Latest news with #AutoExpress
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Four fun EVs to ease the switch for petrolheads – but expert warns of two hurdles brands face despite government grant
THE FUTURE is undoubtedly electric, as manufacturers steadily shift their focus from petrol-powered motors to electric ones. However, it's perfectly understandable that many car enthusiasts aren't quite ready to embrace this change. 2 2 The absence of traditional driving traits, such as the sound, vibration and gear changes associated with internal combustion engine cars is widely regarded as a pretty big loss. But in an interview with EVPowered last year, former Top Gear host James May implored enthusiasts to give electric power a chance, adding: 'If you're a true car enthusiast, you have to take an interest in the future of the car.' Change is hard though, and manufacturers face a tricky few years helping drivers - from petrolheads to casual fans - make the transition. It's something Steve Walker, Head of Digital Content at Auto Express, told Sun Motors in a recent exclusive chat. He said: 'The evolution of performance EVs faces two main challenges. 'Firstly, EVs are inherently heavy due to their batteries, which works against them being as nimble and fun to drive as petrol cars. 'Secondly, enthusiasts tend to love cars partly because they've formed a deep emotional connection to the history and heritage of performance brands and their cars over the years. 'EVs are a real break from this past. They don't have the same authenticity and don't offer the same sounds and sensations that petrol cars do. This makes them less appealing initially. 'That said, manufacturers know they need to engage enthusiasts. These are the people who are willing to pay for premium and performance models. 'They're also the people who help generate the culture and interest around car brands through their passion for the cars, bringing the brand's products to a wider audience. Alpine A290 GTS delivers a hot hatch EV that comes with F1-style 'overtake button' 'So, manufacturers are working on creating EVs that feel better to drive and more connected to that heritage. 'We're already seeing features like simulated engine noises and artificial 'manual gear changes' in performance EVs to mimic that petrol car driving experience. 'Looking ahead, technologies such as lighter solid-state batteries and in-wheel electric motors could reduce weight and improve driving dynamics, helping EVs become more exciting and appealing to enthusiasts.' CHARGING UP Something that might sway some drivers - petrolheads or otherwise - is the introduction of the Electric Car Grant by the government that was announced earlier this week. It sees £650 million set aside for drivers to enjoy a discount of up to £3,750 taken off the price of EVs priced under £37,000. That funding, planned to run until the 2028-29 financial year, also only counts towards models from brands that have committed to a so-called Science-Based Target (SBT) for emissions. Fewer than 50 new EV models would qualify for the grant, providing they meet the required criteria. Among them is the super-fun Alpine A290, starting at £33,000 for the base model, as well as the Abarth 600e - specifically, the 237bhp base model, which just fits within the grant threshold - and the Mini JCW Electric with its 255bhp. Walker said: 'While performance car fans aren't likely to be as excited about EVs as company car drivers or family buyers, who are often more focused on costs or practicality, there are a few current models that deserve to grab enthusiasts' interest. 'The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a prime example - it was actually the first EV to win the Auto Express Performance Car of the Year award in 2024, marking it as a real pioneer of fun electric cars. 'Another interesting option is the Alpine A290, but overall, fun EVs are still very much in their infancy and quite rare compared to petrol alternatives, which remain fundamentally better at delivering the traditional thrills that enthusiasts crave.' MAKING THE SWITCH Switching from a petrol-powered car to an EV can feel like a daunting step for some. The challenge for the industry is to make EVs with emotional appeal Steve Walker, Auto Express However, Walker offers valuable advice for those ready to take the leap into the world of electric cars. 'For enthusiasts making the switch, it's important to recognise that EVs today are different beasts - heavier and quieter, with driving sensations that don't replicate the petrol experience,' he said. 'They're also fast, with an immediate power delivery that most petrol models can't match. 'As the technology improves, expect EVs to become more engaging and responsive. 'Manufacturers still need 'halo' cars that generate interest and showcase innovation. As the legislation stands in Europe, these will have to be EVs. 'Ultimately, without enthusiasts, cars risk becoming just another consumer product like a phone or washing machine. 'The challenge for the industry is to make EVs with emotional appeal through which drivers can express their personality and passion, just as petrol cars have done for decades.' CHARGE ANYTIME OVO's Charge Anywhere gives EV drivers access to everything they need to charge on the go, in one app - everything from route planning to locating working chargers, and paying for charging. And by signing up to a Boost plan, drivers can get up to 15% off public charging. It is open to all EV drivers, you don't have to be an OVO customer, and is free to join, just download the OVO Charge app on the App Store or Google Play. Drivers get access to the biggest charging networks, including over 50,000 UK public chargers and over 400,000 across Europe. More information can be found HERE OVO customers can enhance their energy tariffs by adding Charge Anytime, enabling them to charge their electric vehicles at a market-leading rate of 7p per kWh, any time of the day or night. This rate is 90% cheaper than public charging and 80% less than the cost of petrol. With Charge Anytime, customers can charge their car for just £217 per year, based on average consumption. This represents a saving of £542 compared to the UK's average SVT charging rate. More information can be found HERE. OVO Beyond Customers who sign up to OVO's free rewards programme, Beyond, can enjoy 100 free miles every month for two years. This adds up to 2,400 free miles in total, ready to use when they decide to make the switch to an electric vehicle. OVO Offers OVO customers can benefit from up to 30,000 free EV miles when they purchase or lease an electric car from Volkswagen. This offer applies across all VWG brands, including Audi, CUPRA, Skoda, and VW. Customers receive 10,000 free miles every year for three years, provided they remain OVO customers. Additionally, customers can earn 1,000 free miles on the anniversary of their Charge Anytime sign-up for the first three years.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand's iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued
It's being taken off the market across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations BACK SO SOON? Major car brand's iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE end is nigh for the Honda Civic Type R - which is set to be discontinued in the UK by the beginning of 2026. But while this iconic hot hatchback will be sorely missed by petrolheads, its swift return is already being talked up in the form of a performance EV. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Honda Civic Type R is reaching the end of the road - but it could be set for a swift return Credit: Honda 4 The iconic name-plate is being taken off the market across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations Credit: Honda 4 Honda, though, may bring it back in the near future as a performance EV Credit: Honda 4 The Civic Type R is a favourite among petrolheads for its powerful turbocharged engine and track-ready handling Credit: Honda The Civic Type R, adored for its powerful turbocharged engine, track-ready handling and sometimes-polarising design, has reached the end of the road after a mighty 25 years. It's being taken off the market by Honda across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations - particularly the Euro 6e-bis standards which come into effect in January 2026. But according to Auto Express, Honda has strongly hinted that the future of its sporty number will live on into the electric age. At the launch of the new Prelude, project lead, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Type R 'can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands', adding that the famous nameplate isn't necessarily dependent on its turbo powertrain. He added that the 'Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max'. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Centre, hinted that the brand is heavily focused on the fun-factor when it comes to their EVs. He said: 'A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can't come up with something exactly the same as before. 'As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? "We haven't given up of course, but it's not just about power, it's about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. 'These are the joys of driving.' Major car brand to revive long-forgotten sports model discontinued 23 years ago NEW AGE There was a time when the hot hatchback appeared to be dead and buried. The demise of icons like the Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Clio and the petrol-powered Abarth 500 all pointed to the beloved sub-genre of performance cars slowly fading into obscurity. However, manufacturers seem determined to keep the spirit of the hot hatch alive in the electric age with a wave of sporty hatchbacks having been recently introduced. Hyundai was arguably the first to prove that a proper performance-focused EV hatchback was possible with the Ioniq 5 N, while the newly launched Alpine A290 is already being hailed as a future classic. Meanwhile, Honda isn't ready to bid farewell to its legendary Type R just yet, with an exclusive 'Ultimate Edition' heading to Europe - though only 40 units will be available. Currently, the Civic Type R is the sole model in the UK to carry the famous Type R badge. Over the years, however, other models such as the Integra Type R and Accord Type R have also proudly worn the emblem.
Auto Express
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: grab a quirky Genesis GV60 for £330 a monthCar Deal of the Day: a quirky slice of Korean luxury for £330 a month
Top notch 800V platform means ultra-fast charging Quirky design and interior Platform shared with brilliant Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 It's not an easy job to give EVs some personality, but the lovable Genesis GV60 succeeds where so many others fail. If this quirky little number tickles your fancy, you can now grab one for as little as £330 per month through the Auto Express Find a Car service. Based on the 'Premium Comfort' specification, there's a lot of car on offer for the money here. Advertisement - Article continues below The deal is over a 36-month term and requires a £4,276 initial payment (including the brokers fee), after which you'll just need to cover the £330.78 monthly fee with a 6,000-mile annual limit. For this, you'll get a very well equipped GV60 model with a single electric motor producing 228bhp. This is powered from a 77.4kWh battery pack running on a cutting-edge 800V electrical system that'll be able to charge the battery from 10-80 per cent in around 18 minutes at ultra-high speed DC fast chargers. Range is pretty good, at 321 miles, and the car will get from 0 to 62mph in just under 8 seconds. However, the real reason you'd look at a Genesis over its key rivals is its quirky style and functional interior. The GV60 is very clearly a Genesis, the twin-strake headlights and diamond pattern grille instantly link it to its more conservatively-styled range mates, but then it goes a bit kooky around the rear. With a short and squat tail, plus a zig-zag piece of chrome up the sides, the GV60 is one of the more eccentric looking electric cars on the market. Most of the tech inside is drawn from other Genesis models, which is no bad thing. The dual-screen layout is functional, easy to use and has plenty of toys inside to keep even the most digitally savvy owners happy. Space is also great, with plenty of room up front and a wide rear bench that easily fits three across, despite the sloping roofline. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Genesis GV60 leasing offers from leading providers on our Genesis GV60 page. Check out the Genesis GV60 deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here…
