Not so long ago, diesel was the fuel of choice for UK and European motorists, with government incentives citing its efficiency and low CO2 emissions to encourage uptake in the early 2000s.
Two decades later and diesel is now a dirty word due to a mix of emissions scandals and high NOx emissions reducing air quality. This has seen the fuel fall from favour in successive years since 2016, with a jaw-dropping 55% dip in 2020 as EVs and hybrids have clawed their share of the new car market.
Is diesel the future of motoring? Absolutely not. Though a stricter Euro-7 emissions standard is being introduced in 2025, the fact is the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK from 2030 meaning the future is definitely an electric and/or hydrogen one.
But in the here and now, have we jumped the gun on dismissing diesel outright? We’d argue yes as there are some situations where diesel is still your best engine choice when leasing a car. Here’s a reminder of when and why…
You should lease a diesel if… you drive long distance and want to save money
While electric car battery range is slowly improving, it’s nowhere close to the type of mileage you can do in a petrol or diesel car. So why does diesel get the edge over petrol when it comes to driving long distance? Superior fuel economy.
Compare the miles per gallon stats from the current Peugeot 208 as an example: the 1.2-litre 75hp petrol engine with a manual gearbox offers 53.6 miles per gallon, compared to the 71.4 mpg offered by its 1.5-litre diesel sibling with a manual counterpart.
You should lease a diesel if… you regularly deal with rough terrain
While the superior range of a diesel vehicle is one thing, it’s also important to factor in terrain. And while the popularity of crossovers and faux SUVs with petrol engines has grown, and the majority of EVs look like SUVs to account for their large battery, when it comes down to it only a diesel SUV or pick-up truck gives you the surety to cover rough terrain.
You’ll find that the vast majority of electric vehicles offer four-wheel drive, but its purpose is mainly to provide more traction on wet roads and boost acceleration, rather than get stuck in the mud or climb a hill. And do those two things seem like something you’d want to do in your pristine £82K Tesla Model X? We didn’t think so.
You should lease a diesel if… you need to tow anything
Torque is the key to a powerful tow car, and diesel engines generate more torque than petrol engines. This is important to ensure the car can pull easily from a stand-still and offer smooth performance and acceptable fuel economy when moving, all while hauling a heavy load behind.
But wait, don’t electric cars have maximum torque available instantly? Yes, but utilising this is likely to cut your battery capacity in half and radically reduce the distance you’re able to travel before needing to spend an hour or three recharging.
Add to that the large weight of electric vehicles and, by towing a heavy caravan or trailer, you are putting a lot more stress on the brakes and transmission than you would be in a diesel car.
You should lease a diesel if… you want no future concerns
With diesel having such a bad reputation now, and the impending ban on petrol and diesel sales, resale value and depreciation is likely to be a big concern for motorists.
This plays into the benefits of car leasing as, because usership is emphasised over ownership, the burden of residual and eventual resale value lies with the leasing company.
On top of that, as you’re only leasing for a set period of time – be it as little as 12 months or as many as 48 – this allows you to reassess your changing vehicle needs more readily. It may be that a diesel makes sense for you to lease now, while at the end of your term you might want to consider an electric vehicle instead.
You should lease a diesel if… you want less maintenance
Petrol engines have a lot of variables such as spark plugs and distributors, and the batteries in electric cars and hybrids require specialist technicians to maintain, while a diesel engine is pretty straightforward.
While regular oil and filter changes are important to keeping your diesel engine well maintained so that the fuel injection system doesn’t break down, there’s no need to have ignition tune ups like you would with a petrol car or suffer the inconvenience of travelling to a specialist or approved repairer if you have an issue with your EV.
While there’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to what type of engine is right for you in 2021, if there’s one aim of this article it’s to advise you not to completely dismiss diesel just yet. Yes, its time is numbered, but with the current Euro-6 engines producing the cleanest diesels ever, it still makes sense for a particular set of motorists.
Get in touch with Hippo Leasing if you want to discuss new vehicle leases, or visit their website if you have more questions about whether car leasing is the right option for you.
Porsche has unveiled a new version of its Taycan electric sports saloon with an estate body taken from its crossover-style Taycan Cross Turismo.
The Taycan Sport Turismo, revealed at the Los Angeles motor show, is ‘aimed at customers seeking a similar level of everyday practicality as that offered by the Taycan Cross Turismo, combined with the on-road performance of the Taycan sports saloon’, says manufacturer Porsche.
The third body style in the Taycan line-up offers rear-seat headroom 5cm higher than in the saloon, combined with a 1,200-litre boot. But it does without the raised suspension, gravel and loose surfaces driving mode and off-road styling add-ons of the Cross Turismo.
Debuting with the Sport Turismo in Los Angeles is a new powertrain level dubbed GTS, sitting between the existing 4S and Turbo versions. An identifier long used by Porsche, GTS is described as ‘the sporting all-rounder’ of the Taycan range, ‘with a specific focus on driver appeal and athletic style’.
Meeting these sporting credentials sees the GTS in both saloon and Sport Turismo style fitted with Porsche’s 93.4kWh Performance Plus battery as standard.
The car retains all-wheel-drive, the separate motors in the front and rear axles delivering a combined 598hp in overboost mode using the launch control feature. This enables the car to complete a 0-62mph sprint in 3.7 seconds. Range between charges is quoted at up to 312 miles.
Further GTS-specific features include bespoke tuning of the adaptive air suspension and the optional rear-wheel steering. The Porsche Electric Sport Sound feature offered with the Taycan is also specifically tuned for a sportier note.
Porsche dealers are already taking orders for Taycan GTS models at prices starting from £104,190 for the saloon and £104,990 for the Sport Turismo. The first deliveries are expected on UK roads in Spring 2022, and Porsche adds that further powertrain options for the Sport Turismo will join the range later.
The Hyundai i20N was a hot hatch based on the normal i20 hatchback, and the entry-level model in Hyundai’s N subdivision of performance cars. It was sold in the UK between 2021 and 2024.
With the ‘N’ being a nod to the German Nürburgring circuit, the Hyundai i20 N was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that produced 201hp, 46hp less than the next model up in the N range, the Hyundai i30 N. Other than the engine, the i20 N was far more agile than the regular i20 models, with notable improvements made to the chassis, suspension, brakes and steering.
Fitted with its own specifically designed turbocharger and intercooler system, the i20 N was almost half a second faster in a 0-62mph drag race (6.2 seconds) than its close rivals, theFord Fiesta ST and the Volkswagen Polo GTI.
This impressive pace did not go unnoticed. “This is a car of serious talent”, The Telegraph explains, “one with immense pace, a beautifully poised and precise chassis, and a nose that just won’t quit.”
The engine performance, body control and handling of this supermini, along with its long warranty, relatively cheap running costs, and good levels of standard equipment made the Hyundai i20 N a real highlight for the motoring media, although a number of reviews concluded that it wasn’t as ‘playful’ as the Fiesta ST while cornering.
Reviewers also found cause for concern when using the i20 N’s ‘sluggish’ infotainment, as well as its so-so ride comfort, with some of its hot hatch rivals being more comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis.
As of March 2026, the Hyundai i20 N holds a Used Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 77%. It scores highly in media reviews and has low CO2 emissions, while running costs are decent and the i20 range tends to be very reliable.
Body style: Small three-door hot hatch Engines: petrol Price: From £25,250 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2021 Discontinued: Summer 2024
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“An inspiring new hot hatch from Hyundai N. Agile, and with a limited-slip differential that offers superb mid-corner traction, it’s a formidable Fiesta ST rival.”
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Hyundai may be new to the hot-hatch game but the new i20 N proves it’s got the talent to give favourites like the Fiesta ST a run for their money.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual Score: 10 / 10 “A focused machine, the i20N is a proper little hot hatch and by far the Fiesta ST’s most credible rival yet.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual Score: 8.2 / 10 “The impressive Hyundai i20 N is a genuine rival to the Ford Fiesta ST.” Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual Score: 9 / 10 “It’s great fun on a twisty road, even if its steering is a bit too heavy, but its looks might be a bit challenging for some.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Hyundai i20N is far from perfect, and some of its shortcomings are rather serious, but that doesn’t stop it from being something of a rough diamond. On the right sort of road, it has the capacity to thrill you like few other cars can, and it also has impressive space and practicality, generous kit, an amazing warranty and a tempting pricetag.” Author: Ivan Aistrop Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: “Hyundai’s engineers have retuned and refined the regular i20’s chassis, suspension, brakes and steering in order to deliver more agile ride and handling.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.6 / 10 “Hyundai’s N Division has served up another excellent hot hatch, following on from the equally-fun i30 N. It’s great to drive with punchy acceleration and a powerful engine that thrives on revs.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual “Handling is king in a hot hatch and this little cracker is so precise and darty, it reacts instantly to every input, like it is wired to your brain.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual “It has a proper handbrake, not a button. The driving position was spot-on. The quality was tangible and the stereo was epic.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual Score: 10 / 10 “This is a car of serious talent; one with immense pace, a beautifully poised and precise chassis, and a nose that just won’t quit. Not to mention one that doesn’t take itself too seriously – a very endearing quality that’s far too rare in most modern performance cars.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Taut, direct and surprisingly old-school hot hatch from a very forward-looking company.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Hyundai i20 family has a good reliability record, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to all i20 models (including the i20 N) from the current generation, as well as previous models (before 2020).
The most common problem are reported by workshops for the i20 is the braking system. Fortunately, the average repair price is about £200. Gearbox repairs have been the most expensive to date, averaging nearly £800 to fix, but these are thankfully rare.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
49 mpg
C
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
133 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
18
A
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£198
B
Year 2
£509
B
Year 3
£820
B
Year 4
£1,030
B
Year 5
£1,338
B
Overall
£3,895
B
The high-performance Hyundai i20 N 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.
The car’s fuel economy sits at around the market average, which is good for a petrol-powered performance model, and its insurance premiums are in one of the cheapest brackets. In addition, the Hyundai should be cheap to service and maintain over the course of five years of ownership.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Hyundai i20 N has received
2023
Carbuyer Awards – Best Hot Hatchback
2022
Carbuyer Awards – Best Hot Hatchback
2021
Auto Express Awards – Best Hot Hatch
Carbuyer Awards – Best Hot Hatchback
Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Hot Hatch
Top Gear Awards – Car of the Year + Best Performance Car
Top Gear Speed Week – Competiton Champion
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai i20 N, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Launched in 2021, the Kia EV6 is the Korean brand’s first production car that has been specifically designed as an all-electric model and is closely related to the Ioniq 5 from sister brand Hyundai.
The EV6 debuts new and bold styling, available in single-motor, two-wheel-drive form or with dual motors and four-wheel drive. Depending which model you choose, the 2024 facelifted range stretches up to a battery range of 361 miles (depending on model).
Like the Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 sits slightly higher than a regular petrol-engined car but lower than an SUV.
Reviews of the EV6 have been universally positive, the car earning very high praise and many awards – including The Car Expert’s Car of the Year 2022 title.
Auto Express describes it as “a little sportier and more dynamic” than its Ioniq sister; “the styling sets the tone with a swoopier, curvier look to its profile.” The Sun, however, argues that the EV6 is a “little more normal” than the Ioniq but adds “it does north of 300 miles between charges, drives well and has all the toys and luxury you would expect from a car at that price.”
For quite a large electric car, the EV6 is also quite sporty; “It really is excellent at dealing with those junction pull-aways and gap-threading,” says Top Gear, adding “it’s also quiet, calm and relaxing.”
The electric-specific platform liberates more interior space but reviewers also like the design inside, especially the curved instrument panel. “It looks very smart, with as many interesting touches as the exterior,” says Carbuyer.
More ticked boxes for the standard-fit ultra-fast recharging capability. “Nothing in this price range can get close to its recharging speeds, that will overshadow everything else when you are on a journey in a hurry,” says Electrifying.com.
As of July 2025, Kia EV6 holds an excellent New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 82%. It scores top marks for its very positive media reviews, safety rating and seven-year new car warranty, while it also gets good grades for its overall running costs and safety rating.
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“Our 2022 Car of the Year is still brilliant in 2024. If you’re looking to switch to an EV for your next car, the Kia EV6 should be at the top of your list.”
