The Car Expert

Mazda 6e

Sean Rees

-

22 October 2025

Mazda 6e (2026) | Expert Rating

Summary

The all-electric successor to the petrol-powered Mazda 6, the 6e is a large battery-powered saloon that is set to go on sale in the UK in early 2026.

Already on sale in Asia, the Mazda 6e was designed in collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan, and shares its foundations with the similarly-sized Changan Deepal L07 liftback.

Concluding that the saloon “lacks the unique magic we’ve come to know from Mazda”, Autotrader’s Catherine King explains that “the Chinese influence is overwhelmingly apparent, with fiddly touchscreen controls and overzealous driver aids.”

Despite a “firm ride” and an “irksome” infotainment system, Car’s Ben Whitworth argues nevertheless that “the Mazda should prove attractive to buyers by its combination of its sleek looks, decent range and generous specification levels.”

Not yet on sale in the UK at the time of writing, we are yet to give the Mazda 6e an Expert Rating score. Beyond the car’s middling review scores, the saloon has also been put through its paces by Euro NCAP, which awarded the Mazda a full five-star safety rating.

6e highlights

Spacious and stylish interior
Large boot
Sharp steering
Well-equipped as standard

6e lowlights

Frustrating infotainment system and safety tech
Slow maximum charging speed
Rather firm ride quality
Rivals offer more battery range

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: TBA

Launching: Spring 2026
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Refinement is superb, fit and finish is impressive and the cabin is fairly spacious. However, it doesn’t feel like a Mazda when two of the brand’s key qualities – ergonomics and beautiful feel and feedback through the driving controls – are missing.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Alex Ingram

More reviews

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The sleek Mazda 6e hatchback is a rival to the Tesla Model 3, but is it a true Mazda? The company has buddied up with Changan, a Chinese car maker with more experience in battery tech. The Chinese influence is overwhelmingly apparent, with fiddly touchscreen controls and overzealous driver aids. While the 6e ticks a lot of boxes on paper, it’s simply singing from the same hymn sheet as BYD, Xpeng and Omoda, and lacks the unique magic we’ve come to know from Mazda.”
Author: Catherine King
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Despite a firm ride, smallish boot and irksome driver interface, the Mazda should prove attractive buyers by it combination of its sleek looks, decent range and generous specification levels.”
Author: Ben Whitworth
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“It might not look like the most exciting new electric car, but the Mazda is sleek, spacious and efficient too. It has some of the fun feel of an MX-5 to drive too.”
Author: Tom Barnard
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
” It has some annoyances, but you might be willing to put up with them if its cheap enough.”
Author: Ivan Aistrop
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Sumptuous, classy interior with top-quality materials; refined and quiet drive at all speeds; decent handling feel that stays true to Mazda’s sporty ethos; competitive range from the standard battery; good equipment levels as standard.”
Author: Ben Whitworth
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Although it looks great, this joint project with China’s Changan is not sufficiently well honed to live up to Mazda’s hard-earned reputation.”
Author: Andrew English
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 93%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 77%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2025, the Mazda 6e has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the 6e is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

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

No data yet

As of October 2025, we don’t have independently verified data available for the Mazda 6e. Check back again soon.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of October 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mazda 6e 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 6e, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Mazda 6e

Overall ratingA89%
New car warranty duration6 years
New car warranty mileage100,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Mazda has improved its warranty offering in 2025, extending its new car coverage from a bog-standard three years to a far more impressive six years. That’s now better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the 6e.

From September 2025 onwards, the duration is six years, with a limit of 100,000 miles (up from three years/60,000 miles). In addition to the standard new car warranty, there’s an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Mazda 6e

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Mazda 6e from an official Mazda dealership, you will get a minimum one-year warranty included.
If you are buying a used Mazda 6e 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 Mazda 6e from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Mazda 6e

As of October 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Mazda 6e. However, recall information is updated very regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mazda dealer.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Similar cars

If you’re looking at a new or used Mazda 6e, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More Mazda ratings, reviews, news and features

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Mazda 6e at The Car Expert

Mazda 6 (2013 to 2022)

Everything you need to know about Mazda

New battery-powered Mazda 6e range debuts

Mazda 6 review (2015 – 2017)

Mazda celebrates centenary with special edition models

Mazda 6 review

New Mazda 6 prices announced

Mazda gets on the scrappage scheme bandwagon

Buy a Mazda 6e

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mazda 6e, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

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?)

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
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Volkswagen Touareg to be pulled from sale after ‘Final Edition’

Miscellaneous

Sean Rees

-

21 October 2025

0

Volkswagen Touareg to be pulled from sale after ‘Final Edition’

Volkswagen has announced that it will be retiring its large ICE-powered Touareg SUV sometime in 2027, following the arrival of a top-spec ‘Final Edition’ model.

Capping off nearly 25 years of Touareg sales – the large SUV has been sold in the UK over three models generations since 2002 – this ‘Final Edition’ version is essentially a range-topping cosmetic pack that introduces minor design changes, sitting above the ‘Black Edition’ trim.

On the outside, ‘Final Edition’ lettering is laser-engraved on the window surrounds of the rear doors.

Inside, this special edition comes with the dashboard illumination and interior ambient lighting of the ‘Black Edition’, but with illuminated ‘Final Edition’ door sill mouldings and the same lettering embossed into the leather gear selector.

That just about sums up the ‘Final Edition’. The top-spec end-of-an-era model has the same interior layout, same tech and the same powertrain options that you can find elsewhere in the Touareg range.

Volkswagen is yet to announce pricing for the trim, but the brand says that the price list, alongside the full specification list, will be announced fairly soon.

As of October 2025, the Volkswagen Touareg holds a New Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 52%. Its best scores are only average, with C grades for its safety rating and media reviews. However, its CO₂ emissions and reliability record are poor, while its running costs are very high and Volkswagen’s new car warranty offering is one of the worst in the UK new car market.

New Omoda 4 crossover unveiled

New model

Sean Rees

-

21 October 2025

0

Omoda has unveiled a new crossover model at an event in China, which is planned to arrive on UK roads next year.

The Omoda 4 – which the manufacturer says has been designed to “offer drivers a sense of safety, security and space” – will be the new entry-level model in the Omoda range, targeting younger buyers with a price tag presumably cheaper than the £24k Omoda 5.

Not much has been announced about the model just yet, including exactly what powertrains the small SUV will be offered with. That said, Omoda say the 4 is “part of its expanding line-up of ICE cars and EVs”, suggesting that the crossover will be offered with both petrol and electric drivetrains at launch.

The car’s exterior design includes plenty of sharp contour lines, lighting bolt-shaped LED light signatures and black SUV-style bumper cladding. Omoda says the car’s looks are “Cyber Mecha” – inspired by a Japanese sci-fi literary genre – and the car’s cabin layout is said to be inspired by a spaceship cockpit.

A narrow digital instrument cluster and portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen hover above the dashboard, with the latter powered by Snapdragon processor, much like a gaming monitor. Simply put, that should mean that its very snappy and responsive.

That just about sums up what we know about the Omoda 4 so far. More information about powertrains, trim grades and price lists won’t arrive until next year, but Omoda has confirmed that the crossover will be available with the brand’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

More Omoda news, reviews, Expert Ratings and features

DS Nº8

Stuart Masson

-

19 October 2025

0

Summary

The DS Nº8 is a medium-large electric liftback, announced at late 2024 as the new flagship of the DS Automobile model range. The first cars arrived in the UK in the autumn of 2025.

The Nº8 is available in three trim levels in the UK – Pallas, Étoile and Jules Verne – with three powertrain and battery combinations. These are:

230hp, front-wheel drive, 74kWh battery, Pallas or Étoile trims
245hp, front-wheel drive, 97kWh battery, Pallas, Étoile and Jules Verne trims
350hp, all-wheel drive, 97kWh battery, Étoile and Jules Verne trims

In the entry-level Pallas version, with the 245hp motor and larger battery, DS claims that the Nº8 will be able to deliver a driving range of 446 miles on the official government lab tests. Even the smaller battery versions offer an official range of 328 miles, which is comfortably more than most households will need in day-to-day driving.

The car’s interior is a minimalist

Prices range from just under £51K for the Pallas trim with the entry-level powertrain to about £69K for the Jules Verne model with the top-spec powertrain. Inevitably, this puts into direct competition with the dominant premium German troika of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so – as with every other challenger brand – the Nº8 will have its work cut out to create a viable niche for itself.

Initial reviews of the Nº8 have been positive from most of the motoring media on the European launch, although the actual scores are only average. There are also a couple of negative reviews that pull the overall score down. We’ll continue updating as we get local reviews starting to filter in over the next few months.

As of October 2025, the DS Nº8 has a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. It achieves top marks for its zero tailpipe emissions, while its running costs and safety rating are also good. However, DS Automobiles’ new car warranty offering is only average, while the generally positive media review scores have been dragged down by a couple of poor scores.

More DS Automobiles Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized liftback
Engines: electric, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Price: From £50,780

Launched: Winter 2024/25
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Banish your preconceptions, the sumptuous DS No8 EV is a big French car that deserves to be on the radar of UK buyers.”
Author: Jordan Katsianis
Read review

Auto Trader

Score: 8 / 10
“The DS No8 has incredibly plush seats, top-quality cabin ambience and plenty of legroom in both passenger rows, although we’re not massively convinced by the X-design steering wheel. Though it’s more expensive, the dual-motor AWD version is more befitting of a luxury vehicle such as the N°8 than the entry-level, single-motor version.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The DS Nº8 is a car that quietly asks: what does it matter what the neighbours think? And for the right buyer, that might just be the most convincing argument of all.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The new DS No.8 is an electric car that looks kinda cool, has a luxurious interior, and a massive electric range, but will that be enough to steal customers from BMW and Audi?”
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“DS seems to have thrown everything it’s got at the No. 8, perhaps because it’s a last roll of the dice for the brand. In terms of technology, range, performance and tech it’s a match for best competition, while the styling is divisive enough to make it a ‘must have’ for some buyers.”
Author: Tom Barnard
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The No8 is a sign that we can finally start taking DS seriously as a premium competitor to the likes of Audi and Mercedes-Benz. It feels plush, comfortable and pleasingly different from more obvious options.”
Author: Matt Robinson
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“You have to admire the DS No8 for its determination to be so different. It’s refreshingly nothing like its perceived German competitors and surprisingly distinct from the many Stellantis Group cars it shares parts with. It’s certainly interesting and it rides smoothly but we can’t help but wonder if its high price will be a stumbling block for many.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Parisian flair meets electric serenity.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review

Regit

Score: 8 / 10
“The DS No.8 offers bold styling, a wealth of on-board technology, a superb driving range and a price-tag that competes very favourably against the German marques. But it’s just a case of getting its name out there and that’s no easy task these days.”
Author: Maxine Ashford
Read review

The Independent

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“After a decade of so-so autos, the No.8 is the car that finally put DS on the premium car map.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 2 / 10
“Only nine UK drivers bought this car’s predecessor [the DS 9] last year. Might the DS No8 have more appeal? I wouldn’t count on it. If friends expressed an interest in buying this car, I’d seriously question their sanity.”
Author: Andrew English
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“DS makes something inevitably different from the German opposition, and surprisingly different from the rest of Stellantis’s stuff ”
Author: Paul Horrell
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: October 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 76%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 80%
Safety assist: 65%

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of October 2025, the DS Nº8 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Nº8 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

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

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	397 miles	A

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	3.7 m/KWh	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	40	D

As of October 2025, we don’t have servicing and maintenance cost data for the DS Nº8.

Despite its electricial efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel consumption in a petrol or diesel car) being below average, it will still be cheaper to run if you are able to charge it at home or work. If you are relying on fast changing in public charging stations, it will be fairly expensive to run.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

The DS Nº8 is a brand-new model so we won’t have any meaningful reliability data for years to come.

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 Nº8, we’ll publish the results here.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the DS Nº8

The DS Nº8 has not yet been launched in the UK, so no recalls have yet been issued for this model.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local DS Automobiles dealer.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the DS Nº8, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

The premium EV market is expanding rapidly, and the lines between saloons, liftbacks, crossovers and SUVs are becoming ever-more blurred. Around the £50K mark, there’s a growing number of different vehicles that could be compared to the DS Nº8.

More DS Automobiles Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

More news, reviews and information about the DS Nº8 at The Car Expert

DS Nº8 review – first UK drive

Everything you need to know about DS Automobiles

Electric DS No 8 coupé-SUV now on sale

New DS No 8 coupe-SUV debuts

Buy a DS Nº8

If you’re looking to buy a new or used DS Nº8, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

Lease a DS Nº8

If you’re looking to lease a new DS Nº8, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

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?)

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
Find out more

Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
Find out more

Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
Find out more

Changan Deepal S07 test drive

Car reviews

Andrew Charman

-

18 October 2025

0

Make and model: Changan Deepal S07
Description: Mid-sized electric SUV
Price range: £39,990

Changan says: “The Changan Deepal S07 is designed to make electric driving accessible, enjoyable, and practical for UK consumers. It combines sleek design, advanced technology, and real-world range with a price point that makes sense.”

We say: How much the European slant to the Deepal S07’s creation will matter will be up to the individual buyer, but this is another well-built electric SUV with plenty of equipment at a competitive price, only slightly let down by merely adequate on-the-road dynamics.

Changan Deepal S07 test drive review 2025 – The Car Expert

Introduction

Yet another new electric SUV, from yet another brand new Chinese brand, goes on UK sale but as you can read here, Changan, maker of the Deepal S07, claims to be not just another Chinese brand but effectively the daddy of Chinese brands.

The producers of the Deepal S07 also argue that their car is very European, designed at a studio established close to 25 years ago in Italy, because that’s where all the great car styling houses are, and developed by the finest UK engineers at their base in Birmingham.

That might count for something amongst UK buyers faced with an ever more bewildering choice of cars in this sector, from an equally bewildering choice of makers. What will count for more will be quality, equipment levels and value for money, and on first glance the Deepal S07 seems to tick those boxes.

It’s immediately apparent that this is a well-built new contender with some stylish interior treatment. The fact that there is but one option indicates that the car comes with plenty of kit, while the £39,990 price – the only price – sits crucially just below the level where the expensive ‘luxury car supplement’ tax hike gets applied.

What is the Changan Deepal S07?

Changan’s first European launch is an SUV to sit in the ‘D segment’, which basically means larger mid-sized vehicles – for core rivals one can look at the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model Y and – perhaps closer to home – the BYD Sealion 7.

The S07 comes with just one powertrain option, which is a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. However, we understand a range-extender variant with a small petrol engine generating energy for the battery is in the works for launch at some future date.

The car comes with a single specification too, and a price that should make potential buyers take a look, if Changan can make its created in Europe message sufficiently heard.

First impressions

On first viewing, the Changan Deepal S07 looks… well… just like any other of the new breed of electric SUVs. While the car’s Italian styling has been much promoted by its makers, it has to be said there’s nothing that really makes it stand out from the crowd. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if mainstream-level looks indicate mainstream-level quality – and in this case, it generally does.

Look closer and one can see the details that mark this out as a Changan vehicle, such as the ‘crystal sculpture’ LED light signature on front and back, but if you see one on the road then this is an SUV that is entirely unassuming.

The same is true once one gets inside the car; the completely minimalist look is one that has been done by rivals. But both the exterior and interior of the S07 do give an immediate impression of quality.

We like: Inside and out immediately indicates quality
We don’t like: Difficult to differentiate from rivals

What do you get for your money?

If ever there was a demonstration of simplicity, it’s the Changan price list. The Deepal S07 costs £39,990 on the road – no starting price plus options, just one amount for every version, and whichever one of the five exterior colours (including metallic shades) or three interior combinations one chooses.

