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

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May 7, 2026

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

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Polestar targets Tesla owners with major incentives to switch

By

John Redfern

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May 6, 2026

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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

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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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Nova dose! Retro Vauxhall Corsa GSE electric hot hatch revealed

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Nova dose! Retro Vauxhall Corsa GSE electric hot hatch revealed

By

John Redfern

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May 6, 2026

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With 281hp on tap, the Corsa GSE manages 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds, making it fastest-accelerating production Vauxhall on sale

Vauxhall has revealed the first images of its Corsa GSE electric hot hatchback, ahead of the car’s public debut later this year.

Leaning heavily into the performance history of the Vauxhall Corsa and Nova, the new GSE boasts plenty of retro-inspired design touches.

Its fully electric powertrain, however, is thoroughly modern. This marks the first time Vauxhall has offered a true hot hatch since the demise of the Corsa VXR in 2018.

Following the launch of the Mokka GSE performance SUV last year, Vauxhall and its Opel sister brand are undergoing a motorsport-led resurgence.

This includes competing in the ADAC GSE Rally Cup, with young British driver Ioan Lloyd behind the wheel of a competition-spec Mokka GSE.

Engage Sport mode for more power

The Vauxhall Mokka GSE will donate its electric powertrain to the new Corsa GSE. This means 281hp and 254lb ft of torque sent to the front wheels, aided by a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The setup will be shared with the Corsa’s in-house Stellantis rival, the new Peugeot e-208 GTI.

Three driving modes are available in the Corsa GSE, with the electric motor’s output limited to 231hp in the Normal setting. For the maximum 281 horses, drivers will need to engage Sport mode, which results in a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds.

At 1,554kg, the Corsa GSE is lighter than its Mokka SUV counterpart, giving it the fastest acceleration of any current production Vauxhall.

Top speed will be limited to 112mph in Normal and Sport modes, but the ‘Eco’ setting caps this at 93mph in a bid to preserve range from the 54kWh battery.

Lowered suspension, bespoke springs and dampers, and Alcon four-piston performance brakes ensure Vauxhall has ticked the right modified boxes with the Corsa GSE.

Retro touches inside and out

Compared to the Max Power era of tuned Vauxhall Corsas and Novas, the new GSE looks relatively restrained on the outside.

There is no sign of the dramatic bodykit worn by last year’s Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, but the 18-inch three-spoke alloy wheels have made it to production.

There is also a sharper, GSE-specific front bumper, along with a gloss black roof, widened wheelarches and a rear spoiler for good measure.

On the inside, shapely sports seats use a mixture of Alcantara and cloth upholstery, with a black, grey and yellow chequered pattern that deliberately nods to the Vauxhall Nova.

Bright yellow is used for the seatbelts and armrest stitching, with the steering wheel trimmed in yet more Alcantara. Extra performance data can be viewed on the 10-inch central touchscreen.

‘A defining moment for Vauxhall’

Vauxhall will give the Corsa GSE a suitably mature level of equipment, including keyless entry, a 180-degree reversing camera and a bi-directional onboard charging system.

Eurig Druce, managing director at Stellantis UK, said: “The new Corsa GSE marks a defining moment for Vauxhall as we bring the spirit of our iconic hot hatches into the electric era. Building on the blueprint set by the rally-inspired Mokka GSE, the new Corsa GSE combines exhilarating performance with everyday accessibility, proving that electric cars can be emotional, exciting and great to drive.

“From its unmistakable GSE design to its class-leading acceleration, Corsa GSE proudly carries forward the legacy of models like Nova GTE, Corsa GSi and Corsa VXR – reimagined for a new electric generation.”

More information about the Vauxhall Corsa GSE will be announced later this year, ahead of its public debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show in October.

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New McLaren MCL-HY Hypercar is ready for Le Mans in 2027

By

John Redfern

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May 5, 2026

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The MCL-HY FIA Hypercar marks the return of McLaren to the top level of endurance racing since the 1990s

McLaren has released more details about its forthcoming Le Mans Hypercar racer, including the new car’s name.

The MCL-HY FIA Hypercar will enter the 2027 World Endurance Championship (WEC) and race at Le Mans itself, as McLaren continues to expand its global motorsport presence.

