Volkswagen launches first hybrid Golf and T-Roc

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April 27, 2026

Both the Volkswagen Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid combine a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors

Volkswagen has revealed its first production full hybrid powertrains, destined for the Golf and T-Roc.

While Volkswagen experimented with hybrids in the 1970s, the company has avoided ‘full’ or ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrains until now.

Intended to complement the company’s existing mild and plug-in hybrids, the use of a Honda-style hybrid system marks a major milestone for the German company.

Volkswagen’s rationale for introducing full hybrids is the ‘numerous advantages’ they offer when compared to a mild hybrid setup.

In particular, Volkswagen says its new Hybrid-badged models enable ‘a higher proportion of electric driving and thus lower emissions and consumption values, as well as reduced fuel costs’.

A Hybrid version of the Golf hatchback will help it compete with the new Kia K4, which is expected to gain a full hybrid variant later this year.

Efficiency through electrification

When designing its new hybrid powertrain, Volkswagen used a similar setup to the impressive e:HEV system found in the Honda Civic and Prelude models.

This sees a pair of electric motors fitted alongside a turbocharged petrol engine, plus a 1.6kWh battery pack at the rear of the car.

One electric motor is used to drive the front wheels, with a second motor acting as a generator for the battery. The petrol engine can be engaged and disengaged directly from the drivetrain using an electronically controlled clutch.

Volkswagen has given the Hybrid powertrains three different operating modes, with a strong focus on electric driving. At low speeds, only the electric motor is used to drive the Golf or T-Roc, with the petrol engine switched off.

A ‘serial drive’ setting sees the petrol engine active, but working as a generator to produce power for the electric motor – thus maximising battery range.

Finally, ‘parallel drive’ switches the petrol engine to take over driving the front wheels from 37mph upwards. However, the electric motor remains available to give an extra boost when needed.

Hybrid Golf and T-Roc later this year

Drivers of Volkswagen’s Hybrid models can also choose from three different driving modes. An Eco setting limits power output to 70 percent to maximise energy efficiency, and also deactivates the boost function.

Comfort mode provides 100 percent of the available power, along with boost, while engaging Sport mode means full power from both the petrol engine and electric motor can be deployed instantly.

Volkswagen has not yet released full technical specifications for the Golf and T-Roc Hybrids. However, it has said they will slot into the respective model ranges between mild-hybrid and eHybrid plug-in options.

UK prices and specs will be confirmed in due course by Volkswagen, with both the Golf and T-Roc Hybrids expected in showrooms by the end of 2026.

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Production of new Volvo EX60 electric SUV gets underway

By

John Redfern

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April 27, 2026

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The new Volvo EX60 is being manufactured at the famed Torslanda plant in Sweden, following extensive facility upgrades

The first examples of the Volvo EX60 electric SUV have left the Torslanda production line in Sweden.

The latest addition to the marque’s growing range of electric SUVs, the EX60 has been subject to unprecedented demand since its announcement earlier this year.

Revealed in January 2026, Swedish Volvo customers had already placed more than 3,000 orders by March. Other European markets, including Germany, also saw a considerable number of pre-orders placed for the premium SUV.

Volvo says reservations have already outpaced the smaller EX30 when it first went on sale in 2023 – despite the new EX60 being more expensive.

Indeed, the company had already announced a need to increase production before the first EX60 left the line.

Volvo’s new electric SUV

Volvo will offer three different powertrains for the five-seat EX60, starting with the P6 and P10 variants due for delivery to UK customers this September.

The entry-level P6, priced from £56,860, comes equipped with an 83kWh battery pack, delivering an official, WLTP-tested range of up to 379.7 miles. Offered in rear-wheel drive, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds.

For £59,860, the EX60 P10 comes with all-wheel drive and boasts a larger 95kWh battery that allows up to 410 miles between charging stops.

British customers will have to wait until January 2027 for the flagship £64,860 EX60 P12. Equipped with a sizable 112kWh battery, it delivers an attention-grabbing range of up to 503 miles.

All models feature Volvo’s 800-volt electric architecture. This allows more than 200 miles of EV range to be added in 10 minutes using a 400kW DC charger.

