Hyundai has announced dramatic price cuts for the 2026 model year of its Ioniq 5 electric SUV.
Depending on the version chosen, Hyundai will slash prices by between $7,600 and $9,800 compared to the current 2025 car.
Every Ioniq 5 in the lineup, excluding the high-performance N model, benefits from a sizable discount for 2026.
However, even remaining examples of the 2025 model-year Ioniq 5 are eligible for $7,500 purchase and lease initiatives to make the electric SUV more attractive – even as federal EV tax credits come to an end.
Hyundai sales up overall
Hyundai experienced a huge uptick in Ioniq 5 sales during September 2025: a 152 percent increase compared to the same month last year.
The imminent ending of federal EV tax credits is likely to have been a substantial driver for sales. Even so, the Ioniq 5 has seen a 36 percent rise in sales numbers during 2025 so far.
This helped Hyundai report its best ever September for overall vehicle sales, with 71,003 cars and trucks finding new owners.
According to Hyundai, cutting Ioniq 5 prices will “align with current market dynamics”, while also supporting increased U.S. production volumes.
Giving the Ioniq 5 a boost
Hyundai’s new pricing structure sees the entry-level Ioniq 5 SE RWD Standard Range, powered by a single 168 hp electric motor, reduced from $42,600 to $35,000.
However, the most substantial EV discounts are on the SEL trim level. Both versions receive $9,800 price cuts, dropping the RWD Ioniq 5 to $39,800, and the AWD version to $43,300.
“Hyundai is taking bold steps to ensure our award-winning Ioniq 5 remains a top choice for EV buyers,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.
“This pricing realignment reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional technology and innovation without compromise.”
Inspired by the success of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe NHL Edition, the new Palisade could be the perfect family transport to and from hockey practice.
It also affirms the Korean brand’s role as the Official Vehicle of the NHL, National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), and National Hockey League Alumni Association (NHLAA) in Canada.
A seven-seat slapshot
Using range-topping Ultimate Calligraphy Hybrid trim as its starting point, the Palisade is powered by 2.5L turbocharged hybrid engine with 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.
The Palisade NHL Edition also comes solely in an exclusive “Creamy White” matte exterior finish.
A dual-pane panoramic sunroof is included, along with 21-inch alloy wheels. The latter can be finished with center caps showing the buyer’s favorite NHL team.
On the inside, the NHL Edition features Grey Charcoal Nappa leather upholstery, a Bose 14-speaker sound system, a head-up display, and integrated front and rear dash cams.
Other highlights include Luxwood door sills, branded carpet mats, and a TuxMat cargo tray and floor liners. As with the wheel center caps, all of these can be customized with an NHL team logo.
As an added bonus, buyers will also receive a special ‘Hyundai x NHL’ branded’ Yeti cooler – and will be entered into a prize draw to win a trip to a 2026 Stanley Cup Final game.
Hockey Night in Canada only
There is a catch to the NHL Edition, though. Just 500 examples will be made, with all cars destined for the Canadian market.
Available to order now, prices for the Hyundai Palisade NHL Edition start from CAD $68,899 before destination and delivery fees.
“Hockey is more than a sport in Canada, it’s part of our national identity. For us at Hyundai in Canada, we’re proud to say it’s part of our brand identity,” says Steve Flamand, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada.
“With the 2026 Palisade NHL Edition, we’re proud to celebrate the passion of hockey fans across Canada by bringing fans a bold, premium SUV that reflects the spirit of the game. This special edition is a tribute to our ongoing partnership with the NHL and a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with Canadians from coast-to-coast.”
If your Toyota GR Yaris doesn’t look distinctive enough, how about the new factory-approved aero kit?
The official ‘Aero Performance Package’ was developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, with input from professional racing drivers using the car in motorsport.
Competing in the Super Taikyu Series, along with the Japanese Rally Championship, provided Toyota with insights on how to improve aerodynamic performance and cooling.
Japanese enthusiasts can already order the GR Yaris with the aero kit fitted. Now Toyota has now confirmed UK fans will have the chance to own the Aero Performance model, too.
