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New Tesla Model 3 Standard is Elon’s most affordable EV yet

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Tesla Model 3 Standard

The new Tesla Model 3 Standard is the American firm’s most affordable EV so far, with a headline price tag of £37,990.

What’s more, Tesla has optimised the car especially for the UK – meaning it should be the cheapest Model 3 to insure, too.

A headline PCP offer makes the Model 3 Standard relatively affordable to finance, with payments of £249 a month over five years (for those who can afford a £9,100 deposit).

Alternatively, the new entry-level Tesla is available for £299 a month over three years with a £3,588 deposit.

The Standard slots into the Model 3 range below the existing (and renamed) Model 3 Premium, which costs from £44,990 in Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive guise.

What is the new Tesla Model 3 Standard?

Tesla Model 3 Standard

The new Tesla Model 3 Standard is a cheaper version of the existing Model 3. Money is saved by using fabric inserts for the seats, deleting the rear touchscreen for passengers, removing ambient interior lighting and fitting a manually-adjustable steering wheel.

The Tesla Model 3 Standard also loses the stereo subwoofer, auto-dim door mirrors and heated rear seats, while clever frequency-dependent suspension dampers are replaced with basic passive dampers.

Folllowing customer feedback, the latest Model 3 does, however, once again have an indicator stalk.

Unlike the larger Tesla Model Y Standard, it also retains a panoramic glass roof. The tailgate is powered, too.

Tesla’s lowest ever insurance rating

Tesla Model 3 Standard

Tesla doesn’t disclose battery capacity figures, but the Tesla Model 3 Standard has a smaller battery than the Model 3 Premium. It still has a range of 322 miles, though, and the firm says WLTP-tested energy consumption of 20.9kWh per 100 miles betters many smaller city EVs.

It’s arguably still quick enough too, with a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds. Interestingly, Tesla has capped the car’s top speed to 110mph, which helps it achieve a lowest-ever Tesla insurance rating of group 32.

The 18-inch ‘Photon’ alloy wheels also promise cheaper replacement tyres, while still maintaining good retained values. Tesla says this was another specific adaptation for the UK.

Deliveries of the new Tesla Model 3 Standard will begin towards the end of February 2026.

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Volkswagen was the UK’s best-selling car brand in 2025

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More than 178,000 new Volkswagen models were registered during 2025, with the Golf leading the way

Volkswagen has cause to celebrate, with sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirming it as the UK’s favourite new-car brand. 

A total of 178,607 new Volkswagens were registered in Britain during 2025, giving the German marque an 8.84 percent market share. 

Compared to 2024, Volkswagen found homes for 12,303 more vehicles. It also boosted its market share from 8.52 percent the previous year.

Volkswagen shifted 55,884 more vehicles than its nearest rival, securing it the title of the UK’s most popular marque for the fifth year in a row.

With a host of new models planned for 2026, the company will hope to continue this success over the coming 12 months.

Electric models gaining ground

Volkswagen 2025 UK Best Selling Marque

The evergreen Volkswagen Golf proved to be the marque’s best-seller, with 32,478 examples registered in 2025.

As a result, the Golf claimed sixth position in the overall ranking of new vehicle registrations last year. Along with the Vauxhall Corsa, it was one of only two non-SUVs in the top 10. 

The Volkswagen Tiguan SUV was the brand’s second best-seller, with 29,857 registrations during 2025. 

Following the launch of the government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme in July 2025, Volkswagen saw an increase in demand for its battery electric models. In addition, the marque also launched its ‘ID. Promise’, which allows customers to test-drive a Volkswagen EV for 100 days.

The ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer range of EVs accounted for more than 30,000 UK registrations last year – a 45 percent increase compared to 2024.

A ‘perfect start’ to 2026 for Volkswagen

Volkswagen 2025 UK Best Selling Marque

Rod McLeod, director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The news that Volkswagen is once again the top-selling new-car brand in the UK is the perfect start to what will undoubtedly be a really exciting year for the brand.

“The results announced by the SMMT, which show a healthy gap between us and the number-two brand in the market, underline the enduring popularity and quality of Volkswagen cars, as well as the outstanding customer service provided by our fantastic network of Volkswagen retailers.

