The Mini Aceman is a compact five-door electric SUV/crossover and the upcoming replacement for the Mini Clubman that arrived in the UK at the very end of 2024.
First unveiled as a concept model back in 2022, Mini is now hoping that it can challenge the sales of the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger and MG 4 in the increasingly competitive small electric family car category.
Based on the same foundations as the new fourth-generation Mini Cooper Electric, the Aceman sits between that model and the larger all-electric Countryman SUV in the brand’s refreshed model line-up.
Initial reviews have been mixed, with poor review scores from the car’s European launch. However, this could shift significantly once more reviewers get to try the Aceman on local roads.
As of October 2025, the Mini Aceman holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 78%. It scores top marks for its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, while Mini’s new car warranty for EVs is reasonable. However, the Aceman’s media review scores are poor.
“The Mini Aceman is a cute-looking electric car with a high-tech interior, though it’s not as practical as some alternatives and the suspension is very firm.”
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Nippy, classy, and stylish, the Mini Aceman is a more versatile electric Cooper, but it isn’t a spacious family car.” Author: Richard Ingram, Max Adams Read review
Model reviewed: 39kWh E Exclusive Score: 7 / 10 “Although the new Mini Aceman Exclusive is over £4,000 cheaper than the SE, it does come with a few compromises.” Author: Richard Ingram Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Mini’s first electric-only model is cracking, useful SUV but small enough to feel like a ‘proper’ Mini.” Author: Mark Nichol Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 8 / 10 “Think of the Mini Aceman as a five-door Mini Cooper with a chunky new look and it makes a lot of sense. It’s surprisingly sporty to drive and has a classy interior, but it’s still tight on space.” Author: Andy Goodwin, Richrd Ingram Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The MINI Aceman is charming, fun and feels like a much more premium car than any of those rivals that we’ve mentioned. That alone is enough to justify it, and is why I really do like it. But it has to be said that it’s also quite pricey, and not as long-range nor as practical as other electric cars out there for the same money.” Author: Vicky Parrott Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The Mini Aceman drives like a proper Mini, ie. it’s fun through the corners. But it’s also a practical size, with five seats and better rear legroom than the Cooper Hatch, with a creative interior design which reflects the car’s character. So in our view the Aceman is one of our favourite Minis – and the optimum size.” Author: Paul Clarke Read review
Heycar
Score: 7 / 10 “The Mini Aceman is not perfect – the longer-range model starts to get pricier and there’s not much space in the back – but overall it’s a quirky small SUV with an eye-catching interior, some great features and a fun driving experience that we expect to sell well.” Author: Phill Tromans Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6.6 / 10 “It feels a little like the MINI Aceman is a case of design being put ahead of functionality. This is one of the least practical small family cars of its size – something that will put off the kinds of people that usually shop for a car like this.” Author: Jake Groves Read review
The Independent
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The all-new electric Mini Aceman fits between the smaller Cooper and larger Countryman. With an excellent blend of fun handling, it has a comfortable ride, decent refinement and sharp performance.” Author: Alistair Charlton Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “The Mini Aceman EV slots between the Hatch and the Countryman, but was that a gap in the range that needed filling?” Author: Alex Robbins Read review
Top Gear
Score: 6 / 10 “The Mini Aceman is there for those that want a Cooper with rear doors and a slightly bigger boot. It won’t change the game.” Author: Greg Potts Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of October 2025, the Mini Aceman has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Aceman is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
218 miles
C
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
4.5 m/KWh
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
21
B
The Mini Aceman looks like being a relatively cheap car to own and run, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t yet have servicing and maintenance costs over the car’s first five years, but electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel consumption on a petrol or diesel car) is very good. Insurance costs should also be very competitive.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of October 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mini Aceman to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Aceman, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Mini Aceman
Overall rating
B
76%
New car warranty duration
3 years
New car warranty mileage
Unlimited miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Mini’s new car warranty is below average, and worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the Aceman. The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage.
In addition to the standard new car warranty, the Aceman has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Warranty on a used Mini Aceman
As of October 2025, all Mini Acemans will still be covered by their new car warranty. The first cars hit UK roads in late 2024, meaning that they’ll still be under warranty until late 2027.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
As of October 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Mini Aceman. However, recall information is updated very regularly, so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mini dealer.
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Lease a Mini Aceman
If you’re looking to lease a new Mini Aceman, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
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Subscribe to a Mini Aceman
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
The Cupra Formentor is a mid-sized SUV/crossover, and the first model from the new Spanish performance brand not to be based on an existing SEAT model, unlike the Cupra Ateca and Cupra Leon. The Formentor went on sale in the UK in late 2020, and received a major mid-life update in the summer of 2024.
Size-wize, the Formentor is broadly similar to the other models in the Cupra family, but it sits lower to the ground – roughly halfway between the Leon and the Ateca – and has a sloping coupé-style rear roofline. Being its own distinctive model also helps avoid it looking like a go-faster SEAT.
It costs more than the Ateca and is somewhat less practical, but it offers a more distinctive design and higher-quality interior than the Ateca as well. The Carwow team describes the Formentor as “plenty of fun on the right road”, but if you have your mind set on a new SUV then “there are bigger boots and higher driving positions available” elsewhere.
The Formentor’s performance tends to split reviewer opinion. While many conclude that it does a great job of blending sport and utility, others argue that isn’t a particularly exciting or rewarding experience, a criticism also leveled against Cupra’s electric Born hatchback.
The 2024 update brought a sharper look at the car’s front end, as well as an upgraded interior, more powerful engines and greater plug-in hybrid battery range.
As of January 2026, the Cupra Formentor holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71%. It scores top marks for its five-star safety rating, while its media review scores and new car warranty coverage are also good. However, its CO2 emissions and overall running costs are poor.
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid VZ First Edition (2024 update) Score: 8 / 10 “It’s easy to see why the Cupra Formentor has been such a huge hit for the brand, and this round of updates improves the Spanish brand’s small SUV in many key areas. There’s more range from the plug-in hybrid, so now many will genuinely be able to run it solely on electric power, and the infotainment and interior ergonomics are more user-friendly as well.” Author: Alastair Crooks Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Cupra Formentor is a sporty coupe-SUV that has enough talent to mix it with more established, premium rivals.” Author: Ellis Hyde Read review
Model reviewed: Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid 2021 Score: 7 / 10 “The Formentor is a great calling card for the Cupra brand – it’s stylish, drives well, comes well-equipped and with plenty of space.” Read review
Auto Trader
Score: 9 / 10 “Fast, stylish inside and out and packed with the latest tech, the Cupra Formentor is an impressive machine that is both more desirable and better value than more established premium rivals.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 4Drive VZ Edition Score: 8 / 10 “The Cupra Formentor 310PS 4Drive VZ Edition is great fun, and a true appetite-whetter. But the make-or-break for Cupra’s future will be the more populist versions: bring them on.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Score: 9 / 10 “Cupra has really done well with the Formentor, as it has utilised tried-and-tested technology and powertrains from the VW Group, but has created a truly unique and interesting car from it. It brings plenty of style and sportiness to this SUV class, while still being practical and easy to live with.” Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 8 / 10 “The Cupra Formentor is a quick and fun-to-drive SUV, but it’s still heavily influenced by cheaper SEAT models” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Cupra Formentor is the first model from SEAT’s off-shoot performance brand. It looks great inside and out and is fun on the right road, but there are bigger boots and higher driving positions available.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: VZ2 310PS 4Drive DSG “The Cupra Formentor would be perfect for Darth Vader or Batman’s off-duty runaround.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre perol automatic VZ2 Score: 8 / 10 “It might not be as fast as Lamborghini’s Urus SUV, but to my eye it looks better and is £120,000 cheaper.” Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid Score: 7.5 / 10 “The Cupra Formentor is fun yet composed to drive, and looks distinctive and fresh. But it’s comparably expensive and short on space next to more conventional PHEV alternatives.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 310 TSI Score: 8 / 10 “The best take on the performance crossover at its size and price point so far, and with genuine charisma and style to boot.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “If the Cupra was a person it would be Beyonce. Bored being held back by the less creative members of the group – Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda – Cupra has untangled itself from its fellow carmakers to become a standalone brand and the Formentor is its first solo attempt.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview “The interior is typical Volkswagen Group, aside from the leather-clad bucket seats and new 10-inch floating navigation system, the cabin is filled with dark plastics. Cupra is intended to provide a mix of premium and sportiness, and the Formentor’s cabin reflects this.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.2 / 10 “Distinctive crossover blurs the lines between sports and utility.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic “The Cupra Formentor looks as mean as a Lamborghini Urus and drives like a Porsche Macan – and is way cheaper than both.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: “I drove it back from London one afternoon and even though lockdown restrictions meant traffic was so light I did the journey in just 75 minutes, it felt as if I’d been at the wheel for a week. It was – and this is harsh – boring.” (Jeremy Clarkson) Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid e-Hybrid VZ2 Score: 8 / 10 “It’s a parts-bin special, that’s undeniable, but this front-drive PHEV Cupra Formentor brings genuine design virtuosity and driver appeal to a part of the market that is usually characterised by its dull but worthy appeal. For company car drivers looking for a 10% benefit-in-kind car that might leave a smile on their faces, look no further.” Read review
Score: 8 / 10 “Using the Cupra name for a range of go-faster regular SEATs might cause some confusion, but this machine is a credible product all the same. Quick, quite good to drive, spacious and reasonably comfortable, the Cupra Formentor is much more than a parts-bin special.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Formentor is not exactly a car of many surprises. It’s built on a tried and tested platform. It’s powered by engines that’ve shone in many a decent, recent hot hatchback.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Cupra Formentor was originally assessed by Euro NCAP back in March 2021 and awarded a five-star safety rating. Euro NCAP reassessed the updated Formentor in November 2025, confirming its five-star score for another six years.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2026, the Cupra Formentor has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
If the Formentor is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
36 mpg
D
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
183 g/km
D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
25
B
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£244
C
Year 2
£602
C
Year 3
£1,028
C
Year 4
£1,275
C
Year 5
£1,664
C
Overall
£4,813
C
The Cupra Formentor has a mixed bag of running costs, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We currently only have fuel economy data for petrol models, which range from 33 mpg to 45 mpg. This makes the petrol-powered Formentor thirstier than the average car. That said, rivals like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3 have similar fuel consumptions.
Otherwise, the SUV’s insurance premiums are on the cheaper side, and it should be affordable to service and maintain the car over five years of ownership.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Cupra Formentor to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Formentor, we’ll publish the score here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Cupra Formentor
Overall rating
B
63%
Petrol or diesel models
C
51%
Electric or hybrid models
B
78%
New car warranty duration
5 years
New car warranty mileage
90,000 miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Cupra’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than other Volkswagen Group brands like Audi, SEAT, Skoda and VW itself.
The duration is five years, with a limit of 90,000 miles. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the Formentor plug-in hybrid version has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Warranty on a used Cupra Formentor
If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Cupra Formentor from an official Cupra dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used Cupra Formentor from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used Cupra Formentor from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Date: January 2024 Recall number: R/2024/026 Model types: All Build dates: 10/2020 to 03/2022 Number of vehicles affected: 2,499 Defect: On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period, there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases, the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment. Remedy: A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary, the correct heat shield condition will be restored and an additional heat shield installed.
Date: October 2023 Recall number: R/2023/294 Model types: All Build dates: 07/2023 Number of vehicles affected: 43 Defect: In certain vehicles within a range of specified VINs, it has been detected that an engine support that did not receive the correct heat treatment may have been fitted. Remedy: The fitted engine support must be inspected and, if found to be affected, the engine support must be replaced.
Date: July 2023 Recall number: R/2023/199 Model types: All Build dates: 03/2023 to 04/2023 Number of vehicles affected: 379 Defect: Certain vehicles may be fitted with a wheel support containing cavities in the material. Remedy: Inspect the rear left wheel support and, if necessary, replace the knuckle.
Date: February 2023 Recall number: R/2023/047 Model types: All Build dates: 11/2022 Number of vehicles affected: 2 Defect: There is a possibility that impact sensors for rear airbags have been installed that do not correspond to the documented parts. Remedy: Inspect the vehicle and if necessary replace the impact sensors.
Date: June 2022 Recall number: R/2022/185 Model types: All Build dates: 11/2020 to 06/2021 Number of vehicles affected: 10,145 Defect: There is a possibility that the wiring harness of the airbag control unit was caught by the clutch pedal during installation. Remedy: The correct position of the airbag control unit wiring harness must be checked and, if required, secured in the correct position. Repair any existing damage as necessary.
Date: April 2022 Recall number: R/2022/088 Model types: All Build dates: 12/2020 to 10/2021 Number of vehicles affected: 2,347 Defect: In some vehicles, the fuse in the high-voltage system has been produced in part with an insufficient amount of extinguishing sand. Remedy: An insulating mat must be placed above the switching unit for the high-voltage battery in all affected vehicles.
Date: March 2022 Recall number: R/2022/076 Model types: All Build dates: 10/2020 to 02/2022 Number of vehicles affected: 2,309 Defect: In some vehicles within the range of specified VINs, it is possible that they have engine design covers installed that could detach from their fixing depending on use (very sporty driving or poor road conditions) and the operating time. Remedy: The engine design cover must be removed on all affected vehicles.
Date: September 2021 Recall number: R/2021/322 Model types: All Build dates: 11/2020 Number of vehicles affected: 1 Defect: The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose, resulting in a loss of all service braking ability. Remedy: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and, if necessary, retightened.
Date: August 2021 Recall number: R/2021/324 Model types: All Build dates: 09/2020 to 08/2021 Number of vehicles affected: 346 Defect: The front seat belts may not be properly anchored due to a manufacturing error. Remedy: Check the front seat belts in all the affected vehicles and replace, if necessary.
Date: December 2020 Recall number: R/2021/009 Model types: All Build dates: 10/2020 Number of vehicles affected: 55 Defect: The Front Assist is not configured correctly. Remedy: The Front Assist assistants must be activated in all affected vehicles.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been ten DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Cupra Formentor to address different issues. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Cupra dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Cupra, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
The Citroën C3 Origin was a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. It was originally launched as the Citroën C3 back in 2016. Despite an all-new C3 model being launched in 2024, this one continued on sale for several momnths but was referred to as the ‘C3 Origin’.
Arriving in the UK in early 2017, the C3 received a mid-life update in the second half of 2020, which consisted of revised specifications and updated engines. It has also seen various other minor improvements and various special editions most years since launch. In 2024, its name was formally changed to become the Citroën C3 Origin, with a simplified range and a lower price point than the new C3. However, it was dropped from the line-up within a matter of months as the new C3 became more readily available.
The C3 Origin received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media, with scores ranging from poor to above average. Over time, however, its review scores inevitably deteriorated against newer opposition.
It received particular praise for its distinctive design and many personalistion options, but was criticised for poor driving dynamics and limited practicality compared to more conventional rivals.
As of February 2026, the Citroën C3 Origin has a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 64%. It gets top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, while the C3 family’s reliability record is generally good. However, its media review scores are poor overall and its Euro NCAP safety rating has now expired due to age.
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 8 / 10 “The new C3 adds a distinctive option to the supermini market, but not at the expense of practicality with many plusses and few minuses.” Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “If you’re looking for a supermini that prioritises comfort and efficiency, then the Citroen C3 is the one to have.” (Ben Custard) Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Score: 8 / 10 “Make sure you get the newest of the new Citroen C3s to benefit from the latest, most efficient engines. We like its focus on comfort, its quirky styling, and there’s decent space on offer, too. It’s not the last word in quality inside, nor the most fun car to drive, but it’s still a supermini worth considering.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “Funky looks and a very competitive entry price make the C3 a solid choice for those seeking a distinctive first car.” (Hannah Hill) Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6.8 / 10 “The Citroën C3 certainly isn’t a class leader among the very impressive array of superminis on offer in today’s market, because – looks aside – it doesn’t really dazzle in any single area. It is, however, a very charming and likeable little car, with bags of style and some fairly tempting equipment.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual 110 Flair Score: 8 / 10 “Citroën has done a great job here – the new C3 is comfortable, engaging, roomy and economical.” Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 Flair Score: 8 / 10 “The Citroën C3 feels a little different, with its chunky, characterful and cohesive design, emphasis on comfort, and relevance to youthful customers. If that sounds like your kind of car, then the charming C3 is well worth a look.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: (2023) Score: 8 / 10 “The regular Citroen C3 has never quite been able to compete with the best in the supermini segment, but dropping the price significantly with this ‘You’ trim level has made it all the more appealing.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2021 Score: 8 / 10 “When it comes to ease of use and comfort, the Citroen C3 is pretty hard to beat for a small car.” Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “While it might not be the last word in driving fun, the Citroën C3 is a charming, practical and affordable supermini that more than holds its own in the crowded supermini class.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 8 / 10 “The Citroen C3 is now just as quirky as iconic models from the French firm’s past, boasting novel features that help it stand out.” (Ben Custard) Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Citroen C3 is a comfortable small car with stand-out styling and an affordable price tag. However, it’s not the best for rear passengers and alternatives are better to drive.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Flair+ “Nothing dramatic, but the Citroën C3 maintains its place among buyers that prioritise comfort over driving pleasure.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Plus Score: 6 / 10 “If you want a supermini that’s fun to drive, buy a Ford Fiesta. If you want comfort, I’d pick a Citroën C3 in Flair spec with the optional seats and a fun colour combo.” Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Flair Plus Score: 8 / 10 “This French fancy isn’t like anything else – thankfully.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 7 / 10 “There’s nothing else in the class that’s quite as characterful looking as the Citroën C3, with its round-cornered rectangle motifs all over and its ability to sit outside the regular mainstream/premium hierarchy.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 82 Feel Score: 7 / 10 “The Citroën C3 has gained more character and it does most things competently for a car in this class. It has a comfortable ride, but beyond that it doesn’t really have a stand-out unique differentiation.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Some buyers drawn in by its funky looks will really gel with the Citroen C3’s relaxed way of doing things. It’s best enjoyed driven in a steady manner, where its refinement and perky engine can shine. Still, its cramped rear seats, so-so quality and disjointed driving experience mean there are better choices.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 8 / 10 “If you’re more interested in style, customisation and comfort than sporty driving, then the Citroën C3 is a great choice of small hatchback. It’s surprisingly practical, with a spacious, airy cabin, plus it’s reasonably priced and should prove affordable to run.” Read review
“The new C3 works on a lot of levels. It’s interesting and different to look at. It can be personalised. It’s very comfortable. It’s reasonably spacious. The interior is sensibly thought out.” Read review
Motors
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Inside, the latest Citroën C3 is a much more interesting place to be than before thanks to design tweaks and although it may not be as dynamic looking as some of its rivals, it is both comfortable and customisable, so customers can give it their own personal twist.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 8 / 10 “French Fiesta fighter is a quirkily appealing alternative.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range review “Fresh, fun and full of smiles per gallon.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual 110 Flair Score: 8 / 10 “So good looking you’ll forgive it its problems.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual You! Score: 8 / 10 “This little car’s charm and character go some way toward making up for its lack of space. It’s a joy to drive in a very French way, whether you’re bounding from corner to corner, slouching along a motorway or whizzing through a congested city centre. It’s budget motoring, yet it doesn’t feel it – and that’s always been what the French do best.” (Alex Robbins) Read review
Model reviewed: Range review Score: 6 / 10 “On the one hand, the C3 is no better than average to drive and is on the small side for passengers. However, while the Ford Fiesta and Skoda Fabia remain better all-rounders, we can see why you’d be tempted by Citroën’s quirky styling.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Good but not great supermini for dynamics, but a thoroughly enjoyable object.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Citroën C3 Origin (then simply known as the C3) was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a four-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used C3 Origin to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Green NCAP said: “The car is equipped with limited exhaust after-treatment – only a three-way catalyst – but manages to turn in a creditable performance nevertheless. Its control of pollutant emissions is, on the whole, quite good. A gasoline particulate filter would help to reduce particulate emissions and, when stretched, such as in the cold ambient temperature test, this is an area that suffers.