An important car for Volvo and Sweden

Ahead of the EX60 entering production, Volvo invested heavily to modernise its Torslanda plant, which has been responsible for numerous iconic models.

Having spent SEK 10 billion (equivalent to £800 million), the facility now boasts megacasting capabilities and a new battery plant, plus a refreshed paint shop and final assembly hall.

According to Volvo, the EX60 will become one of Sweden’s biggest exports in terms of value, boosting the Gothenburg region’s economy.

“Today is an important milestone for our company and for Sweden as a whole, as we start to build the first EX60 customer cars,” said Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars.

“We are now focused on a steady ramp-up of high-quality EX60 production, making sure this game-changing car will be a profitable growth-driver in the coming years.”

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New Porsche Cayenne Coupe EV has styling inspired by the 911

By

John Redfern

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April 24, 2026

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Porsche has expanded its Cayenne Electric lineup with the addition of a curvaceous Coupe version.

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric has styling said to be inspired by the iconic 911. The sweeping roof of the sports car is its most obvious contribution.

According to Thomas Stopka, head of exterior design at Style Porsche, the “gently sloping roofline sweeps elegantly over the car’s broad shoulders and gives the Cayenne Coupe a particularly sporty appearance”.

However, the new design brings more than just a sleeker look. The car’s profile results in a lower drag coefficient compared to a regular Cayenne Electric SUV.

Combined with active aerodynamics, including an adaptive rear spoiler, cutting more cleanly through the air equates to 11 miles of battery range compared to the SUV. Maximum range is up to 415 miles in the official test.

A smooth EV operator

UK prices for the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric will begin from £86,200, with the first deliveries due this summer

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric is equal in length (4,985mm) to its luxury SUV sibling, and has the same 1,980mm width. However, the sportier roofline makes it some 24mm lower.

There is some compromise in terms of practicality, though. A boot capacity of 534 litres is almost 250 litres smaller than in SUV guise, although the Coupe can still tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg.

The rear seats in Cayenne Coupe Electric will be offered in two different configurations. Customers can choose between a two-seat setup or a 2+1 arrangement, with both featuring electric adjustment.

Unique to the Cayenne Coupe Electric is a Lightweight Sport Package, which reduces kerb weight by 17.6kg. This is achieved via a carbon fibre roof and bespoke 22-inch wheels, with classic Pepita cloth trim inside.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, a rugged Off-Road Package is on the options list too.

Three varieties of Cayenne Coupe

As with the Porsche Cayenne Electric SUV, the new Coupe will be offered with a choice of three EV powertrains.

The standard Cayenne Coupe Electric has a power output of 408hp, with an overboost feature temporarily increasing this to 442hp. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 4.8 seconds and it reaches a top speed of 143mph.

In what could be the sweet spot of the lineup, the Cayenne S Coupe Electric delivers a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds and a 155mph top speed. Enabling this is a total of 544hp, with overboost allowing up to 666hp.

Topping the range is the Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric, which musters a phenomenal 1,156hp with Launch Control engaged. In normal driving, the Turbo makes do with ‘just’ 857hp. Supercar-chasing performance means 0-62mph in a scant 2.5 seconds, plus a 166mph maximum.

As with the SUV, Cayenne Coupe Electric models will come with adaptive air suspension as standard. Porsche’s Active Ride suspension is available on Cayenne S and Turbo versions.

UK orders can be placed now

Compared to the SUV, Porsche has given the Cayenne Coupe Electric a more generous level of standard equipment. This includes a panoramic glass roof, along with the Sport Chrono Package.

The remainder of the Cayenne Coupe Electric’s interior matches its more upright stablemate, with a widescreen digital instrument panel and a large central infotainment touchscreen. A separate touchscreen for the front-seat passenger can be added, too.

Prices will start at £86,200 for the entry-level Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric, before taking a trip through a typically extensive options list.

Opting for the Cayenne S Coupe Electric ups the starting price to £103,100, while the flagship Turbo requires £133,300. These figures represent a premium of around £3,000 over the SUV.

UK orders can be placed now, with the first completed cars expected in summer 2026.

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HMRC fights ruling to cut VAT on public EV chargers

By

John Redfern

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April 24, 2026

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

A reduction in the level of VAT levied on public EV charging is being challenged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), following a recent legal case.

