Mazda 6e revealed: sleek electric hatch will take on Tesla Model 3

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January 13, 2025

Mazda has pulled the wraps off its new flagship EV, revealing the electric Mazda 6e at the Brussels Motor Show.

The replacement for the Mazda 6, which was discontinued in the UK during 2023, the 6e will be offered solely with electric powertrains.

It marks a dramatic move for the Japanese marque, which has been cautious to embrace EVs thus far. At present, only the Mazda MX-30 compact crossover is sold in Europe with battery power – alongside a plug-in hybrid R-EV version

The 6e is pitched as the Mazda’s mainstream alternative to executive EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.

Mazda design meets battery power

While the choice of powertrain represents a shift in direction for Mazda, the styling of its new EV is instantly recognisable. The familiar ‘Kodo’ design language has been applied to a sleek, five-door fastback.

Said to offer the ‘sporty and stylish’ silhouette of a coupe with the ‘functionality of a five-door hatchback’, the Mazda 6e is certainly be a striking addition to the EV market. An illuminated front grille, aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels and an extendable rear spoiler are some of the design details.

On the inside, highlights include a floating centre console, a substantial 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. An augmented-reality head-up display is available, too.

Just two trim levels will be offered for the Mazda 6e: Takumi and Takumi Plus. Takumi models will come with beige or black artificial leather, while Takumi Plus brings premium tan Nappa leather to the interior.

A range of battery options

The Mazda 6e has a choice of two battery options, both of which send their power to the rear wheels.

The entry-level version uses an 68.8kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 300 miles. Compatible with 200kW DC rapid charging, it can be replenished from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes.

An output of 258hp sees this smaller-battery model accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds.

For a longer range, an 80kWh battery offers the potential for up to 345 miles when fully charged. Offsetting the bigger battery is a slight decrease in power to 245hp, which lengthens the 0-62mph time to 7.8 seconds.

Responding to consumer demand

Jeremy Thomson, managing director of Mazda UK, said: “In the UK we are facing some unique and complex challenges in the balance between EV legislation and consumer demand. But at Mazda we will introduce new models and ensure our product range fits the pace of actual consumer demand in the UK, with technologies that are amongst the best in the market.

“When it arrives in UK showrooms in 2026, the Mazda 6e will be a fantastic and timely addition to our multi-solution approach that includes mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric offerings.”

The Mazda 6e will be launched in left-hand drive for European markets later this year, before arriving in the UK during the first half of 2026. Prices and final specifications will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date.

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Americans can now buy a new Hyundai on Amazon

By

John Redfern

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January 12, 2025

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The partnership between Hyundai and retail giant Amazon has stepped up a gear in America, with shoppers now able to order a car via the website.

Buyers in the 54 eligible regions of the United States can add a new Hyundai to their shopping basket. The process should be almost as simple as ordering anything else sold by Amazon.

The collaboration between Hyundai and Amazon started in 2018, when the retailer began offering a space to showcase the South Korean marque’s range of cars on its website.

Moving to a direct ‘click to buy’ ordering process makes for a major leap in this relationship, however.

Add a car to your basket

The dedicated Amazon Autos section of the website will allow customers to explore the Hyundai models for sale at their local dealership.

Being able to refine their chosen car by model, colour and powertrain, customers can then view available options for finance, or for buying their Hyundai outright.

An instant valuation of their current car, along with a trade-in value, can also be requested via the Amazon Autos website. Customers then go through a checkout process to complete their purchase.

‘We’re going to need a bigger box‘

Sadly, there is no Amazon Prime next-day delivery when it comes to buying a Hyundai. Instead, customers will arrange a date and time to collect their chosen car from a local dealership.

As a bonus, however, that does mean no worries about how to dispose of a car-sized cardboard box.

Hyundai and Amazon will continue to expand the regions served by their Autos partnership, along with adding new finance options.

Last year saw Hyundai UK launch a new digital car hub with Amazon, allowing interested customers to find out more about the marque’s model range. At present, though, there are no plans to bring the Amazon experience to car buyers on this side of the Atlantic.

