This new C-segment SUV is rivalling the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan and will come in three different flavours.
Dacia has revealed prices and specifications for its new Bigster SUV, significantly undercutting the competition when it comes to value for money.
The Bigster range will start at just £24,995, making it cheaper than an entry-level Volkswagen Golf.
Dacia is offering the car with a choice of three trim levels here in the UK. The base Expression model comes in at the aforementioned price of £24,995 and includes 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a 40:20:40 split rear seat and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The range kicks off at £24,995. (Dacia)
Move up to the mid-level Journey at £26,245 and it adds 19-inch semi-diamond cut alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, heated seats and steering wheel and front seat lumbar support.
The Flagship Extreme is only £249 more than the former at £26,494 and adds a panoramic sunroof, roof bars and rubber floor mats.
The Bigster will be available with four-wheel-drive. (Dacia)
There is a choice of three powertrains including Dacia’s TCe 140 engine, which is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit with 48V mild hybrid technology. The Bigster will also be available with the firm’s new hybrid 155 powertrain, featuring a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Finally, there is a four-wheel-drive version called the TCe 140 4×4 with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol also helped by 48V technology.
Order books are open now with expected deliveries to commence later this year.
Powerful drop-top gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
Aston Martin has broadened its current Vantage range by introducing a new Roadster model.
The key change between this new drop-top and the coupe version is the electric convertible roof which, Aston says, is the fastest-folding top on sale today. It can open or close in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. The roof can be operated either while sitting in the car, or via a click of a button on the key. Eight levels of insulation mean that the sound inside the cabin should be as hushed as in the regular Vantage coupe, too.
The folding roof can be operated via the car’s key, too
However, despite the addition of the roof mechanism and some additional structural reinforcements, the Roadster weighs just 60kg more than its hard-top stablemate.
With a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine under the bonnet producing 656bhp and 800Nm of torque, the Vantage Roadster will manage the 0-60mph sprint in 3.5 seconds and carry onwards to 202mph – the same top speed as the hard-top version.
Aston Martin has also recalibrated the car’s suspension system to adjust for the additional weight of the roof and strengthening. This means that the software for the rear dampers and the mountings for the rear-positioned gearbox have been returned. It’s all designed to help the Roadster match the driving experience offered in the Coupe.
The interior mirrors the one on the Coupe
Three new paint colours have been added to the options list – Iridescent Sapphire, Satin Iridescent Sapphire and Bronze Flare – while the roof can be specified in black, red, blue or black and silver. Four 21-inch wheel designs are also available.
Aston Martin has said that Vantage Roadster deliveries will commence in the second quarter of this year, with prices likely to be slightly higher than those for the Coupe, which starts at around £165,000.
This year, 2025 is all about the affordable and fun electric car with plenty of offerings coming in the next 12 months.
The world of EVs simply took off in 2024 with an eclectic mix of vehicles ranging from all different price points and power outputs arriving on the market.
Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5N stirred the soul of every keen driver and the budget-friendly Dacia Spring proved that battery-electric vehicles can be affordable.
It looks like 2025 is set to be another jam-packed 12 months of new EVs flooding the market bringing an array of new technology, lower price tags and even more retro styling.
So, what is there to expect? We’ve compiled a list of some of the EVs you need to check out when they go into showrooms this year.
Abarth 600e
The 600e will sit alongside the 500e in the Abarth electrified line-up. (Abarth)
The spicy sub-brand of Fiat is committed to only producing electric vehicles and the 600e is the latest addition to sit next to its smaller stablemate – the 500e.
The 600e will utilise a 54kWh battery pack and electric motor that Abarth claims will allow it to travel up to 207 miles on a single charge. There will also be two versions with the standard car producing a total of 240bhp and a more powerful ‘Scorpionissima’ model with 280bhp. To make the driving experience even more entertaining, the 600e utilises the same external sound generator as the 500e to mimic the noise of an internal combustion engine.
Its exterior also benefits from larger alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, gloss black trim and a rear roof spoiler.
Alpine A290
Alpine will focus on electric vehicles for its future. (Alpine)
Renault’s funky and fresh 5 has already made a big impact, bringing back the legendary name but also its retro-styling. Now, you’ll be able to get an even hotter version through the firm’s performance brand at Alpine with the new A290.
As with the Abarth, Alpine is committed to building its future models with electric power and the A290 is the first model to kickstart its electric line-up.
