Electric vehicle sales will overtake those of petrol cars by 2028 and account for 38 percent of new car registrations. However, this will still leave them shy of ZEV Mandate targets.
That’s according to industry intelligence provider Cox Automotive, which forecasts petrol car sales will be down to 30 percent market share by 2028. The figure equates to 1.4 million fewer petrol cars being sold.
Diesel will fare even worse, predicts Cox Automotive. By 2028, it will have a share of just six percent, a hefty fall of 76 percent since 2020. This equates to two million fewer diesel cars sold.
By contrast, the rise of EVs has been “remarkable,” says Cox, with registrations up by 560 percent since 2020.
In just four years, nearly a million electric vehicles have entered the UK market, taking just shy of a 20 percent market share in 2024.
Two million milestone
The experts are forecasting just over two million new car registrations in 2025. That’s a modest 1.5 percent increase on 2024.
And there will be many more new car brands chasing those two million new car buyers, too. Due to the introduction of new entrant brands from China and beyond, there are now more than 60 cars brands available in the UK.
Notably, new brands are often more affordable than established ones. This can make them tempting in the switch to electric, as nearly seven in 10 car buyers say they’re not willing to pay more for an EV than a petrol or diesel alternative.
On average, EVs currently cost 12 percent more than a petrol or diesel car, according to Cox Automotive. But new entrants are already helping drive down this gap.
Interestingly, Cox also discovered that more than 85 percent of consumers now want stronger government incentives to boost EV sales. Without them, the ZEV Mandate target of 80 percent of new vehicles being EVs by 2030 may be in jeopardy.
When conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, wind or fog make driving difficult, the Met Office may issue severe weather warnings. These advise drivers to stay at home unless travel is strictly necessary.
Weather warnings are graded yellow, amber and red. A red alert from the Met Office may suggest imminent loss of life is possible.
While going out in these conditions is something to avoid, we’ve spotted posts on social media that suggest ignoring the warnings could invalidate your car insurance.
“Social media claims that motor insurance will be invalid if people drive during a red warning are not true,” said Malcolm Tarling from the Association of British Insurers.
“Motor insurance will cover you in the usual way, provided you are driving within the law.”
He added that drivers should heed warnings, and all drivers should pay close attention to advice from local authorities and the emergency services in areas affected by extreme weather.
‘Don’t take undue risks’
“Your insurance cover should remain valid whatever the weather, but don’t take that as a green flag to drive without giving heed [to a] red alert for snow,” said Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, when speaking to the Scottish Sun.
“Simply knowing you’re going to get a pay-out shouldn’t mean you take undue risks. If your insurance company can prove contributory negligence on your part, your claim might be questioned, and any pay-out reduced,” Pratt continued.
“For example, if you drove into a swollen ford where there was a warning in place and your car stalled and was ruined by water, your claim might not be paid.
“You might not even be entitled to recovery by your roadside rescue policy because you had recklessly got yourself into trouble. The same would apply if you went down a road in contravention of official road closure signs and were subsequently involved in a car accident.”
A spokesperson from AXA insurance agreed. “If you have breakdown cover, bear in mind that this may not cover you if your car is partly or completely buried in snow, so check your cover before heading off.”
The fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny achieved icon status from the very start, generating the level of interest and enthusiasm typically reserved for new supercars.
In fact, not long after being launched, the Jimny boasted residual values comparable with the most desirable sports cars.
Boosting the Jimny’s appeal are a wealth of aftermarket tuning options. These offer the chance to turn your diminutive Suzuki into a replica of a Land Rover Defender, or even a Ford Bronco.
However, the forthcoming Historics Auctioneers Symphony of Spring sale, to be held at Ascot Racecourse, offers the chance to own a truly unique Suzuki Jimny.
Real six appeal
When the fourth-generation Jimny was first revealed, digital renders of six-wheeled variants appeared online. The owner of this particular Suzuki liked the idea so much, he commissioned his very own triple-axle Jimny.
Imported to the UK from Japan as a regular Jimny with an automatic transmission, the compact off-roader was handed over to Mocho Fabrications in Worcestershire.
Specialising in bespoke 4×4 conversions, Mocho extended the chassis rails, adapted the Jimny’s bodywork into a pickup truck, then installed a third axle using original Suzuki parts.
