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

Review: Mazda MX-30 EV

Apr 07, 2021

The MX-30 is Mazda’s first mass-produced electric car - and the style dial has been well and truly cranked up!

5 Things to Know Before Car Performance Tuning | Effective Tuning

Apr 06, 2021

Before you take your car into a shop, it’s important to have a clear concept of what you’re getting into and how to prepare. Here are five basic things you should know before getting your car tuned.

BMW: First images of all-new i4 EV saloon revealed

Apr 06, 2021

BMW has revealed the first pre-production images of its all-new i4 electric saloon that will rival Tesla’s best-selling Model 3 and the hugely impressive Polestar 2.

Review: Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e PHEV

Mar 23, 2021

Every compact SUV in this segment claims to take concept of sense and sensibility and add to it something of an adventurous streak. This GLA 250 e PHEV does that too, but with a bit of extra polish.

PORSCHE: New Taycan Cross Turismo revealed

Mar 22, 2021

Porsche has unveiled its new Taycan Cross Turismo. It’s available to order now with a starting price of £79,340, with first deliveries scheduled for the summer.

BMW: New M3 and M4 Competition siblings on sale now

Mar 21, 2021

Two of the most highly anticipated models to be released this year, the all-new BMW M3 Competition saloon and M4 Competition coupé are now available to order.

VOLKSWAGEN: Orders open for Touareg R PHEV flagship

Mar 20, 2021

Volkswagen has opened its order books for the new Volkswagen Touareg R plug-in hybrid and issued the full specification for its UK-bound line-up.

Review: 2021 KIA Sorento Hybrid

Mar 12, 2021

The Sorento is KIA UK’s largest SUV and this fourth-generation offers the typically complete package now expected from the Korean brand.

MERCEDES-BENZ: New C-Class saloon and estate revealed

Mar 11, 2021

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the sixth-generation of its ‘bread-and-butter’ C-Class model. It has been the German marque’s best-selling model of the last decade and this new iteration gets a host of improvements.

VOLVO: New C40 Recharge EV coming to the UK

Mar 11, 2021

Volvo has announced that its all-new C40 Recharge - a pure-electric compact SUV based on the larger XC40 P8 Recharge SUV - is coming to the UK.

AUDI: e-tron GT revealed - and an RS too!

Mar 01, 2021

Audi has unveiled the sleek and slippery e-tron GT which has the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S rivals firmly in its sights.

Review: 2021 Audi Q5 'Edition 1'

Feb 22, 2021

For buyers who prioritise style and technology over driving verve, the updated Audi Q5 is a handsome choice with plenty to like. It offers a plush interior and fairs well when parked next to rivals.

VOLKSWAGEN: Order books open for ID.4 electric SUV

Feb 21, 2021

Volkswagen has opened the sales order books for the new ID.4 SUV. It is expected to be a big seller for Volkswagen, as it taps into demand for electric cars and SUVs.

Review: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

Feb 10, 2021

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 PHEV builds on the RAV4 Hybrid and brings greater performance, a genuine 46-mile EV range and 4-in-1 drive mode capability. With 302bhp, it’s the most potent RAV4 so far.

BMW’s perfect storm: The new 626bhp M5 CS

Feb 09, 2021

The perfect storm has come ashore as order books open for the BMW M5 CS. The recently-revealed M5 CS is a hard core, lightweight version of the ‘regular’ M5 Competition saloon.

BMW: New M Mesh Edition joins X2 line-up

Feb 03, 2021

BMW has introduced a new M Mesh Edition trim level to its X2 range. It is now available to order with first deliveries expected in March, 2021.

Review: Audi RS4 Avant Vorsprung

Jan 27, 2021

The Audi RS 4 Avant has managed to carve out a specific and profitable niche in the performance car market. Performance estates will always fire our imagination in a manner few other vehicle types can. From 2030, cars like this are expected to be legislated off-sale....

MERCEDES-BENZ: All-electric EQA finally revealed

Jan 26, 2021

It’s been nearly four years since the all-electric concept was initially exhibited at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, but now the Mercedes-Benz EQA has finally been revealed.

PORSCHE: 718 Boxster gains 25 Years anniversary edition

Jan 25, 2021

Porsche has introduced a 25 Years anniversary limited-edition 718 Boxster to mark the model’s quarter-century.

