When it comes to buying a car, even the most sensible and organised people can go into a complete panic. They make stupid decisions and ignore their instincts because they are suddenly put under pressure in an uncomfortable environment.
The complete guide to getting a great deal on buying a car would fill a whole book. But since you’re probably here looking for immediate answers and advice on buying your next car, here are The Car Expert’s Ten Golden Rules for buying a new or used car.
There’s nothing in here that is complicated or difficult, and we will show you how anyone can get a great deal on a car. You don’t have to know anything about cars or car finance; you just have to trust your own judgment and ask questions whenever you don’t understand something.
Follow our golden rules and you are far more likely to end up with a decent car – and get a decent deal on it, too.
Rule 1. Don’t sign anything unless you are 100% committed to buying the car
Signing a form indicates you are committing to what that form says. In a car showroom, signing a form generally means you’re agreeing to buy a car – and it’s usually a legally-binding commitment.
You don’t need to sign anything for a quote, whether it’s a price for the car or a quotation on car finance. Any dealer telling you that you need to sign something “to hold the price until you make up your mind” is lying. You don’t need to do that. You are probably signing a contract to buy a car.
You may have to sign a test drive form to make sure you are covered for insurance purposes, but you don’t have to sign a vehicle order. If a dealer won’t let you test drive a car without signing an order “subject to a satisfactory test drive” beforehand, walk away.
If you’re not 100% sure that this car is the one you want, or whether your significant other will like it, or if you haven’t got an insurance quote yet, or if you’re not sure it will fit in the garage, or for any other reason at all, don’t sign the form.
Do your homework first and make sure you have all your ducks lined up in a row before committing yourself. Don’t be pressured into signing anything (see Rule 4 and Rule 9) by anyone. Only sign when you are good and ready.
Once you sign a contract to buy a car in a car showroom, you have legally committed yourself to it and you can be held to it.
Changing your mind after you sign on the dotted line is much harder than beforehand, and usually much more expensive.
The Aston Martin DBX is a large luxury SUV and the first model of this kind from Aston Martin. It was launched in 2019, with first cars hitting UK streets in the first few months of 2020. It is built in a new factory in St Athans, Wales.
Like other SUVs from luxury and performance car manufacturers, the DBX aims to broaden the Aston Martin model range and appeal to a wider range of new customers, or existing customers who already have an Aston Martin sports car in their garage. It is currently only available with a petrol V8 engine, although other engine options are apparently under development.
Most reviewers have praised the DBX’s styling, driving dynamics and comfort. Criticisms are few, but are mainly directed at it being somewhat less practical than other large SUVs and lacking in interior technology found in many other (much cheaper) cars.
A more powerful model, called the DBX 707, joined the range in Spring 2022. It boasts 707hp, hence the name. On top of this, an even more powerful DBX S was announced in the summer of 2025, with 727hp on tap.
As of July 2025, the Aston Martin DBX holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 54%. Although it has received very positive media reviews, the DBX’s score is weighed down heavily by its enormous running costs and high emissions output.
Score: 9 / 10 “The Aston Martin DBX is a little late to the super-SUV party but, if you’ve been waiting for a luxurious, ultra-exclusive off-roader that really does handle as well as a sports car, look no further. We know, we couldn’t believe it, either.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: DBX 707 Score: 10 / 10 “Is there a better SUV at this lofty level? We’re not sure there is. The DBX and 707 models are right up there with the best Porsche SUVs and far more involving than a BMW X6 M or Audi RS Q8. Only Jaguar’s F-Pace SVR and Alfa’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio come close for enjoyment.” Read review
Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10 “The Aston Martin DBX is a modern masterpiece that’s somehow both a consummate family car and absolutely an Aston Martin. Full of character and more engaging to drive than we ever dared dream, rather than tainting the badge it wears the DBX actually makes it shine all the brighter.” Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 7.8 / 10 “The first Aston Martin SUV is a joy to drive, and can carry four adults and their luggage across almost any terrain in style” Read review
Daily Mail
“While many of the DBX’s biggest rival 4X4s are real beasts, the Aston Martin DBX is – both on the road and in its handling – a real beauty that will appeal as much to women as to men.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The DBX is crucial to Aston Martin’s future so it’s great news that the car is so good and capable. However, the job’s not done yet because this motor is old school – in other words, the range is lacking a hybrid or electrified powertrain.” Read review
Eurekar
“The Aston Martin DBX is a comfortable and capable SUV with sports car handling underneath whether in normal or sporting modes.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “Aston Martin’s first SUV is more than a good SUV, the DBX is the best car the British firm makes.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: “Adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined with the latest 48v electric anti-roll control system and electronic adaptive dampers to provide the Aston Martin DBX with a huge breadth of ability.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10 “Aston Martin’s most family-friendly model to date.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: “The Aston Martin DBX is pretty and brilliant at the things you’ll want it for 5% of the time: Going fast or going down a forest track. But it’s rubbish at the things you’ll want it for 95% of the time: Simple tech for day-to-day living.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: “The Aston Martin DBX begins to make sense when you compare it to its rivals. Until you remember the Range Rover, which is the original and best.” (Jeremy Clarkson) Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic Score: 8 / 10 “The Aston Martin DBX is swift and it rides beautifully (as long as you choose the right tyres) and it’s right up there with the best in its handling. There are a few faults and it cannot hide its Mercedes-AMG drivetrain, but for those with the wherewithal it’s a contender.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: DBX 707 Score: 8 / 10 “There are drawbacks that will irritate buyers everywhere though. Not the £189,000 sticker price (£30k up on standard) – that just helps ensure exclusively. There’s still no touchscreen.” Read review
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “Aston’s first ever SUV is an interesting, exciting thing. Little late to the party, but feels different, and like an Aston.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of July 2025, the Aston Martin DBX has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. Given its price and exclusivity, we’re not expecting that it will ever be tested.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2025, the Aston Martin DBX has not been assessed by Green NCAP. Once again, we’re not holding our breath waiting for it to happen.
It’s a massive SUV powered by a petrol V8 engine, so it’s pretty safe to assume that it wouldn’t score highly if it was ever tested by Green NCAP…
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Aston Martin DBX 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 DBX, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
20 mpg
E
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
323 g/km
D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
50
F
The Aston Martin DBX is a very expensive car to own, which is hardly a revelation for any potential customers.
In summary, the DBX will cost you a lot to tax, to fuel, to insure and (probably) to service – we don’t have servicing data at the moment, but it’s likely to be pricey.
Date: April 2024 Model types: All Build dates: 09/2022 to 07/2023 Number of vehicles affected: 319 Defect: On affected vehicles oil cooler hoses may be prone to leak resulting in loss of oil and oil pressure Remedy: On affected vehicles oil cooler hoses will be replaced.
As of August 2024 (our most recent data point), there has been one DVSA vehicle safety recall on the Aston Martin DBX, specifically the DBX 707 version. It covers a potentially leaking oil cooler system.
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 Aston Martin 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 DBX, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Aston Martin DBX has received
2020
GQ Car Awards – Best Luxury SUV
Sunday Times Motor Awards – Best-Designed Car
Similar cars
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The Vauxhall Mokka is a small SUV/crossover that is slightly larger than the Vauxhall Crossland (formerly Crossland X) and smaller than the Grandland (nee Grandland X). The current model was launched in late 2020, with first customers taking delivery of their cars in early 2021.
This generation of Mokka replaces the previous Mokka X and is the first model to feature Vauxhall and Opel’s latest design language. The Mokka is available with both petrol and diesel engines, while an all-electric Mokka-e is also available. We have a separate page for the Mokka Electric here.
The Mokka has received praise for its fuel-efficient engines and bold styling, although criticisms have been made about its lack of practicality compared to rivals, particularly its small boot. Its four-star Euro NCAP safety rating is also not as good as the five-star score awarded to several of its rivals.
As of March 2026, the Vauxhall Mokka has a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It scores highly for its low CO2 emissions and its running costs are also good. Reliability is average, however, and its safety rating is sub-par.
Body style: Small SUV/crossover Engines: petrol (and previously diesel) Price: From £26,685 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020 Last updated: N/A Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview (including EV) Score: 7 / 10 “The Vauxhall Mokka looks sharp and has an engine to suit most needs. However, rivals are better to drive.” Author: Richard Ingram Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “It may have a bold new look but the new Vauxhall Mokka has kept many of the qualities that made its predecessor such a strange sales sensation. It’s not as good to drive as some key rivals, and it’s far from the most practical of small SUVs.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Stylish, well-equipped and affordable, the new Vauxhall Mokka is an attractive option in the competitive small crossover segment.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol/electric with mild hybrid assistance, GS Score: 7 / 10 “Lots of Vauxhall’s fellow Stellantis brands, including Citroen, Jeep, and Peugeot, also offer 48V hybrid small SUVs. Compared to these, the Vauxhall Mokka stacks up well on a cost-per-mile basis. However, we should note that despite being a full hybrid, an equivalent Renault Captur is actually cheaper to buy, as well as more fuel efficient and more powerful.” Author: Sean Keywood Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic SRi Score: 8 / 10 “Fundamentally it is a great car. It carries off Vauxhall’s new design language very well, with great kerbside appeal. The Mokka is also reasonably spacious and comfortable, and has a smooth and willing engine in the 1.2-litre petrol version we tried.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic SRi Nav Score: 8 / 10 “While this new Vauxhall Mokka isn’t perfect – particularly in terms of practicality – we can comfortably say it’s now a small crossover worth looking at.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “Bringing a well-rounded driving experience, style and quality to the crossover segment, this new Vauxhall Mokka is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Vauxhall Mokka has a sharp design and low running costs, but it’s not especially practical for an SUV.” (Andy Goodwin) Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview “The Vauxhall Mokka is a small SUV with efficient engines and plenty of kit. But the boot is smaller than the one in the car it replaces.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Launch Edition “A stylish and well-honed option, but it’s the EV that really appeals, offering something that isn’t available elsewhere.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic SRi Nav Premium “Powered by a feisty turbo-charged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder 130 hp petrol engine linked to an agile eight-speed automatic gear-box, it feels taut and nippy around town and cruises nicely on motorways, accelerating from rest to 60mph in 9.2 seconds up to a top speed of 124mph.” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: Range overview “The new Vauxhall Mokka takes a huge step forward from the first generation model.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Finally, the latest Vauxhall Mokka is a genuinely interesting small SUV. Its sharp looks will turn heads of Volkswagen T-Roc and Ford Puma buyers, while its affordable running costs and tempting finance deals mean it won’t break the bank, either.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “New Vauxhall Mokka sets out to banish memories of what came before.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic SRi “The Vauxhall Mokka looks ace and gives you choice – a cause of concern for the rival Ford Puma.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Mokka and Mokka-e Score: 8 / 10 “The new Vauxhall Mokka is impressive, and not just because we had low expectations. It looks great, drives well and is a match for any other compact crossover in terms of practicality. It’s the first Vauxhall for a long time that I’d consider buying myself, and that is probably all you need to know.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic SRi Nav Score: 8 / 10 “With a sparkling design and a whole lot better to drive than its predecessor, the new Vauxhall Mokka has a comprehensive drivetrain range with a very good battery choice, which will be a superb urban runaround.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Mokka and Mokka-e Score: 7 / 10 “A cracking piece of design and good enough at all the everyday stuff. At last, Vauxhall has a properly sorted crossover.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Vauxhall Mokka has a reliability score that’s better than average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Mokka and the original (pre-2020) version.
More than a third of all reported problems with the Mokka relate to its engine, with an average repair bill of about £700. Other areas to look out for are the suspension and electrical systems, although the average bills for these are fairly low. Be aware of gearbox problems, however, – although rare, they are expensive with an average repair bill of more than £1,500.
If you’re looking at a used Vauxhall Mokka, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
52 mpg
B
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
125 g/km
B
Diesel models
115 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
20
B
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£170
B
Year 2
£480
B
Year 3
£770
B
Year 4
£1,028
B
Year 5
£1,414
B
Overall
£3,862
B
The Vauxhall Mokka is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data. It is, however, more expensive to run than the equivalent Mokka Electric.
We don’t have independently verified fuel consumption figures, but the CO2 emissions (which are closely related to fuel economy) are very good for both the petrol and the (now discontinued) diesel engines.
Insurance prices should be very good, while servicing and maintenance costs should be excellent for at least the first five years.
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If you’re looking at the Vauxhall Mokka, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Buying a car is a big deal, regardless of whether it’s brand new or a few years old. It’s the second biggest purchase of your life, after buying a home, so it’s only natural you’d want to protect that investment as well as you can.
It might only be a machine but a car needs looking after, especially if you want to keep some value in it, so keeping it clean, in good working order and regularly serviced is a good start. But what else?
Here are seven ways you can protect your new car so that, when the time comes to sell it on, you are more likely to get back some of the time and money you have invested in it. Plus, we also have some special offers from our commercial partners that can help you save even more money.
1. Special Edition spec
Optional extras are one of the biggest traps in buying a new car. It’s very easy to spend thousands of pounds over and above the base cost of your car without increasing its real value. Or to put it another way, a £20,000 car with £10,000 of additional options is not the same thing as a £30,000 car. Therefore, you need to be judicious in your choices of any extra-cost features.
Which brings us to ‘special edition’ models. Generally, you get a bundle of extra kit and maybe some specific features or paint colours that are not available on ‘regular’ versions. The additional cost is generally much less than those extras would cost separately, so you can enjoy those extra bells and whistles at a much more sensible price.
If you’re buying a used car, a special edition often won’t cost any more than a regular version, which means you’re effectively getting those extra niceties for free.
2. Minimise unnecessary mileage
For most of us, this hasn’t been too hard to achieve during more than a year of national lockdowns, but mileage always affects how desirable your car is on the second-hand market.
While there’s no point buying a car and then not driving it, it’s also important to bear in mind that higher mileage will certainly affect your car’s value when you want to sell it. So not only are you spending money on petrol or diesel to do all those miles, it’s also devaluing your car at the same time.
Higher-mileage cars tend to get punished more heavily in their used values than lower-mileage cars get rewarded, so it pays to keep an eye on your mileage.
3. Mind the GAP
While a lot of the suggestions in this list will save you a few pounds, or maybe a few hundred pounds, GAP insurance can literally save you thousands of pounds in the event of your car being stolen or written off in an accident.
If you’ve bought your car using a finance product like a PCP, you will quite probably be in a sitation where your debt to the finance company is greater than the value of your car. If your car is written off, the cheque from your car insurance provider almost certainly won’t cover what you owe the finance company. In fact, you may be thousands of pounds short.
