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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
I'm a motors expert – here are the best used cars for under £2,000 which WON'T guzzle your fuel
A MOTORS expert has revealed a list of the best cars you can buy for under £2,000 that won't guzzle all your fuel. JB, from CarswithJB on YouTube, posted a video running down a range of cheap and cheerful rides that you can enjoy on a budget. 11 A YouTuber ran down a top ten list of cheap and cheerful cars As the cost of living crisis bites and petrol prices soar with inflation, JB's advice couldn't come at a better time. Renault Clio 11 The Renault Clio will do 0=60 in 10.6 seconds Credit: Getty First up, he recommended the much-loved family classic The 1.2-litre inline-four is not as thirsty as many other JB said: "It's the joint-quickest car on the list but, despite that, it will still manage 51 miles per gallon (mpg) and costs £135 per year in road tax. READ MORE MOTORS NEWS "This is the perfect first car, but it can substitute as a family hatch instead, given it's not too small in size." Within the budget, drivers should target the third-generation models, starting at around £1,800 online. Skoda Citigo 11 JB said the Skoda is best used as a city car A slightly smaller engine powers the Citigo, with a titchy 1-litre inline-three putting out a 0-60 time of 13.9 seconds. It's more expensive on the tax side, too, with an annual bill of £165, but is more economical than the previous options, at 55mpg. Most read in Motors JB said: "It's not my cup of tea due to how small it is, and I'd maybe only recommend it as a city car that's focussed on short journeys. "But I do like how basic it is, with all the amenities you need as a driver, nothing more, nothing less." It is also more expensive at purchase, with basic models sneaking in just under the £2,000 cap online. Ford KA 11 The Ford has been known to suffer from some engine issues Credit: Handout Back to the inline-fours, the Ford is still a touch sluggish, reaching 60mph in 13 seconds. However, in terms of running costs, it's a steal, with a tax bill of just £30 and a 57 mpg economy rate. JB said that the model's shared development with the Meanwhile, initial purchase costs are high, with a starting price right on the £2,000 line. Kia Picanto 11 The Picanto is the slowest car on the list Credit: supplied The slowest car on the list, with a 0-60 of just 14.6 seconds. However, again it is just £30 for the tax and its economy is a generous 58mpg. It was initially marketed by Basic models are available for around £1,000, with plenty of options under £2,000. Suzuki Alto 11 It was pipped to the top spot by its sister car, the Alto Credit: Autotrader A sister car of the Pixo, sharing the same frame and drivetrain, the Suzuki just edges it out as it's 0.5 of a second quicker, with the same excellent economy. JB revealed that it was originally designed for the Indian market but came over to Europe shortly after. It was even built in response to rising prices after the 2008 financial crisis, making it ideal for today's tough times. The Alto is available online for around £1,900 but is a bargain considering its affordability in terms of running costs. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start * If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers Fiat Grande Punto 11 The Punto has struggled with its safety rating over the years Credit: Handout With a similar engine to the Renault, the Fiat is a few seconds off the pace, but slightly more economical at 52 mpg. It is also identical in its JB added: "One strange fact about these is that, on release, they had the highest level of safety when they were retested in 2012, they go zero stars." He suggested this was likely due to a lack of updates on the The Grande Punto is available for around £1,500, while high-mileage but more recent examples clock in at £2,000. However, JB warned that issues with "build quality" could lead to some dangerous flaws, including steering failure. Mini Hatch 11 The Mini Hatch brings its unique British heritage to the table Credit: Getty The Mini Hatch ties the Clio for pace and comes with its unique British heritage. Earlier models can be found online for as little as £1,000, though