The Car Expert

Ford Puma ST

Andrew Charman

-

13 October 2021

Summary

The Ford Puma ST is the performance version of the petrol Ford Puma, introduced in 2020. It combines the standard Puma’s small SUV practicality with a more powerful engine and chassis upgrades intended to deliver sharper handling.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 200hp, shared with the previous Fiesta ST. Suspension, steering and brakes are tuned for more focused driving, and visual changes inside and out distinguish the ST from the regular Puma.

UK media reviews have been broadly positive. The Ford Puma ST is widely regarded as one of the most engaging small SUVs to drive, with strong grip and quick steering response. The engine delivers brisk acceleration while retaining everyday usability.

However, the firmer suspension and large wheels can make the ride unsettled on rough roads. Interior materials are similar to the standard Puma and do not feel especially premium, and the sports seats may not suit all drivers.

Safety and running costs are average for the class, while CO₂ emissions are higher than the standard mild hybrid Puma. As with other Ford models, warranty cover is notably shorter than many rivals.

As of February 2026, the Ford Puma ST holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%. Strong media review scores support the result, while average safety performance, average running costs, higher emissions and very limited warranty cover reduce the overall grade. The Used Car Expert Rating is slightly higher at B (65%).

Puma ST highlights

Sharp handling for a small SUV
Strong turbocharged petrol engine
More engaging to drive than the standard Puma
Practicality retained from regular model
Positive media review consensus

Puma ST lowlights

Firm ride on rough roads
Higher CO₂ emissions than standard Puma
Running costs only average
Interior materials feel ordinary
Very short warranty cover

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £33,880 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: Summer 2024
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“When Ford updated the Puma at the end of 2024, one significant update made to the flagship ST variant wasn’t for the better. Ford dropped the 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and manual gearbox, leaving just the lower-powered 1.0-litre version with the Powershift automatic. This combination simply doesn’t do justice to the ST badge, and while the car’s chassis is lively and entertaining, the lack of punch and slow-witted auto put a big dampener on what the car can deliver. “

Model reviewed: 2025 update

Score: 5 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Dean Gibson

“The Ford Puma ST is the sportiest version of the Puma compact SUV, with meaner looks and a racier setup, but it’s very uncomfortable around town.”

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Darren Cassey

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre 3cyl turbocharged petrol
Score: 9 / 10
“In the Puma ST, Ford has created the best-handling compact SUV on the market – and by some margin. True, it’s more expensive than the Fiesta ST with which the Puma ST shares so much – and not quite as thrilling to drive – but if this is the sort of car you want, it’s the best of its type.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed:
“Ford decided to give its already sporty little Puma crossover the full ST treatment, based on the engine and other bits from the brilliant Fiesta ST. In the process we think it might just have reinvented the hot hatch as we know it.”
Read review

“The Ford Puma is one of the best crossovers on the market, so the Puma ST performance edition looked incredibly promising. But changes made in the pursuit of speed have been aggressive, so it’ll be down to your driving style as to whether they suit you.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: Performance Pack
Score: 8 / 10
“As a package, the Puma ST shouldn’t work as well as it does, but it demonstrates the talent of Ford’s engineers as this car must be the most fun to drive small crossover on-sale right now.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual
Score: 10 / 10
“The Ford Puma ST feels just as pliable and adjustable as the Fiesta ST supermini on which it’s based; from the seating position – which simply feels a little higher than the Fiesta’s – to the powertrain, which actually improves on the superminis. The result is an unlikely all-rounder.”
Read review

Car Keys

Score: 10 / 10
“Combine one of the most fun hot hatches with one of the best-driving crossovers and the result is brilliant. The Ford Puma ST is unquestionably one of the best cars of its type to drive, offering just that bit more practicality than the Fiesta ST with its larger boot and more generous rear-seat space.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed:
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Ford Puma ST is great to drive, has a brilliant engine and offers all the practicality of an SUV with hot hatch thrills.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Score: 8 / 10
“Those already in the crossover camp who want a family car with more sparkle will undoubtedly love the Puma.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: ST-Line X Vignale
“What really makes this car such a winner is it’s driving experience and fun nature – starting with its smart design.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
“It’s not quite in the same league as the Kuga and that is arguably its toughest rival, but it delivers more of what I think a driver wants in terms of style and image. And it has that captivating ST badge.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A slightly more grown up and practical take on the excellent Fiesta ST that we can’t help but wish was less crossover and more coupe.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Puma’s sporty styling – including a sloping roofline silhouette and pronounced wheel arches – lends itself to a more extreme Puma ST design that combines form and function.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The whole car feels just as pliable and adjustable as the supermini on which its based; from the seating position which simply feels a little higher than the Fiesta’s – to the powertrain, which actually improves on the superminis.”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview
“It’s loads of fun. Just brilliant fun – and it’s even practical.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
“It’s a lot of fun to drive in a hurry, extremely well engineered and worthy of the ST badge. If just a little pricey.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Score: 6 / 10
“The Ford Puma ST is fun but flawed.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Score: 8 / 10
“A combination of a high-performance drivetrain and a modish supermini SUV looks a winner on paper, but in practice the Ford Puma ST pricey and too harsh.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The right badge on the wrong car? Perhaps not. It’s a cracker to drive.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: December 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 75%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 69%

Despite being recently downgraded from top marks to a four-star crash test rating, the Ford Puma has a competitive set of safety scores, particularly for adult (front seat) and child (rear seat) protection. Scores for vulnerable road user (pedestrian and cyclist) protection and safety assistance systems (to help you avoid an accident in the first place) are also above average for the small SUV sector.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2026, the Ford Puma ST has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	47 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	150 g/km	C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	21	B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£208	B
Year 2	£529	B
Year 3	£856	B
Year 4	£1,133	C
Year 5	£1,507	C
Overall	£4,233	C

The Ford Puma ST is a bit more expensive to own and run than the regular Puma models, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Average servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years are likely to be about 40% more expensive than a regular Puma, while fuel economy is about 6mpg worse as well.

The good news is that insurance costs are expected to be very good, which is a pleasant surprise for a performance model.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Ford Puma ST 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 Puma ST, we’ll publish the score here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Ford Puma ST

Overall ratingE15%
New car warranty duration3 years
New car warranty mileage60,000 miles
Battery warranty duration0 years
Battery warranty mileage0 miles

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

Warranty on a used Ford Puma ST

If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Ford Puma ST from an official Ford Direct dealership, you will get a minimum two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty included.
If you are buying a used Ford Puma ST from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
If you are buying a used Ford Puma ST from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Ford Puma ST

Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/329
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2023 to 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 144
Defect: Certain vehicles are equipped with tyres which do not meet the Rolling Road Resistance as required to support emissions and CO₂ requirements.
Remedy: Tyre replacement if required.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there has been one DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Ford Puma ST to address a tyre issue. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.

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

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

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Ford Puma ST, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi SQ2 | Ford Fiesta ST | Hyundai Kona N | Mini Countryman JCW | Volkswagen T-Roc R

Performance compact SUVs are not exactly plentiful, but if you desire one there are some alternatives to the Puma ST, though generally they are 4x4s and so cost more money, while according to reviewers offering arguably less fun.

Alternatively, within the Ford family you could always look at the Fiesta ST, since it shares most of its underpinnings withe the higher-riding Puma.

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

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New Ford Tourneo Connect revealed ahead of 2022 launch

New model

Andrew Charman

-

13 October 2021

0

New Ford Tourneo Connect revealed ahead of 2022 launch

Ford will launch an all-new version of its Tourneo Connect MPV in Spring 2022, in two lengths both offering seven-seat accommodation.

Replacing the previous five-seat Tourneo Connect and seven-seat Grand Tourneo Connect and based on the Transit Connect van, the new vehicle will also be offered with a range of digital technologies seeking to lift it from its budget people-carrier status to effectively take the place of Ford’s discontinued C-Max models.

The second and third row of seats are removable to increase load space. The front passenger seat also folds back to accommodate items up to three metres in length such as flat-pack furniture or timber.

Power is provided by either a 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is available in two power outputs. Both engines are available with manual or automatic transmissions, while the more powerful diesel unit is also available with all-wheel drive.

Entry-level Tourneo Connect models will be supplied with an infotainment system using an eight-inch screen – a ten-inch version is standard on all other models and can be specified for the entry-level car. Sport versions also include a ten-inch digital display for the driver, which is an option on other models.

Safety levels have been improved on the new model with up to 19 driver assistance technologies on offer. Standard specification on all versions includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, cruise control, hill-start assistance and front and rear parking sensors.

Orders for the new Tourneo Connect open in early 2022 at prices yet to be specified. Ford expects the car to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers, from families who regularly need to carry sports and camping equipment to small businesses transporting personnel and stock.

More Ford news, ratings, reviews and features

Britain’s best-selling cars, September 2021

Stuart Masson

-

12 October 2021

0

Britain’s best-selling cars, September 2021

September is always one of the two biggest months of the year for new car registrations as new number plates bring buyers into showrooms, but 2021 continues to ignore the usual scripts.

Toyota was the country’s biggest-selling car brand for the month, ahead of Kia, while perennial sales leader Ford slumped to ninth. EVs hit a new record market share, while diesel’s market share crashed to a new all-time low. And most car manufacturers struggled to get enough of any cars at all to sell to customers.

Ongoing shortages of crucial semiconductor chips continue to have a massive impact on new car registrations, and the top ten list for September reflected these supply issues. The Ford Fiesta, for example, had an absolutely disastrous month with fewer than 1,800 registrations – which doesn’t look good compared to the Vauxhall Corsa’s 5,200 sales for the month…

We’ve published our normal report on 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 September 2021.

The UK’s top-selling cars, September 2021

1. Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 (2019) new car ratings and reviews | The Car Expert

Tesla Model 3 (2019 onwards) – Expert Rating

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It’s not the first time that the Tesla Model 3 has topped the new car sales charts, but to do so in September is probably Tesla’s strongest sales achievement yet. The American company continues to dominate the electric car scene, which will have other manufacturers scratching their heads as to why their own EVs are not selling up a storm in the same way.

The Tesla Model 3 currently holds an Expert Rating of 83% according to our industry-leading Expert Rating Index, which is much higher than an Audi A4 or Mercedes C-Class, and just behind the BMW 3 Series.

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2. Vauxhall Corsa

More Vauxhall ratings, reviews, news and features

The Vauxhall Corsa recovered strongly in September after a poor couple of months, and it now looks a nailed-on favourite to end 2021 as the UK’s best-selling car with a lead of more than 6,000 units with only three months to go for the year. Vauxhall will presumably be begging its Stellantis overlords for as many cars as it can get to finally bring the Ford Fiesta’s long reign to an end.

The petrol and diesel versions of the new Corsa currently hold a rather poor Expert Rating of 63% 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.

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3. BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series (2019 onwards) – Expert Rating

BMW 3 Series (2019 onwards) – Expert Rating

More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features

The BMW 3 Series continues its strong run through the second half of the year, improving from fifth last month to third in September. That also means that the 3 Series is closing in on the Toyota Yaris for eighth place in year-to-date registrations with just three months of the year to go.

The 3 Series currently rates two points better than the electric Tesla Model 3 in our Expert Rating Index, and a long way ahead of other petrol/diesel/plug-in rivals from Audi, Mercedes and others. As of October 2021, it has an overall score of 85%, which is exceptionally high.

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4. Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating

More Toyota ratings, reviews, news and features

It was another great month for the Toyota Yaris, with fourth place in September resulting in selling a lot more cars than third place in August or second place in July. Toyota is coping much better with semiconductor supply than most manufacturers, which is certainly helping Yaris sales at the expense of rivals like the Ford Fiesta.

The Yaris currently holds an overall score of 67% on our Expert Rating Index, which has dropped from its previous rating of 76% since we updated our unique algorithm. This is a bigger fall than affected the Polo or Fiesta, but still keeps it four points above the Corsa.

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5. Nissan Qashqai

More Nissan ratings, reviews, news and features

September marked the market introduction of the all-new third-generation Nissan Qashqai, replacing one of the UK’s most successful vehicles and hoping for more of the same.

Nissan will be hoping that it can get production up to speed and maintain that level without being dogged by supply problems in order to give the new Qashqai a solid start in life. It’s certainly been a good start, and everyone up in Sunderland will have their fingers crossed…

We don’t yet have enough reviews of the new Qashqai to produce our Expert Rating report, but this will be coming soon. The previous model was competitive with other mainstream medium SUVs throughout its life, and the new one is a marked improvement in pretty much every area.

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6. Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage (2015 - 2021) - Expert Rating

Kia Sportage (2015 onwards) – Expert Rating

More Kia ratings, reviews, news and features

September was almost certainly the last big hurrah for the current Sportage, ahead of its replacement by an all-new model before the end of 2021. The Sportage also inched closer to the Volkswagen Polo in year-to-date sales, but the end-of-year result will very much depend on how much stock Kia has of both the outgoing car and the new model.

The Sportage currently holds an Expert Rating of 64% in our industry-leading Expert Ratings index, which puts it firmly in the bottom half of the medium SUV sector. Kia will hoping that its boldly styled replacement can improve on this score.

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7. Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo (2018 onwards) Expert Rating

Volkswagen Polo (2017 onwards) – Expert Rating

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The Volkswagen Polo’s 2021 renaissance continued in September with another strong result. The facelifted Polo was supposed to have arrived in time for the September sales rush, but Volkswagen dealers are apparently still waiting to see the new models. Fortunately, they seemed to have about 4,000 of the current model in stock to deliver to customers…

The Polo currently holds an Expert Rating of 76%, 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.

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8. Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo (2014 onwards) Expert Rating

Toyota Aygo (2014 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Helping Toyota top the sales charts in September was a fantastic result for the Aygo city car, making its first appearance (that we can remember, anyway) in the top ten.

The Aygo has been around since 2014, so it’s certainly in the autumn of its life and a new model is expected to arrive sometime next year. As of October 2021, it holds an Expert Rating of just 54%, so it’s well off the pace of other city cars like the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up.

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9. Kia Niro

More Kia news, ratings, reviews and features

The Kia Niro made a return to the top ten for the first time since February, helping Kia to second place in overall manufacturer registrations, just behind Toyota. Overall, the Hyundai-Kia collective appears to have managed its supply of semiconductors better than most car manufacturers, which has very much helped the results for both brands.

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.