Last year, a First-Tier Tribunal (FTT) heard an appeal from a not-for-profit charging company, Charge My Street, about the way in which VAT is applied to EV chargers.

At present, using a public charger means electric car drivers must pay VAT at the commercial rate of 20 percent. Those using their own charger at home only see VAT levied at five percent.

Charge My Street successfully argued to the FTT that this disparity should be removed, and that public electric vehicle charging should only attract VAT at the five percent domestic rate.

Now, HMRC has announced it will seek to appeal the FTT’s decision, potentially denying cheaper charging to UK motorists.

Removing the EV charging disparity

The arguments in Charge My Street Limited v HMRC hinged upon highly technical legal interpretations of the UK’s VAT legislation.

In particular, Charge My Street argued that exceptions in the Value Added Tax Act 1994 applied to public EV charging, as it provides premises where drivers can charge their cars.

This interpretation of public EV charging points as ‘premises’ was accepted by the FTT, meaning the five percent VAT rate would be applicable instead of 20 percent.

Under the wording of the current tax legislation, the five percent rate would apply to the first 1,000kWh of electricity supplied to a customer at a specific charging location each month.

Exceeding the 1,000kWh limit in a single month would mean fully recharging a typical electric car more than 15 times.

Savings for drivers, lost revenue for HMRC

Various groups have long campaigned for the rate of VAT on public EV charging to be cut to five percent, arguing that it unfairly penalises those without access to off-street parking at home.

Previous analysis by Zapmap has found that reducing the level of VAT would typically save EV drivers without a home charger up to £145 per year.

However, such a reduction could see HMRC losing revenue of £143 million in 2027, increasing to £315 million by 2030, according to Zapmap’s calculations.

The decision would also mean HMRC having to repay charging operators the overpaid level of VAT levied in previous years.

However, as the Charge My Street matter was the lead case against HMRC, other UK charging point operators may now choose to bring their own challenges to the rules on VAT.

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The new electric Mercedes C-Class has been certified as vegan

By

John Redfern

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April 23, 2026

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Choosing the Artico artificial leather upholstery option for the new C-Class will see the complete interior certified as being vegan

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon has been officially certified to have a vegan interior.

Continuing a partnership with the Vegan Society, the latest C-Class becomes the second Mercedes-Benz model to receive the Vegan Trademark.

Last year, the related GLC with EQ Technology gained vegan certification, earning the title of the world’s first production car with an interior free from animal products, by-products or derivatives.

By offering the same Artico artificial leather upholstery in the C-Class, the new four-door saloon has been awarded the same certification.

Along with its faux-leather seats, the steering wheel, centre console trim and all other upholstery inside the vehicle are made without any animal products.

No animal products inside

Assessing the inside of the C-Class as being fully vegan is no small task for the Vegan Society.

All materials and components inside the car, along with the methods used to produce them, had to be audited by the Vegan Society. These included soft-touch surfaces such as artificial leather, microfibre fleece and other textiles.

Where there was any doubt about the origins of a material, a second step involved consulting with the manufacturer of the component. Parts were then replaced with confirmed animal-free items if needed.

This certification process saw almost 100 different interior parts tested in accordance with the requirements of the Vegan Trademark process.

The Mercedes-Benz vehicle configurator will be clearly labelled with the Vegan Trademark sunflower logo when a vegan interior combination is selected for the new C-Class.

More Mercedes vegan interiors to follow

Karen Spinner, marketing manager at the Vegan Trademark, commented: “The Vegan Trademark team is delighted to continue its relationship with Mercedes-Benz and it’s fantastic to see this beautiful new all-electric model launched with the option of a vegan certified interior.

“We have been impressed throughout the certification process by Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to offering a vegan alternative to their customers and we hope other automotive brands will be inspired to follow their lead.”

After both the GLC and electric C-Class, expect Mercedes-Benz to continue adding vegan options to future models.

However, for those who still want a traditional finish, the latest C-Class is also available with distinctive ‘Twisted Diamond’ Nappa leather upholstery.

