The UK’s most-wanted used car is a £15,000 hatchback

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December 19, 2025

A survey of 1,000 drivers found that more than half of respondents wanted to pay up to £15,000 for their next used vehicle

The majority of British drivers are willing to pay up to £15,000 for their next used car, according to new research by CarGurus.

More than half (58 percent) of the 1,000 motorists questioned said that £15,000 was their optimum price for a cash purchase.

A similar proportion (52 percent) said that £299 would be their ideal monthly payment if they opted to use finance instead.

Around three quarters (76 percent) would prefer to buy a used car with finance, while only 21 percent were interested in buying one outright.

Ford tops the desirable brand chart

Automotive marketplace CarGurus, which conducted the survey, also found that hatchbacks were the most desirable body style for used cars.

Forty percent of respondents said they would rather have a hatchback, narrowly edging out the 37 percent who favoured a family SUV. Given the dominance of SUVs in new car sales, it shows that drivers are still open to alternatives.

From the UK’s list of best-selling marques, Ford was the most popular brand among those surveyed – rated top by 13 percent.

BMW and Volkswagen completed the top three, although close to quarter (23 percent) said they would compromise on a vehicle brand if it meant getting a car closer to their ideal price and specification.

Drivers are open to all fuel types

Drivers were also willing to compromise on a used car’s fuel type, with price and condition again considered more important. Some 28 percent would be flexible, with petrol slightly preferred overall.

Almost three quarters (73 percent) said a vehicle less than five years old would be high on their list of priorities. And 70 percent wanted it to have less than 50,000 miles on the clock.

Interior features were an area where drivers were more flexible, though. A total of 57 percent said they would compromise on technology and extras if it meant buying a car within budget.

Voice command functionality, a sunroof and a heated steering wheel were the optional extras drivers said they could manage without. But parking sensors (36 percent), a reversing camera (33 percent), and sat-nav (28 percent) were regarded as important.

‘Value and reliability are top priorities’

The number of used cars available with a manual gearbox is at its lowest point in 10 years, according to CarGurus data. It has declined by 57 percent since 2015.

Interestingly, a fifth of drivers (22 percent) said an automatic transmission would be non-negotiable for a used car.

Chris Knapman, editorial director at CarGurus UK, said: “Our research paints a clear picture of what matters most to UK drivers on their next used car purchase: age, mileage and essential technology. Interestingly, hatchbacks remain a very appealing body style for shoppers, despite the well-documented popularity of SUVs.

“While many are happy to compromise on extras like a sunroof or voice activation, buyers remain firm on the fundamentals. A budget of around £15,000 and desire for well-known brands demonstrates that value and reliability remain top priorities for used car buyers.”

Top 10 ideal used cars for UK drivers

From the criteria provided by those surveyed, CarGurus has created a list of vehicles that should fit the specification of many people searching for a used car. The 10 cars suggested are:

BMW 1 Series
Ford Focus
Ford Fiesta
Ford Puma / Puma Gen-E
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen Taigo
Volkswagen ID.3
Volkswagen ID.4

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Kia joins Electric Car Grant scheme with EV4 and PV5

By

John Redfern

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December 19, 2025

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The Kia EV4 hatchback in Air specification, and PV5 Passenger in Essential and Plus trim, qualify for the discount

Kia has confirmed the first two models in its UK range to be eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG).

Both the Kia EV4 hatchback and PV5 Passenger van will now qualify for a discount under the ECG.

Based on the UK Government’s criteria for the ECG, the EV4 and PV5 Passenger each receive a £1,500 discount on their respective list prices.

The ECG saving will be applied immediately to all new orders placed at Kia dealerships and PBV Centres.

Electric Car Grant takes immediate effect

For the Kia PV5 Passenger, the ECG applies to both Essential and Plus trim levels of the new electric MPV.

Customers also have a choice of two different battery packs, with the larger 71.4kWh option offering up to 256 miles when fully charged.

Applying the ECG means the PV5 Passenger now has a starting price of £31,495.

The EV4 hatchback, which is Kia’s first fully electric model manufactured in a European factory, also comes with a choice of two battery setups. The larger 81.4kWh battery offers a potential range of 388 miles.

The ECG is only applicable to the entry-level Kia EV4 Air, however, reducing its list price to £33,245. Those using Kia’s finance schemes to purchase will receive an additional £1,000 deposit contribution.

