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Top-selling Kia Sportage facelift revealed at LA Auto Show

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A facelift for the Kia Sportage, which has rapidly been closing in on the Ford Puma for the title of UK’s best-selling car in 2024, has been revealed at the LA Auto Show.

For 2025 and beyond, the Kia Sportage gets a distinctive new front end, that brings it into line with the World Car Award-winning Kia EV9 and hotly-anticipated new Kia EV3.

The vertical ‘Star Map’ LED daytime running lights frame stacked LED headlights, while the grille is bolder and more distinctive. While the lighting is amber on the US-spec cars pictured here, UK cars will have bright white vertical LED lighting.

There are also new LED ‘Star Map’ translucent tail lamps, which have a more jewel-like appearance.

Kia says the front and rear bumpers have been updated too, while there will be a fresh, bold-looking range of 17-inch, 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Cutting-edge infotainment

Inside, the new Kia Sportage receives a fully overhauled infotainment system with a curved panoramic display featuring dual 12.3-inch screens.

The new setup is Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, or ccNC, which has over-the-air updates, intelligent cloud-based sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the Kia Connect smartphone app.

The system also supports a digital key, meaning owners don’t have to carry a key fob – they can unlock and start the vehicle using their smartphone. They can share the digital key with others, too.

The new Kia Sportage is also available with a 10.0-inch head-up display that, on hybrid and PHEV models, actually incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto turn-by-turn navigation instructions. 

There’s a smart new two-spoke steering wheel, while Kia says the multi-function touchpad that sits below the infotainment screen is now more natural to use.

Kia has replaced the gloss black trim with more fingerprint-resistant materials, too.

Choice of engines

As before, the new Kia Sportage will offer a broad array of engines, including regular mild hybrid petrol ICE plus HEV hybrid and PHEV plug-in hybrid.

The turbo engine in the HEV and PHEV has a little more power, while the regular ICE now has an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The UK Kia Sportage will comprise 2, 3 and 4 trim lines, plus sportier-looking GT-Line and GT-Line S.

It’s likely to arrive in the UK by summer 2025, with prices unlikely to rise significantly from today’s entry level of just over £29,000.

Will the arrival of the new Kia Sportage coincide with the current one becoming the best-selling new car in the UK? We’ll find out in just a few weeks…

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Callum reveals its Colour of the Year 2025

TWR reveals new spec and details of V12 XJS ‘Supercat’

Prices for retro Renault 5 EV to start from less than £23,000

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Time to go green? Callum reveals its Colour of the Year for 2025

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Callum Colour of the Year 2025

Marking the first in an annual forecast of trending car colours, Callum has revealed its Colour of the Year for 2025.

The inaugural Colour of the Year chosen by Callum is Aqua Mist, described as a ‘pastel blend of green and blue’. Seen above on the forthcoming Callum Skye off-roader, the shade is said to be ‘vibrant and optimistic’. 

Callum – a design and engineering studio established by British car designer Ian Callum CBE – says Aqua Mist also represents ‘renewal and innovation in a fast-changing world’. The colour is apparently the perfect choice for a ‘balanced space’.

Calming energy and tranquillity

Callum Colour of the Year 2025

Callum is planning to reveal more information about the fully electric Skye in the near future, including the first images of its interior, so expect to see more of this colour soon. 

In fact, throughout 2025 Callum will make use of Aqua Mist on its branding, turning it into a signature colour associated with the company. 

Callum’s colour, material and finishes designer, Charlotte Jones, said: “Aqua Mist offers a fresh, calming energy. Its soft and cool undertones are associated with tranquillity and openness, providing a balanced base that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. 

“Its versatility means it is suited to a number of applications, materials and surface textures, while layering with Callum’s specially-selected balancing colours creates a fun, energetic vibe.”

Attention-grabbing aesthetics

Callum Colour of the Year 2025

Along with its Colour of the Year, Callum has selected two complementary colours. Neon Riot and Midnight Tide, shown above, can act as a balance to Aqua Mist. 

