Dealer growth in the UK, Polestar’s largest global market, has already outpaced this in 2026.
Overall, Polestar’s global sales grew by seven percent in Q1 of 2026 to an estimated 13,126 cars, says the NASDAQ-listed firm.
“There was a strong performance in key markets such as Australia, Germany, Sweden, South Korea and the UK,” said CEO Michael Lohscheller, “testament to the hard work of our teams and our established brand position”.
The UK’s fastest growing premium brand
Sharp growth in Australia was particularly noteworthy as it came on the back of heightened concern around energy prices, particularly oil prices, due to the conflict in Iran.
Lohscheller said the performance shows resilience, “with market conditions becoming more challenging amid ongoing geopolitical developments”.
Around a third of Polestars sold in 2026 thus far were delivered to customers in the UK. Sales are up 12.3 percent year-to-date, with Polestar now bigger in Britain than Lexus, Jeep, Fiat and Alfa Romeo.
“Polestar UK has seen a record Q1 and remains the fastest-growing premium brand,” said UK MD Matt Galvin.
“We have seen a significant uplift in interest owing to ‘pump anxiety’ replacing the outdated term of ‘charging anxiety’.”
Motoring Research recently spoke to Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller. Look out for the full interview soon
Kia has announced the sale of its 100,000th electric car in the UK – becoming the first Korean brand to reach that milestone.
Described as a landmark achievement by bosses, it has taken Kia just over 11 years to break the 100,000 electric cars barrier.
Notably though, it has taken the firm just five years to jump from 10,000 EVs to 100,000 – and just three years to double the 50,000 figure reached in 2023.
“The milestone of reaching 100,000 EV sales is a significant landmark for Kia UK,” said president and CEO Paul Philpott.
“In a relatively short space of time, we have gone from strength to strength, steadily building our EV line-up, and have seen customer demand increase in line with our product desirability.
“We now have one of the industry’s most complete EV line-ups… further cementing ourselves as a leading player in the EV market.”
Kia EVs in the UK
Kia’s UK electric journey began in November 2014 with the Soul EV. With a 27kWh battery, it offered 132 miles of range, and only a few hundred sales a year were forecast.
Things accelerated in April 2019 with the launch of the Kia e-Niro. This had a far larger battery, delivering a 282-mile range, and sales responded accordingly.
Today, Kia has seven dedicated EVs, comprising the ‘EVx’ car and ‘PVx’ commercial vehicle ranges. Broadly, there’s an electric equivalent for every petrol or diesel car Kia sells.
The 100,000th Kia EV sold was an EV5 in Iceberg Green. The landmark sale was made on 11 March 2026 – and sales have continued to grow, with the latest figure standing at almost 105,000.
The next EV to launch will be the Kia EV2, the company’s smallest and most affordable EV yet.
Automatic gearboxes dominate the new-car marketplace, with less than a quarter of models now offered with three pedals.
Analysis of data covering the top 30 car manufacturers reveals that only 67 of the 292 new vehicles currently available in the UK can be ordered with a manual transmission.
Online automotive marketplace CarGurus, which conducted the research, says the number of cars offered with a manual gearbox has declined by two thirds (66 percent) in the last 10 years
In 2016, some 197 cars were sold with a manual ‘box. The number offered has also tumbled by 18 percent since 2025.
Automatic for the people
Conversely, the number of cars offered solely with an automatic gearbox has increased substantially.
The UK now has eight brands in the top 30 that only sell models equipped with an automatic transmission, with Fiat and Honda being the latest additions. Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Volvo, Mini, Tesla and Lexus are the other marques that exclusively offer automatics.
This represents a 60 percent increase in automatic-only marques during the past two years.
Given the growing significance of Chinese brands in the UK, and the ongoing rise of electrification, the number of vehicles without a manual option looks set to increase.
Outside of the top 30 brands, new entrants BYD, Omoda and rapid-selling Jaecoo together offer 15 new models, none of which are available with a manual transmission.