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Kia EV6 is a superb, all-electric family car that offers a quality interior and a sporty drive.” Author: Max Adams, Ellis Hyde Read review
Model reviewed: Air Score: 9 / 10 “The Kia EV6 Air will appeal to plenty of customers solely looking for a practical, all-electric family car with impressive range. It delivers on these fronts but there’s more, this entry-level EV6 feeling almost as premium as higher-spec models and just as good to drive. Add-in the significant cost saving and the Air could be the pick of the EV6 range.” (Alastair Crooks) Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 10 / 10 ” Striking looks, generous space, well over 300 miles of range, the option of all-wheel drive and loads of tech ought to put this large car firmly on your shortlist and give you serious pause for thought before ordering that VW ID.4 or Skoda Enyaq.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “Interesting to look at, great to drive and all with excellent electric range – the Kia EV6 is a very good electric car.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10 “Dynamically well-mannered for a 2.5-tonne crossover, the Kia is well polished, from its intuitive, sustainable interior to its e-GMP skeleton.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 10 / 10 “The EV6 is a hugely important car for Kia, and it’s one that the manufacturer has truly nailed. With a good range and seriously impressive charging speed, it is an EV that can truly go the distance. It’s stylish to look at inside and out, and is really rather good to drive as well, comfortably setting it apart from many rivals.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.8 / 10 “The Kia EV6 is one of the best electric cars on sale, with a great range and rapid charging.” Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: 77kWh GT-Line Score: 9 / 10 “Although the Kia EV6 has a lot in common with its cousin – the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it isn’t just the same car with a Kia badge on it. Yes it’s more expensive, but it can go further, it can also charge faster than a Tesla, and if you go for the 577bhp GT version it will out-accelerate a Porsche Taycan 4S. Add Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty, and the EV6 really makes a compelling case for itself.” Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The first of the new breed of pure-electric cars from Kia impresses, offering sportier looks and handling than its Hyundai Ioniq 5 cousin.” Author: Richard Ingram Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “Don’t underestimate the importance of the Kia EV6. While rivals might be able to match its performance, efficiency, space and driving dynamics, nothing in this price range can get close to its recharging speeds.” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: “The Kia EV6 is a very impressive newcomer. It looks striking, drives beautifully, is packed with tech and offers a great driving range between charges – all for a price that will raise a few eyebrows too.” Read review
Model reviewed: “For the time being, the EV6 is about as good as it gets in the new world of electric models and opens up fresh horizons for every motorist.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: GT-Line S Score: 8 / 10 “The Kia EV6 is a rounded and fundamentally sound electric car that’s distinctive without being off-putting.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: GT-Line S Score: 10 / 10 “The Kia EV6 GT-Line S model as tested offers lots of performance, and all-wheel drive ensures the traction to deliver this, although it still manages to provide rewarding handling due to the rear-wheel drive bias. The facelift gives a more striking frontal appearance – whether it’s better than the previous model is a matter of personal preference – and a larger battery gives a longer driving range, together with even faster ultra-rapid charging.” Author: Paul Clarke Read review
Model reviewed: GT-Line 77kWh AWD Score: 10 / 10 “Green Car Guide has tested every EV that’s ever been on sale in the UK and the Kia EV6 GT Line S 77.4kWh is one of the very best EVs that you can buy, and one of the very best cars with any powertrain that you can buy. It’s a genuinely rewarding driver’s car, it’s well designed inside and out, it has a good range, it can ultra-rapid charge, and it’s practical.” Read review
Model reviewed: EV6 GT Line 77.4kWh RWD Score: 10 / 10 “The all-electric Kia EV6 is excellent to drive, the interior is well designed, it has a 328-mile range, and it’s available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.” Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “With a great driving experience and that decent range, we think that the Kia EV6 could well be one of the plug-in hits of 2022.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “EVs like the Kia EV6 give car makers a chance to wipe the slate clean. It’s an all-new car which comes without the preconceptions of how it should look, feel and drive that petrols have to shoulder. It’s fertile ground for a manufacturer to produce something special and Kia has done just that.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: “Electric SUV shares underpinnings with Hyundai Ioniq 5.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: “Exciting new electric SUV offers long range and funky styling.” Score: 9.2 / 10 “The Kia EV6 is a great all-round package. It’s one of the very best electric cars that blends striking looks with impressive battery and motor technology, giving it a maximum range of more than 300 miles and some seriously eye-widening performance.” Author: Keith Adams Read review
Regit
Score: 9 / 10 “The Kia EV6 is a striking car, both for how it looks and how it goes. It’s practical, roomy, quiet, well-equipped, and, even if you don’t like its looks, you can’t deny it’s got personality in spades.” Author: Tim Barnes-Clay Read review
The Scotsman
Model reviewed: Air Score: 9 / 10 “The entry-level version of Kia’s family EV offers the same quality, space and driving performance as more expensive models and isn’t short on equipment.” Author: Matt Allan Read review
Model reviewed: 77 kWh RWD GT Line “Kia’s latest EV is ready to take on everything from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to the VW ID.4 and Tesla Model 3, and win.” Author: Matt Allan Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview “It feels very much like the future because that’s exactly what it is. Over-the-air software updates will keep it fresh. The Koreans are one step ahead with their electric car rollout.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: EV6 RWD GT-Line S Score: 8 / 10 “The Kia EV6 backs up its striking appearance with an on-road performance that puts it right at the front of the EV pack.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Air Score: 10 / 10 “With a very usable range, a beautiful interior, vast amounts of passenger space, a smooth ride, a generous equipment list, a near-perfect ride, and handling that’s far more prone to inducing grins than that of an electric SUV has any right to be, the Kia EV6 is nothing less than a tour de force. That it feels as special as it does to look at and to sit in is just the cherry on top.” (Alex Robbins) Read review
Model reviewed: 77kWh GT Line AWD Score: 6 / 10 “It wasn’t quite the revolution we thought it could or would be. The Kia EV6’s Ioniq 5 stablemate feels less pretentious and more desirable, despite its awful ride quality. Perhaps we expected too much of the new Kia, which in this specification is perfectly adequate but not the most sparkling drive.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “Kia proving that forward-thinking doesn’t need to be entirely wacky. An extremely attractive package that makes a lot of more premium manufacturers look at least two steps behind.” Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The EV6 is a real statement of intent from Kia. It’s not perfect, with the limited boot space and headroom for tall rear passengers marking it down when it comes to sheer practicality. It also can’t challenge Tesla for range and performance. But it looks great, handles well, has excellent range, and is packed with premium design features and tech.” (James Morris) Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Kia EV6 has received a full five-star rating from crash testers Euro NCAP, praised for its occupant protection features, and the long list of safety assistance features it has for avoiding a crash in the first place.
That said, Euro NCAP has given the EV6 a rather low vunerable road user score, as the car does not come with an ‘Active bonnet’ feature like other saloons – designed to mitigate the impact to a pedestrian’s head with the car’s bonnet in an accident.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2025, the Kia EV6 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EV6 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
346 miles
A
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
4.1 m/KWh
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
37
C
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£281
B
Year 2
£562
B
Year 3
£896
B
Year 4
£1,117
B
Year 5
£1,376
A
Overall
£4,232
B
The Kia EV6 should be a reasonably cheap car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data. It’s also not surprising that running costs for the EV6 are almost identical to its closely related sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is average, but decent battery sizes mean that the EV6 still gives plenty of range between charges – with all models offering an official driving range of at least 300 miles, and the 2024 facelift models offering more than 340 miles.
Insurance is middling, but servicing costs are better than average – and stay that way over the first five years, which is reassuring for both new and used EV6 buyers.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of July 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Kia EV6 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 EV6, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Kia EV6
Overall rating
A
99%
New car warranty duration
7 years
New car warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Kia’s new car warranty is one of the best in the new car market, and better than pretty much any rival brands in a similar price bracket to the EV3.
The duration is seven years, with a limit of 100,000 miles. This is good news for both new and used car buyers, as it helps the residual value of the EV3 for new car buyers when they come to sell the car, and it gives near-new car buyers confidence that they are covered for years to come.
In addition to the overall new car warranty, battery components benefit from an additional eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. This is pretty much standard for all new EVs on sale in the UK, but is an extra reassurance that petrol and diesel cars don’t get.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Date: May 2024 Recall number: R/2024/197 Model types: All Build dates: 04/2021 to 02/2024 Number of vehicles affected: 16,611 Defect: On affected vehicles, the integrated charging control unit (ICCU) may become damaged over time and may not be able to charge the 12-volt battery, which can discharge gradually while driving with a progressive reduction of motive power. Remedy: On affected vehicles check for DTC P1A9096. If not present, update the software in the ICCU. If the DTC is present, replace the ICCU the fuse and check the software version is correct.
Date: April 2024 Recall number: R/2024/163 Model types: All Build dates: 01/2023 to 04/2023 Number of vehicles affected: 236 Defect: On affected vehicles, an improperly treated driveshaft may break under load resulting in the loss of drive. Remedy: On affected vehicles, the driveshaft will be replaced.
Date: May 2022 Recall number: R/2022/173 Model types: All Build dates: 07/2021 to 05/2022 Number of vehicles affected: 3,805 Defect: A voltage fluctuation may occur when the vehicle is switched off and in the parked position, resulting in a temporary disengagement of the parking mechanism. Remedy: The vehicles identified require a software update for the shifter control unit (SCU).
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been three DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Kia EV6. These cover software and driveshaft issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Kia dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used EV6, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia EV6 has received
Pigeon-holing the Kia EV6 against regular petrol or diesel cars is difficult, as it falls somewhere between conventional liftback car and a high-riding crossover. Based on how the latest generation of EVs is designed, with batteries underneath the cabin floor, it’s becoming an increasingly popular layout. The mechanically identical Hyundai Ioniq 5 is obviously similar, as is the Polestar 2.
A growing number of electric SUV-style crossovers are also lining up against the EV6; notably the Skoda Enyaq iV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Nissan Ariya. Other than sitting up slighty higher, they offer very little difference in terms of cabin space and no inherent advantage in off-road performance.
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Kia EV6, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Subscribe to a Kia EV6
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
The third-generation Mini hatch John Cooper Works was a hot-hatch variant of the regular three-door Mini hatchback,a step above the well-known Mini Cooper S version.
Sometimes simply referred to as the ‘Mini John Cooper Works’, the Mini hatch JCW first appeared in UK dealerships in Summer 2015, and was given a small facelift along with the rest of the Mini hatch range in Spring 2019. Along with the standard Mini hatch, the Mini JCW was reitred in 2024, making way for the new Mini Cooper range which will reportedly included JCW variants in the near future.
Only one engine spec was available, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine providing 228hp to reach a top speed of 153mph. Customers could choose either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The Mini hatch John Cooper Works recieved plenty of acclaim from the UK media when it first arrived on the scene in 2015, with Auto Trader concluding back then that, “Few rivals have the JCW’s image, character or downright cheekiness, and for many buyers, that’ll be the deal-sealer. If you can afford it, you’ll absolutely love it.”
Despite many newer hot hatch rivals launching in the UK during its nine-year lifespan, and the JCW still stood up well to the competition until its retirement. Car called it “sensational to drive” back in 2015, and said years later that “… it still is, remaining such a hoot to drive you forgive it for being a bit too firm around town.”
Besides questions about the cramped nature of the cabin, the main sticking point reviewers continually referenced was the price of this Mini hot hatch, particularly as it cost around £7,500 more than its principal rival and class leader, the Ford Fiesta ST.
As of March 2026, the third-generation Mini hatch John Cooper Works holds a Used CarExpert Rating of D with a score of 56%. It gets good grades for its media reviews and its low CO2 emissions, but its running costs are only average. Furthermore, its reliability record is poor and its safety score is very low as its Euro NCAP safety rating expired long ago.