Within that price comes a lot of equipment, Changan following the current trend of supplying everything one might want as standard. So the minimalist interior is dominated by a 17-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity and voice control – the latter is quite clever, for example, lowering individual windows according to which of the front-seat occupants is asking it to.

There’s a head-up display projected on the windscreen and wireless phone charging with a cooling vent to prevent overheating. There’s an audio system with 14 speakers, including one in the driver’s headrest which will also transmit conversations from the hands-free phone or navigation instructions.

Other niceties include front seats that are heated and ventilated, a panoramic sunroof, parking cameras with a 360-degree surround mode and a ‘transparent chassis’ function helping to show what the car is travelling over.

Changan is also weirdly proud of its ‘Easter eggs’ such as the seasonal modes available on the infotainment screen that can, for example, show fireworks or indulge in conversations with snowmen – we kid you not, there’s even a ‘dog mode’… Various functions in the car can also be activated by means of gestures by the occupants, but certainly more useful than all these is the built-in dashcam, with a 128GB memory.

The Deepal ticks the boxes on safety – it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2024 and secured a top-level five-star ranking, aided by a full set of accident-avoidance systems, controlled by 16 sensors – six of which are radar-activated.

Alongside the competitive price comes a good warranty – seven years or 100,000 miles on the car, and eight years/120,000 miles on the battery.

There is an option – yes, just one. Costing £800, it’s an electrically deployable towbar, as the S07 has a towing capacity of 1,500kg, so if you want to haul a caravan with it… Note, however, that specifying one will take the overall cost over that £40,000 luxury car supplement limit, so in reality it will cost you about £2,000 more than the £800 list price as you’ll have to pay an extra £425 a year for your road tax for five years.

We like: Good equipment levels including dashcam
We don’t like: ‘Easter eggs’ seem a bit gimmicky

What’s the Changan Deepal S07 like inside?

On stepping into the DeepalS07, the surroundings immediately feel plush, with the quality of fit and finish around the leatherette upholstery and trim obvious. The surroundings give off an airy presence, no doubt helped by the standard fit and huge panoramic sunroof.

It feels roomy too, in front or back, and this is matched by a reasonable amount of luggage space. While the 445 litres in the boot is less than offered by rivals, another 125 litres – or, in English, big enough for a carry-on suitcase – is available in a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet where traditional cars have their engines.

The design follows the current trend to minimalisation – there are almost no buttons for the driver to control, everything is contained on the huge landscape format central touchscreen. An oddity of this is that it can pivot from being angled towards the driver to the traditional central position or to the passenger.

Again typical in electric vehicles, the drive, park and reverse functions are activated by the right-hand steering wheel stalk, but unlike other EVs, the wipers and lights functions do not transfer to the left stalk, contained instead on a ‘shortcut menu’ which appears with a swipe to the right side of the touchscreen.

Activating such functions this way is not difficult and they remain close to hand, but it’s not as intuitive as using the stalk either and we feel this is a major failing, especially with the likes of Euro NCAP promising an increasingly strict tone on the distraction factor of wading through touchscreen menus instead of merely pressing a button.

Having said that, the general action of the touchscreen is good – it’s rapid acting and easy to select, helped by being able to be configured to one’s personal preferences in similar fashion to arranging apps on one’s phone. As an example, the S07 gets the same host of driver warnings that have become an irritating norm with new cars, but one can easily switch them off by choosing to put a cancel button on the shortcut swipe screen.

Another oddity is that the driver does not get their own digital display. Instead, the essential information – speed, navigation instructions and battery range – is all projected onto the windscreen as part of the head-up display. While initially unnerving, it soon becomes second nature to use the information this way.

We like: Touchscreen is fast-acting and easy to use
We don’t like: Lack of windscreen/light controls on stalk

Changan Deepal 07 front interior view | Expert Rating

Changan Deepal 07 rear interior view | Expert Rating

What’s under the bonnet?

Lift the bonnet of the Deepal S07 and you’ll find a big hole – as mentioned, being an EV, the car makes the most of its under-the-floor powertrain by using the traditional engine space for a ‘frunk’ – extra luggage space.

The drivetrain is typical for an EV, with a single motor at the back and the battery pack under the floor. The 80 kWh battery promises up to 295 miles of range and, according to Changan, has been optimised for the sort of lower-temperature environments that are typical in the UK. A heat pump also comes as standard, which is a plus in helping to maintain range in colder conditions.

The electric motor delivers 160kW (218hp) to the rear wheels, along with 320 Nm of torque. This produces a 0-62mph time of just under eight seconds, which is fine for most day-to-day uses but not particularly swift for the average EV.

As for charging times, Changan quotes 48 minutes for a recharge from 10 to 80% at a public charging point – somewhat slow in today’s market. It does offer a vehicle-to-load function, being able to power external equipment, which is not yet common across all EVs.

What’s the Changan Deepal S07 like to drive?

The S07 unlocks itself automatically as you approach, assuming you have the key. A benefit from a year working with security specialist Thatcham has seen the use of a Bluetooth system, rather than a radar-activated key, which is much harder to clone. The car can also be unlocked by means of a smartphone app.

As soon as you sit in the driver’s seat, the car adjusts the seat and steering wheel to your preferred setting. Pressing the brake pedal brings it to life so you can drive away. Drive functions are controlled by the right-hand steering wheel stalk and, like most EVs, it moves off silently and without fuss.

On the road, the S07 is generally comfortable to travel in, though while the flush-fit door handles help to cut wind noise (and marginally improve range too), we can’t help but think the frameless windows may have the opposite effect, as there is some noise noticeable at speed.

The powertrain is very smooth, again as one expects of today’s EVs, and while the 62mph sprint is not that fast, the car provides enough instant go for swift overtaking to satisfy most drivers.

If you enjoy driving for driving’s sake, however, you’re not likely to be too excited. As well as the steering having a complete lack of feel, the suspension is a little too soft and can become fidgety over poor quality road surfaces. Changan claims that its UK R&D department spent three months optimising the car’s ride quality for UK roads – we would suggest they need to spend at least another three…

The head-up display works well, meanwhile, in keeping one’s eye on the road. It shows only the information needed – principally speed, whether the indicators are activated and navigation instructions – in an easy-to-read format.

While on the move, you rarely need to use the central touchscreen, and then only the swipe-left shortcut for functions like the wipers or lights – effectively it transfers the left stalk onto the screen. Of course, both lights and wipers are controlled by automatic functions, but for instant activation, for example, if a passing tractor throws a lot of muck on the screen, the swipe screen is reasonably fast, but still not as swift as using a stalk.

One limited aspect of the Deepal S07 functions is regenerative braking – there are no paddles, and the modes don’t seem to do a lot. There’s certainly no one-pedal driving of this car, whioch may or may not be of importance to you.

We like: Generally comfortable to travel in
We don’t like: Suspension too soft and fidgety, lack of steering feel

Changan Deepal 07 rear view | Expert Rating

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the Changan Deepal S07, and it provides a credible debut for the company’s UK ambitions. What you get for the money, the fact that the price charged keeps it clear of expensive extra taxes, and the general quality of the car are all plus points.

The gripes are mainly minor – too much on the touchscreen, rapid charging that isn’t very rapid and primarily ride quality that can be a little too easily unsettled by poor surfaces. But having tried out a S07, many buyers might be tempted by it – Changan’s big challenge will be getting them to try it out in the first place.

Key specifications

Model tested: Changan Deepal S07
Price: £39,990
Engine: single electric motor, rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: Automatic

Power: 160 kW / 218 hp
Torque: 320 Nm
Top speed: 112 mph
0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds

Range: 295 miles (WLTP)
CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (2025)
TCE Expert Rating: Not yet rated (September 2025)

Buy a Changan Deepal S07

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Volvo XC60

Stuart Masson

-

17 October 2025

0

Summary

The Volvo XC60 is a medium-sized premium SUV/crossover, built on the same platform as its 60-series siblings, the S60 saloon and V60 estate. The current model is the second generation of XC60, and was launched in the summer of 2017.

The long-standing XC60 has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK motoring media, and has won many awards since it was launched – including 2018 World Car of the Year.

Since then, the mid-sized SUV has been updated several times – most recently with an infotainment tech refresh in 2025 – and remains Volvo’s best-selling model in the UK.

Originally available with pure petrol or diesel power at launch, a pair of plug-in hybrid powertrains arrived later into the car’s lifespan. If you are buying new from the showroom floor, these plug-in hybrid are now the only XC60 drivetrains you can choose, and this has raised the SUV’s entry-level price tag significantly.

These plug-in hybrid options have received higher scores than the regular petrol and diesel versions of the Volvo XC60 since joining the range. As of October 2025, the XC60 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 67%.

The Volvo XC60 range has been particularly praised for its exterior and interior design, class-leading safety standards and comfort. However, its driving experience is not considered as enjoyable as some rivals.

More Volvo ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £55,360 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017
Last updated: Spring 2025
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“There are more dynamic, fun-to-drive alternatives to the Volvo XC60. But as a complete package – combining performance, quality and equipment – this car is difficult to ignore.”

Score: 7.8 / 10

Read full review

“With a classy interior, excellent build quality and comfortable ride, the Volvo XC60 remains a great alternative to rivals from premium manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Safety is first-class, too, as is overall space and practicality, although the XC60’s infotainment setup has its flaws – the fiddly climate controls among them.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Ellis Hyde

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic B5 AWD Plus (2025 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 B5 is still a stylish SUV, but it struggles to keep up with the much younger competition.”
Author: Richard Ingram
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 is still a premium SUV with strong appeal almost half a decade after its debut, and this updated T8 Recharge model brings improved plug-in hybrid tech. Perhaps the only qualm is the cost – the T6 version offers identical efficiency with a smaller price tag.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T6 R-Design
Score: 9 / 10
“Updates to the Volvo XC60 have fixed the pre-facelift model’s minor foibles, and have pushed the SUV’s cabin further ahead of the competition.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 offers style, luxury, lots of advanced tech and is one of the best premium SUVs.”
Read review

Model reviewed: D4
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s slightly old school, but the new Volvo XC60 D4 fulfils its brief as a company car tax-friendly workhorse.”
Read review

Model reviewed: T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid
Score: 9 / 10
“The XC60 T8 Twin Engine is refined, comfortable, spacious and luxurious. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s among the best plug-in hybrids you can buy and we’ve loved having it on our test fleet.”
Read review

Model reviewed: D4 R-Design
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volvo XC60’s comfort and refinement ensure driving to and from road tests is very relaxing. It’s so pleasant to drive that it can make even the M25 bearable on a morning commute, and that’s high praise indeed.”
Read review

Model reviewed: T5 R-Design
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 T5 is just as handsome, practical and classy as the rest of the range – and it’s even more refined than the already very quiet diesel versions.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 2025 facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 might be getting on a bit, but it’s still one of our favourite family SUVs and has now been updated with fresh tech.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review

Model reviewed: Pre-facelift (2017 – 2024) range
Score: 8 / 10
“The XC60 is one of Volvo’s best-selling cars, and one of the best family SUVs you can buy. It’s a real class act, providing excellent comfort, good practicality and exceptional safety. Some versions are pricey, but the XC60 is a very credible rival to the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The XC60 is one of Volvo’s best-selling cars, and one of the best family SUVs you can buy. It’s a real class act, providing excellent comfort, good practicality and exceptional safety. Some versions are pricey, but the XC60 is a very credible rival to the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Overall, the changes we’ve tried so far only add to the XC60’s status as a strong contender in this segment – and once the bigger battery PHEV versions arrive, they’ll surely demand very strong fleet consideration.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Momentum
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 just looks like a shrunken XC90 inside and out, but this is no bad thing. Its premium looks, superb cabin and excellent suite of advanced technology make it a real best-in-class contender and it should prove even more popular than its big brother.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic D5 R-Design
Score: 9 / 10
“Critics might accuse Volvo of simply repeating its XC90 in a smaller form, but the reality is that when you’ve got a successful formula, you’ve got to forgive the firm for wanting to do the same again. Make no mistake, the best-selling mid-size premium SUV in Europe just got even better.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic T8 Twin Engine
Score: 6 / 10
“Given the premium price the T8 demands over all other XC60 variants – including the T6 hybrid – perhaps opting for one of the more ordinary models makes more sense, the reduced performance a better fit for the laid-back driving experience.” (Brn Barry)
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: T8 Polestar Engineered
Score: 8 / 10
“The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered is a great addition to the Volvo line-up – adding additional performance, sportier styling and a more dynamic experience to this already brilliant premium SUV.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel mild hybrid B5 AWD
Score: 9 / 10
“This latest Volvo XC60 B5 mild-hybrid is a seriously compelling option – offering the long-distance benefits of diesel with the fuel-saving benefits of electrification. It’s appealing in the way that this tech is working beneath on the surface in a way where you wouldn’t really notice it, too.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest XC60 is a huge step forward for Volvo, with vast improvements in the interior making this latest car feel hugely competitive next to rivals. Add in a relaxing and comfortable driving experience and an impeccable safety record, and the XC60 makes a fantastic case for itself.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“A stylish SUV with a calming interior, impressive onboard tech and the option of plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Volvo XC60 has plenty of upmarket appeal.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: Recharge hybrid
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 Recharge hybrid proves that efficient cars can also be sleek, desirable and fast – but they are rather expensive”.
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 is an upmarket family SUV with a lot of safety kit and understated styling. It’s not the most comfortable SUV, though, and alternatives have bigger boots.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Range overview
“New infotainment system has industry-leading search function and is otherwise neat if not perfect, in a lightly revised SUV that does most things well.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine R-Design Pro
“It’s expensive, but the BiK benefits and efficiency if used correctly help well and truly claw that back.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: D4 Momentum
Score: 8 / 10
“Everything about this car is smooth. Gear changes, braking, engine noise, steering, even body roll. Life, if you will, becomes smooth when you’re in a modern-day Volvo XC60.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 R-Design
“There’s a lot to love about the Volvo XC60, whose speed, reliability and roominess made our long-haul trip comfortable, even with three in the back, a boot crammed to the rafters and a bike on the roof.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 Inscription Pro
Score: 8 / 10
“A mid-size crossover that’s handsome, luxurious, refined and fast. For those that do less than 25 miles a day the next-to-nothing running costs would justify the high price tag. Volvo’s XC60 T8 Twin Engine proves that hybrid SUVs can be desirable, fast and efficient but it comes at a price and, for a lot of people, its cheaper petrol and diesel siblings make more sense.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Solid, comfortable, safe and sophisticated, executed with a Swedish flair that now defines modern Volvos.”
Read review

Model reviewed: T5 R-Design
Score: 6 / 10
“Handsome, comfortable and refined, the Volvo XC60 is a slick and practical alternative to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 proves that an SUV doesn’t need to be particularly sporty to be desirable. It’s incredibly stylish, is packed with safety kit and is one of the most comfortable cars you can possibly buy.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you value comfort and luxury over razor-sharp handling and performance, then the Volvo XC60 will make a fine choice as your next family car.”
Read review

Motors

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 features a smart, sophisticated look inside and out. Interior quality is superb, while all engines offer good amounts of power and are relatively economical for the class. Some rivals are more enjoyable to drive, but the XC60 is comfortable and offers good levels of practicality.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The XC60 is well worth considering if you want something premium but not one of the usual German luxury brands. It combines a high standard of safety equipment with plenty of passenger space and good ride comfort.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review

The Sun

“What’s not to like with this car? Very little indeed. It’s almost annoyingly good.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: T8 Inscription Pro
Score: 6 / 10
“The XC60 is one of the most pleasant SUVs on sale today, but while adding a petrol-electric drivetrain might make it financially appealing to business users, others are likely to find that a conventional diesel model is still the one to go for as an all-rounder.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest XC60 continues Volvo’s run of building cars that are practical and safe as well as extremely desirable. If you prefer a sporty drive a Jaguar F-Pace is a better car, while the Audi Q5 can ultimately be more comfortable, but for something that feels of very high quality and a little different from the norm, the XC60 comes highly recommended.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo XC60 does things differently to the equivalent BMW, Mercedes and Audi… and it’s all the better for it.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
Date expired: November 2023
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 95%

Notes on safety rating

The Volvo XC60 was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a full five-star rating. However, this rating expired in November 2023 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 XC60 to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: XC60 B4 Diesel 4X4 Automatic

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6.7 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 2.5 / 10

The Volvo XC60 2.0-litre diesel automatic B4 received a two-star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. Green NCAP said: “The XC60 is tested here with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Its exhaust after-treatment does an excellent job of controlling pollutant emissions. Particulate number is very low for a vehicle of this type and low emissions of other pollutants lead to an impressive 6.7/10 in this part of the assessment.

