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New Lola T70S is a reborn – and road-legal – 1960s race car

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We attended the world debut of the reborn Lola T70S in London – and met the team who created it. Here's what you need to know.

The legendary Lola T70 is making a comeback – and buyers can choose between race-ready or road-legal versions of this 1960s sports racer.

The original Lola T70 dominated the first Can-Am Championship in 1966, and claimed victories in the Daytona 24 Hours and RAC Tourist Trophy. Notable drivers included John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, Denny Hulme and Graham Hill.

Debuting at the RAC Club in London, the new Lola T70S is a recreation of the 1969, Daytona-winning T70 Mk3B. However, while the team worked from the original blueprints, the T70S is built using modern technology and advanced sustainable materials.

“We wanted to create the best example of a T70 there has ever been, with a level of detail that wasn’t possible in the original car,” explained Lola chairman Till Bechtolsheimer.

Small-block Chevy V8 power

Lola T70S

While Lola competes in Formula E in partnership with Yamaha, modernity in this case doesn’t mean electrification. Thankfully, like its classic forebear, the T70S has a small-block Chevrolet V8 mounted in its middle. “An electric T70 is not something I could get excited about,” admits Bechtolsheimer.

In the racing version, the 5.0-litre (305 cubic-inch) engine develops 537hp and revs to 7,300rpm: good for 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 203mph.

The road-going T70S GT uses a 6.2-litre Chevy V8 to meet emissions requirements, serving up 507hp with a 6,600rpm limiter. It’s 30kg heavier than its track-only sibling, although a dry weight of just 690kg still means savage performance: 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds and 200mph flat-out.

In both cases, drive goes to the rear wheels via an H-pattern manual gearbox that combines dog-ring engagement with shift-by-wire electronics. The aim is to offer visceral, rapid-fire shifts like a 1960s T70, but with modern reliability and ease of use. “We worked really hard to hide the digital behind the analogue,” says Lola innovation director Matt Faulks. “The car still has a clutch and a proper gear stick. We’ve just made the driving experience more accessible.”

Chassis setup by Johnny Herbert

Lola T70S

Speaking of accessibility, the Alcantara-trimmed interior of the T70S isn’t as brutally basic as the car driven to Can-Am glory by John Surtees. “We even managed to find enough luggage space for an overnight bag or crash helmet,” says Bechtolsheimer. “There’s a built-in intercom, but no stereo system – what would be the point?”

Firing up the Lola in the genteel environs of The RAC Club would be improper, so we’ll have to imagine its naturally aspirated V8 battle cry for now. Alternatively, a brief search for videos of the T70 in action on YouTube will suitably assault your eardrums. You’re welcome.

The car’s dynamic setup has been entrusted to former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Johnny Herbert, who recently raced the famous David Piper Mk3B (the green car in the first photo). “You have wonderful feedback through the steering wheel; the response I get is exactly what I want,” said Herbert. “It just gives you a beautiful sense of connection with the car.”

Lola T70S: the sustainable racer

Lola T70S

As for the ‘S’ in T70S, it stands not for Sport or Special, but for Sustainability. Yes, really. “This started as a project about sustainable design and manufacturing,” reveals Bechtolsheimer. “Although I recognise that also having a V8 makes for a bit of a provocative statement.”

Most notably, Lola has applied for a patent for its ground-breaking, petrochemical-free new composite called LNCS, which is used for all the car’s bodywork. Short for Lola Natural Composite System, it combines basalt and plant fibres into a material that is stronger and stiffer than traditional glassfibre, with a much lower CO2 footprint.

The company has also developed a new process of extracting magnesium – used for the car’s wheels – via solar-powered electrolysis. And it has ensured the old-school V8 can run on sustainable fuel. Overall, Lola claims an impressive 54 percent reduction in CO2 compared to building an original T70.