Body style: Three-door hatchback Engines: petrol Price when new: From £27,615 on-road
Launched: Summer 2015 Last updated: Summer 2021 Replaced: 2024
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Trader
Score: 7.8 / 10 “The Mini John Cooper Works is a hot hatch that can thrill with its raw pace and its barnstorming handling in equal measure. Few rivals have the JCW’s image, character or downright cheekiness, and for many buyers, that’ll be the deal-sealer. If you can afford it, you’ll absolutely love it.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The JCW is a great bag of fun, if a little firm around town – get one with a manual, and enjoy it while you still have the opportunity.” Read review
Model reviewed: JCW Challenge Score: 10 / 10 “A rational mind would call this the silliest Mini you can buy, but that’s precisely what makes it so brilliant. This is a car you’ll want to drive hard and often, and it’s physical proof that underneath all the marketing puff and cutesey image there’s roaringly good hot hatch raw material.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: JCW Challenge Score: 9 / 10 “If you want an exclusive, track-focused hatchback that doesn’t hold back and attacks the road with poise and precision, then the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge could be the car for you. The Challenge adds extra spice to the already raucous JCW Hatch and that makes this car an absolute riot.” Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 7.6 / 10 “The Mini John Cooper Works is quick enough to worry larger hot hatchbacks – just be mindful of the cost of options.” Read review
Evo
Score: 8 / 10 “The JCW is certainly fast and relatively sophisticated for a hot hatch but it’s doesn’t quite have the fun factor of its chief rival” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The JCW is still one of the most entertaining, characterful and well-made hot hatches on sale, let down only by its high price and less than impressive practicality.” Read review
Honest John
Score: 8 / 10 “Fun though it may be, the Mini Cooper JCW isn’t without its flaws. The cabin, while very well-finished and attractive, is somewhat cramped. This is particularly true in the back, which is too tight to be comfortable for adults or teenagers.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: JCW Challenge “It’s an odd car, actually. That immature exhaust is a cherry on top of a really quite mature chassis. This is a car that handles with accuracy and, with the right setup, has the potential to be a devastatingly quick giant-slayer on track days.” Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic “The price is steep for a car this small, but considering the performance, fun and depth of engineering it’s not scarily greedy, and you just know the buyers will make merry with the options: two levels of navigation, head-up display, driver aids, higher-fi, trim and paint.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Mini hatch was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a four-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Mini hatch to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Mini hatch John Cooper Works was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 488 Average repair cost: £458.26 Last updated: April 2025
Across all three generations, the Mini hatch has a reliability score that is below average, according to workshop and warranty data from our commercial partner, MotorEasy.
The biggest concern is that the most common problem is also the most expensive one – engine issues. The average repair cost is about £700, so it’s worth carefully inspecting a used car or making sure you purchase an extended warranty for your Mini to cover you once the factory new car warranty runs out.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
47 mpg
C
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
136 g/km
C
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
23
B
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£175
B
Year 2
£477
B
Year 3
£759
B
Year 4
£1,013
B
Year 5
£1,348
B
Overall
£3,772
B
The Mini John Cooper Works hatch should be relatively affordable to own and run, according to five-year running cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption is only average, but insurance and servicing costs should be better than average. However, given the likely high age and mileage of any used models, maintenance costs could vary considerably from car to car.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mini hatch John Cooper Works has received
2016
Sport Auto Magazine Awards – Sportiest Car
Similar cars
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Available from a number of providers, having breakdown cover means you can motor on without the fear of suddenly becoming stranded should your car give up the ghost while out on the road — and helps prevent unexpected costs.
But what is covered exactly, and how can you get an affordable deal on your policy? We explain.
So what is breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover is a service that pretty much does what it says on the tin. Should your car break down while on the move, holding a policy with any of the variety of providers in the UK will mean you have an on-demand recovery service to either help you get back on the road quickly or take your car to a garage without fear of unexpected fees.
What exactly is covered?
What is covered by a policy varies depending on what type you have and who your provider is. Typically, a basic breakdown cover policy will ensure you’re covered for simple roadside repairs (commonly known as roadside assistance) or to be towed to a garage without having to pay extra over your annual or monthly fixed rate — though the latter sometimes cost more than the standard rate.
Many providers also offer a wide number of optional extras. Examples of these include at home cover which will allow you to call upon assistance if your car is failing to start at home, onward travel cover which will allow you to be taken to your originally planned destination if your car cannot be quickly fixed, and European cover which allows you to take advantage of similar privileges while driving on the continent.
Optional extras vary by policy types and provider, so it’s worth cross-checking companies when looking to take out breakdown cover.
Who offers breakdown cover, and how can I take out a policy?
There’s a range of breakdown cover providers in the UK, with popular choices including the AA, RAC and Green Flag among others.
Taking out a policy can be as easy as contacting a provider and looking through your options with them. Insurance providers often offer breakdown cover as an additional extra when taking out a new car insurance policy, while some banks will even offer it as part of premium account offerings if you’re taking out a loan to buy a car.
It’s also common for manufacturers to offer breakdown cover on new cars for a period of time (usually the same period as the new car warranty). Many brands also include breakdown cover for 12 months as part of their ‘Approved Used’ programmes with franchised dealers, so it’s possible that you won’t need to pony up extra cash for breakdown cover at the time you’re buying your car.
How can I get cheap breakdown cover?
The easiest way to get a low-cost breakdown policy is to use an online comparison tool. Much like an insurance comparison site, these can take your details and return quotes from a number of providers to find the best price for your particular needs.
If you’re still happy with the price, don’t be afraid to pick the phone up and directly contact providers to try and bring that down. Our tip would be to make a note of any cheaper quotes if you have a preferred provider, and see if they can match that or, even better, beat it.
Save big at renewal time
What’s also crucial is to repeat your shopping around every year before accepting your renewal quote. It’s a common ploy from the big providers to offer you a cheap rate when you first sign up, then jack the price up to double or more when you need to renew it a year later. Don’t put up with that nonsense.
When it’s time to renew, check the best offers elsewhere then call your current provider and demand that they match the best price you can find, even if it’s a big difference. It’s almost certain that they’ll do so, or at least offer you something competitive.
I save about £140 every single year by doing this. It’s an absolute pain to have to call your breakdown provider up every year to demand that they stop ripping you off, but it’s worth it. They’ll make some excuse about how you had a “special discount” last year, but it’s all rubbish and they’ll still drop their price for you anyway.
If they won’t price match, cancel your cover and switch providers. Don’t pay overinflated prices at renewal time, ever.
Stuart Masson, editor
Is it illegal to drive without breakdown cover?
Unlike an insurance policy, there is no legal requirement for your car to be covered under a breakdown policy. However, your wallet may thank you should you have a policy and do have an unexpected breakdown.
The performance version of the Suzuki Swift, the Swift Sport was a small five-door hot hatch that first arrived on UK roads in Summer 2018.
First unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, the Suzuki Swift Sport differentiated itself from the regular Swift by sporting sharp bumper designs, a rear spoiler, and larger alloy wheels. All models came with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, also found in the Suzuki Vitara, available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
In Summer 2020, Suzuki revised the Swift Sport range to offer mild-hybrid assistance for new models as standard, fitting a 48-volt battery to the petrol engine and swapping out the old turbocharger for a smaller one, producing 129hp.
The UK media gave the Swift Sport a mixed set of reviews, ranging from very good to mediocre, reviewers often singling out the Suzuki’s fun driving experience and extensive list of standard equipment for particular praise.
However, reviewers almost universally agreed that the latest mild hybrid version of the Swift Sport, marketed by Suzuki as the ‘Swift Sport Hybrid’ since 2020, was not a very good value-for-money package. Auto Trader concludes that, “In isolation, the Swift Sport is a fun car with plenty to enjoy but it’s simply too expensive – and too slow – to compete with the true hot hatch heroes it’s now priced against.”
The UK hot hatch market had the Suzuki Swift Sport stacked up against the much faster and largely cheaper Ford Fiesta ST, making it hard for many reviewers to recommend it.
Heycar believed that the Swift Sport would have been far more competitive without the transition to mild-hybrid technology. “The problem remains that on scale of bang for buck, the Suzuki Swift has got worse not better with its latest revision. It’s hard not to miss the earlier 1.4-litre non-hybrid model for its chirpily uncomplicated approach and appeal.”
No longer on sale, the Suzuki Swift Sport holds a Used CarExpert Rating of C with a score of 61%.
The cheaper Fiesta ST is a better all-round performer
Too expensive for what you get
Cheap interior in places
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door small hot hatch Engines: petrol, mild-hybrid Price: From £20,570
Launched: Summer 2018 Last updated: Summer 2020 Discontinued: 2024
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: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual “While the hybrid element certainly hasn’t diminished the Swift Sport’s fun factor, it’s brought with it quite a hefty price increase that makes this Swift not quite as easy to recommend as it once was.” Read review
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual Score: 8 / 10 “The Suzuki Swift Sport is a complete package that offers all the performance you could need without compromises, and comes with both a quality build and a long equipment list.” Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual Score: 6 / 10 “Mild-hybrid power means the Suzuki Swift Sport is a small hot hatch that will induce a smile and be cheap to run, but you’ll have to pay more than ever from the outset.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “In isolation the Swift Sport is a fun car with plenty to enjoy but it’s simply too expensive – and too slow – to compete with the true hot hatch heroes it’s now priced against.” Read review
Business Car
Score: 6 / 10 “Although it has its charms, the Suzuki Swift Sport doesn’t deliver the value we were hoping for, and business drivers might be tempted to try out the alternatives.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “It’s light and has a punchy engine, but we wish the latest Suzuki Swift Sport still offered the affordable fun of the original.” Read review
Carwow
Score: 7 / 10 “The Suzuki Swift Sport is a high-performance version of Suzuki’s compact city car that’s slightly cheaper than most other hot hatches, if not quite as fast.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: CTC Score: 8 / 10 “CTC therefore fits a new intake kit, turbo-back exhaust system with 200-cell catalytic converter, turbocharger and intercooler, throws in a set of NGK Iridium plugs, and then remaps the ECU to take advantage of the better hardware.” Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual Score: 6 / 10 “The biggest problem with the Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid in our opinion is the price, which puts it on a collision course with Ford’s hot hatch hero, the Fiesta ST, which is actually cheaper and has less driving compromises than the sportiest Swift – which is a shame.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 4 / 10 “The problem remains that on scale of bang for buck, the Suzuki Swift has got worse not better with its latest revision. It’s hard not to miss the earlier 1.4-litre non-hybrid model for its chirpily uncomplicated approach and appeal.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Powered by impressive and spirited 1.4 BoosterJet engine, the Swift Sport is economical for a sporty hatch, and good fun to drive.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual “Nimble, fun and roomy, but overpriced.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Score: 8 / 10 “A fine little hot hatch that’s a whole heap of fun.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual Score: 8 / 10 “Useful fuel savings and usable performance mark the Suzuki Swift Sport out in this mild-hybrid form. If the past is any guide it will be a reliable and cost-effective servant and mostly likeable, but it’s just too expensive compared with its highly accomplished rivals.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
As the Swift Sport comes with a safety pack of additonal features that are an optional extra for the regular Suzuki Swift SZ3 and SZ-T models, the Swift Sport recieved a four-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2017. The regular Swift (without the safety pack) was tested at the same time, achieving a three-star rating.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Suzuki Swift Sport was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 46 Average repair cost: £286.38 Last updated: April 2025
The Suzuki Swift family has an excellent reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both this generation Swift, including the Swift Sport, and the previous (pre-2017) versions.
Faults are reportedly cheap to fix across the board for Swift owners, with engine, suspension and braking system repairs being the most common.
If you’re looking at a used Suzuki Swift, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
50 mpg
C
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
125 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
28
C
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£153
A
Year 2
£471
B
Year 3
£775
B
Year 4
£1,029
B
Year 5
£1,434
C
Overall
£3,862
B
The Suzuki Swift Sport is one of the most affordable hot hatches on the market, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
While the standard Swift offers better fuel economy, the Swift Sport’s performance boost doesn’t increase the fuel consumption by much, meaning that the hot hatch is still more economical than the average car.
Insurance and maintenance costs are also predicted to be pretty manageable over the course of five years of ownership.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Suzuki Swift Sport has received
2018
Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Hot Hatch
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Suzuki Swift Sport, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Forget satnavs, infotainment systems or even a sunroof, a new optional extra has leapt to the top of the want-list for thousands of young drivers this year – the reverse sensor.
Many drivers hate the thought of reverse parking and many even go to great lengths to avoid backing into tight and tricky spaces. But, according to research by independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, young drivers are ready to kick parking problems into the kerb once and for all as they look for vehicles fitted with back-up sensor technology.
In a survey commissioned by the charity of more than 1,000 drivers aged 17-24, drivers were asked to rank a number of optional extras from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most important and 1 being the least important, when purchasing a new car. Parking sensors took top spot on their wish lists, with an average score of 7.5 while Android Auto was, perhaps surprisingly, the least important.
The research also revealed that parking sensors are not the only form of technology that young drivers are looking for when buying a car. It found that Bluetooth connectivity (7.23), satellite navigation (7.19) and autonomous emergency braking (6.85) rank as the next most important technology features young drivers look for when car hunting.