GAP insurance will cover that difference (or the ‘gap’) to make sure you can clear your car finance debt, so you don’t have to find that amount from your own pocket. Similarly, if you’re leasing your car then you can be covered for whatever you still owe the leasing company.
The used car market is a place where scruffy motors, dinged panels and scuffed alloys do not fare well. Taking care and being cautious when parking and manouevring your car can actually earn you a few quid more than you realise.
Sometimes a thorough polish and valet can be enough to smoth out light imperfections in your paintwork, but even minor scratches can dig through your paint to the metal below. That can then expose the raw material to sunlight, rain and oxygen, which is a perfect environment for rust to develop. It can be well worth considering a scratch and dent insurance policy to address small scratches before they become bigger problems.
The same applies to alloy wheels. Scuffed-up wheels will hurt your car’s value and can also cause oxidation issues. An alloy wheel insurance policy provides for on-site wheel repairs at your home or work to keep your wheels looking sharp and in good condition.
Much like keeping the outside of your car tidy, looking after the interior is also a sure-fire way to protect the value of your car when the time comes to sell it or return it to the finance company.
Non-smoking car buyers (which is now most of them) aren’t interested in a 1980s pub experience when they’re buying their next vehicle, so smoking in your car is guaranteed to hurt its resale value. As well as being bad for your health, cigarette smoke gets into your upholstery very easily and is almost impossible to remove. Driving with the window down and tapping your ash out onto the street won’t help, by the way (and it’s disgusting).
The same goes for pet hair and food. There’s no making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, so if you want to cash in a few years’ down the line, keep it clean and tidy as you go. If you take dogs in the car, vacuum and air it out after every trip. Clean up spills and marks immediately rather than leaving it until you get home, so your upholstery doesn’t get permanently stained.
6. Used car warranty
Once your car falls outside its manufacturer new car warranty, the responsibility for any expensive failures falls on you. This can cost you hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds if and when something goes wrong. As such, you may want to consider a used car warranty to protect your wallet against future breakdowns.
A used car warranty provides an extra level of consumer protection, which means that if something happens in the normal course of driving and you’ve maintained all the recommended servicing, you’ll have an extra pot of cash to rely on should your car stop working for any reason.
There are different types of warranty that provide different levels of cover, so you’ll need to look carefully at how much you want to spend and how much cover you’d like. Like GAP insurance, you may not ever need it. But if you do, it could save you thousands of pounds.
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 has a special car warranty offer for our readers
Warrantywise has a special car warranty offer for our readers
MotorEasy has a special car warranty offer for our readers
One of the biggest bugbears for car owners is the cost of annual servicing. A major service can cost hundreds of pounds, yet there’s little to show for it except maybe a vacuum and a little air freshener hanging from your rear view mirror.
The reality, of course, is that servicing is an essential part of keeping your car running smoothly. Cars are complicated mechanical devices and need regular maintenance. Failing to do so can lead to catastrophic – and expensive – failures, and if you don’t have your car serviced on time, every time, any new or used car warranty will probably be invalidated.
It’s always been the biggest month of the year for new car sales, and March this year saw better-than-expected results as we marked a year of coronavirus disrupting the new car market.
However, better-than-expected was still far-worse-than-average for March, with registration results that were massively down on the heady days of the middle of the last decade.
All of the improvement came from the fleet sector, which seemed to bounce back by quite a lot after a year of companies avoiding any new car investment. Private new car sales were still down on the same month last year, which was not that surprising given that showrooms remained closed all month.
So, ahead of showrooms reopening in England in April, we look at which cars topped the tables in March.
The UK’s best-selling cars, March 2021
1. Vauxhall Corsa
The battle for top spot has certainly started out well for 2021. The Vauxhall Corsa was best of all in January, then fell behind the Ford Fiesta in February, but returned to the top of the charts once again in March. As a result, it extended its slender lead in year-to-date sales at the end of the first quarter.
The petrol and diesel versions of the new Corsa currently hold an Expert Rating of 72% on our unique aggregator scale, based on 26 reviews we have gathered so far. That puts it in the bottom half of the supermini class, although the all-electric Corsa-e does score slightly better with an Expert Rating of 74%.
Second in January, first in February and back to second in March. The Ford Fiesta-Vauxhall Corsa battle is carrying on. This year looks like it will be the toughest one yet for the best-selling car of the last decade. For the rest of us, it’s shaping up to be a fascinating battle.
The good news for car buyers is that sales battles between manufacturers usually lead to some excellent deals for car buyers.
The Fiesta currently holds an Expert Rating of 81% in The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating index, which aggregates reviews from 25 of the UK’s top motoring websites. That’s some 9% better than the Corsa, so the motoring media still clearly prefers the Ford.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class keeps on selling up a storm, third this month and the country’s best-selling family-sized car. It remains in fourth place in year-to-date sales at the end of the first quarter, but it’s closing in on the Nissan Qashqai.
The A-Class has an Expert Rating of 76% in The Car Expert’s unique aggregated Expert Rating index, based on 47 UK reviews. That score has slipped a point in the last month, as some sources have recently updated their ratings. It ranks highly for safety, winning awards from Euro NCAP and Thatcham in previous years for its protective qualities.
The Tesla Model 3 continues to be the country’s best-selling purely electric car, although recent changes to the plug-in car grant may affect that in coming months as the Model 3 effectively became £3,000 more expensive in March.
The Tesla Model 3 currently holds an Expert Rating of 86% in our New Car Ratings database, which is very high. It has dropped a point in the last few months, but it’s still very highly regarded by the motoring media.
It may be weeks from retirement, but the ageing Nissan Qashqai keeps on racking up sales ahead of its imminent replacement by an all-new model. Fifth in March means that it is still the top-selling British-built car, and at the end of the first quarter it holds third place in year-to-date sales.
The Qashqai holds an overall rating of 74% in our unique Expert Rating index, which is in the midfield of the compact crossover segment and in the bottom half of scores for a top ten-selling car. The replacement should arrive on UK streets this summer, but the new car will have a tough job in living up to the sales success of the current model over its seven-year run.
It might be the traditional flag-bear for the compact executive car segment, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen the BMW 3 Series in the top ten. The huge increase in fleet registrations, and slight fall in private sale, will almost have a fair amount to do with that.
The 3 Series rates a couple of 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 April 2021, it has an overall score of 88%, which is exceptionally high.
Based on the last few years, it may seem surprising to see the Volkswagen Golf down in seventh place. However, this month is an improvement for the Golf, which didn’t even make the top ten last month. Year-to-date, it also ends the first quarter in seventh place.
This is probably the last generation of the Golf as we know it, as the world moves to electric vehicles. The new Volkswagen ID.3 represents VW’s future as we progress through a decade where petrol and diesel cars will be progressively replaced by electric models.
As more local reviews of different UK-spec Golf models have been published in the media, the Golf’s initial stellar Expert Rating slipped from a high of 85% to its current level of 80%. The much-vaunted ‘all-digital’ interior has drawn criticism from reviewers, who have found it inferior to the more conventional cabin of the previous-generation model. It’s not exactly disastrous news for Volkswagen, but it’s interesting to see review scores that are consistently below the previous model’s results.
The new Toyota Yaris made its debut in the best-sellers list in March, the third of four small hatchbacks to feature in the top ten this month.
In a great month for the new Yaris, it also won the European Car of the Year award, which is one of the most presitigious new car awards in the world. Here in the UK, it has also picked up a few class awards since it was launched, but its overall score of 76% on our Expert Rating index is several points behind the class leaders.
After getting comfortable in the top ten, the Ford Puma dropped out of the best-sellers list in February. However, it returned in March to take ninth place, which is the same position it holds in year-to-date sales.
The bug-eyed small SUV has been popular with critics, currently holding a rating of 82% on our unique Expert Rating index. This remains a best-in-class result, but it has slipped a few points in the last few months as we’ve added some new reviews and other sources have revised their initial opinions.
It was the seventh best-selling car of 2020, but March was the first time that the Mini hatch has made the top ten in 2021, creeping into tenth place. It’s still outside the top ten in year-to-date sales, however.
Bring a new registration plate month, March is normally one of the most successful months of the year for the Mini hatch. But this year private sales were down while fleet registrations were well up, which has probably prevented the Mini from finishing more highly in the results.
The Mini hatch holds a very solid score of 80% in our Expert Ratings aggregator, which is better than most cars in its class despite being much older than many of its rivals. We’ve now indexed the new Mini Electric model as well, and interestingly its score is currently only 73% – although this may change by a few points (either up or down) as more reviews are published.
New car showrooms reopen in mid-April for England, so we could see a significant improvement in overall results next month, particularly from private buyers. We’ll be back in a few weeks with the results.
New car registrations were better than expected in March, as dealerships prepare to reopen their showrooms in England next week.
According to data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), nearly 284,000 new cars were registered in March, which is 11% better than the same month last year. Fleet registrations were responsible for the lion’s share of this improvement, up 29% on last March, while private new car sales were down 4%.
However, traditional year-on-year analysis for registrations is now essentially pointless, a situation that won’t improve anytime soon as we mark a full year since the first Covid-19 lockdown started and 2020 new car sales degenerated into a complete mess. Showrooms in England closed in late March 2020 and the rest is history…
If we look back at the month of March in previous years, 2021’s performance is still well off every year from the previous decade, where new car registrations were usually north of 400,000 and as high as 550,000. While not all of this loss is necessarily purely down to Covid, it does show the scale of how far new car sales have fallen.
The most notable point from the March 2021 data was the strong performance of the fleet sector. There are probably a few factors contributing to this: preparations for a hopeful resumption of normal business activities in coming weeks; an degree of catching up, since fleet sector car buying dropped more than the private sector for most of the last year; and Brexit finally now put behind us.
Fleet market finally abandoning diesel
The other interesting point about such a fleet-heavy month of registrations is that it didn’t help boost sales of new diesel cars. Traditionally, fleet buyers have bought more diesel cars than private buyers but it seems that increasing numbers of fleets are shifting to plug-in vehicles, with continued strong growth for electric and – particularly – plug-in hybrid vehicles.
A close look at the data table below shows that almost half of diesel car sales, and almost a quarter of petrol car sales, are now mild hybrid versions. This means that they have a small electric motor that can boost the combustion engine but can’t drive the car on electric power alone. Within the next year or so, almost all petrol and diesel cars will be so equipped to hit increasingly tough emissions targets.
Good month, bad month
Even with an overall market up by more than 11%, some brands still did a lot better than others.
The tussle for top spot in the best-sellers list continues to be closely fought between the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta as the first quarter of 2021 comes to a close. The Corsa was back on top in March, outselling the Fiesta by about 500 units, which helped to extend its narrow lead in year-to-date sales.
The BMW 3 Series popped up in the top ten for the first time in a long time, while the Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Yaris also reappeared. The biggest surprise was the absence of the Ford Focus, which leaves it out of the top ten in year-to-date sales for the first time in about a hundred years.
We’ll have our usual monthly analysis of the top ten in coming days.
MG has unveiled an electric concept car that signals a clear intention of the now Chinese-owned brand to recall its roots as a British manufacturer of small sports cars.
The MG Cyberster concept, which makes its public debut at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month, is a convertible with styling including a number of cues taken from the classic MGB roadster.
These are combined with a bang up-to-date electric powertrain which MG says will offer a range of 500 miles and a sub three-second 0-62mph time.
The car’s styling includes circular headlamps inspired directly by 1960s and ’70s MG sports cars, and fitted with ‘Magic Eye’ lenses that open when switched on.
Styling of the tail lamps incorporates elements of the Union Flag and the lamps are integrated into the rear of the car in classic MG form. Other styling cues include a slim grille, a ‘laser-belt’ LED strip down the car’s side with the door outline following it, and a flattened rear.
The car’s design was created at SAIC Design London, the UK studio of MG’s parent company, and according to the studio’s director Carl Gotham the bold concept firmly previews the brand’s future, “touching on our heritage but more importantly building on our cutting-edge technology and advanced design.”
“Sports cars are the lifeblood of the MG DNA and Cyberstar is a hugely exciting concept for us,” Gotham adds.
Further technical details of the car are expected to be announced at the Shanghai show but there is no indication yet as to when the brand may launch a production sports car. MG currently offers three electric cars in its UK range, led by the ZS SUV.
Toyota has revealed the GR 86 coupé, a two-door four-seater that will succeed the GT 86.
Like its predecessor the GR 86 has been developed jointly with Subaru, which will again be marketing the car as the BRZ. However while the BRZ will not be offered for sale in Europe, the GR 86 will eventually reach European dealers some time after Japanese sales start in the Autumn of 2021.
The major change over the previous GT 86, which launched in 2012 and eventually sold more than 200,000 worldwide, is the choice of powertrain. While still rear-wheel drive, the new car replaces the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine of its predecessor with a larger 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit, manufactured by Subaru.
The GR 86 (the GR stands for the brand’s in-house motorsport department Gazoo Racing while the 86 recalls a performance Corolla marketed in the mid 1980s) will according to Toyota be the lightest four-seater coupe in its class. It weighs in at 1,270kg thanks to weight-saving measures including the use of aluminium in the roof structure and body panels.
In size the GR 86 virtually matches the dimensions of its predecessor but is stated to be offer an almost 50% improvement in torsional rigidity thanks to the use of modern manufacturing techniques.
Toyota is yet to release any performance figures for the GR 86 – these are expected to be revealed when the brand announces an intended European on-sale date, at which point the car will join the GR Supra and GR Yaris in Toyota’s portfolio of performance road cars.
Kia has started taking pre-orders for its new EV6 SUV, and revealed that the range will include a flagship GT model with a sub four-second 0-62mph time.
The EV6 is the South Korean brand’s first production car designed exclusively as an electric vehicle, and will be one of 11 new BEV vehicles Kia intends to launch by 2026. Seven will be built on the new E-GMP electric platform shared with sister brand Hyundai, and the other four electric versions of existing models.
The EV6 is expected to appear on UK roads from October 2021 at prices starting from £40,895 for the base model, while £43,895 will buy the EV6 GT-line with a sports-look trim. The GT version will follow in 2022, at prices from £58,295.
Details of the Kia EV6 specification will not be released until May but buyers will be able to choose their car with an emphasis on performance or range. The base model will be available in rear-wheel-drive form with a long-range (77.4kWh) battery pack quoted at a WLTP combined cycle range of 316 miles.
A four-wheel-drive variant is also expected to be available with a smaller battery pack, likely to give a range of around 250 miles. The dual-motor GT, meanwhile, will boast a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 162mph – the fastest car Kia has produced.
