BMW i5 Prototype Review
Our Rating 4.5/5 Introduction The 5 Series is one of BMW’s core models, with more than 10 million examples being produced since its original introduction in 1972. It’s adapted successfully to the times, gaining the latest technology and powertrains. The outgoing model’s plug-in hybrid setup has proven especially popular, and BMW is hoping to improve that further with this new eighth-generation 5 Series, due to hit the roads in 2024. That’s because, alongside petrol, diesel and hybrid versions, there will be the new i5 – an electric version of this saloon, and Touring [...]
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Great handling Stunning looks Roomy interior Cons Powertrain can be noisy Quite expensive Cabin quality could be better in places Introduction The Tonale is the most important Alfa Romeo in some time. It arrived in 2022 with a mild-hybrid powertrain, though the star in the line-up was always going to be the plug-in model. Now available in the UK, it’s the Alfa that can be plugged in and aims to challenge the popular hybrid versions [...]
Nissan Ariya Electric 2023 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros High-quality interior Decent to drive Generous equipment levels Cons Ride is a touch firm Quite pricey in top-spec trims Rivals have bigger boots Introduction Nissan was one of the first mainstream manufacturers to develop a mass-market EV with its groundbreaking Leaf which first arrived in 2010. For a number of years, it was the most popular electric car, and it was only recently knocked off the table by Tesla. It took Nissan quite a long [...]
MG5 EV 2023 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Good value Practical Much smarter inside and out Cons Not the fastest-charging EV Rivals are a bit more fun to drive Dip in range for top-spec car Introduction MG has found itself a nice gap at the affordable end of the electric car market, with a range of well-priced EVs that are going down especially well with buyers. Things started in 2019 with the ZS EV crossover, with the MG5 arriving a year later as [...]
Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV 2023 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Sleek styling Long electric range Remains very practical Cons Expensive optional extras Sportier vRS model isn’t as fun as it could be Not quite as roomy as standard Enyaq SUV Introduction Skoda introduced its first bespoke electric model in 2021 with the Enyaq iV – an SUV that quickly became a huge hit owing to its practicality, long electric range and great value for money. It’s already a key part of Skoda’s range but now [...]
Vauxhall Astra GSe 2023 Plug-in Hybrid review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Smart styling Modern interior Generous equipment levels Cons Not as sporty to drive as you might hope Quite pricey to buy Tight rear seat space Introduction If you look back at Vauxhall’s past, it nearly always offered performance models. More recently there has been VXR and GSI, but if you look back a few decades there was also its GSE nameplate. And it’s that latter nameplate that’s now making a comeback. But whereas the ‘E’ [...]
Citroen e-C4 X 2023 Review
Our Rating 3.5/5 Pros Good value Very comfortable Lots of standard equipment Cons Saloon bodystyle won't be practical for everyone Some may find the styling a bit awkward Infotainment has a few glitches Introduction Citroen is rapidly growing its line-up of models, and its only models now not available as either a hybrid or EV in the UK are the C3 and C3 Aircross. The firm is finding a lot of success with its new C4, too. Introduced in [...]
BMW i7 2023 Review
Our Rating 4.5/5 Pros Stunning interior Strong performance Lengthy electric range Cons Pricey to buy Desirable options are expensive Divisive looks Introduction For decades the BMW 7 Series has become synonymous with a luxury, upmarket feel, and has also become known as the technology powerhouse that goes on to inspire future BMWs. Luxury has evolved with time, though, and it’s why BMW is launching its new 7 Series as the electric i7, though plug-in hybrid versions of this saloon [...]
Skoda Enyaq vRS 2023 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros High-quality interior Very spacious Smart design Cons Not as sporty as you might hope Firm low-speed ride Can get expensive with options Introduction The Enyaq iV is one of Skoda’s most important cars ever, arriving as its first bespoke electric car in 2021. It has already proven very popular, not only to loyal Skoda customers but to a new audience as well. Skoda’s already expanded the line-up with a sleeker Coupe version, but now the [...]
Nissan Juke Hybrid Review
Our Rating 3.5/5 Pros Efficient Stylish looks Good equipment levels Cons Smaller boot than a regular petrol Juke More expensive than petrol car, but cost is absorbed with finance Not the best car to drive in its class Introduction The Nissan Juke has been a huge success and helped to kickstart the compact crossover craze. Now in its second generation, the Sunderland-built Juke continues to be as stylish as ever, with its immediately recognisable design and silhouette. The second-generation [...]
