BMW has expanded its iX3 electric SUV lineup, with the announcement of a new, more affordable ’40’ version.
Recently voted World Car of the Year 2026 by an international panel of expert judges, including Motoring Research’s own Richard Aucock, the iX3 debuted in all-wheel-drive 50 xDrive guise. The new, rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 joins it later this year.
As the first of BMW’s Neue Klasse (‘new class’) range of cars and SUVs, the iX3 is a hugely important model for the German marque.
In his review of the iX3 50 xDrive, our Tim Pitt awarded the electric SUV a full five stars, saying it ‘goes straight to the top of a very crowded class’.
One of his few areas of criticism was the premium EV being limited to a single version – an issue now resolved by the cheaper iX3 40.
Almost 400 miles of range
Powering the BMW iX3 40 will be an 82.6kWh battery: smaller than the 108kWh item in the flagship iX3 50 xDrive.
The entry-level model thus won’t match the iX3 50 xDrive’s impressive WLTP-tested battery range of 500 miles – the furthest of any electric car currently on sale.
However, the new BMW iX3 40 will be capable of covering up to 395 miles when fully charged, which still makes it one of the longest-range EVs available.
Making use of the same 800-volt technology as the 50 xDrive, the iX3 40 is compatible with rapid-charging speeds of up to 300kW. This potentially allows for 186 miles of range to be added in only 10 minutes. Replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent requires 21 minutes.
Available in the UK from summer2026
The iX3 40’s electric motor generates 320hp and 369lb ft of torque. It can accelerate the five-seat SUV from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, and on to a 124mph maximum.
Although this is slower than the existing iX3 50 xDrive, the two cars will look virtually indistinguishable – and offer the same level of standard specification. This includes an illuminated front kidney grille, along with the innovative Panoramic iDrive dashboard display.
UK prices for the BMW iX3 40 will start from £53,250, marking a substantial saving compared to the £58,755 asked for the cheapest iX3 50 xDrive.
The new entry-level iX3 will be available in the UK from summer 2026.
The Renault 4 has been named AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2026 in a groundbreaking pan-European Grand Finale.
In a live ceremony, the Renault 4 emerged victorious after winning the votes of both the AUTOBEST jurors and, for the first time, the European motoring public.
The new AUTOBEST Conquest format saw the awards opened up to Europe’s drivers, with jurors and the public each getting 50 percent of the votes.
The 32 AUTOBEST jurors – of which Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock is the UK representative – all voted late last year. However, their votes remained a secret until the public ballot closed half-way through the AUTOBEST Conquest show.
The Renault 4 emerged victorious with 39,676 points, edging ahead of the second-placed Citroen C3 Aircross on 38,259 points. The Fiat Grande Panda was third, with a total of 35,405 points.
Other finalists included the BYD Dolphin Surf, Ford Puma Gen-E and MG S5 EV.
During the three months of open public voting, the first AUTOBEST Conquest reached and engaged more than 15 million people. They were mostly in Europe, but there was participation from all around the world, including Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa.
The AUTOBEST Conquest social media campaign also recorded over 5.3 million organic views.
Three more AUTOBEST 2026 winners
Three more awards were presented during the AUTOBEST Conquest 2026 live show.
The Fiat Grande Panda won the inaugural Best Car Design of Europe Award. A total of 7,996 points placed it ahead of the Renault 4 on 6,697 points and the Citroen C3 Aircross on 6,633 points.
Fiat head of design Francois Leboine accepted the award during the live show.
The MG S5 EV won the Best Affordable Car Technology Package of Europe 2026 award with 14,955 points – edging it ahead of the Renault 4 on 14,349 points. The Citroen C3 Aircross was again third, with 9,950 points.
The C3 Aircross did, however, win the Best Users’ Car of Europe 2026 award, “becoming the people’s strongest favourite and delivering one of the most impressive public endorsements of the evening”.
It scooped 21,676 points, ahead of the Fiat Grande Panda on 19,770 points and the Renault 4 on 18,630 points.
AnAUTOBEST landmark
“The first edition of AUTOBEST Conquest proved far more than a new event format,” said AUTOBEST founder and chairman Dan Vardie.
