Welcome to the Driver Buddy blog

Welcome to the Driver Buddy blog

Check out the Driver Buddy blog for the latest car news & reviews, and useful advice and tips for owning and maintaining your vehicles.

VOLVO : Next-gen Volvos to get Luminar LiDAR tech

VOLVO : Next-gen Volvos to get Luminar LiDAR tech

Volvo Cars has partnered with tech firm Luminar to provide their industry-leading LiDAR and perception technology for Volvo’s next generation cars.

Review: Mini Electric

Review: Mini Electric

With battery-powered vehicles coming at us left, right and centre, it’s a little odd that BMW has taken so long to bring us the MINI Electric – particularly as BMW has been experimenting with electric versions of its iconic little MINI for over a decade.

POLESTAR 2: Matching performance with safety

POLESTAR 2: Matching performance with safety

The Polestar 2 continues to spearhead the introduction and development of new technologies for the Volvo Car Group. It is the first fully-electric vehicle to feature new Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) technology and more.

LAND ROVER: Two new plug-in hybrids launched

LAND ROVER: Two new plug-in hybrids launched

Land Rover launches Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque PHEVs promising up to 201.8mpg and priced similarly to the rest of their respective ranges.

AUDI EVs: Charging capacity vs charging speed

AUDI EVs: Charging capacity vs charging speed

With its e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, Audi is making electric mobility a reality for long-distance driving – thanks in part to its unique charging curve.

COVID-19: Drivers given six-month emergency MOT extensions

COVID-19: Drivers given six-month emergency MOT extensions

Recently, the government suspended MOT tests across the UK for six months due to the coronavirus pandemic, after motorists expressed concerns over the consequences of not having a pass certificate due to MOT testing centres shutting down.

Vauxhall’s new all-electric Corsa-e

Vauxhall’s new all-electric Corsa-e

The all-new, all-electric Corsa-e features a range of up to 209 miles (WLTP) and is available to order right now.

CUPRA: 3D printing deployed for car development

CUPRA: 3D printing deployed for car development

At CUPRA – the performance arm of Spanish automaker SEAT – a team of innovative engineers is transforming the way vehicles are developed by printing car parts.

2020 road tax changes for cars, vans and motorcycles

2020 road tax changes for cars, vans and motorcycles

Car tax changes for 2020 come into effect today, Wednesday 1st April and will introduce a widespread package of updates to all vehicle owners. At the top, the bottom line is that most new car owners will pay more tax from today 1st April, but electric car owners – both new and existing – pay zero, saving many around £1,600 over five years.

Review: Ford Fiesta ST 5dr

Review: Ford Fiesta ST 5dr

The Fiesta ST is powered by a 200hp turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that drives the front wheels through the aforementioned six-speed transmission. At £24,395 OTR, the Fiesta ST3 delivers affordable thrills that reward drivers of all skill levels.

2020 Kia Sorento – UK engines and interior tech confirmed

2020 Kia Sorento – UK engines and interior tech confirmed

Fourth-generation Kia Sorento will get hybrid and diesel power with a plug-in hybrid following later this year.

BMW: Sleek, near production-ready i4 revealed

BMW: Sleek, near production-ready i4 revealed

The BMW Concept i4 previews the forthcoming 2021 BMW i4 and boasts a 523hp electric powertrain and a range of 373 miles.

Review: 2020 Peugeot 208

Review: 2020 Peugeot 208

The new 2020 Peugeot 208 was awarded the 'European Car of the Year' for 2020. It is also a top-three finalist in the 2020 World Car Design of the Year.

What is a Ghost Immobiliser?

What is a Ghost Immobiliser?

If you own a car you love and are keen on protecting it, then you might be interested in a ghost immobiliser. But what is a ghost immobiliser and how do they work?

Virtual Geneva Motor Show Round-Up

Virtual Geneva Motor Show Round-Up

Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, car manufacturers have still been busy unveiling their latest creations and sharing them online. Read on for Driver Buddy’s round-up of the newest models from Aston Martin, BMW, Honda and more.

