After two months on sale, Renault has decided to reduce the entry-level price of its all-new electric Scenic E-Tech SUV range by introducing a less powerful ‘Comfort Range’ powertrain.
Prior to this update, the Scenic E-tech had only been available with the ‘Long Range’ 87kWh battery and 220hp electric motor pairing, which can muster a reported 379-mile range on a single charge. The ‘Comfort Range’ on the other hand uses a smaller 60kWh battery pack and a 170hp motor.
As you might expect, this power reduction reduces the SUV’s range to a reported 260 miles and ups the car’s 0-62mph sprint time to 8.6 seconds – seven tenths slower than the ‘Long Range’.
This additional powertrain is only available in the lead-in ‘Techno’ trim, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail lights, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a portrait-oriented 12-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The more expensive ‘esprit Alpine’ and ‘Iconic’ trim levels are reserved for the ‘Long Range’ powertrain. Opting for the ‘Comfort Range’ brings a £3.5k price reduction, with pricing now starting at over £37k.
Ineos Automotive has shown off its new electrified 4×4 at a reveal event in London. Called the Fusilier, the off-roader is more compact than its ICE-powered Grenadier sibling, and will be launched with both full electric and range-extender models available.
This will be the third model released by Ineos’ fledgling motoring division following the Grenadier 4×4 and Quartermaster pickup – an off-roading electric SUV that is built on new EV architecture and the brand says provides “a real-world reduction in carbon emissions without compromise to the off-road capability or the on-road performance.”
Ineos adds that it is targeting a battery range of 249 miles for the all-electric variant, while the range extender version is planned to have a battery range of around 168 miles without the additional small petrol engine boost.
Interested? Then it’s best to prepare for a considerable wait. The Fusilier is set to enter production in 2027 – an arrival date delayed slightly by the decision to add a range extender option. Ineos has lined-up Samsung as its battery supplier, but is yet to determine who will manufacture the range extender’s petrol engine.
The 4×4 will be engineered and developed in partnership with Magna – a Canadian manufacturing company that already assembles the electric Jaguar I-Pace and Fisker Ocean at its plant in Austria.
UK pricing and specifications are not likely to be announced anytime soon, but Ineos says that we will learn more about this new electrified range in Autumn this year.
Cupra has announced that a more potent version of its Born hatchback is on the way, which will be the brand’s most powerful model to date.
Called the ‘VZ’ – which stands for ‘veloz’, Spanish for ‘fast’ – this high performance version of the electric Born hatch comes with a 40% horsepower boost over the former range-topper, the 230hp Born ‘e-boost’ powertrain, as well as some improvements to the driving dynamics and some minor cosmetic alterations.
The hot hatch can reportedly muster 322hp – slightly more power than the petrol Volkswagen Golf R – and complete a 0-62mph sprint in 5.7 seconds – one second faster than the Born e-Boost. The electric hatch’s top speed has been increased too, from 99mph to 124mph.
Other areas of mechanical improvement include the steering and suspension, which Cupra says are now ‘sportier’, and the braking which is reportedly more robust in the rear to handle the higher performance.
Cupra is keen to add that this “performance isn’t achieved by sacrificing efficiency”, as the Born VZ can deliver 335 miles on a single charge. The battery pack has been improved and now offers a net capacity of 79kWh – up from 77kWh – and is compatible with 11kW AC and 170kW DC charging points, the latter charging the battery from 10% to 80% within 30 minutes.
There aren’t many visual differences between the VZ and the regular Born at first glance, but the VZ sits on large 20-inch alloy wheels with wider performance tyres. The performance model is also available with two exclusive exterior colour options beyond the standard palette – ‘Dark Forest’ and ‘Midnight Black’.
Inside, the VZ is the only Born model to come with bucket seats as standard, with a “lower seating feeling to deliver a more ergonomic, sporty driving position.” The model also gets a larger 13-inch ‘floating’ infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard, as well as the new illuminated climate-control slider bar.
The CUPRA Born VZ will be officially launched in the UK around Autumn time, and British pricing and specs will be confirmed in the Summer.
Cupra adds that it has also recently slimmed down the regular Born range – dropping the entry-level 204hp powertrain, leaving just the 230hp variant (with either a 58kWh or 77kWh battery) which is available across three trims (‘V1’, ‘V2’ and ‘V3’). To compensate for this removal, Cupra has also dropped the price of the new lead-in model, the V1 58kWh 230hp, making it the cheapest Born model to date.
The Cupra Born currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 81% in our Expert Rating Index. It has excellent results in every category, with the only caveat being that we don’t yet have enough data to issue a reliability rating.
Make and model: Ineos Grenadier Description: Large SUV Price range: from £76,000
Ineos says: “Combining rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour, the Grenadier is a truly uncompromising 4×4 built from the ground up.”
We say: The Grenadier has a surprising amount of character for a brand new automotive brand and delivers on the brief of being an impressive off-roader.
After trying to buy JLR’s manufacturing equipment for the Defender, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos’ founder, decided to make his own version. Sitting in a London pub called The Grenadier, a plan was devised to make a highly capable 4×4. Having never made a vehicle before, the whole process was rather unorthodox compared to traditional automotive manufacturers.
The Ineos Group is one of the largest chemical companies in the world, with several businesses under this umbrella. As a newly founded automotive marque, Ratcliffe employed the public’s help in naming the car. More than 6,000 respondents to a social media poll landed on naming it after the pub where it was dreamt up.
Originally intending to manufacture its cars in the UK, Ineos instead purchased a former Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant in France to build the Grenadier. So it’s not so much British as Brit-ish.
The production version was launched in 2022, available across the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Asia, North America and parts of Africa.
As of February 2024, the Ineos Grenadier holds a New CarExpertRating of E with a score of 48% in our Expert Rating Index. That doesn’t sound particularly impressive, but there are valid reasons for such a low score, which we’ll explore as we work our way through this review.
What is it?
The Ineos Grenadier was designed to be a capable 4×4, heavily inspired by the original Land Rover Defender. In recent years, these cars have tended to stray away from their utilitarian roots into the luxury segment of the market so the Grenadier retains some luxury features but focuses on functionality.
This results in a car that works well as a commercial vehicle, or for those who regularly traverse rough terrain. But for most on-road applications, other SUVs or pick-up trucks will offer a more comfortable, more sophisticated experience.
First impressions
The best word to describe the Ineos Grenadier’s styling is functional. Its squared-off design features chunky bumpers and exterior plastic details to enhance the utility of the car. Get a bit closer and you can see the bumpers are separated into three parts, so if one element gets damaged it can easily be replaced without tearing the entire front of the vehicle apart.
At the back, a full-size spare wheel is attached to the larger of the side-opening doors and a ladder can be specified over the smaller door. A lockable, 20-litre storage box, holding up to 15kg, can be added to the spare wheel so dirty rags or items needed to be easily accessible can be stored here. The rear space opens using the smaller door first so if the vehicle is towing this still allows access to the rear without needing to uncouple the trailer.
We like: Well thought out, functional design We don’t like: Mostly hard surfaces throughout
What do you get for your money?
The Station Wagon is available in two Belstaff edition trim levels. The clothing brand Belstaff is part of the Ineos Group and the trim names come from its jackets Fieldmaster and Trialmaster. In some markets these trims are also available on the Utility model.
Fieldmaster includes 18-inch alloy wheels, safari windows above the driver and co-driver, leather upholstery, carpet floor mats, heated front seats and an uprated sound system.
Trialmaster is geared towards off-roading so this trim features 17-inch steel wheels, raised air intake, exterior utility belt, access ladder and a 400W power take-off. This trim also comes with the rough pack which includes front and rear differential locks and BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres.
Both trims come with the smooth pack, featuring a rear-view camera, park assist front, heated exterior mirrors, heated windscreen washer jets, lockable central stowage box, puddle lamps, ambient door lighting and auxiliary charge points.
Despite this being Ineos’ first venture into car manufacturing, sales have started strongly. Compared to other options in this market, including pick-up trucks, the Grenadier is a little pricey. Things start at £64,500 for the two-seat Utility Wagon, stepping up £66,215 for the Quartermaster pickup and from £76,000 for the Station Wagon.
Larger manufacturers are able to produce more trim and model variants to offer a good level of equipment and utility at most price points but the Grenadier is on the higher end compared to the entry level Defender from £51,745 or a double cab Ford Ranger from £29,800. However, used prices for the Grenadier as of January 2024 sit at around £50,000 so this could be a more affordable entry point as there become more used Grenadiers available.
It comes with a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, five-year, unlimited mileage mechanical warranty, two-year parts warranty and three-year accessories warranty.
We like: Great off-roading equipment We don’t like: Pricey and lack of safety equipment for on road driving
What’s the Ineos Grenadier like inside?
The interior is very functional with real buttons for everything. There’s also a large screen in the centre of the dash, which can be controlled by touch or using a control wheel similar to BMW’s iDrive system. In aeroplane-esque fashion, the centre console continues on the roof of the vehicle so more of the specialised off-roading controls are housed above.
Everything is very easy to access and turn on and off, even with gloves on. A big plus of the interior is the ability to wash it down without worrying about messing up all of the electrics. Up to a certain point, the inside can be hosed down or wiped over and drained out through plugs in the floor.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard and Pathfinder off-road navigation is included which is a waypoint-based guidance system.
The Recaro seats make a massive difference to the overall comfort of the vehicle and whilst these are generally seen in performance cars it works well in the Grenadier. Rear space isn’t the best in class for this category but the car is marketed as a utilitarian workhorse, so the focus is on load space. If rear passenger space is a priority then the Station Wagon variant is the one to go for.
We like: Easy to use screen with smartphone integration We don’t like: Limited space in the rear seats
What’s under the bonnet?
The Grenadier is equipped with either a petrol or diesel BMW 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Availability is market dependent but, for the UK and Europe, all versions are available with either petrol or diesel engine. Both fuel types are also paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
In terms of power, the fuels are closely matched but the diesel edges above as the torquier version. The petrol unit offers 282bhp and 450Nm of torque whilst the diesel has 246bhp and 550Nm of torque. Both can achieve peak torque at low revs, which is ideal for off-roading and towing.
The vehicle is built on a ladder-frame chassis and has a galvanised steel body. It runs in permanent four wheel drive and has up to three locking differentials. As standard it comes with a central diff lock, and front and rear electronically actuated diff locks are optional.
What’s the Ineos Grenadier like to drive?
Unlike the vast majority of modern cars, the Grenadier’s steering wheel doesn’t self-right itself to a straight position after turning. Instead, the wheel stays where you left it so this can take a bit of getting used to. You have to think back to when you passed your driving test and feed the wheel through your hands to get it on the straight and narrow again. The steering feels very light, though, so it’s not a slog to get it in the right position.
The Recaro seats make up for any firmness in the suspension set up. It’s comfortable over challenging terrain and it doesn’t feel like your bones have been rattled after tackling uneven ground. On the road, the ride set up is quite stiff so if it will mainly be used on-road then other rivals can offer smoother experiences.
As a nod to The Ineos Grenadiers road cycling team, the car has a ‘toot’ horn as well as a normal horn. The idea is to make a smaller sound to alert other road users of your presence rather than scaring them off their bikes.
It’s got the right amount of premium features and a good heating system that even in the winter heats up the cabin quickly, especially if the car is equipped with heated seats. Another nice touch is in off-road mode, all the parking sensors get turned off so there’s no annoying beeping going through long grass or wading through water. Although it’s an expensive investment, it feels solid and well thought out.
We like: Well thought out modes and features like ‘toot’ horn We don’t like: Unnatural steering experience takes some getting used to
Verdict
There’s no doubt the Ineos Grenadier is well equipped for off-roading and pairs a good level of comfort and luxury with utilitarian functionality. Despite this being the company’s first venture into automotive, sales figures already indicate the model is a success.
As a daily vehicle – assuming you’re going to spend most of your driving on sealed roads – the Grenadier is a little pricey, starting from £76,000 for the Station Wagon. That’s comparable to a new Land Rover Defender or Discovery, both of which offer considerable more on-road comfort. At a higher price point, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offer a much higher level of luxury, while still offering more-than-capable off-road dynamics.
The niche for the Grenadier is for those whose main driving needs doesn’t involve tarmac, which is fairly unusual in the UK compared to other regions of the world. However, if that’s what you need from a vehicle, the Ineos Grenadier’s rugged nature and excellent 4×4 abilities may suit you extremely well.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 saloon is a high-performance version of the regular Mercedes-Benz EQE executive saloon, and Mercedes’ second all-electric AMG offering after the larger and more expensive AMG EQS saloon.
Described by Car’s Georg Kacher as AMG’s “most convincing EV effort yet”, the AMG EQE 53 has been praised by the UK motoring media for its combination of comfort and class-leading on-board tech, and its impressive acceleration and agility.
“It’s almost comically fast”, says Top Gear’s Tom Ford, “and it is genuinely noisy, generating the kind of swooshy hums you usually find in sci-fi films.” Keith Adams of Parkers adds that the performance saloon’s ride quality is “top drawer”, while the Driving Electric team commends the EQE 53 for its “cutting-edge” Hyperscreen infotainment.
Malte Büttner of Auto Express adds that the car has “a long range and good charging capability”, but also raises some concerns around material quality of the interior. “Some of the plastics and materials feel very plain”, and this doesn’t match the AMG EQE 53’s expensive six-figure price tag.
There’s now a Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV model as well – we’re still building an Expert Rating page for this car, so check back soon.