MERCEDES-BENZ: New EQS to get full-width MBUX Hyperscreen

Jan 13, 2021

The new Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon is in the closing stages of development, but the German auto-maker has unveiled a highlight of the interior which it has called the ‘MBUX Hyperscreen’.

VOLKSWAGEN: Order books open for new Golf Estate

Jan 04, 2021

The new Volkswagen Golf Estate is now in showrooms and available to order, with prices starting from £24,575.

RENAULT: New ZOE Venture Edition trim level announced

Dec 23, 2020

Renault UK has announced the addition of a new Venture Edition trim level to its award-winning ZOE EV line-up for 2021.

Review: 2020 Peugeot 2008

Dec 21, 2020

The new 2008 is a completely different car from the original Peugeot 2008 (2014-2020) which, while it was good, fought for sales with rivals such as the MINI Countryman, Renault Captur and Nissan Juke.

JAGUAR: 2020 F-Pace SVR – assume the braced position

Dec 16, 2020

The Jaguar F-Pace SVR has been updated, bringing it in line with the rest of the facelifted F-Pace range for its 2020 model year.

SKODA: The all-new Octavia vRS

Dec 10, 2020

The launch of the all-new vRS completes Skoda’s introduction of the fourth-generation of its best-selling Octavia hatchback and estate, higher levels of safety, new driver assistance systems, more comfort and modern connectivity features.

Review: 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 e PHEV Estate

Dec 09, 2020

Mercedes-Benz was one of the earliest premium marques to embrace plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, so little wonder then that the Stuttgart manufacturer's current range offers more PHEV options than any other.

5 Top Tips for Exterior Car Cleaning

Dec 07, 2020

Wouldn’t it be great if your car always looked gleaming and spotless, as if it had just rolled off the dealer’s forecourt? Sadly, that’s not the case for many of us.

AUDI: Refreshed SQ5 TDI now available to order

Nov 25, 2020

Audi has opened the order books for its high-performance SQ5 SUV, which has received a host of updates for its 2021 model year.

GOVERNMENT: Sales of new petrol and diesel cars to end from 2030

Nov 20, 2020

In pursuance of its ‘green industrial revolution’, the government recently announced plans to bring forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel-fuelled cars to 2030 – five years earlier than originally scheduled.

Review: 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde

Nov 20, 2020

Decibellisima! The Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde is a worthy flagship for the Giulia range, which just happens to be the best Alfa Romeo in a generation!

BMW: New iX EV coming in 2021 with 370-mile range

Nov 18, 2020

BMW has revealed the new all-electric BMW iX SUV. Originally called the ‘Vision iNEXT’ when a concept, the new model will use BMW’s latest eDrive electric powertrain, with a power output of around 500bhp and an estimated range of roughly 376 miles.

Review: 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Verde

Nov 11, 2020

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio was first revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, and subsequently shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2017. To keep it fresh against a myriad of omnipotent rivals, it received a mild refresh for its 2020 model year.

SKODA: New Octavia iV PHEV joins UK range

Nov 05, 2020

Full details of the new Skoda Octavia iV PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) have been revealed. It’s the most efficient Octavia ever offered and is capable of up to 43 miles of pure-electric running.

Buying a car in 2020: my experience of visiting a Covid-secure dealership

Nov 04, 2020

With economic uncertainty on the horizon for the foreseeable future, and car sales plummeting after the start of lockdown, 2020 might not seem like a good time to buy a car.

VOLKSWAGEN: Order books open for 2020 Golf GTD

Oct 27, 2020

The new 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTD is now available to order for a starting price of £32,790. It’s the most powerful and efficient GTD yet and packs all the new Mk8 Golf’s latest technology.

AUDI: Q8 flagship SUV gains two new PHEV versions

Oct 22, 2020

As its onslaught of model-electrification continues, the Audi Q8 is the marque’s latest model to get plug-in hybrid power with two potent options for Audi’s flagship SUV.

Review: 2020 Nissan Juke II

Oct 22, 2020

Nissan had a mega hit on its hands with the original Juke crossover, selling over 1.5 million of them in global market since its introduction in 2010. With that revolution already under its belt, there can be little surprise that this second-generation leans more on evolution.

Review: Audi A3 Sportback

Oct 19, 2020

It’s been 24 years since Audi introduced the A3 as a compact hatch back based on the same ‘A’ (PQ34) platform as other cars in the Volkswagen group, including the Mk3 Golf of that era.