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New Isuzu D-Max EV pickup debuts at Commercial Vehicle Show

By

John Redfern

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April 22, 2026

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Prices for the all-new Isuzu D-Max EV will begin from £59,995 excluding VAT, in Extended Cab form

Isuzu has launched its first fully electric pickup truck, with the D-Max EV revealed at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2026.

The new Isuzu D-Max EV is the first electric pickup on sale in the UK with a one-tonne payload capacity. It also has the ability to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, and features permanent all-wheel drive.

Two versions of the D-Max EV will be offered from the outset. Customers can choose between the two-door Extended Cab and four-door Double Cab.

Designed to equal the off-road capability of the existing, diesel-powered D-Max, Isuzu has equipped the EV with a strengthened ladder chassis. This allows for wading depths of up to 600mm. Maximum ground clearance is 210mm.

Ahead of its right-hand-drive launch, the D-Max EV has been tested (in LHD guise) by National Grid Electricity Distribution. The network engineers evaluated how the truck performed in the toughest working conditions.

One-tonne payload for D-Max EV

To create permanent all-wheel drive, the D-Max EV uses an individual electric motor for each axle. Together, they deliver 200hp, along with a muscular 256lb ft of torque.

This allows the electric D-Max to accelerate from 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds, making it notably quicker than the regular diesel version. It will also be quieter than its rather agricultural sibling, too.

Powering the D-Max EV is a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which allows for a modest official range of 163.2 miles in WLTP tests. However, the off-road bias of the D-Max means it is likely to be used for local duties, rather than racking up motorway miles.

Charging speeds are limited to only 50kW on DC devices, which can replenish the battery from 20 to 80 percent in an hour. Using an 11kW home wallbox, you will need six hours for a complete recharge.

Electric pickup is ready to order

Prices for the Isuzu D-Max EV will start from £59,995 (excluding VAT) for an Extended Cab in eLD40 trim.

This includes chrome exterior styling, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, heated front seats, LED headlights, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors. All versions get a dedicated Rough Terrain Mode, too.

Double Cabs will start at £60,995 (also excluding VAT) in eLD40 specification, with a fancier eV-Cross model costing from £62,495 + VAT.

Opting for eV-Cross trim brings dark grey styling details, a larger 9.0-inch central touchscreen, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an improved sound system.

Every D-Max comes with a five-year, 125,000-mile vehicle warranty, plus UK and EU roadside breakdown cover.

Deliveries of the first right-hand-drive examples of the Isuzu D-Max EV are due to begin in May 2026.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets bold new look and electric power

By

John Redfern

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April 22, 2026

0

The distinctive front grille of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class features more than 1,000 individual illuminated LED dots

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its first fully electric version of the compact C-Class.

The 2026 C-Class becomes the latest entrant to a growing premium electric saloon sector, following the recent unveiling of the rival BMW i3.

With 800-volt technology and an eye-catching aerodynamic design, the new C-Class will offer a range of up to 473 miles when fully charged. It should make for a talking point in the company car park, given the new BMW can achieve more than 550 miles…

However, Mercedes-Benz will look to win over business drivers with an interior packed with technology, plus the promise of an engaging driving experience.

Ola Källenius, chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said this will be the “most powerful and sportiest C-Class we’ve ever built, offering pure driving pleasure and outstanding real-world range – all while being the perfect sanctuary for our customer.”

The sportiest C-Class so far

Mercedes has given the new C-Class what is described as a ‘coupe-like’ profile, along with a front grille reminiscent of the latest GLC electric SUV. The latter incorporates no less than 1,050 individual LEDs for illumination.

In C400 4Matic guise, the new C-Class will come with all-wheel drive as standard, along with 483hp and 590lb ft of torque. This sees the new compact saloon accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 130mph.

A new 94kWh battery can be charged at speeds of up to 330kW. This means it can add more than 200 miles of range in 10 minutes, with a charge from 10 to 80 percent requiring 22 minutes.

Air suspension with live predictive damping, along with rear-wheel steering, are said to make the new Mercedes ‘as smooth as an S-Class on long journeys’, while remaining agile on a twisty road.

As seen on screen

The interior of the new C-Class is likely to impress, depending on the options chosen. This includes the ability to specify an enormous 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.

