Renault 4 gets beach-ready with cool JP4x4 concept car

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May 12, 2026

Although only a concept creation for the now, the JP4x4 points to a possible all-wheel drive version of the Renault 4 E-Tech SUV

Fresh from releasing the open-air Plein Sud model, Renault has unveiled a new concept version of the 4 E-Tech.

Known as the Renault 4 JP4x4, it becomes the fourth concept car based upon the battery-powered R4 SUV.

Both the name and design of the JP4x4 Concept are obvious tributes to the classic Renault JP4, which was produced between 1981 and 1990.

Developed by French company Car Systeme, the JP4 conversion saw 20cm removed from the wheelbase of the iconic Renault 4, along with an taller ride height and beach buggy-inspired styling.

With the JP4x4 concept, Renault has replicated the ‘lifestyle’ theme of the 1980s original, even down to dedicated spaces for storing your skateboards and surfboard.

‘A car with no real boundary’

The JP4x4 is a thoroughly modern take on the classic JP4, with two seats and a pair of minimalist side doors.

Describing the car, Jean-Philippe Salar, director of advanced design at Renault, said: “A cross between a pick-up and a beach buggy, the Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept was designed as a car with no real boundary between the exterior and the interior. This aspect is highlighted by the striking contrast between the Emerald Green of the bodywork and the vibrant orange of the interior textiles.”

The exterior paint colour is inspired by the Emerald Green and Lettuce Green hues offered on the Renault 4L during the 1970s and ’80s.

A pickup truck-style tailgate drops down to allow access to the boot, while the roof is mainly open to the elements.

Inside, the seats are reminiscent of the ‘Egyptian Mummy’ design used on several classic Renaults, with upholstery in a retro shade of deep orange.

First public outing at Roland-Garros

Beneath the funky bodywork is a chassis borrowed from last year’s Renault 4 Savane 4×4 concept. This provides a ride height raised by 15mm, plus an additional electric motor for the rear axle.

In keeping with its name, it means the JP4x4 offers four-wheel drive, which should make life easier when navigating sandy beaches and country trails.

The French marque has not confirmed a production 4×4 version of the Renault 4 E-Tech, but is ‘monitoring customer and market feedback’.

Members of the public can see the Renault 4 JP4x4 in Paris next week, when it makes an appearance at the 2026 Roland-Garros French Open tennis tournament.

It will be joined by the Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech show car, plus the recently announced Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud.

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U.S. prices confirmed for 2027 BMW iX3 electric SUV

By

John Redfern

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May 11, 2026

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The 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive boasts an official range up to 434 miles, and can be reserved online with a $1,000 fee

United States pricing for the new 2027 BMW iX3 has been confirmed, with reservations for the radical electric SUV now open

Voted World Car of the Year 2026 by an international panel of expert judges, including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock, the iX3 makes its North American debut in all-wheel-drive 50 xDrive guise.

The iX3 represents the first of BMW’s Neue Klasse (‘new class’) range of electric cars and SUVs, which will soon include the compact i3 sedan announced in March.

Costs for the 2027 iX3 50 xDrive will start from $61,500 in Sport trim, plus an additional $1,350 for destination and handling.

BMW has opened its reservation system for the iX3, so those who want to be first in the queue for the electric SUV can place a $1,000 deposit now.

EPA range of up to 434 miles

In iX3 50 xDrive form, BMW equips its latest battery SUV with dual motors, generating 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque.

This allows the BMW iX3 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, aided by traction from the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

At launch, the iX3 will come with a 112.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which features BMW’s 800-volt technology.

According to official EPA estimates, this will give the iX3 50 xDrive a range of up to 434 miles.

BMW has made the iX3 compatible with DC fast charging speeds of up to 400 kW. Using a suitable public charging device could see the battery replenished from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes.

The high-voltage battery has a specific eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty, with the rest of the iX3 covered for four years or 50,000 miles.

