Latest news with #CarOfTheYear
Auto Car
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
The old Nissan Micra was a 'grandma's car' - but that's no bad thing
Is there a supermini whose character, over the years, has changed as much as that of the Nissan Micra? At least in the eyes of its maker, if not in the minds of its buyers. The first-generation Micra was a sturdy, box-like thing, as plain as cars come. The second one was much more rounded and funky, Europeanised, even, to the point that it won Car of the Year in 1993 – the first Japanese car to do so. The third model took the idea ran with it, going more upmarket still, being cutesy and classic, with Bakelite-style interior switchgear and traditional fabrics. It felt expensive, and maybe, to make, it was. And then came the 2010 disaster: it was a car that felt so cheap and rough that when we said as much, the good people of Nissan agreed. Sometimes, they explained, they would take offence at a verdict and tell us why we were wrong, or why they thought we were wrong, but in other cases a drubbing in the media would give them a way to convince their bosses they should do it differently. This was one of those cases, and Nissan duly did better with a 2016 Micra that was a markedly decent thing, if not markedly interesting. It went off sale in 2022. In the meantime, Nissan's rivals had been making superminis that were sometimes great and sometimes fine but fundamentally consistent; at least they were always trying to be the same thing. Ford made a bunch of Fiestas that each felt every inch like Fiestas. Even now Renault's new Clio is trying to occupy basically the same position as the Nicole-Papa original, as the most chic of the superminis. All kinds of cars try to retain their core ethos, in fact. If you climbed into, say, a BMW 3 Series today, I think you could probably tell it's trying to do basically the same thing as a 3 Series from three or more decades ago. But here comes another new Micra. Yes, it's another reinvention, this time as a cute electric car, but, it seems, it's different from previous Micras not only in powertrain but also in character (again). 'Think you know me? Think again,' said the teaser on Nissan's website ahead of the launch. 'It's been a while, and I've had a glow up. Let's meet up soon. You won't believe the difference.'
Auto Express
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Mysterious-sounding new Subaru is actually another electric SUV based on a Toyota
Say hello to the all-new Subaru Uncharted. With a name like that you'd expect this car to be a seriously hardcore 4x4, designed to brave the Darién gap or Polar wildernesses, embarrassing the Land Rover Defender along the way. But it's not, nor does it have anything to do with the Uncharted video game series, in case you were wondering. Advertisement - Article continues below In reality, the Subaru Uncharted treads familiar ground. It's a mid-size electric SUV, designed to be more sporty than intrepid, but it still has quite the mountain to climb because it's going to rival to our 2025 Car of the Year, the Skoda Elroq - as well as the Kia EV3, Renault Scenic and many others. Subaru won't be the brand that springs immediately to mind when talking about EVs, but the Uncharted is the third electric SUV the Japanese firm has revealed to date. The larger Subaru Solterra arrived first in 2022, with the new facelifted version due early next year. The Uncharted should appear around the same time and the more estate car-like Subaru E-Outback, which was only unveiled a couple of months ago as the Subaru Trailseeker, is landing next summer. Just as the Subaru Solterra is a re-nosed Toyota bZ4X, the Uncharted is a lightly tweaked version of the Toyota C-HR+. The main difference, aside from the badges on the nose, is a new front end design that borrows styling cues like the six-element daytime running lights from the E-Outback. The front and rear bumpers and the tail-lights are slightly different too, there's more plastic cladding along the doors, plus fresh 18 to 20-inch wheel designs. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The interior on the other hand is identical to that of the Uncharted's Toyota twin. Sitting atop the dashboard is a 7.0-inch instrument display, which drivers have to look over the steering wheel to see - like in the Solterra. Meanwhile, the impressive 14-inch central touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and has two physical rotary dials for the cabin temperature - a handy touch borrowed from the Lexus NX. There's an array of physical buttons on the steering wheel, plus paddles to adjust the strength of regenerative braking. There are more buttons on the floating centre console along with dual wireless charging pads, a rotary gear selector and a large storage space underneath. Three versions of the Uncharted will be offered however, controversially, most models don't feature Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive variants use either a 57.7kWh battery that can provide up to 276 miles of range, or a 77kWh battery good for up to 363 miles from a single charge, which is on par with the Elroq and EV3. At least the top-spec model does get a dual-motor set-up for all-wheel drive and a total power output of 343bhp, allowing it to do 0-62mph in exactly five seconds and tow up to 1,500kg. It features the larger battery pack for up to 292 miles of range. A 10 to 80 per cent top-up should take half an hour according to Subaru, thanks to a 150kW maximum charging speed. Because the Subaru Uncharted isn't due to go on sale in the UK until early next year, pricing and specifications haven't been confirmed yet but we'd be surprised if it didn't start from around £37,000 in order to be eligible for the government's new EV grant. Tell us which new car you're interested in and get the very best offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers to compare. Let's go… Find a car with the experts New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount? Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount? The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3… Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop The second of Merc's new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
Auto Express
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Three car garage: this trio of award winning cars for £45k
