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When the new car market started to sway towards electric power, many of us hoped that small, affordable cars would lead the charge. It’s a bit of a shame, then, that with the exception of one or two credible but expensive city cars, what we mainly got was a glut of large, heavy SUVs that make little to no sense in urban areas. Advertisement – Article continues belowAfter a couple of false starts in the small-car segment, the choice is now rapidly expanding; the vehicles’ sizes are coming down, but more importantly, so are the prices. The two cars you…
When the warm weather hits, there’s nothing better than taking your sports car out for spirited drives, weekend road trips, or just a cruise with the top down. But before you hit the road, it’s crucial to get your car summer-ready to ensure maximum performance, safety, and comfort. Here’s a straightforward guide to prepping your sports car for the sunny season ahead. 1. Give It a Thorough Wash and Wax Start with a deep clean, inside and out. Wash off any residual grime from spring, paying attention to the undercarriage where dirt and road salts can linger. Follow up with…
Yet despite the extra power, the hot Ariya fails to deliver the driving engagement that its ‘Nismo’ designation promises; the light steering offers little feedback and while Nissan has stiffened the suspension somewhat, the Ariya’s mass quickly becomes apparent on fast corners as the car leans. It’s not all bad, as there’s plenty of grip from the four-wheel drive system and Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber – a good thing given Nissan hasn’t upgraded the brakes, instead opting to retune the pre-existing setup. Plus, if you are feeling particularly childish, it is possible to provoke a smattering of lift-off oversteer…
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for exotic car enthusiasts. From cutting-edge hypercars to electric roadsters with thrilling performance, the upcoming lineup is a showcase of innovation, speed, and design. Here’s a look at five standout exotic cars scheduled to debut or arrive in showrooms in 2026. 1. Bugatti Tourbillon Type: Mid-engine hybrid hypercar Powertrain: 8.3L naturally aspirated V16 + 3 electric motors (~1,800 horsepower combined) Performance: 0–60 mph in around 2 seconds; top speed near 277 mph Production: Limited to 250 units Bugatti’s successor to the Chiron blends traditional mechanical engineering with next-gen electrification. A naturally…
Despite being one of the more expensive models in the range, the cabin still looks and feels wonderful thanks to clever use of knitted fabrics and other textiles. In contrast to the toy-like MINI of the previous generation, there’s some real elegance to the design and its execution, overlaid with plenty of subtle JCW-specific touches found on the fabric inserts and seats. Advertisement – Article continues belowThe driving position isn’t quite as snug as it used to be, but the high shoulders and dashboard still help you feel secure, with the view ahead interrupted only by the optional – and in…
VerdictThe Renault Arkana is a stylish car made to a decent standard that also offers reasonable value, thanks to its strong equipment levels. But while you do get a lot of car for your money, we’d suggest that you check out some of the Renault’s rivals before taking the plunge. The hybrid powertrain can be disappointing, although if your journeys are largely in an urban environment or in stop-start traffic, it might be a decent choice because it’s frugal and easy to drive. Its tech is easy to get on with, too, plus Renault didn’t hold back when it came…
VerdictWhile the latest C 63 has driven into a plug-in hybrid cul de sac, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 offers the kind of driving experience that AMG buyers will be familiar with. The hybrid tech makes up far less of the powertrain, so you can revel in the sound and power of the six-cylinder engine, especially in Cabriolet guise. Sharp looks and decent all-round performance complete the package, but at a hefty price. Advertisement – Article continues belowThe latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 caused consternation among fans of the brand. Gone was the twin-turbo V8 of the previous model, replaced by a…
It’s not quite got the wow-factor of the BMW iX1 or the Peugeot E-3008, but it’s fairly smart to look at. Better still, there’s a simple row of physical climate-control buttons sitting beneath the main infotainment display. Materials and build quality Audi’s perceived quality has taken a dip in form from its high point around 10 years ago, and the Q4 is one of its cars that doesn’t quite live up to the lofty standards that built the brand’s reputation. It’s not shoddy by any means, but the E-3008, iX1 and even the Skoda Enyaq from VW Group stablemate Skoda feel…
Conversely, we’d expect a drop-off in winter, too. At our recorded efficiency, the Spring is capable of a real-world range of 134 miles. Dacia quotes a range of 140 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, which rises to 190 miles in the urban cycle. Given its size, purpose and range, the Spring is best suited to a buyer who can top up at home, so the fact that its rapid-charge speed hits only 30kw is not a huge issue. It hit its advertised speeds whenever we did use a rapid charger, and officially, a 20-80 per cent top-up takes 45…
Even when that runs out, it will be possible to top up at 7p per kWh; based on the 3.3mi/kWh efficiency we achieved when we tested the car in the chilly early spring, that means 10,000 miles of driving would cost £212. Factor in warmer summer months when efficiency improves, and that cost should fall even lower. A petrol car averaging 40mpg and fuelled at £1.40 a litre would cost £1,591 over the same distance. But all this doesn’t compensate enough for the fact that the Tavascan is very pricey to buy. Electric range, battery life and charge timeOur 3.3mi/kWh…