“It demonstrated that Europe is ready for live automotive storytelling, direct democratic participation, transparent continental voting and a stronger emotional connection between brands and audiences.
“The first edition is already considered a landmark success… and AUTOBEST Conquest has only just begun.”
Kia has announced UK prices and specifications for the new EV2, which is available to order now.
Prices will start from £24,245 for the smallest SUV in Kia’s growing electric car lineup. The EV2 offers one of the longest battery ranges for less than £25,000.
Unveiled earlier this year at the Brussels Motor Show, the EV2 is the electric alternative to the Kia Stonic. It means Kia buyers can choose between petrol or battery power in the important B-SUV segment.
Kia will offer multiple trim levels for the EV2 from the outset. All versions come with a strong level of standard equipment (detailed below).
The EV2 range will also include a special First Edition. Featuring a smaller 42Kwh battery pack, this has already entered production and will, as per its name, be the first variant sold in the UK.
EV2 First Edition leads the way
When fully charged, the Kia EV2 First Edition offers an official range of 198 miles. All other versions of the car will have a 61kWh battery pack, giving the potential for up to 281 miles.
As with Kia’s other electric SUVs, the EV2 will feature 400-volt technology. This allows the 42kWh battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes using a 150kW DC charger. The larger 61kWh battery pack needs an almost-identical 30 minutes.
Making use of Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV2 features a front-mounted electric motor. In the 42kWh version, this delivers 144hp: good for 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds.
To maximise range, 61kWh battery models will develop a reduced 133hp, lengthening the 0-62mph time to 9.5 seconds. All versions of the EV2 have a top speed of 100mph.
The EV2 provides five seats and 362 litres of boot capacity. Fancier versions add a 15-litre ‘frunk’, designed for the charging cables.
Kia EV2 Air is best value
Kia is kicking off the EV2 model hierarchy with the £24,995 Air. The price includes a £3,750 ‘Reservation Saving’. The Korean marque confirms it will be eligible for the Electric Car Grant, too.
LED headlights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, climate control air-con, parking sensors and a rear-view camera are all standard across the EV2 range. The Air adds 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome side accents, grey cloth upholstery and a six-speaker audio system.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 5.3-inch climate control panel are also included, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and four USB-C ports.
Opting for the EV2 First Edition, with its 42kWh battery, will see prices start from £26,995. Marking these models out are 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and remote parking assistance.
Sporty GT-Line tops the range
The Kia EV2 GT-Line will cost from £28,995, and brings sportier styling with 19-inch alloy wheels and bespoke design touches. These include gloss black door mirrors, gloss black window surrounds and privacy glass.
On the inside, two-tone artificial leather, aluminium pedals and a grey headlining continue the sporty theme.
As the flagship in the EV2 range, the GT-Line S sees Kia throw in the proverbial kitchen sink. Standard equipment includes ventilated front seats, a power-operated tailgate, customisable ambient lighting and a digital key. Prices start from £32,995.
Kia expects the first EV2 customer deliveries later this year. Cars will be available to test-drive at UK dealerships from 16 April.
If a beach holiday this August sounds a little unadventurous, or simply too hot, BMW might have the answer.
BMW Australia is operating its M Snow and Ice Experience again this year. Last held in 2024, the driving course makes use of BMW’s stunning Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground.
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, between the picturesque resort towns of Queenstown and Wanaka, the proving ground makes the most of the region’s winter weather.
The BMW M Snow and Ice Experience allows drivers to test a host of M performance models on low-friction surfaces, all done under the careful supervision of professional instructors.
A tale of fire and ice
Included as part of the M Snow and Ice Experience is the chance to drive the latest performance models from the German marque, including the BMW M3 in both saloon and Touring forms.
The BMW M440i will also be available in coupe and convertible guises, along with the X3 M50 performance SUV and Mini Countryman.
Two tiers of M Snow and Ice Experience are offered by BMW. Both include ‘motorkhana’ events, plus drag sprints, barrel races and drifting runs.
Participants will also be given a high-speed demonstration run, performed by one of the M Snow and Ice Experience instructors and making use of a BMW M3.