More discounts across Kia range

Both the EV4 and PV5 Passenger are covered by Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty. The high-voltage battery has an extended warranty for eight years.

Paul Philpott, CEO of Kia UK, said: “We are delighted that Kia customers can now benefit from the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to making electric mobility accessible, practical, and affordable.

“With the support of the grant, even more drivers can experience the innovation, reliability and sustainability that Kia electric vehicles have become known for. This eligibility comes at an important time, as our nationwide network of PBV Centres become operational, delivering the new award-winning PV5 to customers”.

Kia has another finance offer for EV4 derivatives that are not eligible for the ECG. Vehicles in GT-Line and GT-Line S trims benefit from a £3,000 finance deposit contribution.

Elsewhere in the Kia range, the EV3, EV4 Fastback, EV5, EV6 and EV9 each receive a £1,500 discount when purchased through Kia’s finance schemes.

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Christmas travel: how to find traffic information and avoid delays

By

Motoring Research team

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December 19, 2025

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Our quick guide explains how to avoid spending your Christmas holiday stuck in traffic.

The average British driver lost 62 hours due to traffic jams last year, at an estimated cost of £581 per person.

The report by traffic data provider Inrix also ranked London just ahead of Paris as the most congested city in Europe. Drivers in the capital typically spent 101 hours going nowhere, increasing the cost of congestion to £942.

If you want to beat the jams – and who doesn’t, frankly? – there are a number of ways to find the latest traffic information. Before you set off and during your journey, here are some of the best ways to avoid a delay.

Using satellite navigation

Whether you’re using a satellite navigation system built into the car, an aftermarket unit or your smartphone, having access to live traffic information can be extremely useful.

Simply set your destination, then allow the GPS technology to work its magic. Some systems will recalculate the route on the fly, while others will alert you to the problem and provide a suggested alternative. You can make the call on whether or not it’s worth making a detour.

We find Google Maps is very reliable, showing you traffic delays in real time and using red, orange or green colour-coding to explain whether your journey time is improving, staying the same or getting longer.

Download the Waze app

Waze is a community-based traffic and navigation app. In other words, the information it shares and receives is driven by its users. It collects information to provide other ‘Wazers’ with the optimal route to their destination.

Users can also report to the community on traffic, accidents, speed cameras, police speed checks, blocked roads and adverse weather conditions.

Although it’s free to download and use the Waze app, phone and carrier data rates obviously apply. You may be served some adverts as well. Note that navigating via your phone is quite data-intensive, so it could also eat through your allowance if you have a monthly data cap.

Get live traffic information

In addition to the traffic information provided by satellite navigation systems, it’s also possible to find details of jams by going online.

In England, head to the National Highways website to see a map showing real-time traffic delays on motorways and A-roads. It features a colour-coded road atlas, ranging from green for ‘moving freely’ to black for ‘not moving’. There’s also a chequered design for ‘closed’.

You can see details of the congestion, including the length and reason for the delay, along with when National Highways expects traffic flow to return to normal. Similar services are available from Traffic Scotland and Traffic Wales, along with in Northern Ireland from TrafficWatchNI.

Listen to the radio

Department for Transport policing review

Although it might be tempting to listen to your favourite ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ playlist or The Motoring Podcast on the way to the beach, it can help to listen to the radio.

BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live both provide traffic updates throughout the day, or you could listen to one of the BBC local radio stations. Alternatively, tune in to one of the many commercial radio stations across the country.

Your car radio probably has a ‘TP’ (Traffic Programme) function. This allows it to interrupt whatever you are listening to and automatically tune into nearby traffic updates.

Roadworks information

If you like to plan ahead, grab five minutes to check for any roadworks on your proposed route to a Christmas get-together. It might be worth finding an alternative route, especially during peak times, such as on Friday evenings.

Be warned: some major road improvement schemes are carried out at night, so travelling late doesn’t always pay off – as anyone who has sat in gridlock on the M25 after midnight can confirm.

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You can buy a watch made from Alex Palou’s title-winning IndyCar

By

John Redfern

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December 18, 2025

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The Alex Palou CGR Race Car Chronograph features a piece of carbon fiber taken from the No.10 IndyCar

IndyCar fans have the chance to own a wristwatch featuring a genuine piece of Alex Palou’s victorious 2025 No.10 Chip Ganassi race car.

Created by UK-based watchmaker Omologato, the Alex Palou CGR Race Car Chronograph will be limited to 500 examples.