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10. Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf – Britain's best-selling cars of 2020

Volkswagen Golf (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating

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After disappearing from the top ten altogether last month, the Volkswagen crept back into tenth place in September. Mind you, that was still enough to overhaul a 1,600 unit deficit to the Ford Fiesta and overtake it for second place in year-to-date registrations. Volkswagen also strengthened its overall lead in the manufacturer sales race, and looks pretty certain to displace Ford as the country’s most popular car brand for 2021.

The Golf’s Expert Rating of 75% is a point behind the Ford Focus, as well as its electric sibling, the Volkswagen ID.3. However, it remains a few points better than either the Mercedes-Benz A-Class or the Audi A3.

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The 5 top-rated premium car brands in the UK

Car buying advice

Sean Rees

-

8 October 2021

0

The 5 top-rated premium car brands in the UK

It seems that almost every manufacturer is pining for ‘premium’ perfection these days, aiming to release that one family-friendly model that scores so highly with the media and general public that it gives them the pedigree to bump up their prices. But which of these brands deserves to charge a premium?

It’s relatively easy for a brand to produce a high-performance model that has car journalists drooling, but those cars tend to serve as halo models that get headlines, while we’re interested in the real volume-selling models.

By consulting our industry-leading Expert Rating Index, we’ve ranked the best manufacturers with premium reputations by their overall Expert Rating, across all the family-oriented models in their range (saloons, hatchbacks, SUVs and so on) – deliberately ignoring sports cars and low-volume high-performance models (like BMW M or Mercedes-AMG models) that can skew the overall scores.

We’re also making an arbritary judgment on what counts as a ‘premium’ brand here. We’re looking at car companies that are selling in large volumes but are priced above the mainstream manufacturers. That means we’re not counting luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, or niche supercar brands like Ferrari or McLaren.

With more than 8,700 different reviews from the UK motoring media powering our rankings, you can be confident that this is the definitive guide to the best premium car brands selling their models in the UK right now.

5th: Jaguar (73%)

Overall Expert Rating: 73%
Stand-out model: Jaguar I-Pace (85%)

Like most car companies, Jaguar has invested heavily into SUVs in recent years. The E-Pace, F-Pace and I-Pace models now comfortably outsell the traditional XE and XF saloons, while the flagship XJ saloon has been pensioned off altogether. The F-Type coupé and convertible are not counted towards Jaguar’s score here.

Jaguar’s current range of executive and family models is a small but solid line-up, but its the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace that is the pick of the bunch. It’s well-regarded among the media for its lavish interior, thrilling performance and excellent safety features.

Every car across the range has been praised for its driving dynamics, but whatever new Jaguar catches your eye, you may find that the prices are a bit higher than for rivals from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Finance offers aren’t helped by residual values that are generally lower than the German rivals, leading to higher monthly payments.

There have also been doubts about the long-term reliability of Jaguar cars, while the infotainment systems installed by the British manufacturer have been well off the standards set by other premium brands. A new system called Pivi Pro has closed the gap in this regard, but it’s still not a match for the likes of BMW’s iDrive.

More Jaguar ratings, reviews, news and features

Jaguar Expert Ratings

Jaguar F-Pace (2016 to 2024)

Jaguar XF (2015 to 2024)

Jaguar XE (2015 to 2024)

Jaguar E-Pace (2017 to 2024)

Jaguar I-Pace (2018 to 2024)

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Browse cars

Browse cars

4th: BMW (74%)

Overall Expert Rating: 74%
Stand-out model: BMW 5 Series (87%)

BMW is a global brand with considerable pedigree, particularly notable for its very wide selection of impressive high-end models at attractive prices. Labelled the fourth best premium brand by our Expert Rating Index, BMW has been ranked higher than its key competitors Audi and Mercedes-Benz, who both failed to make the top five.

Although the BMW 3 Series deserves a lot of praise, it is the BMW 5 Series that is the most beloved by the UK media. It has received more than 25 industry awards since its launch in 2017, thanks to its cars almost always offering a superior driving experience, as well as plenty of refinement and high build quality.

The only universal criticism that BMW regularly receives is that many of its optional extras are often standard features on other, cheaper brands. Oh, plus the styling of most models is most politely described as “polarising”.

More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features

BMW Expert Ratings

BMW X6

BMW X4

BMW X3 (2017 to 2024)

BMW X2 (2018 to 2023)

BMW iX3 (2021 to 2025)

BMW i3 (2013 to 2022)

BMW 7 Series (2015 to 2022)

BMW 5 Series (2017 to 2023)

BMW 3 Series

BMW 1 Series

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Browse cars

3rd: Land Rover (76%)

Overall Expert Rating: 76%

Stand-out model: Land Rover Defender (85%)

The second entrant in these rankings from the Jaguar Land Rover family, Land Rover is a prestigious brand that many British motoring journalists look upon with fondness and a patriotic lens. This is likely why Land Rover is placed 3rd in this list, its Overall Expert Rating just inching ahead of BMW.

The Land Rover range comes highly recommended by the UK media for its impressive off-roading talent, as well as its lavish interior trims, every-day practical features, and quality infotainment. Reviewers also expect that the Land Rover range will be slower to depreciate in value than other competitors in the premium SUV classes.

However, much like Jaguar, the motoring media collectively shares concerns about the long-term reliability of Land Rover models, which are rather notorious for developing faults, and point out that Land Rover SUVs are not the economical choice for those looking to count their miles per gallon.

With these drawbacks, some reviewers struggle to find justification for Land Rover’s comparatively high pricing, when there are more reliable and economical high-end SUV options available for less.

More Land Rover ratings, reviews, news and features

Land Rover Expert Ratings

Land Rover Defender

Range Rover Sport (2013 to 2022)

Range Rover Velar

Land Rover Discovery

Range Rover (2013 to 2021)

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Range Rover Evoque

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Browse cars

2nd: Porsche (77%)

Overall Expert Rating: 77%

Stand-out model: Porsche Taycan (88%)

Renowned for scintillating performance and fantastic engine quality, Porsche has successfully managed to take the thrilling driving dynamics and sleek and sporty interior of its 911 sports car, and tweak that formula for the premium family car market.

Porsche’s family-orientated options only consist of two SUVs and two large saloons; the exceptionally fun driving experience and surprising practicality being the key positives for buyers interested in this range.

Launched in 2019, the Porsche Taycan is the choice of our Expert Rating Index, which offers the perfect balance between the practical sensibilities of a family saloon and the blistering pace and performance of a hypercar.

Much like BMW, the major criticism that frequently crops up in Porsche reviews is the expensive price of optional extras, which should really be available as standard.

Porsche Expert Ratings

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Browse cars

1st: Tesla (79%)

Overall Expert Rating: 79%

Stand-out model: Tesla Model 3 (83%)

Bringing our rankings to a close, our Expert Ratings index has decided that Tesla is on top when it comes to choosing a premium brand for your next family car. With only three models in the Tesla line-up, there really isn’t too much choice, but all three have proved popular with both critics and the buying public.

In fact, the Tesla Model 3, praised for its fantastic performance, driving dynamics and minimalist style, regularly pops up in the UK’s top ten sellers list, including recently taking the top spot as the country’s best-selling car in the UK in September 2021.

Tesla has been universally admired for the exterior styling of its models and its practical tech features, but reviewers are quick to criticise the quality of interior materials and overall build quality, as well as ergonomic issues caused by concentrating almost all the car’s controls into a single touchscreen.

More Tesla ratings, reviews, news and features

Tesla Expert Ratings

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model X

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Browse cars

For the definitive rankings of the top five premium brands, we’ve used The Car Expert’s industry-leading Expert Rating index.

The index analyses new car reviews from 25 of the top UK motoring websites, using an advanced algorithm that we have developed specifically to compare review scores. It constantly recalculates and updates the Expert Rating score for every single car in real time to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and reliable ratings for every new car.

New battery adds 110 miles to MG ZS EV

Model update

Andrew Charman

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8 October 2021

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MG has unveiled an updated version of the ZS electric compact SUV, extending the car’s range by up to 110 miles.

Fitted with the new 72kWh battery, the ZS EV has an official battery range of up to 273 miles, compared to 163 miles for the existing model.

Charging of the new battery takes 10.5 hours on a standard 7kW charger, or 42 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger. The car comes fitted with a combination Type 2 and CCS charger and now includes a charging status indicator by means of LEDs inside the charging port.

Other updates to the latest version of the MG ZS include styling changes that follow the updates already applied to the petrol ZS range. The electric model now sports a bespoke front end, featuring a stamped-effect grille to improve aerodynamics and a new side-opening charging port.

LED headlights and bespoke daytime running lights are included while the rear bumper has been redesigned and new wheel designs added.

Inside, MG is fitting its latest connectivity system – this connects via a smartphone app, and offers remote control of various car, climate, security and charging functions.

Coinciding with the updates the car’s trim levels have been renamed, with the ZS EV now available in SE or Trophy variants.

The ten-inch tablet-style touchscreen in the centre console now has new graphics and has been made easier to use. A new instrument cluster is fitted while Trophy versions also offer wireless phone charging.

The MG ZS EV goes on sale in November – prices are yet to be announced. The ZS is the best-selling of MG’s now three-strong electrified range that also includes the MG 5 estate EV and larger MG HS plug-in hybrid SUV.

MG intends to introduce an additional lower-cost electric model to the ZS EV range in 2022, fitted with a 51kWh battery giving up to 198 miles between charges.

Crucially needed updates for budget EV SUV
The improved battery range and updated infotainment system address two of the key concerns raised by reviewers on the original model, which contributed to the ZS EV’s relatively poor Expert Rating of 56% as of October 2021.

A (claimed) battery range of 273 miles is far more competitive with other small electric SUVs, and for many households it will make the ZS EV a far more viable option than before.

However, the update is unlikely to address the car’s other main criticisms, which were a dull driving experience and poor quality interior materials.
Stuart Masson, editor

The Car Expert launches new car review and ranking platform for the UK

Press release

Stuart Masson

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7 October 2021

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The Car Expert launches a game-changing ranking for new cars
Ratings aggregated from 25 of the UK’s top motoring websites
Invaluable market intelligence for car manufacturer

London, 7 October 2021: The Car Expert has this week unveiled its unique Expert Rating Index – the most powerful new car review and ranking platform ever seen in the UK. It’s designed to be the new gold standard for rating the best and worst new cars for consumers, and the ultimate brand performance barometer for car manufacturers.

The Expert Rating Index brings a level of sophistication never before seen in ranking the best and worst new cars in the UK. The Car Expert’s team compiles new car reviews from 25 of the UK’s top automotive sites, then applies an advanced algorithm to produce a definitive rating for each car.

It provides car manufacturers with unique market intelligence on how each media title is reporting on individual car brands and models, harnessing the combined weight of more than 8,500 new car reviews and increasing every week.

The index brings science and data analysis to the subjective and old-fashioned world of reviewing new cars, using established aggregating principles in a similar fashion to sites like Rotten Tomatoes – the world’s most famous review aggregator site – Metacritic and others.

Developed entirely within the UK but capable of being applied anywhere in the world, this is the first time that aggregated ratings technology has been used to publicly rate and rank new car reviews.

“After three years of research, development and public testing, the Expert Rating Index is now the most accurate and reliable method ever developed to rate new cars,” said Stuart Masson, editorial director of The Car Expert.

“It’s the new gold standard for ranking the best and worst new cars for both consumers and car manufacturers. Think of it as ‘the Rotten Tomatoes of car reviews’.”

The Car Expert will publish quarterly reports from the Expert Rating Index, the first of which is scheduled to be out by the end of October.

What’s an Expert Rating?

The Expert Rating score for a car is an aggregated rating made up of a number of individual review scores from up to 25 different sources. This can be as few as 12 reviews and in some cases is more than 60 (as some cars have multiple variants of engines, body styles and trim levels, or are simply more widely reviewed).

The Expert Rating Index factors in the age of each review, so that newer reviews carry more weight than older reviews. It also breaks down the complex web of different scoring systems that different websites use in their reviews.

All the data is pulled together with hundreds of calculations to produce a definitive score for each new car – the only number that you can trust.

Licensing

The Car Expert’s aggregated ratings technology is also available for licensing, either to power vehicle ratings on external sites or for internal analytical use. For example, Leasing.com, one of the UK’s top car leasing websites, is now using a custom algorithm and bespoke integration from The Car Expert to power its new car ratings.

ENDS

Note to editors

The Car Expert is the UK’s most comprehensive automotive consumer advice site. It has been providing independent, impartial advice to UK car buyers and car owners for 10 years.

Two million readers each year rely on The Car Expert for news, information and advice on every aspect of buying, financing, owning and selling their cars.

The Car Expert also provides expert advice to broadcast media in the UK and beyond, with editor Stuart Masson regularly appearing on TV and radio with the BBC and commercial stations.

Visit The Car Expert on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

All-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer unveiled

Andrew Charman

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6 October 2021

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All-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer unveiled

BMW has unveiled the second-generation version of its 2 Series Active Tourer, promising more space and updated powertrains to go with the bold new look.

Observers will have no difficulty telling the new compact MPV from its predecessor, the front-end dominated by the grille which under BMW’s controversial latest styling language has significantly grown in size. It houses a radar detector, part of an expanded suite of driver-assistance systems.

Other styling changes include a new front headlamp design, revised side styling and smaller rear lamp clusters.

The interior has undergone much greater changes, according to BMW following the example of the iX electric SUV. There is more space available, thanks to a bigger body shell in all dimensions and both the front and rear wheels being spaced wider apart.

The cabin is dominated by a one-piece curved display unit in which is mounted both the driver’s 10-inch digital instrument panel and a central touchscreen of 11 inches. This accesses the latest version of the BMW iDrive infotainment system, the first time this has been offered in one of the brand’s smaller cars.

The system operates in a similar fashion to a smartphone, enabling many traditional buttons and switches to be removed from the cabin.

Two petrol engines and a diesel will be available from the car’s launch, all with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. The petrol units, which both include mild-hybrid technology, are a 1.5-litre unit of 170hp and a 2.0-litre 218hp, while the diesel is a 2.0-litre unit with 150hp.

BMW intends to expand the engine offerings in mid 2022 with plug-in hybrid variants, each able to travel up to 50 miles on electric power alone and offering either 245hp or 326hp.

BMW dealers are now taking orders for the new 2 Series Active Tourer – prices start from £30,265 and first cars are expected don UK roads in March 2022.

More BMW news, ratings, reviews and features

The 10 worst new cars on sale in 2021

Car buying advice

Sean Rees

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6 October 2021

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Our industry-leading Expert Rating Index gets plenty of use from readers looking for the best cars to suit their needs, but it also gets a lot of interest from people looking for the brickbats as well as the bouquets.

