The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed more information about its plans to reduce MOT test fraud.
One of the trial measures is to photograph the vehicle being tested. The aim is to reduce the possibility of ‘ghost MOTs’ being generated, along with preventing genuine mistakes.
A ghost MOT occurs when a pass certificate is generated for a vehicle that has never actually been tested. According to the DVSA, this now accounts for 80 percent of all fraudulent MOT certificates issued.
Busting ghost MOTs
With ghost MOTs being such a major issue for the DVSA, the agency is focusing its attention on this problem in particular.
The DVSA initially began small-scale trials with MOT testers taking photographs of vehicle number plates. However, the agency has now moved to asking testers to photograph the complete vehicle when in the testing bay.
As part of this, the DVSA will interpret data captured in the image file, such as the location and vehicle type, and then reference it against the MOT certificate issued.
To extend the testing of this process, the DVSA is expanding it to a prototype phase, and asking more MOT testers to volunteer to take part.
Snapping away at fraud
MOT testers can sign up to take part in further testing. If they meet the requirements, this will give them access to the prototype part of the MOT testing system.
Garage staff will be asked to photograph the vehicle after they have entered its number plate or VIN. Although the main test is completed on a standalone computer, testers will need to use a smartphone or tablet to take the photo.
The DVSA will then be able to match the photograph against the MOT test entered into its database, ensuring that the vehicle being tested was physically present at the location.
Both authorised MOT examiners and DVSA staff will be able to access the photographs taken. They will use these to focus attention on the small number of garages not adhering to the rules.
Owners of electric Vauxhall cars will be able to use on-street charging for free in London this month.
Between 3 February and 2 March 2025, drivers with a battery-powered Vauxhall car or van can plug into the Jolt network without having to pay.
The partnership between Vauxhall and Jolt is part of the car company’s ‘Electric Streets of Britain’ initiative. Its aim is to solve the challenge of EV ownership for the 40 percent of UK drivers without off-street parking.
There is a slight catch to the generous offer, though. At present, Jolt’s network of charging devices only covers a relatively small area of north-west London.
Free charging, with conditions
For those who live in the area, or are passing through in their electric Vauxhall, access to the Jolt network is available via a smartphone app.
Once installed, drivers simply need to add the registration number of their Vauxhall EV. Jolt will then apply free charging to that vehicle when plugged in at any of the network’s 40 devices.
During the month-long promotional period, all Jolt chargers will feature prominent Vauxhall branding on their built-in digital advertising boards.
Drivers of all other car brands can currently receive 7kWh of free charging from a Jolt on-street device, typically equivalent to around 30 miles of battery range. After this, the cost of charging is 35p per kWh.
Improving access to on-street charging
Since launch in 2023, the Vauxhall Electric Streets campaign has seen 15,000 people register their interest in having on-street chargers installed near them.
The company is using this data to produce a ‘heat map’ of locations with the largest demand for EV charging provision. This information can then be shared with local authorities.
Phil Douglass, marketing director at Vauxhall, said: “Access to on-street charging continues to be a hot topic to ensure the UK can continue along its electrification journey. In partnership with Jolt, Vauxhall is continuing to support electric vehicle drivers, offering free charging for any Vauxhall electric vehicle customer visiting a Jolt unit.
“We’re committed to electrifying Britain and look forward to seeing even more innovative on-street charging solutions for drivers to make their day-to-day journeys.”
Aston Martin has confirmed its plans to fight for outright victory in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
The British marque will enter its Valkyrie hypercar in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the US-based IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship (IMSA).
Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “This is a proud moment for Aston Martin. To be returning to the fight for overall honours at the 24 Hours of Le Mans exists at the very core of our values and marks a key milestone in our motor racing heritage.
“As the only hypercar born from the road to challenge at the top of sports car racing in both the WEC and IMSA, the Valkyrie is an embodiment of our enduring sporting ethos, one that has defined the brand for more than a century.”