Only 16 cars to be built

Lola T70

Opt for the track version of the T70S and it comes with an FIA Historic Technical Passport, certifying its eligibility for international events. Or you can choose the road car and enjoy the glorious incongruity of driving a reborn racer on the high street.

Either way, Lola will only build a total of 16 vehicles – mirroring the number of T70 Mk3Bs produced in period. And the price? No figure is quoted yet, but we’re told it will be similar to a classic, race-ready Mk3B. On that basis, you should probably budget close to seven figures…

“Driving a Lola T70S will be a chance to experience the past and future of motorsport simultaneously,” said Peter McCool, technical director at Lola. We’ll keep our fingers and toes crossed for an invitation to do just that when the car is launched later this year.

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One in three drivers will avoid difficult parking spaces

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Comedian Maisie Adam has helped demonstrate the remote parking capabilities of the new Kia EV2 electric SUV

Parking makes a third of UK drivers feel nervous or anxious, and leads them to bypass certain spaces for seeming too difficult.

New research by Kia, which coincides with the launch of its new EV2 electric SUV, found that one in three motorists say parking in a bay is the trickiest manoeuvre when driving.

This may be due to the size of standard parking spaces not having changed to accommodate larger vehicles. Nearly two thirds of drivers (64 percent) say modern bays are not wide enough. 

Indeed, more than half (56 percent) of those surveyed by Kia said they had been blocked from getting out of their car due to another vehicle being parked too close. 

This led to them having to climb out over the passenger seat, or even wait for the other car to leave.

The best and worst cities for parking

Kia UK Parking Index

Almost a fifth (18 percent) admit the panic and stress of trying to park has made them late. In extreme examples, this has caused them to miss birthday parties, medical appointments and work meetings.

To investigate the problem of parking, Kia has created its own Parking Index. This examined cities across the UK to see how drivers rated their own parking, that of others, and the size and availability of spaces.

In the survey, Southampton emerged as the worst-ranked city for parking, followed by Oxford, Liverpool and Norwich. Completing the bottom five was Belfast.

At the other end of the scale, Aberdeen was rated as the best city for parking. Worcester claimed the silver medal, with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Swansea the other top locations.

A parking game changer

Kia UK Parking Index

For those living in Southampton, or another city with problematic parking, Kia highlights that the new EV2 is available with a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and front and rear parking sensors, plus reverse parking collision avoidance. 

There is also a Remote Smart Parking Assist system, which allows the EV2 to be manoeuvred in and out of spaces using its smart key. 

To demonstrate the technology, Kia allowed it to be tested by the comedian and self-confessed bad driver, Maisie Adam.

Maisie said: “I was on first-name terms with the driving test invigilators by the time I passed my test. I’ve got better now but I still hate parking. It’s awful endlessly driving around trying to find a space that I’m comfortable parking in and then my anxiety gets even worse when you’ve got an audience of other drivers – which is weird given my job.

“The EV2 technology is a real game-changer for me and my parking – it’s like having a remote control car, and being able to reverse while you’re outside the car is so much easier.”

Customer deliveries of the Kia EV2 will commence later this year, with prices due to be confirmed soon.

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10 affordable used EVs to beat fuel price rises

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With prices for petrol and diesel continuing to climb skywards, choosing an used electric car could help ease the pain

Global fuel prices are continuing to rise, with UK drivers already feeling the effects at the pumps.

Switching to an affordable electric car could take the sting out of punitive petrol or diesel prices, especially if you have the ability to charge an EV at home.

Online automotive marketplace CarGurus has identified 10 bargain-priced used electric cars, all of them costing less than £10,000.

Chris Knapman, editorial director at CarGurus UK, said: “The used electric car market has come a long way in the last year or so. Cars that might well previously have been out of budget when new are available at a discount on the used market as inventory and selection have expanded, making EV motoring accessible to more people than ever”.

10. BMW i3 – from £6,000

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

No, sadly this isn’t the recently announced BMW i3 saloon, but the original i3 hatchback made between 2013 and 2022 – available for just £6,000.