It is worth noting that the third axle is not driven, leaving this as a 6×4 Jimny, instead of a complete 6×6. The 102hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was also untouched, although a turbocharger kit could easily add more performance if desired.
A unique proposition
Given the level of work involved, the Jimny was treated to a complete exterior respray in the distinctive shade of Audi Nardo Grey. On the inside, black and grey diamond-stitched leather covers the seats, plus there is a new Kenwood audio system with Apple CarPlay compatibility.
New tyres have been fitted, and the Jimny has an MOT certificate valid until February 2026, meaning it is ready to hit the road.
Being a one-off creation, gauging the value of something like the Jimny 6×4 is not an easy task.
However, Historics Auctioneers has suggested a pre-auction estimate of between £40,000 and £50,000. The Suzuki will cross the block on 1 March 2025.
Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new, performance-focused Black Badge version of its electric Spectre coupe.
The Black Badge arrives in response to unprecedented customer demand, as the British company prepares to invest £300 million in its Goodwood headquarters.
Chris Brownridge, chief executive at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made. It has been created in the image of our boldest and most audacious clients, with meticulous attention to detail”.
Inspired by club culture
Rolls-Royce’s first electric Black Badge model has been treated to a stealthy, slightly sinister makeover. All the exterior brightwork has a darkened finish, instead of being polished chrome, while the new 23-inch five-spoke alloy wheels can optionally be painted black.
The Spectre’s dramatic illuminated ‘Pantheon’ grille can be backlit in a variety of colours. Your chosen shade can then be matched with the illuminated sill tread plates.
Rolls-Royce has developed a distinctive new paint colour specifically for the Spectre Black Badge. Vapour Violet was inspired by the ‘neon ambience of 1980s and 1990s club culture’ – a favoured reference point for Black Badge customers, apparently.
For those who prefer something more subtle, there is a virtually unlimited paint palette. Buyers can choose from 44,000 ‘standard’ colours, or they can commission a bespoke, one-off shade.
Inside the Spectre Black Badge
The dark-and-moody theme continues inside the Spectre Black Badge, including on the hand-crafted fascia panel.
This incorporates an infinity symbol (associated with historical water-speed records), along with some 5,500 separate illuminated ‘stars’.
A ‘Technical Fibre’ trim finish also features on the Spectre Black Badge, using carbon and metal thread on a Black Bolivar wood base. Sandwiched between layers of carbon fibre, six layers of lacquer are used to provide a deep, three-dimensional effect.
The Spectre’s digital instrument panel offers a choice of five different colour themes. The infinity symbol is also stitched into the leather-trimmed ‘waterfall’ that separates the rear seats.
Engage Infinity Mode
Look closely, and the sportiest Spectre has an infinity symbol on its steering wheel, too. When this button is pressed, it switches the car into Infinity mode, summoning the full 659 horsepower from two electric motors.
With over 100hp more than a regular Spectre, it makes this Black Badge the most powerful road-going Rolls-Royce ever created.
Want to make a quick getaway? A Spirited mode, engaged by pressing the brake and throttle pedals when the car is stationary, acts as a form of launch control. It permits the e-motors to deploy a thumping 793lb ft of torque in one hit.
Launched off the line in a ‘Spirited’ fashion, the Spectre Black Badge can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds.
Speed in near-silence
This ability to provide extreme performance in short bursts was informed by studying data from how existing Black Badge owners drive their cars.
Rolls-Royce has also made upgrades to the Spectre’s steering and suspension, ensuring the hefty Black Badge has road manners to match its performance.
A select few Rolls-Royce owners were chosen to test a small fleet of secret Spectre Black Badge prototypes, giving them the earliest access to the new car.
Available to order now, the Black Badge is likely to boost demand for the Spectre, which was the best-selling Rolls-Royce in Europe during 2024.
For those who cannot wait to celebrate Kia EV Day, the South Korean manufacturer has shared some digital images of its new EV4.
Initially revealed as a concept at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, the EV4 is the latest addition to Kia’s growing range of electric cars.
Despite more than 18 months passing since the Concept EV4 was first shown, the car’s futuristic styling has remained virtually unchanged.
