Toyota bZ4X prices have been cut by a whopping £6,000, meaning the range now starts from £36,995.
Notably, this takes it below the £37,000 Electric Car Grant (ECG) barrier – even though the bZ4X, which is built in Japan, hasn’t yet been accepted into the government grant.
Toyota’s move could indicate it is eager for the electric family SUV to qualify for the grant, which gives a saving of either £1,500 or £3,750.
Cannily, only the entry-level Toyota bZ4X Pure has had a price cut to under £37k – but, if it is accepted, all versions currently on sale will benefit from a saving.
The Toyota bZ4X Motion costs £46,025 and the Vision costs £49,910. All share the same 71.4kWh battery and 204hp front-wheel drive electric motor.
Nissan earlier used the same ‘loophole’ to ensure almost the entire range of Ariya electric SUVs benefit from the £1,500 Level 2 ECG – even though only one of them costs under £37k.
Government rules for the ECG include a sustainability focus on production location, with ‘greener’ countries being prioritised.
The fact Nissan’s Japanese-built Ariya has been included in the ECG indicates the Japanese-built bZ4X is likely to qualify too.
Toyota bZ4X Electrified Savings
Toyota has also introduced a range of ‘Electrified Savings’ across its full range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric models.
This mirrors Electric Car Grant savings, but notably brings those hybrids and plug-in hybrids into the mix too. The ECG is restricted only to electric cars.
Savings will be available at Toyota dealers until 30 September.
In a further interesting move, the only model to benefit from the full £3,750 Toyota saving is the bZ4X EV. The discount is valid on Pure, Motion and Vision models – which could take the price of the entry-level model down even further, to just £33,245.
As electric cars become more mainstream, so car insurance companies are responding with a greater choice of policies and lower premiums.
The aim is to address concerns among EV early adopters that they were paying more for car insurance than petrol and diesel drivers.
New analysis from Consumer Intelligence shows 11 new car insurance products began quoting for EVs on a major price comparison site last year. This compares to just three or four for petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles.
Premiums are falling, as the expansion in repair networks means damaged EVs can be fixed more quickly.
A richer set of claims data is also helping. It shows that the risk profile of EV drivers is becoming similar to that of petrol and diesel drivers. Consumer Intelligence says some electric car insurers have cut prices by nearly 20 percent as a result.
Being more competitive is paying off for insurance companies, too. One increased its ‘EV quotability’ (the frequency at which it quotes) by 40 percent. This earned it a 12 percent increase in its share of the top five quote positions.
More confident EV insurance
“As battery electric vehicles become more mainstream, insurers are no longer treating them as niche risks,” said Consumer Intelligence chief executive Ian Hughes. “That’s creating space for more confident, competitive pricing.”
EV premiums do remain relatively high, acknowledges the insights company. While they may be involved in fewer incidents generally, EV claims tend to be more expensive due to the need for specialist repairs and battery complexity.
Interestingly, London – an EV hot spot – remains a particular issue. Prices were higher in the south east of England than the north west due to differences in traffic congestion, car theft and claim rates.
“While electric vehicle sales remain just short of the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate target of 22 percent,” added Hughes, “the trajectory is unmistakable. The shift is accelerating and insurers are responding.”
You will often see the acronym ‘APR’ used in car advertising. It stands for ‘Annual Percentage Rate’ – in other words, the total cost of borrowing a certain amount of money for 12 months.
The APR includes the interest you will pay on the car finance, along with any fees associated with the borrowing.
Let’s say you borrowed £10,000 over three years to buy a new car. If the APR is five percent, the finance company will calculate this five percent rate in years one, two and three. The lender will then add it onto the amount of money borrowed and split the total into 36 monthly payments.
Although the monthly repayments are fixed, the earlier payments will include more interest but less of the loan balance. Things change towards the end of the finance period, when the repayments include less interest and more of the balance.
