The EV2 is Kia’s smallest EV to date and is going up against the Ford Puma Gen-E and Citroen e-C3, providing funky looks, efficient powertrains and a practical interior.

So, has Kia struck gold with the EV2 and produced a class-leader, or is it just another compact electric SUV?

Updates

The biggest change in the EV2 range is what’s sitting underneath – a new Long-Range 61kWh battery pack, which promises a better range and gives more choice within the EV2’s model line-up.

Its exterior features Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language, while it sits on the firm’s ‘E-GMP’ platform which uses a 400-volt architecture to enable ultra-rapid charging.

Engines and transmissions

Underneath, the EV2 is available with two battery packs: a 42.2kWh Standard-Range and a 61kWh Long-Range setup.

We’re driving the larger 61kWh unit that is hooked up to a single electric motor and produces 133bhp and 250Nm of torque. It can sprint to 60mph in 9.5 seconds and will go onto a top speed of 100mph. 

In terms of range, Kia claims that the 61kWh model can achieve up to 261 miles between charges and can be topped up at speeds of 118kW from a DC charger, going from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.

The smaller 42.2kWh Standard-Range car produces 143bhp and the same 250Nm of torque, while 0-60mph takes 8.5 seconds and tops out at 100mph. This model can achieve a claimed 197 miles between trips to the plug and is also compatible with 118kW DC charging speeds. 

Driving experience

Behind the wheel, the EV2 feels at home in and around town thanks to its light steering and compact dimensions.

Its tight 10.3-metre turning circle makes manoeuvring a breeze and the car’s steering wheel-mounted paddles allow you to control the different strengths of regenerative braking, with ‘i-Pedal’ mode enabling the car to come to a complete stop without touching the brakes – perfect for stop-start city driving.

Around the twisty bits, the sharp handling and limited body lean makes it feel agile and eager, though the numb steering feel does rob a bit of driver engagement. The ride is composed enough, but the chassis does get upset over larger imperfections which is due to our test car’s 19-inch alloy wheels.

Over a 48-mile round trip, the EV2 averaged 4.0 miles per kWh, which works out to be a real-world range of 244 miles – just 17 miles off the manufacturer’s official claimed figure. 

Looks

Thanks to the EV2 incorporating Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language, it has a bubbly and characterful charm.

At the front, there are slim vertical headlights and a clam shell-style bonnet design, while the square-shaped wheel arches and chunky lower-body mouldings give it its SUV identity. 

Around the back, the rear taillights have been pushed out into the corners of the car and are also vertically shaped, while our GT-Line test car complements the exterior design with diamond-cut alloy wheels and gloss black roof bars. 

Interior and practicality

If you’re familiar with Kia’s new EV dashboard layout, the EV2 carries over this design with its triple screen layout, and great blend of physical and haptic feedback controls.

There are dual 12.3-inch screens that house the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, while a 5.3-inch climate control display sits between them, though is obscured by your hand as you drive along.

The cabin is logically laid out, yet the touch-sensitive buttons located under the infotainment screen can be easily pressed when navigating your way through the touchscreen, plus all of the materials used throughout are hard and brittle. On the bright side, there are some little ‘have a nice day’ motifs located inside the door handles which gives the interior a friendly ambience.

In terms of practicality, there are lots of handy storage solutions dotted about the cabin with a glovebox, front and rear cup holders, a centre storage area under the armrest, large front and rear door bins, an aeroplane-style rear seatback pocket, a wireless phone charge and a centre rear armrest with additional storage and cup holders.

In the back, the rear doors open wide, while the tall body gives average-sized adults plenty of head, leg and elbow room. The flat floor makes it more comfortable for a middle-seat passenger to sit comfortably, it’s just a shame that the centre console protrudes into the rear, pinching leg room to an extent. 

The EV2 provides a 362-litre boot capacity, which is 161 litres less than what you’ll find in a Ford Puma Gen-E but 52 litres more than in a Citroen e-C3. Fold the 60:40 split-folding rear bench down and that reveals a completely flat load bay and a 1,201-litre overall capacity, though the boot’s high load lip can make it difficult to lift heavier items into the back.

To boost flexibility, the EV2 also comes with an additional false boot floor and a 15-litre frunk.

Trim levels

The EV2 is available in four different trim levels: ‘Air’, First Edition, GT-Line and GT-Line S.

To make prices even more competitive, the 61kWh Long-Range car receives the maximum £3,750 government Electric Car Grant incentive, which means prices start at £24,245 for the entry-level car and rise to £32,595 for the range-topping GT-Line S. 

Meanwhile, the 42.2kWh Standard-Range model receives a £1,500 price cut through the ECG, which takes the starting price down to £26,995.

‘Air’: The ‘Air’ is the entry-level model and comes with an impressive amount of standard kit including 16-inch alloy wheels, flush door handles, a six-speaker audio system and grey cloth upholstery.

First Edition: The First Edition is available for a limited time only and comes with the smaller 42.2kWh battery pack, while standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, a 15-litre frunk and a wireless smartphone charger.

GT-Line: This model adds sportier exterior and interior touches with its 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black door mirrors, aluminium pedals, two-tone artificial leather upholstery and GT-Line exterior and interior details.

GT-Line S: The flagship model that boasts lots of extra toys with automatic flush door handles, ventilated front seats, a tilt and sliding glass sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats and ambient lighting.