Just like the related Kia EV3 SUV, there is no doubt the production EV4 will make a visual statement on UK roads.
A fresh take on the saloon
Helping the EV4 stand out is Kia’s decision to offer both hatchback and saloon body styles. Four-door EVs are relatively thin on the ground in the modern car market, so the EV4 will buck the trend.
Karim Habib, head of Kia design, explains: “The Kia EV4 is a clear reflection of our commitment to rethink mobility, and expand the boundaries of what design can achieve. By offering both saloon and hatchback variants, we are bringing to our customers, the unique experience of modernity and practicality that defines the Kia EV family, in a way that suits their varied lifestyles and needs.
“Offering a fresh take on the saloon, the EV4 saloon features a sleek, low nose and long-tail silhouette. The EV4 hatchback is a nimble, versatile all-rounder. Distinctive and clean, it is built to excel in any situation.”
The saloon version unashamedly squares up to the big-selling Tesla Model 3. However, the Kia is a more eye-catching car than the anodyne American.
Counting down to Kia EV Day
Sharing a platform with the Kia EV3 SUV means the new EV4 will likely offer a choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery packs.
With saloon designs typically boasting slipperier aerodynamics, the EV4 could potentially offer a range of up to 400 miles.
Kia has confirmed there will be a sportier GT-Line version of the EV4, too. However, the company is keeping quiet on power and performance figures for now.
Full details of the EV4 will be revealed at the Kia EV Day, to be held in Tarragona, Spain on 27 February 2025. Kia is also expected to use the event to unveil the EV2, its smallest electric car to date.
Do you remember a time when hatchbacks were the default choice for families in search of a practical, spacious, economical and stylish car? Today, many families prefer high-riding SUVs, but that’s not to say that the hatchback has had its day.
On the contrary, buyers have never had it so good. Buy a new family hatchback in 2026 and you’ll be treated to the latest safety and connectivity technology, very affordable running costs and a car that’s likely to be nicer to drive than an SUV.
We’ve pulled together a list of the best family hatchbacks to buy this year, with our choices presented in alphabetical order.
Audi A3 Sportback
With distinctive styling and the right badge, the Audi A3 is brimming with showroom appeal. Its technology-packed interior is very appealing, too – despite lacking the flawless quality that distinguished Audis of old. A Virtual Cockpit digital driver display sits alongside a 10.1-inch touchscreen with super-sharp graphics. Satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio come as standard, but many features are extra-cost options.
An engine range including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and the 400hp RS3 hot hatchback means there is an A3 to suit most tastes. Audi’s trademark Quattro four-wheel-drive system is available on some models, too. In general, the driving experience offers a good balance between comfort and dynamic poise. Just beware the firmer ride on sportier S line versions.
We said: ‘Despite the dramatic styling of the A3’s interior, it is still practical. Some of the plastics can feel a little cheap, though. A large 10.1-inch touchscreen controls multimedia functions, but Audi has (thankfully) retained some physical buttons.’
Predictably, BMW purists grumbled about the switch from rear-wheel drive to front- or four-wheel drive for the current 1 Series. However, it’s arguably the best resolved ‘baby BMW’ yet, with more space for rear-seat passengers and a larger boot. Many rivals are still more spacious in the back, though.
Overall quality is good enough to rival the more expensive BMW 3 Series, while the petrol and diesel engines offer a terrific blend of performance and economy. The level of standard equipment is excellent, with the entry-level Sport model featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED rear lights, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and parking assist.
There are now three trim levels to choose from: Sport, M Sport and M135, although the latter is a model in its own right. Indeed, with the demise of the 128ti hot hatch, the 300hp M135 xDrive is your best option if you’re after a performance hatchback with a BMW badge. Pictured is a 120 Sport in optional Thundernight metallic paint. It’s not a hue for shrinking violets…
Honda Civic e:HEV
Honda calls the Civic e:HEV the ‘driver’s hybrid’, pointing to its ‘heart-warming efficiency’ and ‘adrenaline-pumping power’. A bold claim, but we liked it enough to award it the maximum five stars, praising its efficient hybrid engine, family-friendly interior and side-order of driving fun. Prices start from around £35,000 and there are three trim levels to choose from: Elegance, Sport and Advance. In Elegance guise, you could see fuel economy of 60.1mpg.
