This government, like its predecessor, says it wants to actively encourage motorists to switch to electric cars. The choice is now wider than ever, and prices are coming down. There are now EVs available to buy from less than £20,000. With another £10,000 available to spend, the choice is huge, with plenty of family-sized vehicles on sale.

From electric vehicles and new safety regulations to volatile used-car prices, today’s car buyers are facing a more complex market than ever before. For many, the process has shifted from exciting to overwhelming — a maze of conflicting reviews, pressured sales environments, and finance deals that aren’t always as clear as they seem.

With colder weather now upen us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.

Great Wall Motors is back in the UK with vengeance. Some of you may recall the Steed pick-up sold in the UK between 2014 and 2016, or thereabouts. It was a rare sight though was popular with those who required a simple working truck.

Mazda has been one of the slower manufacturers to electrify their range. The feeling I get is that it believes a range of different forms of powering our vehicles is still very much the way forward. Petrol and even diesel engines are still offered in many of their cars. The MX30 has been the company’s only fully electric offering and now that is only offered as a plug-in hybrid.

Suzuki’s Vitara has been a mainstay of the Japanese company’s range since 1988, the fourth generation launching in 2016. Recent refreshes and a move to hybrid power will ensure that it will continue on sale for many years to come. However, with more buyers now wanting a fully electric car, Suzuki has released its first offering in this rapidly growing sector, the e VITARA.

Drain your water system now Many insurance policies require a winter drain-down from around November, often from the 1st, and set conditions for when the campervan is unoccupied in colder months.  Even for policies that allow drain-down up to mid-March, insurers may still contest frost damage claims if freezing weather arrived earlier and the system was not adequately emptied, arguing a…

With changeable autumnal weather now open us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.

The Northern Group of Motoring Writers is the oldest regional group of automotive journalists in the UK. First founded in 1973, the group is open to automotive content creators across the North of England. The membership now tops 30 individuals, including both print and digital journalists as well as a number of videographers.

Sadly, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders decided not to hold their usual drive day at Wetherby Racecourse. A great shame, as the venue was convenient and the roads in the area ideal for putting all the latest cars through their paces. And thus, another long trek south was required to just outside Coventry, the venue for this year’s autumn event.

There are many 4x4s that look the part but put them to the test in tough conditions and they falter. However, for those on the lookout for a compact SUV that punches above its weight and is rather partial to a muddy track, Jeep now offers an all-wheel drive version of its Avenger. The invite came from the Jeep PR team to join them for a little brand immersion on the scenic Swinton Estate.

• Entire BYD range is available with 0% APR, £1,100 off and complimentary first service • All 82 BYD UK retailers to take part in event, preparing families for the new school year • Offer also available on any Approved Used BYD car when purchased through the BYD UK retail network • Offer runs from 15th to 25th August 2025 With the nation preparing to go back to school in Septembe…

Another trip to Melbourne just completed, this time for my son’s wedding. As a reluctant flyer, someone who would quite happily never set foot on a plane again, the long-haul journey was as arduous as ever. This was made worse as I treated myself to business class last time. I am well suited to unlimited champagne, food on demand and of course lots of space.

Ahead of the launch of e Vitara this Autumn and in response to UK Government communication regarding the Electric Car Grant (ECG), Suzuki has introduced Suzuki Granted, its self-funded and attractive offer for the highly specified e Vitara range. Taking the 49kWh Motion model as an example, this now takes the launch price to £26,249, representing a customer saving of £3,750.

Mazda has unveiled the all-new Mazda CX-5 — an evolution of its best-selling SUV. Featuring a refined design, and an optimised 2.5-litre petrol engine, the third-generation CX-5 will arrive in the UK in Summer 2026.

Right then, let’s talk about the Hyundai Inster, a cheeky little A-segment electric car that’s just rolled onto the scene, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend a few days with it. Now, if you’re picturing some tiny, boring city runabout, think again. The Inster is like that mate who’s small in stature but packs a proper punch — all wrapped up in a smart, nippy package. First off, the size.

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to enjoy a week with BMW’s distinctive iX and I have just looked back at my review. I was loaned the smaller battery model and my 550-mile round trip to London was extremely comfortable yet punctuated by frequent charging stops. The official range was not much more than 250 miles.

Sunday 3rd August will see MGs from across the UK flock to Pateley Bridge near Harrogate for the 37th annual MG show. Bigger and better than ever, the event will also incorporate the MG Owners Club Northern National gathering.

2025 marks 11 years of the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, the only event to celebrate the brilliance of basic when it comes to mundane motors. This unique festival continues to grow in popularity, with owners and visitors from all over the world, but what is an ‘Unexceptional’ car? Hagerty experts explain what makes a forgotten motor a FOTU hero.

I’ve never been a huge fan of American cars. Big, brash and of course the steering wheel is most definitely on the wrong side. Rewind to 2015 and I was invited to Aynho House in deepest Oxfordshire for the UK Media Launch of the very first right-hand drive Ford Mustang. An interesting venue and an intriguing car.

Genesis has been selling its range of premium cars in the UK since 2021 and for those that haven’t come across it yet, it is the luxury arm of Korean manufacturer Hyundai. The brand was established in 2015. A raft of swish cars was swiftly launched, all beautifully crafted, but with combustion engines.

I am lucky enough to be sent a wide variety of cars for evaluation on home turf, and I always look forward to their arrival. However, when a Bentley is due, there is an increased level of anticipation. A teenage me would scarcely believe that this great British manufacturer of fine motor cars would deem me worthy of a loan.

Luscombe Suzuki Leeds has been honoured with the Overall Trust Award 2024, recognising the dealership as the top performer nationwide for customer trust and service.