Consumers have kicked off 2022 with a splurge on new cars, according to industry data published this morning, with results up more than 60% on the same month last year.
January’s new car registration results, released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show that the number of private new cars sold was much higher than the same month last year – when many dealerships were closed during a Covid lockdown – and similar to 2020’s results. However, that’s still about 13% down on 2019.
Fleet registrations were flat, meaning that total new car registrations were up about 28% on last January. Overall, the data shows that the new car market is more or less continuing its gradual slide since peaking in 2016/17.
Shortages of crucial electronic chips continue to hamper supply, meaning that although the overall results are broadly in line with expectations, the make-up of those numbers continues to be as tumultuous as it was throughout most of last year.
Strong start for plug-in cars
Electric and plug-in hybrid cars had a better start to 2022 than they did last year, although not quite as strong as they ended 2021. It was a good month for regular hybrid cars, though, taking nearly 12% of the overall market – helped by a fantastic debut for the new Kia Sportage, plus a very good month for the Kia Niro and Toyota Corolla.
Electric cars continue to outsell diesel cars, even without a boatload of Teslas influencing the new car market as we saw last month. Overall, one in five new cars are plug-in models, which will continue to increase during the year.
Good month, bad month
As has been the case for almost a year now, the market has been heavily disrupted by production delays and parts shortages. Each car manufacturer has been dealing with problems for some or all of its models, while some models have been less affected.
Kia was comfortably the UK’s best-performing car company in January, thanks to a chart-topping performance for the new Sportage and a third place for the Niro. Audi took second place, edging parent company (and 2021 market leader) Volkswagen.
As well as leading the overall new car market, Kia topped the sales charts for individual models with the Sportage comfortably on top in January (presumably a mix of old and new models), while the Niro placed third.
The Ford Puma had its best market performance in many months to finish second, while the Mini hatch continued its renaissance after its most recent facelift in fourth place – just ahead of the 2021 sales champion, the Vauxhall Corsa.
The Ford Fiesta continues to be plagued by delays, with reports of seven-month waits for many models, while the Volkswagen Golf and Polo are also nowhere to be seen once again.
Expect this rocky road for new car supply to continue until at least Summer and possibly throughout the rest of the year.
Aston Martin has added a new model to the top of its DBX SUV range, featuring several performance upgrades and revised exterior styling.
The DBX 707, which Aston Martin remarks is ‘the world’s most powerful luxury SUV’, is fitted with the same 4.0-litre petrol V8 as the standard DBX range, but an uprated version – the engineers over at Aston Martin managing to squeeze a further 157hp out of the twin-turbocharged unit, for a total output of 707hp.
This means that the Aston Martin DBX 707 can complete a 0-62 mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds, also thanks to the new nine-speed ‘wet clutch’ transmission, which allows for faster gear changes.
Further upgrades include a strengthened limited-slip differential, needed to counter the extra wheelspin that a more powerful engine brings, and recalibrations to the suspension and power steering to increase handling agility and grip through high-speed corners.
The 2022 DBX 707 also features several exterior styling tweaks that distinguish it from regular DBX models – most notably a larger chrome front grille, which Aston Martin says needed to be enlarged to increase airflow to the uprated V8 engine.
A new gloss black front splitter is mirrored by an enlarged diffuser on the rear bumper, and a larger spoiler is fitted above the rear window to improve stability at high speeds.
Opening the new soft-close doors, the DBX 707 also has its own set of distinct interior trim designs, featuring leather sports seats and a chrome-finished switchgear. The dashboard also includes new buttons explicitly for the control of the suspension mode, manual gear selection and exhaust system settings.
Arriving in Summer 2022 with prices starting at £189,000, The DBX 707 is likely to add further shine to the DBX range, which has already received a very positive reception from the UK media since its Spring 2020 arrival.
Currently holding an Expert Rating of 81% in our Expert Rating Index, the Aston Martin DBX has been highlighted for its styling, driving dynamics and comfort, despite not being the most practical high-end SUV in its class.
The value of a used car can be just as variable as house prices. Here are a few pointers on how to get close to knowing how much your car is worth.
There are two different ways of producing used car values; sold prices and retail advertised prices.
How values are set
There are two different ways of producing used car values; sold prices and retail advertised prices.
Car dealers use price data compiled by their own organisation if they are part of a large chain and/or a company such as CAP-HPI which sets prices from daily data from trade sales, auctions, rental and leasing companies and specialist remarketing companies.
CAP-HPI data is also used by many consumer websites offering online valuations. Parkers sets its valuations based both on CAP-HPI and by monitoring a claimed 4,000-odd sales on its website a day. Auto Trader analyses a claimed 900,000 daily prices to offer its valuations.
Used car values can change daily, and these are then used by the motor trade as a starting point for part exchange and to set selling prices. They then adjust them depending on their own business needs and targets.
Different types of values
If you look at any consumer used car price guide it will give you a value for your car under set headings: original price; franchised dealer; independent dealer; private good; private poor and part exchange. For a free valuation on these websites, you don’t get all of these categories, or the ability to adjust, but you can have these functions for a small subscription.
The first two are what can expect to pay for a car. The franchised dealer price is top dollar and usually the value for a car in the manufacturer’s approved used scheme. You get at least 12 months’ warranty to the original specification plus breakdown cover and the car will be immaculately presented.
An independent dealer is not tied to the manufacturer, cars tend to be older or with higher miles but because the dealer won’t have the same overheads as a franchise, costs will be lower. Warranties are shorter but can be extended.
Now we come to the value of your car if you want to sell it yourself or exchange it for another from a dealer. A private poor car will have some mechanical or bodywork problems, no service history and need work to make good. A private good car will have service history, possibly a full MOT and be smartly presented.
A part exchange value, also called a trade-in, is what you could expect to get for your car if you want to exchange it against another used or a new car. Traditionally this is the lowest value around, but it can be difficult to tell precisely because the dealer has a profit margin in the new car that they can potentially use to help boost the offer for your part-exchange vehicle.
In theory, a trade price is also what you’d expect to get from a car buying service. Via various methods, these sites will make money from the dealer that ultimately buys the car to sell it on to the next customer. However, the prices paid have tended to be better than what dealers are offering for part exchanges, so it’s always worth getting a quote before selling your car to the car dealer. We work with the four companies shown below, who are some of the largest car-buying services in the UK and all highly respected, but other companies are obviously also available.
What can this mean in practice? In January 2022 we picked out a used Vauxhall Corsa advertised at a Vauxhall main dealer (therefore franchised) as an example of a popular used car.
It was a 2018 three-door 1.4-litre petrol ‘Energy’ model with air conditioning and a 75hp petrol engine. With 59,640 miles this was a little higher than the average 10,000-miles a year which car price guides work to. The asking price was £7,255. We then paid for price check at a well-known website.
With 40,000 miles and no options able to be applied, the Corsa showed as £6,175 as private poor, £7,025 as private good, £6,575 as a part exchange. Adjusted for 59,000 miles those figures changed to £5,485, £6,290 and £5,840.
What makes a difference?
Mileage
If correctly serviced, most cars can cover high mileages with ease. However, a lower mileage than the average (which was taken as 10,000 a year pre-pandemic) increases the value of a used car. Buyers tend to think this means a car has had less wear and tear, so is a better bet for the future. True to some extent, but a car only driven for short journeys around time gives the clutch, gears, brakes and battery more of a pummelling than one which has cruised along motorways most days, its engine fully warmed up and without much gear-changing.
Either way, if the car you want to value is above or below the average mileage which free price checks supply, then pay to fine tune it to your car.
Options
Some optional extras fitted from new will make a difference to a car’s worth, but not all. An automatic gearbox option over a manual always changes the value, and to a lesser extent things like optional parking sensor packs, cruise control, upgraded wheels, panoramic roofs and metallic paint. Again, when using a price guide pay the fee to tick relevant option boxes which are offered to you. If they are there, they will change the value.
However, if you have owned your car from new and put lots of extras on it, some of that value will now be lost. “There’s a bit of a limit,” says Derren Martin, head of valuations at CAP-HPI. “You can’t put loads of options on your vehicle and charge for all of them, you might not get value for all of them. Once you get past a certain age people won’t necessarily pay.”
The other thing which can improve the amount you may get for your car will be evidence of a full service history (if it’s a prestige or sports car better still from a dealer for that brand or a specialist). However, price guides don’t put a set value on this – it’s just a factor which may persuade a buyer to choose your car over another.
Don’t get stressed!
If you’ve done your homework, adjusted the online valuation as close as you can get to your car and the way in which you want to sell it, had a look at what’s being asked for identical cars then you’ve got a great start. But don’t get too hung up on that value.
Private buyers will want to haggle, so set either set the selling price a little above what you’d like or at the lowest you will accept to sell quickly and see if ‘no offers’ brings results.
The value to a dealer of your car – either to buy and sell on, or as a part exchange is more fluid. Depending on the amount of profit the dealer has allowed in the asking price of the car you want, that can come down or the part exchange value can go up.
Your car’s value can also be influenced on how many of that type of car the dealer chain has in stock, how quickly yours can be sold on with very little preparation, or just because the car you’re looking at has been in stock for too long (dealers have set numbers of days, then the price reduces).
They key here is what is your maximum cost to change – how much you are willing to pay to secure a particular car.
* The Car Expert has commercial partnerships with Auto Trader, Carwow, and Motorway. If you sell your car to any of these companies, we may receive a small commission.
The Genesis GV80 was a large SUV that arrived in the UK in Autumn 2021, pitched as an alternative to the likes of the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE in the high-end SUV market.
Genesis is a spin-off upmarket brand owned by Hyundai and the GV80, alongside the G80 saloon, was part of its first foray into the European automotive market after successes in Asia and the USA. There was another SUV available in the range, the smaller Genesis GV70.
Described by Parkers as “a luxury car for non-car people”, the Genesis GV80 did not have the notoriety of its established German rivals, and therefore less resale value, but reviewers generally agreed that the large SUV was a capable contender in many areas.
Auto Express affirmed that the GV80’s interior quality was among the best in its class, equipped with a longer list of entry-level on-board tech than most of its competitors. Auto Trader highlighted the GV80 for its value-for-money, calling it a “Premium SUV for regular money”.
However, despite the upfront savings, Auto Trader also pointed out that the Genesis GV80 had comparatively poor running costs with no hybrid models in the range, and the majority of reviewers remained unimpressed by the SUV’s ride comfort and driving dynamics, culminating in a driving experience which Top Gear labelled a “let-down”.
As of February 2026, the Genesis GV80 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 53%.