As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 saloon holds an impressive New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 75%. It scores top marks for its safety rating and zero tailpipe emissions, but its media reviews are only average and it’s very expensive to run.
Body style: Large executive saloon Engines:electric, battery-powered Price:From £114,750
Launched: Winter 2023/24 Last updated: N/A Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
+
Model reviewed: EQE 53 Score: 8 / 10 “The Mercedes-EMG EQE 53 combines plenty of power and stunning performance with a long range and good charging capability. The handling is also sound for a big EV that weighs this much, and we have no complaints about the refinement or on-board technology. However, at the price this top-spec AMG EQE model is likely to command, quality is not quite up to the level we expect from Mercedes – or where it needs to be in the market.” Author: Malte Büttner Read review
Car
+
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “More desirable than the overpriced EQS 53 AMG and a much better car than the EQE350+, the new clean-air AMG midliner is Stuttgart´s most convincing EV effort yet. If you´re in the market for a high-end EV, don´t buy before you have driven this one.” Author: Georg Kacher Read review
Carwow
+
Model reviewed: “The sleek EQE gets proper power from AMG, and it’s seriously fast but you’ll feel the pinch with reduced range and it’s not very roomy in the back.” Read review
Driving Electric
+
Model reviewed: EQE 53 Score: 8 / 10 “Apart from some interior quality and practicality reservations, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 is a highly impressive all-round package, offering an intoxicating blend of speed, agility, refinement and cutting-edge technology – albeit at a hefty price.” Read review
Evo
+
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “Even standing still, the Mercedes-AMG EQE53 4MATIC+ is a thing of wonder. The interior of an Audi e-tron might be futuristic and, but the Merc’s optional MBUX Hyperscreen is the full Tony Stark, the entire facia reconfigured as three touch-sensitive screens under a single glass cover that stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar and interacts with haptic feedback software. Getting familiar with the layers of functionality inevitably takes some time, but at least working with the acres of sat nav display real estate is easy enough.” (David Vivian) Read review
Parkers
+
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6.4 / 10 “Ride quality and refinement are from the top drawer, which is a welcome bonus in a performance-focused saloon.” Author: Keith Adams Read review
Top Gear
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Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The EQE AMG is almost comically fast, stops, goes and rides with physical brilliance. And it is genuinely noisy, generating the kind of swooshy hums you usually find in sci-fi films. It’s amazing, in its way. But this isn’t the AMG we know of old.” Author: Tom Ford Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 saloon shares a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating with the structurally identical Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon, which was assessed towards the end of 2022.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 saloon 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 AMG EQE is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of December 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 saloon 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 AMG EQE 53, we’ll publish the results here.
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
280 miles
B
280 – 280 miles
B – B
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
3.7 m/KWh
D
3 – 4.2 m/KWh
B – E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
50
F
50 – 50
F – F
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£342
C
Year 2
£754
C
Year 3
£1,160
C
Year 4
£1,373
C
Year 5
£1,785
C
Overall
£5,414
C
As of April 2024, the Mercedes-AMG EQE saloon is quite an expensive car to run. That’s according to whole life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by out technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is poor, although a large battery means you still get a decent driving range between recharging stops.
Insurance is predictably expensive, as are most AMG models, although running costs are significantly cheaper than you’d expect to pay for a petrol V8 AMG saloon.
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Volvo has announced that it has changed the nameplate of its XC40 Recharge SUV and C40 coupé-SUV models, to match the newer electric EX30, EX90 and EM90 models that have debuted in the last year.
On sale since 2021, the XC40 Recharge, which is the electric counterpart to the ICE-powered XC40 crossover, is now called the EX40. The C40, which is essentially identical to the EX40 apart from its sloping rear roofline, is instead called the EC40.
The ‘Recharge’ moniker has also been dropped from the brand’s plug-in hybrid range, and EX40 and EC40 twin motor variants are now available with an optional ‘Performance’ pack that ups the powertrain output by a further 25kW to provide faster acceleration. Existing XC40 Recharge and C40 models can get this additional pack too without visiting a dealership, as it can be downloaded on the driveway as a purchased over-the-air update accessed via the Volvo app.
Finally, for customers looking for a new model, Volvo says it will be rolling out a ‘Black Edition’ variants of the EX40, EC40 and ICE-powered XC40 following the sale success of the larger XC60 ‘Black Edition’, which features ‘Onyx Black’ exterior paint, black badging, black 20-inch alloy wheels, and the choice between microtech or textile charcoal interiors.
The Volvo EX40 currently holds an New CarExpert Rating of B, with a score of 67%, while the EC40 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72% in our Expert Rating Index.
Sales of plug-in hybrid cars staged a bit of a recovery in 2023 after a disastrous year in 2022 which had seen sales plummet.
The picture changes again in 2024, however, as the government’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate comes into effect. This requires at least 22% of a manufacturer’s sales to be of zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs), and that’s a third more than were sold in 2023.
As a result, there are a whole lot of brand-new EVs heading for showrooms in 2024, as our special feature reveals, and we can expect makers to be heavily pushing their all-electric models. In contrast. we’ll see fewer new plug-in hybrids (also referred to as PHEVs) launching in 2024.
So is the era of the plug-in hybrid coming to an end? The picture remains confused – Jaguar Land Rover, for example is reported to be actually delaying launches of new EVs because it has seen a spike in demand for its plug-in hybrids.
Whatever the future holds, the plug-in hybrid will be with us for a while yet and there remains a wide, and changing, choice for potential buyers, as our guide reveals.
Most of the car companies you know currently offer some plug-in hybrid options. Here’s what they already have on the market and what they’ll be bringing to showrooms over the next 12 months.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa Romeo finally joined the plug-in hybrid set in 2023, offering the drivetrain on its Tonale small SUV, which is also available with a regular petrol engine (albeit with mild hybrid assistance). Reviewers rated the plug-in version variant rather higher than those models without a plug.
There’s no current hint of any new plug-in models on the way from the Italian brand. Its big forthcoming launch is the Milano electric SUV, which is due to be unveiled in coming weeks.
Audi dived long-ago into all forms of electrification and, alongside a range of EVs, the plug-in hybrid line-up now extends to ten different models, the latest additions in 2023 being the Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback.
Surprisingly we still haven’t seen a plug-in hybrid variant of that middle-manager staple, the Audi A4. An all-new A4 is expected later this year, but will be an electric vehicle (part of Audi’s new and equally-confusing naming strategy is that all even-numbered models will be electric). The next-generation A5 will essentially replace today’s petrol A4 and A5 models, and is expected to include a plug-in hybrid version.
Similarly, an all-new A7 will replace the current petrol A6 and A7, and is also likely to offer a plug-in version. We may see this model later this year as well.
Bentley has offered plug-in versions of both its Bentayga SUV and Flying Spur luxury saloon for a couple of years now. This year we can expect them to be joined by the Bentley that most people know the best, the Continental GT sports coupe – particularly as some time ago Bentley stated that all its models would be “electrified” by 2025.
The current Bentley Continental GT has been around since 2018, so normal car industry practice would suggest a new model being launched in the next year or two. It may be that Bentley waits to a plug-in model when the new model debuts.
Like Audi, BMW offers plug-in hybrid models right across its model line-up. The latest plug-in models to join the line-up in 2023 were the XM SUV and versions of the new 7 Series saloon, also offered as a performance M model in plug-in hybrid form.
An all-new BMW 5 Series arrived in late 2023, but only as a saloon and only with petrol engines. The estate version, known as Touring in BMW-speak, was unveiled recently and will arrive later this year. Plug-in hybrid versions of both saloon and estates should join the line-up at the same time.
Not a lot has changed for Citroën’s plug-in hybrid offering. There are two choices available in the company’s largest models, the C5 Aircross SUV and C5 X large saloon.
Don’t expect that to change in 2024. While a new version of the C3 small hatch and C3 Aircross SUV are expected, they will offer petrol and electric versions, with no plug-in hybrids in the plan.
Cupra, the sporty spin-off from SEAT, currently offers a two-strong plug-in hybrid range – the Formentor and Leon. The Formentor is due an update over the next year.
Set to appear later in 2024 is the Cupra Terramar – an all-new SUV described as a more family-pitched version of the Formentor and also likely to be the last Cupra release with a combustion engine, which will include a plug-in hybrid.
The upmarket French brand currently offers plug-in hybrid variants of its DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9 models and these will be the last. DS has announced that 2024 will see it become an electric-only brand, with a new DS 4 EV being launched this year alongside a new full-electric model that has yet to be announced.
The slow-selling DS 7 and DS 9 plug-in hybrids will presumably be discontinued before the end of the year, and their eventual replacements will be purely electric models.
Yes you can buy plug-in hybrid Ferraris – not one but two, which are the flagship SF90 Stradale and smaller 296. Both are available in coupé or convertible versions.
Two new cars are rumoured to be appearing in 2024. The first is a replacement for the 812 Superfast and the other is a new hypercar, successor to the LaFerrari from a decade ago. The revered Italian brand is giving no clues but either or both could include plug-in hybrid power.
Ford is another brands that has prioritised going straight to fully electric rather than offering an intermediate plug-in hybrid step. Its two plug-in hybrid models are versions of the Kuga SUV (which gets a major update in 2024, shown above) and the new Tourneo Custom van-based MPV, but the company doesn’t plan to add any more for the foreseeable future.
Honda rivalled Toyota for the title of earliest adopter of hybrid models, but not until last year did the brand offer its first plug-in hybrid model in the new CR-V. Don’t expect this to change in 2024, with Honda apparently focusing on what it describes as “revolutionary” all-electric vehicles coming in the new few years.
Hyundai now has just two plug-in hybrids in its line-up, versions of the Tucson mid-size SUV and its big sister, the Santa Fe. The Tucson is expected to have a mid-life facelift this year and there will be an all-new Santa Fe launched – whether the plug-in powertrains will survive is yet to be revealed.
Jaguar continues in a holding pattern as it awaits its next major relaunch in 2025. The E-Pace and F-Pace SUVs have been on sale for a while with plug-in hybrid options in the drivetrain range, and will soldier on for at least another year.
With the company’s major focus on a £2.5 billion new plant being built at Solihull to build electric powertrains for both Jaguar and Land Rover, you won’t see any new Jaguar models in 2024.
Having said that, recent reports suggest that parent JLR is planning to go against the grain and slow down its launch of electric models across both Jaguar and Land Rover, due to strong demand for its plug-in hybrid models.
Jeep’s three-strong plug-in range of a year ago has remained unchanged in 2023, with two small SUVs in the Compass and Renegade and a big one, the Grand Cherokee.
New electric Jeeps are coming in 2024, as well as the latest version of the popular Wrangler off-road model. But while it has been offered as a plug-in hybrid in other markets, that variant does not appear set for UK sale.
Kia offers the XCeed crossover, Niro mid-sized car and Sportage SUV as plug-in hybrid models and will continue to do so in 2024. The Sorento large SUV is no longer available with a plug-in version but it’s due to be replaced by a new model this year, when the plug-in hybrid version is expected to return.
The styling of the new Sorento is inspired by its new full-electric sister, the EV9, and Kia’s main focus appears to be on pure EVs, with the EV9 the first of nine new models by 2027. No such promises for new plug-in hybrids, though.
It remains a mystery as to why Jaguar can only muster two plug-in hybrids in its range when sister brand Land Rover has over the past year offered plug-in versions of all seven vehicles in its line-up – from the traditionally utilitarian Defender to the brand’s flagship model, the Range Rover.
In 2024 six of those seven remain on sale. The Discovery is no longer on offer in plug-in hybrid form, and there’s not much new to look forward to with the main focus being on the launch of a fully-electrified Range Rover.
Lexus has long been known for its basic hybrid models charged by the engine, but its plug-in range doubled in size in 2023 – from one model to two. The mid-sized NX, best-selling model in the Lexus range, was joined by a new version of the RX large SUV.
There won’t be any new plug-ins in 2024 – Lexus is working on new electric models but we won’t get more details on them, and any potential plug-in hybrid options, for a while yet.
Mazda has been something of a laggard in electrifying its model range, insisting that it can deliver continued improvements in combustion engines. That has proved to be a major political miscalculation as most developed markets have started applying deadlines and targets for switching new cars from fossil fuels to electricity.
The company now offers two plug-in hybrid models, one more conventional than the other. The CX-60 is a large SUV available with plug-in hybrid power, which was launched in 2022 and is a rival for every other large SUV in the market.
The MX-30 is a small SUV, originally launched as a purely electric model but now available as a range-extender plug-in hybrid version. In this model, the petrol engine acts purely as a generator, charging up the battery for the electric motor that actually drives the vehicle.
We’re not likely to see anything new for 2024. A model called the CX-80, a new large SUV flagship model with a plug-in hybrid option, was expected this year but appears to have been delayed to 2025.
Yes, UK supercar maker McLaren has a plug-in hybrid – it’s called the Artura and is a two-door coupe with some 670hp on offer. The powertrain is widely expected to be fitted to more models in future, but so far no details have been released.
Mercedes-Benz vies with BMW for the prize of the largest choice of plug-in hybrid cars on the market – it offers plug-in options in a remarkable nine model lines, and that’s before you take into account long-wheelbase versions and AMG models. It is one model less than less than a year ago, however – the B-class mini MPV is no longer available with a plug-in hybrid option, and is rumoured to be on the way to being entirely discontinued.
Plans for 2024 at Mercedes-Benz appear to centre mainly on mid-life restyles of several models, although we’re likely to see new versions of some of the brand’s most potent cars with plug-in hybrid power.