The i3 was BMW’s first mass-market zero-emissions vehicle, boasting carbon fibre construction to reduce weight. A rear-wheel-drive layout ensured classic BMW dynamics, while the i3’s interior was both practical and premium. 

A real-world battery range of around 85 miles for the cheapest 60Ah versions is limited by modern standards, but could still see the i3 cover the average daily commute with miles to spare. 

All of this comes with a desirable badge on the bonnet, plus styling that still looks futuristic more than a decade after being launched.

9. Nissan Leaf – from £6,000

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

The Nissan Leaf was the world’s first mass-produced electric car, helping introduce the idea that an EV could be a practical daily proposition. This led it to becoming the best-selling electric car worldwide between 2011 and 2014.

A budget of £6,000 can secure an example of the second-generation Leaf (pictured above), manufactured by Nissan in Sunderland between 2017 and 2025.

Launched with a 40kWh battery pack, the second-generation Leaf had a range of up to 168 miles in official tests. A refined driving experience, plenty of standard equipment and Nissan dependability make the Leaf easy to recommend.

8. Hyundai Ioniq – from £6,000

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

The Hyundai Ioniq was the South Korean brand’s first major foray into the world of electrification, with a model range that included hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions alongside a pure EV.

The Ioniq Electric was on sale between 2017 and 2022, and CarGurus has identified this fully electric version as being available from £6,000.

Although it’s hardly exciting to drive, owning an Ioniq EV should be a hassle-free experience. Early versions came equipped with a 28kWh battery pack, with the Ioniq’s aerodynamic design helping to deliver a real-world range of 115 miles. Later models had a larger 38kWh battery for more miles between charges.

7. MG5 EV ‒ from £7,000

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

Electric estate cars are relatively rare, especially at the more affordable end of the marketplace. However, CarGurus has found a battery-powered wagon priced from just £7,000.

Launched in 2020, the MG5 EV was one of the first electric cars sold here by the Chinese-owned company. With a particular focus on business users, it can seat five and offers a useful boot capacity of up to 578 litres. 

Practicality and affordability were the MG5 EV’s key selling points. Buyers were likely to forgive the anonymous styling and dull driving experience thanks to generous levels of standard equipment. Don’t forget cheap prices and a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty, too.

6. Vauxhall Corsa-e – from £7,500

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

Upping the budget to £7,500 means we can include one of the UK’s most popular electric superminis. The Vauxhall Corsa-e, revealed in 2020 and still on sale today, is intended to make switching to an EV feel as normal as possible. 

This is why it looks almost identical to a petrol-powered Corsa – the green flashes on the number plates are the obvious giveaway – and is an equally easy car to drive.

With a 136hp electric motor powering its front wheels, the Corsa-e can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds. Pre-facelift versions feature a 50kWh battery, giving an official range of up to 210 miles (expect closer to 175 miles in daily use).

5. Peugeot e-2008 – from £8,500

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

The Peugeot e-2008 is actually a relative of the Vauxhall Corsa-e, sharing the same platform and powertrain. That means a 136hp electric motor and 50kWh battery pack, but housed in a practical SUV-style body with a 434-litre boot capacity. 

To secure an electric version of the 2008, CarGurus suggests a budget of £8,500, which should buy you one of the earliest examples from 2019. It has an official battery range of 214 miles, with later facelifted models increasing this to 252 miles. 

The e-2008 has become one of the French marque’s best-sellers, meaning there should be no shortage of used examples to choose from.

4. Mazda MX-30 – from £8,500

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

For the same £8,500 budget as a Peugeot e-2008, EV shoppers might also consider the leftfield option of a Mazda MX-30. Mazda has a habit of doing things differently, and the same applied to how it approached electrification.

The back doors of MX-30 are rear-hinged, and there is no central B-pillar. This is intended to make accessing the rear seats easier, but it also gives the MX-30 a unique look. 

