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Volkswagen e-Up (2014 to 2022)

Summary

The Volkswagen e-Up (styled as e-up!) had been around in the UK since 2014, undergoing a major update in 2019, before it was discontinued in 2022. It was developed from the mainstream Up range which is still available – regarded by many reviewers as the best small car on the market.

The e-Up arrived in early 2014, two years after the original petrol Up. Facelifted versions had a far more efficient drivetrain than earlier models. An 82hp motor was paired a 32kWh battery to produce an official range of 161 miles – further than the more recent Mini Electric and Honda e, both of which cost rather more than the Volkswagen.

Plus points included a charging socket where the fuel filler cap would normally be, a full recharge from a 7kW home wallbox taking around four hours. Reviewers pointed out the flaw in Volkswagen’s much trumpeted claim that a fast charger will add 80% to the battery in under an hour, as most rapid chargers are at motorway service areas and the e-Up was more likely to be employed around town than eating up motorway miles.

The e-Up was like many EVs; quiet and refined on the road, but for a small car its handling was considered ponderous. Reviewers did like the extensive regenerative braking options though, helping to put charge back into the battery. 

Despite equipment including two-zone air-conditioning, heated seats and a rear-view camera, the £24K starting price of the e-Up! earned criticism. The fit and finish was highlighted as tired compared to more recent rivals. Instead of a proper infotainment system, drivers were expected to plug in their phone – the interior was not significantly updated in the decade the car was on sale.

After production stopped and started during 2020 and 2021 thanks to Covid-19 factory shutdowns and then supply shortages, the Volkswagen e-Up finally ended production in 2022.

No longer on sale, the Volkswagen e-Up has a Used Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72%. That’s the same rating, although a point behind, the petrol version of the Up.

e-Up highlights

  • Better battery range than some pricier rivals
  • Refined and quiet on the road
  • Generous rear-seat space and boot
  • Sensible placement of charging socket

e-Up lowlights

  • Expensive for a city car
  • Modest equipment levels
  • Uninspiring handling
  • Now dated against newer rivals

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatch
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price when new: From £24,085 on-road

Launched: Winter 2013/14
Last updated: Winter 2019/20
Ended production: Summer 2022

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Date expired: January 2026
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 81%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 46%
Safety assist: 55%

Notes on safety

The Volkswagen e-Up shares its safety rating with the rest of the Up range, which is not always the case for an electric model. The Up was initially given a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP when it was first assessed, which was way back in 2011. However, it was reassessed in 2019 and downgraded to a three-star rating. Testers highlighted marginal chest protection in some tests, and that autonomous emergency braking was not a standard feature on the Up!

In summary, the e-Up still provides competitive protection in the event of an accident, but it no longer meets the highest standards for avoiding an accident in the first place.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Volkswagen e-Up was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Volkswagen e-Up to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the e-Up, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

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Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models159 milesC
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models6.3 m/KWhA
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models10A

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen e-Up has received

2016

  • Next Green Car Awards – Best City Car

2013

  • Next Green Car Awards – Next Generation Award

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Volkswagen e-Up, you might also be interested in these alternatives

BMW i3 | Fiat 500 Electric | Honda e | Mini Electric | Peugeot e-208 | Renault Zoe | SEAT Mii Electric | Smart EQ Fortwo | Smart EQ Forfour | Vauxhall Corsa-e

The rapidly expanding electric car market is changing almost monthly, but is still relatively small compared to the number of petrol and diesel models available. That means that there are fewer direct competitors but a variety of different cars for a given price point. Of the cars listed above, few are genuinely similar to the Volkswagen e-Up in terms of size and specification, but all are trying to fill a similar role for urban driving.

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Vauxhall Mokka Electric

Summary

Formerly known as the Mokka-e’, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric is Vauxhall’s first mainstream electric compact SUV and evolved from the latest generation of the mainstream Mokka range – this launched in 2021 with bolder styling than its predecessor.

This electric Mokka is front-wheel-drive and powered by a 136 hp drivetrain. Three driving modes are available, Normal, Eco and Sport, and in Normal mode Vauxhall claims a battery range of 201 miles. The car also includes as standard a 100kW fast-charging system to allow battery replenishment to 80% in 30 minutes.

The mainstream Mokka receives generally average reviews, some media expressing surprise that it sells so well despite it being less practical and not as fun to drive as rivals. However the electric version produces more positive responses, the Daily Mirror dubbing it Vauxhall’s best car in years and Carbuyer stating that “it looks great and is designed to feel like a petrol car.”

The electric drivetrain is quiet and refined at higher speeds, while ride quality is highlighted, even on rougher surfaces. However the car’s acceleration is eclipsed by many rivals and its handling considered distinctly average.

The styling also earns praise – the electric model has a slightly changed front-end over the petrol version, to cut drag and increase battery range, and reviewers particularly like the bold treatment.

Minus points include practicality – the Mokka range offers less interior space than rivals and accommodating batteries cuts another 40 litres from the boot.

As of August 2025, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and for having zero tailpipe emissions, but Vauxhall’s new car warranty offering is only average and the Mokka’s safety score is poor.

Mokka Electric highlights

  • Sharp styling
  • Good ride quality
  • Quiet at motorway speeds
  • 100kW rapid charging compatible

Mokka Electric lowlights

  • Less than rapid acceleration
  • Vague steering
  • Batteries eat into boot space
  • Rear seats more cramped than rivals

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £32,505 on-road

Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: Winter 2024/25
Replacement due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

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Car

Carbuyer

Company Car Today

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Eurekar

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Parkers

The Sun

The Sunday Times

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: July 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 73%
Child protection: 75%
Vulnerable road users: 58%
Safety assist: 64%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of August 2025, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Mokka Electric is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models226 milesC
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models4.4 m/KWhB
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models22B
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£128A
Year 2£338A
Year 3£531A
Year 4£727A
Year 5£998A
Overall£2,722A

The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is a very 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.

Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is good, which helps the Mokka to achieve a 200+ mile range despite a modest battery size. In real-world driving, this should still exceed 150-odd miles so is plenty for everyday needs – although you’ll be stopping fairly frequently on long road trips.

Insurance costs should be affordable, thanks to very low insurance group ratings, while servicing and maintenance costs for the first five years are excellent.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of August 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Vauxhall Mokka Electric 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 Mokka Electric, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Vauxhall Mokka Electric

Overall ratingC56%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Vauxhall’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the Mokka Electric has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Vauxhall Mokka Electric

  • If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Mokka from an official Vauxhall dealership, you will get a minimum six-month warranty included.
  • If you are buying a used Mokka from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
  • If you are buying a used Mokka from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Vauxhall Mokka Electric has received

2022

  • Auto Trader New Car Awards – Erin Baker Award

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Vauxhall Mokka Electric, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën ë-C4 | DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia e-Niro | Mazda MX-30 | MG ZS EV | Peugeot e-2008 | Volvo XC40 Recharge

More news, reviews and information about the Vauxhall Mokka range at The Car Expert

Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026

Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026

Vauxhall Mokka given minor facelift

Vauxhall Mokka given minor facelift

Everything you need to know about Vauxhall

Everything you need to know about Vauxhall

Vauxhall Mokka Electric gets battery upgrade

Vauxhall Mokka Electric gets battery upgrade

Government ends electric car subsidy

Government ends electric car subsidy

Major price cuts among Corsa and Mokka range changes

Major price cuts among Corsa and Mokka range changes

Britain’s best-selling cars, December 2021

Britain’s best-selling cars, December 2021

Best small SUVs of 2021

Best small SUVs of 2021

Vauxhall slashes EV prices after government cuts grant

Vauxhall slashes EV prices after government cuts grant

Vauxhall Mokka

Vauxhall Mokka

All-new Vauxhall Mokka goes on sale

All-new Vauxhall Mokka goes on sale

All-new Vauxhall Mokka shows its face

All-new Vauxhall Mokka shows its face

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Audi A5 Coupé (2016 to 2024)

Summary

The Audi A5 was – more or less – a sleeker and more attractive coupé version of the Audi A4 saloon. This model is the second generation, which was launched at the end of 2016, received a mild update in 2019 and ended its production life in early 2024.

Declining sales of coupé and convertible models mean that this model will not be replaced. However, there will be a new Audi A5 – according to the company’s new naming structure, the next-generation A5 will replace the previous Audi A4 range, so the next A5s will be saloons and estates rather than coupés, convertibles and liftbacks.

This A5 range consisted of the A5 Coupé shown here, as well as the A5 Cabriolet and A5 Sportback, which was a five-door liftback. The higher-performance S5 Coupé is included here, but the even-faster RS 5 Coupé was a substantially different vehicle so has its own page.

The consensus from reviewers was that the Audi A5 was more of a comfortable grand tourer and less of a sporting vehicle than the rival BMW 4 Series. As with most Audis, the interior was a comfortable and high-quality environment from which to pilot the vehicle, but the driving experience was rather uneventful.

As of January 2025, the A5 has a Used Car Expert Rating score of E, with a score of just 55%. It gets good grades for decent CO2 emissions, but its reliability record is poor and its running costs are high.

Audi A5 highlights

  • High-quality cabin
  • Understated style, if you want to be subtle
  • All-wheel-drive versions provide plenty of grip
  • Very comfortable and ergonomic driving position

Audi A5 lowlights

  • Driving experience can’t match the BMW 4 Series
  • S line suspension and/or big wheels make ride harsh
  • Lacks any real emotional punch
  • Questionable reliability

Key specifications

Body style: 2+2 coupé
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £40,720 on-road

Launched: Winter 2016/17
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Production ended: Spring 2024

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2016
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%

Notes on safety rating

The Audi A5 was originally assessed by Euro NCAP back in 2016 and awarded a five-star rating. The Audi A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback share their safety rating with the Audi A4 range. The A5 Cabriolet does not have a safety rating as a result of the significant differences in its structure.

However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used A5 Coupé to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Audi A5 coupé was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A5 family has a below reliability score of 40%, according to workshop data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This applies to all versions of the Audi A5 (cabriolet, coupé, Sportback) and to both generations (2007–2016 and 2017 onwards).

The big thing to look for is suspension trouble. As the MotorEasy data above shows, this is the most common issue found on Audi A5 models, usually costing around £500 to correct. Engine issues are almost as common and a lot more expensive, with the average repair cost clocking in at more than £1,200. 

Gearbox problems have also been known to crop up and are by far the most expensive faults, costing around the £3,000 mark. Bear all of this in mind if you’re looking at a used Audi A5.

Running cost rating

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Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models41 mpgD35 – 53 mpgB – D
Diesel models50 mpgB39 – 59 mpgA – D
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models158 g/kmC140 – 184 g/kmB – C
Diesel models150 g/kmB125 – 188 g/kmA – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models34C26 – 47B – D
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£283C
Year 2£743C
Year 3£1,235C
Year 4£1,513C
Year 5£2,041C
Overall£5,815C

The Audi A5 Coupé has high average running costs, according to data exclusively provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.

Petrol models offer 41 mpg on average, making the coupé more efficient than petrol versions of the A5 Cabriolet and four-door A5 Sportback. As you might expect, diesel models are the more fuel-efficient choice. Insurance premiums and maintenance costs are pretty average compared to its coupé rivals.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi A5 range

Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,327
Defect: Following a previous campaign, the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may, in certain circumstances, incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Remedy: The wheel alignment must be checked and, if necessary, the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/236
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 10,089
Defect: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Remedy: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/204
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 263
Defect: Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and, where necessary, replaced on the vehicles affected.

Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/302
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 8
Defect: The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side.
Remedy: Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.

Date: June 2020
Recall number: R/2020/138
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2017 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 34,982
Defect: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Remedy: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2019
Recall number: R/2019/175
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 135
Defect: Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.

Date: May 2019
Recall number: R/2019/149
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 85
Defect: An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork.
Remedy: The corresponding shock absorber forks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: December 2018
Recall number: R/2018/365
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2017 to 07/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 8
Defect: Airbag securing bolts may not be to the correct torque.
Remedy: Check and replace bolts as required.