The new E-Class, which arrived last year, is set to get an AMG variant with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain pushing power past 500hp and in both saloon and estate formats. Similarly, the GLC coupe range will expand with a couple of AMG variants likely to be plug-in hybrids. There’s also likely to be a very powerful plug-in hybrid AMG variant of the new CLE coupé, but this may not reach showrooms until 2025.
MG continues to offer just one plug-in hybrid option, the HS SUV, which has been around a while now. No new plug-in hybrid models are on the horizon, either – like most Chinese brands, MG is firmly focused on the electric market.
MG’s most significant launch of 2023 will be an all-new MG 3, set to make be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This will debut a new hybrid which is likely to be a regular (not plug-in) system.
Back in 2021, the then-boss of Mini indicated that the brand did not see much future in fitting plug-in hybrid powertrains to its cars. This has now come to pass, with the only plug-in hybrid model it ever offered, the Countryman SUV, now in the process of being replaced by an-all new Countryman model. It will be available in either fully electric or petrol versions, but there are no more plug-in hybrid Mini models on the horizon.
Peugeot’s three-strong plug-in hybrid range gained a fourth member in 2023, but only right at the end of the year. The 408 fastback model is only now on its way to showrooms to line up alongside the 308 in both family hatch and SW estate variants and the 3008 SUV.
The big launch of 2024 is the all-new 3008, the third generation of the model. This will be spearheaded by an all-electric e-3008 model, but we might see a plug-in hybrid 3008 before the end of the year.
With the new 3008 taking on a sleeker, more coupé-like design, the new 5008 SUV will be pitched as the big family transport in the Peugeot line-up. This is set to be revealed this year, with a plug-in hybrid among its engine options, but likely won’t go on sale until 2025.
Another year and the same pair of Porsche models available to those of a plug-in hybrid preference – the Cayenne SUV and Panamera large saloon. The Cayenne received a substantial update in 2023, and the Panamera will get an even bigger freshen-up this year. The plug-in hybrid remains as the range-topper, likely to cost from not far short of £150,000.
Renault has offered just one plug-in model for more than two years now, the Captur small SUV. However, it’s a rare bird and small plug-in hybrid SUVs do not appear to be popular.
This won’t change in 2024, the brand focused mainly on new full EVs led by the revival of the Renault 5. There was talk of the company’s new Rafale mid-sized coupé-SUV being offered as a plug-in hybrid, but so far only a regular hybrid version has been unveiled.
The one SEAT plug-in option in the range for the last few years, a variant of the Leon family car, seems to have quietly shuffled off the forecourt. Not only is there no news of any potential replacements, but little news of any kind for SEAT as parent brand Volkswagen prefers to focus its energies on spin-off brand Cupra.
Skoda previously offered two plug-in hybrid models, in the Octavia mid-sized car and the larger Superb. You can’t buy the Octavia in this format any longer, while the Superb has ended production ahead of an all-new generation heading to the UK this year. A plug-in hybrid version will be available, but only on the estate model.
Also coming in 2024 is an all-new version of the popular Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat SUV. A plug-in hybrid will be included in its powertrain options.
Suzuki continues to market a singular plug-in hybrid model, the Across SUV, which is actually a rebadged Toyota RAV4. There’s nothing new on the horizon – the brand’s popular supermini, the Swift, will arrive in all-new form this year but only with petrol power, albeit with mild hybrid assistance.
Long an advocate of traditional hybrid models, Toyota has belatedly joined the electric movement and is developing an all-new family of electric models. But while this time last year the brand was offering only the RAV4 SUV with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, there’s now another choice.
The new, second-generation, version of the sharply styled C-HR SUV launched at the end of 2023. It includes a plug-in hybrid range-topper and will arrive in UK showrooms early in 2024. It matches the electric motor to a 2.0-litre petrol engine and testers have generally got around 30 miles in full-electric mode out of it.
Vauxhall’s leading plug-in hybrid model is the Astra, which joined the range in 2023 along with a fully electric version launching this year. It joins the plug-in hybrid version of the Grandland SUV, which underwent a major facelift in 2022.
It appears there will be no hybrid headlines from Vauxhall in 2024. An all-new Grandland is expected but not until at least 2025, while the second-generation version of the smaller Crossland could launch in 2024 – its engines are said to be ‘electrified’ but more likely to be mild hybrids. Overall, Vauxhall and its parent company Stellantis are tending to jump directly from petrol to electric models rather than stepping via plug-in hybrids.
Volkswagen’s initial enthusiastic adoption of plug-in hybrid powertrains has been steadily waning as it launches new versions of various models with full-electric propulsion instead. A year ago there were five plug-in hybrids on offer, now there are just three: the Golf hatch, the Arteon executive liftback model and the Touareg large SUV.
There’s an all-new Tiguan going on sale this year and it will include a plug-in hybrid option, with the electric motor now matched to a more modern 1.5-litre petrol engine. Similarly, the all-new Passat (now estate-only) will include a plug-in hybrid version. A major facelift for the Golf will also be revealed in 2024, but with the same engine options as at present.
This year is likely to be the final one for the Arteon, as Volkswagen finally accepts that big saloons are an exclusive taste and focuses on future electric models. The new ID.7 EV saloon is effectively a replacement for both the Arteon and the Passat saloon in the VW family.
Volvo’s electrification path is similar to Volkswagen’s. The Swedish brand’s initial forays into electrification saw a wide range of plug-in hybrids on offer, but the marque’s key focus now is fully electric models.
Of the six plug-in hybrid models on offer a year ago, only the XC60 and XC90 options remain. Volvo has decided to go SUV-only for the foreseeable future, dropping the S60/V60 mid-sized and S90/V90 large saloons and estates.
A host of new brands have been arriving in the UK over the past year and the pace is set to accelerate in 2024. Virtually all of them are Chinese, and as a result the models they are putting on sale almost entirely have fully electric rather than plug-in hybrid powertrains – China the acknowledged world leader in electric propulsion.
Having said that, Chinese brand BYD will unveil brand-new plug-in hybrid technology at the Geneva motor show in coming weeks. Called Super Dual Mode, it’s being shown in a version of the Seal saloon, the third of three models that were launched here in 2023. UK sales of the PHEV variant are not yet confirmed but likely.
One other Chinese brand is bucking the trend – GWM (Great Wall Motors). This brand’s latest bid to break the UK market started in 2023 when it put its electric hatchback on sale under the memorable name of the Ora Funky Cat.
The Funky Cat has now been renamed as the GWM Ora 3, and sometime in 2024 it could be joined by the first model from sister and hybrid-focused brand Wey. The first arrival will be the GWM Wey 3, described as a luxury SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Vauxhall has expanded its Astra hatchback and Astra Sports Tourer estate offering by introducing an additional mild-hybrid engine choice, which the brand says is more economical than the standard petrol Astra.
Paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, this extra powertrain option is powered by the same turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine already available, but with an additional 48V of mild-hybrid assistance that Vauxhall says reduces fuel consumption by 19% (offering around 60mpg), as well as lowering emissions.
The mild-hybrid offers a slight performance boost too – an extra 6hp for a total of 136hp – which shaves half a second off the car’s 0-62mph sprint time of nine seconds.
This is not to be confused with the 1.6-litre Astra plug-in hybrid which is already on sale – that can cover up to 43 miles in electric-only mode. Instead, this mild-hybrid has a much smaller battery that assists start-up and can cover short distances on electric power at low speeds, like slow-moving city traffic.
Prices for the Astra mild-hybrid in hatchback form start at a smidge over £30k, while the equivalent Sports Tourer package costs £32k. This is a thousand more than the 130hp 1.2-litre petrol without this mild-hybrid boost, and £3k more than the lead-in 110hp petrol option.
The eighth-generation Vauxhall Astra currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69% in our Expert Rating Index. It scores highly for its low running costs and low average CO2 emissions (both helped by having a plug-in hybrid model), while questionable reliability stops the Astra from scoring an A.
Toyota has announced that its fifth-generation Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid will soon be available to order, with two different trims on offer.
This is the first Prius news we have heard for some time. We last reported on this new model back in late 2022 when the car was officially unveiled. Since then, Toyota has announced that the new Prius is coming to the UK pretty soon, with order books opening in March.
Built on the same foundations as its predecessor that was removed from sale in the UK two years ago, Toyota says that this new fifth-generation model is almost twice as powerful as the outgoing model. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a 14kWh battery and an electric motor mounted to the front axle, providing a total output of 223hp.
Toyota now adds that the plug-in hybrid can travel further in EV mode than the previous model – 53 miles to be exact. The EV battery and the fuel tank have both been re-positioned too, which the manufacturer says makes the car’s driving dynamics more agile.
The new model inherits the sloping ‘wedge’-shaped silhouette synonymous with the Prius range, but the brand says it has made the car slightly wider, and lowered its height by 5cm. The car’s wheelbase (distance from front tyres to rear tyres) is 5cm longer too, and the new Prius sits on larger 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, Toyota has lowered the driving position to give the latest Prius a ‘sportier feel’ and has redesigned the dashboard to improve driver visibility and make things a bit more user-friendly.
A larger infotainment screen juts out of the centre of the dashboard, and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel – replacing the old driving information screen that stretched across the centre of the dashboard on the old model. The central screen is illuminated, and this backlighting changes colour when alerting the driver of safety hazards.
The launch line-up consists of the lead-in ‘Design’ and the top-spec ‘Excel’. The Prius sits on 17-inch alloy wheels, and comes with keyless entry, rear privacy glass, parking sensors and dual-zone air conditioning as standard. The latest generation Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems are also provided as standard.
The ‘Excel’ comes with larger 19-inch wheels, eight-way power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a digital rear-view mirror. Pricing for the range will start at just over £37k, with the first orders scheduled to arrive in July.
There’s been a lot of news in the media over the last month about car finance mis-selling, with phrases like “the next PPI scandal” being thrown around along with suggestions of compensation payouts totalling billions of pounds. But what’s the real story?
A lot of the media coverage in recent weeks has been unhelpful in explaining what’s currently going on, why the government regulator is investigating the car finance sector, which customers may be affected and what the implications are. This article will hopefully help to answer a lot of the questions that people have been asking.
The reason that the FCA banned these types of agreements was that it felt that they were not transparent or fair to consumers.
However, customers (and their lawyers) felt that there was a case to be made that simply banning these agreements wasn’t enough, and that they had been ripped off by car dealers and car finance companies. There have been complaints, the Ombudsman has ruled in favour of customers on two occasions recently, and the regulator has now stepped in to try and sort it all out.
What’s a Discretionary Credit Arrangement?
Prior to 2021, certain car finance agreements allowed a broker (usually a car dealer) to manipulate the interest rate offered by the finance company up or down within a certain range, increasing or decreasing the customer’s monthly payments accordingly.
Car finance is a fairly complex process most of the time. The customer buys a car from a dealer, and will usually apply for finance to pay for the car. The dealer doesn’t lend the customer money, instead acting as a broker for a car finance company (the lender). The lender pays the dealer for the car, the dealer hands the car over to you and then you pay back the lender over a period of years. The lender also pays the dealer a commission for arranging the loan.
The dealer collects all of your personal information, along with the car price and details, and submits an application on your behalf to the finance company. The lender then indicates that it would approve a finance agreement on particular terms, including a given interest rate. The dealer then tells you that you’ve been approved and you sign all the relevant documents so you can take home your car.
With a DCA, there was an additional – hidden – step involved. The finance company would indicate its approval at (say) 7% interest. But rather than telling you that the lender had approved your application at that rate, the dealer would then have the ability to jack up that interest rate to (say) 10% without telling you, thereby significantly increasing your monthly payment.
The dealer would receive additional commission from the lender for doing this, so both the dealer and the finance company were profiting from this activity.
As I just mentioned, the dealer doesn’t lend you the money. So it’s rather unfair that the dealer should be able to manipulate the finance company’s offer at a significant additional cost to you.
The complaints mount up
The FCA says that the Financial Ombudsman Service has received about 10,000 complaints about these agreements. Most of them have been rejected however a couple of customers recently won their cases against the finance companies, resulting in compensation payments of around £1,000.
These cases grabbed the FCA’s attention, and also potentially opened the door for thousands of other customers to seek similar compensation as a precedent had now been set. In order to properly investigate and prevent a stampede of claims, the FCA has paused the complaints process while it looks into the situation properly. So until the FCA completes its investigation, any complaint you make will simply be put on hold until after September 2024.
Consumer advice personality Martin Lewis, who has a huge following in the UK, then started talking about the issue on television and online, encouraging people to take action even if they’re not sure whether they ever had a DCA-type finance contract. It’s been reported that around 700,000 people went to his website to lodge their complaints immediately. This will probably give Mr Lewis a lovely new list of names, email address and phone numbers for him to market to, but won’t actually improve your chances of getting compensation if you do end up being due any.
What sort of car finance agreements may be eligible for compensation?
Finance agreements with DCAs were usually used car finance agreements, in the form of a hire purchase (HP) or personal contract purchase (PCP), and generally arranged by the dealer who sold you the car. The dealer may have been a franchised or ‘main’ dealer – one that represents a car manufacturer – or an independent dealer. Whether a small or large dealer, and regardless of the price of the car, the principle is the same.
There won’t be many new car finance agreements that would have had discretionary commission, as new car finance deals tend to be advertised offers at promotional rates. That means you’d either be approved or declined at the advertised rate and the dealer wouldn’t have the ability to change the interest rate.
There may be some cases where a DCA was present on a new car finance agreement, but the number of customers are likely to be small compared to used car buyers.
How do I know if my car finance agreement had a DCA?