Standard kit includes keyless entry and start, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and four USB ports.
We said: ‘Finding a weakness in the Civic e:HEV’s repertoire is tough. Tyre noise is a little louder than might be expected, while the infotainment screen graphics look old-fashioned. Its hybrid drivetrain is smooth and efficient, and it delivers lively performance. This is matched by a chassis that blends comfort with a hint of sportiness, living up to that “driver’s hybrid” claim.’
There’s more to the Ceed than Kia’s famed seven-year warranty. Look beyond the fact that it’s covered until 2032 and you’ll find a car that’s inoffensively styled, packed with equipment and pretty good to drive. It doesn’t really excel in any particular area, but all-round competency is perhaps the Ceed’s biggest strength.
Every model comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, while the flagship GT-Line S model adds an impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This high-spec model also features a panoramic sunroof and an eight-speaker JBL audio system.
We said: ‘There is no shortage of choice in this class. If you want something more stylish, maybe consider the Mazda 3. If you’d like a sharper drive, the Ford Focus is hard to ignore. And if your tastes are more upmarket, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a classy contender. However, the Ceed earns its place on our best family hatchbacks list by being a capable and likeable all-rounder.’
In a family hatchback beauty contest, the svelte Mazda 3 would drive away with first prize. The fact that it’s also engaging to drive and perfectly built might seal the deal for you anyway. Despite its mainstream Mazda badge, the 3 – available as a hatchback or equally stylish saloon – feels genuinely premium.
What’s not to like? Well, there’s no diesel option, which is less of a problem than it was. But the lack of a hybrid will be an issue for some. Hefty C-pillars also make the rear seats feel slightly claustrophobic and the 351-litre boot is smaller than most cars here. We could overlook these foibles in such a desirable overall package, though.
We said: ‘You could buy the Mazda 3 on the strength of its styling alone. Available as a five-door hatchback or four-door saloon, it’s the most head-turning car in its class – but there’s more to the 3 than just sleek looks.’ Prices start from £24,500 for the Prime-Line trim, with the flagship Takumi model costing just shy of £30,000.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is one of the most popular premium hatchbacks in Britain. Buyers are happy to pay a little extra per month in exchange for a desirable badge, impressive interior and the latest technology. All models get a pair of 10.25-inch widescreen displays, which join in the middle to create an almost entirely digital dashboard for the driver.
Although the Sport Edition and Sport Executive models pack a generous level of equipment, many buyers choose to upgrade to one of the stylish AMG Line trims. The Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatchback is one of the fastest point-to-point cars you can buy, while the A250e plug-in hybrid offers around 50 miles of electric range.
Reviewing the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, we said: ‘The A45 S is closer in spirit to heroes of yesteryear like the Subaru Impreza Turbo and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. It’s a giant-killer, a car that makes fast work of, well, everything. Above all, it’s a riot to drive. If you want the ultimate hot hatchback, look no further.’
Fancy a Volkswagen Golf but would like to save money? The Seat Leon is for you. It shares the same platform and running gear, yet the Spaniard is arguably prettier than the German, and still packs the very latest technology. It’s also quite spacious, although the boot is a little small for this class of car.
Prices start from around £25,000, so the cheapest Leon undercuts the most affordable Golf by around £2,500. You can buy a mid-range Leon FR for the same price as an entry-level Golf. Even the entry-level SE model rides on 16-inch alloys and has a 10.4-inch touchscreen display, alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
As well as a choice of 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines, the Seat Leon is also available as a plug-in hybrid. Known as the Leon e-Hybrid, it offers up to 82 miles of range from a full battery, which can be recharged in 2.5 hours using a wallbox or five hours with a domestic plug. Prices range from £36,500 to £38,500, depending on the trim.
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia has collected plenty of awards, so it’s just as well it has a cavernous boot to carry all that silverware. Indeed, its massive 600 litres of luggage space is enough to rival cars from the segment above. You may find that you don’t need the spacious Octavia Estate.
Like the Seat Leon, the new Octavia is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf, but the Skoda majors on interior room and value for money. The entry-level SE Technology costs around £26,500 and features the likes of 16-inch alloy wheels, a 13-inch touchscreen with navigation, LED headlights, cruise control and rear parking sensors. And yes, it even has an umbrella hidden inside the door!
