Category: News

The market is still heavily dominated by small family crossovers with a couple of small hatchbacks still proving to be popular, too.

Last month saw the new 74-plate registrations hit the road. With the arrival of the new plate, there has been a small rise in new car sales compared to August’s figures – totalling 275,239 units sold, one per cent up month-on-month.

EVs saw a very strong month in sales thanks to manufacturers offering huge discounts on some of their models, with 56,387 electric cars sold over the September period.

However, despite the rise in EVs, the top 10 best-sellers are still marginally crossovers with internal-combustion engines as it seems British buyers still want that higher driving position and ease of ownership. We take a look at the top 10 best-sellers for September.

Kia Sportage – 7,482

Kia’s Sportage takes the crown again as Britain’s best-selling car and it really isn’t difficult to see why. It’s great to drive, looks good and comes with plenty of standard equipment.

Furthermore, all Sportages come with the firm’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty which gives the buyer added peace of mind. It’s also practical with a decent-sized boot and plenty of space inside for occupants, making it ideal for families.

Ford Puma – 6,681

Even though the Fiesta is no more, Ford still offers its Puma which is essentially the much-loved supermini with a higher driving position. In keeping with Ford’s reputation of making great handling cars, the Puma handles exceptionally well.

It’s also cheap to own and run, and there are Ford dealerships on every street corner. Plus, a midlife facelift this year has also kept the car looking fresh.

Nissan Juke – 6,025

Seen as the trailblazer for the compact crossover ever since it was introduced to the market way back in 2010, the Juke has become one of the nation’s favourite cars. For 2024, the Juke received upgrades to improve its appeal even further with slighter redesigned exterior styling and a choice of new paint schemes.

The Juke features a funky design and there are plenty of different permutations to make each and every one stand out from the others as well.

Hyundai Tucson – 5,799

The Sportage’s twin sister, the Hyundai Tucson, has also proven popular among British new car buyers. Ever since this latest version was introduced to the market in 2020, this large Hyundai has found many homes with growing families.

The interior has an upmarket feel and there is a wide choice of engines including petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The car recently also received a facelift which also enhanced the exterior looks and improved the interior design even further, too.

Tesla Model Y – 5,799

The best-selling EV is Tesla’s Model Y. Even though electric car sales were on the up in September, overall it has been a tough year for EVs with the demand slowing due to their higher prices and rise in public charging costs.

This American SUV still proves to be a popular one for company car drivers and those wanting to go down the EV route.

With a decent electric range and lots of standard equipment, it’s no wonder why a lot of people have jumped on the EV bandwagon with this car. Plus, thanks to the firm’s supercharging network, range anxiety is a thing of the past when you own a Tesla.

Nissan Qashqai – 5,239

Built in Britain, the Qashqai really has become a landmark car for the Japanese firm. This year, an extensive facelift was introduced to improve its appeal even more, with the car receiving a new front end and redesigned tail lights.

Inside, there is a larger infotainment touchscreen and the hybrid e-Power system has been upgraded to make the drivetrain even more efficient than it was before.

Volkswagen Polo – 4,657

The only supermini on this list is Volkswagen’s smallest model – the Polo. Recently, it has been seen as cliche to call it a ‘baby Golf’ but that’s because it essentially is a slightly smaller version of the firm’s famous hatchback.

Underneath the car may share the same underpinnings as in the Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza, but in terms of its looks, interior design and quality, there’s no denying that the Polo is very grown-up and could easily be just as practical and is cheaper than its larger sibling.

Volkswagen Tiguan – 4,327

Volkswagen’s Tiguan is a practical, sensible and versatile SUV that many people buy due to its dependability and versatility. This latest generation car is good to drive and offers plenty of equipment to keep most families entertained. Also, a host of standard safety features and a very large boot means that most buyers will find the Tiguan fits into their lives very easily.

Ford Kuga – 4,066

Another car on this list which has received a facelift for this year is Ford’s Kuga SUV. Available with a selection of petrol, hybrid and plug-in powertrains, the Kuga is great to drive, handles well and offers plenty of interior space.