Time to plan your winter holiday
Prices for the M Snow and Ice Experience start from AUD $4,900 (equivalent to £2,545) for the Premium tier. This includes transfers in a four-wheel-drive bus to the proving ground, along with a BMW M-branded jacket.
Opting for the fancier Luxury tier, priced at AUD $7,600 (£3,950), adds accommodation for two nights at the Millbrook Resort, airport transfers and even a helicopter ride back from the proving ground.
For those happy to wait until winter in the northern hemisphere, or in search of shorter flight times, BMW also offers its Area M Winter experience. This makes use of test tracks in both Austria and Sweden, although there is no mention of a branded jacket…
Porsche, Volkswagen and McLaren all offer their own snow and ice driving experiences, too.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026 in New York. The acclaimed iX3 is the latest winner of the biggest automotive award in the world.
The BMW iX3 beat two other finalists: the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf.
The WCOTY jury comprises 98 international journalists from 33 countries, including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock representing the UK.
The competition began in earnest last November, at the annual Los Angeles test drives event. This 11th edition of the awards saw 35 jurors from 15 countries testing cars – again, including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock.
The first round of voting was completed in December, with the top 10 and top five cars announced in early January 2026. The 2026 World Car Person was announced in February, ahead of a second round of voting by the jurors – with the 2026 Top 3 in the World revealed in early March.
All votes were validated by KPMG, World Car Awards tabulation partner for more than two decades.
World Car Awards 2026
In the World Car Design category, 90 vehicles were eligible. A panel of seven design experts reviewed them all and established a shortlist, which the jurors then voted on.
The Mazda 6e emerged as the winner, pipping the Kia PV5 and Volvo ES90. It is the third time Mazda has won the World Car Design title.
When every penny counts, urban cars are essential transport – and the world’s best deliver so much more. The top three contenders were the Baojun Yep Plus/Chevrolet Spark EV, Firefly (Chinese marque NIO’s third brand) and the Hyundai Venue. And the winner for 2026 is the Firefly.
Global electric car sales grew by 20 percent in 2025 alone, and one in four new cars sold is now an EV. World Electric Car aims to find the best of them, and the top three for 2026 are the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Nissan Leaf.
The BMW iX3 – which Motoring Research has already awarded five stars in our recent review, beat its fellow finalists to be named World Electric Vehicle 2026. This made it a World Car Awards 2026 double-victor.
Performance cars are every motoring enthusiast’s dream. This year’s top three were more diverse than ever, with the BMW M2 CS, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N heading into the final.
And the 2026 World Performance Car winner? The outstanding Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. It follows the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which was named 2025 World Performance Car.
The 2026 World Luxury Car category saw the Cadillac Vistiq, Lucid Gravity and Volvo ES90 named the top three finalists. It was the Lucid Gravity that emerged as the 2026 victor.
The legendary Lola T70 is making a comeback – and buyers can choose between race-ready or road-legal versions of this 1960s sports racer.
The original Lola T70 dominated the first Can-Am Championship in 1966, and claimed victories in the Daytona 24 Hours and RAC Tourist Trophy. Notable drivers included John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, Denny Hulme and Graham Hill.
Debuting at the RAC Club in London, the new Lola T70S is a recreation of the 1969, Daytona-winning T70 Mk3B. However, while the team worked from the original blueprints, the T70S is built using modern technology and advanced sustainable materials.
“We wanted to create the best example of a T70 there has ever been, with a level of detail that wasn’t possible in the original car,” explained Lola chairman Till Bechtolsheimer.
Small-block Chevy V8 power
While Lola competes in Formula E in partnership with Yamaha, modernity in this case doesn’t mean electrification. Thankfully, like its classic forebear, the T70S has a small-block Chevrolet V8 mounted in its middle. “An electric T70 is not something I could get excited about,” admits Bechtolsheimer.
In the racing version, the 5.0-litre (305 cubic-inch) engine develops 537hp and revs to 7,300rpm: good for 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 203mph.