The APR rate will vary depending on the type of car you choose, plus any special offers available. In recent times, higher interest rates have made finance less affordable – not only for cars, but also for mortgages and other types of loans.
Representative APRexplained
There’s a big difference between actual APR and representative APR. Both are calculated in the same way, but representative APR means that only 51 percent of the applicants may actually get the rate advertised. Up to 49 percent of borrowers will be offered a different rate of APR, while some people could be rejected altogether.
The rate could potentially be higher than advertised, which means borrowing could be more expensive than the example presented in the advertisement. As explained by Confused.com: ‘the pitfall of this is that many people would assume that the representative APR is what they’d get. Then when the loan is agreed, the rate can shoot up and make paying the loan off more difficult to manage’.
Exact APR – also known as personal APR – means the advertised APR is the rate you will pay when borrowing. If a car is advertised with an exact rate of three percent, that’s the rate you will be offered. So you know the exact amount you have to repay.
Need more help? This quick video from Volkswagen explains representative APR in a nutshell.
Always treat representative rates as a guide only. And ensure you know exactly how much you’ll have to pay each month before you sign the paperwork.
Restomods divide opinion like a famous jar of yeast extract, but clearly they are here to stay. And rightly so in our opinion – these modified classic cars are more exploitable and exciting to drive than almost anything sold new in 2026.
We have driven some truly fabulous restomods, including cars based on iconic Porsche, Land Rover and Ford models. Here are some of our favourites. Our choices are presented in alphabetical order.
Callum Aston Martin Vanquish 25
Ian Callum designed the original Aston Martin Vanquish, so if anyone has the right to create a Vanquish restmod, it’s him. After retiring as Jaguar’s director of design, the Scot established his own consultancy, creating the Vanquish 25. There are 350 modifications, including a 10mm drop in ride height, 60mm wider track, 20-inch alloys and a reworked 6.0-litre V12 engine. The result is 580hp, around 60hp more than a post-2004 Vanquish S, plus a top speed of 200mph.
We said: ‘A lower seating position and smaller steering wheel also enhance the sense of connection. Back at base, listening to the tick of cooling exhausts, I’m feeling a bit more positive about life after 2030. Maybe, when the world forges into an electric future, car enthusiasts can get their kicks in the reimagined past. I’m not sure what Callum is working on next, but if you’re reading this, Ian, a modernised Escort Cosworth would be just brilliant’.
The David Brown Mini eMastered is arguably the perfect car for Londoners (assuming they can afford the £150,000+ price tag). It’s electric, so there’s no need to worry about the ULEZ charge or those acoustic traffic cameras. A range of 110 miles from an 18.8kWh battery is probably enough for most city-dwellers. And the small battery means it weighs just 640kg – about the same as an original Mini.
We said: ‘When you’re not stuck in traffic or chatting to curious tourists, the Mini is also irrepressibly fun to drive. The latest, BMW-built Mini promises “Maximum go-kart feel”, but this is the real deal. Steering response is instant, acceleration feels lively and the battery-boosting regen brakes are strong and progressive. The rising whine of the electric motor is oddly reminiscent of an A-Series engine, too.’
The Paul Bracq-designed W113 SL ‘Pagoda’ was one of the most beautiful cars of the 20th century. Not everyone will approve of Everrati’s electric conversion, but there are few better (or more elegant) ways to travel. The standard SL conversion comes with a 54kWh battery, but Touring spec adds the Helix electric motor used in the Lotus Evija and Aston Martin Valkyrie, plus a 68kWh battery for a range of 200 miles.
We said: ‘Like all such restomods, the Pagoda is fiercely expensive – close to £400,000 before you even factor in the cost of a donor car (which Everrati can source for you). Nonetheless, for the privileged few who can afford it, this is an elegant and rather wonderful way to travel.’
Although we have included the Ford Escort by Boreham Motorworks amongst our favourite restomods, this is technically a brand new car. Each Mk1 is built from scratch, with Ford’s official blessing, using continuation chassis numbers from where the original car left off in 1975.