these are likely to be high-mileage. JB explained: "It's quoted as doing 53 mpg...I can attest to them being very solid little cars. "The only negative is them being four-seaters, rather than five, so slightly less practical. "But, I would consider it to be amongst the nicest of the cars on the list and if you find a first example it's even more economical." Peugeot 107 11 The 107 uses a Toyota engine despite its Peugeot badge Credit: Handout JB perhaps summed this model up best when he said: "I had to bring back the Peugeot 107 into this vide, given how incredible the running costs really are." And incredible they are, costing only £20 in tax and doing a whopping 61mpg. He added that the Toyota engine under the Peugeot shell is "renowned for its reliability", but did cite issues around boot space and water leakage. Still for just £1,000 at the bottom end, many will consider this a great deal. Hyundai I10 11 The Hyundai costs just £20 in road tax Back on the quicker side, with a 0-60 of 11.8 seconds, the Hyundai, like the Peugeot, is £20 for the year's worth of tax and manages 61 mpg. JB said: "This is the sister car to the Kia Picanto we mentioned before. "Though they are very cheap feeling, they are the definition of cheap and cheerful." Although, they do start at the limit of £2,000 so are on the more expensive end of the list. Nissan Pixo 11 The Pixo famously appeared on Top Gear Credit: Nick's Picks Hatchbacks The Pixo is another slower option, but manages a list-topping 65mpg and still only costs £20 in road tax. JB said: "What made the Pixo famous for me was its appearance on Top Gear." They clock in at a minimum of £1,500, with 2010 models at £2,000. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace * Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check , with no impact on your score 60-second decision , get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match , only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help , get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I'm a motors expert - here are the best used cars you can get under £2,000 which WON'T guzzle your fuel
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTORS expert has revealed a list of the best cars you can buy for under £2,000 that won't guzzle all your fuel. JB, from CarswithJB on YouTube, posted a video running down a range of cheap and cheerful rides that you can enjoy on a budget. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 A YouTuber ran down a top ten list of cheap and cheerful cars As the cost of living crisis bites and petrol prices soar with inflation, JB's advice couldn't come at a better time. Renault Clio 11 The Renault Clio will do 0=60 in 10.6 seconds Credit: Getty First up, he recommended the much-loved family classic Renault Clio. The 1.2-litre inline-four is not as thirsty as many other hatchbacks, while it can still get you where you need to go with a 0-60 time of 10.6 seconds. JB said: "It's the joint-quickest car on the list but, despite that, it will still manage 51 miles per gallon (mpg) and costs £135 per year in road tax. "This is the perfect first car, but it can substitute as a family hatch instead, given it's not too small in size." Within the budget, drivers should target the third-generation models, starting at around £1,800 online. Skoda Citigo 11 JB said the Skoda is best used as a city car A slightly smaller engine powers the Citigo, with a titchy 1-litre inline-three putting out a 0-60 time of 13.9 seconds. It's more expensive on the tax side, too, with an annual bill of £165, but is more economical than the previous options, at 55mpg. JB said: "It's not my cup of tea due to how small it is, and I'd maybe only recommend it as a city car that's focussed on short journeys. "But I do like how basic it is, with all the amenities you need as a driver, nothing more, nothing less." It is also more expensive at purchase, with basic models sneaking in just under the £2,000 cap online. Ford KA 11 The Ford has been known to suffer from some engine issues Credit: Handout Back to the inline-fours, the Ford is still a touch sluggish, reaching 60mph in 13 seconds. However, in terms of running costs, it's a steal, with a tax bill of just £30 and a 57 mpg economy rate. JB