AI ‘price optimiser’ aims to save you money on car insurance

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February 23, 2026

Used car sales grow for third year running

Demand for used cars priced at less than £5,000 is rocketing, as a record number of new drivers seek to buy their first car.

A total of 953,010 practical driving tests were passed in 2025, the highest number since records began back in 2008.

And these eager new drivers are creating a sharp rise in demand for affordable used cars.

Data from used car marketplace Gumtree shows that cars priced under £5,000 reflect the typical first-time buyer budget. And they have attracted nearly 10 million views in the first weeks of 2026 alone.

Used car dealers are reacting accordingly, with enquiries and replies also increasing 25 percent in January 2026.

“Demand for sub-£5,000 vehicles is incredibly strong,” said Gumtree’s Louis Maxwell. “We’re seeing a new generation of drivers turning to Gumtree as their first stop for affordable, reliable cars.”

Nearly half of 2025’s successful driving test passes were estimated to be people aged under 21.

Most in-demand first cars

A lineup of colorful Opel Corsa cars from different generations is parked against a sea backdrop, showcasing automotive evolution.

Gumtree’s data from the first 40 days of 2026 reveals clear preferences, said Maxwell: “Practical hatchbacks from trusted brands with low running and insurance costs.”

Ford and Vauxhall duly top the brand rankings, thanks to a reputation for reliability, low ownership costs and wide parts availability.

“These brands have consistently been top choices for first-time drivers, and the data shows that trend is only strengthening.”

The Vauxhall Corsa takes the top car spot, says Maxwell, thanks to its affordable running costs and easy availability.

However, the Ford Fiesta follows it closely – “continuing its legacy as one of the UK’s most popular first cars”.

Top 10 most-viewed cars under £5,000

Car	Average year	Average daily listings	Views
Vauxhall Corsa	2013	2,414	378,081
Ford Fiesta	2012	2,696	360,339
Ford Focus	2011	1,319	237,098
Vauxhall Astra	2011	1,073	200,150
Volkswagen Golf	2011	689	184,783
Volkswagen Polo	2010	802	165,095
BMW 3 Series	2010	564	152,529
Mini Hatch	2009	736	128,763
BMW 3 Series	2007	435	128,225
BMW 1 Series	2012	628	122,224

Used car sales opportunity

Buying a used car isn't something many people look forward to, but our 10-point guide will help you through the process.

The boom in demand from new drivers opens up an opportunity for sellers, too.

“If you have a second car you no longer need, or you’re considering upgrading, now is a great time to list it and make some extra money,” said Maxwell.

“Sellers are benefiting from more views on budget-friendly listings, faster enquiries as newly-qualified drivers begin their search, and higher competition among buyers which is helping sellers secure better prices.

“It’s proving to be a strong start-of-year market thanks to many drivers actively looking for their first car.”

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Motability explores how EVs can deliver essential care during power cuts

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February 20, 2026

Motability says cheaper ‘slow’ charging is essential to boost EV uptake

Motability is partnering with a new project to see how electric cars could help deliver power to disabled and medically dependent households during power cuts.

The Power Wheels project is backed by energy regulator Ofgem, and is now operating in the North East.

The aim is to explore how an EV could temporarily act as a backup power source during a power outage. Crucially, this could help keep essential medical equipment running without mains electricity.

Motability Operations – the company that runs the Motability Scheme – has already been working with disabled customers to find out how electric car energy services could be used safely and reliably.

The new project is an interesting further development in the potential for electric cars to act as mobile power stations.

Many new models already offer ‘vehicle-to-load’ charging, or V2L. Via an adapter, devices with a three-pin plug can be powered by an EV – allowing them to act as an emergency backup during power outages.

The new initiative will investigate how this could be extended to make electric cars even more useful for medically dependent households.

Supporting disabled people’s freedom

Initial findings have already been used to provide straightforward information on the safe use of power from an EV. Guidance has also been created to help disabled drivers better understand when an electric car needs charging.

“As the UK moves to electric vehicles, it’s vital that this transition supports disabled people’s freedom and independence, and that new technologies are designed around real lives and needs,” said Motability Operations chief executive, Andrew Miller.