Boreham Motorworks has more projects planned, but it has started strong with a homage to the hugely successful Alan Mann Racing Escorts of the late 1960s. With 205hp and a kerb weight of just 795kg, the reborn Ford Escort offers a very visceral experience compared to modern sports cars.
We said: ‘Those are the aspects you need to think about; the rest all comes down to feel. Whether it’s drifting around Brands Hatch in the BSCC or sliding through Welsh forests in the Lombard RAC Rally, the Mk1 Escort is celebrated for its ability to go sideways – and finding that balance at the limit of grip is key to driving it quickly. You sense the car pivot around you in corners, making small adjustments to the throttle and steering angle to maintain your angle of attack. It’s immensely satisfying.’
Rather fittingly, Frontline is based in Abingdon, close to the former MG factory, which closed its doors in 1980. The last car out of the door was an MGB, but the LE60 is a very different beast. Powered by a 375hp Rover-derived 4.8-litre V8 engine that is good for 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds, it has a top speed of 170mph.
There are numerous other upgrades, which is to be expected for a car that costs upwards of £211,000 (plus the price of a donor MGB). For those who prefer their restomod with a 1950s look, Frontline has also created the beautiful MGA Factory Edition.
We said: ‘With its pumped-up wheelarches, widened stance and sawn-off tailpipes, the LE60 clearly takes no prisoners: an impression heightened when the 4.8-litre V8 rumbles raucously into life. Surrounded by supple leather in a hand-formed aluminium tub seat (shaped to fit the buyer’s backside), the view ahead says “British sports car” while the soundtrack yells “Detroit muscle”‘.
As its name suggests, the Kamm 912C is based on a four-cylinder Porsche 912, but the car is far removed from the original – built between 1965 and 1969. JPS Aircooled stretches the 1.6-litre engine to 2.0 litres, adding individual DBW throttle bodies, electronic fuel injection and a custom stainless steel exhaust.
The result is 190hp in a car that weighs just 750kg. Other upgrades include a competition clutch, ZF limited-slip differential and AP Racing disc brakes. Kamm offers the 912C in both coupe and open-top Targa forms. It has also introduced a more comfort-orientated 912T, aimed at those who prefer a softer setup.
We said: ‘It really works on British B-roads. Passing SUVs on country lanes is a sensor-squawking, buttock-clenching ordeal in most modern supercars, but the slim-hipped Porsche (nearly 400mm narrower than a Cayman) rarely needs to slow down. Wind off the adaptive dampers and it’s relatively supple as well, holding its line and responding to the smallest inputs through the lovely Momo Prototipo wheel.’
Land Rover Defenders have long been the subject of restomod conversions, but Kingsley Cars has chosen a different focus. Instead of using the utilitarian 4×4 as its base, the Oxfordshire-based firm has enhanced the Range Rover Classic.
Engine options start with a 270hp 4.6-litre Rover V8, and stretch to modern Chevrolet V8s for more burble and go. Kingsley adds a bespoke and modernised interior, tackling the ergonomic issues of the original Range Rover, while also delivering meticulous, hand-crafted build quality.
We said: ‘In a world where a flagship Range Rover SV costs £178,290, and a fully loaded Mercedes G-Class will set you back £208,375, perhaps paying a quarter-mill for a reimagined Rangie seems less outlandish. I’d certainly rather be seen driving one than a brash Bentayga or unsightly Cullinan.’
Unlike many of the restomods on our list, the Mythron Cars reimagined Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite costs less than six figures. Indeed, a price tag of £65,000, including a donor car, means this enhanced British classic delivers plenty of value for money.
With such tiny dimensions, and a kerb weight of less than 600kg, upping the Healey’s output to nearly 120hp makes for performance that is certainly ‘sprightly’. And only 16 examples will be made, guaranteeing exclusivity.