Each watch includes a piece of lightweight carbon fiber bodywork removed from Palou’s Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara DW12 Honda.

The Alex Palou CGR Race Car Chronograph is part of an ongoing partnership between Omologato and Chip Ganassi Racing, following the end of this year’s IndyCar season.

A piece of championship-winning history

Three sections of carbon fiber from Alex Palou’s all-conquering car were shipped by Chip Ganassi Racing to Omologato’s workshop in England.

The British company shaped and milled the carbon fiber parts to the correct design, plus the 1mm width needed to fit inside a watch case.

Omologato says this process caused some of the carbon fiber to crack, but it was eventually able to craft 500 pieces for inside each chronograph.

Every piece of carbon fiber is said to be unique, though, and there may be natural imperfections – such as oil or track debris – on the dial.

The design of the Alex Palou CGR Race Car Chronograph is said to have been inspired by early Indycar gauges, which were made by Smiths in the UK.

Available to reserve now

The Alex Palou CGR Race Car Chronograph will cost $1,002.45 in the United States. Customers can choose a black leather or fabric strap.

Omologato is accepting reservations for the wristwatch now, with a deposit required to secure one of the 500 examples.

The 2025 IndyCar season saw Alex Palou claim eight race wins, including a victory in the Indianapolis 500. Five other podiums helped the Spanish-born driver to secure his fourth IndyCar chanmpionship with ease.

Palou also gave the Chip Ganassi Racing team its 17th IndyCar title – albeit tied with arch-rivals Team Penske.

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The UK’s strangest and least-known parking laws

By

Motoring Research team

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December 18, 2025

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The UK’s less familiar parking laws could catch out even experienced drivers. And failing to heed them could mean an ticket on your windscreen, or a fine issued through the post.

“We expect the majority of motorists know not to park on double yellow lines or in disabled bays without a Blue Badge,” said Tim Alcock from LeaseCar, who compiled this list. “But it’s likely that fewer drivers know that allowing your parked car to build up dirt could leave you open to prosecution, as having an unreadable number plate is illegal.

“Similarly, the Highway Code says that you can’t park anywhere that may restrict access for emergency services, such as leaving a residential road too narrow for a fire engine.”

Remember, if you are issued a ticket that you believe is unfair, you can appeal. Details of the process are usually found on the ticket itself – or the letter that accompanies it. You can also follow Motoring Research’s advice guide, which lists the legitimate reasons for an appeal.

Parking laws you might be unaware of

Here are 11 UK parking rules that you might have forgotten or never known in the first place. Read them to help you stay on the right side of the law…

1. Using the horn while a car is stationary is against the law. This includes when the vehicle is parked.

2. Parking on the zig-zags either side of a pedestrian crossing or outside a school, or in a cycle lane, is not permitted.

3. Parking to load or unload on double yellow lines is only allowed if the load is of sufficient volume, weight or difficulty.

4. You cannot park anywhere that may restrict access for the emergency services.

5. A vehicle must display parking lights when parked on a road – or a lay-by on a road – with a speed limit greater than 30mph.

6. Parking more than 50cm away from the kerb could lead to an on-the-spot fine.

7. A car is not considered ‘in’ a designated parking space if the wheels are over any lines. The driver risks a parking ticket.

8. Parking on a dropped kerb could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

9. Using cones, wheelie bins or other obstacles to reserve a parking space is not permitted. It could be interpreted as causing an obstruction, leading to a fine.

10. The car’s engine should be switched off if it’s left for an extended period of time on a public road.

11. Allowing a parked car to get dirty could result in a fine if the number plate isn’t clean.

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Research shows Porsche drivers are the least organised

By

John Redfern

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December 18, 2025

0

Almost one in 20 Porsche drivers are said to book their MOT test just 48 hours before it is due

The UK’s least organised drivers are likely to be behind the wheel of a Porsche, according to new MOT testing data.

A study of the 30 most popular car brands revealed owners of the German sports cars and SUVs were most likely to leave booking an MOT until the last minute.

Almost one in 20 (4.76 percent) of Porsche drivers made a test appointment with just 48 hours remaining before their current MOT expired.

MG drivers were just behind on 4.51 percent. Mercedes-Benz drivers rounded out the top three, with 4.25 percent running their MOT down to the wire.

Smart owners have the MOT smarts

At the other end of the scale, Smart owners were the most organised according to the study. Only 2.35 percent made an MOT appointment with 48 hours to go.