By aggregating new car reviews from 25 different media titles, the Expert Rating Index doesn’t show you the best new cars on sale, but also the worst.

In a car industry that is constantly trying to evolve and innovate with the times, it is inevitable that some new cars will struggle to compete, whether they are older models that are falling behind the curve, or models that were simply sub-standard from the start

We’ve consulted the Expert Rating Index to find the ten worst new cars on sale in the UK, as judged by the country’s top motoring websites.

All of these cars are (or have been) available for sale in 2021, although several will be withdrawn or replaced before the end of the year. The good news is that you can pick most of these cars for a relative bargain – either brand new or second-hand – which makes them a lot more attractive.

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

So without further ado, let’s count down from tenth worst to the very bottom of the pile…

10th place: Fiat 500L (47%)

Expert Rating: 47% from 33 reviews

The tenth-worst car here is the stalwart Fiat 500L, which has been on sale now for eight years. In that time the 500L has outlived other MPV competitors like the Ford B-Max and Vauxhall Meriva, and despite its 2017 facelift, it has been marked as a fairly mediocre choice in a hugely competitive market for crossover/SUV/estate things.

The Fiat 500L has attracted some admirers over its tenure, particularly for its unique styling and roomy cabin, but reviewers are quick to point out that there are more practical and refined alternatives available at around the same price, also offering better performance, a more comfortable ride quality, and a quieter engine.

Fiat 500L (2013 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Browse cars

9th place: Smart EQ Fortwo (46%)

Expert Rating: 46% from 14 reviews

Designed to be the ultimate budget city car, the latest refresh of the Smart Fortwo coincided with the manufacturer’s rather bold step of making its range electric only in 2019, but unfortunately this has not improved the UK review ratings of this pint-sized EV one bit.

The Fortwo has often been described as fun to drive, and its size means that it is very agile in urban scenarios and quite easy to park.

However, the short battery range on the Smart Fortwo makes longer trips outside the city impossible. Add to this that there are cheaper city car alternatives like the Skoda Citigo with more storage space, rear seats and better infotainment and battery range, and you can see why the Fortwo may be a bad choice.

Smart EQ Fortwo (2015 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Browse cars

8th place: Ford EcoSport (43%)

Expert Rating: 43% from 19 reviews

Launched in the UK in 2013, it is fair to say the the Ford EcoSport did not get off to a great start, being poorly received across the entire of the UK motoring media for being a substandard package in pretty much every area.

The EcoSport was markedly improved by its 2017 facelift, which greatly improved its interior trim, exterior design, and tech feature line-up, but it still faces very tough competition from SUV alternatives with more value for money, more practical features, and better performance.

The Ford EcoSport even has competitors within the Ford family, the 2020 arrival of the energetic yet sensible Ford Puma suggesting the EcoSport’s days are numbered. Pricing has been removed from the Ford UK website, and it seems that they are no longer available to order online.

Ford EcoSport (2013 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Browse cars

7th place: Smart EQ Forfour (43%)

Expert Rating: 43% from 8 reviews

The second Smart entrant on this list just pips the Ford EcoSport for 7th place, with an Expert Rating that’s just under 43% compared to the Ford being just over 43%. Er, congratulations?

The Smart Forfour suffers from a lot of the same ailments as its sister model the Fortwo; it has only a little boot space and a poor battery range, and simply does not stand up very well to other city car options like the Skoda Citigo or Volkswagen Up.

The Forfour does have more cabin room than other Smart models, and is very nimble in tight urban areas, but from a value for money perspective, it is the worst compact EV you can buy today. This likely explains why only eight media outlets have test driven the Forfour after four years on sale; perhaps Smart would rather journalists not drive it at all…

Having received largely negative reviews acros the board in recent times, it is clear to see why Smart has only sold just over 1,000 vehicles in the UK so far this year.

Smart EQ Forfour (2017 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Browse cars

6th place: MG 3 (42%)

Expert Rating: 42% from 18 reviews

MG Motor’s attempt at cornering the supermini market, the MG 3 was originally launched in 2014, and had its most recent facelift in 2019, maintaining its track record of fairly negative reviews throughout its lifespan.

The MG 3 has been frequently commended for its affordability and extensive warranty, and did show some promise as the budget alternative in the supermini class, that was until the arrival of the Dacia Sandero, which is a better car in every aspect for the same price.

Reviewers generally conclude that an MG 3 test drive makes for a very uninspiring driving experience; the MG 3’s wheezy and under-powered engine, cheap interior trim, and lack of basic safety features and infotainment gadgets culminating in what is a very underwhelming car.

MG 3 (2014 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Browse cars

5th place: MG ZS (41%)

Expert Rating: 41% from 16 reviews

MG Motors has been a sales success over the last few years, with the MG ZS leading that charge, but media reviewers haven’t been as kind as customers. The ZS languishes with an Expert Rating score of just 41% – although the electric ZS EV version does do better, with a score of 56%.

One of the unique positives of the MG ZS is its seven-year new car warranty, and this budget SUV does offer great value for money, offering a starting price far lower its rivals. However, MG have been outclassed again by Dacia, as the Dacia Duster is a better package than the MG ZS in every category, and all for the same price.

Much like the MG 3 supermini, the MG ZS has received criticism from the UK media for its cheap build quality, poor safety rating and its inferior engine quality. In summary, it’s good value but not really a good car.

MG ZS (2017 onwards) – Expert Rating

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4th place: Nissan e-NV200 Combi (39%)

Nissan e-NV200 Combi (2014 onwards) – Expert Rating

Expert Rating: 39% from 13 reviews

An all-electric seven-seat people carrier that’s essentially a modified delivery van, the Nissan e-NV200 Combi is certainly not one of the most comfortable passenger vehicles you can buy. The e-NV200 Combi seems to have had a polarising effect on the UK media; some think it is great, while others conclude that it is simply terrible.

Devoid of industry awards, the e-NV200 Combi does have one unwanted accolade to its name; the MPV received the lowest score ever given in an Auto Express review. Particular criticism is directed at the e-NV200 Combi’s poor safety standards and so-so battery range.

Nonetheless, the Nissan e-NV200 Combi does have low running costs on its side, along with a roomy interior and the fact that it has spent most of its life in a category of its own. That changed this year with the arrival of the Vauxhall Combo-e Life and its Peugeot and Citroën siblings, and the e-NV 200 is soon to be put of its misery, to be replaced by an all-new model called the Townstar.

Nissan e-NV200 Combi (2014 onwards) – Expert Rating

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3rd place: Mitsubishi Shogun Sport (34%)

Expert Rating: 34% from 13 reviews

The biggest member of the Mitsubishi line-up, the Shogun Sport is seven-seat SUV that has received plaudits from the UK media for its capable towing ability, off-road talents and its spacious interior. However, this is where the positives abruptly end.

Compared to its rivals in the mainstream large SUV category like the Kia Sorento and SsangYong Rexton, the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport has a dated interior trim that lacks refinement, poor engine quality with excessive fuel consumption and a poor ride quality on the road.

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport (2018 onwards) – Expert Rating

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2nd place: Mitsubishi ASX (31%)

Expert Rating: 31% from 13 reviews

The oldest model on this list, the Mitsubishi ASX has been on sale since 2010, and is very much showing its age as a new car. Despite four separate facelifts throughout its lifetime, reviewers collectively come to the conclusion that the ASX has been consistently behind the curve in every aspect, and it is the lowest rated SUV in our Expert Rating index.

Life wasn’t always so bleak for the Mitsubishi ASX; the SUV was given a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP after its launch, but this accolade has since expired. Reviews of the latest iteration of the ASX comment that, although the infotainment system is now of a decent standard, there are far better alternatives that offer superior driving characteristics and interior appeal for the same price.

Mitsubishi ASX (2010 onwards) – Expert Rating

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1st place: Mitsubishi Mirage (21%)

Expert Rating: 21% from 12 reviews

The reluctant ‘winner’ of the competition for the worst new car sold in the UK in 2021, completing the all-Mitsubishi podium, is the rather bad Mitsubishi Mirage.

The Mirage is the lowest rated car in the entire of our Expert Rating index of more than 300 cars, with a score 10% lower than any other candidate. Launched in the UK in 2013, the Mitsubishi Mirage has had consistently abysmal reviews throughout its tenure; the decent fuel economy and generous cabin space of the Mirage seriously hampered by its drab and dated interior, poor steering dynamics, and its noisy and underwhelming engine.

If you are curious about how truly inadequate the Mirage is, it seems you do not have long to book a test drive; Mitsubishi is withdrawing from Europe, and is down to its last few cars before it runs out of stock. Therefore, you are fast running out of time if you would ever want to pick up a new Mirage.

That said, you won’t face that much competition, due to its retreat from the UK market, the semiconductor chip shortage, and general lack of interest from UK buyers, Mitsubishi only registered 40 new cars in the whole of September 2021.

Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Browse cars

For the definitive rankings of the worst new cars on sale in 2021, we’ve used The Car Expert’s industry-leading Expert Rating index. The index analyses new car reviews from 25 of the top UK motoring websites, using an advanced algorithm that we have developed specifically to compare review scores.

It constantly recalculates and updates the Expert Rating score for every single car in real time to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and reliable ratings for every new car.

Plaudits for Mazda in green motoring tests

Car industry news

Andrew Charman

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5 October 2021

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Plaudits for Mazda in green motoring tests

The Mazda 2 supermini has earned praise from a test programme analysing new cars for their energy efficiency and environmental credentials.

The result will be welcomed by Mazda which has ‘gone its own way’ on the development of future environmentally-friendly cars.

Green NCAP is an offshoot of safety body the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), and aims to promote the development of cars that are clean, energy efficient and not harmful to the environment. It has been testing new cars since 2019 and giving them a rating between one and five stars, as with Euro NCAP’s well-known crash-test programme.

In the latest tests Green NCAP analysed the Mazda 2, Ford Puma crossover and DS 3 Crossback SUV. The Mazda was tested with its 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine and scored three-and-a-half stars, its performance described as “impressive” by testers.

However, while the car’s control of pollutant emissions was rated as ‘good’, the Green NCAP report added that the car would benefit from a gasoline particulate filter as particulate emissions were high in some of the more demanding tests.

Green NCAP’s test programme includes both laboratory analysis and on-the-road testing.

The result will be seen by Mazda as vindication of its Skyactiv development strategy, which has shied away from major downsizing of engines and a wholesale switch to electric. Instead the Japanese manufacturer argues that further development of internal combustion engines has a role to play in future motoring.

Green NCAP tested the Ford Puma with its 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol engine. The car earned a comfortable three stars, scoring well on energy efficiency and respectably for control of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.

However the Ford’s Clean Air Index score suffered due to the car’s emissions of ammonia (NN3), which is a pollutant currently regulated by legislation. Testers commented that an improvement in this area would have seen the Ford earn a similar three-and-a-half star rating to the Mazda.

The DS3 Crossback 1.5-litre diesel scored two-and-a-half stars – it was also marked down for its emissions of ammonia and also of nitrous oxide (NO_x). However testers praised the particulate filter fitted to the turbodiesel engine, commenting that it worked well in controlling particulate emissions.

Green NCAP has so far tested 75 models from different manufacturers. Top five-star ratings have gone to several full-electric vehicles, along with the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo. Green NCAP scores, when available, are included in our Expert Rating index.

Toyota on top while Ford falters in new car sales race

Car industry news

Stuart Masson

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5 October 2021

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Toyota on top while Ford falters in new car sales race

The crazy year of new car registrations in 2021 continued in September, with overall numbers at their lowest point for nearly 25 years but very strong results for electric cars.

September is one of the car industry’s two biggest months of the year, along with March, thanks to the UK’s peculiar system of bi-annual number plate changes. But this year, when the industry really needed a good result after nearly two years of Covid problems, it was all a bit of a disaster.

Data published this morning by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that private new car sales were down 25% in September compared to the same month last year. Fleet registrations were down a far more substantial 43%, leaving the overall market more than 34% down compared to last year.

As has been the case for months now, the biggest problem was supply. Manufacturers have had all sorts of trouble building cars due to an ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips, which are required for almost every key component of modern cars. The month’s registrations results are effectively a reflection of which car companies had enough chips and which didn’t.

Record-breaking month for electric cars

If you’re a regular reader of our monthly new car registration report, you won’t be surprised to hear that electric cars had yet another record-breaking month. What is surprising is how strong a month September was for EV sales – likely to be a combination of ever-increasing demand and fewer supply problems than for conventional fossil-fuel cars.

EVs took a record 15% of market share in September, which translates to nearly 33,000 new cars. That’s a 49% increase on the same month last year, in an overall market that was down 34%.

Plug-in hybrids also had a good month, up more than 11%, while regular hybrids still outperformed the overall market, down 5% but still a long way ahead of the overall market.

Also unsurprisingly, it was yet another worst month ever for diesel, only just scraping together a 10% share of the market. With demand at an all-time low, many manufacturers have slowed or halted diesel car production in order to use their supplies of precious semiconductors for more popular (and more profitable) models.

Good month, bad month, ugly month

For thousands of car dealerships, September was a bad month. A huge amount of energy and effort goes into maximising new car sales in March and September, so a 34% fall in registrations means that a lot of dealerships underachieved against their targets. The good news is that their profit margins for cars they did sell should have been better, as there’s no need to discount your cars when you don’t have enough to go aroud anyway.

For manufacturers, the 2021 rollercoaster ride continues. Toyota topped the charts in September, edging out Kia, with Volkswagen in third place. This largely reflects those brands having maintained their production levels as much as possible by having an adequate supply of semiconductor chips, although all have warned that they, like most other companies, will run out and have to reduce output levels soon.

September was a disaster for Ford, with registrations down 62% (against a market drop of 34%) leading to the Blue Oval falling to seventh place in the marketplace behind Toyota, Kia, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi and Hyundai. Mercedes-Benz also had a terrible month, down 63%

Overall, it was a good month for Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Maserati, MG, Polestar, SsangYong, Subaru and Toyota. All of these brands outperformed the overall market by at least 10%. Tesla will be in this group as well, but the company does not play along with the SMMT so its numbers don’t officially exist…

Meanwhile, things were miserable to either a greater or lesser degree for Abarth, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Renault, Skoda, Smart, Vauxhall and Volvo – all of whom were at least 10% behind the overall market results.

Mitsubishi sales have almost completely dried up as the car manufacturer completes its exit from Europe, while Renault sales were still poor (down 49%) but much better than the last couple of months.

