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.
With a choice of two battery powertrains, the 6e will go on sale in the UK from 2026, featuring a five-door hatchback bodystyle.
Mazda has used this year’s Brussels motor show to unveil its next electric car – introducing the 6e.
The Mazda6e will be the firm’s second EV, sitting alongside the MX-30 in the brand’s model line-up.
Available as a five-door hatchback, the car will be offered with a choice of two battery packs. The former is a 68.8kWh unit with an electric motor that delivers 254bhp and 320Nm of torque while 0-60mph is dealt with in 7.4 seconds. Mazda claims this offering will take the car up to 300 miles on a single charge and is compatible with 200kW DC rapid charging, taking the vehicle from a 10 to 80 per cent top up in 22 minutes. The latter is a larger 80kWh unit with an electric motor that develops 240bhp and has the same torque figures as the former, while 0-60mph takes 7.6 seconds. It has a claimed range of up to 345 miles and a DC rapid charge takes 45 minutes to get the car from a 10 to 80 per cent.
The car’s design utilises frameless doors, integrated door handles and 19-inch alloy wheel designs. At the back, there is a horizontal tail light bar as well as brand-specific lettering which replaces the old Mazda logo on the bootlid. Finally, there is an extendable rear spoiler which Mazda claims enhances stability at speed.
It features a floating centre console. (Mazda)
Inside, there is a panoramic glass roof and a floating centre console and instrument panel. In terms of technology, the 6e comes with a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, while a head-up display also comes fitted, too.
Mazda’s 6e will offer up to 330 litres of rear boot space, supplemented by an additional 70 litre front boot – ideal for stowing charging cables. Also, Mazda will offer the car in two different flavours, consisting of Takumi and Takumi Plus – more details on these specifications will be revealed in due course.
Two battery packs are on offer. (Mazda)
Jeremy Thomson, managing director at Mazda Motors UK, said: “The Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it’s a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles. And with the suspension, power steering and braking carefully calibrated by the team at Mazda research Europe in Frankfurt to match European and UK preferences, I’m sure the Mazda6e will be an electric car that delivers that engaging driver experience you’d expect from a Mazda.”
Prices, full specifications and order book openings are yet to be revealed but the car is expected to go on sale in the UK in the first half of 2026.
Skoda’s flagship SUV has been given the vRS makeover as well as the SE L and Sportline models receiving a new engine.
Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for the performance-focused Kodiaq vRS – along with a new engine for the SE L and Sportline models.
The vRS will sit at the top of the Kodiaq line-up and will feature equipment such as LED matrix headlights, keyless entry and an electric tailgate with a virtual wave pedal that allows you to open the boot simply by waving your foot under the rear bumper.
The exterior is also enhanced by a gloss black finish for the radiator grille, D-pillar and window surrounds. The vRS also comes with redesigned front bumpers with a horizontal light strip in the front grille, stainless steel exhaust tips, body-coloured side sills and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The vRS features sports seats and a three-spoke sports steering wheel. (Skoda)
On the inside, there are sports seats which are electrically adjustable with integrated headrests, a black headlining and a three-spoke sports steering wheel.
The vRS is powered by an improved 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 261bhp – 20bhp more than the outgoing model – and 400Nm of torque. It takes the car from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and the car runs onto a top speed of 142mph.
Skoda has also introduced a new engine for the SE L and Sportline seven-seater versions in the Kodiaq range. The new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces a total of 201bhp and 320Nm of torque and sits alongside existing plug-in hybrid and diesel options.
Prices for the new Kodiaq vRS start at £52,595 with orders opening on January 16. Prices for the newly powered SE L and Sportline models, meanwhile, start at £45,255 and rise to £47,755.
The French electric city car will cost under £17,000 when it goes on sale in 2026 as a rival to Dacia’s Spring.
Renault has unveiled the interior of its upcoming Twingo electric city car – which will arrive in 2026.
New images show a seven-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen. There are three physical dials for the air-conditioning, which sit next to the hazard warning light switch that Renault refers to as a ‘translucent bubble’ and harks back to the original Twingo launched back in the early 1990s.
Renault has aimed to maximise the usable space inside this compact city car, with storage underneath the dashboard and between the front seats to stow bags and other items. Meanwhile, the cylindrical design cue that runs the width of the dashboard can also hold items such as a book, phone or sunglasses within easy reach of the passenger.
The Twingo will go on sale next year with prices to cost the equivalent of £17,000. (Renault)
The floor of the car is made from cork, a material that is resistant and durable – ideal for hard city life. Plus, the upholstery in the car reflects that used in the original with the seats matching the exterior colour of the vehicle and subtle touches on the door cards and dashboard.