“The trends we are seeing with our electric ID. range are really pleasing. I can’t wait to see and drive the new models coming to market in 2026.”

New Volkswagens set for launch this year include the T-Roc SUV, which is available to order now, priced from £31,620. 

The ID. Polo electric supermini will also hit the streets later in 2026, complete with a button-based dashboard designed in response to customer feedback.

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Fiat and Abarth slash EV prices by up to £4,000

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The all-electric Fiat 600e SUV sees a cut of more than £3,000, taking its starting list price to below £30,000

Fiat and Abarth have announced major price reductions for electric models in the UK, taking effect immediately. 

Intended to make switching to an electric car easier and more affordable, the new offers replace the previous ‘Fiat E-Grant’ scheme.

Launched in 2023, the Italian company’s E-Grant offered reductions of up to £1,500 on electric vehicles

However, the latest price cuts applicable to Fiat and Abarth models are more generous, with reductions of between £1,890 and £4,040 –depending on the vehicle chosen.

The offers come as Fiat prepares for the spring launch of the new Grande Panda, along with the 500 Hybrid later in the summer.

Making EV ownership more affordable

Fiat and Abarth EV Price Cuts

The biggest price cut is for the compact Fiat 500e, which sees a reduction of £4,040. 

It means the entry level 24kWh version costs from £20,995, making it one of the cheapest new EVs on sale – and matching the electric Fiat Grande Panda Pop.

For those who prefer more performance from their electric city car, the Abarth 500e also gets a price cut. Opting for the base model sees £1,990 deducted, cutting the cost to £27,995. The 500e Turismo receives a larger reduction of £2,990, so it now starts from £30,995.

Fiat has also aligned the price of the 600e electric SUV with the 600 Hybrid, applying a £3,285 discount to the EV for a starting price of £26,750.

Award-winning Italian style on offer

Fiat and Abarth EV Price Cuts

Launched in the UK last year, the Abarth 600e is the most powerful production car ever from Fiat’s performance brand.

With a reduction of £2,990, the 240hp base Abarth 600e now costs £33,995. The range-topping 280hp 600e Scorpionissima receives a £1,890 discount, down to £37,995.

Fiat UK marketing director, Victoria Hatfield, said: “Fiat is passionately committed to making electrified driving more accessible to customers, and with this new pricing structure for our fully electric line-up of vehicles we are starting the new year by making this transition more affordable and straightforward for drivers. 

“There are no complications with Fiat if you want a great value electric vehicle. With our transparent pricing policies, drivers can simply choose from our range of award-winning models to enjoy Italian style and affordable electric motoring.”

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Supercharged Ram SRT TRX returns with even more power

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Discontinued in 2024 due to emissions regulations, the reborn Ram TRX sees the return of the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8

Less than two years after it was discontinued, Stellantis has announced the return of the Ram 1500 SRT TRX performance pickup truck.

Dropped at the end of the 2024 model year due to emissions regulations, Ram will bring back its Ford F-150 Raptor rival later in 2026.

The 2027 model-year SRT TRX will boast even more horsepower than before, with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 claiming best-in-class outputs. 

In total, the reborn Ram SRT TRX will serve up a colossal 777 horsepower, combined with 680 lb-ft of torque. 

These numbers represent increases of 75 horsepower and 30 lb-ft compared to the TRX withdrawn from sale in 2024. Significantly, this puts the Ram ahead of its F-150 Raptor arch-rival.

More power, more torque, more speed

2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX

According to Ram, the relaunched SRT TRX will be the most powerful production half-ton pickup ever made when it hits the street later this year. 

It should also be the fastest half-ton truck on sale, with a top speed of 118 mph. Accelerating from 0-60 mph requires just 3.5 seconds, aided by the SRT TRX’s four-wheel-drive system, launch control, and eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. 

A complete stainless steel exhaust system, complete with a crossover-X pipe, is also fitted to the TRX. Dual five-inch double-walled black tips ensure the exhaust looks as ominous as it will surely sound.

Second-generation Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shock absorbers are added to the TRX, following knowledge gained during development of the Ram 1500 RHO pickup truck.

Standard equipment includes 35-inch tires, which are combined with 18-inch satin black wheels. Beadlock rims are available as an option.

