How to drive past horses safely on the road

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October 12, 2025

Most car drivers understand the need to pass a horse ‘wide and slow’. Unfortunately, for some motorists, the message doesn’t seem to have got through.

Statistics from The British Horse Society reveal 58 horses died and 97 were injured on UK roads in 2024. A total of 80 people were injured, too. Some 3,118 incidents were reported to the equine charity over the 12-month period, with 81 percent due to vehicles passing too closely.

The deaths and injuries come despite new Highway Code guidance for equestrians, introduced in 2022. This states that vehicles must pass horses at no more than 10mph, and at a minimum distance of two metres.

The British Horse Society outlines four simple steps to take when passing a horse on the road:

Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
Be patient – DO NOT sound your horn or rev your engine
Pass the horse wide and slow, allowing at least a car’s width between your vehicle and the horse if possible.
Drive slowly onwards

‘Expect the unexpected’

Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has also issued advice on how to pass a horse safely on the road. It says drivers should expect the unexpected, and give the horse and rider plenty of room.

Jaimi McIlravey, a horse rider and digital content executive at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Please continue to be careful when driving close to horses. From personal experience, it’s not always a car that will spook a horse.

“You may be driving safely with enough gap between yourself and a horse and rider. However, something else may scare them, so be sure to stay alert.”

How to overtake a horse safely

Here are some easy-to-follow tips for passing a horse or group of riders on the road:

Slow down and hold back. The rider will indicate whether it is safe to approach and overtake. If they don’t, stay at least three car-lengths behind and be careful to not move into this space. Be prepared to slow down further or stop – any sudden movements or loud noises could upset the horse
Take extra care on rural roads – a horse could be around the next corner
Allow at least a car’s width when passing a horse and stick to a 10mph maximum, as stated in the Highway Code
On a narrow lane, where there isn’t enough room to pass a horse, the rider may decide to trot to the nearest gateway or grass verge. Do not accelerate to match the trot – stay back
If you see two riders side by side, it might be for safety reasons. Give them some consideration
Keep an eye out for signals from the horse rider
Accelerate gently when passing the horse and when moving away

If you are approaching a horse from the other side of the road, slow down and consider the use of hazard warning lights to alert any drivers behind you.

Above all, be patient and respectful. Saving a few seconds off your journey could endanger the life of a horse and its rider.

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Lamborghini Fenomeno stars at new flagship London showroom

By

Tim Pitt

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October 11, 2025

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The new flagship Lamborghini Mayfair showroom in Berkeley Square, London, has opened its doors this week.

Lamborghini has opened a new flagship UK showroom in Berkeley Square. The Lamborghini Mayfair site is positioned just across the road from arch-rival Ferrari, making life simpler for London’s supercar shoppers.

Hosting a champagne reception for 350 of the Italian marque’s best customers, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann toasted a “true destination showroom” that will complement the existing dealership in South Kensington.

“The UK is consistently in our top four markets worldwide,” added Winkelmann. “This London location also connects with our international clientele who regularly frequent this capital city.”

Fenomeno makes London debut

The dramatic backdrop for the Mayfair opening was a new Lamborghini Fenomeno: the 1,080hp hybrid hypercar that is limited to 29 examples worldwide.

According to Davide Sfrecola, head of Lamborghini UK, three cars from the production run – priced at upwards of £3 million each – were sold in London.

Visitors could also get up close with the new Lamborghini Temerario, which replaces the Huracan as Lamborghini’s ‘baby’ supercar. Powered by a turbocharged V8 and three electric motors, the Temerario serves up 920hp for 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 207mph. Come back to Motoring Research for a full review early next month.

A hub for Lamborghini owners

The new showroom is owned by H.R. Owen, which also operates dealerships for luxury automotive brands such as Aston Martin, Lotus, Maserati and Rolls-Royce.

Mayfair joins 11 other Lamborghini showrooms across the UK, including sites in Tunbridge Wells, Chelmsford, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh. “Each dealership might sell 30-50 vehicles a year,” says Davide Sfrecola, “but they also act as hubs for owners to meet, make friends and drive their cars.”

A total of 806 Lamborghinis were sold in Britain last year, split between the V12 Revuelto, outgoing V10 Huracan and hybrid V8 Urus SE SUV. Customers typically added around 30 percent to the base price of each car in personalisation, helping Lamborghini achieve record revenues of €3.09 billion (£2.69 billion) in 2024.