The new initiative “gives us the opportunity to work closely with customers and partners to explore how EVs could offer more than mobility [and] support their medical resilience, helping people feel safer and more confident when disruption happens.”

Motability says the next stage will see it collaborate with 30 Scheme customers to explore how the technology could work for people with varying disabilities and conditions.

This feedback will then be used to design systems for future testing.

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This infamous Aston Martin Vantage F1 safety car is for sale

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February 20, 2026

Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition review

This Aston Martin Vantage appeared at 20 Formula One Grand Prix events between 2021 and 2023

An Aston Martin Vantage used as the official Formula 1 safety car at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is being offered for sale.

Having played a part in one of the most controversial finishes in modern F1 history, the Podium Green Vantage will likely remain a talking point for decades to come.

Aston Martin’s recent announcement that it will no longer supply safety cars to Formula 1 arguably makes the Vantage even more collectible.

Currently advertised for sale at JCT600 in Leeds, this is clearly not a regular secondhand Vantage – a fact reflected in its substantial asking price.

Guaranteed to lead the pack

Aston Martin had announced it would return to Formula 1 for the 2021 season, bringing the classic British marque back to the grid after more than 60 years away.

Along with its AMR21 racing cars on track, Aston Martin also became a supplier of official safety cars to the series. Mercedes-Benz had held a monopoly on this role since 1996, but would now share the duties with the British brand.

Making its safety car debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, the Aston Martin Vantage came equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG.

Podium Green paintwork was used for the safety car’s exterior, with a dramatic bodykit and high-visibility light bar. The interior was also prepared for the timing and communications equipment required by Bernd Maylander and his co-driver.

A road-going Vantage F1 Edition was also offered, allowing Aston Martin customers to emulate the real safety car.

The controversial F1 title decider

Three Vantages were prepared for official Formula 1 safety car duties, with ‘SC02’ VIN N00045 being the second of two offered privately for sale.

First registered in 2018, it served as the safety car at 20 Grand Prix weekends between 2021 and 2023, accumulating some 4,280 kilometres (2,659 miles) on-track.

However, no time leading the pack was more controversial than the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when SC02 was deployed following a crash by the Williams driver, Nicolas Latifi.

Race director Michael Masi then allowed the cars of title contenders Sir Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to ‘unlap’ themselves, creating a final lap fight for the race win – and the 2021 drivers’ championship.

With Verstappen having fresher soft tyres on his Red Bull car, he easily dispatched Hamilton and claimed his first Formula 1 title.

Own a piece of Formula 1 history

The fallout from the safety car intervention at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was immense, seeing a complete FIA inquiry and the removal of Michael Masi as race director.

It remains a major talking point for modern Formula 1 fans, with SC02 right at the centre of the controversy.

JCT600 Aston Martin Leeds is asking £599,990 for the Vantage, which comes signed by current Formula 1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

Short of buying a Red Bull Racing RB16B, or perhaps a Mercedes-AMG F1 W12, there are few more significant ways to own part of 2021 F1 world championship history.

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Audi RS5: First look at 639hp plug-in hybrid ‘new era’

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February 19, 2026

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The new 2026 Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid features the world’s first use of electro-mechanical torque vectoring

Audi has revealed the new RS5, which replaces the longstanding RS4 saloon and Avant (estate).

A new name is not the biggest change, however. The 2026 RS5 also represents Audi Sport’s first use of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Rolf Michl, managing director at Audi Sport, said: “The RS5 and its innovative drive concept mark the beginning of a new era for our RS models.

“They bring a new level of dynamics to the driving characteristics our customers love and further improve day-to-day use value thanks to all-electric driving and innovative technologies. It’s a new interpretation of the true RS experience.”

Along with a major boost in power versus the outgoing RS4, the RS5 saloon and Avant feature an innovative take on Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid

A 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine is carried over from the previous RS4 Avant, but gains 60hp to generate a total of 510hp and 443lb ft of torque.

Adding an electric motor means the RS5’s combined outputs reach a mighty 639hp and 609lb ft. This puts it within a single horsepower of the flagship Audi RS Q8 Performance SUV.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is mated to a limited-slip centre differential, allowing torque to be split between the front and rear axles as needed.