Date: February 2017
Recall number: R/2017/078
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2016 to 10/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 2,622
Defect: Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the airbag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, replace airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner where necessary.

As of September 2024, there have been nine DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi A5 range covering various different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used A5, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A5 has received

2020

  • DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Coupé

2019

  • DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Coupé

2018

  • DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Coupé

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Audi A5, you might also be interested in these alternatives

BMW 4 Series | Ford Mustang | Lexus RC | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé

The junior executive coupé market has never been that heavily populated. The big three German rivals all maintain a presence, but no-one else has really shown much interest for a while. Lexus joined in for a while with the RC but that is no longer available, while Infiniti had its Q60 coupé a few years ago when the brand was still selling cars in Europe. The Ford Mustang is a similar size but appeals to a rather different demographic, and that’s basically your lot.

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Audi A5 range at The Car Expert

Audi RS 5 Coupe launched: V6 twin-turbo replaces V8

Audi RS 5 Coupe launched: V6 twin-turbo replaces V8

Everything you need to know about Audi

Everything you need to know about Audi

Audi RS 5 (2019 to 2025)

Audi RS 5 (2019 to 2025)

Audi A5

Audi A5

Audi A5 range expanded with new plug-in hybrid

Audi A5 range expanded with new plug-in hybrid

Audi A5 Sportback (2017 to 2024)

Audi A5 Sportback (2017 to 2024)

New Audi A5 pricing confirmed

New Audi A5 pricing confirmed

New Audi A5 to replace current A4 range

New Audi A5 to replace current A4 range

Audi revises trim line-up for many models in its range

Audi revises trim line-up for many models in its range

Audi A5 Cabriolet review

Audi A5 Cabriolet review

Audi A5 Sportback review

Audi A5 Sportback review

Audi A5 Coupe review

Audi A5 Coupe review

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£300m Ofgem project to install 3,550 EV chargers

UK energy regulator Ofgem has announced a £300 million investment that will see 3,550 new charging points added to the UK’s electric vehicle network.

Of these, 1,800 will be ultra-rapid chargers. They will be installed at motorway service areas, according to Ofgem, tripling the size of the current network.

A further 1,750 charge points will be installed in towns and cities, such as at railway stations, with the entire programme delivered within the next two years.

The investment is part of a £40 billion programme to improve Britain’s energy network, that was approved in 2020. The funding will pay for the cables, substations and electric infrastructure that will be needed to support the charge points.

The UK’s charging network has been mushrooming in recent times – currently there are close to 24,000 chargers installed across the country, more than double those available three years ago.

But evidence suggests that ‘range anxiety’ fuelled by concerns over the availability of recharging points is still preventing a mass switchover to EVs. Ofgem’s own research revealed that 36% of those households not intending to buy an electric car were put off by the lack of charging facilities near their home.

Recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) stated that while increasing electric take-up now accounts for one in ten of new car sales, it is being driven by fleets – less than 5% of new EV sales are to private buyers.

The SMMT claims that if the Government is to meet its declared aim of banning sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, some 2.7 million charging points will be needed.

Recently a commission in Northern Ireland was told drivers who have bought electric are reverting to petrol and diesel due to the lack of a viable charging network in the country. And Ford’s UK boss Lisa Brankin told the BBC that drivers remain very sceptical about switching to electric.

  • More industry news and information at The Car Expert

Suzuki Swace (2020 to 2025)

Summary

Not heard of the Suzuki Swace? Well you probably have – sort of – as this family estate was basically a Toyota Corolla estate with Suzuki badges. It was sold in the UK from 2020 to 2025.

The Swace was part of a collaboration between the two Japanese brands – using Toyota’s established hybrid technology was an economical way for Suzuki to meet increasingly stringent European emissions regulations, and the Suzuki Across was a similar project (being a rebadged Toyota RAV4).

What you got was a practical, spacious hatchback with a 120hp petrol-electric drivetrain, which meant official CO2 emissions of 103g/km and 60+ mpg fuel economy – good news for tax-challenged company car drivers.

However, reviewers noted that the car returned its best figures on urban routes with lots of speed changes – at motorway speeds, the engine struggled and economy suffered. Also, those choosing Suzuki over Toyota didn’t get the 180hp hybrid option that Corolla buyers did.

Paradoxically, motorway driving was best for comfort – the Swace offered refined progress with excellent ride quality. More challenging roads, on the other hand, exposed the insipid steering and the strangled performance of the engine. 

Reviewers also highlighted the decent specification of the Suzuki. There were only two trim levels to choose from, but even the base model included an eight-inch touchscreen, rear parking camera, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats and steering wheel.   

As of March, the Suzuki Swace holds a Used Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 67%. Surprisingly, that score is a huge nine points behind the Corolla on which the Swace is based.

Swace highlights

  • Good fuel economy and low CO2 figures
  • Extensive equipment as standard
  • Plenty of space
  • Comfortable and refined, especially in electric mode
  • Proven Toyota reliability

Swace lowlights

  • Insipid petrol engine performance
  • Poor motorway economy
  • Lacklustre steering
  • Transmission whines under hard acceleration
  • Toyota’s own version offers much more choice

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized estate
Powertrain: petrol/electric hybrid
Price: From £24,499 on-road

Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: N/A
Update due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

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Carbuyer

Carwow

Company Car Today

Eurekar

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Parkers

The Sun

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

In theory, the Suzuki Swace should carry a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP as it’s simply a rebadged Toyota Corolla, which scored a five-star rating back in 2019. However, Euro NCAP’s rating does not currently apply to the Swace.

This may be an administrative delay, or it may be that Suzuki has not provided evidence to Euro NCAP to show that the changes made from the original Corolla design would make no difference to its rating. If Euro NCAP issues a safety rating for the Swace, we will publish the results here.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Suzuki Swace was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life, and the equivalent Toyota Corolla model has not been tested, either.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Suzuki Swace 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 Swace, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScore
Hybrid models63 mpgA
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Hybrid models102 g/kmA
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models18A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£174B
Year 2£489B
Year 3£812B
Year 4£977B
Year 5£1,296B
Overall£3,748B

The Suzuki Swace is a rather mixed bag when it comes to running costs, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The car is quite efficient, and with a average of 64 mpg it is likely to save you a few pounds at the pumps. The car’s predicted servicing and maintenance costs are pretty manageable too, but its insurance premiums are surprisingly high.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Suzuki Swace has received

2021

  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Hybrid

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Suzuki Swace, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Fiat Tipo SWFord Focus Estate | Hyundai i30 Tourer | Kia Ceed SportswagonPeugeot 308 SW | Renault Megane Sport TourerSEAT Leon Estate | Skoda Octavia Estate | Toyota Corolla Touring Sports | Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer | Volkswagen Golf Estate

The Swace faces many big-name rivals, not least its inspiration, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. The Ford Focus Estate is perhaps the top choice, but Kia’s Ceed Sportswagon and the Hyundai i30 Tourer score highly, as does the larger Skoda Octavia Estate.

More news, reviews and information about the Suzuki Swace at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Suzuki

Everything you need to know about Suzuki

Suzuki Swace test drive

Suzuki Swace test drive

Suzuki Swace receives engine and tech upgrades

Suzuki Swace receives engine and tech upgrades

Suzuki reveals hybrid estate called Swace

Suzuki reveals hybrid estate called Swace

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Do I have to service my car with the dealer if I have a PCP?

The popularity of PCP car finance has allowed car manufacturers to be rather sneaky when it comes to forcing you to have your car maintained by their dealer service network, something that many car buyers are unaware of.

Today’s article comes after we received a question from a reader via Twitter: “I have a car on PCP, do I have to use the dealer service centre for all services or can I use an independent garage?”

We have previously discussed your car servicing rights, which allow you to have your car serviced outside the manufacturer dealer network without losing your warranty, but there is another issue to consider if your car is financed using a PCP.

Part of the attraction of PCP car finance is that the finance company will guarantee that the value of the car at the end of the term will at least cover the outstanding settlement figure. This is called the Guaranteed (Minimum) Future Value (GFV or GMFV) and it means that your worst-case scenario should be that you can simply give the car back with nothing more to pay.

However, the GFV is dependent on three requirements that you must meet:

  1. You must not exceed your agreed mileage over the duration of the term
  2. The car must not require any repairs beyond normal wear and tear
  3. You must have the car serviced in accordance with your contract

It’s the last item that we are concerned with today. The GFV is a value based on a car with no damage, limited mileage and a full service history. In most cases, this specifically means a full manufacturer service history – although you need to check the wording of your contract to be certain.

In most cases, if you do not have a FULL manufacturer service history (on time, every time, by an official dealership), then the finance company can either refuse to honour the GFV or charge you a hefty penalty fee.

What is a dealer service history worth?

Their argument is simple: the GFV is based on a car with a perfect service history, and a car with a full manufacturer service history is worth more than one with an incomplete history, or with services done elsewhere. To some extent, this is true. However, the penalties that finance companies are able to apply seem excessively harsh, especially since a dealer service is not necessarily a better service than one performed by a good independent garage.

Some manufacturer finance companies will charge you more than £1,000 if even one service is not in accordance with the official requirements (even if it is done by the dealer but not done on time), with the charges ratcheting up quickly if multiple services are not done by the book. This seems disproportionate to the real effect on a used car’s value, especially if servicing is done by a qualified garage but not strictly by the wording of the PCP agreement.

What if I don’t want to give the car back at the end of the term?

If you are not claiming the GFV at the end of the agreement (ie – if you are not giving the car back to the finance company), then you don’t have to worry about where you have it serviced. So if you want to settle the outstanding finance and keep the car, or sell it privately, or part-exchange it for something else, you can have your car serviced wherever you like and the only downside will be a slightly diminished resale value.

However, if your car is worth less than its settlement figure (negative equity), you won’t have the security of the GFV to cover you. This means that you will have to pay the negative equity out of your own pocket. With national used car values continually sliding downwards each year, you run the very real risk of having to cough up thousands of pounds to clear your finance because you have invalidated your GFV.

You should also read: What are your options at the end of a PCP?

Be aware of what you are signing up for!

This scenario is cropping up more and more around the country, and part of the problem is that the terms and conditions have not been explained by the dealer at the point of sale.

The other problem, as we have alluded to in previous articles, is that buyers are notoriously lazy when it comes to reading contracts before signing them. The result is that a customer is not aware that they can no longer claim their GFV, and it ends up costing them dearly.

This article was originally published in August 2015, and most recently updated in May 2021.

Trouble-free driving? Not according to breakdown survey

As research and development increases, quality continues to improve and manufacturing techniques advance, cars are becoming more and more reliable. So that should mean everyone can enjoy years of trouble-free motoring, right?

Not necessarily, according to new survey just out. The findings from automotive service and repair company Kwik Fit, shows that only three out of ten UK motorists have never had a car breakdown or failure.

The new research reveals that over a third of drivers (36%) have broken down in their current car, while a further 34% have had a breakdown in a previous car. All of which means that only 30% of drivers have never suffered a vehicle failure.

And for a quarter of those questioned during the survey the despair of grinding to a halt on a busy road must still have been fresh in their minds – 26% who broke down in their current car did so in the last six months – which would work out to 3.8 million drivers across the UK.

It’s a timely warning for motorists returning to work, with the easing of lockdown restrictions. The Kwik Fit research showed that almost a third of drivers (31%) experienced their most recent breakdown on a journey relating to work – either driving to or from workplace (22%) or travelling as part of their job (9%).

What are drivers’ greatest concerns?

The greatest concern to drivers, however, is not about being stranded but being out of pocket. This was top worry for 43% of women and 35% of men. However, the research shows that it is male drivers who should be most concerned about a potential repair bill as on average they paid £304.90 for their most recent repair, nearly £20 more than the £285.40 paid by the average female driver.

The biggest cause of drivers’ most recent breakdowns was battery failure (17%), yet only 4% of those questioned were most worried about their own battery failing. Conversely, the component most car owners are concerned about is their brakes (15%), yet brake failure was the cause of only 3% of drivers’ most recent breakdowns.