“But the car shows balanced performance across the three areas of assessment, with similar index values in each one, and emerges with a three-star Green NCAP rating.”
This rating only applies to the 1.2-litre petrol (PureTech) engine with a manual gearbox, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 132 Average repair cost: £360.90 Last updated: April 2025
The Citroën C3 family has a better-than-average reliability score of 78%, according to extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This data applies to both the Citroën C3 Origin and previous (pre-2017) models.
As well as being reliable, average repair costs across all C3 models are low at just £350. This is considerably better than most vehicles, which is good news if you’re considering a used Citroën C3 Origin.
The most common problems that C3 owners report refer to the car’s engine. These faults are more expensive than the average C3 fault, with an average repair bit of £600. Gearbox problems are even more expensive, but thankfully fairly rare.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
51 mpg
C
Diesel models
61 mpg
A
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
128 g/km
B
Diesel models
119 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
20
B
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£163
A
Year 2
£482
B
Year 3
£735
B
Year 4
£984
B
Year 5
£1,386
B
Overall
£3,750
B
The Citroën C3 Origin should be a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption is good to excellent, with the diesel engines better but harder to find on the used car market. Insurance costs are also excellent, as are servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years.
So, other than petrol-model fuel consumption, it’s a straight ‘A’ set of scores for the Citroën C3. Even compared to other small cars, it should be very cheap to live with.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën C3 has received
2018
FirstCar Awards – Driving Instructor Car of the Year
2017
Fleet News Awards – Best Small Car
Contract Hire and Leasing.com Awards – Supermini of the Year
2016
BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards – Best Urbanite
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Hyundai has revealed the UK pricing and specifications for its new beefy Inster Cross model, which is now available to order.
Part of the new all-electric Inster line-up, Hyundai says the Inster Cross with its chunky bumper cladding and roof rails has been designed for outdoor adventures.
The compact four-seat electric car is powered by a 49kWh battery with a 115hp motor, which is the same configuration that powers the top-spec Inster ‘Long Range’. Hyundai says that its Inster Cross can muster up to 223 miles on a single charge with a 0-62mph sprint taking a reported 10.6 seconds and top speed capped at 93mph.
Sitting at the top of the new Inster range, the Inster Cross comes with an extensive equipment list, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, tail lights and daytime running lists, and heated folding door mirrors. The spec sheet also includes heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and an electric-opening glass sunroof.
A 10-inch infotainment touchscreen that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay is mounted on the dashboard, alongside a 10-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The car also comes with wireless smartphone charging, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, smart cruise control and lane keeping assistance tech, as well as a surround-view parking camera.
Pricing now begins at around £29k for the Inster Cross, with the optional ‘Tech Pack’ which adds Vehicle-to-Load functionality with an internal three pin plug and a digital key increasing the price tag by an extra £500. By comparison, the standard lead-in Inster model can now be bought for under £24k.
Make and model: Renault Rafale Description: mid-size SUV coupe Price: from £38,195
Renault says: “The new Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 hp plug-in hybrid delivers a dynamic driving experience and precise roadholding developed with support from Alpine.”
We say: While the coupé SUV market is swelling with new models, the Renault Rafale adds a stylish, economical and practical option to the mix.
Renault released a flurry of new and updated models in 2024, with the Rafale joining at the top of its SUV range. To compete at the bigger end of the market, the Rafale offers a larger footprint with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options to choose from. In an ever-more competitive SUV segment, Renault now has a variety of models to choose from.
Since the Rafale is a brand new model, we don’t yet have an Expert Rating for the car in our Expert Rating Index. However, Renault models tend to score highly, with the Scenic, Megane, Clio and Captur all achieving A ratings, while the Austral and Arkana(which shares a similar SUV coupe body style to the Rafale) carry a B rating.
What is the Renault Rafale?
The Rafale is a large ‘coupe SUV’, to use the car industry’s current marketing buzzwords. So it’s a high-riding vehicle, but the rear window slopes back at a shallow angle rather than being more vertical like a conventional SUV. It’s an increasingly common vehicle form that puts style ahead of ultimate load-carrying practicality.
With the SUV market brimming with options, the Rafale is up against a wide range of different models. Competitors include the likes of the Peugeot 3008, Mazda CX-60, Volkswagen Tiguan and Citroën C5 X. With all but the entry-level trim available at more than £40K, it ventures into the price point of more premium rivals like the Audi Q3 Sportback and BMW X2
First impressions
In its overall styling and shape, the Rafale has a lot in common with the smaller Arkana, although the new model is built on a larger platform. It shares Renault’s new grille design and comes together to create quite a handsome-looking car. While coupé SUVs can suffer from restricted interior space, the Rafale is large enough for this to be less of an issue than in the Arkana. The body style helps to add some sporty flair and interest to the exterior look.
Inside, the Rafale follows the general layout of the rest of the Renault range with a large, vertically oriented display screen. The infotainment system is powered by Google, which makes its operation and functionality generally easy. Gear selection is controlled using a stalk behind the steering wheel, freeing up space on the centre console.
We like: Google-powered infotainment and smart interior We don’t like: Sloped rear window reduces visibility
What do you get for your money?
The Rafale range is split into four different trim levels: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine, Iconic Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine.
Techno is the entry-level trim available with a 200hp hybrid engine priced from £38.2K. Standout features include 20-inch black diamond cut wheels, a 12-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio and keyless entry.
Techno Esprit Alpine comes with the choice of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid engine at £42.2K or £45.7K, respectively. This trim has four-wheel steering which helps to reduce the turning circle of the vehicle to make manoeuvring in tight spaces easier and to improve stability at speed. It has a nine-inch head-up display, heated windscreen and steering wheel, rear view camera, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Iconic Esprit Alpine is on offer with the standard hybrid engine from £44.7K. The audio system is upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. Other features include a useful 360-degree 3D camera, hands-free parking and an opacifying panoramic sunroof that can be controlled with the infotainment system.
At the top of the range is the atelier Alpine E-Tech plug-in hybrid at just under £50K. It adds a hands-free tailgate, which opens if you wave your foot below the rear bumper. This model also gets ‘active’ suspension, which alters the vehicle’s suspension in line with the road conditions. A camera scans the road ahead for potholes, dips and the like, and the suspension automatically adjusts to cushion the impact.
The model’s standard warranty period is three years / 60,000 miles, which is one of the stingiest on the new car market and well short of best-in-class (Kia’s seven-year warranty, for example).
We like: Lots of useful equipment on all trim levels We don’t like: Entry-level model misses out on several safety systems, warranty duration is poor
What’s the Renault Rafale like inside?
Despite its sloping roofline, the Rafale feels spacious and accommodating inside. In the front, the portrait 12-inch infotainment touchscreen is angled towards the driver so the entire screen is easier to use on the move. The system uses Google infrastructure, which makes it feel more like a smartphone than a new system to learn. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard in case you prefer to use either of these. Renault has retained a strip of physical climate control buttons beneath the central screen.
As well as shortcut buttons on the steering wheel, there are a number of stalks behind the wheel. Alongside the ordinary windscreen wiper and indicator stalks, there’s one dedicated to media functions and the other is for the gear selection. It takes a little while to get used to the column shift setup and muscle memory initially means you find yourself searching for a traditional gear lever, but this system frees up room in the centre console instead.
Passengers in the rear will have no complaints about space and the boot is a good size too. Everything feels well put together and trimmed with quality materials to add a more upmarket feel. Without the panoramic sunroof the black interior might feel a little dark, especially for those travelling in the back.
We like: Great infotainment system, angled screen is easy to reach We don’t like: Feels a bit busy behind the steering wheel
What’s under the bonnet?
Both Rafale engines are hybrids, with both basic and plug-in versions offered.
The regular hybrid engine has 200hp and a six-speed automatic gearbox. It sends its drive to the front wheels only and offers a 0-to-62mph time of about nine seconds. The plug-in hybrid improves this to 300hp, drives all fours and cuts the 0-to-62mph time to a bit over six seconds.
On both models, maximum speed is limited to 111mph. Regardless of which hybrid option you choose, both offer an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg and braked towing up to 1,500kg.
The plug-in hybrid model offers much better fuel economy, provided it is charged regularly. It has an electric-only range up to 65 miles in Techno Esprit Alpine trim and just under 60 miles with the Atelier Alpine trim, which could be enough to do the daily commute without needing the engine.
Official fuel economy for the plug-in Techno Esprit Alpine sits at 564.9mpg and 403.5mpg for Atelier Alpine. These figures are completely unrealistic but that’s how the official EU/UK government lab tests are run. A new testing programme is being rolled out in 2025, which will see all plug-in hybrid models being re-tested to hopefully provide results that better reflect real-world use.
What’s the Renault Rafale like to drive?
In the plug-in hybrid version we tried, town driving is relaxed and quiet in electric mode. When you’re not travelling around town, the electric power is used to assist with acceleration and when some extra oomph is required going up hills. For short commutes, it’s likely the Rafale will function as an EV in daily life with the flexibility to travel longer distances as needed.
From Techno Esprit Alpine upwards, the car is fitted with four-wheel steering. This works to both improve low-speed manoeuvrability and higher-speed stability. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the Rafale’s turning circle – so you’re more likely to perform that u-turn in one go, rather than having to back out and try again. Above 30mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels but only by one degree. This helps to make the car more stable at speed. The small steering angles mean the effect is subtle rather than dramatic, but offers useful benefits.
The plug-in hybrid version gets up to speed with no issues and has good acceleration. The suspension feels quite firm, so it can be a bit unsettled over lumps and bumps in the road. However, that firm doesn’t translate into the sporty handling characteristics that you might expect from this style of SUV. Nevertheless, it offers a comfortable ride and enough power to give you confidence in any situation, from pulling out at a junction to overtaking on the motorway.
We like: Great electric-only range and smooth driving experience in EV mode We don’t like: Suspension feels a bit firm
Verdict
While the coupé SUV market is swelling with new models, the Rafale adds a stylish, economical and practical option to the mix. Renault’s infotainment system is easy to control, although it works better if you have an Android phone than an Apple iPhone. At this price point, some rivals will be able to offer a better ride with suspension more suited to British roads but that’s not to say the Rafale is uncomfortable.
If you have the ability to charge the battery regularly, the plug-in hybrid version will likely be a better solution than the regular hybrid. For everyday use, it will mostly function as an EV but also gives you a greater opportunity to travel further afield without relying on public charging. Being just happy pootling around town as it is on the motorway, the Rafale is a great all-rounder.
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Mazda has unveiled its fourth-generation 6 (or ‘Mazda6e’) at the Brussels motor show, which will arrive in the UK in early 2026 with two all-electric powertrains to choose from.
Yup, you read that right. The next iteration of the Mazda 6 will be a mid-sized electric car, and presumably the third battery-powered car that Mazda will bring to the UK, after the compact MX-30 crossover and its range extender sister model.
Officially called the ‘6e’ the range will include both hatchback and saloon versions, this latest iteration of the Mazda 6 is larger than the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 and will eventually launch with a 69kWh and 80kWh powertrain options.
The lead-in model has an output of 258hp and can muster up to 297 miles of travel on a single charge. If you are wondering about how fast it is, it can complete a 0-62mph sprint in a reported 7.6 seconds, with speed topping out at 105mph.
The 80kWh model isn’t as powerful as the standard version – with a reduced power output of 224hp and a slightly slower 0-62mph run time of 7.8 seconds, but this model has been designed to maximise the car’s battery range, which stands at 345 miles.
Charging speeds also differ between the models, with the 69kWh variant able to charge at speeds up to 200kW, while the 80kWh can charge at speeds up to 95kWh.
Inside, a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen juts out of the dashboard alongside a ten-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The display model also came with a head-up display that projects driving information onto the windscreen, but it hasn’t been confirmed whether or not this will come as standard.
The boot has capacity for 330 litres of luggage, and the car has ‘frunk’ space under the bonnet that provides another 70 litres of storage. The car was also displayed with a large panoramic sunroof, but this is likely to be an optional extra.
The range will include two different trim levels – the ‘Takumi’ and ‘Takumi Plus’. ‘Takumi’ models will feature beige or black artificial leather, while ‘Takumi Plus’ offers premium tan Nappa leather.
The new electric car is already on sale in China – albeit under the name ‘EZ-6’ and with some subtle differences – and is scheduled to arrive on the European mainland this Summer. For us in the UK, we will have to wait until early 2026 for the car’s showroom arrival, with further details like UK pricing arriving closer to this launch.
Chinese brand BYD is set to add to its all-electric UK offering – which already includes the Dolphin hatchback, Atto 3 SUV and Seal saloon – with the new Atto 2 which will become available to order next month.
Slotting in between the Dolphin and Atto 3 in BYD’s range, the Atto 2 is a compact SUV/crossover that its manufacturer says has been designed to be maneuverable on the inner-city commute, with “compact dimensions, cutting-edge smart technology in the cabin and generous levels of standard equipment.”
Set to rival the likes of the new Kia EV3, Renault 4 and Volvo EX30, the small family car is powered by a 45kWh battery and 174hp electric motor pairing that provides a range of 194 miles between charges.
Stepping inside, the Atto 2 comes with BYD’s large 16-inch infotainment touchscreen, which can be rotated to display in both portrait and landscape orientations. The boot, meanwhile, can accommodate up to 400 litres of luggage.
The sums up what we know about the Atto 2 so far. Beyond the technical specs mentioned above, BYD is yet to give us any further information on UK pricing and trim specifications. These are sure to be revealed in the coming weeks however, as we edge closer to the model’s launch.
Volkswagen has bolstered its rather crowded SUV line-up with the new Tayron – a five- or seven-seat family car built on the same foundations as the smaller Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq.
With similar exterior styling to the new third-generation Tiguan that went on sale earlier this year, the Tayron is essentially the successor to the now-retired Tiguan AllSpace – a stretched version of the old Tiguan that had an extra third row of seats in the back. Volkswagen says this SUV will be the second-biggest in its UK range, behind the Touareg.
Like the Tiguan, the Tayron has full-width light bars and slim headlights/tail lights on both the front and rear fascia, and a larger front grille with huge air intakes on either side of the front bumper. In addition to its longer rear end, this SUV is also slightly wider than its Tiguan sibling, increasing interior space.
Speaking of interior space, the Tayron can reportedly hold up to 885 litres of luggage in its five-seat configuration. Should you opt for the extra third row of seats, this boot space decreases to 850 litres, which is still over 200 litres more than the seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe can handle.
Now available to order in the UK, the new Tayron range starts with the entry-level ‘Life’ trim, and is followed by the ‘Elegance’ and ‘Match’ trims, with the latter adding a panoramic sunroof.
Key trim level features
Entry-level ‘Life’ (from £39,850)
18-inch alloy wheels
Rear view parking camera
13-inch infotainment display
Ten-inch digital instrument cluster
Wireless smartphone charging
Adaptive cruise control
LED headlights
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Interior ambient lighting
Illuminated Volkswagen logo in front and rear
‘Elegance’ (from £42,420)
All ‘Life’ features that are not replaced
19-inch alloy wheels
Area view and rear view camera
Heated front seats
Massage seats in front
Electric tailgate with virtual pedal activation
Interior Ambient lighting with more colour options
Keyless entry
LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and dynamic cornering light
Illuminated lighting animation with wake up/goodbye scenario
Illuminated door handles
‘R-Line’ (from £42,825)
All ‘Life’ features that are not replaced
20-inch alloy wheels
‘R-Line’ sports bumpers with chrome accents
Interior Ambient lighting with more colour options
Heated front seats
Massage seats in front
Dynamic headlight range control, with dynamic cornering light
Sports comfort seats in front
LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and dynamic cornering light
Illuminated lighting animation with wake up/goodbye scenario
Illuminated door handles
‘Match’ (from £44,405)
All ‘Life’ features that are not replaced
18-inch alloy wheels
Panoramic sunroof
Electric tailgate with virtual pedal activation
Keyless entry
Silver roof rails
Top-spec ‘R-Line Edition’ (from £47,380)
All ‘R-Line’ features that are not replaced
20-inch alloy wheels
Panoramic sunroof
Electric tailgate with virtual pedal activation
Keyless Entry
The range also includes ‘R-Line’ and ‘R-Line Edition’ models that feature sportier bumpers with chrome accents. Pricing for the large SUV now begins at just under £40k, rising to over £47k for the top-spec ‘R-Line Edition’.
In 2024 more electric cars were sold in the UK than ever before – according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), more than 382,000 EVs were registered, claiming their largest-ever slice of the overall market at 20%.
Getting to that level required some heavy discounting, however, and that’s likely to continue in 2025 as the mandated sales targets get even tougher this year. That’s good news for new car buyers, and that’s already filtering through into the used car market as downward pressure on new car prices inevitably means the same for near-new used cars, cascading through the used car market over time.
The transition to EVs is also seeing changes in how we pay for our cars, as many private use EVs are financed through company car or salary sacrifice schemes, which provide significant tax benefits compared to traditional car finance products like PCP or personal contract hire.
The majority of new models that went on sale in 2024 were EVs, with that trend set to continue in 2025. In fact, there are going to be very few traditional petrol or diesel cars launched this year (or ever again). Fortunately, prices for electric vehicles are steadily coming down, so we will see a welcome clutch of ‘affordable EVs’ with prices of £20,000 or less this year.
So if you are considering a new EV, should you buy now or wait for what’s coming? We have all the details here…
Most of the car companies you already know are currently shifting from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric ones. Here’s what they already have on the market and what they’ll be bringing to showrooms over the next 12 months.
Abarth
Abarth 600e
Fiat’s sporty sub-brand Abarth already offers its own muscled-up version of the 500e electric supermini (the Abarth 500e won The Car Expert’s Best Small Car 2024 award). As 2025 dawns, it’s being joined in showrooms by a bigger sibling, the 600e, which is expected to become the brand’s best-seller.
With 280hp on offer, the newcomer is billed as not only the first Abarth SUV but the ‘most powerful Abarth ever’, though you’ll also be able to also buy a 240hp version.
We won’t see anything else new in 2025 from Abarth, which has now become an electric-only brand now that its ancient petrol-powered 595 and 695 petrol models have been retired from sale. The brand is rumoured to be planning a version of a new Fiat SUV concept, but we won’t see that until at least 2027.