Rapid charging will also be a feature of the EV6, the 800V charging capability allowing battery replenishment from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.
Potential buyers who put down a £100 refundable deposit will be invited to place their order two weeks ahead of the car going on general sale in May, and will gain charging benefits including a free one-year subscription to the KiaChargePlus programme.
Kia plans for battery-electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles to make up 40% of the brand’s total sales by 2030.
Well before we were grounded by lockdowns, the number of times a car buyers would visit a physical dealership before choosing a new or used car had been decreasing.
New car buyers were only visiting an average of 1.2 dealerships prior to the coronavirus pandemic, having digested all the online road tests, compared prices and used the specification configurator to select the perfect piping for the carpet mats.
There will always be those who find this a pleasure, but more and more customers are getting used to the idea of foregoing the traditional dealership altogether. Covid-19 has enforced contactless handovers for traditional dealerships, but most car buyers have still ended up at a showroom to test drive or collect their new car. Some brands are now offering home delivery, however, and it’s been well received by customers.
But it’s not just new cars. There’s been an explosion in fixed-priced online used car buying as well. The entire process can now take place without ever having to leave your home.
There are differences between these new companies offering used car delivery to your door, but aspects common to all are:
A stock of used cars from different brands, which are refurbished and checked to set quality standards
Online listing with numerous exterior and interior photos and in some cases indications of blemishes above normal wear and tear
Details of the car’s service history online
A fixed price, with the ability to add finance and extras, and reserve with a small deposit
A part exchange valuation tool
Delivery to your home or office by an operator who will give a detailed handover
A ‘no quibble’ returns policy for seven or 14 days after delivery
Pros of buying a used car online
Buying a used car online is potentially as easy as buying anything else online, like a new mattress or a fridge. The ability to compare and research as much as you want, securing exactly the car that you want and not having to sell your old car separately. You know exactly what you are buying. There should be a good standard of customer service coupled to a delivery slot to suit you and a handover which should feel as special as having a new car arrive.
Various types of finance, such as a hire purchase (HP) or personal contract purchase (PCP) will be offered alongside your used car as is common practice on manufacturer websites but don’t forget to compare the interest rate with a bank loan, as it can be very high on used car finance.
Some suppliers offer a panel of lenders, while many will also be able to offer an extended warranty, servicing and breakdown cover for an additional monthly fee.
It doesn’t have to be done entirely online. Car supermarket Carshop offers both home delivery and the chance to compare cars in one of eleven locations and to test drive. Cazoo has 17 locations across the UK where you can collect the car in person and some also have servicing attached.
Cons of online used car buying
A used car site or supermarket’s stock will tend to reflect the preferences of the company car market of two or three years ago, because a lot of the cars will be returned lease vehicles. That can mean less choice. For example, selecting petrol rather than diesel can narrow your choice because, three years ago, fleets still bought a lot more diesel cars than petrol ones.
A manufacturer’s approved used car site usually allows you to get down to a specification which can be much more precise than the generic tick boxes of a mixed car used car supplier – for example, a used Mini with a specific option pack or colour combination.
The price is fixed with an online used retailer. This can be either a pro or a con, depending on how you look at it. The companies maintain that their prices are lower in any case because of reduced overheads. However, don’t assume that it will always be less than a manufacturer’s approved used price. It’s usually easy to cross compare any chosen car of the same specification and some approved used and big dealer chain sites have a ‘make an offer’ or ‘make a bid’ option.
Manufacturers’ approved used car schemes tend to offer a minimum 12-month warranty, whereas 90 days is the norm for a used car retailer. Again, look at your end price – there may be spare cash to add an extended warranty.
The mixed brand online used car retailers won’t usually offer test drives, so you need to be sure that the car will suit you. Don’t forget the simple things such as checking the dimensions to make sure you’re not going to be hitting the gatepost or scraping the raised garage door!
What about my part exchange?
Like new and approved used car sites, you can the enter your current car’s registration number and mileage for what is usually called a ‘no obligation’ part exchange valuation. Although you’ll be asked to provide as much detail as possible, the final decision won’t be until the company has inspected your old car in person when the new one is delivered
The company will reserve the right not to accept the part exchange – for example if it is damaged, won’t start or is unroadworthy – and cancel the order. These will be listed on the terms and conditions.
Alternatively, there are equally simple ways to sell your car online without part-exchanging it to the dealership. For example, The Car Expert has partnered with online selling agency Motorway to allow you to sell your car to the trade quickly and easily.
If you can’t take a test drive, what if it becomes clear that you soon find the seats make your back hurt, the engine seems too weedy or it’s too big or too small? Luckily, you have clear consumer rights when buying a used car online.
The new online used car retailers all have returns policies with no need to provide a reason but you have a limit of seven or 14 days to request a return. This is unlike manufacturer approved used car schemes which have 30-day exchange policies based on a fault being developed or not needing to specify a reason. However, you are locked into an exchange with the same dealer, not getting your money back.
All of the new breed of online used car suppliers provide details of their return/cancellation policies on their websites, where they must explain any extra charges. A common condition for accepting a car back is not having covered more than 250 miles. Fair wear and tear is accepted but you’ll have to pay for any damage. However, one major deterrent to sending your car back is that you won’t get your part exchange returned, although you’ll get the cash equivalent or be offered help to find a replacement.
In a nutshell, you have the legal right to cancel your purchase from the moment an order is placed until 14 days after taking delivery of the car. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new or used car, the law is the same.
To conclude; buying a used car online may not be as cheap as it may appear and you still need to do your research to find a car you’re not likely to return, but the simplicity and the convenience will win out for many.
The Citroën C4 is a medium-sized family car, which was unveiled in late 2020 and arrived in the UK in early 2021. It’s similar in size to a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus, although it’s more a liftback than a regular hatchback, and rides a bit higher like an SUV/crossover. So it’s certainly a bit different to its competitors.
Unusually, the C4 is available with a choice of petrol, diesel or electric power. This page only covers the conventional fossil-fuel models, and we have a separate page for the electric ë-C4 version.
The initial reviews for the C4 range have been generally positive, although not quite as strong as for the leading rivals in its class. It has been praised for its comfort and distinctive design, which is notably different from anything else in the mid-size family car sector.
An updated C4 family was announced in Autumn 2024, with the first cars expected to reach UK showrooms in Spring 2025. There will be the usual minor styling revisions and trim level tweaks, but they’re fundamentally the same cars.
As of February 2026, the Citroën C4 holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 59%. It achieves top marks for its low CO2 emissions and its running costs are relatively low, but its safety rating is merely average and its reliability record is poor.
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic 155 Shine Plus Score: 7 / 10 “While the e-C4 grabs headlines, this new petrol unit shows lots of appeal, too. The power boost makes the Citroën C4 a lively option that gives a little flexibility to those looking for a comfortable family hatchback. It’s just a shame that one or two negatives take the shine off the overall package.” Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic 130hp Shine Plus Score: 7 / 10 “Our rating reflects the fact that the higher-end, automatic car we’ve driven here isn’t likely to be the sweet spot in the new Citroën C4 range; for that, you’d save the cash and stick to a manual gearbox, or choose the electric version as a company car and revel in the tax breaks.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Hatchback Score: 7 / 10 “With new trim options, and Citroën’s continued focus on comfort, the new C4 is a big improvement over its predecessor.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Shine Plus Score: 7 / 10 “In summary, the new Citroen C4 is a good replacement for the old C4 and Cactus. For those who need to travel reasonably long distances on a regular basis – but still frequent towns and cities – the petrol C4 range is a compelling choice.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Score: 8 / 10 “The new Citroën C4 is as supple as a Pilates teacher, refreshingly putting comfort above all else. It’s nicely equipped and competitively priced.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “To those that criticise cars for being too similar these days, the Citroen C4 exists to prove this is definitely not the case. It really is a breath of fresh air in the crossover and hatchback segments, with its bold design, pleasing interior and impressive levels of comfort.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.2 / 10 “The Citroen C4 is a comfortable family hatchback with modern, fashionable styling.” (Ben Custard) Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Shine Score: 8 / 10 “A striking and distinctive new take on the regular lower medium hatchback, the Citroën C4 is comfortable and practical, as well as offering a good range of powertrains.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Shine Plus “The new Citroen C4 certainly looks the part and should give the rival VW Golf and Ford Focus a run for their money.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Shine Plus Score: 10 / 10 “The new Citroen C4 ticks a lot of boxes and looks refreshingly different. It works particularly well as an electric car but is still a great choice in petrol. And diesel offers a possible 70mpg. Whatever the powertrain, the new C4 marks another step forward for Citroen.” Read review
Eurekar
“The new Citroen C4 is a very smooth operator.”
Read review
Fleetworld
Score: 8 / 10 “Nothing like as conventional as rivals such as Ford’s Focus and Vauxhall’s Astra. However, if you value comfort then the C4 is definitely worthy of keen consideration.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Citroen doesn’t really sell a conventional rival to the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The dull-as-dishwater Citroen C4 was axed in 2018, leaving the quirky C4 Cactus to cater for that market. But now, the C4 returned for 2021 and it’s certainly very different to its staid predecessor. “ Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “If you’re looking for a car that’ll turn heads in the Tesco car park, the Citroen C4 is a much better choice than more conventional alternatives. It’s not much of a compromise, either, with a decent cabin and frugal petrol and diesel engines.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.2 / 10 “Distinctive hatchback majors on comfort.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Petrol C4 and electric ë-C4 combined review Score: 6 / 10 “The petrol Citroën C4 is a little floaty over bumpier roads, and our test car revealed vibrations on some country lanes that become really quite unpleasant, to the extent that it felt like there was a flat spot on a tyre. The ë-C4 on the other hand, had no such issues.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Citroen C4 hatch isn’t like all the rest and plays big on comfort. Plus, it’s not a crossover.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Citroën C4 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in May 2021 and awarded a four-star safety rating. In most areas the car performed well, although not as well in every test as the best performers, hence the four-star rating. The main concern of testers was that the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system did not recognise pedestrians well enough in all scenarios.
This rating score also applies to the ë-C4 electric model.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of February 2026, the Citroën C4 has not been tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 155 Average repair cost: £418.74 Last updated: October 2024
The Citroën C4 has a poor reliability record, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current model C4 and to previous (pre-2021) generations.
The most commonly reported problems relate to the engine, with an average repair bill of more than £500. Gearbox repairs are considerably more expensive, with an average bill of £1,200, but thankfully these have been quite rare to date.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
53 mpg
B
Diesel models
61 mpg
A
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
126 g/km
B
Diesel models
129 g/km
B
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
19
A
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£171
B
Year 2
£493
B
Year 3
£778
B
Year 4
£1,022
B
Year 5
£1,396
B
Overall
£3,860
B
The Citroën C5 X should be a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel economy is good on petrol models and even better on diesel-engined versions. Insurance costs are excellent, as are servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years.
For a car this size, you’ll struggle to find any petrol or diesel car that’s cheaper to live with than a Citroën C4.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Citroën C4, you might also be interested in these alternatives
The Jaguar F-Type was a two-door, two-seat sports car available in either coupé or convertible body styles. It was originally launched in convertible form in late 2012, going on sale in the UK in summer 2013. The coupé version followed about a year later.
The range was given a major update in 2019, easily recognisable from the revised front-end styling. The F-Type remained in production until 2024, when it was finally discontinued as part of Jaguar retiring its entire model range ahead of a complete brand relaunch.
Originally launched with a choice of V6 or V8 engines, a four-cylinder powerplant was added in 2017. As part of the 2019 facelift, the V6 engine was dropped and a lower-spec V8 engine offered instead. There were also high-performance SVR and Project 7 models, which are not covered here.
The F-Type received mostly positive reviews for its combination of style and performance. Its Expert Rating score falls a long way behind its most commonly-compared rivals, the Porsche 911 and Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman twins, but it still tended to be a favourite of motoring journalists.
No longer on sale, the Jaguar F-Type has a Used CarExpert Rating of E with a score of 51%. Athough its media review scores are decent, its running costs are very high and its reliability record is poor.
“The Jaguar F-Type stands out for two reasons: its head-turning looks and bone-rattling V8. There are more practical coupes, with better infotainment, though.”
Model reviewed: P450 75 (2023) Score: 8 / 10 “The 75 is a fitting, if not dramatically changed, send-off for the Jaguar F-Type. The softer, lower-powered P450 derivative better suits the car’s more GT-aligned nature, and it seems great value compared to a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, despite that car being sharper and fresher.” Read review
Model reviewed: P450 coupé Score: 8 / 10 “Jaguar’s efforts with the heavily updated F-Type prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. Perhaps the most welcome change is the rejigged line-up, though; the new P450 option means V8 power is likely to be more appealing than ever in this popular car.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Coupé range Score: 8 / 10 “This is a very light facelift. But the car’s even better looking than it was before, the new driver instruments are a welcome addition (even if the different modes are a little fiddly to shift between), as is CarPlay, and the driving experience remains richly rewarding.” Read review
Model reviewed: Heritage 60 Edition convertible (2021) Score: 8 / 10 “The Jaguar F-Type remains a fine sports car, and the R remains – for the power-hungry at least – the ultimate example of it; handsome, shatteringly fast, brawny and seriously capable.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Coupé range Score: 8.2 / 10 “The Jaguar F-Type offers style and performance by the bucketload, combining classic grace with modernity very well.” (Tom Jervis) Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Convertible range Score: 8 / 10 “The Jaguar F-Type Convertible stands out for two reasons: its head-turning looks and bone-rattling V8. There are more practical open-tops, with better infotainment, though.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Coupé range “The new Jaguar F-Type is an evolution rather than a radical revolution. In essence, the face has been sharpened up with some razor-like headlights similar to those used in the electrifying I-Pace SUV.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: Coupé range Score: 10 / 10 “Jag gets everything right but the price.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The updated Jaguar F-type appeals on style and image, but there’s no escaping its age against razor-sharp rivals.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Competent, beautiful Jaguar ageing well” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Coupé range Score: 8 / 10 “The Jaguar F-Type is a very British sports car, though, and a very desirable one should you not have quite the means to stretch to something like an Aston Martin Vantage.” Read review
Model reviewed: Convertible range Score: 8 / 10 “The Jaguar F-Type Convertible still makes a convincing, largely comfortable touring car while providing eight-tenths of the plug-in, sheer driving brilliance of a Porsche Boxster or 911 – models that are both F-Type alternatives because of the sheer breadth of the Jaguar’s model range.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Convertible range Score: 8.4 / 10 “If you’re in the market for a two-seat convertible sports car, and you don’t want a Porsche, the Jaguar F-Type should be near, or at, the very top of your list. Something that looks so good and drives so well should be on the list of anybody with an ounce of petrol in their bloodstream.” Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé range Score: 8 / 10 “This is a very light facelift to the Jaguar F-Type. R customers will notice a difference, should they drive new and old back to back, but P300 customers won’t, because there are no differences to feel.” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic P300 coupé “The best just got better as the Jaguar F-Type looks like a Ferrari and performs like a Porsche.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 5.0-litre petrol automatic P575 R coupé Score: 6 / 10 “The problem with the Jaguar F-Type R, really, is that it’s just a bit too much. Too powerful, too costly, and frankly, too tricky to handle if the conditions aren’t perfect.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Coupé range (facelift) Score: 8 / 10 “Slightly sharper looks, slightly sharper chassis… but otherwise refreshingly old-school. Phew.” Read review
Model reviewed: Convertible range (facelift) Score: 6 / 10 “Time is starting to tell for the Jaguar F-Type. Old school driving experience isn’t without charm, but sophistication is lacking.” Read review
Model reviewed: Heritage 60 Edition Score: 7 / 10 “The Jaguar F-Type’s dynamics are the best they’ve ever been.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The Jaguar F-Type was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Jaguar F-Type was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 87 Average repair cost: £983.56 Last updated: April 2025
The Jaguar F-Type has a below-average reliability rating of 58%, according to workshop and warranty claim data provided by our partner MotorEasy. The data refers to both coupé and convertible models.