“Sadly, this level of performance is not repeated in in energy efficiency or emissions of greenhouse gases. The car’s size and weight count against it and it gets 2.5/10 for Energy Efficiency. But it is in the area of greenhouse gases that the XC60 B4 really performs poorly, with values of N₂O sufficiently high that the car scores nothing in this part of the assessment.

“Overall, the Volvo’s average index only just puts it into the two-star band.”

This rating only applies to the 2.0-litre diesel automatic B4 version of the Volvo XC60, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Keep in mind that this diesel variant is no longer available new, with the current XC60 line-up consisting of only plug-in hybrid models. Again, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used diesel XC60 to vehicles of fuel type.

Running cost rating

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

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	179 g/km	D
Diesel models	165 g/km	D
Plug-in hybrid models	24 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	48 miles	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	40	D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£361	D
Year 2	£899	D
Year 3	£1,344	D
Year 4	£1,615	D
Year 5	£2,080	D
Overall	£6,299	D

The Volvo XC60 is a can be expensive to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

While we currently don’t have the fuel consumption data for the various models in the XC60 range, we do know that the electric-only range of plug-in hybrids is lower than the PHEV range average, and the car’s insurance premiums also sit at around the market average.

The SUV’s service and maintenance costs are unlikely to surprise either, as the accumulated cost over the course of five years of ownership (from new) is neither cheap nor overly expensive.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 227
Average repair cost: £481.12
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

The Volvo XC60 has a higher-than-average overall reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. However, this applies to all Golf models in MotorEasy’s database, so will be a combination of the current model and the previous generation.

The majority of problems with the XC60 relate to its engine, which is unfortunately the most expensive repair cost of about £910 on average. Other more common problem areas like the electrical system and suspension are much cheaper to fix with average repair prices of £245 and £250 respectively.

If you’re looking at a used XC60, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Volvo XC60

Overall ratingD28%
Petrol or diesel modelsE15%
Electric or hybrid modelsC50%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Volvo’s new car warranty is fairly average – typically no better or worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the XC60.

The duration is three years, with a limit of 60,000 miles. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the plug-in hybrid SUV has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Volvo XC60

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Volvo XC60 from an official Volvo dealership, you will get a minimum one-year warranty included.
If you are buying a used Volvo XC60 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 Volvo XC60 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Volvo XC60

Jan 2023

Oct 2022

Oct 2021

Sept 2021

Jun 2021

Jan 2021

Aug 2020

Mar 2020

Dec 2019

Jan 2019

Nov 2018

Date: January 2023
Recall number: R/2023/025
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2022 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 10,197
Defect: There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.
Remedy: Update the brake control module software.

Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/313
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2021 to 10/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 4,755
Defect: The Engine Control Module (ECM) may prevent the combustion engine from starting.
Remedy: Download updated software.

Date: October 2021
Recall number: R/2021/360
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 10/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2,083
Defect: The thrust bearing in the turbo charger may not be robust enough.
Remedy: Replace turbocharger with a modified version which has an improved thrust bearing.

Date: September 2021
Recall number: R/2021/331
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2019 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 28
Defect: There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.
Remedy: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/205
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 14,380
Defect: There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump operating.
Remedy: Replace the 15A fuse with a 20A fuse which can withstand this peak.

Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2021/205
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 704
Defect: Vehicles may have the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body.
Remedy: Inspect and tighten the SRS control unit.

Date: August 2020
Recall number: R/2020/246
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2017 to 05/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 31,778
Defect: Vehicles may have incorrectly tightened front wiper arm securing nuts.
Remedy: Check and tighten the nuts to an increased torque setting.

Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/073
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2019 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 56,385
Defect: The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision.
Remedy: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded.

Date: December 2019
Recall number: R/2019/452
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 11/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 53
Defect: Possible loss of power whilst driving.
Remedy: Vehicles must have updated software downloaded.

Date: January 2019
Recall number: R/2019/023
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2017 to 10/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 13,273
Defect: Under certain conditions in cold climates the tailgate lifting arms may freeze and separate.
Remedy: Replace both lifting arms on the tailgate.

Date: November 2018
Recall number: R/2018/314
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2017 to 10/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 7,322
Defect: There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
Remedy: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been 11 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Volvo XC60 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 Volvo 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 XC60, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo XC60 has received

2022

Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium SUV

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Medium SUV Class Champion, petrol/diesel
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium SUV

2020

Auto Express Driver Power – Best Premium Mid-Size SUV
Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Families

2019

Auto Express Driver Power – Best Premium Mid-Size SUV + Safety Features Award
Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Long Distances

2018

World Car of the Year
UK Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year + Best Medium Crossover
AM Awards – New Car of the Year
Auto Express Awards – Best Premium Hybrid Car (XC60 T8)
Auto Trader Awards – Best Car Launched in the Last Year
DrivingElectric Awards – Best Large Plug-In Hybrid
Fleet World Honours – Best Large SUV
Towcar of the Year Awards – Towcar of the Year + Best Family Towcar + Best Towcar 1,500-1,700kg category

2017

Auto Express Awards – Best Premium SUV
Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards – Best Luxury SUV

Similar cars

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Buy a new or used Volvo XC60

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Lease a new Volvo XC60

If you’re looking to lease a new Volvo XC60, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more

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Subscribe to a Volvo XC60

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One-off Maserati Grecale ‘Tributo Il Bruciato’ debuts

Model update

Sean Rees

-

17 October 2025

0

One-off Maserati Grecale ‘Tributo Il Bruciato’ debuts

Maserati has unveiled a one-off special edition version of its Grecale SUV created in collaboration with a prominent Italian wine-making family.

With ‘Il Bruciato’ referring to a renowned wine from Bolgheri in Tuscany, this model is a creation of Maserati’s ‘Fuoriserie’ personalisation programme, which allows buyers to create one-of-a-kind Maserati cars.

Based on the mid-range ‘Modena’ trim grade – which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine aided by 48V of mild-hybrid assistance – this special edition features cosmetic changes only. Most notable at first glance is the unique bodywork colour inspired by red wine in motion in a glass that changes colour from chrome copper to ‘dark raspberry’ throughout the day depending on light.

The window surrounds, tips of the exhaust, large 21-inch alloy wheels and brake calipers are finished in black.

The same wine-inspired colour scheme continues inside with a two-tone red and saddle-tan leather upholstery trim with stitching inspired by the shape of cannelloni pasta. The car also comes fitted with a 14-speaker Sonus faber premium audio system and a panoramic sunroof.

Maserati hasn’t announced the pricing of the ‘Tributo Il Bruciato’, nor is the model going on sale as a standalone trim. Instead, the car is an example of how the Grecale can be customised through the Fuoriserie programme. Buyers interested in this particular trim specification can request something very similar through the same Maserati workshop, which opened its doors for the first time in March.

KGM Torres Hybrid now available to order

Model update

Sean Rees

-

16 October 2025

0

KGM Torres Hybrid now available to order

First launching as a pure petrol and all-electric SUV range in 2024, the KGM Torres is now available to order as a petrol-electric hybrid.

Pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors, this all-wheel drive hybrid has an overall power output of 175hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. That’s around 12hp more than the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol can muster. Top speed is electronically capped at 112mph, with a 0-62mph sprint taking nine seconds.

KGM claims that this Torres Hybrid can do 95% of city driving on electric power alone, with electric-only driving possible at speeds of up to 62mph.

KGM hasn’t stated how far the SUV can go on electric power alone, but reports that the hybrid has an average fuel consumption of 46mpg, which means it isn’t quite as efficient as hybridised rivals like the Nissan Qashqai e-Power, Honda ZR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Available only with the Torres’ top-spec ‘K40’ trim grade – which includes front and rear parking sensors, a complete package of LED exterior lights, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch infotainment screen dashboard pairing and heated and ventilated front seats – pricing for KGM’s first ever hybrid model now begins at just under £36k, making it the cheapest model option in the range.

By comparison, the lead-in front-wheel drive petrol in the lesser ‘K30’ guise currently costs £800 more.

Smart #5

Sean Rees

-

15 October 2025

0

Smart #5 (2025 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Smart #5 is a large upmarket electric SUV, and the third model to join the refreshed Smart line-up, sitting above the smaller #1 and #3 SUVs.

Smart’s largest model yet, the #5 – pronounced as ‘Hashtag Five’ – has received a warm initial reception from the British motoring media, and has been earmarked by a number of reviewers who highlight the car’s pricing which undercuts premium brand rivals and its high-quality interior trim.

Slightly bigger than mid-sized electric SUVs like the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y, but smaller than premium rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, electrifying.com’s Thomas Geiger argues that the #5 “could be the new ‘one to beat’ in the family electric SUV class”, as the car’s tech, styling and price tag stack up well when compared to other upmarket large EVs.

That said, reviewers share a collective disappointment with the car’s battery efficiency and range which Ellis Hyde of Auto Express calls “woefully inefficient”. Top Gear’s Greg Potts also takes issue with the top-spec Brabus model, which he says is too fast and “hardly that fun to drive”, explaining that owners will “tire of a throttle pedal that acts like an on-off switch for warp speed.”

Keep in mind that these reviews are based on foreign test drives of the Brabus edition – instead of the standard #5 – and reviewer opinion could change somewhat when the SUV is tested in the UK. While we have several published reviews listed here, alongside the car’s five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, we don’t have enough information to give the Smart #5 an Expert Rating just yet. Check back soon!

More Smart Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

#5 highlights

Agile handling for an SUV this size
Comfortable, high-quality cabin fit and finish
Intuitive on-board tech
Competitively priced

#5 lowlights

Rivals offer a longer battery range
Not much ‘frunk’ storage space
Not many physical buttons and switches inside
Top-spec ‘Brabus’ not very fun to drive

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £39,800 on-road

Launching: Winter 2025/26
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Smart #5 encapsulates the phrase ‘go big or go home’. We were astounded by how well it handles, while still being comfortable, as well as by the vast amount of space inside, some of the technology onboard and the overall quality. However, what’s holding this big, bold SUV back is the woefully inefficient powertrain that resulted in a disappointing real-world range and will make it more expensive to run than rivals.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Ellis Hyde

More reviews

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The biggest Smart yet, the #5 combines neat design, interior space and surprisingly excessive levels of performance.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It sets itself apart from the competition with styling that’s arguably better than parent company Mercedes, and it packs in a silly amount of power that it’s impossible not to have fun with.”
Author: Curtis Moldrich
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The tech, the style, the space and the general character of the Smart #5 really do stack up well.”
Author: Thomas Geiger
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It looks unique and it provides a fun, enjoyable driving experience that’s far better than you’d expect from a tough D-segment SUV. Better yet, it has a well-packaged cabin that’s fitted with enough tech to compete with its inevitable Chinese rivals.”
Author: Curtis Moldrich
Read review

The Independent

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Impressively large, crammed with technology and with a few too many screens in the cockpit, the family SUV delivers a premium driving experience, copious interior space, plenty of kit and enough character to avoid feeling generic.”
Author: Steve Hogarty
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The #5 seems to be well-refined, full of decent materials and competitively priced given the kit that comes as standard.”
Author: Greg Potts
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 93%
Vulnerable road users: 84%
Safety assist: 92%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2025, the Smart #5 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the #5 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

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

No data yet

As of October 2025, we don’t have independently verified data available for the Smart #5. Check back again soon.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of October 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Smart #5 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 #5, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Smart #5

Overall ratingB76%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileageUnlimited miles
Battery warranty duration8 years
Battery warranty mileage100,000 miles

Smart’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the #5.

The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the electric car has an eight-year/unlimited-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Smart #5

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Smart #5 from an official Smart dealership, you will get a minimum twelve-month/100,000-mile warranty included.
If you are buying a used Smart #5 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 Smart #5 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Smart #5

As of October 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Smart #5. However, recall information is updated very regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Smart dealer.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Significant UK trophies and awards that the Smart #5 has received

2025

Red Dot Design Award

Similar cars

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More Smart ratings, reviews, news and features

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Smart #5 at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Smart

New Smart #5 Brabus to arrive by the end of the year

Electric Smart #5 SUV unveiled

Buy a Smart #5

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Smart #5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

Lease a Smart #5

If you’re looking to lease a new Smart #5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

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?)

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
Find out more

Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
Find out more

Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
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Who or what is Denza?

Andrew Charman

-

14 October 2025

0

The latest addition to the ever-growing list of Chinese car brands heading for the UK is Denza – and of all the new names, this is likely one to take notice of.

The reason? After early years as a joint project with Mercedes-Benz, Denza is today completely owned by the globally significant Chinese automotive group BYD. And of all the new entrants to the UK market over the past couple of years, BYD has certainly made the most impact.

Launched just two and a half years ago, BYD already has 100 dealers selling six different models and a bigger slice of the UK market than the likes of Dacia, Honda and Mazda – it is rapidly overhauling even electric standard-bearer Tesla.

Now, BYD wants to make the same big dent in the premium market with Denza, described by its creators as “the premium technology-oriented automotive brand of the BYD Group,” and already long-established in its home market of China.

So while cracking the UK market has proven challenging to the likes of Lexus and Genesis, and a step too far for Infiniti, BYD’s strong track record bodes well for Denza – no doubt, lessons learnt in the UK over the past couple of years will be used to good effect establishing the new brand.

Denza personnel describe its relationship to BYD in similar vein to what Audi is to Volkswagen. While many details of the new brand are still emerging, we know it will have its own standalone dealer network and intends to launch a range of new vehicles targeting all of the premium marques – from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz to the likes of Land Rover and Porsche. Watch this space…

So who or what is Denza?

The Denza story begins in 2010, when BYD began a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler to produce high-end electric vehicles – BYD would supply its expertise in EVs and the Chinese market, and Daimler its experience in producing cars for the premium sector.

The first Denza concept car was displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2012 and went on sale in China at the end of 2014 as the Denza EV. In 2018 it was restyled, also being renamed the Denza 500 and joined by a second model, an SUV called the Denza X.

In 2021, however, rumours began surfacing that Daimler was unhappy with the venture, with sales of Denza vehicles lower than expected. While the Germans denied the stories the partnership was restructured at the end of that year, the Denza X dropped and the Daimler stake reduced from 50% to 10%.

Denza launched the D9 SUV in 2022, in both full-electric and plug-in hybrid versions, followed by the N7 and N8 SUVs in 2023. In the following year Denza’s first store outside mainland China was opened in Hong Kong, like the UK a right-hand drive market.

Daimler’s role in the brand ended in September 2024 with the sale of its final shares to BYD, which then, in April 2025, announced Denza’s arrival in Europe, with Britain set to be one of the first markets.

When did Denza launch in the UK?

For ‘did launch’ substitute ‘is launching’ – the Denza name only made its UK debut at Britain’s substitute motor show, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in July 2025, where three new models were displayed to curious onlookers.

At the time of writing, details of Denza’s UK sales network have not been revealed, but with the first cars expected on sale early in 2026, we can expect the kind of aggressive moves to sign up dealers already seen with BYD.