Body style: Large five-door SUV Engines: petrol, diesel Price: From £58,320 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2021 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.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic Luxury Score: 7.7 / 10 “If the badge doesn’t bother you, the Genesis GV80 is certainly worth a look. You do get the feeling, however, that the chances of Genesis establishing itself will be markedly improved by the arrival of its more distinctive cars with hybrid and electric propulsion. The GV80 is as good as many of its rivals – but it doesn’t stand apart from them.” Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Genesis GV80 has impressed us in many ways. Its quality is up with the best in the market, while the level of standard kit is beyond most. But for a slightly fidgety ride, we found the GV80 comfortable and hugely appealing, not least with the new way of buying one.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Genesis is a new face on the premium SUV block, the GV80 impressing with its quality and spec but facing some fierce rivals.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic Luxury Score: 6 / 10 “It will take a brave company car driver with deep pockets (for the tax if nothing else) to be tempted by this large SUV.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.4 / 10 “The Genesis GV80 is a big SUV that’s worthy of consideration if you fancy a change from the German stalwarts.” Read review
Carwow
Score: 8 / 10 “The Genesis GV80 looks like a cut-price Bentley Bentayga yet doesn’t feel too far off in terms of comfort. The engine selection is limited though, with no electric option as yet, and the ride can be harsh at times.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Range overview “Is this a Korean copycat ‘Bootleg Bentley’? To be fair, the Bentley Bentayga is a league beyond the new Genesis GV80 in terms of luxurious quality and performance. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the chaps in Crewe should feel flattered by the GV80’s impressive homage to their skills.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel Luxury Line “Considered in isolation, the Genesis GV80 is a comfortable, spacious and luxurious SUV. However, it lacks the posh badge of rivals and residuals are likely to suffer badly as a result. “ Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic Score: 7 / 10 “On balance, the Genesis GV80 is a better car to own than to drive – the exact opposite of a Range Rover Sport, perhaps. If you crave an easy motoring life, or you simply want something different to the premium norm, it’s worth arranging a to-your-door test drive. For me, though, the BMW X5 and Lexus RX both offer a better all-round package in this competitive class.” Author: Tim Pitt Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7.6 / 10 “Honestly, we came away liking the Genesis GV80, and would happily recommend one as long as drivers are aware of its foibles. The Genesis is a luxury car for non-car people.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview “The GV80 cabin is really where it’s at. Every bell and whistle. Yet also calm and airy and coated in leather. Noise-cancelling tech means it’s whisper-quiet unless you press a button for more engine roar. Other impressive kit includes a 15-inch central touchscreen with augmented-reality satnav.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic “Even in ‘comfort’ mode, this car rides like a light aircraft in a tropical thunderstorm, heaving and crashing and lurching on even smooth bits of tarmac. It’s not the most uncomfortable car I’ve ever driven, but it’s close.” (Jeremy Clarkson) Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic Score: 9 / 10 “This is a very strong first entry into the seven-seat all-wheel-drive SUV segment from Genesis. It impresses in terms of ride quality, comfort and technology, and is keenly priced to steal sales away from Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo and Range Rover.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic AWD Luxury Score: 4 / 10 “Despite some good technology and a likeable if loquacious diesel unit, the dynamics of this huge SUV are simply not good enough compared with the very capable non-German opposition, let alone the Germans themselves.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 5 / 10 “Big plush SUV from new-to-Britain Genesis, part of Korea’s Hyundai Group. Lots of on-paper promise, a let-down on the road.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of February 2025, the Genesis GV80 has not been assessed by Green NCAP. If it happens, we will publish the results here.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Genesis GV80 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 GV80, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
26 mpg
E
Diesel models
33 mpg
D
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
241 g/km
E
Diesel models
231 g/km
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
46
E
The Genesis GV80 is an 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.
We don’t yet have servicing and maintenance costs, but the data we do have is all at the most expensive end of the spectrum. Of particular note is poor fuel consumption, since that will usually be your biggest running cost each month.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the Genesis GV80 has received
2021
Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Luxury SUV
Similar cars
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It was once seen as a dull and boring tone, but grey has become the dominant colour choice among new car buyers. The shade was chosen as motorists’ favourite for the fourth year in a row, according to latest industry figures.
In a year dominated by pandemic-related disruptions impacting total new car registrations, more than 408,000 grey cars were sold in 2021, up 3% on the previous 12 months, and accounting for a quarter of the total market.
Black, the most popular car paint in Britain from 2009 to 2012, was in second place on 21% of new cars, while white was in third place (17%), according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It means that most UK new car buyers have chosen a monochrome colour (silver, black, white, grey) every year of this century. About seven in every ten new cars registered in 2021 were painted in one of these four shades.
Source: SMMT
More buyers feeling green
The rest of the top ten remained largely unchanged compared with 2020, although green overtook orange to gain seventh place, cladding almost 18,000 cars. Sales of green cars rose for the first time since 2015, with 24% more buyers opting for the colour than in the previous year, while orange and silver both fell in popularity with buyers.
White was the most popular shade for small cars and sports cars, while larger dual purpose, luxury saloons and executive cars were most likely to be ordered in black.
Pure gold
At the colour fringes, gold, yellow and turquoise were the fastest growing choices, with gold more than tripling its appeal, yellow up by a third and turquoise increasing by a fifth, although together they accounted for less than 1% of the new car market.
Grey was the top colour in every British nation last year, but more so in England (25%), closely followed by Scotland and Wales (23%), and only slightly less popular in Northern Ireland (22%).
Consumer preference for grey cars can be attributed to a wide range of reasons. It comes in many different shades from dark silver to almost black. It can be a sleeker and deeper tone than other shades, and can be tinted with hints of colour to provide different effects. It is well suited to black trims and darker wheels, which are currently popular. It offers a compromise between straight black or white, while its neutrality generally proveds wider resale appeal than brightly coloured cars. It also reduces the visibility of dirt more than other shades.
Skoda has added a sleeker liftback model to its Enyaq range – sitting alongside the electric SUV which went on sale in 2021.
The Enyaq iV Coupe is expected in showrooms before the end of 2022. Similar to the regular Enyaq as far as the central door pillar, the Coupe’s roof then slopes down towards the rear. This cuts boot space by 15 litres to 570 litres but gives the car a more sporty look. All Coupe models also have a dark-tinted panoramic glass roof as standard.
The restyled body also improves the aerodynamics, the lower drag combining with the lighter weight of the Coupe to slightly increase the range between charges – Skoda is quoting a range of up to 339 miles from full charge, depending on the model.
Three versions of the Enyaq iV Coupe will be available, but unlike the standard Enyaq they will all use the same 82-kWh battery. With a suitable charger, Skoda claims fast-charging capability from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes while at-home charging using the brand’s AC wall box takes six to eight hours.
The three versions will be differentiated by their power output. The entry-level ’80’ variant is rear-wheel-drive with a 204hp output, while the ’80x’ and range-topping ‘vRS’ models are all-wheel-drive by means of a second motor on the front axle.
The ’80x’ has a 265kW output while the range-topper, the first electric member of Skoda’s vRS performance range, will put out up to 299hp along with 480Nm of torque. This will be enough to complete a 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds.
More sporty styling will also be part of the vRS specification, with extra body panels and larger alloy wheels of up to 21 inches. Both it and the ‘Sportline’ trim level also gain a sports chassis lowered by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear.
The Skoda Enyaq SUV arrived in the UK in the summer of last year, and has picked up an an impressive number of industry awards since, includingThe Car Expert‘s Best New Medium SUV. Highlighted by the British media for its spacious and tech-filled cabin and its battery range, the Skoda Enyaq currently holds an Expert Rating of 85% in our Expert Ratings Index.
Nissan has revealed that its Micra small car is to be replaced by an all-new electric car, which will be built on the same platform as the revived Renault 5.
The two sister brands are working together on a series of five new platforms as part of a common strategy called Alliance 2030. Under this strategy, the Alliance will invest €23 billion in battery-electric vehicle development over the next five years.
The Micra successor will be built at Renault’s ElectriCity manufacturing plant in France – the French brand already manufactures several Nissan models including its van range.
No details have yet been released of the Micra replacement, and we don’t yet know if it will still be called Micra or adopt a new name.
A launch date for the car is also yet to be revealed – the platform on which it will be built is scheduled to be ready by 2024 and will also underpin the new Renault 5, which is also expected to debut in 2024.
Renault 5 concept, 2021
The French brand has not used the Renault 5 nameplate on a European car since 1990, when it was replaced by the Clio, but a new Renault 5 electric car concept was unveiled at the Munich motor show in September 2021.
According to Nissan, the new platform will have enough battery capacity to ensure a range of at least 250 miles. Eventually, 250,000 vehicles manufactured each year by the Alliance will use it.
Announcing the micro replacement, Nissan chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta emphasised the importance of the joint approach by the Alliance. “This all-new model will be designed by Nissan and engineered and manufactured by Renault using our new common platform, maximizing the use of our Alliance assets while maintaining its Nissan-ness,” he said.
Land Rover has bolstered its all-new 2022 Range Rover line-up, with the top-spec SV trim and two plug-in hybrid models (PHEVs) expanding the model range already announced late last year.
Adding to the range of mild hybrid petrol and diesel powertrains already available (including a V8 option), the new PHEVs engine variants consist of the P440e and P510e. The former uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 38 kWh battery, producing a total output of 440hp, while the latter uses an uprated version of this pairing, for a combined output of 510hp.
Using a battery that is actually bigger than what you would find in many small EVs, both Range Rover PHEV versions are said to be able to travel 70 miles on just electric power from full charge, with CO2 emissions as low as 18g/km.
These plug-in hybrid engines are also available on the new range-topping SV trim, which now sits above the Range Rover Autobiography and First Edition models in the spec tree.
The new trim features a SV-branded exterior design, sporting a unique grille design and new front and rear bumpers, as well as cream-coloured 22-inch alloy wheels.
The cream colour scheme continues on the leather upholstery in the cabin, also featuring electric front seats that have heating and massage functions, and illuminated treadplates that carry the SV branding.
Available to order now, prices for the entry-level Range Rover PHEV models start at £103,485, while the Range Rover SV is available for £146,200.
Built at Land Rover’s production plant in Solihull, UK, the all-new Range Rover will be the first model in the brand’s range to offer an all-electric variant in 2024.
The outgoing Range Rover, which was also available as a plug-in hybrid, ended production as one of the highest-scoring large SUVs listed in our Expert Ratings Index. As of January 2022, it holds an Expert Rating of 78%.
Offering up to 313 miles of battery range, the all-electric Volkswagen ID.5 SUV-coupé is now available to order with three trims available.
The ID.5 is fitted with the largest battery pack in the German brand’s line-up – a 77kWh unit that Volkswagen says can power the ID.5 for a maximum of 313 miles from full charge.
Volkswagen also claims that every ID.5 model sold in the UK will be net carbon-neutral, with the manufacturer compensating for the carbon dioxide emissions created during the production process through its climate protection projects.
The ID.5 SUV-coupé range consists of three trim levels, the rear-wheel drive Tech and Max trims, and the range-topping four-wheel drive GTX Max variant. The regular Tech and Max versions are also available as Pro Performance models, which increase the ID.5’s power output by 30hp.