However, Mazda’s philosophy of fitting the MX-30 with a small battery to save weight resulted in very modest range compared to other electric SUVs on sale at the time.

Fully charged, the 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery officially offers 124 miles. In response to slow sales, Mazda added a petrol/electric range-extender version of the MX-30 in 2023.

3. Mini Cooper Electric – from £9,000

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

Battery power combined with retro charm starts from £9,000, with CarGurus identifying the Mini Cooper Electric as one of its top used EVs.

Sold between 2020 and 2024, the Mini Cooper Electric was built alongside petrol versions at the Plant Oxford factory. Resembling a conventional Mini, the Cooper Electric featured the same 181hp electric motor and 32.6kWh battery pack as a BMW i3. 

Best suited to urban life, the Cooper Electric provides an officially tested range of 145 miles. Town driving could see this extended to 170 miles, and also makes best use of the Mini’s compact dimensions and neat handling. Just remember to pack light, as the boot carries a mere 211 litres of luggage.

2. Fiat 500e – from £9,000

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

For a similar price to the Mini Cooper Electric, the Fiat 500e also delivers classic-inspired design and a driving experience aimed at urban life. Fiat had developed a fully electric version of its first-generation ‘modern’ 500, but it was never sold in Europe. We had to wait until 2021 for the second-generation 500e, pictured here. 

Offered in both hatchback and roll-top convertible forms, the 500e uses a slightly larger platform than its petrol-powered sibling. This adds a little more space for passengers in the rear, although it’s still too small for a family car. 

The CarGurus suggested budget of £9,000 will secure an example of the entry-level Fiat 500e Action, fitted with a 24kWh battery and capable of covering 115 miles on a full charge. Higher trim levels use a larger 42kWh battery, extending the car’s official range to 193 miles.

1. Volkswagen ID.3 – from £9,000

Bargain Electric Cars to Buy

When Volkswagen launched the ID.3, the company said the electric hatchback would become one of the most important models in its history. 

While it didn’t replace the Golf, as Volkswagen had initially hoped, it has still become a popular electric hatchback. An updated ID.3 Neo, on sale later this year, will bring back physical buttons to the car’s interior, addressing widely reported issues with the touchscreen controls. 

Spending around £9,000, as CarGurus suggests, can secure a high-mileage example of the ID.3 in Life trim. This means a 145hp electric motor, 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 99mph. The ID.3 Life’s 58kwh battery allows for an officially tested range of up to 264 miles.

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What causes pothole damage on our roads?

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With potholes costing British motorists a record £1.8 billion in 2025, we explain what causes these scars in the road surface.

Every year, winter weather wreaks havoc on the UK’s crumbling and poorly maintained roads. Ice, snow and rain water push the road surface apart, resulting in the deep and vicious potholes that every British driver is all too familiar with.

The collective cost of potholes is enormous. Repair chain Kwik Fit, which has been publishing its Pothole Impact Tracker report since 2013, says 12.8 million UK drivers suffered damage to their car after hitting a pothole in 2025. With an average repair cost of £137.40, the overall bill footed by motorists was a staggering £1.8 billion.

So how are potholes formed? Put simply, all roads are constructed in layers. The top layer is water-resistant and curved to drain water off the road. Over time, cracks appear due to the stresses caused by traffic, but also through constant heating and cooling. The road expands during the day, but contracts overnight.

Pothole road

These small cracks allow water to seep below the surface and into the underlying layers of the road. During cold nights, the water freezes and expands. This ice thaws during the day, with the water flowing into a different section of the road. The pavement contracts and leaves gaps in the surface, where water can be trapped.

Traffic causes these cracks to widen, allowing even more water to seep in and freeze during the night. This constant freeze-thaw cycle weakens the road surface. As the material breaks down, a pothole is formed.

Telling the hole story

Potholes on UK roads

Hit and pothole and you risk damaging your car’s wheels, tyres, steering, suspension or even bodywork. Indeed, Kwik Fit’s study found that 2.5 million drivers who chose a larger, more robust car or SUV were influenced in doing so by the condition of the roads in their area. 