Attention-grabbing Neon Riot pink is designed to bring ‘energy, fun and vibrancy’, while Midnight Tide is noted as ‘making the overall palette feel balanced and mature’.

For automotive use, Callum envisages a combination of Aqua Mist, Neon Riot and Midnight Tide working well together. They could be utilised to ‘create a bold, futuristic and attention-grabbing aesthetic’ for trend-conscious car brands

Ian Callum CBE, design director and company founder, commented: “Every design team in the world looks at future aesthetics to stay relevant and appeal to ever-evolving consumer tastes. Plus, it’s creative and a lot of fun. The Callum Colour of the Year 2025 is the first time we’ve made any of our forecasting work public.”

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TWR reveals new spec details and photos of V12 XJS ‘Supercat’

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TWR Supercat V12 Debut

Following a teaser earlier this year, the reborn TWR has released more information about its stunning Supercat.

Based on the (somewhat maligned) Jaguar XJS, the Supercat is an extreme, motorsport-inspired restomod powered by a supercharged V12 engine. 

TWR has already taken a number of orders for the Supercat, which starts from £225,000 before local taxes (£270,000 in the UK, including VAT).

However, there are still build slots available for the production run of 88 cars – a number chosen to honour Tom Walkinshaw’s famous win at Le Mans in 1988 with the XJR-9.

Homage to a British classic

TWR Supercat V12 Debut

Known for its motorsport success throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the original TWR company (founded by the late Tom Walkinshaw) developed a strong relationship with Jaguar

This included preparing the Jaguar XJS for motorsport competitions such as the European Touring Car Championship. When Fergus Walkinshaw (son of Tom) began plans to revive TWR, the XJS was the obvious choice for a first project. 

With help from experienced Porsche customiser Magnus Walker, along with bodykit designer Khyzyl Saleem, the Supercat is described by TWR as a ‘super-GT’. 

Although based on the XJS, its design and engineering is said to incorporate elements inspired by other great Jaguar racing cars, including the XJR-9 and XJR-15 – along with the XJ220 supercar.

More power, less weight

TWR Supercat V12 Debut

TWR has taken the Jaguar XJS chassis and reinforced it with steel and carbon fibre. More carbon is used for the bodywork, adding a fulsome 182mm to the car’s width. 

Optimised under the supervision of a former Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 aerodynamicist, the Supercat’s new structure saves an enormous 165kg versus the original XJS. 

Beneath its long bonnet lurks a supercharged 5.6-litre V12 that produces 660hp and 538lb ft of torque. Five-stage traction control and even launch control are included, with carbon-ceramic brakes on the options list.

TWR has developed its own adjustable double-wishbone suspension for the Supercat, which is complemented by adaptive dampers. Forged TWR Monoblock alloy wheels are fitted, too.

Modernised luxury inside

TWR Supercat V12 Debut

On the inside, TWR has retained some original features of the Jaguar XJS, such as the design of the four-spoke steering wheel. The Supercat’s motorsport ethos is reflected in a prominent gear lever for the six-speed manual transmission. 

The rear seats from the original XJS have been ditched, saving weight and increasing luggage capacity. A pair of carbon-fibre-backed leather chairs serve for the driver and passenger, with multiple options for finishes. 

For its first restomod, TWR has also installed a digital instrument panel, plus a separate central screen for the infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity is included, while new switchgear allows the driver to adjust the suspension and drive mode settings.

‘Rooted in motorsport history’

TWR Supercat V12 Debut

TWR has already accepted a number of customer commissions for the Supercat, with interest from the UK, United States, Europe and the Middle East. 

As Fergus Walkinshaw notes: “With production limited to just 88 examples and every car individually commissioned, it’s a chance to own something truly unique and personal, rooted in motorsport history but completely contemporary in its design, engineering and performance.”

All examples will be built at TWR’s new facility in Newbury, Berkshire, with the first completed cars expected in the summer of 2025. Following the Supercat, TWR has plans for further projects that combine classic cars with modern engineering.