We said: ‘The Healey FRT’s chassis feels alert and excitable – perhaps too much so on pockmarked surfaces, where I suspect the softer FR version would fare better – yet it doesn’t have the tied-down feel of a modern track-focused car. There’s still plenty of scope for playfulness here, encouraged by a short wheelbase and complete lack of electronic driver aids.’
The Theon Design recipe is not dissimilar to the Singer style of restomods. Start with a Porsche 964 Carrera, ‘backdate’ it with retro styling inspired by early RS and ST models, then dial up the performance.
Each car is built to the customer’s specification, with a choice of three naturally aspirated engines: 3.6, 3.8 or 4.0 litres. If that’s not enough, Theon can add forced induction through supercharging or turbocharging, and offers a Targa model for open-air thrills.
We said: ‘Granted, this is still a powerful rear-drive machine with no electronic safety net, so you need to plan and manage your inputs carefully. But that added frisson of excitement, and sense of connection, is a major reason to own a car like this. If you want ultimate fire-and-forget performance, just buy a 992 Turbo S.’
Thornley Kelham has developed a strong reputation for its restomod builds, winning awards with cars like its Lancia Aurelia ‘Outlaw’. Now, the company has turned its focus to the Porsche 911, with the aim of recreating some of the greatest hits from the sports car’s back catalogue.
Unlike many Porsche restomodders, Thornley Kelham uses an older ‘G Series’ 911 as its starting point, making the car lighter from the outset. Lengthened, lightened and lowered, the European RS gains RSR-style bodywork, plus a host of engine options. There is even a 3.6-litre flat-six that revs to 10,000rpm.
We said: ‘Rocketing between bends, the 911’s neutral to tail-led balance feels fantastically exciting. Its steering bubbles over with fulsome feedback, while the manual shift, with its extended lever and artfully exposed linkage, is knuckly and precise. Above all, you sense the car’s lightness and lack of inertia.’
Twisted Automotive has spent a couple of decades seeking to improve the original Land Rover Defender without eroding its charm. One option is the Twisted T110 in either five- or seven-seat guises, complete with a choice of powertrains. These include a Ford-sourced 2.3-litre turbo four, GM 6.2-litre V8 or a fully electric conversion.
The engine is just the start of it, though. Twisted offers an array of upgrades designed to modernise the Defender experience (without simply buying a new one from Land Rover). The company has also given the Suzuki Jimny the restomod treatment, for those who like their modified 4x4s on the smaller side.
We said: ‘With the Defender TVS, Twisted has managed to retain the spirit and character of the original, but with a more-than-healthy dose of extra performance. There’s certainly no more hate from me here.’
UK owners of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars are wasting millions of pounds each year by failing to take advantage of cheaper charging.
By paying to recharge their vehicle at full-rate electricity prices, British motorists are collectively spending £70.9 million more than is necessary.
Analysis by charge point manufacturer Andersen EV notes there are now around 865,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles in the UK.
However, some 21 percent of PHEV owners do not have a smart charging device at home, meaning they are missing out on the opportunity to use low-cost, night-time electricity tariffs.
Charge smarter to save money
Of the 181,650 PHEV owners without a smart charger, Andersen EV estimates that almost two thirds (65 percent) should have access to off-street parking.
As a result, these drivers could potentially have a smart charger installed – and therefore be able to use off-peak charging tariffs.
Such tariffs can be as cheap as around £0.07 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which compares to the average full-rate tariff of £0.25 per kWh.
This means some 118,254 PHEV owners typically spend an extra £599.94 on charging each year, equating to the estimated total of £70.9 million.
Learn from EV owners
According to the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) data, some 124,528 new PHEVs have been registered in the UK this year.
Owners of these vehicles could potentially make savings of more than £10.2 million over the next 12 months, should they make use of smart charging devices.