Sadly, the top-spec GT-Line S is the only model available with a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which enables electrical appliances such as a microwave or coffee machine to be plugged in using the car’s battery pack. Furthermore, it’s the only model in the EV2 range to be available with an optional heat pump, which optimises efficiency of the battery pack in cooler temperatures. 

Conclusion 

Kia shouldn’t be worried about the thriving compact electric SUV market as the EV2 is one of the very best.

It’s good to drive, packs lots of interior space; it’s efficient, good looking and competitively priced to make this a great all-rounder. The steering feel isn’t the sharpest and some of the interior plastics could be plusher, but there’s no denying that Kia are onto a winner here with the EV2. 

And now with the option of a larger 61kWh battery that can do nearly 250 miles in the real world, it just adds more appeal to this great little urban SUV. 

Rating: 8/10

FUN FACT

‘Measuring at 4.06 metres in length, the EV2 is Kia’s smallest electric car built for European markets.‘

2026 Kia EV2: Everything you need to know

Model tested: Kia EV2 GT-Line 61kWh Long-Range

Price of test car: £29,645 (including ECG)

Engine: 61kWh battery with single electric motor

Power: 133bhp

Torque: 250Nm

0-60mph: 9.5 seconds

Top speed: 100mph

Efficiency as tested: 4.0 miles per kWh (244 miles real-world range)

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Claimed electric range: 261 miles

Maximum charging speed: 118kW

Full Gallery:

The post 2026 Kia EV2 review: Small, affordable, efficient and practical – what’s not to like? appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

For the 2026 event – the ninth held by the Southern Group – a record-equalling 20 manufacturers attended, bringing a mix of their very newest machines along with some pristine examples of past creations.

The key stats? There were 66 attendees overall, with 42 representing manufacturers and 24 from the Southern Group. Ready and waiting were a total of 42 cars for all to experience, including a dinky 955kg first-generation Mazda MX-5 to the 9,000kg-plus leviathan that is the Iveco S-Way CNG ‘Force of Nature’.

Plus, without a single cloud in the sky, the temperature held a solid 33 degrees centigrade for much of the day. Thankfully there were zero reported cases of heatstroke…

The cars are the stars

Making a big impact at the 2026 edition were five Chinese brands, namely Aion, Chery, BYD, Geely and Xpeng. Admittedly, none was able to bring a heritage machine, that would have proved problematic given their relative newcomer statuses. 

Representing Japan were Suzuki, Toyota, Mazda, Honda and Mitsubishi. All brought something new, but satisfying the heritage itch was a 2013 Suzuki Vitara 1.6 JLX alongside a 2004 Grand Vitara 2.4 three-door, a 1994 Toyota RAV4, the aforementioned 1995 Mazda MX-5, and not just one Honda NSX but two, one from 2005 and the other from 1990. While Mitsubishi had a fantastic heritage collection some years ago, sadly the company’s retreat from the UK in 2021 meant all the oldies were moved on to new homes. Regardless, Mitsubishi’s return to the UK gives us hope we may be treated to a heritage machine at a future Heritage Day.

In attendance with newer machines were Polestar, Peugeot, Renault, Citroen, Fiat and Abarth, while Ford brought along two current models alongside a delightful 1988 Fiesta XR2 finished in ‘Rosso Red’.

Going full-bore into heritage mode were Kia and BMW. The Korean marque’s line-up included a 2017 Stinger GT-S, a 1992 Kia Pride and a 2011 Kia Optima, the latter with just 2,700 miles on the clock and the only diesel-powered car at the event. BMW’s approach was a touch more aggressive, with a 2006 Mini Cooper S JCW GP1, a 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe and a 2003 E46 M3 CSL. 

All things considered, then, there was something for everyone. It’ll take quite some topping in 2027, but then again it will be the Southern Group’s 10th Heritage Day. What better way to celebrate a decade’s worth of success than with a particularly special celebration?

Heritage Day awards: rare classics take the vote

Every Heritage Day ends with an awards ceremony. It’s fair to say the glitz and glamour is dialed back a touch from, say, the Oscars. But there’s still a great deal of excitement as attendees cast their votes across two categories, the first for Manufacturer Car of the Day and the second for Southern Group of Motoring Writers Car of the Day. 

The all-new Renault Twingo fared well in the OEM standings – little surprise, given its cute and quirky character, plus the fact it barely stopped being taken out for a spin across the day. Also in contention was the E46 M3 CSL, a rare and valuable beast with a ferocious bark from its 3.2-litre straight-six engine. But topping the charts at the close of proceedings was the 2005 Honda NSX, a car that remains as refreshing and exciting to drive today as it did when it was new. 

As for the winning Southern Group member’s car, there was a stellar line-up. The contenders included – but was not limited to – a BMW 523i, a Fiat 850 Lombardi Grand Prix and a Fiat X1/9, an Alfa Giulia Super, an Alpine A110 and a Toyota Yaris GRMN. The winner, however, was Sarah Bradley’s 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. Who could possibly avoid being intoxicated by its big-block 6.3-litre V8? 

Until 2027

As we’ve mentioned, 2027 will host the Southern Group’s 10th Heritage Day, which will be a very special event, no doubt. But this year’s event and the previous eight wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional support of all the aforementioned manufacturers, plus a number of others who couldn’t make it in 2026. So, to the manufacturer PR teams, a huge thank you from the Southern Group of Motoring Writers. Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the wonderful team at Beaulieu for hosting our little heritage gathering. 