AUDI reveals S version ‘drive concepts’ of its E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback

AUDI reveals S version ‘drive concepts’ of its E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback

Audi has revealed two ‘drive concept’ cars that could essentially be more powerful versions of its E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback in the form of sportier and more performance-oriented ‘S’ models.

'Virtual' Geneva Motor Show - The Big Reveals

'Virtual' Geneva Motor Show - The Big Reveals

The cancellation of this year’s Geneva Motor Show following the coronavirus outbreak has given rise to a new phenomenon – the ‘virtual’ motor show.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic+ The world’s most powerful T2.0-litre!

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic+ The world’s most powerful T2.0-litre!

The high-performance compact SUV has been revealed online and is expected to go on sale in the UK in April with a price tag in the region of £53,000.

Review: Mercedes-Benz e-VITO Panel Van

Review: Mercedes-Benz e-VITO Panel Van

The all-electric Mercedes-Benz e-VITO leads the German van maker's charge into EV van deliveries, with the e-SPRINTER and e-CITAN to follow.

Jaguar Land Rover reveals its electric urban mobility concept – and plans pilot for 2021

Jaguar Land Rover reveals its electric urban mobility concept – and plans pilot for 2021

Jaguar Land Rover, which recently unveiled Project Vector as part of the company’s Destination Zero initiative, offering its vision of an autonomous, electric and connected future for urban mobility.

Review: Ford Mustang Mach-E

Review: Ford Mustang Mach-E

Everything you need to know about the new 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric car, Fords first electric vehicle

Review: Skoda Kamiq


Review: Skoda Kamiq


Skoda is a major player in the SUV and crossover market, thanks to its ability to build family-friendly cars that are easy to drive, well-equipped, comfortable and highly practical. Few models demonstrate this process better than the Kamiq.

E.ON and VW co-develop new solution for ultra-fast charging EVs

E.ON and VW co-develop new solution for ultra-fast charging EVs

Cooperation between E.ON and Volkswagen Group Components contributes to establishing an ultra-fast charging infrastructure.

All-New 2020 Audi A3 Goes Quattro Testing in the Azores

All-New 2020 Audi A3 Goes Quattro Testing in the Azores

Camouflaged quattro versions of new Audi compact hatchback tackle a course also used for the Azores rally to demonstrate latest quattro technology.

Fiat 500 and Panda Mild-Hybrids Now Available

Fiat 500 and Panda Mild-Hybrids Now Available

UK pricing and specifications for the new Fiat 500 mild hybrid and Panda mild hybrid have been announced, arriving in UK showrooms mid-February and March, respectively.

New Mercedes-Benz eVito: Specs, Techs and Pricing

New Mercedes-Benz eVito: Specs, Techs and Pricing

More details have been released on the highly-anticipated Mercedes-Benz eVito, which offers 112hp of power, 300Nm of torque, a 92-mile average range and a six-hour charging time.

Review: Jaguar F-Pace P250 Chequered Flag

Review: Jaguar F-Pace P250 Chequered Flag

Until the refresh, Jaguar has introduced a new Chequered Flag model. It’s a high-end trim grade previously introduced on the XE and XF saloons.

Electric or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Sold Every Seven Minutes

Electric or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Sold Every Seven Minutes

The UK EV market grew by 21% in 2019 with more than 72,000 new plug-in cars registered in the UK – that’s one registered every seven minutes.

What's the best way to sell your car? - Part-exchange vs Private Sale

What's the best way to sell your car? - Part-exchange vs Private Sale

Just like buying, there are a number of different ways to sell your current car. Many of us opt for the simple route, which is to simply part-exchange / trade it in when buying or leasing our next car. Whilst this is very convenient, you can sometimes actually get as much as 10-15% more if you sold it privately instead.

Review: Mini Cooper 5 Door

Review: Mini Cooper 5 Door

The modern BMW-owned MINI hatch has grown exponentially since its introduction in late 2000. But, along with that growth has come increased maturity, to the extent that it now feels and drives like a sub-compact BMW.