Combined with McLaren Racing’s teams in IndyCar and Formula 1, it means the Woking-based company will contest all three parts of the Triple Crown of Motorsport in a single season.

Whether McLaren can manage the epic feat of winning the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the same year will be something to watch in 2027.

Along with unveiling the racing version of the MCL-HY, McLaren also revealed a limited-production track-day version, intended for wealthy VIP customers.

Ready to race in 2027

In common with other car manufacturers competing in the WEC under LMDh Hypercar rules, the chassis for the McLaren MCL-HY will be built by Dallara.

The Italian company already supplies two teams on the Hypercar grid. Both BMW and Cadillac use a carbon fibre monocoque chassis from Dallara.

The MCL-HY’s twin-turbocharged, McLaren-built V6 engine has a hybrid MGU system. Together, they send up to 707hp to the rear wheels. Combined with a minimum weight of 1,030kg, the MCL-HY will deliver extreme performance.

Track testing of the MCL-HY is due to commence this month, with a livery inspired by the iconic McLaren M6A Can-Am prototype racer.

McLaren Hypercar Team works driver Mikkel Jensen will take the lead on testing, aided by McLaren Driver Development Programme drivers Gregoire Saucy and Richard Verschoor.

Exclusive MCL-HY track car to follow

Along with the competition version, the MCL-HY will spawn a collaboration between the McLaren Racing team and McLaren Automotive road car company.

The track-only MCL-HY GTR ditches the hybrid system and gains a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged engine producing around 730hp. It will also weigh less than the competition car, providing what McLaren calls ‘a purer driving experience’.

The GTR will be offered solely to exclusive McLaren clients, allowing them behind-the-scenes access to the WEC racing operation. In addition, buyers get a two-year track driving programme at circuits around the world.

Each fortunate owner of an MCL-HY GTR will receive professional driver coaching and a dedicated pit crew, plus race engineer support at events. They simply have to turn up and drive.

The package is similar to that offered to owners of the Ferrari 499P Modificata, a derivative of the Scuderia’s Le Mans-winning race car.

Aiming for a Triple Crown of success

When the MCL-HY hits the track for the 2027 World Endurance Championship, the car will be raced under the new McLaren United AS team banner.

This is a partnership with the successful United Autosports team, which also happens to be co-owned by McLaren Racing CEO, Zak Brown.

Following the latest McLaren Hypercar news, Brown commented: “Years and months in the making and here we are, revealing the MCL-HY to the world. McLaren Racing now has three race cars ready to contest the biggest motorsport series in the world: Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC.

“This means McLaren, its partners and fans can challenge for the Triple Crown of Monaco GP, Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans together – a unique cross-series story that sets us apart.”

Deliveries of the McLaren MCL-HY GTR track car will begin towards the end of 2027, following the racing debut of the motorsport model.

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Autoforma builds the first original Audi TT restomod

By

John Redfern

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May 5, 2026

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Inspiration for the Autoforma TTS Restomod has been taken from the original Audi TTS concept car, first shown to the world in 1995

Bespoke car company Autoforma, created by Dutch designer Niels van Roij, has revealed a unique version of the original Audi TT.

Look beyond the (slightly troubling) fact that the Mk1 TT is now considered old enough to become a restomod, and the car offers an appealing package of upgrades.

Specifically, the Autoforma TTS Restomod is a tribute to the concept car for the TT Roadster, first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995.

Although the production version of the TT looked almost unchanged from the concept car, there were numerous tweaks made to the original design, created by Freeman Thomas and J Mays.

With the TTS Restomod, Niels van Roij and Autoforma have subtly transformed the TT Roadster to resemble the open-top car that wowed the Tokyo crowds back in 1995.

Building on a design icon

Spotting the differences from a standard Roadster requires an anorak-level of appreciation for Audi’s Bauhaus-inspired original TT.

The car’s front bumper has been redesigned, with the lower air vents reduced in size to match the concept model.

A more obvious change is the addition of new vents behind the front wheels, as found on the show car. Highlighted by exposed torx screws, these feature indicator units hidden behind the mesh grilles.

Making the vents meant relocating the windscreen washer bottle to the boot, in order to free up space.

A subtle side intake featuring more torx screws is also tucked ahead of the rear wheels. And the rear bumper gains a new diffuser that partially hides the exhaust tailpipes.