The post 2026 SGMW Heritage Day: a scorching day of brilliant classics and newcomers appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Latest: 2026 Kia Driving Day: Roundabouts, Test Drives, and a Lonely Sportage

In this month’s edition, there’s our usual round-up of the best car reveals – from military-grade V12s to electric city crossovers – as well as our road test winners and losers to see who earned high praise and who got sent home with sunburnt red faces. Additionally, there is the usual curated selection of fresh member features, reviews, and social highlights, so there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.

Read on for all the highlights from last month. 

SGMW new car reveals: July 2026

We start off with the Volkswagen ID. Cross SUV, an electric crossover aimed squarely at the Renault 4. Packing a 278-mile range and VW’s latest tech, it’s designed to bring a more affordable approach to the small EV market with more than enough range to suit a majority of use cases. 

Meanwhile, Aston Martin threw the rulebook in the bin with the Dreadnought concept. A wild, V12-powered military 4×4 set to make its public debut in the Call of Duty video game, it’s less about doing the school run and more about surviving an apocalyptic invasion in luxury.

Over at XPeng, the Chinese brand unveiled the XPeng L03, a sleek electric crossover crafted specifically to steal sales away from the Tesla Model Y with competitive pricing and lots of tech.

Petrolheads got a tearful farewell with the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S Final Edition, marking the end of the road for the hell-raising 415bhp hot hatch. The final iteration gets plenty of visual upgrades, but more importantly, it is one last hurrah for that hyperactive 2.0-litre turbo engine – which at the time of its debut, was the most powerful production four-cylinder. 

Elsewhere, BYD’s luxury spin-off brand dropped the Denza Bao 5, a rugged 536bhp plug-in hybrid off-roader that looks suspiciously like a Land Rover Defender – one that carries a price tag to match.

Finally, the MINI Countryman Edition debuted as a trail-focused trim, proving the not really ‘mini’ in any way at all SUV is determined to become a proper off-roader whether you like it or not.

SGMW Test Drive Watch: Winners and Losers

A round of applause for the winners

Kicking the month off on a high note was the new Mercedes C-Class Electric. Road testers were won over by its long-legged range, whisper-quiet refinement, and a staggering interior screen setup – proving Merc has finally remembered how to build a proper electric executive barge.

Next up was the GWM Haval H6, which proved impossible for reviewers to ignore simply because of how ridiculously cheap it is, starting at sub-£30k. And yes, this is cheap for 2026. While it won’t set any lap records, for the top-spec Dacia level price, it is a tech-laden family SUV that had road testers tipping their hats to it as a proper bargain.

For pure petrolhead indulgence, the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C delivered absolute sports car bliss according to testers. Well, it wasn’t going to be rubbish, was it? Essentially a GT3 without a roof with added bits from the S/T coupe, journos were smitten with its roadgoing prowess, manual gearbox, and that screamer of a naturally aspirated flat-six. 

Rounding out the winners, the Audi Q4 e-tron facelift earned solid praise. A series of clever interior tweaks, sharper styling, and improved range figures raised its game just enough to keep it relevant in the hyper-competitive mid-sized SUV market sector.

And a chorus of boos for the losers

Moving swiftly over to the losers, where the DS No7 took a bit of a beating. While DS tried its hardest with its avant-garde French styling and quirky interior, testers found it somewhat underwhelming to drive, leaving it feeling like an overpriced exercise in fashion over function. Painful stuff indeed.

SGMW Web Watch:

Best superminis to buy 2026 – Shane Wilkinson

Despite losing some of its biggest sellers in recent years, the supermini class is still going strong with an array of top-notch models like the Fiat Grande Panda, the Renault 5, and the new Kia EV2. But which one should you pick? Shane Wilkinson runs through the very best models to buy for Auto Express. 

Read the Auto Express article here

Honda Super-N review: a tiny electric city car that delivers – Jim McGill

After discontinuing the Honda e city car a couple of years back, the brand is back with the diminutive Super-N – a boxy Kei car based model that starts from sub-£20k. But is the Super-N worthy of consideration for EV buyers? Jim McGill takes one for a spin to find out (spoiler: it is very worthy). 

Read the Scotsman review here

Road Test: This New Lotus Emira Is Both the Calm and the Storm – Tim Pitt

The Lotus Emira 420 is the brand’s latest take on one of its existing cars, which uses the “add a bit more power and speed along with some extra letters to the name” recipe that has helped the British sports car brand continually evolve its line-up over the years. But is the hottest Emira yet a real rival to the Porsche 911? Tim Pitt took the Emira 420 for a spin at the brand’s Hethel test circuit to find out.

Read the Robb Report review here

Ineos Grenadier and Quartermaster cleared for UK blue-light use – Phil Huff

With rural crime on the rise, UK police forces have confirmed that the Ineos Grenadier and Quartermaster pickup trucks are now approved for emergency blue light service. Yep, two of the toughest vehicles on sale in the UK can now be had in full ‘Battenburg’ liveries with flashing blue lights and sirens – but only if you’re a police officer. Phil Huff runs through the details for Professional Pickup.

Read the Professional Pickup article here

Festival Of The Unexceptional 2026 – Furious Driving walk around – Matt Richardson

If you yearn for the era of black plastic bumpers, hubcaps, and winddown windows, then the Festival of The Unexceptional is the event for you. Matt Richardson gives the full lowdown on the 2026 event for his FuriousDriving YouTube channel. 