Electrical system faults are the most common, and usually cost around £420 to fix. Engine problems are pretty common too but don’t occur as often – these repairs reported cost about £3,500 on average.
If you’re looking at a used Jaguar F-Type, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption
Average
Score
Petrol models
28 mpg
E
CO₂ output
Average
Score
Variation
Score
Petrol models
234 g/km
E
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
44
E
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£501
E
Year 2
£1,137
E
Year 3
£1,749
E
Year 4
£2,097
E
Year 5
£2,804
E
Overall
£8,288
E
The Jaguar F-Type is an expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The car’s fuel economy is very poor, and insurance and maintenance costs are predicted to be higher than the market average.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Jaguar F-Type has received
2019
Honest John Awards – Best Performance Car
2015
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Coupé
Automotive Management Awards – Best New Car
ContractHire&Leasing Awards – Best Sports Car
2014
Auto Express Awards – Best Coupé
2013
Top Gear Awards – Best Convertible
Stuff Awards – Car of the Year
FHM Awards – Best Drop Top
Recombu Awards – Best Performance Car
World Car Awards – Best Car Design
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Jaguar F-Type, you might also be interested in these alternatives
The Mazda MX-30 is a milestone car for the Japanese brand, which is finally plugging into the electric circuit after shouting long and loud that efficient internal-combustion engines still have their place in future motoring.
That view hasn’t changed, but Mazda admits that electric propulsion should not be completely ignored. Its first full battery-electric production car will be followed by more, as well as plug-in hybrids. But as is typical of the brand, the MX-30 does the electric bit in a different way, particularly with distinct and controversial methods of addressing the so-called major turn-off for EV adopters, range anxiety.
On the surface the MX-30 is a battery-electric version of the CX-30 SUV that Mazda launched last year. But while the two are sisters, the new car was designed from the start as an electric vehicle while also adopting novel touches. The one that most visually differentiates it from its internal combustion sister is the lack of central door pillars and the resultant ‘Freestyle’ rear-hinged doors.
More pertinently, Mazda argues that an EV with a lightweight battery and a shorter range can be just as appealing as one lugging around heavy extra cells and going the extra miles as a result. The car’s modest range between charges could be the defining factor setting the MX-30 apart from rivals.
How does it look?
Visually the Mazda MX-30 sits among the least SUV-like of SUVs. While the bottom half of the car boasts the signature SUV cladding supposedly designed to protect the car from the ravages of urban driving, it forms the base to a coupe-like profile. According to the designers this is deliberate – having spent much time and money designing a chassis and powertrain aimed at making the car fun to drive, they did not want to dent the experience with brick-like aerodynamics.
Mazda says it wanted to create a car with an eye-catching design that customers could identify with, rather than the “alien and clinical designs that we saw in a lot of our competitors’ initial electric offerings.”
The resultant clean and simple lines go beyond that essential requirement for EVs to boast as slippery an aerodynamic package as possible to aid the battery range. Overall, the MX-30 is better on the eye than many rivals be they EV or SUV.
What’s the spec like?
The MX-30 range is offered in three mainstream levels plus an initial First Edition model for the first 350 customers. Mazda expects the car to have a slightly niche appeal, only selling around 2,600 in a full year, and most sales are likely to be of the top-specification GT Sport Tec grade.
Prices start from £25,595, once one has factored in the government’s £2,500 grant available to buyers of fully-electric vehicles. Standard equipment on all cars includes LED headlamps, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, navigation and a head-up display. The base SE-Lux version comes in a choice of five single-tone colours though only one, the Arctic White, does not attract an additional fee.
Sport Lux pushes the prices up by £2,000 and adds powered seats, lumber adjustment and smart keyless entry, with three-tone paint finishes available. The GT Sport Tech costs from £30,345 with a cloth interior trim or £30,545 with artificial leather and includes de-icing on the wipers, a powered sunroof, heated steering wheel and 12-speaker Bose sound system. It also gets extra active safety aids and a 360-degree view monitor.
The launch First-Edition grade numbers 350 examples and retails at £27,995, with bespoke metallic paint options and interiors plus extra equipment. Initial MX-30 buyers are also being offered a free wall-mounted home charging box.
What’s the Mazda MX-30 like inside?
Firstly we need to talk about getting in, particularly to the rear seats, because unlike its CX-30 sister, the MX-30 is fitted with rear-hinged ‘Freestyle’ back doors and has no central door pillars – recalling the RX-8 sports car of some 19 years ago. You can’t open them without opening the fronts first, which aids safety but not convenience, and the strength of the pillar is built into the doors – the MX-30 has earned a top five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Opening both side doors reveals the entire interior but it’s still not that easy to get in the back, particularly if you are tall. Once in you will struggle for both head and legroom, while it’s slightly claustrophobic due to the narrow glassware that comes with that coupe shape. Matters are a lot better up front, even with the higher than usual driving position which is good for the person behind the wheel.
The dash-layout is minimalist, simple and easy to navigate, with the sat-nav screen mounted nice and high atop the centre console. Eco-friendly additions feature throughout the interior, including artificial leathers that don’t look artificial, recycled threadwork and one novel addition, a cork finish to some of the surfaces. This makes use of offcuts used in bottle-stopper production and which would normally be discarded, and also recalls the history of Mazda; bet you didn’t know that the company began as a cork-making factory in 1920 – a great pub-quiz question…
What’s under the bonnet?
This is where Mazda turns away from the philosophy of other manufacturers. It’s well known, though not exactly shouted about, that EVs are not ‘zero emission’ vehicles principally due to what goes into building the hardware to power them and to recharge them, including the mining of rare-earth minerals to make the batteries with.
Mazda argues that by using a battery of 310kg in weight compared to the around 700kg units typically fitted to today’s mainstream electric SUVs, the result is a car that achieves CO2 emissions parity with an internal-combustion engined rival earlier in its life cycle (known as LCA or Life-Cycle Assessment), while the weight saving enables the creation of a much more capable chassis.
The drawback – lighter, smaller batteries hold less charge and thus the car won’t go so far. Mazda claims a WLTP-measured driving range of 124 miles for the MX-30, extending to 160 if you spend all your time in the city and can make more extensive use of the regenerative braking. So not that far then, and that has caused some early criticism of the car.
The designers do take this on the chin, accepting that the MX-30 won’t suit everyone but arguing that its combination of driving fun and green credentials will appeal to most people’s general needs. And it is a viable argument – certainly for most of the year an MX-30 would be perfectly adequate for this reviewer’s daily commute. Only when we travel halfway across the country to visit family would we have to factor in a couple of coffee stops at public charging points. With a plus 50kW charger the battery can be replenished from 20% to 80% in less than 40 minutes.
What’s the Mazda MX-30 like to drive?
So does that ‘better handling car’ actually mean anything? Yes it does – it’s on the road where the Mazda philosophy towards lightweight batteries becomes most appealing. The MX-30 is a spirited performer – the impressive propulsion of the EV package means that the sprint time to 62mph feels rather more rapid than the officially-quoted 9.7 seconds (the car having a governed 87mph top speed), but the big plus is the excellent handling.
While the car is slightly soft on its suspension, taking it through a series of challenging bends is much more akin to the handling prowess of a well-sorted saloon than the ‘throwing a brick’-like progress of a typical SUV.
Technology does aid this – the MX-30 is fitted with a refinement of Mazda’s electronic chassis aid, dubbed e-GVC Plus, designed to control the G forces experienced when leaning into and out of a bend. It gently biases the weight to the front wheels into a corner, improving grip, then as the car exits the bend adds a small acceleration to shift the load to the rear tyres. The system all works rather well and Mazda adds that it is effective across all driving situations, not just on the limit of grip as in a typical torque-vectoring control.
The other notable EV feature is the regenerative braking, which can be adjusted over five levels of effectiveness by means of paddles behind the steering wheel, looking just like those on an auto-manual car. Practiced application of these in circumstances that require a lot of coasting and braking, such as negotiating an urban road network, can add useful extra energy to the battery and miles to the range – it becomes quite easy to use the paddles to slow the car rather than simply pressing on the brake pedal.
Verdict
The Mazda MX-30 is a useful addition to the ranks of electric SUVs, offering something a little different to its rivals. It won’t suit everyone, with those walking away likely to include anyone needing to carry adults in the rear on a regular basis, and primarily those whose daily life includes driving long distances, for which the limited range will be a deal breaker.
However the vast majority of drivers don’t do long distances very often – Mazda’s own data from digital service records across its entire model range shows that the average daily journey distances are just 26 miles. For such people the MX-30 is likely to appeal on its looks, its green credentials compared to other EVs and the fact that it is an electric car that is actually fun to drive.
The latest generation of the BMW M3 has arrived – and it’s the boldest and most powerful model to wear the covted nameplate yet.
And while the new car might be grabbing the headlines, it’s important to appreciate just how important a car the M3 is for performance car fans and for BMW itself. Let’s take a quick look back through the history of the BMW M3, starting with arguably the most important ‘M’ car ever…
The original: The E30
The BMW 3 Series has been around since 1975 as the firm’s junior executive saloon, but buyers had to wait until 1985 for the German manufacturer to create a hot version – the M3. The first M3 was created as a homologation special based on the 3 Series coupé, so BMW could use it to compete in various touring car championships around the world.
Only 5,000 had to be produced to meet Group A regulations but, in the end, nearly 18,000 rolled out of the factory. A handful of those were M3 Cabriolets, which obviously were not homologated for racing…
While quite slow by today’s standards, the E30 M3 was a revelation at the time and is still revered today. The 200bhp, 2.3-litre petrol engine allowed it to reach 60mph in 6.5 seconds. Handling was generally considered sublime by all who drove it. Power would be increased to 240hp on the Sport Evo versions during its lifetime, in conjunction with other improvements to the car’s specification.
Today, decent examples of the original M3 are easily worth £50,000 – and often a lot more – despite only ever being built in left-hand drive. It also started a dynasty, although none of its successors was built to go motor racing.
The boxy one: The E36
Often the forgotten piece of the M3 jigsaw, the E36 M3 came along in 1992. No longer a homologation special to qualify BMW to go racing, it was a more upmarket, more luxurious and heavier vehicle then the original.
Buyers could get a right-hand-drive version for the first time, as well as a new saloon model to sit alongside the familar coupé and convertible versions. Power was increased to 285hp due to a larger 3.0-litre petrol engine, while a revised 1996 model pushed the power to 320hp, thanks to its larger 3.2-litre unit.
An automatic gearbox would also be introduced for the first time as well, which helped to reinforce opinion that the second-generation M3 was a softer, less-defined model than its celebrated predecessor.
A return to form: The E46
BMW ditched the saloon model to concentrate on the the coupé and convertible body styles for the E46 M3, which was introduced in 2000. It was again a further step upmarket thanks to its plush interior.
As is customary of every M3, power increased again to 337hp from a 3.2-litre unit. This was sent through either a six-speed manual or BMW’s latest SMG semi-automatic gearbox. Although intended to provide a racier paddle-shift experience than a traditional automatic transmission, its clunky operation and reputation for braking in a very expensive fashion has resulted in it being viewed as one of the least-popular innovations in M3 history.
The most famous of all the E46 M3s is the CSL (standing for Coupé Sport Lightweight) – a model that harked back to the original 3.0 CSL model from the 1970s. It was worthy of the name, too, as BMW shaved 10% from the weight thanks to a host of carbon-fibre parts and a stripped-out interior. The engine uprated to 360hp as well, to provide a substatial jump in performance.
The only downside was that all CSL models came with the unloved SMG automatic gearbox. Mind you, given that a good CSL today can be easily worth £60,000 (triple the price of the standard M3), it certainly hasn’t held back enthusiasm for this model.
The V8 one: The E92
BMW M3 GTS (07/2010)
The original E30 M3 had a four-cylinder engine, while the second and third models were powered by straight-six units. For the E92 model that arrived in 2007, BMW upped the cylinder count to eight – utilising a 430hp 4.0-litre V8. This dropped the 0-60mph time to 4.6 seconds, which made it the quickest M3 to date.
The saloon body style returned, which continued to be sold alongside the coupé and convertible models, while there were several special editions that largely celebrated BMW’s achievements in motorsport. These include the DTM Champion Edition and the CRT, but the most memorable E93 M3 is the GTS – a bright orange and lighter M3 that used a larger 450hp 4.4-litre V8 engine and was essentially a track car for the road.
The confusing one: M3 becomes M4 with the F80/F82
Up until 2014, the BMW was best known as a fast and sleek coupé. But with the arrival of the fifth-generation model, it was only available as a saloon.
BMW decided to spin the coupé and convertible versions of the 3 Series off into their own model range, called the 4 Series. As a result, the two-door M3 became the M4. The complex evolution of the range didn’t end there, either. BMW decided to revert back to six cylinders for these new cars, as well turbocharging an M3 for the first time – the latter proving controversial.
Power stayed at a similar level to the V8 M3, producing 432hp. This was bumped up to 450hp in the case of the later ‘Competition’ models, which would prove to be the most popular.