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Can you drive an MOT fail car if the previous test has not expired?

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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January 12, 2025

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Driving your car after it has failed an MOT could lead to three penalty points on your driving licence, a £2,500 fine and even a driving ban. However, it is permitted in certain circumstances.

Government guidelines on this topic have changed over the years, but the current rules are as follows.

If your car fails the MOT test before the previous MOT certificate has elapsed, you can drive it away – but only if the none of the faults are classed as ‘dangerous’ and the minimum standards of roadworthiness are met.

The GOV.UK website explains these minimum standards. They include requirements that all lights are working, brakes are fully functional and tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Incidentally, the windscreen, windows and mirrors must also be clean.

MOT stations can’t keep your car

Whether your car passes or fails the MOT, the testing garage or dealership has no right to detain the vehicle, even if it fails on a dangerous fault.

Speaking with an operative at the DVSA, we were told: “No MOT station can impound a car, even if they find a dangerous defect. You are within rights to get the car towed elsewhere for work”.

However they went on to stress that: “It’s a grey area regarding dangerous and non-dangerous defects. Ultimately, if you drive the car away and something happens, you are still liable”.

Just to reiterate, the DVSA website states: ‘You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a “dangerous” problem’.

Our advice is to get any remedial MOT work done there and then at the garage, if possible. Alternatively, you could have the car towed – rather than driving it – if there is any doubt about its legality.

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Drive this virtual BMW and you could win a trip to Le Mans

By

John Redfern

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January 11, 2025

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Armchair racers could find themselves heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, thanks to a free update for the Forza Motorsport video game.

The next five weeks have been designated as ‘BMW Month’ on the popular Microsoft Xbox and PC racing title.

The promotion will see numerous iconic cars from the German marque’s back-catalogue added to a virtual showroom.

In addition, a number of new challenges and events will be introduced into the game, covering both single-player career mode and online multi-player competition.

A shot at Le Mans glory

The biggest draw for players in Update 16 for Forza Motorsport is the opportunity to win an expenses-paid trip to the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in France, courtesy of BMW.

To be in with a chance of heading to the Circuit de la Sarthe, gamers need to get behind the virtual wheel of the 2023 #25 BMW Team RLL M Hybrid V8 race car.

Simply completing 15 laps of the Daytona International Speedway circuit with the BMW M Hybrid V8, then registering on a dedicated website, is enough to enter the competition.

Open now, the promotion runs until 12 February 2025. Winners will receive flights to Le Mans, accommodation and, most importantly, tickets for the legendary 24-hour race.

Iconic M-car classics

Along with the opportunity to win a trip to Le Mans, Update 16 adds an array of BMW vehicles that were previously unavailable in the current Forza Motorsport.

Along with the BMW Team RLL M Hybrid V8 racer, the update brings V10 power in the shape of the 2009 BMW M5, along with the 2010 BMW M6 coupe.

Other M-badged additions include the 2008 BMW M3, plus the iconic E39-generation BMW M5 from 2003 – and even a 2020 Formula Drift BMW M2.

Players can also unlock the 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL and the 2023 BMW Turner Motorsports M4 GT3. Both are available as rewards for completing two new ‘Tours’ in career mode.

Motorsport evolution in progress

A total of five BMW-themed multi-player competitions will be offered, with a new event becoming available each week. There are a variety of new challenges for offline play, too.

Forza Motorsport developer, Turn 10, also notes that Update 16 will see players receive a free Mobil 1 50th Anniversary Gold Livery to use with the 2023 Cadillac Racing #01 V-Series.

Further changes been made to revert three race circuits to their original branding, along with adjusting the audio settings for the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 and 2002 Ferrari Enzo.

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Renault 5 is European Car of the Year 2025

By

Richard Aucock

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January 10, 2025

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The Renault 5 has been named European Car of the Year 2025, winning by a big margin over the other six finalists.

The reborn Renault 5 E-Tech Electric scored a huge 353 points from the 60 jurors. This was well clear of the Kia EV3 in second place on 291 points.