Motorsport-inspired modifications
Toyota Gazoo Racing has left almost no part of the turbocharged hot hatch untouched in its aero makeover.
This starts with a lightweight aluminium bonnet, which gains a new air duct designed to remove heat from the engine bay. The part is a direct copy of the carbon fibre bonnet used on the GR Yaris in the Japanese Rally Championship.
A new splitter has also been added, following feedback from racers in the Super Taikyu Series. This should reduce lift, keeping the front of the GR Yaris more planted.
Keeping calm under pressure
Behind the front wheelarches, Toyota Gazoo Racing has sculpted new ducts to extract air that accumulates around the wheels. Doing so is said to improve steering feel, and boost stability on corner entry.
Demonstrating the level of detail that has gone into the new aero kit, even the underside of the GR Yaris has received attention.
A bespoke cover now sits beneath the fuel tank, smoothing airflow underneath the car to boost aerodynamic efficiency.
No snaking allowed
At the tail of the GR Yaris, it is hard to miss the addition of an adjustable rear spoiler. According to Toyota, the new wing contributes to high-speed stability, and even ‘suppresses snake-like movement’.
Adjusting the spoiler means the GR Yaris can be tailored to suit track driving or daily use as needed.
Finally, a set of new ducts are added to the rear bumper to reduce its ‘parachute effect’ on drag. This was discovered after a car in the Super Taikyu Series lost its bumper mid-race.
Heading to the UK in 2026
Following its public debut in Nagoya, Japan, Toyota dealerships in the country will began accepting orders for the aero-enhanced GR Yaris from 1 October 2025.
Toyota has also revealed the upgraded version of the rally-bred hot hatch will go on sale in the UK, but only in strictly limited numbers. Deliveries will begin in March 2026.
Prices for the GR Yaris Aero Performance model start at £48,995, and all cars will come equipped with a motorsport-style vertical handbrake.
More than 1,000 new electric car charging points have been installed at UK supermarkets in the past 18 months, new figures reveal.
This is an increase of more than a third. The total number now tops 3,900 chargers at around 1,870 supermarkets, according to analysis by Zapmap and the RAC.
Put another way, it means five per cent of all the UK’s 83,851 charge points are now located at supermarkets. And 14 per cent of all UK supermarkets now offer EV charging facilities.
Six in 10 UK supermarkets also now offer higher-powered chargers, with nearly 600 rapid or ultra-rapid units installed in the last 18 months.
Early supermarket charge points were often slower, low-power units, which only added a few miles of charge even after the biggest of shops. Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are in particular are forging ahead with rapid chargers.
Aldi tops the EV table
Aldi has scored the biggest growth in chargers over the past 18 months, via a partnership with Shell Recharge. It has added 393 chargers, tripling the number at its stores to almost 600.
Tesco is still the largest overall network, with 1,409 charge points at 633 locations, but both Aldi and Lidl are catching up – they are now second and third, overtaking Morrisons.
Sainsbury’s has also grown significantly, with its own network of ultra-rapid chargers, called Smart Charge. There are now more than 375 of them at 105 locations: more than double the number of 18 months ago.
This leaves Sainsbury’s just behind Morrisons in the EV charge point league table.
Asda’s EV charging rollout has, however, stalled. Fewer than two per cent of its locations offer electric car charging facilities.
Growth in locations is ‘encouraging’
“A perceived lack of public charge points is one of the main reasons drivers give for not planning to get an EV,” said RAC head of policy Simon Williams.
“It’s therefore extremely encouraging to see so many supermarkets doing what they can to bust this myth installing hundreds more charging units.”
Williams noted that Iceland has now entered the supermarket EV charging point space, installing five devices at two of its supermarkets. Co-op and M&S are also growing their fledgling EV provision.
“We now need to see every retail chain doing what it can to maintain momentum by increasing the number of stores that offer EV charging,” added Williams.
Zapmap founder and COO Melanie Shufflebotham said: “We’ve long been advocates of charging when you can, rather than when you need to, and these locations, especially those providing high-powered charging, offer just that.