SGMW Social Watch:

In finding things news, Chris Rees found his personal Utopia last month.

In financial mistake news, Shane Wilkinson goes time travelling to buy a car – a decision we fully support. 

Moving onto European news, Ben Hodges takes a whistlestop tour of war memorials, cathedrals, and museums in France – all with a broken hand no less.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ben Hodges (@liveandletdrive_)

In sequel news, the latest Herbie movie gets the working title ‘eats through oil seals’ with the plot revolving around an old car leaking all of its oil onto a driveway.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stu Bird (@t2stu)

The post SGMW Happenings: July 2026 appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Kia UK laid on an impressive fleet of 14 vehicles for the day, offering a glimpse into the brand’s rapidly evolving, electrified present and future – alongside a smattering of internal combustion and hybrid models.

The Numbers Game: All of the stats

After a day of test drives, the SGMW members gathered for dinner with the Kia PR team, where Dan Sayles, UK Head of Press and Public Relations, brought out his calculator to crunch all of the important numbers.

Throughout the day, SGMW members racked up 49 total test drives, covering a collective 771 miles in total – averaging 15 miles per test drive.

To put this distance into perspective, 771 miles is far enough to drive from Milton Keynes straight to Prague, Nice, or Barcelona. 327 laps of the Thruxton Race Circuit. Alternatively, and very much inspired by local landmarks, this distance is enough to complete 2,600 laps of the Denby roundabout – Milton Keynes’ largest and finest asphalt carousel.

Winners, Losers, and Special Honours

As ever, the SGMW voted for the most popular cars by driving them, with an obvious winner and a long-standing favorite earning the least driven title of the day.

The Fan Favorite: 2026 Kia EV2 First Edition

Making its highly anticipated debut on British soil, the pint-sized Kia EV2 First Edition stole the spotlight entirely. As the latest entry point to Kia’s dedicated EV range, the SGMW members were practically queuing out the door to get behind the wheel of this little car.

It comfortably claimed the crown as the most popular car of the day, racking up 8 test drives and covering 118 miles as writers put its city-friendly packaging through its paces. Despite its popularity on the day, it still had range to spare at the end of the event.

The Unloved: Kia Sportage Pure

In a twist of irony, the least popular car on the day was the Kia Sportage Pure. Despite the brilliant Sportage being a best-seller in the UK, SGMW scribes gave it the cold shoulder on the day, logging only a single 8-mile test drive. Apparently, when surrounded by futuristic electric superminis, vans, and 570+ bhp performance SUV, sensible petrol family crossovers have a hard time competing for attention!

The long-distance specialist and the busiest member of the day

While technically not a test drive on the day, Maxine Ashford managed a colossal 142-mile test of the Kia EV9 GT with a cross-country run all the way from deepest darkest Wales to Milton Keynes. As Maxine was making her way to the event, and as it’s a hell of a shift, we’ll allow it.

The highest number of test drives was completed by the SGMW’s northernmost correspondent, Jim McGill. He proved his relentless work ethic on the day, completing an impressive 5 individual test drives across the fleet.

The final award is for the longest test drive of the day. And no, Stu Bird’s several-hour-long PV5 test wasn’t the winner. As the EV5 chalked up a 30-mile test route loop around the Buckinghamshire countryside.

The 2026 SGMW Kia Drive Day line-up

Here is the full 14-car roster available on the day:

Kia EV2 ‘First Edition’

Kia EV3 ‘GT-Line’

Kia EV4 ‘GT-Line S’

Kia EV5 ‘GT-Line S’

Kia EV4 ‘Air’

Kia EV6 GT

Kia EV9 ‘GT-Line S’

Kia EV9 GT

Kia PV5 Passenger ‘Plus’

Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H1 ‘Essential’

Kia Picanto ‘GT-Line S’

Kia Sportage ICE ‘Pure’

Kia Sorento HEV ‘Evolve’

Kia EV5 ‘Air’

SGMW members’ picks of the day

After the diminutive EV2 won the hearts of members on the day, we asked them for a few additional personal highlights from the day.

The Speed Demon: The heavy-hitting EV6 GT and the colossal EV9 GT provided plenty of neck-snapping acceleration along local back roads, proving that heavy electric haulers will make you grin.

The Commercial Star: Kia’s entry into commercial vehicles saw plenty of interest in the PV5 Passenger and PV5 Cargo models (with Stu Bird disappearing in one for several hours), proving that even van life can have a sleek, modern edge with bags of appeal.

The Hatchback Hero: The tiny Picanto GT-Line S in Adventurous Green reminded our members why lightweight, fun petrol hatchbacks still have a role to play, even in 2026.

Another great Kia Driving Day

At the evening dinner to celebrate the end of the drive day, SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said, “As always, everyone had a fantastic day today. We are all aware that budgets are tight, so on behalf of the Southern Group, we really do appreciate the massive support from the Kia team, and we’d like to say a massive thank you to Dan Sayles and his brilliant team for hosting a superb event today”.

The post 2026 Kia Driving Day: Roundabouts, Test Drives, and a Lonely Sportage appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

We kick things off with a couple of exciting new additions to the SGMW ranks. From there, we dive into a jam-packed round-up of the industry’s latest activity with new car reveals and first drives, as well as bringing you a selection of the new content created by our members and the best social posts of the month.  