For the rear transaxle, Audi Sport has made the world’s first use of electro-mechanical torque vectoring. This allows twist action to be deployed in either direction, regardless of whether the driver’s foot is on or off the throttle.

All this technology helps the new RS5 to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds. Thanks to a 25.9kWh battery capacity, more than 50 miles is also possible on electric power alone.

Wider, more dramatic design

Keeping such an elaborate powertrain cool is seemingly no easy feat, with almost the entirety of the RS5’s front end dedicated to cooling apertures. It also makes use of air curtains to shape airflow around the front wheels, boosting aerodynamic efficiency.

Dramatically flared wheelarches fit with Audi RS tradition – and contribute to the RS5 being 90mm wider than a standard A5.

A large rear diffuser houses two gigantic exhaust tailpipes, plus a motorsport-inspired red reflector in the centre. OLED headlights incorporating a chequered flag design are fitted, too.

Matte grey 20-inch alloy wheels are the default option, with 21-inch rims also available. Steel brake discs are standard, with larger carbon-ceramic items on the options list.

The latter may be a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who ventures near a track, especially given the 2,355kg kerb weight of the RS5 saloon. The more practical Avant ups this figure to 2,370kg.

Engage Boost mode for overtaking

Inside, Audi Sport has given the RS5 a substantial makeover, fitting sports seats with honeycomb quilted leather.

Red detailing and dark vanadium trim are found throughout the cabin, with Dinamica artificial suede and recycled materials also present.

Nappa leather is used for the flat-bottomed steering wheel, which has paddles to adjust the level of regenerative braking.

The RS5’s steering wheel also features a Boost button, allowing the full 639 horses to be untethered for up to 10 seconds at a time. Audi Sport says this will be ideal for swift overtaking, as the transmission selects the optimum gear and a countdown appears on the 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument panel.

A central 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen handles infotainment, with the front-seat passenger receiving their own 10.9-inch display.

Carbon fibre camouflage on offer

Customisation will be a key part of the Audi RS5 buying experience, with a choice of nine standard paint colours, plus a near-unlimited array of bespoke hues.

An Audi Sport package brings a wilder exterior design, with broader front air intakes and an RS sport exhaust system with matte black tailpipes. It also adds the carbon-ceramic brakes and increases the car’s top speed to 177mph.

The Carbon Camouflage package is even more head-turning, using distinctive forged carbon fibre for the front bumper inserts, side sills, mirror caps and rear diffuser.

Audi will start accepting orders for the new RS5 in the first quarter of 2026, with the first deliveries to European customers expected this summer.

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Used car sales grow for the third year running

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February 19, 2026

The UK’s most wanted used car is a £15,000 hatchback

A brightly lit car dealership features rows of various vehicles, each marked with red price tags, under a reflective ceiling.

Used car sales increased by 2.2 percent in 2025, as 7.8 million secondhand vehicles changed hands in the UK.

It marks the third consecutive year of growth, with the recovery in the new car market – itself up by 3.5 percent to more than two million cars – boosting supply to meet robust demand.

This has also led to a change in the profile of used car fuel types, with sales of electrified vehicles accelerating significantly.

A 45.7 percent surge in used electric car sales, to 274,815 transactions, saw them grab a 3.5 percent share of the market – up from 2.5 percent in 2024.

There were also 88,032 used plug-in hybrid sales, up 6.3 percent, while hybrids were up nearly 30 percent to 407,351 sales. Overall, electrified used cars accounted for almost one in 10 sales.

Diesel still popular secondhand

“A third year of used car sales growth underscores the markets’ resilience,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, “with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability – especially for EVs.

“The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring.”

However, these figures still pale in comparison to petrol and diesel cars, which remain dominant in the used car sector.

Last year, more than 4.4 million used petrol cars were sold. And while diesel is on the decline in the new car market, it still thrives in the used car sector, with almost 2.6 million diesels changing hands last year.

Going back to black

A person adjusts a license plate on an orange car in a bright, modern automotive workshop, with various vehicles on lifts.