“For retail sites, including supermarkets, we also know that EV provision has a significant positive impact on tariff and dwell times, so meeting the needs of the EV drivers of today and tomorrow makes strong commercial sense.”
Smart motorways were first introduced to the UK in 2006. The aim was to tackle stop-start congestion by using variable speed limits – in some cases by incorporating the hard shoulder as a running lane.
Another goal was a reduction in collisions, as traffic can – in theory – be better controlled in relation to stopped vehicles. However, there have been a number of road deaths directly attributed to smart motorways. The government halted expansion of the network in 2023, citing ‘the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers and cost pressures’.
Nonetheless, there are still 375 miles of smart motorways across the UK. In this guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of smart motorways – and what the future holds for these controversial roads.
Smart motorways: the advantages
Increasing traffic flow
The most obvious way to increase motorway traffic flow is to add lanes. So either you build them, or you convert existing space that isn’t regularly used into a running lane.
The latter is what smart motorways do with the hard shoulder, with the proviso that the lane can be closed – using a red ‘X’ on the overhead gantry – in the event of a stopped vehicle being detected. There are also emergency refuge areas that broken-down vehicles can use.
Broadly speaking, this was successful. National Highways figures showed that journey reliability was improved by 22 percent on roads where smart conversions took place.
Saving money and the environment
The conversion of hard shoulders reduces expenditure on new lanes, saving money for the taxpayer. It also means the road has a smaller footprint, causing less damage to the environment.
There is a less obvious environmental saving, too. Better controlling traffic flow and speed, and mitigating stop-start movement, reduces vehicle emissions. It also means cars will suffer less wear and tear.
Hard shoulder safety was an issue anyway
One thing that’s curious to note is the safety record of hard shoulders on non-smart motorways. In total, 40 percent of incidents involving a stopped vehicle occur on a hard shoulder.
If cars can reach them, emergency refuge areas potentially make collisions less likely due to being separated from the road. They are clearly marked with yellow road surfacing, too
Smart motorways: the disadvantages
All-lanes-running casualties
Casualties, crashes and near-misses involving stranded vehicles on all-lanes-running stretches have cast a shadow over smart motorways. This led to the lack of public confidence highlighted by then-prime minister Rishi Sunak.
One particular inquest found the deaths of two pensioners, Derek Jacobs and Charles Scripps, which occurred on the M1 near Sheffield, would not have happened if there had been a hard shoulder. The death of Jason Mercer on the same stretch of smart motorway also happened when he was forced to stop in a live lane.
It has been posited such tragedies could be avoided with better stopped vehicle detection systems, plus more frequent refuge areas. However, a barrage of negative publicity led the government to ‘pause’ the rollout of smart motorways in early 2022, until five years of safety data could be collected. Less than 18 months later, however, all plans to expand the network had been scrapped.
Rejoining the road
For existing smart motorways, this leads us back to emergency refuge areas. The consensus is that we need more of them, so fewer people are forced to stop in a lane.
While you’re likely to be safer while stationary, though, getting back onto the road from a refuge area can be more dangerous. Hard shoulders offer more of a run-up when it comes to rejoining running lanes. Refuge areas are limited on space, and it can therefore be difficult to re-join safely, unless the lane you are entering has been slowed down.
Confusing for drivers
Much has been made of how smart motorways are confusing for road users, too. “Some hard shoulders on dynamic smart motorways are only open to running traffic during the morning and evening peaks, but this catches out some drivers when their routine changes,” said former chief executive of Highways England, Jim O’Sullivan, when addressing the Commons Transport Select Committee.
Some drivers don’t realise they can use the hard shoulder, while others worry about sudden speed limit changes. However, it’s worth noting that smart motorway cameras do give a one-minute grace period to drivers after the limit displayed on overhead gantries has been reduced.
What is the future for smart motorways?
The proposed new smart motorways, including sections of the M1, M3, M4, M25, M40 and M62, are no longer going ahead.