This time it’s personal

To get a taste of the options available, we’re taken downstairs to the ‘Ad Personam’ lounge by Lamborghini’s customisation experience manager, Camilla Keim. “Almost every Revuelto we sell has at least one item from Ad Personam,” she explains. “It’s the cherry on the cake for our clients.”

Lamborghini offers more than 400 off-the-shelf paint colours, including special multi-layered ‘chamaeleon’ shades that change colour in the sunlight. However, you can also choose a completely custom colour. “The story behind our Verde Scandal green is that an Italian model visited Lamborghini HQ and ordered a car in the same colour as her dress,” recounts Sfrecola. “Apparently, she took off her dress right there and left it with them – hence the ‘scandal’.”

Other Ad Personam touches range from paint containing genuine diamond dust to one-off cars with unique bodywork and interior trim – “the haute couture of personalisation,” says Keim.

Lamborghini Mayfair will offer two Ad Personam appointments per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, catering for those who want to make their new supercar or SUV more individual. The rest of us will just have to enjoy gawping through the windows. You can find the showroom on the corner of Bruton Street and Berkeley Square, W1.

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Chevrolet Bolt EV makes a shock return for 2027

By

John Redfern

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October 10, 2025

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The electric Chevrolet Bolt will return for the 2027 model year, with prices starting from under $30,000

Nearly two years after it was discontinued by General Motors, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has made a dramatic comeback.

Set to cost from just $29,990 in launch trim, the Bolt will be one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, following the end of federal EV tax credits.

Originally launched in 2017, the first-generation Bolt was a major success story for Chevrolet, with more than 60,000 examples sold before production ended in 2023.

With keen prices, and the promise of an official range of 255 miles when fully charged, Chevrolet will hope for a repeat performance from the reborn electric Bolt.

A Bolt from the blue

Powering the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt will be a 65 kWh battery pack, which is connected to a 210 hp motor mounted on the front axle. No performance figures have been quoted, but battery range and charging are likely to be more important to Bolt buyers.

The Bolt becomes the first ever Chevrolet to be fitted with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port as standard. This allows access to an array of different DC public fast chargers, including Tesla Superchargers, at speeds of up to 150 kW.

Being connected to a DC fast charger will allow the new Bolt to replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes.

Fully charged, the Bolt should be capable of up to 255 miles, based on Chevrolet’s initial estimates. Built-in Google Maps navigation will take battery charge into account when planning routes, too.

Google integration inside

Google applications form a major part of the Bolt’s infotainment system. Chevrolet’s Super Cruise driver assistance technology is also integrated with Google Maps.

The navigation software will show Super Cruise-enabled routes, telling drivers how many minutes of a road trip can be driven hands-free.

Voice commands can be used to set the climate control, change seat heating temperature, and even operate a remote garage door opener.

An 11.3-inch central touchscreen is standard, which is supported by an 11.0-inch digital instrument panel. To help pass the time when charging, applications such as Angry Birds, Prime Video, and HBO Max can be accessed through the Google Play store.

Back by popular demand

“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet.

“After production ended, we heard our customers’ feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back – by popular demand and better than ever – for a limited time.”

The first examples of the Chevrolet Bolt LT will be available earlier in the new year, along with a sportier-looking RS trim for the first time.

Later in the model year, a cheaper 1LT version of the Bolt will join the lineup, with a bargain starting price of $28,995.

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Car insurance auto-renewal costs drivers £560m a year

By

John Redfern

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October 10, 2025

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New analysis of trends in the car insurance industry finds nearly half of UK drivers still allow their policy to renew automatically.

Some 47 percent of drivers let their car insurance policy continue unchanged during 2024: a slight fall from 52 percent in 2021.

However, the penalty for such loyalty – or convenience, perhaps – is a collective total of £560 million in higher renewal premiums.

On average, the cost of a car insurance policy increased by £82 year-on-year, despite rule changes intended to stop ‘price walking’.

Insurance renewal costs remain high

In 2022, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced new regulations to try and prevent insurance companies charging existing customers more than new ones.

Despite this, average renewal costs are now higher than before the FCA’s new rules were brought in.

The average cost of a comprehensive policy in the UK now stands at £635, down slightly from a peak of £650 in late 2024.

Car insurers are now required to show the previous year’s premium price alongside the quote for renewal. Close to half of drivers surveyed said they did not notice this information, highlighting the lack of attention being paid at renewal time.