More than 21 percent of used car buyers chose a black car last year. With nearly 1.7 million sold secondhand, it’s once again Britain’s favourite used car colour.

Grey was second, on 18.2 percent, with white up 6.3 percent to take third place with a 16.0 percent market share.

Together, black, white and grey accounted for more than half of all used car sales.

As for the types of car used car buyers favour, superminis accounted for a third of sales, with family hatchbacks next, and dual purpose cars – predominantly SUVs – taking third.

With a 7.6 percent growth, SUVs were the fastest-rising used car segment, with a 16.8 percent share. By contrast, luxury saloons accounted for just 0.5 percent.

And individual used car choice? The Ford Fiesta is still top of the table, despite new models being phased out in 2023, but its lead is now set to decline. How long before the Vauxhall Corsa – still the nation’s best-selling supermini – also becomes Britain’s best-selling used car?

Top 10 used cars in 2025

1: Ford Fiesta – 303,090

2: Vauxhall Corsa – 247,853

3: Volkswagen Golf – 226,082

4: Ford Focus – 218,962

5: BMW 3 Series – 157,343

6: Mini – 154,527

7: Volkswagen Polo – 153,583

8: Vauxhall Astra – 149,410

9: Nissan Qashqai – 145,207

10: Audi A3 – 125,752

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Used MPVs ‘outperform every other vehicle type’

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February 19, 2026

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A surge in demand for used MPVs has seen them outperform every other vehicle type, with prices rising by more than 5.5 percent in the past 90 days.

Data from the CarGur us Price Trends index shows that people carriers have quietly outperformed more ‘on-trend’ categories such as SUVs and hatchbacks. The data is based on millions of UK used car prices.

The surprise findings come despite the declining number of new MPVs on sale. This may be pushing buyers to the used market instead.

‘Plenty of appeal for families’

Designed specifically for families, MPVs often offer seven-seat flexibility, along with sliding rear doors, fold-flat rear seats and clever stowage solutions.

“Our data shows that MPVs still hold plenty of appeal for used car buyers,” said CarGurus UK editorial director, Chris Knapman.

“This type of car can be particularly great for families because they generally offer more interior space and versatility than any other body style.

“Whether you need a huge boot, the ability to fit three Isofix child seats or the flexibility that comes with having seven seats, an MPV still has a lot to offer.”

The smart alternative to an SUV

The popularity of used MPVs comes despite SUVs still dominating the new car headlines. CarGurus’ data shows that 52 percent of the UK’s top 35 cars in 2025 were SUVs – equalling a staggering 193 different SUV and crossover variants.

Top-performing MPVs despite the influx of SUVs include the Dacia Jogger, Volkswagen ID.Buzz (pictured above), Volkswagen Touran and, on the used market, the Ford S-Max and Ford Galaxy.

CarGurus also reports strong used demand for the Volkswagen Sharan, Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and Seat Alhambra.

With yet more SUV market growth expected in 2026, it will be interesting to see if MPVs can remain the top-performing body style for increasing value.

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Off-road-ready Ram 1500 Rebel X is back for 2026

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February 18, 2026

Supercharged Ram SRT TRX returns with even more power

Buyers will receive the Hurricane Twin Turbo engine as standard for the Rebel X, with 420 horsepower on offer

Ram has brought back the 1500 Rebel X to its lineup for the 2026 model year, driven by popular demand.

Customer feedback encouraged Ram to reintroduce the Rebel X, which was not originally confirmed for the latest production year.

Available as an option package for the existing 1500 Rebel light-duty truck, the Rebel X adds bespoke performance options and extra off-road equipment.

These are said to create the ‘most advanced and capable Rebel yet’, but one that still offers good value compared with other trucks.

The Rebel X also sees the debut of a new ‘Tank Clear-Coat’ paint color. Inspired by military green, it’s available for selected models across the Ram 1500 range.

Ready for rough roads

Ram uses a 1500 Rebel with the Level 2 Equipment Group as a starting point for the X package.

Add-ons include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a leather-wrapped performance shifter, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and premium bucket seats with red accent stitching.

