Tesla reveals cut-price Model 3 and Model Y

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October 8, 2025

The Tesla Model Y Standard will cost from $39,990, and come with an official range of 321 miles

Tesla has launched lower-priced versions of the Model 3 and Model Y in the USA. The new models are intended to turn around the company’s struggling sales.

Following a 12 percent drop in vehicles sold during the second quarter of 2025, Tesla is making an attempt to win back customers.

Although the American marque was expected to reveal a low-cost version of the Model Y SUV, the cheaper Model 3 sedan came as a surprise.

Tesla’s reductions will help offset the impact of the U.S. government ending federal EV tax credits. These previously reduced prices by $7,500 (£5,500).

Model 3 cut back to the EV essentials

In the United States, the Model 3 Standard will cost $36,990 (£27,500), representing a $5,500 (£4,100) saving over the rest of the range.

On the outside, the Model 3 Standard has 18-inch Prismata wheels and a choice of just three paint finishes.

A stripped-out approach is taken to the interior, with cloth upholstery, a manually adjustable steering wheel, and no FM radio or rear touchscreen. Following recent revisions, the Model 3 will also come with indicator stalks in place of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.

Tesla has not confirmed full technical details, but the Model 3 Standard offers an official range of 321 miles based on EPA testing.

No glass ceiling to Model Y ownership

The new Tesla Model Y Standard costs $39,990 (£29,750), undercutting Premium trim by $5,000 (£3,700), and offering a battery range of 321 miles.

A similar pared-back strategy has been applied here, with the panoramic glass roof removed, along with the FM radio and subwoofer for the sound system.

Cloth upholstery is used inside, and there are manual side mirrors and a manually adjustable steering wheel. When it comes to climate control, there is no longer a HEPA filter to provide protection against bioweapons.

Owners of both the Model 3 and Model Y in Standard trim will have to use their smartphone to lock and unlock their car. No physical key is provided.

Tesla intends to release lower-priced cars for other worldwide markets, with more details expected soon.

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Munro is the bold new car company from Scotland

By

John Redfern

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October 7, 2025

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The Scottish-built Munro EV M-Series all-electric 4x4 is aimed at customers in the mining, defence, and construction sector

Volume car production will return to Scotland for the first time in more than five decades.

Glasgow-based Munro has announced a £2 million investment from Elbow Beach Capital, allowing it to increase production capacity.

With 246 existing orders for the M-Series electric 4×4 already placed, the extra injection of cash will help Munro speed up its plans to deliver completed vehicles.

The current order bank is worth more than £17 million. Increasing Munro’s manufacturing capacity is expected to generate 300 new jobs at its Glasgow facility.

Helping industry to decarbonise

Earlier this year, Munro delivered the first completed examples of the M-Series. Denbighshire Council in North Wales and the Gleneagles Hotel resort in Scotland both took delivery of the electric off-roader.

The company is now targeting annual production of up to 5,000 vehicles, primarily aimed at the mining, defence and construction sectors.

Munro says that while the electrification of passenger vehicles has accelerated rapidly, the commercial 4×4 sector remains largely dependent on diesel.

Munro’s targeted industries are noted as being under pressure to ‘decarbonise operations’, with mining alone responsible for 4-7 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Proudly made in Scotland

The Munro M-Series is offered with two powertrain options, and comes with permanent all-wheel drive as standard. Customers have a choice of three body styles: utility van, pickup truck and a chassis cab intended for conversions.

When fully charged, the Munro EV’s 85kWh battery pack provides a range of around 170 miles. It offers a payload capacity of more than 1,000kg, too.

Prices for the M-Series start at £75,995 excluding VAT. A host of options allow the electric off-roader to be tailored to specific business needs.

Following the announcement of new investment, CEO of Munro EV Russel Peterseon said: “This investment validates the critical need for zero-emission solutions in heavy industry.

“Mining companies, defence interests and construction firms are actively seeking alternatives to diesel-powered vehicles, both to meet sustainability targets and reduce operational costs. The M-Series delivers on both fronts without compromising the performance these industries demand.”

