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January 18, 2026

Kia K4 prices revealed: new hatchback to cost from £25,995

The Kia K4 Sportswagon will offer luggage capacity of up to 604 litres, rivalling the popular Skoda Octavia Estate

Kia is on a mission to deliver a broad range of futuristic EVs, but it has not forgotten the humble, petrol-powered estate car.

After the unveiling of the compact EV2 electric SUV at this month’s Brussels Motor Show, Kia also announced the new K4 Sportswagon.

It represents the first new Kia estate car since the Proceed of 2019. And the K4 Sportswagon looks set to offer practicality and affordable prices, along with a dash of style.

Like the K4 hatchback it is based upon, the Sportswagon is bigger than traditional C-segment estste models, such as the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.

In fact, the Kia is closer in scale to a Skoda Octavia Estate, with a wheelbase that is even longer than its Czech rival.

Big on space and style

Its dimensions mean that, depending on the powertrain chosen, the K4 Sportwagon offers up to 604 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place. This is 166 litres more than the K4 hatchback, and only 36 litres behind the Skoda Octavia Estate.

Folding down the rear seats increases cargo space inside the K4 Sportswagon to a maximum of 1,439 litres.

Choosing a mild hybrid model reduces load capacity to 482 litres or 1,382 litres, however, depending on whether the back seats are in use.

Thanks to Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, style has not been sacrificed in the pursuit of space.

There are neat design touches, such as the rear door handles being hidden in the C-pillar. The GT-Line model will offer sportier bumpers and gloss black details.

Petrol and mild hybrid engines

Kia says the engines for the K4 Sportswagon will help owners make the transition to electrification.

It borrows from the powertrain options available for the K4 hatchback, starting with a 115hp turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.

A six-speed manual gearbox (remember them?) is standard, while a mild hybrid version of the 1.0 engine can be specified with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

For those in search of more power, Kia will offer the K4 Sportswagon with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Fitted with the dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard, buyers can choose between 150hp and 180hp outputs.

Later in 2026, Kia plans to add a full hybrid model to the K4 Sportswagon range. However, fans of classic estate cars may be disappointed to see no mention of a diesel engine on the cards.

‘Practicality without compromise’

As with the K4 hatchback, Kia has given the Sportswagon a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 5.3-inch climate control screen and a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are included as standard, along with an AI-powered voice assistant.

UK prices for the K4 Sportswagon have yet to be confirmed. They should be competitive, though, given the £25,995 starting figure for the hatchback.

“With the K4 Sportswagon, we are extending the appeal of the K4 to customers who value space and versatility as much as they are interested in design and technology,” said Sjoerd Knipping, chief operating officer at Kia Europe.

“By offering this wagon, we continue to show our ambition to provide practical solutions without compromising on innovation.”

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BYD boosts EV battery warranty to 155,000 miles

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January 17, 2026

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BYD has underscored the durability of its innovative ‘Blade’ electric car battery by extending its eight-year warranty to a whopping 155,000 miles.

This is up from the previous 93,000-mile warranty limit. And the change won’t only apply to new cars, but to BYD models already registered and on the road, too.

What’s more, the cover includes both fully electric and ‘Super Hybrid’ plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The extended 155,000-mile battery warranty complements BYD’s existing six-year, 93,000-mile new car warranty, along with its 12-year, unlimited-mileage anti-rust warranty.

The increased limit means that if the battery’s state of health drops below 70 percent in the car’s first 155,000 miles, BYD will rectify it free of charge.

BYD’s Blade battery explained

The Blade battery uses LFP technology, which is safer, more robust and, because it doesn’t use any nickel or cobalt, also more sustainable.

BYD says it has been proven to exceed 3,000 charge and discharge cycles – equivalent to a service life of almost 750,000 miles.

The Blade is also slimmer than many alternative EV batteries, taking up 50 percent less cabin space and therefore maximising interior room.

BYD models sold in the UK that currently use Blade battery technology include the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Seal, Atto 2, Atto 3, Seal U and Sealion 7.

Globally, BYD outsold Tesla for the first time in 2025, and the Chinese company is now on a sustained new-model drive that includes the UK.

Many more new BYD cars will be launched here in 2026 – starting next week, when Motoring Research drives the new BYD Sealion 5 for the first time.

Come back soon for our first drive of the £29,995 plug-in hybrid – freshly boosted by its 155,000-mile EV battery warranty, of course.

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Honda has designed a lightweight ‘Base Station’ travel trailer

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January 16, 2026

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The Base Station Prototype is able to be towed by compact SUVs, such as the best-selling Honda CR-V

Honda has revealed a concept for a lightweight travel trailer, aimed at making outdoor activities more accessible.