Top 10 most desirable car features for young drivers (average score)
1
Parking sensors
7.55
2
Bluetooth
7.23
3
Satellite navigation
7.19
4
Autonomous emergency braking
6.85
5
Fast USB charging point
6.63
6
Heated seats
6.20
7
Lane departure warning
6.13
8
Apple CarPlay
6.04
9
Sunroof
5.78
10
Android Auto
5.32
Source: IAM RoadSmart
“Having grown up in an age of mobile phones and social media, 17 to 24-year-olds have embraced how technology can make everyday decisions and activities easier, and clearly this is no different when it comes to keeping it between the lines or squeezing into tight spaces,” said Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart.
“Parking sensors also make Britain’s roads a safer place to be, as poorly parked or protruding vehicles can often obstruct the vision or restrict mobility of other road users.
“Technology will play a vital role in improving road safety in years to come, so it’s great to see that young people are looking for features which either directly or indirectly help with making Britain’s roads safer.”
But he warned: “Parking sensors don’t always work and still need the back up of looking all around, checking mirrors, signalling and expecting the unexpected.”
Subaru has revealed its first global electric car, a five-seat SUV called the Subaru Solterra.
Set to go on sale in mid 2022, it’s the fruit of a partnership between Subaru and fellow Japanese manufacturer Toyota and is technically identical to the Toyota bZ4X that was unveiled in October.
The Solterra is also visually similar to the Toyota, though Subaru insists that much effort has been made to maintain the brand’s long legacy in producing SUVs. “(We) aimed to make it a vehicle that existing customers can feel that it truly is a Subaru,” a spokesman for the brand said.
These efforts are most obvious in the car’s front end treatment, the grille and headlamps following Subaru’s family styling language.
Again the Subaru 4×4 legacy sees the brand emphasising the all-wheel-drive powertrain – this mounts separate 80kW electric motors in the front and rear axles for combined power equivalent to 217hp.
As with the Toyota bZ4X, the Solterra will be offered in single-motor 204hp front-wheel-drive form, but there are no indications yet as to whether this version will be available for UK buyers.
Subaru’s off-road credentials will be maintained by the inclusion of its X-Mode control system for more confident driving on rough surfaces, and a new Grip Mode system to aid off-tarmac stability.
The motors are fed by a 71.4kWh battery, and like its Toyota cousin, the Solterra is expected to offer a driving range between charges of more than 280 miles.
Subaru has released just two images of the Solterra ahead of the car’s public debut at the Los Angeles motor show next week, but the interior view suggests the Solterra closely follows the Toyota in layout and equipment.
Prices for the Solterra will not be announced until closer to the car’s on-sale date.
It’s funny how chaotic driving can become as soon as the weather turns a bit nasty. Drivers who are normally exemplars of driving safely on a sunny day can seem to lose their senses at exactly the time when a calm head and considered judgments are most important.
In any weather, driving safely (or riding safely on a motorbike) is a complex skill that requires concentration, clear thinking and situational awareness. But when conditions take a turn for the worse, a driver has to make good decisions in more difficult circumstances with less visual information available. This puts more pressure on a driver and it seems that many struggle to cope with that.
Spend time on the roads in rain, fog or snow and you will see some crazy moves being pulled. Often it is the sort of dangerous driving you would never see in clear, dry weather, so why do some people feel the need to drive like kamikazes when the conditions become more treacherous? [Note: if you feel that everyone else drives too slowly in bad weather, you may be the one I am talking about here…]
Drive to the conditions, not the speed limit
Common sense suggests that when your visibility is reduced by darkness, rain or anything else, you should reduce your speed somewhat to make sure you can see what’s coming with enough time to react. Yet it continually surprises me to see other cars stubbornly sticking to their normal speed – or even speeding up – with no regard for the increased risks.
A speed limit is a maximum speed, not a minimum or a target. Like most people, I am sure that speed limits are far too arbitrary in far too many places, and set for the lowest common denominator drivers who shouldn’t even have a driving licence, but that doesn’t mean you should be rigidly sticking to the speed limit in any weather.
It’s perfectly OK to slow down a bit and give yourself more room to the cars around you. So what if you arrive five minutes late? Better than having an avoidable accident because you were in too much of a rush and couldn’t stop when you needed to.
Visibility, braking and steering are all reduced in the wet
Not only is your visibility reduced in wet weather, braking distances are usually much longer and your tyres won’t have as much grip to steer. So not only will you spot the danger much later, you won’t be able to stop anywhere near as quickly or swerve out of the way as effectively to avoid it.
Those three factors all mean that your chances of having an accident at any given speed are much higher in wet weather than in the dry.
Another source of continual amazement is the number of people who seem content to drive with dirty windscreens (or frozen ones in winter). If your windscreen is misted up or obscured by dust, take a few minutes to properly clean it so that you can see clearly through the entire window. Cleaning a small patch directly in front of the steering wheel is not sufficient to provide a safe level of visibility.
This article was originally published in April 2016 and most recently updated in November 2021.
October was yet another chaotic month for new car sales, with overall registrations down nearly 25% – although it must be said, this was mostly due to a drop in fleet registrations (down 40%) rather than private purchases (down 3%).
Ongoing supply problems continue to plague almost every car brand, with individual results up or down depending on whether manufacturers can get enough computer chips to be able to build cars. Once again, that has led to a jumbled-up best-sellers’ list.
It was yet another disastrous month for the long-time reigning champ of new car sales, the Ford Fiesta. Ford only managed to shift about 500 of them in October, compared with nearly 4,000 in the same month last year. It also only sold about 500 Puma small SUVs. Given that these are two cars that would normally be a regular fixture in the top ten, it made a large dent in Ford’s overall numbers – although there was was some consolation that the Focus had its best month in a long time.
We’ve published our normal reporton the monthly new car registration figures, with plenty of detail that you won’t find elsewhere. So let’s now look at the mixed-up top ten results for October 2021.
The Volkswagen Polo celebrated a fantastic month in October. As well as topping the charts for the second time this year, its strong performance also lifted it from sixth to third place in year-to-date sales, and within touching distance of second place (currently held by its bigger brother, the Golf).
Most, if not all, of these sales were the pre-facelift model rather than the updated version that was expected back in September. The first of the new versions should be flowing through to customers in November.
The Polo currently holds an Expert Rating of 78%, which makes it one of the top-rated small cars according to our industry-leading Expert Rating index. Whether this will improve further once the facelifted model arrives remains to be seen.
Despite being the oldest car in the top ten, the twice-facelifted Mini continues to sell strongly some seven years after the current model was launched, although it’s unlikely to finish the year in the top ten. It did almost snare top spot in October, though, losing out to the Volkswagen Polo by a mere 34 units.
The Mini hatch still holds a very solid score of 76% in our Expert Ratings index, which is one of the top scores in its class. The electric version doesn’t score so well, with an Expert Rating of only 63% that puts it close to the bottom of its class.
The all-new Nissan Qashqai continued its strong debut with third place in October, although it was pipped by the Mini as the best-selling car actually built in Britain.
Nissan will be hoping that it can maintain production levels to keep up this momentum. It’s certainly been a good start, and everyone up in Sunderland will have their fingers crossed…
We have compiled our Expert Rating report for the new Qashqai since last month’s registration report, and it puts Nissan’s latest contender right in the midfield with a score of 72%. It’s still early days and there’ll be more reviews to be published, so this could change – either up or down – in coming weeks.
The only real highlight for yet another miserable month for Ford was the welcome return of the Focus to the top ten for the first time since April.
Previously one of the most popular cars in the country, the Focus has spent most of this year outside the top ten. It’s due a facelift that will arrive in the UK in early 2022, so this may be the last we see of the current version.
In terms of critical appraisal, the Ford Focus currently holds a score of 75% on our Expert Ratings Index, which is level with its fierce rival, the Volkswagen Golf.
The king is dead, long live the king! We still have two months to go in 2021, but we may as well go ahead and get the coronation started. It’s now beyond doubt the Vauxhall Corsa will be the first car in a dozen years to depose the Ford Fiesta as the UK’s most popular new car.
The Corsa leads the sales race by more than 7,000 units, so Vauxhall dealers could close their doors for the last two months of the year and it would still end the year on top.
Despite its popularity, the petrol and diesel versions of the new Corsa hold a rather poor Expert Rating of 64% on our industry-leading Expert Rating Index, although the all-electric Corsa-e manages a few points better at 67%. Those scores put the Corsa in the bottom half of the supermini class, suggesting that journalists are not as excited about the Corsa as customers seem to be.
It’s a second month in a row for the Kia Niro in the top ten, improving from ninth place last month to sixth in October. Once again, Niro sales helped Kia perform well for the month, ending up third behind Volkswagen and BMW.
The Niro currently holds an Expert Rating of 62% in our aggregated Expert Ratings index, while the e-Niro is far more highly rated with a score of 84% – a whopping 22% better than the hybrid versions.
The Volvo XC40 returned to the top ten for the first time since February, and fell just short of pipping the Kia Niro for sixth place. Despite being on sale for nearly four years, the XC40 continues to sell well and remains highly rated by critics.
The XC40 is the class leader among premium small SUV/crossover models, with an Expert Rating of 79%, for the petrol/diesel/plug-in hybrid version. The new electric XC40 Recharge doesn’t fare quite so well, with an Expert Rating of 68%.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is another big-selling car that has run into sales problems over the last few months due to a lack of computer chips to supply vehicles. This time last year, the A-Class topped the sales charts…
Fortunately for Mercedes, the Volkswagen Golf performed even worse than than the A-Class in October, which missed out on the top ten altogether for the second month in a row. That means that the year-to-date sales are incredibly close from second to sixth place, and with this year’s crazy rollercoaster of vehicle sales, it’s impossible to predict who’s going to prevail.
The A-Class has an Expert Rating of 69% in The Car Expert’s unique aggregated Expert Rating index. It ranks highly for safety, winning awards from Euro NCAP and Thatcham over the years for its protective qualities.
It’s a new face in ninth place, as the Peugeot 2008 small SUV makes its debut in the top ten. Registration nunbers will also include the electric e-2008. It’s likely to be a short-lived time in the best-sellers list, given the number of usual suspects that are currently underachieving, but it’s always good to see different cars and brands doing well.
Based on the 208/e-208 small car, the latest 2008 is rated as one of the better contenders in the small SUV segment. Our industry-leading Expert Rating Index scores the petrol/diesel 2008 at 70% and the electric e-2008 at 74%, both of which are scores that put the car in the top tier of the class – although still a few points behind the very best in class.
Making its second appearance in three months is the all-new Hyundai Tucson, which has drawn attention with its bold front-end styling. Hyundai (including Kia) has managed to maintain its production levels much better than most rivals during the semiconductor crisis, which has no doubt helped Tucson sales compared to many rivals.
It will be interesting to see if the all-new Kia Sportage – quite closely related to the Tucson – can enjoy a similarly successful launch in coming months.
The Hyundai Tucson currently has an Expert Rating of 75%, which places it well in the top half of all of the medium SUV marketplace according to our industry-leading Expert Rating index.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again at The Car Expert, and now automotive industry data confirms it: plug-in car sales are accelerating at a rapid rate.
Latest forecasts from automotive trade association the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that it expects British businesses and consumers to take delivery of around 287,000 of the latest zero-emission electric and plug-in hybrid cars during 2021.
Compare that to the 271,000 new battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles that were registered between 2010 and 2019, and the rapid growth and popularity of this new wave of transport becomes clear.
Based on current forecasts, BEV registrations are also expected to exceed those of diesel vehicles next year – in fact, electric cars have outsold diesel cars for the last two months in a row, although supply issues have complicated the results.
The quality of new EVs and the growing acceptance and approval of the cars among UK buyers was reported in the Expert Rating Index quarterly report, released last week by The Car Expert.
The rise of these vehicles is remarkable given that 2021 is expected to be a relatively weak year for new car registrations: 30% below the average recorded over the past decade. A semiconductor shortage reduced overall global car production, but manufacturers have worked to ensure the availability of as many plug-in vehicles as possible.
Uptake rates of plug-in vehicles began to accelerate dramatically during 2020, as the billions of pounds invested by manufacturers in new technology resulted in the widest ever choice of zero emission-capable cars. More than a quarter of all car models available in the UK can now be plugged in.
Businesses have been particularly incentivised to invest in plug-in cars thanks to a range of tax breaks and grants, meaning around two in every three new BEV registrations this year have been for large fleets.
“Our latest outlook shows the UK experiencing a surge in plug-in vehicle uptake,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “Massive investment by the industry as well as long standing government incentives have seen us go from just 188 new plug-in cars in 2010, to almost 300,000 in 2021.