The company has confirmed that Denza outlets will be separate from BYD ones, while plenty more new Denza models are planned to follow the initial trio.

What models does Denza have and what else is coming?

Leading Denza’s arrival on the UK market will be the three cars which made their debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

First on sale, early in 2026, is expected to be the Z9 GT – this is an upmarket electric vehicle that some have compared to the Porsche Taycan. It’s already sold in China in two body styles, but with saloons historically not massive sellers on the UK market, even in the premium sector, we will only get the ‘shooting brake’ variant – car manufacturer speak for a vaguely estate profile styled to look more sporty.

By summer 2026 the Z9 GT will be joined by the D9; an interesting direction for Denza as it is a people-carrier, or MPV – a type of vehicle that has virtually disappeared from the UK over the past decade, killed off by the rise of the SUV.

The D9 is sold in China in both full-electric and plug-in hybrid form, but it appears that initially at least we will only get the hybrid, which of course allows many motorway miles to be racked up without range concerns. Denza no doubt hopes that its very plush MPV will appeal to such end-users as high-end chauffeur travel providers.

The B5 is likely to arrive before the end of 2026 – this is a 4×4 with close to 700hp on tap and will clearly target the Land Rover Defender. It is also already on sale in China, under another newly-launched BYD badge, Fangchengbao, where it is known as the Bao 5.

Details of future Denza models beyond these three are scarce, but we do know there will be plenty – Stella Li has been quoted as saying the unveilings will run at a rate of one every six months or so.

Early additions are likely to include the B8 large SUV, a plug-in hybrid of similar vein to the Toyota Land Cruiser, while a large lifestyle SUV sold in China as the BYD N9 could also come to Britain as a Denza, pitching itself as a rival to the electric offerings of a Range Rover.

Where can I try a Denza car?

There are no Denza dealers to go and check out the new line-up at just yet, but they are certainly on the way – and the cars won’t be sold from existing BYD outlets.

The company is keen to promote Denza as a separate brand, and not a sub-brand of BYD – again per the Audi to Volkswagen analogy – and so Denza will have a standalone network and a distinctive identity to its showrooms. Apparently, they will be “crystal-like” structures with lots of glass, emphasising the upmarket pitch of the brand.

How many showrooms there will be is still to be revealed – we don’t expect as many as BYD already has, but we can expect them to be established quickly.

What’s particularly significant about this company?

While the management of Denza is keen to present the new brand as a sister to BYD and not a subsidiary, it is clear that the newcomer will greatly benefit from the size and reach of its parent.

Denza products employ the same technology that BYD is known for, especially in terms of electric technology – BYD is the world’s largest producer of rechargeable batteries and if, for example you have an iPhone, it’s more than likely to have a BYD battery in it.

All this expertise has resulted in the Blade battery for car use, already renowned for having all the range and charging capability of any rival while also being an inherently safer unit, demonstrated by the infamous ‘nail test’ where nails were hammered through a pack without issue.

As well as the technology, Denza will benefit from the business model that has seen BYD so quickly become a prominent player in its new markets, particularly the UK. Simply because it’s part of BYD, it’s hard to see Denza failing.

What makes Denza different to the rest?

Denza officials are convinced that they can take the fight to the long-established European premium brands, claiming that their cars will be supplied with technology that is “ten times better” than typical offerings from the German heavyweights.

This technology includes potentially game-changing 1,000kW ultra-rapid chargers developed by BYD, which allows a range boost of close to 250 miles in only five minutes. These have already been introduced in China and BYD hopes to roll them out across the UK.

Summary

Convincing premium-market buyers who have driven the products of Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz for decades is a tough ask, especially when presenting an unknown new Chinese brand as the alternative.

With Denza arriving as the second wave of an expansion programme orchestrated by BYD, however, it’s not difficult to see the newcomer quickly establishing a solid place in the UK market. The more Chinese brands that go on UK sale, the harder it will be to rise above the masses, but you get the impression Denza will quickly become one of the more prominent players.

More in our series ‘Spotlight on China’:

Genesis Electrified GV70 review

Car reviews

Andrew Charman

-

14 October 2025

0

Make and model: Genesis Electrified GV70
Description: Mid-sized electric SUV
Price range: £65,915 to £74,915

Genesis says: “The new Electrified GV70 signifies Genesis’ commitment to elegant design and cutting edge technologies”.

We say: It appears costly but in terms of quality, equipment and performance the GV70 can make its case against the mainstream upmarket electric SUV contenders.

Genesis Electrified GV70 review 2025 – The Car Expert

Introduction

The GV70 was one of the two initial models that launched Genesis into the UK in 2021 as the upmarket sister brand to Hyundai. Initially, it was offered with petrol and diesel engines, with an electric version – using two motors and boasting all-wheel drive – joining the range in 2022.

Since then, the Genesis brand has had a mildly chequered history in the UK, such novel aspects as running everything from car sales to their servicing at a central office without traditional dealerships are currently in the process of being diluted by the setting up of a select group of ‘retail partners’. But the brand is steadily establishing itself and has boldly stated that its future will focus on solely electric vehicles.

As part of this, all three EVs in the Genesis range are being updated and the GV70 has now undergone what has traditionally been regarded as a mid-life facelift, though rather sooner than is typical for the average model.

The changes are not at all obvious when first looking at the Electrified GV70, but they are quite wide-ranging – rather more than the usual styling nips and tucks and slight massaging of equipment levels. The driver’s surroundings, in particular, have undergone a complete reworking and an amount of new technology has been added, while the battery pack has also been upgraded, adding an extra 15 miles of driving range.

What is the Genesis Electrified GV70?

The GV70 was originally launched in electric form as a mid-sized SUV taking on a growing range of rivals in the premium market and the updated car faces many a rival – such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Porsche Macan and the Tesla Model Y, with the likelihood of more challenges emerging from the new brands coming from China.

The updated version of the Genesis is only being offered in EV form, with the petrol and diesel versions ditched as part of the brand’s stated move to an all-electric future.

First impressions

On first viewing the new Electrified GV70, any owner of the previous version will struggle to believe much has changed on this car. The exterior looks almost exactly the same, maybe with slight tweaks to the alloy wheels but that’s it.

Not that this is a bad thing – when we tested the previous version, we stated that Genesis could not be accused of producing boxy SUVs, the brand’s so-called ‘Athletic Elegance’ design language resulting in profiles that are both sculpted and sleek. The GV70 is among the most attractive vehicles in its class and certainly an appealing alternative to both the mainstream and often less than exciting German offerings.

Put that existing owner in the new car and he will immediately notice many more differences, particularly in the driver’s environment – this has undergone fundamental change as we detail below. But the one aspect that remains is a high level of quality, justifying the GV70’s place as a premium SUV.

That owner might also be impressed with the extension of the car’s range thanks to a new battery pack, though it is by only 15 miles and the car’s official driving range still fails to break 300 miles. In this market and at this price point, some rivals are exceeding 350 miles.

We like: Looks, quality and equipment justify its premium market status
We don’t like: Lacks the battery range of comparatively priced rivals

What do you get for your money?

While it was previously only available in a single Sport trim, the updated Electrified GV70 comes in a choice of three grades dubbed Pure, Dynamic and Luxury. Starting at £67K, the Pure version tested by The Car Expert comes with a pleasing amount of standard equipment, including heating on the front seats, steering wheel and mirrors, entry by reading the owner’s fingerprint, wireless phone charging (along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility) and a powered tailgate.

A £3,800 price jump moves the buyer into Dynamic territory, with bigger wheels (20-inch diameter instead of the Pure’s 19s), a head-up display and some extra safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, parking collision avoidance and remote smart parking.

On which note, the GV70 carries a top-level five-star rating from safety body Euro NCAP. While the testing was performed on the combustion-engined GV70 back in 2021, Euro NCAP carried out additional tests in 2023 to confirm that the Electrified model was worthy of the same rating.

Range-topping trim is the Luxury, costing from £75K. This pays for such niceties as a panoramic sunroof, heating on the rear seats and ventilation on the fronts, and an upmarket 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system featuring active noise cancellation – this clever technology emits a sound, undetectable by the human ear, that drowns out extraneous noise.

Like many EVs, the GV70 offers a vehicle-to-load function, enabling the car’s battery to be used to power external equipment such as camping lights or stoves. However, it only comes as an option on the Pure model, fitted to our car at a cost of £890.

Another notable on the options list is a digital rear-view mirror, making use of the view from the rear camera and offering a clearer and more effective view than a traditional mirror, even in poor weather.

One aspect where the GV70 certainly leaves rivals in the shade is in the Genesis aftercare plan, which consists of a warranty, complimentary servicing (with delivery and collection from home, along with a courtesy car) and roadside assistance, all for five years. It also offers Electrified buyers a free home wallbox with subsidised charging rates.

We like: Aftercare plan is a valuable feature
We don’t like: Some options are standard on other EVs

What’s the Genesis Electrified GV70 like inside?

Inside the car is where the most obvious changes have taken place, the control panels now completely different to what has gone before. The previous format of infotainment screen mounted atop the centre console and binnacle-style driver’s screen has made way for a digital screen some 27 inches long, running right across the cockpit.

This unit combines the driver information and connected infotainment features on one screen. It gives the front of the cabin a much more airy feel, due to moving the digital displays lower and closer to the occupants, and improving the view out of the windscreen. And thanks to the high seating position and thin front pillars, this was already effective.

Genesis has also added a wider range of connected services to the system. The inputs now available to the infotainment screen include YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and more, along with a live news feed, all of which are available by voice commands.

While obviously when driving the screen doesn’t broadcast the latest streaming blockbuster, when delivered the test car was remarkably displaying constantly updated scores from a European Golf Tour event, in the left side of the driver’s display! It was somewhat distracting but soon cancelled.

On the plus side, Genesis has not followed the rush to everything on a touchscreen – while one can use the screen to issue commands, the large rotary control on the centre console remains, as does a neat panel of physical dials and buttons for such functions as the climate control.

One issue that remains, however, is the gear selector – rather than the EV norm of placing it on a stalk, Genesis uses a second rotary control just behind the infotainment system, and yes, it is very easy to operate the wrong one…

Genesis interior quality has been much praised and the new car maintains the trend, the fit and finish feeling as premium as the car’s price would suggest. But the drawbacks remain too, not least the battery pack taking up rather a lot of boot space and leaving one with a somewhat shallow compartment of just 503 litres – below all of the car’s perceived rivals.

There is a front ‘frunk’ offering a bit of extra space (22 litres), and this is handy to put the charge cables in, particularly as the charge point is mounted in the front grille. When you find it that is… The door is very cleverly hidden and electrically opened from inside the car or on the keyfob.

We like: New dash arrangement looks better and is more practical
We don’t like: Poor placement of gear selector control

What’s under the bonnet?

The GV70 only comes in all-wheel drive form, which means a pair of motors, both rated at 185kW/245hp, unchanged from the previous version. When working together, they normally offer a combined maximum output of 435hp. You can get the full 490hp output, however, by pressing the ‘Boost’ button prominently mounted on the steering wheel, and then for a maximum of ten seconds at a time.

Even without using the boost button, the combined torque figure of 700Nm ensures plenty of pulling power and swift overtaking. The car’s 0-62mph time is rated at 4.4 seconds (without boost), while it will go from 50 to 75mph in just 2.2 seconds.

As mentioned, the battery is mounted under the boot, but it has been upgraded to 84kWh, which adds 15 miles to the official driving range, extending it to 298 miles. In the real world, you’ll likely be travelling 230 to 250 miles before a recharge is necessary, and the car does come with both a heat pump and battery condition to help maintain range in colder conditions.

In terms of charging, the Genesis boasts 800-volt technology, which means if you can find a 350 kW ultra-rapid charger, you can replenish the battery from 10 to 80% in a mere 19 minutes. On a 50 kW rapid charger, it will take 76 minutes, and using an 11kW home wallbox, you are looking at just under eight hours.

One extra oddity is the addition to the new model of the Genesis ‘Virtual Gear Shift’ feature already seen on the GV60 and also the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT from sister brands Hyundai and Kia. In both feel and sound, this gives an impression of driving a car with a manual six-speed gearbox – a sort of faux performance mode. It’s novel but seems oddly out of place in the target market for this car, which is all about premium travel.

More traditional in EV terms is the brake regeneration. A range of levels can be selected, from gentle regeneration to one-pedal driving, and there is also a setting that allows the system to determine what’s needed for itself.

What’s the Genesis Electrified GV70 like to drive?

While perhaps not created from the start as an EV, the GV70 is as easy to drive and live with as any of its electrically powered rivals. It’s also plenty potent enough, even without resorting to such gimmicks as the boost button.

Our Pure-trim version sits on the standard 19-inch wheels, on which the car rides well, soaking up bumps and lumps – helped by the standard-fit technology called ‘Road View’, which apparently scans the road ahead, setting the chassis to absorb such obstructions as potholes.

Occupants are wafted along in suitable comfort, the interior feeling particularly quiet, thanks to double-glazed windows and even without the clever active noise cancellation technology of the top Luxury trim.

The steering is suitably weighted, especially for the EV market, where steering feel does not seem to be the norm, though the large bodyshell does roll a bit if cornered hard, even if one selects the Sport option in the driving modes.

The alternatives to Sport are Comfort or Eco, while there are also various off-road modes, Snow, Mud, Sand and a new ‘Auto-Terrain’ which uses AI to analyse the surface below and set the car accordingly. Somehow, we can’t see these electronics being an oft-used feature in the Genesis.

Go for the upper Dynamic or Luxury grades and the wheels grow in size, to 20 inches – we haven’t tried a car with these fitted but one should expect a slight loss of ride comfort.

We like: Combination of well-behaved driving dynamics and potency
We don’t like: Can’t see the point of the performance gimmicks

Verdict

Mid-life facelifts are seldom worth writing about, but in the case of the new Electrified Genesis GV70, this is a major update – especially the effective total reworking of the driving environment.

A wide range of changes have been made to the GV70, and crucially, they add value to a car that was already an impressive proposition. While at first glance the GV70 might seem expensive, it is both as well-built and equal in its on-the-road performance to its rivals, while offering a much more individual option. Factor in the considerable extra bonus of the five-year aftercare package and the Genesis becomes worthy of serious consideration.

Key specifications

Model tested: Genesis New Electrified GV70 Pure MY25
Price as tested: £67,615
Powertrain: Two electric motors, all-wheel drive
Gearbox: Automatic

Power: 365 kW / 490 hp
Torque: 700 Nm
Top speed: 146 mph
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds

Range: 298 miles
CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (December 2021)
TCE Expert Rating: A, 74% (September 2025)

Buy a Genesis Electrified GV70

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Genesis Electrified GV70, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

Lease a Genesis Electrified GV70

If you’re looking to lease a new Genesis Electrified GV70, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

Car finance compensation update

Stuart Masson

-

13 October 2025

0

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is the UK government’s independent regulator of finance companies, has published its plans for a compensation scheme for unfair car finance agreements.

Up to 14 million agreements over a 17-year period from 2007 to 2024 have been deemed ‘unfair’ by the FCA, meaning that customers should be entitled to compensation to rectify that unfairness. The estimated bill for this is about £8 billion, meaning an average payment of about £700 per claim (although individual payments may vary considerably).

The FCA plans are now out for consultation for the industry to check its numbers and raise any objections. Assuming that all goes smoothly, lenders should be able to start paying compensation to customers in early 2026.

Need to catch up on what this whole saga is about? Check out our previous article.

What exactly is an unfair contract?

The FCA has settled on three definitions for what makes a contract unfair for the purposes of this scheme. Contracts only have to fulfil one of the three conditions, although some may tick two or even all three boxes.