Three pedals for enthusiasts
Manual transmissions have generally become the preserve of enthusiast-targeted models, rather than affordable entry-level cars.
Examples include the BMW M2, Toyota GR Yaris, Porsche 911 Carrera T and Mazda MX-5 – all of which are marketed with three pedals.
Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK editorial director, said: “Manual gearboxes are becoming increasingly rare in the new car market, now making up just under a quarter of all models. Over the past decade, the number of new manuals has more than halved, reflecting the wider shift towards automatic, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Yet for drivers who still value the engagement and control of a traditional gearbox, the used market still offers a wide variety of options.
“From compact hatchbacks to sporty coupes, enthusiasts can still find vehicles that deliver the connection and enjoyment of a manual. Our research highlights that while new manual cars are declining, there has never been a better time to explore the used market.”
Chris Bond is head of motor retail and a business tax partner at accounting and consultancy firm, BDO. He explains his concerns about the forthcoming, mileage-based eVED tax system – and how it could slow the adoption of electric cars.
Charging for electric car mileage will be with us by 2029, thanks to the UK Government’s proposed new eVED system. How this will work is an important consideration for the automotive industry – and indeed for the British public.
While I support the principle of a mileage-based system, there are key issues of fairness, administration and user-confidence yet to be addressed in the proposals. To work properly, the final legislation will need to create a simple, transparent and cost-effective system that aligns with the real-world behaviour of drivers and car dealers.
I agree that a mileage-linked duty is logical. However, it may be seen as unfair because it disadvantages drivers of smaller cars, which damage the road less than heavy SUVs. A better option would be to have a tiered structure that reflects vehicle kerb weight.
Estimates ‘vulnerable to manipulation’
My major concern, though, is the government’s suggestion that motorists will have to estimate their annual mileage for the year ahead. Such a system would clearly be vulnerable to error and manipulation. Instead, in BDO’s response, we have recommended fees based on the previous year’s mileage as being clear, verifiable and easily understandable.
For new car owners with no historic mileage, national average assumptions might be used. These could then be corrected once verified personal mileage data becomes available.
Clearly, garages that perform MOTs and car servicing will become accredited mileage-check providers. Extending this reporting to service bookings for new electric cars (which aren’t due an MOT for the first three years) could be integrated into existing systems without much difficulty.
eVED technology needs to be proven
For the longer-term, technology-based solutions are the obvious answer. Data from EV charging points, smart-meter-style integrations and domestic charger apps could eventually support accurate monthly billing. However, the mandatory adoption of such solutions should only occur once the technology is proven, which is unlikely until the mid-2030s.
Until then, annual mileage verification by accredited providers will remain necessary. This will also provide confidence for drivers, as they can see a paper trail.
If the government is fixed on an estimated mileage approach, this will probably have to come with a differential pricing structure to discourage frequent under-estimation. For example, a higher rate could be applied to any additional miles if the final certified figure is more than 20 percent higher than the driver’s estimated mileage.
Also, to retain flexibility for life events that could alter driving habits (the car’s owner starting a new job, for instance) such a system should allow motorists to update their estimated mileage during the year. No doubt, HMRC will insist on some form of penalty regime to address misuse, yet this all seems rather like overkill compared to a previous-year mileage approach.
The problem of taxing leased vehicles
Regardless of which system is adopted, providing drivers with an online eVED account with the DVLA will be important to help them manage payments and other vehicle information efficiently.
For leasing businesses, variable eVED charges may introduce new complexities, particularly where the lessor currently pays the car tax. Annual mileage accreditation would require data sharing between motorists, leasing companies and the DVLA.
To mitigate these challenges, BDO has suggested fixed mileage charges for three years, based on annual mileage averages, for electric cars that are leased. Options such as mileage banding could also be explored for fairness.
I really hope the government doesn’t go down the in-year mileage estimation route. Unless the eVED charge, due in 2029, is simple to use and perceived as fair by all parties, it could hit future sales and leasing uptake for electric cars. And that would be a bad outcome for us all.