The road-going T70S GT uses a 6.2-litre Chevy V8 to meet emissions requirements, serving up 507hp with a 6,600rpm limiter. It’s 30kg heavier than its track-only sibling, although a dry weight of just 690kg still means savage performance: 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds and 200mph flat-out.
In both cases, drive goes to the rear wheels via an H-pattern manual gearbox that combines dog-ring engagement with shift-by-wire electronics. The aim is to offer visceral, rapid-fire shifts like a 1960s T70, but with modern reliability and ease of use. “We worked really hard to hide the digital behind the analogue,” says Lola innovation director Matt Faulks. “The car still has a clutch and a proper gear stick. We’ve just made the driving experience more accessible.”
Chassis setup by Johnny Herbert
Speaking of accessibility, the Alcantara-trimmed interior of the T70S isn’t as brutally basic as the car driven to Can-Am glory by John Surtees. “We even managed to find enough luggage space for an overnight bag or crash helmet,” says Bechtolsheimer. “There’s a built-in intercom, but no stereo system – what would be the point?”
Firing up the Lola in the genteel environs of The RAC Club would be improper, so we’ll have to imagine its naturally aspirated V8 battle cry for now. Alternatively, a brief search for videos of the T70 in action on YouTube will suitably assault your eardrums. You’re welcome.
The car’s dynamic setup has been entrusted to former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Johnny Herbert, who recently raced the famous David Piper Mk3B (the green car in the first photo). “You have wonderful feedback through the steering wheel; the response I get is exactly what I want,” said Herbert. “It just gives you a beautiful sense of connection with the car.”
Lola T70S: the sustainable racer
As for the ‘S’ in T70S, it stands not for Sport or Special, but for Sustainability. Yes, really. “This started as a project about sustainable design and manufacturing,” reveals Bechtolsheimer. “Although I recognise that also having a V8 makes for a bit of a provocative statement.”
Most notably, Lola has applied for a patent for its ground-breaking, petrochemical-free new composite called LNCS, which is used for all the car’s bodywork. Short for Lola Natural Composite System, it combines basalt and plant fibres into a material that is stronger and stiffer than traditional glassfibre, with a much lower CO2 footprint.
The company has also developed a new process of extracting magnesium – used for the car’s wheels – via solar-powered electrolysis. And it has ensured the old-school V8 can run on sustainable fuel. Overall, Lola claims an impressive 54 percent reduction in CO2 compared to building an original T70.
Only 16 cars to be built
Opt for the track version of the T70S and it comes with an FIA Historic Technical Passport, certifying its eligibility for international events. Or you can choose the road car and enjoy the glorious incongruity of driving a reborn racer on the high street.
Either way, Lola will only build a total of 16 vehicles – mirroring the number of T70 Mk3Bs produced in period. And the price? No figure is quoted yet, but we’re told it will be similar to a classic, race-ready Mk3B. On that basis, you should probably budget close to seven figures…
“Driving a Lola T70S will be a chance to experience the past and future of motorsport simultaneously,” said Peter McCool, technical director at Lola. We’ll keep our fingers and toes crossed for an invitation to do just that when the car is launched later this year.
Parking makes a third of UK drivers feel nervous or anxious, and leads them to bypass certain spaces for seeming too difficult.
New research by Kia, which coincides with the launch of its new EV2 electric SUV, found that one in three motorists say parking in a bay is the trickiest manoeuvre when driving.
This may be due to the size of standard parking spaces not having changed to accommodate larger vehicles. Nearly two thirds of drivers (64 percent) say modern bays are not wide enough.
Indeed, more than half (56 percent) of those surveyed by Kia said they had been blocked from getting out of their car due to another vehicle being parked too close.
This led to them having to climb out over the passenger seat, or even wait for the other car to leave.
The best and worst cities for parking
Almost a fifth (18 percent) admit the panic and stress of trying to park has made them late. In extreme examples, this has caused them to miss birthday parties, medical appointments and work meetings.
To investigate the problem of parking, Kia has created its own Parking Index. This examined cities across the UK to see how drivers rated their own parking, that of others, and the size and availability of spaces.