Tesla Model 3 charges back to top spot

September was probably the strongest month yet for Tesla, as the super-successful Model 3 comfortably topped the sales charts. It’s certainly not the first time that we’ve seen the Tesla Model 3 atop the charts, but to do so in the month of September is a significant achievement. Or, to put it another way, Tesla sold roughly the same number of Model 3s as Jaguar and Land Rover’s entire combined product range…

Meanwhile, September 2021 could also be remembered as the first month in anyone’s memory that Ford didn’t have a single model in the UK top ten. The Fiesta, of course, has been the country’s top-selling car every year for more than decade – a crown that it now seems almost certain to lose this year.

Toyota and Kia both had two cars in the top ten, as did Volkswagen (although that’s certainly not unusual), while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class was the other big name to disappear from the charts in September.

We’ll have our usual full round-up of the top ten in coming days.

More car industry news and analysis at The Car Expert

Subaru distributor takes over Mitsubishi aftersales

Car manufacturer news

Andrew Charman

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4 October 2021

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International Motors, importer of Subaru and Isuzu vehicles to the UK, has acquired the aftersales business of Mitsubishi Motors, following the Japanese manufacturer’s decision to quit the UK market.

The news will be welcome to UK owners of Mitsubishi vehicles, who will have been concerned over future servicing and repair needs after the brand announced in July 2020 that it was pulling out of all European markets.

Despite Mitsubishi’s poor sales and poor reviews (the Mirage, ASX and Shogun Sport hold the bottom three places from more than 300 new cars in our industry-leading Expert Rating index), the decision to withdraw from Europe completely took many UK automotive observers by surprise.

It followed a decision by Mitsubishi’s head office in Japan to stop developing vehicles to suit European regulations due to the ever-increasing costs involved for ever-decreasing sales. The company’s UK arm has been winding down its operations and expects to finally run out of new car stock imminently.

The newly-formed aftersales business will retain the existing “Mitsubishi Motors in the UK” name under its new ownership.

2109 Mitsubishi models — The new owners of Mitsubishi’s aftersales operation insist vehicle owners will notice no changes.

What does this mean for Mitsubishi owners in the UK?

Mitsubishi owners are being promised no change from their current aftersales arrangements, although that will obviously depend on whether individual dealerships continue to offer servicing and parts for Mitsubishi cars now that the manufacturer has abandoned the UK.

For those considering a used Mitusbishi – and models like the Outlander plug-in hybrid SUV and the L200 pick-up truck remain popular – buyers can be reassured that full aftersales facilities should be available for at least the next decade.

The operation will be will be staffed by existing Mitsubishi aftersales management and led by Toby Marshall, a Mitsubishi Motors in the UK director for more than 12 years.

More Mitsubishi news, ratings, reviews and features

Ineos reveals sales and service plans for Grenadier 4×4

Car manufacturer news

Andrew Charman

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4 October 2021

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Ineos reveals sales and service plans for Grenadier 4×4

New UK 4×4 manufacturer Ineos Automotive has unveiled its plans for selling and servicing its Grenadier 4×4, and revealed the vehicle have a starting price of £48,000.

Reservations are now open for the Grenadier, which is intended to fill the gap left by the demise of the original Land Rover Defender in 2016.

Ineos head Jim Ratcliffe initially made a proposal to Jaguar Land Rover to continue manufacturing the Defender, and when this was declined decided to design and manufacture his own version. Ratcliffe believes there is a market, particularly among the likes of farmers, who will not be drawn to the all-new Land Rover Defender launched in 2020.

Ineos plans to have 200 sales and service outlets across the globe ready for the launch of the Grenadier in July 2022, a mix of established dealer groups and 4×4 specialists. Of these 23 retail sites are expected to be in the UK – three have already been appointed.

The aftersales format has been developed over three years by Ineos and German engineering and technology giant Robert Bosch – Grenadier owners will also have access to a network of Bosch workshops which should mean owners are never more than 50km from a service outlet.

The company is also working on a comprehensive online sales and service platform. Ineos commercial director Mark Tennant said: “Customer convenience, parts availability, service quality: we are focusing on getting the basics right, giving customers the buying experience they want and the aftersales support they need.

“If preferred, customers in our main markets will be able to buy their Grenadier online, including organising vehicle finance and handling any part exchanges. But we fully accept that most will want to try before they buy, for which having an extensive network on the ground is essential.”

2110 Ineos Grenadier off-road — The Ineos Grenadier is set to appear on – and off – the road in July 2022.

The best new petrol SUVs for every budget

Car buying advice

Sean Rees

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2 October 2021

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The best new petrol SUVs for every budget

If you’re looking for a new car in 2021, then chances are you’ll be considering an SUV of some sort. Hatchbacks may still be the biggest-selling type of new car, especially for small cars, but petrol SUVs have well and truly overtaken saloons and estates to become the default for larger vehicles.

Despite the growing industry shift to electric models, EVs and plug-in hybrids still only make up about 15% of all new car registrations right now. And with diesel sales at an all-time low and still falling, that means that a lot of people are looking at a petrol-powered SUV or crossover for their next car.

We’ve analysed all of the petrol SUVs available at each price point, then consulted our industry-leading Expert Rating index to see which models have the highest review scores from across the UK motoring media.

With comprehensive review data backing our recommendations, you can be confident that this is the definitive guide to the best new petrol SUVs for every budget that are on sale in the UK right now.

The best new petrol SUVs for every budget in 2021

Under £15,000: Dacia Duster

It may not be the most stylish, comfortable or energetic petrol SUV on this list, but the Dacia Duster is truly unbeatable when it comes to value for money.

You can pick up a new model for the starting price of £14,000. However, as the ‘Essential’ variant lacks equipment, most buyers tend to go for the ‘Comfort’ model for an extra £1,000, which comes with a few more useful perks.

Dacia has recently given the Duster a makeover and, as of October 2021, the small budget SUV has an Expert Rating of 67%, based on 23 reviews from the UK motoring media.

Dacia Duster (2018 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Under £25,000: Skoda Karoq

If you are not too fussed about makes and models, top speeds and entertainment excess, the Skoda Kamoq is the perfect petrol SUV for ferrying you and your family from A to B. It is a well-built, mid-sized petrol SUV that offers plenty of cabin space and practical features.

Available for a competitive starting price of just under £23,000, the Karoq offers a comfortable driving experience, although British reviewers generally conclude that it is a bit bland compared to some of its competitors.

As of October 2021, the Skoda Karoq has an Expert Rating of 76%, based on the reviews published by 18 different UK media sources.

If fun performance is a priority for your next SUV, it’s worth checking out the Ford Puma, which has received plenty of praise from the UK media for its outstanding driving experience and surprising practicality, especially in its boot capacity and layout.

Skoda Karoq (2018 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Under £35,000: Volvo XC40

With a string of prestigious awards to its name, including 2018 European Car of the Year, the Volvo XC40 is no stranger to industry acclaim, and is still picking up trophies three years after its launch. With a dash more style than its still-impressive larger siblings, the XC60 and XC90, the XC40 has been a sales success for Volvo and has been regularly popping up in the top ten best-sellers’ list this year.

As of October 2021, the Volvo XC40 has an Expert Rating of 79%, based on scores given from 40 UK reviews.

If you’d prefer something a bit larger for your budget, there are plenty of petrol SUVs at this price point that score well in our Expert Rating index. The Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Cupra Formentor and Peugeot 3008 all share an Expert Rating score of 75%, so are well worth a look.

Volvo XC40 (2018 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Under £50,000: Porsche Macan

If you’re looking for performance and prestige, the Porsche Macan offers plenty of interior comfort and refinement, and trademark Porsche engineering under the bonnet.

The Macan has been around since 2014, with a couple of updates over the years, including a recent facelift. The starting price is just under £48,000, but note that the more powerful Macan S and GTS models cost a great deal more than £50,000. It will take great restraint wit the infamous Porsche options list to keep your Macan within this price point.

As of October 2021, the Porsche Macan range has an Expert Rating of 79%, based on reviews collected from 31 separate UK publications.

If the Porsche Macan is a bit too much for your tastes, you may want to consider the Volvo XC60. While the Porsche offers a superior driving experience, the Volvo counters with a more comfortable ride and more everyday practicality.

Porsche Macan (2014 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Under £75,000: Volvo XC90

It may be in the twilight of its life, having been on sale since 2015, but the Volvo XC90 remains one of the most comfortable large SUVs on the market. For a family of five (the third-row seats are really very small) and luggage, the XC90 makes an excellent road trip vehicle.

As well as being a success story in its own right, this model was also the catalyst for Volvo’s brand resurgence over the last few years, with the XC90’s platform and engines also underpinning the large S90 saloon and V90 estate, as well as the smaller XC60/S60/V60 models.

As of October 2021, the XC90 holds an Expert Rating of 79%, just edging out the Land Rover Discovery by a mere 0.1% according to our panel of UK media reviews. The Volvo may be the more comfortable car for five people around town and on motorways, but if you want to use the third row of seats and/or trek off-road, the Discovery would be a better bet.

Volvo XC90 (2015 – Present) | Expert Rating

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Money no object: Land Rover Defender

If money’s no object in your search for your next petrol SUV, then your local Land Rover dealership is the place to be. No longer a utilitarian farmer’s tool, the Land Rover Defender is now a luxury family SUV that just happens to carry the same name as its illustrious forebear.

Launched in 2020, the new Defender retains the superb off-roading ability as Land Rovers of yesteryear, although it combines that with grand interior trim, expensive tech and everyday practicality.

Despite rather consistent doubts about the fuel economy of the Defender, this top-of-the-line SUV has an Expert Rating of 85%, based on 34 reviews from UK media sources. Although you *can* theoretically pick up entry-level Defender variants for around £50,000, the versions that people actually buy are easily upwards of £75K and can comfortably exceed £100K if you choose the petrol V8 engine and tick enough options boxes.

If the Defender is a bit too chunky and clunky for your tastes – and money really isn’t an option – you may prefer to look at the Aston Martin DBX. As far as sophisticated SUVs go, the DBX is pretty much the ultimate machine on the market. Yes, you’re trading practicality for performance and panache, but if you’re looking at dropping £160K on a V8-powered SUV, you can probably also afford a Toyota Land Cruiser for when you want to get muddy…

Land Rover Defender (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating

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Additional reporting by Stuart Masson

For the definitive rankings of the best new petrol SUVs for every budget, we’ve used The Car Expert’s industry-leading Expert Rating index. The index analyses new car reviews from 25 of the top UK motoring websites, using an advanced algorithm that we have developed specifically to compare review scores. It constantly recalculates and updates the Expert Rating score for every single car in real time to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and reliable ratings for every new car.

Tesla Model 3

Stuart Masson

-

2 October 2021

0

Table of contents – Tesla Model 3

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Summary

The Tesla Model 3 is a mid-size premium saloon and closely related to the crossover Tesla Model Y. Like all Tesla models, it is only available with an electric motor supplied by a battery pack.

The Model 3 was first unveiled in 2016, but enormous American demand combined with numerous production problems meant that it only arrived in the UK in Spring 2019.

The Tesla Model 3 has received unanimously positive reviews from the UK motoring media, with most scores indicating very good or outstanding results. Despite a rapidly increasing field of rivals entering the premium EV market, the Model 3 remains an excellent choice. It also has to compete with conventionally powered executive saloon rivals, like the Audi A4/BMW 3 Series/Mercedes C-Class trio, and has held its own surprisingly well.

The Model 3 has received particular praise for its performance, driving dynamics and minimalist style. Criticisms mainly relate to the questionable ergonomics of some of the functionality required by having everything controlled by a central screen, with Car magazine describing it as “genius when you’re stationary but can be hugely distracting when you’re moving.”

As well as regular incremental improvements, the Model 3 received a major mid-life update in late 2023, with revised styling, improved battery range and a lower price. The interior layout and controls were further streamlined, drawing even more criticisms from the motoring media.

As of March 2026, the Tesla Model 3 has a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 81%. It has received fantastic media reviews, excellent safety credentials, has had strong reliability to date and produces zero tailpipe emissions, but running costs are not as cheap as you might expect for an EV, thanks to expensive insurance premiums.

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

Model 3 highlights

Comes with a heap of on-board tech
Long battery range
Practical and comfy interior
The brand’s charging infrastructure
Punchy performance

Model 3 lowlights

Some all-electric rivals are quieter
Rather rigid ride comfort
Controls are a bit fiddly, especially facelifted model
Expensive, entry-level and up
Questionable reliability and build quality

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized saloon
Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
Price: From £39,990 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Winter 2023/24
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Despite many talented EV rivals, the technology-packed Tesla Model 3 remains one of the very best electric cars around.”