First US deliveries from September

Standard specification for the iX3 includes 20-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, bi-directional battery charging, and perforated ‘Veganaza’ upholstery for the interior.

The dramatic Panoramic Vision iDrive dashboard is fitted to all versions, with a slim display running across the base of the windshield. Drivers can customize their display via the 14.9-inch central touchscreen.

Adding the $2,500 M Sport Package brings different alloy wheels and sportier styling inside and out, along with an expanded range of driver assistance technology.

Opting for the M Sport Package Pro adds an illuminated “Iconic Glow” front grille, black exterior detailing, and M Sport brakes with red-painted calipers.

Customers are able to design their ideal iX3 using the BMW online configurator now, and also place their reservation.

BMW expects to deliver the first completed cars to US customers by the end of September 2026.

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New 2026 Audi RS5 hybrid: UK prices and specs in detail

By

John Redfern

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May 11, 2026

0

The new Audi RS5 recently took to the track at the Miami Grand Prix, taking guests on Hot Laps around the circuit

Audi has confirmed UK prices for its new high-performance RS5 saloon and Avant (estate), with orders now open.

Featuring the first use of a plug-in hybrid powertrain in an Audi Sport model, the 2026 RS5 replaces the long-serving RS4.

“As the first high‑performance plug-in hybrid, the RS5 marks the beginning of a new era for the Audi Sport brand,” said José Miguel Aparicio, director of Audi UK.

“For decades, Vorsprung durch Technik has been demonstrated through the continued innovation of our RS models, driven by a singular focus: delivering the ultimate performance car for our customers. With the introduction of plug‑in hybrid technology to the RS line‑up, Audi Sport is taking usability, performance and excitement to an entirely new level.”

Prices for the Audi RS5 will start from £89,400 for the four-door saloon, with the more practical Avant costing from £91,300.

Hot enough for a Formula 1 circuit

Audi recently demonstrated the RS5 at the Miami Grand Prix, using it to perform ‘hot laps’ around the Miami International Autodrome – and prove just how quick the car is.

All versions of the Audi RS5 use a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6. The engine is related to that in the previous RS4, but is tuned to develop 510hp and 443lb ft of torque.

The biggest change, however, is the addition of a 174hp electric motor, which results in combined outputs of 639hp and 609lb ft. Both saloon and Avant models can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, with top speed limited to 155mph.

A 25.9kWh battery pack means the RS5 can cover more than 50 miles on electric power alone. It also means an official fuel economy figure of up to 74.3mpg.

Audi will offer three versions of the RS5 at launch, with all including a comprehensive level of standard specification.

The entry-level car comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a black exterior styling package, black Audi and RS badges, and darkened matrix LED headlights.

On the inside, the RS5 has Nappa leather sports seats with massage and ventilation functions, a heated RS steering wheel, an 11.9-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen. There is even a separate 10.9-inch display for front-seat passengers.

Place your orders for the summer

Opting for the Carbon Black model ups the RS5’s price by just over £6,000, but adds larger 21-inch alloy wheels along with exposed carbon fibre details for the exterior. There is also carbon fibre inside, plus seats trimmed in a combination of Dinamica and Nappa leather.

Topping the range is the Audi RS5 Performance Vorsprung, which costs £107,485 in Saloon form and £109,385 as an Avant.

This model gains bespoke front and rear bumpers, black 21-inch alloy wheels and camouflage carbon fibre exterior trim.

Most significantly, opting for the flagship version sees top speed increased to 177mph and the addition of an RS sport exhaust, plus a Bang and Olufsen audio system.

Orders for the new RS5 can be placed now, with the first deliveries to UK customers expected this summer.

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£3m Fenomeno Roadster is most powerful open Lamborghini ever

By

John Redfern

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May 9, 2026

0

Powering the Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster is a hybrid-enhanced V12 engine, producing a combined 1,080hp

Lamborghini has announced the most powerful convertible in its 63-year history: the 1,080hp Fenomeno Roadster.