The rear seat features a 50:50 split folding function to increase the boot space – although Renault has not revealed its capacity at this stage.
There is a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. (Renault)
Other interior features include the fixed headrests that incorporate a magnetic area, allowing for rear passengers to attach their mobile phones. There is also an elastic strap that doubles up as a pocket to store water bottles. The seatback knob is inspired by a skateboard wheel to reflect the youthful character and urban environment the Twingo will be dealing with.
The Twingo is said to cost the equivalent of under £17,000 when it goes on sale in 2026 to rival the likes of the Dacia Spring.
The Atto 2 will sit below the Atto 3 in the range and will utilise a choice of two battery packs, with sales starting in February.
BYD has revealed its latest addition to its expanding electric vehicle portfolio with the Atto 2.
From launch, the standard-range edition will come with a 45.1kWh battery pack and electric motor. It produces a total of 174bhp, and the firm claims that this powertrain will take the car 194 miles on a single charge. Later down the line, the Atto 2 will be offered with a larger battery pack – although its size and electric range are yet to be revealed at this stage.
The car will also be the first in the firm’s range to use a cell-to-body construction and sits on a new e-Platform 3.0. This means that the vehicle’s battery is built into the chassis.
The new Atto 2 uses similar design cues to other BYD models in the range with LED headlights, lower plastic body cladding and a floating roofline. At the back, a roof spoiler and full-width light bar join up to what BYD refers to as the ‘Chinese knot’ tail lights that look like the number eight.
The interior features a large infotainment screen and physical shortcut buttons. (BYD)
On the inside, the car features a centre console with cupholders and an armrest, which doubles up to reveal an extended storage area. Plus, there are physical shortcut buttons for things like the front and rear demister alongside a large infotainment screen.
Boot space stands at 400 litres, extendable to 1,340 litres when the rear bench is folded down which is not too far off its larger stablemate, the Atto 3.
From launch the car will feature a 45.1kWh battery pack. (BYD)
Stella Li, BYD executive vice president, said: “We’re excited to start 2025 with another important model for our plans in Europe. The B-segment SUV class is incredibly popular here, and with the Atto 2, we have an agile and versatile offering that will appeal to that large potential customer base.
“It takes all of BYD’s strengths in batteries, electric motors and cell-to-body construction and combines them in a compact package that brings new intelligent technologies to the urban SUV class.”
The Atto 2 will go on sale in February with prices yet to be revealed. However, the car will make its first appearance at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show from January 10 to January 19.
The Czech firm’s largest EV has just been given a refresh, but what has the competition got to offer?
The Enyaq was one of Skoda’s first entries into the battery-electric market when it went on sale back in 2021.
Now for 2025, the car has been given a new makeover to improve its looks and onboard technology to make this electric SUV even more popular.
With two battery options and even more standard equipment, the Enyaq certainly is a tough act to follow.
Although the Enyaq is a very worthy car, there is a lot of competition in the medium electric SUV class, with manufacturers all fighting for the spotlight in this overcrowded market.
We’ve compiled a list of the Enyaq’s rivals to see what this updated electric SUV is going up against.
Peugeot E-3008
The E-3008 has one of the best electric driving ranges in its class. (Peugeot)
The latest Peugeot E-3008 features a rather striking design with lots of angular and bold creases making it really stand out on the road. Inside, the wild and wacky theme continues with the car utilising the firm’s famously small steering wheel, alongside touch-sensitive i-toggle switches and Peugeot’s i-cockpit dashboard.
To drive, the numb steering and heavy weight of the vehicle make it rather bland and cumbersome to drive. But, where the Peugeot shines is with its battery electric range. The standard 73kWh battery pack and electric motor give a claimed 327 miles of range. There is also a larger 97kWh unit that Peugeot says can do up to 435 miles between trips to plug which makes this SUV best-in-class for its driving range.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling car in the UK in December. (Tesla)
As Britain’s best-selling car in December, the Tesla Model Y has plenty of positives to make this a worthy contender to the Skoda.
For starters, Tesla’s excellent supercharging network means you have a great array of chargers to pick from, reducing dreaded range anxiety. The Model Y has a decent claimed range of up to 283 miles for the 60kWh battery pack or 331 miles for the larger 78kWh unit. Plus, it’s very practical with lots of interior space and a rather impressive 854-litre boot space with an additional 117-litre front boot, too. Its interior layout with no physical buttons won’t be to everyone’s taste and to drive, the car is rather anonymous, but there’s no getting away from the fact that this car is a rather worthy contender.