The award-winning Toyota GR Yaris has been upgraded for the 2026 model year.
Having won four consecutive World Rally Championship constructors’ titles, Toyota Gazoo Racing has used its motorsport expertise to modify the hot hatchback.
The changes follow the launch of a special Aero Performance version of the GR Yaris last year, which used lessons learned from the Japanese Rally Championship for its dramatic new bodykit.
The updates for the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris are much more subtle, and will be evident to only the most ardent hot hatchback aficionado.
However, they reflect Toyota’s continuing commitment to the GR Yaris, some five years after the car was first launched.
GR Yaris updates in detail
Having analysed five years of data from racing and rallying, Toyota has identified the components damaged through motorsport, and taken feedback from its drivers.
This has resulted in a smaller steering wheel, reduced in diameter by 5mm to 360mm. Toyota says this will enable faster inputs during spirited driving.
The grip area on the steering wheel has also been redesigned, along with the layout of the switches. This is said to aid competition drivers, who might often turn the wheel through 180 degrees without repositioning their hands.
The buttons have thus been moved further away from where the driver’s hands would be.
A gripping story continues
Another change for the GR Yaris is the fitment of new high-grip Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres. Toyota’s geekiness even extends to a revised tread pattern and new rubber compound, designed to boost grip on track days.
Upping the grip level from the tyres has also meant retuning the front and rear suspension dampers, along with the car’s power steering.
Toyota has left the GR’s 1.6-litre turbocharged engine untouched. It still develops the same 280hp, which is channelled through a four-wheel-drive system.
UK prices and availability for the updated GR Yaris will be confirmed by Toyota later this year.
The younger half-brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamiton, Nic Hamilton raced in the BTCC last year with the Un-Limited Motorsport team.
This year, however, Hamilton will drive a Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance operated by Team Vertu. Run by Excelr8 Motorsport, Team Vertu won both the BTCC drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in 2025.
Throughout his BTCC career, which has spanned seven seasons and 10 years, Hamilton has struggled with off-the-pace cars, frequently leaving him at the back of the grid. His best finish to date has been a sixth place at Donington Park.
Now, for 2026, Hamilton will have access to the same car used by two-time BTCC drivers’ champion, Tom Ingram.
An inspiration for disabled athletes
Hamilton is the only driver with a disability to have competed in the BTCC. The Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance has been specially adapted for his needs.
Justina Williams, owner of Team Vertu, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Nicolas into our team for the 2026 season, and to have him at the wheel of our Draper Tools car.
“The way Nicolas has battled against the odds to achieve his dream of competing on-track despite his disability is well documented. He is an inspiration to many for the way he has never given up on that dream.
“We feel we can give Nicolas the tools to really show what he can do this season and are looking forward to working with him to reach his goals during the year ahead – one of which is to stand on the BTCC podium with the team.
“We’ll be working hard with him to make that happen.”
Giving it everything for 2026
Draper Tools will be the title sponsor of Hamilton’s Hyundai. The partnership is intended to continue until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Nicolas Hamilton said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining such a strong outfit in Team Vertu and Excelr8 for this season. Throughout my career, I have struggled for funding and budget, which meant I found myself in less competitive equipment.
“Thanks to my 2026 partners and the team’s long-standing partner, Draper Tools, I can now step into a more competitive package, and that is a really special and exciting moment for me. I have worked harder than ever over the winter to build my strength and fitness to improve my disability and I will be giving absolutely everything I can to be as competitive as possible.”
Hamilton recently tested the Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance at Snetterton, and will be back behind the wheel for the season launch event at Brands Hatch.
The 2026 BTCC season begins in earnest on Saturday 18 April at Donington Park, with a qualifying race ahead of Sunday’s main event.
New data reveals that Toyota is the leading car brand for reliability when it comes to buying used.