said that the model's shared development with the Fiat 500 led to common issues, including engine problems and corrosion. Meanwhile, initial purchase costs are high, with a starting price right on the £2,000 line. Kia Picanto 11 The Picanto is the slowest car on the list Credit: supplied The slowest car on the list, with a 0-60 of just 14.6 seconds. However, again it is just £30 for the tax and its economy is a generous 58mpg. It was initially marketed by rallying legend Marcus Granholm but JB said it drives more like a city car. Basic models are available for around £1,000, with plenty of options under £2,000. Suzuki Alto 11 It was pipped to the top spot by its sister car, the Alto Credit: Autotrader A sister car of the Pixo, sharing the same frame and drivetrain, the Suzuki just edges it out as it's 0.5 of a second quicker, with the same excellent economy. JB revealed that it was originally designed for the Indian market but came over to Europe shortly after. It was even built in response to rising prices after the 2008 financial crisis, making it ideal for today's tough times. The Alto is available online for around £1,900 but is a bargain considering its affordability in terms of running costs. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience. Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers Get started finding your next used vehicle here. Fiat Grande Punto 11 The Punto has struggled with its safety rating over the years Credit: Handout With a similar engine to the Renault, the Fiat is a few seconds off the pace, but slightly more economical at 52 mpg. It is also identical in its road tax expense so is still good value all round. JB added: "One strange fact about these is that, on release, they had the highest level of safety when they were retested in 2012, they go zero stars." He suggested this was likely due to a lack of updates on the safety features between the car's 2005 debut and its retest seven years on. The Grande Punto is available for around £1,500, while high-mileage but more recent examples clock in at £2,000. However, JB warned that issues with "build quality" could lead to some dangerous flaws, including steering failure. Mini Hatch 11 The Mini Hatch brings its unique British heritage to the table Credit: Getty The Mini Hatch ties the Clio for pace and comes with its unique British heritage. Earlier models can be found online for as little as £1,000, though these are likely to be high-mileage. JB explained: "It's quoted as doing 53 mpg...I can attest to them being very solid little cars. "The only negative is them being four-seaters, rather than five, so slightly less practical. "But, I would consider it to be amongst the nicest of the cars on the list and if you find a first example it's even more economical." Peugeot 107 11 The 107 uses a Toyota engine despite its Peugeot badge Credit: Handout JB perhaps summed this model up best when he said: "I had to bring back the Peugeot 107 into this vide, given how incredible the running costs really are." And incredible they are, costing only £20 in tax and doing a whopping 61mpg. He added that the Toyota engine under the Peugeot shell is "renowned for its reliability", but did cite issues around boot space and water leakage. Still for just £1,000 at the bottom end, many will consider this a great deal. Hyundai I10 11 The Hyundai costs just £20 in road tax Back on the quicker side, with a 0-60 of 11.8 seconds, the Hyundai, like the Peugeot, is £20 for the year's worth of tax and manages 61 mpg. JB said: "This is the sister car to the Kia Picanto we mentioned before. "Though they are very cheap feeling, they are the definition of cheap and cheerful." Although, they do start at the limit of £2,000 so are on the more expensive end of the list. Nissan Pixo 11 The Pixo famously appeared on Top Gear Credit: Nick's Picks Hatchbacks The Pixo is another slower option, but manages a list-topping 65mpg and still only costs £20 in road tax. JB said: "What made the Pixo famous for me was its appearance on Top Gear." They clock in at a minimum of £1,500, with 2010 models at £2,000.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Britain's most ‘unexceptional cars' revealed from teeny Honda to modest Toyota – does your motor make the cut?