On sale later in 2026

2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX

To commemorate the return of its flagship performance truck, Ram will offer a special 1500 SRT TRX Bloodshot Night Edition.

This includes bespoke, hand-painted black and red paintwork, along with unique side graphics. Red-outlined TRX badges, a glass-encased emblem on the center console and beadlock wheels are all included on the Bloodshot Night Edition, too.

All SRT TRX models come with real carbon fiber interior trim, sports seats upholstered in leather and suede, and TRX-exclusive Ruby Red seat belts.

Sales of the Ram 1500 SRT TRX will begin in the second half of 2026. Prices for the performance truck will start from $99,995, plus a destination charge of $2,595.

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Nearly a quarter of new cars registered in 2025 were EVs

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The Ford Puma emerged as most-popular new car of 2025, retaining its crown for the third year in a row

More than two million new cars were registered in the UK during 2025: the strongest market performance since 2019.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new car registrations were up 3.5 percent compared with 2024, despite ongoing cost-of-living concerns

Notably, electric cars witnessed a substantial rise in popularity, with 473,348 EVs registered during the year. Compared to 2024’s total of 381,970, this represents an increase of 23.9 percent.

Overall, EVs accounted for almost a quarter (23.4 percent) of total market share, with more new electric cars registered than in 2021 and 2022 combined.

This made the UK the second largest market for new electric cars in Europe. However, EV market share was still below the government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target for 2025 of 28 percent.

A record year for electric cars

2025 SMMT New Car Registrations

The government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, launched in July 2025, will undoubtedly have contributed to increased uptake for electric vehicles. 

A number of car manufacturers created their own incentives to attract customers, too. With eligibility for the ECG taking time to be confirmed, this may have resulted in the 32.2 percent market share for electric cars in December 2025.

Across the EV market, the Tesla Model Y emerged as the most popular new vehicle, with 24,298 examples registered. Just behind was the Tesla Model 3, with 21,188 hitting the road during 2025.

It proves that Tesla retains a considerable share of the electric vehicle market, despite research suggesting Elon Musk’s activities have negatively impacted the marque’s image.

Ford Puma beats Kia Sportage again

2025 SMMT New Car Registrations

Despite the December sales surge, electrified vehicles (which includes hybrids) just missed taking a majority market share during 2025. Hybrid models accounted for 13.9 percent of new registrations, with plug-in hybrids the fastest-growing powertrain choice, on 11.1 percent.

Petrol-powered cars claimed 46.4 percent of the new car market, down by eight percent compared to 2024. Diesel models represented just 5.1 percent of sales, continuing the fuel’s ongoing decline in popularity.

For the third year in a row, the Ford Puma emerged as the most popular new car of all. Some 55,488 examples were registered throughout 2025, an increase of more than 7,000 Pumas from the year before. 

Yet again, the Kia Sportage family SUV made do with the silver medal, with 47,748 cars finding homes across the country. This also represented a small growth in sales compared to 2025.

The Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa and Nissan Juke completed the UK top five. Again, SUVs and crossovers dominated the automotive sales chart, making up eight of the top 10 cars. Only the Corsa and Volkswagen Golf bucked the trend.

Government should ‘act urgently’ on EVs

2025 SMMT New Car Registrations

The SMMT notes that, at present, only around a quarter of electric cars are eligible for the ECG. Automotive manufacturers subsidised the sale of EVs to the tune of around £5 billion during 2025.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, commented: “The new car market finally reaching two million registrations for the first time this decade is a reasonably solid result amid tough economic and geopolitical headwinds. Rising EV uptake is an undoubted positive, but the pace is still too slow and the cost to industry too high. 

“Government has stepped in with the Electric Car Grant, but a new EV tax, additional charges for EV drivers in London and costly public charging send mixed signals. 

“Given developments abroad, government should bring forward its review and act urgently to deliver a vibrant market, a sustainable industry and an investment proposition that keeps the UK at the forefront of global competition.”

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World Car Awards 2026: the finalists revealed

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World Car Awards trophies

Ten vehicles from eight different car brands have been named as finalists for the prized 2026 World Car of the Year Award.