“Although some breakdowns cannot be foreseen, regular maintenance, servicing and health checks can identify potential problems in advance and keep a car running smoothly and safely, as well as avoiding costly bills,” says Roger Griggs, Kwik Fit communications director.

“As people start to head out further afield as restrictions ease, we encourage all drivers to ensure their cars are in peak condition after months of little use.”

Peugeot E-2008

Summary

Launched in 2019 and arriving in the UK in early 2020, the Peugeot E-2008 is one of the new breed of small electric crossovers. It forms part of the overall Peugeot 2008 range, along with petrol and diesel versions.

The E-2008 is one of many small electric SUVs, with most of the established manufacturers now offering a model in this category. And they’re up against a host of new brands entering the UK market, so it has become a far more competitive arena than when the E-2008 was launched six years ago.

Reviewers have praised the Peugeot E-2008 for its sharp exterior styling and upmarket interior, although its distinctive ‘i-cockpit’ dashboard isn’t universally admired. It also scores on space, offering the same as its traditionally powered siblings with no impact on boot space from the batteries.

There are few complaints about the car’s smooth, hushed progress, but it’s not considered particularly sprightly. Earlier models were somewhat underpowered, offering up only 134hp, and sub-par in terms of battery range, only offering around 160 miles in ‘real-world’ use. However, a 2023 facelift improved power from the electric motor up to 156hp and driving range to beyond 200 miles of day-to-day driving thanks to a larger battery. These figures should be perfectly good for most households, but other EVs in this segment can do better.

The Peugeot does recover marks for allowing 100kW rapid recharging, which means you can charge the battery from flat to 80% capacity in around half an hour, and for its charge socket. This is at the back, where the fuel filler normally is, so you don’t have to reverse out of a parking space after using a public charger.    

The 2023 facelift brought a few styling changes and interior updates to go with the improvements to the electric drivetrain. Peugeot also upgraded the ‘e’ in its EVs’ names from a lower-case ‘e’ to a capital ‘E’ across all its models at about the same time, so e-2008 became E-2008.

As of September 2025, the Peugeot E-2008 has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It scores highly for its low running costs and for having zero tailpipe emissions, but its media review scores were only average to begin with and have declined over time. Peugeot’s new car warranty offering is also barely average. The E-2008 doesn’t have a safety rating and we don’t currently have any reliability data, so check back again soon.

E-2008 highlights

  • Sharp exterior and interior styling
  • Smooth and quiet in the cabin
  • Rapid charging means short top-up times
  • Batteries don’t take up boot space

E-2008 lowlights

  • Battery range can’t match class leaders
  • Distinctive dashboard design not universally popular
  • Not the sharpest small SUV to drive
  • Rear seats are a big tight

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV
Power: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £35,400 on-road

Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

More reviews

Auto Express

Auto Trader

Business Car

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Company Car Today

Discover EV

Driving Electric

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Honest John

Parkers

The Sunday Times

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of September 2025, the Peugeot E-2008 has not been awarded a safety rating by Euro NCAP. The conventional Peugeot 2008 range was tested in 2019, scoring four stars in standard form and five stars with the optional safety pack. The safety pack includes a more extensive autonomous emergency braking system, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function.

The safety rating for the regular 2008 does not automatically apply to the electric E-2008 as replacing the engine/gearbox/fuel tank with an electric motor and battery creates substantial differences in the overall vehicle, so it may behave significantly differently in an emergency.

If and when Euro NCAP tests the Peueot E-2008, we will update this page accordingly.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of September 2025, the Peugeot E-2008 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Peugeot E-2008 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models230 milesC
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models4.4 m/KWhB
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models26C
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£118A
Year 2£315A
Year 3£484A
Year 4£658A
Year 5£903A
Overall£2,478A

The Peugeot E-2008 should be a very cheap car to own and run, according to five-year cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Electrical efficiency (the equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is good, although a relatively small battery means that overall driving range is only average.

Scheduled servicing costs for the first five years are excellent, although insurance premiums are not likely to be as cheap as some other small electric SUVs.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of September 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Peugeot E-2008 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the E-2008, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Peugeot E-2008

Overall ratingC56%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Peugeot’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the E-2008 has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Peugeot E-2008

  • If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ E-2008 from an official Peugeot dealership, you will get a minimum six-month warranty included.
  • If you are buying a used E-2008 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
  • If you are buying a used E-2008 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Peugeot E-2008

Date: January 2023
Recall number: R/2023/009
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2022 to 12/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 1,610
Defect: There is an error in the software calibration of the traction battery control unit, which could result in a loss of propulsion when driving.
Remedy: Update the software of the traction battery control unit.

Date: January 2022
Recall number: R/2022/012
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,100
Defect: There is a possibility that the open circuit detection system could be over-sensitive, causing a number of operational issues, including sudden power loss.
Remedy: Download the latest software configuration, check some electronic units and replace them if necessary.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Peugeot E-2008 – both shared with the E-208, incidentally – to address different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Peugeot dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Peugeot E-2008, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Peugeot E-2008 has received

2023

  • EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Electric Compact SUV

2020

  • DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Compact Electric Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Peugeot E-2008, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Current models: Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica | BYD Atto 2 | Citroën ë-C3 Aircross | DS 3 E-Tense | Fiat Grande Pande Electric | Ford Puma Gen-E | Honda e:Ny1 | Hyundai Kona Electric | Jaecoo E5 | Jeep Avenger Electric | Kia EV3 | Kia Niro EV | Mazda MX-30 | MG S5 EV | Mini Aceman | Omoda E5 | Renault 4 E-Tech | Skoda Elroq | Smart #1 | Suzuki e Vitara | Toyota Urban Cruiser | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | Volvo EX40

Discontinued models: Hyundai Kona Electric (2018 to 2023) | Kia e-Niro (2019 to 2022) | MG ZS EV (2019 to 2025)

Buy a Peugeot E-2008

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Mazda MX-30

Summary

New to the market in 2020, the Mazda MX-30 is a medium-sized SUV/crossover and the brand’s first full battery-electric vehicle. Mazda has taken a different route to other EV manufacturers, arguing that lighter weight and a better driving experience can be as important as outright range. 

Th MX-30 is a stylish SUV with a coupé-like shape and novel rear-hinged back doors which mean it has no central door pillars. While this should make rear access easier, the rear is rather cramped compared to rivals. It’s also worth noting that that the rear door can’t be opened unless the front door is opened first.

Reviews of the MX-30 are generally average to good, with many highlighting that the smaller and lighter batteries mean lower energy use and a car that is more fun to drive. It’s also a comfortable ride for passengers.

The look of the car, outside and in, also earns praise, especially the dash layout which is uncluttered, easy to use and upholstered in environmentally-friendly materials.  

The most widespread criticism of the MX-30, however, is its battery range, which at 124 miles is modest compared to rivals. This is due mainly to the use of smaller batteries, which are less environmentally-damaging to produce and cost less.

The Mazda MX-30 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 71% as of March 2026.

MX-30 highlights

  • Unconventional approach to design and engineering
  • Smaller battery pack is lighter for a better drive
  • Uncluttered and easy-to-use controls
  • Rear-hinged doors are endlessly amusing to kids

MX-30 lowlights

  • Smaller battery pack means range is seriously limited
  • Rear-hinged doors can’t be opened unless front doors are open
  • Rear seats are cramped for adults
  • Performance not as sharp as some rivals

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £30,050 on-road

Launched: Spring 2021
Last updated: Summer 2022
Update due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

More reviews

Auto Express

Auto Trader

Business Car

Car

Carbuyer

Company Car Today

Daily Mirror

Discover EV

Electrifying.com

Eurekar

Fleetworld

Green Car Guide

Honest John

Parkers

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 68%
Safety assist: 73%

Notes on safety

The Mazda MX-30 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2020 and scored a five-star rating. In both side-impact tests it scored maximum points, and testers praised the standard-fit centre airbag that helps to prevent occupants from bouncing into each other in an accident.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the Mazda MX-30 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the MX-30 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 March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mazda MX-30 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 MX-30, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models124 milesC
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models3.5 m/KWhD
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models19A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£127A
Year 2£359A
Year 3£573A
Year 4£753A
Year 5£1,045A
Overall£2,857A

The Mazda MX-30 is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

While it’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is poor, insurance premiums shouldn’t throw up any surprises. The even better news is that scheduled servicing costs for the MX-30 are excellent.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda MX-30 has received

2021

  • DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Electric Compact SUV
  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Electric Car Under £35k

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mazda MX-30, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën ë-C4 | DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia Niro EV | Kia Soul EV | Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid | MG ZS EV | Nissan Leaf | Peugeot e-2008 | Vauxhall Mokka-e | Volkswagen ID.3 | Volvo XC40 Recharge

More news, reviews and information about the Mazda MX-30 at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Mazda

Everything you need to know about Mazda

Mazda MX-30 R-EV

Mazda MX-30 R-EV

Mazda MX-30 R-EV test drive

Mazda MX-30 R-EV test drive

Government ends electric car subsidy

Government ends electric car subsidy

Mazda updates MX-30 for 2022

Mazda updates MX-30 for 2022

Mazda MX-30 review

Mazda MX-30 review

Mazda MX-30 pricing and specification announced

Mazda MX-30 pricing and specification announced

Mazda MX-30 pricing confirmed

Mazda MX-30 pricing confirmed

Mazda shows off its first electric car

Mazda shows off its first electric car

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Nissan e-NV200 Combi (2014 to 2022)

Summary

The Nissan e-NV200 Combi was a small people carrier, based on the Nissan e-NV200 van which was, itself, based on the NV200 diesel van.

The e-NV200 Combi first arrived in 2014, with an update in 2018 that included a bigger battery for longer range. However, its van origins were still very much on show so you shouldn’t expect much in the way of comfort.

Reviews for the Nissan e-NV200 Combi were decidedly mixed, ranging from very poor to very good. Auto Express, for example, gave the e-NV its lowest score ever. Meanwhile, other websites gave the little Nissan van a four-star rating.

For most of its life, the e-NV200 didn’t have too much competition in the electric MPV marketplace, which partly explains the diverging review scores as there was nothing to really compare it with. However, in the final couple of years of its lifetime a trio of almost-identical small people carriers arrived – the Citroën ë-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Rifter and Vauxhall Combo-e Life.

As of March 2026, the Nissan e-NV200 Combi holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, but its safety rating has long expired due to age and its media reviews were very poor.

e-NV200 Combi highlights

  • Boxy shape is spacious and practical
  • Up to seven seats
  • Low running costs
  • Eco-friendly in urban driving

e-NV200 Combi lowlights

  • Poor safety credentials
  • Sub-par battery range
  • Not ideal for motorway journeys
  • Van origins mean it’s not comfy

Key specifications

Body style: Small MPV
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price when new: From £27,855 on-road

Launched: Summer 2014
Last updated: Autumn 2018
Replaced: Late 2022

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Auto Trader

Business Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Carwow

Driving Electric

Eurekar

Green Car Guide

Motors

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: September 2014
Date expired: January 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 75%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 60%
Safety assist: 38%

Notes on safety rating

The Nissan e-NV200 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 20xx and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used e-NV200 to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Nissan e-NV200 was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Nissan e-NV200 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the e-NV200, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models124 milesC
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models4.2 m/KWhC
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models23B

The Nissan e-NV200 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

We don’t have servicing costs available due to the e-NV200’s age, but its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel economy) is good and insurance premiums should be competitive as well.

Similar cars

If you’re interested in the Nissan e-NV200 Combi, you might also like to consider these vehicles

Citroën ë-Berlingo | Peugeot e-Rifter | Vauxhall Combo Electric Life

Buy a Nissan e-NV200 Combi

If you’re looking to buy a used Nissan e-NV200, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

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Mercedes-Benz CLS (2018 to 2023)

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLS was a large executive saloon based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This was the third and final generation of the CLS, which arrived in the UK in the middle of 2018 and was facelifted in Summer 2021. It was discontinued in the second half of 2023.