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The UK is now BYD’s biggest market outside China

By

Richard Aucock

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October 7, 2025

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The BYD Atto 2 small electric SUV is the firm's most recent new car launch. Prices start from £30,850

Chinese giant BYD is celebrating record September registrations that made the UK its biggest international market outside China for the first time.

With 11,271 cars delivered last month, BYD registrations rocketed by 880 percent year-on-year.

Notably, this means BYD outsold well-known brands such as Renault, Mini, Mazda, Honda and Dacia. The company also shifted more cars than EV arch-rival Tesla last month – becoming the UK’s second best-selling brand for electric cars.

So far in 2025, BYD has sold more than 35,000 vehicles in the UK, giving it a 2.2 percent share of the overall market.

Its September market share was a heady 3.6 percent, highlighting its fast-accelerating sales.

Seal U DM-i in sixth place

The Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV even earned itself a position in the top 10 new car best-sellers chart. With a sixth-place spot, it outsold the Hyundai Tucson, MG HS, Volkswagen Golf and Volvo XC40.

“I am so proud of our team and retailer partners,” said BYD UK country manager Bono Ge.

“This is 100 percent their result and is testament to their continued hard work and determination in driving BYD forwards and spreading the word about our brand up and down the country. To become the largest overseas market for BYD… makes me immensely proud.”

Ge added that the product pipeline will include more BYD EVs and plug-in hybrid cars to be launched in the coming months. BYD has also just celebrated its 100th UK retailer opening.

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Book your free ride in this orchard-themed Vegas limo

By

John Redfern

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October 6, 2025

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The Las Vegas strip is no stranger to outlandish limousines, but a truly unique creation will hit the street this October.

Created to promote the new Blazin’ Apple flavor of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, the “Orchard Overdrive” is anything but subtle.

Based on a stretched Hummer, this high-riding green limousine measures some 14 feet in length, with an elaborate design both inside and out.

For those who want to grab attention in Sin City, Orchard Overdrive will be available to book for free hour-long rides later in the month.

Branching out in Sin City

Featuring a neon green livery, Orchard Overdrive comes complete with an elaborate display of apple trees on its roof.

There is also a bespoke hood ornament depicting the Fireball Whisky mascot holding an apple. The orchard theme continues inside the Hummer, too.

“Fireball has always thrived where nights ignite and fun blazes brightest – and there’s no better stage than Las Vegas,” said Danny Suich, brand director for Fireball. “To launch Blazin’ Apple, we didn’t just want an orchard – we wanted one that could keep pace with the Strip.

“We took a typical orchard and turned it into Vegas’ ultimate spin. This bookable experience is as flashy as the Vegas marquees, as tasty as a fresh apple orchard in fall, and bursting with personality that goes toe-to-toe with the city’s energy.”

Make others green with envy

Starting from 10am EST on Wednesday 8 October 2025, anyone aged over 21 can book a ride in Orchard Overdrive through a dedicated website.

The 60-minute experience will be completely free, with space for up to eight people inside the bright green limo. Appropriately, Fireball Blazin’ Apple shots will be provided, along with Fireball-branded merchandise.

Want to explore the streets of Las Vegas? Slots will be available between 1pm and 1am, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to Fireball, there is no limit on what Orchard Overdrive can be used for. It could even serve as the most dramatic wedding car to arrive at a Vegas chapel…

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A record number of new EVs were sold in September

By

John Redfern

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October 6, 2025

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September 2025 New Car SalesSeptember 2025 New Car Sales

The latest new car registration figures reveal more than half of the new cars that hit UK roads in September 2025 were electrified.

Some 50.8 percent of the 312,887 vehicles registered had some form of electrification, including fully electric cars and hybrids.

A record number of EVs were registered in a single month. The total of 72,779 battery-electric cars represents a 29.1 percent increase compared to September 2024.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) noted the positive effect of the government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme on EV sales.

Electric Car Grant drives sales

The SMMT found that electric cars eligible for the ECG recorded a 36 percent increase in sales, compared to 26.9 percent for non-qualifying EVs.