The Citroen C3 and e-C3 were third on 215 points.

It continues a remarkable run of form for Renault, which last year scooped the Car of the Year 2024 gong with its electric Scenic.

The Renault 5 officially shares the prize with the sporty Alpine A290. This is the hot hatch variant of the new R5 EV.

Surprisingly, the Dacia Duster – recently named AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2025 – only ended up fourth, on 172 points. It was just four points ahead of the Hyundai Inster.

The Cupra Terramar was sixth, on 165 points, with the Alfa Romeo Junior last on 136 points.

Renault’s victory makes it on the second time in the 62-year history of Car of the Year that a brand has taken the top prize two years in a row.

The last time was in 1995 and 1996 with the Fiat Punto and Fiat Bravo.

Notably, most of the 2025 finalists were all-electric – and all of them had at least some degree of electrification, such as hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines.

Car of the Year 2025 results

1: Renault 5 / Alpine A290 – 353 points

2: Kia EV3 – 291 points

3: Citroen C3 / e-C3 – 215 points

4: Dacia Duster – 172 points

5: Hyundai Inster – 168 points

6: Cupra Terramar – 165 points

7: Alfa Romeo Junior – 136 points

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2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S revealed with more power and tech

By

John Redfern

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January 10, 2025

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Notably absent from the lineup when the 911 received its mid-life update last year, the Carrera S has now returned to the Porsche 911 range.

The revised ‘S’ slots above the standard Carrera and lightweight Carrera T, but beneath the new hybrid-assisted GTS.

Porsche says the Carrera S will offer improved driving dynamics, plus a stronger level of standard equipment.

However, an increased output from its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine will likely be the biggest talking point, narrowing the gap to the electrified GTS.

Nearly 500hp and torque vectoring

Compared to its predecessor, the new ‘992.2’ Carrera S gains 30hp, lifting output to a substantial 480hp, alongside 391lb ft of torque. New turbochargers and revised charge-air cooling are responsible for the boost in horsepower.

An eight-speed PDK dual-clutch auto transmission and rear-wheel drive are fitted as standard. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 191mph for the coupe version.

Other changes include staggered Carrera S alloy wheels, with 20-inch rims at the front and 21s at the rear. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (not offered on the standard 911 Carrera) is also included, along with a sports exhaust system.

Brakes from the 911 Carrera GTS, complete with red-painted calipers, are fitted as standard. Uprated PCCB carbon-ceramic discs, rear-axle steering and PASM sports suspension – providing a 10mm drop in ride height – can all be found on the options list.

Rear seats a no-cost option

Although Porsche has upped performance for the 911 Carrera S, its exterior design remains indistinguishable from the base Carrera – save for the unique alloy wheels.

On the inside, black leather trim is standard, covering the seats, dashboard and door panels. More hide can be added on request, plus the option of contrast stitching in Crayon.

To save weight, the 911 Carrera S Coupe does without rear seats, but these can be added back in at no extra cost. Convertible versions have the back seats included by default, though.

Other standard equipment includes Matrix LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, a heated multi-function steering wheel and a reversing camera.

Order books now open

Like any modern Porsche sports car, the 911 Carrera S offers near-endless potential for customisation. A front-axle lift kit, adaptive cruise control and a Burmester audio system are some of the choice extras.

Prices start at £119,800 in coupe form, with the Carrera S Cabriolet requiring £129,800. Orders can be placed at Porsche dealers now, with the car also featured on the online configurator to plan your perfect spec.

All new 911 buyers can enjoy a free driving experience at the Porsche Experience Centre, located at Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.

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BMW reveals radical new Panoramic iDrive display

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BMW reveals radical new Panoramic iDrive digital display

By

John Redfern

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January 8, 2025

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BMW has revealed how its future cars will look inside, along with a fresh update for its iDrive infotainment system.

First launched in the BMW 7 Series in 2001, iDrive initially attracted controversy for combining entertainment, information and navigation features into a single display screen.

The German manufacturer has updated iDrive and its operating system ever since, making it one of the benchmark media systems.