The contract paperwork is unlikely to mention that the agreement included discretionary commission, so don’t be surprised if you can’t see it in the contract.
Almost all car finance contracts include a commission to the broker (the dealer), which is perfectly legal and entirely reasonable assuming it’s declared correctly. So just because there’s some small print that confirms that the dealer receives remuneration for arranging the finance, doesn’t mean it’s a DCA.
You can contact your car finance lender (not the dealer where you bought the car) and ask them. They are obliged to tell you if your finance agreement had a discretionary credit provision.
Most car finance providers have now created dedicated pages on their websites to cover this issue. There are usually FAQs, along with forms you can complete to enquire as to whether your finance agreement had a DCA. You can also register your complaint if it did have a DCA and you feel that you have been treated unfairly.
You can also contact the lender in writing or by phone, but if a website form is provided then that’s going to be the best way to initiate an enquiry or complaint.
What if I don’t have my finance contract?
Don’t worry if you don’t have the contract paperwork. You don’t need it, and your contract probably won’t specify whether there was a DCA anyway (which is one of the FCA’s concerns).
You can contact the finance company as above and go through the usual security questions to identify yourself, and they should be able to find your contract details.
Are all DCA agreements affected?
No, not necessarily. Just because your car finance agreement had a provision for discretionary commission, doesn’t mean that the dealer automatically jacked up your interest rate.
As a rule, dealers would put the rate up if they thought you could afford it. If they suspected that you were already pushing the limits of affordability, they may have chosen not to try and squeeze you for any more. In other cases, the dealer may have lowered the rate below the bank’s initial offer to help sell a car.
How do I make a claim for compensation?
Right now, claims are not being processed. The FCA has paused the complaints process for DCA agreements while it conducts an industry-wide investigation into how they were being sold. This is expected to take until the end of September, so nothing is going to happen before then.
You can certainly contact your finance company right now to ask whether you had a discretionary commission agreement. This also won’t prevent you from pursuing the matter later once the FCA makes its decision.
Should I sign up to celebrity campaigns or class actions?
You don’t need to do this right now. What will happen in terms of claiming will depend on what the FCA decides after it completes its investigation.
If the FCA decides there’s a systemic problem
If the FCA decides that industry-wide redress is needed for DCA agreements, it will put a claims process in place for finance companies to follow and for any customers to use. It will be free, so you won’t need to pay lawyers any money. There will also be a clear time limit for making claims (the FCA has indicated 15 months), so you will have plenty of time to make a complaint and there’s no need to be at the front of the queue.
Signing onto any class action campaigns won’t increase your chances of getting any money (or any more money than the FCA’s own process).
The same applies to Martin Lewis or anyone else that claims to be acting in your interests. When the time comes, all they’re going to do is direct you to the FCA process for making a claim.
If the FCA decides there’s no systemic problem
It’s still possible that the FCA may decide that this is not an industry-wide problem, but rather something that’s limited to specific lenders and dealers. That seems unlikely, given the steps already taken, but it will depend on what the regulator finds and what it thinks it can prove.
If the FCA decides that it’s not an industry-wide problem, then your chances of getting compensation will be significantly less. You’ll still be able to take your case to the Financial Ombudsman or a county court if you think you have been mis-sold, but that will require significant time and probably legal assistance, which means significant money as well.
In this situation, we’re likely to see class actions launched at specific lenders, which you’ll be able to join if you wish and you have a qualifying finance agreement.
The FCA has indicated it will allow complaints to the Ombudsman to be referred for 15 months after the finance company’s decision, rather than the usual six-month limit. Bear in mind, however, that even if you win, your costs may eat up most of whatever you need up being awarded.
What happens next?
This issue will continue to evolve as the FCA proceeds with its investigation. There’s unlikely to be any official news for a while yet – the FCA has indicated it will set out its next steps in Q3 2024, so that’s at least July. So anything you read or hear in the meantime is likely to be speculation.
The pause on handling customer complaints runs through until the end of September, so we’re unlikely to see the FCA making its final decision before that time.
As more news on this issue arises, we’ll bring you more information and analysis.
This article was originally published in February 2024. Last updated in March 2024 with additional information about car finance websites adding contact and complain information.
Its first new model since it dropped the SsangYong name, KGM Motors has announced that its large petrol-powered Torres SUV has now arrived in the UK, rivalling the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and the new Skoda Kodiaq.
The SUV marks a fresh start for the Korean manufacturer, which faced significant financial troubles during the Covid-19 pandemic, filed for bankruptcy at the end of 2020, and was then bought out by a consortium led by chemical and steel company KG Group.
At 4.7 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, KGM explains that the car is intended to sit in-between the mid-sized Korando and large Rexton SUVs in its range. While some similarly-sized rivals offer seven seats, the Torres only comes in a five-seat configuration.
KGM says that the SUV’s exterior looks “project a rugged and tough aesthetic”, while the interior “offers a delicate, comfortable, and contemporary space.”
The ICE-powered Torres range will include two trims – the entry-level ‘K30’ and top-spec ‘K40’. Two-wheel drive versions of both trims are available now from KGM’s dealership network, while the A all-wheel drive variant of the ‘K40’ is scheduled for a summer arrival.
As standard, the SUV comes with two 12-inch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The ‘K30’ package also includes keyless entry and start, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear parking camera and dual-zone air-conditioning.
The ‘K40’ swaps out the standard 18-inch alloy wheels with larger 20-inch alloys, and adds ventilated front seats in ‘premium leather’. The rear seats are also heated with this trim, and a wireless smartphone charger, a motorised tailgate and adaptive cruise control are included.
Both options are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit – the same engine that powered the smaller Tivoli – that can muster 163hp and complete a 0-62mph sprint in 9.8 seconds. The SUV offers 703 litres of boot space, and the towing capacity is 1,500kg.
Pricing for the Torres starts at just south of £35k for the lead-in ‘K30’, rising to £40k for the all-wheel drive ‘K40’ version.
The Torres will also be available with an electric powertrain – a separate model called the Torres EVX that makes use of a 73kWh battery that reportedly can deliver a maximum range of 287 miles on a single charge. KGM says we will learn more about this model at its official launch in April.
Initially launched in the UK as the ‘Funky Cat’, the 03 is an all-electric hatchback launched by Ora – a fledgling brand owned by Chinese motoring giant Great Wall Motors.
Slightly smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 but larger than the electric Mini hatch, the 03 is Ora’s first foray into the European market, which has received a rather mixed bag of reviews from UK media sources since it became available to order in the last weeks of 2022.
Often described as “a good start”, some reviewers found it hard to look past its unusual ‘Funky Cat’ name and questionable infotainment, while others have earmarked the hatchback as an interesting left-field choice that could tempt buyers who usually opt for the cars of bigger brands. The styling is often described as a combination of Mini Cooper and Nissan Micra design cues.
As of 2025, the Ora 03 is offered in three trim levels – Pure, Pro and GT – with prices starting at £25K and climbing in £4K increments to the range-topping GT at £33K.
The entry-level Pure model comes with a 43kWh battery, which is good for an official 193-mile electric range, while the top-spec GT has a 63kWh battery, boosted by a heat pump, that raises its official range to 248 miles. As for charging, a 15% to 80% boost should take around 45 minutes.
Parker‘s Alan Taylor-Jones concludes that the hatchback will appeal to those “more focused on style than sensibility”, pointing to the car’s smart styling that is hindered by its small boot, and the fact that it has less battery range than some smaller, cheaper electric superminis.
That said, Richard Ingram of Auto Express adds that the 03 does “punch above its weight on kit and cabin tech” – a conclusion mirrored by the car’s impressive five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
“The Funky Cat is different”, says The Sun‘s Ron Gill, “but it doesn’t move the game on.” While Ora’s first entrant in the UK market is a capable hatchback, it does little to stand out in an increasingly crowded electric family car pack.
As of September 2025, the GWM Ora 03 holds an Expert Rating of A, with a score of 73%. It has an excellent safety score, very low running costs and produces zero tailpipe emissions, as well as an excellent new car warranty. Journalists are not that impressed with how it drives, but it should be a very affordable car to live with.
Launched: Winter 2022/23 Last updated: N/A Replacement due: TBA
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Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“As an urban runabout, the electric GWM Ora 03 is spacious for a supermini, has an excellent safety rating and comes with an impressive equipment list.”
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Cute retro looks and lots of safety kit help the GWM Ora 03 stand out from rival electric vehicles.” Author: Max Adams, Alex Ingram Read review
Model reviewed: 03 GT Score: 6 / 10 “The flagship GWM Ora 03 GT has been given a sporty new look and more equipment, but the changes are purely cosmetic.” Author: Alastair Crooks Read review
Model reviewed: First Edition Score: 8 / 10 “The GWM Ora Funky Cat is arguably the biggest and most pleasant surprise of 2022. It’s time to sit up and take notice of the Chinese car industry; if you can see past the childish name and slightly challenging rear-end styling, the Funky Cat is an extremely credible small EV. Watch out, Europe, China’s on the march.” Author: Richard Ingram Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10 “In a competitive market, the GWM Ora 03 (former Funky Cat) faces a tough battle but those cute looks are a good start, even if some of the finer details lack polish.” Author: Dan Trent Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: First Edition 45kWh Score: 5 / 10 “The Ora Funky Cat drives well enough, but there are too many shortcomings sacrificed for style.” Author: Martyn Collins Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “This is a solid if not outstanding initial gambit from Ora that’ll certainly appeal to those more focused on style than sensibility.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Ora Funky Cat has landed in the UK on all fours and is one of the strongest small EVs currently on sale.” Author: Tom Jervis Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Ora Funky Cat may not be to everyone’s tastes, but it’s a great electric city car with a plush interior and all the kit you could possibly need.” Author: Tom Jervis Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “You might choose it just for the looks, quality and technology, but the Ora Funky Cat is good to drive too. Rivals have a longer range and can charge faster, but that might not worry drivers who rarely venture out of town.” Author: Tom Barnard Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Ora Funky Cat has characterful exterior styling, an interesting interior, the refinement that you would expect from an EV, and decent driving dynamics. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the quality of the car, especially the cabin.” Author: Paul Clarke Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Weird name aside, the Ora Funky Cat is actually a really likeable electric car. We love its cutesy looks and cheerful interior, while it also strikes us as excellent value for money.” Author: Andy Brady Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 5.4 / 10 “If you like the styling of the GWM Ora 03 (formerly known as the Funky Cat) and enjoy its fun interior, you likely won’t be disappointed by the car’s undemanding driving dynamics. But we’ll hold out hope for a software update to fix some of our bigger complaints with the car.” Author: Keith Adams Read review
The Scotsman
Model reviewed: First Edition Score: 5 / 10 “There’s no doubt Chinese brands are going to have a major role in the UK’s motoring landscape but probably not off the back of the Ora Funky Cat, which feels like a car rushed out to meet a set of on-paper specs with little focus on how well it works in the real world.” Author: Matt Allan Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview “Funky Cat is different but it doesn’t move the game on. If you really want a smart, do-it-all electric car, go and try a Kia Niro. That’s the Top Cat.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Funky Cat has its problems, including the price tag and the comparatively small battery, but it’s still a competitive product, nonetheless. The driving experience and cabin quality are both a match for the Funky Cat’s rivals, and the in-car technology is impressive.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 03 GT Score: 6 / 10 “Rebranded and restyled, this five-door hatchback brings quirky charm and generous kit, but struggles to turn novelty into substance.” Author: Alex Robbins Read review
Model reviewed: First Edition Score: 4 / 10 “There’s far too much ‘that’ll do’ for the Ora Funky Cat to be a credible contender in what is going to be a very hard-fought sector of the market, despite its attractive five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.” Author: Andrew English Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 5 / 10 “Interesting to look at and to explain to your friends, but the Funky Cat is let down by some fundamental issues.” Author: Greg Potts Read review
Model reviewed: Funky Cat First Edition Score: 7 / 10 “The indicators are a nightmare: it’s a light touch for a quick indicate and a heavy touch when you’re sat at a junction, but it’s all too easy to press too hard.” Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10 “If you like to stand out and you can handle the name, the Ora Funky Cat could be the small EV for you. It has personality by the bucketload, provides a respectable range, and gives the likes of the Honda e and Mini Electric a run for their money. But there’s no denying this is a Chinese oddball, and it’s not as fun to drive as it looks.” Author: Tim Barnes-Clay Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The GWM Ora 03 was awarded Euro NCAP’s best small family car for 2022, based on its impressive scores across all four categories of testing.
The hatchback comes with adaptive cruise control with steering assistance as standard, traffic-sign recognition and a driver monitoring system.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of September 2025, the GWM Ora 03 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 Ora 03 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it 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
216 miles
C
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
4 m/KWh
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
24
B
The GWM Ora 03 should be 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.
The electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel economy in a petrol or diesel car) is only average, but if you are able to charge from home then it is still significantly cheaper than paying for petrol at a service station.
We don’t yet have servicing and maintenance costs for the GWM Ora 03, so check back soon.
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 GWM Ora 03 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 3, we’ll publish the score here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the GWM Ora 03
Overall rating
A
96%
New car warranty duration
5 years
New car warranty mileage
Unlimited miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
GWM’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than some other brands in a similar price bracket to the 03.
The duration is five years, with no limit on mileage. In addition, there is an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
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.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the GWM Ora 03 has received.
2022
Driving Electric Awards – Best Urban Electric Car
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If you’re looking at the GWM Ora 03, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
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Lease a GWM Ora 03
If you’re looking to lease a new GWM Ora 03, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
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Subscribe to a GWM Ora 03
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?)