Following the launch of the Fenomeno coupe at Monterey Car Week last year, the Roadster is the latest ultra-limited hypercar in Lamborghini’s ‘Few Off’ production series.

The Fenomeno Roadster is the star attraction at the Lamborghini Arena event for owners and enthusiasts, taking place this weekend at the Imola circuit in northern Italy.

“Fenomeno Roadster represents the purest expression of our brand values: visionary design, uncompromising performance and absolute exclusivity,” said Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It is a unique interpretation of driving emotion, created for a select group of customers who seek something truly beyond convention.”

Production will be limited to just 15 cars, making the Roadster an even rarer sight than the 29 examples of the Fenomeno coupe.

Lamborghini’s no-compromise cabriolet

Lifting the lid on the Fenomeno required a brand-new aerodynamic package, with the upper surfaces of the mid-engined supercar completely redesigned.

An additional spoiler above the windscreen diverts air across the open cockpit, channelling it downwards towards the intakes for the naturally aspirated V12 engine.

The need for rollover protection provided a challenge for Lamborghini’s aerodynamicists. Crafted from carbon fibre, the roll bars are as flat as possible, and integrated into a new speedster-style engine cover.

Mitja Borkert, design director at Lamborghini, said: “It’s an exclusive and precious looking design; the Fenomeno Roadster represents the ‘feel like a pilot’ philosophy. At the same time, we are showcasing the relentless creativity of our Centro Stile, which has been actively creating Lamborghini designs for more than 20 years.”

The Fenomeno Roadster has almost identical downforce to the coupe model. Removing the roof has added ‘only a few kilograms’ of weight, thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre.

The most powerful Lamborghini roadster

Closed related to Lamborghini’s flagship Revuelto, the Fenomeno Roadster is powered by a mid-mounted 6.5-litre petrol V12 with a plug-in hybrid system.

The 12-cylinder engine generates 835hp and 535lb ft of torque on its own. Adding three electric motors (two on the front axle and one at the rear) elevates total output to 1,080hp.

Making use of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Fenomeno Roadster accelerates from 0-62mph in 2.4 seconds: identical to the coupe. Its top speed is 211mph.

The Fenomeno also uses a CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brake system, featuring technology previously used on Lamborghini’s LMDh hypercar racer.

Bridgestone has adeveloped two types of bespoke tyre for the car, including a semi-slick option for maximum performance on a racetrack.

Buying a Fenomeno Roadster

To launch the Fenomeno Roadster, Lamborghini chose a striking colour combination of Blu Cepheus paint with Rosso Mars accents.

The main hue is reminiscent of the 1968 Miura Roadster, built by Bertone as a one-off and displayed at the Brussels Motor Show. The red pays homage to the colours of Lamborghini’s home city of Bologna.

On the inside, the Fenomeno features extensive use of carbon fibre, along with Corsatex upholstery by Dinamica. Three digital displays, including one for the passenger, provide driving and infotainment data.

Lamborghini has not announced a price for the new Fenomeno Roadster, but a figure of £3 million was previously quoted for the coupe version.

However, this is unlikely to be an issue for the 15 enthusiasts fortunate enough to be commissioning the most extreme open-top Lamborghini to date.

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Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 claims new Nurburgring lap record

By

John Redfern

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May 8, 2026

0

With professional racing driver Benny Leuchter at the wheel, the Golf GTI Edition 50 set a record lap time of 7:44.523 minutes

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 has set a new Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record for front-wheel-drive cars.

With a time of seven minutes and 44.523 seconds around the famous 12.9-mile circuit, the Golf GTI Edition 50 beat the previous record held by the Honda Civic Type R.

Developed with the Nordschleife in mind, Volkswagen revealed the Golf GTI Edition 50 at a special celebratory event during last year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours race.