Just like the Seat Leon, the Skoda Octavia is available with a choice of 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines, but there’s also a 265hp hot hatchback in the form of the Octavia vRS. In all cases, it’s hard to think of a more practical family hatchback; with the rear seats folded down, the boot offers 1,555 litres of space – enough to rival some estate cars.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla costs more than some of its key rivals, but it pays to look beyond the purchase price. In addition to a plenty of standard equipment, the Corolla is also powered by a choice of efficient petrol-electric hybrid engines that offer the economy of a diesel. Both the 1.8- and 2.0-litre versions could return up to 64.1mpg, so there’s no penalty for choosing the more powerful unit.
The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which answers one of our criticisms of the car when it was launched. Priced from around £30,500 to £34,500, the Corolla is backed by a five-year warranty.
It’s not the newest family hatchback on our list, but an update in 2023 saw improvements to the interior and the infotainment system, and the car has developed a reputation for reliability and dependability. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display with navigation, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an impressive suite of safety and driver assistance systems.
Volkswagen Golf
The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf looks so familiar, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an evolution of the old model. The swoopy LED headlights and new corporate badge are the biggest clues to the Golf 8’s identity. You can hardly blame Volkswagen for playing it safe; the Golf is the default choice for millions of motorists.
The inside is less conventional. Volkswagen calls it a ‘digitalised workplace’, which is marketing speak for a digital dashboard and a range of touch-sensitive controls. You can use gesture control for some functions, while saying “Hello Volkswagen” triggers the voice control. The Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia make more financial sense, but many people will opt for the upmarket Golf. The latest Mk8 VW Golf GTI is a return to form, too.
We said: ‘Prise those redesigned roundels off the Golf and it could easily be an Audi A3. Its interior has the requisite wow-factor and the technology sets new standards for a mainstream hatchback. Although much has changed, the Volkswagen Golf still feels like the benchmark. It’s easy to see why it’s the go-to family hatchback.’
The final unregistered example of the limited edition 2024 Porsche 911 S/T will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s to raise money for good causes.
Built to celebrate 60 years of the Porsche 911, the S/T made its public debut at the Rennsport Reunion event in 2023.
As with any special Porsche 911, the 992.1-generation S/T attracted a huge amount of attention. Demand far outstripped the production run of 1,963 cars, despite a list price of £231,600 in the UK.
This week’s online auction will offer a rare chance to own the highly collectable 911, while also raising money for the American Red Cross to fund wildfire relief in California.
An iconic specification
As the only 911 S/T not assigned to a customer, the car up for auction has just 932 miles on the odometer, having been run-in specially by Porsche’s preparation team in Stuttgart.
This means the 525hp 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, shared with the 911 GT3 RS, is ready for a new owner to enjoy. A short-ratio manual gearbox was the only transmission offered for the S/T, along with a lightweight clutch and carbon ceramic brakes.
Carbon fibre panels and thinner glass made the S/T the lightest 911 of its 992.1 generation. This helped towards a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds.
The North American-spec car up for auction has been painted in Shore Blue Metallic, and comes with the optional Heritage Design Package. This means magnesium alloy wheels painted in Ceramica, racing roundels on the doors and retro-style exterior badges.
On the inside, the 911 S/T comes features carbon fibre bucket seats finished in Cognac leather, gold 911 badges and an owner’s manual pouch signed by Andreas Preuninger, director of the GT model line at Porsche.
Time to help good causes
Accompanying the 911 S/T at auction will be the special Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 911 S/T timepiece. The watch was only made available to those lucky enough to purchase an S/T in the first place.
The auction of the Porsche 911 S/T follows the sale of the first 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 at a Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale, Arizona. A winning bid of $3.7 million (£2.97 million) secured the flagship hypercar, with all proceeds donated to the American Red Cross for natural disaster relief.
With the RM Sotheby’s auction for the 911 S/T running from Tuesday 18 February until Thursday 20 February 2025, we won’t have long to wait to see what price it achieves.
Most people who buy a new car do so via monthly finance payments, rather than paying cash upfront. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) deals in particular have led a boom period for car finance. Indeed, only a small percentage of people now buy a new car outright.