Providing peace of mind and protection in the event of an accident, car safety features will always be an important factor for many when car shopping, particularly for those who are looking for their next family runaround.
Cars of every shape and size are getting safer and safer too, thanks to the increasing standards of crash avoidance technology expected of every new model. Car manufacturers are now fitting their cheapest models with on-board safety systems that only expensive luxury cars had a decade or so ago, partly thanks to increasingly strict government rules.
But, even though safety standards for new cars are consistently climbing across the board in the UK, there are a few models that our Expert Rating Index singles out from the rest of the competition.
All holding five-star safety scores from independent crash tester Euro NCAP, the new cars listed below have been commended for their adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection (mainly cyclists and pedestrians) and safety assistance technology (accident avoidance and mitigation), with high scores in each category.
How our safety rating scores are calculated
Our Safety Rating score uses a complex algorithm based on Euro NCAP testing results, using all four of Euro NCAP’s testing categories rather than just the headline score. This includes a complete breakdown of scores for adults, children, pedestrians and assist systems, so you can see the information that matters most to you.
Euro NCAP scores expire after six or seven years, as the scoring criteria gets tougher each year and cars that were tested several years ago can no longer be guaranteed of maintaining their initial score. A car may be re-tested if it’s still on sale, which happened in the case of the Tesla Model S below, although this doesn’t always happen.
Euro NCAP testing gets tougher almost every year, so a five-star score from 2019 doesn’t necessarily equate to a five-star result in 2024. To account for this, and to factor in the seven-year expiry period, our safety rating algorithm contains an age factor as well.
Highlighted by our Expert Rating Index, all of these cars are fitted with features to both help prevent collisions and protect occupants if a crash can’t be avoided. These include autonomous emergency braking, software to detect driver fatigue and a system to notify emergency services when a crash happens.
Please note that the below list doesn’t include any new car that hasn’t been put through its paces by Euro NCAP, and thus some of the newest market entrants like the Volvo EX30 unfortunately have to sit this one out.
It’s been on sale since 2014 – although with plenty of updates over the last decade – but the Tesla Model S is the safest new car you can buy in the UK today. Well, assuming you can afford £100K for a new car and are happy to have it in left-hand drive, because that’s the only version of the Model S you can still buy at the moment.
Originally tested back in 2014, the Model S was re-tested by Euro NCAP in 2022 and returned another outstanding set of scores. In particular, Tesla scores top marks for its exceptional safety assistance technology. This tech is crucial as – obviously – avoiding an accident altogether is better than surviving one.
It’s not, as Tesla describes, an autopilot function where the car can drive itself. But the combination of Tesla’s various tech systems as a safety net for the driver is better than anything else on sale.
The Tesla Model S currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 81% on our award-winning Expert Rating Index. That puts it jointly at the very top of the charts of the best new cars on sale.
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
You’re looking at the world’s best-selling car in 2023. Not just the world’s best-selling electric car, but the most popular car of any kind across the whole planet. If you still have any doubts that the electric revolution is underway, the Tesla Model Y should end those now.
Like the Model S above, the Tesla Model Y aced its Euro NCAP safety tests in 2022. As with all Tesla vehicles, the driver-assistance technology is the best around, and the Model Y also scores the best-ever results for adult protection. The other scores, for children and other road users, are excellent as well.
The Tesla Model Y has received plenty of praise from the UK motoring media, and currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 81% on our unique Expert Rating Index.
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The fifth-generation Lexus RX SUV impressed Euro NCAP testers when it was put through its safety paces in late 2022, achieving high scores in every category. The car’s particular stand-out trait is its ‘vulnerable road user protection’ score (pedestrians and cyclists), which is the highest of any car on this list.
Winner of The Car Expert’s ‘Best Large SUV’ award last year, the Lexus RX holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 73%.
The electric Mercedes-Benz EQE is another executive saloon held in high regard by Euro NCAP, with high safety scores in every category. The EQE also comes with Mercedes’ ‘Car-to-X Communication’ – award-winning software that allows cars to notify each other of hazards in real time to help prevent accidents.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 76%.
While the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail isn’t the most economical SUV on the market, it is certainly one of the safest, with its 2022 Euro NCAP test resulting in three category scores above 90%. It’s also the highest-ranked model available with traditional petrol power (with a mild-hybrid kick) on this list.
The Nissan X-Trail currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%.
The most recent arrival on this safety leaderboard, the ID.7 is a sign of what’s to come from Volkswagen, including the brand’s latest safety tech. Euro NCAP commented that the large battery-powered saloon was one of the most impressive cars it tested in 2023, and gave the car a very high ‘adult occupant protection’ score.
The Volkswagen ID.7 currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 80% in our Expert Rating Index.
Formerly the manufacturer of pint-sized electric city cars, the launch of the #1 (pronounced as ‘Hashtag One’) was a fresh start for Smart – a mid-sized hatchback that achieved the brand’s highest ever Euro NCAP safety scores.
The Smart #1 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 79%.
The electric Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra are twins, developed as a joint venture between the two companies. As a result, the two cars share the same five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2022, and while the SUVs couldn’t quite match the Model Y’s impressive score sheet, a 91% ‘safety assistance technology’ score is the highest that either brand has ever achieved.
The Toyota bZ4X currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 79%.
The third-generation BMW X1 passed its Euro NCAP examinations with flying colours in 2022, with a particularly impressive safety assistance technology score. This rating stands for petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the X1, as well as the all-electric iX1.
Both the BMW X1 and electric iX1 currently hold a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 78%.
Mazda’s flagship SUV offering, the CX-60 has received plenty of reviewer praise for its long list of standard equipment, which also includes plenty of safety tech. When it comes to Euro NCAP scores, the Mazda is joint-top in the ‘child occupant protection’ and ‘vulnerable road user protection’ assessment categories.
The Mazda CX-60 currently holds a New CarExpert Rating of B, with a score of 68%.
The famous Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Maserati is currently enjoying a rebirth under its latest owners. But how much do you know about the company and its history?
Maserati is based in the northern Italian city of Modena, although it’s probably only the second-most-famous car company associated with the city. For car enthusiasts, Modena is best known as the home town of the legendary Enzo Ferrari and his famous racing team, although Enzo moved his operation a dozen miles down the road to the town of Maranello during the second world war. But that’s another story.
Maserati is a manufacturer founded in motor racing – like Ferrari – and which launched its first road car in 1947 – also like Ferrari. The two companies were long-time rivals as well as neighbours, and both faced financial ruin in the 1950s before finding new buyers to bail them out in the 1960s. Their paths diverged for decades then came back together, then went their separate ways once more in recent years.
Over its near-100 years of car manufacturing, Maserati has built a reputation for luxury in a sporting package. Over the years, the company has been owned by a succession of other manufacturers, including Ferrari for a while. But it has also produced many cars, and model names, that have become classics – names such as Quattroporte, Mistral and Ghibli. Now the brand is launching into the electric revolution with another distinctive name: Folgore.
The Maserati story started with six brothers born in Modena between 1881 and 1898. The brothers (Carlo, Bindo, Alfieri, Mario, Ettore and Ernesto) were quickly enthused by the then-revolutionary new automobile, so they set up a family firm in 1914 in Bologna, about 30 miles east of Modena. They started out made spark plugs but, before long, the brothers moved into building and racing cars for other companies.
The first car to be called a Maserati, the Tipo 26, appeared in 1926. It made its debut at the Targa Florio, a famous road race around Sicily, driven by Alfieri Maserati to a win in its class and ninth place overall.
The early years of Maserati were all about racing, including two victories at the Indianapolis 500 in America. Maserati’s greatest success came in 1957 when it won the Formula 1 world championship, but on-track successes masked serious financial problems and Maserati withdrew its team from motorsport at the end of that year. It did keep on building racing cars for wealthy customers, however.
By this time, the brothers had long sold up to an Italian industrialist named Adolfo Orsi, but continued to work for Maserati for many years. This marked the start of a chaotic few decades for the company, during which point it changed owners on a fairly regular basis.
Orsi moved the Maserati factory to the family’s home town of Modena in 1940 and the first Maserati road car, called the A6, appeared in 1947. This marked the start of a period of great success for the company, which grew even further after the introduction of a whole new type of car, the Quattroporte luxury sports saloon, in 1963.
In 1968, Maserati was sold to French car maker Citroën, but the 1973 oil crisis pushed Maserati, and Citroën, almost to oblivion and in 1975 it was was jointly acquired by the Italian state and former racing driver Alejandro De Tomaso, who owned his own sports car company.
De Tomaso’s control of the company lasted until 1993 when Maserati was bought by automotive giant Fiat, which also owned Ferrari. Maserati was subsequently positioned as Ferrari’s luxury arm and this arrangement lasted until 2005 when Maserati was split from Ferrari and attached to another Fiat-owned sports car brand, Alfa Romeo.
Fiat merged with US car giant Chrysler in 2014 and then, in 2021, Fiat-Chrysler joined with the French PSA Group (owner of Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall and others) to form Stellantis Automobiles. This wheeling and dealing brought Maserati back into the same family as one of its former owners, Citroën.
Maserati Sebring, 1962
What models does Maserati have and what else is coming?
Maserati currently offers a six-strong model range, of which the flagship Quattroporte has the most history – the first example of the marque’s four-door (quattro porte in Italian) saloon appeared in 1963. The latest is the sixth generation and has been around a while, launched in 2013. It’s a similar size to the BMW 7 Series and is due to replaced next year.
Sharing the Quattroporte’s underpinnings is another model with a long-standing name, the Ghibli (pronounced ‘jib-lee’). This is a slightly smaller saloon (think BMW 5 Series in size) and again the current version dates back to 2013, though it received a major update in 2017.
Somewhat younger is the GranTurismo, a two-door coupe now in its second incarnation which was launched in 2023. It’s a major rival to the likes of the Bentley Continental GT and even the Porsche 911. The GranTurismo has also spawned a drop-top version, the GranCabrio.
Maserati was one of the earliest of the luxury brands to go the SUV route. Its first SUV, a large model called the Levante, launched in 2016, and in 2022 it was joined by a smaller sister, the Grecale. This has underpinnings shared with a car boasting a rather stronger 4×4 pedigree, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Topping the range is Maserati’s supercar, the MC20. Launched in 2022 as the first mid-engined model from the brand since 2005, it produces more than 620hp from its twin-turbo V6 pitching it against rivals from the likes of Lamborghini and McLaren (and of course, Ferrari).
There is currently little hint of any completely new model lines from Maserati but the brand is fully committed to going electric, though it doesn’t use such downmarket phrases. Maserati EVs will carry the badge ‘Folgore’, which is Italian for ‘lightning’.
The first Folgore models will be electric versions of the Grecale SUV and GranTurismo coupé, while a GranCabrio Folgore is also on the way. Maserati has also returned to motorsport to promote its electric ambitions, competing in the all-electric Formula E World Championship.
Folgore – it’s Italian for ‘lightning’ and is the name Maserati gives to its EV models
Where can I try a Maserati car?
If you are interested in buying a Maserati, you should be prepared to travel. Being an exclusive manufacturer means there are not many dealers selling new Maseratis – in fact, there are just a dozen or so across the UK.
The most recent developments are the Maserati ‘Store’ concept, the idea being less car dealership and more retail outlet. Combining showroom and workshop, the Stores aim to let customers create their bespoke cars in the way one would specify a made-to-measure suit from a tailor.
The first Maserati Store opened in Hatfield, north of London, in September 2023, with Maserati’s official UK brand ambassador David Beckham doing the honours. The second is being opened this May in Ascot, Surrey.
Due to their limited production and high values, classic Maseratis are traded through specialist dealer networks and auction houses all over the world. As a result, there are many old models here in the UK today that were originally delivered to other countries but have found their way here over the years.
What makes Maserati different to the rest?
Maserati was, for several years, a sister to Ferrari and the two brands’ cars are still built in the same district of Italy. In fact, bodies for some Maserati models are still built by Ferrari in Maranello and then transported up the road to the Maserati factory in Modena.
Some versions of the Quattroporte, Ghibli and Levante also use V8 engines designed and built by Ferrari, but this arrangement is ending with those models as Maserati shifts to its own engine designs.
While Ferraris are all about performance over occupant comfort, Maseratis are principally grand tourers – their impressive levels of performance are matched by the luxury, cars in which it is easy to clock up hundreds of miles in opulent comfort.
A Maserati fact to impress your friends
The Maserati badge is a trident and was created by one of the brothers, Mario Maserati, in 1920. He was apparently inspired by the ‘Fountain of Neptune’ statue depicting the legendary sea god that stands in the Piazza Magiore in Bologna. The logo was considered appropriate as it both recalls the founding city of the Maserati company and also signifies strength and vigour.
Summary
Many observers might consider that Maserati sits forever in the shadow of its more famous neighbour, Ferrari. It shouldn’t be that way – the brand has just as much Italian history and a motorsport tradition that saw F1 world championship success in the 1950s, underlining the performance pedigree of its cars.
With such credentials, plus a degree of luxury one won’t see in Ferraris, Maseratis remain highly desirable cars. If you like the idea of a fine Italian sporting saloon, SUV or sports car that has far greater exclusivity than a run-of-the-mill BMW, Audi or Porsche, maybe a Maserati could be just right for you.
Scandinavia is known for its clear air, beautiful mountains, forests and lakes, and some of the roads that will get you to these wonderful sights are simply breath-taking.
Sweden is no exception to this rule – it’s the largest of the Nordic countries and is blessed with fine scenery, exciting cities and incredible islands dotted throughout its vast areas of water: the lakes and rivers.
Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe but despite the vast wilderness of beauty throughout its nation, the majority of its people live in towns and cities – Stockholm, the capital, being the biggest of these. There’s also Malmo and Gothenburg.
Steeped in history, there’s wonderful architecture to be seen in its many towns and villages while memories of the Viking era are everywhere. Out on the open road you’re more likely to come across an elk or reindeer than another car in some areas. These can be a real danger on many routes and warning triangles will often feature at the roadside to warn you.
Swedish roads are a joy to drive – long, open and well-maintained, they are among the best in the world. But you need to be prepared for trips into the wilderness not least because temperatures can vary so much. Warm in the summer, Sweden can become very cold in winter months with sub-zero temperatures a regular occurrence. The coldest ever recorded temperature was minus 52 degrees C in 1966.
It’s a wealthy country and its towns and cities are home to much business and manufacture, among these the car industry, telecommunications and pharmaceutical.
If you are one of many UK motorists who is considering this Scandinavian country for a vacation this year, you’ll need some careful organisation before going there. Flying in and hiring a vehicle is easy, with all the main rental companies and others, available with a wide variety of vehicles.
Driving in Sweden is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. And that isn’t just because the Swedes drive on a different side of the road from us.
It’s much more than that and planning a driving holiday or using a car on business while in the country, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can and can’t do behind the wheel there.
So it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip and making sure you have everything in place for your northern European excursion.
Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to drive in Sweden, and we’ve included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.
Keep right
Like all of continental Europe and the vast majority of countries around the world, Sweden drives on the right side of the road with local cars being left-hand drive (in other words, the opposite of the UK).
Right-hand-drive cars are legal, so you can drive your own car over from the UK, but it’s less convenient for things like toll booths, parking gates or drive-through restaurants.
Licence requirements
You must be 18 years or over to drive in Sweden and you should hold a full UK driving licence. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement.
You must be at least 20 years old to rent some vehicles in Sweden so check before you sign the rental agreement. Whether you are renting or using your own vehicle, always carry your personal ID or passport with you.
Taking your own car to Sweden
It’s legal to drive your UK-registered, right-hand drive car in Sweden, but remember that you have to drive on the opposite side of the road.
If you’re using your own car, you’ll need to prove that you have insurance cover so take your certificate with you (but you don’t need a European ‘green card’) and you must carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 ‘logbook’.
The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. Most people today have the ‘UK’ letters and the Union Flag incorporated into their vehicle’s number plates but if you don’t have this, you must affix a ‘UK’ sticker to the rear of the vehicle. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country badges such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.
You’ll also need to adjust your headlight beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Many modern cars allow you to do this from the dashboard, while older cars will require anti-dazzle stickers to be fitted to the headlights. These are available from car parts stores or travel shops at the ferry terminal.
Speed limits
Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph) and in Sweden are not based on the category of the road, but the considered safety of the route.
In built-up and suburban areas, the limit can vary between 50km/h (31mph) and 100km/h (62mph) so keep a close eye on roadside signage. Motorways have a blanket 110km/h (68mph) top speed.
Speeding fines differ greatly depending on the speed that drivers are caught. For going up to 10km/h over the limit in a built-up area, fines start at 2000 Krona (kr) (£150); up to 30km/h over its 3,600 kr (£270) and if you’re stopped going more than 35km/h over the speed limit on a motorway it’s 4,000 kr (£300).
There are speed cameras on many Swedish roads and they can often be hidden or difficult to see. You are not allowed any kind of speed camera or radar detection equipment in your car. Likewise, if your satnav unit shows where speed cameras are sited, you must de-activate this function as it’s illegal.
Don’t use a mobile phone while driving either, unless it’s completely hands-free.
Blood alcohol limit
We don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive but it’s worth knowing the limits. The drink drive limit is 0.2 g/l (also shown as 0.2 milligrams or 0.02%), which makes Sweden one of the strictest countries in the world for drink-driving. Most countries Europe – including Scotland – have a limit of 0.05%, while England and Wales are 0.08% (one of the highest limits anywhere in the world).
The police take a hard line on drink driving, so be careful even when you are getting behind the wheel ‘the next morning’. Officers can demand a breath test at any time and without reason and there are severe penalties – fines or even prison – if you are shown to be over the limit.
What to carry in the car
While motoring through Sweden, ensure you have a warning triangle in the car and make sure your lights don’t dazzle oncoming drivers – you must have beam deflectors fitted (or the ability to manually adjust your lights). You must switch dipped lights on all the time, on every road although cars sold in Sweden will have this feature automatically.
You will also need to have winter tyres fitted to your car if you are planning to drive in snow and ice between 1st December and 31st March. Some areas require you to fit snow chains too – look for local signs. If you have a trailer, this must also have the correct tyres.
Although not a requirement, it’s also recommended that you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tow rope, spare bulbs, reflective jacket and jump leads.
Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for around £25, which contain everything you are likely to need for a holiday road trip, and it’s well worth considering one.
Seatbelts
Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn.
Children less than 135cm in height must be in an approved child seat in the front or back of the car. Above this height they can ride on a regular seat and if they are over 140cm they can sit in the front passenger seat if the airbag is switched off.
Driving in Sweden
Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left.
Overtake only when you are sure it is safe to do so. There are many roads which have a dedicated lane for drivers wanting to drive slowly. They are required to keep over and let others pass them when they are not in this special lane.
Priority is usually given to vehicles approaching you from the right but look for road signs which might indicate something different. Don’t use your horn unless absolutely necessary, such as in an emergency or to prevent an accident.
Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. A flashing amber light can mean the traffic signals are faulty while a separate, smaller set of lights next to the main signals can sometimes include an arrow permitting you to drive in the direction it is pointing.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 24 metres in length, 4.5 metres in height and 2.6 metres in width. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors.
Road signs
Road signs are usually coloured yellow with a red outline for those giving advice or warning, and blue where something is mandatory. They use pictures and therefore rarely need words. Where words are used these will be in the Swedish language except for ‘Stop’ which is in English. Most directional signs are written in Swedish with distances in kilometres.
Fuel availability
Petrol and diesel is widely available throughout the country. Swedish motorways don’t have service areas – these are sited close to exits and signs will point you there on reaching the intersection. They almost all have automatic, card-operated pumps which take internationally-recognised credit cards.
There are more than 2,500 charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) throughout Sweden.
Toll roads
There are few toll roads in Sweden and there is no fee to pay for using the motorways. However, you will have to pay tolls on some of the main bridges, such as Sundsvall, Motala and Skurubron.
Parking
Although there are wide open spaces in Sweden, its main cities can be very congested. That makes parking more difficult. It’s certainly limited in built-up areas with restricted zones shown by road signs. There are steep fines for illegal parking and while wheel clamps are not used by the police, your car can be towed away. There will be a fine to pay for a vehicle’s release plus costs for the towing.
Park with the car looking towards the direction of travel. If it’s not a marked parking spot you probably can’t stop there. A blue sign with a ‘P’ in it usually signals free parking but beware, this might have a time limit so check very carefully.
Do not park anywhere that the police might consider dangerous such as near an intersection, level crossing, bus or tram stop, crest of a hill or blind bend. Don’t stop in bicycle lanes or pedestrian paths.
Emergency number
In Sweden as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French and other European languages.
The Aston Martin Vantage has been given a pretty comprehensive update, which includes a substantial increase in power output, further mechanical alterations to improve driving dynamics, revised exterior looks and a new interior design.
Starting with the car’s exterior, Aston Martin has decided to give its lead-in (but still very expensive) supercar offering taller oval-shaped Matrix LED headlights and a larger chequered front grille which mirrors the design of the new DB12 grand tourer. The model has also been given a higher nose with deeper bonnet contours, as well as frameless wing mirrors and sharp air intakes that jut out of either side of the bumper.
Aston Martin Vantage (pre-facelift vs. post-facelift)
What isn’t immediately noticeable is the work Aston’s engineers have completed underneath. This is still a front-engined rear-drive sports car, but the manufacturer says that everything forward of the windscreen has been revised, with stiffer but lighter chassis components and an improved power steering system which reportedly provide sharper steering.
Aston Martin adds that the suspension has been improved thanks to ‘state-of-the-art’ dampers (that also feature on the DB12) that have an ‘immense’ range of control and speed of response. The car’s wider wheel arches house 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and cast-iron brake discs that have been upgraded to handle the engine’s higher power output.
Speaking of the power output, the Vantage has been given a 155hp boost (30% increase) thanks to larger turbochargers and other tweaks, and can now muster 665hp when you put your foot down. That makes it almost as powerful as the DB12.
It’s the same engine – a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 supplied by Mercedes-AMG – but the brand says that this added power meant that the car’s engine cooling system had to be completely redesigned with two further auxiliary coolers added to the main radiator to cope with the extra heat. As before, the engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Don’t expect this power hike to quicken the supercar’s already rapid 0-60mph sprint time by much though – this sprint time has been cut by a reported tenth of a second, now 3.4 seconds. Top speed stands at 202mph – 7mph higher than the pre-facelift Vantage.
The Vantage has had a significant overhaul inside too, with the brand’s latest ten-inch infotainment touchscreen front and centre below the revised dashboard. Wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay, several of the car’s functions can be controlled through this display, but Aston Martin reassures customers that physical buttons have been retained for gear selection, drive selection, heating and ventilation.
The infotainment comes with the brand’s own 3D navigation software, with the driver able to input their destination using What3words. Fitted as standard is an 11-speaker surround sound audio system, but a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is also available for an additional fee.
Now available to order, the refreshed Vantage will enter production imminently, and customers can access a huge amount of extra customisation options by ordering their new model through the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ service.
Aston Martin hasn’t specified if the price of the Vantage has increased post-update, which did sit at around the £125k mark before the facelift, as the brand operates on a ‘enquire to find out’ basis. The first customer deliveries are expected to arrive in the Summer.
The Aston Martin Vantage currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56% in our Expert Rating Index. Although it has received positive media reviews, it score suffers from its very high CO2 emissions and running costs.
Mercedes-Benz has announced that a ‘Limited Edition’ version of its high-performance AMG A 45 S hatchback is on offer until the end of the year, which comes with a range of cosmetic alterations.
The most notable change is the new paintwork – an exclusive ‘AMG green hell magno’ finish with large ‘A 45 S’ lettering on the doors and the AMG crest on the bonnet. The hot hatch sits on 19-inch matte black alloy wheels with yellow accents to match the bodywork decals.
The fuel cap also features the AMG logo, and the light projectors shine the same branding onto the road when you get in and out of the vehicle. This trim comes with insulated tinted rear windows, and the A 45 S fixed rear spoiler is painted black too.
Yellow accents also feature inside- across the dashboard trim, doors and on the ‘AMG Performance’ seats that are also embroidered with ’45 S’ lettering on the headrests.
That sums up how the ‘Limited Edition’ differs from the standard A 45 S, apart from the price. Pricing for this ‘Limited Edition’ is yet to be confirmed (though Mercedes says that the model can be ordered now in the UK), but it is expected to cost a few thousand more than the £63k A 45 S, which is the most expensive model in the AMG A-Class range.
The engine remains the same – a 421hp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with a top speed of 168mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 67% in our Expert Rating Index. It has great reviews from the media and a strong safety score, but running costs are extremely high.
Personal contract hire (PCH) is an increasingly popular way of driving a new car for personal use. It is considered a viable alternative to a personal contract purchase (PCP) that we have discussed on many occasions previously.
Personal contract hire is a form of leasing. The principle is generally the same as any kind of car rental, except that the term usually lasts three or four years rather than a few days. So while the car is in your possession, you don’t actually own it and are not making payments towards ownership.
This is different from a PCP, which is an ownership product. That means that you have borrowed the money from the finance company to pay for the car, and your monthly finance payments are paying off that to eventually take ownership of the vehicle.
The confusion tends to come from most people treating a PCP like a rental and never taking full ownership of the vehicle. But if you never intend to pay off the whole car, you may find a simple lease contract like PCH is more suitable for your needs. So let’s explore it in more detail.
Contract hire has been a popular financing method for businesses to manage their vehicle fleets for many years. Instead of buying or financing cars, they simply rent them. Personal contract hire for consumers works in the same way – the key difference is that, unlike a business, you can’t reclaim VAT on personal contract hire.
Unlike a PCP or hire purchase (HP), most contract hire financing is not arranged at a car dealership, although dealers can do this for you and more manufacturers are starting to offer ‘in-house’ PCH deals through dealers.
Instead, most contract hire customers will arrange their new car lease through either an independent broker, a specialist leasing company or the manufacturer finance company’s dedicated contract hire department. That means that you can access a huge number of leasing providers and agents from the comfort of your own home via their websites.
You can lease a new car without having to even get up off your sofa, as there are hundreds of brokers available to help you out online. If you’d like some suggestions of where to start, check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best sites for leasing a new car.
Like a PCP, you pay an upfront initial payment, followed by regular monthly payments. Other similarities are an annual mileage allowance that you must stick to, and requirements to keep the car fully serviced and in good condition. Unlike a PCP, however, there’s no debt and there’s no option to buy the vehicle at the end. You just hand it back to the lease company and – as long as it is an acceptable condition – that’s it.
Is a PCH cheaper than PCP?
Theoretically, no. But in practice, the answer is often yes.
For the same vehicle, the same deposit, same term and same mileage, there shouldn’t really be any major difference in the monthly payments for a PCH agreement compared to a PCP, as the calculations used to work out the payments will be the same. However, PCH often works out to be cheaper – even if it’s only a few pounds per month.