If you have been affected by pothole damage, read Motoring Research’s guide for advice on how to potentially claim compensation from your local council or National Highways.

Interestingly, a company called Roadmender Asphalt has developed an ‘Elastomac’ product that has been adopted by some councils. It’s a flowable material made from 70 percent recycled products, including road surface shavings and car tyres.

Potholes on UK roads

Elastomac welds itself to the road and delivers a totally waterproof and permanent repair. Its maker says that by eliminating the need to excavate the patch, the process requires 80 percent less material, with no waste to carry away. Contractors are able to complete five times more pothole patches per day. Let’s hope it catches on.

The UK ranks 37th out of 141 countries on the World Economic Forum’s most recent road quality index. Singapore is in first place, followed by the Netherlands, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Japan.

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Young drivers being forced off the road by first-year costs

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More than half of new drivers now spend up to £3,999 on fuel, insurance, tax, and repairs for their first year on the road

Even with car insurance premiums getting cheaper, new drivers are still being driven off the road due to high costs.

That’s according to research by Compare the Market, which found that 13 percent of new motorists said first-year costs prevented them from owning a car altogether.

Just over a quarter (27 percent) of those surveyed said that concerns about costs limited the distance they would drive during their first year on the road. 

This is despite the average insurance premium for drivers who have held a licence for less than a year falling – down from £2,650 in 2024 to £1,871 in 2026.

The high cost of driving in the initial 12 months means 86 percent of young motorists are reliant on financial support from their parents to stay on the road.

Ford remains top choice of first car

New Driver Car Ownership Costs

The cost of buying a first car has, unsurprisingly, increased for new drivers compared to previous generations. 

Some 38 percent of those aged over 55 paid less than £1,000 for their first car. Close to a third (32 percent) of 17- to 24-year-olds are now spending £5,000 or more. 

Ford models remain the most popular choice for new drivers, with over 27 percent choosing a blue oval-badged car. Vauxhall and Mini take joint second place, both on 13 percent.

Even without the cost of a car, more than half (53 percent) of new drivers are spending between £1,000 and £3,999 on fuel, insurance, tax and maintenance in their first year behind the wheel. 

As a result, 18 percent of young drivers feel they have to ask friends for petrol money when fuel prices are high.

New drivers search for good deals

New Driver Car Ownership Costs

Even with the financial challenges of becoming a new driver, three quarters (75 percent) of those surveyed said that they look back fondly at their first car. 

Some 61 percent say driving has given them a sense of freedom and independence, while a third (33 percent) admit to giving their car a name.

Amy Rootham, car insurance expert at Compare the Market, commented: “While it’s encouraging to see average premiums fall for newly qualified drivers, insurance is still a major part of the first-year budget. The car you choose can make a real difference. Opting for a smaller engine or a vehicle in a lower insurance group can help keep costs down. 

“Telematics or ‘black box’ insurance policies can also be a good option for young or new drivers, as they’re often more affordable and can encourage and reward safer driving. Considering these things whilst shopping around can help you find a good deal within your budget.”

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Volvo EX30 Cargo turns electric SUV into a VAN

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With the removal of the rear seats, the Volvo EX30 Cargo offers a load capacity of 1,000 litres, with a 390kg payload

Business and fleet customers in need of an electric van can now opt for an SUV-shaped chunk of Scandi-cool. Meet the Volvo EX30 Cargo.

Designed to maximise the practicality of the battery-powered SUV, the EX30 Cargo is actually the first commercial vehicle to be sold by the Volvo Car company. 

Notably, Volvo Group, responsible for building trucks and buses, has been a separate business since 1999.

The new EX30 Cargo will be available as a ‘second-stage conversion’ in the UK. This means it can be applied to existing vehicles in stock, along with new orders, giving the choice of 2026 or 2027 model-year vehicles.