Mercedes-Benz referred to the CLS as a ‘four-door coupé’, which is simply marketing spin based on the CLS being lower and sleeker (and more expensive) than the E-Class saloon upon which it’s based. There was also a higher-performance AMG model called the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, which is not covered here.

A facelifted CLS arrived in the UK in Summer 2021, which consists of some tech upgrades and minor styling tweaks.

The third-gen CLS didn’t quite capture buyer attention or media acclaim like the original model did back in 2004, when it stood out against a rather staid range of Mercedes saloons. Declining sales year-on-year meant that the CLS will not be replaced.

It didn’t help that, for much of its production life, the CLS was only available with a 3.0-litre diesel engine and one level of (quite high) specification. This meant that the starting price of a CLS was more than £75K, which was obviously a limiting factor for many people. (The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 was available with a 3.0-litre petrol engine, but was even more expensive with a starting price of neary £87K.)

The Mercedes-Benz CLS received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media. It received praise for its styling and high levels of advanced technology. However, its high pricing and sleeker styling compromised its general practicality, so consumer titles marked the CLS more harshly than its E-Class siblings as a result.

No longer on sale, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 50%. Its biggest black mark is running costs, which are very high – insurance, servicing and fuel consumption are all expensive.

CLS highlights

  • Comfortable long-distance cruiser
  • More space than an actual coupé
  • More glamorous than an E-Class
  • Lovely interior

CLS lowlights

  • Sleeker style restricts headroom
  • Limited powertrain choice, no electrification
  • Cabin tech still behind the entry-level A-Class
  • Pricey compared to the similar E-Class

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £75,440 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Summer 2021
Discontinued: Autumn 2023

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Date expired: January 2023
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 77%
Safety assist: 62%

Notes on safety rating

The CLS shares its safety rating with the 2016-2023 E-Class saloon, after Mercedes-Benz provided Euro NCAP with data to show that it performs comparably to its sibling. Euro NCAP also conducted additional tests on the CLS to verify the data provided.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Mercedes-Benz CLS was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has a lower-than-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended workshop and warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both this generation CLS and older (pre-2018) models.

More than a third of all reported problems with the CLSs relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of just over £500.

If you’re looking at a used Mercedes-Benz CLS, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScore
Petrol models33 mpgD
Diesel models39 mpgD
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models193 g/kmD
Diesel models188 g/kmD
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models50F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£371D
Year 2£896D
Year 3£1,450D
Year 4£1,849E
Year 5£2,389E
Overall£6,955E

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

In every score above other than CO2 emissions for the diesel-engine models, the CLS is a high-cost proposition.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz CLS, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi A6 | Audi A7 Sportback | BMW 5 Series | BMW 8 Series Gran CoupéJaguar XF | Lexus ES | Maserati Ghibli | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Porsche Panamera | Tesla Model S | Volvo S90

More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz CLA at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz

Everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz

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The best used estate cars for under £20,000

Mercedes-Benz CLS test drive

Mercedes-Benz CLS test drive

£57.5K buys new Mercedes-Benz CLS

£57.5K buys new Mercedes-Benz CLS

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Rolls-Royce Ghost

Summary

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a large luxury saloon, and the smaller sister to the flagship Phantom. The current model was launched in 2020, with standard- and extended-wheelbase versions offered.

Unlike the previous Ghost, this one is not based on an old BMW 7 Series platform, and shares much of its underpinnings with the larger Phantom saloon and Cullinan SUV. If such things are important to you, its £260K starting price is about £100K cheaper than the Phantom so it’s basically a bargain…

As of March 2026, the Ghost holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 55%.

While the large saloon has received plenty of very positive reviews from motoring journalists who praise its comfort and luxury, the Ghost’s inevitably high running costs and poor emissions seriously hinder its score, like much of the Rolls-Royce range.

The Car Expert Best of British horizontal banner

Ghost highlights

  • Engineering excellence
  • Exquisitely finished interior
  • Unsurprisingly comfortable ride
  • Full of advanced technology

Ghost lowlights

  • Surprisingly enjoyable to drive
  • Eye-watering running costs
  • No plug-in electric option
  • Your mates will think you can’t afford a Phantom

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon
Engine: petrol
Price: From £261,100 on-road

Launched: Summer 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Auto Trader

Car

Carbuyer

Carwow

Daily Mail

Daily Mirror

Evo

Parkers

The Sunday Times

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Rolls-Royce Ghost hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP and we really don’t think it’s ever likely to happen. If it does, we will update this section accordingly.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of March 2026, the Rolls-Royce Ghost has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP.

The Ghost weighs about three tonnes with passengers on board and is powered by a 6.7-litre V12 petrol engine, so it’s safe to assume it won’t be winning any environmental awards.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Rolls-Royce Ghost 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 Ghost, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScore
Petrol models19 mpgE
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models357 g/kmE
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models50F

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is – unsurprisingly – a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

For evidence of how costly this saloon is to drive on a daily basis, look no further than the very poor CO2 output and similarly poor fuel consumption. Mind you, that’s exactly what you’d expect from a heavy saloon powered by an enormous V12 petrol engine.

We don’t have servicing costs for the Ghost at the moment, but as the saying goes: if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it…

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Rolls-Royce Ghost has received

2021

  • GQ Car Awards – Best Luxury Car
  • News UK Motoring Awards – Best Luxury Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Rolls-Royce Ghost, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi S8 | Bentey Flying Spur | BMW 7 Series | Lexus LS | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Maybach S-Class | Porsche Panamera | Rolls-Royce Phantom | Rolls-Royce Wraith

Buy a Rolls-Royce Ghost

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Volvo S90 (2016 to 2023)

Summary

The Volvo S90 was a large executive saloon, and the sister model to the V90 estate. It was launched in 2016 and received various light updates throughout its life, before finally being discontinued in the UK in Autumn 2023.

Originally launched with only a pair of diesel engines, the S90 was then fitted with petrol engine options and then a plug-in hybrid. Reflecting the changing tastes and requirements of buyers, the plug-in hybrid powertrain ended up being the only version available for about the last year of the car’s life.

The Volvo S90 received plenty of praise for its design, both externally and particularly inside the cabin – which even drew favourable comparisons to models from Rolls-Royce and Bentley in terms of its ambience and choice of materials. The large central touchscreen control unit was quite pioneering when the model was launched, but has now been surpassed by better units from rivals.

The driving experience was comfortable, although not as enjoyable as alternatives like a BMW 5 Series or Jaguar XF.

As of March 2026, the Volvo S90 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 59%.

S90 highlights

  • Interior is still one of the best on sale
  • Exterior design is clean and understated
  • Comfortable ride
  • Good cabin and boot space

S90 lowlights

  • Driving experience doesn’t match best in class
  • Limited powertrain choice
  • Steep depreciation means lease payments are not cheap
  • Touchscreen sluggish compared to newer rivals

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon
Engines: plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £63,075

Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Summer 2019
Discontinued: Autumn 2023

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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The Sun

The Sunday Times

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: January 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 93%

Notes on safety rating

The Volvo S90 was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used S90 to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Volvo S90 was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Volvo S90 holds a better-than-average reliability score of 82%. This is based on workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models169 g/kmD
Diesel models157 g/kmC
Plug-in hybrid models18 g/kmA
Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models55 milesD
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models44E
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£374D
Year 2£890D
Year 3£1,315D
Year 4£1,552D
Year 5£2,057D
Overall£6,188D

The Volvo S90 saloon is entirely average when it comes to running costs, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

As you can see from the tables above, the S90 scores a ‘C’ in most categories. We don’t currently have fuel consumption data, but given that the CO2 scores for petrol and diesel models are a C, it’s entirely likely that the fuel consumption scores would be similar.

Insurance is on the expensive side, but that’s not surprising given the car’s price bracket. Servicing costs are slap-bang in the middle of our A-to-E scale. Although the plug-in hybrid looks to be very efficient on paper, scoring an A for its emissions, that’s simply a function of the rather useless EU/UK government lab tests that produce completely unrealistic results for plug-in hybrids.

On a positive note, an official battery range of more than 50 miles is very good for a plug-in hybrid, meaning that you can do most of your day-to-day running on electric power – as long as you are able to keep the battery charged on pretty much a daily basis.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo S90 has received

2022

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Used Executive car

2021

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Used Executive car
  • Car Dealer Used Car Awards – Best Used Executive Car

2015

  • Car Design News – Production Car Design of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Volvo S90, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi A6 | BMW 5 Series | Genesis G80Jaguar XF | Lexus ES | Maserati Ghibli | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Tesla Model S | Volvo V90

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Everything you need to know about Volvo

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Volvo V60 and V90 estates back from retirement

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Volvo expands plug-in hybrid line-up

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Volvo recalls more than 700,000 cars over emergency braking issue

Volvo V90

Volvo V90

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Updates to Volvo S90 and V90 models

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The best used estate cars for under £20,000

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Volvo issues vehicle recall over fire risk

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Volvo 90 series adds extra petrol potency

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Volvo S90 review

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Volvo S90 and V90 gain new petrol engine

Buy a Volvo S90

If you’re looking to buy a used Volvo S90, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010 to 2021)

Summary

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a mid-sized five-door hatchback that was launched in Summer 2010 and soldiered on until Spring 2021.

At the time it was launched, the Giulietta received high praise from across the UK motoring media for its driving dynamics, competitive levels of equipment and an outstanding safety rating. However, the rest of the industry evolved dramatically over the next decade while the Giulietta didn’t, and it slowly became less and less competitive over time. It was finally withdrawn from the UK market in May 2021 after 11 years on sale.

Alfa Romeo has no plan to replace the Giulietta with a similar mid-size hatchback. Instead, the new Tonale small SUV will carry Alfa’s hopes for the foreseeable future in the small family car segment.

As of February 2026, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta holds a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 52%. It gets good grades for its low CO2 emissions, but reliability is only average and its running costs are high. Its safety rating wasn’t great when it was last tested in 2017, and that score has now expired anyway.

Giulietta highlights

  • Still looks good after a decade on sale
  • Enjoyable to drive
  • Worthwhile alternative to usual mid-size hatchbacks
  • Did we mention it looks great?

Giulietta lowlights

  • Build quality not as good as German rivals
  • Cabin and boot space not up to par
  • Steep depreciation makes leasing payments high
  • Not enough improvements during ten years on sale

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatchback
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £19,820 on-road

Launched: Summer 2010
Last updated: Spring 2019
Ended production: Spring 2021

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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Business Car

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Carwow

Daily Mirror

Eurekar

Evo

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Honest John

Motoring Research

Motors

Parkers

The Sun

The Sunday Times

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: December 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 72%
Child protection: 56%
Vulnerable road users: 59%
Safety assist: 25%

Notes on safety ratings

When the Giulietta was first launched, way back in 2010, it was awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP with an outstanding set of scores. However, safety standards have moved on over the last decade, and a re-test in 2017 downgraded the Giulietta to a three-star rating.

This revised rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Giulietta to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Alfa Romeo Giulietta has a fairly average reliability rating of 66%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This is good news if you are considering a used Giulietta.

AThe average repair cost for the Giulietta is about £440, which is less than many of its rivals. Unsurprisingly, gearbox repairs are the most expensive at about £1,000, but these appear to be relatively rare.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScore
Petrol models38 mpgD
Diesel models51 mpgC
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models170 g/kmD
Diesel models146 g/kmC
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models31C

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Date: December 2019
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2018 to 11/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 320
Defect: The intercooler sleeve may detach.
Remedy: The retaining metal band must be replaced with a new component.