This outgoing generation of M3 and M4 has also had its fair chase of special editions, including the CS, DTM Champion Edition ‘30 Jahre’ models celebrating 30 years of the M3. The hottest of the lot, though, was the M4 GTS – a track-focused special edition available with a roll cage and increasing power to almost 500hp.
The new one: The G80 M3 and G82 M4
And now we have a new generation of M3 and M4. The new models are just hitting UK streets now and are undoubtedly the boldest yet, with huge front grille predictably splitting opinion among car enthusiasts.
Six-cylinder engines remain, though, and purists will be delighted that there’s no whiff of electrification either (although this is almost certainly the last generation of M car to be purely petrol-powered). Two variants are offered – the standard models and the Competition, with the latter producing 510hp to make it the most powerful M3 ever.
There is one other key new development with the latest BMW M3, though. For the first time, you’ll be able to buy an M3 Touring (estate). It’s something BMW has teased on several occasions, while backyard modders have created their own versions on many occasions, but an official M3 Touring will finally be a reality by 2022. So if you want an M3 but also need more boot space, this could be right up your street.
The car industry’s predictable and self-serving opposition to yesterday’s reduction in the plug-in car grant was to be expected, but what does it mean for the average consumer?
In case you missed the news, the government has announced that – effective immediately – the taxpayer subsidy on electric cars is being reduced by £500, from £3,000 to £2,500. It will also now only be available to cars priced under £35,000, compared to the previous limit of £50,000.
Car industry spokesfolks have howled with indignation, as they always do. In reality, the government is simply doing exactly what it has always said it was going to do, and this is just the latest of several cuts to the plug-in car grant in recent years. The only real surprise was that the reduction is effective immediately, rather than setting a start date of 1 April or 1 May.
What’s important to note is that the overall pot of money for electric cars is not being reduced, just retargeted. The government has chosen to spread its money a bit thinner and target lower-priced electric cars, which is not that surprising given the strong growth in electric car sales.
Well, if you’re buying a new Vauxhall Corsa-e on a four-year PCP or equivalent lease, it will cost you about a tenner a month more today than it did a couple of days ago – and that’s if Vauxhall does nothing to mitigate the £500 net price increase. Alternatively, you can keep your monthly payments the same and pay an extra £500 deposit up front. So if you were already planning to buy an EV that costs less than £35K, this news is unlikely to sway your decision.
On the other hand, if you were planning to buy a £35-50K electric car, like a Tesla Model 3 or a Polestar 2 or a Mercedes-Benz EQA, yesterday’s news may well cause you to pause for thought. Over the same four-year period, you’ll have to pay more than £60 extra each month – or cough up an extra £3K up front – unless the car manufacturers reduce their prices (and, historically, they magically tend to do so when government incentives disappear so we’ll see what happens).
But in the real world, there is currently a much bigger problem for the economics of switching to an electric car…
The white elephant on the driveway
The biggest economic factor working against electric cars right now is our old friend Covid-19.
Most households have driven much less than usual in the last 12 months, as people have been working from home and doing a lot less travel outside work. According to this month’s MOT report, my own car covered just 1,000 miles in the last year, compared to a usual 7,000 miles a year pre-pandemic, and millions of UK households will have been in a similar position.
Low mileage is a killer for electric car economics. You pay a lot more to buy an EV and then hope to save enough on your running costs to offset the price of the car. But if your electric car has been largely sitting on your driveway for a year, your economic plans have gone completely out the window – by far more than any amount of government subsidy.
Given that a return to normal driving may still be months away for most people, this is what should really be causing car buyers to reconsider whether they want an electric car right now.
The fact that electric car sales have grown so significantly during a year of national lockdowns suggests that the public’s desire to have an electric car on the driveway is stronger than their economic sensibility. So why should the government keep subsidising what is already in demand?
Supporting affordable cars makes sense
Continuing to support more affordable models is far more important than supporting high-end cars, as this is where the government can genuinely help the largest number of people make the switch from fossil fuel to electricity. Even with a massive subsidy, an electric Vauxhall Corsa-e’s starting price is still £10,000 more than the starting price for a petrol Corsa.
On the other hand, is it really the best use of government funds at a time of financial crisis to subsidise the cost of a £50K luxury electric car for people who have that much to spend on a new set of wheels? The government is banking that the general public will agree with this decision.
One last thought
Incidentally, how did the government arrive at the new £35K limit? Well, it probably doesn’t hurt that this precise number means that the two UK-built electric cars – the Nissan Leaf and Mini Electric – both slide under this threshold so they’ll still be eligible for the subsidy…
The UK government has cut its plug-in car grant (PICG) subsidy on new electric cars from £3,000 to £2,500.
In addition, the grant will also only be available to cars costing £35,000 or less, down from the £50,000 price currently applied. The moves take effect immediately and the grants available to buyers of plug-in vans are also being reduced.
Consumers considering a switch to an electric car have been offered government grants since 2011, initially of £5,000 and available to buyers of both purely electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Plug-in hybrids were excluded in 2018 and the level of the grant has steadily been reducing, the last move in early 2020 cutting it from £3,500 to £3,000.
According to the government, the latest reduction has been made to ensure that the grant could continue to be paid out until 2022-23, as announced in the March 2020 budget.
The announcement claims that since 2019 the choice of EVs costing under £25,000 on the market has increased by “almost 50%,” quoting as examples the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric – however, only base models of the Hyundai will be eligible for the funding under the new rules.
“This (move) will mean the funding will last longer and be available to more drivers,” the government announcement stated. “Grants will no longer be available for higher-priced vehicles, typically bought by drivers who can afford to switch without a subsidy from taxpayers.”
Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “We are refocusing our vehicle grants on the more affordable zero-emission vehicles, where most consumers will be looking and where taxpayers’ money will make more of a difference.” She added that the scheme would continue to be reviewed “in line with further price reductions in electric vehicles,” raising the prospect of further cuts.
Industry responds exactly as you’d expect
Today’s decision inevitably produced an angry reaction across the automotive industry. Mike Hawes, chief executive of industry representative body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, branded the decision as the wrong move at the wrong time.
“New battery electric technology is more expensive than conventional engines and incentives are essential in making these vehicles affordable to the customer,” Hawes said.
“Cutting the grant and eligibility moves the UK even further behind other markets, markets which are increasing their support, making it yet more difficult for the UK to get sufficient supply. This sends the wrong message to the consumer, especially private customers, and to an industry challenged to meet the government’s ambition to be a world leader in the transition to zero emission mobility.”
The Fiat 500e, also known as the 500 Electric, is all-new model that is unrelated to the petrol-powered Fiat 500 which has been around since 2007 (albeit with several updates over the years).
The new model is a bit bigger and, as the name suggests, will only be available with electric power. Like previous generations, it is available as both a regular hatchback and as a cabriolet. It landed in the UK in Spring 2021 and the old petrol model is continuing to soldier on for the time being, although its demise appears imminent.
Based on dozens of reviews we have gathered to date, the Fiat 500e has been praised for its driving dynamics and interior quality, both of which are significant improvements over the old model.
The main criticism is that the car remains cramped for four people and luggage, but then that goes for any car in this class. It’s also worth noting that most reviews have been based on high-spec models with much higher pricing that the basic version, with higher performance, more equipment and better battery range.
As of September 2025, the Fiat 500e holds a New CarExpert Rating of A, with a score of 72%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, although its media review scores have diminished since it was launched and its safety and warranty scores are only average.
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“While cars such as the Volkswagen e-up! and Honda e have disappeared from their respective price lists, the Fiat 500e soldiers on against an influx of new rivals, including the similarly priced Renault 5 and Citroen e-C3. It has retro-inspired style on its side, and as a city car it certainly cuts it with the best, although its limitations are easy to see once you head out on the open road for longer trips.”
Model reviewed: 42 kWh Convertible Icon Score: 8 / 10 “The Fiat 500 maintains the old car’s fashion accessory image, but it’s also a small EV with usable range, the latest charging tech and crucially it’s offered at a very tempting price. The less expensive and likely more popular hatchback version could score an extra half star when we try it.” Read review
Auto Trader
Score: 10 / 10 “New all-electric Fiat 500 delivers the classic Italian style in an affordable package brimming with the charisma to take on the Mini Electric and Honda E.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 500e Hatchback La Prima Score: 7 / 10 “The Fiat 500e is light years ahead in terms of powertrain refinement than its forebears, but overall it is still not the most cultured device.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 500 Convertible 42 kWh Passion Score: 8 / 10 “Redlining a petrol Fiat 500 through every gear and hearing the chirrup of its tyres on roundabouts as you dodged through city traffic used to be one of the purest and most underrated driving experiences going. Somehow Fiat has translated that eagerness into an electric model.” Author: Adam Binnie Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Fiat 500 seemed like a perfect fit for electric power and, now that a version is finally here, it’s clear to see those initial ideas were on the money.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Fiat 500 has been reborn with electric power. It’s an even better city car but the price has increased considerably” (Ben Custard) Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Convertible range Score: 6 / 10 “The reborn Fiat 500 Electric is now available as a dashing convertible. Electric performance is strong, but cabin space is tight and the boot is tiny.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Icon 42kWh Score: 8 / 10 “A small car with a very decent range, neat styling, competitive pricing and the tax, NI and fueling advantages of EV. Sal-sac in particular will be enticing.” Read review
Model reviewed: 500 Convertible 42 kWh Passion “The Fiat 500 Electric is a very likeable and good-to-drive little car. It’s not cheap for the version with the more usable range, but the cut-price urban-range model is a handy extra offering.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 500 Convertible Icon “Bellissimo! In these dark and difficult times it’s great to drive a car that instantly puts a big smile on your face. But the new all-electric Fiat 500 brought me an automotive ray of welcome – if socially-distanced – Mediterranean sunshine and warmth.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: Action “Would I buy this budget Fiat 500 Action model and could I live with its range? In a word, no. I’d pay more and go for the 500 that can manage almost 200 miles. You never know when you might have to make a long journey and a range of under 100miles would be a real pain.” Read review
Model reviewed: 42 kWh La Prima Score: 6 / 10 “Owners of the current Fiat 500 who want to go electric but still want a stylish car with plenty of character are not going to be disappointed by this new arrival. In fact, it’s an improvement. What seemed like an eccentric move by Fiat turns out to have been a wise one.” Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “If you’re after an electric city car with iconic good looks then the New Fiat 500 with a relatively long official range for its segment and the ability to charge up more quickly than many of its electric supermini competitors, is a good bet for EV buyers in the city car class. Just don’t plan on putting anyone in the back or carrying lots of luggage.” Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “The iconic Fiat 500 city car has gone electric-only in its latest incarnation – and it’s better than its petrol predecessor in every way.” Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “A fantastic evolution of the 500 that keeps the charm but finally brings the comfort, efficiency and tech you want.” Read review
Eurekar
“As little electric cars go the 500 makes a fine job of its pollution free role and it comes with three drive modes to enable the driver to get the best out of its performance.” Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Electric “There’s substance behind the electric 500’s stylish update, with a useful range and improved driving experience compared to the old car. But that substance comes at a price.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “The Fiat 500 Electric is a welcome choice for EV buyers in the city car class, offering a fun driving experience and a decent 199 mile official driving range.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The Fiat 500 Electric is a modern urban electric car with a retro twist. It combines quirky looks with a fashionable interior but crucially it’s cheaper than the competition.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 Fiat’s electric 500 is a stylish urban runaround – just don’t expect a great deal of refinement once you’ve left the parameters of the city centre. Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.4 / 10 “The previous Fiat 500 always felt a bit like a case of style over substance. With this impressively well-resolved and modern new 500, Fiat’s given us a generous dose of both sides.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: La Prima Score: 8 / 10 “Cute, charming and surprisingly upmarket, this zero-emissions Fiat 500 city car is the EV that style-conscious urbanites have been waiting for.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Fiat’s re-cast 500 is a solid, refined little electric car.” Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7.5 / 10 “Just as previous Fiat 500s dating back to the 1950s have been great city cars, the Fiat 500 Electric excels around town. The Action trim sets a new level for EV affordability, although the meagre battery range means you could not buy it intending to go more than short distances from your home. Other versions are more flexible, even if none of them are fast. The Fiat 500 Electric is a great little EV for a keen price, ideal for young urban trendies or as a second family vehicle. Highly recommended.” (James Morris) Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Green NCAP said: “With no pollutant emissions at the tailpipe, this full-electric car gets an unbeatable ten out of ten for the Clean Air Index. Energy efficiency of battery electric cars is very high compared with other types of vehicles and the Fiat gets full points here, too.
“However, the standard charger supplied with the vehicle was slow and inefficient so, in the long term, the customer will pay more for grid electricity than would be the case with a better unit. In Green NCAP’s current assessment, which looks only at tailpipe emissions and takes no account of upstream CO2, the 500 completes its hat-trick with maximum points in the Greenhouse Gas pillar.”
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
178 miles
C
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
4.7 m/KWh
A
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
18
A
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£111
A
Year 2
£299
A
Year 3
£502
A
Year 4
£650
A
Year 5
£888
A
Overall
£2,450
A
The Fiat 500e offers very low-cost running, even by electric car standards. Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is excellent, while insurance and servicing should also be relatively cheap by new car standards.
The only disappointment is that battery range isn’t great. Across the 500e family, the average range is 170 miles, although the entry-level model drops down to as low as 115 miles while the biggest-battery models are rated for 199 miles. On top of that, you’ll need to bear in mind that these are official EU/UK lab figures, which are optimistic compared to real-world driving.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of September 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Fiat 500e to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the 500e, we’ll publish the score here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Fiat 500e
Overall rating
C
58%
New car warranty duration
3 years
New car warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
Fiat’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 500e has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Buying a used Fiat 500e
If you are purchasing an ‘Approved Used’ Fiat 500e from an official Fiat dealership, you will get a minimum six-month warranty included.
If you are buying a used Fiat 500e 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 Fiat 500e from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Fiat 500e has received
2023
EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Electric City Car
2022
UK Car of the Year Awards – Best City Car
Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Electric Car
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Small EV
EVFleet World Awards – Best EV City Car
GQ eCar Awards – Best City Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Small Electric Car
Southern Group of Motoring Writers Awards – ‘Dark Horse’ of the Year
2021
Auto Express Awards – Best City Car + Best Small Electic Car for the City
Electrifying.com Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
Fleet World Awards – Best EV City Car
Marie Claire Sustainability Awards – Best Electric Car
News UK Motoring Awards – Best City Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Small Electric Car
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If you’re looking at the Fiat 500e, you might also be interested in these alternatives
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Lease a Fiat 500e
If you’re looking to lease a new Fiat 500e, 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 Fiat 500e
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?)