Spanning the entire width of the dashboard, it’s the largest display ever fitted to a C-Class. More than 1,000 LEDs are used to create it, with individual sections that can be dimmed as required.

A further 162 LEDs are found on the ‘Sky Control’ panoramic roof, which mimics the colour chosen for the ambient lighting throughout the cabin.

Other details include ‘Twisted Nappa’ leather upholstery, a 470-litre luggage capacity combined with a 101-litre ‘frunk’, plus the ability to tow trailers weighing up to 1,800kg.

Production of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will begin later this year, with UK prices and specifications to be confirmed in the meantime. Come back to Motoring Research for more details soon.

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New Jaecoo 5 SHS-H adds hybrid option to bargain SUV lineup

By

John Redfern

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April 21, 2026

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Prices for the new Jaecoo 5 SHS-H will begin from £26,270 in Pure trim, with the top Luxury model starting at £29,765

Chinese brand Jaecoo has added another model to its growing UK range: a full hybrid version of the 5 SUV.

The new 5 SHS-H fills a gap between existing petrol-powered and fully electric SUVs in the Jaecoo 5 lineup.

It follows the launch of a full (i.e. non-plug-in) hybrid version of the larger Jaecoo 7 SUV earlier this year. Notably, last month the Jaecoo 7 became the UK’s most popular new car, with more than 10,000 examples registered in March alone.

Like the rest of the Jaecoo 5 range, the new SHS-H will be priced to undercut established hybrid family SUVs, including the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscson.

Indeed, prices for the SHS-H start at just £26,270 – a saving of more than £8,000 compared to a Sportage.

Victor Zhang, deputy CEO of Chery International UK, said: “The Jaecoo 5 has always been about being easy to live with day to day – practical, comfortable, and capable when you need it. Adding a full hybrid option just builds on that and provides more options to our customers”.

Hybrid range of over 650 miles

The Jaecoo 5 SHS-H features a hybrid system used by parent company Chery across a host of different vehicles. These include the related Omoda 5 SHS-H.

It comprises a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with an electric motor and a 1.83kW battery. With a combined output of 221hp, the Jaecoo 5 SHS-H can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.

Jaecoo says the Super Hybrid System has been ‘calibrated to provide a smooth and predictable driving experience’, and has been ‘optimised for efficiency’.

Being a ‘self-charging’ hybrid means there is no need to plug in the Jaecoo 5 SHS-H. Instead, the battery is recharged via regenerative braking, much like a Toyota Prius.

With the battery fully charged, and 51-litre petrol tank brimmed, the Jaecoo 5 SHS-H has more than 650 miles of range. The hybrid system helps towards an official fuel consumption figure of 53mpg.

Jaecoo 5 SHS-H ready to order now

The hybrid version of the Jaecoo 5 looks the same on the outside as its petrol-powered sibling. Five exterior colours – Granite White, Graphite Grey, Basalt Black, Copper Green and Lazuli Blue – are on offer, with two-tone combinations also available.

In entry-level Pure specification, priced from £26,270, the Jaecoo 5 SHS-H comes equipped with a 13.2-inch portrait-format touchscreen, six-speaker Sony audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus a host of driver assistance systems.

Opting for range-topping Luxury spec ups the price to £29,765. This brings dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, a sunroof, ambient lighting and front seats with heating and massage functions.

As with other models in the Jaecoo range, the new Jaecoo 5 SHS-H comes as standard with a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, alongside an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Orders can be placed at Jaecoo dealers now, with the first cars expected to arrive in autumn 2026.

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First look at Hyundai’s new Ioniq 3 electric hatchback

By

John Redfern

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April 21, 2026

0

Set to rival the Volkswagen ID. 3 Neo, UK pricing and specifications for the Hyundai Ioniq 3 are yet to be announced

Hyundai has revealed the latest model in its electric Ioniq lineup, ready to take on the upcpming Volkswagen ID. Polo.

Described as an ‘Aero Hatch’, the new Ioniq 3 was first displayed as a concept car at the 2025 Munich Motor Show.

The concept’s dramatic styling has been carried over relatively unchanged to the production Ioniq 3. Hyundai quotes an expected class-leading drag coefficient of just 0.263Cd.

