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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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Electric Vehicle Charging Guide

Jan 06, 2020

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?

Dec 26, 2019

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

Dec 18, 2019

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

Dec 13, 2019

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+

Nov 27, 2019

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

Nov 15, 2019

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

Nov 11, 2019

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?

Oct 28, 2019

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

Oct 16, 2019

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

Oct 15, 2019

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

Oct 10, 2019

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

Oct 06, 2019

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?

Sep 29, 2019

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

Sep 26, 2019

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

Sep 23, 2019

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?

Sep 18, 2019

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?

Sep 17, 2019

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.

Our guide to different types of fuel - Petrol vs Diesel

Sep 13, 2019

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!

Sep 11, 2019

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?

Sep 10, 2019

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?

Sep 09, 2019

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?

Sep 06, 2019

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

Sep 02, 2019

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?

Sep 01, 2019

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!

Sep 01, 2019

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

Sep 01, 2019

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?

Aug 02, 2019

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?

Aug 02, 2019

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

Aug 01, 2019

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.