An additional £900 million has also been spent on improving existing smart motorways, including 150 extra emergency refuge areas across the network, plus improved stopped vehicle detection technology on every all-lane-running section of road.
RAC road safety spokesperson Simon Williams welcomed the news that new smart motorways have been scrapped, saying: “This is a watershed announcement and a victory for everyone who has campaigned against these motorways that, by their design, put drivers in more danger should they be unlucky enough to break down on one.
“Our research shows all-lane-running smart motorways are deeply unpopular with drivers, so we’re pleased the government has finally arrived at the same conclusion. It’s now vitally important that plans are made for making the hundreds of existing miles of these types of motorway as safe as possible.
“The possibility of converting all-lane-running stretches to the ‘dynamic hard shoulder’ configuration, where the hard shoulder is open and closed depending on the levels of traffic, could be one option the government considers.”
An appearance at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed formed part of Jaecoo’s considerable PR push. Cars took to the famous Goodwood hill climb, driven by an all-female team.
Chinese SUVs disrupting the market
When choosing the winners for its 2025 Car of the Year Awards, Leasing.com made use of data that showed real customer demand.
Enquiry volumes, vehicle market share and value for money were all taken into account, helping to determine the cars that made a major impact on the leasing market during the last year.
Revealing the Car of the Year winner, Mike Fazal, CEO of Leasing.com said: “The Jaecoo 7 has been a real disruptor in 2025, quickly establishing itself as one of the most in-demand models on our platform.
“It represents fantastic value and has clearly resonated with leasing customers who are looking for something fresh yet affordable.”
Jaecoo 5 available to lease soon
Chris Clayton, head of fleet at Jaecoo UK added: “The response to the Jaecoo 7 has been strong from day one, and we’ve focused on making sure it delivers where it matters most – design, technology and value. This award confirms that customers are responding to that.”
Along with the Jaecoo 7, the smaller Jaecoo 5 and electric E5 will become available to lease in the coming days.
Another Chinese-made SUV, the Leapmotor C10, took home the trophy for ‘Best Leasing Newcomer’.
“The Leapmotor C10 has really shaken things up in 2025,” said Mike Fazal. “As an affordable and well-equipped family SUV, it’s proven there is still room for new players to make a big impact in the leasing space.”
Writing an advertisement for a used car might sound simple, but you’d be surprised how many people get it wrong. You might have a fantastic car for sale, but if the advert isn’t up to scratch, you’re not maximising its potential. It’s like applying for a job with a half-finished CV.
At best, it might take longer for your car to sell. At worst, you could be missing out on hundreds of buyers who are keen to part with their cash.
You don’t have to be an ace salesperson or an award-winning writer to put together a compelling used car advert. However, there are some simple things to remember. If nothing else, be honest – it’s illegal to wrongly describe a used car.
Your advert should also encourage people to pick up the phone or send an email to arrange a visit and/or test-drive. If it’s a popular car, you’ll be competing for attention alongside other cars of a similar specification and price, so don’t be afraid to give it the ‘big sell’.
What to include in a used car advert
Make and model
For example: Ford Focus. Also include the trim level, e.g. Titanium, especially if it’s a special edition.
Year of registration
Include the letter or number, i.e. 68 or 2018/19. This could be important from a VED (road tax) perspective and also for buyers looking for facelifted/refreshed models.
Engine size and type of fuel
For example: 1.2-litre PureTech petrol or 2.0-litre TDCi diesel.
Equipment
Create a list of the options and accessories fitted to the car. Concentrate on the big ticket items, such as air conditioning, leather upholstery, an infotainment system, LED headlights, heated seats and so on.
Mileage
Be honest about the mileage, because it can be looked up online. Some buyers will be actively looking for low-mileage vehicles.
Owners
List how many owners the car has had, including yourself.
Warranty
State whether the car is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. If not, list any details of an aftermarket warranty, if applicable.
MOT
List the date when the MOT expires. If it’s due within a couple of months, it makes sense to get it tested prior to selling the car, as this will maximise the price you achieve. Alternatively, say you’ll provide a fresh MOT upon sale.
