This government, like its predecessor, says it wants to actively encourage motorists to switch to electric cars. The choice is now wider than ever, and prices are coming down. There are now EVs available to buy from less than £20,000. With another £10,000 available to spend, the choice is huge, with plenty of family-sized vehicles on sale.

From electric vehicles and new safety regulations to volatile used-car prices, today’s car buyers are facing a more complex market than ever before. For many, the process has shifted from exciting to overwhelming — a maze of conflicting reviews, pressured sales environments, and finance deals that aren’t always as clear as they seem.

Great Wall Motors is back in the UK with vengeance. Some of you may recall the Steed pick-up sold in the UK between 2014 and 2016, or thereabouts. It was a rare sight though was popular with those who required a simple working truck.

Suzuki’s Vitara has been a mainstay of the Japanese company’s range since 1988, the fourth generation launching in 2016. Recent refreshes and a move to hybrid power will ensure that it will continue on sale for many years to come. However, with more buyers now wanting a fully electric car, Suzuki has released its first offering in this rapidly growing sector, the e VITARA.

With changeable autumnal weather now open us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.

Sadly, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders decided not to hold their usual drive day at Wetherby Racecourse. A great shame, as the venue was convenient and the roads in the area ideal for putting all the latest cars through their paces. And thus, another long trek south was required to just outside Coventry, the venue for this year’s autumn event.

There are many 4x4s that look the part but put them to the test in tough conditions and they falter. However, for those on the lookout for a compact SUV that punches above its weight and is rather partial to a muddy track, Jeep now offers an all-wheel drive version of its Avenger. The invite came from the Jeep PR team to join them for a little brand immersion on the scenic Swinton Estate.

Another trip to Melbourne just completed, this time for my son’s wedding. As a reluctant flyer, someone who would quite happily never set foot on a plane again, the long-haul journey was as arduous as ever. This was made worse as I treated myself to business class last time. I am well suited to unlimited champagne, food on demand and of course lots of space.

Mazda has unveiled the all-new Mazda CX-5 — an evolution of its best-selling SUV. Featuring a refined design, and an optimised 2.5-litre petrol engine, the third-generation CX-5 will arrive in the UK in Summer 2026.

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to enjoy a week with BMW’s distinctive iX and I have just looked back at my review. I was loaned the smaller battery model and my 550-mile round trip to London was extremely comfortable yet punctuated by frequent charging stops. The official range was not much more than 250 miles.

2025 marks 11 years of the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, the only event to celebrate the brilliance of basic when it comes to mundane motors. This unique festival continues to grow in popularity, with owners and visitors from all over the world, but what is an ‘Unexceptional’ car? Hagerty experts explain what makes a forgotten motor a FOTU hero.