Kia has unveiled dramatic new styling on the EV6, the brand’s first production car designed purely as a battery-electric vehicle.
The SUV, set to be officially unveiled later in March, will be the first of a new range of electric vehicles from Kia, all badged EV followed by a number – some six different models are expected by 2027.
According to Kia’s designers the new ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy is based on five pillars – ‘Bold for Nature’, ‘Joy for Reason’, ‘Power to Progress’, ‘Technology for Life’ and ‘Tension for Serenity.’
Evolving a design first seen on the Imagine concept of 2019, what this translates to is a far bolder look than previous models, principally to ensure the best aerodynamic performance so vital to EV battery range – the EV6 for example has a distinctly lower profile than a typical SUV, while the front boasts a new interpretation of the brand’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille.
The car is being built on the same new E-GMP platform as sister brand Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. Combining this with a new minimalist interior design will make the EV6 feel more spacious compared to current models. A notable feature is the seamless curved high-definition audio-visual and navigation screen funning across more than half of the front fascia.
Kia is yet to confirm full technical details for the EV6. However it is expected to be a performance-focused model, industry sources predicting 0-62mph times of around five seconds and a 120mph top speed.
The car’s battery pack is expected to produce a range of around 310 miles with the ability for 800-volt rapid charging to 80% in less than 20 minutes.
The BMW i3 was a small urban electric car, and was BMW’s first fully electric vehicle when it was launched back in 2013. It received a substantial mid-life update in 2017.
The i3 was one of the pioneers of the electric car movement, and there is still nothing really directly comparable to it on the market. It boasted clever construction methods and lightweight body panels, developed to offset the significant weight of its batteries. Even eight years after it was launched, it was still a more innovative and futuristic vehicle than most other cars on the market – at any price.
However, those eight years saw EV technology evolve rapidly, and newer rivals were able to combine more space and better battery range in more conventionally designed vehicles at lower prices. As an indication of how rapid this evolution has been, the i3 received much praise and many awards in its early years but by the time it ended production in 2022 its review scores had fallen to very low levels.
As a used car, however, and when compared with other cars of a similar age and/or price, the i3 is still highly regarded and has proved to be very reliable. Its very low running costs are also attractive.
No longer on sale, BMW is not expected to replace the i3 with a direct successor and is likely to shift towards electric versions of its regular model range.
As of February 2026, the BMW i3 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. It scores top marks for its low running costs, while its reliability record is good and media review scores are still solid when viewed over the model’s whole life. However, its safety score is low due to its age, meaning it doesn’t offer many of the latest accident avoidance systems now fitted as standard to new cars.
“The BMW i3 is a small electric car with a funky interior and a decent range between charges. Sadly, it’s expensive and other small electric cars are more comfortable.”
Model reviewed: 120Ah Score: 8 / 10 “More range can only be a good thing when it comes to EVs, and the BMW i3 is still relatively affordable for a premium electric car. New owners will benefit from more flexibility, but they’ll also be dogged by the same flaws – namely the poor ride and the lack of standard safety and connectivity tech.” Read review
Model reviewed: i3s range extender Score: 7 / 10 “It’s impressive for BMW to give the i3 more performance without cutting the range at the same time, and to sharpen the way it drives. However, the standard car is hardly a slouch and is pretty good to drive, so we struggle to see how the BMW i3s is worth the considerable extra money.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “An early electric pioneer, the BMW i3 remains a distinctive and stylish offering despite new rivals appearing in the EV market. An improved battery pack and increased range meaning the earlier range-extender version is now redundant, and the i3 is now a pure electric vehicle.” Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 94Ah Score: 9 / 10 “Putting the engineering brilliance of Tesla to one side, the BMW i3 is arguably the best electric car currently on the market, and these latest updates find solutions to almost all the obstacles stopping fleets from investing in the technology.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “It is still a £25k city car with only four seats and a tiny boot, but the BMW i3 range is far more appealing than any EV we’ve driven.” Read review
Model reviewed: i3 S range extender Score: 8 / 10 “If you want the fastest, most fun BMW i3, this is it – but its greatest strengths (an attractive, innovative interior, show-stopping exterior styling and enough space for everyday most driving scenarios around town with the capacity for longer trips possible) are shared with the regular i3.” Read review
Model reviewed: 94Ah Score: 8 / 10 “The appeal of the BMW i3 is only strengthened with its new battery pack fitted. It retains the eye-catching design, spacious interior and engaging driving experience we’ve praised previously, but now you can enjoy it for longer between charges.” Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “While there are certain areas where the i3 might be showing its age, that can’t detract from the brilliance of this BMW. Given it was years ahead of the competition in many respects, it continues to build a strong case for itself in the electric hatchback market.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7.8 / 10 “The BMW i3 is great fun and nippy around town but it’s expensive and those striking looks won’t appeal to everyone.” Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: i3s range extender “The new BMW i3s is the sportiest of mainstream plug-in vehicles and goes and handles very nicely, though it’s far from cheap. The looks are still divisive and the ride quality suffers due to that sportiness.” Read review
Model reviewed: i3s (pure electric version) “The BMW i3s’s zippy performance and fine handling impress, but it’s a shame the range doesn’t let you enjoy it for longer.” Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: i3S “Priced at £37,000, the BMW i3S is unquestionably a premium product considering its modest size, though it’s hard to argue that it is one of the best low-emissions models on the market to date.” Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: i3S Score: 6 / 10 “At the time of launch, the BMW i3 proved that electric cars could be funky and fast, and played a major role in bringing them to the forefront of people’s attention. The problem it has now though is that it’s barely changed in the last eight years but the industry is moving fairly rapidly.” Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 6 / 10 “The BMW i3 was one of the first electric cars to make everyday drivers sit up and take notice, with its cool style, good handling and practical range.” Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.5 / 10 “BMW’s first electric car, the quirky i3, has been around since 2013. But even now it feels like a car from the future.” Read review
Eurekar
Model reviewed: i3 range extender “The BMW i3 handles well with beautifully responsive steering. Wind and road noise are largely absent. The only drawback is the harsh suspension. The car literally clatters over lesser road surfaces, making it uncomfortable at times.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW i3 is a genuinely impressive take on the electric city car.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: i3 S Score: 10 / 10 “If you’re looking for an EV in this class that will also offer a rewarding driving experience for the duration of ownership, then the BMW i3s doesn’t really have any competition at this time – and that’s why BMW believes it can charge a premium for the i3s.” Read review
Model reviewed: 94Ah range extender Score: 10 / 10 “The BMW i3 looks great, it’s rewarding to drive, and it’s an electric car with a solution to range anxiety.” Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “If any car could convince you that EVs are a good idea, the BMW i3 is it. It has sufficient charm and appeal to make you want one regardless of the engine under the bonnet, yet delivers all the big EV plus points too.” Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 10 / 10 “What the BMW i3 manages to achieve is impressive, ticking all the boxes you expect from an electric car – acceptable range, zero emissions and an environmental mindset thanks to its recycled material content.” Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW i3 remains one of the most stylish and image-friendly EVs, with driving dynamics that are almost unheard of in the sector.” Read review
Motors
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “The BMW i3 can’t be called cheap. It costs considerably more than many of its rivals including the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Volkswagen e-Golf. Opt for a second hand one, however, and the i3 makes for a used car bargain.” Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7.6 / 10 “Small electric car is aging gracefully, remaining modern in many ways” Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: i3S “The key words here are responsible, renewable or recycled resources. Add rather expensive to that list and that’s the BMW i3. It’s a statement car — a very cool, feel-good statement car — but it starts at £30k.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “A high watermark for premium electric motoring.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 94Ah Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW i3 is one of the most advanced battery vehicles on sale, designed with elan and with all BMW’s handling prowess, if not its ride quality. Still needs more range (and bigger rear seats) and this battery-swap business is plain confusing, but this is as good at it gets if you drive with a battery.” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The BMW i3 remains the best premium small EV out there. Just be prepared to pay proper money.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The BMW i3 was awarded a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating back in 2013, however this rating expired in 2020 and is no longer valid. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used i3 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Clean Air Index: 10 / 10 Energy Efficiency Index: 8.5 / 10
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
182 miles
C
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
5.7 m/KWh
A
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
25
B
The BMW i3 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel consumption for a petrol or diesel car) is very good, which helps to provide a decent range for an urban car despite a small battery. Insurance premiums should also be competitive.
We don’t have servicing or maintenance cost information due to the model’s age – by now, servicing costs will vary significantly from car to car depending on age, condition and mileage.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 90 Average repair cost: £663.79 Last updated: April 2025
As of January 2025, the BMW i3 has a middling reliability score of 70%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.
The most commonly reported problems with the i3 relate to the car’s electrical and suspension systems – the electrical issues are more expensive, with an average repair cost of more than £800. Powertrain problems (electric motor and the range-extending petrol engine on some versions) are more expensive, with an average bill of about £1,400.
If you’re looking at a used BMW i3, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas above.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the BMW i3
Overall rating
B
76%
New car warranty duration
3 years
New car warranty mileage
Unlimited miles
Battery warranty duration
8 years
Battery warranty mileage
100,000 miles
BMW’s standard new car warranty offering is worse than average, and worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the i3.
The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage. Due to the age of the model, that means that almost all i3s will now be out of their factory warranty. However, it’s worth noting that the battery components have an additional eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, so most cars will still be covered by that as of September 2025.
Warranty on a used BMW i3
If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ BMW i3 from an official BMW dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month/unlimited mileage warranty included.
If you are buying a used BMW i3 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 BMW i3 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.
Date: June 2024 Recall number: R/2022/355 Model types: All Build dates: 11/2022 to 05/2023 Number of vehicles affected: 26 Defect: Certain vehicles may have been equipped with an open roof anti-pinch system which does not operate according to specification. Remedy: If required the two motors will be replaced.
2022
2021
2020
2015
Date: November 2022 Recall number: R/2022/322 Model types: All Build dates: 11/2018 to 07/2021 Number of vehicles affected: 18 Defect: During supplier’s production process of the battery cells, a manufacturing defect occurred with the winding of cell-internal films for the high-voltage battery. Remedy: The defective cell module will be replaced.
Date: March 2022 Recall number: R/2022/089 Model types: All Build dates: 01/2022 to 02/2022 Number of vehicles affected: 2,018 Defect: The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt’s retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident. Remedy: The front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged.
Date: December 2021 Recall number: R/2021/442 Model types: All Build dates: 10/2021 Number of vehicles affected: 38 Defect: The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification. Remedy: The screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.
Date: April 2021 Recall number: R/2021/158 Model types: All Build dates: 02/2021 to 03/2021 Number of vehicles affected: 82 Defect: The control ring of the recliner of the backrest in the second seat row may break due to insufficient material performance. Remedy: The seat frames of the second seat row will be replaced.
Date: June 2020 Recall number: R/2020/162 Model types: All Build dates: 03/2020 Number of vehicles affected: 189 Defect: The airbag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection. Remedy: The airbag control unit (ACSM4i) will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Date: April 2020 Recall number: R/2019/289 Model types: All Build dates: 01/2019 to 03/2019 Number of vehicles affected: 120 Defect: The electric motor electronics (EME) printed circuit board was not manufactured according to specifications. Remedy: The electric motor electronics (EME) of vehicles affected will be replaced.
Date: December 2015 Recall number: R/2015/244 Model types: All Build dates: 10/2015 to 11/2015 Number of vehicles affected: 41 Defect: The engine current sensors have not been calibrated correctly, which could lead to an increased recuperation torque during vehicle deceleration. An increased recuperation torque during deceleration could lead to a vehicle oversteer condition. This could lead to skidding on slippery roads. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and calibrate sensors for measuring the engine current.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been seven DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the BMW i3 to address different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BMW 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 i3, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
The rapidly expanding electric car market is changing almost monthly. Of the cars listed above, few are genuinely similar to the BMW i3 in terms of size and specification, but all are trying to fill a similar role for urban driving.
The Renault Megane is a car that’s still known for the controversial styling of the second-generation model, despite more than a decade passing since that well-known version was around.
And while still proving popular, two generations later the Megane isn’t quite the huge hit it once was, even with its cool styling. So with more fierce competition in the family hatchback class – not least from crossovers like Renault’s own Captur and Kadjar – Renault’s set about giving the Megane a makeover to make sure it doesn’t fall by the wayside, but does it exceed?
The styling is arguably the best thing about the Renault Megane, so it’s no surprise this has remained pretty much the same. Instead it’s the cabin that’s really the main difference, with Renault waving the same magic wand that’s benefited the new Clio and Captur recently – meaning an uplift in quality and more tech.
There’s also been a trim level rejig, and importantly the introduction of a new E-Tech plug-in hybrid on the Sport Tourer estate model – the car we’re testing here – which is part of a rollout of electrification on Renault’s core models.
How does it look?
Despite this current fourth-generation Renault Megane range being around for five years, it still looks as fresh as the day it was unveiled – and is dominated by huge lights at the front and rear.
As part of last year’s update, those lights are replaced by LEDs as standard, with the ones at the rear featuring scrolling indicators. Look close and you’ll spot a new grille as well.
If you like sporty looks, you’ll also love the new R.S. Line trim, which replaces the previous GT Line. Renault stretches its marketing enough to say the design takes inspiration from F1, but whether you fall into that trap or not, this is a fine-looking estate car – helped by revised bumpers, large alloy wheels and chrome exterior trim.
What’s the spec like?
Likely to be the most popular choice with fleet buyers, the no-frills entry-level Iconic trim level comes well-equipped as standard, including 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, keyless entry and front and rear parking sensors.
It really comes with all the kit you could ask for, but if you want style then it’s worth splashing out on the R.S. Line. This gets you all the racier looks, along with additional safety kit and a larger touchscreen and digital dials system.
As with all plug-in hybrids, prices aren’t cheap, with the standard Renault Megane Sport Tourer E-Tech costing from £30,685, which is very similar to the Kia Ceed SW PHEV. Splash out an extra £2,000 if you want the R.S. Line trim.
What’s the Renault Megane Sport Tourer like inside?
On looks alone, the updated Megane’s cabin doesn’t appear too different to its predecessor, but it’s on closer inspection when you notice the well-needed changes. Like before, the media system is integrated into the design, but has a new interface which is much sharper to use, while the quality throughout has definitely improved.