A total of 98 jurors from 33 countries – including Motoring Research’s own Richard Aucock – have whittled down the 58 contenders for the top prize down to 10 finalists. These cars will now go forward for a further round of judging, ahead of the Top Three in the World being announced on 3 March.

Notably, last year’s victor, the Kia EV3, has two newer sister models represented in the top 10: the new Kia EV4 and Kia EV5. The EV3 followed its bigger brother, the Kia EV9, in being voted World Car of the Year in 2024. Can the EV4 or EV5 make it a World Car Awards hat-trick for Kia?

Kia EV3: World Car Awards 2025 winner

Fellow Korean marque Hyundai also has two models in the top 10: the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Hyundai Palisade.

Hyundai scooped the overall World Car of the Year award in 2023 with the Ioniq 6, and previously in 2022 with the Ioniq 5.

Here are the 10 in cars with a shot at WCOTY glory this year:

2026 World Car of the Year finalists

  • Audi Q5
  • BMW iX3
  • BYD Seal 6 DM-i
  • Hyundai Ioniq 9
  • Hyundai Palisade
  • Kia EV4
  • Kia EV5
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA
  • Nissan Leaf
  • Toyota RAV4

“The World Car Awards are a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the automotive industry,” said Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo, which is powering the World Car Finals.

“We are proud to support this prestigious initiative and congratulate all the finalists on their outstanding achievements.”

The 2026 World Car of the Year will be announced live at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.

World Car category finalists

A red BMW vehicle displayed alongside a "World Car Awards" sign, indicating it's a finalist for World Car of the Year.

Other World Car category finalists have also been announced. Again, a subsequent vote will decide a Top Three in the World for each one.

2026 World Electric Vehicle finalists

  • Audi A6 E-Tron
  • BMW iX3
  • Hyundai Ioniq 9
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA
  • Nissan Leaf

2026 World Luxury Car finalists

  • Audi A6 E-Tron
  • Audi A6
  • Cadillac Vistiq
  • Lucid Gravity
  • Volvo ES90

2026 World Performance Car finalists

2026 World Urban Car finalists

  • Alfa Romeo Junior
  • Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
  • Firefly
  • Hyundai Venue
  • Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly

2026 World Car Design of the Year finalists

  • Firefly
  • Kia PV5
  • Lynk & Co 08
  • Mazda 6e
  • Volvo ES90

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UK prices and specs revealed for Alpine A390 electric SUV

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Available with up to 470hp, the all-electric Alpine A390 is capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds

Alpine has confirmed UK prices and specifications for its A390 electric SUV, ahead of order books opening this spring.

Three different trim levels will be offered by Alpine, with the entry-level A390 set to cost from £61,390.

Intended to channel the French marque’s performance heritage into a new battery-powered future, the A390 will take on Porsche Macan EV

However, Alpine’s pricing strategy will see the A390 firmly undercut its German rival. Standard equipment will be generous, too. 

Orders for the A390 will open in the first quarter of 2026, with the first deliveries of the luxury SUV due soon afterwards.

Prices to start from £61,390

Alpine A390 UK Pricing

The Alpine A390 range kicks off with the £61,390 GT. With an output of 400hp, the entry-level A390 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

An 89kWh battery pack is standard across the A390 lineup at launch, offering a potential range of up to 345 miles. Capable of DC charging at speeds of up to 190kW, it allows a 15 to 80 percent charge in around 25 minutes.

Standard kit includes 20-inch ‘Cristal’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights, anodised Alpine-branded brakes, a power-operated tailgate and a body-coloured roof. 

On the inside, a two-tone combination of Nappa leather and Alcantara is used throughout. Electrically adjustable Alpine Sport seats, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel in blue Nappa leather and ambient lighting are all included. 

Infotainment is taken care of by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12-inch central touchscreen and a 13-speaker audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard, along with a host of safety equipment.

Three-tier A390 lineup at launch

Alpine A390 UK Pricing

Based on the GT model, the Alpine A390 Premiere Edition makes use of the same 400hp drivetrain, but adds active torque vectoring.

Priced from £65,390, the Premiere Edition comes with 20-inch wheels in a black-painted matte finish, a contrasting black roof, French flags on the C-pillars and a 22kW three-phase AC charger with bi-directional charging. Eight-way adjustable Sabelt sports seats are upholstered in two-tone Nappa leather. 