The new components were created using 3D-printed carbon fibre, with more carbon fibre used for the larger body panels.

No spoilers, please

Bigger changes are evident at the back of the TTS Restomod, including the removal of the controversial rear spoiler.

Audi added the fixed lip spoiler to the original TT, combined with standard electronic stability control, following a series of high-speed accidents with the earliest production cars.

Ditching the wing, and smoothing the weld seams behind the boot lid, gives the TTS Restomod a much closer resemblance to the Tokyo concept car.

Its folding fabric roof has also been removed, replaced with a solid composite cover to emphasise the open roadster design. Autoforma has also added racing-style wing mirrors, attached directly to the front windows, just like the concept car.

The TT was resprayed in Audi Nimbus Gray Pearl Effect for its upper body, with a matte grey lower section to provide a contrast.

Matte grey alloy wheels, combined with lowered suspension, complete the exterior changes.

Channeling the purity of the original

The Audi TT’s cabin already looked concept car-inspired, with this particular roadster benefiting from the attractive ‘baseball glove’ leather upholstery. As a result, no alterations were made inside.

All work was done to meet the requirements of leading Dutch designer Jos Baijens, who became one of the very first Audi TT owners back in 1998.

That Niels van Roij owns a TT Roadster himself, seen in the photos alongside Jos’s new restomod, undoubtedly brought an extra degree of enthusiasm to the build process.

Following completion of the TT Restomod, Niels van Roij commented: “The Audi TT is a symbol of top automotive design. With this project, we wanted to refine the original car to a level of detail and sophistication that brings the production model closer to the purity of the Bauhaus-oriented concept car.”

What modern classic cars should be next to undergo the restomod treatment? Let us know your nominations in the comments

Renault 5 was Britain’s number 1 EV in April

By

Richard Aucock

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May 5, 2026

0

The Renault 5 E-Tech was Britain's most popular EV in April

The Renault 5 was the UK’s best-selling new electric car in April 2026, as the French firm reports a surge in demand for EVs.

Electric cars accounted for almost half of Renault’s UK registrations last month, with EV sales given extra impetus by rising fuel prices.

The Renault 4 – AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2026 – and the Renault Scenic both enjoyed greater popularity, as did the all-conquering Renault 5.

The Scenic and Renault 5 were successive European Car of the Year winners in 2024 and 2025.

In December 2025, just a year after production began, Renault announced the 100,000th new Renault 5 had been assembled – and sales have continued to surge.

This has been further boosted by the Renault 5 and 4 being eligible for the full Electric Car Grant.

The Renault Scenic gets the full Electric Car Grant of £3,750, too.

A market shift is underway

“We’re seeing a very clear change in the market,” said Renault UK MD Adam Wood, “with more customers actively moving towards electric as the cost of running a petrol or diesel car comes under greater scrutiny.”

Enquiries for electric Renaults have increased significantly in recent months, revealed Wood, following the war in Iran.

“Becoming the UK’s best-selling EV so soon after launch is a strong indicator of that shift.”

Renault 5 improvements

To keep it competitive, Renault has announced a series of running updates for the 5.

A one-pedal driving mode will now be available on Techno trim and above. First seen on the Renault 4, this adds a fourth level of regenerative braking so drivers can slow down and even bring the car to a halt using just the accelerator.

Stricter safety standards have also meant the introduction of a driver monitoring camera, and Renault has introduced new personalisation packs – including ‘PoweR5’ decals for the rear wings.

There is an updated connected services package as well, with up to 2Gb of data per month allowed for using in-car apps.

Are you surprised to learn nearly half of new Renaults sold in the UK last month were electric? Would you consider a new Renault 5 E-Tech? Let us know in the comments.

Ford Puma back on top, as new car sales rebound by 24% in April

By

Richard Aucock

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May 5, 2026

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UK new car registrations witnessed a 24 percent bounce in April 2026, with more than 149,000 new vehicles leaving dealer forecourts.

It was the market’s the best April performance since 2019, with growth across all three key channels: fleet, retail and business.

The Ford Puma led the way. A total of 4,211 registrations in April placed it well clear of the next-best Kia Sportage.

Last month’s surprise star performer, the Jaecoo 7 SUV, was well down in 10th place.