The car benefits from larger alloy wheels with flared wheel arches, as well as the famous Alpine ‘x’ shaped front LED spot lamps along with lots of creases running down the side profile for that more muscular look.
Powering the car is the same 52kWh battery pack and electric motor you’ll find in the R5, but it has been fettled to make more power with 178bhp being produced in the standard car or 217bhp in a higher-powered GTS model. Alpine claims that the former model can do up to 236 miles on electric power or that drops to 226 miles if you opt for the latter.
BYD Atto 2
The Atto 2 will be directly rivalling Vauxhall’s new Frontera. (BYD)
BYD is rapidly expanding here in the UK and it is by far and away the most recognisable of all the unrecognisable car manufacturers that have set up over here recently.
The Atto 2 is the latest addition to the firm’s fleet of EVs, sitting below the Atto 3 and above the smaller Dolphin in the range. It will be directly competing with cars like the new Vauxhall Frontera and will come equipped from launch with a 45.1kWh battery pack and electric motor that BYD claims can bring up to 194 miles on a single charge.
Cupra Raval
The Raval will be Cupra’s smallest model. (Cupra)
The smallest addition to the Cupra range will be the Raval which will share the same platform as Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.2 electric small car – but the Raval comes in a sportier and more dynamic package.
Even though prices have not been revealed yet, they’re expected to be very competitive making the Raval one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
Fiat Grande Panda
Fiat’s Grande Panda will be the firm’s ‘global model’. (Fiat)
Fiat’s new ‘global’ model will be the new Grande Panda which sits on Stellantis’ multi-energy platform allowing for not only an electric variant but a hybrid version too.
The Grande Panda features funky and fresh styling with its pixelated LED headlight design, engraved ‘Panda’ lettering down the side profile and cheeky little roof bars to make this small car look more like a rugged SUV.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 44kWh battery pack and electric motor that produces a total of 114bhp and provides a claimed EV range of 199 miles.
Ford Puma Gen-E
The Ford Puma was Britain’s best-selling car in 2024. (Ford)
The Puma was the best-selling car in the UK for 2024, but this year the firm will launch an electric variant of Britain’s most loved car with the Puma Gen-E.
In terms of its design, the Puma Gen-E looks almost identical to the combustion-powered model with the only difference being the smoothed-off radiator grille and white Ford badges. The car will feature a 43kWh battery pack and electric motor that Ford claims can travel 234 miles – plus prices will start at £29,995 making this baby Ford priced very competitively.
Renault 4
The Renault 4 is also making a comeback. (Renault)
After Renault brought back its iconic ‘5’ nameplate, it only has gone and done it again with the ‘4’.
The cool looking Renault 4 will be the firm’s smallest electric crossover and utilise the same 40kWh or 52kWh battery packs as with its smaller sister – the R5. Renault claims that the former can travel up to 186 miles between trips to the plug and the latter can achieve 248 miles.
In terms of styling, the R4 harks back to the car of yesteryear with its circular front headlights and moulded body lines that run down the side profile of the car.
The British overseas territory island of St.Helena is aiming to switch to sustainable power and zero-emissions transport by the end of the decade.
Subaru UK has revealed its part in the trial of one of the world’s most remote EV charging points, located on the British overseas territory island of St.Helena.
St.Helena is located 1,200 miles off the south-west coast of Africa and currently, this very small island only has four electric vehicles in use.
Japanese car manufacturer Subaru and Norwegian electric vehicle charger brand Easee have partnered up with St.Helena’s government to test the feasibility, reliability and adaptability of EVs on the island.
The island of St.Helena only has four EVs in use. (Subaru)
The trial lasted two months and consisted of a Subaru Solterra SUV driving around the island of St.Helena and an Easee charge unit being installed beside the island’s museum in the capital of Jamestown.
Lorraine Bishton, managing director of Subaru UK, said: “From Subaru’s perspective, it’s an honour to be involved in a project that could potentially lead to a fully sustainable future for Saint Helena. It’s a real testament to Subaru’s reliability and capability that we’re not sending a technician with the Solterra. And to be honest, if you can operate an electric vehicle in this type of environment then you really can anywhere.”
The Easee charge unit will remain on the island as part of a plan to expand the EV charging infrastructure even further. This year a small fleet of electric vehicles will be imported to the island for tourists and island users.
A number of modifications were made to ensure that the installation wouldn’t harm the building.