It also looks good and the new front end gives it the same identity as other Ford models in the range, too.

Volkswagen Golf – 3,974

Now that it’s 50 years old, the Golf has become Volkswagen’s bread and butter of cars. No matter what the firm does to it, it always sells incredibly well and that’s because it’s an almost complete package.

It’s sensible, frugal, efficient, refined, quiet, comfortable and above all else – practical. The latest eighth-generation recently received a facelift which improved the user interface and some cosmetic exterior upgrades to keep it looking fresh against its competition.

By Cameron Richards

The firm’s smallest SUV is an EV and will be one of the cheapest on the market, too.

Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its eagerly anticipated Inster electric SUV.

Under the bonnet, there will be a choice of two variants. The entry-level car will come with a 42kWh battery pack fitted with an electric motor that produces a total power output of 95bhp and 147Nm of torque – although its electric driving range has not been confirmed yet.

However, there will be a long-range version that comes with a larger 49kWh battery pack with an electric motor that puts out 113bhp and the same torque figures as the former, but the firm claims that this model will go a total distance of up to 229 miles on a single charge.

In terms of specification, there will be just two models. The basic 01 will be priced from £23,495 and comes equipped with features such as 15-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, rear parking sensors and rear-view camera as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment display with navigation. You can opt this model with the larger battery pack too, which will give you added power and more EV driving range.

Move up to the 02 version, which starts at £26,745 and it boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, LED headlamps and taillights, privacy glass and roof rails.

Ashley Andrews, President of Hyundai and Genesis UK, said: “Inster is not only our small EV SUV or the UK market, but is also our first fully electrified city car, albeit with a range and fast charging abilities that provide customers with the confidence to embark upon longer journeys.”

Expected deliveries and order books are not open yet, but the Inster will go on sale here in the UK next year and will be competing with cars such as the Citroen e-C3 and Dacia Spring.

By Cameron Richards

The firm is committed to producing solely EVs by the end of the decade, and to get there, sustainable fabrics will play a big part in that role.

Mini is looking to ditch ‘traditional’ interior materials for its cars in favour of ‘greener’ alternatives.

With an expanding range of vehicles – including the new Aceman which has joined the firm’s line-up of EVs – the brand is furthering its commitment to lower CO2 production in the future. The wider BMW Group has already announced plans to establish ‘a climate-neutral business model over the entire value chain by the year 2050’.

One way that the firm aims to reduce its CO2 emissions is in the material manufacturing process and is looking to focus on the use of 2D knitted materials instead of traditional leathers. To promote a fully circular process, Mini also plans to have car interiors that are completely recyclable once the vehicle reaches the end of its useful life.

The new Aceman B-segment SUV is the latest addition to the firm’s line-up that focuses on a sustainable interior.

Kerstin Schmeding, head of Mini’s colour and trim told the PA new agency, she said: “I think for the Aceman, it has a really fresh, new and spectacular design. We also incorporated a new material language which is based on a knitted fabric which is made from recycled polyester and we’re moving towards a leather-free interior. It’s a very exciting journey for the team here at Mini and for the brand looking into the future.”

Furthermore, the 2D knitted material on the Aceman is found on the dashboard, door cards and in various cubby spaces. The Countryman SUV and Cooper Hatch also adopt the same interior designs and materials, too.

By Cameron Richards

Skoda has just unveiled its latest offering into the overcrowded world of the electric SUV market. But, what is it going up against?

Skoda has been incredibly successful here in the UK and it’s not hard to see why. Its cars offer so much practicality and space in a very sensible and sophisticated package.

The new Elroq is the brand upping its way into the busy world of electric SUVs and it’ll be the latest EV in the firm’s model line-up – alongside the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe.

With a variety of different powertrains on offer and a decent claimed electric driving range of up to 360 miles on a single charge, this new Skoda could be the perfect car for those eco-conscious families.

But, if you think this new Skoda is a little bit of a sober choice, then there are many alternatives that could suit your needs even further. We take a closer look at some of the Elroq’s rivals.