BRITAIN's most unexceptional cars have been revealed from a teeny Honda to a modest Toyota. The motors featured at a classic car show like no other where they celebrate the delightfully unremarkable. Advertisement 7 Britain's most unexceptional cars have been revealed from a teeny Honda to a modest Toyota Credit: Cover Images 7 The Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional 2025 celebrates once ordinary motors Credit: Cover Images 7 The festival took place on July 26 at Grimsthorpe Castle Credit: Cover Images 7 A 1992 Skoda (middle) was crowned the most unexceptional by judges Credit: Cover Images The Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional 2025 pretty much does what it says on the tin. It's a festival of classic cars that were once considered commonplace but are now quite rare. The festival took place on July 26 at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, with motor enthusiasts flocking from all over to get a sight of the wonderfully ordinary. This year saw eligible cars cross into the 21st century with motors from 1970 to 2000 making an appearance. Advertisement Read more Motors News Those on display included a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser VX Auto, a popular model known for its ruggedness and reliability. With a powerful 4500cc engine and four wheel drive, this classic SUV has been conquering different terrains with ease for decades. The VX model is actually higher-trim model and often included more luxury features such as leather upholstery and heated seats. From its beginnings in 1951, the Land Cruiser is the longest produced vehicle in Toyota's history. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Also featuring was a teeny flame red 1994 Honda Jazz, or Honda City as it was known in other markets. The small, nippy city car featured a 1251cc engine producing 55 brake horsepower. Britain's best-selling car brand unveils EV camper van perfect for living off-grid with lounge seats & rooftop tent It's thought that this specific motor is the oldest known example in the UK with just four licensed on the road. It was sold in Europe between 1984 and 1985 and was positioned as a smaller alternative to the iconic Honda Civic. Advertisement Classic car enthusiasts were also treated to the delightfully unremarkable 1988 Peugeot 205. The popular and iconic motor was a small, lightweight hatchback known for its fun driving experience and sharp handling. The GTi model, particularly the 1.9 litre version, is highly sought after by collectors today. Also on show was a 1984 Ford Sierra with a 2.8 litre engine. Advertisement It was a European mid-size car at the time known for its aerodynamic design and available in various body style configurations. It replaced the Ford Cortina/Taunus and was later replaced by the much-loved Mondeo. With hundreds of other motors on show, judges were looking for the quirkiest, most charming examples of everyday classics with extra points for the most basic specifications. Coming out on top was a 1992 Skoda Favorit Forum, which not only took top prize but the People's Choice Award too. Advertisement The 22-year-old owner rescued the car from scrapping and the car's super basic specification - with not even a radio fitted - won the judges over. A 1999 Ford Mondeo came a close second with third place awarded to a bright yellow 1979 Citroen Visa Club - one of just three surviving in the UK. And despite being relatively cheap cars, their owners lavished as much care over them as they would on something worth a lot more. For many, the owners and their stories were just as interesting as the motors on display. Advertisement 7 Motor enthusiasts flocked from all over to get a sight of the wonderfully ordinary Credit: Cover Images 7 This year saw eligible cars cross into the 21st century with motors from 1970 to 2000 making an appearance Credit: Cover Images 7 For many, the owners and their stories were just as interesting as thee motors on display Credit: Cover Images
Motor 1
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Skoda Gets It: People 'Need Buttons and Dials'
Automakers will never admit it, but cost-cutting has reared its ugly head in modern car interiors. Access to most functions has shifted from physical buttons to a touchscreen, which in some cases has absorbed nearly all conventional switchgear. Some automakers, like Volkswagen, have pledged to reverse course following customer criticism about the overreliance on infotainment systems. Sister brand Skoda hasn't gone all-in on screens, but today's cars do have fewer buttons than those of the past. With the Superb and Combi, Skoda believes it has found the right balance (or compromise?) between putting everything into the screen and retaining separate controls for frequently used functions. The company's CEO told The Independent that the so-called Smart Dials are the way forward: 'This is where we need to go. We need toggles. We need dials. We need something that you feel and something that does not distract.' If you're unfamiliar with these clever dials, the video above shows them in action. The outer ones control interior temperature, seat heating, and seat ventilation. The driver and passenger can select the setting they want to change by pressing the dial, at which point the 32-mm screen embedded in the rotary push-button switches between functions. As for the center dial, it's even more versatile by toggling between fan speed, air direction, air conditioning, volume, driving modes, and map zoom. However, users are limited to only four of the six functions, which they select via the touchscreen above. Skoda uses this setup only in two models for now, but its upcoming three-row electric SUV will likely