Last year Alfa Romeo finally joined the EV party with the launch of the Junior, reviving a famous past badge of the Italian maker and applying it to a small SUV that is built on the same underpinnings as the Peugeot e-2008 and Jeep Avenger. it was originally going to be called the Milano, but a last-minute spat with the Italian government saw a hasty name change.
You can buy a more potent top-spec Veloce model in the UK Junior range, but we don’t (yet) get the petrol versions that are on sale in Europe.
Alfa Romeo has a product strategy promising a new all-electric model each year, the Stelvio SUV being the first in 2025, followed by a new Giulia saloon next year, a new Tonale compact SUV in 2027 and then an unnamed new model, believed by many to be a huge SUV.
We predicted that Renault’s sports-focused sub-brand might just sneak into our electric listing at the end of 2024 and we almost got it right. The new A290 is now on sale, though none of the new cars have reached customers yet.
The A290 is based on the equally new Renault 5 and is basically an electric hot hatch – the fun of Alpine’s A110 coupe with practicality added. But Alpine also wants to rival the luxury EV offerings of the likes of Porsche and this year we expect to see the the brand’s first SUV model revealed, which will be called the A390. However, it may not make it onto UK streets before the end of the year.
Aston Martin had planned to launch its first EV in 2025. However, those plans have now changed with the brand investing its limited resources into more plug-in hybrids and pushing back its first EV until 2027.
The company’s position is that it intends to sell combustion-engined cars for as long as it’s allowed to, as Aston drivers apparently want “sounds and smells” from their cars.
Audi’s EV line-up over the past year has been headed by the Q4 e-tron, the UK’s second-best-selling EV in 2024. Late in the year it was joined by the Q6 e-tron mid-sized SUV, which is related to the new Porsche Macan EV.
Also now on sale, though the first customers won’t get their cars until February, is the new A6 e-tron, available in liftback and estate (Sportback and Avant in Audi-speak) versions and including a potent S6 model.
We may see the new electric A4 e-tron revealed later in the year, but it’s unlikely to reach the UK until 2026.
As we predicted this time last year, Bentley has delayed the launch of its first EV to 2026, the initial model said to be a ‘luxury urban SUV’ that will be built at Bentley’s traditional home in Crewe. No more details are yet forthcoming but the brand then plans to launch a new model with either a full-electric or plug-in drivetrain each year over the following decade.
BMW currently has a six-strong range of EVs, having launched the i5 and i7 saloons over the past year and added a Touring (estate) version to the i5 line-up. The SUVs also got a new addition, the iX2 small coupé-SUV joining its iX1 sibling, while the i4 received a facelift.
The biggest event of 2025 for BMW won’t happen until close to the end of the year, the launch of the next-generation iX3 SUV. This will be the first car to feature the brand’s latest design language, dubbed ‘Neue Klasse’ – a dramatic change from BMW’s current cars and set to be worn by all of the models following the iX3.
Following the iX3 into showrooms is likely to be one of BMW’s most important models, the 3 Series. The new car will be fully electric but won’t be on the roads until 2026. Meanwhile we may see a restyled version of the 7 Series luxury saloon this year, including the i7 electric versiond.
It’s hard to believe that Chinese manufacturer BYD has only been in the UK for less than two years, as the brand is already rapidly establishing itself as a familiar name to buyers. The Atto 3 SUV, Dolphin small car and the Seal, an upmarket (and potent) saloon, have provided an electric bedrock to the new brand, to the point that many were surprised to find that the SUV version of the Seal, the Seal U launched in late 2024, has a plug-in hybrid engine.
Coming in 2025, as we predicted this time last year, is the Sealion, the latest in the BYD ‘Ocean’ series and a family electric SUV to rival the likes of the Tesla Model Y. Which of the Chinese giant’s extensive range of vehicles will next be sent to the UK is yet to be confirmed, though we know that coming before long will be the Atto 2, a small and affordable electric SUV that could take on the likes of the new Vauxhall Frontera.
Citroën launched an EV that created a bit of a stir in 2024, the ë-C3 offering great value at a price of around £22K to make the electric supermini comparable with petrol models. The drawback was a range of only around 200 miles but reviews were generally highly positive.
The newcomer slotted into an electric range that already included the ë-C4 hatchback and off-road styled ë-C4 X, two van-based people carriers in the ë-Berlingo and ë-SpaceTourer, and the tiny Ami city runabout – the last is due for a mild facelift in 2025.
Also possibly joining the line-up this year will be the Aircross crossover variant of the ë-C3 – the petrol version was unveiled at the Paris motor show in September. We are also expecting the all-new C5 Aircross to gain electric traction for the first time, the new model sharing its platform with the Peugeot e-3008 and Vauxhall Grandland.
SEAT spin-off brand Cupra’s EV range doubled in 2024, the Born family hatch being joined by the Tavascan, the brand’s first SUV boasting coupe styling. However, the car has only just gone on sale and you won’t see many on the roads just yet.
The big launch for 2025 is expected to be the Raval, the production version of the UrbanRebel concept, but while the concept was a sporty supermini, the showroom model will be a small SUV, a sister to the Volkswagen ID.2 and pitched as highly affordable. The Born is also likely to get a restyle during the year.
Dacia, the Romanian budget brand owned by Renault, has in the past few months joined the electric set with the Spring, a small SUV pitched as the most affordable EV on the market with prices starting from a mere £14K.
Such a low price comes with compromises of course, such as a range of less than 140 miles and not much in the way of equipment, but the Dacia does open up EV ownership to more buyers than ever before.
There could be more hybrid newcomers from Dacia this year but EV buyers wanting something bigger than a Spring will need to wait until 2027 and the launch of the next Sandero.
You could virtually lift our words from this time last year to describe the electric plans for DS Automobiles. The DS-3 E-Tense small SUV remains on sale but there is no sign yet of the previously trailed DS 4 E-Tense, a mid-size car different to the previous DS 4 E-Tense which was a plug-in hybrid.
What we are getting is a new naming strategy and an all-new model, described as the first fully DS electric design. The DS Nº8 (apparently you pronounce it ‘number eight’) is debuting at the Brussels motor show in January, an elevated saloon-cum-liftback a bit like the Polestar 2, pitched as the new flagship of the brand and offering a range of more than 450 miles on a full charge.
This time last year we predicted that Fiat’s sole electric car, the perennially popular 500e, would be joined by a new version of the Panda in 2024. Well that’s still to happen, but instead there is a bigger sister in the line-up, the 600e small SUV having just gone on sale.
The new Panda is coming in 2025, as a radically styled SUV differentiating itself from its predecessor by adopting the name Grande Panda. It’s also being pitched as another of the new generation of ‘affordable’ EVs, potentially cheaper than the 500e. And the new Panda will become a family with off-road themed and fastback versions following in 2026 and 2027.
Ford finally added to its sole electric offering, the Mustang Mach-E, in 2024 but both newcomers are only just heading to showrooms. The first is the Explorer, a mid-sized SUV finally taking the blue oval into the wider EV market.
The second newcomer has attracted a fair bit of controversy, due to its revival of an iconic name. The new Ford Capri is not a fastback hatch but a small SUV, albeit with coupe-like styling and pace that does suit the potent image of its 1970s predecessor. LIke the DS Nº8, it appears to be another model inspired heavily by the Polestar 2.
The big addition for 2025 will be a fully electric version of the Puma, the UK’s best-selling car in 2024 and the spiritual successor to the Fiesta hatchback. The Puma Gen-E is now on sale with prices starting at just under £30K, and first cars expected to arrive in the UK very soon.
Genesis continued with its three-strong EV range through 2024. Despite launching with only petrol and diesel models back in 2021, the brand was always planning a quick pivot to electric models that followed shortly afterwards. Now, the slow-selling G70 and GV80 combustion-engined models have been dropped.
The Hyundai-owned brand had previously stated it was only going to launch electric models from 2025 but has since rowed back on this, suggesting further development of hybrids will continue while giving no clues as to its next full EV.
The main focus for Genesis over the next year will be the roll-out of its Magma performance department, which is likely to kick off with a high-performance version of its best-selling GV60 model that could boast up to 650hp. The company is also promoting its Magma programme with a top-level motorsport programme in 2026 that involves racing at Le Mans against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and BMW.
Long-established Chinese company GWM (Great Wall Motor), continued to market its Ora 03 small hatch in the UK in 2024, and towards the end of the year announced the Ora 7, a large saloon comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla model 3.
Previously branded as GWM Ora when it launched in 2023, the company announced a renaming to just GWM and closed its European office, blaming tough conditions for selling EVs in Europe.
The Ora models will continue but are likely to be joined in 2025 by the first car from another brand GWM already sells in its home market, Haval. However, the Haval Jolion Pro SUV will be a hybrid, and there are no details of future EVs from GWM at this time.
Honda’s two-strong EV line dropped to just one in 2024, with the neatly styled but short-on-range Honda e two-seater city car being dropped. That leaves the e:Ny1 small electric SUV as the company’s only electric model.
Honda’s future EV plans still revolve along an all-new line dubbed the 0 Series and involving at least seven cars. Initial concept models of a saloon and SUV were first shown in 2024 and refined into further concepts in early 2025, with production versions expected in 2026.
Meanwhile, Honda is currently contemplating a merger with Nissan, which would be a massive project and could completely alter its plans for the future. More news as it happens…
An early adopter of electric propulsion, Hyundai’s range was further added to in 2024. The Ioniq 5 crossover gained a milde facelift and a performance sister wearing the Korean brand’s ‘N’ badge, while the Ioniq 6 saloon is set to get a similar freshen up and performance model this year.
Brand new to the line-up and only just on sale is the Inster, another city car targeting the burgeoning ‘affordable EV’ market, and one of the smallest yet. It’s set to gain a more off-road-styled sister in 2025, dubbed the Inster Cross.
The big news (literally) for Hyundai in 2025 will be the arrival of the new Ioniq 9 large SUV, which will be similar in size and mechanicals, if not in style, to the Kia EV9. As with its Kia sibling, it is targeting Range Rover drivers but with EV power.
Jaguar doesn’t just have a lack of EVs on sale right now, but it has stopped building cars altogether. You may find some run-out stock of the I-Pace EV in dealer showrooms, but officially the brand is on a pause before re-inventing itself as a maker of high-end electric vehicles.
The launch of Jaguar’s new image, followed by the unveiling of the Type 00 concept, was one of the most talked-about and controversial stories of the end of 2024, but the first production EVs in the new era of one of UK motoring’s most famous names won’t be seen on the roads until 2026 at the earliest – and are likely to look somewhat toned down from the radical Type 00 concept model.
Jeep’s only EV remains the Avenger small SUV, launched in 2023. It is still only sold in two-wheel-drive form, although you can get a 4×4 version with a petrol/electric mild hybrid powertrain.
Two more all-electric Jeeps could arrive in 2025. The Jeep Recon is pitched as an electric alternative to the Jeep Wrangler – although it won’t replace Jeep’s most famous model. It will be a 4×4 with proper off-road ability and 600hp of power.
The Wagoneer S will assume the mantle of flagship for the Jeep family and will be a more road-focused model, rivalling the likes of the Audi Q6 e-tron and reputedly with a price tag close to £100,000. Another all-electric model is also believed to be in the works – possibly a replacement for the existing Jeep Compass – but this is still at least a couple of years away from production.
KGM (the new name for Korean manufacturer SsangYong) launched its new mid-sized SUV, the Torres, in 2024. Sitting between the Korando and the Rexton, it’s available with both petrol and electric drivetrains – and the EVX electric version is easily distinguished from its combustion sister by different front-end styling.
KGM’s first launch in 2025 will be the Actyon, a mid-sized SUV which uses the same underpinning as the Torres – this has fuelled speculation that an EV version might be launched at some point though KGM has not mentioned one as yet.
Definitely coming this year is the 0100, which will see KGM selling the first electric pick-up truck in the UK. The twin-motor all-wheel-drive model is built on the Torres EVX platform, and like all of KGM’s EVs, it uses electric hardware supplied by Chinese giant BYD.
The march of Kia’s new bespoke EV range continued apace in 2024, the original mid-sized EV6 and new range flagship the EV9 gaining a smaller sister right at the end of the year in the EV3 – the winner of The Car Expert’sCar of the Year 2025. Only now on its way to showrooms this car effectively fills the space left by the demise of Kia’s original EV, the Soul. The EV6 also underwent a mild update.
Kia’s EV onslaught continues in 2025 with the launch of the EV4 (imagine a smaller version of the sleekly-styled EV6) and EV5 (a squared-off SUV that sits between the EV3 and EV9). There will also be a more potent version of the EV9, carrying the same ‘GT’ badge as applied to the most powerful EV6. The big car will have two motors, more than 500hp and a sub five-second 0-62mph time.
Before the end of the year, we may see an even smaller member of the family – based on the Hyundai Inster, the Kia EV2 will rival the likes of the Mini Cooper Electric and Renault 5 but it isn’t expected to hit UK roads before 2026.
Land Rover’s electric plans are closely allied to those of sister brand Jaguar and so have been subject to the same drawn-out wait, but we’ll finally see not one but two Land Rover EVs in 2025.
Both will wear upmarket Range Rover badges – the Range Rover Electric will be first, dubbed the quietest and most refined version of the model ever produced, but with no less off-road ability, and it will be followed quickly by an electric Range Rover Sport.
Set for a potential launch in Spring 2026 is an electric version of the Range Rover Velar, and this will be the first on the new EMA electric platform which will also underpin the new Jaguar line-up. This platform will also form the basis of an electric replacement for the Land Rover Discovery Sport and possibly a Defender Sport model.
Lexus continued through 2024 with just its two electric offerings, the plush but somewhat range-light RZ SUV and its smaller sister the UX 300e.
Not much is set to change in 2025. There has been little or no news on the two new electric models that were shown in concept form at the Tokyo motor show back in 2023 – the LF-ZC upmarket saloon and LF-ZL SUV range-topper.
Lotus finally put two EVs on sale in 2024, the Eletre large SUV and the Emeya, a luxury saloon, but the first production models are only just reaching buyers.
There were supposed to be more EVs coming but in November the brand announced it was axing its plans to go all-electric by 2028 in favour of ‘super-hybrid’ technology. Whether a forthcoming new model, a performance SUV to rival the likes of the Porsche Macan, will now be a plug-in hybrid instead of all-electric remains to be seen.
Maserati’s first all-electric cars finally arrived in 2024, well over a year later than predicted. The GranTurismo Folgore is a two-door coupe with a rocketship 0-62mph time 0f 2.7 seconds and a price tag starting at £180K.
It also comes as a GranCabrio drop-top at close to £186K, while the Gracale Folgore is a sports SUV starting at £110K and taking four seconds to hit the 62mph marker.
Next to get the Folgore name tag (the word being Italian for lightning) will be the MC20, regarded by many as Maserati’s halo model. Much delayed, it may just arrive in 2025. There is also a large electric SUV on the way, but it is unlikely we will see it in the next 12 months.
Mazda continued to plough its lonely ‘not just electric’ furrow in 2024. Its only EV model is the MX-30, available regular EV and range-extender petrol/electric formats. And it appears that nothing much will change in 2025.
The company has only just unveiled an all-new Mazda 6e this week at the Brussels motor show, which is a large liftback to replace the previous Mazda 6 discontinued a couple of years ago. Mazda says it will reach UK streets in the first half of 2026.
EV advocate Mercedes-Benz had a quieter year for launches in 2024 and reined back on its electric enthusiasm, cancelling development of a new platform for large luxury EVs in favour of further developing its existing platform.
The planned van-based EQT people carrier, using the hardware of Renault’s Kangoo, seemed to have quietly disappeared, but the all-electric version of the G-Class very off-roader finally arrived. However, instead of being called an EQG, it was clumsily dubbed the “Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology”, with an eye-watering price of £180,000.
The big launch in 2025 will be the new CLA, described as the first model in the ‘generation 2’ for Mercedes EVs. It will mark the official ending of the ‘EQ’ suffix on the three-pointed star’s electric models. The CLA will offer two electric options but also a petrol-engined version reputedly with diesel levels of efficiency.
A new version of the EQC SUV may also appear before the end of the year, replacing one of Mercedes’ earliest electric SUVs which was dropped in 2023. Meanwhile, the Mercedes tuning arm, AMG, is reportedly working on a new electric version of its very potent four-door saloon, replacing the current AMG GT 4 Door with more than 800hp rumoured to be on tap.
Having enjoyed a couple of years of rave reviews for its MG 4 electric family hatch, MG added another EV in 2024, although this one was a very different sort of car.
The newcomer appealed to a specialist audience, the Cyberster being an electric two-seat sports car recalling MG’s original UK roots. It slotted into the range alongside the 4, the MG 5 electric estate and ZS small SUV, the latter two selling on their affordability.
MG’s plans for 2025 should start with a replacement for the long-lived ZS, using the advances in battery technology that have underpinned the success of the MG 4. It’s likely to be dubbed ES5 as there will also be a ZS hybrid model.
At the very end of the year we may see the new MG2, a city car with a price of around £20,000 to take on the likes of the Renault 4 and Dacia Spring.
The most interesting stories around MG involve batteries rather than cars, the brand having said it intends to launch a car with a semi solid-state battery in 2025. Solid-state batteries offer major advantages over the current lithium-ion units in major areas such as range, energy density and charging speed, but have previously been too expensive. No further details have yet been released on which car will get the battery and whether it will be bound for the UK.
Mini completed the reinvention of its model range as a primarily EV line-up in 2024, launching brand-new versions of the Cooper EV and an even bigger Countryman SUV (the only latest-generation Mini available with both petrol and electric drivetrains), and adding a new model, the Aceman.
First on sale in the latter part of the year, the Aceman is a crossover neatly slotting into the gap between Cooper and Countryman – think Cooper for people who need adequate rear-seat space but don’t want a gargantuan SUV like the Countryman.
After such a busy time we don’t expect anything particularly new from Mini in 2025, although the new Mini Convertible is likely to get an electric model very soon.
Like Honda, Nissan’s two-model EV line-up shrank to just one in 2024, with the Leaf ending production to leave the Ariya SUV to go it alone.
What’s coming next is not too clear though we do expect to see the next third-generation Leaf revealed in 2025, with styling that is more crossover than small hatchback. It will still be built in the UK in Sunderland along with new electric versions of the Juke and Qashqai SUVs, but we don’t expect either of the latter two on sale before 2027.
We might sometime in 2025 get a first look at the next Micra, another small car that will be going fully electric. However, Nissan’s proposed merger with Honda could throw any and all future plans up in the air, so we’ll have to wait and see.
The long-awaited arrival into the UK of China’s largest vehicle exporter, Chery, has now happened, though under the twin brand names of Omoda and Jaecoo. The Omoda 5, a mid-sized SUV in both electric (E5) and petrol forms, is already on sale through a rapidly increasing number of dealers while Jaecoo will launch in early 2025.
Jaecoo’s initial model, an SUV called the J7, will only be produced in petrol and plug-in hybrid form but the brand has plans for full-electric vehicles in the next few years. Chery has indicated that the two brands will quickly grow to encompass eight models, but how many of these will be full EVs is yet to be revealed.
Peugeot’s EV offerings expanded further in 2024 when the e-3008 electric SUV arrived in showrooms alongside the smaller e-2008 and the e-208 and e-308 hatchbacks. A large new electric SUV was also unveiled with the launch of the e-5008.