Kia EV6
The EV6 comes with a seven-year warranty. (Kia)
Kia’s EV6 is good to drive, comes with lots of standard equipment and looks great with its flush door handles and swooping body design.
Powering the car is an 84kWh battery pack with a single electric motor or a dual motor setup to make all-wheel-drive. This powertrain allows the car to do a claimed 361 miles for the former and 329 miles for the latter.
Inside, the interior is of high quality with lots of soft-touch materials and there is sufficient space for all occupants. The EV6 is also great out on the road with nicely weighted steering, brisk performance and a rather smooth ride, making this EV a great all-rounder. Not to mention the added peace of mind of Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The Q4 e-tron sits on the same MEB platform as the Enyaq. (Audi)
Based on the same platform as the Enyaq, Audi’s Q4 e-tron offers a sportier driving experience with a premium badge.
Audi has recently updated the Q4 e-tron with subtle exterior and interior enhancements to make this electric SUV better than it was before. The interior quality is excellent and there is good space on offer for items.
However, even though the Audi is more premium than the Skoda, it still isn’t as well thought out as its Czech Republic stablemate with annoying touch-sensitive buttons and its 77kWh battery pack with either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive can only do a maximum of 329 miles with the former model.
Nissan Ariya
The Ariya comes with a choice of two battery packs. (Nissan)
From Japan, we have the Nissan Ariya with a choice of either a 63kWh battery pack or a larger 87kWh unit.
The former can travel a claimed 250 miles, while the latter can do up to 329 miles. The Ariya also has a smart-looking interior design, comes with a heat pump as standard and features lots of interior space – making it very practical for a family.
Its boot capacity may not be the largest and its slower charging speeds of 130kW may not be as good as the Skoda’s 175kW, but the Ariya is still an electric SUV that is worth taking note of.
Cupra Tavascan
The Tavascan is the sportier alternative to the Enyaq. (Cupra)
Just launched and also sitting on the same MEB platform as the Skoda is Cupra’s sportier alternative – the Tavascan.
The Tavascan has an upmarket interior layout, and a coupe-esque design that offers lots of space for passengers. It still suffers the same issues as with the Audi Q4 e-tron with fiddly touch-sensitive controls and the ride is a bit firm due to the larger alloy wheels.
But there are also several powertrain options to choose from, as well as a 77kWh battery pack which unlocks a range of up to 353 miles. The Tavascan is the sportier alternative in this list that looks good and should be a popular choice for those wanting an electric SUV with a more dynamic nature.
The reduction for both models has been announced to help boost sales with the firm’s E-Grant incentive.
Abarth and Fiat have announced substantial price cuts of over £4,000 each on the firm’s 500e and 600e models with its E-Grant incentive.
To help boost sales, both models now start at £29,975 with £4,220 off a new 500e and £4,020 off a 600e. The E-Grant was re-installed in June 2023 and was the first vehicle grant from a car manufacturer after the government removed its own incentives back in 2022.
The 600e rivals the Jeep Avenger and BYD Dolphin. (Fiat)
Giuseppe Cava, managing director of Fiat and Abarth UK, said: “We’re delighted to start the new year by evolving the Fiat E-Grant. A year and a half after we became the first to launch this type of electric car incentive, we’re proud to be able to integrate the savings into our on-the-road pricing and thereby extend the savings to even more customers.
He added: “Our own research has already revealed that many consumers are put off by the perceived high cost of EV purchase, so by integrating the E-Grant saving for Fiat 600e and Abarth 500e, we’re helping to make the switch more affordable than ever for all buyers.”
The Fiat 600e comes equipped with a 54kWh battery pack and electric motor that puts out 154bhp and 260Nm of torque, while Fiat claims the car can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. The smaller Abarth 500e is fitted with a 42kWh unit and electric motor that pumps a total of 152bhp and 235Nm of torque, while its claimed electric range is 164 miles.
Both cars are on sale now with deliveries to commence within the next couple of weeks.
Upgraded 3.0-litre flat-six engine gets more power than before.
Porsche is expanding its current 911 range with the introduction of a new Carrera S model.
Sitting between the 911 Carrera and Carrera GTS, the Carrera S has gained ‘enhanced performance and driving dynamics’ over its predecessor, as well as additional equipment and more power.
The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six ‘Boxer’ engine now produces 473bhp and 530Nm of torque, an uplift of just under 30bhp compared with the previous model. Porsche says that the increase has come through new turbochargers and upgraded cooling and, as a result, the Carrera S will now go from 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 191mph. All versions of the S get an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, too.
The Carrera S gets an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard
Porsche has also upgraded the level of standard equipment that comes on the Carrera S, with highlights including 20/21-inch staggered alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system with silver-finished tailpipes and Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus system which intelligently moves power around the wheels via electronic control. You’ll get the same upgraded brakes as the GTS model, too, with 408mm front and 380mm rear discs included as standard.
