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Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK's newest cars on the market ranked with popular model named best value
With spiralling motor prices stinging cash-strapped Brits, experts have compared the latest car models to hit the UK market to discover which is the best value for money The latest cars to hit the UK market have been pitted against each other to find out which is the best value for money. The average price for a new motor in the UK has risen sharply in recent years - driven by supply chain issues, increased material costs and the rapidly growing switchover to electric vehicles (EVs), which generally cost more than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Many so-called mid-range models now come with a hefty price tag exceeding £40,000, even they're lacking premium features. To help buyers navigate this challenging market, Which? has introduced its Great Value recommendation guide for cars, highlighting those combining strong performance in independent tests with a price tag significantly lower than the average in their class. These recommendations are based on the cost of buying new, although more affordable options are available on the used market. So here are five standout models, as endorsed by the UK's consumer champions, ranked from most to least expensive. 5. Nissan Qashqai — average lowest price: £26,693. The Nissan Qashqai, a popular mid-sized SUV, has been updated to deliver even more style and practicality. It stands out for its generous passenger space and appealing, well-designed cabin. While some of the most desirable features are reserved for higher trim levels, even the entry-level models come well equipped, ensuring that buyers don't have to compromise on the essentials. The Qashqai's strong reputation for reliability and comfort make it a solid choice. 4. Mazda 3 — average lowest price: £23,405. The Mazda 3 is widely regarded as a great example of what a great value car should be. It offers a premium feel both inside and out, with a distinctive design that sets it apart from the competition. The Mazda 3 is enjoyable to drive, safe and packed with standard features, so even the most affordable version is well equipped for the needs of most motorists. 3. Skoda Kamiq — average lowest price: £22,892. The Skoda Kamiq is a compact SUV that offers a surprisingly spacious interior for its size. It is comfortable, easy to drive and scores highly for safety. The Kamiq's practical design and reasonable running costs make it a smart choice for those seeking value, without sacrificing everyday usability. Its reputation for reliability and the generous list of standard equipment it comes with further enhance its appeal. 2. Kia Ceed Sportswagon — average lowest price: £22,497. For those in search of a family car, the Kia Ceed Sportswagon is a compelling alternative. It offers a large boot and a spacious cabin, as well as a driving experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable. While some engine options may not be the most fuel-efficient for long distance driving, the Ceed Sportswagon's overall practicality and value make it a strong contender in the estate car category. 1. Seat Ibiza — average lowest price: £17,758. The Seat Ibiza is an excellent entry point for buyers seeking value in a small car. It delivers a good driving experience, a reasonable amount of interior space and a lot of equipment as standard. Although the interior may not feel exactly luxurious, the Ibiza offers a lot for the money. It is an ideal choice for those who want a straightforward, reliable and affordable new car. As Which?'s car expert Michael Passingham puts it: "One car that exemplifies great value is the Mazda3. Instead of hiding essential tech inside high-end upgrade packages, the most useful ones are installed as standard. Think things like parking sensors, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic collision alerts. A lot of manufacturers could learn from this approach."


North Wales Live
05-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Car ended up like this after dangerous driver tried to flee from police
Dashcam footage has captured the moment a dangerous driver left a stolen car hanging upside down during a bid to escape from police. Hasnain Ahmad and an accomplice were in a blue Skoda which had been taken from a Flintshire auction site. Ahmad later drove the Skoda into Cheshire and onto the M56 motorway before a collision which left the Skoda badly damaged. Ahmad, who was 17 at the time and is now 18, had no licence. He admitted a string of motoring offences - but was not charged with stealing the car himself - and a judge at Mold Crown Court said it was fortunate he hadn't been killed. A judge gave him nine months' detention in a young offenders institute but suspended the term for two years. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here Prosecutor Myles Wilson said the Skoda car had been taken from the Queensferry auction site. It was a Skoda Kamiq worth £17,400. It was believed to have been taken by another man. But later on October 22 last year Cheshire Police started following it on the M56 motorway with Ahmad at the wheel. Another man was in a Volvo on false plates driving with him in convoy, said Mr Wilson. Ahmad turned off the motorway at Hapsford then onto a single track road called Hog Lane. As he was being hemmed by a police car Ahmad started to drive away reaching 80mph on the 30mph road as the police car chased him. Police car dashcam footage played in court showed part of a three-minute pursuit. The defendant turned onto an A road - the A56 - speeding and narrowly missing members of the public in Helsby. Eventually, he crashed. Mr Wilson said Ahmad tested positive for cannabis. He had cannabis and a cannabis grinder with him. The judge His Honour Simon Mills branded the driving "horrific". He told defence counsel Euros Jones that if his client had been 18 at the time of the offences he would have gone straight into a young offenders' institute today. The judge said: "This is a really serious piece of dangerous very fortunate in that we still have this young man with us in court to face the music today." He asked Ahmad, of Frobisher Court, Manchester: "What on earth were you doing mixing cannabis with driving a motor vehicle?" He said he had a choice to obey the law in future or risk committing more serious offences with "disastrous" consequences. He gave him the suspended term in a YOI for dangerous driving and an identical, concurrent term for aggravated vehicle taking, both suspended for two years. He must do 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity. He was disqualified from driving for two years. Then he must take an extended test to get a driving licence. There were no separate penalties for driving with no insurance or without a licence, or possession of cannabis.


Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Daily Record
First picture of man killed in Scots horror crash as family say he'll be 'forever missed'
Tributes have been paid to a young man killed in a Scots horror crash as his family say that he will be 'forever missed'. Emergency crews raced to B742 south of Dalrymple near Maybole in Ayrshire at around 12.50am on Monday, April 21 after receiving reports of an incident involving a black BMW one series car. They discovered the driver of the car, Ewan MacDonald, 24, from the local Maybole area, who was then pronounced dead at the scene. His family have asked for privacy but have released his picture and a touching tribute in his honour. It read: 'Ewan will be forever missed . We are so grateful for all the love, support and kindness shown from our family, friends and community.' Police Scotland are now appealing for more information following the fatal crash and have asked anyone who may have witnessed it to come forward. Sergeant Scott Gourlay said: 'Our thoughts are with Ewan's family and friends. 'Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, and I ask anyone who has not spoken to the police already and saw what happened to contact us. 'I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have dash-cam or CCTV which could assist to get in touch.' Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0138 of Monday, 21 April, 2025. Elsewhere, in a separate incident, we reported that a "devoted grandfather" was killed in a crash involving a truck near Huntly on Wednesday, April 23. Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle collision between a black Skoda Kamiq and a white Iveco truck on the A96 Aberdeen to Elgin road. The Skoda driver was pronounced dead at the scene . He has been named as 78-year-old Keith Looseley from Aberdeenshire. His devastated family paid tribute to the former RAF pilot who was "a much-loved grandfather". They said: "Keith was a former RAF pilot who had lived in Gartly for over 25 years. He was an active and valued member of the local community who volunteered with Gordon Rural Action and Morayvia aviation museum. "Keith was a devoted and much-loved father, grandfather, brother and son and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him." We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @Daily_Record - the official Daily Record Twitter account - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online


The Independent
27-04-2025
- The Independent
Tributes to ‘much-loved' ex-RAF pilot killed in road crash
The family of a former RAF pilot who died following a crash involving a car and a lorry have paid tribute to a 'much-loved' man. The collision happened on the A96 Aberdeen to Elgin road, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire at around 11am on Wednesday April 23. Police said Keith Looseley, 78, who was driving the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family paid tribute to him in a statement issued through police, and also thanked emergency services and members of the pubic who helped at the scene. They said: 'Keith was a former RAF pilot who had lived in Gartly for over 25 years. 'He was an active and valued member of the local community who volunteered with Gordon Rural Action and Morayvia aviation museum. 'Keith was a devoted and much-loved father, grandfather, brother and son and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him. 'We would like to thank the members of the public who provided assistance in the immediate aftermath of the collision and the police officers and paramedics for all of their efforts at the scene.' Mr Looseley was from the Aberdeenshire area. The road was closed for around seven and a half hours for investigations following the crash, which involved a black Skoda Kamiq and a white Iveco lorry. There were no other reported injuries. Police are appealing for information. Sergeant Pete Henderson said: 'Our thoughts are very much with Keith's family and friends at this difficult time. ' Inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the crash are ongoing and we would ask anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dash-cam footage from the area, to please get in touch.' Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1138 of April 23 2025.

Western Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Western Telegraph
Tributes to ‘much-loved' ex-RAF pilot killed in road crash
The collision happened on the A96 Aberdeen to Elgin road, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire at around 11am on Wednesday April 23. Police said Keith Looseley, 78, who was driving the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Keith was a devoted and much-loved father, grandfather, brother and son and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him Family of Keith Looseley His family paid tribute to him in a statement issued through police, and also thanked emergency services and members of the pubic who helped at the scene. They said: 'Keith was a former RAF pilot who had lived in Gartly for over 25 years. 'He was an active and valued member of the local community who volunteered with Gordon Rural Action and Morayvia aviation museum. 'Keith was a devoted and much-loved father, grandfather, brother and son and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him. 'We would like to thank the members of the public who provided assistance in the immediate aftermath of the collision and the police officers and paramedics for all of their efforts at the scene.' Mr Looseley was from the Aberdeenshire area. The road was closed for around seven and a half hours for investigations following the crash, which involved a black Skoda Kamiq and a white Iveco lorry. There were no other reported injuries. Police are appealing for information. Sergeant Pete Henderson said: 'Our thoughts are very much with Keith's family and friends at this difficult time. 'Inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the crash are ongoing and we would ask anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dash-cam footage from the area, to please get in touch.' Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1138 of April 23 2025.