The only road-legal hypercar racer
When the Valkyrie enters competition, starting with the Qatar 1,812km round of the WEC on 28 February, it will be the only road-derived hypercar in the competition.
Aston Martin’s major rivals, ranging from BMW to Cadillac and Ferrari, have all constructed bespoke racing machines to meet the FIA’s new ‘Hypercar’ regulations.
Adrian Hallmark notes: “By adhering to the Hypercar rules, the race car shares many strands of DNA with the road car, with the same V12 power unit at its heart.”
The Valkyrie matches a carbon fibre chassis with a Cosworth-engineered 6.5-litre V12, capable of revving to 11,000rpm. Although the road-legal Valkyrie generates more than 1,000hp, the race version is capped at 500kW (680hp) by FIA rules.
Motorsport with a heart
The Heart of Racing (THOR) team will be responsible for running both the Valkyrie’s WEC and IMSA competitions. Based in the United States, THOR races in support of the Seattle Children’s Hospital, and has raised more than $10 million (£8 million) since 2014.
Competing extensively in motorsport competitions throughout the world, THOR claimed a class win at last weekend’s Bathurst 12 Hour race. The team were also runners up in the GTD Pro class of the 2024 IMSA series.
Testing for the Valkyrie began in earnest last July, with the car racking up more than 15,000 km (9,320 miles) since then. Preparation has included time at famous tracks such as Road Atlanta, Sebring and Daytona.
Two Valkyries painted in a classic green livery will be entered in the 2025 WEC series. A sole blue-liveried car will be used for IMSA duties.
Channelling the spirit of 1959
The Valkyrie’s crowning glory will be competing at Le Mans, however, with Aston Martin aiming for its first outright victory at the French race since 1959.
That year saw the Aston Martin DBR1 win both Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championship, a feat the team would love to emulate. Although Aston has returned to Le Mans since, success has only come in class victories with the DBR9 and Vantage GTE.
Harry Tincknell, Aston Martin’s most recent British 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner, will be joined by Tom Gamble in the #007 WEC Valkyrie, making for an all-British lead car.
The #009 car will be driven by triple FIA GT World Champion Marco Sørensen and WEC LMGT3 class race winner, Alex Riberas. In IMSA, Ross Gunn and 2022 GTD class champion Roman De Angelis will be on driving duties.
A winning combination?
At present, there is no mention of Fernando Alonso, who drives for the Aston Martin Formula One Team, making the switch back to sports car racing.
Alonso has been a two-time winner of Le Mans with the Toyota team, and took glory in the 2018-19 World Endurance Championship. He also owns a road-going Valkyrie.
Notably, the Valkyrie began as a project between Aston Martin and the Red Bull Racing F1 team, to build the closest interpretation of a Formula One car for the road. Superstar designer Adrian Newey, who starts a new job at Aston Martin next month, was involved in the Valkyrie’s design while at Red Bull.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of endurance motorsport, said: “It would be almost unimaginable for Adrian, one of the greatest racing car designers in history, to design a car and not think about it going racing at some point”.
Audi has backtracked on plans to give its electric and internal combustion-powered cars separate model names.
The previous strategy would have seen EV models given even-numbered designations, with the odd numbers reserved for petrol- and diesel-engined cars.
The idea was to make it easier for customers to distinguish between powertrain types at a glance, but it led to some confusion among customers.
Last year, the Audi A4 saloon and Avant were rebadged as the A5, ending 30 years of tradition. Audi had previously used the A5 name for related coupe and convertible versions of the A4.
Following customer feedback
According to Marco Schubert, member of the board of management for sales and marketing at Audi AG, the company has listened to feedback about its original plans.
Schubert said: “This decision is the result of intensive discussions and also follows the wishes of our customers as well as feedback from our international dealers”.
He added: “Our nomenclature now provides all customers worldwide with an intuitive orientation in our portfolio. We choose the names of our models in a way that reveals size and positioning at first glance.”