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Ellis Hyde, Max Adams

“The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s cheapest electric car, but in many ways the best. That said, it’s not as practical as Tesla’s own Model Y.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 9 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Mario Christou

More reviews

Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
“It might not appeal on an emotional level, but the Tesla Model 3 manages to be fast yet serene, packed full of appealing tech, and practical to boot. With low running costs thrown into the mix, there’s not much going against it.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift
Score: 9 / 10
“No half-measures, most manufacturers would label this an all-new car. Improved in several key areas, our previous Car of the Year immediately elevates itself back to the top of the class with dramatically improved quality, even more tech, and a more desirable look. The fact it now undercuts its main rivals by £10k or more will make it a no-brainer for business users and private buyers alike.”
Author: Richard Ingram
Read review

Model reviewed: 2021 update
Score: 10 / 10
“Minor cosmetic tweaks have given the Tesla Model 3 a sportier look outside and a more premium feel inside, while the continual software upgrades keep edging Tesla further ahead of its rivals on the tech front.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus 2020
Score: 9 / 10
“The updated Standard Range Plus version of Tesla’s Model 3 is the most accessible in the line-up but still shows that star quality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is more affordable than ever in Standard Range Plus guise, which makes it even more appealing.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Long Range AWD
Score: 10 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is in a class of one at the moment, but that shouldn’t detract from Tesla’s achievement with its first ‘more affordable’ model. Yes, it’s still pricey, but it’s a car that drives brilliantly, looks great, seems to be built just as well as other cars at the price and is full of the most advanced tech. That all adds up to make it just about the coolest car you can buy right now.”
Read review

Score: 9 / 10
“This is the Tesla to buy, full of EV pep and at a more affordable price. It competes well with other sports saloons around the same price point and looks future-proofed when it comes to self-driving tech.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“Sharper looks, fresh tech and a bit more range for the upgraded version of the all-conquering Tesla Model 3.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 is nothing less than a game-changer, with range, performance and tech that set the benchmark for what an EV should be.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“With the updates for 2024, the Tesla Model 3 finds itself vying for pole position on the mid-sized EV grid. The combination of the Tesla Supercharger network, an impressive battery range, and stylish, idiosyncratic interior have been sharpened up by improved ride quality, lower noise levels, and better efficiency than before.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 feels like a breakthrough car.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Facelift range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“An extensive facelift means the Tesla Model 3 goes further on a charge and feels better built and more refined, all while undercutting most rivals.”
Author: Richard Ingram, Andy Goodwin
Read review

Company Car Today

“As sensible and affordable as executive-level EVs get; updates make the Tesla Model 3 even more appealing.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 8.1 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 takes EVs into new ground in terms of a compact exec saloon with a competitive price and serious range. It’s not perfect, but does plenty very well.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Score: 10 / 10
“Car of the future not only makes sense but is a brilliant drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 10 / 10
“This is the best Tesla yet. Best made, too. And one of the most entertaining cars I’ve driven this year.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: Long Range
“The 2021 facelift hasn’t revolutionised the Tesla Model 3 – rather evolved it, which isn’t a bad thing as it is a very good EV to live with, and one of the best cars currently available, giving owners of even the most sporty conventionally fuelled cars something to think about.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Performance
Score: 9 / 10
“If you regularly do high mileage and you are in the fortunate position of having at least forty grand to spend on an electric car, then this is the EV to get. Put it this way, we were so impressed, that we bought one. And after we bought one, two of our friends then bought one. I think that says it all really.”
Read review

Driving Electric

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 9 / 10
“A recent facelift has cemented the Model 3’s position at the top of its class, with the baby Tesla offering everything you could possibly need from an electric family car.”
Author: Tom Jervis, Richard Ingram
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Tesla’s best car yet is also its most affordable and has a great range. Safe, fast, technologically advanced and cheaper to run than an Audi A4.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 delivers incredible, otherworldly performance with some genuine dynamic nuance.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
“The Tesla Model 3 is finally on the road, but away from the hype we debunk what is, electric or not, one of the most fascinating cars in decades.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s fight or flight time for Tesla, as its new Model 3 Performance promises to quash the M3 at its own game.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: Performance (2024 facelift)
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 Performance has been updated and it’s now faster (0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds), it’s also better to drive, and it remains easy to charge – but there are no stalks for indicators, wipers or even gears…”
Author: Paul Clarke
Read review

Model reviewed: Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Score: 10 / 10
“The main issue that we had with the Tesla Model 3 when it was first launched was the poor ride quality and the various rattles from the suspension. Our latest [2022] test car had much better ride quality than early examples, and much better ride quality than the Model Y, resulting in it being more agile and a much-improved car to drive.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review

Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 10 / 10
“The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is an excellent car. It has zero tailpipe emissions yet it also has amazing performance. It’s rewarding to drive but it’s also practical (if you can live with a boot rather than a hatchback). Compared to the entry-level Model 3 Standard Range Plus, it’s around £10,000 more expensive, but you get all-wheel drive and almost an extra 100 miles of range.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 9 / 10
“The long-awaited Tesla Model 3 is an impressive car. Even in Standard Range Plus form, the performance is very good, the handling is rewarding, and the steering is sharp and well weighted. There’s also the very minimalistic interior, with the large touchscreen featuring virtually all controls – which some people might like, others may not.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Lowered prices raise Tesla Model 3’s appeal”
Read review

The Independent

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The best-selling EV still sets the standard other EVs are measured by. It has a long range, strong quality, is good value and has the benefit of Tesla’s Supercharger network.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: (range review)
“The Model 3 is easily my favourite Tesla. I’ll go further, it’s probably my favourite electric car, full stop. If the Yanks can ship them here quick enough and keep chipping away at the price, it’s game on.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Long-range
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s no official measure on the Tesla Model 3’s range, but we’ve been achieving more than 200 miles on a single charge.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Undeniably special to drive and sit inside, the Tesla Model 3’s statistics make impressive reading, although the ‘affordability’ of this car is highly debatable and it simply isn’t built as well as it should be.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Standard Range Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s spacious, efficient, comfortable, reasonably-priced and well-equipped.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Everything Tesla has done up to this point has built towards the Model 3… and it’s been worth it.”
Read review

Which EV?

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9.2 / 10
“The 2021 Tesla Model 3 takes the electric car to beat and makes it even better. Tesla maintains its lead by adding a heat pump and further enhancements that extend battery range across all three cars. There are mild exterior and interior improvements, too. The Long Range is the best buy of the three, but the Standard Range Plus is supremely capable, and the Performance is the electric heir to the BMW M3.” (James Morris)
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

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

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 93%
Vulnerable road users: 89%
Safety assist: 87%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 208 kW Electric RWD Automatic

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 9.6 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 9.8 / 10

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 19
Average repair cost: £176.54
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Tesla Model 3 has an excellent reliability rating of 91%, according to information provided exclusively to The Car Expert using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

Early Teslas don’t have a great reputation for reliability associated with build quality issues, but the core electric powertrain has historically been very strong with few problems.

The caveat to this is that the information is currently based on very few cars, so it could change as more Model 3s hit higher ages and mileages.

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	345 miles	A

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	5.1 m/KWh	A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	49	E

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£340	D
Year 2	£612	C
Year 3	£952	C
Year 4	£1,176	C
Year 5	£1,514	C
Overall	£4,594	C

The Tesla Model 3 is an efficient electric car to run but other costs are not as good, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The Model 3’s electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is excellent, which helps it to achieve plenty of range from the battery. With electricity prices on the increase, that’s good news as you’re getting the most out of every kW you’re paying for.

However, insurance is pricey and servicing costs over the first five years are nothing special, either. So it’s a bit of a mixed bag overall.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Tesla Model 3

Apr 2022

Feb 2022

Dec 2021

May 2021

May 2020

Date: April 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 11/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 9,471
Defect: On certain vehicles that are running firmware release 2022.8 and that experience a loss of low voltage system support the audio subsystem may become unavailable including the use of eCall functionality.
Remedy: Firmware release 2022.12.3 or later reverses the power management process introduced in firmware release 2022.8 and maintains eCall audio functionality.

Date: April 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2018 to 04/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 10,927
Defect: In certain conditions the user interface (UI) on affected vehicles displays vehicle speed but not a unit of speed (i.e. mph or km/h).
Remedy: Tesla will deploy an over-the-air firmware update that will reintroduce the display of the speed unit when using Track Mode.

Date: February 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2017 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 26,618
Defect: The rear-view camera harness may fail causing no image in the centre display.
Remedy: Fit a harness guide protector and if necessary install a new harness.

Date: December 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2020 to 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The curtain side airbags may not deploy correctly.
Remedy: Inspect for proper alignment and orientation of the left- and right-curtain side airbag. Re-align as necessary.

Date: December 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2019 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 127
Defect: The front suspension lateral link may be insufficiently torqued.
Remedy: Inspect the connection of both front suspension lateral links to the sub-frame. Replace any related damaged components and ensure correct torque of fastening bolts.

Date: May 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 599
Defect: Front seat belt top loop may not be secured correctly.
Remedy: Check and secure the top loop as necessary.

Date: May 2021
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2018 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 565
Defect: The brake calliper bolts may not be secured to the correct specification.
Remedy: Check and secure the brake calliper bolts to correct specification.

Date: May 2020
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 02/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 5
Defect: The upper steering column bolt may not have been fitted.
Remedy: Inspect the upper steering column bolt fitment and replace where necessary.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been eight DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Tesla Model 3. These cover software, airbags, brakes and steering systems.

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

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 Model 3, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Tesla Model 3 has received

2023

Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Long Distances

2021

Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for Families
Electrifying.com Awards – Technology Award + Efficiency Award
News UK Motoring Awards – Best Electric Car

2020

Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Executive Car + Best Premium Electric Car
Auto Trader Awards – New Car of the Year + Best Electric Car
Carbuyer Awards – Best Company Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Large Electric Car

2019

Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Best Premium Electric Car
carwow Awards – Game-changer Award
News UK Motor Awards – Green Car of the Year
Parkers Awards – Car of the Year + Best Electric Car + Best Company Car + Safety Award

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All-new Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed

New model

Sean Rees

-

30 September 2021

0

Jeep has revealed an all-new Grand Cherokee, which is expected to arrive in the UK late next year.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee will be the fourth plug-in hybrid model, or ‘4xe’, added to the Jeep line-up, as Jeep aims to catch up to its competitors in the plug-in market, eventually targeting the release of an all-electric range by 2025.

Other highlights include exterior style updates, a new interior design, and a number of tech additions that improve the infotainment and driving experience.

2014 fourth-generation Grand Cherokee vs. 2022 fifth-generation Grand Cherokee

Powertrains

Using similar plug-in hybrid technology to that in the hybrid Wrangler released earlier this year, the Grand Cherokee has a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine working in tandem with two electric motors to produce 375hp and an impressive towing capability of up to 6,000lbs.

The hybrid powertrain comes with three modes, allowing the driver to choose between pure petrol power, pure electric power, or a blend of both.

Jeep claims that the Grand Cherokee’s electric motors can achieve a range of 25 miles on their own, and the car can travel a maximum distance of 440 miles with the help of the petrol engine.

If you prefer pure petrol power, Jeep will also be offering Grand Cherokee petrol variants on launch. American customers will get to choose between the standard 3.6-litre V6 engine, and a more powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, but the V8 variant is not likely to reach the UK.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, marketed by Jeep as the ultimate off-roader, comes with a two-speed transfer box, a limited-slip differential and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system.

Interior and exterior updates

The Jeep Grand Cherokee line-up consists of the Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit and Summit Reserve trims. The PHEV powertrain is available on the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and Summit Reserve models.

The rather sleek exterior design includes a lower roofline, a wider seven-slot grille with active grille shutters, air curtains and a remodelling of the rear pillars, all implemented to boost aerodynamic efficiency.

The new Grand Cherokee is also over an inch wider than its predecessor, to improve handling, and there are eight different wheel sizes to choose from, the biggest being 21-inch diameter wheels. The 2022 model is also more roomy, with over 4m³ of extra cabin space compared to the last generation.

Jeep says that this is the most luxurious Grand Cherokee model to date, the top-end Summit Reserve trim featuring a Palermo leather interior 19-speaker audio system. Up to three ten-inch infotainment screens are available for customers, including a screen for the front passenger and another for the rear seats, all with Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging included.

Tech enhancements

Jeep boasts that the 2022 Grand Cherokee has more than 110 advanced safety and security features, including active driving assist with hands-on automated driving, and a 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras.

Other features include a drowsy driver detection system, a parking assistance system, and adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition. Jeep has also installed Amazon Alexa as a virtual assistant, and the Grand Cherokee comes with its own 4G hotspot for up to 8 devices.

The UK specifications, including the price of the Grand Cherokee and its various trim choices, will be announced closer to its 2022 launch.

More Jeep news, ratings, reviews and features

Vauxhall Corsa Electric

Stuart Masson

-

28 September 2021

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Summary

The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a fully-electric version of the conventional Corsa supermini hatchback. It was launched alongside the conventional petrol and diesel models in late 2019, with first UK deliveries arriving in early 2020.

Up until about summer 2022, the Corsa Electric was known as the Corsa-e. A similar rebranding has been applied to all of the company’s electric models (Mokka, Combo, Vivaro and Astra).

The new Corsa and Corsa Electric are the first built under PSA’s ownership of Vauxhall, after previous owners GM sold the brand to PSA in 2017. As a result, the Corsa Electric shares most of its components, including its electric motor and battery, with the Peugeot e-208.

An updated Vauxhall Corsa range arrived in the UK late in 2023. This is a facelift to the existing car, rather than an all-new model. The most obvious difference is revised front-end styling that brings the Corsa into line with Vauxhall’s newer models.

The Corsa Electric has been praised for its overall comfort and general feeling of familarity, which could be reassuring for buyers who are unsure about making the jump to an electric car. However, it’s not considered as stylish and appealing as the closely-related Peugeot e-208, and it’s also expensive to purchase compared to a regular petrol Corsa.

As of August 2025, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 68%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, while the Corsa’s historic reliability record is also food. However, its safety rating and Vauxhall’s new car warranty coverage are only average, and media reviews have been poor – although this has been improving with the facelifted model from late 2023 onwards.

Corsa Electric highlights

Efficient powertrain
Comfortable driving experience
Well-equipped as standard

Corsa Electric lowlights

Expensive when compared to rivals
Cramped rear seating
Interior trim is cheap in places

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatch
Motor: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £27,505 on-road

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

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“The Vauxhall Corsa Electric combines style with good drive comfort, but it’s not that well equipped and it’s rather tight inside.”

Model reviewed: Facelift model

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

Mario Christou

“The Vauxhall Corsa Electric has decent performance and range, but some versions are better value for money than others.”