The power of mass purchasing
One of the reasons for this is that the leasing companies buy thousands of cars from car manufacturers every year, so they almost always get a better price on the same car than you can get from a dealer. That means they can pass on lower rentals to you. This is particularly the case if you are choosing a car that’s in stock or an advertised offer, rather than ordering a particular specification from the factory.
Sometimes, leasing companies might be getting a 40% discount on the price of each car, which is comfortably better than anything you can negotiate with your local dealer.
The power of competition
With hundreds of brokers across the UK and many different finance providers able to arrange a contract hire agreement on the same vehicle, it is a very competitive market with plenty of offers to choose from.
This is quite different from a PCP deal on a new car, where the dealer almost always sources the finance exclusively from the manufacturer’s own finance company. With less competition, there’s less incentive to offer you the best deal possible.
What should I know that the leasing company won’t tell me?
The leasing company remains the owner of the vehicle at all times, and you’re simply renting their vehicle from them at an agreed monthly price for an agreed term (just like renting a house, really). That gives them the power to call the shots with more control than in a finance agreement.
With PCH, you are not covered by as many consumer protections as a PCP or HP agreement because you’re not buying anything. This means you do not have the protection of voluntary termination during the agreement, nor the right to stop the finance company from repossessing the vehicle in the event of non-payment.
The flipside of lowest possible monthly payments is that contract hire agreements are usually the least flexible type of car finance. If you default on your payments, or your circumstances change and you want to terminate the agreement early, you are likely to face significantly higher costs compared to other forms of finance.
Despite leasing agreements being much less complicated than PCP finance agreements with their balloons and GFVs, there is usually an additional layor of complexity in that you generally source a car through a leasing broker, who then engages the actual leasing company. That means that the person who helps set up your lease may have no connection whatsoever to the company providing the lease or the dealer supplying the vehicle. If you change your mind and withdraw from the agreement, you may get a refund from the leasing company but you probably won’t get your money back from the broker.
Leasing is generally only available on new cars, rather than used cars. However, there are some exceptions to this rule and some leasing brokers can arrange a lease for you on a pre-registered car, or a dealer demonstrator, or some other type of near-new vehicle.
Does personal contract hire include insurance?
Any deals you see advertised online won’t include any extras like insurance or servicing, or any factory options on the car. However, you can add these extras to your agreement if you like, which can be wrapped up into your overall monthly payments.
You’ll need to crunch your own numbers to work out if it’s cheaper or more expensive than sorting those things out yourself, but it does give you the opportunity to lock in your overall costs with more certainty.
Do I own the vehicle?
No. You may or may not be the registered keeper of the vehicle on the V5C logbook, but the car is owned by the finance company that provides your contract hire. You are simply renting it for an agreed period of time.
Personal contract hire – the pros and cons
Pros:
Leasing usually involves lower monthly payments than other car finance products such as PCP.
Leased vehicles are usually brand new and covered by the manufacturer’s full new car warranty, so you’re less likely to encounter vehicle faults or breakdowns than with a used car, and less likely to have to pay for any problems.
Routine servicing and tyre costs can be included in optional maintenance packages (at extra cost).
The monthly payment is fixed for the duration of the contract.
If you find your mileage is greater than what you had expected, the lease can often be amended to reflect this (by increasing your monthly payment).
Many different brokers and finance companies can arrange contract hire finance for the same vehicle, so you have much greater finance choice than with a PCP.
Cons:
The payments may be cheap but the contracts are usually inflexible, so trying to end a lease early may be very expensive.
You don’t own the vehicle and must return it at the end of the lease term.
You agree the mileage limit at the start of the agreement. If you go over that amount, you’ll be charged a penalty.
You’ll be charged for any damage to the vehicle beyond normal wear and tear, although most leasing companies will cover the first £150.
You don’t benefit from the same level of consumer protection that you do with a PCP or HP, like voluntary termination or repossession rights.
Is personal contract hire right for me?
You need to make sure you properly understand any finance agreement before you sign up for it, whether it’s a rental or purchase contract. Be aware of exactly how much you are paying per month as well as any fees (which are mostly non-refundable if you change your mind), and make sure you are not over-stretching yourself.
If that means that you can’t afford the car of your dreams, then so be it. There will always be additional expenses when running a car, and if you can’t afford to eat because your monthly car payment is due then you have made a fairly fundamental error.
Broadly speaking, if you are likely to change your car in a few years’ time, then PCH can be a cost-effective way to finance it.
If you are going to keep it for longer than four years, or you are not sure how long you may want or need to keep the car, then you may well be better off with a hire purchase (HP) or a personal loan instead, which will give you more freedom and flexibility.
This article was originally published in December 2017, and was comprehensively updated in February 2024.
Disclaimer
Most car finance agreements in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and anyone involved in the selling or provision of car finance must be accredited by the FCA.
You should always consider the terms and conditions of any agreement carefully before taking out any form of car finance, as you are making a substantial ongoing commitment and there may be significant costs if you change your mind or are unable to meet your commitments at a later date.
Basic checks by drivers would help reduce the large number of avoidable and costly breakdowns that occur on the UK’s motorways every day, say road safety experts.
The most common reasons for motorists dialling out for an emergency rescue are the car’s battery and tyres, or running out of fuel. All of these scenarios can be avoided – or at least have the chances of them happening, reduced – if drivers took extra time to check their vehicles before setting off on a journey.
Simple maintenance checks greatly reduce the risk of trouble, say experts at road safety and breakdown recovery group GEM Motoring Assist. And the organisation is encouraging drivers to ensure they check battery condition, tyre pressures and fuel levels before driving on any motorway.
“Breaking down on the motorway – or experiencing an emergency situation – can be frightening, especially if you’re not sure on what action to take,” says GEM road safety adviser James Luckhurst.
“A breakdown is always going to be a high-risk situation, for you, your passengers and the professionals who come out to rescue and recover your car. And there are ways of reducing that risk if you find yourself in difficulty.
“But it’s important to know that most motorway breakdowns could be prevented by ensuring vehicles are well maintained and with plenty of fuel.”
Top tips if you do break down on a motorway
If your car is malfunctioning, aim to leave the motorway at the next junction or services
If this isn’t possible, move into the hard shoulder or the nearest emergency area
Put your hazard lights on
If you can, get out of the vehicle using the passenger door
Move behind the safety barrier if there is one and go on to the verge if it’s safe
Don’t attempt any repairs to your vehicle
Don’t put out a warning triangle
Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then a breakdown provider for help
If you cannot do the above, or in an emergency, stay in your vehicle, keep seatbelts and hazard lights on
Mazda has revealed the UK pricing for its latest minor MX-5 refresh which is due in March – an update thatincludes small exterior design alterations, a larger infotainment touchscreen, a new ‘track driving mode’ and a few mechanical upgrades.
Starting with the car’s looks, the updated MX-5’s exterior design is largely the same as the current model, but does feature redesigned LED headlights that now incorporate daytime running lights, and Mazda says it has updated the design of the tail lights in the rear too. An additional grey paint option has also been introduced.
Inside, a larger nine-inch touchscreen display that the manufacturer says offers clearer navigation mapping and, like the current software, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. Mazda adds that it has also added some additional USB-C ports for charging electronic devices, and installed a frameless rear-view mirror.
Mazda has also introduced a ‘track’ mode that can be activated using a physical button on the lower right-hand side of the steering wheel, which uses dynamic stability control tech to improve track times. This tech automatically controls braking and engine torque in high speed corners to prevent the car’s rear end from slipping at high speed.
The manufacturer also says it has improved response of the accelerator “to deliver a more accurate throttle application” and has tweaked the steering system, again to improve response.
This facelift also introduces a few additional bits of safety tech, including lane-keeping assistance and speed sign recognition which are included as standard.
The refreshed range of convertible and ‘RF’ retractable hard-top models will arrive in March with an unchanged engine line-up. Pricing begins at £28k for the convertible in the lead-in ‘Prime-Line’ guise.
The Mazda MX-5 has received widespread praise for its driving dynamics, light weight and uncompromised sports car experience. The only real criticisms relate to its lack of space and inevitably poor practicality. It currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 67%.
Fiat has announced that it is now selling a special ‘Collezione 1957’ edition of its 500 supermini for a limited time, which pays homage to the car’s heritage.
Limited to just 1,957 examples, this collectors’ edition model features several exterior touches and an interior finish inspired by the very first Fiat 500 range that launched back in 1957. There aren’t any hard-top models – this new trim is exclusively for the cabriolet 500 while stock is available.
As this is a special edition model, the exterior and interior trim is locked, and further customisation is limited. The bodywork is painted with a two-tone white and light green colour scheme, while the soft-top roof fabric is beige. The alloy wheels are painted white, and the wing mirrors, exhaust tips and bits of the front bumper are finished in chrome.
Inside, the interior features ivory-coloured upholstery with leather inserts and a wooden dashboard. Fiat adds that a panel that can also be found on the centre console which displays how the 500 has grown over the years, and is embossed with your car’s place on the manufacturing line out of 1,957 models.
The manufacturer stresses that the ‘Collezione 1957’ is “not just about aesthetics” and is well-equipped, with LED headlights, fog lights, and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The car’s engine is no different to the rest of the 500 range – a 70hp 1.0-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine coupled with a manual transmission.
The Fiat 500 ‘Collezione 1957’ is now available to order online in the UK, but if you are interested, you will have to act quickly. Pricing begins at just under £24k, which is around £4k more than the standard 500 supermini.
The petrol-powered Fiat 500 currently holds a poor New CarExpert Rating E with a score of 50%, which puts it down near the bottom of the small car sector.
The high-performance ‘hot SUV’ version of the electric Fiat 600e has made its public debut, and will be Abarth’s most powerful car yet.
The Abarth made its first appearance in Milan this week, though the car is yet to complete final testing. The 600e will be Abarth’s second electric model, following on from the brand’s performance-packed take on the Fiat 500 Electric – the 500e. Only one preview image has been released so far and we are a few months away from the SUV’s full launch.
When compared to the Fiat 600e, exterior alterations include muscular bumper cladding in the front and rear with a large front splitter, larger 20-inch alloy wheels and a spoiler above the rear window. The SUV’s preview also shows off the car’s exclusive ‘Hypnotic Purple’ exterior colour.
The wheels also house high-performance brakes and are wrapped in Hankook performance tyres. The suspension has been lowered and the car has a mechanical limited-slip differential, which Abarth claims to guarantee “excellent driving stability, improved handling, and traction.”
While the Fiat 600e has an output of 154hp, the Abarth version can reportedly muster 240hp, which makes it the brand’s most powerful model yet – 85hp more than the smaller 500e.
That sums up what we know about performance so far, as Abarth is keep other stats like acceleration and top speed under wraps for now. The car’s battery range is also currently unknown, but expect it to offer slightly less than the fiat 600e’s 250-mile single charge maximum.
In typical Abarth fashion, its 600e iteration will be initially only available in a limited edition ‘Scorpionissima’ trim guise following the SUV’s launch. Again, we don’t know much about this trim yet – Abarth has said though that it will only be manufacturing 1,949 examples for customers to order.
Centuries of history, great beaches and coastlines, winding mountainous roads and bustling towns and cities: Greece has lots going for it if you’re planning a holiday there. And getting around by car is a good way to enjoy the country – and its many islands, dotted around the magical Aegean Sea.
Forget long, boring motorways and characterless A-roads – driving in Greece can be a fantastic and exciting experience in which you can take in stunning scenery, breath-taking coastal roads and sleepy villages steeped in history and mystique.
And while much of Greece has a laid-back, rustic feel to it, the main cities, such as Athens, Thessaloniki and Petraeus, are vibrant business hubs with commerce and industry to match. Its main industry is, perhaps not surprisingly, tourism – followed by shipping and industrial products manufacture.
So Greece could well be at or near the top of your list for a holiday and it’s certainly well worth a look if you love touring by car. It’s not all plain-sailing though – many of Greece’s more rural roads can be rough and pot-holed and some are known to be affected by flooding or sand storms, whipped up by the coastal winds. Local drivers often drive down the middle of these roads too, mindful of grazing sheep, uneven road surfaces and rocks fallen in a landslide.
If you are one of many UK motorists who is considering Greek climes for a vacation this year, you’ll need some careful organisation before going there. Flying in and hiring a vehicle is good option as there are many companies willing to rent you a vehicle – of varying qualities and conditions.
Driving in Greece is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. And that isn’t just because the Greeks drive on a different side of the road from us.
It’s much more than that and planning a driving holiday or using a car on business while in the country, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can and can’t do behind the wheel there.
This isn’t just for your safety and convenience. Getting on the wrong side of the Greek police can result in several types of penalty including fines, car towing or the removal of your number plates so that you have to go and retrieve them from a local police station.
So it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip, and making sure you have everything in place for your south eastern European excursion.
In this guide, The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to drive in Greece, and we’ve also included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.
Keep right
Like all of continental Europe and the vast majority of countries around the world, Greece drives on the right side of the road with local cars being left-hand drive (in other words, the opposite of the UK).
Right-hand-drive cars are legal, so you can drive your own car down from the UK, but it’s less convenient for things like toll booths, parking gates or drive-through restaurants.
Licence requirements
You must be 18 years or over to drive in Greece and you should hold a full UK driving licence. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement.
An international driving permit is recognised by the Greek authorities, but it’s not a requirement.
Whether you are renting or using your own vehicle, always carry your personal ID or passport with you too.