Read on for the full low-down for June 2026.

SGMW member update:

We are pleased to announce two fantastic additions to the SGMW ranks this month. First, we welcome Cameron Richards. Cameron began his career at Blackball Media and has also written for an array of outlets including PA Media, CarDealer magazine, and Motors, and he currently lends his expertise to Diesel&EcoCar magazine. He also owns a Toyota Yaris, a choice that will get automatic approval from several existing members. 

We are also absolutely delighted to welcome back a familiar face, with Seán Ward rejoining the ranks of the SGMW after a brief switch to the dark side with a stint in PR. A talented writer and a famously quick driver, Seán has previously represented the group behind the wheel of a kart – most notably putting in a blistering performance for the SGMW team at our 2023 Sue Baker Memorial Karting GP, where he set the fastest lap of the race.

The SGMW committee and members would like to wish Cameron and Seán a warm welcome. 

SGMW new car reveals: June 2026

We start the all-new Škoda Peaq. Yes, it’s the brand’s poshest and biggest electric car yet, with the seven-seater taking the brand’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language to its absolute limit. On paper at least, the big family EV appears to have everything nailed with a premium looking lounge-like interior, the usual high level of tech, and a competitive range of up to 390 miles from the bigger battery models.  

Other notable reveals from June included the heavily updated Renault Megane E-Tech EV. It debuted with a sharper, more angular design, improved tech, and enhanced battery efficiency upping range to 310 miles. An update aiming to keep it competitive against the ever growing list of Chinese rivals.

Closing out the month with a bang was the reveal of the all-new, fifth-generation BMW X5 and its first-ever pure electric sibling, the iX5. The big news is the wealth of powertrains on offer including petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and the promise of a hydrogen fuel-cell version in a couple of years time. Talk about all of the choice. 

Visually, the new X5 has received the full Neue Klasse design language makeover, with a front and rear end that echoes the brilliant iX3. For the EV crowd, the headline-grabbing iX5 60 xDrive packs a massive 141kWh battery, an 800V architecture pushing 450kW rapid charging, and an eye-watering estimated range of up to 525 miles. The downside? All that battery tech makes the electric version a proper heavyweight, tipping the scales at a physics-battering 2.8 tonnes. It’s expected to hit UK roads early next year, likely starting around the £75,000 mark.

SGMW Test Drive Watch: Winners And Losers

The winners:

Kicking the month off was the new Porsche Taycan E-Shift, which won praise for answering the driver engagement call by adding an 8-speed virtual paddle-shift gearbox to its arsenal. Although there is disappointing news for revving enthusiasts, as it won’t let drivers sit stationary and floor the throttle, unlike in the electric Hyundai Ioniq N models. Boo Porsche. 

Moving on to an entirely different price point was the retro-themed Honda Super-N. This sub-£19k city car received highly positive feedback for making low-budget EV motoring genuinely fun by pairing a funky cabin with characterful driving chops.

In cars’ “not quite here yet” news, journos also got a first look at the Hyundai Ioniq 3 prototype, with the compact EV winning plaudits for its handling and its strong level of practicality. 

The final standout of the month is a bit of a departure from the crop of new EVs, though. The McLaren W1 hypercar was described as being capable of delivering pace that would impress even F1 drivers, thanks to its jaw-dropping 1,257bhp powertrain.

And the losers: 

Moving swiftly onto the losers, where the Jeep Avenger facelift was described as, well, there’s no easy way to say it; “mediocre” was the word used. Hurtful words indeed. This was because despite the update, the facelifted Avenger retains its most frustrating flaws, like the cramped cabin and the somewhat underwhelming real-world electric range.

SGMW web watch:

Tolman has built the Ford Escort XR3i your teenage self wanted – Phil Huff

The Ford Escort XR3i was a hero car to many of us who are old enough to remember the 1980s. However, by modern standards, it’s a bit slow. But now, tuning company Tolman has built a lovely restomodded version which takes the original car and makes it OEM plus to fix the slowness issue. Phil Huff runs through the details. 

Read the Average Joes story here

Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI 1990 review – Tim Pitt

Sticking with vintage hot hatchbacks, we have a question: Is the Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI the best hot hatch ever made? Tim Pitt drives a concours example to find out. 

Read the Motoring Research review here

High five for Omoda’s new regenerated super hybrid – Omoda 5 SHS-H review – Jim McGill

Despite only debuting a couple of years ago, the Omoda 5 has received a number of updates in its short time on sale in the UK. Jim McGill puts the new ‘super hybrid’ SHS-H model to the test. 

Read the Scotsman review here

Suzuki e Vitara (2026) Review – Maxine Ashford

The Suzuki e Vitara is the brand’s first fully electric model in the UK. With two battery options and a low starting price of around £26k for the entry model, it looks to have plenty of appeal. But is it worthy of buyers’ attention? Maxine Ashford delivers her expert verdict. 

Read the Select Car Leasing review here

SGMW social watch:

Dan Bevis gives a detailed look into his project car history (don’t worry Dan, we know you’re still cool). 

Peter Nunn remembers the time he saw the legendary Porsche 956 win at Le Mans.

Chris Rees speculates how much modern numberplates cost these days.

Shane Wilkinson spots a new Suzuki e Vitara in the wild. Good work Shane. 