It means the ‘global alphanumeric’ model name will revert to being used to demonstrate size and status in the Audi range, regardless of powertrain.
Crunching the numbers
What drives each Audi will simply be indicated by the addition of TFSI (petrol), TDI (diesel), or E-tron (electric) after the model name.
As a result, a model in the Audi A4 family could potentially be driven by battery electric power or an internal combustion engine, depending on the designation applied.
To demonstrate this, Audi will launch a new Audi A6 Avant TFSI next month, with a petrol engine beneath its bonnet. This will be sold alongside the existing electric Audi A6 Avant E-tron.
There are no plans to rebadge existing models already on sale, but Audi will likely update the names of its cars and SUVs with future facelifts.
Audi previously attracted criticism for giving each model a two-digit ‘power badge’ that related to horsepower instead of the more usual engine size.
Number plates with a green flash can be fitted to new or existing 100 percent zero-emission vehicles. In practice, this usually means electric cars, although hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai are eligible as well.
Back in 2020, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps became one of Britain’s first motorists to fit green number plates, making a trip to Halfords to buy new plates for his electric Tesla Model 3.
Fitted front and rear, the number plates have a green strip on the left-hand side that makes it easier to identify zero-emission vehicles.
They cannot be used for cars that produce any CO2, and are therefore not zero-emissions. This includes hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which have a petrol or diesel engine in addition to an electric motor.
What are the benefits of green number plates?
The aim of green number plates is to assist local authorities when rolling out Clean Air Zones and free parking for electric cars, as the vehicles will be easier to identify.
Making zero-emission cars more obvious may also encourage people to buy them. We might all recognise a Tesla, for example, but an electric Vauxhall Corsa-e looks very similar to the regular petrol version.
The government first floated the idea of green number plates in 2018, following similar schemes in Norway, Canada and China. It’s one of many adjustments as the country prepares for the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Green plates are not compulsory and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will still recognise an EV if you enter a Clean Air Zone such as the London ULEZ.
How can I get a set of green number plates?
Electric car drivers who want to fit a set of green number plates need to take their V5 document (vehicle logbook) to an approved registration plate supplier. This will prove the vehicle can use green plates. Click here to check if your car is eligible.
The British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA) says the green flash should be colour Pantone 7481c or very similar, between 40mm and 50mm in width, and reflective for 24-hour visibility. At the time of writing, a new pair of green number plates from Halfords will cost £36.
For more information on EVs, check out our sister website: Motoring Electric.
Online marketplace eBay has announced its list of the 10 most expensive car part sold via its website during 2024.
The impressive haul of components and accessories includes everything from complete engines and gearboxes through to seats and exterior styling parts.
The top 10 list demonstrates the sheer diversity of parts available on eBay, with numerous high-end items for luxury vehicles and supercars up for grabs.
Fitting not included
The single most expensive car part sold on eBay in 2024 was the engine from a 2012 Audi R8. Producing 525hp and 391lb ft of torque, the 5.2-litre V10 had covered 36,000 miles when sold.
Auctioned for £16,567, sadly eBay does not mention where the sonorous V10 engine ended up after it was purchased.
Occupying positions two to four on the top 10 list were bucket seats taken from high-performance Porsche vehicles.
Claiming second place was a pair of carbon fibre seats taken from a 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3, which sold for £13,086.
Making £11,962 on eBay, a similar set of carbon fibre seats, originally fitted to a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, rounded-out the podium places.
From bucket seats to front splitters
Another set of Porsche carbon fibre bucket seats, taken from a different 991-generation 911 GT3, achieved a marginally lower price of £11,076.
In fifth place, a not-inconsiderable £10,049 was spent on a 3.0-litre V6 engine taken from a Porsche Macan, with the same amount achieved for the thumping V8 from a Mercedes-AMG E63.
A rally-prepared bodyshell for a Ford Escort Mk2 sold for £9,146, with a carbon fibre front splitter from a McLaren MP4-12C going for £9,051.