All E-Tech versions also benefit from a digital system, too, while in R.S. Line trim, you can have full Alcantara seats, which truly help to offer a sportier experience – they’re almost like bucket seats in terms of design, but still very comfortable.
In the switch from pure petrol power to electrified petrol power, the Megane’s boot has taken a practicality hit – reducing from 521 litres to 447 litres. However, it’s only really the underfloor storage that’s reduced, and the rest of the cabin is generally roomy, though those fancy seats and the sunroof on our test car did impact rear space somewhat. In that respect, the Kia Ceed SW is a more useful choice.
What’s under the bonnet?
It’s a new powertrain underneath the Megane’s bonnet – and it’s exactly the same as what you’d find in the new Captur. It sees a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a pair of electric motors and a 9.8kWh battery – producing 160hp and 349Nm when combined. It also uses a clever clutchless automatic transmission, which is largely smooth and much nicer to use than the CVTs often found in hybrids.
But it’s not a car that’s all about performance – 0-60mph comes along in a leisurely 9.6 seconds and maxed out it would hit a claimed 111mph. Instead, it’s efficiency where the Megane scores well. With a 30-mile electric range, Renault claims it’ll return 217.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 30g/km – the latter figure making it a superb company car thanks to a 10% benefit-in-kind rate.
What’s the Renault Megane Sport Tourer like to drive?
While our test car might have been dressed up in its R.S. Line gear, underneath its frock this is a sensible hybrid estate car, and that’s really how the Megane behaves on the road.
It’s a smooth and unobtrusive powertrain that cleverly makes the most of its different resources – leave it in the ‘MySense’ driving mode and it will do it for you, but Sport offers more responsiveness, while Pure lets you potter around just using electricity. While a touch firm in this sporty-looking grade, it remains comfortable and handles well for an estate car – making it more enjoyable behind the wheel than the Kia Ceed SW PHEV, its key rival.
The only real gripe is with the steering itself, which has a bizarre artificial heaviness to it – as if Renault has tweaked it to offer a ‘sporty’ feel, albeit not effectively.
Verdict
Despite the Renault Megane Sport Tourer not being one of the best-selling estate cars, with the introduction of this E-Tech plug-in hybrid, it deserves to be more popular. As before this is a seriously striking-looking estate car, and Renault’s focus on improving quality and technology as part of this update has certainly been noticed.
For company drivers and those that do short journeys and can charge regularly, it’s a very appealing hybrid estate car, but just make sure your lifestyle suits that 30-mile electric range before signing on the dotted line.
Model tested: Renault Megane Sport Tourer E-Tech R.S. Line Price (on-road): £32,995 Engine: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 160 hp Torque: 349 Nm Top speed: 111 mph 0-60 mph: 9.6 seconds
Fuel economy (combined): 217 mpg CO2 emissions: 30 g/km Euro NCAP safety rating:Five stars (2015) TCE Expert Rating:70% (as of March 2021)
The Polestar 2 is a mid-sized electric car and the first volume production vehicle from Volvo’s EV spin-off brand. Unlike the limited-production halo model Polestar 1, the 2 is a regular production model aimed at the hotly contested executive saloon market.
Inevitably, the Polestar 2 has been drawn into comparisons with the Tesla Model 3, which is broadly similar in price and size – and, of course, also powered by an electric motor supplied by batteries. General media consensus has been that the two cars are very evenly matched, but that the Tesla currently has a significant advantage in its comprehensive nationwide Supercharger charging network.
In terms of design, this Polestar is an unconventional blend of saloon, liftback and SUV, making it even more of a crossover than a regular crossover. It sits slightly higher than a conventional car, but doesn’t have the heavy plastic cladding of most SUVs to bulk up its styling.
The Polestar 2 has received many positive reviews from the UK motoring media, as well as from lifestyle and technology titles that we don’t include in our Expert Rating index.
The 2 has been particularly praised for its design, both internal and external, as well as for its performance and outstanding Euro NCAP safety scores. Like most electric cars, it is more expensive to purchase than a conventional petrol or diesel rival, although running costs will inevitably be cheaper.
There has also been criticism (and plenty of complaints on social media) of the company’s apparently deliberate decision not to offer Apple CarPlay in its cars, a consequence of its tie-up with rival Google to provide the operating system for the Polestar 2’s infotainment system.
A mid-life update to the Polestar 2 arrived in the UK in the summer of 2023. This was a substantial evolution of the current model, rather than an all-new car.
As of July 2025, it holds a New CarExpert Rating of A with a score of 73%. This covers both the original and post-2023 facelifted version of the car. It scores top marks for its zero tailpipe emissions and excellent safety rating, while its media review scores and running costs are also good.
Body style: Mid-sized liftback Powertrain: electric motor and batteries Price: From £44,950 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020 Last updated: Spring 2023 Replacement due: TBA
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Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The Polestar 2 appears an initially expensive buy but once you factor in its quality, equipment levels and the extras such as the over-air updates that keep the car fresh, it becomes a much more attractive proposition.”
Model reviewed: Long Range Single Motor RWD, facelift model
“The Polestar 2 is a fully-fledged, brilliantly executed vehicle that feels just as good to drive as it is to look at. Cleverly packaged and featuring some innovative tech, it’s very much the real deal.” Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The stylish, all-electric Polestar 2 oozes quality and is a decent alternative to a Tesla, but it’s held back by an overly firm ride.” Author: Ellis Hyde, Richard Ingram Read review
Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10 “Big range and efficiency improvements in the Long Range are offset by the same choppy ride in the latest revised Polestar 2.” (Richard Ingram) Read review
Model reviewed: BST Edition 270 Score: 8 / 10 “Polestar’s BST Edition 270 is delivers when it comes to performance, and the brand’s focus on chassis tuning is a breath of fresh air compared with rival makers obsessed with headline power outputs. The car is still a little short of personality, which is a challenge the performance-EV world as a whole has to overcome.” Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range Score: 9 / 10 “As if the multi-award-winning Polestar 2 wasn’t good enough, already this improved version offers more range and performance.” Author: Erin Baker Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.6 / 10 “The Polestar 2 is a stylish, all-electric sporting crossover built by Volvo’s new luxury sub-brand and delivering a stylish spin on zero-emissions motoring.” Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “The Polestar 2 deserves your attention because instead of reinventing the wheel, it’s nailed the basics, the less glamorous things that actually make a difference to you day-to-day.” Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.6 / 10 “The Polestar 2 is available with plenty of range and performance, has one of the best infotainment systems in the business and feels solidly built, making it one of the Tesla Model 3’s strongest rivals.” (Miles Goodson) Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8.2 / 10 “As the only real rival to the trailblazing Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2 is a high-quality first effort from the fledgling carmaker and well worth considering.” Read review
Daily Mail
“Step inside the clean, chic, cabin and a pressure-sensitive monitor in the driver’s seat fires up the electric motors automatically. Now brace yourself, because the near-silent Polestar 2 has Concorde-like acceleration but without the noisy roar.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Score: 10 / 10 “Polestar is a new brand and an unfamiliar one. Not for long, I suspect, because the Polestar 2 is the most desirable EV that we’ve tested so far. Competition in the EV world is hotting up and that’s great news for the customer and enthusiast.” Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 9 / 10 “Minimalist Scandinavian design, superb build quality, well-conceived and on the whole great to drive, the Polestar 2 is one of the most complete electric vehicles you can buy. For all of those people who bought the Polestar 2 without even having a test drive they will not be disappointed.” Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “With the addition of two single-motor variants, Polestar’s Tesla Model 3 rival is more affordable, but still strikes a great balance between practicality and desirability.” Read review
Eurekar
“The Polestar 2 is a very impressive newcomer on the EV scene.” Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 7 / 10 “Another sign electric cars are maturing to become competent and clever. But while the Polestar 2 makes a great everyday car, it’s still no performance hero.” Read review
Fleetworld
Score: 8 / 10 “Stylish with impressive range, the Polestar 2 has the ‘want’ factor.” Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Long Range Single Motor Score: 8 / 10 “The Polestar 2 offers zero-emission motoring in a good-looking, practical package, with the options of standard range or long range, and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Long Range Single Motor model tested is cheaper than the AWD model, and the official 335-mile range (or 270-mile range in the real world) is good.” Read review
Model reviewed: Performance Pack Score: 9 / 10 “The all-electric Polestar 2 offers an official 292-mile electric range, good performance, excellent traction, and it feels like a premium product.” Read review
Honest John
Score: 8 / 10 “Not only does the Polestar 2 look great, it’s sensational to drive and offers build quality that’s superior to its rival – even if it can’t quite match the TeslaModel 3’s pace.” Read review
Parkers
Score: 8.8 / 10 “The Polestar 2 is the best reason yet not to buy a Tesla Model3.” Read review
The Independent
Score: 8 / 10 “You’ll struggle to notice, but the Polestar 2’s recent revamps have transformed the way it drives. There’s still the Scandi cool, high-tech cabin and plenty of range, but now it features a more compliant ride and better handling, too.” Author: Steve Fowler Read review
The Scotsman
Model reviewed: Single Motor Long Range Score: 9 / 10 “The Polestar 2 is great to drive, fantastic to look at and even better to just sit in. While the dual motor, long-range version offers impressive performance headlines, the long-range single motor car feels more than quick enough and has the best range figure of the bunch, albeit at a £4,000 premium over the standard range car.” Author: Steven Chisholm Read review
The Sun
“Talking car Polestar 2 is a Swedish Tesla – only better.” Read review
The Sunday Times
Score: 9 / 10 “From the design and technology to the fit and finish, safety and usability, performance and handling, the Polestar 2 really feels like a quality package.” Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Long Range Single Motor (2023 facelift) Score: 10 / 10 “The Polestar 2 is a car that is still stonkingly good – better than ever, in fact – and it remains one of the best EVs on sale. You’ll have to live with the fact it isn’t all that roomy, though there’s enough space for a family of four to be getting along with. And you might not be entirely enamoured with the low-speed ride, though even this you’ll probably get used to. Otherwise, though, the 2 is a class act; there’s very little to dislike here.” Author: Alex Robbins Read review
Model reviewed: Long Range Single Motor Score: 8 / 10 “The single-motor version is now the Polestar 2 to choose. Flaws aside, the 2 is still as much of a delight as ever – even more so now it’s lost a motor. You get everything here that’s good about the dual-motor 2, but with a usefully greater range, more agile handling, and better energy consumption.” Read review
Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10 “It’s hard to escape the word ‘lovely’ when describing the Polestar 2. It’s endowed with one of the loveliest interiors of any current electric car and a lovely sense of sophisticated maturity that makes Tesla’s farting indicators seem rather gauche. This is not the best electric car out there, and neither is it the best value, but it’s still satisfying and truly desirable.” Read review
Score: 8 / 10 “Polestar may be seen as coming second to Tesla – but that’s often a good place to be. The market is small but growing fast and this likeable car could catch the wave thanks to a more familiar layout for those who have struggled with Tesla’s unashamed disruptive design (and so-so reliability).” Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview Score: 8 / 10 “One of the most complete electric cars money can buy. Superb build quality, and decent to drive.” Read review
“The Polestar 2 is a lovely piece of design inside and out, and well-engineered. Smooth, quiet, and almost over-endowed with acceleration and grip.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2025, the Polestar 2 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Polestar 2 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of July 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Polestar 2 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 Polestar 2, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
367 miles
A
276 – 409 miles
A – B
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
4.6 m/KWh
A
3.6 – 4.9 m/KWh
A – D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
43
D
34 – 50
C – F
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£368
C
Year 2
£711
C
Year 3
£1,081
C
Year 4
£1,313
C
Year 5
£1,743
C
Overall
£5,216
C
The Polestar 2 is a mixed bag when it comes to running costs, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
While the saloon’s official battery range of 360 miles is impressive and its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is top notch, the car’s insurance premiums are in the highest bracket.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Polestar 2 has received
2022
Auto Trader New Car Awards – New Car of the Year + Best Premium Electric Car + Most Loved Car
2021
Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Premium Electric Car
Fleet World Awards – Best EV Compact Executive Car
edie Sustainability Leaders Awards – Product Innovation of the Year
Top Gear Electric Awards – Best All-Rounder
DieselCar and EcoCar Top 50 – Best Electric Compact Executive Car
Fleet News Awards – Best Zero-Emission Car
Business Car Awards – Best Electric Car Over £35K
2020
Sunday Times Driving Awards – Motoring Innovation of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Polestar 2, you might also be interested in these alternatives
The Polestar 2 is a bit difficult to pigeonhole compared to most cars. It rides a bit higher than a regular saloon/liftback like the BMW 3 Series, but not quite as high as an SUV/crossover vehicle like the BMW iX3. As such, it has plenty of indirect rivals but none that are directly comparable. That includes its own in-house rivals from Volvo – the Polestar 2 shares its electric drivetrain with the XC40 Recharge.
Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more
Lease a Polestar 2
If you’re looking to lease a new Polesar 2, 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 Polestar 2
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
The Ford Fiesta turned the table on its long-time rival, the Vauxhall Corsa, in February as the new car market endured another month under lockdown with sales down 35% on the same month last year.
With showroom set to stay shut during March, the UK looks set for a dismal first quarter of new car registrations. The siver lining to that cloud has been the rapid growth in online car buying, allowing dealers and manufacturers to avoid another complete shutdown like we saw last April and May.
Despite the challenging trading conditions, some cars still sold well. Or at least relatively well – February is usually the smallest month of the year for new car sales anyway, so a 35% drop in registrations will hurt a lot less than it will in March when new number plates go on sale.
The UK’s best-selling cars, February 2021
1. Ford Fiesta
After the Vauxhall Corsa drew first blood in January, the Ford Fiesta turned the tables on its rival in February to outsell the Corsa by more than 200 units.
The Vauxhall is still narrowly ahead in year-to-date registrations due to its bigger margin in January, but hopefully this will be a sales battle that rages all year long.
The Fiesta currently holds an Expert Rating of 81% in The Car Expert’s unique Expert Rating index, which aggregates reviews from 25 of the UK’s top motoring websites. That’s some 9% better than the Corsa, so the motoring media still clearly prefers the Ford.
Despite slipping to second place in February, the Vauxhall Corsa keeps its nose ahead in year-to-date sales. However, even in the current pandemic and lockdown, March registrations are likely to dwarf those of January and February so we eagerly await next month’s results to see whether Ford or Vauxhall has taken the upper hand.
The petrol and diesel versions of the new Corsa currently hold an Expert Rating of 72% on our unique aggregator scale, based on 26 reviews we have gathered so far. That puts it in the bottom half of the supermini class, although the all-electric Corsa-e does score slightly better with an Expert Rating of 74%.
