#BrownCarGuy – News, Views & Reviews!
Dubai – a city where the skyline grows faster than my waistline. Yes, I know, I need to diet and exercise (New Year’s resolution!). Erm… where was I? Ah yes, after nearly six years away, I finally returned to the UAE for the incredible 1000 Miglia Experience UAE 2024.
The fourth edition of the London EV Show concluded at ExCeL London, setting a new standard in electric mobility discussions and showcasing a bold vision for a sustainable future. Over three days, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered to explore the cutting-edge advancements driving the transition to electric transportation.
After months of mounting pressure, the government has confirmed a rethink of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate—a policy that has left the car industry in turmoil.
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.
If you’re planning to buy a car in 2025, whether new or used, you’re stepping into one of the most complex and confusing car markets we’ve ever seen. With skyrocketing prices, a flood of new brands, and an increasingly aggressive push toward electric vehicles (EVs), the choices are overwhelming. But what’s causing this chaos, and how can you navigate it? Let’s break it down based on the latest data from Auto Trader.
Jaguar has taken what many might call a… er… extraordinary decision – and that’s putting it politely! The once-proud purring cat of British motoring has decided to slink away into the shadows for a while, taking a ‘sabbatical’ until at least 2026. While doing so, it’s exploring its sexuality, applying makeup, dressing in a tutu, and practising pouting for selfies.
Some people dream of driving exotic cars. Others dream of writing about them. And then there’s Shafiq Abidin, who’s managed to land one of the coolest jobs, In The World – Top Gear staff writer. But the journey from a student interviewing me during Covid to being a year-in to one of the most coveted car jobs out there, has not been without challenges and disappointments. It almost never happened, but this young talent fought for his goals, pushing past cultural expectations, imposter syndrome, and countless rejections to make it happen. His story? It’s as inspiring as it is relatable.
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.
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.)
In a bold move, Jaguar has ceased all new car sales in the UK as of November 2024, marking the first time since World War II that the storied marque’s vehicles are unavailable in their home market. This decision is part of Jaguar’s strategy to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2026, aiming to reposition itself as a luxury electric brand.
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