The post Southern Group Happenings: June 2026 appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Seán is a freelance automotive writer who made a start in the industry by creating the website New Motoring as a 17-year-old back in 2010. Growing the website and working with more and more car manufacturers, Seán stuck his face on YouTube in 2016 and continued driving everything he possibly could.

In 2019 Seán said a fond farewell to New Motoring and joined the team at Goodwood Road and Racing, eventually taking on the role of Road Test Editor. Seán became one of the faces of Goodwood’s YouTube channel, presenting car reviews and other videos to its global, car-obsessed audience, and commentated at the Festival of Speed. 

At the end of 2022 Seán made the switch to PR, joining the brilliant team at Performance Communications, working on both UK and global accounts, before returning to the world of journalism at the end of 2025. 

As well as regular words for DieselCar and EcoCar Magazine, Seán has worked with Motoring Research and Car Gurus, plus Goodwood Road and Racing once again. 

A steady hand at the wheel of anything, whether it’s a Kia or a Koenigsegg, Seán also drives for photo and video shoots. His goal is always to look neutral on camera, but his concentrating face makes him look as though he hates the world. He doesn’t, honest. 

The post Seán Ward appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Three success stories in the motorcycle world are the popularity of adventure bikes, mid-capacity models and classic comebacks.

Adventure bikes are practical, 350 to 500cc models are driving sales and retro revivals are a welcome trip down memory lane for many bikers.

Kawasaki hopes to hit all three nails on the head with its new KLE500.

I say ‘new’ loosely as the original KLE500 dual-purpose motorbike was launched in 1991 and soldiered on until 2007 when it finally fell victim to stricter emissions laws.

The first thing that struck me about this rally-styled third-generation adventure bike was how big it seems with a large front cowl and wide, high handlebar raised by the 21in front wheel.

The standard seat is a tall 870mm, although there are options to lower it, and I feared it might be too high for my short stature. But I was pleasantly surprised how the slimline frame, specially designed for the KLE, allowed me to get the toes of both feet on the ground.

Once aboard, the KLE is easy to ride, and manoeuvre even at walking pace, and does not feel like a 195kg motorbike.

The upright, wide-armed riding position is comfortable, the light clutch and slick six-speed gearbox pleasurable rather than painful to use in heavy traffic and the softish suspension does a good job soaking up bumps and lumps.

KYB front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock are pretty basic but feel well tuned for road riding and undemanding trail riding.

The dual-purpose tyres were still bedding in on the test bike but felt grippy enough on warm, dry roads to explore the KLE’s road manners. It corners confidently, with decent feel and feedback, flowing nicely through a series of bends.

The KLE500 is also designed to feel at home riding on green lanes with that absorbent suspension giving 210mm of front wheel travel and 196mm at the rear. And 185mm of ground clearance should be enough for what most riders will ask of it off-road.

The original KLE500 used a 498cc parallel twin engine derived from the GPZ500. This new version gets the new 451cc unit shared with Ninja 500 and Z500, Eliminator and Z7 and Ninja 7 Hybrid.

The test bike’s engine was still tight but this unit is flexible, pulling cleanly from low revs and spins freely and smoothly when you want to have some fun.

It develops 45PS peak power at 9,000rpm with maximum torque of 42.6Nm at 6,000rpm.

The KLE easily keeps up with A-road traffic and returned a respectable 68mpg which gives a decent range with its 16-litre tank.

I noticed a small buzz through the footpegs, which have removable rubber inserts, but suspect things will smooth out as the tight engine loosens.

Single 300mm front and 230mm rear discs, with two-piston calipers, are up to job of stopping the KLE500 and the ABS can be turned off for off-road riding via a switch on the left-hand cluster.

The SE model has a 106mm higher screen compared to the standard model. It gives more body protection but there was some buffeting at helmet height which disappeared when I ducked down. The screen was in its lowest position so I would raise it, easily done by removing half a dozen bolts, and suspect that would help.

The standard KLE500 is £5,999 with the SE model £600 more. The latter looks good value with its taller screen, 4.3in TFT colour screen with smartphone connectivity, LED indicators, metal-reinforced handguards, larger aluminium skid plate and more eye-catching colours and graphics.

There are also attractive options to personalise your KLE500 and urban, adventure tourer and rally editions with accessory packs.

Kawasaki’s KLE500 is a well-sorted, capable all-rounder that will appeal on many levels in multiple sectors of the market. It is versatile, practical and well-priced and that will put it on many riders’ radar.

The post Ride Review: Classic comeback – Kawasaki KLE500 SE appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

In May 2026, our members have certainly got out and about driving a variety of new cars as well as creating breaking news about new ones. The highlights include a crop of new electric SUVs, as it is 2026 after all, a stunning Italian supercar, and another brilliant best cars list for those who want an automatic. 

We also go through the best and worst news and reviews from last month, including that oh-so-controversial Ferrari. Read on for the round-up of May 2026.

SGMW New Car Reveals: May 2026

We start at the end of the month – mainly because of all the outrage caused by the new Ferrari Luce. Yes, it’s the brand’s first EV, and yes, it caused plenty of internet commentary. Love it or hate it, there is no denying it got people talking. But on paper at least, the newest prancing horse has Ferrari pace, with 1,035bhp, 0-62 in 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 192mph. But its styling has left some aghast. Regardless, the Luce is expected to find plenty of buyers when it goes on sale later this year, starting from around £450,000. 