Date: July 2015
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2010 to 05/2015
Number of vehicles affected: 878
Defect: The wiring loom connected to the transmission oil pump may chafe against a support bracket and damage the wiring.. Damaged wiring may cause loss of drive or adversely affect gear changes.
Remedy: Check the wiring for any damage and repair as required. If the wiring is not damaged reposition the wiring.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. These cover wiring and engine cooling systems.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Alfa Romeo dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Giulietta, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi A3 | BMW 1 Series | Citroën C4 Cactus | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Infiniti Q30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Alfa Romeo Giulietta at The Car Expert

Alfa Romeo offers extra £2,000 deposit contribution on selected models

Alfa Romeo offers extra £2,000 deposit contribution on selected models

Alfa Giulietta gains a new look

Alfa Giulietta gains a new look

Alfa makes over its Giulietta

Alfa makes over its Giulietta

Zero-star Fiat shows the progress of safety standards

Zero-star Fiat shows the progress of safety standards

Buy an Alfa Romeo Giulietta

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What is key insurance and do I need it?

Have you ever gone to leave your home, the office or a friend’s house and discover you can’t find your car keys?

Cue mad panic and blood running cold as you turn the place upside down, trying to find them. And that’s not just because of the inconvenience of being unable to open and start your car and drive away – but you’re probably already totting up the cost of a possible replacement.

Modern car keys are no longer just a piece of cut metal that you stick in the vehicle’s door and turn to unlock it. Today’s keys are highly technical pieces of equipment – some don’t even need to come out of your pocket to use, operating instead using ‘keyless entry’ capability. These don’t come cheap.

And key replacement is big business: the average price of a substitute car key is £252, according to workforce specialists Checkatrade, while a recent survey by the RAC motoring organisation showed that two million drivers had lost their key at least once.

So how about some key insurance? Just as with the car itself and many of its components (windscreen, tyres, alloy wheels) you can buy insurance cover for your car keys and – similar to screen cover – it might not automatically lose you your no claims discount.

What is key insurance?

Key insurance, or key cover, protects you against the loss of your car keys. Cover can extend to straight loss, theft or damage and because you could end up being stranded if you can’t get into your car, the cost of a hire car, or use of a taxi or public transport should also be provided.

You will almost certainly need alternative transport for a few days anyway, because most modern keys can take up to a week to be ordered, set up and delivered.

Does it come with my car insurance?

Not necessarily. Some policies offer it as part of the car premium, while other insurers will provide the cover but at an extra cost. Additionally, there are specialist companies that can offer it as stand-alone cover and can then include other keys with it, such as your house’s.

Is it worth having?

Certainly with the cost of replacement car keys rising, it might be worth considering. Much depends on the type of key you have and the make of car that it belongs to.

An older car with a ‘standard’ key can probably be re-cut easily in a specialist shop but anything over and above that and you’re looking at an expensive replacement.

Some keys come with a security chip inside them that the car recognises, others have a ‘flip’ mechanism that allows them to fold inside a protective casing, some are push-button only, while the most technical are the ‘keyless’ types. So, forget hundreds of pounds – depending on which one you require, a replacement could run into thousands.

“The car keys of today are far more technologically advanced than their predecessors of 10 or 20 years ago,” says Caroline King, customer operations director at cover provider Ageas Insurance.

“Key cover can provide peace of mind that if your keys are lost or stolen, your insurer can get you back on the road quickly and with minimal disruption.”

What’s the cost?

Insurance cover for keys usually costs around £20 a year, and for that you will get a number of benefits. Check that you have all you need when you come to buy. Cover should include:

  • the cost of the new set of keys. There will be a limit on this – typically £1,500
  • the cost of re-programming an immobiliser or any other car feature that ‘talks’ to your keys
  • travel costs such as taxis, public transport or a hire car, while your own vehicle is off the road
  • an emergency dedicated helpline so that you can get immediate help if your keys go missing

Avoid the problem in the first place

When you buy a new car, and often a used one, you will get two keys. The second key is invaluable – so keep it in a safe place somewhere so that if you do lose your main one, help is at hand – even if you have to take a bus or taxi ride to go and get it!

Warranty sales rise post-lockdown – but so do claims

Warranty claims increased by nearly a third in March, as improving lockdown restrictions allowed drivers to get back on the road again, new research has revealed.

And it wasn’t just claims that mounted with every new mile motorists were taking. Sales of warranty policies also soared by almost 25%, according to a new survey of more than 100,000 warranties from Händler Protect, a company that provides warranties to car dealers to sell to their customers.

In February, its warranty sales were up about 10% compared with January, but in March warranty sales grew again by almost a quarter (just over 24%).

This was before showrooms were able to operate in a near-to-normal way, with customers only allowed back in to try before they buy from 12 April. Warranty sales continued to grow in April though – up 10% again compared to March.

However, the number of cars getting back on the road did result in an increase in claims made. Händler Protect saw an increase of 30% in claims made in March compared with February.

It was a similar story with Q1 warranty claims that were up by 24% compared with Q1 2020, while sales increased 34% for the same period. During April, the most common faults reported to the warranty provider involved water pumps, injectors, air flow sensors, alternators and fuel pumps.

“It’s inevitable that as more cars get back on the road we’ll see a percentage increase in the number of claims, particularly with so many people choosing to buy that dream car this year as they find themselves with a bit more money in their pocket,” says Lloyd O’Connor, chief executive at Händler Protect.

Here at The Car Expert, we have some fantastic warranty offers for our readers provided by our commercial partners. If you’re interested in a used car warranty, you should check these out:

  • ALA Insurance provides used car warranties in conjunction with the RAC
  • MotorEasy offers warranties and many other types of cover for car owners
  • Warrantywise is a long-established and multi-award-winning warranty provider

More car warranty information

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The UK’s best used car warranty providers

How to handle a dispute with a car dealer

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Used car warranty – the law and your rights

Used car warranty – the law and your rights

Spares or repairs – and other dodgy trader tricks

Spares or repairs – and other dodgy trader tricks

Vauxhall Combo-e Life goes on sale

Vauxhall has announced prices for the Combo-e Life, the brand’s latest all-electric people-carrier.

The van-based MPV will cost from £31,610, with the government’s £2,500 plug-in car grant included.

The new Combo-e Life is fitted with a a 100kW (136hp) electric motor producing 260Nm of torque and powered by a 50kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives the car an official battery range of 174 miles.

Fitted as standard is a single-phase 7.4kW on-board charger, while a three-phase 11kW charger is available as an option. The Combo-e Life also supports 100kWh rapid charging, so can be replenished to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes.

Only one trim level is on offer but there are two body lengths to choose from – the Medium and the longer XL. Medium models come in either five- or seven-seat configurations, while XL vehicles are only available with seven seats.

Being based on a van does mean a lot of space – Medium variants with five seats have a 597-litre boot, extending up to 2,126 litres with the rear row of seats folded, while XL variants come with 850 litres extending to 2,693 litres.

Vauxhall-e Combo interior

SE trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, nearside and offside sliding side-access doors, LED daytime running lights with high-beam assist, a panoramic rear-view camera and automatic windscreen wipers.

Inside the standard equipment includes an eight-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Vauxhall Connect. This gives the driver information including the battery charge and traffic updates while also connecting to Vauxhall’s e-Call and b-Call service – in an emergency or breakdown this puts the driver in touch with a trained advisor.

Safety kit includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, cruise control with a speed limiter and speed sign recognition, while rear parking sensors and a panoramic rear-view camera are also supplied as standard.

First deliveries of the Combo-e Life will be in October, while a Combo-e van will also join the range late run 2021.

.

Hyundai Tucson

Summary

The Hyundai Tucson is a medium-sized SUV/crossover and one of the brand’s longest-serving nameplates – the first generation arrived back in 2004, with the all-new fourth-generation model launched in late 2020.

The Tuscon is available in petrol, mild-hybrid and regular hybrid variants, while a new plug-in hybrid joined the range in early 2021. The Tucson range was facelifted in Spring/Summer 2024.

Reviews for the Tucson have been universally positive to date, with Auto Express dubbing the latest version: “… the model that realises the company’s ambition of not being a value-led budget brand but a proper mainstream player like VW.”

The aerodynamic and distinctive styling has come in for praise, as has the interior quality, which has been described as a major step up over previous Hyundais. Space is also improved, including a boot that’s much bigger than the one found in the rival Toyota RAV4.

The Tuscon comes with a high level of standard equipment, with even entry-level models including reversing cameras and large digital touchscreen displays, as well as extensive accident avoidance technology. It has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Out on the road, the Hyundai earns praise for its smooth powertrains and its fuel economy figures, even when not aided by hybrid technology.

Such advances do mean that starting prices are higher than with previous versions, but reviewers conclude that the Tucson will appeal to buyers who have never previously considered a Hyundai.

As of September 2025, the Hyundai Tucson holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 73%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions and Hyundai’s generous new-car warranty, while its safety rating, running costs and media review scores are also good. The Tucson’s reliability record is only average, however, although this does include previous models.

Tucson highlights

  • Striking design stands out from the pack
  • Interior quality much improved over previous model
  • Plenty of boot space
  • Good level of standard safety tech

Tucson lowlights

  • Prices are higher than previous model
  • Driving experience is pretty bland
  • Touchscreen can be sluggish to operate

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £33,080 on-road

Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: Spring 2024
Next update due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

More reviews

Auto Express

Auto Trader

Business Car

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Company Car Today

Eurekar

Heycar

Parkers

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 70%

The Tucson boasts an impressive level of safety kit as standard, with multiple active systems including lane-keeping assist and autonomous braking. Additional safety systems including upgraded collision avoidance, rear- and blind-spot alerts come with the mid-range spec that costs £1,500 more than the entry-level version.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: HEV 1.6-litre T-GDI Hybrid FWD automatic

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 4.2 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.5 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.1 / 10

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScore
Petrol models42 mpgC
Hybrid models47 mpgC
Plug-in hybrid models202 mpgA
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models152 g/kmC
Hybrid models137 g/kmC
Plug-in hybrid models26 g/kmA
Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models44 milesD
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models20B
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£250C
Year 2£608C
Year 3£988C
Year 4£1,200C
Year 5£1,545C
Overall£4,591C

There are some mixed results for the Hyundai Tucson when it comes to running costs, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is relatively poor for the petrol models, and only average for the hybrid models. Although the plug-in hybrid looks good on paper, this is because the EU/UK government lab tests are absolutely pointless for properly assessing plug-in hybrids (good luck driving for 202 miles on one gallon of petrol and about 38 miles’ worth of electricity!).

The good news is that insurance premiums should be very good, as the Tucson is rated in low groups by Thatcham, while servicing costs are better than average for the first five years.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Hyundai Tucson has an average reliability score, according to warranty data provided by our partners MotorEasy. This data relates to both this current Tucson model, and older (pre-2020) versions.

The most common claims made by Tucson owners are for braking system repairs, which have an average repair bill of less than £300. Gearbox and engine repairs are more expensive, although they appear to be fairly uncommon to date.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Hyundai Tucson

Overall ratingA88%
Petrol or diesel modelsB72%
Electric or hybrid modelsA96%
New car warranty duration5 years
New car warranty mileageUnlimited miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Hyundai’s new car warranty is one of the best in the new car market, and better than most rival brands in a similar price bracket to the Tucson.

The duration is five years, with no limit on mileage. This is good news for both new and used car buyers, as it helps the residual value of the Sportage for new car buyers when they come to sell the car, and it gives near-new car buyers confidence that they are covered for years to come.

In addition to the overall new car warranty, battery components on the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models benefit from an additional eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is why they get a better score than the standard petrol and diesel models.

Warranty on a used Hyundai Tucson

  • If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Tucson from an official Hyundai dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
  • If you are buying a used Tucson from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
  • If you are buying a used Tucson from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Hyundai Tucson

Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/036
Model types: Tucson NX4e
Build dates: 10/2020 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 1,781
Defect: The side curtain airbag could potentially be assembled in a twisted condition.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will be inspected to ascertain if the airbag is correctly installed. If the airbag is twisted it will be removed and reinstalled correctly.

Date: August 2023
Recall number: R/2023/184
Model types: Tucson NX4e
Build dates: 03/2023 to 04/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 2,746
Defect: Certain vehicles equipped with rear door power windows may experience a malfunction of the anti-pinch function during its operation.
Remedy: Both left-hand and right-hand rear door power window regulator motors will be replaced.