The results of the Auto Express New Car Awards were announced this week with the fantastic Skoda Elroq taking the overall win. It also got us thinking about previous champions and what we'd like to fill our imaginary driveway - here we've found three excellent former Car of the Year winners that still boast plenty of appeal. The current Skoda Octavia offers a lot of what we like about the Elroq. It's spacious, full of equipment and drives well. Another feature you'll find on every Skoda is excellent build quality and we reckon that, even after five years and 71k miles, this example will still feel solid. The one we found has the VW Group's 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine too, meaning an impressive 54.8mpg average. It's easy to see why this was our Car of the Year in 2020. Advertisement - Article continues below If this Skoda Octavia was snatched up too quickly for you, click here to find more used Skodas available through Auto Express. We acknowledged the latest Land Rover Discovery's curvy look wouldn't be to everyone's tastes when it won the Car of the Year in 2017, but we reckon the once-bold styling has softened over the years - helped by the deep black paint finish of this 2019 example. With seating for seven and a decently sized 258-litre boot (with the rear seats up), this is an ideal family SUV and comes with genuine off-road ability thanks to four-wheel drive - as you'd expect of a Discovery. If this Land Rover Discovery has already found its new home, take a look at these used Land Rovers available through Auto Express. We've seen Jaguar's vision of the electric future with the rather controversial Type 00 recently, but back in 2018 the brand's electric plan was based on the forward-thinking I-Pace. While the EV game moves quickly, the I-Pace's vital statistics still look impressive, with 400bhp, a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds and a range of 273 miles. The I-Pace also looks just as sensational today as it did back then and inside you'll be greeted by a well appointed and classy interior. If this Jaguar I-Pace has already found its new home, check out hundreds of listings of used electric cars available now from Auto Express's network of trusted dealers. Head to the Auto Express used car search page and let us know which cars you'd park in your £30k three-car garage in the comments section below… Find a car with the experts Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It's our Deal of the Day for 3 July New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi Tesla UK sales rebound with one in four new cars now an EV Tesla UK sales rebound with one in four new cars now an EV EV sales have leapt up in the first half of 2025, although numbers remain behind Government targets
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Review: Best new cars of 2025 named by motoring experts
Every year a significant number of new cars hit the market - but which ones truly are the best of the bunch? Every year, the cream of the crop is named by various panels, crowning their favourite for outstanding overall performance. The most recent ceremony has seen automotive publication Auto Express deliver its Car of the Year 2025 gong to an electric car from a Czech brand that was formerly the butt of jokes in Britain. Skoda's Elroq crossover - which starts from £31,510 - has taken this year's crown. It marks the fifth year in a row that an EV has been awarded the top prize. But it isn't just the quirky Elroq that's turned judges' heads this year. As Auto Express editor Paul Barker says, the 'standard of new cars coming to the market continues to rise'. So, here are the cars that have impressed reviewers the most and are highly recommended by the experts... Skoda Elroq voted best new car of 2025 Skoda is a bit of a cult classic brand at this point, winning a legion of fans for its ability to offer quality, reliability and affordability. The Elroq can be praised for embodying all that in a mid-sized electric SUV, with a seriously competitive range of 360 miles and a huge amount of practicality – 470 litres of boot space to be exact – into a price package of just £31,510. Paul Barker summed it up when he said: 'As a mid-size SUV, it hits the sweet spot for many UK buyers, offering space, comfort, usability, and value – while also delivering the electric performance and refinement that drivers increasingly expect. 'It's a car that feels ready for the mainstream, and importantly, it doesn't demand big compromises to go electric. Skoda's clever packaging, mature driving dynamics and understated quality all shine through in the Elroq.' It is the fifth consecutive year that an EV has taken the top honour, with the Citroen e-C3 winning in 2024, the Hyundai Kona EV in 2023, the Nissan Ariya in 2022 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a year earlier. Responding to the Elroq's victory, Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer said: 'Winning Car of the Year means a lot to all of us at Škoda. I'm grateful for this recognition of the hard work, creativity, and care that goes into building a car we're truly proud of. 'We set out to create a car that people would love to drive on their daily explorations. 'To see it connect with drivers and experts alike is incredibly rewarding.' Skoda's other winners Skoda is on a roll, sweeping the board in all the categories that deliver maximum practicality to drivers. As well as the Elroq being Car of the Year and Mid-Size SUV of the Year, the Octavia took home Family Car of the Year while the Superb won Estate of the Year, and the Kodiaq claimed Large SUV of the Year. The Octavia is a key example of Skoda's reputation for offering sensible, good-value and massively spacious cars. Available as a Hatch or Estate, it's a versatile family car. Not only is there a big range of petrol and diesel engines, but the interior is surprisingly plush and the Estate has a 640-litre boot. And it only costs £28,250. The Superb won Estate Car of the Year, and considering the new version has even better fuel consumption than before as well as an improved ride for a price that massively undercuts rivals, that's not all that surprising. The Superb starts from £37,225 and comes with a PHEV option that gives you 62 miles of EV-only range. And finally, the Kodiaq was crowned Large SUV of the Year, rounding out Skoda's winning night, with its seven-seater option making a go to for large families. Again, it won't break the bank costing £39,000 with loads of standard kit and tech thrown in, and a surprisingly plush interior. Barker praised all Skoda winners but still elevated the Elroq as a step above its siblings saying: 'In a year where Skoda has taken home four major category wins, including with long-standing favourites like the Kodiaq and Superb, the Elroq is a worthy flagship. 