David Martell, CEO of Andersen EV, commented: “While growing numbers of battery electric vehicle (BEV) motorists have discovered they can save huge sums of money by having a smart home charging unit, many PHEV drivers have not taken heed of this opportunity and changed their charging behaviours.
“PHEVs have evolved considerably over the past 10 years. From typically having small batteries capable of 15 to 20 miles just a few years ago, today’s PHEVs can have a battery range in excess of 70 miles, with drivers able to run purely on electric for the vast majority of their weekly motoring.”
Gordon Murray Automotive brought California’s Monterey Car Week to a standstill with the first of its new bespoke hypercars.
Known as the S1 LM (for Special One Le Mans), the car is a very obvious tribute to the legendary McLaren F1 LM.
Limited to five examples, just like the original McLaren, the road-legal S1 LM also launches the new Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) division.
Part of the existing Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) business, GMSV will focus on one-off builds and heritage-inspired custom commissions.
Return of the Mac
Making its racing debut in 1995, the competition-spec McLaren F1 GTR claimed a dominant victory at that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
To celebrate this success, McLaren created five examples of the F1 LM, in recognition of the five cars that finished the race at Le Mans.
Three decades on, hypercar specialist Lanzante has already launched its own F1 LM homage – the McLaren 750S-based 95-59 – revealed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
However, as the designer of the original F1, a celebratory model penned by Professor Gordon Murray himself is arguably the truest tribute.
All that glitters is gold
The S1 LM makes use of the existing Gordon Murray T.50 hypercar as its starting point.
Every carbon fibre body panel is different to the T.50, and designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind – along with creating a visual link to the McLaren F1 LM.
Notable details include a deep front splitter, roof-mounted air intake, substantial rear diffusers and a huge dual-element rear wing. GMSV has ditched the downforce-generating rear fan found on the T.50, putting all the emphasis on a new aero kit instead.
Removing the fan has also liberated space to expand the naturally aspirated V12. An increase in displacement to 4.3 litres, along with lightweight internals and higher compression ratio, results in more than 700hp. As before, the engine remains capable of revving to more than 12,000rpm.
A bespoke Inconel exhaust system has 18-carat gold-foiled heat shielding. The four tailpipes are mounted centrally as another nod to the F1 LM.
Old-school driving experience
As with the GMA T.50, the S1 LM makes use of a traditional six-speed manual gearbox. The linkage has been improved to deliver ‘short rifle-bolt throws’, helping to ensure an analogue driving experience.
GMSV has given the S1 LM a bespoke suspension setup, with new geometry, unique damper settings and a lowered ride height.
Being based on the GMA T.50 also means that, like the McLaren F1, the S1 LM has a three-seat cabin layout, with the driver positioned in the centre.
The interior combines classic elements from the F1 LM, along with modern digital components. High-end materials add some luxury to this motorsport-inspired special.
All five cars already sold
Following the S1 LM’s debut in Monterey, Professor Gordon Murray said: “I love timeless design. I never want us to join the race to make the most outrageous looking supercar at the expense of balance, beauty and proportion. Look at the result, the car is timeless and beautiful.”
Sadly, all five planned examples of the S1 LM have already been sold to the commissioning client.
GMSV has not disclosed the price tag, but LM-specification examples of the McLaren F1 have sold for more than £14 million at auction. It means even such a bespoke hypercar is likely to be (a little) more affordable than the original.
The first example of the S1 LM should be completed in early 2026. GMSV will then embark on further bespoke car commissions.
The majority of UK drivers are missing out on the chance to use their 4×4 off-road, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 drivers, conducted for Jeep, has found that more than half (58 percent) were unaware of their rights to drive off the beaten track.
Thousands of miles of unsurfaced ‘green lanes’ exist across the UK, which drivers are able to access.
However, almost three quarters (72 percent) of respondents said they were unaware of what a green lane actually was.
Driving on green lanes
Jeep has therefore started a collaboration with the Green Lane Association (GLASS), along with TreadLightly UK, to help 4×4 owners make the most of the new vehicle.