An electric vehicle charger installation specialist devised an ingenious solution for preserving the look of an old farmhouse while wiring in an EV charge point.
Neil McGavock, from Powered EVNI, a specialist company covering areas across Northern Ireland, was contacted by a customer who wanted an electric vehicle charge point installed in their older property. They also had an idea to position the charger inside a traditional red postbox to help preserve the look of the old farmhouse.
McGavock told the PA news agency: “He [the homeowner] lives in an old farmhouse and was looking for something a little different that wouldn’t look out of place on his property.”
The charger should be able to fully charge an EV overnight
After several discussions it was the Ohme ePod charger that proved to be the best fit and, with some extra modifications – including additional metal rods that helped to strengthen the postbox’s connection to the old house’s wall – the charge point was successfully installed behind the traditional red of the post box.
Most importantly, the key-operated door on the front of the post box can still be used, allowing the owner to ‘lock’ the charger away and keep it hidden when not in use.
The post box’s door can be closed to hide the charger (Powered EVNI)
McGavock added: “It turned out great and he [the customer] was very pleased with the result.”
The Ohme ePod usually has a power output of 7kW, which is enough to fully charge a typical EV overnight. However, it also has a compact size overall which made it better suited for this particular installation.
The firm’s biggest EV will be available with two battery packs and there will be three different trim levels.
Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for its refreshed Enyaq electric SUV.
The range kicks off at £39,000 for the entry-level SE L with the smaller ‘60’ powertrain which features a 63kWh battery pack and electric motor. This model replaces the old ‘50’ variant and comes with equipment such as LED front and rear tail lights, heated front and seats and steering wheel.
All models come very well equipped. (Skoda)
The Edition model is priced from £40,100 for the smaller battery pack, but you can also get this version with the larger 77kWh unit badged ‘85’ with prices coming in at £44,300. This version adds matrix LED headlights, an electric driver’s seat with massage function and manual rear window blinds.
Move up to the flagship Sportline which comes in at £48,750 or £50,650 for the Coupe and is badged ‘85x’, which not only benefits from all-wheel-drive, but also 20-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers, a Canton premium audio system and front sports seats.
In terms of range, Skoda claims that the smaller 63kWh battery pack with single electric motor can travel up to 268 miles between top ups and the larger 77kWh unit can achieve a claimed 359 miles for the SUV and 365 miles on Coupe models. Meanwhile, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive ‘85x’ model can manage 332 miles for the former and 334 miles on the latter.
Order books open for the new Enyaq on March 6, with expected deliveries to commence in the second quarter of this year.
The car was the last sports prototype to be raced by the Belgian racing team, Ecurie Francorchamps.
A 1970 Ferrari 512 M will go under the hammer at auction next month when it could fetch up to £10 million.
RM Sotheby’s auction will take place in Paris from February 4 to February 5 and will see countless high-end vehicles go up for auction. The two-day event takes place in Les Salles du Carrousel in the Louvre Palace, right in the heart of the French capital.
The car was raced in two 24-hour Le Mans endurance races. (RM Sotheby)
This particular Ferrari 512 M was supplied new in May 1970 to the Belgian racing team, Ecurie Francorchamps. It was the last sports prototype to be used by the team and was raced twice at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance event – achieving fifth place in the 1970 season. Also, this example was the only 512 M to be supplied in the Giallo yellow paintwork.
Alongside the Ferrari 512 M, a variety of other special vehicles will be on offer, including a 1981 Ferrari 512 BB/LM, a 1951 Ferrari 212/225 Export by Vignale, a 2011 Koenigsegg Agera and a 1958 BMW 507 Roadster.
The Koenigsegg Agera is just one of seven ever produced. (RM Sotheby)
Another car expected to fetch a high price is a 2011 Koenigsegg Agera – one of seven ever produced. The exterior features exposed matt carbon fibre and the car utilises a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 963bhp – making it one of the most powerful and fastest road cars in the world. It’s expected to sell for between £1.5 and £1.9 million by the time the hammer falls.
As automatics become the norm for most drivers, the manual gearbox is somewhat of an endangered species with only a few cars offering three pedals.
The world of motoring is changing. Whether it’s how they are fuelled or constructed, modern cars have never been so well thought out with their tech-filled interior and powertrains.
However, a race to lower emissions means EVs and hybrids are starting to dominate the new car market with their automatic transmissions, meaning that old-school three-pedal manual gearboxes are fading out fast.