Vehicle warranty specialist Warrantywise examined more than 1.6 million data points, covering vehicle repairs made between 2023 and 2026.
This allowed the company to identify which used vehicles are the most dependable, along with typical repair costs, to produce a reliability score out of 100.
In the 2026 edition of the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, Toyota emerged as the standout marque, with four vehicles in the top 10. Making Toyota’s performance more impressive is that its result spanned a broad range of vehicles, from superminis to SUVs.
Keep reading as we count down the top 10 models in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index.
=9th. Suzuki Swift
We start with the Suzuki Swift, tied in joint ninth position in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, with a score of 77.5 out of 100.
The Swift is a popular choice for new drivers, where reliability is often vitally important due to limited budgets. Last year, the Young Driver road safety training organisation ordered a fleet of 170 Suzuki Swifts, chosen to replace the unreliable Vauxhall Corsas it had used previously.
When it comes to repairs, a used Suzuki Swift had an average cost of £723.39 according to Warrantywise research. The most expensive repair claim was for a substantial £3,993.47.
=9th. Kia Ceed
Tied in ninth position with the Suzuki Swift is a family hatchback that helped to establish Kia in the UK, aided by its strong reliability.
Although the standard Ceed hatchback is no longer on sale (now replaced by the new K4), it proved a popular choice with British buyers. A standard warranty of seven years or 100,000 miles helped demonstrate the Korean marque’s confidence in its product.
Despite the long manufacturer warranty, older examples of the Kia Ceed will be well outside this window. Warrantywise’s Used Car Reliability Index shows the car should still prove a dependable choice, however, with a score of 77.5 out of 100.
Average repair costs for the Kia Ceed were £709.10, although the largest bill was for £5,069.30 – the highest of any car in this top 10.
=7th. Suzuki Vitara
Another Suzuki claims joint seventh position in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, with the Vitara SUV sharing the spoils.
Developed across numerous generations, the Vitara is a no-nonsense SUV, typically chosen by drivers who depend on them. Such is Suzuki’s pride in its reliability, the company now offers a warranty of up to 10 years for vehicles that are serviced regularly at its franchised dealers.
With a score of 78 out of 100, even older used examples of the Suzuki Vitara are reliable according to Warrantywise research. The most expensive repair request was for £2,753.84, but the average cost was a more reasonable £689.70.
=7th. Citroen C1
Sharing joint seventh position with a score of 78 out of 100 is the Citroen C1. This is the first of three city cars based on the same platform – all of them made in the same factory in the Czech Republic – to feature in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index top 10.
A joint project between Toyota and PSA (Peugeot and Citroen – now both part of Stellantis) led to the C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo. Great reliability should make all of them very affordable to run.
Average repair costs for the Citroen C1 came in at £659.87, although the most expensive request submitted to Warrantywise was for £4,356.
6th. Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux has a reputation for being virtually impossible to break, as highlighted by its starring roles on Top Gear. The versatile pickup truck claimed sixth position in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index.
Typically used as a workhorse by farmers and tradespeople, livelihoods can literally depend on a Hilux being reliable. A score of 78.4 out of 100 suggests it certainly is.
Given the size of the Hilux, a highest repair request of £6,503.57 is not so surprising. Average repair costs were also the second highest across the top 10 here, at £1,436.72.
5th. Peugeot 108
Entering the top five, here is the next of the Czech-made city car trio. The Peugeot 108 scored 78.9 out of 100 in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index for 2026.
The 108 ceased production in early 2022, when Toyota took full control of the factory. This means even the youngest examples are now over four years old, and therefore outside their factory warranty period.
Average repair costs recorded by Warrantywise for the Peugeot 108 are consistent with the Citroen C1, with a typical request of £702.29. The most expensive repair request was slightly lower for the Peugeot, at £3,546.
4th. Toyota RAV4
One of three Toyotas in the top four, the RAV4 also lays claim to being the most reliable used SUV. Considering the complexity of the modern RAV4 and its hybrid drivetrain, its dependability is impressive – with a score of 79.9 out of 100.