Beneath the aerodynamic bodywork is space for five people, along with a boot that rivals most traditional family hatchbacks.

Xavier Martinet, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “With Ioniq 3, we are bringing the bold design, driving enjoyment and advanced features of the Ioniq brand to a broader range of customers across Europe”.

More than 300 miles of range

Hyundai has used the 400-volt version of its E-GMP platform, which is shared with various electric Kia models such as the EV4 hatchback and new EV2 compact SUV.

With a front-wheel-drive layout, the Ioniq 3 has an electric motor that develops either 147hp in Standard Range form or 135hp in Long Range guise. The more powerful version takes 9.0 seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph, while the Long Range needs 9.6 seconds.

The Ioniq 3 Standard Range will feature a 42.2kWh battery to deliver an official WLTP-tested range of 214 miles. For those who regularly travel further afield, the Long Range model will offer up to 308 miles.

Hyundai’s 400-volt battery technology means a charge from 10 to 80 percent should require less than 30 minutes when connected to a DC rapid-charging device.

Room for five people inside

The Ioniq 3 is first European vehicle to feature Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment setup, which is based on the Android Automotive operating system.

This will feature either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch central touchscreen, plus a slimline digital instrument panel mounted within the driver’s eyeline. Hyundai has also included a row of physical buttons for important functions.

With a long wheelbase and a completely flat floor, Hyundai says the Ioniq 3 will deliver ‘genuine five-seat comfort’, along with the ability to carry three adults in comfort on the rear bench.

The Ioniq 3 has a boot capacity of 441 litres, putting it ahead of alternatives such as the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and Renault 5 E-Tech. Some 119 litres of this space comes from a Ford Puma-style box beneath the boot floor.

Made in Europe for European drivers

Hyundai has not announced trim levels for the Ioniq 3 yet, but there will be a sporty N Line version with a subtle bodykit.

Certain models will feature ‘Relaxation Seats’, said to use ‘textile materials inspired by natural landscapes and 1970s Italian furniture design’. These incorporate heating and ventilation, too.

A Bose sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient LED lighting can all be found inside the Ioniq 3, along with a host of safety equipment.

Hyundai’s factory in Turkey will be responsible for building the Ioniq 3. UK prices and specifications will be confirmed when the electric hatchback goes on sale later in 2026.

What are your first thoughts on the radical design of the new Hyundai Ioniq 3? Let us know in the comments

Ford Ranger pickup becomes a two-seater to save tax

By

Richard Aucock

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April 21, 2026

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A new two-seat version of the Ford Ranger Double Cab has been introduced to boost practicality – and reduce owners’ tax bills.

Instead of having a bench rear seat, the Ford Ranger 2-Seat has a dedicated rear storage area, which is separated from the main cabin by a reinforced bulkhead.

The Double Cab’s rear doors have been retained, to help with practicality, but with aluminium panels instead of glass windows for improved security.

Although the rear seats have been permanently removed, Ford has retained heating for this second load area to keep belongings warm and dry.

Ford says it can be used to store valuable equipment such as tools, or a change of clothes, or even food and snacks for long working days.

To further increase the Ranger’s versatility, Ford has fitted a new load liner, plus a heavy-duty floor with anchor points.

The Ford Ranger 2-Seat will initially be offered in high-spec Wildtrak guise, easily the most popular Ranger trim line.

Both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and traditional diesel powertrains will be available, including the silky-smooth 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

Saving tax with a Ford Ranger 2-Seat

Because Ford has permanently removed the rear seats, and installed a bulkhead behind the driver and front passenger, the new Ranger 2-Seat is classed as commercial vehicle.

This means owners will be able to claim the 100 percent plant and machinery allowance, and benefit from the flat-rate road tax for commercial vehicles.

More importantly, it will also see the flat-rate company van Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax applied – something that was removed earlier this year for regular double-cab pickups.

Ford’s savvy way to get round this expensive rule change means that those who still use a double cab for work will not be penalised with tax hikes.

As such, the Ford Ranger Double Cab 2-Seat is likely to be a smart and popular solution to the government’s tax changes.

Ford says it will broaden the two-seat line-up later this year, after launching the new model at next week’s Commercial Vehicle Show 2026 at Birmingham’s NEC.

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