Just going on sale is the e-408, a liftback SUV rivalling the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. Both those rivals also offer ‘long-range’ models but the e-408 will have just one battery size allowing up to 280 miles or so.
The arrival of the e-408 means every model in the mainstream Peugeot range can now be had in petrol, hybrid or electric form, the one remaining non-EV, the 508, having been dropped at the end of 2024.
The next move for Peugeot’s EVs will be longer-range versions of the e-3008 and e-5008, and potentially 4×4 versions of both too. There have also been hints that Peugeot might make an electric performance car – the brand races a hypercar in the World Endurance Championship, including at Le Mans. However we are unlikely to see such a model in 2025.
Production delays resulted in Volvo spin-off performance brand Polestar launching two new models effectively together in 2024. The arrival of the Polestar 3 SUV into showrooms to join the existing and well-received Polestar 2 saloon was originally due in 2023, but instead its launch was rather overshadowed by that of its smaller sister the Polestar 4.
The Polestar 4 attracted controversial comments even outside of the motoring market, due to its lack of a rear windscreen, vision provided by a camera and the resultant freeing up of body dimensions allowing more interior space as a result.
Next from Polestar will be the, you guessed it, Polestar 5, and this is a model much looked forward to by enthusiasts as it will be a four-door GT, built on its own platform instead of a Volvo one and targeting the likes of the Porsche Taycan and Lotus Eletre. The car, which is said to boast super-fast charging, will likely be unveiled towards the end of 2025.
Porsche finally doubled its electric credentials in 2024 when the Taycan family car was joined in showrooms by a rather more sporty but much-delayed sister, the Macan Electric – also offered in petrol-engined form.
Porsche’s next EV launches are set to be all-new versions of its Cayman sports car and its drop-top sister the Boxster. Both were due to launch in late 2025 but may be pushed back to 2026.
Renault’s sole EV in the early part of 2024 was the Mégane E-Tech family car until its crossover sister launched, reviving the Scenic badge and winning the prestigious European Car of the Year award. Most anticipated, however, is the new EV that will finally go on sale in 2025, again bringing back another old model name in the Renault 5, but applied to a small EV.
The new 5 is a joint effort with affiliated brand Nissan, which will use the same underpinnings for its next Micra. The Renault will offer two powertrains with 120 and 150hp motors, the latter with a larger battery, but most publicity is over its price, which will start from around £23,000, affordable in EV terms.
Also coming back towards the end of the year is the Renault 4, this time applied to an electric small family car which uses much of the hardware of the Renault 5. The association with Nissan could also lead to the latest Twingo, launching in Europe in 2026, being made for right-hand-drive markets, if the Japanese brand wants its own version (and depending on what happens with the proposed Nissan-Honda merger).
Renault will then take a pause before starting on a next-generation electric family in 2028.
The most luxury of luxury brands Rolls-Royce has just one EV at the moment – the Spectre coupé, described as one of the most desirable electric cars on sale. As it should be, with a price tag of £330,000 plus…
The company has announced only this week that Spectre sales have exceeded expectations, and that its second electric model will be unveiled later this year. Logic suggests that this could be a convertible version of the Spectre to replace the previous Wraith drop-top, or it could be an electric version of the Ghost saloon.
Volkswagen-owned Czech brand Skoda went through 2024 with just one electric model, the Enyaq SUV, in both standard and coupe form. Right at the end of the year it announced the Elroq, a compact SUV priced from £31.5K, and to start 2025 it has revealed a facelifted version of the Enyaq that will reach the UK in Spring.
Having previously said it would launch six new EVs by 2026, Skoda is yet another manufacturer slowing down its plans as a response to the market. The Epiq, an entry-level small SUV, is still likely to launch in 2025, rivalling the likes of the Renault 4, but a larger model based on a concept called the Vision 7S, and an estate to succeed the Octavia, are likely still a couple of years away.
The Smart #1 (Hashtag Oone) small SUV was joined in showrooms in 2024 by a coupe model, dubbed the #3 – the largest car ever produced by Smart and rivalling the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq.
An even bigger car is on the way in 2025, called the Smart #5 and unveiled first in Australia, which Smart considers a prime market for the revived brand. It will potentially boast two battery options and off-road styling.
There is a #2 in the mix, ironically set to be Smart’s smallest car and effectively a replacement for the old ForTwo. It’s reputedly ready to go into production but awaiting confirmation that it will be profitable.
Subaru continued to offer just one electric model in 2024, the Solterra SUV which is effectively Toyota’s bZ4X underneath but doesn’t share its longer warranty.
Nonetheless, the Solterra has helped distinctly boost Subaru’s UK sales, and the brand is planning to add two more electric models to the range, but likely not until 2026. What the two newcomers will be is yet to be revealed but they are likely to maintain Subaru’s image for high-riding 4×4 models.
Suzuki, another brand slow to embrace the electric switch, will finally add its first full EV to its current line-up of Toyota-sourced hybrids in 2025 with the launch of the e Vitara. We can expect to see the car in the UK by summertime.
Based on the eVX concept, which was displayed in updated form at the 2023 Tokyo motor show, the e Vitara is again a joint effort with Toyota, which is launching its own version under the revived model name of the Urban Cruiser. The Suzuki will offer two battery sizes and both front and all-wheel-drive powertrains.
The world’s best-selling car gets a facelift in 2025, revealed just this week in China and Asia-Pacific countries, and expected to reach the UK by summer.
Tesla faced plenty of headwinds in 2024, with production problems at its new German factory and a rapidly growing number of competitors – especially from China, whose car companies seem far more able to match Tesla on both price and technology than European brands.
Only the Model 3 and Model Y are widely available in the UK – you can still order a Model S liftback or Model X SUV, but only in left-hand drive and with limited specification choices available. As such, they’re practically non-existent.
Tesla has long been rumoured to be developing a new smaller and cheaper EV with a sub-£25K starting price, and there have been recent indications that this could appear in 2025 as the Model Q. We may even see a production version of the long-awaited Roadster that was first previewed in 2017, but you probably shouldn’t hold your breath on that…
Toyota may be one of the world’s biggest manufacturers but it has also been one of the slowest to adopt full electrification, with only the somewhat uninspiring bZ4X crossover available in full EV form.
This will change in 2025 with the launch of the new Urban Cruiser, reviving the name but nothing else from a model axed back in 2014. The new car is Toyota’s version of Suzuki’s e Vitara, targeting the likes of the Peugeot e-3008 and new Mini Aceman. It will be available with two battery sizes with a predicted maximum range around 250 miles.
What will follow from Toyota is yet to be revealed, though the brand is known to have made massive investments in new EV models and battery technology after lagging behind the industry leaders for years. The fruits of these labours are likely to start appearing from 2026 onwards.
Vauxhall’s electric range has continued to expand, now comprising the Corsa electric supermini, Astra family car in hatch and Sports Tourer estate versions, the Mokka small SUV and the two van-based people-carriers, the Combo Life and Vivaro Life.
Joining the line-up late in 2024 was the latest Grandland, an all-new electric SUV related to the e-3008 of sister brand Peugeot. In 2025 the Grandland will gain a longer-range version going more than 400 miles between charges.
Also on sale from October was the Frontera, the name revived on a new electric SUV replacing the Crossland and pitched as one of the cheapest EVs in the market – at £23,495 it’s priced the same as the version with a petrol engine.
During the year Vauxhall re-committed to its aim to be an electric brand in 2025 but apart from a refresh of the Mokka, there’s no news of any more new EVs on the way this year.
A quiet year for Volkswagen saw no new additions to the German brand’s already extensive electric line-up following the launch of the ID.7 at the end of 2023, though the large executive newcomer did gain an estate sister, the ID.7 Tourer. There was also a long-wheelbase seven-seat version of the retro-styled ID. Buzz people carrier.
Next in line is a small hatch, the ID.2, set to be revealed before the end of 2025 ahead of going on sale in 2026 and likely to spawn SUV and GT variants. Volkswagen also plans to greatly overhaul its entire electric ID line from 2026, with indications it will be less differentiated from the petrol/diesel car line-up.
Volvo’s electric offerings adopted a more consistent naming strategy in 2024, ranging from the EX30 small SUV, the EX40 family model with a coupe sibling the EC40, and the EX90, an electric version of the range flagship large SUV.
The big launch in 2025 will be the ES90, Volvo’s first electric saloon and taking on the likes of the BMW i5. Effectively it is an electric S90, and will kick off a clutch of new EV models including the EM90, a luxury electric people carrier. This is likely to be followed by the EX60 mid-sized SUV, but that probably won’t be seen until 2026.
Part of the electric revolution is the proliferation of new car manufacturers hoping to muscle their way into the market. You may not have heard of some of these yet, but they’ll all be here in the UK soon. There have been controversies about heavy Chinese government subsidies for EV manufacturers and unfounded allegations about spyware in Chinese electric cars, but these seem unlikely to slow the onslaught of new makes and models in 2025.
Avatr
Avatr 11
Without doubt a brand that no-one has heard of, Avatr is another Chinese company reported to be to targeting UK sales before the end of 2025.
The brand involves globally-known tech giant Huawei, a Chinese car manufacturer called Changan and battery-maker CATL. It has already launched one model in Thailand, which is a right-hand drive market. The Avatr 11 is described as an upmarket SUV around the same size as a BMW X5.
EVs on sale now
None
EVs launching this year
Avatr 11
Leapmotor
Leapmotor C10
You may have guessed from the name that Leapmotor is also a Chinese brand but it is one backed by European giant Stellantis, owner of Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo and several other brands.
Leapmotor will make its UK debut in 2025 with three models – The B10 SUV unveiled at the Paris motor show in September and described as the first of the brand’s B series, a larger sister SUV dubbed the C10 and the T03 small car, set to be one of the cheapest EVs on sale at prices starting from £15,995.
EVs on sale now
None
EVs launching this year
Leapmotor T03
Leapmotor B10
Leapmotor C10
Nio
Firefly hatchback
The long-promised UK launch of Chinese manufacturer Nio is finally expected to happen in 2025 with the brand’s management explicitly stating that a lack of tariffs on Chinese imports, such as have recently been applied in Europe, make the UK a more attractive market to launch in first.
Nio cars won’t have the name on their badges, however – the company plans to launch under the names Onvo and Firefly. The Onvo L60 will be a coupe-SUV to rival the likes of the Tesla Model Y while the initial Firefly will be a small hatch with Renault’s new 5 in its sights.
EVs on sale now
None
EVs launching this year
Onvo L60
Firefly small hatchback
Skywell
Skywell BE11
This one we already know a but about – as described in our feature, Skywell has just arrived in the UK with its first model, the BE11, described as a mid-sized electric SUV but in truth pretty big. Towards the end of the year the brand will also launch its Q electric hatchback.
While yet another Chinese brand with major clout behind it, Skywell is not going all guns blazing to establish a UK network, instead using a UK distributor to gradually expand its presence here.
EVs on sale now
None
EVs launching this year
Skywell BE11
XPeng
XPeng G6
Chinese brand XPeng, already established in much of Europe and eyeing further rapid expansion, is expected to finally reach the UK in 2025. The brand, which Volkswagen has invested some $700 million to jointly develop new electric vehicles, will be overseen by long-established UK distributor International Motors which already has Isuzu, Subaru and GWM Ora under its wing.
The first XPeng on sale in the UK will be the G6 mid-sized SUV. It has an all-wheel-drive powertrain, 0-62mph times of under four seconds and a claimed maximum range of 342 miles, as well as recharging from 10 to 80% in 20 minutes.
EVs on sale now
None
EVs launching this year
XPeng G6
Aiways
Aiways U5
We reported this time last year that among the many Chinese brands looking to the UK was Aiways, initially with a compact electric crossover dubbed the U5 and possibly the U6 coupe-like SUV.
Apparently, the brand is still looking at such plans, though it has recently pulled out of its home market in China due to an intensive price war. Aiways is also planning more affordable models, and the lack of tariffs on Chinese imports could make the UK a more attractive destination than other European markets.
EVs on sale now
None
EVs launching this year
Aiways U5
Lucid
Lucid Air
American brand Lucid announced in 2022 that it planned to launch in the UK with its upmarket electric rival to the Mercedes S-Class, the Lucid Air. Two years on we are still waiting – the brand recently said it is planning two new models to rival the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y and set to launch in 2026, but offered no indications as to whether its plans still include the UK.
The Ford Puma has been crowned the UK’s best-selling new car for the second year running, as a late challenge from the Kia Sportage fell through in the final month of 2024.
According to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the overall new car market shrank by 0.2% year-on-year in December, while the new electric car market grew by a huge 57% compared to the same month last year.
This comes as a number of manufacturers registered many new EVs to themselves rather than to real customers to meet the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which required the car industry to ensure that at least 22% of all new cars sold in 2024 were battery-powered.
After winning the 2023 sales race, the Ford Puma small SUV has recorded yet another year of strong sales performance and takes top spot on the annual sales leaderboard once again.
The increasingly popular Kia Sportage SUV followed up several months of very consistent sales form with table-topping performances in the Autumn registration charts. By November, the sales gap between the Puma and Sportage had closed to less than 100 sales, but Kia’s hopes of taking 2024’s best-seller title were dashed in December, as the Sportage failed to make the top ten.
The Puma’s December registrations total was comfortably surpassed by the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, which took top and second spot in last month’s sales chart. With over 2,000 more December sales than the Puma, the Model Y has surged up the annual rankings to snatch fifth.
Mini will be pleased that its next-generation Cooper is picking up where its now-retired Mini hatch left off, and will be hoping its newest small car can carry this sales form into the new year, while several months of consistent registration number for the Volvo XC40 has seen the compact SUV take ninth in the final month of 2024, while the Audi A3 fails to keep its place in the top ten.
Volkswagen can be proud of its sales performance in 2024. The current market leader accounting for around 9% of all new car sales last year, the German brand has seen both its Golf and Polo models consistently compete and finish in the annual top ten.
The recently-facelifted Ford Puma has outsold cars of all shapes and sizes and was crowned Britain’s best-selling new car in 2024. Currently Ford’s most popular offering by a country mile, the Puma has become the model to beat. While the crossover recorded sixth and fifth place finishes in November and December, this was enough for the Ford to finish in the top spot for the second year running. Can the Puma hold on and take the best-selling title for its third consecutive year?
The Puma has received plenty of praise from the UK motoring media, and currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 71% on our unique Expert Rating Index.
Top after January, the Kia Sportage started 2024 in strong sales form, but fell behind the Puma after some inconsistent registration totals in Spring. The SUV found its form again in the Summer and Autumn, and though it was a hair’s breadth away from pole position with one month to go, a poor sales performance dashed Kia’s hopes in December. That said, second place is nothing to sneer at.
The new Kia Sportage currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 72% on our award-winning Expert Rating Index.
The Nissan Qashqai remains one of the nation’s most popular cars, and while the SUV took top spot back in March, it lost ground to the top two after a couple of months of sales inconsistency. While the SUV could not close the sales gap to first and second, it comfortably held on to the final podium place, with around 8,000 more sales than the Juke in fourth.
The Qashqai is the current jewel in the crown of the British car manufacturing industry – designed in London, developed in the Midlands and built in Sunderland. It’s also the UK’s best-selling British-built car. On sale since Autumn 2021, the Qashqai holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 75%.
On sale since 2019, the UK-built Nissan Juke has established itself as a popular choice of British motorists in the last year, as a cheaper and more compact alternative to the bigger Qashqai.
While the compact crossover couldn’t quite match the sales numbers of its larger sibling throughout the year, it does come home in fourth position, which is another impressive sales feat for Nissan.
The Juke currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. That puts it squarely in the middle of a crowded compact SUV class.
The Tesla Model Y isn’t only the best-selling electric car in the UK – it’s the best-selling battery-powered car worldwide. That said, it consistently yo-yos in and out of the annual top ten sales chart – a testament to the fact that electric car sales still only account for 20% of the new car market at large. Nevertheless, an impressive first place finish in December’s sales leaderboard means that the Model Y moved up a huge four places to finish in a commendable fifth.
The Tesla Model Y currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 82%.
Volkswagen was the UK’s most popular car manufacturer last year. That said none of the brand’s various models were regular top ten contenders. That has changed, as the Golf has established itself in the top ten, finishing in sixth. Leading the new Tiguan SUV and Polo hatchback which are also proving to be fairly popular, this hatch is currently Volkswagen’s best export in the UK.
The Volkswagen Golf currently holds an excellent New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 80%.
Re-appearing in the top ten following its recent facelift, the Hyundai Tucson SUV has re-established itself in the mid-table of the annual sales rankings once again, though a few months of languishing sales numbers caused by the launch of its facelift meant that the SUV finished around 15,000 sales behind the similar Kia Sportage. The SUV did not make the top ten in December, and fell one place as a result to finish seventh in the annual rankings.
The Hyundai Tucson currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 75%.
Towards the bottom of the top ten the race was very tight, and the MG HS was able to take advantage, jumping up two places to seventh after a fifth place finish in the November leaderboard. The introduction of an all-new model has rejuvenated buyer interest, but the Tesla Model Y’s impressive sales numbers in December relegated the HS to an eighth place finish.
Launched in 2024, the second-generation MG HS currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 65% in our revitalised Expert Rating Index.
A latecomer to the 2024 best-seller shortlist, the Volvo XC40 snatched ninth in 2024’s top ten as the race approached the finish line. A testament to how competitive the sales race was just outside the top ten, the XC40 was never a table-topper in 2024, but an eighth place finish in the December sales charts was enough for the Volvo to leap back into the top ten.
The Volvo XC40 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 70%.
While it isn’t quite as popular in the UK as its larger Golf sibling, the Polo has picked up some fantastic sales form in the second half of this year – supplanting the T-Roc crossover in the process – and this sales form has now paid dividend. Luckily for Volkswagen, the Polo was able to hold on to tenth place despite its absence from the November and December sales leaderboards.
The Polo currently holds a solid New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 76% in our industry-leading Expert Rating Index.
That sums up the 2024 best-seller’s list – we will be back for 2025’s best-sellers race, starting with the January registrations results that will be published in the first week of February.
Part of the latest third-generation 5008 range, the Peugeot E-5008 is a large seven-seat electric SUV. The range also includes petrol mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, which we cover here.
Built on the same foundations as the Vauxhall Grandland Electric, Carwow’s Mat Watson praises the E-5008 for its “ultra-modern interior”, with the caveat that the SUV doesn’t have the best infotainment among its rivals, while the Carbuyer team commends the large Peugeot for its “impressive” battery range.
Vicky Parrott of the Telegraph says that the car’s practical seven-seat interior makes it “perfect for school runs”, while Car’s Curits Moldrich adds that the E-5008’s “styling has matured to create something that’s interesting to look at.”
“It’s not an especially exciting car to drive”, concludes Ellis Hyde of Auto Express, “but you’ll quite quickly forgive that” due to the car’s polished interior and comfort, as well as its sub-£50k price tag that undercuts many upmarket seven-seat alternatives.
As of September 2025, the Peugeot E-5008 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 76%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, while its Euro NCAP safety rating and media review scores are also good. However, the overall score is dragged down by Peugeot’s very basic new car warranty offering.
Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover Engines:electric, battery-powered Price:From £48,650 on-road
Launched: Summer 2024 Last updated: N/A Replacement due: TBA
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Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The appeal of the Peugeot E-5008 goes way beyond being one of the few electric cars available with seven seats. It balances style and substance very well, offering big space for passengers and their stuff, decent range and a refined, comfortable personality. It’s not an especially exciting car to drive, but you’ll quite quickly forgive that.”
Score: 8 / 10 “Updated version of Peugeot’s popular 5008 arrives with electric power and is a convincingly practical seven-seater for families making the switch.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 210 GT Score: 7 / 10 “Peugeot feels it has identified a gap in the market and stolen a march on its rivals with its seven-seat E-5008 EV.” Author: Pete Tullin Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “On paper, the Peugeot e-5008 is a slow, electric SUV simply designed to get people from A to B, but in reality, it’s a well-designed car that’s full of character and space in equal measure. Inside, it gives you something to touch, prod and look at, and outside Peugeot’s styling has matured to create something that’s interesting to look at despite its size.” Author: Curtis Moldrich Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.4 / 10 “The Peugeot E-5008 is a comfortable, stylish and upmarket electric large SUV with an impressive range between charging stops. It boasts seven seats which makes it all the more appealing for large families.” Author: Charlie Harvey Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “There’s not much to be had in terms of driver engagement, but the long-range model claims a range of up to 415 miles on a single charge, and this literally puts the Peugeot miles ahead of numerous rivals.” Author: Shane Wilkinson Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “It’s easy to write the E-5008 off as being too pricey, but look at what it’s offering in context of what else is out there, and it’s clear that this really is a clever and useful car, and certainly one of the most recommendable electric family cars.” Author: Vicky Parrott Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Allure “The Peugeot e-5008 is a spacious seven-seat SUV with super spec.” Author: John Challen Read review
Green Car Guide
Score: 9 / 10 “The Peugeot E-5008 is ideal for families looking for an all-electric seven-seater. It offers lots of space, it’s comfortable to drive (unless you encounter lots of potholes) as well as offering some fun through the corners thanks to the small steering wheel, the i-Cockpit looks good and is mostly user-friendly.” Author: Paul Clarke Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “There’s a lot to like about the Peugeot e-5008. It looks great inside and out, offers a decent range and plenty of space. There are more rounded electric SUVs out there, but they don’t offer the versatility of seven seats.” Author: Phil Hall Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7.8 / 10 “If you need a seven-seat EV and want your car to carry some degree of style, the Peugeot E-5008 is an easy recommendation. Below £50,000 there’s currently little else to choose.” Author: Stephen Dobie Read review
Regit
Model reviewed: Range overview (includes petrol 5008) Score: 9 / 10 “We are tempted by the Peugeot e-5008, but it’s significantly more expensive than the 5008 hybrid at entry level. Given that the hybrid is very economical, it makes an arguably stronger case for itself, especially as it’s more comfortable than the e-5008.” Author: Tim Barnes-Clay Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “A family-friendly EV perfect for school runs.” Author: Vicky Parrott Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Peugeot E-5008 takes its safety rating from the smaller E-3008 as the two cars are structurally similar. Euro NCAP conducted specific additional testing to ensure that the E-5008 performed adequately in the areas where it differed from the E-3008.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of September 2025, the Peugeot E-5008 has not been tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the E-5008 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
311 miles
A
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
4.2 m/KWh
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
33
D
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£167
B
Year 2
£441
A
Year 3
£686
A
Year 4
£886
A
Year 5
£1,200
A
Overall
£3,380
A
The Peugeot E-5008 is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
While there are other electric cars of this size that can offer a longer real world battery range of 311 miles, the E-5008’s range is still competitive in the large SUV class, and its electrical efficiency (the electric car equivalent of miles per gallon) is higher than average.
While the car’s insurance premiums are in a middling bracket, which is expected for a car of this size, the SUV’s servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years of ownership are excellent. By comparison, our data estimates predict that the E-5008 is around £500 cheaper over five years than the smaller E-3008 SUV.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of September 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Peugeot E-5008 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the E-5008, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Peugeot E-5008
Overall rating
C
56%
New car warranty duration
3 years
New car warranty mileage
60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Peugeot’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).
In addition to the standard new car warranty, the E-5008 has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Warranty on a used Peugeot E-5008
The Peugeot E-5008 arrived in the UK in the middle of 2024. That means the first cars won’t be out of new car warranty until the middle of 2027 (unless they hit the 60,000-mile limit before then).
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
As of September 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Peugeot E-5008. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Peugeot dealer.
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Lease a Peugeot E-5008
If you’re looking to lease a new Peugeot E-5008, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
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Subscribe to a Peugeot E-5008
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Part of the latest third-generation 5008 range, the Peugeot 5008 is a large seven-seat electric SUV. The range also includes a fully electric model called the E-5008, which we cover here.
Built on the same foundations as the latest Vauxhall Grandland SUV, Parker’s Curtis Moldrich describes the seven-seater as a “spacious and refreshingly modern”, while Ellis Hyde of Auto Express concludes that the 5008 “simply gives us more of everything we liked about the last one” – “more space and practicality, more kit onboard, more choice when it comes to powertrains.”
Many motoring outlets also praise the large SUV for its exterior looks, with the Car team commenting that the car’s “styling is a breath of fresh air, a clear step up over the previous design.”
That said, “it’s not perfect”, argues Carbuyer, explaining that the hybrid SUV is a bit under-powered when it’s full of passengers and luggage, and that this 750kg towing weight limit is “paltry”. Carwow adds that the car’s touchscreen tech can be “fiddly”, and says Peugeot’s decision to not include a diesel model is disappointing.
As of September 2025, the Peugeot 5008 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 71%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions, safety rating and media review scores. However, its running costs are only average and Peugeot’s new car warranty coverage is poor.
“Expanding families will appreciate the new Peugeot 5008’s excess of seats and boot space, and the tech-heads will love its big-screen cabin, but the lack of a diesel engine is a bit of a shame.”
Score: 8 / 10 “The Peugeot 5008 is designed to move people from A to B and do so in a package that’s both spacious and stylish. With that in mind it succeeds wholeheartedly and does so with a level of refinement you’d hope for from Peugeot’s top SUV.” Author: Curtis Moldrich Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.2 / 10 “The 5008 Hybrid is by far the most affordable, but it’s not perfect – 134bhp isn’t much in a three-row SUV once filled with passengers and luggage, and it has a paltry 750kg towing limit.” Author: Ellis Hyde Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The latest third-generation of the Peugeot 5008 seven-seater family SUV is really convincing in a number of areas.” Author: Ivan Aistrop Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7.6 / 10 “The 5008 takes things up a gear compared to the old car: wider, longer and more spacious inside, it’s a more premium product too. Outside it looks more stylish than you’d expect for a car this size, and inside it’s spacious and refreshingly modern.” Author: Curtis Moldrich Read review
Regit
Model reviewed: Range overview (includes electric e-5008) Score: 9 / 10 “The new Peugeot 5008 has great exterior looks, a grandiose interior, excellent practicality, decent performance, and a comfortable ride.” Author: Tim Barnes-Clay Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Peugeot 5008 takes its safety rating from the smaller 3008 as the two cars are structurally similar. Euro NCAP conducted specific additional testing to ensure that the 5008 performed adequately in the areas where it differed from the 3008.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of September 2025, the Peugeot 5008 has not been tested by Green NCAP.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Hybrid models
48 mpg
C
Plug-in hybrid models
294 mpg
A
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Hybrid models
133 g/km
B
Plug-in hybrid models
23 g/km
A
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Plug-in hybrid models
48 miles
D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
30
C
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£234
C
Year 2
£605
C
Year 3
£944
C
Year 4
£1,151
C
Year 5
£1,535
C
Overall
£4,469
C
The Peugeot 5008 is about average in terms of ownership costs, according to five-year cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The petrol car’s estimated fuel consumption of 48mpg (between 44 and 52mpg) is nothing to write home about, and while plug-in hybrids return 294mpg (between 212 and 356mpg depending on the model you choose) on paper, this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 294 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…
The plug-in hybrid’s predicted electric-only travel distance of 48 miles on a single charge is a bit below the average you can expect from the large SUV class.
While the car’s insurance premiums are in a middling bracket, which is expected for a car of this size, the SUV’s servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years of ownership are on the cheaper side.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of September 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Peugeot 5008 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the 5008, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Peugeot 5008
Overall rating
D
31%
Petrol or diesel models
E
17%
Electric or hybrid models
C
56%
New car warranty duration
3 years
New car warranty mileage
60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Peugeot’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).
In addition to the standard new car warranty, hybrid versions of the 5008 have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Warranty on a used Peugeot 5008
If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ 5008 from an official Peugeot dealership, you will get a minimum six-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used 5008 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used 5008 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
As of September 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Peugeot 5008. However, this information is updated very regularly so may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Peugeot dealer.
It was a predictably disappointing end to a difficult year of new car sales in the UK, with the only bright spot being another strong month for new EV registrations – although even that was not as positive as it may seem.
According to data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), private new car sales were down 2% in December compared to the same month last year. Combined with a flat result for fleet registrations, that meant the overall market was also flat for the month, just 0.2% down on last December.
That means that for the whole year 2024 numbers, private new car sales were down 9% compared to 2023, while fleet registrations were up 12%, for an overall market result of 3% growth.
With a total of just over 746,000 new cars registered to private customers for the full 12 months, 2024 was the worst year for private new car sales in at least a quarter of a century. There are mitigating factors for this, but the simple fact is that there have been fewer consumers walking into dealerships and buying new cars every year since 2015.
Source: SMMT
Record number of EVs registered
The brightest spot in the figures was the strong performance of electric vehicles (EVs), which made up 31% of all registrations. However, all is not as it seems here. A lot of these “sales” were actually car manufacturers and dealers registering cars to themselves rather than to real customers. Many of these cars will be pressed into service as dealer demonstrators, service loan vehicles, employee company cars or press fleet vehicles, or they’ll simply be parked up in a field for at least three months before being sold by the dealers as used cars. This is all to do with the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which required the car industry to ensure that at least 22% of all new cars sold in 2024 were EVs (minus an allowance for plug-in hybrids and some other loopholes that brought the real targets down or most car manufacturers).
Registrations for petrol and diesel cars both tumbled during December, which is almost completely related to the ZEV mandate as well. For those companies who simply couldn’t register enough EVs, another alternative was to simply sell fewer non-electric cars. Interestingly, this didn’t seem to affect hybrid registrations, which were about where we’d expect them to be based on full-year data.
So the year ended with almost 382,000 new EVs registered, up 21% from last year’s 314,000 cars. That equates to a market share of just under 20% (compared to 16.5% last year) – which is close enough to exceed the 22% mandate once the various loopholes and credit swaps are all exploited.
Source: SMMT
Good month, bad month
Despite the overall registration numbers being almost identical to the same month last year, there was still considerable variation among the different car brands. A lot of this movement was related to both the 2024 and 2025 ZEV mandate targets, as some brands pushed out extra EVs or closed off deliveries for non-EVs in order to hit this year’s 22% target, while other brands were already looking ahead to next year’s tougher 28% target and doing the opposite.
As it has been all year, Volkswagen was comfortably the best-selling brand in December, with Tesla making its usual December appearance in second place ahead of BMW in third. Tesla was the biggest absolute improver, shifting 3,100 more cars than it did last December. The biggest loser was Audi, which registered 2,400 fewer cars than in the same month last year.
In total year sales, Volkswagen was again the nation’s favourite, ahead of BMW, Audi, Kia and Ford.
Tesla pulls usual December rabbit out of hat
For the fifth year in a row, a Tesla topped the best-seller charts in December. There’s clearly something about the company’s sales or logistics schedule that creates this pattern (and we’re just guessing, since the company doesn’t talk to most of the motoring media). So, just as it was last year and the year before that, the Tesla Model Y was the UK’s best-selling car in December – with the Model 3 in second place.
In total 2024 sales, the Ford Puma defended its crown as the country’s best-selling new car, holding off a late-year challenge from the Kia Sportage. A month ago, it looked like the Sportage was going to overhaul the Puma, especially with Ford’s ZEV mandate struggles, but in December it was the Kia’s sales that stalled.
The Puma made up almost 44% of all Ford registrations in 2024 – presumably, you can’t get hold of a Focus or Mustang for love or money at the moment…
We’ll have a fuller analysis of the full-year 2024 data in coming days.
More than once over the last couple of decades, industry insiders have described SEAT as the Volkswagen Group’s ‘problem child’. The former Spanish state-owned manufacturer has been owned by Volkswagen since 1990 and has undergone a few image changes in the last 35 years.
For many years, buyers did find appeal in SEAT’s offerings – cars such as the Leon were better value and more aerodynamic than the Volkswagen Golf, with which they shared much of their metalwork, while the Ibiza supermini has long been seen as an excellent first car for young drivers.
For many years, SEAT was pitched as Volkswagen’s ‘sporty’ brand, and grouped internally alongside Audi and even Lamborghini. For its most potent models, SEAT invented its own version of Volkswagen’s GTI badge, calling it Cupra and applied it to cars that also plied their trade on the race track. Now, however, Cupra has broken away to set up on its own and is in the process of killing off its parent.
Read on to learn how the SEAT of today may not be here tomorrow…
The company that would become SEAT dates back to 1940, when the ‘Sociedad Ibérica de Automóviles de Turismo’ was founded as a means of establishing a major car manufacturer as part of Spain’s efforts to recover from its civil war. The government then got involved in creating a national car brand, but the second world war badly delayed efforts to find partners with suitable technical expertise. Not until 1950 was SEAT – ‘Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo’ or literally the ‘Spanish Passenger Car Company’ founded, in partnership with Fiat.
[Editor’s note: We always write the company name as SEAT, rather than Seat. This is an anomaly, as the company name is pronounced “Say-at” rather than “S-E-A-T”. In contrast, we write Fiat rather than FIAT, despite that company name also being an acronym. This is simply because if we write “Seat”, almost every English-speaking person on the planet will instinctively pronounce the name as if it were a chair. Every. Single. Time. So we ignore grammatical best practice and capitalise the name.]
Fiat pulled most of SEAT’s strings for the next 30 years. Most SEAT models were little more than rebadged or restyled Italian products – though the SEAT 600, developed in-house and launched in 1963, proved the affordable car to effectively motorise the Spanish population. Not until 1967 was SEAT allowed to export cars, and the brand continued to grow, dominating the Spanish market while becoming better known in the rest of Europe.
By the 1980s, however, the Spanish government had decided that SEAT needed major investment to secure its future, and Fiat was not prepared to make the commitment. The two parted company in 1982 and then took each other to court when Fiat argued, unsuccessfully, that the SEAT Ronda was too close to the Fiat Ritmo.
The Spanish Government looked for a new partner, talking to Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi, and within months of Fiat’s departure, had signed a cooperation agreement with Volkswagen. In 1986, Volkswagen bought a 51% stake in SEAT and went on to purchase the brand outright by the end of 1990.
Within three years, a brand-new plant had been built in Spain’s Catalonia region at Martorell, which at the time was one of the most modern and efficient car factories in Europe. One of its first products was the Mk2 version of the Ibiza city car, greatly increasing SEAT’s market presence. From 2002 until 2007, SEAT was placed with the likes of fellow Volkswagen-owned brand Audi in a sub-group of what the management considered were the sportier parts of the empire.
One of the major developments of SEAT’s sporty image saw the establishment of the Cupra badge in 1996. Cupra, short for ‘Cup Racing’, was used to describe the most potent SEAT models and was employed in a wide range of motorsport activities.
For many years, however, SEAT had been causing sleepless nights for Volkswagen executives, unsure how best to utilise their Spanish outpost. Eventually, in 2018, Volkswagen decided to establish Cupra as its own brand, which has had the effect of accelerating the decline of SEAT.
SEAT Ibiza through the years
Today it seems SEAT’s diminishing profile is deliberate, as the Volkswagen Group puts all its efforts into Cupra and has not launched any new cars in the last five years. With the German parent company currently fighting to remain competitive against the onslaught of the Chinese car industry, it’s unlikely to have too much money or patience to continue trying to promote SEAT – especially with Cupra proving to be one of the Group’s few bright spots at the current time.
SEAT won’t be completely dispensed with, however, with the brand potentially being reinvented as an urban mobility brand that produces electric scooters and microcars. But, at this stage, we don’t know any more.
What models does SEAT have and what else is coming?
SEAT’s model range has been around a long time now, with the newest model in the range – the current Leon – launched back in 2020. With several models now at the normal end-of-life threshold of seven to eight years, we’re not sure how long some of them will remain on sale.
The Ibiza supermini is now in its fifth generation, which has been on sale since 2017 – meaning it’s one of those models that would normally be replaced shortly. Under the shell, it’s basically a Volkswagen Polo. Available only as a petrol-powered five-door hatch, it underwent a mild facelift in 2021 and is still highly regarded in the small car sector, with an Expert Rating of A from The Car Expert.
The Leon name first appeared in 1999 as SEAT’s family hatch, immediately proving popular as a sportier version of the Volkswagen Golf. The fourth-generation model launched in 2020 and is still based on the Golf. It’s offered in five-door hatch and estate forms, with petrol and plug-in hybrid engines. The current Leon is considered more refined but less sporty than it used to be and also earns an A in the Expert Rating index.
In 2017, SEAT launched the Arona, a small SUV/crossover based on the Ibiza hatch. This time, it’s the Volkswagen T-Cross and T-Roc that share their hardware – the Arona is offered only with petrol engines, and again, it’s highly regarded, another A on the Expert Rating index.
The range is completed by two more SUVs and they maintain the trend. For the Ateca read Volkswagen Tiguan or Skoda Karoq – it was launched in 2016 and facelifted in 2021, but is now nine years old and overdue for replacement in normal car company planning.
Finally, there’s the Tarraco large SUV, SEAT’s version of the Skoda Kodiaq and launched in 2019. Now the only SEAT available with a diesel engine, it offers seven seats but the rear pair are considered cramped compared to rivals.
SEAT’s dealer network is not as large as its fellow Volkswagen Group brands, but with more than 100 locations around the UK, you shouldn’t have to drive too far to check out the brand’s range. Most SEAT outlets are also shared with its spin-off brand, Cupra.
What makes SEAT different to the rest?
For much of its life, SEAT was considered the ‘sporty’ part of the Volkswagen Group. The launch of the potent Cupra models and then major works race programmes in both national and international touring car racing helped to build a solid sporting reputation.
At one time, VW Group separated its brands into the sensible side, occupied by Volkswagen itself and Skoda, and the sporty side. Here we found SEAT rubbing mirrors with Audi and another seriously sporty brand VW owned, called Lamborghini…
The image that resulted in the creation of Cupra certainly helped SEAT stand out from its fellow mainstream VW siblings – and Cupra now looks likely to be its legacy.
A SEAT fact to impress your friends
The SEAT Ibiza was not only the brand’s first independently designed car; it had engines by Porsche and styling by Giorgio Giugiaro – named car designer of the century in 1999 with his other work, including the Ferrari 250 GT and the DeLorean DMC-12.