Some 78 percent of survey respondents said they would not know where the closest green lane to them was.
Now, Jeep dealerships will have access to GLASS mapping software, allowing them to highlight potential routes to be explored. Local GLASS representatives will also be available to offer extra advice.
Almost one-in-five (19 percent) of those questioned said off-road capability was an important factor in a new vehicle purchase. Despite this, 25 percent of respondents admitted that their current car was not at all capable of off-road driving.
Time to explore the world
Along with showing Jeep drivers where to find their nearest green lane, the new collaboration also aims to boost knowledge about driving off-road. Only nine percent of drivers surveyed said they would feel confident in heading off tarmac.
As a result, Jeep dealerships will also offer off-road test drives to potential customers, allowing them to experience directly what their new 4×4 could be capable of.
Kristian Cholmondeley, managing director of Jeep UK, said: “Jeep vehicles allow people to get outside and explore the world around them. This partnership with GLASS allows us to not only educate our drivers on what our cars can do, but how to do so with care.
“We hope to encourage customers to get out on the green lanes of the UK and experience the off-road capabilities of our vehicles including Wrangler and new Avenger 4xe, both of which allow drivers to reach their full adventurous potential.”
A new limited-edition Lamborghini has taken a bow at Monterey Car Week in California – with a ferocious V12 engine proudly at its heart.
Named the Fenomeno, the hybrid hypercar showcases the Italian marque’s future design language, and scales new heights of performance.
The Fenomeno also celebrates the 20th anniversary of Lamborghini’s in-house Centro Stile design studio, located in Sant’Agata Bolognese and currently led by Mitja Borkert.
Production of the Fenomeno will be limited to just 29 examples. This places it among Lamborghini’s exclusive ‘Few Off’ series, which has also included the Reventon, Centenario and reborn Countach.
Racing-inspired aerodynamics
Stephan Winkelmann, chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, said: “Fenomeno is an extraordinary car in terms of performance, style and iconoclastic representation of Lamborghini, created to celebrate the value and achievements of our brand, and dedicated to those customers who expect the utmost exclusivity from us”.
Notable design details include a flowing ‘long tail’ and front air intakes inspired by racing Lamborghinis such as the Huracan GT3. It also features the first use of the new Automobili Lamborghini logo, unveiled in 2024.
An S-Duct system is designed to increase aerodynamic load on the Fenomeno’s front end, while also directing air across its roof.
Mitja Borkert, who cites the 2007 Reventon as the Lamborghini that inspired him to become a car designer, describes his latest creation as “hyper-elegant” and “giving adrenaline a shape”.
The fastest Lamborghini to date
The highlight of the Revuelto-based hypercar is undoubtedly its mid-mounted 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, bolstered here by three electric motors.
The V12 generates 835hp and 535lb ft of torque on its own. Factor in the three motors and 7kWh lithium-ion battery, however, and total output escalates to 1,080hp.
An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has a top ratio intended to help save fuel when cruising. The Fenomeno can also be driven in EV mode for short distances.
When all 1,080hp is deployed, sprinting from 0-62mph takes just 2.4 seconds, with 0-124mph in 6.7 seconds – making this the fastest Lamborghini ever. The quoted top speed is in excess of 217mph.
A CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brake system, as found on Lamborghini’s LMDh hypercar racers, is fitted as standard. A new 6D dynamic sensor monitors the car across six different axes of movement, predicting the best drive settings for any road or racetrack.
Get ready for take-off
Inside, the Fenomeno channels the latest interpretation of Lamborghini’s ‘Feel like a pilot’ design philosophy. There are three digital screens: the instrument panel, central touchscreen and a separate display for the passenger.
Carbon fibre is used throughout, featuring on the centre console, door panels and in the lightweight bucket seats. The bespoke 3D-printed air vents are also crafted from the material.
The ambient lighting is said to emphasise the ‘spaceship-like forms of the passenger compartment’.