The entry-level Tech trim includes LED Matrix headlights, an electric tailgate and an augmented reality head-up display as standard, as well as three-zone climate control and electric massaging seats. The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s Travel Assist technology comes with every ID.5 model.
The mid-range Max trim adds sports seats and a number of performance enhancements under the hood, including a chassis control system that changes the softness of the suspension depending on whether you would like a more comfortable or sportier drive, and a heat pump which keeps the ID.5 charging efficiently in the colder months.
With a power output of 299hp, the ID.5 GTX Max sits at the top of the range, distinguishing itself from regular models by sporting a sharper front bumper and rear diffuser, as well as a unique design for its 20-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the GTX Max comes with GTX-branded seats with red stitching and dark blue leather door panels.
The GTX’s dual-motor setup means that it can produce much swifter acceleration than the Tech and Max models, but this added performance reduces the GTX’s official battery range to 296 miles.
Model
On-the-road price
0-62 mph
Top speed
Official battery range
ID.5 Tech (77kWh, 174hp)
£50,550
10.4 sec
99 mph
313 miles
ID.5 Max Pro (77kWh, 174hp)
£54,050
10.4 sec
99 mph
313 miles
ID.5 Tech Pro Performance (77kWh, 204hp)
£51,940
8.4 sec
99 mph
313 miles
ID.5 Max Pro Performance (77kWh, 204hp)
£55,440
8.4 sec
99 mph
313 miles
ID.5 GTX Max (77kWh, 299hp, all-wheel drive)
£58,640
6.3 sec
112 mph
296 miles
Prices for the Volkswagen ID.5 range start at £50,500, which is nearly £8,000 more expensive than the entry-level Ford Mustang Mach-e, and almost £10,000 more than the standard Kia EV6 model.
The final Citroën C1 has rolled off the production line, after amassing nearly 1.2 million sales since it was introduced in 2005.
The C1 is essentially identical to the Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo city cars, produced as a joint venture over two generations and 17 years. This announcement comes after Toyota came into full ownership of the factory in Czech Republic where all three models were made. This factory will now focus on the production of the all-new Toyota Aygo X, as the C1/108/Aygo triplets become consigned to history.
This means that customers interested in purchasing a new C1 hatchback do not have long, as Citroën will sell the last of its C1 stock in coming months.
With Citroën and Peugeot’s parent company Stellantis now also owning Fiat, it is likely that any future Citroën or Peugeot city car will be based on the new, all-electric Fiat 500.
First-generation Citroën C1 (2005 – 2013)
Second-generation Citroën C1 (2014 – 2022)
The retirement of the C1 means that the C3 hatchback will soon be the smallest car in the Citroën range, which will soon receive a new trim – the C3 ‘You’, arriving in the UK in April 2022.
The even smaller all-electric Citroën Ami is also set to arrive around the same time, but that is a quadricycle rather than a production car, meaning it does not have to comply with the same safety regulations as a regular car.
The second-generation C1 arrived in the UK in 2014, being commended for its low running costs and driving dynamics throughout its tenure, but also receiving criticism for a lack of refinement compared to rivals like the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up.
As it reaches the end of its life, the Citroën C1 is ranked towards the bottom of a very competitive small car class in our Expert Ratings Index, holding an Expert Rating of 53%. Unsurprisingly, the almost-identical Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo have fairly similar scores.
Based on the previous-generationVolkswagen Golf, the Touran is a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). This model is the third-generation Touran, which has been on sale since 2015.
Not much has changed for the Volkswagen Touran during its lifespan – there has been no mid-life facelift for the MPV like other models in the Volkswagen range usually receive, only the introduction of a range-topping Touran R-Line trim in early 2016.
Rivals for the Touran have gradually disappeared over time, with the likes of the Ford C-Max and Citroën C3 Picasso no longer on sale. The Touran looks set to go the same way in the not-too-distant future, with no direct replacement model on the horizon as Volkswagen switches its focus onto an entirely new range of electric cars.
The Touran has received plenty of praise from the UK media during its tenure. Heycar concludes that this compact MPV has “all the space most families could possibly wish for”, while offering more value for money than an SUV or larger seven-seat MPVs like the Ford Galaxy.
That said, many reviewers find the Volkswagen Touran works best as a spacious five-seater. With all seven seats in use, the 137-litre boot space is “barely enough space for a weekly shop”, Carwow explains.
The biggest criticism levelled at the Touran concerns its rather bland exterior styling – Top Gear asserts that the Touran has a “forgettable, taxi-driver image”.
Nevertheless, the Touran is one of the most versatile people carriers around, offering fuss-free family motoring in an affordable package that Which? concludes is “close to MPV heaven.”
As of February 2026, the Volkswagen Touran holds a New CarExpert Rating of B with a score of 64%. It has good media review scores, but most of the rest of its grades are average to poor.
Body style: Compact MPV Engines: petrol Price: From £32,735 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015 Last updated: Spring 2016 Replacement due: N/A
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10 “The Volkswagen Touran is roomy, practical, very well built and good to drive.” Read review
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “Subtle improvements across the board make the new Volkswagen Touran more impressive than ever.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Touran’s generous space alone is enough to make this one of the very best mid-size SUVs.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “If you need the versatility of a seven-seat MPV, but find a larger model like the Sharan or Galaxy simply too massive or expensive, the Touran is an excellent compromise.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.2 / 10 “The Volkswagen Touran is a spacious MPV with seven seats and a wide range of engines.” (Andy Goodwin) Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “The Volkswagen Touran is a practical family car that has lots of space, seven seats and a huge array of storage areas, but it’s not exactly eye-catching.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: “The Touran is a well-engineered and refined compact MPV which achieves fuel economy that would have been beyond superminis a few years ago.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “You can’t knock the Volkswagen Touran. It drives like a Golf but offers all the space most families could possibly wish for. It’s better value for money than an SUV while its interior outshines most rivals this side of a BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Volkswagen Touran is hugely practical.” Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “The seven-seat Volkswagen Touran is worth considering if you’re after fuss-free family motoring.” Read review
Motors
Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10 “The Volkswagen Touran has sophisticated looks and is very practical.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Score: 8.8 / 10 “The VW Touran is a capable family people-carrier seats seven at a push.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10 “The Volkswagen Touran takes the stress out of family motoring.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2015 Score: 9 / 10 “Families can’t go too far wrong with the latest Touran, which is among the most versatile cars in its class.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Better than the car it replaces, but not interesting, exciting or memorable.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Volkswagen Touran has an average reliability score of 62% as of April 2025 (our most recent data point), according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partner MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Touran and the previous (pre-2015) models.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
43 mpg
C
Diesel models
50 mpg
C
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
152 g/km
C
Diesel models
147 g/km
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
18
A
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£162
A
Year 2
£470
B
Year 3
£772
B
Year 4
£1,023
B
Year 5
£1,367
B
Overall
£3,794
B
The Volkswagen Touran has a pretty good set of running costs, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption isn’t amazing – the petrol versions are pretty middling, although the diesel versions (no longer available to buy new) are better. Road tax should be good, based on the decent CO2 scores.
Servicing and insurance costs are excellent, which will help ensure that the Touran remains affordable for at least the first five years of ownership.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen Touran has received
2015
Business Car Awards – Best Mini-MPV
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First appearing at the 2019 Los Angeles motor show, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is essentially a saloon version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback.
Arriving on UK roads in Summer 2020, the 2 Series Gran Coupé range consists of three models – the entry-level Sport, the mid-range M Sport, and the range-topping M235i xDrive performance model, which Parkers describes as a “rocketship”. Customers are able to choose between petrol and diesel variants.
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has had a generally positive reception from the UK media, reviewers often commenting that the saloon has retained the impressive build quality and ride comfort of the 1 Series but with an extra 50 litres of boot space.
The Gran Coupé is also more generous with legroom in the rear than its key rival, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, though both models struggle with rear headroom due to their low roof lines. “Those 6ft and over will struggle to sit up straight in the back”, explains Auto Trader.
Where reviewers do find broad consensus is with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé’s most prominent drawback – it will only appeal to a small audience, “positioned as a niche-filler appealing to those wanting a practical four-seater, but don’t want the more expensive BMW 3 Series“, Car Keys explains.
A facelifted version of the 2 Series Gran Coupé was revealed in Autumn 2024, with cars expected to arrive in the UK in Spring 2025.
As of January 2026, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It scores top marks for its five-star safety rating, but the rest of its scores are average to poor.
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a good car, but will only appeal to a small audience. It’s just about big enough to be considered family transport, but its coupe design brings compromises on rear space and practical load-lugging ability.”
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d M Sport “The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe might be another exercise in niche-filling, but you can’t say that it hasn’t been a well-executed one. Those drivers who find the 1 Series too, well, ordinary and the standard 2 Series Coupé too cramped could well find themselves swayed by the in-the-middle Gran Coupé.” Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M235 (2025 facelift) Score: 7 / 10 “The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has been handed a hefty overhaul, but many of its shortcomings remain.” Author: Alex Ingram Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “Its gorgeous slinky roofline means there’s less head room for tall rear passengers – those 6ft and over will struggle to sit up straight in the back.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d M Sport Score: 8 / 10 “Something in the back of your mind may be telling you it’s not a thoroughbred BMW in the traditional sense of the word, but driving it confirms that is exactly what it is.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The regular 2-series Gran Coupe variant has most of the strengths of the 1-series, minus a bit of its rear headroom, and with some extra swagger in its style.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M235i Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW M235i Gran Coupe is a really rather attractive package. It’s both easy to live with and offers great performance and an enjoyable driving experience as well. While the styling won’t please all tastes, this is a great affordable performance model.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d Score: 8 / 10 “While many might say this is a new car that BMW didn’t really need to add to its range, the 2 Series Gran Coupe offers plenty of appeal. Its looks might be controversial, but what can’t be queried are the levels of technology and the great driving experience.” Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 7.8 / 10 “The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is good to drive and represents a stylish and upmarket alternative to a hatchback.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 220d M Sport “Good-looking with strong styling and fine handling, the 2GC is in some ways the pick of BMW’s small car range.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Composed, comfortable and quick, but the 2-series Gran Coupe is short on dynamic flair.” Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Range overview “Perhaps one of the most encouraging things about the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is that it doesn’t cost the earth and should be a coupé that finally makes it onto fleet lists – with the added benefit of being a suitable antidote to the needless SUV stampede.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: 2024 facelift range Score: 8 / 10 “With no plug-in model the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe won’t be a fleet favourite, but in most other respects it’s another talented addition to the BMW range. It looks better than the car it replaces both inside and out, still drives well, and is priced to give its competitors a hard time.” Author: Antony Ingram Read review
Model reviewed: 2020-24 pre-facelift range Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is an intriguing four-door alternative to the 1 Series hatchback, focused on style over outright practicality. It manages to be something of a bargain, and is engaging to drive.” Author: Richard Aucock Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a little bit of a guilty pleasure. It might look a bit odd and it’s not as fun to drive as a regular 2 Series Coupe, but the interior is excellent and we don’t think it’s particularly expensive, either.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is a good effort and in the, admittedly small, pool of small four-door coupes, it’s the best to drive of the bunch – if you can live with the looks.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 220i M Sport Score: 6 / 10 “The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe comes across as a bit underwhelming. I’d choose a 1 Series if I wanted a BMW hatchback, or a Honda Civic if I wanted something a little left-field and high-quality. Actually, I’d probably have a Skoda Octavia vRS and end up with a better all-rounder for less money. And the best part is that choosing any of these cars wouldn’t make me feel I’d paid over the odds for a bit of marketing spiel.” Author: Alex Robbins Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Properly premium but oddly unlovable.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10 “As good as front-driven BMWs get, but arguably not as stylish as its sub-niche requires.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé was assessed by Euro NCAP back in 2019 and awarded a five-star rating. It was reassessed in November 2025 after the major 2025 updates, and was downgraded to a (still very good) four-star rating. There hasn’t been any significant change in safety to the car itself, but simply that the standards for Euro NCAP ratings are raised every three years or so.