A variety of electric powertrains can be combined with the van conversion. The off-road-ready EX30 Cross Country is also eligible for the Cargo treatment.

Up to 428hp for Volvo EX30 Cargo

2026 Volvo EX30 Cargo

The EX30 Cargo conversion sees the rear seats removed from the compact SUV. A bespoke flat floor is fitted, with an access panel to a lower level. 

New side panels help to maximise load-carrying capacity, while a specially designed bulkhead protects front-seat occupants from their cargo.

Total load capacity is up to 1,000 litres, with a payload of 390kg. The EX30’s rear doors remain usable, helping with access to whatever items are being carried. There is also additional lighting in the rear of the vehicle.

The 272hp P5 model will be the first to go on sale. It will be joined by the 150hp P3 version for the 2027 model year. In Extended Range form, the EX30 Cargo P3 can cover 300 miles between charges.

For those who need to make really rapid deliveries, the EX30 Cargo will also be available in P8 guise. This brings all-wheel drive via a dual-motor setup, plus a substantial 428hp output.

An electric van with added luxury

2026 Volvo EX30 Cargo

The EX30 Cargo Core comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, parking sensors and a rear-view camera. 

Opting for the EX30 Cargo Plus brings a Harman Kardon sound system, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, along with two-zone climate control and wireless smartphone charging.

Prices for the EX30 Cargo in P5 specification will start from £36,010. Orders can be placed through Volvo’s fleet sales team.

Jack Munford, head of fleet at Volvo Car UK, said: “While we are best known for our passenger vehicles, we recognise that business owners and fleets also want the quality, safety and technology that Volvo is renowned for in a compact commercial vehicle. That is why we created the extremely practical EX30 Cargo.”

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Undercover investigation reveals rip-off garages for car repairs

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A survey of 2,000 drivers in the UK uncovered that some 52 percent either suspect or are unsure about being overcharged for car repairs

UK drivers face being ripped off when it comes to car maintenance, according to a new undercover investigation. 

A mystery shopping exercise by automotive diagnostics specialist Carly examined the prices charged by various UK garages for simple repairs.

The nationwide analysis found some garages would charge motorists up to five times the £110 cost of a simple sensor replacement. 

These findings support the views expressed in a survey of 2,000 UK motorists. More than half (52 percent) suspected they had been overcharged for car maintenance during the past five years.

Combined with rising fuel prices, it means vehicle repairs could add further to the increased cost of living.

Undercover report exposes high prices

Carly Car Repair Undercover Investigation

Carly’s mystery shopper investigation visited garages across the UK, using a Seat Ibiza with a known oxygen sensor fault. This allowed a direct comparison to see how consistent the prices charged for repairs would be.

Covering 10 different garages, including independents and main dealers, the study found that every site was able to correctly diagnose the fault.

However, many inflated the cost of the replacement part, with one national chain in Leeds quoting £672 instead of the expected £110. 

A main dealer in Stoke-on-Trent said they would charge £618 for the new oxygen sensor, with another franchised dealership in Sunderland quoting £328.

Four of the 10 garages also recommended additional work unrelated to the faulty oxygen sensor, including replacement brakes, new spark plugs and air conditioning services. Such add-ons could have added between £400 and £950 to the overall cost.

Plugging a gap in information

Carly Car Repair Undercover Investigation

These real-world findings add to the distrust felt by drivers, with over half (56 percent) believing garages have the upper hand. Some 45 percent said they felt distrustful of garages and unsure as to whether quotes were fair.

Just over half (51 percent) of drivers queried said they were not confident at diagnosing car faults. Nonetheless, 69 percent would attempt to self-diagnose a problem before visiting a garage.

Commenting on the findings, Emma Brown of Carly said: “What this investigation highlights is a clear information gap between drivers and garages. Many motorists simply don’t have the tools to understand what’s wrong with their car or what a repair should realistically cost before agreeing to work.”