The Base Station Prototype is the work of Honda designers and engineers at two of the company’s research and design (R&D) centers.

Teams located in California and Ohio collaborated on the project. Part of the Base Station’s brief was to be light enough for towing by the best-selling vehicles in the United States.

Thanks to clever packaging and weight-saving construction, the Base Station can be hauled by popular family SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Honda’s forthcoming all-electric 0-Series SUV could also tow the Base Station, making the trailer EV-compatible.

Small of stature, big on space

Honda made use of its “man maximum/machine minimum” design philosophy, aiming to maximize interior space without giving the trailer overbearing exterior dimensions.

The Base Station Prototype has space to accommodate a family of four inside. Sleeping options include a large futon-style couch that folds out to provide a queen-sized bed, plus an optional bunk bed for kids.

There are five large side windows to allow plenty of natural light into the trailer. These are removable, and can be replaced with extra accessories as required. They also have ambient lighting surrounds to make late-night camping easier.

A section at the rear of the Base Station can be raised to create seven feet of standing space inside. Even so, the trailer can still be stored in a standard residential garage or parking space.

Made with the Honda CR-V in mind

On the inside, Honda engineers have given the Base Station an array of amenities, including air conditioning, an outside shower, and an external kitchen complete with running water and an induction stove.

There is also a lithium battery to provide power, with integrated solar panels for a charging boost. A campsite electrical hookup, or a Honda generator, can be attached as well.

“Base Station is a perfect example of what can happen when you let a team of researchers, designers and engineers pursue bold new ideas to create new value for our customers,” said Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the American Honda R&D Business Unit.

“Just like the Motocompacto, Base Station is the product of fresh and innovative thinking. We designed it to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for families across America.”

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Grey is the UK’s favourite new car colour – but green is on the up

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January 16, 2026

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Grey was the top colour choice for UK new car buyers in 2025, making it the eighth year running that grey has been number one.

Meanwhile, the number of new green cars grew rapidly – up 46.3 percent to claim their highest volume in 20 years.

More than 550,000 new grey cars were registered last year. According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), that gives the colour a record 27.6 percent market share.

Black was in second place, with 464,369 new car registrations giving the colour its highest market share since 2019. Sales of black cars grew by nearly 10 percent in 2025.

The UK’s favourite non-monochrome choice was blue, with 306,349 registrations earning it third place in the rankings – up 4.9 percent in a year.

Together, grey, black and blue cars accounted for nearly two thirds of all the new cars registered in 2025.

White remained fourth and silver regained fifth place. It’s a comeback for silver, points out the SMMT, which used to dominate British roads in the early 2000s.

Red cars were very popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, but the colour has now slipped to sixth place. A 5.8 percent market share is the lowest for red cars since records began.

Green gains for new cars

The number of green cars registered in 2025 rocketed to nearly 100,000: the most since 2004.

Fittingly, points out the SMMT, the number of green-coloured electric cars almost doubled to reach 23,249 registrations.

This means one in 20 new electric cars registered last year was green, compared to just one in 300 the year before.

Notable new green electric cars include the Renault 5 E-Tech (pictured above) – indeed, green is the ‘free’ colour for the R5, with other hues being optional extras.

The Kia Sportage was the most registered new green car in 2025.

“UK car buyers’ preferences remain pretty consistent, with monochrome continuing to lead in popularity,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

“The surge in green, however, matches the growing popularity of electrified cars as the new car market decarbonises.”

The SMMT figures also showed that mauve entered the top 10 most popular colours. The BMW 1 Series was the most-registered mauve car.

The best-selling Ford Puma was the top-selling car for four colour choices: blue, white, silver and red.

Car manufacturers also offered maroon, pink and turquoise paint colours last year. However, they accounted for just 342 registrations between them.

Indeed, turquoise was the least popular colour of all, making up just 12 new car registrations in 2025.

“As ever, manufacturers are responding by expanding model ranges, colours and finishes, giving UK drivers more opportunities to personalise their vehicles – even if grey matters most,” added Mike Hawes.

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Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 orders open, priced from £47,995

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January 16, 2026

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is most powerful GTI ever

Production of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is only scheduled for 2026, to coincide with the special 50th anniversary

UK prices and specifications for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 have been announced, with the 50th anniversary hot hatchback now available to order.

As the fastest and most powerful road-going version of the Golf GTI to date, demand for the Edition 50 is expected to be high.

Order books open from Thursday 15 January 2026, and Volkswagen enthusiasts will need a minimum of £47,995 to secure one of the limited-production examples.

As the Golf GTI celebrates its 50th birthday this year, Volkswagen has scheduled production of the Edition 50 to take place only during 2026.