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Prices for retro Renault 5 EV to start from less than £23,000

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Renault 5 E-Tech UK Prices

The arrival of the reborn all-electric Renault 5 is getting closer, with UK prices and specifications now confirmed.

When order books open in January 2025, the Renault 5 E-Tech will cost from £22,995. This temptingly low starting price should make the supermini highly competitive against rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa Electric

Renault will hope its reinvention of the classic 5 emulates the success of the original. More than nine million Renault 5s were sold between 1972 and 1996.

Urban or Comfort batteries

Renault 5 E-Tech UK Prices

Two powertrain options will be available at the launch of the Renault 5 E-Tech in the UK. 

A 120hp ‘Urban Range’ version is the starting point, with a 0-62mph time of 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 93mph. Aimed primarily at city use, it comes with a 40kWh battery pack that provides an official driving range of 190 miles.

For those venturing beyond city limits, the 150hp ‘Comfort Range’ has a 52kWh battery. This increases the potential range to 248 miles, and cuts the 0-62mph time to 7.9 seconds.

The 5 E-Tech will be the first Renault to come with bi-directional charging, allowing vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid capabilities. Recharging from a DC rapid device should require 30 minutes to reach 80 percent battery capacity.

Three trim levels available

Renault 5 E-Tech UK Prices

The Renault 5 will come in three trim levels. The entry-level Evolution features 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control air-con, wireless smartphone connectivity, rear parking sensors and a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel. Like all versions of the 5, it comes with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen.

Only available with the Urban Range 120hp motor, the Evolution starts at the headline price of £22,995.

Renault 5 E-Tech UK Prices

Step up to the mid-range Techno and you get a larger 10-inch digital instrument panel, wireless phone charger, ambient lighting and a rear-view camera. Two-tone paint options, a ‘5’ bonnet charging indicator and adaptive cruise control are included as well. 

Prices will start at £24,995 for the Urban Range version, with the Comfort Range taking the total to £26,995.

Retro colours available

Renault 5 E-Tech UK Prices

Topping the range is the 5 Iconic, with diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and a host of extra safety features such as blind-spot monitoring. 

In Urban Range spec, the Renault 5 Iconic will cost £26,995, while the Comfort Range battery adds a further £2,000 to the price.

Paint options will include Pop Yellow and Pop Green, both taken directly from Renault’s colour chart in the 1970s. Denim upholstery can be found inside, as a further retro touch.

Orders will open in January 2025, and Renault aims to begin deliveries to UK customers in the spring. For those still undecided, demonstrators should reach Renault dealerships by March 2025.

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Uber drivers offered big discounts on electric Toyota bZ4X

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Toyota bZ4X Uber Drivers Scheme

The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV is proving a huge hit with Uber drivers, thanks to a new partnership between the two companies. 

Launched 10 weeks ago, the Uber Driver Scheme has already seen more than 1,000 examples of the bZ4X purchased by drivers for the app-based taxi service.

In addition, Toyota has amassed more than 75,000 unique visits to its dedicated new Uber Driver Scheme website, demonstrating the level of interest in the car.

Zero percent finance on a bZ4X

Toyota bZ4X Uber Drivers Scheme

Toyota has developed a new vehicle financing scheme that is tailored specifically tailored to Uber owner-drivers. 

They can use Toyota or Lexus Hire Purchase finance options with zero percent APR representative, and for a contract duration of up to 60 months. 

The dedicated Toyota Uber Driver Scheme website includes a step-by-step guide to the finance process, along with details of all the company’s vehicle options.

However, there is a particular focus on promoting the bZ4X electric SUV, with Uber providing additional support for drivers who choose it.

Up to 10 years of warranty cover

Toyota bZ4X Uber Drivers Scheme

The Toyota bZ4X is available with a choice of two electric powertrains. The front-wheel-drive model offers an official, fully charged range of 317 miles.

A standard Toyota warranty sees the bZ4X covered for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles (dependent on annual servicing at a Toyota dealer). The lithium-ion battery has its own separate cover, and is guaranteed to retain at least 70 percent of its capacity for 10 years or 620,000 miles.