The Carly smartphone application and scanner allows motorists to uncover fault codes recorded on their car by making use of the OBD port. Prices start from £40, allowing drivers to be better informed when seeking repairs from garages.

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How to change the address on your driving licence

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UK driving licence

If you have moved house, you need to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Your latest address will be required for your new UK driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C) and Direct Debit mandate (if applicable).

It will also be relevant if you have a personalised number plate or a trailer registration certificate. Details on how to update these are below.

You don’t need to inform the DVLA if your move is temporary and you can still be contacted at your permanent address. This means, for example, that university students do not have to contact the DVLA if studying away from home during term times.

Change address for a driving licence

DVLA online scam warning

You must change your address on either your full or provisional driving licence. This does not cost anything, but is a legal requirement. You can also continue driving while you wait for your new licence.

It’s quicker and easier to change your address online. You will need your driving licence and to be a resident of Great Britain (there is a different process for drivers in Northern Ireland).

You also need to provide the addresses you have lived at over the past three years. And you must not be banned from driving, of course.

Additionally, you will need to supply your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number, if you know them.

Click here to access the government website and change your address online. Or click here for information on how to apply by post.

You could be be fined up to £1,000 for failing to update your driving licence, so don’t delay.

Change address for a car log book (V5C)

V5C vehicle logbook

It’s usually free to update your vehicle log book (V5C) when you change address. The DVLA’s online service is available from 7am to 9pm (or 8pm on Saturday and Sunday).

Again, you could be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to notify a change of address.

Please note the online service cannot be used if:

  • You have already sent the V5C document to the DVLA
  • You have sold or transferred the vehicle
  • You’ve lost the V5C document
  • The vehicle is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme
  • Your new address is abroad, including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland

If you pay for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) by Direct Debit, you will need to contact the DVLA. This can be done by telephoning 0300 790 6802. The lines are open from 8am until 8pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Change address for a private number plate

Rolls-Royce with a private number plate

You also need to contact the DVLA if you have a personalised registration number that isn’t assigned to a vehicle. There are two relevant documents: the V750 certificate of entitlement and V778 retention document.

The address on the V750 certificate can be changed online using your DVLA personalised registration account. Alternatively, use the ‘change of address’ section and send the form to:

DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS

You must do the same with the V778 retention document.

Changing a trailer registration certificate

Range Rover towing a horsebox

To continue using your trailer abroad, you must register it to your new address. This applies to commercial trailers over 750kg and all trailers over 3,500kg before you can drive through some European countries.

The changes can be made online and the process costs £26 when you register a trailer for the first time.

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Chevrolet offers first look at new 2027 Corvette Grand Sport

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Roger Penske served as Grand Marshall for the 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring IMSA, having won the race in 1964

Chevrolet used the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race to reveal its latest Corvette Grand Sport. 

Having been a part of the Corvette range since the C2 model of 1964, the Grand Sport is an important part of the American sports car’s history.

Few details of the new 2027 C8 Corvette Grand Sport have been confirmed so far. However, the new vehicle surprised fans by hitting the track before the main IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race.  

The choice of Sebring to reveal the new Grand Sport was no surprise, it being the scene of a Prototype GT class victory for the C2 Corvette Grand Sport driven by Jim Hall and Roger Penske.

Celebrating the Corvette Grand Sport

2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Sebring

Although Roger Penske is best known today for his eponymous corporation and owning various race teams, he was also an accomplished racing driver.

This year sees Penske celebrate his 60th anniversary of being a motorsport team owner. To mark the occasion, he was chosen as the official Grand Marshall for this 74th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Penske was also reunited with his class-winning 1964 Chevrolet C2 Corvette Grand Sport (pictured in the foreground above).

Developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov himself, the original Grand Sport was intended to head off challenges from the Shelby Cobra. Only five examples were made, all powered by a 377-cubic-inch V-8.

“It’s incredible to think that 62 years ago, Jim Hall and I drove the Corvette Grand Sport to a class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring,” said Penske.