Although Volkswagen has created celebratory versions of the GTI before, the Edition 50 offers more than just fancy alloy wheels and new badges. But don’t worry, those are included as well…

The most powerful Golf GTI ever

Volkswagen chose to reveal the Golf GTI Edition 50 during the 2025 Nurburgring 24 Hours race weekend – a sign of the extra effort that has gone into this anniversary special.

Engineers began by upping output from the ‘EA888 evo4 LK3’ 2.0-litre engine to 325hp, alongside a thumping 310lb ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful Golf GTI to date.

An electronically controlled locking differential is fitted as standard to control the extra power, and sees the GTI Edition 50 accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. A top speed of 168mph is possible: far beyond the reach of the original 1976 Golf GTI.

An optional Performance Package includes semi-slick tyres, forged ‘Warmenau’ 19-inch black alloy wheels, an Akrapovic exhaust system and suspension lowered even further than the standard Edition 50.

The Performance Package components helped touring car ace Benny Leuchter set a new Volkswagen brand record around the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

Exclusive design details included

Along with the Golf GTI’s regular driving modes, the Edition 50 comes with a special ‘Nurburgring’ setting, aimed at those who want to challenge Leuchter’s lap time.

A seven-speed DSG automatic is the only gearbox available, but it does boast an ‘S+’ mode aimed at track driving, and an ‘M+’ mode to prevent upshifts at high revs.

Pure White is the standard exterior colour for the Edition 50, combined with a black roof and mirror caps. An exclusive Dark Moss Green will be on the options list, along with other paint colours such as the iconic Tornado Red (pictured here).

A set of 19-inch ‘Queenstown’ alloy wheels have with a bespoke red glaze, plus floating GTI-branded centre caps.

There is also a liberal application of ‘GTI 50’ badges, including on the roof spoiler and side mirrors, plus a gradient stripe along the base of the doors.

50 years in the making

More GTI 50 badges can be found throughout the Golf’s interior, including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and door sill trims.

There is also a new take on the Golf GTI’s famous tartan-check fabric, with bold green lines and synthetic velour inserts. You’ll find additional GTI branding on the seats, too.

Volkswagen has also fitted red seatbelts, red and silver inserts for the aluminium pedals, GTI 50 floor mats and, as a finishing touch, an exclusive GTI 50 key.

For those intent on setting a new Nurburging record, a new GPS-based lap timer can be found within the infotainment system.

Volkswagen has not clarified when it will deliver Golf GTI Edition 50 cars to customers. Still, after five decades of development, the wait should be worth it.

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Hot Wheels Brick Shop adds Honda legends to self-build model range

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January 15, 2026

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A collaboration with Honda sees the Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels building sets sees the addition of the S2000 and Civic EF

The Brick Shop collaboration between Mattel and Hot Wheels now features two new Honda vehicles.

Aimed at adult enthusiasts, the Brick Shop range consists of buildable scale models, similar to Lego. Each car is accompanied by a Hot Wheels die-cast replica.

The new collaboration with Honda sees two of the Japanese marque’s best-loved cars rendered in brick form.

Mattel’s Brick Shop models come in a variety of sizes and price points, with the latest two additions found in the entry-level 1:32-scale Speed Series lineup.

A retail price of £21.99 should ensure the 1990 Honda Civic EF and 2007 Honda S2000 appeal to a wide range of fans.

Car customisation included

Launched in 1999, the Honda S2000 paired a high-revving VTEC 2.0-litre engine with a rear-wheel-drive roadster body.

Known for its engaging driving experience, including expressive handling and a precise six-speed manual gearbox, the S2000 quickly established itself as a Honda legend.

Appearances in the Fast & Furious film franchise helped secure its significance among car tuning enthusiasts, too.

The Mattel Hot Wheels Brick Shop S2000 continues this theme as, like other models in the range, enthusiasts can customise their model with decals and different wheel designs.

Opening doors are included as part of the kit, which has a total of 257 pieces – and includes a 1:64-scale Hot Wheels model of the S2000.

A miniature VTEC hero

Another new Honda in the Mattel Hot Wheels Brick Shop range is the Civic hatchback.

Produced for four years between 1987 and 1991, the fourth-generation ‘EF’ Civic became a hit with Honda enthusiasts.

A 160hp ‘B16A’ 1.6-litre VTEC engine transformed the Civic into a scorching hot hatchback with an 8,000rpm redline.

Although the Brick Shop version cannot recreate the iconic VTEC wail, it does come with customisable features and opening doors.

As with all Brick Shop models, a Hot Wheels signature metal plate is included for fitting to the base of the completed Civic, along with a 1:64-scale die-cast miniature.

‘True icons of Japanese performance‘

“Mattel Brick Shop continues to expand how adult fans and collectors interact with legendary vehicles,” said Ted Wu, global head of vehicles at Mattel.