‘An unusually weak 2025’

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which collates the new car registration figures, was keen to celebrate the success, but also to temper the April results.

April 2025 was an unusually weak month, it said, with car buyers pulling purchases forward to dodge the application of both VED (road tax) and the Expensive Car Supplement on electric cars.

This “underlines just how significantly fiscal changes can influence the market,” said SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes.

Two million EVs in the UK

At present VAT on public electric car charging is levied at 20 percent, adding an extra cost for those unable to charge at home

April also saw Britain reach the milestone of two million electric cars on the road. Some 2,012,758 electric cars have now been registered in the UK, with last month’s sales alone up by 59 percent versus 2025.

EVs took a 26.2 percent share of the new car market last month. Add in plug-in hybrids, and ‘cars with a plug’ accounted for two in five of all new vehicles sold.

Petrol is still the single biggest fuel type, however, with a year-to-date share almost twice as large as electric cars.

What’s more, the 23.1 percent year-to-date share for electric cars is still some way off the 33 percent figure demanded by the ZEV Mandate.

“The mounting cost of compliance threatens to limit consumer choice, overall decarbonisation and the sector’s competitiveness,” warned Mike Hawes.

“The need for a rapid review of the transition to align policy with market realities is unchanged, else Britain’s attractiveness as a vehicle market and manufacturing hub will be put at risk.”

Most-registered cars in April 2026

After the shock of the Jaecoo 7 becoming the UK’s best-selling new car in March 2026, the Ford Puma returned to the top of the registrations chart in April.

Indeed, the Jaecoo only just made the top 10 last month. The Chinese firm will be buoyed by the performance of its sister brand, though, with the Omoda 5 placing sixth – ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Tiguan and MG HS.

The Kia Sportage returned to second place, both in April and the year-to-date figures, with both well clear of the Sunderland-built Nissan Qashqai in third.

The Mini Cooper was another British-built car to rank in the top five in April – a better performance than the year-to-date figures, which place it only ninth.

Top 10 best-selling cars: April 2026

1: Ford Puma – 4,211 cars

2: Kia Sportage – 3,645

3: Nissan Qashqai – 2,846

4: Volkswagen Golf – 2,845

5: Mini Cooper – 2,577

6: Omoda 5 – 2,308

7: Vauxhall Corsa – 2,236

8: Volkswagen Tiguan – 2,234

9: MG HS – 2,146

10: Jaecoo 7 – 2,099

Do you see any surprises in the latest new car sales figures? Are you one of those looking to buy a new electric car – or are you sticking with petrol? Let us know in the comments.

Is it illegal to drive after taking hay fever tablets?

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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May 2, 2026

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Do you welcome in the summer months with a sneeze? If you suffer with hay fever, bear in mind that taking medication before getting behind the wheel could mean you risk prosecution – or even a driving ban. You have been warned.

The same traffic laws apply to over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed drugs as to illegal substances. If your driving is impaired by hay fever medicine, you could end up with a criminal record. Not forgetting the risks of causing an accident, damaging your car and endangering the lives of yourself and others, of course.

Neil Worth, road safety officer at GEM Motoring Assist, explained: “Some medicines, including those used to treat hay fever, can have an effect on your ability to drive safely. They could make you tired, dizzy or groggy, and they can compromise your vision and reaction time.

“That’s why it’s so important to check with your GP or pharmacist, and to read any warnings on the labels of the medicines you plan to take.

Advice for hay fever sufferers

Here is a quick safety checklist for drivers who take hay fever medicine – consider these points carefully:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medicine might affect your ability to drive. Be particularly careful if you are using a medicine for the first time.
If you experience potentially dangerous side effects from a medicine, don’t drive. Take public transport, book a taxi or organise a lift from a friend if you need to travel.
If you find a medicine is making you tired, ask if a non-sedating alternative is available. Studies have shown feeling sleepy at the wheel can impair your judgement as much as drinking alcohol.
It’s not just prescription medicines that can cause drowsiness and other potentially dangerous side-effects. Check with your pharmacist if you plan to use an over-the-counter drug, too.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any risks first. If you’re unsure about the warnings on the medicine label, don’t drive.