adopt it as well, since the Vision 7S concept featured the triple dials. The company's boss admits the VW Group had software issues with some of its current-gen models, but says those problems have largely been resolved: 'I think we've come a long way with our software. We were struggling initially. The good thing about software is most of the time you can update it. This is what we've been doing. We have a stable system with hardly any glitches.' What's next? Working to make in-car tech less frustrating by streamlining its usability: 'This is one of our main tasks: to simplify, not to make it more complicated. To make it intuitive. When we are in our development discussions, one of my questions is always: 'How can we take out visual noise? What is there that people do not really need? It's distracting, it has to be clear-cut.'' We have to come to grips with the reality that the heyday of buttons and switches is over. But seeing the glass half full, at least some automakers are making an effort to preserve a degree of analog control, even if it means cramming a tiny screen inside a dial. The full interview is attached below. Source: The Independent / YouTube Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Gulf Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France returns for second edition in January
Following its successful debut in February this year, L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France will return for its second edition on Jan. 25 2026. Organised with the support of official partner Skoda and government partner Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the world-class cycling event is set to attract even more participants, while offering an expanded weekend program of activities for all of the family. The inaugural edition of L'Étape Dubai welcomed over 1,000 participants, including 243 international riders and 266 Emiratis, making it the largest first-edition amateur cycling event of its kind in the UAE. The race featured 101 km and 50 km competitive courses, a 20 km family-friendly ride and kids' races, passing key landmarks across the city. Reinforcing its status as the premier platform for amateur cyclists to experience the spirit of the Tour de France in the Middle East, the 2026 edition of L'Étape Dubai aims to build on this momentum by increasing participation to a total 2,000 cyclists across the various categories. Pre-registration opens on 27 July 2025, offering a 15% early-bird discount ahead of the official registration launch in September. In addition to the main race, the 2026 weekend program will expand its community and family engagement elements. The (Jan.24) will once again host the popular, non-competitive Family Ride and Kids' Races, with new initiatives and family-oriented activities led by Skoda, welcoming even greater participation of families and first-time riders. The weekend will also feature an enhanced fan village and broader race village activations, with community cycling activities being planned after the summer in the lead-up to the race. The 2026 edition of L'Étape Dubai is also set to welcome legendary former Tour de France riders to the UAE, building on the participation of three former Tour de France riders in 2025. Essa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council, said: 'We are delighted to welcome this truly world-famous race back to Dubai, following the huge success of the inaugural edition held in 2024, that witnessed the participation of more than 1,000 amateur cyclists of various nationalities from within and outside the country. 'I am confident that the next edition will be even more successful, thanks to the heightened stature of cycling in Dubai and the availability of tracks extending hundreds of kilometers across the city. This is in addition to the increasing number of people practicing this wonderful sport, and the extensive experience of the Dubai Sports Council and the organising committee in hosting cycling races.' He further added: 'The race will be held in January, at a time when we enjoy wonderful weather, and I feel this will be the perfect opening to a busy season of international cycling races in Dubai. The race routes will be carefully selected to allow thousands of participants to enjoy cycling in the most beautiful areas and destinations in Dubai, which boasts a variety of unique cultural, tourist and residential landmarks. Participating in this race will be an unforgettable experience that will remain in the participants' memories and in their records of achievements.' Antoine Quiers of A.S.O, organisers of the Tour de France, said: 'After this successful first year, we are very proud to announce that L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France will come back to the UAE for a second edition. At A.S.O. we are already looking forward to the next edition. Thanks to the priceless support of the key stakeholders, including Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police, Škoda Middle East, and all the event sponsors we are certain that L'Étape Dubai will be even more successful in 2026. Together, we will once again bring the magic of the Tour de France to Dubai!' Fairouz Al Qazi, race director of L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France powered by Skoda, commented: 'The first year of the event confirmed that road cycling is booming in Dubai and throughout the Emirates and I am extremely happy and proud that today we can announce the date for 2026 as well as the launch of the pre-registration period for the second edition. We would like to thank Škoda Middle East, Dubai Sport Council and Dubai Police, as well as our other partners for their support and we look forward to another cycling adventure.