In the survey, Southampton emerged as the worst-ranked city for parking, followed by Oxford, Liverpool and Norwich. Completing the bottom five was Belfast.
At the other end of the scale, Aberdeen was rated as the best city for parking. Worcester claimed the silver medal, with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Swansea the other top locations.
A parking game changer
For those living in Southampton, or another city with problematic parking, Kia highlights that the new EV2 is available with a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and front and rear parking sensors, plus reverse parking collision avoidance.
There is also a Remote Smart Parking Assist system, which allows the EV2 to be manoeuvred in and out of spaces using its smart key.
To demonstrate the technology, Kia allowed it to be tested by the comedian and self-confessed bad driver, Maisie Adam.
Maisie said: “I was on first-name terms with the driving test invigilators by the time I passed my test. I’ve got better now but I still hate parking. It’s awful endlessly driving around trying to find a space that I’m comfortable parking in and then my anxiety gets even worse when you’ve got an audience of other drivers – which is weird given my job.
“The EV2 technology is a real game-changer for me and my parking – it’s like having a remote control car, and being able to reverse while you’re outside the car is so much easier.”
Customer deliveries of the Kia EV2 will commence later this year, with prices due to be confirmed soon.
Global fuel prices are continuing to rise, with UK drivers already feeling the effects at the pumps.
Switching to an affordable electric car could take the sting out of punitive petrol or diesel prices, especially if you have the ability to charge an EV at home.
Online automotive marketplace CarGurus has identified 10 bargain-priced used electric cars, all of them costing less than £10,000.
Chris Knapman, editorial director at CarGurus UK, said: “The used electric car market has come a long way in the last year or so. Cars that might well previously have been out of budget when new are available at a discount on the used market as inventory and selection have expanded, making EV motoring accessible to more people than ever”.
10. BMW i3 – from £6,000
No, sadly this isn’t the recently announced BMW i3 saloon, but the original i3 hatchback made between 2013 and 2022 – available for just £6,000.
The i3 was BMW’s first mass-market zero-emissions vehicle, boasting carbon fibre construction to reduce weight. A rear-wheel-drive layout ensured classic BMW dynamics, while the i3’s interior was both practical and premium.
A real-world battery range of around 85 miles for the cheapest 60Ah versions is limited by modern standards, but could still see the i3 cover the average daily commute with miles to spare.
All of this comes with a desirable badge on the bonnet, plus styling that still looks futuristic more than a decade after being launched.
9. Nissan Leaf – from £6,000
The Nissan Leaf was the world’s first mass-produced electric car, helping introduce the idea that an EV could be a practical daily proposition. This led it to becoming the best-selling electric car worldwide between 2011 and 2014.
A budget of £6,000 can secure an example of the second-generation Leaf (pictured above), manufactured by Nissan in Sunderland between 2017 and 2025.
Launched with a 40kWh battery pack, the second-generation Leaf had a range of up to 168 miles in official tests. A refined driving experience, plenty of standard equipment and Nissan dependability make the Leaf easy to recommend.
8. Hyundai Ioniq – from £6,000
The Hyundai Ioniq was the South Korean brand’s first major foray into the world of electrification, with a model range that included hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions alongside a pure EV.
The Ioniq Electric was on sale between 2017 and 2022, and CarGurus has identified this fully electric version as being available from £6,000.
Although it’s hardly exciting to drive, owning an Ioniq EV should be a hassle-free experience. Early versions came equipped with a 28kWh battery pack, with the Ioniq’s aerodynamic design helping to deliver a real-world range of 115 miles. Later models had a larger 38kWh battery for more miles between charges.
7. MG5 EV ‒ from £7,000
Electric estate cars are relatively rare, especially at the more affordable end of the marketplace. However, CarGurus has found a battery-powered wagon priced from just £7,000.
Launched in 2020, the MG5 EV was one of the first electric cars sold here by the Chinese-owned company. With a particular focus on business users, it can seat five and offers a useful boot capacity of up to 578 litres.
Practicality and affordability were the MG5 EV’s key selling points. Buyers were likely to forgive the anonymous styling and dull driving experience thanks to generous levels of standard equipment. Don’t forget cheap prices and a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty, too.