McLAREN: All-new MV614 hybrid supercar in final testing

Oct 13, 2020

The first all-new High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar – dubbed MV614 – has entered the final stages of its development and test programmes.

POLESTAR: Precept GT concept to enter production

Oct 06, 2020

Polestar has finally confirmed it will put the four-door Precept GT concept revealed in February of this year into production.

VOLKSWAGEN: Order books open for Mk8 Golf GTI

Sep 28, 2020

The eighth-generation of VW’s iconic hot hatch is the most hi-tech version to date, so it’s not surprising that the price has crept up a bit compared to the last GTI.

Review: Volvo V90 Cross Country

Sep 23, 2020

You might be paying a premium for the V90 Cross Country over the regular Volvo V90, but having lived with one for a couple of weeks, it certainly makes a compelling case for itself.

JAGUAR: 2020 F-Pace gets updates and new PHEV powertrain

Sep 21, 2020

Jaguar’s popular F-Pace SUV has undergone a midlife refresh for its 2020 model year. The changes over the previous iteration include subtle exterior styling tweaks, a fresh new interior design and updated technology.

First Drive: Polestar 2 (UK review)

Sep 16, 2020

It wasn’t too long ago that Polestar was solely the performance engineering arm of Volvo, releasing a few significant Volvo performance models as a top-end Polestar trim grade.

LAND ROVER: Defender gains PHEV power, new engines and new trim grade

Sep 16, 2020

Land Rover has announced several additions to its new Defender range, including the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, which becomes the most efficient available

MERCEDES-BENZ: New S-Class land yacht arrives in port

Sep 07, 2020

The seventh generation of the brand’s flagship luxury saloon was announced last week and features an all-new design, a vast array of new technology and a revised engine range.

BENTLEY: 2021 Bentayga Speed – the fastest SUV in the world

Sep 03, 2020

Bentayga Speed with its mighty bi-turbo W12 engine remains the ultimate Bentayga for markets like the U.S., Middle East, and Asia Pacific region.

Review: Skoda Citigo e-iV

Aug 28, 2020

The Skoda Citigo is one of the more popular city cars of the past few years. It’s not remotely flash or overly exciting, but it offers honest, small car value, decent space, a mature drive and attractive running costs.

New 2020 Audi S3 Sportback & Saloon

Aug 20, 2020

Audi has revealed the new 2020 Audi S3 range, based on the all-new A3 launched just last month. At 306bhp, it’s more powerful than before, and is available as a four-door saloon or a five-door ‘Sportback’ hatchback.

Review: Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4

Aug 14, 2020

The Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid (2WD) and Hybrid4 (AWD) are the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Grandland X, a mid-sized SUV introduced in 2017 as a replacement for the ageing Antara. Here, I take a closer look at the Hybrid4 driven at its UK media launch.

MASERATI: Hardcore Trofeo Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons

Aug 12, 2020

Following the launch last year of the Levante Trofeo with its 580 hp Ferrari-sourced V8 powerplant, the new Quattroporte and Ghibli are now available in top-end Trofeo specification, both fitted with the same 3.8-litre bi-turbo engine.

MERCEDES-BENZ: Eight-seat EQV available to order

Aug 10, 2020

Based on the V-Class, the EQV all-electric MPV is Mercedes’ second electric model after the EQC SUV and is one of the first electric MPVs on sale in the UK.

First Drive: 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk8 (UK Review)

Jul 31, 2020

VW’s gift that keeps on giving, the Golf is undoubtedly Volkswagen’s global money machine. Mid-life facelifts aside, there have been just seven distinct new Golf models since 1974 when the Mk1 Golf designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

MINI: 2020 Countryman John Cooper Works

Jul 24, 2020

The facelifted MINI Countryman was unveiled earlier this year and now the range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) performance model has arrived.

ASTON MARTIN: First DBX rolls off Welsh production line

Jul 22, 2020

It’s hard to believe that just over four years ago, Aston Martin announced its investment in a brand new manufacturing facility at St Athan in Wales. Last week, the first Aston Martin to be ‘Made in Wales’ was driven off the production line.

What is engine remapping and is it worth it?

Jul 22, 2020

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.