“To achieve net zero by the desired date, however, uptake rates must continue to grow. This requires ongoing incentives to help consumers make the switch and significant investment in the public charging infrastructure.”
The one question we were constantly asked while driving this car was,”What’s a Genesis?”. Previously in the UK, the word has had either religious or prog-rock overtones, but now the Hyundai empire wants you to regard Genesis as its new upmarket brand.
It’s a direction other manufacturers have tried with mixed results. Lexus is now firmly established as the upmarket sibling to Toyota, though it took a good few years, the jury is still out on Stellantis’ DS Automobiles, while Nissan’s attempt to replicate the US success of Infiniti in Europe flopped.
The South Korean automotive giant has done little wrong with either its Hyundai or Kia brands in recent times, however, and one or two people viewing the GV80 even thought we were driving a new Bentley, so perhaps this is a direction we should take notice of.
The GV80 is one of the two launch models from Genesis, a large SUV sitting alongside a large saloon dubbed the G80. They’ll soon be followed by mid-sized variants called, you guessed, G70 and GV70 while most interest surrounds a full-electric car, the GV60, likely on sale in late 2022.
For now, however, we basically have conventional large and mid-sized SUVs and saloons, targeting as so many have tried to do the German heavyweights of the premium market, and hoping to succeed through a strategy of matched quality, a little more exclusivity and a bit less to pay to buy one.
How does it look?
SUVs, of course, struggle to look truly stylish but the Genesis does a better job than most. It has quite a low, purposeful stance that is emphasised by the slim treatment to grille and headlamps, making the car appear wider than it is and helping set it apart from the typical boxy sillhouette of large SUVs.
The car sits as standard on 20-inch wheels while huge 22-inch versions on the Luxury trim level certainly add to the car-park presence – again emphasising that this machine is not intended for a market where you agonise over the cost of replacing tyres.
Viewing the GV80 from a reasonable distance one can understand the Bentley confusion, especially as Luc Donckerwolke, who looks after the design of both Genesis and Hyundai Ioniq models, used to work for the Volkswagen Group on Audi and, yes, Bentley…
What’s the spec like?
Genesis keeps things simple with just two trim levels, dubbed Premium and Luxury, and both come with a sizeable amount of equipment.
for example standard on all versions are LED headlamps, a 14-inch wide infotainment screen atop the centre console with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, nine speakers on the sound system, front seats are powered in 12 ways and heated, and a rear-view camera.
The safety package is particularly impressive – ten airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-following and lane-keeping assistance, autonomous braking of course – it’s no surprise the GV80 has a top-level five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The forward-facing safety camera also works with the suspension to detect such issues as potholes and adapt the car’s suspension, and with the navigation to present a more accurate picture of the route ahead.
Go for the Luxury trim and additions include the 22-inch wheels, full leather, a quality wood trim, heated steering wheel and rear air conditioning and seat heating.
There are some tempting options too, such as the Innovation Pack fitted to our car that for £3,900 adds such niceties as a big digital instrument display, a head-up display, adaptive headlamps, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree surround-view camera – great for parking what feels like a very big car.
What’s the Genesis GV80 like inside?
The GV80 is a spacious five-seater but you can have it with seven – though due to its less than boxy looks we reckon the two rear seats would be best suited to smaller occupants. Certainly in five-seat form, as was our test car, there is plenty of room in front and back and high levels of comfort. This extended on our car to the ‘Comfort Seat Pack’ a £1,250 option which among its features includes the driver’s seat bolsters gently tightening in certain driving situations.
To succeed in its chosen market the interior of the GV80 needs to offer a standard of fit and finish up with the best and in most aspects it meets the brief. The surfaces and detailing are of very high quality, even if you don’t go for the Luxury trim with its wood surfaces and leather upholstery. Virtually all the plastics are supple too, making for a very welcoming environment.
There are irritations, however. The letterbox-style infotainment screen is impressive – especially when using it with the likes of Google Maps – but it’s a very long stretch when you need to adjust any app with its controls on the left of screen. Using the rotary controllers at the base of the console is a better alternative, but the controller is rather similar (and close to) the transmission knob.
There’s no simple button to switch off the lane-departure warning, but to give it its due this is a smart system which only activates on straight bits of road. And the extensive safety systems can include on cars with the digital instrument display a useful Hyundai group feature – on activating the indicators either the speedometer or rev-counter dial (depending on direction) changes into a blind-spot camera.
What’s under the bonnet?
Genesis currently offers two propulsion options for the GV80 – a 3.0-litre diesel putting out 278hp, or the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine of our test car with 304hp. Both are combined with an eight-speed auto transmission and all-wheel-drive – no cheap front-propelled option here. Indeed the GV80 comes with proper off-road aids such as Terrain Control modes, though you can’t imagine many owners going too far off the blacktop in one of these.
Both engines offer reasonable potency with the diesel GV80 actually slightly quicker, completing the 0-62mph sprint in 7.5 seconds compared to the 7.7 seconds of our petrol unit. In our case a 500-mile round trip involving lots of motorway served to demonstrate just how refined is the petrol engine, smooth in its application and very quiet.
But with such big engines comes a penalty, the need to form a close relationship with your local filling station. With fuel economy figures of around 26mpg for our petrol unit along with CO2 emissions north of 220g/km, the GV80 is not the obvious buy for business users.
What’s the Genesis GV80 like to drive?
On first pulling away the GV80 feels like a very soft, gentle car, almost wafting along with the engine purring at sound levels almost down to electric levels. And if that’s not enough for you one it can be changed – Genesis makes great use of active noise cancellation technology. This basically uses computer software to project noises out of the car’s audio system to effectively cancel out irritating sounds whether from engine or road – it produces a luxurious environment, but equally by dialling through a menu it can be used to artificially enhance the engine sound.
The gentle progress from standstill does not translate to fidgety handling at high speeds. Computer-controlled adaptive suspension is standard on all versions of the GV80 and at motorway limits the car is composed and very easy to keep control of.
In corners it is, for a large, heavy car, surprisingly competent – there is body roll but it is all well controlled. The plentiful rubber of the 22-inch rims on the Luxury car produces excellent grip, though these can produce some harsh reactions to running over potholes and the like. We have heard the lower-spec 20-inch rubber is less prone to this.
Verdict
You get the impression that with its first offerings Genesis is hoping to attract those who want Audi and BMW levels of quality but in a different package, and the GV80 fills this brief, right down to the way you buy it – there are no Genesis dealers, just a small number of ‘studios’ in major shopping centres.
Sales of Genesis cars are mainly online, the price including a ‘five-year care plan’ encompassing warranty, servicing, roadside assistance, a courtesy car, software and sat nav map updates, and delivered by a personal assistant allocated to the customer and not working on commission.
The GV80 starts from £54,000 for the Premium version, stretching to £59,600 for Luxury and our car with options costing £66,970. These prices are cheaper than comparable rivals from the likes of Audi and BMW, and when one adds in the five-year care plan the Genesis becomes a tempting proposition on price.
However it’s more than that, because the car keeps pace with its German rivals in virtually all the areas that concern buyers in this market – quality, tech, comfort and performance.
Can one regard this as a viable alternative to a Bentley Bentayga? Of course not, you buy a Bentayga because you need an SUV but you want a Bentley. But if the badge doesn’t bother you the GV80 is certainly worth a look and an impressive first effort from Hyundai’s upmarket offspring.
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.
Vauxhall has started taking orders for the eighth-generation Astra, featuring a number of exterior styling updates and on-board tech additons, set to challenge the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models are available to order now, and will arrive on UK roads in Spring 2022. However, you’ll have to wait at least another year before an all-electric model joins the range sometime in 2023.
Overall, the new Astra is of similar size to its predecessor but with a slightly longer wheelbase to improve interior space. It follows the new Vauxhall Mokka in applying the company’s new family styling treatment, which is gradualy being applied across the entire range.
A major change to the Astra’s interior sees the use of fully digital instrumentation across all versions, replacing conventional analigue die. Dubbed ‘Pure Panel’, this includes a ten-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver and another ten-inch colour touchscreen atop the centre console.
The Vauxhall Astra (2015 – 2021) vs. The Vauxhall Astra (2022 onwards)
Also new is the Astra model structure, simplified to three trim levels dubbed Design, GS Line and Ultimate, and set to be applied across all Vauxhall’s cars by the middle of 2022.
Prices for this new range of Astra models starts at £23,275. From launch, powertrain options range across petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine will be available in 110hp and 130hp outputs, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 130hp.
The plug-in hybrid, which costs from £32,200, combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 12.4kWh electric drivetrain for combined power of 180hp. A more powerful 225hp version will join the range next year – both models quote all-electric ranges of up to 35 miles and CO2 emissions of 24-27g/km.
Six-speed manual gearboxes will be standard on petrol and diesel models, though the 130hp petrol and the diesel will also be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Vauxhall is heavily emphasising the safety specification of the new Astra. All cars are fitted as standard with a suite of active safety tech, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure and lane-keeping systems and driver drowsiness alerts.
Safety tech available includes ‘Intelli-Drive’ – working with four body cameras and five radar sensors installed on the car, this can offer semi-autonomous driving including adapting speed in curves and performing lane changes, as well as recommending suitable speeds for the road ahead.
Even a car that is regularly serviced, checked and looked after by its owner, cherished and even given a name by its family, will have a problem at some time – it’s almost inevitable.
And that’s exactly what used cars warranties are designed for.
They are there to give you peace of mind in the event of something going wrong. Especially if that journey to the repair shop turns out to be an expensive one. That’s when a warranty really comes into its own.
You paid good money for your cover and now you expect a decent service and satisfaction from your provider. So how do you claim on that policy that you thought about, considered carefully and decided was best to have in your armoury?
Here at The Car Expert, we have some fantastic warranty offers for our readers provided by our commercial partners. If you’re interested in a used car warranty, you should check these out:
ALA Insurance provides used car warranties in conjunction with the RAC
Warrantywise is a long-established and multi-award-winning warranty provider
MotorEasy offers warranties and many other types of cover for car owners
Time to make a claim
Actually, it’s quite straightforward – as long as you understand a few key points.
Firstly, don’t assume that every working part in your car is going to be covered by the warranty. Plan providers list in advance what they are prepared to consider covering and what is strictly off limits.
You will usually be covered for major working parts that a reasonable person would agree make up the important components of any vehicle. These will be items such as:
Engine
Gearbox
Drivetrain
Steering
Brakes
Suspension
Fuel pump
Ignition system
Electrics
Air conditioning
You won’t be covered for parts that wear out such as battery, clutch, tyres, brake pads or the exhaust pipe. Components that are damaged as a result of poor workmanship or maintenance are also excluded.
When you know you are going to have to make a claim, do it as soon as possible – don’t continue driving with a faulty part as this could harm other components, and your policy might not cover this ‘consequential damage’.
Some policies will ask you to take the car back to the dealer who originally sold it to you, for confirmation that a claim is legitimate and for an estimated cost for repair. If this is not possible, call your insurer’s claims hotline to report the issue, and then choose from their list of authorised repairers.
Stick to the rules
Don’t have any work done before you have reported the fault and don’t go to an unauthorised repairer. You could invalidate your policy in both cases.
Make sure you have kept your car’s servicing schedule up to date – most insurers will insist on this – and that the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate. The repairer will work out which components are covered by your insurer and report back to them.
Many providers will offer roadside assistance as part of their package while others will allow emergency repairs – such as to a broken down car at the roadside –if they’re required. You will need to obtain a receipt for the work, details of repairs carried out, and you must take away any replaced parts in case the insurer wants to see them.
Getting the payment made
It depends on your insurer, but payment for the repairs will be made direct to the garage or repair shop, or reimbursed to you when you have paid. You will have your excess amount deducted from the final figure (the more initially you agree to, the lower your premium), and you should pay this direct to the repairer if your provider settles up directly with them too.
Remember there are other reasons why you might not get the full cost of the part or repair that you were expecting. These will be set out in your policy and are worth knowing:
Claim limit: There will be set thresholds on how much you can expect back for each repair
Labour cost limit: insurers have a maximum hourly rate and if your repairer is above this, you might not get the full amount
Mileage allowance: you must be within a set mileage range to keep your warranty valid
If you’re not happy…
If you and your insurer can’t agree on what should be covered, or if they refuse to pay for your claim, there are several courses of action for you:
Check your policy’s terms and conditions: if the broken component is listed in the ‘What’s Covered’ section, you have a good case
Look at the FAQs: most providers will have a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section which might help you
Contact direct: you can contact them via their phone helpline or by email;
Complain: if you are still unhappy, take your case higher, especially if your policy is covered by an insurer. Buying a fully insured warranty means you have the assurance that the company you’re dealing with is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Additionally, a regulated warranty provider will be in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which can pay compensation if they go out of business and can’t pay your claim. Buying an insured warranty means that if you are unhappy about the service you’ve received, you can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a binding decision that your insurer is obliged to follow.