Volkswagen ID.3

It may be built on the same MEB architecture platform as the Skoda, but the ID.3 has been around long enough now to gain a reputation for being a safe and sensible choice for those looking for a practical and easy to live with EV.

Furthermore, there is a decent variety of permutations including a hot GTX model for the performance buyer. However, for most people the standard car is perfectly decent enough with a choice of 58kWh or 77kWh battery packs on offer with claimed ranges of between 261 miles and 347 miles. The ID.3 may not be the most scintillating drive, but nevertheless it’s still a good all round EV that offers plenty of upsides when it comes to electric motoring.

Peugeot E-3008

The recently launched E-3008 comes with a bold new exterior and interior look, while offering one of the best electric driving ranges in its class.

Available with a choice of three different electric drivetrains including two and all-wheel drive variants. This big Peugeot can do a claimed 326 miles or there is a long range model coming soon that will offer up to 435 miles of range.

The interior feels very futuristic and comes with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit instrument cluster and i-toggle shortcut bar which allows the driver to swipe through shortcut menus to make it easier to navigate their way around the infotainment screen while on the move. The driving experience may be bland and uninvolving, but there’s no denying that the impressive electric range alone will tempt buyers away from the Skoda’s mere 230 miles on a single charge.

Renault Scenic

One of the best EVs on sale today is Renault’s Scenic SUV. The reason behind its success is to do with its excellent driving experience as it manages to be engaging, quiet and comfortable. Meanwhile interior space is cavernous with a lot of storage areas, too. It’s also light and airy in the cabin and it has an excellent real world electric driving range of nearly 380 miles.

It also looks good and has a feature which allows the driver to programme different driver assistance settings they want altered or switched off. Then at the double tap of a button, everything is tailored to the driver’s preferences.

Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro EV is now in its second-generation and it has become one of the best EVs on sale to date. Firstly, it comes with the firm’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, which means there’s a lot of peace-of-mind for owners. Plus, it has a well screwed together cabin, plenty of standard equipment and an impressive 475 litres of boot space – making it perfect for families.

Furthermore, the claimed range of the Niro is up to 275 miles of range, which is more than acceptable for most – plus rapid charging allows the car to be fully topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in 43 minutes.

Ford Explorer

Ford is no stranger to bringing back well known nameplates on its cars and the Explorer is one of the latest to rejoin its lineup. Underneath its skin, it sits on the same MEB platform as the Elroq and Volkswagen ID.4.

The Explorer is a spacious and good looking SUV that also offers a decent driving experience as well as an electric range of up to 374 miles for the entry level rear-wheel-drive version. Furthermore, a range of different battery sizes are on offer with the larger 79kWh and all-wheel-drive version being able to charge at speeds of 185kW – allowing the car to go from 10 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes.

By Cameron Richards

Compact EV will be priced from £31,500.

Skoda has introduced a new electric vehicle to join its popular Enyaq model in the firm’s range of EVs – the Elroq.

Sitting below the Enyaq in terms of size, the new Elroq uses the same MEB platform but has smaller dimensions, sitting around 160mm shorter overall. Despite this, Skoda says that the interior of the Elroq will still offer plenty of space, with a 470-litre boot and a total of 48 litres of storage space dotted throughout the cabin.

Priced from £31,500, the Elroq will be available in variety of battery and motor specifications, with the longest-range versions able to deliver up to 350 miles between trips to the plug, according to Skoda. It can charge at speeds of up to 135kW, too, enabling 10 to 80 per cent charge in 28 minutes.

The batteries themselves are positioned under the car’s base, which allows it to deliver a completely flat floor for those sitting in the back. The Elroq’s relatively boxy shape should help it to accommodate taller passengers, too. All versions of the Elroq benefit from a 13-inch infotainment system and, as with the larger Enyaq, there are a few physical controls to help gain quick access to key features. An integrated voice assistant – which Skoda calls Laura – is also included and can help to switch various settings of the car without needing to use the screen.