Attracting less controversy was the reveal of the new BMW M3 CS Handschalter, a manual version of the much-heralded M Division special. The bad news is that it has less power and torque to accommodate the manual box, and that it’s only destined for the North American market. Booooooo. As they say. 

In ‘cars we’ve yet to actually see’ news, the new electric Jaguar GT will be called the Type 01. You might remember the pink and blue prototypes that also broke the internet when they were revealed a while back. While the name points to the rebirth of the brand, you should also be aware that Kawasaki has used the moniker before, on the Type 01 LMAT anti-tank missile. 

Other notable reveals from last month include the new electric Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI. A model that looks like a much angrier version of the standard ID. Polo, which is the first full EV to get the GTI badge. 

Normal cars also got some love last month, with the Renault 4 E-Tech line-up being expanded with the arrival of the Plein Sud, a convertible of sorts with an electrically folding canvas roof. Lovely.

SGMW Test Drive Watch: Winners And Losers

The winners: 

The new Jeep Compass was praised by reviewers last month with its square-jawed looks and by also being a practical and user-friendly family SUV to boot. In the world of vans, meanwhile, our second winner is the Volkswagen Transporter Sportline, which scored high ratings thanks to its GTI-esque styling cues and because of the varied amount of options and bodystyles available that’ll accommodate a large array of buyers. 

Moving on to a different class entirely is the updated Mercedes S-Class, which won praise for the high level of luxury as standard, its vast interior space, and the supreme level of comfort it offers. 

Our last winner is a complete departure from the big Benz, though, as the new Citroën e-C3 Urban received positive feedback as it excels in the city, a place that it’s meant for, and for its keen price point. 

The losers: 

Moving swiftly onto the losers, where the BMW XM Label was described as being fast and ridiculous by some reviewers. As well as very expensive, loud, and heavy. Not exactly a surprise given its hefty £130k-plus price tag, the way it looks, and the way it goes.

Finally, the Lepas L8 is a hybrid SUV targeting the VW Tiguan, but while reviewers said it is appealing based on its low starting price, it unfortunately exists in a world where nearly all of its hybrid rivals offer more pure-electric range and a better driving experience for not that much more money. Yes, it’s a highly competitive market at the moment. 

SGMW web watch:

BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport review: The new benchmark for electric SUVs – Jim McGill

BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ design era is now upon us, and the iX3 EV is the first to wear the German brand’s new futuristic look. But is the iX3 worthy of buyers’ attention? Jim McGill puts it to the test to find out.

Read the Scotsman review here

The Lamborghini Miura Is Among the World’s First Supercars. Here’s What It’s Like to Drive One – Tim Pitt

The Lamborghini Miura was one of the first supercars to grace the road some six decades ago. It’s best described as rare, exceptionally pretty, and much sought after. And now, Tim Pitt has driven one, a P400 SV example that is part of the brand’s factory museum collection, no less. 

Read the Robb Report review here

2026 Skoda Epiq: Meet the Sub-£25k, 272-mile range baby EV – Phill Tromans

The new Skoda Epiq is the Czech brand’s smallest EV yet. It gets a range of up to 272 miles, big Skoda SUV looks, and a sub-25k price tag. Phill Tromans explains all of the details. 

Read the Honest John article here

Best automatic cars to buy 2026 – Shane Wilkinson

Don’t want to change gear for yourself? Well, the good news is that there’s plenty of slick-shifting automatic cars on sale today that are actually fun to drive. Shane Wilkinson runs through his picks of the very best. 

Read the Auto Express article here

SGMW social watch:

Starting with small car news, Stu Bird took the Toyota Aygo Hybrid for a spin at this year’s SMMT test day. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stu Bird (@t2stu)

Tim Pitt goes on holiday and indulges in a bit of classic car spotting.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tim Pitt (@timpitt100)

In driving to places news, Matt Richardson takes his Mk1 Ford Focus for its last drive.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Furious driving (@furiousdriving)

In further going to places news, Chris Rees confirms that his stunning Francis Lombardi Grand Prix is event ready. 

The post Southern Group Happenings: May 2026 appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Having spent his time as a staff writer, he has written thousands of news stories, features and car reviews and has had work published in the Daily Mirror, The Independent, Shropshire Star, Irish News and AOL.

He has travelled the world for several car launches and events including China and Iceland; has a lot of experience within the industry and achieved a 2:1 BA Honours degree in Journalism at university.

He currently owns a 2018 Toyota Yaris GRMN and a 2003 Toyota Yaris T Sport – you could say he is a bit of a Yaris aficionado.

The post Cameron Richards appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

It’s got its work cut out though, as fans of the genre are likely to refer to EVs as boring or white goods that are nothing more than appliances. To date, the Hyundai Ioniq 5N is the only solid entry to the hot hatch genre, with models like the Abarth 500e falling way short.  

Its aim? Simple. To take all of that Alpine brilliance we’ve seen instilled into its brilliant A110 coupe in a small, compact, hot hatchback that’s fun to drive. But is the A290 good enough to tempt diehard petrolheads away from ICE hot hatchbacks? Read on to find out. 

Wait, it looks quite familiar?

It is, of course, based on a Renault 5 E-Tech, the winner of the SGMW’s Car of the Year title in our 2026 New Year’s Honours. Alpine takes the ordinary 5 and jazzes it up with a punchier powertrain, sportier looks, and a stiffer chassis. It still sits on the same AmpR small platform, which is also used in the Renault 4 EV, and retains the compact dimensions of the car it’s based on, measuring in at 3,997mm long, 1,823mm wide, and 1.512mm tall. Meaning it sits firmly in the supermini sector. 