1984 SEAT Ibiza
Summary
For many years SEAT made better cars than many realised – offering Volkswagen quality with a little extra charisma. But with buying a SEAT seeming to be almost a guilty pleasure, the brand never sold quite enough of its cars. Now Volkswagen thinks it has found the answer for its problem child – reimagine it as Cupra. Will this cement the SEAT legacy? We can only wait and see…
Make and model: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate Description: Mid-sized saloon, single electric motor Price range: £50,540 (plus options)
Hyundai says: “The electrified streamliner’s array of advanced technologies, personalised space and features and extended range redefine the boundaries of electric mobility.”
We say: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a cracking electric saloon, but that sleek streamlined style makes it less practical than the squarer-shaped Ioniq 5.
The Hyundai Group (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis) has been one of the strongest performers in the global car industry over the last few years, especially in electric models. While many European car companies are struggling to make the transition to electric power and keep costs down to compete with the rapidly expanding Chinese car brands, the Korean collective is going from strength to strength.
The Ioniq 6 sits alongside the closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona Electric and new Hyundai Inster in the company’s EV line-up, and will be joined in 2025 by the large Ioniq 9 SUV.
As with the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6 has been rated highly by motoring titles. We spent a week with a top-spec Ioniq 6 Ultimate to find out more.
What is it?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a mid-sized electric saloon, broadly similar in size to a Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, Volkswagen ID.7 and BYD Seal. It shares most of its core components with the Ioniq 5 crossover, but in a lower-slung, saloon body style.
Size-wise, it’s slightly longer than a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 overall. But, being an EV, you get more cabin space thanks to a lack of engine, gearbox and driveshaft. That means you have significantly more cabin space, allowing five adults to travel comfortably.
It’s available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions, and two trim specifications. The all-wheel drive models get more power but slightly less driving range. All models get the same 77kWh battery.
Who is this car aimed at?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is pitched as a direct alternative to the likes of other electric saloons like the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.7, BYD Seal and BMW i4. There will be more rivals joining this party in 2025, with BMW preparing its all-new electric 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz set to launch a new CLA saloon and Audi expected to reveal a new electric A4 saloon.
Underneath its streamlined, retro-futuristic surface, the Ioniq 6 is built on the same platform as the Ioniq 5, plus the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 – although all of those are higher-riding crossovers with liftback tailgates rather than a saloon-style boot.
Who won’t like it?
The majority of people who won’t like the Ioniq 6 are the sort of customers who are unlikely to even consider it.
With any electric car, you’ll get people who are simply not interested. That’s unfortunate, as most of the anxieties car buyers have about electric cars are more perception than reality. It’s slowly changing over time, but there remains a large minority of car buyers who claim that they will ‘never’ drive an electric car.
Inevitably, there will also be people who find the Ioniq 6’s styling to be a bit over-the-top. Indeed, we’re still not too sure about the rear-end styling, although the overall shape is quite pleasing.
First impressions
Despite the technical similarities to the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has gone to surprising lengths to differentiate the Ioniq 6 from its squarer sibling – certainly much more than the differences you’ll see between the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, for example.
The streamliner styling makes the Ioniq 6 look even longer than the measurements suggest. While the front half of the car looks vaguely conventional, the rear half looks like pretty much nothing else around. The tail droops down towards the rear bumper, while the standard two-tone paint makes it look like the bottom of the car sweeps upwards, creating a teardrop shape when viewed side-on. The tail lights, rear bumper and twin rear spoilers don’t look particularly harmonious, and the shape compromises the boot’s size and access – which we’ll come to shortly.
Inside, the designers have leaned into the low-slung look of the Ioniq 6 compared to its higher-riding sibling. A high centre console makes the driver’s seat feel low, unlike the Ioniq 5 which keeps the space between driver and passenger much more open.
What do you get for your money?
Once we’ve got the first impressions out of the way, it’s time to look a bit harder at exactly what you’re getting for your money with the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
There are two drive options – a rear-wheel drive version with a single electric motor, which produces 168kW (228hp), and an all-wheel drive version that adds a smaller 74kW motor at the front for a combined total of 239kW (325hp). Only one battery option is available, with a capacity of 77kWh. We’ll explore the details of performance and range below, but the official battery range for all models is better than 300 miles, so any version will be suitable for the vast majority of households.
In terms of trims, there are two options – Premium and Ultimate. If you’re looking at a used Ioniq 6, you’ll find that there was also a higher-spec, all-wheel drive First Edition model when the car was launched in 2022, but that is no longer available for new car buyers.
So overall, the model range is simpler than the Ioniq 5’s, which is probably a good thing. Pricing starts at £47K for a rear-wheel drive Premium model, and £50.5K for the Ultimate spec version. Going for the all-wheel drive version adds an extra £3.5K on either model.
Overall trim levels are good across the board. We’re not going to get into the details here because that’s what car brochures are for, but it’s pleasing simple compared to the Ioniq 5’s multitude of trim, motor and battery options. And, after all, Tesla manages to sell plenty of Model 3 and Model Y electric cars with a very limited number of choices…
In our view, the Ultimate specification is worth the extra £3.5K over the Premium model. You get useful extras like blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, leather seats with ventilation and memory function, a sunroof, head-up display, better sound system and a key-operated remote parking function.
Options are limited to premium paint finishes (metallic, pearl or matte options are available) and digital side mirrors.
One particular highlight is that a heat pump is standard on all models. this helps to warm the cabin in winter without placing excessive demands on the battery, improving your driving range. It should be standard on every EV, but many brands still make you pay extra. Good work, Hyundai.
We like: Good overall specifications, heat pumps standard on all models We don’t like: Optional digital side mirrors don’t seem to offer any practical advantage over traditional mirrors
What’s the Hyundai Ioniq 6 like inside?
If you’re stepping into the Hyundai Ioniq 6 from a similarly sized petrol or diesel car, the biggest difference you’ll notice is the extra space in almost every direction. An electric motor takes up less space than an engine and gearbox, so you gain a lot of space at the front of the car. Our car also had a light grey interior, rather than German-spec black everywhere, plus a sunroof to make the cabin feel even larger and airier.
Despite the battery being laid out like a big pancake under the floor, you still sit fairly low to the ground – maybe slightly higher than other saloons, but not much and certainly not as high as a crossover or SUV-style vehicle.
There is a high centre console between the driver and passenger, whereas the Ioniq 5 has a movable unit that keeps space more open. This appears to be a design choice to emphasise the low-slung feel of the Ioniq 6; whether you like it or not is a personal preference. There’s a big open storage space beneath it for a bag or similar.
Unfortunately, Hyundai doesn’t seem to have used the centre console space very effectively. A large chunk of space is devoted to power window switches and door locks, usually located far more conveniently on the driver’s door. This space would be far better devoted to a controller for the central touchscreen (as BMW does) and/or seat heating controls and/or the drive selector (which is on the steering column).
The dashboard is dominated by a pair of 12-inch wide screens mounted side by side, just like the Ioniq 5. The driver’s screen replaces traditional gauges, while the central screen is a touchscreen for controlling almost all the car’s functions. There’s also a row of buttons for key functions under the screen (although no overall ‘home’ button, annoyingly), and dedicated air-conditioning controls.
The central touchscreen is clear and easy to read, although all the usual caveats about trying to operate touchscreens on the move apply here as they do in any car – it’s simply not as easy or safe as physical buttons. Annoyingly, controls for front seat heating/ventilation and steering wheel heating are located within the touchscreen so they’re a pain to operate on the move. Meanwhile, rear passengers get proper buttons for their heated seats, which is MUCH BETTER. Hyundai, this is poor. Do better.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, although in wired form only so your phone has to be plugged into a USB port in the centre console at all times. The ports are only USB-A as well, rather than the newer USB-C. There’s a wireless charging pad on the centre console, which is pointless if you have to have your phone plugged in anyway, and your phone will also slide off when you get to the first corner. An expected 2025 facelift is likely to address these points, as they have on the Ioniq 5.
The driver’s screen is generally good, although some of the screen is blocked by the steering wheel. The fonts and icons also need to be bigger, as they can be difficult to read. We’d prefer to see less information and larger fonts – Most car manufacturers tend to do the same thing (presumably it looks good in the design studio, but it’s not always easy to read on the move). At least the key speed information is large and smack in the middle of the screen.
The seats are comfy and sofa-like, rather than heavily bolstered in the typical German fashion. We found them comfortable enough for a couple of hours, but seating is always a personal preference so you should test drive yourself before making any buying decision. We also wish the steering wheel had just a bit more reach adjustment so you could pull it out further. The glovebox is actually a large drawer, so you don’t have everything falling out when you open the lid like on other cars. Clever.
Rear-seat passengers will find plenty of legroom and no central tunnel for the middle passenger to straddle. The rear seats don’t slide like they do on the Ioniq 5, however. Rear headroom is good, and better than you’d expect from looking at the swoopy roofline from the outside.
The bad news is further back, however. Boot space is a major drawback compared to other saloons, let alone liftback models. Hyundai claims a total of 401 litres, which is well off the pace for a car this size, and the opening is also small so you’ll almost certainly bang your head while trying to load your luggage (I did, more than a few times).
There’s a hidden tray under the boot floor as well as a small frunk (front trunk) for additional storage space, either of which are a good place to keep your charging cables but not much more. The rear-wheel-drive models have more frunk space than all-wheel-drive models (45 litres vs. 14 litres) as they don’t have an electric motor under the bonnet.
Our Ultimate-spec car had optional digital wing cameras instead of traditional mirrors. Based on this model, these seem like a solution to a problem that didn’t really exist. You still have chunky and ugly cameras mounted where the mirrors would be, with a couple of screens inside the cabin. They are supposed to be better in low-visibility situations, but we didn’t really notice any great benefit and they had less range of adjustment than conventional mirrors. In our week with the car, we didn’t find this to be worth £1,000 extra and would prefer ordinary mirrors.
We like: Plenty of space in well-laid out interior, some clever design touches We don’t like: Centre console not well utilised, boot space and access poor
What’s the Hyundai Ioniq 6 like to drive?
Like most Hyundai models, the Ioniq 6 is configured for comfort rather than handling, which is likely to be just fine for most families.
The Ioniq 6 is a heavy car, thanks to the battery pack, but this is placed along the bottom of the car so it keeps the centre of gravity low, helping to reduce body roll when cornering. However, the combination of this weight and large 20-inch wheels makes the ride feel a bit lumpy over potholes or speed humps. To be fair, that’s also the case on most executive saloons with ‘sports packs’ or large alloy wheels. A back-to-back comparison with our usual family car, a Volvo V60 estate with R-Design sports suspension and 19-inch wheels, saw the Hyundai feeling more comfortable for both front and rear occupants.
Assuming that you’re happy to keep your driving within the confines of the speed limits on any given road, the Ioniq 6 is a very comfortable car to drive. There are three driving modes – eco (which is default on start-up), normal and sport – plus a snow mode if it gets icy.
Acceleration will depend on which model you’re driving. The 228hp motor we had will be more than adequate for most people, while the 325hp twin-motor set-up with all-wheel drive offers stronger performance in every situation plus better grip in wintry conditions.
We found the 228hp model offered plenty of performance, even with four people aboard. Being an EV, you get immediate response rather than waiting for an engine to rev up to its preferred powerband, so low-down acceleration is better than petrol cars with higher power outputs. This is less pronounced at higher speeds, so you won’t find it quite as sharp when overtaking at motorway speeds. If you do a lot of motorway driving, the 325hp version is probably worth the extra money. For urban driving, the 228hp version is perfectly fine.
We spent most of the week in eco mode, which requires pressing harder on the accelerator to get a response but is good for normal day-to-day driving. Sport mode, on the other hand, felt mostly unnecessary. We did try it for a bit, but it didn’t really offer any great improvement over normal mode.
Regardless of driving mode, the Ioniq 6 is smooth and whisper-quiet at all speeds. It’s a genuinely lovely place to spend time, with both front and rear passengers comfortable on longer journeys. The steering is light but direct, although lacking in feel as most new cars are.
Hyundai and Kia’s EV models all seem to manage braking better than other manufacturers. In lighter braking applications, an EV doesn’t actually use the brake pads to slow down – the electric motor does that instead. This is used to generate electricity to eke out a few more miles of battery range (and reduces brake pad wear significantly), but on some EVs it makes the brakes feel a bit unnatural when you stand harder on the pedal and the brake pads are called in to slow the car more rapidly. Pleasingly, the Ioniq 6 doesn’t suffer from this at all, so the brakes feel perfectly normal in all the situations we found over the course of a week’s driving.
The biggest problem we found over a few hundred miles was endless beeping and bonging from the car’s safety systems. This isn’t Hyundai’s fault, though. The EU has mandated that all new cars must have electronic nannies that make annoying warning noises every time the speed limit changes, or if you go just 1mph over the speed limit, or if it thinks you’re not looking straight ahead at all times, or a million other regular scenarios. It’s stupid and it does nothing to improve safety. You can switch the warning bongs off, but they will reactivate every time you start the car (again, by EU law). The first manufacturer that codes up a proper and permanent switch-off function for this will earn endless praise from us (and from you, after half an hour of driving any new car…)
We like: Comfortable ride in most situations, whisper-quiet at all speeds We don’t like: Sport mode is largely irrelevant, EU-mandated beeps and bongs are seriously annoying
How safe is the Hyundai Ioniq 6?
Other than the endless bonging, it’s all good news on the safety front. Euro NCAP tested the Ioniq 6 in 2022 and awarded it a five-star rating with some excellent scores in most tests. It also awarded the Ioniq 6 its ‘Best Large Family Car’ accolade for 2023.
It scored well in all the crash tests, with good protection for both adults and children in the event of a collision. There are ISOFIX child seat mounting points in both outer rear seats, but not in the middle or in the front passenger seat.
In terms of avoiding an accident in the first place, the Ioniq 5 also performs well. Although autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems are now compulsory on all new cars in Europe, the level of performance varies. The Hyundai scored well in all of these tests.
Accident avoidance systems like advanced cruise control and lane-keeping assist are standard on all models, although blind-spot warning is only available on the Ultimate models. The systems all work well, without trying to pull the car in different directions like you get on some other vehicles.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 economy, battery range and charging
The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating Index pulls running cost data from across the entire new car market, and the Ioniq 6 performs very well here, scoring an A-grade from us overall.
One of the most important factors for an EV is its electrical efficiency – the equivalent of fuel economy for a petrol or diesel car. The Ioniq 6 scores a B-grade here, which is good for this size car. The lower-performance, rear-wheel drive models are better as they use less electricity, so you get a few more miles from every charge.
Official driving range figures are 338 miles on a full battery for the rear-wheel drive cars, and 322 miles for the all-wheel drive models. Given the extra performance on offer, this is not really much of a penalty.
Standard on all models is a battery heating system with pre-conditioning and heat pump, which provides better battery efficiency in all temperatures and helps to heat the cabin without excessively taxing the battery.
When you want to charge up, the news is good. With a maximum 350kW charging rate, the Ioniq 6 can support the fastest chargers currently available in the UK. That means you can potentially charge your battery from 10% to 80% capacity in less than 20 minutes. However, these chargers are currently rare and are more expensive to use than other chargers, so it’s not a big deal at the moment. But once more of them start rolling out, this will become a more useful advantage over many other EVs.
If you’re using a 50kW charger, which is a far more common speed for public chargers, you’re looking at about 1hr 15mins to get a similar 10% to 80% charge. On any EV, charging speeds slow down after 80% to protect the battery, so it’s not usually worth keeping the car charging beyond this point unless you really need the extra charge.
On an 11kW charger, as you get with a home wallbox or in many workplaces, a full charge (0% to 100%) takes just over seven hours. So you can comfortably charge the car overnight, especially as you’re never likely to be at 0% as a starting point.
The charging flap is located on the right-rear corner of the car, so you’ll probably need to reverse into most public charging bays to connect the cable. The Ioniq 6 comes with a 5.0-metre Type 2 cable for wallbox or fast chargers, but there’s no Type 3 cable for plugging into a regular three-point plug. Fewer EV manufacturers are now offering this, which is disappointing but unsurprising as it would take more than a day to charge the battery with one of these cables…
Verdict
If you prefer a saloon body style to the ubiquitous crossovers on offer from every manufacturer, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a very good car. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the highest-rated cars in our Expert Rating Index, with straight-A grades in every category – although it’s still too new to have any meaningful reliability data.
The new car warranty on the Ioniq 6 is also good, covering you for five years with unlimited miles. The battery is covered for eight years, although with a 100,000-mile limit. This is one area where Hyundai trails its Kia subsidiary, which comes with a seven-year new car warranty on all its models.
The Ioniq 6 is whisper-quiet, smooth and relaxing to drive at all speeds. The styling is certainly divisive, although it does grow on you. We’re still not convinced about the rear end, especially with its practical shortcomings. Given the sloping shape, a liftback tailgate surely would have been better than a saloon bootlid.
The technical stuff is all good and everything works as it should, so if you’re making the jump from petrol to electric power then your learning curve should be relatively short. The 350kW charging capability makes it pretty much future-proof, too, as you’ll be able to take advantage of the ever-growing number of ultra-rapid charging points across the UK.
The biggest challenge for the Ioniq 6 is whether you’d choose it over the also-excellent Ioniq 5. Technically, they’re basically identical, although the Ioniq 5 has more choices in terms of trims, motors and batteries. That’s not as important as it sounds, as the Ioniq 6 has all the best bits (bigger battery, all the right standard equipment) you’d want anyway.
Based on official pricing, the Ioniq 6 is more expensive than the Ioniq 5 in Premium spec, but slightly cheaper in Ultimate spec. That’s due to various trim differences, plus the fact that the Ioniq 5 has just been updated. The Ioniq 6 is likely to get a similar mid-life refresh in 2025, which may see trims and prices juggled a bit. But prices are likely to fluctuate depending on offers available at any given time, so keep an eye on offers for both new and near-new cars if you’re shopping around.
The Ioniq 6 feels more luxurious and special, although that’s more of a perception than a reality. The lower seating position and sleek profile are plus points, in our opinion at least, which also help it to go further on its battery than the taller and squarer Ioniq 5. It’s also less common on the roads than the 5 – another plus point for many potential customers.
However, that sleek styling affects the car’s practicality. The Ioniq 5’s bigger boot and more practical cabin are the two most obvious points in its favour as a family car, especially for road trips with four or five people and lots of luggage. We’d say the Ioniq 5 is a better family car, whereas the Ioniq 6 is nicer if you’re less fussed about maximum practicality.
Model tested: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate Price (as tested): £52,235 (including £700 for premium paint and £995 for digital side mirrors) Engine: Single electric motor, rear-wheel drive Gearbox: single-speed automatic
Power: 168 kW / 228 hp Torque: 350 Nm Top speed: 115 mph 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds
Electric range: 338 miles CO2 emissions: 0 g/km Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (November 2022) TCE Expert Rating:A (82%) as of December 2024
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Kia has announced that a sporty version of its large flagship electric EV9 will go on sale in the UK in 2025, which is the most powerful SUV the marque has produced to date.
Structurally identical to the standard EV9 – which has recently been awarded The Car Expert’s ‘Best Premium Large Car‘ award for 2025 – the EV9 GT comes with several performance and driving dynamics improvements, as well as some unique cosmetic design changes inside and out.