6. Vauxhall Corsa-e – from £7,500
Upping the budget to £7,500 means we can include one of the UK’s most popular electric superminis. The Vauxhall Corsa-e, revealed in 2020 and still on sale today, is intended to make switching to an EV feel as normal as possible.
This is why it looks almost identical to a petrol-powered Corsa – the green flashes on the number plates are the obvious giveaway – and is an equally easy car to drive.
With a 136hp electric motor powering its front wheels, the Corsa-e can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds. Pre-facelift versions feature a 50kWh battery, giving an official range of up to 210 miles (expect closer to 175 miles in daily use).
5. Peugeot e-2008 – from £8,500
The Peugeot e-2008 is actually a relative of the Vauxhall Corsa-e, sharing the same platform and powertrain. That means a 136hp electric motor and 50kWh battery pack, but housed in a practical SUV-style body with a 434-litre boot capacity.
To secure an electric version of the 2008, CarGurus suggests a budget of £8,500, which should buy you one of the earliest examples from 2019. It has an official battery range of 214 miles, with later facelifted models increasing this to 252 miles.
The e-2008 has become one of the French marque’s best-sellers, meaning there should be no shortage of used examples to choose from.
4. Mazda MX-30 – from £8,500
For the same £8,500 budget as a Peugeot e-2008, EV shoppers might also consider the leftfield option of a Mazda MX-30. Mazda has a habit of doing things differently, and the same applied to how it approached electrification.
The back doors of MX-30 are rear-hinged, and there is no central B-pillar. This is intended to make accessing the rear seats easier, but it also gives the MX-30 a unique look.
However, Mazda’s philosophy of fitting the MX-30 with a small battery to save weight resulted in very modest range compared to other electric SUVs on sale at the time.
Fully charged, the 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery officially offers 124 miles. In response to slow sales, Mazda added a petrol/electric range-extender version of the MX-30 in 2023.
3. Mini Cooper Electric – from £9,000
Battery power combined with retro charm starts from £9,000, with CarGurus identifying the Mini Cooper Electric as one of its top used EVs.
Sold between 2020 and 2024, the Mini Cooper Electric was built alongside petrol versions at the Plant Oxford factory. Resembling a conventional Mini, the Cooper Electric featured the same 181hp electric motor and 32.6kWh battery pack as a BMW i3.
Best suited to urban life, the Cooper Electric provides an officially tested range of 145 miles. Town driving could see this extended to 170 miles, and also makes best use of the Mini’s compact dimensions and neat handling. Just remember to pack light, as the boot carries a mere 211 litres of luggage.
2. Fiat 500e – from £9,000
For a similar price to the Mini Cooper Electric, the Fiat 500e also delivers classic-inspired design and a driving experience aimed at urban life. Fiat had developed a fully electric version of its first-generation ‘modern’ 500, but it was never sold in Europe. We had to wait until 2021 for the second-generation 500e, pictured here.
Offered in both hatchback and roll-top convertible forms, the 500e uses a slightly larger platform than its petrol-powered sibling. This adds a little more space for passengers in the rear, although it’s still too small for a family car.
The CarGurus suggested budget of £9,000 will secure an example of the entry-level Fiat 500e Action, fitted with a 24kWh battery and capable of covering 115 miles on a full charge. Higher trim levels use a larger 42kWh battery, extending the car’s official range to 193 miles.
1. Volkswagen ID.3 – from £9,000
When Volkswagen launched the ID.3, the company said the electric hatchback would become one of the most important models in its history.
While it didn’t replace the Golf, as Volkswagen had initially hoped, it has still become a popular electric hatchback. An updated ID.3 Neo, on sale later this year, will bring back physical buttons to the car’s interior, addressing widely reported issues with the touchscreen controls.
Spending around £9,000, as CarGurus suggests, can secure a high-mileage example of the ID.3 in Life trim. This means a 145hp electric motor, 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 99mph. The ID.3 Life’s 58kwh battery allows for an officially tested range of up to 264 miles.