Topping the range is the flagship £69,390 A390 GTS. This serves up 470hp, cutting the 0-62mph time down to just 3.9 seconds. Top speed also increases to 136mph.

Adding extra power does reduce battery range, however, with the A390 GTS able to cover 312 miles on a full charge.

Moving to an electric future

Alpine A390 UK Pricing

Helping the GTS stand out are 21-inch ‘Snowflake’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, which are wrapped in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Red-painted brake calipers also mark the GTS out from the rest of the range.

The headlining is finished in black Alcantara, and there is a Devialet XtremeSound 13-speaker audio system, plus a special telemetry package for tracking performance.

Six body colours will be available from launch, including Blanc Topaze, Noir Profond, Argent Mercure, Bleu Abysse, Bleu Alpine Vision and Gris Tonnerre Matte. The latter is a special Atelier finish available on the GT and GTS models.

Nic Burnside, brand director at Alpine, said: “With its blend of expressive design, bespoke electric performance and the dynamic spirit that defines every Alpine, the A390 marks an important step in the brand’s transition to a fully electric future – one that remains firmly centred on driving pleasure.”

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Drivers turned off Tesla by Musk’s trillionaire pay package

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New research finds that UK motorists have fallen further out of love with the Tesla brand, this time due to Elon Musk’s gigantic pay deal.

A Tesla shareholder meeting, held in November 2025, saw approval given for a compensation package that will reward Musk with more than 423 million shares across the next decade. 

Based on Tesla’s projected share value, this has the potential to turn Musk into the world’s very first trillionaire – if major performance milestones are met.

However, a survey undertaken by The Harris Poll UK reveals this potentially massive payout is turning motorists away from purchasing a new Tesla. 

In fact, more than a third (36 percent) of survey respondents said they were now less likely to buy a Tesla.

Older buyers least impressed by Musk pay

Elon Musk Tesla Pay Deal Public Image

The proportion of those less likely to purchase a new Tesla was highest in the over-55 age bracket: an affluent sector filled with potential customers

Close to half (45 percent) of these older motorists said the pay deal was driving them away from the American brand. However, 41 percent said Elon Musk’s compensation package had no influence on their future car buying plans. 

Musk’s potential trillionaire status has also impacted Tesla’s public perception, according to The Harris Poll UK’s research.

Around a third (35 percent) of those questioned said the pay package made them feel less positive about the Tesla brand. Again, those aged over 55 were more likely to view the electric vehicle marque negatively, with 43 percent noting their disapproval.

Money and politics hurt Tesla’s image

Elon Musk Tesla Pay Deal Public Image

A further 44 percent of survey respondents questioned whether Elon Musk was truly worth such a gigantic compensation deal, saying his personal input does not warrant the potential payout. 

However, a third (33 percent) believe the current Tesla CEO does deserve to become a trillionaire.

Musk’s political leanings have also continued to shape perception of the Tesla brand. More than a third (38 percent) said Elon’s political commentary has made them feel less positive about Tesla. This increases to 43 percent among 55 to 64-year-olds, and close to half (48 percent) of those aged over 65.

Only 19 percent said Musk’s involvement in politics has made them view Tesla more favourably.

A divide between executives and customers

Elon Musk Tesla Pay Deal Public Image

Discussing the research findings, Sarah Beams, managing director of The Harris Poll UK, said: “Our reputation and customer experience indexes show that trust grows when people feel a company is acting with authenticity and a clear sense of purpose. 

“Executive decisions and public statements don’t happen in isolation – they shape how people feel about a brand and whether they believe it’s genuinely on their side. Moments like extreme executive rewards can make consumers question whether leaders are truly connected to the realities their customers face or whether those decisions reflect the company’s purpose at all.

“We’re seeing that gap very clearly here. Many people don’t see how this payout benefits Tesla’s customers, and it comes at a time when there’s already a stark divide between executive confidence and public uncertainty. In this climate, understanding how customers are really feeling isn’t optional – it’s essential.

“The brands that listen carefully and show that their decisions reflect their customers’ reality will be the ones that build and keep trust.”