If your warranty is from the dealer where you bought the car, check if the company is covered by any industry body.
Warranty providers are diverse, but all will provide your cover information in their policy document. Read it carefully before taking out your policy and you won’t have any nasty surprises if the time comes to make that claim.
Here at The Car Expert, we have some fantastic warranty offers for our readers provided by our commercial partners. If you’re interested in a used car warranty, you should check these out:
ALA Insurance provides used car warranties in conjunction with the RAC
MotorEasy offers warranties and many other types of cover for car owners
Warrantywise is a long-established and multi-award-winning warranty provider
There are nearly 10 million cars bought each year in the UK – roughly 2 million of those are brand new, while the other 8 million are used cars of some sort.
Those used cars might be anything from a near-new dealer demonstrator, only a couple of month sold, to a cheap used runabout that costs no more than a few hundred quid.
There are several big name companies pushing hard in the nearly-new market, for cars up to about three years old and with low mileage. But the biggest-selling used cars tend to be older, higher-mileage and cheaper.
An older car will be a lot cheaper than a nearly-new motor, if it has been cared for and properly serviced, it could still give you years of trouble-free motoring. So we have gathered together the best websites that can help you with buying a cheap used car.
For this exercise, we’re entering into the search boxes ‘any make and model’, with a maximum price of £10,000. We’re also only concentrating on sites with national coverage as, at this price level, most buyers are not likely to travel more than 50 miles of their home address to find a car. Of course, widening your search will bring more results but if you’re travelling halfway across the country to save £100 on a used car, you’re not likely to end up saving any money in the end.
Here at The Car Expert, we’re building and updating guides to the top sites to buy used vehicles of all categories. So here are our pick for the best ones for buying a cheap used car (it’s a round-up, rather than a ranking, so we think all of these sites are worth a look).
The best websites for buying a cheap used car in 2025
We like: Easy to use site We don’t like: Non-relevant adverts
Formerly a printed magazine it was the place to go to secure yourself a bargain. Today it is a website, but still a very popular destination for buyers.
It’s a good, straightforward website for finding a cheap used car. Using the search parameters described above we called up 26,000 cars. You can further sort out the results by ‘lowest price’, ‘highest price’, mileage, age or distance.
You get an initial photo and good basic information such as mileage, engine size, power, gearbox type and whether the price is close to market average. Some cars for sale offer lots of pictures, some offer very few. We even found some that had no pictures at all. You might also find video there too.
Both private and trade (dealer) sellers are listed together and these are clearly highlighted so you can see who you’re dealing with. Interspersed with the car listings are adverts trying to sell you vehicles that are way above your budget, but you can skip past these easily enough.
A recent addition to the Auto Trader site (and app, if you prefer) is that it clearly shows whether a dealer is adding admin charges onto the selling price. It’s something The Car Expert raised with the site a few years ago, so it’s great to see it finally appearing.
Auto Trader also publishes its own car reviews, and is one of the sites included in our new Expert Rating Index, which aggregates new car reviews from UK websites to create a definitive rating for every new car.
URL: motors.co.uk They say:“Search Less. Live More”
We like: Busy, interesting website We don’t like: Some pictures are low quality
Here is another huge business with a lot of used car deals on its books. Using our quite specific search parameter the website found more than 81,000 cars. Motors.co.uk doesn’t own them all; it acts as an agent for dealers across the UK, although there are some private sellers in there too.
It’s an easy site to navigate around and allows you to search by make and model, by area if you are only looking for cars closer to home, or cut down to popular body styles. There’s a section highlighting all the cars that have been reduced in price – you’ll find thousands here but some have only been cut by a few hundred pounds.
There’s news and feature articles plus car evaluations and also a section showing video reviews. The helpful advice section includes tips on electric vehicles, a driving theory test, an ‘ask the experts’ section and more. There’s also a fuel calculator, car finance guide and a ‘smart search’ to find the best car match for you.
There’s a car price guide showing what individual model types are selling for, enabling you to make a decision on whether you are getting value for money on the car you’re considering, which is useful when you’re budgeting. Car details are full enough but some of the pictures are a bit unpolished.
We like: Fun and easy to use site We don’t like: Some cars show only a few pictures
From the landing page there are some nice touches straight away for buyers of cheap cars. There’s the usual Used Car search engine but additionally, a drop down section offers pointers such as ‘Cheap cars for sale’ ‘Desperate deals’, ‘Cars under £5,000’ and ‘’First cars’. It’s all very easy to use and intuitive.
The ‘Desperate Deals’ area is especially useful in this context as it contains cars that have been reduced in price by at least £2000. So if you are prepared to travel outside of your region you could find a very good bargain. On the other hand, there’s a drop-down tab which shows you the number of used cars available for sale in your county – great if you don’t want to go far to find one.
Choose a car to examine and the description comes in a big block of information. Some only have one picture available (some have none), but the details are quite comprehensive.
There’s a section called ‘Car photos’ which helps if you know the name of a car but can’t quite picture it. Listed are hundreds of shots of well-known brands and models. You’ll also find car reviews, news and interesting articles and a service that gives you a free car valuation if you’re thinking of selling – which Desperate Seller can help with, thanks to a link up with the car selling website Motorway.
This is a fun, easy to navigate site which is a must for potential customers of cheaper cars.
We like: Backed by the might of Facebook We don’t like: It’s a no frills experience
Backed by the power of the world’s most/least favourite social media company, Facebook Marketplace puts local people together to buy and sell their cars. A simple search engine allows you to state how far you are prepared to travel, the minimum and maximum prices you will pay and whether you want new, used or ‘all’ cars – in this case it’s used.
It takes a while to enter your search requirements as each section (price, location, manual/auto gearbox etc.) loads up, but a good list of private sellers’ car, motorbikes and trailers appears in the order you specified, such as low to high price.
The pictures are a little hit and miss – front shot, rear shot, interior, rear seats – but, click on a chosen car and it opens up with a little more description and the option to send a message to the seller.
It’s quite a basic way to buy a used car, but there’s a wide choice offered for your local area if you are prepared to go through them.
Gumtree
URL: gumtree.com They say:“The UK’s local motors marketplace”
We like: Simple and straightforward site We don’t like: Not the most attractive design
Gumtree is one of the UK’s largest online classified adverts sites, designed for local communities across the country. Its mission is to help people find what they need most, affordably and locally. What started as a place to find cheap furniture and equipment now includes cars.
There’s a drop down section just for ‘cars and vehicles’ on the landing page. Simply add in your postcode, minimum and maximum price (and optional keywords such as left-hand drive or 4×4), and hit the search button for thousands of adverts.
You can refine the search to most recently listed, the nearest sellers, highest price first or lowest. The listings contain a mix of private sellers and dealerships. Each show a decent section of pictures, a brief description and a fairly comprehensive list of details including performance, running costs, safety, security and interior and exterior features.
You have to be registered first but after that, there’s the facility to send the seller an email with a pre-written message or you can go in to reveal the seller’s phone number.
It’s an advertising site so there’s not much in the way of news, features or handy tips, but it’s there to do a job – help people buy and sell cars – and it does that well.
Autoweb
URL:autoweb.co.uk They say:“The home of used cars online”
We like: Lots of helpful advice We don’t like: Basic initial car details
There’s lots going on in the Autoweb sales pages. In addition to the easy-to-understand car photo and description, down the right-hand side are plenty of things to keep you occupied for a while: Cool stuff featuring ‘Top 5’ listings, Ladies Choice, Head-to-Head and other fun features.
Scroll down and you’ll find more advice, tips and fun videos and news. The site also offers a free car advert and free valuations. A good place to start is the Car Clinic section, where you’ll find useful advice to help guide you in the right direction.
Back to the car listings (it doesn’t say how many the search parameters have brought up) and they’re fairly basic to begin with. There’s only body, colour, mileage, fuel type, gearbox and engine size. It tells you whether the seller is a dealer or if it’s a ‘Public Sale’’.
Click on the car of your choice and you’ll find more pictures, and sections on vehicle specification, technical information and the seller’s contact details. Autoweb only works with trusted car dealers and promises only the highest quality stock.
CarGurus
URL:cargurus.co.uk They say: “Find a great deal… and so much more”
We like: Lots of helpful advice We don’t like: Basic initial car details
Put in your search requirements and the easy to use, clear website defaults to ‘Best deals first’. Incredibly you can choose to look for ‘’Worst deals first’ showing over-priced cars – although we’re not sure who would want to do that. More sensibly there are useful choices by price, mileage, distance to seller, and age.
Private sellers and dealers are featured and CarGurus promises to show every car’s deal rating, from ‘great’ to ‘overpriced’, along with free hard-to-find information like number of owners and accident history.
Pictures are quite good, though some are missing. There are only basic details at first but, click on a chosen car, and the page opens to reveal more detailed specifications such as colour, number of doors, fuel economy, engine size, fuel type and registration date.
If you haven’t made you’re mind up you can ask for CarGurus to email you when there are price drops of new listings, tailored to your search parameters and results.
Also on the landing page is a free are valuation tool, latest car reviews and a tips and advice section, not just on buying and selling cars but also driving test, MOT, car maintenance and general motoring interest topics.
Carshop
URL: carshop.co.uk They say: “It’s about good cars and good carma”
We like: Attractively designed site We don’t like: You can’t search for cars close to you
With 15 stores nationwide, and thousands of cars in stock, Carshop hopes to find you the motor you want. You can then collect it from your nearest store (they’ll transport the car) or even have it delivered to your home. Having the stores means you can go and see your chosen vehicle before you buy it, once you’ve paid a refundable £99 deposit.
Using the search engine brings up a good choice of cars, well pictured and with initial basic details. Click through and you’re taken to a much more detailed page giving useful information about your chosen car, including key facts such as CO2, annual tax amount, and fuel economy, plus all the usual details such as body style, colour, fuel type , transmission and MOT expiry.
The site is set up to show you monthly HP payments first and foremost, with an emphasis on finance. However you can just opt for the total amount to pay if you please. Indeed there’s a whole section on finance which gives you a free finance check and a budget calculator.
Carshop also offers MOT, service and repairs and they’ll discuss a service plan with you too, in keeping with the importance they give to finance.
Carsite
URL: carsite.co.uk They say: “Biggest collection of approved used cars in the UK”
We like: Simply designed site We don’t like: Car description presented in one big block
CarSite claims to be the UK’s largest independent website for buyers looking for new or used cars, and has a large directory of used car dealers across the UK. Using their search engine, you can find chosen models near you and then click onward to contact the listed dealer.
As you browse by car body style or, using the search parameters, it will bring up an initial list of relevant cars. You can only view the listing by value of car or distance to seller.
Clicking through to the car of your choice gives you one picture, some basic details and then a long, difficult-to-follow block of copy explaining the car’s details. It’s not as attractively put together as some of the sites.
There is, however a contact section which gives you the dealer’s phone number or allows you to email them with ready-made questions such as ‘can you email more photos’ and ‘is the price negotiable’. You can have the latest adverts, as Carsite calls them, sent direct to your inbox with email alerts.
Carsite also offers a car parts search and locate service and the kit can be delivered to your door. There’s also a neat news section showing the latest automotive gossip.
We like: Easy search set-up We don’t like: Not as much detail offered as some
Owned by Heycar, one of the major players in the used car marketplace, AutoVillage offers a number of automotive related services: sourcing used cars, new cars, lease deals, and discounted car parts. They also provide a comparison service for MOT centres across the UK showing how much each charges for the annual test.
But it’s used cars, and bargain ones too, that we’re concentrating on here. AutoVillage does business by partnering with car dealerships to obtain good quotes, big discounts and savings on used vehicles in the UK.
Go on to the Used Cars section and you can narrow your search down immediately by clicking on ‘Popular Makes’, ‘Popular Models, ‘Popular Locations or by Body Style. It’s a good place to visit for a budget car – the site lists cars with a starting price of £500. Entering our parameters of £2,000 to £10,000 produced pages and pages of relevant cars (it doesn’t tell you how many) starting with the most expensive first. There was no way to change that to cheapest first (or closest seller to you).