You may be puzzled by finance jargon when sat opposite the salesperson in the showroom. Don’t worry, though – help is at hand.
If you’re bamboozled by balloon payments or confused by conditional sales, our guide to car finance jargon has the answers. Be sure to read our full guide to the most popular car finance options, too.
The charge for setting up the finance and issuing the relevant documents. It will be included in the total amount payable and taken into account when the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is calculated.
Agreement term or length of the agreement
The length of time over which you agree to repay the car finance.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The annual cost of a finance agreement over and above the amount you have borrowed on finance. The cost will include interest rate charges and any other fees. APR can be used to compare different finance products.
Annual mileage
You will be asked to estimate your annual mileage as this helps the lender to calculate the market value (Guaranteed Minimum Future Value) at the end of the contract. Do not underestimate the figure, as you will be charged an excess mileage fee at the end of the finance contract.
Bad credit history
If a customer has a record of repayment issues, this will be classed as a bad credit history. Although there are specialist lenders for customers with a poor credit score, the cost of borrowing is likely to be higher.
Balance financed
The amount you need to borrow – the cost of the new car less a deposit or part-exchange allowance.
Balloon payment or Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV)
The lump sum deferred to the end of a PCP deal or similar. If paid, you will own the car. In most cases, the balloon payment is optional, but check before you sign the agreement.
Cash back
An amount refunded to the customer that is not required for a deposit. Cash back is often used as an incentive.
Conditional Sale
The sale of the vehicle is conditional on the customer completing the terms of the agreement. The customer will automatically own the car at the end of the agreement.
Credit agreement
A legally-binding contract between the customer and the finance company. It will include the loan amount, the term, the rate of interest and the customer’s rights and responsibilities.
Credit rating
Part of the scoring system used by finance companies when deciding how to price the risk of finance – and the suitable interest rate.
Deposit contribution
A contribution made by the supplying dealer or manufacturer. It will reduce the cost of finance.
Depreciation
The extent and rate at which a new car loses its value. For example, a new car might might be worth 50 percent of its original list price after three years and 30,000 miles.
Documentation fee
See Administration fee.
Early settlement
The amount payable should a customer decide to end the finance agreement.
Equity
The difference between the agreed market value of the car and the loan balance left to pay. If the market value is lower than the remaining balance, the term ‘negative equity’ is used.
Final payment
The last repayment to be made as part of the finance agreement. This may include an option to purchase fee.
Fixed rate interest
The same interest rate is applied for the duration of the car finance agreement.
Flat rate
The base interest charged on the finance. The APR figure is a more accurate representation of the cost of finance.
GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance
In the event of an accident, the insurer will pay the car’s current market value. GAP insurance can cover the difference between the market value and the finance left to pay.
Gross income
The finance provider will ask for proof of your income before tax and National Insurance have been deducted. This is called gross income. Net income is the figure after tax and National Insurance are deducted.
Hire Purchase (HP)
After an initial deposit, customers pay a series of fixed monthly payments over a set period of time. Although you become the car’s registered keeper, you don’t own it until the final payment is made.
Interest rate
The price you pay for borrowing the money is called the interest.
Joint application
When two or more people apply for car finance, it is called a joint application.
Lease Purchase
A form of Hire Purchase in which a sum is deferred until the end of the contract. This sum isn’t optional and must be paid.
Monthly rentals
The amount paid every month under leasing agreements. They’re not classed as repayments as the car will be handed back to the leasing company at the end of the agreement.
Option to purchase fee
A voluntary payment which, if paid, transfers ownership of the car to the customer.
Part-exchange
The amount given to you for your existing car when trading it in for a new one.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
A form of finance with the option to return the car at the end of the contract, which keeps monthly payments lower. See our guide to PCP finance.
Quotation
Provides an indication of the cost that would apply if you went ahead with the finance.
Residual value
The projected value of your car at the end of the finance agreement. Factors such as wear and tear, mileage and market trends may affect the actual value.
Secured loan
Most finance agreements are secured against the car.
Secondary rental
To keep renting the car at the end of a lease agreement, it might be possible to arrange a secondary rental. This will typically be in the form of an annual fee or monthly repayments.