Neil Broad, general manager at Toyota Fleet Services, said: “The response to our new programme with Uber has been exceptional. We have a well-established, successful relationship with Uber, both here in the UK and globally, and we share a commitment to providing mobility for all. With our new Uber Driver Scheme, we are helping Uber progress its ambition to become a 100 percent electric vehicle business.”

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Porsche 911 Dakar bows out with one-off special edition

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Porsche Sonderwunsch 911 Dakar

Porsche is celebrating the end of 911 Dakar production with a one-off ‘Sonderwunsch’ special edition.

First unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2022, the radical, off-road-capable 911 Dakar became the biggest talking point at the event. 

Despite a huge amount of customer interest, Porsche capped production of the high-riding sports car to 2,500 examples.

Appropriately, the 911 Dakar is going out on a high, with a one-off model personalised to the exact specification of its new Italian owner. 

A unique exterior livery

Porsche Sonderwunsch 911 Dakar

Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (special wishes) department was responsible for creating this eye-catching 911 Dakar, including its unique triple-tone paint job.

The process started with the commissioning owner specifying the Rallye Design package. This usually pays tribute to the livery on the Rothmans-sponsored Porsche 953, which won the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1984. 

For this bespoke 911, however, Signal Yellow and Gentian Blue Metallic were chosen for the contrasting body colours

Between them is a thin painted blue line. This is actually a new hue, named Lampedusa Blue after the Mediterranean island near Italy, and developed in collaboration with the Porsche’s owner.

Not so mellow yellow

Porsche Sonderwunsch 911 Dakar

Signal Yellow makes a further appearance on the spokes of the Dakar’s alloy wheels, while Lampedusa Blue outlines the rims. 

The same blue colour appears on the rings surrounding the LED Matrix headlights, while the owner has specified the front and rear stainless steel skid plates in black.

Yellow is the dominant theme inside the final 911 Dakar: used for the dashboard trim strips and stitching for the leather upholstery. Porsche’s Speed Yellow is found on the gear selector for the eight-speed PDK transmission, along with the model name embroidered on the headrests.

When the doors of the Dakar are opened, puddle lights project the Sonderwunsch department logo onto the ground.

The end of the trail

Porsche Sonderwunsch 911 Dakar

Beneath its bespoke body, the 911 Dakar is mechanically unaltered. This means a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six engine serving up 480hp and 420lb ft of torque. Combined with suspension raised by 50mm, it makes the Porsche more than capable of off-road action.

When MR’s Tim Pitt tested the Dakar in 2023, he commented: ‘Ploughing through knee-deep muddy ruts and wading through water holes feels incongruous – even slightly absurd – in a 911, but you can’t fail to be impressed by the Dakar’s sheer breadth of ability’.

It remains to be seen if the owner of the final 911 Dakar will be brave enough to get his special hand-painted livery dirty.

Before it ventures out, the final Dakar will be on display in the foyer of the Porsche Museum, following a special handover event at the Zuffenhausen factory.

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FIRST PHOTOS: new electric Jaguar prototype hits the road

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Jaguar’s radical new electric four-door GT has hit UK roads for the first time this week, as the British company boldly reinvents itself as a luxury EV brand.

The first prototypes are taking to public roads around the Midlands after ‘tens of thousands of miles of virtual and physical testing have already been completed’.

The camouflaged car will also now be tested globally, including winter tests in the Arctic Circle.

While the disguise doesn’t give much away, it is immediately apparent the new electric car will have very different proportions to the firm’s current EV: the I-Pace.

Inspired by classic Jaguars

Instead of that car’s cab-forward design, Jaguar has adopted a classic, long-bonnet profile made famous by icons such as the E-Type.

In profile, it looks a very sleek machine, with an extra-long wheelbase and a low roofline. Large alloy wheels are another standout feature.

The new Jaguar four-door GT’s retractable door handles can just be seen behind the disguise, as can the EV charging port behind the right-hand-side front wheelarch.