“I have great memories of driving the Grand Sport, as we were fortunate to earn three wins across five races in the car during the 1963 and 1964 seasons”.

Continuing the Grand Sport legacy

2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Sebring

“It is an incredible opportunity to be reunited with the Corvette Grand Sport C2 here at the 12 Hours of Sebring – an event and a track that has always carried special meaning for me and for our race teams over the years,” added Penske.

“Congratulations to Chevrolet on launching the new era of the Grand Sport program. It is truly special to see the C2 and the other generations of the Corvette Grand Sport, including the new C8, here at Sebring.”

The eighth-generation Corvette Grand Sport continues the theme of matching dark blue paintwork with white body stripes, along with the now-trademark red hash marks. With the C8 Corvette being mid-engined, the latter have moved to the rear fender.

Featuring a wide-body design as used on the Z06 and E-Ray models, the Grand Sport will feature a new-generation V-8 engine. Full details will be confirmed by Chevrolet later this week.

A 1-2 finish for the Porsche Penske Motorsport team ensured ‘The Captain’ had plenty to celebrate at Sebring, too.

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Rolls-Royce to launch ultra-exclusive Coachbuild Collection cars – and the first will be an EV

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Rolls-Royce already has an extensive history of building bespoke cars, such as the Droptail cabriolet announced in 2023

Rolls-Royce has announced an ultra-bespoke Coachbuild Collection, with the first car in the series due to be revealed next month.

Described as a ‘new proposition in super-luxury’, the Coachbuild Collection will consist of very limited-edition cars in exclusive body styles.

Those invited to buy a Coachbuild Collection car also gain access to a multi-year programme of events, which are tailored to each special vehicle.

The design and engineering of each Coachbuild Collection Rolls-Royce, along with the number to be made, will differ for each car. 

Rolls-Royce will launch the Coachbuild Collection using its EV platform, following the success of the electric Spectre coupe.

A history of bespoke builds

Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Collection

Coachbuilding has been part of the Rolls-Royce story since the marque was first founded. In its early years, a completed chassis would be delivered to a coachbuilder to create bespoke bodywork according to the customer’s demands. 

Founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce had just one rule: that the proportions surrounding the radiator grille remained the same, to ensure each car could still be identified as a Rolls-Royce. 

This tradition has continued into the modern era, with unique cars such as the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail convertible (pictured above), which was unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2022.

Cars such as the Boat Tail were built for individual clients, with those who commissioned them entrusting the design process entirely to Rolls-Royce, instead of dictating the style.

The Coachbuild Collection will continue this approach, with participants giving Rolls-Royce the freedom to create limited-run vehicles.

A truly exclusive experience

Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Collection

Each Coachbuild Collection car will be fully homologated and road-legal. Rolls-Royce emphasises that they are designed to be driven. 

Only the company’s best customers will be offered a Coachbuild Collection allocation, with invitations coming via the Rolls-Royce ‘Private Office’ network in Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai and New York, plus the Goodwood headquarters in West Sussex. 

Those participating in the first Coachbuild Collection will gain exclusive access to see their new car being created. 

This includes travelling to private test facilities to see the car being evaluated, along with visiting the design studios and workshops responsible for building it.

The ultimate expression of Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Collection

The decision to make the first Coachbuild Collection car fully electric was apparently driven by enthusiasm from Rolls-Royce owners. 

Many of those interested in being part of the Coachbuild Collection already own a Spectre, having been early adopters of the first Rolls-Royce EV. When surveyed, there was reportedly no contest for the choice of powertrain. 

Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented: “Coachbuild Collection clients seek to experience at the absolute pinnacle of our craft. What we will reveal in April is an extraordinary expression of contemporary Rolls-Royce coachbuilding, extravagant and yet silent.” 

The first Coachbuild Collection car will be officially unveiled next month. Come back to Motoring Research for an in-depth preview.

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