A discretionary credit arrangement (DCA). This is where the dealership had the ability to increase the interest rate payable by the customer over and above what the finance company had already approved. By increasing the rate and making the finance agreement more expensive for customers, they earned extra commission.
Excessive commission. This is where the commission paid by a lenders to a dealer was considered excessive, usually as a result of interest rates being set unreasonably high and making the loans unnecessarily expensive for customers.
Inadequate disclosure of relationships. This is where the dealer did not tell the customer that it had an exclusive or near-exclusive relationship with a particular lender, so the dealer wasn’t checking multiple lenders for the best possible deal.

The first one, discretionary credit arrangements, are pretty much a slam dunk. To avoid paying out any compensation, the lenders have to prove that dealers did not ratchet up interest rates to increase their own commission – essentially saying that they’re guilty until proven innocent.

When it comes to defining “excessive” interest and commissions, the FCA has come up with a formula based on how much money was borrowed and the overall cost of borrowing. Many of the customers who would fall into this category would be sub-prime customers, who didn’t have a lot of options to shop around for better deals and were borrowing relatively small amounts for used cars.

Inadequate disclosure addresses one of the concerns brought before the Supreme Court in July. Although the Court ruled that not clearly disclosing commissions was not unfair in itself, the FCA has made a point of highlighting exclusive relationships between dealers and lenders, which were kept secret from customers.

How will I know if I’m eligible for car finance compensation?

The FCA’s plans place responsibility firmly on the lenders to contact any eligible customers to invite them to make a claim. So if you haven’t moved house or changed phone numbers since you had a car finance agreement, they should be writing to you or calling you if you’re eligible. Also, if you’ve already lodged a complaint or enquiry with your finance company since this whole saga began, they’ll have your details to get in touch.

If your contact details have changed, the finance company may still be able to track you down as the FCA expects them to make a concerted effort to do so. They will contact the dealership and any other third-party data sources available to try and identify you. However, you can also contact the finance company yourself, and all of them will have dedicated pages on their websites for you to ask to be included for consideration in the compensation scheme.

No. There should be no need for customers to pursue separate legal cases or join class actions. The FCA has published clear guidelines on how compensation payments should be calculated to adequately compensate the loss incurred, and its official scheme should be easy, free and fair.

While there is nothing to stop you from signing up with one of the many claims management companies advertising extensively on TV, radio and social media, there is not likely to be any advantage in doing so. Individual claims and class actions would be slower, more expensive, and far less predictable.

Beware of scammers

Unfortunately, but inevitably, we’ve already seen criminals trying to take advantage of this. People have reported getting phone calls from scammers claiming to be from finance companies, ringing with “good news” that you have been awarded compensation for your car loan. All you need to do is hand over your bank details…

Of course, none of this is true. Your finance company may call you, but they won’t be asking for your bank details. They will also formally write to you with relevant information, so you will be able to verify anything they tell you. If you have any doubt as to whether any contact is legitimate, look up the website for the finance company, get their phone number and contact them yourself.

So what happens next?

The FCA’s plan is out for consultation with the industry, which should take until about mid-November. Assuming that no problems are identified, the FCA plans to publish the final rules by early 2026.

The consultation isn’t about whether there should be a compensation scheme – the FCA has already made clear that this is the path it wants to take – but the nuts and bolts of how the scheme is going to work. So the lenders won’t be arguing about the scheme itself, but rather about whether the FCA’s calculations are flawed and require further work.

One the scheme is finally signed off, the FCA expects finance companies to start immediately and work quickly in executing it. The first people to be contacted should be those who have already lodged a complaint with their finance companies, followed by those who have not yet complained.

If you don’t hear from your finance company and you think that your agreement might be considered unfair based on the descriptions above, you will have 12 months from the scheme’s start date to make contact with your lender and lodge a complaint.

If you have already received a payment from your lender for unfair treatment as defined by this scheme, you won’t be able to claim again. If you have already taken your complaint to the Motor Ombudsman Service, you can’t participate in this scheme and your case will be heard by the Ombudsman instead. If the Ombudsman has already rejected your case, you also can’t join this scheme.

If you join a class action or engage a law firm to represent you, that will also mean you can’t be part of this scheme. You can choose to withdraw from any class actions, but you will quite probably have to pay hefty fees to do so, which may mean that it’s not worth it.

More car finance information and advice at The Car Expert

Three Dacia models given mid-life update

Model update

Sean Rees

-

10 October 2025

0

Three Dacia models given mid-life update

Budget-end brand Dacia has rolled out a mid-life update for three of its models – the Sandero hatchback, Sandero Stepway crossover and Jogger people carrier – which consists of minor revisions to exterior styling, a few interior tweaks and the introduction of a hybrid engine option.

Starting with exterior looks, the most notable difference at first glance is the new LED headlight light signature – a straight line of pixels replacing the Y-shaped light signature design that still features on the compact electric Dacia Spring and flagship Dacia Bigster SUV.

In order to freshen up the model’s looks Dacia has also added a matt black strip with the brand’s lettering across the boot lid of the Sandero Stepway, and all three have been given a new rear tail light design that makes a significant difference to the rear looks of the taller Jogger.

The Sandero and Sandero Stepway exterior colour options list gains a new metallic ‘Amber Yellow’, while the Jogger will be offered with ‘Sandstone’ exterior paintwork.

Inside, all three models will come with a new three-spoke steering wheel and a new ten-inch central infotainment screen wirelessly compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that juts out of the dashboard. Both features are already offered as standard on the larger Duster.

The display cars also feature a seven-inch digital instrument cluster with a new interface design behind the steering wheel, which is reserved for range-topping models. Dacia has also redesigned the dashboard air vents and adds that the dashboard and front doors gain a ‘blue cloth’ trim with the ‘Expression’ grade and ‘blue denim’ with the ‘Journey’ model.

Perhaps the biggest change is the introduction of a 155hp petrol-electric hybrid engine for the Sandero Stepway and Jogger. This engine option is already available in the Bigster range, and set to arrive sometime next year. While the cheaper Sandero hatchback won’t be offered as a hybrid, its single 1.0-litre petrol engine has been given a 10hp boost, now mustering 100hp in total.

Marked down for their safety credentials and lack of refinement, these Dacia models aren’t ranked very high in our Expert Rating index, but are nevertheless highlighted for their unparalleled affordability by the British motoring media.

The Dacia Sandero currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 60%, while its Sandero Stepway sister model holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 61%. The larger Jogger instead holds the best New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 69%.

Improved battery tech for Polestar 3

Model update

Sean Rees

-

10 October 2025

0

New versions of the large electric Polestar 3 SUV now come with more advanced battery technology that boosts power output and charging times.

In what is the model’s second tech update of the year – following the 3’s minor software update in February that made the car compatible with the brand’s smartphone digital key app – the SUV is moving to more advanced 800V powertrain architecture, much like the Volvo EX90 that made the same switch last month.

To be clear, this isn’t an ‘over-the-air’ update that can be remotely installed by current Polestar 3 owners, this change has been made for news cars rolling off the production line now.

Faster and more powerful 800V architecture is fast becoming the industry benchmark that mainstream manufacturers are slowly rolling out across their model line-ups as electronic components steadily become cheaper to manufacture. Rivals like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 are already powered by this architecture, while competitors like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz are powered by older 400V architecture.

The SUV’s battery charging times are now 25% faster, provided a 350kW charging station is available (310kW charging maximum for entry-level rear-wheel drive model), with a 10% to 80% battery top-up now taking around 22 minutes.

Polestar adds that the car is now slightly more efficient and powerful across a revised trim line-up. The front motor now features automatic disconnect functionality when not needed, just as on Dual motor versions of Polestar 2.

The lead-in 333hp ‘Rear motor’ can muster up to 375 miles of travel on a single charge, the mid-range 544hp ‘Dual motor’ can handle 394 miles, and the top-spec 680hp ‘Performance’ 368 miles without recharging. The latter can complete a 0-62mph sprint in a reported 3.9 seconds.

The car’s computer has also been given an upgrade to make it more responsive, by swapping out its processor. This new Nvidia processor is reportedly eight times faster at processing information than the pervious unit, which gives the driver faster feedback on the car’s active safety systems, battery performance, and sensor data.

Prices for the revised range now start at just under £70k for the ‘Rear motor’, rising to £92k for the ‘Performance’. Several optional packs can be specced on top, including a particularly pricey ‘Prime’ package, which adds a Bower & Wilkins stereo system, a heated steering wheel, soft-close doors, a head-up display and more for £6,500.

This update has the potential to positively impact the Polestar 3’s current New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 74%. It scores top marks for its excellent safety rating and zero tailpipe emissions, while its media review scores are also good. However, its running costs are high, largely because it’s not the most efficient user of electricity.

Jeep Avenger

Sean Rees

-

9 October 2025

0

Jeep Avenger (2023 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Jeep Avenger is a compact five-door SUV designed with the European market in mind. This compact petrol family car hit UK roads towards the end of 2023, following the all-electric version that arrived six months earlier.

The smallest option in Jeep’s line-up, this new electric SUV shares its foundations with the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka. However, the Avenger is more compact – at just over four metres long, the SUV is around the same length as a Volkswagen Polo.

The small SUV has been given a commendable set of review scores from the British motoring media, ranging from above average to good, with reviewers highlighting the Avenger’s off-road ability, smart styling and on-road comfort.

“The petrol Avenger might not set the world on fire”, comments Parker’s Luke Wilkinson, “but it’s decent enough to drive and quite efficient – even if you do sacrifice a lot of space in the back over an equivalent Skoda Kamiq.”

The Carbuyer team adds that these petrol and mild-hybrid versions of the Avenger have a “significantly lower starting price” than the electric version, with the caveat that petrol models have “higher running costs than the EV.”

As of October 2025, the Jeep Avenger holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%.

Avenger highlights

Decent off-road credentials
Comfortable and easy driving experience
Cheaper than electric version…

Avenger lowlights

Rivals are more affordable
Other Jeep models are better off-roaders
…but higher running costs

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV
Engines: petrol, petrol mild-hybrid
Price: From £29,999 on-road

Launched: Winter 202
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Jeep Avenger is a great little city car with funky baby 4×4 styling, but it’s pretty cramped in the back seats and the boot is quite small.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Darren Cassey

“Whether you choose the Jeep Avenger in petrol or all-electric forms, you’ll get an enticing small SUV with hidden depths beyond its attractive exterior. We’ve no doubt that a few examples of Jeep’s little bundle of joy will be sold based solely on how it looks, but the Avenger boasts much better tech than any of the brand’s previous offerings we’ve tested so far.”

Model reviewed: Range overview (includes electric version)

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Shane Wilkinson, Ellis Hyde

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic Summit
Score: 8 / 10
“The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is, in effect, an automatic version of the petrol car with a sprinkling of electric tech thrown in for good measure. We wouldn’t choose it for its powertrain alone – the differences aren’t significant enough to warrant its maker’s claims as an “access point” to electrification – but if you want a small automatic SUV, this is a good one.”
Author: Richard Ingram
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Altitude+
Score: 8 / 10
“This limited-edition Altitude+ model has the added bonus of a lengthy kit list. But no matter what fuel the Avenger is running on, it still suffers from limited rear-cabin space and an interior dominated by hard plastics.”
Author: Ellis Hyde
Read review

Auto Trader

Score: 8 / 10
“The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid not only broadens the Avenger’s appeal, but it also turns out to be the choice of the line-up. It’s an appealing, smart-looking, good-to-drive crossover that doesn’t even cost that much to buy.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Summit
“The Jeep Avenger may have a lot in common with the Peugeot 2008, DS3 Crossback and Vauxhall Mokka, but if you’re smitten with the idea of authenticity, attitude and off-road pedigree, then that Jeep badge and chunky rock-buster styling may just sway you.”
Author: Murthyvittala
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“The Jeep Avenger range might not set the world on fire, but it’s a competent, often interesting car regardless of what powertrain you go for. The manual petrol is our favourite to drive, but it’s the eHybrid that brings practicality with a small dash of agility and dynamism. The only catch? Its front-wheel-drive layout doesn’t feel very Jeep to us.”
Author: Curtis Moldrich
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview (including Electric model)
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Jeep’s first SUV designed for Europe is practical and good to drive, with a distinctive character that’s sorely lacking in some of its rivals. The petrol and mild-hybrid versions have a significantly lower starting price but higher running costs than the EV.”
Author: Andy Goodwin, Richard Ingram
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: e-Hybrid (mild-hybrid) models
Score: 8 / 10
“The third version of Jeep’s little SUV is, we think, the best. The advanced mild-hybrid system gives it impressive efficiency, especially around town, and at a considerably lower price than the full-electric version. If you’re after something stylish and small for urban runabouts, it’s well worth a look, and it’s happy on longer motorway journeys, too.”
Author: Phill Tromans
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.4 / 10
“The front-wheel drive petrol Jeep Avenger might not set the world on fire, but it’s decent enough to drive and quite efficient – even if you do sacrifice a lot of space in the back over an equivalent Skoda Kamiq – the best small SUV.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic Summit
Score: 8 / 10
“The new captain of the Avengers”
Author: Matt Robinson
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview (including electric version)
Score: 7 / 10
“A car designed to work reasonably well on moderate off-road trails ends up working really well in its precise opposite. The 4xe attempts to claw some of that rufty tuftiness back, but this is a car better suited to town than hardcore off-roading.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: September 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 79%
Child protection: 70%
Vulnerable road users: 59%
Safety assist: 53%

The Jeep Avenger range was awarded a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating in September 2024, with a lower-than-average score for vulnerable road users and safety assistance tech. Keep in mind that safety tests were conducted on the heavier Avenger Electric, and not the pure petrol and mild-hybrid ‘e-Hybrid’ versions.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2025, the Jeep Avenger (petrol) has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	50 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	120 g/km	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£180	B
Year 2	£505	B
Year 3	£807	B
Year 4	£1,014	B
Year 5	£1,363	B
Overall	£3,869	B

The Jeep Avenger 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 the average fuel consumption of 50mpg is rather ordinary, particularly for a car of this size, the Avenger’s estimated servicing and maintenance costs over the course of the first five years of ownership are cheaper than the average new car, totalling a predicted £4k of costs over that period.

That said our estimates suggest that the Jeep Avenger Electric is cosiderably cheaper to run and maintain.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of October 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Jeep Avenger 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 Avenger, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Jeep Avenger

Overall ratingE2%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage36,000 miles
Battery warranty duration0 years
Battery warranty mileage0 miles

Jeep’s new car warranty is basic, and worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the Avenger. The duration is three years, with a limit of 36,000 miles.

Warranty on a used Jeep Avenger

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Jeep Avenger from an official Jeep dealership, you will get a minimum one-year warranty included.
If you are buying a used Jeep Avenger 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 Jeep Avenger from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Jeep Avenger

As of October 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Jeep Avenger. However, recall information is updated very regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Jeep dealer.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Similar cars

If you’re looking at a new or used Jeep Avenger, you might also be interested in these alternatives

More Jeep ratings, reviews, news and features

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Jeep Avenger at The Car Expert

Jeep Avenger Electric

Electric cars – what’s on sale and what’s coming in 2024?

Everything you need to know about Jeep

Price cuts for electric Jeep Avenger

Off-roading Jeep Avenger 4xe now available to order

Jeep Avenger soon available with petrol power

Jeep reveals all-electric Avenger SUV

Buy a Jeep Avenger

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Jeep Avenger, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

Lease a Jeep Avenger

If you’re looking to lease a new Jeep Avenger, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
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Flagship Aston Martin DB12 S now available to order

Model update

Sean Rees

-

9 October 2025

0

Flagship Aston Martin DB12 S now available to order

Aston Martin has announced that a new flagship ‘S’ variants of its DB12 grand tourer is now on sale in the UK, which features “more power and even greater dynamic prowess”.