The rear roofline is very well-disguised though, meaning we’ll have to continue guessing what the car’s profile will look like.

Design Vision Concept due next month

It’s the same at the front – while the prototype has an outline of a traditional Jaguar-style grille, it’s not yet clear if this will transfer to the final production car.

We also note the Alfa Romeo-style offset number plate, which would be a nice detail if it did make it to showroom-ready cars…

Jaguar, which is reinventing itself as an all-electric luxury brand from 2025, says its first ‘reimagined’ car will be built in Solihull on a dedicated electric platform called JEA: short for ‘Jaguar Electric Architecture’.

While this car is undergoing testing, we’ll get more clues as to the look of future Jaguars early next month.

The Jaguar Design Vision Concept will be revealed at Miami Art Week on 2 December, and is expected to deliver plenty of clues as to what defines the new Jaguars.

Jaguar will also reveal its new brand identity later this month, as the revival of this storied marque finally starts to gather pace.

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A luxurious Caterham? New Seven CSR Twenty targets UK and US buyers

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Caterham Seven CSR Twenty

British sports car maker Caterham is commemorating the 20th anniversary of its CSR chassis with a special model. 

First launched in 2005, the CSR chassis represented the peak of development for the Seven roadster, with a wider track and independent rear suspension.

The limited-edition Seven CSR Twenty will be the first model assembled at Caterham’s new production facility in Dartford, Kent. The 54,000 square-foot factory opened earlier this year.

‘The ultimate point-to-point Seven’

Caterham Seven CSR Twenty

The Seven CSR Twenty represents the first time Caterham has married its 210hp 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine – as used in the Seven 420 – with the CSR chassis. 

Combined with a five-speed manual gearbox, this allows the Seven CSR Twenty to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds. Revving all the way to 7,900rpm, it has a top speed of 139mph.

Exclusive ‘Vulcan’ 15-inch alloy wheels are fitted, while ventilated front brake discs with four-piston calipers provide the stopping power. 

Inboard front and fully independent rear suspension are said to ensure ‘an engaging driving experience’, and allow the ‘ultimate in point-to-point performance’.

A simple kind of luxury

Caterham Seven CSR Twenty

Caterham has lavished the Seven CSR Twenty with extra equipment. Its dashboard is finished in satin green carbon fibre, with unique CSR Twenty dials. You’ll find a premium leather tunnel top, Alcantara gear lever and handbrake gaiters, and a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, too.

The seats are trimmed in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with red stitching for good measure. A numbered plaque can be found between the two seats.

A Seven 620R-style nose, LED lighting and a two-tone Union Flag grille also mark out this special edition. Buyers can choose between Kinetic Grey and Dynamic Silver paint finishes.

A proud anniversary present

Caterham Seven CSR Twenty

Just 20 examples of the Seven CSR Twenty will be made for the UK market, priced at a considerable £79,995. Caterham has earmarked a further 20 cars for the United States, too.

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars, said: “This is without doubt the most premium Seven we’ve ever built. The interior of the car is a level up from what we’ve produced before, thanks to an array of high-quality materials used throughout.

“When you combine this with the exhilarating and engaging handling of our CSR chassis, this really is a Caterham built for longer distance road trips. It’s a vehicle that truly celebrates 20 years of our CSR chassis and I’m proud to see it being hand-built here in our new Dartford factory.”

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Tesla is rated the UK’s best EV charging network

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Zapmap Best Charging Networks

The Tesla Supercharger network has been named the best large public EV rapid charger service by UK drivers. The feedback comes from the latest annual satisfaction survey by Zapmap.

Almost 4,000 Zapmap users have provided their opinions on the best and worst electric car charging providers. The public networks were judged on reliability, ease of use, customer support, value for money and payment options.

Zapmap divided its survey results into two categories. The ‘large rapid/ultra-rapid’ category covers networks with more than 300 devices nationwide. Those with between 100 and 300 chargers were placed in the ‘medium rapid/ultra-rapid’ category.