Although (presumably) not purchased for a car, eBay also notes that one bidder paid £10,189 for a Rolls-Royce Turbofan engine, as used in a Sea Harrier jump jet.
eBay’s automotive top 10 of 2024
Abir Tewari, UK director for parts and accessories at eBay, said: “It has been another interesting year for eBay parts and accessories, with a wide mixture of products making our top 10 most expensive list in 2024.
“From premium sports and supercar powertrains to rare and lightweight sports seats, the UK’s motoring enthusiasts are well and truly spoilt for choice.”
The full top 10 of car parts sold on eBay during 2024 is below:
Roundabouts have been a feature of British roads since 1909, when the first junction of this type was constructed in Letchworth Garden City. The aim of a roundabout is to keep traffic moving at busy intersections. Statistics show they are safer than more traditional junctions, such as crossroads.
The modern concept of a mini-roundabout was developed in the early 1970s as a means to improve road capacity and reduce delays at existing junctions. Mini-roundabouts are also used as traffic calming measures, particularly in residential areas.
We all learn how to negotiate a roundabout as part of our driving lessons. Many aspects will be familiar, such as travelling in a clockwise direction, giving way to traffic from the right and using the car’s indicators to signal your intentions.
Choosing the correct lane on an unmarked roundabout is a little trickier, however, and it depends on your intended direction of travel. It also means that you need to move your car into position before you reach the roundabout.
Rule 186 of the Highway Code is clear on certain aspects of using a roundabout, but ambiguous on others. Let’s run through the various options.
Taking the first exit (left)
Signal left and approach in the left-hand lane.
Keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.
Exiting to the right or going full-circle
Signal right and approach in the right-hand lane.
Keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout.
Signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
Taking an intermediate exit
Select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout.
You should not need to signal on approach.
Stay in lane until you need to exit the roundabout.
Signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
In all cases, the advice is valid unless signs or road markings say otherwise. The Highway Code also states: ‘When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to the roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it’.
The general rule of thumb is to use the left-hand lane to go straight ahead if the exit is in the ‘12 o’clock’ position. Anything beyond this requires the use of the right-hand lane, unless you are told otherwise. This is the advice given in the book The official DVSA guide to driving: the essential skills.
Use your common sense
As with all driving on the road, some common sense is required. On a roundabout with three exits (not including the entry road), the left-hand lane could be used for the second exit, even if it’s beyond the ‘12 o’clock’ position. There is no right or wrong lane – you should use your own judgement and be aware of other road users.
Use the right-hand lane (or keep to the right of the lane) when taking the third exit. Signal your intentions after you have passed the second exit, moving across to the left while using your mirrors to keep an eye on other road users. Remember, somebody joining the roundabout after you could be in your blind spot on the left-hand side.
A mini-roundabout might feature a single lane, but the same principles of signalling and road positioning still apply. It’s important to use the mini-roundabout in the correct manner; driving straight over the central island to go straight on isn’t permitted. You must also circumnavigate the roundabout to turn right – do not simply cut the corner.
Some roundabouts make it easier. For example, if there are three entry lanes and three exits, you use the left-hand lane to turn left, the middle lane to go straight on and the right-hand lane to turn right.
In some cases, particularly if the exit at ‘12 o’clock’ has two lanes, you could find somebody using the middle or right-hand lane to go straight on. Keep an eye on your mirrors and stick to the left-hand side of the roundabout.
The Alfie’s Driving School website is helpful on this topic. It says: ‘A good rule of thumb is to use the middle lane for anything between the first and last exit – on a five-exit roundabout you would stay in the middle lane for exits two, three, and four.’
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a substantial £65 million investment to boost the roll-out of electric car charging points.
Connected Kerb, the London-based EV infrastructure specialist, will receive the money, helping to support its ambitious plans to expand public charger access.
The National Wealth Fund (NWF), formerly known as the UK Infrastructure Bank, will provide £55 million of the money pledged for EV charging provision.