The large DB12 coupé and convertible range – on sale since 2023 – is the third current Aston Martin export to get a range-topping ‘S’ model this year, following the arrival of the DBX S and Vantage S in prior months. Aston Martin’s has applied the ‘S’ suffix to higher-performance versions of its models for around two decades now.

Opting for this ‘S’ model comes with a few cosmetic changes over the lead-in DB12, including new front and rear bumper splitters, gloss black or carbon fibre bonnet louvres, a two-tone exterior colour scheme with the roof and window surrounds finished in black, gloss black door sills and red ‘S’ badges near the front wheel arches.

Aston Martin has also given the ‘S’ a new stainless steel quad tailpipe exhaust, which the brand says reduces the grand tourer’s weight by 12kg (27kg weight reduction across the car in total) and has been “tuned to accentuate the engine frequencies throughout the rev range for added depth and potency.”

The British brand adds that its engineers have also tweaked the car’s throttle response and reduced the automatic transmission’s gearshift times by more than 50%. Further attention has been applied to the suspension, with re-tuned Bilstein DTX damper software said to improve “front-end confidence and overall agility feel.” Carbon Ceramic Brakes also comes as standard to improve the car’s stopping power.

Inside, the DB12 S is offered with a choice of three interior trim ‘environments’; all being different configurations of leather upholstery and panel trimmings. The car also comes with 16-way electrically-adjustable front seats as standard.

Available as either a coupé or ‘Volante’ soft-top convertible, the DB12 S is powered by the same 4.0-Litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 as the standard DB12, but with a 20hp boost, raising power output to 700hp. This “even more potent” engine cuts the car’s 0-62mph sprint time down to 3.4 seconds. Top speed is caps out at 202mph.

The Aston Martin DB12 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. It might be a fantastic car to drive, but it’s also a very expensive car to live with – not that this will come as any surprise to potential customers.

New car sales rise in stronger September

Car industry news

Stuart Masson

-

8 October 2025

0

New car sales rise in stronger September

New car registrations saw an improvement of about 14% in the busy month of September compared to the same month last year, according to data published this week – although it wasn’t quite all as it seemed.

About 38,000 more cars were registered in September 2025 than in the same month for 2024, according to monthly numbers published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Private new car sales were up by 9%, while fleet registrations grew by 17%.

September is generally the second-busiest month in the year for new car sales, after March, with number plates making their twice-a-year change. From September 2024 to the end of February 2026, all new cars will have a ’75-reg’ number plate.

Electrified cars make up half of sales

Another milestone was reached on the long journey from fossil fuels to electric cars in September, with more than half of all new cars registered being ‘electrified’ (full EVs, plug-in hybrids, basic hybrids) for the first time. Electric cars were up by 29%, plug-in hybrids by 56% and regular hybrids by 24%, and together they took just over 50% of all new registrations in September.

Petrol car numbers still increased by 2% compared to the same month last year, although market share fell because the overall growth was 14%. Diesel numbers fell to yet another new low, down by 28% to only 4% of total sales.

The much-trumpeted (by industry lobbyists) growth in EV registrations is basically inevitable if manufacturers want to hit their mandated 2025 sales targets. What the SMMT release doesn’t mention is how many of those cars were sold to real customers, and how hard some manufacturers are having to discount to achieve these numbers (equally, some car brands are sitting pretty on their EV targets). So there’s not a lot of point getting too caught up in ‘record EV sales’ headlines, as they’ll keep coming every month.

Chinese growth, not European

The big story from the impressive-looking growth figures in September is not yet another record month for EVs and hybrids, but the stunning growth for big Chinese car brands.

Of the 38,000 additional cars sold this September over last September, about 27,000 came from just three Chinese car manufacturers: BYD, Chery Group (through its conjoined Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda brands) and MG. Most European and Japanese brands underachieved in September, losing market share rather than gaining it.

To give you a sense of scale, the growth (not total sales) from those three Chinese companies is more than the total September sales for the UK’s biggest-selling car brand, Volkswagen. That represents an existential threat to a number of struggling European and Japanese car brands, and there’s a lot more to come from Chinese car companies over the next 12 months.

Conflating EV growth with China’s growth in the UK car market is a mistake. If the UK and EU bow to populist pressure to water down EV targets, China would simply send more petrol and hybrid cars. Their capacity for production growth vastly exceeds Europe’s.

Good month, bad month

So, despite a 14% increase in new car registrations, it wasn’t all beer and skittles for every car company and many big names performed poorly.

It was a good month for Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Bentley, BMW, BYD, Cupra, GWM, MG, Omoda, Peugeot and Vauxhall. All of these brands outperformed the overall market by at least 10%, meaning they saw growth of at least 24% over last September.

Meanwhile, things were not so good for Abarth, Audi, Citroën, Dacia, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Ineos, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, SEAT, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota. All of these brands underachieved against the overall market by at least 10%, meaning that they saw growth of less than 4% and – in many cases – significant falls.

That means that the following brands ended up about where you’d expect: Jeep, KGM, Mini, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, Skoda, Tesla, Volkswagen and Volvo. All of these brands were within +/-10% of the overall market.

The largest absolute improver was BYD, which catapulted from just over 1,000 cars last September to 11,000 cars this September. Going in the other direction, Land Rover dropped 2,500 units over the same month last year as deliveries fell by 30%.

Land Rover’s slump was heavily influenced by the company’s well-publicised recent cyberattack, which meant that all JLR’s factories in the UK and abroad were closed from mid-August until early October. That, in turn, restricted sales in September and is likely to make things even worse in October and November before we’re likely to see any sign of improvement.

As usual, Volkswagen was the UK’s biggest-selling car brand, ahead of Kia, BMW, Audi and Ford.

Sportage closes the gap

The race for 2025’s best-selling car title closed up a bit in September, as the Kia Sportage topped the charts to narrow the gap to the Ford Puma. With three months to go for this year, the Puma still holds a lead of nearly 3,000 vehicles and remains the favourite to retain its title as the UK’s most popular new car.

The most notable results in September were from the Jaecoo 7, which placed fourth and improved on last month’s sixth-place result, and the BYD Seal U, which finished sixth this month. It’s almost guaranteed that we’ll see a lot more of both brands before the end of this year.

We’ll have our usual run-down of the top ten shortly.

More car industry news and analysis at The Car Expert

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Sean Rees

-

8 October 2025

0

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (2021 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Chevrolet Corvette is a V8-powered mid-engined American supercar. Available as either a coupé or hard-top convertible, these Stingray versions are the lead-in models of the eighth-generation (C8) Corvette range, below the E-Ray hybrid and range-topping Z06.

Although Chevrolet decided to pull the plug on its UK operations over a decade ago, the brand has offered limited numbers of its Corvette in right-hand drive to British supercar enthusiasts for a few years now, selling versions of the sports car through third party dealers Lumen Automotive and Arnold Clark.

Described by The Car Expert’s own Stuart Masson as a “genuinely impressive sports car” that is “enormously fun to drive at any speed”, the British motoring media has given the Stingray a warm reception, particularly due to its more value-for-money pricing when compared to high-performance alternatives from European brands.

“Pricing has risen significantly from when it first reached showrooms”, Car’s Yousuf Ashraf points out, “but that still puts the C8 usefully cheaper than a basic Porsche 911.”

The Top Gear team also praises the eighth-generation Corvette for its improvements over the previous iteration. “Where the C7 rips and snorts its way down the road, the C8 is a pool of quiet – almost silent – calm. When you speed up, the C7’s brutish, sometimes wayward, mix of under and oversteer is replaced in the C8 by a delicate mix of clear, swift and linear responses.”

As of October 2025, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 54%. Despite the sports car’s positive set of review scores, this overall rating is hindered by very high running costs, high emissions and rather basic warranty cover.

More Chevrolet Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Corvette Stingray highlights

Exhilarating V8 performance and nimble handling
Both comfortable and very quick
Cheaper to buy than European equivalents

Corvette Stingray lowlights

Limited availablity
Hit-and-miss interior ergonomics
High running costs

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-engined coupé and hard-top convertible
Engines: petrol
Price: From £74,200 on-road

Launched (UK): Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a genuinely impressive sports car, offering plenty of performance without any pretensions. It’s well equipped, it’s enormously fun to drive at any speed and you get a lot more car for your money than with European brands.”

Model reviewed: Stingray convertible

Score: 8.2 / 10

Read full review

The Car Expert

Stuart Masson

“The notion of an all-American sports car has long been defined by the bonus that it generally comes in at a far lower price point than its European rivals, and in the case of the new Corvette C8 Stingray, that’s no exception – even if it is significantly more expensive than it once was.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Evo

Yousuf Ashraf

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Z51 Stingray convertible
Score: 9 / 10
“There are several key things you should know about the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible. One, it’s available in right-hand drive for the first time. Two, it’s mid-engined and at £79,200 costs an awful lot less than most similarly configured rivals from Europe. Three, it’s a damn good car to drive compared with any European rival, at any price point. And four, unlike previous Corvettes, it’s also well made and feels like a class act inside.”
Author: Steve Sutcliffe
Read review

Model reviewed: Z51 Stingray coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Chevrolet Corvette has switched from a front to mid-engine layout, and in the process makes itself a more credible supercar challenger. Chevrolet’s familiar V8 remains, but has been tweaked to produce more power – and while there’s no manual gearbox, the C8 offers bags of character, a comfortable ride and limpet-like grip.”
Author: Tony Quiroga
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“It feels like the right time for the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to make a properly global debut. It does its best to span being a two-door grand tourer, eye-popping pose-mobile and properly sorted sports car all in one machine. It’s imposing, dramatic, fast enough and represents great value for money looking at the list price.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review

Daily Mirror

Score: 10 / 10
“The latest Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will put exotic and high performance motoring into the hands of a new audience with a car that won’t break the bank to run.”
Author: Colin Goodwin
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Stingray convertible
Score: 8.4 / 10
“C8 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is truly world-class.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review

The Telegraph

Score: 10 / 10
“While the Chevrolet Corvette has always been a formidable rival for sports car makers, this new mid-engined C8, officially available in right hand drive for the first time, is enough to keep them awake at night. Fast, practical, great looking and with its own brand of chassis balance and that rumbling V8, it also undercuts just about everything else on the market.”
Author: Andrew English
Read review

Top Gear

Score: 8 / 10
“New mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette C8 is a revolution, not evolution.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of October 2025, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. Due to its price and exclusivity, it is unlikely to undergo crash testing.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2025, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has not been assessed by Green NCAP. Again, we’re not expecting it to happen anytime soon – so you’ll just have to imagine how eco-friendly an 6.2-litre V8 petrol sports car (albeit a ‘E-Ray’ plug-in hybrid) is likely to be.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	24 mpg	E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	277 g/km	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is understandably 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.

While we are yet to receive servicing and maintenance cost estimations for the sports car, the Corvette’s thirsty 6.2-litre V8 engine has average fuel consumption of 24mpg. The car’s insurance premiums are also in the most expensive bracket, which is to be expected of a sports car with a steep price tag and limited availablity.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of October 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 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 Chevrolet, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Chevrolet Corvette

Overall ratingE17%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles

Chevrolet’s new car warranty (provided by third party dealerships) is lower than average, and worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the Corvette. The duration is three years, with a limit of 60,000 miles.

Warranty on a used Chevrolet Corvette

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Chevrolet Corvette Stingray from one of Chevrolet’s chosen third-party dealerships in the UK, you are likely to get a minimum 12-month warranty included. This may vary however.
If you are buying a used Chevrolet Corvette from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Chevrolet Corvette

As of October 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Chevrolet Corvette. However, recall information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local third-party Chevrolet dealer.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Similar cars

If you’re looking at a new or used Chevrolet Corvette, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

More Chevrolet ratings, reviews, news and features

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Chevrolet brand at The Car Expert

Cadillac and Chevrolet models returning to UK

It’s time to reveal the best cars of the year…

All the new cars launched at Goodwood 2025

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray makes UK debut

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray review

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 now available in UK

GM to axe Chevrolet brand in Europe

Chevrolet Corvette changes to middle lane

Buy a Chevrolet Corvette

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Chevrolet Corvette, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Skoda Enyaq range expanded with ‘SE L 85’ trim

Model update

Sean Rees

-

3 October 2025

0

Skoda Enyaq range expanded with ‘SE L 85’ trim

Skoda has introduced an additional ‘SE L 85’ trim grade to its all-electric Skoda Enyaq range, reducing the lead-in price of SUV’s larger 77kWh powertrain.

This 77kWh battery option, which sits about the entry-level 58kWh ‘SE L 60’ and ‘Edition 60’ variants, already powers the higher spec ‘Edition 85’, ‘SportLine 85’ and ‘SportLine 85x’ models in the Enyaq range.

Essentially, the ‘SE L 85’ offers buyers the more powerful powertrain set-up – which can reportedly complete a 0-62mph sprint in 6.7 seconds – with the cheaper entry-level equipment list of the lead-in ‘SE L 60’ model, including heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, a motorised boot lid, three-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.

This new trim grade is now priced at just under £42k – more than £2k cheaper than the ‘Edition 85’ package which comes with Matrix LED headlights and a driver’s seat massage function – and is eligible for the UK government’s £1,500 electric car grant discount.

One of the most highly-regarded mid-sized SUVs in our Expert Rating index, the Skoda Enyaq currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 77%.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

Sean Rees

-

3 October 2025

0

Hyundai Ioniq 9 (2025 – present) | Expert Rating

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is The Car Expert’s Best Large Car 2026!

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a large upmarket SUV and the new flagship electric model in Hyundai’s UK range.

Built on the same foundations as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, as well as its key rival, the Kia EV9, the seven-seat Ioniq 9 has been warmly received by the British motoring media based on foreign test drive review scores.

Praising the large family car for its “clever” design and practicality, Top Gear’s Jason Barlow says that the Ioniq 9 is “another Hyundai whose design flair is backed up by some genuinely useful thinking.”

While he conceeds that the SUV’s ride comfort is somewhat “choppy”, Carbuyer’s Charlie Harvey adds that the car’s driving experience is “very refined and quiet, while it feels more upmarket than Hyundais that have come before it.”

As of December 2025, the large Hyundai Ioniq 9 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 80%. Beyond the SUV’s positive set of review scores, this overall rating is bolstered by excellent Euro NCAP safety credentials and Hyundai’s five-year warranty. The only less-than-stellar score is for running costs, which are inevitably high on such a large car.