Many manufacturers have introduced their own electric car offers and discounts separate to the ECG, in a further boost for the EV market.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Electrified vehicles are powering market growth after a sluggish summer – and with record ZEV uptake, massive industry investment is paying off, despite demand still trailing ambition.

“The Electric Car Grant will help to break down one of the barriers holding back more drivers from making the switch – and tackling remaining roadblocks, by unlocking infrastructure investment and driving down energy costs, will be crucial to the success of the industry and the environmental goals we share.”

Diesel demand down

Demand for diesel cars continued to fall. The fuel type accounted for four percent of new models registered during September 2025.

Only 12,609 new diesel-powered cars joined the road last month: a 28.2 percent drop compared to September 2024.

Pure petrol cars recorded a modest increase of 2.4 percent against the same month last year. However, for the year to date, petrol models have shown an overall 8.2 percent decrease in sales, as electrified models continue to surge.

Petrol does remain the most popular fuel choice, however, accounting for just under half (47.5 percent) of all car registrations.

Kia Sportage finished first

The Kia Sportage emerged as the top-selling model during September, with 9,455 vehicles registered.

This helped the Sportage in its ongoing battle with the Ford Puma to become the best-selling car of the year. Ford’s compact SUV finished in second place, with 8,310 registrations for the month.

In third place was the Nissan Qashqai, on 7,218 registrations, followed by the award-winning Jaecoo 7 in fourth position.

SUVs occupied eight of the top 10 spots in September’s best-selling models list, with only the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf bucking the trend.

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Tesla brings back the indicator stalk – and adds even more range

By

Richard Aucock

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October 6, 2025

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The ‘precision-engineered’ indicator stalk from the Tesla Model Y will now be used by the updated Model 3

New Tesla Model 3 cars will once again have an indicator stalk. The change comes after customers firmly rejected the steering wheel buttons introduced on the facelifted ‘Highland’ model.

The revision, says the American company, is part of its ‘better-over-time’ philosophy. It will apply to all new cars ordered from now on.

Notably, the subsequent facelift of the Tesla Model Y saw the indicator stalk retained; the same ‘precision-engineered’ component will now be used by the updated Model 3.

The change comes as Tesla again boosts the range of every version of both the Model 3 and Model Y. The improvement is thanks to upgraded battery packs with higher-density cells that deliver more energy.

Electric range up to 466 miles

The entry-level Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive now has a 323-mile range when fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, up from the previous 318 miles.

Stick with the standard 18-inch wheels and the range goes up even further, to 323 miles.

The longest-range model, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, now has a 466-mile range, a 30-mile improvement over its previous 436-mile range.

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive can now travel 445 miles between charges, up from 421 miles. And the Model 3 Performance has been boosted from 328 miles to 355 miles.

New forward-facing camera

Telsa has also fitted a front-facing camera to the Model 3. Located at the front of the car, it gives ‘an expanded view of the surroundings on the centre screen’. It should be useful when parking and at tight junctions.

Notably, it has both a fluid washer system and integrated heating, to prevent fogging and ensure it stays clean in grotty weather. The camera is already fitted to facelifted Model Y.

Speaking of the Model Y, the updated battery packs increase range there, too – the Long-Range All-Wheel Drive now offers up to 390 miles, for example, a big boost on its previous 364-mile range.

Best of all, prices remain unchanged, with the Tesla Model 3 range starting from £39,990 (or £299 a month via a Tesla PCP). The Model Y starts from £44,990 (or £349 a month). Ordering, says Tesla, is open now.

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Toyota and Honda have the best brand loyalty in the USA

By

John Redfern

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October 3, 2025

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Toyota owners have proven themselves the most loyal in the United States for the fourth year in a row.

The 2025 J.D. Power Automotive Brand Loyalty study found that Toyota scored the highest for mass-market car brands yet again.

Almost a third (62 percent) of Toyota owners purchased another car from the same brand, representing a minor decline from 62.5 percent the year before.