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé Euro NCAP scores are based on the 1 Series hatchback’s results from 2019. Euro NCAP conducted additional tests and reviewed relevant data to verify that the 2 Series would perform in a similar fashion to the 1 Series in all tests.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2026, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has not been tested by Green NCAP.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
45 mpg
C
Diesel models
58 mpg
B
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
143 g/km
C
Diesel models
126 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
22
B
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£183
B
Year 2
£472
B
Year 3
£787
B
Year 4
£1,074
B
Year 5
£1,415
B
Overall
£3,931
B
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has rather average fuel consumption numbers but excellent service and maintenance costs, according to running cost data exclusively provided to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
BMW’s servicing schedules are generally mileage-based rather than date-based, so the cost and frequency of servicing can vary significantly depending on your driving.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 279 Average repair cost: £601.49 Last updated: April 2025
The BMW 2 Series has a middling reliability rating of 64%, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score covers all versions of the 2 Series (Coupé, Convertible, Gran Coupé, Active Tourer and Grand Tourer) for both the current generation and previous models.
The most expensive repair bills tend to be gearbox-related, and those are expensive with an average bill of more than £1,400. Fortunately, they’re not too common. Fuel system faults have an average repair cost of about £1,100, so look out for those as well. The most frequently seen issues to date relate to the electrical system, with an average repair bill of about £500.
If you own a BMW 2 Series, or are interested in buying a used 2 Series model of any sort, make sure that any used car warranty you buy covers these problem areas.
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Any lingering uncertainties that EVs would fail to capture the imagination of drivers, and start the biggest automotive industry revolution since the creation of the combustion engine, have now been consigned to history.
EVs are here and they’re here to stay. And, even though there are still reservations among some sections of drivers, and bridges still to cross in terms of manufacturing and charging infrastructure, the new dawn of electric cars and vans has truly arrived.
Latest motor industry figures show that 2021 was the best year ever for electric transport. More electric vehicles were registered last year than for the total of the previous five years, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Plug-in hybrid figures also rose, as did those for hybrids. Together they added up to more than 450,000 new vehicles – almost 28% of the total market – with some form of electrification joining the UK’s roads last year.
Chart toppers
Tesla’s Model 3, the Kia e-Niro and Volkswagen’s ID.3 topped the BEV sales charts with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volvo’s XC40 taking the top three plug-in hybrid sales spots.
With recent history now showing a big swing towards EVs, looking ahead it’s shaping up to produce more of the same. In the past 12 months, hybrid or fully electric cars have overtaken petrol and diesel models as most drivers’ expected next vehicle.
Recent research by car spares and repairs company Kwik-Fit showed that 37% of drivers said that their next vehicle would be a low emissions model, outstripping the 35% likely to opt for a diesel or petrol car. And more than a quarter of drivers (28%) are still considering their options and haven’t decided yet.
This compares with similar research a year earlier which showed 33% of drivers opting for a low emission EV or hybrid compared with 41% saying their next car would have a petrol or diesel engine.
Salary sacrifice provider Tusker says this shows a clear change in drivers’ needs and demands, with petrol and diesel cars ordered through its schemes being replaced by EVs and plug-in hybrids. This, the company claims, proves a changing mindset among drivers, some of whom were concerned about the initial cost of vehicle, availability of fast charging points and ‘range anxiety’.
These are all being replaced by more positive thoughts about pricing and the infrastructure, along with greater confidence about the affordability and convenience of a salary sacrifice scheme.
As more electric vehicles become available Tusker’s order book has shifted away from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles to EV and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles in just two years. In 2019, nine out of ten of the most popular vehicles they offered were petrol or diesel powered, with only one EV making the list. Now, however, the reverse is true.
This is not a knee-jerk reaction to fuel shortages or increasing pump prices, although these factors, plus the enormous media attention of last year’s COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, heightened awareness of electric cars as a viable option for most households.
“The shift in ordering behaviour away from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, towards EVs has been rapid and conclusive,” says Paul Gilshan, CEO of Tusker.
“We have seen the rise in uptake of salary sacrifice schemes, alongside the continuation of low BIK rates that encourage drivers away from traditional fuel types and into affordable and environmentally friendly vehicles.”
Pace continues
So consumer demand has been steadily building over the last 18 months, matched by a rapidly increasing number of new EVs being offered by car manufacturers. With many more new models set to arrive in 2022, the pace of the UK’s motoring electrification will continue to accelerate.
The UK’s deadline of 2030 to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars once seemed to have been set too early. But now, the majority of car manufacturers will be offering huge ranges of electric vehicles long before that. Several have already announced dates for becoming EV-only, well before that deadline.
So, whether they’re thinking of buying outright, leasing or taking advantage of a salary sacrifice scheme, it’s clear that tens of thousands more UK drivers will be sitting behind the wheel of an electric-powered car of some kind in 2022 and into the next few years.
BMW has announced updates for its 8 Series and M8 model line-ups, featuring subtle exterior styling tweaks and on-board tech upgrades.
Building on the design of the current generation 8 Series that arrived in 2018, this mild mid-cycle makeover is available to order now in the UK, with the first orders expected to arrive in Spring 2022. BMW is also taking orders for the facelifted M8 range ahead of its official arrival in a few months time.
The revised BMW 8 Series continues to be offered in coupé, convertible, and ‘Gran Coupé’ saloon body styles, which are all equipped with the the brand’s M Sport trim as standard in the UK. Updates include a new grille design that becomes illuminated when you open a door, and enlarged air intakes below, swapping the pre-facelift honeycomb mesh design for horizontal struts.
The updated range also features a new design for its 20-inch alloy wheels and four new exterior paint colours, while the sportier V8 xDrive models get ‘M’ sport brakes with callipers finished in high-gloss black, M-spec wing mirrors, and a rear spoiler reserved for the Coupé versions. Otherwise, much remains the same.
BMW 8 Series Coupé (2018 – 2021)
BMW 8 Series Coupé (2022 – present)
The interior of the 8 Series range has also had a light refresh, with a new steering wheel design also found in the 4 Series range. The infotainment console has been upgraded from a 10-inch touchscreen to a 12-inch display.
The facelifted BMW M8 models get new 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with high-performance tyres, eight new exterior colours and the option of darker ‘Shadow Line’ headlights, but no exterior styling changes.
BMW M8 Coupé
The cheapest model in the facelifted BMW 8 Series range is the Gran Coupé, with prices starting at £72,225 for the entry-level V6 version. Meanwhile, the updated 625hp M8 Gran Coupé Competition is available for £123,300.
Now in its second generation, the BMW 8 Series has received a very positive reception from the UK media since its 2018 arrival, highlighted for its potent performance and its luxurious interior fitted with plenty of impressive on-board tech.
It is possible that this is the last update we see to the combustion-powered 8 Series and M8 models, as BMW continues its expansion into the electric car market – aiming to unveil 20 new EV models by 2025. For now, the BMW 8 Series (not including the M8 or the Gran Coupé saloon versions) holds an Expert Rating of 74% on our industry-leading Expert Ratings Index.
Bentley has announced details of its electrification roadmap – and the first of five new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) will be British built.
The luxury car maker has announced plans to launch its first EV – details of which are yet to be released – in three years’ time, and to build it at Crewe as part of a £2.5 billion investment in sustainability over the next ten years.
The car will be followed by four additional new electric models from 2026 to 2029, by which time Bentley expects to offer an exclusively electric range, as well as being carbon-neutral across the firm’s operations. It also means that the full Bentley range will be compliant with the government’s plan to ban all new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.
No details of the new cars have been released but, according to industry sources, the first few are likely to be ‘medium-sized vehicles’, which for Bentley means vehicles that are similar in size to the current model range (Continental, Bentayga, Flying Spur).
A flagship replacement for the discontinued Mulsanne limousine and an SUV even larger than the Bentayga could potentially complete the new EV range. These would arrive at the end of the decade when the battery technology to provide enough range for such large and heavy cars is likely to be available.
Currently the only electrified option in the Bentley range is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Bentayga SUV. The Flying Spur saloon will also gain a PHEV model in 2022 and five more PHEVs are also planned ahead of the all-electric cars. These will almost certainly be plug-in versions of the existing Continental GT and GTC models, and then potentially some higher-performance PHEV models as well.
The Bentley Bentayga PHEV first arrvied in 2020, receiving a facelift in mid-2021.
A PHEV version of the Bentley Flying Spur is set to arrive in 2022.
Bentley has long traded on its British heritage and the historic status of the Crewe plant but these have been diluted in recent times by some manufacturing abroad at other plants operated by the brand’s owner Volkswagen. Some traditionalists feared the inevitable move to EVs would accelerate this dilution.
However as part of its ‘Beyond 100’ strategy first announced in 2020, Bentley plans to build a new ‘Dream Factory’, alongside its existing facilities it Crewe, to produce its EVs. The firm says such vehicles are key to the strategy which aims to “redefine the company as the benchmark luxury automotive manufacturer.”
Industry sources do claim, however, that bodies for the first new EVs will be made in Germany alongside a new Audi EV using the same chassis as the Bentley. The unpainted bodies will then be shipped to the UK for completion at Crewe.
The DS 4 was a five-door family hatchback manufactured by French brand DS Automobiles, launched to challenge the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series andMercedes-Benz A-Class.
On sale in the UK from 2022 until 2025, has now been replaced by a heavily upgraded model, now called the DS Nº4.
The DS 4 hatchback was available with a range of different powertrains over its short life, covering petrol, diesel, regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. There were also several trim level changes over that time.
British reviewers were generally impressed by the range of DS 4 models on offer, particularly Parkers, which also commends DS Automobiles for offering the DS 4 with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains from launch.