More Hyundai Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Ioniq 9 highlights

Long battery range from its large battery
Class-leading seven-seat practicality
Refined and quiet driving experience

Ioniq 9 lowlights

Rather firm ride comfort
Infotainment can be a bit frustrating
Lots of body roll in tighter bends

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: £64,995 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2025
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a big, comfortable and practical family SUV, but its quirky looks and large price tag might put you off.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Mario Christou

“The Ioniq 9 gets most of the premium electric SUV character traits right, with a long list of kit, plush seats and plenty of passenger space.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Dean Gibson

More reviews

Business Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Driving more sedately, the Ioniq 9’s cabin is a quiet and calming space, with handling and comfort in line with its passenger-first remit.”
Author: Guy Bird
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Aside from a couple of small grumbles – namely the roly poly handling and a menu-heavy infotainment system – the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is refined and smooth to drive, calming to be in and will tackle family life better than most other cars ever could. And when all of this can be done for less than an EX90, or the upcoming electric Range Rover, the Ioniq 9 feels like great value.”
Author: Jake Groves, Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“It’s very refined and quiet, while it feels more upmarket than Hyundais that have come before it. It’s let down somewhat by a choppy ride, and we don’t think the Performance variant feels particularly sporty, but it’s a welcome addition to the line-up and has an impressive electric range.”
Author: Charlie Harvey
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With its thoughtful design, practical interior and competitive pricing, the IONIQ 9 is well-positioned to take on its key rivals.”
Author: Ginny Buckley
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: Ultimate 110kWh
Score: 10 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a spacious six- or seven-seater that is extremely comfortable and refined, with all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and an electric driving range of up to 385 miles.”
Author: Paul Clarke
Read review

Honest John

” The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has a spacious, flexible interior, and an impressive driving range likely from enormous battery. It’s excellent value compared with upmarket-badged rivals. However, there is the spectre of future subscription-only in-car features, and it will likely feel gargantuan on many UK streets and country lanes.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a brilliant addition to the electric seven-seater market. With a spacious, comfortable interior, thoughtful details and flexible seating, it looks to be a serious challenger for our current class champ, the Kia EV9.”
Author: Jake Groves
Read review

The Independent

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ioniq 9 is a hugely impressive car – I loved it. It feels like an EV9 with the benefit of hindsight, which is exactly what it is. So it feels slightly more comfortable on the road, will go further on a charge, feels even more premium and – crucially – undercuts its Kia cousin.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is both accomplished and clever. Its people-carrying, quasi-minibus remit means its design is less out there than the Ioniqs 5 and 6, but the result is still cool. More importantly, it’s another Hyundai whose design flair is backed up by some genuinely useful thinking.”
Author: Jason Barlow
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 84%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 77%
Safety assist: 83%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2025, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Ioniq 9 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

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

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	375 miles	A

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	3 m/KWh	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	46	E

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a relatively 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.

While we are yet to receive servicing and maintenance cost estimations for the model, we do know that the SUV’s average electrical efficiency of 3 m/kWh is rather poor. While this is to be expected for a car this size and weight, rivals like the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90 are slightly more power-efficient. The car’s predicted insurance premiums are also on the expensive end.

That said, the Ioniq 9’s 375-mile battery range (between 372 and 385 miles depending on the model) is very competitive in the large EV category.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of December 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Hyundai Ioniq 9 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 Ioniq 9, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Hyundai Ioniq 9

Overall ratingA95%
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 better than most brands, and the Ioniq 9 will have better warranty coverage than most other cars in a similar price bracket.

The duration is five years, with no limit on mileage.

In addition to the overall new car warranty, battery components benefit from an additional eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. This is pretty much standard for all new EVs on sale in the UK, but is an extra reassurance that petrol and diesel cars don’t get.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Hyundai Ioniq 9

As of December 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Hyundai Ioniq 9. However, recall information is updated very regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Hyundai dealer.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Awards

Significant UK trophies and awards that the Hyundai Ioniq 9 has received

2025

The Car Expert Awards – Best Large Car
Carwow Awards – Comfortable Cruiser Award
Top Gear Awards – Best Seven-Seat Electric Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Hyundai Ioniq 9, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

More Hyundai ratings, reviews, news and features

More information

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Electric car grant – all the EVs with discounts in 2026

Hyundai Bayon review – first UK drive

Hyundai i30 N review

Hyundai Bayon

Hyundai Kona N (2021 to 2023)

Hyundai Tucson (2015 to 2020)

Hyundai Santa Fe (2018 to 2024)

Hyundai Kona (2017 to 2023)

Hyundai Ioniq (2016 to 2022)

Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016 to 2022)

Hyundai Kona Electric (2018 to 2023)

Buy a Hyundai Ioniq 9

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Hyundai Ioniq 9, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more

Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more

Lease a Hyundai Ioniq 9

If you’re looking to lease a new Hyundai Ioniq 9, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

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?)

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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The ten worst new cars on sale in 2025

Car buying advice

Sean Rees

-

2 October 2025

0

Here at The Car Expert, we consistently highlight the very best new cars you can buy right now. Whether you are looking for a supermini or an SUV, a petrol car or something electric, we have you covered. But what about the new cars you should avoid?

Using our unique Expert Rating Index, we’ve listed the ten worst new cars on sale in the UK, as judged by the country’s top motoring websites.

By aggregating more than 17,000 new car reviews from 35 different media titles, our award-winning Expert Rating Index now includes over 600 different cars from 60 different car brands. While we will be limiting our focus to UK review scores – or Media Rating – in this article, our Expert Rating Index also includes safety, eco, reliability, and now running cost and warranty ratings, so you can be sure that you are getting the full picture when researching your next car.

It’s inevitable that some new cars will struggle to compete. While the cars on this list are the lowest-ranked cars in our Expert Rating Index, it doesn’t mean that they are inherently bad new car choices. Often, these are older models that have fallen behind the curve as newer rivals have arrived. That said, some have simply been sub-standard from the start.

All of these cars are available new from their respective dealerships in 2025, although a few may be withdrawn or replaced before the end of the year. The good news is that you can pick up most of these cars for a relative bargain – either brand-new or second-hand – which makes them a lot more attractive.

With comprehensive review data backing the rankings below, you can be confident that this is the definitive guide to the worst new cars in the UK.

Check out our list of the worst new cars on sale in 2024

10th place: Jeep Wrangler (55%)

The first stop on our list of the worst new cars on sale in the UK is the rugged Jeep Wrangler, which has been on sale in the UK since 2018. While this model is still widely regarded as one of the best 4×4 off-roaders on the market, that comes at the expense of on-road comfort.

For a price tag that exceeds £60k, the Wrangler delivers a low-rent interior fit and finish, poor ride comfort and an abysmal one-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The Jeep Wrangler holds a Media Rating of 55% and a New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 54% in our Expert Rating Index, which places it near the bottom of the large SUV class.

Browse cars

9th place: Ineos Grenadier (52%)

Another 4×4 that excels off-road and is rather uninspiring on it, the Ineos Grenadier is the brainchild of Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who desired a modern successor for the boxy Land Rover Defender of old.

While widely praised for its durability and retro charm, UK reviewers largely agree that similarly priced rivals offered a greater breadth of ability. The Grenadier can’t match the on-road comfort and interior quality of the likes of the current Land Rover Defender, and the 4×4 has a rather steep price list.

The Ineos Grenadier holds a Media Rating of 52% and a low New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 48%, its poor review scores compounded by very high running costs.

Browse cars

8th place: Suzuki S-Cross (50%)

Suzuki S-Cross front view | Expert Rating

First arriving in 2022, the British motoring media largely conclude that the Suzuki S-Cross struggles to stand out in a very competitive medium SUV class that includes best-sellers like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.

Often described as ‘dull’ or ‘basic’, the S-Cross has been criticised for its rather cheap interior trim and laggy infotainment tech, as well as its interior space. That said, the Suzuki is still a good value-for-money option with a stellar reliability record.

The Suzuki S-Cross holds a Media Rating of 50% and a low New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 56% in our Expert Rating Index.

Browse cars

7th place: Jeep Compass (48%)

Jeep Compass (2018) - front view | The Car Expert

The second long-standing Jeep model on this list to face consistent criticism from British automotive outlets, the soon-to-be-replaced Jeep Compass has been criticised for its poor handling, underpowered engines and dull interior.

On the other hand, the Jeep one of the few SUVs that is actually comfortable on anything tougher than a gravel driveway, and has also been praised for its fuel efficiency.

As well as a poor Media Rating of 48%, the Jeep Compass holds an even worse overall New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 40% in our Expert Rating Index.

Browse cars

6th place: KGM Torres EVX (48%)

KGM Torres EVX front view | Expert Rating

Korean marque SsangYong rebranded as KGM Motors in 2023, launching the brand’s first electric car – the Torres EVX – not long after.

While the SUV has picked up praise for its spacious interior and large boot, reviewers generally agree that the SUV has vague handling and a frustrating infotainment system. In a very competitive electric SUV category, the Torres EVX is hard to recommend when compared to more impressive alternatives that offer better value-for-money.

Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviewer consensus resulting in a Media Rating of 48%, the KGM Torres EVX holds a respectable New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 65% in our Expert Rating Index, thanks to the car’s low running costs and KGM’s excellent five-year warranty.

Browse cars

5th place: KGM Rexton (47%)

2021 Ssangyong Rexton front view | Expert Rating

Enormous, plush and robust, the KGM Rexton is an accomplished off-roader with an upmarket seven-seat interior.

If you’re looking for an SUV for the road, with car-like handling and great efficiency, the Rexton is not for you. Reviewers conclude that its handling is heavy, the diesel engine can be expensive to run and several outlets report that the Rexton is rather uncomfortable on tarmac, which can make long-distance journeys quite taxing.

The KGM Rexton holds a poor Media Rating of 47% and an overall New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 54% in our Expert Rating Index.

Browse cars

4th place: Jeep Renegade (47%)

The Jeep Renegade is unique in the small SUV class – it offers off-road solutions that no other car in the sector can quite manage. It should also be quite cheap to run daily, but beyond that, reviewers find little else to praise.

This chunky-looking crossover isn’t fun to drive, and its interior is cheap in places and cramped in the rear. The Renegade’s biggest issue, however, is its pricing. In a highly competitive small SUV sector, there are more comfortable and refined alternatives available for less money.

The Jeep Renegade holds a very poor Media Rating of 47% and an overall New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 53% in our Expert Rating Index.

Browse cars

3rd place: DS 3 (46%)

Criticised by the British motoring media for prioritising style over substance, the DS 3 is a capable family car that simply isn’t as appealing as its rivals in the small SUV pack.

While the car is well-equipped as standard, its interior fit and finish does not match its price tag, and alternatives are more practical. Reviewers also take issue with the car’s driving dynamics, criticising its ride comfort and handling.

The DS 3 holds a very poor Media Rating of 46%, with an overall New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 54% in our Expert Rating Index, which puts it near the bottom of the small car segment.

Browse cars

2nd place: BMW XM (42%)

A high-performance BMW model in the bottom two? You’d better believe it. The expensive BMW XM is the most powerful car ever produced by BMW’s famed ‘M’ division, and beyond its divisive exterior design, reviewers agree that BMW’s engineers have missed the mark.

The SUV has been heavily criticised for its punishing ride, hesitant automatic gearbox and very poor fuel economy, which is even more disappointing when you consider its sky-high price tag. And then, of course, there’s the styling…

The BMW XM currently holds a very poor Media Rating of 42%, and an overall New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 55% in our Expert Rating Index.

Browse cars

1st place: Skywell BE11

Dead last in our Media Rating rankings this year is the all-electric BE11 SUV from fledgling Chinese marque Skywell, with a woeful score of 21% – some 20% lower than the next-worst car. Reviewers agree that the battery-powered family car is both spacious and well-equipped as standard, and the SUV is highlighted for Skywell’s generous seven-year new car warranty.

Unfortunately for Skywell, the British motoring media found little else to praise. Summed up by The Car Expert’s own Andrew Charman as “a car that underestimates the UK market”, the BE11 has been criticised for its poor driving dynamics, out-of-date safety credentials, cheap interior fit and finish, questionable pricing and fiddly infotainment system.

The Skywell BE11 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 56%, and is the lowest-ranked electric car in our Expert Rating Index.

Skywell BE11 (2025 onwards) – Expert Rating

Browse cars

Check out the worst new cars from previous years:

The worst new cars on sale in 2022

The worst new cars on sale in 2021

For the definitive rankings of the worst new cars on sale in 2025, we’ve used more than 17,000 new car reviews from The Car Expert‘s award-winning Expert Rating index. The index analyses new car reviews from 30 of the top UK motoring websites, using an advanced algorithm that we have developed specifically to compare review scores. We also factor in safety and eco ratings, plus reliability and running cost data to give you the full picture of any new car on sale.

Ford Capri review

Car reviews

Andrew Charman

-

1 October 2025

0

Make and model: Ford Capri
Description: Electric mid-sized coupe SUV
Price range: £41,485 to £56,185

Ford says: “Celebrating our past while reinventing our future, a car that only Ford could build – the legend is back”.

We say: Forget the fuss about the name. The Ford Capri is a reasonably stylish, reasonably practical EV for those who prefer their cars to look more coupe-like.

Ford Capri review 2025 – The Car Expert

Introduction

Ford came late to the electric party but is now earning itself a slice of the market with four models. The Gen-E version of the Puma small SUV will no doubt help it hold onto its status as Britain’s best-selling car, while the Explorer is a mid-sized SUV borrowing its name from a much larger vehicle in the USA.

Both now sit in showrooms alongside Ford’s first mainstream electric vehicle (EV), the Mustang Mach-E. Like the Capri, it also caused a lot of controversy when launched, with fans of US muscle cars horrified that the company had decided to call its newcomer a Mustang. But having weathered that storm, Ford is now confident enough to annoy fans of a British icon of the 1970s and ’80s, with a new coupe SUV called the Capri.

It’s fair to say that the naming of this newcomer has dominated discussion of the new car, with some observers refusing even to consider looking at a car named after a machine that, in its day, achieved cult status amongst UK enthusiasts. In the two weeks The Car Expert spent with the new Capri, we had to endure “That’s not a Capri” comments daily.

Ford will no doubt be confident in its strategy. All the controversy has certainly got the new Capri noticed, while plenty of examples of the Mustang Mach-E have been sold, and there’s even talk of other names such as Fiesta and Focus being revived.

Finally, there is the pertinent argument that most buyers of today’s Capri won’t even remember or even know about the original. Now that we have addressed the naming issue, is the Capri actually a good car?

What is the Ford Capri?

The new Ford Capri is a coupe-styled SUV with close relations to both another Ford model and another manufacturer. Underneath the styling is basically the hardware of the Ford Explorer, which in turn is the product of a tie-up between Ford and Volkswagen – for Explorer read Volkswagen ID.4, and for Capri Volkswagen ID.5.

For now, the Capri comes in three trim levels and with either a single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. There are also two battery capacities – the standard is 52kWh, while there is an alternative dubbed ‘Extended Range’ of 77kWh in 2WD cars and 79kWh in the AWD version.

First impressions

The Capri is built on the technical hardware of the Explorer but boasts a rather more distinctive body style, particularly in the way that the rear roof line slants down to the tailgate.

Ford claims that the style evokes the original Capri, from profile to front and rear ends and the window shapes, and even down to details such as the quadruple headlamps. But creating a coupe version of an SUV is a rather longer stretch than the original coupe version of the Ford Cortina – the looks are certainly sharper than the Explorer, but this is certainly not the sports car that Ford claims it is.

Inside the (mostly Volkswagen-sourced) surroundings appear to be of high quality, while the controls follow the minimalist look that is so prevalent in today’s market. Despite the fastback body shape, it’s roomy too, so not that much less practical than the Explorer.

We like: As a more stylish version of the Explorer, it ticks many boxes
We don’t like: The name – it shares nothing significant with the original

What do you get for your money?

The three Capri trim levels are dubbed Style, Select and Premium and prices range from £41,485 to £56,185 – all above the Expensive Car Supplement, which translates to paying an extra £425 annually in Vehicle Excise Duty between years two and six.

Standard specification includes a seven-speaker sound system, cloth interior trim, dual-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and camera as part of the safety aids. Both the entry-level Style and mid-range Select variants come as standard with 19-inch wheels.

The price jump between Style and Select is some £6,600, but as well as the longer-range battery (the Select is only available with the larger unit), buyers gain a lot more equipment. Highlights include keyless entry and starting, a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory and a massage function, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging and partial faux leather upholstery.

The cheapest Capri in Premium specification starts at just over £46K, but that’s with the lower-capacity battery. The 77kWh variant is £52K, a £4K price hike over the Select. For that, you get matrix LED headlamps, an audio upgrade to a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen unit with a subwoofer and soundbar, ambient lighting offering a range of ten colours, a powered tailgate and a panoramic sunroof.

Many of the upper-spec features are offered as options on the more entry-level versions, including an upgrade from the 19-inch standard wheels to the 20-inch variants which come with the Premium. There is also a 21-inch version offered as an option – but this will affect the car’s range, and potentially the ride comfort.