A pre-production version of the Edition 50 claimed the record for the fastest Volkswagen around the Nurburgring last year.

German racing driver Benny Leuchter was back behind the wheel for this latest run, shaving almost two seconds from his previous time in the hot hatch.

The ultimate Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 Lap Record

Volkswagen has created celebratory versions of the GTI before, but the Edition 50 is much more than just a set of anniversary badges and new alloy wheels.

Instead, its ‘EA888 evo4 LK3’ 2.0-litre engine has been tuned to develop 325hp, alongside a substantial 310lb ft of torque. These figures make it the most powerful production Golf GTI ever, with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to calm the front axle.

A top speed of 168mph also sees the Edition 50 claim the title of being the fastest Golf GTI to date, with a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds.

Volkswagen included a special ‘Nurburgring’ setting among the car’s drive modes, optimising the GTI to tackle the 73 twists and turns of the Nordschleife.

The record run was performed with the optional GTI Performance package fitted. Ticking this box ups the price of the £48,075 GTI Edition 50 by a further £3,675.

‘More than just an anniversary model’

Adding the GTI Performance pack sees the car’s suspension lowered by 5mm, a lightweight titanium exhaust system added, and a set of 19-inch forged alloy wheels fitted.

The latter come wrapped in semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres, which should make a big difference around the Nurburgring.

Having raced and tested many different Volkswagens at the ‘Ring, Benny Leuchter is very familiar with the German circuit. “The Nordschleife is unique with its bends, very different sections, bumps and even jumps,” he noted.

“And the same is true for this GTI: with impressive power, a very neutral set-up and at the same time the ability to take any bumps in its stride.

“The Golf GTI Edition 50 is therefore more than just an anniversary model. It shows what performance in the compact segment can feel like when technical expertise, passion and 50 years of GTI history come together.”

Volkswagen will only produce the Edition 50 during its anniversary year of 2026, so act quickly if you want to grab a record-breaking hot hatch.

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New Renault 4 Plein Sud goes open-air for the summer

By

John Redfern

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May 8, 2026

0

Inspired by the original Renault 4, the new electric version now boasts the option of a massive folding canvas roof

The Renault 4 E-Tech has gained the option of a huge canvas roof, bringing the outside in for the retro-styled electric SUV.

UK customers with a Renault R Pass can order the new Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud from today. The wider public will have to wait until 14 May 2026.

Paying tribute to the folding roof on the original Renault 4, the new Plein Sud has been ‘engineered to deliver the joy of open-air driving without compromising refinement or practicality’.

Being an electric B-segment SUV with a large, fully opening fabric roof makes the Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud unique in its class.

Boosting the appeal of the Plein Sud is the fact that, like the regular Renault 4 E-Tech, it qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG).

The sky really is the limit

Renault has engineered the Plein Sud’s canvas roof to operate electrically via pressing one button, or by giving a voice command to the ‘Reno’ digital assistant.

With a maximum aperture of 80 x 92cm, the roof gives both those in the front and rear seats the full open-air experience. Gathering neatly into three folds, it can also be opened in several stages.

Renault says the multi-layer construction of the canvas top provides ‘excellent acoustic and sealing qualities’. The roof also has a minimal impact on the headroom inside the electric SUV.

In addition, the folding nature of the Plein Sud’s canvas roof means it does not affect luggage capacity. Just like the regular Renault 4, up to 420 litres of space is on offer. This increases to 1,350 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

The roof rails and ‘shark fin’ antenna had to be removed to accommodate the fabric roof,, However, changes to the Renault 4 E-Tech are otherwise minimal.

No effect on performance

As with the standard SUV, the Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud comes with a 150hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. This allows a top speed of 93mph, with the 0-62mph run requiring 8.2 seconds. There is no performance penalty for the open version.

A 52kWh battery is standard, providing a range of 242 miles in official WLTP tests. Capable of rapid charging at speeds up to 100kW, the battery can be replenished from 15 to 80 percent in 30 minutes.