Adding to the wide range of options available, the DS 4’s best trait was a refined interior that Heycar labels “simply scrumptious”, fitted with plenty of intuitive on-board tech as standard – some of this tech only offered as optional extras by key rivals.
That said, there are areas where the DS 4 lags well behind the class leaders. Most notable are its rigid ride comfort, average performance and light steering, all of which culminate in a driving experience that Driving Electric describes as “dull”. In the end, media review scores were below average
As of February 2026, the DS 4 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. It scores top marks for its low average CO2 emissions (largely thanks to the plug-in hybrid model) and gets good grades for its safety rating. However, its running costs are only average and its media review scores to date have been poor. We also don’t yet have reliability data, so check back again soon.
“Buyers rarely consider a DS if buying new, but that means there are bargains on the used market, and we reckon they’re worth seeking out. As a used buy, the DS 4 offers a great blend of value and style, and it’s definitely different from its rivals, even if under the skin it shares much of its architecture with other Stellantis models.”
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Delivering supreme comfort, good practicality and a premium feel, the DS 4 hatchback is an interesting alternative to class-leading rivals.” (Ellis Hyde) Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “DS remains a quirky, niche brand that emerged from under Citroën’s wing a few years ago, but shares parts and engines. So far it has spawned both a small hatchback and large SUV, but this family hatchback, the updated DS4, feels the best resolved yet. The proportions suit the styling very well, it fills the parental shoes nicely and couldn’t be further away from its clumsy predecessor.” (Erin Baker) Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Comfortable rather than dynamic, the DS 4 is a tidy drive, but rivals are more involving. The DS’s strengths against the opposition are its sense of style, attention to detail and the technology.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “It’s by no means perfect, with the slight fidget to the ride frustrating slightly and versions with the plushest interiors get very pricey. However, if you’re bored of the usual crowd and aren’t too fussed by cornering thrills, the DS 4 should be on your shopping list.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The DS 4 is an upmarket hatchback to rival the Mercedes A-Class and is the brand’s most convincing model yet.” (Tom Jervis) Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Range overview “Beautiful quality and good PHEV running costs should grab some attention for the low-key French premium brand’s latest and most competitive model.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Rivoli “Choose the entry-level DS 4 and, although you’d lose a lot of gizmos and be making do with a conventional 130bhp petrol (with a mild-hybrid starter generator) engine, you still get those flush door handles, LED headlamps and extremely appealing styling.” Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybridE-Tense Score: 7 / 10 “The DS 4 E-Tense is an unusual take on the premium hatchback formula, but certainly isn’t without merit.” Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid E-Tense Score: 7 / 10 “The DS 4 E-Tense plug-in hybrid offers a dose of hand-crafted French luxury as a viable alternative to an Audi A3 or BMW 1-Series.” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: Range overview “As an alternative to the likes of the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and BMW’s 1 Series and X2 models, the DS 4 stacks up well and looks set to give the French brand a major player in the mainstream market.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “With the DS 4, Citroen’s posh spin-off brand might finally be finding its groove. It’s a genuinely premium family hatchback with SUV levels of practicality and a simply scrumptious interior. There’s petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power, as well as a choice of sporty or posh trim levels.” Author: Andrew Brady Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The DS4 feels genuinely special. The interior is just sublime, with premium finishes and impressive technology, while standard equipment levels are impressive. Are you prepared to stand out from the crowd?” Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: E-Tense Score: 7 / 10 “The DS 4 E-Tense is a relatively affordable luxury car with avant-garde styling and an efficient plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It isn’t a straightforward car to categorise. However, with its striking looks, interesting interior and refined ride, it does enough to justify a luxurious image.” (John Redfern) Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “It’s by no means perfect, with the slight fidget to the ride frustrating slightly and versions with the plushest interiors get very pricey. However, if you’re bored of the usual rivals and aren’t too fussed by cornering thrills, the DS 4 should be on your shopping list.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 4 Performance Line + “The DS 4 is no hot hatch but it can get a bit of a wiggle on. True, it’s a bit cramped in the back. But isn’t luxury usually a bit selfish? All in all, a car that turned out not only a bit leftfield but actually very good.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Performance Line Score: 6 / 10 “If you’re after something that feels a little different to the norm, the DS 4 is it. And if you value comfort over excitement, it fits the bill, too. While that will be enough to ensure a select few find homes, don’t expect the 4 to challenge for class leadership. Likeable though it is, it’s just too handicapped in areas where it matters to make a real dent in the dominance of its German rivals.” (Alex Robbins) Read review
Model reviewed: 225 Rivoli Score: 6 / 10 “The fact is, however, the DS 4 isn’t a premium car. It doesn’t ride as well as others from the Stellantis stable and a Ford Kuga would eat it for lunch. True, it looks different and the interior is interesting and comfortable, but there’s an element of “all fur coat and no knickers” about the DS4.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Whether or not you actually want a car with such self-conscious styling is a question that comes up with any DS model. But with the 4, we think it’s easier to want than the others. And that styling wraps a properly competitive car.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The standard DS 4 was awarded a four-star rating in April 2022 by Euro NCAP. However, if the car is fitted with the optional ‘Safety Pack Plus’, which is standard on higher-spec models, it gets a five-star rating.
The difference is the quality of the emergency braking system, which “performed only marginally well” in standard form. The optional ‘Safety Pack Plus’ uses a more advanced emergency braking system, which boosts the Safety Assist score by a sufficient amount to lift the car into the five-star bracket.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Clean Air Index: 3.2 / 10 Energy Efficiency Index: 3.5 / 10 Greenhouse Gas Index: 2 / 10
Achieving a one and a half star emissions rating, Green NCAP comments that the DS 4 does meet European emissions regulations, but the car’s exhaust aftertreatment lacks robustness and its fuel consumption is relatively high.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the DS 4 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 DS 4, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
54 mpg
B
Diesel models
58 mpg
B
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
129 g/km
B
Diesel models
138 g/km
C
Plug-in hybrid models
33 g/km
A
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Plug-in hybrid models
38 miles
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
25
B
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£240
C
Year 2
£579
C
Year 3
£920
C
Year 4
£1,139
C
Year 5
£1,560
C
Overall
£4,438
C
The DS 4 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.
Fuel consumption data for the petrol models is only average, while the diesel models are better. We don’t have data for the plug-in hybrid models at this time, so check back again soon.
The CO2 levels are good – the plug-in hybrid looks great on paper, but that’s due to the woeful EU/UK goverment lab tests that are completely useless at measuring a plug-in hybrid…
Insurance costs should be good, although servicing and maintenance are mostly average over the car’s first five years.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the DS 4, you might also be interested in these alternatives
So you have a growing family, a business that takes up space in your car boot, a love of the great outdoors or maybe a house that’s situated at the end of a rutted track. You need a certain type of car. But which one?
A decade ago the answer would have been simple: you need a 4×4: a big, rugged off-roader that went anywhere and carried almost everything. They were often called ‘jeeps’ even though only a small number of them on the UK’s roads were actually built by the famous US manufacturer of 4x4s.
There were all sorts of four wheel drive cars available: big and small (Range Rover to Fiat Panda 4×4), petrol and diesel (no EVs), and built in Europe, Asia and North America.
All change
But the last ten years have seen a massive change. The traditional 4×4 has almost (but not quite) ceased to exist. They were hardly ever used to actually go off road anyway, but the styling was still popular among a broad cross-section of buyers. And the car makers knew this.
They built similar-looking, ruggedly styled cars but without the expensive, complicated, fuel-sapping four-wheel drive systems driving everything underneath.
Many of these popular models became two-wheel drive only: some were given traction control for an element of loose surface capability but many were only fit for the road like their saloon and estate car cousins.
In came a platoon of utility vehicles with varying capabilities but all with one thing in common: their taller, roomier, more rugged styling and design. They were generally also slightly better over rutted, bumpy surfaces due to their increased ride height and they often made superior towing cars for caravan and trailer owners.
Although this sort of vehicle had existed for a while (the Toyota RAV4 was an early pioneer in the mid-1990s), it was the launch of the British-designed and British-built Nissan Qashqai in 2007 that kick-started a soft-roader revolution around the world. It’s become a mainstay in the UK best-sellers list ever since.
And that approval and popularity of these ‘lifestyle’ vehicles in the UK has continued unabated, with increasing numbers of models becoming available and almost every car maker offering a rugged, family alternative into its car range.
That’s before the more established 4×4 brands such as Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and SsangYong muscle in. Even Jeep and Toyota, which have built reputations for hard-as-nails off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Land Cruiser, now sell far more crossovers than genuine 4×4 vehicles today.
Even Ferrari, that most famous manufacturer of supercars and racing cars, is getting in on the act with an SUV model that is set to be unveiled later this year.
So what are the options?
Traditional 4×4 (or 4WD)
Drive from the engine can be directed to all four wheels when necessary and clever locking differentials and electronic technology evenly spreads power to the wheels that need it most ensuring that there’s very little wheel-spin and plenty of grip and traction.
Many 4WD vehicles can be turned into 2WD vehicles at the flick of a switch, or the pull of a lever, when full grip isn’t needed. They also have high and low ratios which can help when the going gets especially tough. Low ratio will allow the car to ‘crawl’ over rocks, boulders and slippery inclines safely and securely.
You’ll need a 4×4 if you live in a remote area, at the end of a farm track, or in a region where there is regular ice, snow and bad weather. If your job involves regularly traversing poor surfaces (farmers, surveyors, builders) or you tow a heavy trailer or caravan you might also consider one. They’re more expensive than two wheel drive versions but they can be worth their investment if they help you out of a hole just when you need them to.
Some of these vehicles are still built using the traditional ‘body-on-frame’ method, which can provide superior off-roading ability but compromises on-road ability. However, this is becoming quite rare and even highly capable off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender are now built using the more modern ‘unibody’ method for more comfort and reduced weight.
If the majority of your driving is going to be on roads rather than off them, your choice of car should reflect that. And there are certainly plenty of choices – so much so, that the lines between passenger car and utility vehicle have been endlessly blurred and smudged.
Although modern SUVs tend to look very similar to traditional 4x4s, they’re generally built to prioritise on-road comfort on a day-to-day basis. They’re all a unibody design, just like any regular saloon or estate, despite the rugged styling.
Smart, modern, good-looking and versatile, they are a popular choice among many drivers in the UK and tick a lot of the boxes a busy family would ask of a car.
Some are still quite capable off-road (especially any Land Rover models), but electronic wizardry tends to help manage that, instead of the driver manually adjusting high and low range transmissions or fiddling with locking differentials.
SUVs can either be 4WD or 2WD, depending on whether you need the extra traction. Even then, most 4WD models will often be capable of running in two-wheel drive on the road and only call on the extra two wheels when they’re really needed. But for some owners, the confidence and peace of mind of having four-wheel drive capability when required is very reassuring.