Date: March 2023
Recall number: R/2023/039
Model types: Tucson NX4e
Build dates: 02/2021 to 10/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 4,023
Defect: The vehicle immobiliser may not function correctly due to incorrect vehicle software.
Remedy: Apply a software update to the Hybrid Control Unit to correct the immobiliser operation.

Date: December 2021
Recall number: R/2021/414
Model types: Tucson NX4e hybrid and plug-in hybrid
Build dates: 10/2021 to 12/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 1,706
Defect: A manufacturing defect may be present within the right-hand rear brake calliper, which may result in impaired brake performance.
Remedy: If the right-hand rear brake calliper is confirmed to be fitted with the affected batch code (1J24), it will be replaced.

Date: September 2021
Recall number: R/2021/295
Model types: Tucson NX4e hybrid and plug-in hybrid
Build dates: 10/2020 to 07/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 3,587
Defect: Vehicles equipped with smart key system may have an immobiliser malfunction.
Remedy: Apply update to the hybrid control unit to correct the immobiliser operation.

Date: July 2021
Recall number: R/2021/220
Model types: All Tucson models
Build dates: 10/2020 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 46
Defect: The side curtain airbag could potentially be assembled in a twisted condition.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will be inspected to ascertain if the airbag is correctly installed. If the airbag is twisted it will be removed and reinstalled correctly.

Date: February 2021
Recall number: R/2021/014
Model types: All Tucson models
Build dates: 09/2020 to 11/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,879
Defect: The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.
Remedy: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the eCall unit and updating.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been seven DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Hyundai Tucson to address different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Hyundai dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Tucson, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Hyundai Tucson has received

2023

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-size SUV

2022

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Family Car

2021

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-size SUV
  • Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for Long Distance
  • DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Car of the Year + Best Medium SUV
  • Carbuyer AwardsCar of the Year + Best Hybrid + Best Family Car
  • Business Car Awards – Best Medium SUV
  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Family SUV

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Hyundai Tucson, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Current models: Chery Tiggo 7 | Citroën C5 Aircross | Dacia Bigster | Ford Kuga | Jeep Compass | Honda ZR-V | KGM Korando | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | Nissan Qashqai | Omoda 7 | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Austral | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | Suzuki S-Cross | Vauxhall Grandland | Volkswagen Tiguan

Discontinued models: Citroën C5 Aircross (2018 to 2025) | Ford Kuga (2013 to 2019)Honda CR-V (2018 to 2023) | Kia Sportage (2015 to 2021) | MG HS (2019 to 2024) | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2018 to 2021) | Peugeot 3008 (2017 to 2024) | Renault Kadjar (2015 to 2022)Subaru XV (2018 to 2023) | Toyota C-HR (2016 to 2023) | Vauxhall Grandland (2017 to 2024)Volkswagen Tiguan (2016 to 2024)

More news, reviews and information about the Hyundai Tucson at The Car Expert

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Hyundai Tucson review

Hyundai Tucson review

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Britain’s best-selling cars, October 2021

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More five-star cars in latest safety tests

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Britain’s best-selling cars, August 2021

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Hyundai Tucson shows its striking new face

Hyundai Tucson shows its striking new face

Britain’s best-selling cars – April 2019

Britain’s best-selling cars – April 2019

Buy a Hyundai Tucson

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Ford Mustang Mach-E

Summary

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric mid-sized SUV that arrived in UK dealerships in early 2021. A GT model joined the range later in the year.

First things first: it’s obviously not a traditional Mustang. It has Mustang badges everywhere (and not a single Ford badge), but it bears absolutely no relationship to the V8-powered sports cars of the last 60 years. Car enthusiasts around the world – but especially in America – howled in response to Ford taking its hallowed muscle car name and slapping it on an electric SUV, although this has died down over the last three years.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, what’s the Mustang Mach-E actually like? Size- and price-wise, it squares up against the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 or the Polestar 2, and it delivers a similar sort of experience.

Like any electric vehicle, it delivers immediate acceleration from a standing start or when overtaking, and it’s quiet and smooth when you’re pottering around your local roads. The handling isn’t considered to be great (which you could probably say about most Mustangs from history), but the styling has been well received by the media. Battery range isn’t best in class, but should still be plenty for most household needs.

As of February 2026, the Ford Mustang Mach-E holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71%. It rates highly for safety and its lack of any tailpipe emissions, while running costs are low and media reviews are positive.

Mach-E highlights

  • Great straight-line performance
  • Plenty of interior space
  • Front and rear boot space
  • Modern styling, both inside and out
  • Battery range adequate for most households

Mach-E lowlights

  • Ride quality has been criticised
  • Handling not as good as some rivals
  • Sleek styling reduces rear headroom
  • You have to pay extra for a proper charging cable
  • People will keep telling you it’s not a real Mustang

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £43,830 on-road

Launched: Spring 2021
Last updated: Autumn 2023
Next update due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

More reviews

Auto Express

Auto Trader

Business Car

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Company Car Today

Daily Mail

Daily Mirror

Discover EV

Driving Electric

Electrifying.com

Eurekar

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Honest John

Parkers

The Sun

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Which EV?

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 69%
Safety assist: 82%

The Ford Mustang Mach-E comes with all of the safety kit you’d expect to protect you in the event of an accident and – even better – avoid one in the first place, so it comes as no surprise that Euro NCAP gave the Mustang Mach-e a five-star rating.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: Electric 4×4 Automatic

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 9.4 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 10 / 10

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Ford Mustang Mach-E 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 Mustang Mach-E, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models334 milesA
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models3.7 m/KWhD
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models38D
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£252C
Year 2£481B
Year 3£765B
Year 4£997B
Year 5£1,289B
Overall£3,784B

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is poor, but the battery range is still more than 300 miles (up to about 380 miles on the longest-range version) on the official lab tests.

Insurance is also average, but servicing and maintenance costs are excellent across the first five years from new.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Ford Mustang Mach-E

Date: June 2023
Recall number: R/2023/187
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 35
Defect: Certain vehicles have been produced with a mismatch of information between Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) label Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and Registration documents regarding towing.
Remedy: Affected vehicles need to have a new VIN label, exchanged Certificate of Conformity, or updated registration.

Date: June 2022
Recall number: R/2022/194
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 6,535
Defect: It is possible that the high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
Remedy: Dealers are required to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on all vehicles.

Date: January 2022
Recall number: R/2022/015
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2021 to 11/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 46
Defect: The rear seat belt buckle anchorage attachments may not meet the design specification.
Remedy: Inspect and repair the seat belt anchorage points using a Helicoil repair kit.

Date: January 2022
Recall number: R/2022/014
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 2,437
Defect: Inadequate front windshield adhesion to the vehicle body structure.
Remedy: Remove & re-install the windscreen ensuring correct adhesion. Renew windscreen if damage occurs during the repair process.

Date: December 2021
Recall number: R/2021/397
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 1,540
Defect: Vehicles could develop wind noise & water leaks around the panoramic glass roof. Should the roof glass loosen there is a risk that the glass could become detached from the vehicle.
Remedy: Add additional urethane adhesive between the vehicle body and roof glass.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/225
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 1,835
Defect: Incorrect location information may be sent from the eCall system.
Remedy: A software update is required to SYNC module.

As of September 2024 (our last data point), there have been six DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Ford Mustang Mach-E that cover various manufacturing issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Ford dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Mustang Mach-E, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards

Significant UK trophies and awards that the Ford Mustang Mach-E has received

2021

  • DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Electric Large SUV
  • News UK Motoring AwardsThe Sunday Times Car of the Year
  • Top Gear Awards – Best Family Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Ford Mustang Mach-E, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi e-tron | Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Nissan Ariya | Polestar 2 | Polestar 3 | Skoda Enyaq | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volkswagen ID.5

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Ford Mustang Mach-E at The Car Expert

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Ford Mustang Mach-E gets minor tech upgrade

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Ford Mustang Mach-E test drive

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Buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E

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Why do we drive on the left-hand side of the road?

Maybe some of you will remember the Only Fools and Horses special ‘Miami Twice’, where Del Boy closely avoids a head-on collision with a car in Florida as his brother Rodney screeches at him, “You’re on the wrong side of the road! They drive on the right-hand side of the road over here!” A comedy classic that highlights that, for some, the right side of the road is anything but.

So why is it that some countries drive on the left side of the road as we do in the UK and others, like the Americans, drive on the right? This article looks into the history of this road traffic rule and explores where the modern conventions originally came from.

Confusion reigns around the world

Here in the UK we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and our cars are right-hand drive (RHD) because it’s much easier to see what’s going on. It is perfectly legal to drive a left-hand-drive car (LHD) in the UK, but it is a bit more challenging – not to mention that you are always on the wrong side for toll booths and drive-through services.

Europe is generally the opposite way around to the UK, where the cars are left-hand drive and you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Again, it’s legal to drive a UK car with the steering wheel on the right over in Europe. The main issue is headlight aiming, as your lights are angled slightly towards the kerb and away from oncoming traffic. This is why you have to fit those fiddly stickers to your headlights when driving a UK car in continental Europe, as your headlights are angled towards oncoming vehicles.

Who drives on which side of the road?

Countries like the UK that drive on the left-hand side of the road are in the minority, with 74 total territories doing so, as opposed to 167 that drive on the right. Of all the roads around the world, 90% of their total distance are ‘wrong way round’ to us.

Many of the RHD/left-side-of-the-road nations are members of the Commonwealth of Nations (or previously part of the British Empire), so there is a definite political dimension to which side of the road a country drives on. Of all the current British territories, it’s only Gibraltar that doesn’t follow the left-hand rule as they drive on the right in line with the other countries in Europe.

There are a number of theories as to where the left vs. right traffic conventions have come from, but there is no definitive answer. It is only relatively recently, with the advent of modern state regulations, that road traffic rules have been defined and recorded. So let’s explore some of the likely reasons for why countries drive on the side of the road they do.

The Roman road system – insights into ancient ways

The ancient Romans were famed for their roads, whose straightness is a characteristic that is still evident on many modern roads today. The quality of Roman roads was only surpassed during the industrial revolution many hundreds of years later. With the military importance roads had in upholding the Roman Empire across Europe, they must have had a well-ordered system of organising the roads and their traffic. So which side did they use?

The best insight to this was found in 1998 during an archaeological excavation of a Roman quarry site near Swindon. The road leading to and from the quarry site was well enough preserved for the archaeologists to clearly see that one side had grooves worn into it. As carts would enter the quarry empty and leave heavily loaded, the grooves were presumably caused by cart traffic leaving the site, meaning that (at this location, at least) the Romans traffic drove on the left.

It’s likely that the rules governing Rome’s roads were standard throughout the empire, as they were primarily a military asset; transporting columns of centurions from the Irish Sea to the Middle East. As the roads were for military purposes, the rules governing them would probably have derived from the army. A theory has been offered that the left would have been the best side to use for marching Roman troops so that the sword and scabbard, worn on the left-hand side, would not catch against troops marching in the opposite direction.

Another theory is that a left-hand side position would place the right, sword-wielding hand nearer to a potential adversary coming the other way. Throughout time, right-handed people have always been numerically dominant over left-handers, so marching and driving on the left would suit the vast majority of men.

The fall of the Western Roman Empire to the barbarian invaders ended Roman road construction in Europe and the bureaucratic system governing them. However, the barbarian invaders adopted and emulated many Roman traditions and systems, meaning that Roman influence stretched into the Dark Ages and beyond. This may have included the conventions for road or track use.

Road conventions in Medieval Europe

It seems that traffic conventions set in place by the Roman Empire continued to be followed by the kingdoms that inherited Western Europe. Evidence of this is contained in a 1300 AD papal edict by Pope Benefice which decreed that all pilgrims travelling to Rome should keep to the left.

