempt to break the hot hatchback market, the Proceed GT went on sale back in 2013.
The firm had never produced a hot hatch before, but the Proceed GT really set the tone for what was to come. Using the Ceed’s second-generation’s sportier three-door bodystyle, the Proceed GT came fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produced 201bhp and 265Nm of torque – almost identical to the i20N a decade later.
Its exterior design had a low and sporty appearance, alongside the front quad LED daytime running lights, as well as the flared wheel arches and bodykit. Inside, the GT received sports seats and a sports steering all wrapped with red stitching and black leather upholstery.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The Veloster Turbo was only on sale here in the UK for two years. (Hyundai)
A car that has completely been forgotten about is Hyundai’s funky Veloster Turbo, which went on sale back in 2012. The Veloster was a unique car as it came with four doors, but not where you might expect them, with Hyundai marketing it as a two plus one. In fact, the car came with one large door on the offside, while the nearside came with two conventional doors, to make it safer for passengers to get out of the car on the kerb side.
The Turbo featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that developed 184bhp and 265Nm of torque. Its acceleration stood at 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds and the car would be able to go onto a top speed of 134mph.
Its exterior styling was something out of the ordinary with the option of a matte grey paint finish, centrally mounted twin-exit exhausts, a bodykit and sports suspension making the car sit a little bit lower than the ordinary cooking model. Sadly, the Veloster Turbo never got the credit it deserved and was axed after just two years in 2014.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Ioniq 5 N is a game-changer when it comes to EVs. (Hyundai)
The highlight of 2024 and regarded as one of the best electric cars is Hyundai’s magnificent Ioniq 5 N, which replaced both the i20N and i30N. Under its bonnet is a 84kWh battery pack and dual electric motors to make all-wheel-drive and 607bhp. However, it also features a boost button located on the steering wheel which enables for 10 seconds, a sudden urge of more power, bringing 640bhp to the table.
The Ioniq 5 N also brings artificial engine noise and gear changes, but even though they might be fictitious, it doesn’t distract you from the fun or excitement that this car gives. In fact, it adds more character to it, with the car handling amazingly with acres of grip and even though the car weighs a hefty 2.2 tonnes, it feels very agile and nimble around the bends, with it cornering flat.
It looks very distinctive with its large alloy wheels, body kit and matte Performance blue paintwork – other colours are also available. Priced at £65,000 the Ioniq 5 N may be on the expensive side, but once you’ve driven it and the technology and engineering that has gone into it, you’ll soon start to appreciate it for what it really is capable of.
Set to arrive in Europe next year, the EV9 GT will sit at the top of the electric SUV’s model line-up.
Kia has announced further details for its flagship electric SUV, the EV9 GT.
The upgraded model will utilise an all-wheel-drive powertrain with a dual motor setup alongside a 99.8kWh battery pack and cover a claimed 279 miles on a single charge. Kia says it will also be DC rapid charging compatible, taking the vehicle from a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in just 24 minutes.
The car comes with a 99.8kWh battery pack and dual electric motors. (Kia)
The EV9 GT will also come as standard with a vehicle-to-load function, meaning you can plug an electronic appliance into the car and it be powered using the vehicle’s battery pack.
On the outside, there are features such as a digital lighting grille, 21-inch alloy wheels and neon green front brake calipers with GT lettering. Meanwhile, on the inside the neon green theme continues onto the GT sports steering wheel and sports seats which are also trimmed with Alcantara suede inserts with an embossed GT logo.
The interior features neon-coloured accents. (Kia)
Marc Hedrich, president and CEO at Kia Europe, said: “The EV9 GT offers an exhilarating-to-drive factor with comfort and enjoyment for everyone on board while keeping the versatility to take everything with you. We have taken the basis of the best car in the world and developed a stand-alone, high-performance version that will turn heads everywhere it goes.”
Kia has yet to reveal the prices for the EV9 GT, but expect to pay a premium over the standard EV9 GT-Line S at just over £77,000. Order books will open in 2025.
It’s a brisk minus-four degrees Celsius as we waft silently out of the gates next to the Ness Walk Hotel. Sitting on the banks of the river with which it shares its name, it’s a five-star hotel which doesn’t just offer 47 rooms but is one that has also partnered with Green Tourism to ensure that it’s operating in as sustainable a way as possible. It has even committed to achieving net zero emissions for energy use by 2028.
And when you look around into the hills and rivers surrounding, it’s not hard to see why you’d want to protect things. The hotel even has electric chargers on-site, which are handy for our particular trip – taking the new electric Porsche Macan on a very special journey to make an equally special delivery.
So after an evening of food in the Torrish restaurant, we’re off on our adventure. The Macan has a range of up to close to 400 miles and even as the temperatures continue to fall as we drift away from the heart of Inverness along the A9 past Moy, we’ve still got more than enough in the ‘tank’ for a day’s worth of driving.