A RAV4 did accrue the highest average repair cost of the whole top 10, with a typical bill of £1,731.04. Yet a peak repair bill of £4,750.34 suggests that, when the RAV4 does go wrong, it can be expensive.
Across the Toyota vehicles in the top 10, electrical systems and clutch trouble were the most frequently reported reasons for a repair. Nonetheless, Toyota still recorded the best result of any car brand.
3rd. Toyota Aygo
Despite sharing a platform with the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, the Toyota Aygo emerges as the most reliable of the three related models.
However, it was not the most dependable city car in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, nor even the top-rated Toyota.
Aiding the Aygo’s performance was the second-lowest average repair cost, at £480.64. A maximum repair request of £1,587.60 is one of the lowest here as well.
2nd. Kia Picanto
Trying to find a new city car to buy in 2026 is no mean feat; manufacturers have culled many of their smallest offerings in recent years. Buying used may thus be more appealing for UK drivers who want a compact car.
The Kia Picanto is one of the few remaining new city cars on sale, and it demonstrates the potential to be a dependable secondhand purchase. It scored 86.8 out of 100 in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index, just missing out on the top spot.
Average repair costs of £403.49 for the Kia Picanto were the lowest of any car in the top 10, as was a most expensive repair request of £1,316.16.
1st. Toyota Yaris
Leading the way in the Warrantywise 2026 Used Car Reliability Index is the Toyota Yaris, with a score of 89.2 out of 100. It marks the second year in succession the Yaris has emerged on top, and crowns an exceptionally strong showing for Toyota.
On the rare occasions it does go wrong, the Toyota Yaris has an average repair cost of £888.90. The most expensive request was for £2,334.55.
Antony Diggins, managing director of Warrantywise, said: “When looking at the total cost of ownership for a used vehicle, it’s very important to consider reliability within this. Our Reliability Index helps give consumers a clearer picture of how different used vehicles perform over time, using real-world insights drawn from the used cars we support every day.
“Toyota continuing to lead the rankings shows how consistent some brands can be over time. Models like the Toyota Yaris build a strong reputation for reliability year after year, which is why they remain such popular choices in the used car market.”
The April event will celebrate the vee engine, with displays of both road and race cars, while Hangar 113 will mark a century of the Bicester Technical Site. A pioneering aircraft will be flanked by period cars.
20-21 June: Icons of Porsche, Sunstede Silverstone Edition
A festival dedicated to Porsche, to mark 75 years of the brand in the UK. It will be hosted at the Porsche Experience Centre Silverstone and will include demonstrations of Porsche race and road cars on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. Tickets will be available from April with more details here.
27-28 June: Heveningham Concours, Suffolk
28 June: Ford Nationals, British Motor Museum
July 2026
3-5 July: British Grand Prix
5 July: National Metro & Mini Show, British Motor Museum
Look back at the 2026 events calendar so far… which of the below events will be on your radar for 2027?
20-22 February: Race Retro
For many enthusiasts, Race Retro marks the start of the annual events calendar. This year, there’s live action from 120 rally cars, historic race exhibits, celebrity motorsport talks and more. There’s also a flagship auction on Saturday 21st February, with cars once owned by Richard Hammond, Richard Hamilton and even King Charles II!
20-22 March: Classic Car & Restoration Show
Rustic gems, resto projects and pristine classics is the promise of the NEC Classic Car & Restoration Show. Over 1,300 classics are expected, from 160 car clubs, and more than 230 cars will be on sale, too. Meet star experts including Derek Mathewson, Mike Brewer, Paul Cowland, Sheldon Nichols, Steph Holloway and more.
28 March: AUTOBEST Conquest Live Show
This is something all-new for 2026. AUTOBEST, the largest independent automotive awards jury in Europe, is holding its first live AUTOBEST Conquest event on 28 March – where the 2026 winner will be revealed. You can vote now from the six finalists… Motoring Research director and UK juror Richard Aucock has already cast his vote. Tune in on the night to find out which of the six will be crowned AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2026.
