REVIEW: Volkswagen Golf GTE PHEV

Like a hybrid GTE that will go 80 miles on electric power alone!

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid that’s as much about efficiency as it is about delivering a fun drive. Think of it as a Golf GTI, that’s actually a hybrid, and that can drive over 80 miles on electric power alone! Finished in a pastel egg-shell (or Crystal Ice if you’re being official) Blue, this GTE looks the part with subtle blue accents on the grille and badging, setting it apart from its petrol-powered siblings. But is it just another Golf with a plug, or does it bring something special to the table? Let’s take it for a spin and find out.

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25/11/2024 0

Classic Car Review: 2004 Škoda Octavia vRS

The OG Hot Hatch Remains as Reintegrating as Ever!

I remember driving the Škoda Octavia vRS when it first came out. It was brilliant and delightful, because it was completely unexpected. If you think back to the history of the brand, it was never really taken seriously in the UK at that time, despite the success of its compact rear-engined saloons in rallying. Then Volkswagen bought it, and customers warmed to the solid and sensible, quality cars it started offering.

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19/11/2024 3

2025 Škoda Octavia vRS Review

25 Years of Performance Heritage

Can you believe it’s been nearly 25 years since Škoda surprised drivers with a solid and sensible saloon that gave hot hatches a fright? (Actually, it might have looked like a saloon, but it featured a “liftback” hatch rather than a boot lid.)

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18/11/2024 3

REVIEW: 2024 Volkswagen Golf R Estate

Could this be the Ultimate Performance Estate?

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf R Estate – yes, estate. Why not? It’s like the ultimate Q-car Golf. Seemingly a practical family load-lugger. But oh boy, are you in for a treat if you floor that throttle!

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11/11/2024 1

REVIEW: 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport

GTI turned up to eleven!

This is exciting – getting behind the wheel of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Didn’t he already review the Golf GTI?” True (link below), but this isn’t the regular GTI; this is the Clubsport – a souped-up version with a bit more oomph, aimed squarely at those of us who want a little more spice from our hot hatches. The previous edition was the pick of the pack – let’s see if this Clubsport lives up to the hype.

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05/11/2024 2

Review: 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+

A Great Affordable and Fun SUV – But No EV?!

This is the all-new second-generation MG ZS, tested here in Hybrid+ form in the top-of-the-range Trophy spec. Slightly bigger, with more features, and prices only up by around £1,000, it remains a competitive B-segment SUV.

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24/09/2024 1

Review: BYD Seal U DM-i PHEV SUV

Not an EV – This Seal’s a Hybrid

The BYD Seal is an EV saloon from China’s biggest maker of new energy vehicles. And it’s rather good! Now, it’s joined by another Seal – except this one isn’t a saloon; it’s an SUV. What’s more, it’s not even an EV – it’s a plug-in hybrid! Should it feature on your next family car buying shortlist? Well, let’s find out.

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22/09/2024 0

2024 Kia Sorento HEV Review

Facelift for AWD 7-Seater Hybrid

The Kia Sorento has been a solid choice in the family SUV market, and for 2024 it gets a bit of an update. So, what’s new? Well, the facelift aims to keep things fresh and in line with Kia’s evolving design language. Take in the front with those angular headlights, and you might notice the resemblance to the EV9 and even the baby in the range, the (also refreshed) Picanto. You get a sense of a bold, confident stance.

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04/09/2024 0

2024 BYD Seal Design RWD Quick Drive Review

Do you really need the all-wheel drive Seal?

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting BYD’s new UK headquarters in Uxbridge, where I got up close and personal with their latest models. Among the range was the BYD Seal, which I’d previously reviewed in its all-wheel-drive (AWD) form. This time, though, I had the chance to take the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version for a spin. Is the RWD variant just as good, or does the AWD offer something more? Let’s dive in and find out.

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18/08/2024 0

Review: Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range RWD Ultra

A Compact Electric SUV that likes to do things differently

The Volvo EX30 is the baby SUV in the Swedish brand’s electric SUV lineup, and it’s making quite a statement. Billed as a compact crossover, it offers a blend of stylish design, advanced technology, and the kind of practicality we’ve come to expect from Volvo. Plus of course, solid quality and assured safety. But with a starting price of £33,795, can it really deliver on all fronts? I got behind the wheel of the Single Motor Extended Range RWD Ultra, priced at £42,045, to find out.

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12/08/2024 0