The scenery unfurls around us as we head south towards the famous Cairngorms National Park with the Macan’s readout indicating minus seven degrees at certain points. Trees crackle with frost in the distance and we’re rewarded for our early start with a magnificent sunrise that sparks some energy into the dark skies of the winter morning.
Given the time of year, it’ll come as no surprise that the main focus of our journey has antlers, hooves and a particular tie to the festive season – reindeer. It’s in the Cairngorms that you’ll find Britain’s only free-roaming reindeer herd, made up of 150 animals that traipse the mountains and hills in this staggeringly beautiful part of the country.
We’ve come equipped, too, prepped with both carrots and reindeer feed that is easily handled by the Macan’s boot. Guided trips to visit the reindeer run daily – weather depending during winter – and meander for 20 to 30 minutes through forests and mountains to reach the herd where you’ll be able to interact with them for around an hour.
It feels even chillier by this point but the brisk walk through the woods warms things up quickly. You need decent walking boots and warm clothing – particularly at this time of year – as the terrain is interrupted by large rocks, boulders and slippery sections. Crossing over an impressive wooden footbridge leads us to a steep climb but, before long, the herd appears at the top of the mountain with a superb background surrounding it all.
The reindeer prove much friendlier than we expect, though much of that is likely down to the large handfuls of food that we’re here to offer. Sadly, they turn their snouts up at our carrots, so we put them to one side as handler Amy guides us through the different ages of reindeer that we have in front of us. There are antlers of all shapes and sizes, but none of the herd seems too troubled by our presence and after a selfie or two, we’re leaving them to enjoy the peace of the stunning Glenmore scenery.
All that walking generates a little hunger, so the next portion of the mission is to search out somewhere suitable to stop over. However, what we encounter next are some of the most exciting driving roads that the UK has to offer. A little further down the mountain is the Corgarff viewpoint and it’s here that we’re treated to a series of jets on patrol in the skies above, their engines the only thing to disturb the otherwise pin-drop quiet. It’s a stopover well worth making as the views are exceptional.
As the temperatures increase and the roadside ice thaws out, we travel onwards to pick up sections of the Old Military Road at the Bridge of Brown, before spiking upwards to stop and take photos at the Lecht Ski Centre. There’s enough powder on the slopes to entice a snowsports fan, that’s for sure, but the chair lifts remain dormant as we continue on our drive.
Our lunch stopover turns out to be the Fife Arms in Braemar, not far from the icy-looking River Dee which flows nearby. On solid tables and chairs – alongside some ferocious steak knives – we enjoy a traditional lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties but other options – including a warm and hearty chowder – are a tempting alternative. There’s a natural hustle and bustle to the Fife Arms which gives it a ‘meeting point’ feel; portraits hang on the walls and stare down upon patrons who are no doubt dreaming up their own adventures in the nearby wilderness.
It’s the kind of pub that you feel you could spend a long, drawn-out evening in shielding from the cold but, alas, we’ve still got more driving to do and before long we’re back behind the wheel of the Macan that had been patiently waiting outside.
From Braemar, the roads get even better. The Old Military Road marches out ahead of us through Glenshee and Finegand, with rivers, mountains and fields all peppering the view over the Macan’s dashboard. Our two cars – finished in Cooper Ruby Metallic and Papaya Metallic – feel as though they’re in the perfect shade to match the landscape as the sun begins to dive towards the horizon. We’re treated to a golden sundown and as the last of the light slips away, we’re heading through Blairgowrie to start our steady journey back down towards Edinburgh Airport to travel home.
We’re still doing well in terms of range, but having been up steep inclines – and all during very cold weather – we decide to give the Macan a quick top-up of charge. A 20-minute stopover at a rapid charger in Perth sees the Porsche’s levels boosted to a decent level and, after a quick coffee, we’re on the road once more.
It’s been a quick-fire drive through some of the most striking environments that Scotland has to offer. Having roads which weave through the countryside as elegantly as the rivers makes any journey here special, but being able to say hello to the UK’s most famous herd of reindeer along the way has made this drive in the Porsche Macan even more memorable.
Available with a choice of three trim levels and a hybrid powertrain, this SUV will be sold alongside the Ora 03 hatchback.
GWM has revealed prices and specifications for its new hybrid SUV, the Haval Jolion.
GWM is one of the largest Chinese vehicle manufacturers and owns companies such as Ora and Haval.
It is only available in one powertrain. (GWM)
The Haval Jolion will come with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor to give a combined power output of 186bhp. GWM claims that this SUV can travel up to 620 miles on a single tank full of fuel.
On the outside, the car features a rather bold chrome and slated radiator grille, front LED headlights and what the firm refers to as its ‘single eyebrow’ LED rear tail lights.
There will be three trim levels to choose from including Premium, Lux and Ultra as well as four exterior colour choices.