More than half drive after tablets

A study by comparison website Confused.com found that 58 percent of drivers who suffer from hay fever said they had driven a car shortly after taking medication, despite many remedies impairing performance behind the wheel. A worrying 10 percent said they had noticed adverse effects when taking prescription drugs.

It is illegal to drive if you’re unfit to do so because you’ve taken legal or illegal drugs. You could also be prosecuted if you have certain levels of illegal substances in your blood.

Legal medication is covered by the same drug-driving laws as the likes of cocaine or cannabis. Drivers are advised to consult the UK Government website for a list of the prescription medicines affected by the legislation.

‘Check the medication thoroughly’

Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards at IAM RoadSmart, explained: “If you are stopped by the police after taking a hay fever remedy and driving whilst impaired you could find yourself falling foul of drug-driving regulations.

“Be sure to check the medication thoroughly and see if it is suitable. But most importantly, concentrate on your route to recovery. That way you can get back onto the road sooner rather than later.”

IAM RoadSmart has the following advice for hay fever sufferers:

Ensure your car is clean and dust-free. Operate the air conditioning or ventilation to your advantage. Changing the pollen filter regularly is important, too.
Arrange to see your GP if you feel under the weather. If you haven’t been diagnosed with hay fever but need medication, avoid driving.
Blurred vision and drowsiness can be side-effects of over-the-counter medicines. Popular remedies for a runny nose and sneezing symptoms can also affect your driving.
If you need anti-histamine, take non-drowsy ones. If you’re unsure, read the leaflet or speak to your pharmacy.
When you sneeze at the wheel, you travel up to 50ft with your eyes closed. If you need to get somewhere but don’t feel well enough to drive, ask somebody else to help. The risk simply isn’t worth it

If in doubt, talk to your pharmacist and always read the label when taking medicines. Enjoy the sunshine, but always put safety first.

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You can play new Forza Horizon 6 at the British Motor Museum

By

John Redfern

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May 1, 2026

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Forza Horizon 6 uses Japan as its setting, but will feature an array of British-made cars as part of its extensive virtual garage

The British Motor Museum will host a special exhibition dedicated to the forthcoming Forza Horizon 6 video game.

Due to be released on 19 May 2026, Forza Horizon 6 will continue the hugely successful open-world racing franchise, with Japan the backdrop for the latest instalment.

Being developed by Midlands-based Playground Games gives the Forza Horizon series a strong connection to the UK automotive industry – prompting the British Motor Museum to celebrate the latest Microsoft Xbox title.

To mark the launch of the new game, the museum will host the UK’s first Horizon Experience exhibition, which runs from May to November 2026.

This will include an action-packed launch event on Saturday 23 May 2026, with Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, booked to officially open the Horizon Festival and Experience.

A one-day Forza Horizon festival

British Motor Museum Forza Horizon Experience

The British Motor Museum’s special one-day launch event will feature a huge display of iconic Japanese cars, along with a drift demonstration by precision stunt driver Tessa Whittock.

There will also be live music, gaming vans to allow attendees to experience playing Forza Horizon 6, and a host of food trucks to boost the festival vibe.

Developers from Playground Games will be present to talk about the process behind creating the new Forza Horizon title. Experts from RobocodeUK will also be running workshops to teach video game coding. Sessions can be booked through the British Motor Museum website.

After the initial launch, the Horizon Experience will continue to host an Xbox interactive zone, allowing museum visitors to play Forza Horizon 6.

Digital and physical car culture

The museum will display a number of cars featured in Forza Horizon 6. These range from JDM classics like the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Honda NSX-R, to new British cars such as the Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

A Lotus Emira, Jaguar C-X75 and Ariel Atom 500 will be other highlights, joining a Subaru Impreza 22B STI – and even a cult-classic Peel P50.

Peter Armstong, CEO of the British Motor Museum, said: “The British Motor Museum has always been a place where stories of motoring come to life. This exhibition allows us to take that further than ever before, to create a space where digital and physical car cultures meet, inspire one another, and are shared with new generations.

“Partnering with Playground Games enables us to connect with audiences in entirely new ways, and to position the museum firmly at the centre of this evolving cultural landscape”

Tickets for the Forza Horizon 6 Experience launch event can be booked now. The first 2,500 visitors will receive a limited-edition Forza Horizon-inspired wristband.

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