Skoda drivers take the silver-medal position with 2.76 percent, while Citroen owners complete the best-organised podium.

BookMyGarage completed the analysis of MOT bookings during 12 months from December 2024. It also examined which regions of the country were the least and most organised.

Drivers in Leicester were the worst for last-minute bookings, with 6.43 percent of motorists leaving it until the final two days. Conversely, with only 1.12 percent making a late booking, Sandhurst was home to the best-prepared drivers.

Book in advance to avoid a fine

For anyone looking to make an urgent MOT booking, December is typically the calmest month for appointments. Busier months, such as September, can cause extra pressure if garages are fully booked.

Jessica Potts, chief marketing officer at BookMyGarage, said: “If you only book your MOT in the final 48 hours before it expires, you’re giving yourself very little flexibility.

“Once your MOT has expired, you can only legally drive your car to a pre-booked MOT test or a garage for repairs. And it still needs to be insured while you do so.

“Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a £1,000 fine and may also invalidate your insurance if you are stopped or involved in an accident. To avoid these complications, it’s best to book your MOT well in advance. We find that the average car owner books their MOT test 27 days ahead of expiry, so try to aim for something like this.”

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Updated 2026 Renault Clio is priced from £17,995

By

John Redfern

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December 17, 2025

0

The entry-level Renault Clio Generation will now cost from just £17,995, thanks to a £1,000 price cut

Renault has revealed prices and specifications for the updated version of its Clio supermini. A price cut of £1,000 for the entry-level Generation model means the cheapest Renault Clio now costs £17,995.

It makes the revised Clio something of a bargain in the current car market, where finding a new vehicle for less than £20,000 is a challenge.

However, this refreshed version of the existing Renault Clio arrives in the UK just as other European markets welcome the all-new sixth-generation Clio. The latter will not reach British shores until at least 2027.

Bargain prices, generous spec

Despite its budget pricing, the updated Renault Clio Generation comes with automatic climate control air-con, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and integrated navigation, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Along with the most affordable Generation, the revised 2026 Clio will be offered in three additional trim levels.

Starting at £19,495, Techno+ brings 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats and chrome exterior trim.

Techno Esprit Alpine trim, priced from £20,995, is inspired by the sporting Alpine marque, and gains bespoke alloy wheels, a larger 9.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.0-inch digital instrument panel and aluminium pedals.

Available to order now

Topping the range at £24,795 is the Clio Iconic Esprit Alpine. It comes fully loaded with a Bose audio system, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring and a heated faux-leather steering wheel with blue stitching.

Depending on the trim level chosen, the Clio will use either a 90hp three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine or a 145hp hybrid petrol/electric powertrain.

Buyers can select from six different paint colours: Glacier White, Ceramic Grey, Shadow Grey, Diamond Black, Valencia Orange and Iron Blue.

Orders for the updated Clio range can be placed at Renault dealerships now. The first deliveries are expected in early 2026.

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Speeding fines to be cancelled for thousands of drivers

By

John Redfern

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December 17, 2025

0

Some 2,650 incorrect speed camera activations have already been noted by National Highways, with more possible

Thousands of drivers could see their speeding fines cancelled after National Highways identified an error that caused cameras to be triggered incorrectly.

The issue applies to speed cameras covering motorways and major A-roads with variable speed limit signs, including smart motorways.

In many of the identified cases, the cameras activated too soon after the variable speed limit had changed, leaving drivers with no reasonable chance to react.

Around 2,650 instances of incorrect speed camera activations have been uncovered since 2021. However, more could be found following a further review ordered by the government.

Fines to be repaid and points removed

In a written statement to parliament, Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Transport, apologised to drivers who had been affected by the erroneous speeding enforcement.

National Highways has now passed the information on cases identified to the police, who will rectify the enforcement action taken against drivers.

This will include speeding fines being reimbursed, penalty points removed from driving licences, and the potential for financial compensation for those who were incorrectly prosecuted.

Simon Lightwood has also instructed National Highways to make a further investigation into the issue, dating back to 2019.

This coincides with the start of upgrades made to speed cameras on England’s Strategic Road Network, which are believed to have triggered the incorrect speeding penalties.

Drivers should observe ‘posted speed limits’

During the time period currently identified by National Highways, more than six million speed camera activations took place. As a result, the incorrect enforcement action represents just 0.1 percent of all penalties issued.