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Safer winter driving: how to avoid getting stuck in the snow

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Our advice guide takes you through how to drive safely on snow and ice – including how to keep going where others get stuck.

Temperatures have plummeted across the UK, as many parts of the country experience their first winter snow.

There are Met Office amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice over the coming days. Drivers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be particularly affected.

The following tips deal with driving safely in the snow. For further reading, Motoring Research has also published guides on preparing your car for cold weather and whether UK drivers should fit winter tyres.

How to drive in the snow

Winter driving

If you need to venture out in sub-zero conditions on the road, it’s vital to be prepared and drive accordingly. Here are our top 10 tips for driving safely in the snow:

  1. Be smooth. Sudden steering or sharp pedal inputs could result in a loss of traction – or loss of control.
  2. Keep your speed down. This will mean you can stop more quickly if necessary.
  3. Use higher gears when setting off and keep the engine revs low. Drop to a lower gear when slowing down or descending a hill to make use of engine braking.
  4. Look far ahead, leaving a large gap between your car and other vehicles. This will give you plenty of time to react to obstacles.
  5. Brake ahead of a corner, not once you start to turn. If you do experience a skid, steer into it.
  6. Use dipped headlights and switch on your fog lights if visibility drops below 100 metres. Remember to turn them off again once vision improves.
  7. Clear your car of snow before driving away. Not just the windows, but also the roof (excess snow could slide off, blocking your view).
  8. Check the condition and tread depth of your tyres. Worn tyres will provide less grip in the snow. Consider winter tyres if you regularly drive in cold temperatures.
  9. Be cautious of black ice. Just because the road looks clear, it doesn’t mean you won’t skid.
  10. Four-wheel drive will help you keep moving, but it won’t help you stop any sooner.

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Two thirds of car leasing customers chose a hybrid or EV in 2025

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Cupra was identified as the brand most frequently switched to by UK drivers, ahead of Nissan and Vauxhall

New research shows that the majority of vehicles leased by UK motorists during the past year were electrified.

More than two thirds (67 percent) of Leasing Options customers opted for either a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle during 2025.

A survey of 1,000 drivers also found that reliability was the single most important factor when choosing a new car. Forty percent of those questioned put it first on their list.

Price and value for money were next in order of significance: a consideration for close to a third (29 percent) of respondents. 

This focus on cost is borne out by the rapid rise in the level of interest around new-entrant Chinese marques such as BYD and Jaecoo.

Reliability tops the list of must-haves

Most Popular Leasing Options

Technology and in-car features mattered to just 12 percent of the drivers surveyed. And design was significant to just five percent, suggesting UK lease customers really can put a price on style.

Mike Thompson, COO at Leasing Options, commented: “As rising car costs continue to mount pressure on motorists, drivers are looking more than ever for vehicles that are not only reliable and durable, but offer strong value for money. 

“Unexpected breakdown costs can place a huge strain on households, so models with a reputation for dependability are becoming the go-to choice.”

Drivers make the switch to Cupra

Most Popular Leasing Options

The survey also found that brand loyalty is very much a thing of the past. Some 93 percent of respondents said they were open to switching to a new car brand for the best deal.

Seat’s sporty spin-off, Cupra, led the way for drivers making a change, accounting for 18.3 percent of brand switches. This was followed by Nissan on 13 percent and Vauxhall on 12.2 percent.

Notably, Cupra has anticipated the zeitgeist, expanding its range of plug-in hybrid and electric models.

Mike Thompson adds: “Newer players like Cupra are gaining traction by offering competitive pricing and well-specced electric models. With cost pressures continuing, manufacturers will need to focus on keeping production costs down and ensuring their vehicles deliver dependable performance.”

No stopping the rise of SUVs

Most Popular Leasing Options

The motivation for switching car manufacturers is similar to those that shape new vehicle choices overall.

Lower running costs mattered to 19 percent of respondents, with cheaper leasing and initial payments a factor for the same percentage, too. 

Greater practicality was important to 15 percent of people, matching the continuing trend for customers to opt for SUVs

Recent data shows that two thirds (66 percent) of new vehicle registrations in the UK are for SUVs – an increase of 30 percent in the last four years alone.

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