Take five minutes to shop for savings

Chris Richards, car insurance expert at SimplyQuote, said: “The FCA reforms have stopped the worst renewal mark-ups, but they can’t stop people ignoring their renewal emails”.

Just under a third (30 percent) of UK drivers said they shopped around at renewal time, but opted to stay with their current insurer. Around 15 percent said that switching takes too much effort, while one in five (20 percent) believed there are no savings to be made from changing insurers.

Insurance industry analysts believe this year will see only modest reduction in premium costs, with no major falls expected.

“Drivers can’t assume the system will save them money,” added Chris Richards. “The only real protection against overpaying is taking five minutes to check your renewal quote. If you haven’t done that, you’re almost certainly paying too much.”

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Two thirds say driving should be on the school curriculum

By

John Redfern

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October 10, 2025

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The Young Driver training scheme offers lessons to youngsters aged between nine and 17 years old

The Young Driver training scheme has proposed that driving should form part of the formal school curriculum, rather than young people needing to rely on lessons after they turn 17.

It follows a survey of 2,700 parents and grandparents across the UK, which found the majority supported the idea of teaching driving in schools.

Two thirds (65 percent) of those asked believed that adding driving to the school curriculum would be a positive move.

Start drivers young to boost safety

Young Driver has run 109 school events over the past year – with 4,500 children taking part – via its not-for-profit Young Driver Foundation.

Adrian Harding, who heads up the Young Driver Foundation, said: “The younger they begin, the more seriously they take the safety side of things. Eight out of 10 parents (82 percent) that we surveyed agree that children are more receptive to road safety concepts at an earlier age.

“Learning to be a good driver takes time, patience and experience. And to make it accessible to all, school is the best place to facilitate that. This is something we’d like to see the government really consider if they’re serious about young driver safety.”

One-in-five newly qualified drivers in the UK crashes within the first six months of passing their driving test. By comparison, only 3.4 percent of those who have completed a Young Driver course have a car accident.

Making a real-world difference

Young Driver’s survey also posed questions about the level of support for alternative road safety options, such as graduated driving licences.

Adrian Harding added: “Whilst the majority (67 percent) did agree with it in some form, one in four (23 percent) said they thought with proper education, a graduated licence wouldn’t be so necessary. Having delivered more than 1.5 million pre-17 driving lessons in the UK, we have seen first-hand the difference they can make to young driver safety.”

Young Driver offers children aged nine and over the chance to drive a dual-controlled Suzuki Swift, or a similar car, with a qualified ADI driving instructor. The lessons all take place on private land, but with realistic road layouts.

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Car theft: what to do if your vehicle is stolen

By

Motoring Research team

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October 10, 2025

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Nearly 63,000 vehicles were stolen in the UK last year, according to DVLA data. However, 20 percent of these (approximately 12,600 cars) were recovered within the first seven days.

Sadly, if your vehicle isn’t located during the crucial first week after a theft, the chances of getting it back drop dramatically.

For any driver, having your car stolen is a nightmare scenario, but quick action can boost your chances of recovering it. This includes using social media to get as many eyes on the car as possible. New digital platforms such as BringBackMyCar can improve the odds still further.

The first 24-hour window

Here are the three steps you should take straight away if you discover your car has been stolen:

Report the theft immediately. Contacting the police will give you a crime reference number. If the car is fitted with a tracker, alert the provider straight away. Many criminals will leave a stolen vehicle hidden nearby for a short ‘cooling-off’ period, so quick action can make all the difference to getting your car back.

Inform your insurance company. They will need the crime reference number and may also provide advice on next steps.

Spread the word. It may sound obvious, but being proactive can make a huge difference. Using social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook and neighbourhood WhatsApp chats can ensure more eyes are looking out for your stolen car.

Use digital channels for car recovery

In the past, drivers often relied on chance. A neighbour spotting something unusual on your driveway, for instance, or the car resurfacing weeks later. Today the landscape looks different, with well-known automotive influencers setting up informal ‘alert networks’ to help track stolen cars down.

The new BringBackMyCar platform takes this principle and makes it faster and more accessible. It allows owners to publish verified alerts, complete with photos, the car’s last-known location and distinguishing features on the vehicle.

This information is then shared across a network of users, allowing anyone who spots the car to upload a photo and notify the owner. What once relied on luck now can become becomes a coordinated, community-driven response to tackle car crime.