Renault will offer the Plein Sud in both Techno+ and Iconic+ trim levels, similar to the SUV variant.

Standard equipment in Techno+ specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a fabric dashboard with grey stitching and a synthetic leather steering wheel.

A 10-inch digital instrument panel is combined with a 10-inch central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and adaptive cruise control are also included.

Electric Car Grant means a £3,750 saving

Opting for the Plein Sud in Iconic+ trim sees the addition of 18-inch ‘Parisenne’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a synthetic leather dashboard and a Harmon Kardon sound system.

The Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud becomes the latest model from the French marque to qualify for the full ECG, alongside the Renault 5 E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.

A discount of £3,750 means prices for the Plein Sud in Techno+ specification start at £27,445, with the Iconic+ version requiring £29,445.

These represent a £1,500 premium over the fixed-roof Renault 4 E-Tech. Placing an order now will mean delivery in the third quarter of 2026.

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How to report an unsafe lorry, coach or bus driver

By

Motoring Research team

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May 8, 2026

0

A large white truck speeds around a wet, curving road surrounded by trees, while cloudy skies loom above. No landmarks are visible.

Have you witnessed an unsafe HGV, bus or coach driver? If you believe one of these vehicles has broken road safety rules, you can report the incident to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Legitimate reasons to contact the DVSA about a commercial vehicle or public transport driver include:

Breaking drivers’ hours rules (i.e. driving for too long between breaks)
Overloading a vehicle
Using vehicles that are unsafe or unroadworthy
Carrying dangerous or hazardous goods without permission
Driving an excessively smoky and polluting lorry, bus or coach
Using emissions ‘cheat’ devices

Doing so could help improve safety on Britain’s roads and even save lives. So what are the next steps?

What information is required?

A street scene in Belfast shows a bus lane, several cars, and a person walking. Titan signage visible on the sidewalk.

If you decide to report a lorry, bus or coach driver, the DVSA will need to know:

Who is involved (the driver or company name)
The registration number of the vehicle(s) in question
The reason for the complaint
When and where the incident took place.

There are three ways to submit the information:

Email: enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 030 4103 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm)
Post: Intelligence Unit, DVSA, The Ellipse, Padley Road, Swansea, SA1 8AN

Can I report a driver anonymously?

Several trucks and cars traveling on a busy highway. Overcast sky and bare trees visible in background. No specific landmarks or buildings.

The DVSA says it won’t ever ask for names or contact details, phone calls will not be traced and statements will not be required.

Also, if you wish to remain anonymous. you will not be called as a witness or be asked to appear in court.

However, anyone willing to supply details may be contacted for more information. And they could be asked to provide a statement or act as a witness, so think carefully before you submit the information.

What happens after a report is made?

Several white tour buses are parked in a row under a blue sky with clouds. No notable landmarks or people are present.

The DVSA will review the information you provide before deciding whether or not to examine the case.

Other government agencies or the police might then get involved, depending on the severity of the incident.

You will receive feedback after the investigation, when official proceedings have ended. The DVSA cannot provide feedback on an ongoing case, however.

How to report other crimes

A row of white trucks parked in an industrial area, with pallets and a domed structure in the background on a cloudy day.

The process is different for other, non-vehicle-related offences, such as drink driving, speeding and driving while disqualified. In such cases, you should contact the police first.

To complain about a bus driver being rude or buses not arriving as per the timetable, visit the Bus Users website.

If the bus service was in London or Northern Ireland, you should contact London TravelWatch or the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland respectively.

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BMW M3 owned by Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan is for sale

By

John Redfern

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May 7, 2026

0

Now the team principal of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, Tony Kanaan bought the BMW M3 whilst racing for Andretti

Indycar fans can prepare for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” by purchasing a BMW M3 that was originally owned by Tony Kanaan.