Taking your own car to Greece
If you are using your own car, you’ll need to prove that you have insurance cover so take your certificate with you (but you don’t need a European ‘green card’). You must also carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 ‘logbook’.
The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. Most people today have the ‘UK’ letters and the Union Flag incorporated into their vehicle’s number plates but if you don’t have this, you must affix a ‘UK’ sticker to the rear of the vehicle. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country badges such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.
It’s legal to drive your UK-registered, right-hand drive car in Greece, but remember that you have to drive on the opposite side of the road.
You’ll also need to adjust your headlight beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Many modern cars allow you to do this from the dashboard, while older cars will require anti-dazzle stickers to be fitted to the headlights. These are available from car parts stores or travel shops at the ferry terminal.
Speed limits
As with most countries in the world, Greece uses the metric system for speed and distance. That means distances on road signs are shown in kilometres rather than miles, and speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph).
In any built-up area the limit is 50km/h (equivalent to 31mph), while on open roads outside of urban areas the limit rises to between 90km/h (56mph) and 110km/h (68mph), so keep an eye out for local roadside signage.
Motorways have a usual 130km/h (81mph) top speed, but this can also vary locally.
Speeding fines differ greatly depending on the speed that drivers are caught. For going up to 20km/h over the limit, fines start at €40; up to 30km/h over it’s €100 and if you’re stopped going more than 30km/h over the speed limit there are fines of €350. Greek police do not collect on-the-spot fines.
You can also be disqualified from driving if the authorities feel you have broken even more serious laws.
You are not allowed any kind of speed camera or radar detection equipment when driving on Greek roads and there’s a possible €2,000 fine if you’re caught. Likewise, if your satnav unit shows where speed cameras are sited, you must de-activate this function as it’s illegal.
It’s said that Greek drivers tend to be on the fast side and have a more relaxed attitude to speed limits. Don’t be tempted to be drawn into their way of driving – it’s always best to abide by all local laws and stay on the right side of the traffic police.
Don’t use a mobile phone while driving either, unless it’s completely hands-free. There are fines of up to €100 if you’re caught.
Blood alcohol limit
Obviously, we don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive, but it’s worth knowing the limits. The drink drive limit is 0.5g/l (also shown 0.05%). For new drivers with less than three years’ experience, the limit is 0.2g/l (0.02%).
The police take a hard line on drink driving, so be careful even when you are getting behind the wheel ‘the next morning’. For comparison, the limit is 0.8 g/l (0.08%) in England and Wales, so the Greek limit is only just over half that.
The Greek police can ask you take a random breath test at any time if they suspect you have been drinking. There’s also a saliva test for those suspected of being under the influence of drugs. If you refuse to do either of these, the authorities can fine you, confiscate your licence or even impose a prison sentence.
What to carry in the car
There are several things you’ll need in your vehicle while motoring through Greece, both for your safety and to ensure you’re within the law, should you be stopped for a check. These include a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. All of these are compulsory requirements for every vehicle. Carrying a reflective jacket in the car is not compulsory but it’s still a good idea in case you break down on a major route or when visibility is reduced.
You don’t have to carry spare bulbs for your headlamps, but the police do insist that you have beam deflectors (or the ability to manually adjust your lights) to avoid dazzling other road users.
Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for around £25, which contain everything you are likely to need for a continental road trip, and it’s well worth considering one.
Seatbelts
Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled up and there’s a €350 fine for not wearing one.
Children under 12 years old and less than 135 cm in height must be in an approved child seat in the front or back of the car. Infants under three years must be in a suitable child restraint and those between three and 11 must be in an appropriate child seat for their size.
Driving
Keep to the right-hand lane (the inside lane) as much as possible, and only overtake on the left.
Overtake only when you are sure it is safe to do so, but never attempt to pass someone if you are approaching a railway crossing or if a vehicle ahead of you has stopped for an emergency or safety reason. If you are flashed from behind it probably means someone wants to pass you. It’s best to let them go.
Greek drivers often flash their lights coming towards you if there is a hazard ahead, so keep a lookout for that.
Priority is usually given to vehicles approaching you from the right, but look for road signs which might indicate something different. Outside urban areas and on major routes, traffic on the main road has priority over anyone intending to turn out of a side or lesser road at an intersection.
Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. Some cities though, use a flashing amber light for drivers to proceed with caution. Some Greek islands have no traffic lights at all so you should be extremely vigilant when pulling up at an intersection and be ready to let local drivers through first if necessary.
Pedestrian lights have only red and green. Where there is a pedestrian crossing with no lights, it is unlikely that local drivers will stop to let people cross. Bear that in mind if you have cars behind you as you approach a crossing – they probably won’t be expecting you to slow up.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 18 metres in length, four metres in height and 2.55 metres in width. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors.
Road signs
Most directional road signs in Greece are in two languages – Greek and English. The Greek names usually come first followed by the English but occasionally the Greek and English directions might be on two separate signs. In rural areas you might find names written with only the Greek alphabet.
Don’t always expect the English translation to be exactly as you know it – ‘Athens’, for example, could well be shown as ‘Athina’, ‘Pireaus’ could be ‘Piraus’, and there are many others.
Fuel availability
Petrol, diesel, and LPG (Autogas) are widely available throughout the country, and most roads have signs showing the distance to the nearest stations. Some filling areas will accept credit cards but others might only take cash so be prepared. There are no automatic, card-operated pumps in Greece – instead you’ll find many filling stations fully serviced with operators ready to help you.
Service areas do operate along Greek motorways but these are not as plentiful as you might find in some European countries, so don’t let your fuel tank run down too low.
There are two types of diesel available. One is called ‘Diesel’ and is suitable for vehicles such as tractors. But if you have a passenger car you should look for a more refined version – called ‘Diesel Premium’, ‘Diesel Super’ or ‘Diesel Ultimate’. It is illegal to carry spare fuel in a can inside your car
There are around 2,100 charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) throughout Greece, equating to arund 4,900 actual charge points.
Toll roads
As with many motorway networks in European countries, the roads are paid for with money collected through tolls. Most motorways have a levy to pay, as do the Rio-Antirrio Bridge and the Aktio-Preveza Tunnel.
The cost is based in which road you’re using and the distance you are travelling. Payment can be made by cash at a toll booth, credit card or using an on-board unit with a system known as GRITS (Greek Interoperable Tolling Systems).
Parking
Some roads in mainland Greece and the islands can be congested which can make parking on a street very difficult. In large cities such as Athens, public parking areas are hard to find although some are for tourists only. Look for local signage before you pull up and leave your car anywhere.
You must not park within five metres of an intersection, 15 metres of a level crossing, 15 metres of a bus or tram stop, three metres of a fire hydrant, five metres of a stop sign and five metres of a traffic light. Signs might also tell you which side of the road you can park, so check for these too.
Most city roads will have restrictions and fees to pay before parking. Much of the payment is collected using parking meters and can range from 30-minute stops to two hours.
Wheel clamps are not used in Greece but illegally parked cars can be towed away by the police. There will be a fine to pay for a vehicle’s release plus costs for the towing.
Emergency number
In Greece as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French and other European languages.
The popular Ford Puma has been given a minor mid-life update that includes small exterior alterations and a revised dashboard layout that includes on-board tech upgrades.
Recently crowned the UK’s best-selling car of 2023, the compact crossover looks nearly identical post-facelift to the Puma that has been in showrooms since 2019. But, this refreshed model has a larger Ford badge that has moved from the lower bonnet to the grille and re-shaped Matrix LED headlights with a different daytime-running light signature.
The large majority of changes are in the cabin, however. The update introduces a new dashboard layout that’s designed to reduce clutter, with Ford deciding to get rid of several physical buttons in favour of moving more settings to the digital displays.
These screens – the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and the central infotainment screen – have been made larger as a result. The instrument cluster, which is now 13 inches across, can be customised to show the information that the driver finds most helpful.
The infotainment display on the other hand, which is 12 inches (formerly eight inches), is high-definition and runs Ford’s latest software, which is reportedly sharper and has a built-in Alexa voice assistant. Smartphones using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay can also now connect wirelessly.
The car’s interior also features a new two-spoke steering wheel design, a new sliding armrest, synthetic leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and an optional panoramic glass roof.
The list of driving assistance tech has also been revised as a surround-view parking camera replaces the rear view camera previously available, and intersection assistance and reverse braking assistance are also included as standard.
The Puma’s powertrain options are reduced by this facelift, with the entry-level 125hp 1.0-litre petrol mild-hybrid now being the only model that is available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The rest are seven-speed automatics, including the more powerful 155hp version of the same 1.0-litre mild-hybrid and the 170hp 1.0-litre Puma ST mild-hybrid. The top-spec 200hp version of the Puma ST has been dropped too, with only that 170hp version now available.
The revised looks and tech come with a slight price bump – an additional £150 to be exact. Now on sale, the facelifted Puma costs under £26k for the lead-in 125hp ‘Titanium’, while pricing for the Puma ST starts at around £34k.
The Ford Puma currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71%. As well as favourable media reviews, the Puma has low CO2 emissions and a decent safety rating. Running costs are higher than some rivals, however.
The GAP insurance market has been upended in 2024, as a result of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) tackling concerns over how the products are sold by car dealers.
As a result, pretty much every car dealer in the land had to stop selling GAP insurance by 6 February 2024. Whether they will be able to resume selling GAP in the future is currently unknown, but it’s likely that many dealers won’t bother. We cover this in a lot more detail in a separate feature on the state of the GAP insurance market in 2024.
Online providers were not the target of the FCA actions, although some have been affected as they use the same insurance underwriters as the dealer groups. Other online GAP providers are still trading as normal.
We’ve long argued that you should never buy GAP insurance from a car dealer anyway, since you can get the same policy (or better) from online providers for much less money – sometimes 75% less.
Specialist GAP insurers have also always offered a far wider range of GAP products than car dealers, so you can tailor your cover to meet your precise needs. For more information, have a read of our guide to GAP insurance terminology.
We’ve rounded up some of the UK’s top GAP providers below. This list is going to be updated fairly regularly during 2024 as some providers are currently unable to trade (through no fault of their own).
Competitively priced, ALA is one of the best-known GAP insurers around. They have a near-perfect reputation across both Vehicle Replacement and Return-to-Invoice policy type (for more info, read our guide to GAP insurance terminology).
Though not always the cheapest, the coverage is exceptionally fair, with no mileage restrictions, a claim period of 120 days and free-of-charge transfer option to place your previous policy against a new set of wheels if you change cars during your policy term.
ALA Insurance has been unaffected by the recent FCA intervention into the GAP insurance market, and continues to operate as normal.
GAP insurance is just one of the motoring services that MotorEasy offers its customers, with the company aiming to be a one-stop-shop for all your car ownership needs. What’s more, it supports commercial vehicles, provided they’re not over 3,500kg. MotorEasy’s service ratings are an “Excellent 4.7/5” on both Trust Pilot and eKomi, and it also has a five-star rating from Defaqto.
MotorEasy has found itself a loyal customer base with a really simple quote feature on its website. There is an overall mileage limit of 100,000 to be aware of and there’s no transfer option for the policy, meaning that your cover ends if you sell the car. However, you do get a pro-rata refund if you cancel outside the first 30 days.
MotorEasy was obliged to temporarily halt the sale of GAP insurance after the recent FCA intervention, but has now resumed offering GAP as normal, along with all its other motoring services.
Direct GAP offers a full range of GAP insurance products and flexible T&Cs. They also promise to settle all claims within ten days.
On return-to-invoice and vehicle replacement GAP policies, you can transfer your cover to another vehicle or claim refund any unused portion of the policy if you sell the car.
Direct GAP has been unaffected by the recent FCA intervention into the GAP insurance market, and continues to operate as normal.
Platinum GAP is part of the same overall company as Direct GAP. It also offers a wide range of GAP insurance products and similar conditions to its sister company.
On return-to-invoice and vehicle replacement GAP policies, you can transfer your cover to another vehicle or claim refund any unused portion of the policy if you sell the car.
Platinum GAP has been unaffected by the recent FCA intervention into the GAP insurance market, and continues to operate as normal.
Total Loss GAP offers a range of insurance products, not just GAP insurance. There’s scratch & dent cover, alloy wheel insurance, tyre insurance and more.
The company offers a full suite of GAP policies, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs, as long as your car is less than ten years old and has covered less than 100,000 miles.
Total Loss GAP has been unaffected by the recent FCA intervention into the GAP insurance market, and continues to operate as normal.
GAP Insurance 123 is a sister company to Total Loss GAP. It offers the same range of GAP policies, but not as many other insurance products. The terms and conditions are much the same.
The site is very wordy, with lengthy explanations to a lot of things but lacking clarity and ease of use. However, you should be able to find answers to any questions you might have.
GAP Insurance 123 has been unaffected by the recent FCA intervention into the GAP insurance market, and continues to operate as normal.
As the name suggests, GAPInsurance.co.uk is a company completely devoted to providing every kind of GAP to customers.
The company concentrates on best-selling and family vehicles, at the exclusion of high-performance cars and commercial vehicles, in order to deliver the best-possible value.
Unfortunately, GAPInsurace.co.uk has been caught up by the FCA’s intervention into the GAP insurance market, and as of February 2024 is unable to provide new GAP policies. Hopefully, this will be resolved shortly. We’ll update this page as soon as we have news.
*The Car Expert has commercial partnerships with ALA Insurance and MotorEasy. If you click through to their websites and proceed to purchase a used car warranty, we may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay.
Additional reporting by Cat Dow. This list was originally compiled in 2022, and was comprehensively updated in February 2024 to reflect the changes in the GAP insurance market.