Externally, the Elroq is the first Skoda model to get a ‘Modern Solid’ design language, which essentially sees the car without a traditional ‘grille’ in favour of a rounded, smoothed-off front end. Around to the rear of the car it’s a more ‘usual’ Skoda look, with lights that closely resemble those of the Enyaq.

As with all Skoda models, you’ll find a variety of ‘Simply Clever’ features inside the Elroq, including a new charging cable ‘hammock’ underneath the parcel shelf. Here, the charging cables can be easily accessed and stored when not in use, particularly as there is no dedicated under-boot-floor storage area for them.

The French firm now offers its stylish C-segment SUV with an electric powertrain which should help take Peugeot to the top of the EV bandwagon.

Peugeot has revealed the final jigsaw piece in the firm’s EV puzzle with its new E-408.

The standard car comes with a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but the electric version will complete the set, offering a wider choice of engine and motor setups to buyers.

The E-408 sits on the firm’s EMP2 platform which is the same as on the smaller 308 and Vauxhall Astra.

In terms of looks, the 408 has always been a svelte and stylish-looking car and the electrified version looks almost identical to the conventional car – which is no bad thing to those drivers who don’t want an electric car which shouts about its battery-powered setup.

Under the bonnet, there is a 58.2kWh battery pack with an electric motor that kicks out a total of 213bhp and 345Nm of torque. Peugeot claims the car can do up to 279 miles on a single charge. Plus, all E-408s come with DC 120kW rapid charging allowing for the car to go from 20 to 80 per cent in half an hour.

Prices for the UK have not been revealed yet, however, there will be two trim levels available – Allure and GT. In France, these versions will cost the equivalent of £36,500 for the former and £38,200 for the latter. Further specifications are still yet to be revealed, but deliveries in the UK will start as early as the beginning of next year.

By Cameron Richards

The Dacia Spring now faces stiff competition from the Stellantis-led Chinese electric mobility firm, Leapmotor.

Stellantis has revealed that its joint venture with electric mobility firm, Leapmotor, will be bringing one of the most affordable EVs to the market with its T03 city car.

Leapmotor is a Chinese startup firm that specialises in producing affordable electric cars for the masses.

Priced at £15,995, the T03 is a compact urban city car that comes with a five-door body style and four seats.

The T03 is the company’s answer to the Dacia Spring and will be offered with a 37.3kWh battery pack that Leapmotor claims will take the car 245 miles on a single charge on an urban cycle — almost 110 miles more than its French/Romanian rival. In terms of performance, the electric motor produces 96bhp and 158Nm of torque. However, given that the claimed range figure is during inner-city driving, it’s expected that its total range will be far lower during mixed driving periods. 

Externally, the car features a tall and narrow body, plus there are rear LED taillights and plastic wheel arch trims that extend to the lower body along the door, too.

Inside, there is an eight-inch instrument display and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, plus the front seats feature cloth upholstery and the gear selector is located on the steering column to free up space in the cabin. 

There is only one specification to choose from with customers only being able to opt for a choice of three different body colours.

Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a reversing camera, parking sensors and automatic air-conditioning.

Customers can order a T03 from late November and expected deliveries are due before the end of the year.

 

By Cameron Richards

New toughened model follows on from the Superb Armoured.

Skoda has given its Kodiaq SUV a security upgrade in a new armoured variant.

Following on from the Superb Armoured – of which around 500 have been sold worldwide since 2018 – the new Kodiaq Armoured has been created in collaboration with British-based security experts UTAC Special Vehicles to enable it to cope in the very worst situations.

The Kodiaq is certified to both PAS 300 and PAS 301 Civilian Armoured Vehicle standards, with the latter certification only given to vehicles that can pass a series of challenging requirements taking into account factors such as payload, acceleration and braking.

Subjected to ‘in excess’ of 200 rounds of ammunition as well as blast tests to the side, roof and underfloor, the Kodiaq passed this heavy-going set to tests to showcase its high level of protection for its occupants while all of the car’s glass is bullet-resistant. In fact, it has been tested to deliver bullet resistance against various handguns and assault rifles, as well as grenades and high explosives.