“The Honda Civic EF and S2000 are true icons of Japanese performance culture, and through Hot Wheels and Mattel Brick Shop, builders can now celebrate these vehicles by recreating them with their own customisation to display on their shelves.”

“Honda vehicles have long been celebrated for their performance, design and connection to car culture around the world,” added Rebecca Adamson of Honda UK.

“Seeing icons like the Civic EF and S2000 reimagined through Mattel Brick Shop gives fans a new, hands-on way to engage with the engineering and spirit that define the Honda brand.”

Both the Honda Civic EF and S20000 Mattel Brick Shop models are available to purchase now.

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Motability says cheaper ‘slow’ charging is vital to boost EV uptake

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January 15, 2026

Where can I charge my electric car for free?

A lack of lower-priced ‘slow’ EV chargers risks pushing up costs for electric car drivers, says new research from the Motability Scheme.

More than one in two drivers say the tariff or price per kWh is the key reason to choose a particular charger. Despite this, many drivers are having to rely on more expensive rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, even at times when a fast charge is unnecessary.

When questioned, only 27 percent of drivers said charger proximity was important, while just one in five said charging speed was key.

Gaps in local infrastructure are forcing drivers to use pricier EV chargers, says the Motability Scheme.

Its own data shows that 25 percent of charging sessions took place last year on cheaper, slower chargers, compared to 75 percent on expensive rapid and ultra-rapid devices.

The insights perhaps run counter to a common assumption that ultra-rapid chargers are vital – but this convenience comes at a cost, which is not something that everyone can afford.

Motability customers paid an average of 74p per kWh in 2025. Slow public chargers can cost up to 30p per kWh less than this, highlighting the scale of the potential savings for EV drivers.

Slow chargers needed close to homes

The Motability Scheme says many drivers lack slower, cheaper chargers close to where they live.

Those who don’t have home charging and want to use slow, more affordable public chargers rely on being able to leave their vehicle plugged in for longer periods.

However, in some parts of the UK, charge points can be far away – sometimes more than a 15-minute walk from home.

Contrast this with London, where more than four in five of households are within a five-minute walk from a public charger. Motability Scheme customers who live in the capital conducted nearly six in 10 charging sessions on money-saving slow chargers: the highest proportion in the UK.

‘Inspiring the next cohort of EV drivers will depend not just on interest in EVs, but on the experience people have once they use them,’ argues Motability.

‘While attitudes towards EVs remain stable, gaps in affordable, slow charging close to home are creating charging experiences that are often more expensive and less convenient than drivers expect. This is particularly detrimental for those without access to home charging.

‘Without the right infrastructure in place, it will be increasingly difficult to convert curiosity about EVs into confident, long-term uptake.’

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US hypercar firm Czinger opens new UK engineering base

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January 15, 2026

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Czinger, the exciting US hypercar startup founded in 2021, is opening a new base in the UK as part of a ‘significant’ investment and expansion strategy.

The new facility is at the MIRA Tech Park in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. It will place Czinger directly alongside leading UK suppliers and powertrain experts – plus the famous Horiba MIRA automotive test track and development facilities.

Czinger will use MIRA to continue its work in ‘redefining how cars are designed and manufactured’. Further development of the radical Czinger 21C (pictured) is set to benefit from the UK expansion, along with forthcoming new models.

“Czinger is a global brand with a vision that transcends borders,” said founder, president and CEO of Czinger Vehicles, Lukas Czinger.

“We’re incredibly proud to have established our UK base of operations at MIRA Tech Park. This world-class facility provides us with the advanced infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem we need to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.

“Our presence here reinforces our commitment to building cutting-edge hypercars while contributing to the UK’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and automotive technology.”

‘A visionary and disruptive business’

Czinger chief engineer Ewan Baldry said being in the UK “allows us to work alongside leading technology partners and leverage world-class infrastructure to bring our next generation of vehicles to life faster and more efficiently”.

Jack Bartlett, head of commercial and partnerships at MIRA Tech Park, welcomed Czinger’s arrival, calling it “exactly the kind of visionary, disruptive business that thrives at MIRA Tech Park.

“Their investment reinforces the UK’s position as a global leader in powertrain and advanced mobility development – and underscores our role as the location of choice for the future of mobility.”

Czinger is working closely with Divergent Technologies, the Silicone Beach-based firm behind the world’s first fully integrated digital manufacturing system.

Its digital tech works up to four times faster than traditional methods, which Czinger is utilising to be ‘at the forefront of a new industrial paradigm… where design, performance and sustainability converge through innovation’.

Premium EV brand Polestar previously had a development base at MIRA Tech Park, too. Development of the new Polestar 5, which will be launched this year, was largely undertaken there.

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