Category: News

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.

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.

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.

By Cameron Richards

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.

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.

By Cameron Richards

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 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.

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.

By Cameron Richards

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. 

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.

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.

By Cameron Richards

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 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

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

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

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

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

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.

By Cameron Richards

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.

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.

By Cameron Richards

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.

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.

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

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 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 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 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

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 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.

By Cameron Richards

Site will be expanded to offer ‘the most complex, personal and valuable luxury goods’.

Rolls-Royce has announced an additional £300m in funding for its Goodwood manufacturing site as it looks to broaden its bespoke facility and prepare the brand for future electric vehicles.

The investment – which is the largest single injection of cash into the plant since it opened in 2003 – will create extra room for the brand’s Bespoke and Coachbuild projects which allow customers to uniquely tailor their cars. During 2024 Rolls-Royce saw a 10 per cent increase in Bespoke content value per vehicle produced.

The Goodwood facility – which employs more than 2,500 people and produces up to 28 vehicles per day – has already gained planning permission for the changes, which will allow it to be better prepared for the brand’s switch to an electric-only brand by the end of 2030. It already produces the battery-powered Spectre and will be releasing a second EV this year.

Chris Brownridge, chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “In 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reaffirmed its position as an authentic luxury house by crafting the most complex, personal, and valuable motor cars in its history.

“This momentum means it is necessary for us to invest more than £300 million in extending the Home of Rolls-Royce. This represents our most substantial financial commitment to Goodwood since its opening in 2003 and a significant vote of confidence in the Rolls-Royce marque, securing our future here in the UK.”

During 2024 Rolls-Royce delivered 5,712 vehicles – its third-highest annual sales figure on record. The 12-month period saw the introduction of four new models, with the Cullinan Ghost Series II and Ghost Series II released alongside Black Badge versions of each.

Skoda’s largest EV has proven popular in the market.

Skoda has released its second-generation Enyaq, introducing a raft of changes to the EV’s design and technology.

The car’s exterior now uses the brand’s ‘Modern Solid’ design – first seen on the smaller Elroq – which includes an illuminated ‘face’ and the ‘Skoda’ letters applied in dark chrome. Skoda says that the redesign has contributed to a low drag coefficient of 0.245 for the Enyaq and 0.229 for the more slippery Enyaq Coupe.

The Enyaq’s optional LED Matrix headlights include 36 light ‘segments’ in a double-row configuration to allow for maximum illumination without dazzling oncoming traffic. Regular models still get LED lights as standard, too.

Skoda has boosted the level of standard equipment included on the Enyaq as well. Now, all cars come with heated front seats and steering wheel, alongside tri-zone climate control, predictive adaptive cruise control and an electric boot.

A number of interior ‘Design Selections’ are available, too, which incorporate different colours and materials. Lounge Design Selection, for instance, brings artificial leather and microsuede upholstery with a contrast mint green stitch pattern.

As before, the Enyaq will be available with two battery sizes and three powertrain configurations. Enyaq 60 models get a 59kWh battery linked to a 201bhp electric motor for a total range of 268 miles, while the Enyaq 85 incorporates a larger 77kWh battery attached to a 282bhp motor which should return up to 365 miles of range. Enyaq 85x models, meanwhile, get an additional motor on the front axle for all-wheel-drive but get the same power output as the standard 85 – range drops to 332 miles, too. You’ll get a maximum charge rate of 165kW for the Enyaq 60 and 175kW for the 85.

In the UK, Enyaqs will be available in traditional SE L, Edition and Sportline grades though full pricing has yet to be announced.