To cope with the extra weight brought through the increased protection, the Kodiaq Armoured benefits from uprated suspension and braking systems. Plus, all four wheels are kitted out with a tyre retention feature which helps keep the rubber on the rim, even when deflated. It’ll allow the car to be driven even if all four wheels have been punctured.

There’s an emergency lighting system and a full siren as well as an eight-inch communications display with GPS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Though the armoured Kodiaq misses out on the seven-seater capacity that the standard car is available in, it still offers up to 2,000 litres of boot space and can be specified with a variety of engine setups as well as four-wheel-drive.

The UK still has a hand in the global motor trade, but what kind of models are produced here?

The UK has a longstanding history of making cars. While its role in the global vehicle production trade may have diminished over recent years, some models are still created here for a variety of different manufacturers.

But which cars are still built in the UK and what kind of an impact do these models have? Let’s take a look.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin is as British as they come and it’s a brand which continues to play a key role in the manufacturing industry here. It currently produces its Vantage and Vanquish models here, while its popular DBX performance SUV is built in a specially-developed facility in St Athan, Wales.

However, the vast majority of its vehicles are created at its home in Gaydon, Warwickshire, while a dedicated ‘Q’ facility allows customers to personalise their own cars through a variety of bespoke finishes and materials.

Bentley

Bentley is another car company which is rooted in the UK with its main base being in Crewe, Cheshire. Here, you’ll find its new Continental GT models being built alongside the Bentayga luxury SUV.

Bentley has already committed to a journey of electrification, too, though its first electric vehicle launch is believed to have been pushed back from 2025 to 2026.

Caterham

Caterham’s lightweight cars are as iconic as they come and they all call the brand’s new facility in Dartford home. Here, a new state-of-the-art production site sees the famous Seven – which is available in a variety of specifications – put together and finished.

Of course, the Seven is still available in kit-form but even these are prepared and made ready for customers at the Dartford site.

JLR

JLR is largely focused in the Midlands, where its Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar models are created. Those luxury-focused cars are created at the firm’s Solihull plant, while you’ll find cars like the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque put together at its second UK site in Halewood.

It’s expected that Jaguar will undergo a rebirth shortly, too, as a luxury electric brand – and it’s expected that these will be made in Halewood, too.

LEVC

One of the most recognisable cars on this list is also made in the UK. The London Electric Vehicle Company – or LEVC – is the firm behind the ‘modern’ black cab and while it may be owned by Chinese powerhouse Geely, it has its headquarters and main production facility in Ansty, Warwickshire.

Here, the famous black cab – which is now a petrol-electric hybrid – is made and while it may be a UK icon, it’s a model which has already been sent around the world to other markets to use.

Lotus

Lotus is another Geely-owned firm which has undergone a period of immense transformation over recent years. While the production of a few of its vehicles has been moved to China – the electric Eletre SUV, for example, is made there – its key sports cars are still meticulously made in Hethel, Norfolk.

Here, Lotus has a large production facility which can look at all areas of the car-creation process. Plus, there’s an on-site test track for pushing these cars to the limit.

McLaren

Woking-based McLaren is another brand which has had a big impact on the automotive scene over recent years. Today, it produces a number of lightweight and dramatic super and sports cars, including the 750S and hybrid Artura.

The McLaren Technology Centre – or MTC – is something of an icon in itself, with the large facility being located right next to an eye-catching lake.

Mini

The ‘original’ Mini has always been a true UK symbol but in more modern times, the German-owned firm has evolved to create cars which offer a little more space and practicality than their pint-sized predecessor. These days, Mini calls Oxford its home.

Today, the Oxford plant handles production of the fifth-generation Mini Cooper and while the creation of the electric version may have switched to China, it’s expected to move back to the Oxfordshire facility soon.

Morgan

As traditional as they come, Morgan is a firm which has always had true craftsmanship at its heart. To this day, the firm still calls Malvern in Worcestershire its home, a location that it has been in for more than 110 years.

Today, Morgan vehicles still retain that old-school feel in models like the Plus Four and Plus Six, while the latest three-wheeler Super 3 shows off a less traditional feel – though the ‘original’ Morgan did, indeed, have only three wheels.