There will be three trim levels including Premium, Lux and Ultra. (GWM)
Its interior features technology such as a seven-inch digital instrument display, a multimedia touch screen of up to 12.3 inches on higher specced versions, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as keyless entry. Higher-specced Ultra models come with leatherette seat upholstery, a wireless phone charger, head-up display and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Prices start at £23,995 for the entry-level car Premium and rise to £29,995 for the Ultra, while the Haval Jolion will also come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and the car will go on sale here in the UK in February 2025.
The Japanese firm’s famous coupe went out of production back in 2000, but this new model will come with hybrid power.
Honda has announced that its new Prelude hybrid coupe will be coming to Europe in early 2026.
Although few details have been announced about the car’s mechanicals, what the firm has revealed is that the model will introduce Honda’s S+ shift technology which will simulate the sound and feel of quick automatic gear changes. This means that the car will more than likely be fitted with a CVT gearbox. Also, the new Prelude will come with a hybrid setup, but details about its powertrain are yet to be revealed.
Honda’s S+ shift technology will simulate a quick automatic gear change. (Honda)
Some new exterior images have been revealed which show the production car’s exterior styling to a greater extent with the car utilising flush door handles and a full-width rear light bar while at the front the car features Honda’s latest front nose with black gloss lower bumper and wraparound LED headlights.
Images of its interior are yet to be revealed, but if the latest Prelude is anything like the models from yesteryear, it should come with four seats and a hatchback-style boot.
The new Prelude will be a two-door coupe. (Honda)
Hans De Jaeger, senior vice president, Honda Motor Europe, said: “The Honda Prelude is an iconic nameplate, and this latest model promises to build on that heritage with our trademark hybrid performance and the latest dynamic technology. All with a view to not only delivering exceptional efficiency, but also the fun-to-drive performance for which this model is known. We are excited for this arrival in Europe following a very positive reception so far.”
Prices and specifications have not been released yet, but when the car goes on sale at the beginning of 2026, it’s anticipated to cost between £35,000 to £40,000.
The luxury sub-brand of Hyundai is testing 48-volt metal-coated heated glass technology on its cars.
Genesis is developing new heated windscreen technology to make those cold and early starts a lot easier.
The firm claims that this new technology will enable those frosty mornings to be safer and more convenient with a 100 per cent frozen windscreen cleared within five minutes – three times faster than traditional systems in freezing temperatures.
Genesis is using metal-coated heated glass, which comes with a 48-volt system – a world first. The system uses the car’s 800-volt on-board electrical system, which then passes through the 20-layer thick windscreen, and heats it up in a matter of minutes.
The firm has tested the technology on its GV60 and GV70 electric models. (Genesis)
What makes this technology so effective is that metal-coated heated glass consumes 10 per cent less power compared to a traditional air-conditioning unit and helps preserve key components of EVs such as the battery and electric motors.
Genesis has tested the technology on its GV70 and GV60 electric models in temperatures dropping to -18°C and their windscreens are being completely cleared within five minutes.
The technology in the glass also features a solar reflection function, which blocks at least 60 per cent of solar energy – which allows the cabin temperature to stay cooler by 2 to 3°C in the summer months. Not only does this technology allow for greater convenience during cooler and warmer times of the year, but it also helps improve EV driving ranges, too.
In comparison, a traditional 13.5-volt power system was said to take over 15 minutes to clear the screen.
Genesis has yet to confirm when this technology could appear on its production models, though its parent company Hyundai Motor Group has already filed patents for the system as a way of preparing it for wide-scale use.
Year-on-year figures show that young motorists now pay £1,769 on average for car insurance.
Car insurance premiums for young motorists have seen an average year-on-year drop of £160, a new survey has found.
A poll of 2,023 drivers by Compare the Market found that motorists under the age of 25 have seen an average drop in their premiums to £1,769 in October 2024 compared to £1,929 in the same month last year.
The survey found that 75 per cent of young drivers have struggled with the costs of vehicle ownership – so falling premiums might just benefit them to a greater extent. Additionally, 31 per cent found it difficult to pay their premium in the past six months and 60 per cent plan to take on additional debt to stay on the road.
A total of 19 per cent of young drivers said that their social lives have been impacted by the cost of driving and a further 15 per cent said it has affected their jobs.
According to the data collected, the annual running costs of a car for young drivers in 2024 was £2,829 compared to year-on-year at £3,109. Car insurance now represents a total of 63 per cent of running costs for a driver under the age of 25, before fuel, road tax and MOTs.
Julie Daniels, motor insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Young drivers will welcome falling insurance premiums as motorists in this age group typically face higher premiums. However, motor premiums remain historically high, and many young drivers will still struggle to pay more than £1,500 for car insurance, so it is important they compare prices online before renewing with their existing insurer.”