J.D. Power notes this loyalty comes amidst trade tariffs adding ‘greater volatility’ to the new car market, as buyers seek out brands with strong reputations.

Toyota and Honda claim the mass market

Honda ranked second for mass-market car loyalty in the 2025 J.D. Power study, with a rate of 55.5 percent.

However, Honda emerged on top when it came to mass-market SUVs, taking the top prize for the second year in a row.

Some 62 percent of Honda SUV owners went back to buy another. Honda was followed by Subaru in second place, with a 60.6 percent loyalty rate.

“Brand loyalty matters to vehicle buyers because it’s often associated with higher residual values, making vehicles from trusted brands a more financially sound choice over time,” said Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of data and analytics at J.D. Power.

Porsche owners remain loyal

In the premium car market, Porsche remained the brand with the greatest owner loyalty for a second year in a row.

The German marque scored 58.2 percent, representing a slight increase from the previous year. Mercedes-Benz remained in second position on 49.7 percent.

For premium SUVs, Lexus kept its position in first place for the second consecutive year, but with a reduced score of 57.4 percent.

With a loyalty rate of 54 percent, BMW again ranked as the second-best brand for premium SUVs.

Average loyalty below 50 percent

In the all-important truck segment, Ford emerged as the top brand for the fourth year in succession.

The Blue Oval’s brand loyalty score of 66.6 percent represented an increase on its 2024 score. Toyota was in second place on 61.2 percent.

Tyson Jominy explained that “buyer loyalty tends to weaken when shifting to a different vehicle segment. Not only that, but changing market conditions, such as increased availability of models, varying age of products and more aggressive incentive offers, have also brought brand loyalty back below 50 percent after finishing at 51 percent last year.

“Brand loyalty averages 49 percent across all nameplates and segments in this year’s study.”

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Kia K4 prices revealed: new hatchback to cost from £25,995

By

John Redfern

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October 3, 2025

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Following Kia’s announcement that its K4 hatchback will be coming to the UK, prices and specifications have now been confirmed.

The distinctive new C-segment family hatchback promises a substantial amount of interior space and in-car technology.

Adding to the Kia K4’s appeal will be highly competitive pricing, which sees the entry-level Pure model listed at £25,995.

This undercuts many of the K4’s closest competitors in the hatchback class, including the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia.

Bargain prices for petrol hatchback

Three trim levels will be available for the Kia K4 at launch, combined with five different powertrain options.

Kia has promised a full hybrid K4 model will join the range in future. However, the initial range is based around a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, plus two versions of a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol. Don’t even think about asking for a diesel…

The £25,995 starting price applies to the Kia K4 Pure equipped with the 1.0 engine and a manual gearbox. An optional dual-clutch automatic transmission takes the price to £27,495.

Standard equipment on the K4 Pure includes LED headlights, climate control air-con, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels and Onyx Black cloth upholstery.

Strong standard specification

All versions come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12.3-inch central infotainment screen and 5.3-inch digital panel for the climate control system.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included, aided by three USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear.

Moving up to GT-Line spec will cost from £29,995 with the 1.0-litre engine, or up to £31,295 with the 150hp version of the 1.6-litre motor. Both cars use the DCT automatic gearbox.

GT-Line trim brings 17-inch alloy wheels, bespoke exterior styling, privacy glass, a three-spoke steering wheel and artificial leather upholstery.

Seven-year warranty included

Topping the Kia K4 range is the GT-Line S, requiring £33,995 in 1.0-litre guise. Choosing the most powerful 180hp version of the 1.6-litre engine will cost £36,195.

GT-Line S trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, black artificial leather upholstery, a sunroof, wireless smartphone charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

All K4s come with Kia’s impressive seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, with service intervals of 12 months or 10,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Orders can be placed at Kia dealerships now, with the first UK cars expected for delivery before the end of 2025.

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Hyundai slashes prices of Ioniq 5 EV for 2026

By

John Redfern

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October 3, 2025

0

Hyundai has announced dramatic price cuts of up to almost $10,000 for the 2026 model year of its Ioniq 5 electric SUV.