11 April: Food & Fuel, Bicester Motion
12 April: GTI Spring Festival, Santa Pod
16-18 April: Salon Privé London
18 April: Pride of Longbridge, Cofton Park, Longbridge
A wider range of Kia vehicles have gained eligibility for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme.
Last year, the Kia EV4 hatchback and PV5 Passenger van both qualified for the discount, which is intended to make EVs more affordable.
Further versions of the EV4 hatchback have now been added to the list of vehicles covered by the ECG – and the award-winning Kia EV3 compact SUV is eligible for the first time.
Based on the UK Government’s criteria for the ECG, both the EV3 and new versions of the EV4 qualify for a £1,500 discount off their respective list prices.
Kia EV3 priced from £31,555
The EV3 is one of the most successful Kia models of recent years, winning both the World Car of the Year and UK Car of the Year titles in 2025.
Becoming eligible for the ECG scheme should further boost the appeal of the EV3.
Entry-level ‘Air’ versions of the Kia EV3, in both 58.3kWh Standard Range and 81.4kWh Long Range specifications, will receive the £1,500 discount.
This will see the EV3 Air Standard Range priced from £31,555, with the Long Range Air variant starting from £34,555.
For those who want something a bit sportier, the EV3 GT-Line in Long Range battery guise also qualifies for the £1,500 discount, reducing its starting price to £37,995.
New Kia EV4 Motion added to lineup
Following the launch of the EV4 hatchback last year, Kia has added a further special edition that meets the ECG criteria.
Sitting between the GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels in the EV4 lineup, the new Motion model makes use of the 81.4kWh Long Range battery pack, combined with a 201hp electric motor.
A set of 17-inch alloy wheels is included, along with body-coloured door mirrors, black wheelarches and silver window trims.
The interior of the EV4 Motion features a combination of cloth and leather upholstery, plus heated front and rear seats, an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and surround-view parking cameras.
Taking the £1,500 ECG discount into account, the Kia EV4 Motion – which is only available in hatchback guise – will be priced from £38,995.
The Jaecoo 7 outsold the Ford Puma in March 2026 to top the official UK new car registrations chart.
The smash-hit Chinese SUV also became the only new car to clock up more than 10,000 registrations – a hefty 871 monthly registrations head of the second-placed Puma.
It means the Jaecoo 7 is now 559 cars ahead of the Ford Puma in the year-to-date registrations, with both cars pulling clear of the Kia Sportage in third place.
The best month since 2019
Registrations rose by 6.6 percent in March – typically the busiest month of the year for new-car deals. It was the best month overall since 2019, too.
Electric car sales also rose by almost a quarter compared to 2025, reaching a record high.
However, pointed out the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the EV market share of 22.6 percent is still a long way off the 33 percent demanded by the government’s ZEV Mandate.
Overall, electrified cars – that’s EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids – accounted for more than one in two new car sales, with a 51.4 percent share.
‘Headlines belie the costs’
“The strongest new car market since 2019, with the highest ever volume of EV registrations, is a boost to the industry and the economy,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“However, the headlines belie the costs incurred and the challenges involved.
“Much of March’s performance will be from orders placed before the start of the Iran conflict, which threatens to raise the cost of living, undermining consumer confidence.
“Against this backdrop, and with the EV market falling further away from mandated levels despite record levels of incentives, an urgent review of the transition is required to secure a sustainable market, economic growth and the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Urgent ZEV Mandate review
Last month, the car industry called for an urgent review of the ZEV Mandate, due to the electric car transition not happening as quickly as expected.
“The destination to electric has not changed and will not change,” said Hawes at the SMMT Electrified event in Westminster.
However, the ZEV Mandate is proving “just too far ahead of the market and the consumer… recognising the world of 2026 is not the one envisaged five years ago is not a retreat from ambition, it is a necessary step to achieving it”.