Here though, Alpine has firmly put its stamp on the exterior with sportier-looking front and rear bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and very cool-looking ‘X’-stamped rally-style daytime running lights on the nose. The only other major difference is a pair of creases in the rear doors, completing the go-faster look. In the metal, I think it looks really good. With a distinctive sportiness about it that separates it from its Renault sibling. 

But does it go like a hot hatchback?

Absolutely, yes. 0-62mph comes about in 6.4 seconds, a figure that plonks it firmly within the territory occupied by the Ford Fiesta ST (0-62mph in 6.5 seconds) and the Hyundai i20 N (0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds). 

This is down to its 216bhp electric powertrain, which incorporates a larger electric motor on the rear axle. This setup is standard in the top-spec GTS I tested, as well as the GT Performance spec car. There is also a lesser 178bhp variant available too in the GT and GT Premium specs, and this runs the 0-62mph sprint in 7.5 seconds. 

Pffffft, small EVs don’t offer enough range

Not quite; while the 225-mile range figure of the GTS isn’t the best in class (the Renault 5 E-Tech can manage up to 252 miles), it’s still pretty decent. All A290s use the same 52kWh battery pack, and if you opt for the lower-powered model, the range increases to 235 miles. As I said, while neither figure is exactly groundbreaking, a 200-mile-plus range figure should make the A290 easy to live with. 

All versions are equipped with a heat pump, which will help eke out more range in colder temperatures. When connected to a rapid charger, charging speeds top out at 100kW, meaning a 10-80 per cent top-up takes around 30 minutes. Plenty of time to pick up a coffee at a motorway service station. When charging at home, a top-up will take a little over 8 hours. 

Can an electric hot hatchback be as good to drive as an ICE-powered one?

Having driven the Renault 5, the A290 takes all of that brilliance and adds a sporty edge to it with a slightly firmer ride that is never uncomfortable. This pays dividends on the road, though, where it feels far quicker in the corners than the car it’s based on, with a sophisticated and agile feel about it that encourages you to drive it hard. Alpine has made the axles 60mm wider than the 5, which undoubtedly helps with the planted feel on the road. 

The steering is a bit on the numb side, but it does have a little more weight compared to the 5. The level of engagement is also stronger here, as it feels more involving to drive on fast twisty roads, and the increased power output gives more oomph to get up to speed with a continually smooth torque curve. 

Like in most EVs, there are four levels of regen for the braking, which are operated by the ‘recharge’ dial, and while the brake pedal lacks feel, the brakes do feel powerful enough when you stand on them, allowing you to pull off late braking into corners with ease. That aside, and this is very much a hot hatch thing, the A290’s driving position felt a little bit upright for me, as while the seat can go quite low, it doesn’t go all the way to the floor as I would have liked. 

But is it as fun to drive as the benchmark in this class, the Fiesta ST? No, but it’s not far away from it at all. The combination of the powertrain and slick chassis setup made it great fun to drive for me, leaving me grinning after just a few corners. 

What about the inside?

Inside, the A290 sports a very similar cabin design to what you’ll find inside the 5, except here, it’s been given the Alpine treatment. There are the two-tone synthetic leather-trimmed seats, and instead of the column-mounted gear shifter, Alpine has fitted a button-operated selector in the centre console, a design that reminded me of the one found in the Aston Martin DB9. 

A 10.25-inch digital dial cluster sits alongside a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. Both feature Alpine-specific colour schemes and graphics and are powered by the same Google-based OS. Here, Alpine has added its own sporty readouts, including a G-force meter in case you want to know how many G’s you’re pulling on the way to the shops, and a lap timer so you can lord it over friends by bragging about how fast you managed to get around Brands Hatch. As with the 5, operating either screen is simple to do with an intuitive layout and easy-to-read menus. 

In terms of space, no surprise, it’s a Renault 5, which is decent but not exactly huge inside. Still, my 6ft 3inch frame managed to fit just fine with a bit of seat adjustment, and I even managed to squeeze myself into the rear seats behind my driving position. Although I wouldn’t recommend the latter for anything other than shorter journeys. 

Practicality is reasonable as well, with 326 litres of boot space, meaning you can put things in it and drive to places. However, with the rear seats in place, the boot is triangular in shape, meaning larger items will be harder to stow. Notably, the A290 thrashes its electric competition into the weeds for storage space when compared to the 185 litres on offer in the Abarth 500e and the 210 litres available in the MINI Cooper E. 

Verdict: The Alpine A290 is absolutely worthy of the ‘hot hatch’ moniker 

The Alpine A290 is fun, fast, and engaging to drive, exactly what you’d want from a hot hatchback. With a starting price of around £34,000 for the top-spec GTS model here (after the EV grant deduction), it’s keenly priced against its nearest rivals. Adding to its appeal are its practicality and cheap running costs, as it will cost peanuts to charge it at home. Alpine has done a great job with the styling and chassis makeover, which makes it great to look at and to drive, and I have to say, this little Alpine is one of the most fun to drive EVs yet. A real electric hot hatchback that is easy to live with on a daily basis.

Alpine A290 GTS: gallery

The post Review | 2026 Alpine A290 GTS: a genuinely fun electric hot hatch appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.