Safest cars revealed by Euro NCAP - Best of the Best in class 2019

Safest cars revealed by Euro NCAP - Best of the Best in class 2019

2019 was a fantastic year for car safety, and Euro NCAP has highlighted the Best of the Best in class for 2019

Sony Vision-S All-Electric Concept Car

Sony Vision-S All-Electric Concept Car

The Sony Vision-S concept car has been unveiled at CES to showcase the firm’s latest vehicle safety and infotainment innovations.

Electric Vehicle Charging Guide

Electric Vehicle Charging Guide

For traditional petrol and diesel vehicle drivers, it’s usually a fairly simple choice to decide where to fill up your motor; generally it’s the nearest petrol station. But for electric vehicle drivers the choice is not so simple; largely due to the multitude of different charging options available.

Can Britain's Charging Infrastructure Support the Growth of Electric Vehicles?

Can Britain's Charging Infrastructure Support the Growth of Electric Vehicles?

The International Energy Agency is aiming to increase the share of electric vehicles globally to 30% by 2030 and many national governments working to create an enabling environment for the adoption of electric vehicles, it seems like the electric car revolution is here to stayhere to stay.

Review: MG ZS Electric

Review: MG ZS Electric

The MG ZS EV offers interesting styling, plenty of equipment, ease of driving, reasonable quality and a seven-year warranty on both the battery and the car.

Review: 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Review: 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport

As facelifts go, this is much more than just a nip and tuck. Land Rover takes a clutch of knives to its most popular medium-sized SUV and the result is so impressive, you can barely see the cut lines.

Review: Nissan Leaf e+

Review: Nissan Leaf e+

The Nissan LEAF was the first mass-market battery-only electric vehicle (BEV) and it remains the best-selling BEV in history with more than 460,000 units sold worldwide. The Nissan LEAF has won about every award for green cars - including the World Green Car Award - twice.

Review: Volvo XC60 T6 AWD

Review: Volvo XC60 T6 AWD

All in all, the XC60 stacks up very well as a capable and safe family SUV of the highest quality. Review: Volvo XC60 T6 AWD

Review: Audi RS5 Sportback

Review: Audi RS5 Sportback

The Audi RS5 Sportback is a fast five-door hatchback that's an alternative to more traditional super-saloons like the BMW M3, Mercedes C63 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde.

When is the best time to buy a car?

When is the best time to buy a car?

Often, the decision to buy our next car is one that is thrust upon us by unforeseen circumstances; a broken down banger or sudden vehicle theft, for example. Occasionally, however, we may be lucky enough to plan ahead and choose when we want to make that all-too-precious upgrade to our next car.

Review: Tesla Model 3

Review: Tesla Model 3

Few electric cars have caused as much of a furore as the Tesla Model 3. It’s been teased and talked about, previewed and – not least – plagued by production issues that have seen the European launch date pushed back repeatedly.

Preparing your vehicle for winter

Preparing your vehicle for winter

When summer has bowed out for another year and the leaves have started to fall, it’s time to think about preparing your car for the winter. The number of breakdowns soares in winter as most drivers are ill-prepared for the changing conditions. Even in the UK’s rather temperate climate, there are still some top tips you can follow to make sure you are ready for when winter finally comes.

Should you lease or buy your next car? - PCH vs PCP

Should you lease or buy your next car? - PCH vs PCP

Whether to buy a new car or lease one can often be a difficult decision. It’s difficult to know which offers the best investment, and which is best suited to your individual circumstances. We discuss the differences between them.

Why you should get your vehicle serviced regularly

Why you should get your vehicle serviced regularly

We all know getting your vehicle serviced is time consuming, laborious and, of course, expensive. It can often be tempting to keep putting it off. After all, it's not compulsory like an MOT. But does that mean we can ignore it altogether?

What is Blackbox car insurance?

What is Blackbox car insurance?

There’s a new kid on the block when it comes to car insurance, and it seems everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon; blackbox car insurance, also known as telematics. But what is blackbox car insurance, and how can it save you money?

Why you should buy a dash cam for your vehicle

Why you should buy a dash cam for your vehicle

With advances in modern technology and video recording equipment, buying a dash is now fairly reasonably priced and a growing trend throughout the UK. We look at how you may be able to benefit from buying one.