To make matters more confusing, some models are available in purely 2WD form, for drivers who know absolutely that they’re not going to need any particular off-road ability. With their increased ride height and chunkier tyres, these two-wheel drive SUVs can often still perform reasonably well – and far better than a normal car – over bumpy or slightly slippery surfaces. For many people, that will be all they ever need.
They do, however, want space, flexibility, maybe the option of seven seats (usually folded down in the boot area when not in use), a good high driving position and a generally effective all-round offering. That’s why this sector of the automotive market is so popular and competitive.
Even more difficult to distinguish is the crossover – a term first coined in North America. Despite the chunkier looks and higher seating position, they are essentially just a passenger car underneath.
Compared to the 2WD SUV models above, crossovers may look similar but have very little capability off-road and often run tyres that are similar to what you’d find on a regular saloon or estate, with no additional grip on muddy or icy surfaces.
Some crossovers are available with a form of 4WD, often in hybrid models where the front wheels are driven by the petrol engine while the rear wheels are powered by an electric motor. The car can switch between either system or both together as required. It still doesn’t really help much for off-roading, though.
Want a decent, strong, honest car for ferrying around the kids and work equipment but don’t need any sort of off-road capability? A crossover might just do the job for you.
Winter is a horrible time for cars. Rainfall washes dirt and mud onto roads, street gritting creates a dark film of spray that clings to wheels and bodywork, and high winds blow dust and muck onto windscreens and lights.
It’s not long before your pristine motor is covered in black, sooty grime that turns bright coloured paintwork dark, obscures number plates, dims tail lights and leads to tell-tale finger marks across the boot lids of thousands of cars.
Country roads are especially dirty at this time of year, as local authorities spread greater amounts of salt, and farm vehicles introduce extra layers of mud from fields and yards onto the roads. Low overnight temperatures compound the problem by obscuring windscreens with frost while freezing your car’s screen wash systems solid.
Now road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has said drivers should make daily safety checks to reduce the risk of a breakdown and ensure that visibility is not compromised by dirt or ice. And they’ve released some top tips for keeping clean, and safe, this winter.
“It’s difficult to keep cars clean during weather like this,” said a GEM spokesperson. “Layers of salt and dirt will build up quickly. If left, car lights will become less effective, number plates will become unreadable and it could be hard to see properly through the windscreen.”
Operation Clean Up: six top grime-busting safety tips
Wash, wipe and rub
It’s hard to believe how quickly dirt builds on a car at this time of year. Before every journey, take time to remove any excess dirt and ensure all the lights and windows are free of grime.
Top up your washer bottle
If you’re covering lots of miles, you will get through a large amount of water on a journey during the current dirty conditions. So don’t wait for the warning light – check and top up as often as necessary.
Stop scraping your blades
Don’t use your windscreen wipers to clear ice as you risk wearing out the blades and causing stress and damage to the operating system. Equally, don’t use wipers to shift dirt if the windscreen wash is empty or frozen. Stop somewhere safe and clear the windscreen properly.
Get down under
The underside of your car is particularly vulnerable to attack from salt and dirt. Give it a regular hosing to minimise the chances of any damage, and hose off any excess mud from brake discs.
Take it easy
Reduce speed and give yourself more time to complete your journey. By slowing down you will reduce the risk of skidding due to sudden manoeuvres. You will also minimise the spray and dirt that’s thrown up by your wheels.
Keep your distance
Don’t follow too close behind lorries and other heavy vehicles. This is not only safe and prudent, but it will also reduce levels of salt, dirt and other mess that gets sprayed onto your car.
The 4 Series Convertible has received a very positive reception since its UK arrival in Autumn 2021, with reviewers particularly commending the soft-top for its comfortable and refined interior, which comes with plenty of on-board tech as standard.
Now in its second generation since evolving away from the 3 Series Convertibles of old, the 4 Series Convertible has swapped its predecessor’s folding hard-top roof for a fabric alternative, which Carbuyer says is quicker to take down, and leaves more space for passengers and luggage. That said, Carwow explains that limited rear passenger space and boot capacity still slightly hinder the soft-top’s day-to-day practicality.
Like almost all modern BMWs, most publications are not convinced by the 4 Series Convertible’s “toothy” grille design. Regardless of its controversial styling, however, the large majority of reviewers are more than won over by the convertible’s impressive performance – the BMW’s agile handling and range of petrol and diesel engines provide driving dynamics that Top Gear calls “fabulous” and The Telegraph “exhilarating”.
Auto Trader concludes, “The BMW 4 Series Convertible has all the charm and sophistication of its coupé brother with the added bonus of fun in the sun for four.”
As of February 2026, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is the best-rated version of the 4 Series family with a New Car Expert Rating of B and a score of 67%. That rating drops to a C as a used car, with a slightly lower score of 64%. The 4 Series Convertible scores top marks for its excellent media reviews, while its safety rating is still good. However, its CO2 emissions and reliability record are only average, while its running costs are high.
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible packs impressive handling, a smooth ride, impressive engines and an open-top driving experience that’s perfect for sunny days. So it’s a pity it looks the way it does.”
Model reviewed: 4 Series M440i Score: 10 / 10 “The BMW 4 Series Convertible has all the charm and sophistication of its coupe brother with the added bonus of fun in the sun for four.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.4 / 10 “The BMW 4 Series Convertible is one of the best four-seater soft-tops around.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: M440i xDrive Score: 8 / 10 “The M440i xDrive continues to be the muscle-bound pick of the BMW 4 Series Convertible bunch, as the most convincing ‘mini 8-series’.” Author: Stuart Gallagher, Ethan Jupp Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview “The BMW 4 Series Convertible features a striking appearance and fabric soft-top roof.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Most people after a swish convertible want something that looks sporty, but isn’t unnecessarily harsh riding. The BMW delivers on this. The interior is a great place to spend time. The weight of the controls points to everything being durable, while the placement is easy to understand too.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M440i Score: 8 / 10 “This is a very convincing all-rounder. It is, in many ways, the perfect four-seat convertible, mixing exhilarating driving dynamics with practicality, space, quality and impressive fuel economy. It is expensive to buy, though. And then there are those looks…” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The 4 Series Convertible is a class-leading drop-top. It hits every base: it’s refined top up or down, the engines are fabulous, it’s spacious and reasonably practical, well-finished and can be festooned with all the gadgets and assists you’d expect.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The BMW 4 Series family has an average reputation for reliability, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers all versions of the current-generation 4 Series (Convertible, Coupé and Gran Coupé) as well as the original (pre-2020) models.
The average repair bill to date has been just under £850, which is obviously a lot more than a used car warranty – so bear that in mind if you already own a BMW 4 Series or are looking at buying a used 4 Series.
The most common faults with 4 Series models to date have been engine-related. These are also the most expensive to repair, with an average bill of £2,000. Gearbox repairs are even more expensive, averaging more than £2,600, but are thankfully not as common. Other faults – like suspension, fuel system, electrics and brakes – have much lower repair bills.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
39 mpg
D
Diesel models
53 mpg
B
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
164 g/km
D
Diesel models
139 g/km
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
36
D
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£257
C
Year 2
£638
C
Year 3
£1,056
C
Year 4
£1,404
D
Year 5
£1,837
D
Overall
£5,192
D
Running costs for the BMW 4 Series Convertible are a bit of a mixed bag, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Petrol models offer a below-par fuel consumption of 39 mpg on average, while diesel models are much more efficient, offering 53 mpg. Insurance is neither expensive nor cheap, and service and maintenance costs are fairly average, too, when compared to the rest of the market.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 4 Series Convertible has received
Running costs for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are a bit of a mixed bag, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Petrol models offer a below-par fuel consumption of 40 mpg on average, while diesel models are much more efficient, offering 55 mpg. Insurance is neither expensive nor cheap, and service and maintenance costs are fairly average, too, when compared to the rest of the market.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, you might also be interested in these alternatives
The Genesis G70 Shooting brake is an estate version of the mid-sized G70 saloon that launched soon after the Korean premium brand arrived in the UK in 2021.
Shooting Brake? The term dates back to horse-drawn days and referred to a practical vehicle created to carry guests to shooting parties. It then evolved to describe two-door sports cars with estate-style back halves, particularly from British sports car manufacturers. Today’s manufacturers have hijacked the phrase to describe regular estate cars with more emphasis on style than load-lugging practicality. Genesis is not the first to use the term, with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz (among others) offering ‘Shooting Brakes’ of some description.
So what we have here is a version of the G70 saloon with more space, which Hyundai’s upmarket sister brand hopes will take on big hitters such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate and BMW 3 Series Touring. One major drawback, however, could be the newcomer’s propulsion options – our Expert Rating Index currently scores the G70 at 55%, with the biggest complaint being a weak range of engines with no sign yet of any electric options.
It may be Korean but the fifth Genesis model launched in Europe was also designed in Europe, reflecting where the brand sees most potential sales for the G70 Shooting Brake. Genesis G70 cars share their underpinnings, and handling-friendly rear-wheel-drive powertrain, with the much-admired Stinger from sister brand Kia.
The front half of the G70 Shooting Brake is unsurprisingly identical to the G70 Saloon. But the rear half is very similar too – there are no changes to the side window profiles, instead the rear screen pillars are extended upwards and backwards to meet a gently sloping roof line and combined with a huge lump of a rear spoiler.
All of this makes for a good-looking car, but perhaps not quite the levels of load-lugging practicality that generally sends buyers in the direction of estates.
How does it look?
Genesis describes the Shooting Brake profile as having ‘eye-catching coupe design cues’, novel for an estate, but it’s true to say that the car is attractive on the eye. Its general low stance, long bonnet and short front overhang give it a purposeful visual appearance – and yes, the strong side-window design and that roof line that slopes gently downwards towards the rear do offer some coupe-like impressions.
The front end is particularly distinctive, with its large and deeply pointed V-grille flanked by pencil-slim lights. It’s bold and will certainly be noticeable in the rear-view mirror of cars one catches up with, but not in an outrageous way like some rivals. In fact we’d argue that overall the G70 Shooting Brake is a better-looking car than its four-door sister.
What’s the spec like?
Genesis really scores points on its perceived rivals when it comes to specification. Three trim levels are on offer, dubbed Premium Line, Luxury Line and Sport Line, the latter two distinguished by their potential buyers – with Sport Line the emphasis is on a more racy look and enhanced mechanical specification rather than more equipment, adding such items as 19-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo brakes and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Plenty of equipment is a prime element of Genesis cars and you get a lot for what compared to more mainstream upmarket rivals is not a lot of money – prices start from just over £35,000. For example dual-zone climate control, auto-dipping headlamps and the like are standard on all versions. Note, however that if you want the more powerful of the two petrol engine options you will need to go to Luxury Line trim, which is the car have driven here. It adds such niceties as heated seats and steering wheel, plus bigger wheels.