Service history
Buyers will pay more for service history, so make sure you include this in the ad. Be aware that full service history means that the car has been maintained to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule – if it hasn’t, it’s only part service history. A stamped service book complemented by receipts is always preferable.
The price
The price is essential, but don’t worry about adding ‘ono’ (or nearest offer) because buyers will be keen to negotiate anyway. Listing the car as ‘no offers’ could deter some buyers. Similarly, using ‘POA’ (price on application) is a no-no, as this irritates many buyers. Do your homework and find a price that’s suitable.
Contact details
Add your mobile number and email address, along with any times that are best to call or to avoid. Be prepared to answer any questions. One thing that’s often overlooked is that people will be more inclined to buy the car if the seller is polite and courteous. Be nice!
Selling a used car: also consider
The list above details the basic elements of a used car advert, but consider noting any known faults or any significant damage to the bodywork. Most used car buyers will expect a few stone chips or scratches, so don’t go overboard.
This is also an opportunity to elevate your car above the thousands of other vehicles available online. If it has a full set of nearly-new premium tyres, say so, being sure to include the brand name. Mention if it’s had a recent service, including expensive jobs such as the gearbox, clutch or cambelt.
Avoid waffle. Auto Trader recommends between 50 and 75 words for an online ad, but you can adjust this accordingly. If it’s a rare classic car, enthusiastic buyers will be keen to discover more about it.
That’s a GR8 motor, M8
You should also avoid abbreviations and cliches. While some of the common abbreviations, such as ‘AC’ (air conditioning) and ‘FSH’ (full service history) are well known, others might give the impression that you’re a trader.
Cliches are another thing to avoid. ‘Future classic’, ‘tastefully modified’ and ‘first to see will buy’ are pointless and irrelevant. Oh, and avoid using BLOCK CAPITALS, as it looks like you’re shouting at the buyer.
When you’re finished, stick the words through a spell check, strip away any evidence of text-speak and ask a friend or family member to check the advert.
This advice assumes that you’ve taken a decent selection of photographs and selected the right channel for your used car advert.
The Australian driver confirmed his retirement from motorsport earlier this month, and has seemingly started to sell off his most valuable toys.
Ricciardo had been linked to the fledgling Cadillac Formula 1 Team ahead of its debut for the 2026 season. However, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas were named as drivers for the new American outfit, with Colton Herta taking the reserve spot.
F1-style performance
Developed as a joint project between Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin, the team’s title sponsor at the time, the Valkyrie featured design input from legendary F1 engineer, Adrian Newey.
A lightweight carbon fibre monocoque chassis was combined with a mid-mounted and naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12. The Cosworth-built engine featured an F1-style KERS hybrid boost system, pushing its total output to 1,176hp.
With advanced aerodynamics, the Valkyrie can generate up to 1,800kg of downforce – around 500kg more than the weight of the car itself.
Limited to a top speed of 220mph, the Valkyrie is likely to feel quick even compared to some of Ricciardo’s previous company cars.
Tailored for the ‘Honey Badger’
Ricciardo commissioned Valkyrie number 089 in European specification and left-hand drive. A Q by Aston Martin Dichroic Dawn paint finish was chosen for the exterior, costing £30,000 alone.
The special hue was branded ‘Badger Blue’ in honour of Ricciardo’s nickname. It also appears on the roof strakes and painted wheel centres. Elsewhere, the Valkyrie’s bodywork is exposed, unpainted carbon fibre.
Some £40,000 was spent on a set of ultra-lightweight Magnesium Performance Wheels, with a centre-lock fitment aimed at track-day use.
On the inside, Ricciardo chose Pure Black Debossed Alcantara for the upholstery, matched with satin carbon fibre trim at a cost of £10,000. Further bespoke touches include silver-anodised toggle switches on the steering wheel, plus silver stitching for the carbon fibre seats.
Service plan included
Delivered to Ricciardo by Aston Martin Monaco, the Valkyrie has hardly been used, logging just 160km on its odometer.