Model reviewed: Facelift range overview

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Max Adams, Ellis Hyde

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Vauxhall Corsa-e is a great all-rounder. It’s not the cheapest small electric car, but it has an impressive range and great on-board equipment. Its interior is quite dull, but it can charge very quickly and gets a home charger included in the price.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“The all-electric Corsa is better than ever – but then it needs to be to justify the price rise. The areas where Vauxhall has focused its improvements are welcome, with decent infotainment, plus a battery and powertrain combination that rivals any in the segment. As ever, keen finance deals will be crucial to maintaining the Corsa’s popularity.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: Anniversary Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“Vauxhall’s celebratory Corsa-e marks a milestone birthday for the brand’s supermini. It’s come a long way over the past four decades, and it’s easy to see why this latest model is Britain’s best-selling car – especially in all-electric form. The range updates for 2022 are solid and the Anniversary Edition looks great and feels like a bit of fun, but it’s backed up by ability.” (Sean Carson)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Vauxhall’s electric supermini has brisk performance and offers plenty of equipment, but some rivals are better value for money.” (Andy Ingram)
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa Electric’s no-nonsense vision of zero emissions motoring was always appealing – sharper looks and improved tech sweeten the deal further.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review

Model reviewed: Pre-facelift (2019 to 2023) range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa-e is very expensive to buy, compared with a standard petrol-engined Corsa, especially if you’re paying outright. However, over the three years you’ll probably own it, that cost will be offset by the lower running costs.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 6 / 10
“Vauxhall’s facelift tweaks have made the Corsa Electric a much more desirable car. Its styling now stands up to the likes of the razor-sharp Peugeot e-208 and updated Renault Clio, while its new electric powertrain promises to make the car more usable day-to-day. The problem with the Corsa (and, indeed, most small electric cars from the western world) is its price. We’re concerned that buyers won’t spend the extra money on a Corsa Electric when faced with the wave of cheaper, equally talented Chinese rivals, especially in the current financial climate.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“This electric Corsa continues doing everything this supermini has earned a reputation for over the years – being easy to live with, well-equipped and a generally excellent all-rounder.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 7.6 / 10
“A useful range and huge dealer network add to the appeal of the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, but several electric rivals feel more special.”
Author: Alastair Crooks, Ivan Aistrop
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Pre-facelift model
Score: 6 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a small EV car with a decent range and good amounts of kit, but it’s expensive for a Corsa and the interior could be more exciting.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Elite Nav
“A range of more than 200 miles makes for a stress-free EV experience, and the Vauxhall Corsa-e is good to drive, tidily styled and well-equipped, especially in higher-spec Elite form.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Score: 6 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa-e is the perfect car for those wanting to take the plunge into EV ownership while doing it in something that feels reassuringly familiar.”
Read review

Discover EV

Model reviewed: Elite Nav
Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re considering making the switch to an EV, the Vauxhall Corsa-e boasts decent range, impressive technology and an ease of use and familiarity that will appeal to those who are also a little risk-averse.”
Read review

Driving Electric

Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“The evergreen Vauxhall Corsa Electric is much more expensive than the petrol version, but is comfortable, spacious and has a solid range nonetheless.”
Author: Tom Jervis
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Closely related to the Peugeot e208, there’s a lot to like about the new Vauxhall Corsa e – not least that for those new to pure EV ownership, it doesn’t look, feel or drive very differently to any of its stablemates. But it’s decent 200+mile range helps, too.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Score: 9 / 10
“Although it’s built on the same platform as the Peugeot e-208, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is designed to appeal to Vauxhall buyers.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Decent EV, but dull cabin.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa-e certainly has a straightforward, no-nonsense appeal, but it also has the same drawbacks as its key rivals of cost and recharging times.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed:
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Vauxhall’s fully-electric car is an excellent gateway to EVs”
Read review

The Sun

“With good body control and direct steering, the electric Vauxhall Corsa-e is a lot of fun”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: GS Long Range (2023 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a lot to like about the new Vauxhall Corsa, not least the fact that it still exists (in both petrol and electric form), when old rival Ford has chosen to ditch traditional hatchbacks altogether in this new electrified era. Time will tell whether the end of the Fiesta means the rise of the Corsa, but those choosing to buy Vauxhall’s supermini will be very happy with the strong mix of attractive design, choice of fuel type, practicality and impressive ride comfort.”
Author: Will Dron
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Yes
Score: 6 / 10
“This new extra-value EV is likeable, good-looking and decent to drive – but it’s not cheap enough to fend off stiff competition.”
Author: Alex Robbins
Read review

Score: 6 / 10
“Its dour, cramped interior is still the Vauxhall Corsa-e’s major failing. But you might just be able to see your way past this flaw if you’re crying out for a small electric car that’s good fun to drive, because the Corsa is just that.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“Smart, grown up and comfortable, the Corsa-e also provides a more sensible trade-off between performance and range than the current breed of super battery saloons. It’s a brilliant second car, but that 209 miles of range isn’t really enough to justify the Corsa-e as your only car.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa’s gone EV with as little risk as possible, and ought to be a doddle to drive every day as a result”
Read review

Which EV?

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Corsa-e channels some of the Vauxhall SRi heritage into a quasi-hot-hatch driving experience. But there are rough edges around the control system and instrumentation, while the range is behind Renault’s New Zoe, making this less of a practical EV choice.” (James Morris)
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: November 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 84%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 69%

Notes on safety rating

In May 2021, Euro NCAP confirmed that the Corsa Electric is now included in the overall Vauxhall Corsa safety rating. The regular combustion-engined Corsa (ie – all petrol and diesel models) was tested back in 2019, and its four-star score now applies to the Corsa Electric.

Euro NCAP requires either separate testing or substantial evidence from car manufacturers before applying a safety rating to an electric version of a petrol/diesel car. This is because of the substantial differences in the car’s composition resulting from replacing the engine, gearbox and fuel system with an electric motor and battery.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

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

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Corsa Electric is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when 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	231 miles	C

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	4.6 m/KWh	A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	27	C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£117	A
Year 2	£317	A
Year 3	£485	A
Year 4	£682	A
Year 5	£944	A
Overall	£2,545	A

The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a pretty cheap car to run, according to running cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Electricial efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for petrol or diesel cars) is pretty good, which helps the Corsa to squeeze more than 220 miles out of a battery, on average. This is based on EU/UK government lab testing, so real-world driving will be lower, but is still decent for a small hatchback.

Servicing and insurance costs should be very good as well, so running a Vauxhall Corsa Electric should hopefully be a relatively painless experience.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Vauxhall Corsa Electric

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

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

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

Warranty on a used Vauxhall Corsa Electric

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

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

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

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

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Vauxhall Corsa Electric

2024

2023

2022

Date: April 2024
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2023 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 265
Defect: Incorrect MCU (Motor Control Unit) calibration may result in a loss of propulsion while driving.
Remedy: Update the MCU (Motor Control Unit) calibration.

Date: May 2023
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2019 to 11/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 34,528
Defect: The AC compressor stator wiring could develop a fault, leading to current loss inside the AC compressor that could result in a vehicle powertrain shutdown when driving.
Remedy: Reprogram the Powertrain Diagnosis ECU with updated software.

Date: January 2023
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2022 to 12/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 3,666
Defect: There is an error in the software calibration of the traction battery control unit which could result in a loss of propulsion when driving.
Remedy: Update the software of the traction battery control unit.

Date: October 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 6,361
Defect: Software does not allow the authorities to test according to regulation.
Remedy: Re-flash the Body Control software.

Date: February 2022
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 450
Defect: A potential for an intermittent internal connection issue on the DC/DC chip of the on-board charger.
Remedy: Check and, if necessary, replace the on-board charger, and update with the latest software.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been five DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. These mostly cover software faults that control different aspects of the vehicle.

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 Vauxhall 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 Corsa-e or Corsa Electric, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Security rating

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail

Date: March 2020
Model tested: Ultimate Turbo 100

The Vauxhall Corsa Electric hasn’t specifically been tested for anti-theft protection by Thatcham Research, but the regular petrol Corsa has and it shares its technology with the Corsa Electric so the same rating applies.

The Corsa automatically received a Poor rating from Thatcham because it failed a relay attack test, which measures the security of a car’s keyless entry and/or keyless start system. The Vauxhall Corsa and Corsa Electric models are susceptible to thieves intercepting the car’s keyless signal and using it to steal the car.

Awards

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

2022

Carbuyer Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Used Small Car

2020

The Sun Motor Awards – Car of the Year

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Vauxhall Corsa

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Britain’s best-selling cars of 2022

Vauxhall Corsa-e gets Anniversary Edition trim

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Major price cuts among Corsa and Mokka range changes

Buy a Vauxhall Corsa Electric

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Vauxhall Corsa Electric, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more

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Lease a Vauxhall Corsa Electric

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

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

Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more

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

Subscribe to a Vauxhall Corsa Electric

Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Lightweight Caterham Seven 170 goes on sale in the UK

Model update

Sean Rees

-

28 September 2021

0

Lightweight Caterham Seven 170 goes on sale in the UK

British manufacturer Caterham has released the Seven 170, the lightest production car it has ever produced.

Available either as a complete kit or as a factory build, Caterham Seven 170 weighs just 440kg, 50kg lighter than its predecessor the Seven 160. Caterham has shed this weight so that the new Seven complies with Japanese Kei car regulations.

This weight reduction, coupled with the Seven 170’s 86hp turbocharged Suzuki engine, means that Caterham’s new model churns out an impressive 0-60mph time of seven seconds, and a top-speed of 105mph. Less weight also means less pollution; with a CO₂ figure of 109g/km, the Caterham Seven 170 is greener than some hybrid vehicles.

The 2013 Seven 160 vs The 2021 Seven 170

Caterham customers are able to choose from two different trim options for the Seven 170. The entry-level S trim package, which is designed for the road, comes with their road suspension pack and black leather seats.

For customers looking for a Caterham built for the track, the Seven 170 R trim package comes with a sports suspension pack, a four-point race harness, composite race seats, a carbon-fibre dashboard, and a limited-slip differential for more traction through tight corners.

Both trim options have the same five-speed manual gearbox and 14-inch silver alloy wheels. The Caterham Seven 170 also comes with an AC Cobra-inspired stripe design, and four standard paint options.

The announcement of the Seven 170 comes just days after the manufacturer dropped its mid-range 270 and Super Seven 1600 models, as the Ford Sigma engine required for their assembly is no longer available.

Caterham CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “The Seven 170 really distils the brand’s reputation for offering accessible, simple, light-weight sports cars. Given the popularity of the 160, we’re really excited by the potential the Seven 170 offers customers.”

More Caterham ratings, reviews, news and features

BMW 8 Series

Andrew Charman

-

25 September 2021

0

Summary

The original BMW 8 Series first appeared in 1990 as the German brand’s largest two-door coupe, but by 1999 it was not selling well and was dropped.

Two decades later, BMW decided there was now room for a luxury grand tourer with enormous power, in 2018 launching an all-new 8 Series in coupe and soft-top convertible body styles. Later a four-door Gran Coupe was added to the range – we are building a separate page for this version, so check back soon.

There are two petrol engine options or a diesel and all are potent. The 840i puts out 333hp, while diesel fans get 340hp and an all-wheel drive powertrain.

Most rapid of all is the M850i ,with 530hp, put through the all-wheel-drive to produce a blistering 3.8-second 0-62mph time. It’s not the quickest, however, as BMW also offers an the M8 (also not covered by this rating; we’ll add this to our index soon).

Reviewers focus on the 8 Series’ luxury, its potency and price – the Telegraph believes BMW has pitched its car as “a piece of high-performance automotive art, with the emphasis on performance”. Mind you the review adds that such cars with big engines are about to be killed by emissions regulations.

The price exercises the Mirror’s reviewer too, who argues that the 8 Series might “depreciate savagely and within a decade you’ll be able to pick one up for pennies.”

Top Gear sums the 8 Series as possibly the ultimate car for those who like BMWs – “but it is less special than its rivals”. However the Daily Mail, testing the convertible with its top that opens or closes in just 15 seconds, argues that it is; “a sensational luxury grand tourer for those old and experienced enough to appreciate the good things in life – more mature than a regular sports car.”

As of February 2026, the BMW 8 Series holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 53%. Although the media reviews have been positive, the 8 Series is a brutally expensive car to live with. Currently, we don’t have safety or reliability data, so check back soon.

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

BMW 8 Series highlights

Potent performance
Very refined
Lots of cockpit tech
Luxury interior

BMW 8 Series lowlights

Not that distinctive for its high cost
So-so steering feel
So much cockpit tech it’s confusing
No room in the back

Key specifications

Body style: 2+2 coupé and convertible
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £77,395 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018
Last updated: Spring 2022
Next update due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Featured reviews

“Muscle car performance and proportions give the BMW 8 Series old-school appeal, but it’s packed with the latest technology.”

Model reviewed: Coupé range

Score: 8 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Paul Adam, Alastair Crooks

“The BMW 8 Series is a superbly fast and surprisingly comfortable four-seat sports car but it doesn’t look quite as dramatic as some more expensive alternatives.”

Model reviewed: Coupé range

Score: 7 / 10

Read full review

Carwow

More reviews

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: Coupe
“The 8 Series is a seriously impressive coupe and one that shows BMW’s ability to blend the luxurious with the sporting is still alive and well.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: M850i xDrive Convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“Despite being a large and heavy open-top car, the new BMW 8 Series Convertible feels tight, agile and hugely composed.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: M850i
Score: 8 / 10
“The days of big coupes with big engines may be numbered; perhaps we should enjoy, and admire, this car while we can.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“That big V8 can be revved out but in reality does all its best work in the mid-range, meaning it piles on pace in a romantically effortless way.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The luxurious BMW 8 Series coupe is most at home on a long, fast motorway trip, but it’s competent on a twisty route home too.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 8 Series Convertible adds some extra excitement to the formula of the Coupe with very few sacrifices.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 8 Series Convertible is a rare thing: a luxurious open-top GT that’ll put a smile on your face around corners. There’s only really room for two, though, and it’s thirsty.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: M850i xDrive Convertible
“If you are of a certain age, have made a bob or two, risk getting a perma-tan from all that time on the golf course, and fancy a motor that’s more mature than a regular sports car, this could be just the job for you.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 840d xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“Iconic super coupe is back with style.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: 840d xDrive Convertible
Score: 8 / 10
“Fixtures and fittings are top notch and there’s some nice detailing such as the stitched leather dash.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 8 Series is handsome to look at and pleasant to sit in, and it delivers an appealing blend of sporty handling and long-distance comfort. The engines are great, too, with everything from refined to raucous to give the car broad appeal.”
Author: Andrew Brady
Read review

Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 8 / 10
“If only the best will do, then perhaps BMW’s flagship model is the right car for your driveway. The open-top version of the 8 Series certainly makes a pitch for being one of the grandest tourers around.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8 / 10
“Whichever BMW 8 Series you go for, though, you’ll get a car that’s handsome to look at, a joy to sit in and stuffed full of luxury kit, including the best infotainment system in the business.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 8 / 10
“The 8 Series Convertible is one of BMW’s best contemporary styling efforts and with a well-appointed interior, it meets the brief for opulent indulgence.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview (coupé, convertible, Gran Coupé)
Score: 8 / 10
“As a flagship coupe or convertible, the BMW 8 Series ticks many boxes. It’s loaded with technology, features a luxurious cabin and has proper presence on the road. It’s let down by a lack of handling sharpness, cramped rear seats and eye-watering prices.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Convertible range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“BMW 8 Series loses roof but not refinement.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Large and luxurious grand tourer, but it’s pricey.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 840d xDrive M Sport
“The diesel-powered 8 Series is a car in which it’s best to just turn on the radio and sit there until you arrive at your destination.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Convertible
“For all its remarkable qualities, however, I found it hard to love this car. There’s a slight end-of-days ostentation about it, which seems to bring out the worst in fellow road users. You might even observe that this car is too expensive and too accomplished to be a “proper” sports car, which should extract a penalty in practicality and accommodation.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M850i xDrive coupe
Score: 8 / 10
“Something of an iron fist in a velvet glove. Technology allows this two-door luxury coupé to have a dual personality, which combines old-school road-burning performance with a refined and comfortable cruising ability. This isn’t a big market, but BMW has invested heavily to get back into it and the BMW 8 Series is a credible contender.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: 840i sDrive Gran Coupe
Score: 7 / 10
“In BMW language, a GC is a four-door coupe-ish thing. In this case a version of the ritzy 8 Series coupe, with added doors. It’s not just some lazy stretch job. Every exterior panel is different aft of the windscreen.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 7 / 10
““It’s very competent across the board, but not greatly different from the rest of the BMW range.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of February 2026, the BMW 8 Series has not been tested by Euro NCAP. This is not surprising, given its high price tag and limited production numbers.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2026, the BMW 8 Series has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 14
Average repair cost: £1087.62
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

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

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the BMW 8 Series family has a poor reliability score of 41%, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided by our partner, MotorEasy.