Safety kit is impressive too – the G70 has earned a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, aided by a standard specification that includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control that will bring the car to a stop in traffic and restart it, and lane-keeping tech. Genesis also emphasises that it’s not all about active safety, pointing to its introduction of a new centre airbag – should the car suffer a side collision this airbag prevents the two front seat occupants hitting each other.
What’s the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake like inside?
We’ve already said that such ‘lifestyle estates’ prioritise form over function and this is true of the G70 Shooting Brake. While there’s plenty of room up front, the sleek looks translate to a rather cosy rear-seat environment, while the boot space of 465 litres (extending to 1,535 litres with all the rear seats lowered) is not exactly cavernous and with quite a narrow opening to load it.
We like the general interior treatment of the G70 – our test car certainly felt upmarket the moment one slipped into the Nappa leather seats, though it’s worth adding that these are options and we haven’t tried the standard fare.
The driver’s environment refreshingly retains a fair few physical dials and knobs, instead of turning everything over to touchscreens. The centre console is, however, dominated by an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen with all the smartphone compatibility one would expect, though the long screen is a big stretch for a driver wishing to use apps that place their controls on the left-hand side.
The seating position is quite low which adds to the sporty feel of the car – visibility is good all round, though relying on technology behind one’s head with blind-spot monitor and parking sensors and cameras all included in the standard specification.
We particularly like the Innovation Pack, a £3,250 fitted option on our test car which replaces the analogue instrument dial with a 12-inch digital display – activating the indicator turns either the speed or rev dial into a camera view of the side one intends to turn into and whether any traffic might be coming up on it. The pack also adds a head-up display and matrix LED headlamps.
Our test car was also fitted with the Comfort seat pack, which adds lots of adjustability in lots of directions, while also including electric steering wheel adjustment.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Shooting Brake engine range replicates that of the G70 Saloon, unsurprisingly, and that means just three options – you can have a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit with either 197 or 244hp, or a turbo diesel of 2.2 litres with 200hp on offer. All are combined as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and drive through the rear wheels.
Our test car was fitted with the more powerful petrol option, and it is certainly a refined yet enthusiastic unit, as one would expect from a car targeting rivals wearing the badges of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. From rest 62mph comes up in seven seconds while it also offers a sprightly five-second 31-62mph time, great for swift overtaking moves.
But – and it’s a big but – fuel economy that struggles to hit 30mpg and CO2 emissions levels north of 200g/km might have been typical of the premium market not so long ago, but today they are very previous-generation. The lack of any electric element to these powertrains, even to the extent of mild hybrid support, is likely to be a major minus factor for potential G70 buyers and make the car a virtual non-starter for business buyers looking at their benefit-in-kind tax rates.
What’s the G70 Shooting Brake like to drive?
The driving bit is where the G70 Shooting Brake scores most of its plus points – its on-the-road performance is hugely enjoyable behind the wheel and nothing like one might expect from an estate. It’s almost as if the designers made driving dynamics their only priority, and insisted on the low and wide body and well-sorted rear-wheel-drive powertrain.
The petrol engine is certainly keen, but in a relaxed way – it pulls strongly right through the rev range while never sounding as if it’s making any effort doing so. The auto shifts are well-timed, precise and very rapid when needed, which as mentioned combines with the engine’s potency to make rapid overtaking very easily accomplished.
Standard equipment on our test car includes adaptive dampers – switching to the sport setting does add some stiffness to the suspension and aids precise turn-in. Combined with the handling-friendly rear-propulsion this makes for confident cornering, though the feedback through the steering cannot match what one gets from a BMW, still the leader in this area.
Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. It may be more practical than its saloon sister, but it is also arguably better looking with a slippery, rakish style, while inside it combines plenty of luxury touches and loads of comfort with a reasonable degree of space.
On the road, the car is a revelation. It’s highly enjoyable to drive with precise handling, excellent roadholding and quality ride comfort. As such, it really can be considered a viable rival to the German big hitters in the premium market.
The G70 Shooting Brake scores on value too – starting prices are low compared to rivals and even if you go for the base model you get a lot of equipment, which might sway buyers in the direction of the Korean contender.
One can’t get away, however, from the fact that by only offering traditional petrol or diesel engines to buyers, Genesis is off the radar of today’s market which is now racing towards electrification. Until that major failing is addressed, the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake will remain a bit player.
The Suzuki S-Cross is a mid-size five-door SUV/crossover that sits between the smaller Vitara and larger Across in the Suzuki SUV family. This generation is an all-new model that arrived in the UK in January 2022, replacing the previous model which had been on sale in various forms since 2013.
The new S-Cross features more modern styling and more on-board technology than its predecessor. Only one powertrain option is currently offered, which is a 140hp 1.4-litre petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance. A plug-in hybrid variant is planned to arrive in the UK later in 2022.
While UK reviewers almost conclusively agree that the second-generation Suzuki S-Cross is an affordable package that features plenty of on-board tech as standard, many of those same journalists take issue with the SUV’s rather cheap interior design, which Parkers labels “dull”.
Many reviews also note that the S-Cross has less rear headroom and boot space than key rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008, while Carbuyer points out that an entry-level S-Cross model is not much of a step up from the cheaper Suzuki Vitara.
Regardless, Heycar concludes that the S-Cross is a perfect example of what Suzuki models do best – remain dependable for decades, potentially “outlasting some of its buyers” Car predicts. Suzuki’s mild hybrid technology means that the S-Cross is cheap to run.
Compared to mainstream rivals, the S-Cross is rather basic, but it does cover the basics well. As of March 2026, the Suzuki S-Cross holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 56%.
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover Engines: petrol (mild hybrid) Price: From £24,999 on-road
Launched: Spring 2022 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
“There’s a lot to like about the new Suzuki S-Cross. Certainly, the price you pay will make it very tempting for many buyers. You will then have to ask yourself if you are happy with it doing the other stuff only adequately, such as its amount of space and its performance on the road. It’s competent and excellent value but by no means a stand-out contender.”
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Suzuki S-Cross offers a lot for the money, but its utilitarian interior and unrefined hybrid system let it down.” Author: Max Adams, Dean Gibson Read review
Model reviewed: S-Cross Hybrid Score: 6 / 10 “The Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid is a neat compact SUV that’s packed with plenty of kit at a competitive price, while its option of four-wheel drive is relatively unique in the sector. However, rivals offer more space, while the Hybrid model’s ponderous automated manual gearbox means it’s not very smooth to drive.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “No-nonsense and great value for money, the Suzuki S-Cross may not be the snazziest crossover around but appeals for other reasons.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “The Suzuki S-Cross is a simple and honest family SUV. It’s economical, good value for money, spacious and surprisingly good fun to drive. However, that’s only true if you stick with the 1.4-litre four-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine. Suzuki’s new full hybrid system doesn’t make a very good case for itself. It’s a bit underpowered, the gearbox isn’t particularly refined and its fuel economy figures aren’t significantly better.” (Luke Wilkinson) Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7.2 / 10 “The new Suzuki S-Cross looks good value in entry-level spec but it’s not the most practical car in its class and the brand’s less expensive Vitara is very similar.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: S-Cross 1.4 Mild Hybrid Ultra Score: 6 / 10 “Suzuki doing what Suzuki does best – a dependable, left-field alternative to mainstream family SUVs like the Vauxhall Mokka, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview “New Suzuki S-Cross gets generous kit levels and mild-hybrid power.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Allgrip Ultra Score: 7 / 10 “The revised Suzuki S-Cross has finally become a car worthy of real-world consideration. It’s not one that knocks rivals such as the Qashqai or 3008 for six, but it’s nevertheless a more competitive proposition alongside them. Particularly with added value on its side.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6.4 / 10 “A sensible but not scintillating family SUV.” Read review
Regit
Score: 6 / 10 “All things considered, the Suzuki S Cross is not bad. But the lack of drivability from the hybrid powertrain and the reduced practicality is a letdown. The Suzuki is not ugly but its exterior design has a whiff of yesteryear about it, as does the interior. And, alas, the infotainment system is low down the rankings. Nevertheless, the S Cross is generously equipped and excellent value for money when you consider the cost of most hybrid 4x4s.” Author: Tim Barnes-Clay Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: S-Cross 1.4 Mild Hybrid Ultra “Another brilliantly executed Suzuki that offers a lot of comfort and convenience, for not a lot of money.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual Boosterjet Ultra Score: 6 / 10 “The Suzuki S-Cross isn’t going to bother the big sellers in this class such as the Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai, but there are those who might be tempted by the simple 4×4 system, the dependability of the brand and by the company’s dealers who tend to regard their customers as people and not a job card.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “A car that used to be purely sensible now lets some style into the mix. Not perfect, but wholeheartedly good value for money.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of March 2026, the Suzuki S-Cross has not been tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2026, the Suzuki S-Cross has not been tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Suzuki S-Cross to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the S-Cross, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
51 mpg
C
Hybrid models
52 mpg
B
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
124 g/km
B
Hybrid models
123 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
37
D
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£191
B
Year 2
£510
B
Year 3
£859
C
Year 4
£1,065
B
Year 5
£1,488
C
Overall
£4,113
C
The Suzuki S-Cross 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.
Fuel economy for both petrol and diesel models is good, and maintenance costs are predicted to remain on the affordable side during the first five years of ownership. On the insurance front, costs are expected to be fairly average.
Similar cars
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With a selection of petrol and plug-in hybrid models, the unconventional Citroën C5 X is now available to order in the UK.
Launched as the new flagship model in the Citroën range, the French manufacturer describes the C5 X’s design as a blend between the characteristics of a luxury saloon, SUV and an estate car. It follows a similar design philosphy in the smaller Citroën C4.
Customers in the UK are now able to order from the C5 X range, which includes petrol and plug-in hybrid models (automatic only) across three trim levels, the first orders being expected to arrive on British roads in late Spring 2022.
Exterior design
The 2022 Citroën C5 X takes several front-end exterior styling cues from the C-Xperience concept car which made its debut at the 2016 Paris motor show, such as the narrow LED daytime running lights that are connected to the brand’s double chevron logo using a chrome finish, sitting above the teardrop-shaped main headlights.
From the side, creases feature on the bottom of the doors that match the indentations on the bonnet design, sitting above SUV-style bumper cladding.
This cladding continues to the rear of the car, where the LED taillights form a ‘V’ shape to mirror the styling in the front, and pointed spoilers frame the top and bottom of the rear window. All models come with 19-inch alloy wheels, and the mid-range ‘Shine’ trim adds chrome details to the rear bumper. Customers have a range of six exterior colours to choose from.
Interior styling and equipment
On the inside, the interior colour scheme is different for each trim level, and all models are fitted with Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats – essentially seats with extra padding. LED interior lighting is available with the ‘Shine’ trim, and electrically adjustable and heated front seats come with the range-topping ‘Shine Plus’ trim.
The C5 X also comes with ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension, which improves ride comfort when driving on uneven terrain. Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are also available as standard, while blind spot monitoring, a heated steering wheel, tinted sound-insulated windows, and a motorised boot lid feature on more expensive models.