However, plans for the latest chapter in the development of iDrive are the most dramatic to date, completely revolutionising the interiors of new BMW models.

Projecting in widescreen

Revealed at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the new BMW iDrive system is designed to work with a Panoramic Vision display.

The latter sees the conventional instrument panel replaced by a head-up display that spans the entire width of the dashboard. Information is projected onto a black bar across the bottom of the car’s windscreen.

The most important data, such as speed, is shown on the section in the driver’s line of sight. However, the rest of Panoramic Vision can be customised to the driver’s preference.

As an additional option, BMW’s new 3D Head-Up Display can be projected further up the windscreen, putting navigation instructions directly in front of the driver.

(Some) buttons still included

BMW has retained a main central iDrive infotainment screen, which is placed closer to the steering wheel for easier access.

A new menu structure is said to be more logical to use, with ‘QuickSelect’ making it faster to find key functions. Widgets on the central touchscreen can be ‘swiped’ upwards so they are projected onto the Panoramic Vision display.

With no classic iDrive rotary controller, operating the infotainment system can be done through voice commands using BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant, or via a revised multi-function steering wheel.

Haptic feedback buttons feature on the wheel, with certain functions illuminating when they are available to use. Thankfully, some physical controls remain for the indicators, exterior mirrors and gear lever.

New tech for Neue Klasse

The final piece in the iDrive puzzle will be BMW’s new Operating System X – a development of the current version 9. A greater level of personalisation is included, from adjusting ambient lighting and display backgrounds to tweaking the steering settings.

BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant will make suggestions, such as when to engage Sport mode, but adapt and learn if the driver chooses to ignore these.

Panoramic iDrive will be integrated into all new BMWs from late 2025 onwards, but it will take centre-stage in the forthcoming Neue Klasse electric models.

“The new BMW Panoramic iDrive not only makes our vehicles smarter and more user-friendly, it also enables much more extensive personalisation, which turns every new BMW into a car that is very much the user’s own,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president for BMW Group Design.

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Rolls-Royce to invest £300m in Goodwood as buyers go bespoke

By

John Redfern

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January 8, 2025

1

Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has announced a £300 million boost for its Goodwood headquarters. The investment represents the largest injection of capital since the West Sussex factory opened in 2003.

Originally home to 300 staff, the Goodwood facility started out by building one car per day. Now more than 2,500 people work at the ‘Home of Rolls-Royce’, with 28 vehicles leaving the site every day.

The substantial investment by Rolls-Royce is partly driven by demand for personalised ‘Bespoke’ and individual ‘Coachbuild’ commissions of its vehicles.

A record year for special cars

Rolls-Royce delivered 5,712 new cars to customers around the world in 2024, making it the marque’s third-best year on record.

The custom content of each vehicle sold, such as unique paintwork and interior finishes, increased by an average of 10 percent year-on-year.

The flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB attracted the most Bespoke upgrades, followed by the electric Spectre coupe.

The incredible Phantom Goldfinger (pictured above) set the standard for Bespoke commissions in 2024. Embellished with real gold, it marked the 60th anniversary of the classic James Bond film.

A personal experience

The success of the Bespoke service has driven the expansion of Rolls-Royce’s Private Office network. Designed as invitation-only spaces for creating VIP vehicles, Private Offices allow a closer working relationship between customers and design teams.

Along with the original Private Office in Goodwood, venues now exist in Dubai and Shanghai, with New York and Seoul also added during 2024.

Private Office commissions are typically 25 percent costlier than a ‘standard’ Rolls-Royce. The Middle East was the biggest market for Bespoke models in 2024, followed by North America and Europe.

Electrified future in the UK

In its first full year of sales, the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre has become the marque’s best-seller in Europe. Worldwide, the Spectre finished second behind the Cullinan SUV.

After launching four new models during 2024, this year will see Rolls-Royce reveal its next electric car.

Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, hailed the new investment: “In 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reaffirmed its position as an authentic luxury house by crafting the most complex, personal and valuable motor cars in its history. This momentum means it is necessary for us to invest more than £300 million in extending the Home of Rolls-Royce.