However, it must be noted that this score is currently based on a relatively small number of vehicle records, so this score may fluctuate more than normal as more data becomes available.

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	29 mpg	E
Diesel models	42 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	221 g/km	D
Diesel models	176 g/km	D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	49	E

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£507	E
Year 2	£1,046	E
Year 3	£1,610	E
Year 4	£1,986	E
Year 5	£2,627	E
Overall	£7,776	E

The BMW 8 Series has expensive running costs, according to data exclusively provided by our partner Clear Vehicle Data. Petrol models offer 30mpg, which is low compared with the rest of the market. Diesel variants are much more efficient.

Insurance premiums are predictably more expensive than the market average, and service and maintenance costs over five years are more expensive than other models in BMW’s range.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the BMW 8 Series, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The closest direct rival to the 8 Series – at least in convertible form – is the Mercedes-AMG SL, but it also poses a viable alternative to a host of other upmarket performance machines such as the Porsche 911 or the Lexus LC.

More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features

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The best used family cars for every budget

Car buying advice

Sean Rees

-

25 September 2021

0

The best used family cars for every budget

So, you are on the lookout for a practical car for the family that doesn’t break the bank? Whatever your budget, we have you covered with our list of the best used family cars for every budget.

We’ve analysed all the used family cars available at each price point using the thousands of cars for sale from our partners at Cazoo, heycar, Motors, CarShop and Carsnip. Then, we have consulted our industry-leading Expert Rating index to see which models have the highest review scores from across the UK motoring media.

Every car listed below has used models available to purchase now, each model being reasonably new; no older than three years old.

With comprehensive review data backing our recommendations, you can be confident that this is the definitive guide to the best used family cars for every budget that are on sale in the UK right now.

The best used family cars for every budget

Best used family car under £10,000: Volkswagen Golf

2018 Volkswagen Golf SE Nav | Best used family car for under £10,000

If you have a maximum of £10,000 to spend, you have a wide array of reliable used hatchbacks to choose from, the best option being the dependable Volkswagen Golf Mk7.

Available as both a hatchback and an estate car, the Golf Mk7 was replaced by the new generation of Mk8 Golf models in 2020. However, the older model was regarded more highly – the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 had an Expert Rating of 81% at the end of its model life, which is markedly higher than the 75% rating that the new model currently holds.

The Golf has received plenty of praise for its value for money, refinement and practicality, all while offering a performance-packed engine that is great fun to drive.

A key rival to the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 on the used market is the Skoda Octavia. Much like the Golf, the older now-decommissioned model of the Octavia has a better Expert Rating than the current model, recognised for its fantastic value for money and practicality when faced with day-to-day family life.

Volkswagen Golf (2012 – 2019) – Expert Rating

Best used family car under £20,000: Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb | Best used family car for under £20,000

A fantastic all-rounder, the Skoda Superb really is the perfect low-cost family car, with an abundance of recent used models available to purchase from our partners from under £20,000. Available as either a liftback or estate, the fact that this car is called ‘Superb’ is no exaggeration. It has won more than 50 UK awards since its launch in 2015.

Praised for its practicality, design and value for money, the Skoda Superb has an Expert Rating of 82%, as of September 2021, which is based on 47 reviews from the media.

If you prefer a hatchback, the Ford Focus is always a great choice for the family in this price range, with an abundance of used models available for purchase with our partners below. The Focus is one of the most common cars on British roads, notable for its impressive driving dynamics and advanced safety systems.

Skoda Superb (2015 – present) – Expert Rating

Best used family car under £30,000: BMW 5 Series

Known for its impressive build quality, great performance and lavish looks inside and out, the BMW 5 Series is the current benchmark for cars in the premium saloon class, and the BMW 5 Series Touring (shown above) is particularly talented at ferrying around the family with poise.

As of September 2021, the BMW 5 Series has an Expert Rating of 87% based on 52 reviews from the British media, and has won over 25 different industry awards since 2017. Our partners have a wide selection of used Series 5 models available below, but it must be said that the large majority of the models priced under £30,000 are diesel variants.

If an SUV is more your style, it is worth searching for a Kia e-Niro with our partners below. This all-electric alternative is efficient for your pocket and the planet, while being commended by reviewers for its family-friendly comfort and practicality.

BMW 5 Series (2017 – present) – Expert Rating

Best used family car under £40,000: Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 | Best used family car for under £40,000

As we approach the premium end of the used car market, there are not many options that offer comfort, practicality and efficiency like the Volvo XC90.

For Volvo, safety for the driver and their family is the focal selling point for the XC90, the manufacturer claiming that “not a single Volvo XC90 occupant has died in a car-to-car accident in the UK” since the original model was launched in 2002.”

Boasting seven seats and a premium interior trim, the XC90 has an Expert Rating of 79% from 38 reviews as of September 2021, receiving plaudits for its attractive styling, roomy and comfortable interior and excellent safety technology.

Another contender on the used market in this price range is the Audi A8, which is a lavish luxury saloon, commended for its overall comfort and on-board technology. The good news if you’re looking for a second-hand example is that it tends to suffer from savage depreciation compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, so it’s something of a bargain.

Volvo XC90 (2015 – present) – Expert Rating

Best used family car under £50,000: Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery | Best used family car for under £50,000

The Land Rover Discovery matches the sensibilities and style of the Volvo XC90, and adds off-road ability and powerful performance to the equation.

The latest generation of the Discovery’s 35-year history is by far the most expensive and luxurious. This premium SUV has also received praise for its top of the line infotainment and luxury comfort, capable of keeping all of the family occupied and relaxed for even the longest of journeys.

As of September 2021, the Land Rover Discovery has an Expert Rating of 79% based on a total of 29 reviews, which offer some conflicting conclusions.

Some reviewers take issue with ongoing reliability problems, while others were deterred by its ever-increasing price tag. Much like the 5 Series, you will be hard-pressed to find a used petrol variant in this price range, with diesels being far more common.

Should off-roading be of no interest to you, the Tesla Model S is another fantastic choice on the used market. The Model S is a very capable family saloon car and a pioneering vehicle for the image of electric cars, almost single-handedly responsible for changing the perception of electric vehicles having poor performance and range.

Land Rover Discovery (2017 – present) – Expert Rating

Best used family car over £50,000: Land Rover Defender

Land Rover Defender | Best used family car for over £50,000

The new Land Rover Defender has taken even more of a leap upmarket than the Discovery. No longer a utilitarian farmer’s tool, the Defender is now a luxury family SUV that shares a moniker with several British off-roading classics, and can trace its lineage back to the first Land Rover sold in 1948.

Launched in 2020, it has retained the robust temperament and off-road aspirations as the Land Rovers of yesteryear, although there has been a marked change in its target audience as it challenges other luxury alternatives with its grand interior trim, expensive tech and everyday practicality.

Despite rather consistent doubts about the fuel economy of the Defender, this top-of-the-line SUV has an Expert Rating of 85%, based on 34 reviews from UK media sources. The only catch is you’re unlikely to find any real used car bargains, as high demand keeps second-hand prices higher than you’d normally expect.

If you do have over £50,000 to spend on a used car for the family, it is also worth checking out another mainstay of the Land Rover range, the Range Rover, which has received particular praise for its ability to combine off-road ability, practicality and opulence into a single package.

Land Rover Defender (2020 – present) – Expert Rating

For the definitive rankings of the best used family cars for every budget, we’ve used The Car Expert’s industry-leading Expert Rating index. The index analyses new car reviews from more than 30 of the top UK motoring websites, using an advanced algorithm that we have developed specifically to compare review scores.

It constantly recalculates and updates the Expert Rating score for every single car in real time to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and reliable ratings for every new car.

Loud music a dangerous distraction

Driving

Tom Johnston

-

25 September 2021

0

Do you like heavy rock, or are you more of a jazz person? Are you buoyed by pop but can’t stand classical?

Your answers could have as much an impact on your driving as it does on your listening pleasure, because a new study has found that different types of music can influence your ability to drive safely.

The research, from a quartet of expert bodies comprising Brunel University London, Coventry University, the Economic and Social Research Council, and insurer Direct Line, reveals the potential influence that factors such as volume and lyrics, can have on a driver’s ability to focus effectively in towns and cities.

It shows that soft music with a slow to moderate tempo and no lyrics can have a beneficial impact on drivers, whereas loud music makes drivers more mentally stimulated – which can have a negative impact when driving in urban areas.

Turning up the volume button on your car’s stereo has the most significant impact on a driver’s mind-set. The study found that motorists listening to soft, instrumental music reported 14% lower mental arousal – which can optimise urban driving focus – than those listening to loud instrumental music, and 21% lower than when listening to soft, lyrical music.

The findings are important, because music plays a big part in UK motorists’ driving lives.

Direct Line research found that 80% of drivers often listen to music when driving, while nearly half (48%) only listen to music when they’re behind the wheel.

And, as 17% say that they only listen to loud music with complex lyrics, such as some pop and rap, it means that nearly a fifth of the UK’s motorists may not be fully concentrating when driving.

Emotional triggers in music can make us feel either angry or aggressive, or even break down in teams. Listening to this sort of music while driving can resulted in heightened danger, can distract a driver to the point where they have a near miss with another vehicle or even a collision.

“The most important thing to consider when listening to music while driving is to ensure you are not mentally overloaded,” says Professor Costas Karageorghis from Brunel University London.

“A number of internal and external factors can influence this, but one of the easiest to control is our choice of auditory stimulation, whether it be talk radio, podcasts or music. Through minimising distractions, motorists are much better able to focus on the road and therefore stand a better chance of identifying potential hazards in good time.

“Drivers should consider the use of soft, non-lyrical music to optimise their mental state when driving in a stressful urban environment.”

Simon Henrick, from Direct Line, adds: “Music often plays an integral role in driving, from making the experience more enjoyable to improving our mood. These findings are therefore really interesting from a safety perspective, as they show that music can influence your level of focus when behind the wheel.

“The great thing about music is that it caters to everyone, so while we’re not telling drivers to change their preferences, we want to highlight the impact it can have on how someone drives. We would suggest that people are mindful of what they’re listening to and how it could affect both their emotions and their levels of concentration, especially in towns and cities.”

Top five tips for listening to music while driving

Keep it calm. Avoid aggressive lyrics as these can prompt dangerous and risk-taking driving behaviours such as jumping red lights and speeding
Keep it simple. Music that is highly syncopated or rhythmically complicated should also be avoided
Keep it quieter. The music volume shouldn’t be excessive and kept at under 75 decibels, otherwise there is an increased risk of missing important sounds, such as an approaching motorcycle
Keep it classic. It is advisable to use familiar, well-known tracks or those from the driver’s preferred genre, which are likely to have more of a feel-good flavour
Keep it light. Avoid music that might have a negative impact on emotional state

Source: Direct Line and Brunel University London

More driving information and advice at The Car Expert

Ford Fiesta set for a 2022 facelift

Model update

Sean Rees

-

24 September 2021

2

Ford has revealed that the Fiesta will be getting an upgrade in early 2022, including a new exterior design, improved tech and more safety features.

Launching with the starting price of £16,600, the Ford Fiesta is getting a new facelift that will be available to order from early 2022.

The facelift to the Fiesta range comes at a crucial time for Ford’s big-selling supermini. After 13 years of market dominance, the Fiesta has fallen behind the Corsa in new car sales this year. In fact, Fiesta sales have halved over the last two years.

Since its launch four years ago, the seventh-generation Fiesta has always been more highly rated than its Vauxhall rival. As of September 2021, it has an Expert Rating of 78% on our industry-leading Expert Rating index, which is well above the Corsa’s 63%. Ford will be hoping that these upgrades will bring more buyers back into showrooms.

Exterior updates

The Fiesta’s exterior overhaul consists of a bolder new bonnet design with a larger grille. The Ford badge has moved from the bonnet to the grille. The headlights and rear lights have also had the LED treatment, giving the car a more serious expression.

Customers interested in the Fiesta can also opt for upgraded matrix LED headlights, which illuminate more of the road while reducing glare for oncoming drivers. Other tech upgrades include a new 12-inch digital instrument display to replace the traditional analogue dials.

As well as the usual speed and rev information, the digital instrument display can present local hazard information to the driver. There’s also a wrong way alert system, which provides drivers with an audible and visual warning should they drive through two ‘No Entry’ signs on a motorway ramp.

Trim level tweaks

Ford has made a few changes to the trim choices for the new Fiesta. The Trend, Titanium, ST-Line and Active models remain with their own unique exterior subtleties. The more lavish Vignale model is no more, with ‘Vignale’ now relegated to an additional option pack which adds 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels and premium leather seats.

The engine choices were updated last year and are carried over in the facelifted model, consisting of petrol units with or without mild hybrid assistance. The mild hybrid unit is available with 125hp and 155hp power outputs, combined with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 125hp version is also available with a seven-speed automatic transmission, which provides improved fuel efficiency and rapid downshifts for faster overtaking. The entry-level 1.0-litre petrol remains, producing 100hp.

Safety upgrades

Much like the previous Fiesta model, the 2022 facelifted model has adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, which can automatically bring the car to a complete halt and pull away again in stop-start traffic. It can also recognise and follow speed limit signs.

Other safety features that have been carried over include active park assist, the blind spot information system and and a more advanced autonomous emergency braking system.

New to the Fiesta is the rear occupant alert safety feature, which reminds drivers to check their back seats to avoid leaving children or pets in their vehicle.

Death of the manual gearbox?

Driving

Tom Johnston

-

24 September 2021

0

The growing number of electric vehicles coming on to the UK’s roads is leading to a change in young motorists’ future driving ambitions.