A further £10 million of funding for Connected Kerb will come from Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc.
Bringing charging to the kerbside
Last year, registrations of new electric cars increased by 21 percent in the UK, while the provision of EV charging devices grew by 38 percent according to data from ZapMap. However, the total number of 73,699 public chargers is remains well short of the government’s target of 300,000 by 2030.
Connected Kerb aims to grow its charging network from 9,000 charging sockets at present to a substantial 40,000 across the UK.
Unlike (150kW+) rapid-charging EV devices, which grew in number by 84 percent during 2024, Connected Kerb is focused on slower 7-22kW chargers.
Typically placed on urban streets, Connected Kerb’s devices aim to help address the challenges of EV ownership faced by the 55 percent of people without access to dedicated off-street parking.
Helping those without a driveway
Following the Chancellor’s announcement, Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “This investment combines Connected Kerb’s proven hardware and advanced software infrastructure with the financial resources of NWF and Aviva to deploy public charging at scale, to all corners of the UK.
“This is a game-changing investment that will give individuals and businesses the confidence to make the switch to driving electric, dramatically reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. We are delighted to have such high-profile investors who are deeply aligned with our sustainability and ethical goals.”
John Flint of the National Wealth Fund said: “To get to net zero, we need to make it as easy as possible for people to change the way they do things. Providing convenient and reliable on-street charging is key to helping those without driveways make the switch to electric vehicles.
“Our investment in Connected Kerb will support one of the UK’s leading public charge point operators to continue its network expansion and deploy this much-needed EV charging infrastructure at pace and at scale to homes and businesses across the country.”
The modern supermini needs to tick many boxes. It must be small enough to cope with tight and congested city streets, comfortable on long motorway journeys, as safe as a larger family car, and packed with the latest technology. All this while being cheap to buy and affordable to run. A case of super by name and super by nature, then?
We’ve chosen the best 10 small cars to buy in 2026, with our choices presented in no particular order.
Audi A1 Sportback
The Audi A1 isn’t the cheapest supermini you can buy, but it pays to look beyond the purchase price. Even the entry-level Sport model features 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED rear lights, dynamic rear indicators, a 10.25-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ driver display and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
S line and Black Edition versions are more lavish, and it’s easy to spend nearly £35,000 on an A1 if you get carried away with the options list. However, the Audi A1 is arguably best in its most basic form, which means it costs around £24,500.
We said: ‘Predictably, the interior is superb, with genuine wow-factor that’s rare in the supermini segment. Some of the plastics feel cheap, which makes it harder to justify the price of the more expensive versions, but gloss is added by the range of personalisation options. The A1 remains one of the most desirable cars in its class.’
The Sandero is based on the Renault Clio – another car in our top 10 – but it costs considerably less. In fact, with prices from £14,200 at the time of writing (or £120 a month on PCP finance), it’s one of the UK’s cheapest new cars. There are just three trim levels, Essential, Expression and Journey, but even the base model comes with cruise control, air conditioning, a DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and electric front windows.
Most will opt for the 90hp 1.0-litre TCe petrol engine, which is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic. To save even more money, the 100hp Bi-Fuel version can run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). If you prefer your Sandero with a little off-road attitude, the Stepway version has chunky bumpers and added ground clearance.
The Dacia is practical, pleasant to drive and seriously good value. Its Achilles’ heel is a two-star Euro NCAP crash rating for the Sandero Stepway. This compares to the Clio’s five-star score, and is mainly due to a lack of active safety technology. This aside, you will need to buy used to get more supermini for your money.
Honda Jazz
The Jazz has always felt like more than just a supermini. Its spacious interior and clever ‘Magic Seats’ combine to create a car that’s able to muscle in on the family hatchback and small MPV segments. With its seats folded down, the Jazz offers 1,205 litres of luggage space – on par with a Volkswagen Golf. Impressive stuff.
You can flip and fold the Magic Seats like collapsible dining room chairs, creating enough room across the back for a mountain bike. They also fold into the floor, turning the Jazz into something resembling a van.