Starting with performance, the EV9 GT is an all-wheel drive electric car, with an electric motor on both the front and rear axle that together provide a power output of 508hp – that’s 135hp than the previous range-topper, the EV9 GT-Line S. This power boost means that the large SUV, which weighs over 2,600kg, can complete a 0-62mph sprint in a reported 4.6 seconds.
Kia has also given the GT electronically-controlled suspension (ECS) tech to improve ride comfort, which works in tandem with a ‘road preview’ camera system that detects potholes on the road ahead, which then adjusts the suspension’s shock absorbers to reduce any rough terrain impact.
An electronic limited slip differential limits wheelspin in tight corners to increase stability on high-speed bends, and the SUV also comes with a faux gear shifting feature, where the driver can shift through simulated gears using paddles fitted on the steering wheel column.
The car is powered by a large 100kWh battery pack that provides “more than” 280 miles of charge on a single range. Using a DC fast charge, this battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% charge in a reported 24 minutes. The SUV also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) compatibility, allowing the owner to charge external devices like laptops, kettles and even other cars, and the SUV can tow braked weights of up to 2,500kg.
Kia has also given the GT model some minor exterior design tweaks so that the SUV “turn heads everywhere it goes”, including a unique 21-inch alloy wheel design with larger neon green brake callipers and an alternate chevron-shaped daytime running light signature that stretches further across the front fascia.
Neon green also features on light-up inserts on the dashboard, door panels and centre console inside. The sports seats are trimmed in Alcantara leather with other faux leather and suede trimmings also featuring across the cabin.
Like the standard EV9, the GT comes in a seven-seat configuration and the car’s infotainment system is wirelessly compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
That sums up what we know about the new Kia EV9 GT so far. More details, including UK pricing and specifications, will follow in the coming months.
Honda has announced that its petrol-electric hybrid Prelude coupé will be sold across Europe from the first half of 2026 – a car with an automatic gearbox and simulated gear shifting.
A successor to the two-door Prelude sports car that was retired at the turn of the century, we don’t have much information on the new coupé just yet, but it is likely that it will have a front-engined powertrain with similar engine tech to the Civic ‘e:HEV’ petrol-electric hybrid.
A new gearbox will also be introduced for the coupé that Honda calls ‘S+ Shift’. The manufacturer says that it will “simulate the sound and feel of quick automatic gear change.” We will learn more about the new Prelude next year as we get closer to the car’s arrival in 2026.
The all-electric BYD Sealion 7 has now arrived in the UK, with two battery choices across three trim levels available to order.
The Sealion 7 bolsters BYD’s UK range as its largest offering, and has joined a whole host of brand-new electric coupé-SUVs – including the Cupra Tavascan, Ford Capri, Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback and the new Peugeot E-3008 – vying to challenge the sales of established best-sellers like the Tesla Model Y.
The family car is available with the choice of three trims with different powertrain configurations. The first is the ‘Comfort’, which pairs a 308hp electric motor with an 83kWh battery pack, providing a reported battery range of 300 miles and a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.7 seconds.
The mid-range choice is the ‘Design AWD’ – which makes use of the same 83kWh battery but with an additional electric motor that increases power output to 522hp and drops the car’s 0-62mph sprint time to 4.5 seconds. The faster pace is at the expense of battery range, which is a slightly reduced 283 miles.
The range-topper is the ‘Excellence AWD’ variant, which makes use of a larger 91kWh battery. It’s just as quick as the ‘Design AWD’ but can reportedly travel up to 312 miles on a single charge.
A new ‘Intelligent Torque Adaption Control’ system has also been developed for the SUV. BYD says this is available with the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive models and will distribute torque between the front and back wheels to minimise skidding and improve safety. The Chinese manufacturer adds that the suspension is “tailored for excellent handling” and “secure vehicle control”.
Key trim level features
Lead-in ‘Comfort’ (from £44,990)
Heated seats
Dual-zone climate control
Ten-inch digital instrument cluster
16-inch rotatable infotainment screen
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability for powering household devices
Adaptive cruise control
Blind spot monitoring
Mid-range ‘Design’ (from £49,290)
All ‘Comfort’ features that are not replaced
20-inch alloy wheels
Top-spec ‘Excellence’ (from £57,290)
All lower trim features that are not replaced
Nappa leather seats
Head-up display
Inside, the Sealion 7 has a similar interior layout to that of BYD’s Seal U SUV, with a larger 15-inch infotainment screen floating above the nautically-themed dashboard, alongside a ten-inch digital instrument cluster behind the newly-designed steering wheel.
Pricing for the Sealion 7 now starts at just under £45k, rising to £57k for the top-spec ‘Excellence’ model. The first customer orders are scheduled to arrive in Spring next year.
Citroën’s upmarket spin-off marque DS Automobiles has unveiled its new flagship electric executive coupé-SUV – the No 8 – which is set to go on sale in the UK in the middle of next year.
This electric newcomer marks a new model naming strategy for DS – this isn’t the DS 8, but the DS ‘No 8’ – and is the French brand’s answer to premium family cars like the Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW i4, Polestar 4 and Tesla Model Y, the latter being the best selling electric car in the UK right now.
DS says that the car is designed to provide its owner with “absolute” driving comfort, and while the car’s “elegantly sleek” exterior looks more resemble a saloon, the manufacturer describes the No 8 as a coupé-SUV. It sits on large 19-, 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, and the aerodynamic sloping rear roofline has been designed to provide around eight extra miles of all-electric battery charge at motorway speeds.
The new range will include three different powertrain choices – an entry-level 230hp 74kWh that can complete a 0-62mph sprint in 7.8 seconds, and 92kWh front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive ‘Long Range’ variants that produce 245hp and 350hp respectively.
While we don’t have the full spec sheet confirmed just yet, DS has announced that the front-wheel drive long range can muster up to 466 miles on a single charge (355 miles for the standard model), and that the all-wheel drive ‘Long Range’ can reach 62mph in 5.4 seconds. Speed is electronically capped at 118mph for all models.
That battery range makes the No 8 a class-leader – it’s 80 miles more than any version of the Polestar 4 or Tesla Model Y can provide on a single charge. The DS No 8 also recorded an electrical efficiency (the electric car equivalent of miles per gallon) of 4.8mi/kWh, which makes it one of the most efficient cars of its size.
Stepping inside, the coupé-SUV comes with a ten-inch digital instrument cluster and 16-inch central infotainment touchscreen on the dashboard, as well as a 14-speaker audio system. The boot can hold 620 litres of luggage, and the car can also tow up to 1,600kg of braked weight, which is a fair amount for an electric car.
That just about sums up what we know about the DS no 8 so far. More details, including the UK pricing and trim specifications list, are sure to be announced in the coming months.
Toyota has unveiled its second electric car for the UK market – the Urban Cruiser – which is set to arrive in British showrooms in the second half of next year.
The Urban Cruiser is essentially a slightly bigger battery-powered alternative to the Japanese brand’s Yaris Cross, and is structurally identical to the recently announced Suzuki e-Vitara.
Alongside the electric bZ4X SUV, it could turn out to be a very important model for Toyota as the manufacturer looks to meet the UK government’s rising EV mandate targets – 28% of a brand’s new car sales have to be all-electric models to avoid fines next year.
We don’t have all of the car’s technical specs so far, but we do know that the model line-up will include two powertrain options – an entry-level 144hp 49kWh unit or a 174hp 61kWh battery – and the latter is also available in a range-topping all-wheel drive configuration that ups the power output to 184hp.
That said, Toyota says the choice to opt for an all-wheel drive model will be “according to market”, so it’s not confirmed if this top-spec version will be offered in the UK.
Toyota is also yet to announce the trim specs for the compact crossover, but the display model pictured has a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and ten-inch infotainment screen pairing mounted on the dashboard, as well as a surround-view parking camera, JBL premium audio system and a fixed sunroof, which are presumably reserved for higher trim levels.
The manufacturer says that the Urban Cruiser will come with a “comprehensive package” of safety systems as standard, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.
That sums up what we know about the Toyota Urban Cruiser so far. We will learn more in mid-January when the crossover gets its official debut at the Brussels motor show. Check back soon for more details, including the car’s UK price list.
From pint-sized city cars to large flagship SUVs, this year has seen a whole host of new arrivals on the UK automotive market all vying for your attention.
The new Dacia Spring and Citroën ë-C3 have lowered the entry-level pricing of electric cars, the battery-powered performance car category has expanded with the arrival of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and MG Cyberster, and this year has marked the launch of several last-of-their-kind petrol cars, like the new Suzuki Swift, Dacia Duster, MG ZS and Skoda Superb to name just a few.
That said, if none of these new cars have properly piqued your interest, here are a dozen upcoming new cars on the way in 2025.
One of ten new electric cars that Volkswagen plans to launch in Europe by 2026, the compact ID.2 hatchback is the electric successor to the petrol-powered Volkswagen Polo.
So far, Volkswagen has shown off its concept for the small EV – called the ID.2all – with the actual production car set to be unveiled sometime next year and go on sale a few months after that. It will become the cheapest all-electric Volkswagen model when it arrives, sitting below the Golf-sized ID.3 in the German brand’s electric range.
The Cupra Raval is the ID.2’s sister model – another small EV that will compete for sales in the budget end of the market.
Recently spotted in testing, it shares a lot of sporty design cues with the 2023 Cupra UrbanRebel concept car, and will be cheaper and smaller than the ID.3-based Born hatchback. Cupra has also announced that we can expect the car to deliver up to 273 miles of travel on a single charge, which is more than the new Mini Cooper Electric and Renault 5 E-Tech can muster.
You may have heard about the new Renault 5 E-Tech which is now available to order, but what about the slightly bigger 4 E-Tech?
Set to rival the likes of the Mini Aceman and Kia EV3, the battery-powered 4 E-Tech will have a maximum battery range of 186 or 250 miles, depending on the model you choose. Renault hopes that the car’s eye-catching retro-futuristic exterior looks and competitive pricing will stand out to buyers in the UK.
Now available to order with first deliveries in 2025
Ford has remained tight-lipped about its all-electric version of the best-selling Puma crossover – that was until the manufacturer announced this month that the Puma Gen-E is now available to order, the first customer deliveries arriving early next year.
With pricing starting at £30k, the crossover can muster up to 234 miles on a single charge and offers more rear boot space than the petrol-powered Puma, thanks to a larger underfloor storage compartment.
The Alpine A290 is a sportier high-performance version of the Renault 5 E-Tech, and following its official debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France earlier this year, UK reviewers are already praising the hot hatch for its fun and engaging driving experience.
Though we don’t have the car’s UK pricing just yet, Alpine says that the top-spec 220hp A290 ‘GTS’ will be able to complete a 0-62mph sprint in 6.4 seconds, with a reported battery range of 226 miles.
Another new car recently spotted in testing, the mid-sized all-electric Jeep Recon SUV is set to go on sale in the UK next year, and we could potentially see a hybrid version arrive soon after.
We don’t know much about the Recon at the moment, including what the production car will look like compared to the 2023 concept shown here, but Jeep has said that the SUV has been designed with off-road ability as a key focus, and that we can expect the SUV to provide 373 miles of travel on a single charge.
Already on sale in China and in other parts of the world, the electric EV5 is the smaller sibling of Kia’s flagship EV9 SUV. We haven’t heard much about the EV5 since late 2023, but we expect the SUV to arrive in UK showrooms in late 2025.
Back in 2023, Kia explained that two different powertrain options will be available in the UK at launch – a ‘Standard’ and ‘Long Range’ model – and that customers will be able to “transform” the rear cabin into a “bedroom” with a second-row “camping” seat that can fold flat.
The first of BMW’s electric ‘Neue Klasse’ models to go on sale in the UK, the next-generation iX3 SUV is anticipated to arrive in the second half of next year, introducing a radical exterior styling update and more advanced battery tech that will improve the SUV’s range and charging times.
In fact, BMW says that it will take less than 12 minutes to add 200 miles to the battery charge using a 270kW charger – as long as you’re using a charging station capable of delivering that rate of charge.
We have covered plenty of electric cars so far, but what about petrol power? New petrol car launches will be few and far between next year, the most notable being the large Dacia Bigster.
The family-friendly SUV is essentially a bigger version of the new Dacia Duster that arrived this year, with more rear head and legroom, as well as a bigger boot. The range will include front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive straight petrol models, as well as a range-topping petrol-electric hybrid.
The eagerly-awaited Range Rover Electric will be arriving in British dealerships sometime next year, Land Rover recently sharing images of the upmarket SUV undergoing testing in the extreme heat of a desert in the United Arab Emirates.
The flagship EV’s exterior looks nearly identical to the ICE-powered version that arrived in the UK in 2022, but Land Rover is testing a new torque management system that reportedly improves off-road traction control and has hinted that the EV will offer performance “comparable” to the V8-powered Range Rover.
Hyundai’s answer to Kia’s large EV9 SUV, the recently-unveiled Ioniq 9 is scheduled to arrive in the UK in the second half of next year.
Designed for buyers looking for an “expansive cabin and grand proportions”, the SUV has a longer wheelbase than any current Hyundai model, including the Santa Fe hybrid, and its 110kW battery is said to deliver up to 385 miles on a single charge. A ‘Performance’ model will also be available, which can complete a 0-62mph sprint in 5.2 seconds.
Rounding out our dozen picks, the Volkswagen Tayron is essentially the successor to the now-retired Tiguan Allspace. It’s expected to arrive in the UK early next year, with both five- and seven-seat configurations available.
The new range will include petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options, with the latter able to muster up to 60 miles on only electric power. The SUV’s stand-out feature is its huge 850-litre boot – which is over 200 litres more than the equivalent seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe can handle.
The dozen models listed above don’t cover all of the new cars scheduled for 2025 arrivals in the UK – far from it. Here are a few other notable mentions to keep an eye out for.
The increasingly crowded budget electric car market will soon be bolstered by the new Fiat Grande Panda and Hyundai Inster, while a new Renault Clio hatchback was spotted undergoing testing last month, which will still be petrol-powered moving into its sixth generation.
In addition to the Recon, Jeep has another electric SUV in the works called the Wagoneer S, which is reportedly the quickest model the manufacturer has ever made. In addition to the EV5 SUV, Kia is also putting the final touches to its electric EV4 hatchback and saloon, which will debut ahead of the EV5 in 2025.
Vauxhall has revived its Frontera nameplate for a new hybrid and all-electric model range that is expected to arrive imminently, while Nissan is working on the replacement for the Sunderland-built Leaf EV – although we may not see that on UK streets next year. Meanwhile, Suzuki has been hard at work developing its first electric car, the e-Vitara SUV.
Chinese car brands will continue to build their presence in the UK, as the world’s largest car-producing country continues its global conquest. Stellantis-backed Leapmotor will launch its B10 crossover in the UK in the coming months, while BYD will have its new Sealion 7 SUV on roads very soon. Smart will be launching its third and largest EV – the Smart #5 (pronounced “Hashtag Five”) – early next year, too, while Omoda is expected to launch its new Omoda 9 large SUV and a hybrid version of the existing Omoda 5. Budget brand Skywell will also be rolling out very soon with its BE11 SUV.
We expect a new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA saloon next year, available as either a hybrid or full EV, as well as the all-new electric Volvo ES90 saloon. Audi will be rolling out its new A6 e-tron and Q5 SUV models, and we’re likely to see a new A7 (to replace the current petrol and diesel A6 models) and maybe an A4 e-tron as well.
For performance car fans, Abarth will have its electric 600e – a high-performance version of the Fiat model of the same name. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is also set to make a splash in the battery-powered performance car category, while for petrol car enthusiasts, BMW is expected to launch a more powerful ‘CS’ version of its BMW M2 coupé.
Last but certainly not least, Ferrari is expected to reveal its first all-electric model – a watershed moment in the move from fossil fuels to electric power for the car industry.
Rather look for a new car now rather than later? Our Expert Rating index compiles and aggregates tens of millions of key data points on every new car, including more than 16,000 new car reviews from 35 of the UK’s top motoring websites, so you can be confident in your next motoring purchase.
Volkswagen has announced that its compact T-Cross crossover and new Tiguan SUV are now available to order in a new range-topping ‘Black Edition’ trim, which feature black exterior styling elements and a unique alloy wheel design.
Now sitting above the respective ‘R-Line’ trims in each model range, the ‘Black Edition’ models distinguish themselves from other trims by featuring wing mirrors, roof rails, air intakes and alloy wheels all finished in black, as well as expanded equipment lists.
The recently-refreshed T-Cross and third-generation Tiguan are the latest ICE-powered Volkswagen models to receive the ‘Black Edition’ treatment, following the Polo, Taigo, T-Roc, T-Roc R, Golf and Golf R ‘Black Edition’ versions that all arrived this year.
Starting with the smaller T-Cross ‘Black Edition’, the trim is available with either the 110hp 1.0-litre petrol with a manual or automatic gearbox, or the automatic 150hp 1.5-litre petrol unit. The car is specced with unique ‘York’ 18-inch alloys.
The Tiguan ‘Black Edition’ is available with either a 204hp 2.0-litre petrol engine or a more powerful 250hp 2.0-litre petrol unit, and the former has also been added to the ‘R-Line’ trim choices as part of this minor model range update. The 204hp and 272hp 1.5-litre plug-in hybrids included in the R-Line’ engine range are not offered.
The Tiguan iteration gets bigger 20-inch ‘York’ alloys and a driver assistance package, which includes Volkswagen’s lane-keeping assistance tech. Both ‘Black Edition’ models also come with more advanced Matrix LED headlights, LED rear tail lights with dynamic turn signals.
This additional trim is slightly more expensive in the T-Cross line-up than the formerly top-spec ‘R-Line’, costing just under £30k, while it is almost £6k more expensive in the Tiguan range, as the Tiguan ‘Black Edition’ has launched with a list price of close to £47k.
The Volkswagen T-Cross currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72% in our Expert Rating Index, while the Tiguan holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 75%. Both models have been praised for their comfortable driving experience by the British motoring media, and criticised for their pricing which is generally a bit higher than their closest rivals.
It’s been a slow year for private new car sales in 2024, which are set to be the worst in 25 years – in other words, since the UK moved to its current twice-yearly number plate changes.
If you’re looking to buy a new car (especially an electric car) this is good news, as there are plenty of deals on offer. If you’re more interested in a petrol, diesel or hybrid car, there are deals to be had but it will very much depend on the car brand and the dealers. Some have got plenty of cars available to sell, while others are holding back at the moment until they can sell more EVs to hit government-mandated targets.
The used car market has been much stronger, with plenty of former new car buyers switching to near-new cars instead. Auto Trader reported the used market being up 4% in the third quarter of 2024 (the most recent data available). But again, there are plenty of bargains to be had if you’re prepared to keep an open mind rather than pursuing one particular car.
Sales staff are paid commissions and have targets to hit each month, quarter and year – and everyone needs to hit their annual targets. There’s a lot of frantic number-crunching going on right now, and plenty of dealerships and salespeople need to shift plenty of new and used cars by December 31.