It looks like Nissan is determined to send the current Qashqai out with a bang, as it holds onto third place for the second month in a row.
The ageing Qashqai currently holds an Expert Rating of 74% in our New Car Ratings database, which is midfield for the compact crossover segment and in the bottom half of scores for a top ten-selling car. A replacement has been unveiled and arrive on UK streets this summer, but the new car will have a tough job in living up to the sales success of the current model over its seven-year run.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class improves from sixth place last month to fourth this month, although it remains in sixth for year-to-date figures. It was a close battle with the Qashqai, with the Mercedes falling short of third place in February by only 24 cars.
The A-Class has an Expert Rating of 77% in The Car Expert’s unique aggregated Expert Rating index, based on 45 UK reviews. It ranks highly for safety, winning awards from Euro NCAP and Thatcham for its protective qualities.
The Volvo XC40 has made itself comfortably in the middle of the top ten, holding onto fifth place for the second month in a row, and unsurpringly sitting in the same place in year-to-date registrations.
The XC40 is the class leader among small SUV/crossover models, with an Expert Rating of 83%, although that score has fallen a couple of points from a previous high of 85% in recent months. A new plug-in hybrid model joined the range last year, while a fully-electric version is now in production and set to arrive in UK showrooms in coming months.
The Kia Niro is another model that’s becoming a familiar face in the top ten. Ninth in January and now seventh in February shows that the Niro is becoming more and more popular with age. It’s also the only Kia in the top ten this month after last month’s second-placed Kia Sportage disappeared altogether in February.
The Niro currently holds an Expert Rating of 70% in our aggregated Expert Ratings index, while the e-Niro is far more highly rated with a score of 88% – a whopping 18% better than the hybrid versions.
Two Volkswagens in the top ten this month, which is certainly not unusual. What is definitely different is that neither of them is a Golf or a Polo. The T-Roc small SUV pipped its similarly-sized sibling, the T-Cross, to seventh place in February.
The T-Roc currently holds an Expert Rating of 78% in our unique and clever Expert Ratings index, which has slipped from more than 80% over the last 18 months, but it’s very much still at the sharp end of a highly competitive sector.
Only 20 units separated the Volkswagen T-Cross from the T-Roc above it in February as VW’s small SUVs both enjoyed a much better month than its usual big hitters. Maybe Volkswagen is holding back its Golf supply until March?
The T-Cross has an Expert Rating of 79% in our Expert Rating index, which is 1% better than its sibling above, although like the T-Roc, that score has slipped slightly over the last year or so.
If you’re looking at the photos above and wondering what exactly the difference is between the two models, it’s easy – the T-Roc is blue and the T-Cross is silver. Other than that, the T-Roc is supposedly the ‘sporty’ one, while the T-Cross is the ‘sensible’ one.
Making its return to the top ten for the first time since last August is the Ford Kuga, edging out the Focus for ninth place by only 15 units. It’s also the sixth SUV/crossover in the top ten, which is the highest we’ve had in a while.
Based on reviews we’ve analysed to date – which are mostly of the plug-in hybrid version, the Kuga has received generally good scores and currently holds an Expert Rating of 79%. However, you can probably expect that to shift by a few points as we get more reviews of the whole range whenever we finally get out of lockdown and back to road testing.
Bringing up the rear for this month’s top ten, as it was last month, is the Ford Focus. It also holds the same place in year-to-date sales.
Like its little brother, the Fiesta, the Focus picked up some mild hybrid engines in the second half of last year, but it still lacks a fully-electric or plug-in hybrid option. It’s likely that we’ll see the PHEV setup from the Kuga mid-sized SUV drop into the Focus sometime soon, and Ford dealers will be looking forward to having a strong performer in the electrified family car marketplace.
In terms of critical appraisal, the Ford Focus currently holds an Expert Rating of 80% in our Expert Ratings database, which is now level with the slowly-slipping Golf and three points better than than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The slow start to 2021 for new car sales continued in February (and let’s face it, will almost certainly carry on through March and probably April), with consumer new car registrations down by 37% compared to the same month last year.
According to data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), overall registrations were down 35% year-on-year, with fleet registrations performing better than private sales. The silver lining to this cloud is that the industry still managed to managed to shift two-thirds of last February’s volume despite every new car shoroom in the UK being closed.
Despite the car industry’s best efforts to talk down its results, the work that has gone into developing nationwide online sales has basically saved a large number of manufacturers and dealers. Let’s not forget that when dealerships were closed last Spring, sales were down by 99%…
Electrification trend continues to accelerate
As has been the case for nearly every month over the last couple of years, predominantly-electrified cars (full electric and plug-in hybrid) all saw strong growth while diesel’s market share plumbed new depths and petrol fell significantly as well.
Sales of regular hybrids did fall, but nowhere near to the extent of the overall market so it was still a net growth in market share.
February can throw up some odd results, so we shall see how things look in March.
Good month, bad month
In a market down by 35%, there inevitably wasn’t a lot of celebrating. But some car brands certainly did better than others.
All of the manufacturers will have their fingers crossed for better results when the new registration plates arrive in March.
Fiesta strikes back in battle with Corsa
After the Vauxhall Corsa drew first blood in January, the Ford Fiesta struck back to take top spot on the sales charts in February.
It’s hopefully a battle that will carry on all year. The Corsa still holds top spot in year-to-date sales on account of its stronger performance in January, but March registrations will likely dwarf the first two months’ results anyway.
It wasn’t surprising to see two Volkswagens in the top ten, but what was definitely unusual was that neither of them was the Golf or the Polo. Instead it was the T-Roc and T-Cross small SUV models that occupied seventh and eighth places on the best-sellers list.
The Lexus UX Electric (UX 300e) is a battery-powered electric version of the estabished Lexus UX 250h Hybrid. It is the first fully-electric model from Lexus, launching in 2020 and arriving in the UK in early 2021.
Reviewers have praised its urban driving dynamics, which is where its electric powertrain is best suited, but have criticised its poor infotainment system and cramped interior dimensions. Its driving range is also less than several significantly cheaper alternatives.
As of March 2026, the Lexus UX Electric holds a New CarExpert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. It scores top marks for its zero tailpipe emissions, while its safety rating and overall running costs are also good. However, its media review scores are poor.
Body style: Compact SUV/crossover Power unit: single electric motor with battery Price: From £47,495 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020 Last updated: N/A Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: UX 300e Score: 7 / 10 “Don’t be fooled by the rating here; it’s the same as the regular UX hybrid’s, but in truth, we think that cheaper versions of the Lexus UX 300e will probably be worth an extra half-star. This EV is nicely finished, just about practical enough for most buyers’ needs, and particularly refined.” Read review
Auto Trader
Score: 7.6 / 10 “The UX 300e builds on the wide experience Lexus has in building hybrid models. Rather than an all-new model, Lexus has instead electrified the existing UX SUV, which you can still buy as a petrol-electric hybrid if you prefer. The UX 300e impresses with its build quality and style, but the relatively short range and middling performance put it on a back foot compared with many rivals.” Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 8.4 / 10 “The Lexus UX 300e is a refined electric SUV with respectable range” Read review
Carwow
“Combining the traditional Lexus benefits of build-quality and reliability with electric power should make the Lexus UX 300e a popular choice.” Read review
Company Car Today
“Lexus has positioned itself well with a small SUV that offers reasonable range, a high-quality interior and a decent driving experience.” Read review
Daily Mail
“Though technically it is a compact urban SUV, the Lexus UX 300e feels roomy and high-riding. It’s sprightly enough and smooth, refined and well-balanced to drive. It whizzes along dual-carriageways and A-roads, and has a bit of poke thanks to its friction-free early electric acceleration.” Read review
Daily Mirror
Score: 6 / 10 “Everybody inside the UX 300e will appreciate the silence but this Lexus is not strikingly good value and there is a lot of competition with more on the way.” Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: Premium Plus Score: 7 / 10 “Given similarly priced EVs are quicker, have more range and space, we think the majority of buyers will be die-hard Lexus enthusiasts. Yes, build quality is fantastic, it looks great and it’s comfortable as a small two-plus-two but we’re not sure why you’d opt for the Lexus UX 300e.” Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10 “The Lexus UX 300e electric car suits its drivetrain well and is one of the most refined small SUVs around.” Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: UX 300e Premium Plus Score: 7 / 10 “The Lexus UX is a good electric car with a strong business case made without re-writing the rule book, unlike its competition.” Read review
Honest John
“Notably, the Lexus UX 300e is currently the only premium SUV which meets the eligibility criteria for the £3,000 plug-in vehicle grant from OLEV, the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles.” Read review
The Telegraph
Score: 6 / 10 “The Lexus UX 300e is well priced and nicely specced. It’s not a bad drive, though the traction isn’t the greatest, and Lexus models tend to be reliable and have good residual values. But the range isn’t wonderful and will fall considerably in cold weather, at high speeds or on hills, and there are more interesting models out there.” Read review
Top Gear
Score: 7 / 10 “The Lexus UX 300e is quiet, efficient enough, makes good use of the advantages of the drivetrain and is a relaxing car to drive.” Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The Lexus UX Electric shares its Euro NCAP safety rating with the UX Hybrid range, which was rated five stars in 2019.
A shared rating is not automatic for electric versions of conventional vehicles because the electric motor and battery layout can lead to very different crash test results. In this case, Euro NCAP confirmed in early 2021 that the UX 300e shares the UX Hybrid’s 2019 rating rather than conducting separate crash tests based on newer protocols.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Clean Air Index: 10 / 10 Energy Efficiency Index: 9.7 / 10 Greenhouse Gas Index: 10 / 10
The Lexus UX Electric was reviewed by emissions testers Green NCAP in their last batch of 2021 tests, achieving a full five-star rating.
Green NCAP concluded, “A higher driving range would improve the vehicle’s functionality and user experience, but for those wishing to minimize their environmental impact, the Lexus 300e offers an excellent choice.”
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Lexus UX family to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the UX Electric, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
277 miles
B
Electrical efficiency
Average
Score
Variation
Score
EV models
3.7 m/KWh
D
Insurance group
Average
Score
Variation
Score
All models
38
D
Service and maintenance
Cost
Score
Year 1
£214
C
Year 2
£502
B
Year 3
£821
B
Year 4
£987
B
Year 5
£1,286
B
Overall
£3,810
B
The Lexus EX Electric will be a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) isn’t great, but official battery range is still reasonable. Insurance is likely to be more expensive than for the hybrid Lexus UX, but servicing and maintenance are likely to be significantly cheaper.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Lexus UX Electric, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more
Lease a Lexus UX Electric
If you’re looking to lease a new Lexus UX 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 Lexus UX 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?)
Ever heard of an accommodation deal? In this case, it’s nothing to do with booking your next holiday but rather a finance arrangement that people try to use to get someone else to take out car finance on their behalf.
For example, here’s a question from a reader named Bradley that is similar to many we have received over the years. “Is it possible to have more than one car finance agreement in my name? I have a PCP for my car and I want to start another one for my girlfriend’s car as she can’t get finance approved. But the dealer said I can’t do that. If I can afford it, why not?”
Taking out finance for another person – the Accommodation Deal
We spend a lot of time looking at every aspect of car finance here at The Car Expert. But there is one assumption in any car finance application – that the person applying for car finance is the owner, keeper and main driver of the vehicle.
If you have a poor credit score or credit history and you can’t get car finance approval, it may seem simple enough to ask someone else (usually a spouse or partner or parent or close friend) to take the finance in their name, while you promise to pay them for the monthly payments so they’re not out of pocket.
The problem is that you generally can’t do it. Taking out car finance for someone else is known as an Accommodation Deal, and the finance companies simply won’t touch it – despite the concept not actually being illegal. So what exactly is the problem?
Lending to someone else on your behalf
If you are unable to get finance, it is because the finance company has decided that you are too high a risk for them to loan money to. For whatever reason, be it failing to pay previous bills or not enough evidence of suitable income, the finance company has decided it does not believe that you can or will repay its loan.
So if the finance company won’t lend to you, it’s not going to lend money to someone else who is applying on your behalf, and who is expecting you to pay them for the loan. You are trying to circumvent your inability to get car finance by having someone else get it for you, and the finance companies are not stupid.
An accommodation deal is considered too risky
The logic is simple: the finance company does not expect you to be able to repay the loan, so it doesn’t expect you to be able to repay the same amount of money to another person.
The person responsible for repaying the loan does not have possession of the vehicle (because you have it), which leaves the finance company at greater risk of not getting its money back and not getting the car back.
If you are declined car finance then the finance company will probably not approve a similar application from anyone at the same address. They will also not approve anyone else they suspect trying to be applying for finance on your behalf as an accommodation deal.
Your credit score will be marked accordingly, which means other finance companies will almost certainly reject your finance application as well.
Don’t rely on what a car dealer tells you
Car dealers often don’t help matters by tacitly accepting and assisting with accommodation deal applications, rather than simply rejecting them outright. This also puts them in a dangerous position with the finance companies providing the loans.
The terms and conditions of the finance contract will be very clear regarding an accommodation deal, so even if a car salesman tells you that it’s fine, he will be able to deny it all later while you’re the one left in a big financial mess.
If you complain to the finance company, the salesman will swear blind that you lied to him and there’s no way he would have submitted your loan application if he knew the truth. And there will be nothing written down, so you can’t prove anything.
Don’t commit fraud so someone else can drive a new car
Whilst the concept of an accommodation deal is not illegal, the concept of fraud most certainly is. Finance companies have become very sensitive to accommodation deal agreements in recent years, and they are on the lookout for these arrangements.
Usually, as part of the terms and conditions of your finance contract, you are declaring that you will be the registered owner and keeper of the vehicle, and that you will be the main driver.
If you are applying for finance on behalf of someone else, and you do not intend to be the primary user of the vehicle, you will be lying to the finance company and that is considered fraud. In such circumstances, both persons involved (the one unable to get finance and the one applying for it on their behalf) would be committing fraud by attempting to deceive the finance company.
If someone asks you to apply for car finance on their behalf, the correct answer is NO. In addition to the legal issues surrounding an accommodation deal as outlined above, money issues tend to destroy friendships and relationships.
Disclaimer
Most car finance agreements in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and anyone involved in the selling of car finance must be accredited by the FCA.
You should always consider the terms and conditions of any agreement carefully before taking out any form of car finance, as you are making a substantial ongoing commitment. There may be significant costs if you change your mind or are unable to meet your commitments at a later date.
The original version of this article was written in January 2014 and has been regularly updated and improved. Last updated March 2021.