However, until the issue can be fully resolved, police forces will not be enforcing penalties from cameras that cover variable speed limits.

A written statement to parliament says this means ‘tens of thousands of people’s speed awareness courses are being cancelled, and thousands of historic fixed penalty notices and criminal justice prosecutions are being discontinued’.

Instead, the police will use other enforcement methods on motorways and A-roads, such as average speed cameras and more mobile patrols.

National Highways chief executive, Nick Harris, said: “Safety is our number one priority and we have developed a fix for this technical anomaly to maintain the highest levels of safety on these roads and make sure no one is wrongly prosecuted.

“All drivers should continue observing the posted speed limits as normal. Anyone who has been impacted will be contacted by the relevant police force.”

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Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen helps to make EV chargers stand out

By

John Redfern

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December 17, 2025

0

New research has found that more than half of adults in the UK underestimate the number of EV chargers available

Electric vehicle charging provider Gridserve has signed up famed interior designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Best known for presenting the home makeover TV show, Changing Rooms, Llewelyn-Bowen has been appointed as Gridserve’s ‘Chief Visibility Officer’.

Thankfully, there is no evidence of any terracotta paint, MDF or rag-rolling in the EV charging company’s plans.

Instead, Llewelyn-Bowen will take on a far more serious task of ensuring that British drivers can locate EV charging infrastructure.

A bold approach to EV charger visibility

Research by Gridserve discovered that more than half of adults underestimate the level of electric vehicle charging provision in the UK.

In fact, there are now more than 87,000 charging devices available. However, Gridserve believes that outdated signage and poor placement makes many of them hard to find.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will ensure there is no chance of missing public charger locations. Indeed, the flamboyant designer arrived for his Gridserve photoshoot wearing a highlighter-yellow suit.

His suggestions included the addition of fake flamingos to Gridserve’s Electric Forecourts, along with a mobile digital advertising van.

Solving range anxiety through awareness

Despite the tongue-in-cheek approach, Gridserve says increasing awareness of EV charging is key to boosting confidence among potential electric car owners.

Knowing that charging devices are easy to find should ‘reduce range anxiety, help drivers make quick decisions on the road, and turn charging from an uncertain task into an intuitive part of everyday travel,’ the company says.

Gridserve’s campaign comes after it added new 400kW devices to a charging station at Centaurus Park in Bristol.

Capable of recharging two vehicles at once, the ABB E-mobility A400 devices can, with compatible cars, add more than a hundred miles of range in under 10 minutes.

Remarkably, that’s even less time than it would take Handy Andy to knock-up a set of MDF shelves on Changing Rooms…

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Mitsubishi Outlander SUV and L200 pickup to return in 2026

By

John Redfern

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December 16, 2025

0

The previous-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was one of the best-selling plug-in hybrids in the UK when originally launched

Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed the first two models to be sold in the UK next year, after the marque announced an unexpected comeback.

The Mitsubishi model range will include the latest-generation Outlander PHEV SUV, along with the L200 Series 7 double-cab pickup truck. Both will be available from summer 2026.

A limited number of vehicles will be offered at first, with Mitsubishi seemingly testing the waters with its previous best-sellers. The company had previously exited the UK in 2021.

Sadly, there is no mention of any Lancer Evolution-style performance car, not least because the 4WD saloon left the Mitsubishi lineup in 2016.

Family SUV and a hard-working truck

Mitsubishi sold more than 50,000 examples of the original Outlander PHEV when it was launched in 2014. It became one of the most popular plug-in hybrid vehicles at the time.

The latest 2026 Outlander PHEV boasts a larger platform, a 2.4-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. Up to 300hp is on offer, handled by a rally-bred Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.

When the Outlander PHEV returns to the UK in 2026, it will be available in seven-seat SUV guise for the first time.

Joining the Outlander will be the L200 Series 7 double-cab pickup, which features a 2.4-litre diesel engine and selectable four-wheel drive.

Return of ‘much-loved’ Mitsubishi models

Following the model reveal, Sharon Townsend, head of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, commented: “We are excited to announce the two new Mitsubishi models that will go on sale in the UK in summer 2026.

“While the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Mitsubishi L200 are familiar, much-loved and respected names in the UK, we will be introducing the very latest models, which feature significant design, technology and performance upgrades over their predecessors.”

UK launch dates for the Outlander PHEV and L200, along with prices and exact vehicle specifications, will be announced next year.

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