This latest model features hybrid technology to deliver fuel economy of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 102g/km. There’s also a more rugged Jazz Crosstar, which features the styling of an SUV. The Jazz isn’t cheap, but consider its standard equipment, hybrid technology and likely reliability.
We said: ‘The surprise will come to those lumbered with the old one, which was an authentic Jazz in terms of looks and space, but built down to a budget that made it feel cheap. This one rectifies that. Better still, it brings in an ingenious hybrid drivetrain that really works. A worry-free electric car impersonator that you don’t even have to plug in. With perfect practicality, a back-up-to-scratch drive and a genuinely welcoming cabin, the allure of the Honda Jazz has returned at last.’
Since the last Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line in 2023, you might be searching for another supermini to add to your shortlist. You could do a lot worse than the Hyundai i20, not least for its comprehensive five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
But there’s more to the i20 than peace of mind. It looks great following a facelift and all models come with a generous level of equipment. Even the entry-level Advance boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s also a fabulous i20 N (now used-only) for hot hatch thrills.
Reviewing the i20 N, our Tim Pitt said: ‘On balance, the Fiesta ST has livelier steering and handles with slightly more finesse. The Hyundai counters with more up-to-date tech and a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. It’s a close call, but I’m giving the new car the win. Long live the compact hot hatch king.’
Launched in 2024, the new Suzuki Swift feels like an evolution of the old model. That’s no bad thing, because the Swift has always been one of our favourite superminis – and it’s even more appealing since the demise of the Ford Fiesta. Its 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain delivers an excellent blend of performance and fuel economy, with around 55mpg achievable in daily use.
There are just two trim levels, Motion and Ultra, but because the top-spec model costs just £1,100 more than the entry-level version, we’d be tempted to choose the latter. That said, the Motion does have air conditioning, heated seats, adaptive cruise control and a suite of driver assistance systems.
That said, the Ultra has climate control, polished alloy wheels, electrically folding door mirrors and a heater outlet for rear-seat passengers. The three-pot engine is noisy when pushed hard, but many people will enjoy its raspy soundtrack.
As for negatives, the interior trim feels a bit cheap, the boot is on the small side and Suzuki won’t be building a Sport version. Still, it’s almost as good to drive as a Fiesta and it costs around £20,000. Bargain.
Renault Clio
Fresh from a facelift at the end of 2023, the already-brilliant Renault Clio is now good enough to challenge the Volkswagen Polo in terms of quality and the Ford Fiesta in terms of how it drives. Little wonder it’s one of the most popular small cars in Europe.
There’s enough room inside for four adults, while a 391-litre boot is impressive for this size of car. Luggage capacity is reduced in hybrid versions, but the Clio remains competitive in terms of practicality. You even get a five-year warranty.
We said: ‘The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol is the range sweet-spot, offering a terrific blend of punch and efficiency. The cabin is more upmarket than before, there’s a wealth of new technology and it’ll be cheap to run.’
Like the Clio, the Skoda Fabia is a grown-up and sensible supermini. Essentially, it’s a Volkswagen Polo underneath, but with cheaper prices and plenty of neat ‘Simply Clever’ design features. Examples include a pop-out umbrella within the door and an optional roof-mounted USB port for charging devices attached to the windscreen.
We’d avoid the weedy 80hp 1.0-litre petrol engine and go for the turbocharged 1.0 TSI instead. It’s available in 95hp and 110hp outputs – the latter with an optional automatic gearbox. Also look out for the 150hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, which can propel the little Skoda to 62mph in just 7.9 seconds. The Fabia is roomy inside and has a practical boot. It also comes with the safety and infotainment technology you’d expect, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Fabia majors on refinement and comfort rather than pin-sharp handling. It’s the kind of car that could fit effortlessly into your life. The Polo has a stronger image, but Skoda isn’t far behind. Aside from a lack of excitement – including the demise of the vRS hot hatch – there’s very little to complain about here.