'It shows how far the brand – and electric cars more broadly – have come.' Other recommendations - from the luxurious to the affordable BMW stormed home with five wins, making the German marque the other most awarded brand of the year. The iX – the car with very divisive looks but an almost unparalleled combination of EV luxury and practicality – won Large Premium SUV of the Year and Premium Electric Car, while the X3 was awarded Mid-size Premium SUV. With the iX's range of up to 426 miles and maximum luggage capacity of 1,750 litres you'd think it would be a slow sensible car. But no, it can do 0 to 62 in 4.6 seconds. However, it isn't cheap, starting from over £75k and going up sharply to over £114k. The fun 2 Series took Coupe of the Year – a car that's always a hit with keen drivers who like old-school handling and rear-wheel drive. The 530e seek past the post in the Premium Hybrid category, rounding out that grand total of five awards. Today there are four in five models available as battery electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, and almost two in five completely zero emission. So, it's not surprising that EVs are being recognised as some of the very best options on the market, shown by the number of categories won by zero emissions models. The Kia EV3, the South Korean brand's small electric B-segment SUV, was awarded Small Company Car of the year, while the Tesla Model 3 took home Mid-size Company Car of the Year. Kia's little Picanto won the City car category, bringing the total wins for Kia to two. The EV3's rival, the Volvo EX30, was crowned Small Premium SUV and was the only trophy for the Swedish manufacturer. Audi's new A6 e-tron was an electric car that beat out intense competition from the fellow German rivals BMW i5 and Volkswagen ID.7. Its long-distance driving capabilities – it can do up to 464 miles on a single charge, undeniable good looks, plush interior and refined ride managed to snag it Large Company Car of the Year. Beating all others to the ultimate luxury tag was the Bentley Flying Spur. It topped Range Rover (no easy feat) to be Auto Express' Luxury Car of the Year. Is it the sustainable Nappa leather interiors, the endless customisation options, the Wellness seating specification or the Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain that's most covetable? We'll let you decide. In pure performance though, the McLaren Artura took home first, winning Performance Car thanks to its V6 twin-turbo hybrid petrol engine, 700PS, and rear spoiler with 50kg of downforce. The Honda Civic Type R is a cheaper and more compact option for performance lovers, but potentially no less fun. It's Hot Hatch of the Year – approved by boy racers the world over no doubt. On the cheaper end the MG3 Hybrid + was awarded Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year, the Mazda MX-5 took Convertible of the Year and the newly reincarnated Fiat Grande Panda (available as a hybrid or electric) won Supermini of the year.
Auto Express
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
The Skoda Elroq is a great all-round EV and a worthy Car of the Year winner
Our annual celebration of the best new cars is one of our favourite times of the year. Once the ridiculous amount of hard work has been completed, the issue is off to press and everything uploaded to our website, that is…! Every year we seem to say the competition is hotter than ever, but that's only because it's true. In the final reckoning, there were five cars that could easily have claimed the ultimate accolade of 2025 Auto Express Car of the Year. Whatever you need your vehicle to do, we've exhaustively tested every model out there to put together a three-car shortlist for each category – so if you don't agree with our winner, there are a couple of other excellent options. Advertisement - Article continues below Our winners are – in the opinion of our test team, which has decades of experience behind it – the best in their class. But we know that in any given sector of the market, buyers have very different requirements around brand, pricing and appeal of different models. So you won't always agree with our king of the castle. But every one of the cars across our New Car Awards extravaganza is bloomin' brilliant. From city cars to supercars, we love them all, and the conversations about the winners were always enthusiastic and animated, no matter what sort of model we were discussing. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Some categories have been retained by our 2024 winners, but the car world moves fast and we have a lot of new models that have come straight in at the top of the class. As if to highlight the strength in depth across the car industry, we have no fewer than 17 different brands with their name on a winner's trophy, and 25 different marques were commended across the categories. There are very few dominant brands; a couple collected four or five awards each, but there are particular high points in most manufacturers' model ranges, and we've picked them out, along with our choice of the sweet spot in the line-up for each of the winning cars. So enjoy our walk-through of the very best in the business, culminating in the Skoda Elroq winning our 2025 Auto Express Car of the Year. We think it's a very worthy winner, highly recommendable and an all-round great new arrival. Because that's the point of the Auto Express New Car Awards. Configure your perfect Skoda Elroq through our Find A Car service now. Alternatively, check out the best deals out there on a new Skoda Elroq from stock or top prices on used Skoda Elroq models... Find a car with the experts Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It's our Deal of the Day for 29 June Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019 Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019 From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they'll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