The Roman Catholic Church inherited and continued Roman authority until the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. This suggests that, at least until the early 19th Century, most of Europe had left-hand traffic like the UK. There is no military reason stated in the edict, which addresses the issue of congestion in the eternal city, but that is not to say that the convention itself did not have military ancestry.

An important aspect of medieval society to bear in mind is how superstitious it was. The Church believed that left-handedness was demonic, and left-handed people either had to adopt the right hand or face persecution or being ostracised. This means that handling of tools and weapons would be done with the right-hand side.

Another theory on the left-hand convention argues that for knights the only way to mount a horse wearing a sword on the left would be from the left and so for ease of mounting or dismounting the left side of a road would be used. In support of this are the origins of the modern military salute; lifting the right hand to the brow and dropping it. This originated with Medieval knights, who to greet each other would lift their helmets visor to identify each other.

Yet another theory adds that to approach somebody in peace, you would offer them your right hand to shake, as opposed to approaching them in anger with a sword or dagger in hand.  This is the origin of our modern western convention of shaking hands. Medieval society was highly violent; nearly everyone would have carried a side arm, bandit attacks and murders were common and so personal security would have been of prime concern.

It seems that the medieval conventions arose from a mixture of inherited Roman customs and from the social customs of a more violent society. However, as the superstitions of the Middle Ages gave way to the rationality of the Enlightenment, road conventions became more politicised.

The right-hand revolution

It was the republican revolutionaries in Europe and America who set about changing the road conventions to drive on the right-hand side. During the American War of Independence, French revolutionary the Marquis de Lafayette, the ‘hero of two worlds’ who went to fight against the British and who became a close friend of George Washington, suggested to him that the colonists adopt the right-hand traffic convention. Whether this was done immediately after the colonists’ victory in 1783 is not known, but the first record of a law on the subject is found shortly after with a 1792 Pennsylvania statute specifying to keep right.

In Europe, republican revolution came to France a few years after the Americans had won their freedom. With it came a commitment by revolutionaries to overturn the existing order and usher in a new age of reason. As part of this, there were strong anti-clergy and secular views in the ranks of the French revolution who sought to overthrow Papal authority by subverting its conventions and edicts, such as that on pilgrims in Rome.

There is also a theory that Napoleon changed the side of the road used because he himself was left-handed. However these may have contributed, during the revolutionary conquests the side of the road that was driven on became politicised.

It was Napoleon’s conquests throughout Europe that spread revolutionary ideology and overturned the existing conventions of its monarchies. As the French armies swept across Europe, they introduced the right-hand law to symbolise freeing countries from their old medieval social and political systems. Napoleon’s invasion of Austria showed this political aspect, as his armies only invaded the Tyrol in the west of the country, and only in that region was the right-hand side rule imposed.

Changing the side of the road on which people travelled was a symbolic act, meant to show the power of the new regime over all aspects of society and to place the revolutionary countries diametrically opposed to those they believed represented the values of the old world. Those powers that represented the old conservative world and resisted Napoleon’s advances – Britain, Portugal, Austria-Hungary and Sweden – all continued to keep to the left.

Napoleon’s failure to conquer all of Europe caused there to be a variety of conventions across countries. In Belgium there was no convention for which side of the road to travel on, with some regions driving on the left and some on the right. This situation was only addressed in 1899, not long after the first motor cars arrived, when the drive-on-the-right rule was imposed to bring order to an increasingly busy road system.

Although Napoleon conquered major colonial powers in Europe, the conventions in their colonies were generally not changed.  This was the case in the Dutch colony of Indonesia, where the original convention to drive on the left remained in place even after Napoleon changed the Netherlands to driving on the right (and has remained so until today).

The Right Wing revolution

As Napoleon tried to conquer all of Europe in the 18th century, so Hitler tried the same in the 20th Century. And like his maniacal predecessor, Hitler sought to change Europe’s driving conventions. Completing the work Napoleon started, Hitler changed all of Austria to drive on the right after the 1938 Anschluss unified Germany and Austria. Next was Czechoslovakia in 1939, and during the war Hungary was changed to drive on the right in 1944.

After the Second World War, only one country in continental Europe was still driving on the left – Sweden. It changed to match its neighbours in 1967.

The colonial and anti-colonial influence

As European empires spread throughout the world, they spread their control and influence, which included imposing driving conventions on their colonised people. Britain spread the left-hand rule to the territories it colonised, but also some that it did not.

In Japan, the influence of the British ambassador Sir Rutherford Alcock led the country to start travelling on the left from 1859, a change formalised by Japan’s government in 1872. This was also the case in China, where British influence caused a similar change to the left in the important port city of Shanghai.

As much as the road conventions were a means of colonial powers to impose their rules on their territories, they were equally used by post-colonial nations to assert their independence. This was the case in Myanmar (Burma) where as one contemporary writer noted the, ‘rule of the road was recently and suddenly imposed to supersede that inherited from colonial times’. Other post-British Empire nations like Nigeria and Ghana switched to driving on the right soon after they were granted independence from Britain.

The idea of changing to driving on the right to shake off the colonial yoke was considered in Pakistan following independence; their decision not to was all down to camels. At the time the country was heavily dependent on camel trains for transportation, whose camels were training to walk on the left.  The retraining of the camels for right-hand traffic was enough of a task for the country to reconsider the move and stay on the left.

The anti-colonial impetus for changing the road conventions seems to have petered off after the initial flood of newly independent nations asserting their new found freedom and in recent years economic reasons have taken the forefront. In 2009, Samoa – previously a German colony – which drove on the right, changed to driving on the left.  This wasn’t in order to throw off the reigns of colonial power, however, but in order to benefit from cheaper car imports from Japan and Australia!

This article was originally published in 2014, and was most recently updated in May 2021.

First Subaru EV to be called Solterra

Subaru has announced that its first production electric car, a mid-sized SUV, will be called the Solterra.

Due to go on sale in 2022, the new car is being developed as part of a wide-ranging joint project with Toyota, which unveiled its version, called the BZ4x concept, at the Shanghai motor show.

According to Subaru the name of its new EV was arrived at by fusing the Latin words for the sun and the earth, Sol and Terra. The name was chosen “to appreciate mother nature and further advance the form of coexistence with it, together with our customers, and to represent our commitment to deliver traditional Subaru SUV’s go-anywhere capabilities in an all-electric vehicle.”

Calling the car Solterra has wrong-footed Japanese media, which had predicted that the new model would be dubbed the Evoltis.

The Solterra will be built on a new platform developed as part of the collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, which has been designed for specifically for electric power. The versatile chassis will enable both brands to develop a varied range of EVs – cars of different lengths, with front, rear or all-wheel drive and with batteries of different sizes.

No other details of the new SUV have yet been revealed – however a silhouette ‘teaser image’ released suggests that it will take at least styling cues from an EV concept (pictured above) that Subaru revealed in January.

The Solterra will form the first major move towards Subaru’s announced intention for at least 40% of its global sales to be of electric or hybrid vehicles by 2030. So far the brand’s only unveiled moves towards electrification has been to add mild-hybrid versions to its existing Forester, Impreza and XV models. The Soterra will be similar in size to the existing Forester.

Subaru’s UK management hopes the Solterra will be an essential element of efforts to revive the brand – Subaru was one of the worst-hit manufacturers during the Covid-19 pandemic, selling fewer than 1,000 cars in the UK in 2020.

Semiconductor shortage causing headaches for new car customers

A worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips is causing a major headache for some of the leading car manufacturers, with customers now being forced to prioritise in-stock vehicles.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused major disruption throughout the automotive industry and the knock-on effects are now being felt by many.

As a result of this, many manufacturers are being forced to delay deliveries and production of their vehicles, causing a huge headache to customers.

What is a semiconductor chip?

A semiconductor chip controls the flow of current through electronic equipment. To put it simply, these chips are the brains behind all our electronic devices.

Within cars, they help power systems like an onboard computer or a touchscreen, as well as crucial safety features like the anti-lock braking system, lights or windows.

Why is there a semiconductor shortage? 

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a rapid rise in the demand for technology. 

Be it working remotely or home schooling, there has been a greater need for everyday technology, with consumers flocking in their numbers to buy items such as monitors, laptops and tablets. 

Combine that with the launch of new games consoles from both Sony and Microsoft, as well as the constant need for mobile phones and cars, the huge demand has simply outweighed the limited supply and we now have a global shortage of crucial semiconductor chips.

How are customers being affected?

While lengthy delays are now causing headaches to both manufactures and customers alike, the latter face the prospect of missing out on critical elements of their new cars.

Stellantis has been one of many car groups to confirm changes to its production plans. The latest Peugeot 308 models will not include the digital speedometers that they were expected to. Instead, they will be replaced by traditional analogue gauges.

In another example, Nissan and Renault have been producing current models without navigation systems or some of their standard digital screens because of the chip shortage.

With car manufacturers forced to adjust, customers are now doing the same. Customers have been forced to forego their preferred choice of a new car to simply take whatever’s available – and discounting has largely disappeared for the time being.

With the chip shortage tipped to continue into 2022, it may be a while before the situation returns to normal. However, it’s likely that the industry will catch up fairly quickly as soon as it can get more chips for its cars.

BMW 330e review

While there have been so many versions of the BMW 3 Series that it can be confusing to know which is which, this particular one, the 330e, is rapidly becoming the most important.

As it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it comes with officially quoted CO2 emissions of just 41g/km, which makes it a green car in the eyes of tax law-deciding politicians. So particularly for company car drivers – a market which the 3 Series is a massive player in, the 330e becomes a much more wallet-friendly option than other 3 Series models.

Of course the 41g/km is a fallacy as like most PHEVS this BMW will spend much longer using its petrol power than electric volts – but rules are rules…

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What’s new about the BMW 330e?

According to BMW, the 330e is the first 3 Series that was designed from the start with a hybrid drivetrain in mind. What this means firstly is more grunt – compared to the previous 3 Series hybrid, the motor has had its power boosted by around 25%. Added to that is better handling, due to the various elements of the drivetrain being better integrated into the chassis with many of them between the two axles.

The other big change this time round is that you don’t have to have your 3 Series PHEV as a saloon – for the first time the 330e is available in the rather more practical Touring (estate) form. And you can have it in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, xDrive in BMW speak.

How does it look?

From the outside the 330e appears to be like any other BMW 3 Series Touring, its electric drivetrain only given away by a discreet letter on the boot-mounted model badge and what appears to be a second petrol flap on the nearside front wing, hiding the charging socket.

So you get a reasonably purposeful visual silhouette which has been updated in the latest model. Our test car looked better than that, because it came in M Sport trim, a £2,200 options package that adds a whole lot of performance-pitched extras such as bespoke wheels, sporty suspension and uprated brakes, and includes extra aerodynamic add-ons.

As a result this car certainly looks the performance part – appearing as if you have forked out for the almost mythical BMW M3. This extends to the grille – your reviewer is not a fan of BMW’s latest, enormous, in-your-face noses but the black version on the front of the 330e is rather toned down compared to the chrome monstrosities on some of the brand’s SUVs.

What’s the spec like?

As mentioned, the latest 330e comes in saloon or estate (Touring in BMW-speak) form, and with rear- or all-wheel-drive. Our test car was the Touring variant with power to all four corners.

Thankfully the bad old days when BMWs came with absolutely nothing in terms of standard equipment and everything was on the options list are along gone – such things as cruise control, a DAB digital radio, LED fog lights, automatic air-con and such do come supplied these days.

Even so this particular test car bristles with almost £10,000 worth of options including quite a lot of technology, and very few potential owners will go into a purchase without expecting to dig deeper into their budgets to afford some of the various nice-to-have extras on offer.

In terms of safety, the BMW 330e is also well equipped. It scored a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP when it was assessed in 2019, with an excellent overall set of scores in every category.

What’s the BMW 330e like inside?

BMW interiors have long been classy if not particularly distinctive and it’s no surprise to find this latest 3 Series incarnation maintaining the trend. There is plenty of space, and it is very easy to get nice and comfortable, especially as many of these cars are expected to spend their life cruising long distances.