Scoring high for reliability and value

Zapmap Best Charging Networks

Tesla Superchargers have previously been excluded from Zapmap’s analysis, due to the network being limited solely to Tesla vehicles

However, opening certain charging sites to the wider public has made Tesla eligible for the latest evaluation.

Now numbering some 860 charging devices spread across 80 UK sites, Tesla’s network scored well for reliability, cost and ease of use. Compared to other large networks, Tesla Superchargers were also said to deliver good value for money.

MFG EV Power and Osprey Charging took second and third places respectively in the large network category. At the other end of the scale, GeniePoint was ranked in ninth position.

Fastned is best smaller network

Zapmap Best Charging Networks

When it comes to the Medium rapid/ultra-rapid category, the Fastned network claimed top honours. 

Founded in the Netherlands in 2012, Fastned expanded across Europe and reached the UK in 2019. It now has 26 sites across the country, offering a total of 150 charging devices. 

Reliability, ease of use and the payment options offered were what helped Fastned to score so highly. The company received an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Ionity took second place in the medium network category, followed by Applegreen Electric.

Reliability remains key for EV drivers

Zapmap Best Charging Networks

For those ineligible for the large or medium network categories, Zapmap also offers an ‘up-and-coming’ award based on positive feedback. This saw Sainsbury’s Smart Charge commended, despite only starting its roll-out in January this year.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zapmap, commented: “This year has seen another huge increase in charging provision across the country, particularly for the ultra-rapid (150kW+) chargers and charging hubs. It is fantastic to be able to highlight and celebrate the UK’s best EV charging networks, as chosen by EV drivers.

“A record 17 networks are on the rankings table, and it is clear that reliability in the broadest sense remains key with EV drivers showing appreciation for networks rolling out consistent, reliable charging hubs that provide convenience and charging confidence. Whilst excellent payment options, customer support and ease of use are all highly valued, this year value for money is an increasingly important consideration.”

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Two thirds of home workers miss the daily commute

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Home Workers Miss The Commute

New research by DS Automobiles finds that almost two thirds (65 percent) of UK motorists who now work from home miss their former commute.

A change in working patterns following the pandemic means many people no longer need to attend offices for work. However, this has impacted drivers in unexpected ways. 

Three quarters (75 percent) of those surveyed said they found their commute had helped them manage their work-life balance.

Almost one fifth (18 percent) said they missed the chance to ‘decompress’ during their commute home, while close to a third (29 percent) claimed the drive had allowed them to ‘switch off’ after work.

No more car-share karaoke

Home Workers Miss The Commute

The regular commute allowed around one third (30 percent) of those surveyed to take time for themselves. More than half (51 percent) said they missed the chance to listen to the radio or news, and 19 percent admitted the chance to sing out loud was a bonus of commuting.

Notably, more than one-in-five of those questioned for the survey (22 percent) admitted they did not believe they would miss commuting until they actually stopped doing it.

The survey did uncover some benefits of not commuting, though. A quarter (25 percent) said they were now able to spend more time with their family, while 21 percent were able to go to the gym.

One third (33 percent) now break up their day by getting out of the house before work, a similar proportion (32 percent) use any free time gained by not commuting for sleep, while 29 percent scroll through social media.

Time lost to switching off

Home Workers Miss The Commute

Jules Tilstone, managing director of DS Automobiles UK, said: “All drivers have struggled to get up early to get to work on time, or have got stuck in traffic, but actually, as the research shows, people are missing that time spent in their car. Whether it’s something as simple as listening to a podcast during the drive, the commute gave people the time to do that and switch off.”

The DS Automobiles survey highlighted the main positives those surveyed took from their daily commute. The top 10 benefits are:

  1. Having time to myself
  2. Listening to the radio
  3. Listening to the news              
  4. Listening to my own playlist
  5. Listening to podcasts              
  6. Singing out loud to songs     
  7. It being part of my routine     
  8. Decompress from work on my way home
  9. Switching off from home/family life
  10. Planning the day ahead in my head

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