Toyota Yaris
All things considered, the stylish and reliable Toyota Yaris is possibly our favourite supermini of the moment. Even the entry-level Icon trim features 16-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera and a pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist technology.
Power is sourced from an efficient 1.5-litre petrol hybrid drivetrain, which delivers between 57.3mpg and 70.6mpg, as well as offering pure electric power at speeds up to 80mph. One electric motor is used to drive the wheels, while the other one starts the car and charges the batteries.
We said: ‘Now into its fourth generation, the Toyota Yaris has been transformed from dull to dynamic. Bold, head-turning styling is combined with a distinctive, high-quality interior and latest-generation tech. Toyota hasn’t forgotten what made the Yaris so popular. All the inherent strengths of previous models are intact: superb space efficiency, brilliant reliability, an easy drive and long-lasting quality.’
With prices starting from around £18,000, we have a feeling the new Citroen C3 will sell like hot cakes. Not only does it manage to undercut the Renault Clio, the crossover styling feels trendy and very 2026. At a stroke, the new car has made the outgoing C3 look outdated and outmoded.
Power is sourced from a 1.2-litre petrol engine (a hybrid version is on the way), although a fully electric E-C3 is also available. You can expect to see around 50mpg from the petrol version, while the electric version promises up to 199 miles of range from a fully charged battery. Impressive for an EV costing £22,000.
Like the larger and more expensive Citroen models, the C3’s unique selling point is excellent ride comfort, which is achieved courtesy of Advanced Comfort seats and suspension. If you’re after a comfortable supermini, the C3 has to be at the top of your shopping list.
Because it’s longer and taller than most other superminis, the C3 is also good for growing families, who will appreciate the rear legroom, headroom and sizable boot. ‘Plus’ is the only trim level available at launch, but it features the likes of LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and air conditioning.
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo feels every inch the scaled-down Golf. All versions have a quality feel throughout, with power sourced from efficient 1.0-litre petrol engines. It’s a tad expensive, but the Polo’s image remains second-to-none.
The entry-level Polo Life features 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch digital instrument panel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, air conditioning, cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. At the opposite end of the range, the Polo GTI is an underrated hot hatch.
The Black Edition (pictured) sits above the R-Line trim and features 17-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, two-tone paint, black styling pack, heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
We said: ‘The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which injects the Polo with some added pep, would be our choice. It’s not cheap, but the price is offset by competitive finance deals and strong resale values.’
Businesses are calling for an official deferral for MOT tests on electric vans after fleet operators reported they are ‘impossible’ to book.
Electric versions of regular large vans often fall within the 4.25-tonne derogation rules. It means they are treated as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) for the MOT. This requires them to be tested at one year old, rather than three.
There are now a growing number of electric vans on UK roads. However, HGV testing capacity is generally very poor, and even fewer test stations are equipped to handle electric vehicles.
It means many companies have not been able to book in their vehicles for an MOT. “This is going to have a serious impact on our business,” said Speedy Hire fleet and logistics director, Aaron Powell. “We’re going to have to take these vans off the road, and no doubt many other fleets are finding themselves in the same situation.”
Call for MOT to be deferred
Trade body the Association of Fleet Operators (AFP) is calling for electric van MOTs to be deferred. It argues that the vehicles do not require the more rigorous HGV tests.
“These vehicles are simply 3.5-tonne vans with bigger batteries,” said AFP vice chair, Lorna McAtear. “It’s questionable whether 4.25-tonne electric vans require HGV tests, an argument we have been making to government for some time.”
While the situation is being resolved, she would like to see some form of dispensation similar to that created during the pandemic.
This would allow fleets to defer tests for a period of six or 12 months on 4.25-tonne vans for the first and second year of testing. This would give them time to find and book MOT tests without vehicles having to be taken off the road.
“It is disappointing that businesses working in good faith to electrify their light commercial vehicle operations are being affected in this manner,” added McAtear.