The driver’s view is dominated by the enormous touchscreen of the infotainment system, best used as a sat nav map – its location, high up on the centre console as is practically possible is a definite positive, minimising time spent with one’s eyes off the road.

Our car was fitted with the optional Technology pack, a snip at £1,900. While this included such niceties as wireless charging, better speakers and ‘gesture control’ (adjust the radio volume by waving at it), this reviewer was most impressed by the highly efficient head-up display. Yes it projects on the windscreen and no it’s not a distraction, allowing you to take in info while never stopping looking where you are going.

The boot is quite practical and at 410 litres fairly generous, though it’s a bit smaller than a standard 3 Series Touring’s 500 litres so as to accommodate the hybrid elements. With seats down it stretches to 1,420 litres and there is still some underfloor storage, though not really big enough to hide all the electric charging cables.

What’s under the bonnet?

The hybrid drivetrain takes as its base the 2.0-litre 183hp turbo petrol engine of the 320i, attaches it to the regular eight-speed sequential auto transmission and then sandwiches between the two an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery placed under the rear seats. This battery is a major improvement, its capacity almost doubled from 5.4 to 10.3kWh.

The electric motor serves up its own 112hp for a total system output of an impressive 252hp. And the car comes with a new ‘Xtraboost’ feature which offers bursts – and they are bursts, only around 10 seconds a time – of power at 293hp. This is hidden in the Sport driving mode, in which sudden acceleration activates the boost.

All this means a 62mph sprint time of just over six seconds and a top speed where allowed of 136mph. The motor can of course drive the car by itself, and at speeds up to 68mph, and due to those battery upgrades the electric-only range jumps up too, officially quoted at up to 37 miles WLTP depending on which 330e you choose.

In terms of charging BMW quotes 80% recuperation from flat in 2.4 hours using one its own wallboxes, reaching full capacity in 3.4 hours. Using a conventional household socket quoted charge time is 4.2 hours to 80%, and our experience with a cable trailing across the reviews driveway confirmed this.

What’s the BMW 330e like to drive?

Traditionally BMWs have always been regarded as excellent machines to drive, a factor driving the overwhelming popularity of the 3 Series, and the 330e does not disappoint. This is a car that is very, very good on the road, a truly enjoyable experience.

The acceleration, particularly with Sport selected and activating the Xtraboost, is very impressive – but there is the nagging thought in the back of the mind as to why such niceties feature on a car aimed at those wanting greener motoring – more tax-cutting than planet-saving then?

It’s an enjoyable car through corners, the responsive chassis 3 Series owners expect not being diluted in hybrid form. And even though our car is powered on all four wheels it combines the resultant excellent grip with a slight bias towards rear-wheel drive which adds to the fun.

Of course you don’t have to hustle it and in normal travel driving the BMW is a relaxing, unflustered experience as befits its premium status. With hybrid mode selected the 330e will eat up motorway miles in a highly refined manner.

The hybrid side of the car is quite flexible – you can use it on full electric, when you want to, or you save what’s in the battery for when you know you might need it, such as in an urban controlled emissions zone. You can even choose how much battery charge you want to save and use the rest.

There’s also an automatic setting, when the hybrid unit works with the car’s sat nav to highlight the best places to use electric power on a journey you’ve programmed in. And like all the best BEVs the car offers brake-energy recuperation enabling you to put some juice back in the battery – specially useful around town with lots of coasting and braking.

Verdict

As plug-in hybrids go, the BMW 330e is a good one. It starts off with the major advantage of the 3 Series itself, a car that has dominated the wish lists of particularly company drivers for very many years. But it adds an efficient PHEV system with lots of flexibility.

The car is enjoyable to drive, and most owners will likely rate the experience and the tax savings more highly than the little bit they are doing towards encouraging greener motoring.

Similar cars

Mercedes-Benz C 300e | Peugeot 508 Hybrid | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen Passat GTE | Volvo V60 T8

Key specifications

Model as tested: BMW 330e xDrive M Sport Touring
Price as tested: £54,090 (inc. options)
Powertrain: 2.0 turbo petrol + electric motor
Battery: 10.3 kWh lithium-ion

Power: 252 hp combined (+ 40 hp boost)
Torque: 420 Nm combined
Top speed: 136 mph
0-62mph: 6.1 sec

Fuel economy (combined): 156 mpg
CO2 emissions: 42 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: 5 stars (2019)
TCE Expert Rating: 88% (as of May 2019)

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£37K price tag for bold new Hyundai EV

Hyundai has announced the UK prices for its Ioniq 5 crossover, the initial model in the Korean manufacturer’s new electric sub-brand.

The Ioniq 5, first car built on Hyundai’s new electric chassis called the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will go on UK sale later in 2021, at prices from £36,995.

Previously a model name, Ioniq will now be applied to a line-up of cars designed from the start as EVs, on bespoke electric chassis with flat floors. According to their creators this means the Ioniq models can make use of much more freedom in design.

The E-GMP platform allows a very long wheelbase freeing up more interior space, and great flexibility in the car’s drivetrain. The entry-level model of the initial versions on offer is rear-wheel-drive with a 58kWh battery and a combined cycle range of up to 240 miles, while the 73kWh rear-wheel-drive version extends the range to 300 miles.

Range topper is a 73kWh all-wheel drive variant with a range of up to 287 miles. This will only be available in the top of the three trim levels, Ultimate, at £48,145. The other two will also be offered in a mid-range trim dubbed Premium and the entry-level model in a base trim, Connect.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 rear side

All Ioniq 5 models come fitted with 800-volt charging. Using a 350kW ultra-rapid charger, recharging to 80% capacity will take a mere 18 minutes while 100km of range will be able to be added in only five minutes.

The car can also be charged using a domestic wall box or mainstream public 400-volt high-speed chargers, as its motor and inverter can convert the voltage from 400 volts to 800 volts.

Other electric innovations include the availability of a ‘Vehicle 2 Load Pack’ on all but entry-level trim. This allows vehicle-to-grid charging – owners can use their car to put electricity back into the grid while charging at home, helping to save on household bills, while also charging electric equipment, such as laptops, in the car.

The Ioniq 5 will also be instantly recognisable on the road, its striking styling very different to other Hyundais.

Citroën ë-C4

Summary

The Citroën e-C4 was launched in Spring 2021 as an electric version of the new C4 mid-size family hatchback, which has earned praise as a distinctive and chic French alternative to the traditional – mostly Germanic – family offerings.

The ë-C4 gets its power from a choice of two electric motors, in either 100kW (136hp) or 115kW (156hp) versions. The 100kW motor is paired with a 50kWh battery, while the more powerful motor gets a slightly lager 54kWh battery.

It’s hard to pigeonhole the e-C4 as it’s something of a mix of styles – it has SUV-like styling, but a strongly sloping rear roofline gives it a coupé image as well. This would normally translate into cramped rear cabin space, but it’s surprisingly roomy inside.

Having been surprised by the space, reviewers agree that the ë-C4’s interior is one of Citroën’s best for some time, with particular praise for retaining traditional buttons alongside a touchscreen, unlike many new cars.  

The ë-C4’s driving range is best described as adequate rather than outstanding, as it will cover most needs but can’t match some rivals like the Kia Niro EV or Volkswagen ID.3. However, its standard compatibility with 100kW rapid charging earns bonus points, cutting the time needed to charge at a public charging point before getting back on the road.

Adequate also describes the car’s acceleration and handling, though many reviewers also highlight its hushed and refined performance at motorway speeds. 

An updated C4 range, including the ë-C4 and ë-C4 X, was announced in Autumn 2024, with the first updated cars arriving in UK showrooms in early 2025. This added the more powerful electric motos and battery configuration, as well as improved interior technology and some light styling refreshes.

As of August 2025, the Citroën e-C4 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and for producing zero tailpipe emissions, but its safety rating, media review scores and new car warranty are only average.

ë-C4 highlights

  • Distinctive looks without sacrificing space
  • Quality interior
  • 100kW rapid charging capability
  • Refined at speed

ë-C4 lowlights

  • Modest real-world battery range
  • Not as affordable as some rivals
  • Performance is adequate rather than great
  • Soft suspension leads to average handling

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door liftback
Motor: Single electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £26,295 on-road

Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: Winter 2024/25
Next update due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

More reviews

Auto Express

Business Car

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Company Car Today

Daily Mail

Daily Mirror

Discover EV

Electrifying.com

Eurekar

Fleetworld

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Honest John

Parkers

The Sun

The Sunday Times

The Telegraph

Which EV?

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: May 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 80%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 57%
Safety assist: 63%

The Citroën ë-C4 was awarded a four-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in May 2021, based on testing of the regular C4. Citroën was required to provide data to show that the ë-C4 performed in a similar manner to the C4 in crash testing to satisfy Euro NCAP that the same score should apply.

In most areas the car performed well, although not as well in every test as the best performers, hence the four-star rating. The main concern of testers was that the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system did not recognise pedestrians well enough in all scenarios.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of August 2025, the Citroën ë-C4 has not yet been tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the ë-C4 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models235 milesB
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models4.7 m/KWhA
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models22B
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£131A
Year 2£350A
Year 3£542A
Year 4£741A
Year 5£1,022A
Overall£2,786A

The Citroën ë-C4 should be a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for petrol and diesel cars) is very good, which leads to a decent battery range despite a modest battery size.

Insurance costs are very good, while servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years should be excellent.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of August 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Citroën ë-C4 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 ë-C4, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Citroën ë-C4

Overall ratingC56%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Citroën’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).

In addition to the standard new car warranty, the ë-C4 has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Citroën does offer a conditional warranty extension programme for up to five years beyond the end of the original new car warranty, with an overall limit of 100,000 miles (including mileage already accumulated in the first three years). However, this requires the car to be serviced by an official Citroën dealership every year, whereas your new car warranty is not restricted. Other restrictions also apply, so check with your Citroën dealer for full terms and conditions.

If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ Citroën ë-C4 from an official Citroën dealership, you will get a minimum six-month warranty included. If you are buying a used ë-C4 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company. If you are buying a used ë-C4 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond anything that may be left on the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Awards

Significant UK trophies and awards that the Citroën ë-C4 has received

2023

  • Auto Express Awards – Driver Power Award
  • Carbuyer Award – Best Used Small Electric Car

2021

  • DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Electric Medium Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Citroën ë-C4, you might also be interested in these alternatives

BYD Seal | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia EV4 | Mazda MX-30 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | MG 4 | Nissan Leaf | Omoda E5 | Peugeot e-408 | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | Volkswagen ID.3 | Volvo EC40

The Citroën ë-C4 is a bit difficult to pigeonhole compared to most cars. It rides a bit higher than a regular saloon/liftback like the Hyundai Ioniq, but not quite as high as an SUV/crossover vehicle like the Hyundai Kona. As such, it has plenty of rivals that sit (literally) above and below it.

More news, reviews and information about the Citroën ë-C4 at The Car Expert

Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026

Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026

Citroën C4 and C4 X models given facelift

Citroën C4 and C4 X models given facelift

New powertrain options for Citroën, Peugeot and Fiat

New powertrain options for Citroën, Peugeot and Fiat

Citroën ë-C4 and ë-C4 X gain more powerful drivetrain

Citroën ë-C4 and ë-C4 X gain more powerful drivetrain

MG 4 achieves top marks in crash safety test

MG 4 achieves top marks in crash safety test

Citroën unveils all-electric ë-C4 X

Citroën unveils all-electric ë-C4 X

Citroën adds ë-C4 models to retain Government EV grant

Citroën adds ë-C4 models to retain Government EV grant

Citroën C4

Citroën C4

Citroën reveals new C4 and electric ë-C4

Citroën reveals new C4 and electric ë-C4

First glimpse of new electric Citroën C4

First glimpse of new electric Citroën C4

Buy a Citroën ë-C4

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Citroën ë-C4, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

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Lease a Citroën ë-C4

If you’re looking to lease a new Citroën ë-C4, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

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Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more

Subscribe to a Citroën ë-C4

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?)

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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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