New research shows that the ‘green march’ of EVs is massively influencing driving attitudes of young people aged 17-24. More than 60% of 1,000 young drivers questioned by road safety charity IAM Roadsmart said they plan to apply for an automatic-only driving licence.

The ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales from 2030 and the absence of manual gearboxes in electric vehicles, has led to the huge swing towards gearstick-less training and driving, while also translating into a new wave of expected buying behaviour.

More than 80% of respondents said they were likely to buy an electric vehicle as their next car. Only a very small number (5%) declared they were very unlikely to purchase an EV.

The acceptance of electric vehicles has charged ahead so much that 70% of the young people questioned believes that they are easier to charge, compared with filling a traditional fuel tank, saying it’s similar to topping up a smartphone or tablet.

“Our research highlights how young people are being proactive, not reactive, to climate issues and the changes to the automotive industry set to come by 2030, which is great to see,” says Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart.

“What these figures demonstrate is that the traditional split between manual and automatic driving licences is becoming less and less relevant to modern motoring. It’s time that this artificial distinction was ditched as part of an overall review of learning to drive that prioritises experience in all traffic conditions over the type of gearbox you have.”

Quirky Citroën Ami on its way to UK showrooms

New model

Andrew Charman

-

22 September 2021

1

Quirky Citroën Ami on its way to UK showrooms

The Citroën Ami will be going on sale in the UK, after the French brand reported ‘unprecedented customer demand’ for the electric microcar.

The quirky little EV, which is technically not a car but a quadricycle, was first unveiled in February 2020 and is a rival to the Renault Twizy.

At the time, Citroën insisted that it had no intentions to make the Ami available in the UK. However, the brand claims that more than 12,000 potential customers in Britain have expressed interest in the Ami, which Citroën describes as part of its quest “to deliver affordable and clean mobility solutions that are accessible to all.”

The two-seater is designed for short journeys in very urban environments – it has no boot and Citroën says there is space for the driver, a passenger “and one small item of luggage”.

It carries a 5.5kWh battery that can be recharged in three hours to give a range of up to 46 miles at speeds up to 28mph. The vehicle measures only 2.4 metres long and also offers a very tight turning circle of just 7.2 metres.

A full UK driving licence will be required to drive the Ami – in some continental countries users as young as 14 are permitted to drive it.

While it will be sold in the UK, only left-hand drive versions will be available. However the car’s all-round visibility and width of just 1.4 metres mean that the seating position should be less of a problem for UK drivers.

Citroën is understood to be planning a series of personalisation options for the Ami, including a range of replacements for the lightweight plastic body panels – a tactic used by another microcar manufacturer, Smart, in the past.

In total the vehicle weighs just 485kg while the design also includes a nod to Citroën’s iconic 2CV, the side windows opened by flipping the glass up to a raised position.

Industry sources suggest prices of the Ami will be likely to start around £6,000. As it is classed as a quadricycle, it will not be eligible for the UK Government’s plug-in car grant scheme.

Customers who have not already expressed interest in the AMI are able to now reserve one with payment of a £250 refundable fee.

More Citroën news, ratings, reviews and features

Bentley Continental GT Convertible

Andrew Charman

-

22 September 2021

0

Summary

The Bentley Continental GT Convertible – widely known as the GTC – first appeared in 2006 as an open-top version of the luxury brand’s then-new first-generation Continental GT coupe.

The current model is the third generation, making its debut in 2018 and given a major update in 2024. It was originally launched with a 6.0-litre W12 engine, which was subsequently joined by a 4.0-litre V8 engine that most reviewers preferred. With the 2024 update, the W12 engine has been discontinued and the V8 engine has been paired with an electric motor as a plug-in hybrid. This offers even greater performance while also giving a silent drive in electric mode and considerably better fuel economy.

Reviewers have been highly complimentary about Bentley’s drop-top ever since it was launched. Auto Express describes it as “incredibly expensive” but adds, “You get what you pay for.”

Car magazine believes that many buyers will actually prefer the less powerful V8 engine, dubbing the W12 curious, “with neither the analogue ferocity of a big, turbo-free V12 nor the bear-hug charm of a big-capacity V8.”

There are compromises compared to the coupé version – the drop-top folds with electric smoothness in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30mph, but the boot space is cut from 358 to 250 litres, which Car describes as “tragically half as useful.” But the roof impresses, Evo saying it folds away in virtual silence, “no cheapo whirring of motors here.”

The Continental GT Convertible is stiffer yet lighter than its predecessor but it still tips the scales at 2.4 tonnes. Despite this, testers like its road manners; “It rides like it is coasting on the back of a magic carpet,” says The Sun, while The Telegraph says in corners there is not a great deal of steering feedback but adds; “the grip from the wide tyres on 22-inch wheels is humungous.”

Of course being a Bentley, luxury is assured – “the quality of craftmanship of every switch, wooden veneer and leather covering separates the Continental GT Convertible from its rivals,” says Carbuyer.

As of February 2026, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 54%. This is somewhat inevitable, given the car’s high running costs and poor CO₂ emissions, but reliability has also not been a strong point of the Continental family over the last three generations.

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

The Car Expert Best of British horizontal banner

Continental GTC highlights

Special levels of luxury
Potent engines
Fine handling despite heavy weight
Hood folds on the move at up to 30mph

Continental GTC lowlights

Tiny boot space
Much heavier than coupe
Tiny rear seats
Too much safety kit is optional rather than standard

Key specifications

Body style: Convertible
Engines: petrol
Price: From £170,000 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2024 facelift
Score: 9 / 10
“The new plug-in hybrid V8 that Bentley is rolling out across the model range feels well-matched to the drop-top Bentley Continental GTC. The engine is flexible and will excite on an open road, while giving you the rich background sound you expect of a Bentley convertible. Couple this with the extra refinement of electric running around town, and the GTC’s driving experience provides more layers than ever.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Refinement and comfort are excellent, it even handles well, and there’s a deep reserve of performance.”
Read review

Score: 9 / 10
“It’s heavy, thirsty and not immune from scuttle shake, but for those in the market, there are few cars that do the job better.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 2024 facelift
Score: 10 / 10
“New front and rear lights for this masterclass in British luxury grand touring gives the Bentley Continental GT Convertible a strikingly different look, but it’s the switch from a gas guzzling 12-cylinder petrol engine to a V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that is the real game changer.”
Author: Erin Baker
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Continental GT has long been the ultimate luxury grand tourer, combining effortless power with incredible refinement and a luxurious interior. The convertible version puts the cherry on the Continental cake, creating a peerless way of crossing continents in supreme comfort.”
Read review

Car

Score: 8 / 10
“A Porsche 911 Cabriolet will stop, turn and go with more alacrity, but that’s hardly the point. The point is the Bentley doesn’t endure such roads but savours them, while remaining a long-distance machine of almost peerless ability and extraordinary charm.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Bentley Continental GT Convertible has always been luxurious, but it now drives more like a sports car, too.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Bentley Continental GT Convertible is an imposing droptop that’s beautifully made and wonderful to drive. But space in the back is so tight that the rear seats aren’t comfortable.”
Read review

Daily Mail

“There are few more exquisite pleasures in life than being behind the wheel of a £200,000 open-topped Bentley, as the sun kisses your forehead and the wind blows through what remains of your locks.”
Read review

Evo

Score: 9 / 10
“One of the world’s finest GTs, made even more appealing – for some – without a roof.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview (coupé and convertible)
Score: 9 / 10
“A near-perfect GT car – with or without a roof. Few cars offer such a rich blend of luxury, comfort and performance.”
Read review

The Sun

“The lower and longer profile, elongated bonnet and more pronounced power lines give this motor an athletic appearance on the road.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed:
“When you climb in the Continental GT, it’s like climbing into Lewis Hamilton’s head” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: W12
Score: 8 / 10
“Opulent and ostentatious, this third iteration of the drophead Bentley Continental GT is a better-looking car than its predecessor and the interior is quite lovely. It rides acceptably, and handles pretty well, but it is too heavy and its fuel consumption is simply not acceptable in these times.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Top class. The GT in the Continental’s name is there for a reason.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The GTC is Bentley’s big, heavyweight convertible grand tourer, with a ‘z’ fold fabric roof that opens and closes in just 19 seconds at up to 30mph.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

Like most upmarket low-volume cars, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible has not been tested by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2026, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible has not been tested by Green NCAP.

With very high CO₂ emissions, the Continental GTC inevitably has a poor eco score according to our Rating Index. The updated plug-in hybrid versions perform better, but this will never be an eco-friendly vehicle.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 22
Average repair cost: £2437.41
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

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

The Bentley Continental range (GT, GTC and Flying Spur across the last two generations) is very poor when it comes to reliability, with a reliability score of only 13% according to extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current (2018 onwards) model as well as earlier generations.

However, it’s not just us to find the Continental range to be sub-par when it comes to reliability. In August 2022, a report from car warranty provider Warrantywise rated the Continental GT as the seventh most unreliable used car on sale in the UK.

Suspension problems are the most common issues for the Continental, with more than a third of MotorEasy’s warranty claims addressing these.

If you own or are considering a used Bentley Continental GT, make sure any used car warranty you purchase covers these particular trouble spots.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Bentley Continental GT Convertible

2023

2022

2021

Date: March 2023
Recall number: R/2023/064
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2019 to 01/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 742
Defect: When riveting the airbag deflector bracket to the seat frame a sharp edge on the rivet could be created. In the event of the seat airbags being deployed it is possible that the airbag material could become torn reducing the effectiveness of occupant protection.
Remedy: A check of each front seat and rework carried out where necessary.

Date: February 2023
Recall number: R/2023/037
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,218
Defect: The water pump concept can create a vacuum within the electrical area of the pump. As a result liquid from the coolant system can permeate through the pump housing onto the electrical circuit board and connector.
Remedy: A hardware change of the water pump.

Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/078
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 08/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 32
Defect: Incorrect front passenger seat belt assemblies without an automatic locking retractor (ALR) function may have been installed.
Remedy: Inspect the affected front seat belt assemblies and replace if necessary.

Date: July 2021
Recall number: R/2021/276
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2018 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 2,293
Defect: The front seat software could result in trapping of a rear occupant’s legs.
Remedy: Update the software for the front seats.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/221
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 05/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 2,462
Defect: Inconsistent fitment of the fuse box and the electrical harness may prevent the accelerator pedal from returning to its resting position.
Remedy: Check and if necessary rework the A-post lower trim ensuring correct clearance of the trim to the accelerator pedal.

Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2020/373
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2019 to 11/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 393
Defect: The convertible roof can be activated using the key fob at distances exceeding six metres which contravenes an internal safety guidance measure.
Remedy: Update the software parameters within the Body Control Module 2 to disable the activation of the convertible roof via the key fob and update the Owner’s Handbook.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been six DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Bentley Continental GT Convertible – four of them shared with the coupé model – to address various 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 Bentley 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 Continental GT Convertible, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Everything you need to know about UK vehicle recalls

Running cost rating

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	21 mpg	E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	301 g/km	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F

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

The car’s fuel economy of 21 mpg is one of the poorest fuel consumption stats in our Expert Rating Index, and insurance premiums are in the most expensive bracket too. We don’t yet have latest numbers for the plug-in hybrid model introduced as part of the 2024 update, but this will help somewhat.

Bentley doesn’t provide servicing cost numbers, but you’re probably safe to assume that it’s going to be at the top end of the scale…

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Car warranty jargon explained

Car warranty

Tom Johnston

-

21 September 2021

0

As we have advised previously here at The Car Expert, it is well worth considering a used car warranty if you have bought yourself a new (to you) car.

You wouldn’t buy a brand new model and not expect at least three years of cover against something going wrong, so why think about doing that, just because your new wheels are second hand?

There are several warranty providers offering cover for parts and labour, and each has different terms and conditions, so it’s worth taking the time to read the small print to see exactly what you are signing up for and what you can expect in the future if something does go ‘bang’.

But what is it you’re looking at? And do you understand all the terms and jargon used in a warranty document? It’s important not to assume that, just because you have paid good money for your plan, every part of the car is going to be covered. That’s not the case, and the plan providers will outline, with specific clauses what is, and what isn’t covered by your agreement.

Here are some of the main items to look for and what they mean.

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

Age limit

Many warranties have an age limit for cars – perhaps 10 or 12 years – so if your motor is getting on, it might not be worth insuring against breakdown.

Betterment

If a repair makes your car worth more than it was, your provider might not pay for the whole bill, leaving you to find some of the money.

Claim limit

There will be set thresholds on how much you can expect back for each component and repair. It’s also worth checking at what point you can make a first claim. That could be weeks or even months after your policy’s start.

Consequential damage

If something fails and then damages another part, the warranty might not cover both components, so it’s important to get your car into the repair shop for a look-over as soon as you suspect there’s a fault developing.

Excess

Many policies will allow you to opt to pay for some of the damage yourself with the insurer topping up the final bill. The more you pay, the smaller your premium will be, so it’s a good consideration if you’re not sure about spending big money on a warranty. Some excesses are compulsory, especially in higher mileage cars.

Labour rate

Some repairers charge an hourly rate that insurers are simply not prepared to pay. The provider will have a maximum allowed labour rate. After that, you pay the rest.

Mileage allowance

Rather like age limit, the higher your total mileage gets, the less insurable your car becomes. You might have to stay within a set mileage range to keep your warranty operating.

Ombudsman

If you’re ever unhappy about the claim settlement you are being offered, or about the way you have been treated by a warranty provider, you can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service. They consider all the evidence and have powers to settle claims.

Previous faults

The warranty might not cover damaged parts that were already there when you took out the warranty.

Regulated

A regulated warranty is usually more expensive than an unregulated warranty, but there are benefits to the extra cost.

Regulated warranty providers must report to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) twice a year to give an account of their solvency situation, their financial resources and accountability, so it’s worth looking for this particular form of peace of mind.

Service book

Insurers expect you to keep your car serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fail to do so, and you could invalidate your warranty.

Workshop choice

You can’t always go to whatever repair shop you choose. Many warranty providers have their own ‘approved’ garages.

Warning lights

Don’t ignore warnings on your dashboard. If you do, it’s another reason why you might not be covered just when you need it.

Wear and tear

Don’t expect brake pads, tyres and clutch plates to be covered. These, and other ‘consumables’, won’t count in your cover.

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

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

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

More car warranty information

The UK’s best used car warranty providers

Is a used car warranty required by law?

How to handle a dispute with a car dealer

Used car warranty – the law and your rights

Spares or repairs – and other dodgy trader tricks

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

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