A number of interior packs and upgrades are available
Inside, the Carrera S has black leather upholstery as standard and all cars come as a two-seater first and foremost – though the rear seats can be added back in at no extra charge. All cars also get Matrix LED headlights and a wireless smartphone charging pad, though numerous options – such as a lift system to help navigate speedbumps or upgraded HD Matrix LED headlights – can also be added.
Available in both Coupe or Cabriolet guises, the new Carrera S starts from £119,800 for the former and £129,800 for the later with both available to order now.
It’s that time of year again when Las Vegas holds its annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but what cars and technology are being showcased?
Every January, Las Vegas becomes the home of the world’s largest and most important technology event – the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES.
It showcases the world’s most pioneering technology and every year car manufacturers use the event to reveal new models or even new technology for their vehicles.
We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting, important and worthwhile reveals from the world of motoring at this year’s CES 2025.
Honda 0 Saloon
The 0 Saloon will be the flagship model in the Honda Series range. (Honda)
Honda has used this year’s CES event to unveil its ‘0 Series’ of vehicles. The first one to have its covers pulled off is the 0 saloon.
The 0 Saloon will be the flagship model in this series of Honda vehicles, sitting on a new EV architecture that introduces new technologies when the car goes on sale in 2026. It will feature level 3 autonomous driving and even what Honda calls its ‘ultra-personal optimisation’ that will offer a mobility experience for each user of the vehicle. The 0 Saloon will first enter the North American market before it makes its way to Japan and Europe.
Honda 0 SUV
The 0 SUV will be the first model launched from Honda’s new electric ‘Series’ brand. (Honda)
The other Honda to be revealed is the 0 SUV which is based on the Space-Hub concept – which was revealed at CES 2024. This new SUV will be the first model to roll out under the ‘0 Series’ and will use Honda’s application of ‘thin, light and wise’ strategy which allows for greater interior space. Plus, the car will utilise what Honda calls ‘3D gyro sensors’, which the firm developed through its robotics technology to offer different driving dynamics over various road surfaces.
Just like the aforementioned model, the 0 SUV will first go on sale in North America in 2026, followed by the Japanese and European markets later on.
Afeela 1
The Afeela 1 will not be coming to the UK. (Sony Honda Mobility)
The Afeela 1 is the first production car that will be built under the joint venture company, Sony Honda Mobility. The car itself is a four-door saloon that is battery-powered and will offer a claimed electric range of up to 300 miles.
A total of 40 sensors are located around the vehicle including radars, lidars and ultrasonic sensors. It also gets a futuristic ‘half yoke’ steering wheel, hidden door handles and even a full-width screen that dominates the dashboard.
The Afeela 1 will not be coming to the UK at this stage with the car destined for the North American and Japanese market only.
BMW Panoramic vision
BMW’s Panoramic Vision will be introduced to its cars by the end of 2025. (BMW)
BMW’s famous iDrive system was one of the first electronic in-car entertainment systems when it was first launched in the early 00s.
However, at this year’s CES, the German brand has showcased its next generation of the system – which will feature in future models. BMW calls it its ‘Panoramic Vision’ and it will be available in all new BMW models by the end of 2025. When the firm revealed the Neue Klasse X concept last year, it used a digital display at the bottom of the windscreen and at the top of the dashboard. The ‘Panoramic Vision’ is just that, with the driver being able to personalise the content in the central and right-hand areas of the screen via the central display.
BMW and Amazon personal assistant with Alexa
BMW and Amazon are in collaboration to develop an in-car Alexa personal assistant. (BMW)
Another announcement from BMW comes from its collaboration with Amazon and the inclusion of its Alexa personal assistant in the German brand’s vehicles.
Revealed back in July 2024 on the new X3 SUV, this year the two firms will start to roll out the technology. It will be available in select models and countries and will allow the driver to plan and navigate routes to the car with a more conversational tone.
Hyundai Mobis holographic windscreen
Hyundai Mobis’ holographic windscreen should go into mass-production at the beginning of 2027. (Hyundai Mobil)
Hyundai has introduced its holographic windscreen which has been co-developed with the global optics company, Zeiss.
The holographic windscreen features a panoramic projection of various driving information, navigation and infotainment data across the vehicle’s windscreen. It will also extend across from the driver’s view to the passenger seat.
An optical film is installed onto the glass and this allows the driver to access different information while ensuring a safer and more comfortable driving experience. Hyundai Mobis are in talks about putting this technology into mass production from early 2027.