Nissan

Nissan might be a Japan-based firm, but its Sunderland production facility is one of its best-known locations. A huge deal in the UK, Nissan’s site here creates models such as the popular Qashqai and Juke.

In fact, just last year Nissan produced its eleven-millionth car since production first started back in 1986.

Rolls-Royce

With its heart in Goodwood, West Sussex, Rolls-Royce is a car company that has always been about luxury and prestige. Today, it continues this ethos with its latest Phantom models alongside the Cullinan SUV.

But Rolls-Royce is also a company looking to electrification, which is why its battery-powered Spectre is also created here.

Stellantis

The Stellantis group has a huge presence on the automotive landscape and you’ll find many of its models built in the UK. Its facility in Ellesmere Port became the UK’s first electric-only volume production site, creating models such as the Vauxhall Combo Electric and Peugeot e-Partner.

Next year, the group’s Luton site will also begin production of electric commercial vehicles, including the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric and Citroen e-Dispatch.

Suzuki/Toyota

Suzuki and Toyota both have a small presence here in the UK, building essentially the same vehicle for two different brands. At the Burnaston site, you’ll find the Toyota Corolla being made alongside the Suzuki Swace, with both sharing the same basic componentry and design.

Both get the same hybrid engine setup, with the main difference between the two being slight styling tweaks and – naturally – different badges.

The Volvo XC60 has been named overall Towcar of the Year 2025

The Volvo XC60 has been crowned Towcar of the Year 2025, fending off a raft of impressive competitors from BMW to Volkswagen.

The Swedish SUV was named the overall victor by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Its annual competition has been running for 42 years and is organised to find the best towing vehicles for the caravanning and leisure markets.

The XC60, in T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus guise, was handed the award after receiving high praise from a panel of industry-leading judges. It also scooped three further category wins – caravan weight over 1,800kg, Family Towcars and Hybrid Towcars – proving that it’s a top choice for caravanners.

Judges agreed the mid-sized Volvo SUV offered effortless performance, strong towing capability, excellent comfort levels and a roomy interior, along with easy driving characteristics.

The XC60 was one of 33 cars tested by the Club at the world famous Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. The testing comprised several hundred laps of the two-mile high-speed bowl and ‘alpine’ hill route. Tests included hill starts on a 17 per cent gradient, a 26 per cent downhill brake test, and acceleration tests from a standstill to motorway speeds. Practical tests also took place, including loading boots with caravanning paraphernalia.

All cars were ballasted and were hitched to caravans ballasted to 85 per cent of the cars’ kerbweights, or towing limits if lower, to both create a level playing field and replicate accurate real-world towing conditions.

Aside from the XC60 winning the overall gong, its weight category, the Hybrid, and Family Cars awards, other top towcars were named in the competition, too. The electric Volkswagen ID.7 took the spoils in the lightest weight category, caravan weight under 1,200kg. Volkswagen also won the 1,200-1,300kg category with its Golf Estate Style 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG.

The 1,300kg-1,500kg weight category was won by the new Skoda Superb Estate 1.5 TSi e-TEC 150PS DSG, while taking the caravan weight 1,500kg-1,600kg, Luxury Towcars, and Electric Towcars gongs was the newly launched BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate 77.4kWh 328PS AWD and the now back-on-sale Volvo V90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra took the 1,600-1,700kg and 1,700kg-1,800kg category wins respectively, while scooping the Pick-ups gong was the Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI 4Motion. The German manufacturer also walked off with the Large Family Cars award for its Multivan 2.0 TDI.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to all the worthy winners in the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025 Awards.

“Our panel of independent judges were able to evaluate the entrants in order to provide professional, qualified and unbiased information to help everyone who plans to buy a towing vehicle.

“Leisure vehicle holidays continue to be hugely popular and here at the Caravan and Motorhome Club we know our 1m+ members eagerly await the results of these awards in order to help them make an informed decision and help them to find the perfect towcar for their needs.”

By James Batchelor