A new owner will benefit from the Valkyrie’s recent 24-month service, along with the £62,000 ‘Intensified’ Valkyrie service plan, which is valid until 2027.
Ahead of the auction, Broad Arrow has given the Valkyrie a guide price of between £2.1 million and £2.45 million. We only have to wait until Friday 10 October to see how much Ricciardo’s Valkyrie sells for in Belgium.
Land Rover-based restomods have become a familiar part of the automotive landscape, but one company can lay claim to being the first.
Overfinch was founded in 1975 under the name of Shuler Presses. Based in Farnham, Surrey, it built modified Land Rovers in small volumes.
By 1985, the company had adopted the Overfinch name, and became the tuner of choice for those wanting a more powerful Range Rover. This typically included fitting a General Motors-supplied 5.7-litre V8 engine, with later versions in the 1990s boasting up to 400hp.
The company entered administration in 2010, but has since bounced back and entered new markets. Now, Overfinch is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Five decades of performance
Part of the plan for Overfinch’s 50th birthday is a return for the company’s best-known vehicles, via a partnership with gunmaker Holland & Holland.
Last year saw the announcement of a five-year collaboration between the two companies. A new Overfinch Range Rover Holland & Holland Edition will be revealed this October.
Overfinch says the new Holland & Holland Edition will be ‘the most luxuriously enhanced Range Rover ever built’, with production limited to only 25 examples.
A new Overfinch Heritage line, aimed at restoring and enhancing classic models, will include the launch of the reborn Range Rover next year. It could become the ‘most valuable Range Rover by Overfinch to date, if not the most expensive ever sold’.
Overfinch goes global
In recent years, Overfinch has opened showrooms and retail partnerships in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Earlier in 2025, the company added a new showroom in Abu Dhabi.
Despite its global expansion, Overfinch’s headquarters remain in St. John’s Wood, London. The company’s production and technical development takes place in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
Overfinch CEO Kevin Sloane said: “As proud custodians of the Overfinch brand for the past two decades, we are delighted to mark 50 years as the original customisers of the world’s most iconic SUVs. As we enter the last quarter of 2025, we report stellar business performance and growth for the last financial year.
“We’ve achieved healthy profits and continue to invest in product development, in our Heritage business and in developing international sales channels in key regions such as North America and the Middle East.”
Mattel and Hot Wheels have added two new Audi models to the Brick Shop construction range, aimed at grown-up model car collectors.
Two icons from Audi’s back catalogue have been rendered in brick form, with plenty of detail and customisable features
Announced earlier this year, the Brick Shop range has multiple pricing tiers determined by the scale and accuracy of each model.
The first new addition is a 1:16-scale ‘Elite Series’ version of the Audi R8 LMS race car. It is joined by the Audi RS2 Avant, which is recreated in 1:32 ‘Speed Series’ guise.
Customise as you build
Made from 820 pieces, the R8 LMS model wears a retro Audi Sport livery, as seen at the Nurburgring 24 Hours race.
Extra parts mean the alloy wheels of the R8 LMS can be changed for a different design. A gigantic front splitter can be added, too. A removable roof provides access to the detailed cockpit, which features a working steering wheel.
For the smaller Audi RS2 Avant, all four doors open and the alloy wheels can also be swapped. The hot estate car rides on scale Toyo Proxes R888R tyres.
Models priced from £24.99
Both Audi Brick Shop kits come with a 1:64-scale Hot Wheels model included, along with a Hot Wheels signature metal plate.
The Audi RS2 Avant can be ordered now and is priced at £24.99. The larger R8 LMS model is due on sale soon.
“Mattel Brick Shop and Hot Wheels brand collaborations provide adult collectors and auto enthusiasts alike with the ability to interact with their favourite vehicles in an entirely new way – by building them,” said Ted Wu, head of vehicles at Mattel.
“Hot Wheels and Audi first partnered for the first official casting in 1993, and we’re proud to expand that relationship into one of the company’s newest brands in the building category: Mattel Brick Shop.”
