logo
'We've tested hundreds of 2025's best cars and one near-faultless vehicle is our favourite'

'We've tested hundreds of 2025's best cars and one near-faultless vehicle is our favourite'

Daily Record4 days ago
The car was named the best overall model after a panel of judges put hundreds of cars through their paces
A team of seasoned car reviewers have crowned their top pick of 2025's range of vehicles after rigorous testing.
Auto Express, a leading motoring publication, has put a plethora of cars to the test to identify the crème de la crème currently on offer in the UK.

The electric Skoda Elroq emerged as the victor, with the magazine's experts impressed by its performance both on public roads and the racing circuit.

In their assessment of the Elroq, Auto Express commended the vehicle for showcasing the best of Skoda's attributes, including cost-effectiveness and superior interior design.
The review highlighted that the Elroq not only builds upon Skoda's recent reputation but also demonstrates the brand's relentless advancement amids the transition to electric vehicles, reports the Mirror.
They concluded: "In the end, however, we chose the car which, try as we might, we struggled to find any obvious faults with - and that all-round strength sealed its position."
They added: "Everything we've come to expect and love from a Skoda is right here, with value for money at the forefront of everything it does. This is an EV that starts from not much over £30,000 yet feels like a car that's sized a class above most alternatives at that price point.
"The good news for the Elroq is that there's loads more to recommend. If Skoda wanted a model to showcase what its brand is all about, the Elroq shouts those qualities louder than any other. It's as close to faultless as a family car can be, and that's why it's a deserving winner."

Skoda's successes aren't just limited to the new car market; they're making waves in the second-hand sector too. The marque's burgeoning appeal has caught the attention of motoring expert Mike Brewer.
Speaking to Car Dealer Magazine, the Wheeler Dealers host had high praise for the Skoda Yeti: "If you're looking for a bit more space for the family and you need to carry all that kit and caboodle around, then another recommendation would be the Skoda Yeti.
"Now this is a really strong car. It's got a really good VW platform that sits underneath it. They are reliable, they are rough and tough. You can bash them round. They've got hard plastics on the inside.
"If they get stained on the seats, they clean up really well. Think about those littleuns' in the back drinking their fruit juice. These cars are really hardy and that's why I'd recommend a Skoda Yeti.
"And Skoda aren't like they used to be. They really are great cars today."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

DWP benefit payments may be cut by 15% in certain circumstances
DWP benefit payments may be cut by 15% in certain circumstances

Daily Mirror

time15 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

DWP benefit payments may be cut by 15% in certain circumstances

The Department for Work and Pensions only approves these deductions in very specific circumstances Universal Credit and Pension Credit serve as vital financial support for many in the UK. However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) warns that claimants may face cuts worth between 5% and 15% in very exceptional circumstances. These reductions, known as 'third-party deductions', occur when a benefits recipient has outstanding debts such as court fines, rent, Council Tax, or energy bills. Typically, these are made at a fixed rate until the debt is cleared, with a cap of three concurrent debts being repaid through this process. ‌ For those on Universal Credit, each debt incurs a 5% deduction from their benefit payment, although this can rise to between 10% and 15% for rent arrears. Claimants of other benefits like income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Income Support might also experience a weekly cut of £4.55 per debt. ‌ The DWP usually approves third-party deductions at the request of an organisation to which money is owed after other recovery methods have failed. Advice from the Government department explains: "You'll be told how much will be deducted by letter or in your Universal Credit journal." According to the Mirror, it also adds: "If you want to pay more than the fixed rate towards your debts, you must arrange this with the organisation you owe money to." ‌ Brits struggling with 'fuel debt'—the money owed for gas and electricity—can also refer to the process as Fuel Direct when setting up deductions to cover their energy use. The DWP advises: "Contact your supplier to set up deductions for your ongoing bills. They'll need your consent to request this for you. You can give consent on the phone. It does not need to be in writing. "Agree an amount with them that covers the cost of the energy you use. You can stop deductions for ongoing bills at any time. Contact the office that pays your benefit to request this. If you choose to stop making gas and electricity payments, contact your energy supplier to arrange a different way to pay. ‌ READ MORE: Rare 1979 toy figure set to fetch up to £5,000 at auction "If you want to change the amount you pay, contact your supplier. If you owe money but cannot afford more deductions to your benefits, your supplier can tell you what help is available for people on low incomes. They may be able to arrange a different way for you to pay." In cases where Brits disagree with the deductions made from their benefits, they are entitled to ask for a mandatory reconsideration. The DWP specifies that such requests need to be lodged within one month of the decision, along with a 'good reason' for the dispute. ‌ This may include the following instances: "Some decisions cannot be reconsidered. Others can go straight to an appeal," the DWP adds. "Your original decision letter will say if this applies to you."