Prevention and trust

Recovery is only one part of the challenge, however. Even when cars aren’t found, they often resurface into the used market with falsified histories or are broken for parts that are difficult to trace.

This is where transparency in vehicle data becomes vital. From up-to-date MOT records to proof of ownership, clear and connected information makes it harder for stolen cars to slip back into circulation.

Pierre Tanguy, founder of the PitStop digital garage, said: “Car theft may not be going away, but the way we respond to it is changing. Acting quickly and making use of the digital tools available can dramatically improve your chances of recovery.

“Just as important is keeping your car’s history up to date, helping to build transparency and trust across the wider market for the future.”

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Drag-reducing kit launched for Tesla Model Y Performance

By

John Redfern

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October 9, 2025

0

Available for the 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance, the new aero kit includes five different elements

Owners of the latest Tesla Model Y Performance can now specify a full aero kit, designed for more than just looks.

California’s Unplugged Performance has developed the new multi-piece kit for 2026 model-year versions of the Tesla SUV.

In particular, updated “Juniper” versions of the Model Y Performance are the target for these aerodynamic components, which reduce drag at the same time as generating downforce.

Fully removable, the Unplugged Performance aero kit is intended to provide an OEM-style look for the 510 horsepower Model Y.

Designed to work together

Unplugged Performance Tesla Model Y Juniper

Elements of the Unplugged Performance kit can be purchased separately, but computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has been used to ensure all the parts work together.

At the front, a new splitter replaces the existing factory item. It is claimed to enhance mid-corner handling consistency, along with toughening up the Model Y’s looks.

A pair of canards attach to the front bumper, intended to manage high-pressure airflow to boost turn-in response.

The canards are matched at the rear by a set of fins on the Tesla’s rear quarters. These minimize turbulence to improve aero efficiency.

Available to order now

At the rear, Unplugged Performance has added a diffuser that extends the factory-spec bumper. A larger spoiler finishes off the Model Y’s makeover.

With all the parts installed, Unplugged Performance says the Model Y benefits from a 2.4 percent reduction in drag. The kit also generates 120 lb of downforce.

Although the latter is a relatively small figure compared to high-end hypercars, it represents an improvement over the lift generated by the standard SUV.

Orders for the new Model Y aero kit can be placed now, priced from $2,195. Fitting at Unplugged Performance’s facility in Hawthorne, California costs an extra $400. Deliveries of the first completed components are expected by the end of this year.

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Leapmotor B10 electric SUV prices to start from £29,995

By

Richard Aucock

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October 9, 2025

0

The new Leapmotor B10 is an electric family SUV with a 270-mile range and a competitive price from £29,995

The new Leapmotor B10, a family SUV to rival the Ford Explorer and Renault Scenic E-Tech, will cost from £29,995 when launched later this month.

The sub-£30,000 price tag comes courtesy of the firm’s £1,500 ‘Leap-Grant’.

This initiative mirrors the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant, for which the Chinese-built Leapmotor B10 is ineligible.

As with other Leapmotor models, there is just a single version of the B10. Plenty of equipment is included as standard, however, including a panoramic sunroof, 14.6-inch touchscreen, electric heated and cooled faux leather front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad.

The only option is metallic paint, which costs £575. It’s for those who don’t like the sole standard colour of metallic Starry Night Blue – supposedly inspired by a Vincent van Gogh painting.

What is Leapmotor B10’s electric range?

The new Leapmotor B10 has a 67.1kWh battery, providing a fully charged range of 270 miles.

With a decent maximum DC rapid charging speed of 168kW, it can go from 30-80 percent capacity in 20 minutes.

A 215hp electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-62mph takes 8.0 seconds.

Its suspension is quite sophisticated, with a multi-link rear setup that incorporates the electric motor. This is said to reduce weight by 19 percent.

How roomy is the new Leapmotor B10?

The new Leapmotor B10 measures 4515mm in length, making it a little larger than a Ford Explorer (4,470mm) or Renault Scenic E-Tech (4,468mm).

This is said to pay dividends inside, with the B10 offering ‘the largest passenger space in the segment, with 2,390mm from the rear seats to the front footwells’. Front and rear headroom is also class-leading.

The boot seems a little on the small side with the seats up, though, at 430 litres. This grows to 1,700 litres with the seats folded.

What does the Leapmotor boss say?

“Our mission from the outset was to be the best value for money EV brand in the UK by delivering the highest level of specification and the highest level of technology, all as standard,” said Leapmotor UK MD Damien Dally.