It starts with the basic details in a clear manner along with a good quality picture. Click on your chosen model and the page loads with more pictures of the car, some further ‘at a glance’ features, and a block of text listing the vehicle’s attributes.
The selling dealership is listed and there’s a mechanism to send an email direct to them.
This article was originally published in November 2021 and is updated regularly. Last updated January 2024.
*The Car Expert has commercial partnerships with Auto Trader and Motors. If you click through to their websites and view any of their vehicles, we may receive a small commission.
The smallest electric SUV/crossover in the Mercedes-Benz family, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is essentially an all-electric version of the GLA SUV, which is the taller and beefier brother of the A-Class.
The EQA has three different powertrain options to choose from. The entry-level EQA 250 has a 67kWh battery powering a single motor to produce 188hp, while the more expensive four-wheel drive EQA 300 and 350 variants are equipped with twin motors, producing 225hp and 288hp respectively.
Officially, the Mercedes-Benz EQA has a battery range of 265 miles, which is slightly better than the figures for the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX40 (formerly called the XC40 Recharge).
While reviewers from UK media sources have found this range impressive, they also argue that the EQA’s big battery does have some drawbacks. The size of the battery means that Mercedes-Benz has had to raise the seating position, Top Gear commenting that “while headroom is fine for adults in the back, your knees are around your ears if you’re leggy. It’s like sitting on a Squatty Potty.”
The EQA’s performance has often been described as unremarkable, and the ride comfort of the EQA has not been a very praiseworthy topic with reviewers, either.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA essentially has the same cabin trim and tech as a wholesale GLA, which has also received significant praise for its interior refinement and sophisticated on-board tech.
As a result of being based on a petrol model, Carbuyer suggests that the EQA is “destined to struggle against purpose-built rivals.” But, for serial Mercedes owners who are looking to make an all-electric switch, the Daily Mirror argues that “the EQA will slip into your life easily.”
As of July 2025, the Mercedes-Benz EQA holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. It scores top marks for its safety rating and for having zero tailpipe emissions, although its running costs are only average. However, its media review scores have been poor and we don’t yet have any long-term reliability data.
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Mercedes-Benz EQA represents quite compelling value for money. It’s an impressive package, with loads of kit, sensible and safe driving dynamics and a decent real-world range.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10 “It’s smooth, comfortable and prestigious but – word to the wise – unlike most electric cars Mercedes EQ models seemingly lack the facility to programme your charging times, so unless you have a timer function on your domestic wallbox you will not be able to take advantage of overnight off-peak energy tariffs.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The boot is more disappointing, and while the EQA does many things right, we think many fleets and drivers might be happier with the Audi Q4 E-Tron.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport Score: 8 / 10 “The Mercedes-Benz EQA in 250 guise puts forward a sensible case to join the world of EQ and EV. It lacks the flair and focus of its electric rivals, but it undercuts them.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Score: 7.8 / 10 “The Mercedes EQA is the brand’s baby electric SUV and one that’s destined to struggle against purpose-built rivals.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: EQA 250 AMG Line “Although the new Mercedes-Benz EQA is described as a compact crossover, it actually feels surprisingly big and spacious and more of a sports utility vehicle, both inside and out, with a high-riding driving position and good visibility.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Score: 6 / 10 “If you’re a serial Merc owner wanting to go electric, the EQA will slip into your life easily.” Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport Score: 8 / 10 “The Mercedes EQA is a quiet and predictable car to drive, but it’s not much fun; rivals are more engaging.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: EQA 250 AMG Line Premium Plus Score: 8 / 10 “The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is a good car overall, and is much, much better than the Mercedes-Benz GLA plug-in hybrid because it has a smooth electric powertrain, as opposed to the very jerky petrol-electric powertrain of the GLA Plug-in Hybrid. However, the EQA, particularly in AMG Line Premium Plus trim, is expensive and has a shorter driving range than many rivals.” (Paul Clarke) Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “It’s the first electric crossover from a premium brand, beating the Tesla Model Y to market and competing against mainstream rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: “The EQA has an impressive 263-mile battery range.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Mercedes-Benz EQA is smoothly predictable.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport Score: 4 / 10 “While the drivetrain is refined and provides smooth and progressive performance plus a decent on-paper range, the EQA’s premium-ness falls off quickly as you move back in the cabin and it’s far from the best-looking family SUV/crossover in the market – or even in the Mercedes range.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: EQA 250 AMG line Score: 7 / 10 “It’s far from the most ambitious EV you can buy. Be in no doubt. But look at how the German premium giants have made their EV plays. BMW went for boldness and the i3 hasn’t sold in bulk. Audi’s e-trons and Merc’s EQs are much less radical. These are gently-does it gateway cars on the road to the electric tipping point.” Read review
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport Score: 6 / 10 “The EQA isn’t exactly engaging to drive or quick. Its big draw is the hugely refined and reassuring feelgood ambience.” Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Score: 7.1 / 10 “The Mercedes-Benz EQA is not the most exciting EV release. That’s not a bad thing. The EQA 250 here isn’t that fast, and there are competitors with more range for less money. However, they don’t offer the Mercedes brand and plush interior. The Mercedes EQA is not a particularly special EV, and the driving experience is mediocre, but it is a comfortable and luxurious form of electric transport.” (James Morris) Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is closely related to the A-Class and B-Class models, so its safety rating score is based on the B-Class score from when it was tested in 2019. Some additional tests were carried out by Euro NCAP where there were significant differences between the models.
The EQA scores well in all tests, but its adult and child impact scores are excellent – some of the best results ever seen in Euro NCAP testing.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2025, the Mercedes-Benz EQA has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an EV) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EQA would likely score highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it ever takes place.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of July 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz EQA 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 EQA, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
302 miles
A
255 – 346 miles
A – B
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
4.4 m/KWh
B
3.7 – 4.9 m/KWh
A – D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
45
D
44 – 50
D – F
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£250
B
Year 2
£514
B
Year 3
£857
B
Year 4
£993
A
Year 5
£1,329
A
Overall
£3,943
A
The Mercedes-Benz EQA has affordable running costs, according to data exclusively provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is only average, but the battery is still large enough to offer a better-than-average driving range.
Insurance premiums are high for a car of this size, but servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years should be very good.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz EQA, you might also be interested in these alternatives
The small EV SUV segment is growing rapidly, with more new cars being added on almost a monthly basis. The EQA is quite similar to the Lexus UX or DS 3 in being based on an existing petrol model, rather than a dedicated electric model like the Kia EV3 or Volvo EX30.
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Volkswagen has started taking orders for the Taigo, which is the brand’s first so-called ‘coupe-SUV’ for European markets.
Already on sale in South America and a close sibling to the Volkswagen Polo supermini and T-Cross SUV, the Taigo is expected in showrooms early in 2022, set to target the likes of the Nissan Juke.
The car boasts a sharply sloping rear body though is said to offer plenty of rear-seat headroom along with comparable boot capacity to the T-Cross at 438 litres.
Volkswagen has given the Taigo an extensive list of standard equipment, with all versions getting LED lights, a digital cockpit driver’s display, wireless phone charging and park assistance with front and rear sensors.
Enhanced safety is also being highlighted on the Taigo – all versions get a range of active safety features including lane changing assistance and adaptive cruise control, as well as a fatigue monitor and central airbag.
Extra equipment on upper-specification models includes matrix LED headlamps – introduced on the Touareg in 2018 and since rolled out across the Volkswagen range, these use individually-controlled modules more precisely placing the beam to suit different driving situations. Style models also get a full-width LED bar across the front grille.
The Taigo will go on sale with a petrol-only engine line-up. The cheapest version will be the Taigo Life models – the only trim level available with a 1.0-litre 95hp three-cylinder petrol engine, costing from £21,960 with a five-speed manual transmission.
Life models with a 110hp version of the 1.0-litre engine and a six-speed manual gearbox will start at £22,770, or £24,360 with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Style models are intended to major on luxury and start from £25,300 with the 110hp engine. A 1.5-litre 150hp unit, supplied as standard with the automatic transmission costs from £28,290.
Most expensive trim level will be the sportily-pitched R-Line, priced from £26,150 with the 110hp manual to a £29,140 automatic with the a 1.5-litre engine.
Toyota has unveiled the Aygo X, reinventing its long-standing Aygo small car as a mini SUV.
On sale in 2022, the Aygo X will reflect the major changes in consumer buying tastes, abandoning the small car that was launched as a joint project with PSA (Peugeot 108 and Citroën C1) in 2005 and which has proven highly successful over the past 16 years.
The Aygo X is a standalone Toyota design, based closely on the Prologue concept that was unveiled in March but with less radical styling. It is pitched as a small SUV with a raised ride height and 5cm higher seating position, but retaining the original Aygo ethos of affordability.
Despite the mini-SUV styling, the Aygo X is very much an on-road vehicle. Toyota saying it is designed “to meet the demands of urban and suburban life,” with a heavy emphasis on lifestyle. Targeting the likes of the Mini, the Aygo X will be offered in a ‘spice’ styling theme, four two-tone styling treatments dubbed ‘Cardamom’, ‘Chilli’, ‘Ginger’ and ‘Juniper’.
It will be front-wheel-drive only, powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with either manual or CVT automatic transmission. Economy figures are yet to be confirmed but Toyota is targeting 60mpg and 109g/km of CO2 emissions on manual versions.
The car is larger than its predecessor – 12cm and 24cm longer with a 9cm longer wheelbase, which frees up more interior room and adds more than 60 litres to the boot space. Despite the expansion, Toyota exists the car is “designed for the narrowest city streets”, pointing out the 9.4-metre turning circle which it claims to be one of the tightest in the class.
The cabin will see a major update over the previous Aygo, dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen in a logenge-shaped centre console panel.
There are styling nods to the original Aygo – while 5cm higher, the body dimensions follow the basic shape of the original car, while the back retains the vertical light clusters and a one-piece glass tailgate. A roll-back canvas roof will also be available for the Aygo X.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an all-new version of its SL roadster, designed and developed by its AMG performance subsidiary.
Development of the new SL was assigned to AMG as the parent company concentrates its resources on developing a new range of electric vehicles to ultimately replace its core passenger car line.
This also created the opportunity for Mercedes to reinvent the SL with a more sporting focus and the adoption of all-wheel-drive for the first time. The company claims that the car is going back to its roots, recalling the famous first-generation 300SL of the 1950s.
Best remembered for the gullwing coupé version, the 300SL was hugely successful on the world’s race circuits, and in roadster form was also a desirable road car. Subsequent generations quickly traded performance for comfort, and by the 1970s the SL had become a heavyweight cruiser.
In line with its sportier new focus, the latest SL is built on a new and lightweight aluminium platform, while the body shell is a composite mix of aluminium, steel, magnesium and carbon fibre. Mercedes says the new shell is 18% more torsionally rigid than the previous model.
The new car has also ditched the complex and weighty folding hard-top roof of the last two generations, returning to a traditional fabric soft top. This saves 21kg over previous hard tops and lowers the car’s centre of gravity, as well as being faster to open and close.
However, despite all of the performance-based changes, it will still be perfectly comfortable and relatively practical for everyday use, as Mercedes isn’t going to completely abandon its traditional SL customer base of the last 40 years.
As with most models since the 1970s, the new SL is offered as a 2+2 roadster, with two very small rear seats. As usual for this sort of vehicle, they are likely to be best used for extra storage space rather than actual passengers.
Mercedes-AMG models lead the rollout
Dubbed the Mercedes-AMG SL, there are two versions of the car at launch – the SL 55 and SL 63. It’s not clear whether regular ‘Mercedes-Benz’ models will follow in coming months.
Both launch versions of the car use a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with a choice of power outputs, either 476hp in the SL 55 model or 585hp in the SL 63. Both are matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time in an SL model, both are all-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive.
Mercedes says that a hybrid powertrain is under development for the SL and will offer the performance credentials of the existing engines.
The SL becomes the first Mercedes-AMG model to be fitted with a multi-link front axle, in similar format to the rear axle, while the more powerful SL 63 debuts a new computer-control active suspension system.
Also new to the car is rear-wheel steering – fitted as standard, the rear wheels angle slightly in the same direction as the fronts or in the opposite direction, depending on the speed of the car, to sharpen the handling response.
The new SL will go on UK sale early in 2022 – prices are yet to be announced but industry observers suggest they will be similar to the Mercedes-AMG GT roadster, which costs from just under £120,000.
Last hurrah for the Mercedes convertible?