Depending on the version chosen, Hyundai will slash prices by between $7,600 and $9,800 compared to the current 2025 car.

Every Ioniq 5 in the lineup, excluding the high-performance N model, benefits from a sizable discount for 2026.

However, even remaining examples of the 2025 model-year Ioniq 5 are eligible for $7,500 purchase and lease initiatives to make the electric SUV more attractive – even as federal EV tax credits come to an end.

Hyundai sales up overall

Hyundai experienced a huge uptick in Ioniq 5 sales during September 2025: a 152 percent increase compared to the same month last year.

The imminent ending of federal EV tax credits is likely to have been a substantial driver for sales. Even so, the Ioniq 5 has seen a 36 percent rise in sales numbers during 2025 so far.

This helped Hyundai report its best ever September for overall vehicle sales, with 71,003 cars and trucks finding new owners.

According to Hyundai, cutting Ioniq 5 prices will “align with current market dynamics”, while also supporting increased U.S. production volumes.

Giving the Ioniq 5 a boost

Hyundai’s new pricing structure sees the entry-level Ioniq 5 SE RWD Standard Range, powered by a single 168 hp electric motor, reduced from $42,600 to $35,000.

However, the most substantial EV discounts are on the SEL trim level. Both versions receive $9,800 price cuts, dropping the RWD Ioniq 5 to $39,800, and the AWD version to $43,300.

Even the 320 hp off-road-prepared Ioniq 5 XRT has $9,225 deducted from its list price. It now starts from $46,275.

“Hyundai is taking bold steps to ensure our award-winning Ioniq 5 remains a top choice for EV buyers,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.

“This pricing realignment reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional technology and innovation without compromise.”

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Hyundai Palisade can be customized with your favorite NHL team

By

John Redfern

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October 2, 2025

0

To coincide with the return of the National Hockey League (NHL), Hyundai has revealed a special edition of its Palisade SUV.

Based on the three-row 2026 Palisade Hybrid, the NHL Edition brings a host of bespoke design touches, plus some hockey-themed accessories.

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Inspired by the success of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe NHL Edition, the new Palisade could be the perfect family transport to and from hockey practice.

It also affirms the Korean brand’s role as the Official Vehicle of the NHL, National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), and National Hockey League Alumni Association (NHLAA) in Canada.

A seven-seat slapshot

Using range-topping Ultimate Calligraphy Hybrid trim as its starting point, the Palisade is powered by 2.5L turbocharged hybrid engine with 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.

The Palisade NHL Edition also comes solely in an exclusive “Creamy White” matte exterior finish.

A dual-pane panoramic sunroof is included, along with 21-inch alloy wheels. The latter can be finished with center caps showing the buyer’s favorite NHL team.

On the inside, the NHL Edition features Grey Charcoal Nappa leather upholstery, a Bose 14-speaker sound system, a head-up display, and integrated front and rear dash cams.

Other highlights include Luxwood door sills, branded carpet mats, and a TuxMat cargo tray and floor liners. As with the wheel center caps, all of these can be customized with an NHL team logo.

As an added bonus, buyers will also receive a special ‘Hyundai x NHL’ branded’ Yeti cooler – and will be entered into a prize draw to win a trip to a 2026 Stanley Cup Final game.

Hockey Night in Canada only

There is a catch to the NHL Edition, though. Just 500 examples will be made, with all cars destined for the Canadian market.

Available to order now, prices for the Hyundai Palisade NHL Edition start from CAD $68,899 before destination and delivery fees.

“Hockey is more than a sport in Canada, it’s part of our national identity. For us at Hyundai in Canada, we’re proud to say it’s part of our brand identity,” says Steve Flamand, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada.

“With the 2026 Palisade NHL Edition, we’re proud to celebrate the passion of hockey fans across Canada by bringing fans a bold, premium SUV that reflects the spirit of the game. This special edition is a tribute to our ongoing partnership with the NHL and a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with Canadians from coast-to-coast.”

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