Every year, winter weather wreaks havoc on the UK’s crumbling and poorly maintained roads. Ice, snow and rain water push the road surface apart, resulting in the deep and vicious potholes that every British driver is all too familiar with.
The collective cost of potholes is enormous. Repair chain Kwik Fit, which has been publishing its Pothole Impact Tracker report since 2013, says 12.8 million UK drivers suffered damage to their car after hitting a pothole in 2025. With an average repair cost of £137.40, the overall bill footed by motorists was a staggering £1.8 billion.
So how are potholes formed? Put simply, all roads are constructed in layers. The top layer is water-resistant and curved to drain water off the road. Over time, cracks appear due to the stresses caused by traffic, but also through constant heating and cooling. The road expands during the day, but contracts overnight.
These small cracks allow water to seep below the surface and into the underlying layers of the road. During cold nights, the water freezes and expands. This ice thaws during the day, with the water flowing into a different section of the road. The pavement contracts and leaves gaps in the surface, where water can be trapped.
Traffic causes these cracks to widen, allowing even more water to seep in and freeze during the night. This constant freeze-thaw cycle weakens the road surface. As the material breaks down, a pothole is formed.
Telling the hole story
Hit and pothole and you risk damaging your car’s wheels, tyres, steering, suspension or even bodywork. Indeed, Kwik Fit’s study found that 2.5 million drivers who chose a larger, more robust car or SUV were influenced in doing so by the condition of the roads in their area.
If you have been affected by pothole damage, read Motoring Research’s guide for advice on how to potentially claim compensation from your local council or National Highways.
Interestingly, a company called Roadmender Asphalt has developed an ‘Elastomac’ product that has been adopted by some councils. It’s a flowable material made from 70 percent recycled products, including road surface shavings and car tyres.
Elastomac welds itself to the road and delivers a totally waterproof and permanent repair. Its maker says that by eliminating the need to excavate the patch, the process requires 80 percent less material, with no waste to carry away. Contractors are able to complete five times more pothole patches per day. Let’s hope it catches on.
The UK ranks 37th out of 141 countries on the World Economic Forum’s most recent road quality index. Singapore is in first place, followed by the Netherlands, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Japan.
Even with car insurance premiums getting cheaper, new drivers are still being driven off the road due to high costs.
That’s according to research by Compare the Market, which found that 13 percent of new motorists said first-year costs prevented them from owning a car altogether.
Just over a quarter (27 percent) of those surveyed said that concerns about costs limited the distance they would drive during their first year on the road.
This is despite the average insurance premium for drivers who have held a licence for less than a year falling – down from £2,650 in 2024 to £1,871 in 2026.
The high cost of driving in the initial 12 months means 86 percent of young motorists are reliant on financial support from their parents to stay on the road.
Ford remains top choice of first car
The cost of buying a first car has, unsurprisingly, increased for new drivers compared to previous generations.
Some 38 percent of those aged over 55 paid less than £1,000 for their first car. Close to a third (32 percent) of 17- to 24-year-olds are now spending £5,000 or more.
Ford models remain the most popular choice for new drivers, with over 27 percent choosing a blue oval-badged car. Vauxhall and Mini take joint second place, both on 13 percent.
Even without the cost of a car, more than half (53 percent) of new drivers are spending between £1,000 and £3,999 on fuel, insurance, tax and maintenance in their first year behind the wheel.
As a result, 18 percent of young drivers feel they have to ask friends for petrol money when fuel prices are high.
New drivers search for good deals
Even with the financial challenges of becoming a new driver, three quarters (75 percent) of those surveyed said that they look back fondly at their first car.
Some 61 percent say driving has given them a sense of freedom and independence, while a third (33 percent) admit to giving their car a name.
Amy Rootham, car insurance expert at Compare the Market, commented: “While it’s encouraging to see average premiums fall for newly qualified drivers, insurance is still a major part of the first-year budget. The car you choose can make a real difference. Opting for a smaller engine or a vehicle in a lower insurance group can help keep costs down.
“Telematics or ‘black box’ insurance policies can also be a good option for young or new drivers, as they’re often more affordable and can encourage and reward safer driving. Considering these things whilst shopping around can help you find a good deal within your budget.”