The safety specification is strong, as one expects in today’s market, and the Capri earned a five-star rating from Euro NCAP in November 2024. The safety body took the existing rating of the effectively identical Ford Explorer as a basis, although some extra tests were also carried out on the Capri where there were notable differences between the two cars.

Standard safety equipment includes a range of driver aids, controlled by a total of 12 ultrasonic and three radar sensors and a quintet of cameras. Adaptive cruise control is standard and includes a stop-and-go function, while the menu also includes the usual diet of parking sensors and cameras. It’s notable, however, that several functions are optional extras, including lane-centring, traffic sign recognition, a windscreen head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Also only available on the options list is a heat pump to help maintain range in colder temperatures, and it’s expensive at £1,050.

We like: Adaptive cruise control on entry models
We don’t like: Heat pump only available as a pricy option

What’s the Ford Capri like inside?

Like most new cars, and especially EVs, the initial impression when sliding behind the wheel of the new Ford Capri is one of minimalism. Ford even uses this – rather dubiously – as one of the name justifications, stating that any driver of a classic Capri would expect nothing less.

Explorer drivers will find the interior layout very familiar. So the central touchscreen is common to all versions and huge, in this case 15 inches, Ford choosing a vertical format rather than the more commonly found horizontal. It means lowering your eyes for a fraction longer, but it puts more of the screen within easy reach so you don’t have to stretch while driving.

While the screen contains a whole lot of functions, there’s a line of useful buttons along its base. Ford’s system offers user-friendly activation, so using the screen becomes second nature, although some of the submenus can be a bit cumbersome. Voice control and connected navigation are also included, while the system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphones.

The driver also gets a separate five-inch digital display providing the most essential information without affecting line of sight of the road ahead, and there are also proper button panels on the steering wheel.

A novel touch is that the base of the central screen slides, so one can have it more upright or on a gentle slope, which places it in usefully close proximity to one’s left hand. The sliding process conceals an equally useful storage area beneath it, where there is space for two phones and on all but Style trims wireless charging for one of them.

Storage is a notable factor – there’s a very deep box between the front seats, big enough to conceal a large laptop, while the standard 572-litre boot space expands to 1,505 litres with the rear seats folded.

As to the most basic requirement, interior space, the car is surprisingly roomy given its exterior profile, with adequate headroom – even in the back, where taller occupants might expect to feel restricted. Our test car also felt bright and airy, not least due to the enormous panoramic sunroof.

We like: Sensible design of central touchscreen
We don’t like: Some screen functions can be less than user-friendly

What’s under the bonnet?

As is typical with EVs, the Capri mounts its motors in the axles, its battery pack under the floor. The standard rear-wheel-drive version offers the equivalent of 170hp with 310Nm of torque – this gives the car a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, and a quoted average driving range of 242 miles.

The vehicle tested by The Car Expert was supplied with the single motor but the more potent battery. Power increases to 286hp while torque mushrooms to 545Nm, cutting some 2.3 seconds from the 62mph sprint time. It also has a quoted range of up to 389 miles.

The all-wheel-drive version is also the most powerful, at 340hp with 679Nm of torque. It will go from 0 to 62mph in a mere 5.3 seconds but the extra power and weight impacts the range, reducing it to 368 miles.

If you’re charging at a public charging station, the Capri offers up to 135kW on single motor versions and 185kW on the dual motor, with a quoted 10 to 80% recharge on all versions of less than 30 minutes. When the weather turns cold, however, we could do with that expensive optional heat pump.

What’s the Ford Capri like to drive?

An extended two-week test of the new Capri provided a wide variety of driving environments to try it out in. The car follows the EV norm of being very easy to drive, competent and well-behaved, whether clocking up hundreds of miles on the motorway, tackling a challenging country B-road or inching its way slowly through busy urban environments.

Ford has a long-held reputation for the excellent driving dynamics of its cars and the Capri does its best to hold this up alongside the more simple characteristics of EVs. Efficiency remains the prime feature, rather than driving excitement, as one would expect – it rides in comfort and corners effectively with well-damped body control.

Four driving modes are available in the Capri – they are dubbed Comfort, Sport and Eco with the fourth individually customisable to the driver’s preferences. On the evidence of the test drive, however, the difference between modes is nothing very dramatic.

The test car offered just the right balance between potency and practicality – it was simple to drive but also able to power past slow-moving traffic in moments.

In terms of range, our car returned figures not too far shy of the official figures, though this was in high summer, while the test vehicle’s specification did include that optional heat pump. The maximum DC recharging rate of 135kW is a little slower than the best in today’s market.

We made use of the brake regeneration facilities fitted but these are somewhat limited, with no steering wheel paddles and just two modes – it’s certainly not possible to effectively drive the car on a single pedal.

We like: More steering feel than many recent EV arrivals
We don’t like: Limited brake regen effectiveness

Verdict

The new Ford Capri is a notable addition to the mid-sized electric SUV segment. It will appeal to those who want something a little more distinctive than a typical SUV, especially since opting for sharper looks does not mean compromising on practicality.

Choose a mid-range Select model as the minimum and the Capri’s combination of equipment, build quality and driving experience should make it worthy of consideration by many buyers.

Key specifications

Model tested: Ford Capri Premium RWD
Price: £56,335
Engine: single electric motor, rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: Automatic

Power: 210 kW / 286 hp
Torque: 545 Nm
Top speed: 111 mph
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds

Range: 346 miles
CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
Euro NCAP safety rating: Five stars (November 2024)
TCE Expert Rating: A, 77% (September 2025)

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Tech upgrade for large Volvo EX90

Model update

Sean Rees

-

25 September 2025

0

The all-electric Volvo EX90 SUV has been given a minor model refresh, including a faster battery charging speed and an expanded suite of safety tech.

While this model update doesn’t include any cosmetic changes, this is a significant hardware upgrade for the EX90, which has moved on to new 800V architecture – new tech that underpins the car’s powertrain, improving the car’s maximum charging speed, electrical efficiency and acceleration.

To be clear, this isn’t an ‘over-the-air’ update that can be remotely installed by current EX90 owners, this change has been made for car’s in the 2026 model-year which are rolling off the production line now.

800V architecture is fast becoming the industry benchmark that mainstream manufacturers are slowly rolling out across their model line-ups as electronic components steadily become cheaper to manufacture. Beyond the EX90, Volvo adds that its upcoming EX60 SUV and ES90 saloon models will also be 800V electric cars.

Originally launched with 400V architecture which could DC charge at speeds up to 250kW, the 800V EX90 instead has a maximum DC charging speed of up to 350kW. The manufacturer adds that it takes ten minutes of charging at that speed to top-up 155 miles of range.

Beyond the powertrain hardware, this update also introduces the electrochromic panoramic roof first shown off on the upcoming ES90. Occupants can adjust the transparency of this glass roof, helping to “reduce glare or boost privacy at the touch of a button”.

The car’s computer has also been upgraded with a quicker response time, and the car will display new safety alerts for slippery roads, hazards ahead, and accidents ahead. Other updates include improved automatic emergency steering on dark roads and the brand’s ‘Park Pilot’ assist for parallel parking. Unlike the powertrain changes, these car computer upgrades are offered to existing EX90 owners free of charge, although the work needed requires a visit to a Volvo dealership.

Does a seller have to declare damage on a car?

Car buying advice

Stuart Masson

-

24 September 2025

9

Does a seller have to declare damage on a car?

One of the most common complaints we get asked about at The Car Expert is that a customer has bought a car (usually a used car, but not always) and then discovered later that the vehicle appears to have suffered some sort of damage.

This is then usually followed by the buyer getting very upset, arguments with the seller and requests for help here at The Car Expert in order to get a refund/compensation/vengeance.

But what are the rules about any damage being declared on a car you’re buying? Well, it depends…

More car buying news, information and advice at The Car Expert

Does a seller have to declare damage on a car?

Buying a car from a private seller

If you’re buying a used car from a private seller, you’re always going to struggle to win any argument or court case unless you can conclusively show that the seller has lied to you or misled you about the car’s condition.

A private seller is not considered to be an automotive professional, so the argument of “I didn’t know it was damaged” is considered far more acceptable than it would be from a car dealer.

Unless you have proof to show that the seller declared the car was not damaged (such as email correspondence or the seller’s original advertisement for the vehicle) and proof to show that the seller was lying (like a receipt for repairs undertaken during the seller’s ownership of the vehicle), it’s a tough case to win any claim.

Buying a car from a car dealer

Car dealers, on the other hand, must abide by various laws, including the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. That means you do have some consumer protection, although it can still be difficult to win an argument to reject a car or claim compensation if you feel that you’ve been deceived into buying a damaged car.

The law does not specify what sort of damage must be declared by a seller. Instead, it talks about unfair trading practices, and the language is fairly broad and open to interpretation.

Basically, anything that would cause the average consumer to buy a car when they wouldn’t have otherwise done so is considered unfair. So a dealer failing to disclose damage could be seen as unfair if it means that you bought a car in the belief that it had not been damaged and repaired, and wouldn’t have bought the car if you knew it had been damaged.

But that’s not very clear. What sort of damage would cause the ‘average consumer’ to not buy a car, even if it was properly repaired? A small scratch? A dent? Mechanical damage?

If I told you that the used car you’re looking at had had a door repainted because of a minor dent, but that the damage was miniscule and the repair work was done by a manufacturer-approved body shop, would it stop you from buying the car?

There’s no clear line in the sand, and what will seem acceptable to one customer will be totally unacceptable to another. So the ‘average consumer’ definition is a lawyer’s delight but generally unhelpful to the rest of us.

Does it matter whether it’s a new car or used car?

In the eyes of the law, the principles of unfair selling are exactly the same whether you’re buying a new car or a used car. The only real difference is what level of damage should be disclosed to the ‘average consumer’. Obviously, there will be far more leeway applied to a used car with previous owners and mileage.

Damage to a new car prior to sale

You’d assume a new car would have to be pristine and perfect when you first take delivery, with not a hint of repair work to be found. Well, you’d also be wrong.

New cars get damaged all the time as they are transported from a factory in one country to a dealership in another country. From the moment a new car rolls off the production line, it could end up being moved around on several trucks, trains and ships to get to the dealership where you get to see it for the first time. There are plenty of points along that journey where a new car can be damaged, and car manufacturers all have designated repair centres near their holding facilities just for new cars to be repaired and repainted because of damage in transit.

It’s actually really common for new cars to be damaged, which may sound surprising but is simply a factor of hundreds of thousands of cars being in transit at any one time. Plus cars get knocked or scratched at dealerships on a regular basis, again simply because there are lots of cars in very close proximity being moved around in tight spaces.

Despite (or because of) this, very few customers are ever told that their car has been damaged in transit. Minor repairs are simply conducted without any disclosure. As with many aspects of the automotive supply chain, this allows for plenty of plausible deniabilty. So when the sales executive tells you that they had no idea that the bonnet on your brand new car needed repairing and repainting as a result of hail damage, they may genuinely be telling the truth.

The good news is any damage is likely to be superficial and entirely cosmetic, rather than structural. In addition, the requirement to deliver a car to a ‘brand new’ standard means that there’s very little wiggle room for a dealership or manufacturer to allow a sub-par repair job.

Because buyers have higher expectations of the condition of a new car, you’d think that they would be more concerned about it. But the reality seems to be that it doesn’t even enter most buyers’ thoughts that their brand new car may have been damaged so they don’t think to ask about it.

Cars awaiting shipping — Thousands of new cars are moved around all day long in close proximity to one another. A lot of them will be damaged at some stage.

Damage to a used car prior to sale

It’s far more reasonable to expect that a used car will have suffered some form of significant damage and repair during its life, as a result of an accident, corrosion or mechanical failure. This awareness means that customers are more likely to expect a dealer to disclose any damage. It’s also more likely that any work will be done to a less-than-acceptable standard, depending on who paid for the repairs.

Legally, the same principles apply to used cars as to new ones – the law talks about principles of unfair selling rather than detailing what sort of damage must be declared. Again, minor damage won’t usually be declared upfront, but insurance write-offs must be declared.

As a buyer, you should be looking closely at a vehicle for any signs of repair work, rather than simply asking the salesperson if the car has ever been damaged. Asking that sort of question will simply elicit an answer along the lines of “Not that we’re aware of”, or “Not to the best of my knowledge”, which is absolutely useless to you.

Insurance write-offs

It’s perfectly legal to sell certain cars that have been declared write-offs for insurance purposes, depending on the severity of the damage. We discuss the details of insurance write-offs here, but in a nutshell there are four levels of write-off and the lower two (Cat S and Cat N, previously called Cat C and Cat D) allow for a car to be repaired and returned to the road.

An insurance write-off must always be declared at point of sale and included in any advertisement. It will also be noted in a history check on the vehicle from CAP-HPI or other providers. It’s not good enough for the seller to only provide this information when asked about it.

You may also like: Should I buy a Cat S or Cat N vehicle?

Buyer beware

With any concerns you may have about a car you’re buying, it’s up to you to take all reasonable action to protect your money. If the salesperson seems like they’re trying to hide something when you ask questions, take that as a sign to leave.

Ideally, you should get the salesperson’s email address and ask them in writing whether the car has had any repair work done – along with any other questions you have about the vehicle. That way, you have written correspondence you can refer back to at a later date if necessary. A verbal conversation is no guarantee of anything, and can easily be denied later.

It’s far better all round for you to be aware of any damage before you buy the car, rather than discover it later on and try to seek some form of redress from the seller.

But I’ve already bought the car!

If you’ve already bought your car and only noticed afterwards that there is evidence of damage and repair, you’re on the back foot in terms of any dispute with the car dealer. Once you hand over your money and take possession of the vehicle, you’re accepting it as-is unless you can prove that you’ve been treated unfairly in the eyes of the law.

Generally speaking, your chances of getting a refund or some form of compensation are going to be slim unless you have overwhelming proof that you’ve been deceived. Make sure you gather up whatever documentation you have to support your case. Ideally, you want a copy of the original advertisement for the vehicle – especially if it mentions that the vehicle is in “excellent condition” or something similar. If you have any correspondence with the dealer, dig that out as well.

You may also want a written report from a third-party body shop or garage to declare that, in their opinion, the car was clearly repaired and the damage would certainly have happened before you bought it.

If you have all of that information, you might have a reasonable chance of getting some redress. Legal assistance will help you, as a lawyer will almost certainly be able to make a better legal argument than you will. It doesn’t matter how obvious it looks to you, it has to be obvious according to the letter of the law.

This article was originally published in September 2020. Last updated September 2025.

Kia Stonic given exterior design overhaul

Model update

Sean Rees

-

24 September 2025

0

Kia Stonic given exterior design overhaul

The compact Kia Stonic family car has been given its second mid-life facelift, including a revised exterior design and on-board tech upgrades.

The headline change is the Korean crossover’s revised exterior styling, including slimmer LED headlights and daytime running lights, and new-look front and rear bumpers, bringing the model up to date with the brand’s current design ethos displayed on the smaller Kia Picanto and bigger Kia Sportage.

While the Stonic is largely the same size post-update, the revised family car is close to three centimetres longer than the current iteration, and will be offered with new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs. The exterior colour options have also been updated, with the addition of ‘Adventurous Green’ and ‘Yacht Blue’.

Inside, the Stonic gains a larger 12-inch central infotainment touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrument cluster paired in one display that juts out of the dashboard. The revamped interior layout also includes USB-C charging ports, a wireless smartphone charging pad and ambient lighting.

The facelifted Stonic will be available with either a 100hp petrol or 115hp petrol mild-hybrid engine, and both variants can be specced with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.

That just about sums up what we know about the updated Kia Stonic so far. Further details, including the car’s official arrival date and UK pricing, are sure to follow in the coming weeks.

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