Auto Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will show you EVs can be crazy for £398 a month
Well-equipped Stunning to drive £398 a month We've only just brought you a fabulous Deal of the Day based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but while that car is an excellent family-friendly EV, the Ioniq 5 N version we have here is something to really set your pulse racing. Advertisement - Article continues below Discovered through the Auto Express Find a Car service, this deal from Lease4Less Hyundai will see the Ioniq 5 N on your drive for £398 a month - or £128 more per month than the standard model we featured recently. The deal for the N is based over a two-year period with an initial deposit of £5,050. The maximum annual mileage is set at 5,000 miles, though you can double this for £50 a month. The Ioniq 5 N has a chunky 84kWh battery, but its range tops out at a fairly average 284 miles. That's quite a way down on the standard car's 354 miles (with the same battery, no less), but there's a very good reason for that. The N comes with a dual-motor powertrain generating 601bhp, but if that's not enough, there's an overboost button on the steering wheel to bring the combined output to 641bhp and 740Nm of torque. The result is a supercar-baiting 3.4-second 0-62mph time. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Utilising the innovative virtual gearshift technology (which works incredibly naturally) to simulate an eight-speed gearbox, the N makes keen drivers feel more at home than most EVs. It beats quite a few petrol-powered performance cars for thrills, too. Advertisement - Article continues below Where the Ioniq 5 N really impresses isn't on the straights, but in the corners. It belies its heavy 2,235kg kerbweight thanks to clever adaptive dampers, torque vectoring, an electric limited-slip differential and pointy steering that, together, give a wonderfully connected feel. Couple that with the immediate power from the electric motors and you can have some serious fun. The N is just as well-equipped as the regular Ioniq 5 too with wireless smartphone charging and a Bose sound system - plus it has more than enough space for the family, making it a versatile performance EV. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Hyundai Ioniq 5 N leasing offers from leading providers on our Hyundai Ioniq 5 N deals hub page… Check out the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Deal of the Day or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here … Find a car with the experts New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card The Rafale was chosen to showcase 'French excellence and art de vivre' Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a used car expert and this is the best £7k small motor to buy'
A motoring expert has recommended the best used cars for £7,000 or under which are great value especially for new drivers, with choosing a motor with a small engine with a small power output the key Buying a first vehicle, especially a used car, can be a tricky business for many customers as it often comes accompanied with high insurance costs for inexperienced drivers. This means choosing a car that has a small engine, small power output, and isn't very large to keep insurance as cheap as possible. However, with the cost of living going up and the second car market seeing prices rise, it can be hard to work out which car to buy, even if you have a relatively healthy budget of £7,000. This was the problem faced by one motorist who went to AutoExpress for advice on the best car to buy for that price. In response, motoring expert Ryan Birch said it all depended on what one was looking for. Whilst he recommended the Seat Mii, the Renault Twingo and the Citroen C1, when it came to practicality he suggested the Spanish Mii. He said: 'From behind the wheel, the Mii is hard to beat. It shares a platform with the Volkswagen up! so the handling is crisp and it's surprisingly enjoyable to drive. The Mii is also surprisingly spacious, with more accommodating rear seats than the Citroen and a respectable 251-litre boot. Ryan added: 'Lower-spec SE models are equipped with alloy wheels, electric front windows, air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel as standard. A DAB radio can also be specified, along with a dashboard-mounted navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity.' Whilst the Mii was the practical choice, Ryan didn't rule out the Renault Twingo, praising it for having a good turning circle, robust interior and goo rear seat space. Meanwhile, the Citroen C1 was given good marks for its distinctive looks, and the fact it was affordable and easy to drive. He caveated: 'Citroen offers a variety of coloured panels and trims to add a dash of personalisation to the cabin of its city car. 'However, material quality isn't up to the best in the class, and the layout of the controls isn't as intuitive as the SEAT's interior.' This isn't the first time French cars have been recommended as good first cars. The Daily Express' Christopher Sharp also recommended another French car, the Renault Clio. Writing in 2023 about why he recommended the Clio, which he'd named after a tank, Christopher said it's practicality and the fact it had great visibility made it ideal for a new driver getting used to Britain's roads. He wrote in the Daily Express: ' The little Clio has a high rear end and a wide boot aperture. What this means is that it's easy to get big things in and out of it. 'The car was so capacious and the boot aperture so square that it had more carrying capacity than some SUVs at the time. 'Two of the most important elements of choosing a car for a new driver is that it must be comfortable and easy to drive. 'With soft suspension and light controls, the Clio had these in spades. Despite its 1.2 litre engine, it was an able motorway cruiser with impressive economy for the engine's diminutive size.'