These include more than 400 different exterior paint colours, plus the option to visit the Ad Personam studio in Sant’Agata.
Stephan Winkelmann added: “The combination of the most powerful V12 in our history, breathtaking design, superior aerodynamics and cutting-edge technologies such as extreme lightweight construction make the Fenomeno the most extraordinary super sports car of our time.”
Cadillac has demonstrated how its performance V-Series range could look in the near-future with a fully electric concept car.
The Elevated Velocity luxury crossover makes for a dramatic design statement, inspired by the marque’s recent EVs such as the Celestiq and Lyriq.
It also follows from the Opulent Velocity concept car, which made its public debut at last year’s The Quail event.
Cadillac has returned to California again for 2025, using the same venue to reveal its latest radical show car – and continue its pathway towards electrification.
Bringing the electric velocity
Although it has given no specific details of the electric powertrain beneath the Elevated Velocity, Cadillac says it features bespoke driving modes.
Engaging e-Velocity Mode is said to be equivalent to the performance V-Mode in Cadillac’s existing V-Series vehicles. A Terra mode is designed for peak off-road ability.
Other technology includes “Sand Vision”, furthering the development of Cadillac’s Night Vision system. Activating the Sand Vision tech should allow drivers to navigate more clearly through desert sandstorms.
The exterior of the Elevated Velocity can be kept free of off-roading debris using the “Elements Defy” feature. This employs dust-phobic vibration to clear the bodywork of dust, sand, and dirt.
Made for desert adventure
The raised cabin features three shades of red upholstery, including Morello Nappa leather for the headlining and upper door trims, Cerise wrapping around the interior and dashboard, and Garnet for the seat upholstery.
Cadillac has taken inspiration from desert polo for the interior design, with a bespoke polo set stored in the Elevated Velocity’s storage vault. The helmet, gloves, kneepads and mallet are crafted in Morello red and feature Cadillac branding.
A special “Elevate Mode” can also help polo players to recover. The Cadillac purifies the air inside its cabin by removing dust particles, and even uses vigorous red-light therapy to promote healing.
As with last year’s Opulent Velocity concept, the Elevated Velocity is not headed for showrooms anytime soon. However, it does hint at what we can expect from future performance Cadillacs.
The Nissan Ariya now enjoys a £1,500 Electric Car Grant (ECG) saving after bosses cleverly cut prices of key models to qualify for the government incentive.
With the ECG included, Nissan Ariya prices now start from just £33,500, eye-opening value for a family-sized electric SUV with a futuristic appearance.
The Nissan Ariya 63kWh Engage version qualified for the ECG thanks to a price cut from £39,655 right down to £35,000. This placed it well below the ECG’s £37,000 price cap.
Because they share the same battery, higher-spec Advance and Evolve models also qualify for the ECG, despite costing more than £37,000 (full prices are below). All 63kWh versions have a range of around 250 miles.
This ‘loophole’ states that so long as one variant costs less than £37k, the ECG applies to all models that share the same battery and drive type.
Nissan has cleverly used this to ensure the longer-range Ariya with a larger 87kWh battery, boasting a range of up to 330 miles, also qualifies for the ECG.
A new Ariya 87kWh Engage version has been introduced, which costs exactly £37k.
The addition of this model means higher-spec 87kWh Advance and Evolve versions also qualify for the grant – despite, again, costing £39,500 and £44,500 respectively.
Mind you, even these are significantly less than before; the price cuts represent post-grant savings of £8,655 and £7,650 respectively.
“Securing eligibility for the UK government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant makes Ariya more accessible than ever,” said Nissan marketing director Fiona Mackay.
“It now offers greater value without compromising on the innovation, design and performance our customers expect.”
The Nissan Micra has also qualified for the £1,500 ECG. The upcoming new Nissan Leaf, which is built in Britain, is anticipated to be one of the first cars that will qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant.