Term
The length of the finance agreement.
Trade value
How much the car is worth if sold at auction or purchased by a dealer.
The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious events in motorsport. Billed as the ‘Great American Race’, it was first held in 1959.
As the season-opener for the NASCAR Cup Series, it features a field of 45 stock cars powered by naturally aspirated 358-cubic inch (5.86-litre) V8 engines. In competition, they can reach speeds in excess of 180mph.
The front of the pack will be silent for 2025, however, as this all-American salute to horsepower makes use of an electric pace car for the first time.
However, the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS leading the NASCAR pack will not be short on performance or power.
Charging ahead of the pack
The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is the quickest car from the American marque to wear its famous ‘SS’ badge.
With its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive electric powertrain, the Blazer EV SS produces 615hp and 650lb ft of torque. This puts it almost on a par with the V8-powered NASCAR Cup racers that will be following close behind. Engaging ‘Wide Open Watts’ mode allows the Chevrolet to accelerate to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds.
“Chevrolet has a long history with racing – it’s in our DNA – and the Blazer EV SS is a testament to that,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “We’re excited for customers to watch the Blazer EV SS – the quickest SS we’ve ever produced – pace such an iconic race this weekend.”
An electric NASCAR future?
As surprising as an electric SUV leading the Daytona 500 may be, Chevrolet will also use the great race to demonstrate an even more extreme EV.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV.R prototype makes use of the current Next Gen NASCAR chassis, but with the traditional V8 engine ditched for an electric powertrain. With three six-phase electric motors fitted, the Blazer EV.R produces 1,300hp, which is sent to all four wheels.
Knowing that NASCAR fans are unlikely to appreciate electric SUV race cars, Chevrolet is keen to stress the Blazer EV.R is just a technical test bed.
“While we will continue to race our proven and winning V8 technology in NASCAR for years to come, we continually look for ways to improve the combination of power, durability and efficiency to transfer learnings from the racetrack to the showroom, especially as we bolster Chevy’s consumer EV lineup,” said Eric Warren, executive director for global motorsports competition at General Motors.
Are you tired of same-again restomods based on the Porsche 911 or original Land Rover Defender? If so, Modena Automobili may have the answer.
The MA-01 Maserati Biturbo Shamal makes use of the rare Italian sports car, built during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
It certainly makes for a more esoteric starting point than a 911. Only 369 examples of the original Maserati Shamal were made between 1989 and 1996.
As such, finding suitable donor cars for the 33 vehicles Modena Automobili plans to build could be something of a challenge.
Modernised in Modena
The process of creating the MA-01 Maserati Biturbo Shamal is not unlike other restomods. Marcello Gandini’s angular styling has been subtly enhanced, with the new bodywork made from a combination of steel and carbon fibre.
A kerb weight of less than 1,300kg is quoted, making this classic coupe lighter than many modern hot hatchbacks.
Modena Automobili has also beefed up the aerodynamic additions, with a deeper front splitter, sculpted side skirts and a large diffuser at the rear. Classic Maserati trident badges are found on the C-pillars, and there are new LED headlights up front.
Powered by Ferrari
The MA-01’s performance comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 Ferrari F160 engine, used in recent Maserati models such as the Ghibli S.
Producing 500hp and 406lb ft of torque, it allows the MA-01 Maserati Biturbo Shamal to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 5.0 seconds. Top speed is 174mph.
Unlike the manual gearbox used in the original Shamal, the MA-01 features a brand-new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The car’s suspension has also been enhanced, with new springs and dampers, and the rear using an upgraded subframe. Brembo brakes and Pirelli P-Zero tyres are included for good measure.
Buy your Biturbo with Bitcoin
On the inside, Recaro Classic LX seats are fitted, with a digital dashboard and automatic climate control to bring the Shamal firmly into the modern age. The iconic Maserati oval clock is now removable and wearable.
Individual customisation will be a key feature of the MA-01 Maserati Biturbo Shamal, allowing for bespoke interior options to be accommodated – at a price, of course.
All of which brings us to the small matter of money. Including the cost of a donor car, but without local taxes, Modena Automobili suggests a starting price of €585,000 (£488,000). Crypto gurus should take note, however, as Bitcoin will be accepted as payment.