The all-new SL arrives at a time when Mercedes-Benz is rationalising its convertible range, with most models facing an uncertain future as the company steers all its efforts into electric cars and yet more SUVs.
The smaller SLC (originally called the SLK) ended production last year after three generations and will not be replaced. This model traced its history back to the late 1990s and was the original folding hard-top convertible.
The S-Class and C-Class cabriolet models also completed their production cycles this year as part of the outgoing S-Class and C-Class families. There are not likely to be new coupé and cabriolet versions of the latest S-Class, while the future of the C-Class versions is not yet clear.
The Mercedes-AMG GT is still offered in a soft top, although this model is now in its twilight years and it is currently unknown whether the company intends to replace it. Any future version will almost certainly share its platform with this new SL.
Mercedes still offers the E-Class cabriolet, which is midway through its production cycle and expected to stick around for another three years or so. Beyond that, who knows?
Electric cars have continued to defy the production chaos that continues to plague the car industry, according to October’s new car registration figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Private new car sales were down a very modest 3% on October, compared to the same month last year. But fleet registrations were down by more than 40%, meaning that the overall market was down by about 25% year-on-year.
As has been the case, car manufacturers have been struggling to supply new cars due to ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips that help power almost every aspect of a modern car. It’s a problem that has affected the industry for most of this year, and will certainly last well into next year.
The combination of a relatively stable private segment, a very poor fleet segment and severe supply issues also means that the top ten and overall manufacturer results are quite mixed up once again.
An electric atmosphere
Nearly half of all new cars registered in October (48%) had some form of electrification. Just over 16% of that was from mild hybrids, where a small electric motor boost a petrol or diesel engine but can’t run the car on its own. Fully-electric cars had another stellar month, making up more than 15% of all new car registrations for the second month in a row, while plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids (that can’t be plugged in but can run for short distances on electrical power alone) both took about 8% of the market each.
Unsurpisingly, diesel had another terrible month – although, for the first time in a while, it wasn’t yet another “worst month ever”. Pretty close, though…
Good month, bad month
It was yet another disastrous month (by its normal lofty standards) for Ford. Traditionally the UK’s biggest new car brand, the Blue Oval was only sixth in overall sales behind Volkswagen, BMW, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Last month’s biggest-selling brand, Toyota, fell back to a more normal ninth place. Overall, it was yet another topsy-turvy month, with each manufacturer’s performance largely dependent on how many cars it had available to sell. Against an overall market that was down 25%, there was a lot of variation.
The Volkswagen Polo topped the sales charts in October, just edging out the Mini hatch, while the new Nissan Qashqai completed the top three. From there, it was a bit of a jumble once again.
The Ford Focus appeared for the first time in months, and was the only Ford in the top ten. It was another miserable month for the Ford Fiesta, which appears to have claimed only 539 registrations in October – by comparison, Volkswagen registered six times as many Polos.
This all means that the Vauxhall Corsa is now a nailed-on certainty to finish 2021 as the UK’s best-selling car, even if Vauxhall closed all its showrooms right now. The Fiesta, which has ruled the roost for the last 12 years, has slumped to fifth and looks to be at risk of being overtaken by its SUV sibling, the Ford Puma, and could fall even further if the Nissan Qashqai continues to sell up a storm.
As usual, we’ll have our full analysis of the top ten in the next few days.
The Hyundai Bayon is the smallest SUV/crossover in the Hyundai range, which is essentially a taller and boxier version of the Hyundai i20hatchback.
While the Bayon’s bigger brother, the Kona, has a wide variety of powertrain options to choose from – including the Kona Electric and Kona N performance model – the Bayon has only two 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines to choose from, either 99hp or 120hp; both being fitted with mild-hybrid assistance. The Hyundai Bayon is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven speed automatic.
The Bayon has received a mixed bag of reviews from the UK media, ranging from very good to fairly average ratings. Auto Express concludes that the Bayon is “bang on target” for what a compact SUV should be, explaining that “It nails its brief of being practical, it’s well equipped, packed with features, comfortable and easy to drive.”
Top Gear add that it would fit into everyday life with ease, but sum up their review by commenting that the Hyundai Bayon “manages to be pretty good at everything without being exceptional at anything.”
Carbuyer come to a similar conclusion, explaining that the Bayon does not have any defining features that help it stand out it what is already a very competitive compact SUV/crossover market, and therefore it faces “an uphill struggle against rivals like the Ford Puma and Renault Captur.”
As of March 2026, the Hyundai Bayon holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 65%. It scores highly for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, while its safety rating is also good – especially for a small car. The score is dragged down somewhat by poor media reviews, and we don’t yet ave reliability data, but the Bayon should be a very affordable car to own.
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The new Hyundai Bayon feels like a small SUV that’s bang on target. It nails its brief of being practical, it’s well equipped, packed with features, comfortable and easy to drive – it even arrives with value on its side. All this while making a splash with those looks.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Hyundai Bayon is a stylish compact crossover with a generous specification but faces an uphill struggle against rivals like the Ford Puma and Renault Captur.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Looking at the Bayon from a purely rational viewpoint, it makes a lot of sense. The 48v enhanced engines are refined and pull well from low revs, while the ride is comfortable. It’s also more spacious inside than many rivals and benefits from Hyundai’s five-year warranty. Sensible stuff.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Bayon is an honest car. It’s practical and affordable, as well as loaded with kit and surprisingly spacious. Though it might not be the most involving car to drive, it never makes any pretences about needing to offer this.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Hyundai Bayon is a stylish and feature-laden addition to the small SUV market.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Range overview “Sensible and mainstream addition to Hyundai’s line-up that doesn’t do anything new but fills a gap in an important segment of the market.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Hyundai Bayon is a no-nonsense small SUV. It’s not the flashiest, sportiest or even the most spacious crossover on the market, but it does represent impressive value for money. It’ll be cheap to run, too, thanks to its frugal engine.” Author: Al Suttie Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview “A cheaper alternative to the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Ford Puma. Expected to start in the region of £20,000.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Hyundai’s latest SUV is packed with tech and is a comfortable steer.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview “Hyundai Bayon Ultimate is OK to drive but the interior lets it down.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Ultimate Score: 8 / 10 “Simple, capacious and reasonably economical, the Hyundai Bayon is a B-segment crossover with the accommodation of a C-segment car. Considering the equipment levels, the price is pretty good and for simple value for money with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, the Bayon gets the job done.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “Manages to be pretty good at everything without being exceptional at anything, but it’ll be a doddle to live with.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Clean Air Index: 3.4 / 10 Energy Efficiency Index: 5.4 / 10 Greenhouse Gas Index: 4.1 / 10
Green NCAP tested the emissions of the Hyundai Bayon in Summer 2022, awarding the car a two-and-a-half star rating. These scores apply only to the mild-hybrid versions of the Bayon, not the petrol-only variants.
Addressing this mild-hybrid system, Green NCAP commented that it “is not enough to balance out the problems of the three-cylinder (petrol) engine”, and that “in all tests it produced particles that are close to exceeding the limits at which positive points are scored.”
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 Hyundai Bayon 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 Bayon, 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
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
125 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
16
A
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£172
B
Year 2
£468
B
Year 3
£755
B
Year 4
£947
B
Year 5
£1,240
A
Overall
£3,582
B
The Hyundai Bayon is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Servicing and insurance bills should be very competitive, while fuel consumption is also very good for day-to-day driving.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai Bayon, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Volkswagen has revealed the ID.5 as the third member of the brand’s latest generation electric family, alongside the ID.3 hatchback and ID.4 crossover.
To all intents and purposes, the ID.5 is a liftback version of the ID.4 and is expected to go on sale early in 2022. It will be available in both a standard single-motor version with power outputs of 175 or 205hp, and a performance-pitched GTX model with motors on both axles totalling 300hp.
All versions employ a 77kWh battery, which unsurprisingly provides almost identical driving range to the equivalent ID.4 models. Volkswagen quotes a potential 323 miles between charges on entry-level models, dropping to 304 miles in the GTX.
Volkswagen is also introducing a new ‘Vehicle Dynamics Manager’ which technical head Thomas Ulbrich describes as a “groundbreaking development.” It works with all the main control electronics, networking together the all-wheel-drive, traction control and safety systems.
Volkswagen ID.5
Volkswagen ID.4
To all intents and purposes, the ID.5 is a slightly sleeker version of the ID.4.
Inside, the ID.5 cabin will be virtually identical to that of the ID.4, though an updated infotainment system includes new generation 3.0 software – this is said to improve charging performance, offer a better voice control feature and access to online updates over the air.
Connected services are also included to provide the driver with real-time traffic updates, map updates and other information. Options available include a head-up display.
The safety performance has also been updated through the addition of a communication system dubbed Car2X. It gathers data from compatible Volkswagen cars and infrastructure in a range of 800 metres, to alert the driver to such problems as stationary traffic, accidents and other dangers.
Volkswagen is yet to reveal prices for the ID.5 though it is thought it will start from around £47,000, pitching it against such rivals as the recently-launched Kia EV6 and the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback.
Audi has carried out a minor facelift to its A8 large saloon, with subtle styling changes and more technology.
The visual changes are very much detailing, the shape of the grille made wider with more chrome added and the air intakes and headlamps modified to make the car’s front end look more purposeful.
Audi is also offering new exterior styling options for the car – the S line exterior package, offered for the first time on the car, adds extra blades to the air intakes in similar fashion to the S8 performance model. New exterior colours available include a shade dubbed Metallic District Green.
The major upgrade to the A8 sees new Digital Matrix LED headlights available. The system uses around 1.3 million micro mirrors in each lamp, which split the light into individual pixels and allow highly precise adjustment of the beams.
The new headlamps are described as emitting a ‘carpet of light’, especially in the driver’s lane where the beam is said to be comparable to a video projector.
Digital OLED (organic light-emitting diode) lights are now standard on the back of the car and include a proximity sensor, illuminating automatically if another vehicle comes within two metres of a stationary A8.
Additions to the interior, adding to the car’s executive travel credentials, see a pair of ten-inch infotainment screens mounted in front of the rear seats – a touchscreen remote in the centre armrest controls them.
Audi has also tidied up the safety options into three packages dubbed ‘Park’, ‘City’ and ‘Tour’ and encompassing 40 different driver-assist systems.
The A8 is available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with 3.0-litre V6 petrol or diesel engines offering 340 and 286hp respectively, a 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid with 462hp or with a 4.0-litre bi-turbo petrol V8 in the S8 performance model, producing 571hp and a 3.8-second 0-62mph time.
UK sales of the revised A8 commence in December, with prices starting from £73,375.
Grocery giant Tesco is showing the way in installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points at its supermarkets, according to new data released this week.
The study by EV mapping service Zap-Map and the RAC shows that almost 1,000 new EV charging points have been installed in supermarket car parks since January 2020, boosting the total available at these outlets from 1,112 to 2,059.
Of all the UK’s 26,000 publicly accessible EV charging points, 8% are now sited at supermarkets – 1,300 locations in total, compared to 607 at the start of last year.
Tesco appears to be leading the charge to electric – it has installed 641 chargers over the last 23 months, boosting the total available at its stores to 922 – some 678 more than its nearest rival Asda, which has a total of 246 charging points.
However, while 514 Tesco outlets now offer EV charging – 372 more than in January 2020 – this is still only 13% of the brand’s 4,008 stores throughout the UK.
Leading the way in percentage terms is Morrisons – having added chargers to another 112 of its 497 stores since January 2020, it can now offer such facilities at 40% of its network. Rival Lidl has installed EV chargers at 141 locations, taking its total to 203, a quarter of its store network.
Morrisons also leads the way with rapid chargers – it now has 197, compared to 150 at Lidl stores and just 64 at Tesco outlets. Plugged into a rapid charger most EV batteries will be replenished to around 80% capacity in less than 45 minutes, around the time many people take to complete their weekly supermarket shop.
According to the data Tesco, Morrisons and Lidl are the only supermarket retailers who have so far made significant investment in chargers – other brands including Waitrose, Aldi and even Sainsbury’s, the second-biggest retailer on the UK market with more than 1,400 stores, are showing little interest in attracting EV drivers.
Reacting to the findings, RAC director of EVs Sarah Winward-Kotecha emphasised the importance of charging facilities being available at supermarkets which most consumers use at least weekly.
“While the majority of drivers going electric will be fortunate enough to be able to charge easily on their driveways at home, for the remainder it won’t be so easy so having access to free, or affordable, charging facilities at supermarkets is very important, and could even help accelerate EV take-up in the first place,” Winward-Kotecha said.