Review: Subaru Forester e-Boxer MHEV

Jul 20, 2020

The Subaru Forester e-Boxer is a tough car on which to deliver a defining verdict. On the one hand, it’s very likeable, offering a comfortable driving experience, plenty of space and loads of on-board equipment, especially in the ‘XE Premium’ trim test car.

AC CARS - Limited Edition Cobra Series 1 Electric

Jul 14, 2020

Rarely is a motoring icon reborn and updated at the same time, which makes the two new models in the 2020 AC Cobra range announced last week all the more interesting. Each new model runs a very different powertrain to the other. The first...

New e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback break cover

Jul 07, 2020

The all-electric e-tron S is the latest Audi to receive the ‘S’ treatment. It’s the first production electric car to feature three electric motors and pumps out a stonking 489hp.

CAR SECURITY : New anti-theft device to save millions

Jul 06, 2020

An innovative device that prevents cars with keyless start and entry from being stolen could save the insurance industry around £380 million a year on car theft claims.

JAGUAR: I-Pace gets faster charging and new tech

Jun 29, 2020

The Jaguar I-Pace has received a mid-life refresh bringing faster charging and upgraded technology to keep it competitive against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X.

Review: KIA Soul EV

Jun 24, 2020

The KIA Soul isn’t a new car. It’s been around since 2009, but during those intervening years, over 1.6 million have been sold – mostly in the USA where the car acquired its boxy, Tonka-toy design and styling.

CITROEN: All-new C4 and e-C4 EV revealed

Jun 23, 2020

The 2020 Citroen C4 and e-C4 EV has been revealed. Gone are the librarian looks of the previous C4 – last updated in 2015 – as the all-new model has an eye-catching coupé-cum-SUV design, which is bang on trend in the current market.

MERCEDES-BENZ: EV charging service partners with BP Chargemaster’s POLAR network

Jun 16, 2020

Mercedes-Benz EQC all-electric SUV customers now have access to POLAR, the UK’s largest public electric vehicle charging network. Operated by BP Chargemaster, POLAR is now available along with other charging networks, through one optional subscription, via ‘Mercedes me Charge’.

Review: Jaguar I-PACE

Jun 11, 2020

If you’re going to make an entrance to a growing automotive sector– this is how you do it. Jaguar’s first foray into the all-electric car market is the I-PACE, a good-looking car, setting a new benchmark for EV handling and refinement, while giving the sector a swift kick in the pants.

Volvo: Electric XC40 Recharge P8 now on sale

Jun 04, 2020

The Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 is Volvo’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) and will arrive in UK showrooms towards the end of this year. Initially only available in ‘R-Design’, more trim grades are expected to follow shortly after.

Review: Subaru Impreza

Jun 03, 2020

The first thing that might spring to mind when you think of the Subaru Impreza is its rally heritage – which is fair enough when it wore the famous WRX moniker (World Rally eXperimental). Fortunately, this one doesn’t. What it is, is a good, contemporary, safety-focused family hatchback which does everything expected of it, while simultaneously failing to excel in any particular area.

SKODA: Safety first in the all-new Octavia

May 21, 2020

SKODA has revealed a range of safety features which are all set to make their debut in the fourth-generation Octavia, when it is released in UK showrooms this summer. The new technologies won’t just ensure safety for the driver of the vehicle but also other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

VOLVO : Next-gen Volvos to get Luminar LiDAR tech

May 18, 2020

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

May 12, 2020

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

May 04, 2020

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

Apr 28, 2020

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

Apr 27, 2020

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

Apr 20, 2020

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

Apr 16, 2020

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

Apr 02, 2020

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

Apr 01, 2020

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

Mar 28, 2020

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

Mar 24, 2020

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

Mar 18, 2020

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

Mar 13, 2020

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?

Mar 11, 2020

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

Mar 11, 2020

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

Mar 11, 2020

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

Mar 07, 2020

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!

Mar 04, 2020

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

Mar 02, 2020

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

Feb 24, 2020

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

Feb 21, 2020

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

Review: Skoda Kamiq 

Feb 20, 2020

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

Feb 14, 2020

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

Feb 10, 2020

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

Feb 05, 2020

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

Jan 29, 2020

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

Jan 27, 2020

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

Jan 22, 2020

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

Jan 20, 2020

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

Jan 15, 2020

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

Jan 13, 2020

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

Jan 08, 2020

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