Why you should always buy a vehicle tracking device

Why you should always buy a vehicle tracking device

Despite revolutions in car technology and security, vehicle theft is still on the rise. Installing a tracking device for your vehicle is one of the most reliable ways to keep it secure. With advances in modern technology too, it’s cheaper than it has ever been before.

Horsepower vs Torque - Which is more important?

Horsepower vs Torque - Which is more important?

It’s a debate that’s been ongoing for decades but has rarely come to resolution: which is more important, horsepower or torque? The answer to the question fundamentally depends on what you are trying to achieve.

What is an MOT, what is checked and when is it due?

What is an MOT, what is checked and when is it due?

Complete MOT test and certificate advice, plus info on getting an MOT history check, when its due and how your MOT affects car tax, insurance, buying & selling.

What is engine remapping and is it worth it?

What is engine remapping and is it worth it?

There are many advantages to remapping your vehicle. We discuss what remapping actually is, how it affects your vehicle and what the potential upsides and downsides may be.

Our guide to different types of fuel - Petrol vs Diesel

Our guide to different types of fuel - Petrol vs Diesel

Not so long ago choosing a fuel type was pretty simple. You either went for petrol or diesel, and that was job done. Now there are a myriad of different fuels, each with many different classifications. Check out our guide to see what it all means.

How to buy a used car - What the dealers don't want you to know!

How to buy a used car - What the dealers don't want you to know!

Buying your next car can be a stressful experience. Knowing how much to spend, which make and model will be best, where to look, how to haggle - all these things can quickly take the fun out of getting your next car. Here are our top tips to help you on your journey.

Used car vs new car - Which should you buy?

Used car vs new car - Which should you buy?

When looking for your next car the first big decision to make is whether to buy new or used. We discuss the benefits and downsides of each.

PCP vs HP vs Loan vs Cash vs Lease - What's the best way to buy a car?

PCP vs HP vs Loan vs Cash vs Lease - What's the best way to buy a car?

When choosing your next car there are so many factors to consider. And even once you’ve decided which car you want, you suddenly get presented with your next dilemma: how to finance it.

Rear-wheel drive vs Front-wheel drive vs All-wheel drive - Which is best?

Rear-wheel drive vs Front-wheel drive vs All-wheel drive - Which is best?

Most of us drive front-wheel drive vehicles. That’s because for the majority of vehicles manufactured it’s the simplest and cheapest solution. But what exactly is the difference between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive?

How to help prevent keyless car theft

How to help prevent keyless car theft

It would be an easy assumption to make that since cars have such advanced technology that it is now considerably safer - and harder to steal - than ever before. That assumption, however, is not necessarily true. In recent years there has been a huge influx in the number of vehicles being stolen via what is known as "keyless car theft".

Is it time to buy an electric vehicle?

Is it time to buy an electric vehicle?

It's been a long time coming but electric vehicles are finally here - but should you buy an EV or stick with petrol or diesel? DriverBuddy discusses the pros and cons.

Guest posting - DriverBuddy needs you!

Guest posting - DriverBuddy needs you!

We all love cars, and there are so many passionate writers and bloggers out there. That's why we would like to invite you to share your love of cars with us.

8 tips for choosing the right garage for your vehicle

8 tips for choosing the right garage for your vehicle

There are so many garages out there, and sifting through this minefield to find good quality mechanics can be challenging. So we've put together this guide to help you find the right place.

When is my MOT due?

When is my MOT due?

Check when your MOT is due on your vehicle. It takes just a few seconds and we'll even send you helpful reminders to your phone and email when the time comes.

When is my car service due?

When is my car service due?

Check when your car service is due. It takes just a few seconds and we'll even send you helpful reminders to your phone and email when the time comes.

We’re DriverBuddy - The new start-up changing the way we manage our vehicles

We’re DriverBuddy - The new start-up changing the way we manage our vehicles

Buying, maintaining and selling a vehicle has always been both an expensive and stressful experience. That’s why we founded DriverBuddy. We believe that the process of buying your next vehicle and keeping it running should be simple and stress-free.