Car Deal of the Day: Astra la vista baby! Vauxhall's stalwart hatch is only £183 per month
Car Deal of the Day: Astra la vista baby! Vauxhall's stalwart hatch is only £183 per month

Auto Express

time21 hours ago

  • Auto Express

Car Deal of the Day: Astra la vista baby! Vauxhall's stalwart hatch is only £183 per month

Sweet-driving family hatch Just £183 per month Low fuel and insurance costs It can feel like SUVs are monopolising all the attention of car manufacturers and buyers just now, but there's still an important role for the traditional family hatchback to play, as evidenced by the latest Vauxhall Astra. A bona fide household name, the Astra has probably never been better than in its current eighth-generation form. With the ranks of direct competitors thinning and its arch rival, the Ford Focus, about to depart the scene, the Astra looks like a compelling option. Even more so when Carwow Leasey is offering a GS model for £183 per month on the Auto Express Find a Car service. Advertisement - Article continues below This two-year lease deal requires a £2,492 initial outlay and then 24 payments of £183 per month. The annual limit is set at 5,000 miles, so higher mileage drivers will probably want to extend that, and 8,000 miles will be an extra £21 per month. The deal is for an Astra five-door hatch with the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that props up the range. The 128bhp unit has plenty of performance for the kind of use cases this family car is likely to encounter with a 9.7-second 0-62mph time and a 130mph top speed. Better is the 50.4mpg official combined fuel economy figure and group 19 insurance, which should also help to keep costs under control. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below GS trim gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with high beam assist, sports seats, keyless entry, keyless start, dual-zone climate control and Vauxhall's Pure Panel Pro 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There's also a wireless charging pad for your phone and parking assist with a 180-degree camera. The Astra is a sharp-looking hatch with the brand's latest angular design treatment very much in evidence. It also drives sweetly, responding to steering inputs and remaining composed through direction changes – the lower-riding hatchback configuration helps here, compared to taller SUVs of the same size. Rear legroom could be better, so that's something to look out for if you plan on carrying adults, but the boot is a generous 422 litres. The cabin isn't as flashy as some of the alternatives in terms of the design and the materials used but it's neatly laid out, there are physical buttons to support the touchscreen and storage space is pretty good. Our Car Deal of the Day selections are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Vauxhall Astra leasing offers from leading providers on our Vauxhall Astra page. Check out the Vauxhall Astra deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson

Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit
Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit

Scottish Sun

timea day ago

  • Scottish Sun

Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit

A car expert says Brit drivers should consider insurance, permits and driving on the other side of the road before getting behind the wheel abroad this summer SUMMER HOLIDAY Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit A CAR expert has urged Brits looking to drive abroad this summer to be extra wary of certain rules and regulations. Whether you're using your own or a hired car, driving across a foreign country can be pretty nerve-wracking - but also incredibly fun. 3 Driving abroad requires research and preparation, from understanding local signage to carrying essential equipment like warning triangles and high-visibility jackets Credit: Getty 3 Driving on the right-hand side for the first time can be daunting, but following road markings and traffic flow will help you adjust quickly Credit: Getty 3 On roundabouts, for example, remember to give way to the left, signal correctly, and adjust to unfamiliar traffic flow for a safe journey Credit: Getty However, speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, Auto Express consumer editor Tom Jervis revealed drivers from Blighty should consider insurance, permits and driving on the other side of the road before getting behind the wheel overseas. Make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket Tom Jarvis, Auto Express Indeed, driving abroad requires some prep - including some study on local signage, speed limits and general rules beforehand. Furthermore, in the EU, a "UK" sticker placed on the rear of your car is mandatory, while some countries require equipment, like a warning triangle and high-visibility jacket, to be carried inside the car at all times. Tom said: 'Driving abroad isn't simply a matter of getting off the ferry/train onto the other side of the road. 'As with many other things, there are certain habits and rules - written and unwritten - to bear in mind. 'It's worth researching beforehand the signage and speed limits of any country you're planning to visit so you're not caught out. 'It's also a legal requirement that, when driving in the EU, you affix a 'UK' sticker to the rear of your car so locals can identify you as a tourist and, hopefully, give you a little extra breathing space. 'On that point, we recommend that you allow plenty of time; being in a rush means you're more likely to make mistakes and this could spell disaster when you're in an environment you're not familiar with. 'Finally, make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket, among other things. 'Fitting some headlamp reflectors or adjusting your headlights electronically can also help prevent blinding other road users.' Inside Kia's refreshed Sportage including comfy cabin, punchy new looks and driving mode young families will love RIGHT OR WRONG? As Brits, our brains are hardwired to drive on the left from our right-hand-drive vehicles. That means driving on the other side of the road for the first time can be quite daunting - although Tom suggests following the road markings, signs and other traffic it will soon become second nature. Rural roads might be where many come unstuck - especially at night - as there are likely no lines on the road in these areas to help out. Tom's five tips for driving on the right (wrong) side of the road The Centre Line: Ensure you're staying in lane by lining up the central road marking with the left-hand corner of your car's windscreen. Ensure you're staying in lane by lining up the central road marking with the left-hand corner of your car's windscreen. Use Your Sat-Nav: Your navigation system will guide you where to turn and serve as a helpful reminder on roundabouts. It's especially useful for navigating one-way systems with unfamiliar road signs, and it will alert you to changes in speed limits. Your navigation system will guide you where to turn and serve as a helpful reminder on roundabouts. It's especially useful for navigating one-way systems with unfamiliar road signs, and it will alert you to changes in speed limits. Dual Carriageways: Stick to the right-hand lane, as this is the normal driving lane unless overtaking. Remember, your blind spot will now be over your left shoulder. Stick to the right-hand lane, as this is the normal driving lane unless overtaking. Remember, your blind spot will now be over your left shoulder. Turning Left: This manoeuvre involves cutting across traffic, so give way to oncoming vehicles – similar to making a right turn in the UK. On fast-moving roads, you may need to pull over to the right before crossing at a right angle to avoid blocking traffic. Pay attention to the signs. This manoeuvre involves cutting across traffic, so give way to oncoming vehicles – similar to making a right turn in the UK. On fast-moving roads, you may need to pull over to the right before crossing at a right angle to avoid blocking traffic. Pay attention to the signs. Roundabouts: Give way to the left rather than the right at roundabouts and don't forget to signal right when exiting. Thankfully, Brit drivers with a full UK photocard driving licence won't need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU. But in 140 other countries, including the USA, Turkey and Japan, it's either a legal requirement or recommended. Tom added: 'Thankfully, the website has an extensive list of each country's requirements, so there's no need to search around. 'The permit costs £5.50 and you can apply for one from larger Post Office branches or anywhere with a PayPoint.' UK residents also don't need to carry a special document proving they have insurance for driving abroad. These documents, known as an insurance 'green card', will only be needed if you intend to drive your car in many countries outside the EU. Tom said: 'To apply for one, you simply need to telephone your insurer and ask; it will usually be e-mailed across with no charge or only a small admin fee. 'Check that the cover is the same as you have in the UK rather than just being the legal minimum, and tell your insurer exactly where you're going. 'That will ensure the green card is valid in every country you're travelling through.' 'If you have car insurance in the UK, you will automatically have third party cover in the EU,' he added. 'However, most people driving abroad will want to get fully comprehensive insurance for travelling in Europe, and you will need to check your insurance policy to see exactly what is covered. 'It may be included or you may have to make special arrangements with your insurer. In any case, it's important to carry details of your insurance policy with you when driving your car abroad.' HIRE & GO For petrolheads, renting a vehicle on holiday can be great fun - giving you a chance to drive something different. Tom added: 'It's also less stressful to let the hire company take care of all the legal necessities, such as the high-visibility jackets, winter tyres and warning triangles that you may need when driving abroad. 'But you still need to be on your guard to make sure your rental car doesn't empty your wallet.' Tom advises that first, you should make sure you have the right licence to drive in the country you are visiting - this may include an International Driving Permit if it is outside Europe. 'You will also need to check that you are within the age range specified by the hire company; there will be upper and lower limits, but these can sometimes be stretched for an extra fee,' Tom said. 'When looking for deals online, check out the insurance restrictions. 'Many companies offer basic cover but suggest you upgrade to a more comprehensive package. "It's usually cheaper to arrange this with a third-party company before you leave. Also take note of the situation with fuel. 'Some firms supply the car with a full tank and insist you return it full. Check where the nearest filling station is to the airport and leave time to top up on your return, or you will be charged a steep fee. 'Finally, make a note of any existing damage to the car before you leave the company lot, preferably with photos, and try to get the details acknowledged by a member of staff.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store