The Brazilian racing driver is now the team principal for the Arrow McLaren Indycar outfit, but Kanaan is best known for a motorsport career spanning more than 25 years.

This included 17 race victories across the Champ Car and IndyCar series between 1998 and 2023, along with being crowned IndyCar champion in 2004.

However, Kanaan’s greatest glory came in 2013, when he drove the KV Racing Technology Chevrolet to victory in the Indy 500.

With such extensive racing experience, Kanaan must have been impressed by the ability of this E92-generation 2008 BMW M3, which is now listed on Bring a Trailer.

A modern classic BMW icon

Finished in Alpine White with an exposed carbon fiber roof, the M3 coupe has undergone a transformation since Tony Kanaan owned it.

The Brazilian driver retained the car until 2013, when it passed into the hands of the previous owner, who kept the M3 until last year.

During that period, the BMW gained an aftermarket front splitter, black kidney grille surrounds, black side mirror caps, a new rear diffuser, and an extended carbon fiber trunk lid.

It also wears a set of 20-inch Yokohama AVS Model F7 forged alloy wheels, currently fitted with Pirelli tires. Behind them is an aftermarket Brembo brake kit, featuring red-painted calipers.

The vendor notes there are some blemishes on the paintwork and carbon fiber components, although new paint protection film (PPF) has been applied.

A rev-happy V-8 included

Powering the E92-generation M3 is one of BMW’s great engines: the high-revving naturally aspirated ‘S65’ 4.0-liter V-8.

Generating 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the S65 V-8 could rev to more than 8,500 rpm. With this particular car having a six-speed manual gearbox, the owner will need to work the transmission to extract a 0-62 mph time of under five seconds.

A short-shift kit has been added to the M3, along with an Active Autowerke exhaust system and a modified ECU.

Having bought the car through Bring a Trailer in July 2025, the current vendor reports having the rod bearings, throttle actuators, and engine mounts all replaced.

Included with the M3 are invoices for maintenance work performed in October 2025, with more than $12,500 spent.

Ready for the month of May

Originally leaving the factory with black Novillo leather sports seats and BMW’s iDrive navigation system, the M3’s interior has gained a number of additional parts since new.

These include the BMW Performance V1 steering wheel, with integrated LED shift lights, a lap timer, and a G-force meter.

Other additions include a BMW Performance shift knob, AC Schnitzer pedals, and carbon fiber interior trim. Tony Kanaan’s logo can be found on the center console.

With only 28,000 miles on its odometer, the M3 has seen relatively little use for a car now approaching its second decade. It comes with a clean Carfax report, along with a clean Florida title in the vendor’s name.

When the M3 was previously listed on Bring a Trailer, it sold for $38,000. However, that was without mentioning Tony Kanaan’s initial ownership.

The auction is live now and is due to end on Tuesday 12 May – leaving you plenty of time to celebrate before the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.

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Polestar targets Tesla owners with major incentives to switch

By

John Redfern

-

May 6, 2026

0

Combined with other existing finance offers, new customers can save up to $21,000 on the price of a new Polestar electric car

Swedish electric vehicle company Polestar is making a determined pitch for Tesla buyers with a range of new finance offers.

The aptly named Tesla Conquest Bonus payments are available to existing Tesla electric car owners who choose a new Polestar instead.

Tesla owners who decide to buy a new Polestar 4 SUV coupe will receive a contribution of $4,000 towards their new EV.

Opting for the American-made Polestar 3 mid-size crossover SUV means a smaller contribution of $3,000 as a reward for making the switch.

Notably, Polestar allows Tesla Conquest Bonus contributions to be combined with its other finance deals and offers. This can result in major savings for those who decide to ditch Elon Musk’s EV brand.

Say goodbye to Mr Musk

To qualify for the Tesla Conquest Bonus contribution from Polestar, customers must currently own or lease a Tesla car, although there is no restriction on which model this applies to.