Special ‘Rebel X’ graphics for the truck bed are also included, along with a red-accented and glass-encased ‘Rebel X’ center console badge.

The 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engine is standard on the new Rebel X, bringing 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque to the party.

For extra off-road ability, ‘Rough Road Cruise Control’ uses adaptive speed control and adjustable steering weight to maintain the truck’s progress on trails. It operates at speeds of up to 20 mph.

Hitting the off-road sweet spot

Bespoke upgrades for the 1500 Rebel X include a one-inch suspension lift with Bilstein shock absorbers, an electronic locking differential, underbody skid plates, and black 18‑inch wheels with 33‑inch all‑terrain tires.

“The Rebel X was a customer favorite last year, so we’re bringing it back for more,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of marketing at SRT Performance.

“Rebel X hits the sweet spot of advanced tech, interior comfort and true off‑road capability, all in an aggressive looking package backed by America’s best full‑size truck and van limited powertrain warranty.”

Ram is accepting orders for the 1500 Rebel X now. Prices start from $71,930, which is inclusive of destination fees and the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group.

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Polestar to launch four new cars in the next three years

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February 18, 2026

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Polestar plans four new cars in three years

Polestar is preparing to launch four cars within the next three years – including a successor to the smash-hit Polestar 2.

This summer’s new Polestar 5 four-door GT will kick things off. A rival to the Porsche Taycan, it heralds what CEO Michael Lohscheller calls Polestar’s “largest model offensive in its history”.

First revealed last year – and already available in the Gran Turismo racing game – the car is currently taking part in a launch tour across Europe.

The Polestar 5 will be swiftly followed by a new version of the Polestar 4, the four-door coupe that is currently the firm’s best-seller.

The 4 is famous for having no rear window. However, this looks set to change with the new version, as Polestar targets a wider customer base by offering more versatility.

What type of vehicle will it be? “Sweden is famous for its estate cars, and its SUVs are world-class,” teased Lohscheller.

“We are combining the space of an estate and the versatility of an SUV with the dynamic performance that is Polestar.” The new car is due to arrive by the end of this year.

The teaser image (see above) indicates the new Polestar 4 variant may actually have a rear window, too. Is that daylight we can see through the garage door, with the outlines of front and rear seats?

Certainly, compared to the current Polestar 4, its boot lid appears to trade the body-colour panel for a deep (and presumably more vertical) rear window frame above the full-width LED light bar.

If estate car practicality is indeed offered, the car will need a boxier, more upright rear profile – making a glass rear window an obvious choice.

Take a look at a comparable view of the Polestar 4 coupe (see photo above) and see what you think…

New Polestar 2 and entry-level Polestar 7

Since it was launched in 2020, more than 190,000 examples of the Polestar 2 have been sold. Lohscheller has confirmed a next-generation model is on the way “by the start of next year [2027].

“The car that we became known for will play a key role in our future success,” the CEO promised.

And that’s not all, because a smaller Polestar 7 is also in the works. This compact electric SUV – likely sized between the Volvo EX30 and Volvo EX40 (the latter previously called XC40 Recharge) – will arrive in 2028.

“With Polestar 7, we are entering the largest EV segment in Europe,” said Lohscheller, “which accounts for approximately one third of total BEV volumes in 2025.

“We are convinced that we can offer customers a progressive performance-driven car for a very attractive price point, built in Europe.”

That last point is important. Electric cars built in China, like many existing Polestars, are subject to import tariffs in Europe. Making the new compact Polestar 7 in the EU will bypass these and help to reduce prices.

Polestar’s best ever year

The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system for the Polestar 3 has 25 speakers and generates 1,610 watts

Lohscheller said Polestar had its best ever year in terms of retail sales in 2025, despite geopolitical and economic challenges.

This year, “with a disciplined approach,” it expects to record low double-digit retail growth, with the sales mix evolving to an ever-higher mix of Polestar 4 models.

“2025 was a year of continuous operational progress and delivery,” said Lohscheller. With the new cars and its growing dealer network – due to expand by 30 percent in 2026 – “Polestar is set to become one of the winners of the automotive industry’s transformation”.

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