Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Porsche 911 GT3

The GT3 is still a brilliant track car. As ever the engine still zings with the best of them, gearshifts are instant, brake pedal feel is firm. And added to those are things I might be kidding myself I noticed even though, before Jan 2025, I last drove a GT3 in August 2023. I do… Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3

Renault-backed start-up launches 249-mile electric vans

Flexis – a joint venture between Renault, Volvo Trucks and French logistics firm CMA CGM – has revealed the trio of electric vans that it will bring to market next year. The vans, which should come to the UK before the end of the decade, are part of a €350 million model -range development plan and based… Continue reading Renault-backed start-up launches 249-mile electric vans

Government to invest £65 million in kerbside EV charging

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the UK government will invest £65 million into EV charging company Connected Kerb, as the latest measure intended to boost uptake of electric cars. Connected Kerb specialises in the installation of slow chargers on streets and at destinations (such as supermarkets) to improve the availability of infrastructure for those who… Continue reading Government to invest £65 million in kerbside EV charging

Chinese cars have caught up with European ones

This may be the year in which so many new Chinese car brands finally hit UK showrooms. Within a soup that has been augmented with new ingredients only rarely over the years, we will rather suddenly have Jaecoos, Havals, Leapmotors, Xpengs, IMs and more to get to know. We will need to work out what… Continue reading Chinese cars have caught up with European ones

Renault 5

The overall feeling inside is a positive one, with lots of light and colour and well-integrated technology. It’s not only the exterior design that has character.  There is an excellent driving position with a comfortable seat that has ample support. You sit low and deep, in the car rather than on it, but a relaxing… Continue reading Renault 5

British firm launches phone app to check EV battery health

Patrick Cresswell, cofounder and managing director of Clearwatt, believes that this is a legitimate concern. “Currently, most EV drivers don’t own their car and so aren’t on the hook for its condition,” he said. “For example, a sales rep is likely to rapid-charge their car as often as they require and even override the automatic… Continue reading British firm launches phone app to check EV battery health

UK will not achieve 2030 ZEV targets without help, says new Renault UK boss

The UK will not achieve the government’s target of 80% EV sales by 2030 without incentives of some kind being made available to private buyers. That’s according to new Renault UK boss Adam Wood, who said that while the new Renault 5, priced from £22,240, can “break the glass ceiling” of mainstream electric car ownership,… Continue reading UK will not achieve 2030 ZEV targets without help, says new Renault UK boss

BMW iX facelift brings 426 miles of range for £92k

The BMW iX, the Munich firm’s tech-laden electric flagship, has received a major update with substantial power upgrades and an increase in efficiency that boosts its range to 426 miles. Due to reach the UK in May, with pricing starting from £74,400, the new version of the Audi Q8 E-tron and Volvo EX90 rival has received only a… Continue reading BMW iX facelift brings 426 miles of range for £92k

Renault bets big on full hybrids as rival firms invest in PHEVs

Renault is betting big on full-hybrid powertrains as a means of transitioning its cars and customers to pure-electric power, and has no plans to expand its PHEV offering beyond the flagship Rafale.  Company CEO Fabrice Cambolive told Autocar that the decision to focus on full-hybrids – a move that contrasts starkly with heavy recent investment… Continue reading Renault bets big on full hybrids as rival firms invest in PHEVs