Customers need to evidence their existing ownership of a Tesla vehicle by providing registration or insurance documents. Members of the same household are all eligible to qualify for the deal.

Along with the $4,000 or $3,000 Tesla Conquest Bonus payments, those buying a new Polestar 4 or Polestar 3 can take advantage of finance offers available to owners of other marques.

The Polestar Clean Vehicle Purchase Incentive slashes $10,000 from the suggested retail price of a Polestar 4.

As a result, current Tesla owners could see $14,000 deducted from the $56,400 price tag of a 2026 Polestar 4 Long Range Single Motor.

Opting for the Polestar 3 sees the Polestar Clean Vehicle Purchase Incentive upped further, to a substantial $18,000.

This potentially means a saving of $21,000 off the $67,500 list price of a 2025 Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor – cutting the cost for current Tesla drivers to $46,500.

Deals follow a record year for Polestar

Polestar’s pursuit of Tesla owners will see its finance offers available from May 1 through to June 1, 2026.

The offers come as Polestar announces 2025 was one of its best years to date, with more than 60,000 vehicles sold around the world.

This represented a 34 percent increase versus the previous year, with the brand set to expand its range further during 2026.

In addition, Polestar has also begun the roll-out of Google Gemini artificial intelligence to its model range, adding it to the existing Google Assistant software.

Google Gemini integration will be available to Polestar drivers in the United States, with a Google account set to US English. Other regions and languages will follow in due course.

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The average car loses £43 a day in first-year depreciation

By

John Redfern

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May 6, 2026

0

The Land Rover Defender 90 has the lowest recorded average depreciation of any new car or SUV in the UK

Analysis of the UK’s 100 most in-demand new cars reveals typical depreciation of almost £16,000 in the first year.

Having examined the resale data for vehicles after their first 12 months of ownership, Leasing.com found the average car loses 26.7 percent of its value in depreciation.

Based on the cost of cars in the study, this means the average vehicle loses £43.17 in depreciation every single day, equating to £15,760 in a full year.

To ensure fairness, the research only took vehicles with a sufficient number of resale listings into account, and discounted any with extremely low mileages outside the UK average.

From this analysis, Leasing.com was able to find interesting patterns in depreciation, and identify the cars that bucked the trend.

Depreciation-busting new cars

Coming out on top, as the vehicle with the least amount of first-year depreciation, was the Land Rover Defender 90.

The fashionable SUV lost just 7.02 percent of its residual value during the initial 12 months, perhaps reflecting the desirable image of the Defender badge.

Taking second place on Leasing.com’s list was the Renault Symbioz E-Tech SUV, which combines hybrid power with relatively anodyne styling. It shed just 8.65 percent of its value during the first year of ownership, placing it just behind the Land Rover.

Third position was occupied by the BMW 1 Series, which sees 12.65 percent of its brand new value disappear in the year that follows.

Despite the increase in the market share for automatic transmissions, Leasing.com found these resulted in higher rates of depreciation. A manual car lost an average of £30.40 per day, compared with £47.51 for an automatic model.

However, cars with an automatic gearbox had a typical price of £41,510, against £28,087 for manual vehicles, making such losses relative.

An overlooked cost of motoring

Electrification is not necessarily a barrier to beating depreciation, with the plug-in hybrid BYD Seal U losing a relatively modest 15.1 percent of its value in year one.

The MG ZS Hybrid was just behind on 17.99 percent, while the Tesla Model 3 claimed third position with a loss of 22.13 percent.

This made the Tesla the best-performing EV, despite widespread concerns about Elon Musk’s leadership of the American marque.

Mike Fazal, CEO at Leasing.com, said: “Depreciation is one of the biggest costs of running a new car, yet many drivers overlook it because it doesn’t show up as a regular bill.

“Our analysis shows that thousands of pounds can be lost in value within the first year alone, even at average mileage. That’s why it’s so important to focus on the total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price or monthly payments”.

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