MG4 EV 2022 Review
Our Rating 4.5/5 Pros Amazing value for money Good to drive Great electric range Cons Interior quality isn’t as good as more expensive rivals Quite a lot of road noise at higher speeds Boot isn't huge Introduction MG has already shown its worth in the electric car segment, with its ZS EV crossover and MG5 estate car proving popular and helping this manufacturer be the UK’s fastest-growing car firm. MG is now hoping that continues with the introduction of [...]
Nissan X-Trail 2023 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Well-equipped Smart and well-built interior Option of third row of seats Cons Boot is quite small by standard of rivals Can be expensive in top-spec trims e-Power system could be more efficient Introduction The X-Trail is now Nissan’s longest-serving SUV in Europe and the most practical too. Sitting above the Juke and Qashqai in the brand’s crossover-dominated line-up, the X-Trail has evolved from being a rugged 4x4 into more of a family-friendly option in recent [...]
BMW iX1 2023 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Strong performance High-quality interior Plenty of technology Cons Fidgety ride Can be expensive with options Not quite as roomy as an Audi Q4 e-tron Introduction BMW’s line-up of electric cars is growing at an alarming rate, with the iX and i4 arriving in the last 12 months alone. But it’s not stopping there as at the start of 2023 there will be a new kid on the block – the iX1. Sitting alongside regular petrol, [...]
Mercedes EQS 2022 Review
Our Rating 4.5/5 Pros Very refined Upmarket interior Loads of space Cons Divisive styling Fiddly steering wheel controls High price Introduction It wasn’t too many years ago that Mercedes didn’t sell a single electric model, but in the last few years, its line-up of EVs has expanded significantly. Starting with the EQC SUV, it’s expanded into van-based MPVs, saloons and crossovers. But sitting at the top of the line-up as its electric flagship is the EQS. Intending to offer [...]
Nissan Leaf Electric 2022 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Entry-level model is great value for money Practical interior Good equipment levels Cons Not the most refined Interior lacks quality Styling is a bit bland Introduction In a day and age when models like Teslas dominate, it can be easy to forget about the ‘founding’ EVs that began to get these models noticed. It’s the Nissan Leaf that’s the main example, as – debuting in 2010 – it became the first mass-market electric car. To [...]
5 things you need to know about the new BMW iX1
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Nissan Qashqai e-Power Hybrid Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Smooth and responsive hybrid powertrain Generous equipment levels Easy-to-use technology Cons Expensive in top-spec trims Costs £2,000 more than the standard car Rivals offer more space Introduction The Qashqai was a true game changer for Nissan, helping it to establish the hugely lucrative crossover segment that the brand has virtually dominated ever since. There have been more than 5.5 million Qashqais produced to date, with the third-generation model launching last year. It debuted as a [...]
Citroen e-Berlingo Electric 2022 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Hugely practical Easy to drive Good value by EV standards Cons Low-quality interior Average range Ride could be more comfortable Introduction Once particularly popular family cars, MPVs have drastically fallen out of favour with buyers in recent years, largely due to the appeal of SUVs. But van-based people movers have remained a steadily popular option, particularly for those prioritising space over style. One such car that’s remained quietly successful over the years has been the [...]
BMW iX M60 2022 Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Sensational performance Stunning interior Impressive comfort and refinement Cons Bold design won't suit everyone Expensive Boot is larger in some rivals Introduction When BMW introduced the iX as its new flagship EV last year, it certainly made a statement. Ushering in one of the German brand’s boldest designs yet, it also brings in a whole range of new technology. Launched with a pair of powertrains – neither of which were particularly short on power or [...]
MG HS PHEV Review
Our Rating 4/5 Pros Best price SUV PHEV Great interior and equipment 7-year warranty Cons More expensive than petrol version Rivals better to drive Not the most stylish option MG is on the up MG is the fastest-growing car manufacturer right now, with record sales thanks to affordable prices, and high-quality cars that suit what the market needs – particularly families. MG’s all-electric models are playing a big part in this growth in popularity and sales, most notably the [...]