The Citroën C5 X comes with a ten-inch infotainment system as standard, which is upgraded to a 12-inch screen for the ‘Shine’ trim and up. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satnav are included on the entry-level ‘Sense Plus’ trim, while wireless smartphone charging and a heads-up display behind the steering wheel are available with the ‘Shine’ trim.
Engine range
Customers can opt for a combustion-powered Citroën C5 X, choosing between two petrol engines, or opt for the plug-in hybrid variant. All models are fitted with an automatic gearbox.
If you’d prefer a petrol version of the C5 X, you can select either a 130hp 1.2-litre or a 180hp 1.6-litre unit, the latter reserved for the ‘Shine’ and ‘Shine Plus’ trim levels.
The 225hp plug-in hybrid is the most powerful option in the range, as well as the most expensive. Fitted with a 12.4kWh battery, The C5 X PHEV can manage up to 34 miles running on electric power, and also features a driving mode selector (Electric mode, Hybrid mode and Sport mode) and adjustable regenerative braking.
Trim level features
Entry-level ‘Sense Plus’ (£26,490)
Ten-inch infotainment console
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Citroën’s 3D navigation software
LED headlights
Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats
19-inch alloy wheels
Reversing camera
Front and rear parking sensors
‘Urban Grey’ interior colour scheme
Mid-range ‘Shine’ (£27,990)
All ‘Sense Plus’ features that are not replaced
12-inch infotainment console
Heated steering wheel
LED interior lighting
Wireless smartphone charging
Chrome finish on rear bumper
A head-up display
Radar-controlled Active Safety Brake
‘Metropolitan Grey’ interior colour scheme
Range-topping ‘Shine Plus’ (£29,980)
All ‘Sense Plus’ and ‘Shine’ features that are not replaced
Jeep has announced mild ‘e-Hybrid’ (MHEV) models for its Renegade and Compass SUVs, adding to the existing range which already includes plug-in hybrid models (PHEV).
The new mild-hybrid variants of the Jeep Renegade and Compass both use the same powertrain setup – a 130hp four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with 15kWh electric motor. Both new models use the same seven-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep says that this ‘e-Hybrid’ powertrain delivers up to 15% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than the previous petrol versions of the Renegade and Compass, as the electric motor can power the engine when setting off, parking, cruising, and driving at low speeds.
These mild hybrids also have regenerative braking to help charge the electric motor, and an ‘e-Boosting’ feature that uses the motor to send extra torque to the petrol engine, resulting in punchier acceleration.
2022 Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid
2022 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid
The new Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid and Compass e-Hybrid are now available to order in the UK, as is a new special edition trim for both SUVs called the ‘Upland’, which Jeep says features sustainable material and components from recycled plastics.
Prices for the Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid models start at £31,130 and £32,895 respectively, with the first orders expected to arrive on British roads in March 2022.
The Jeep Renegade has received a mediocre reception since it first arrived in the UK in 2015, currently languishing towards the bottom of the small SUV class in our industry-leading Expert Ratings Index, with an Expert Rating of 49%. The Jeep Compass range has not fared much better, currently holding an Expert Rating of 52%.
The growth of online car buying services might make you think visiting a dealer to trade in your old car against a new one is too much hassle.
Not true. With a little preparation part exchange can be straightforward, even enjoyable.
Value first
The first step to part exchange is having your own idea of what your car is worth. Many dealer websites offer an online part exchange valuation in return for your contact details.
However, the data used to compile the valuations will be from a trade and consumer supplier and that same data is used for the independent valuations supplied by used car guides and sites such as Parkers and Auto Trader, combined with their own sold prices. Both offer online valuation tools.
You can get a free valuation, or you can pay to sign up for a month for more precise valuations on multiple cars – usually about £10. Paid valuations allow you to enter your car’s exact mileage and any options which add value.
A low mileage still increases value. You’ll need to go back and check your car’s price nearer the time you visit a dealer and you can also get prices for the cars you are going to see.
If your car is near its MOT test it’s a good idea to put it through to pass before you part exchange. This adds value because the dealer knows there is no remedial work to be done.
Also, if you are due to pay your annual road tax as you are part exchanging, just buy six months. Road tax is cancelled when a car is sold, you get a refund for any whole unused months and the new owner starts again.
Get an online offer first
Before you head to the dealership to present them with your car, take a few moments and get a free valuation (or two) from online buying services. This will give you a starting point for any discussions with the salesperson down at the dealership, and if they can’t match your online price, you don’t have to part-exchange the car at all.
The three companies below are all commercial partners of The Car Expert, but there are other companies around who can offer you a similar service.
Make sure you have the vehicle registration document (the V5C) to prove your ownership of the car, then the MOT certificate and any advisory notes.
That said, if you can’t find the MOT certificate anybody can check if a car has one for free by putting the registration into the GOV.UK website.
To show the car has been cared for, stamps in a service book are ideal but physical service books are less common than they were, as franchised dealers keep digital records which their whole network can access. So, for example if you have your Ford serviced at a Ford dealer, any other Ford dealer will be able to look this up.
Should I clean it?
Absolutely, inside and out.
In fact, consider a full valet near to then time you’re going shopping. If you pitch up at a dealership in a car covered in mud, sticky fingerprints or dog hairs the dealer will assume the car has not been cared for, won’t be able to assess any minor bodywork scuffs and scrapes and will mark its value down straightaway.
The time of a full valet and any major remedial action will have to be taken into account. Also, top up the windscreen washer fluid, check the tyres are good (and legal) and don’t turn up with any warning lights showing. Make sure all your exterior lights are working and replace any blown bulbs – it’s illegal anyway.
What about dents and scratches?
There are companies which can make good small scratches, smarten scuffed alloy wheels and remove small dents (minor enough to be pulled out without needing new paintwork). If it’s not too much trouble you can get a quote before you visit any forecourts, then you can decide how much you’re prepared to pay to get your car shipshape.
However, if we are only talking about minor parking rub marks, paint restoration kits available on certain well-known shopping sites are easy to use and work quite well.
If there are small scratches, these won’t come out at home but the dealership won’t be much concerned as their bodyshop will be able to quickly sort this far cheaper than if you had paid for it.
To the dealer, even if they may want to sell the car you are looking at quickly, they will also want to either sell your car on equally quickly or pass it on to a reseller (for example Cazoo).
The least work involved in preparing it equals less of their profit margin. It really does pay to present your part exchange well. That said, Cazoo leaves minor paint marks intact and include photos in each listing.
It’s worth remembering that even if you use one of the well-publicised car buying services which first give you an online value based on your description, you may still have to take it to a physical location to hand it over, at which point the staff may attempt to reduce the price if they decide you have not described the car accurately online.
Part exchange day
Having booked to see a car and test drive it at a dealership you can assume that as soon as you’ve pulled up and are off with a cup of coffee, an employee will zip over your car to look it over and give you a part exchange value on the spot
This is why you must get a value before you arrive (and print it out). It will help you know if the part exchange price is well out of line. That said, don’t get stressed if the offer is, say a few hundred pounds off.
The money can come off either end. Depending on the amount of profit the dealer has allowed in the asking price and if you are happy to negotiate, the asking price can come down or the part exchange value can go up. Your car’s value can also be influenced on how many of that type of car the dealer chain has at that time or how quickly yours can be sold on with very little preparation.
They key here is what is your cost to change? For example, you are keen on a £15,000 used car and your part exchange is valued at £8,000 by the dealer, even though you believe it is worth £9,000. Your cost to change is now £7,000, so can you move against the £6,000 you might have been expecting?
If your cost to change is fixed and neither the asking price will come down or the part exchange come up, then you’ll have to walk away. If you’re buying a new car then you can negotiate on the finance, ask for a service plan to be thrown in, or optional extras.
Don’t be put off. With some planning part exchange can be fair and even a pleasant experience. One last tip; if you are not handing over your car on the same day as you collect your next one, try not to rack up the mileage in between. Values are usually guaranteed for seven days.
* The Car Expert has commercial partnerships with Cazoo, Exchange My Car and Motorway. If you sell your car to any of these companies, we may receive a small commission.
With the rapid growth of new electric car sales, it’s not surprising that demand for used EVs is also increasing. This is reflected in data from used car dealers about the fastest-selling cars on their forecourts in the last year.
A report published by automotive marketplace Auto Trader crowns the previous-generation Nissan Leaf as the fastest-selling used car in the UK during 2021, taking just 17 days on average to sell once it had arrived on a used car forecourt.
This is the second time that an electric car has been Auto Trader‘s fastest-selling used car, after the Renault Zoe finished in top spot in 2019. In the most recent rankings, the Zoe finished in 7th place, while two Toyota petrol-hybrids also made the top ten – the Prius and Yaris.
Diesel cars make up the rest of the top ten, with the majority of 2021’s fastest-selling used cars being automatic models.
2021’s fastest-selling used cars
Rank
Model
Fuel & Transmission
Predicted Days to Sell
1
2016 Nissan Leaf
Electric – Automatic
17
2
2016 Toyota Prius
Petrol Hybrid – Automatic
19
3
2016 Mazda CX-5
Diesel – Manual
19
4
2016 Peugeot 3008
Diesel – Automatic
19
5
2016 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Diesel – Automatic
20
6
2016 Toyota Yaris
Petrol Hybrid – Automatic
20
7
2018 Renault Zoe
Electric – Automatic
20
8
2016 Peugeot 308
Diesel – Manual
21
9
2016 Nissan Qashqai
Diesel – Automatic
21
10
2016 Ford Grand C-Max
Diesel – Manual
21
Source: Auto Trader
These rankings are based on Auto Trader‘s own ‘Fastest Selling Index’, which tracks the potential speed at which vehicles will sell based on live supply and demand in the market.
All of the automotive marketplaces tend to report on this data every month, but that is heavily influenced by specific stock and registration movements by manufacturers, which tends to turn up some very unusual results. Over a full year, however, the data becomes more relevant.
Interestingly, the top three places on the list comprise an electric car, a hybrid car and a diesel SUV. All but one of the models listed are 2016-registered vehicles, suggesting that five-year-old cars are a bit of a sweet spot for used car buyers.
Nissan Leaf (2010 – 2016)
Toyota Prius (2016 onwards)
Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2017)
An all-electric model takes top spot – proof EV demand is really high?
Auto Trader reports that at the start of 2021, a used electric car took 44 days on average to sell once it was bought by a car dealership. No doubt aided by the fuel shortages that hit the UK towards the end of the year, this average dropped to just 26 days by the end of the year.
By comparison, it took an average of 30 days for a diesel car to sell once it arrived on the forecourt, and 34 days for petrol models.
Auto Trader also reports that searches for electric models on its website rose by 74% in 2021, with the most viewed EVs being the Ford Mustang Mach-e, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Volkswagen ID.3.