“And now we’re bringing that offering to the hugely popular family SUV market.

“The Leapmotor B10 is anther pillar of that bold promise. The car is extremely competitively priced and is jam-packed with high levels of technology on one simple, well-specified trim, making it easier than ever for drivers to make the switch to electric.”

Orders for the new Leapmotor B10 open later in October, with the first deliveries expected from early December.

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A budget Audi RS3? Cupra reveals five-cylinder Formentor VZ5

By

John Redfern

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October 9, 2025

0

The limited-edition Cupra Formentor VZ5 will make use of a 390hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine

The Cupra Formentor SUV will gain a new range-topping model powered by Audi’s turbocharged five-cylinder engine.

Cupra previously offered the Formentor VZ5 as a limited-edition model back in 2021. At the time, it was intended as a final halo offering before the Spanish brand pivoted to electrification.

However, when the VZ5 first arrived in the UK, cars were only available in left-hand drive.

Now, more than four years later, the VZ5 is making a comeback, with right-hand drive models included as part of the planned production run.

Five cylinders of fun

There is no explanation for Cupra’s change of heart, so we can only assume someone uncovered a stockpile of 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged Audi engines to slot into the Formentor once again.

Generating 390hp and 354lb ft of torque, the sonorous five-cylinder engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive is standard, with an integrated torque splitter for extra agility.

Other upgrades for the fastest Formentor include a bespoke front bumper, a front splitter with a VZ5 logo, widened wheelarches and large rear diffuser housing copper-coloured tailpipes.

Model-specific 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted, along with Cupra bucket seats and ambient lighting for the interior. Paint options will span a range of matt and metallic colours, intended to highlight the ‘crossover SUV’s aggressive aesthetic’.

‘Commitment to performance and emotion’

Sven Schuwirth, executive vice-president for sales at Cupra, said: “The return of the Cupra Formentor VZ5 is a bold statement of our commitment to performance and emotion. With its iconic five-cylinder engine, this model embodies the essence of Cupra — daring, unconventional and driven by passion.

“For the first time, the Cupra Formentor VZ5 will be available in both left- and right-hand drive, opening the door to car enthusiasts in markets such as the UK.”

Production of the Formentor VZ5 will be capped at 4,000 examples worldwide, with the first completed models expected to leave the line in early 2026.

More details on how many VZ5s will be allocated to the UK, along with prices, will be announced closer to the start of production.

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Skoda celebrates 130 years with the fastest Fabia ever

By

John Redfern

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October 9, 2025

0

The fastest road-going Skoda Fabia to date will be available later this month, priced from £29,995

This year sees Skoda reach its 130th anniversary – and the Czech marque is celebrating with a special edition Fabia.

Based on the range-topping Monte Carlo, the new Fabia 130 becomes the fastest production version of the Skoda supermini.

Inspired by Skoda’s decades of rallying success, the design and engineering of the Fabia 130 was undertaken by the brand’s Technical Development team.

It marks the first Fabia hot hatch in more than a decade, following the demise of the second-generation vRS model.

Fabia engages Sport mode

Powering the Fabia 130 is an enhanced version of Skoda’s turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, generating 177hp and 184lb ft of torque.

With a 27hp boost over the regular Monte Carlo, the Fabia 130 now accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. Top speed is 142mph.

Skoda has revised the dual-clutch transmission so the Fabia holds onto more revs when upshifting. It also makes faster downshifts when Sport mode is engaged.

The Fabia 130’s suspension has been lowered by 15mm, giving a bolder stance on 18-inch ‘Libra’ alloy wheels.

Big performance, big price

Buyers will have a choice of four exterior colours for the Fabia 130: Moon White, Velvet Red, Race Blue and Black Magic. All come with a gloss black roof and mirror caps.

A subtle front splitter and rear diffuser are fitted, along with a more substantial roof spoiler and dual-tailpipe exhaust system. Skoda has added ‘130’ badges to the boot and front wings for good measure.

Inside, sports seats are combined with a three-spoke steering wheel and stainless steel pedals. Grey and black decorative trim is found on the dashboard, with special ‘Fabia 130’ sill tread plates.

As the top model in Skoda’s supermini range, the Fabia 130 will command a premium price, costing from £29,995.

Skoda dealerships will begin accepting orders for the hottest Fabia from 30 October 2025.

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