“This represents our most substantial financial commitment to Goodwood since its opening in 2003 and a significant vote of confidence in the Rolls-Royce marque, securing our future here in the UK.”

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The Ford Puma was the UK’s best-selling new car in 2024

By

John Redfern

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January 7, 2025

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For the second year running, the Ford Puma has been named as the UK’s best-selling new car. The car sales chart is based on data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).

Ford’s compact crossover racked up 48,340 registrations in 2024, pushing the Kia Sportage SUV into second place.

With 47,183 examples registered, the Sportage wasn’t far behind, however – and notably ahead of the Nissan Qashqai, which managed 42,418 sales in 2024.

SUVs and crossovers dominated the automotive chart, accounting for eight of the top 10 cars. Only the Volkswagen Golf and Polo bucked the high-riding trend.

Fleet sales up, private purchases down

Overall new car sales reached 1.953 million during 2024, representing an increase of 2.6 percent compared to the previous year.

Fleet sales were the main driver of growth, being responsible for 1.163 million registrations, or 59.6 percent of the UK market. Compared to 2023, fleet sales jumped by 11.8 percent year-on-year.

By comparison, business new car registrations in 2024 declined by 3.1 percent versus 2023, down to 42,647 from 44,031 vehicles.

Registrations by private customers also fell by 8.7 percent, down to 746,246 units. This represents the lowest figure since 2020, when the pandemic brought the new car market to a standstill.

Record sales for electric cars

Electric cars gained a record market share during 2024, accounting for almost a fifth (19.6 percent) of new registrations. Generous discounts from manufacturers throughout the year will likely have boosted these numbers.

Compared to 2023, EV registrations of 381,970 cars represented a substantial increase of 21.4 percent. Plug-in hybrid models climbed by 18.3 percent, with regular hybrid vehicles up by 9.6 percent.

However, the SMMT is concerned that weak demand from private customers will make it harder for car manufacturers to meet mandated targets for new zero-emission vehicles.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “A record year for EV registrations underscores vehicle manufacturers’ unswerving commitment to a decarbonised new car market, with more choice, better range and increased affordability than ever before.

“This has come at huge cost, however, with the billions invested in new models being supplemented by generous incentives which are unsustainable. We need rapid results from the regulatory review and urgent substantive support for consumers – else automotive investments will be at risk and the jobs, economic growth and net zero ambitions we all share in jeopardy.”

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Volkswagen says go electric for your new year’s resolution

By

John Redfern

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January 6, 2025

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Still struggling to come up with a new year’s resolution for 2025? Volkswagen suggests making the switch to an electric car.

New research by the German marque finds that owning an EV could help with achieving some traditional resolutions – and unlock the potential for additional ones.

Volkswagen questioned a total of 3,132 UK drivers for the survey, 58 percent of whom were existing electric car owners.

Reduce stress, boost wellbeing

Survey respondents highlighted that driving an electric car had a notable impact on their personal wellbeing.

Forty two percent of EV drivers said they were annoyed by external factors such as potholes, roadworks, other road users and parking issues.

By comparison, almost three quarters (72 percent) of those driving an internal combustion engine (ICE) car said they experienced stress behind the wheel.

Range anxiety doesn’t seem to be causing stress for electric car drivers, either. Only eight percent said they believed EV ownership would be worrying. The figure for non-EV drivers was nearly half (48 percent).

Close to two thirds (65 percent) of electric car drivers said they have covered more than 150 miles on a single charge.

Fewer financial worries with an EV

Volkswagen’s survey also highlighted the potential cost savings from making the switch to electric vehicle ownership.

Data from the Office for Zero Emissions says charging an electric car at home costs about 8p per mile, while a petrol- or diesel-powered car averages between 13p and 17p per mile to fuel.

Some 62 percent of ICE drivers said they were irritated by fuel costs, compared to only 32 percent of electric car drivers.

In addition 53 percent of ICE car drivers admitted that prices at petrol stations were a problem. That contrasts with 30 percent of those who already drive an EV.

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