The automotive retail industry runs on target-based economics. And as car manufacturers have been ramping up production, they’ve been leaning on their dealers to sell more and more cars. Dealers earn money or discounts from the manufacturers as a reward for hitting or exceeding those targets. This can be worth tens of thousands of pounds to a dealership, so it is in their interests to make sure they sell (and deliver) as many cars as possible before the calendar ticks over to January 1.
For everyone in the chain, failing to hit sales targets has serious financial consequences, so they are all ‘incentivised’ to hit those targets, usually by throwing money at customers in one way or another. Obviously the biggest incentives are going to be applied to the cars that the dealer can’t sell at full price, so there’s always a reason for any discount or freebies.
If you’re in the market and the car you’re interested in is available, you can take advantage of some great Christmas deals if you’re prepared to take delivery with full payment by the end of December. If it’s not registered by 31 December, it doesn’t count, so the offers won’t usually apply.
With pressure on struggling dealers to shift metal in the last couple of weeks of the year, salesmen’s bullshit levels will be going through the roof and business managers everywhere will be rehearsing their speeches about how you’ll barely even notice an extra £30 a month on this shiny new car…
“Got a great deal on the car, but all this wrapping paper cost me £500…”
New car Christmas bargains
For the manufacturers, new cars are what it’s all about. They’re far more interested in selling you a brand-new vehicle than one they built five years ago. So the biggest discounts and lowest interest rates will always be found on new cars – but not on every new car.
The best deals will always apply to models that haven’t been flying out the doors during the year or are due for replacement shortly, as manufacturers and dealers try to clear the decks for 2025 models to start rolling in. If you’re not hung up on getting a particular make and model, you may find that a rival brand is offering great deals on a similar sort of vehicle.
These deals usually revolve around deposit contributions and lower rates on their finance offers, and market analysis shows that both of these are far more lucrative than they were last year.
Conventional logic says that the best deals are always on vehicles available for delivery before 31 December, rather than forward orders that won’t arrive until January 2025 or later. Dealers have always prioritised taking your money now, rather than banking sales for the future, so they’d rather push you out the door in a car they have sitting on the showroom floor instead of ordering a car in for you that won’t arrive until later.
That’s still largely the case, but the ongoing shift from fossil fuels to electricity is making a mess of these conventions.
Petrol vs diesel vs hybrid vs electric – where are the best deals?
The market situation will vary from brand to brand, and often from dealer to dealer, but the best deals are likely to be on electric cars this Christmas. While some companies will certainly have deals on fossil-fuel models, they will be fewer and less generous.
Car manufacturers have tough new government-mandated sales targets to hit for EVs, and some car companies are struggling to hit those targets, which means they face big fines from the government (as in £15K per vehicle). That means they would really like to sell you a new EV between now and the end of the year, so there are great deals to be had across almost every car brand that sells both EVs and fossil-fuel cars. For EV-only brands like Tesla or Polestar, there are likely to be fewer deals around but it’s still a very competitive market.
For petrol and diesel cars, it’s the reverse. Deals for internal-combustion vehicles have been wound back this year as the focus shifts to EVs, so there are fewer offers on the table this Christmas. However, there are some brands that have already hit their EV sales targets and will be keen to shift any available petrol/diesel/hybrid cars they have available. Shop around and you may find some good deals, but they’re unlikely to be as attractive as the offers on new EVs.
Used car Christmas bargains
Used car pricing has been continuing to fall this year, as it was last year following two years of massively overinflated values. This is most noticeable in electric cars, which have fallen in value more quickly. That’s due to a combination of factors, but largely because there are simply a lot more second-hand EVs available now than there have been in previous years.
New EV sales have been growing rapidly since 2020, which means a lot more are now filtering through into the used car market. More supply always leads to falling prices, and falling new EV prices have also pushed down used EV prices, so it’s good news if you’re looking to buy a nearly-new used EV (up to three years old). Supply on older EVs (more than five years old) is still limited, so prices haven’t fallen as quickly.
When it comes to used petrol and diesel cars, relatively high interest rates for used car finance have largely offset falling prices, so your monthly payments may still be higher than for a similar age-and-mileage car from before Covid. Used car finance at dealerships is often not that competitive, so you should definitely get finance quotes from online lenders before you start your car hunting. If you’d like some suggestions, we’ve rounded up some of the UK’s best used car finance providers here:
As with new cars, dealers are looking to shift the stock they have on site before the end of the year, so you have to be ready to do business in order to get the best deals on offer. That means money all paid and/or finance all signed up and activated so that you are driving out in your car before 31 December.
If you have all your ducks lined up and are ready to buy, then you can save yourself some money on the advertised price, as well as maybe swing a better finance deal than is normally available. But choose your car carefully, as the market is still falling. If you don’t end up liking it very much, you could lose a lot of money if you want to sell it again in six months’ time…
Pre-registered cars
The EV mandate has meant that some car manufacturers have been registering new EVs to hit their target numbers even though they don’t have enough customers to sell them to. These are called self-registrations if they are used for head office duties, dealer demonstrators, service loan cars and so on, and are called pre-registered cars if they’re registered to the manufacturer or dealer with no specific use in mind, in order to count it as a ‘sale’ on the official records.
Once registered, these cars will sit in a “secure storage facility” (which is usually just a field somewhere) for at least 90 days, after which time they can be sold as used cars.
As a result, there are quite a lot of three-month-old electric cars with very low mileage on the market.
In pre-pandemic times, pre-registered cars could make up as many as 25% of new car registrations for certain brands, which was a crazy situation. This situation almost completely disappeared from 2020 onwards, but has reappeared this year as certain car manufacturers have struggled to sell enough EVs to meet their mandate requirements.
Out-of-season bargains
For years, conventional wisdom has said that the best time to buy a convertible is in winter, because demand is low since it’s freezing cold and raining/snowing/sleeting all the time. The reverse is supposedly true for 4WDs and SUVs, as demand is highest in winter when the roads are muddy and drivers get snowed in.
These ideas are still true to a certain extent, but nowhere near as much as they used to be.
Modern convertibles are perfectly comfortable with the roof up in winter, with few of the problems like leaking and terrible insulation that soft tops of yore used to have. Similarly, SUVs are popular all year round and are now the default type of car for most households.
There will always be more demand for convertibles in warm weather because people are impulsive buyers, but canny sellers will realise this and make sure they have plenty of stock available to match the demand.
So you may be able to snap a better deal on a convertible over Christmas, but not by a massive amount. Likewise, the world is not going to run out of 4x4s over winter, despite what that desperate-looking salesman keeps suggesting.
How to save money on buying a car this Christmas
The potential savings on the car you are looking at could vary wildly, but automotive retail always comes down to supply and demand. This Christmas will be more favourable to buyers than dealers, but only on certain vehicles. For others, holding out until next year could be a better bet.
Make sure you know what sort of car you want, as specifically as possible. Many people get distracted by a deal that sounds great – and ignore the fact that the deal on offer is for a car that is not remotely suitable for their needs. Regardless of what the dealer says, be clear in your own mind about what you want.
Never roll up to a dealership without doing your homework. Check the top used car marketplaces for the going prices for the sort of car you’re looking for, and get a quote for your current car. One of the benefits of still-high used car pricing is that your current car may be worth more than you think. Online car-buying services will often offer you considerably more for your car than a dealer will as a part exchange, so make sure you’re getting as much money for it as you can.
Have a good read of our ten golden rules for buying a car. These are valid all year round but are key when there are potentially confusing offers being thrown at you from dealers.
Finally, and most importantly, know your financial limits. Whether you are paying cash or financing the vehicle, don’t be tempted to blow your budget just because it sounds like a good deal. And with prices being higher then normal, that may mean lowering your expectations a bit this time around.
Be a clever car buyer and you could save a bundle; if you are not so clever, it could cost you a lot more later on than you could ever save up front. Merry Christmas, and happy car shopping!
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This is one of our most popular articles and is thoroughly updated each year. Originally published in December 2014, it was most recently re-written and updated in December 2024 to reflect the current market situations for both new and used cars.
The first Duster model was launched in 2010 but didn’t make its way to the UK until 2013. A second-generation model arrived in 2017, and another seven years later, a new third-generation Duster has gone on sale.
Thanks to competitive pricing and affordable entry points, Dacia models have become very popular in the UK, and the current lineup includes Duster, Jogger, and Sandero models. Recent additions to the range include the small electric car, the Dacia Spring, and the Bigster SUV, which will sit at the top of the line-up.
Until recently, the Duster was the only SUV-style vehicle in the Dacia range. It will soon be joined by a slightly larger model dubbed the Bigster, and if you’re looking for even more carrying capacity, Dacia offers its Jogger model with seven seats. The new generation of Duster is available with hybrid and bi-fuel powertrains.
In the small SUV segment, the Duster is up against the likes of the MG ZS, Jeep Renegade, SEAT Arona and Renault Captur. Since the range starts from just under £19K and rises to around £27K, it could also be compared to the Nissan Juke, Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq and Honda HR-V.
First impressions
Compared to the previous generation, the Duster has beefed up with more rugged SUV styling. It still features modular roof bars and uses the brand’s new YouClip accessory system, which allows you to add features like extra hooks, cupholders, lights or phone mounts throughout the car. The interior has been updated with ‘Y’-shaped accents on the doors and air vents with copper colours on the top-spec trim level.
Some of the roundness of the last generation has been replaced with a boxier design, while increased dimensions help to improve interior cabin space. The ‘Y’ details continue outside with the front and rear headlights. The wheel arches and black plastic trim details on the exterior apparently contain up to 20% recycled materials.
We like: Bolder styling and more room inside We don’t like: Three-star Euro NCAP safety rating
What do you get for your money?
Dacia likes to keep its range fairly simple, so there are four different trim levels to choose from: Essential, Expression, Extreme and Journey.
The entry-level Essential trim is only available with the bi-fuel petrol and LPG engine and comes with fixed roof bars, six airbags and rear parking sensors. Unlike the rest of the range, Essential uses your smartphone as the media screen in the car with a dedicated phone holder in the centre of the dash. This trim starts from £18,745.
Expression builds on the Essential package with 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch driver’s display, ten-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a reversing camera. This version can be had with two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or with a full hybrid engine. Prices range from £21,245 to £24,245.
Journey trim features 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, electronic parking brake, wireless phone charger, navigation and an upgraded sound system. With the two-wheel drive variant, Journey starts from £22,945 and rises to £25,945 for the hybrid version.
Extreme trim is available with the same engine options as Expression and Journey and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, modular roof bars, rubber floor and mats, navigation, YouClip 3-in-1 system, washable upholstery and copper accents throughout. Pricing for the top trim ranges from £23,745 to £26,745.
The safety rating is disappointing, which is unfortunately par for the course with Dacia. Full details further below.
The Dacia Duster range comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.
We like: Affordable trim options, even on top-spec models We don’t like: Short warranty period compared to rivals
What’s the Dacia Duster like inside?
The Duster’s interior has been given a much-needed makeover with a larger focus on technology and a more cohesive design with its ‘Y’ shaped air vents. The seven-inch driver’s display is accompanied by a central ten-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system takes a few moments to change between menus so it’s easiest to find your preferred settings and leave it alone.
Below the screen, there’s a row of climate control buttons and a shelf for your phone. The upright gearstick feels like a nice upgrade on the automatic version. Elsewhere, there are a lot of plastic finishes, including the armrests on the doors.
There’s no fabric or cushioning on top of these armrests so it almost precludes you from perching your elbow on it for any length of time. The seats feel quite firm as well, so they’re not as comfortable as you might have hoped.
Depending on which powertrain you go for, the boot size can vary. The biggest boot is offered in the front-wheel drive manual version, followed by the bi-fuel, then four-wheel drive, and the hybrid engine has the smallest boot to make room for the battery. Leg and headroom in the rear is plentiful with kids and adults alike finding it spacious.
We like: Good boot size and shape We don’t like: Hard plastic armrests in the doors
What’s under the bonnet?
There are three engine options in the Duster range. The 100hp bi-fuel is the entry-level engine that can run on petrol and LPG. Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, this is the least powerful choice of the three, with 100hp of power and 160Nm of torque. The bi-fuel’s braked towing capacity is rated at 1,200kg and its unbraked maximum 675kg.
The 130hp engine is available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. It has 130hp of power and 230Nm of torque. The front-wheel drive version is slightly quicker, with a 0 to 62mph time of ten seconds, a second quicker than the four-wheel drive model. The 130hp is the best option for caravanners with a braked towing capacity of 1,500kg. The two-wheel drive model gets an unbraked capacity of 685kg, while the all-wheel drive version can tow unbraked trailers up to 730kg.
The 140hp petrol/electric hybrid unit comes with an automatic transmission and is the most powerful of the bunch with 140hp. It’s also the most economical option, offering 55mpg and the lowest CO2 emissions figures. The hybrid version won’t be the best pick for those looking to tow heavy loads, but it can handle a respectable 750kg braked trailer and 725kg unbraked.
What’s the Dacia Duster like to drive?
The hybrid version offers a quieter, more relaxing experience than the petrol version, but both have less road noise than the MG ZS. The steering, clutch and gearstick feel light and easy to use, with the steering firming up as the car travels faster. Forward visibility is good, and the pillars down either side of the windscreen are easy to see around.
Just like Renault’s range, the Duster benefits from a configurable safety settings button so you can easily turn off functions like lane-keeping assistance and speed limit warnings.
While most drivers will likely spend most of their time on the road, the Duster is surprisingly capable off the beaten track. It doesn’t have all the gadgets a proper off-roader will like mechanical differential locks but it has a number of driving modes to match the scenario. Driving modes include eco, auto, snow, mud/sand, and off-road.
The Duster also has a hill descent control function, which can lower the car down a steep incline at 3mph in neutral or 5mph when the vehicle is in gear.
Duster variants with a 4×4 powertrain sit slightly higher than 4×2 versions, so there’s better ground clearance beneath the vehicle. In the event that your journey takes you off-road, the Duster will be far more capable than a standard family SUV. There are few other competitors at this price point that will be able to tackle rough terrain and deep water in the same way.
We like: Surprisingly good all-rounder on- and off-road We don’t like: Engines can be noisy
How safe is the Dacia Duster?
This is where the good news stops, unfortunately.
The Dacia Duster was tested by Euro NCAP in July 2024 and given a three-star safety rating. This is a below-par result – of the 44 cars assessed by Euro NCAP this year, 30 scored five stars, nine scored four stars and only five cars scored three stars (no cars this year scored zero, one or two stars).
In terms of adult crash protection, the Duster ranked 42nd out of the 44 cars tested this year. For child impact protection, it ranked 33rd out of 44. For protecting vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists), it ranked 43rd out of 44. And for accident avoidance technology, it ranked 41st out of 44. So it’s a poor set of results in every category, which has become a regular story for Dacia in recent years.
Renault has previously made the excuse that Dacia is a budget brand and that its customers don’t want to pay for “unnecessary” safety technology. However, given that other budget brands like MG consistently score four and five stars for safety on their cars, this cannot be considered an acceptable excuse.
Verdict
Dacia has become known for its affordable range of family cars. In terms of styling, equipment and price, the new generation Duster is likely to be a big hit with buyers. Inside, the updated screen and smartphone connectivity are on par with more expensive rivals. It’s a shame the seats and armrests aren’t more comfortable, but the overall experience is still good.
The hybrid option is the only version available with an automatic gearbox, so this will be a good pick for lots of town driving or time stuck in traffic. The manual versions are easy to get along with, and it’s becoming rarer to have the choice of a manual gearbox in an SUV now. With its improved off-road capabilities, the new Dacia Duster will be hard to contend with at this price point.
The big downside, once again for a new Dacia, is safety. A three-star Euro NCAP might sound reasonable in isolation, but it has one of the worst set of scores of any car tested this year. Other budget cars can manage excellent safety results so Dacia needs to up its game. It sours the rest of the good work that Dacia has done in engineering a solid vehicle at a competitive price.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Dacia Duster, you might also be interested in these alternatives
The KGM Torres EVX is a mid-sized SUV/crossover which arrived in the UK in Spring 2024. Part of the new Torres range, the EVX is KGM’s first electric car following the manufacturer’s re-brand from SsangYong.
John McIlroy of Auto Express says the SUV “offers a huge amount of space and a respectable range”, and agrees that the Torres EVX struggles to stand out in a crowded mid-sized SUV class that includes several more well-rounded rivals from established brands.
Car’s Jake Groves says that he found the EVX “strangely likeable” and “interesting to look at”, but explains that “the price isn’t as attractive as you’d think”, also adding that “it’s quite soggy to drive and the infotainment is quite annoying to use.”
As of March 2026, the KGM Torres EVX holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 64%. While the SUV has below-average review scores from the British motoring media, this overall score is raised by the car’s relatively affordable running costs.
Score: 6 / 10 “The KGM Torres EVX feels like an old-school EV dynamically, but there’s no denying that it offers a huge amount of space and a respectable range, along with a sensible amount of standard kit.” Author: John McIlroy Read review
Car
Score: 6 / 10 “The KGM Torres EVX is strangely likeable, an interesting car to look at (handsome at the front, weird at the back) and is comfortable on the move. But the price isn’t as attractive as you’d think given what the Torres EVX competes against, it’s quite soggy to drive and the infotainment is quite annoying to use.” Author: Jake Groves Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “We had high hopes that this was going to the affordable electric Defender that Land Rover will never build. Alas, it’s not. I also think they’ve missed a trick not offering a third row of seats. On the plus side, the charging stats are competitive, the cabin is spacious and practical, it looks the part, and it’s easy to drive.” Read review
Fleetworld
“A couple of top-up charges through the week have been needed to keep the KGM Torres EVX rolling along, but I’ve never felt it was close to getting low. Totting up the numbers today, the range shown on the dash equates to a total of 292 miles on a full charge, which is greater than the official range of 287 miles. Given I’ve not driven the Torres deliberately gently, this is impressive and underlines the car’s accurate range estimates.” Author: Alisdair Suttie Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: EVX K40 Score: 7 / 10 “The KGM Torres EVX is likely to be a new name to most people, but if you look past this, it’s a spacious electric SUV that undercuts most other rivals on price.” Author: Paul Clarke Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “It’s an attractive EV that offers a good range, but several issues make its opposition favourable.” Author: Matthew MacConnell Read review
Regit
Score: 8 / 10 “The Torres EVX is an impressive debut model from KGM, which is the newly rebranded name for SsangYong. It certainly makes a bold statement and is a clear indication of what’s to come from the Korean carmaker with its Powered by Toughness design philosophy evident at every turn.” Author: Maxine Ashford Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of March 2026, the KGM Torres EVX has not been tested by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2026, the KGM Torres EVX has not been tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Torres EVX is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
287 miles
B
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
3.9 m/KWh
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
34
D
The KGM Torres EVX is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t have a complete picture of the SUV’s running costs yet – with no servicing and maintenance cost data – but the Torres EV3 has a competitive battery range of 287 miles on average, and its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is fairly average for an EV of this size. The car’s insurance premiums sit in a middling bracket too.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the KGM Torres EVX to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Torres EVX, we’ll publish the results here.
As of March 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the KGM Torres EVX. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local KGM Motors dealer.
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Lease a KGM Torres EVX
If you’re looking to lease a new KGM Torres EVX, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
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Subscribe to a KGM Torres EVX
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