So, are any new cars on sale today available with three pedals? Well, yes there are, but they are few and far between and we’ve picked out the best cars on sale today that still come with the choice of a manual gearbox.
Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is one of the most driver-focused hot hatches. (Honda)
Honda’s Civic Type R is one of the best and fastest hot hatchbacks around and ever since the latest model was released back in 2022, this latest FL5 version is one of the best examples yet.
The Civic’s design won’t be to everyone’s taste, but its big rear spoiler, large alloy wheels and flared wheel arches make this a mean-looking machine. Inside, you have red body-hugging bucket seats and a sports steering wheel.
However, its slick, short six-speed manual gearbox is what makes this a true driver’s car. It’s a smooth, rewarding gearbox to use – hence why the Civic Type R is one of the top driver-focused hot hatchbacks on the market.
Toyota GR Yaris
The GR Yaris is already a future classic. (Toyota)
The GR Yaris will go down in history as one of the all-time great hot hatches and ever since it was launched back in 2020, it has captured the world’s driving enthusiasts as one of the best hot hatchbacks to come out in years – making it a very worthy contender to the aforementioned Civic Type R.
In 2024, Toyota gave the car a whole host of updates to make this pint-sized pocket rocket even better, but one of the best parts of the raw driving experience is the short-throw six-speed manual gearbox. It’s so nice to use that you end up changing gear for the sheer pleasure of doing it. Already regarded as a future classic, the GR Yaris is one of those cars that needs to be driven to be appreciated for what has gone into the engineering side to make this one of the ultimate hot hatchbacks of the 21st century.
Porsche 911 S/T
Porsche’s 911 S/T is a GT3 RS in a discreet exterior guise. (Porsche)
Talking about driver’s cars, one of the best to come out of 2024 and possibly one of the finest cars on this list is Porsche’s 911 S/T.
The S/T is essentially a GT3 RS in a more understated guise, with no big rear spoiler, exterior decals or front extensions. Its manual gearbox makes this a rather special car, compared to other models in the 911 range with their PDK automatic boxes. Its 4.0-litre flat-six engine revs to 8,500rpm and sounds like nothing else. The S/T is by far and away one of the most sought-after and investment-worthy cars on sale today, too.
Cupra Leon
The Cupra Leon is a cheaper alternative to the Volkswagen Golf R. (Cupra)
The sporty sub-brand of Seat, Cupra, features a wide variety of different models that focuses on performance, and one of its best-known cars is the Leon hatchback.
Available with plug-in hybrid power or petrol, the lower-powered models come equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox which involves the driver a little bit more with this high-performance hot hatchback.
The Cupra Leon is well built, looks good and features lots of standard equipment to make it a very good all-rounder and ideal for those looking at something for an alternative to a Volkswagen Golf R or Audi S3.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a great all-rounder. (Mazda)
The Mazda3 is a sensible, efficient and practical small family hatchback that offers a great driving experience with a host of different trim levels and engine options. In addition, the 3 comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox that is a joy to use; every gear change feels mechanical and well-engineered.
This makes the car even better to drive and with Mazda’s excellent reputation for reliability and quality, you certainly can’t go wrong with this very likeable small family hatchback.
With a 49kWh battery pack and chunky off-road styling, the Inster Cross will be Hyundai’s smallest electric crossover.
Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its funky Inster Cross.
Prices start at £28,745 with the only optional extras consisting of paintwork choices and a Tech pack – which includes a vehicle-to-load function and a digital key for £500.
Underneath its quirky skin lies a 49kWh battery pack and an electric motor that Hyundai claims can do up to 223 miles on a single charge – the motor itself produces a total of 113bhp.
Unlike the standard Inster, the Cross features a host of exterior and interior upgrades to give it a more rugged look with 17-inch alloy wheels, chunkier front and rear bumpers, cross side skirts and black cladding.
Standard equipment includes automatic headlights, LED headlamps and rear tail lights, automatic wipers, power folding door mirrors and the all-important heat pump.
The Cross comes with plenty of standard equipment. (Hyundai)
Inside, the car retains the same sliding and reclining rear seats as in the standard model, along with heated front seats and steering wheel, single-zone climate control, ambient lighting, an opening glass sunroof, rear privacy glass and keyless entry with push-button start.
Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai and Genesis UK, said: “With its distinctive styling and segment-leading technology, Inster is already an exciting proposition. The Inster Cross only furthers that versatility and appeal with its bold design and added features, and continues to showcase Hyundai’s position as an industry leader in electrification.”
Order books for the new Inster Cross are open now, with deliveries expected to commence later this year.
We’re kickstarting 2025’s automotive calendar with the Brussels motor show, but what are the best and most important new cars at the event?
We’re only two weeks into the new year and the automotive calendar is already in full swing for the Brussels motor show.
This year, a host of new battery-electric vehicles are to make an appearance at the show, ranging from the budget end of the market, right up to the luxury and executive class.
SUVs are still the most popular choice of car, with other car makers jumping on the bandwagon with BEVs. So, what is there to expect if you decide to visit the Brussels motor show, which takes place from January 10 to January 19?
We’ve compiled a list of the best and most important new cars here at the show.
Renault Twingo concept
The Twingo will be one of the cheapest new EVs on sale. (Renault)
We’ve already seen Renault’s dinky Twingo concept, but Brussels is where the firm revealed its interior layout which looks to keep some of the design cues from the original car from the early 1990s with its translucent bubble for a hazard warning light switch. Other neat touches are the seaback knobs which Renault say are inspired from skateboard wheels, as well as a variety of different storage areas dotted about the place including under the dashboard and in between the front seats.
The Twingo is set to take on the Dacia Spring, with prices to be under £17,000 when the car goes on sale. However, at this stage, it’s still not decided whether Renault will bring the Twingo over to the UK.
Mazda6e
The Mazda6e will sit alongside the firm’s MX-30 EV. (Mazda)
The second EV in Mazda’s line-up and the return of the ‘6’ name to the firm. The Mazda6e will be available to buy in the UK from early 2026 along with a choice of two different battery packs and two trim levels to choose from.
Its design features frameless doors and integrated door handles, while at the back there is brand-specific lettering and a full-width lightbar.
Mazda claims that the 68.8kWh battery can do up to 300 miles on a single charge, whereas the larger 80kWh unit can do up to 345 miles.
Suzuki e Vitara
The e Vitara is Suzuki’s first EV. (Suzuki)
Better late than never to jump on the EV bandwagon, but Suzuki has finally now got an electric model in its vehicle line-up with the e Vitara.
This new model is built in conjunction with Toyota, and will utilise the same ‘Heartect-e’ platform, battery, chassis and interior as the new Toyota Urban Cruiser.
The e Vitara will go on sale here in the UK in the summer and will be offered with a choice of two battery packs being a 49kWh unit or a larger 61kWh that Suzuki claims can travel up to 250 miles between trips to the plug.
DS No 8
The DS No8 will have a class-leading EV range. (DS)
DS is showcasing its latest and most luxurious model yet with the No 8. This will be the first model in the firm to use the new naming strategy and will be available only as an EV.
The car features a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as an x-shaped steering wheel design.
Underneath its skin, you’ll find the same underpinning as in Peugeot’s E-3008, meaning the car comes with a 73kWh or a 97kWh battery pack, which the latter has a claimed electric driving range of up to 466 miles.
Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq is one of the best electric SUVs on sale. (Skoda)
One of the best electric SUVs, the Skoda Enyaq, has just been given an extensive makeover.
This big Skoda now utilises the firm’s latest design language it calls ‘Modern Solid’ which includes brand-specific lettering on the bonnet as well as an illuminated front end.
Equipment levels have been improved with all cars now featuring heated front seats and steering wheel, tri zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.
The new Enyaq will be made available with the same two battery packs with a choice of three power configurations. The 59kWh unit can do a claimed 268 miles from its electric motor and produces 201bhp. The larger 77kWh battery pack with electric motor can return a claimed 365 miles and produces 282bhp.
BYD Atto 2
The Atto 2 will be rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera. (BYD)
BYD’s rapidly expanding vehicle line-up now includes the new Atto 2, which will be rivaling cars like the new Vauxhall Frontera.
Although prices are yet to be revealed, they should be competitive. Under the bonnet, from launch, there will be a 45.1kWh battery pack and electric motor that BYD claims can run up to 194 miles on a single charge. Later down the line there will be the option of a larger battery pack with increased range.
The Atto 2 will sit beneath the bigger Atto 3 and above the smaller Dolphin in the firm’s line-up with the car expected to go on sale in February this year.
