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.

The car industry was also busy in April as well. With a veritable flurry of new car reveals, with highlights including the new Volkswagen ID. Polo, the Morgan Supersport 400, and the new polarising-looking Nissan Juke. 

There were a large number of new first drives as well, ranging from Chinese super-EVs to small affordable hybrid SUVs. 

Read on for a round-up of the best of the reveals, test drives, and all of the best content produced by SGMW members in April 2026.

SGMW new car reveals

The month kicked off with the small with the new Smart #2 concept, which arrived with gold trim and white tyres (?!?). It’s slated to arrive later this year, and it’s expected that it’ll be pretty similar to the concept car – less the white tyres, of course. 

The new Morgan Supersport 400 also grabbed the headlines, as the new 402bhp sports car is the brand’s most powerful ever. Retro themed speed indeed. 

In normal car news, there was a flurry of new arrivals last month, including the aero-efficient looking Hyundai Ioniq 3 and the facelifted Toyota Yaris Cross that now has a new face. Volkswagen went for a double EV reveal with the new ID. 3 Neo, a heavily updated version of the old car, and the all-new ID. Polo. 

The arrival of the new Nissan Juke also made a sizable impact as well, mainly due to its hexagonal design. Some will like it, some will hate it. With body repair shops likely to fall into the latter camp. 

Just in time for summer, the Porsche 911 S/C got its unveiling after much teasing. It is a GT3 convertible in all but name, one that Porsche claims is no different to drive compared to its fixed-roof counterpart. Kudos to Porsche for producing a car that no one asked for, which now everybody wants (including this writer). 

Finally, the new Freelander 8 arrived. A quick warning, you must not call a Land Rover. Not ever. While it wears the Freelander badge and its styling owes vast amounts of inspiration to the current Defender, it is the product of a partnership between JLR and Chinese brand Chery. It’s also coming to the UK in 2027 and will spawn a whole family of Freelander branded models. 

SGMW test drive watch: winners and losers

We start with a rarity, the new Volvo ES90, an actual saloon car in 2026! Reviewers were full of praise for this Swedish EV, branding it a strong alternative to the typical German options. 

Elsewhere, Kia’s run of good form continued with the EV2, which received strong scores across the board thanks to its spacious interior and efficient powertrain. The new Mercedes GLB Electric also scored well, too, being marked as a significant move forward from the old model. 

The Denza Z9GT also won over motoring hacks as well, thanks to its mind-boggling hypercar numbers for the price of a premium coupe.

Moving on to the losers from April, and it’s not good. Leapmotor had a month to forget, with the C10 Hybrid EV and B10 Hybrid EV both receiving average review scores. The Zeekr 8X also received early verdicts as well, with the 1,381bhp PHEV SUV only managing middling ratings due to its driving experience. Proof that absolute power cannot make a car drive well.

SGMW web watch:

Stretch Princess – Woodall Nicholson Kirklees limo – Matt Richardson

If you had to recommend a car for a mayor in the 1970s, the Woodall Nicholson Kirklees limo would have been a top pick. Based on the Austin Princess, this stretched rarity is a coachbuilt example of the limousines of old. Matt Richardson takes a look at one for his FuriousDriving channel. 

This Lego Renault 5 Turbo 3E looks good enough to become a real set – Phil Huff

If you can’t afford the £150k price tag for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, then Phil Huff has found a solution; a scale-sized Lego replica. 

Read the Average Joes story here

All-electric Volkswagen ID.Polo revealed with 282-mile range – Phill Tromans

The new Volkswagen Polo is here, and it’s electric! Now called the ID. Polo, VW’s new small EV gets up to 282 miles of range. Phill Tromans runs through the details for Honest John. 

Read the Honest John news story here

Beijing Auto Show: China Raises Its Winning Game – Neil Winton

As Chinese car brands look to further their sales share in European markets, Neil Winton reports on how they are leveraging the Beijing Auto Show to market their latest premium high-tech models. 

Read the Forbes story here

SGMW social watch:

Daniel Bevis gives his verdict on the Geely Starray SUV. One that carries an accidental iconic Simpsons quote on the numberplate. 

Maxine Ashford turns X very beige with these pictures of the new Volvo ES90.

Ben Hodges gets cold and wet while shooting a pair of budget friendly small hybrids. He may have also blocked traffic during the day as well. 

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In fraternising with other writers groups news, Stu Bird takes his Fiat X/19 to the track for the Guild of Motoring Writers Big Day Out. 

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

In new car news, there were big reveals for BMW and Dacia, along with several important first drives throughout the month.

SGMW Breakfast Meet

The SGMW also got together in March for a gathering at Caffeine & Machine’s Hut venue in Petersfield, Hampshire. 

This breakfast meet was hosted by the lovely people at Genesis UK PR, with several members showing up in a mix of new press cars and their own classics to display alongside a varied crop of machinery on the day. The committee and members would like to say a massive thank you to the Genesis team for hosting the group. 

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Continue reading to discover the highlights of the best automotive moments and the activities of the SGMW last month.

SGMW new car reveals

Who won the new car reveals in March? Well, we’d call it a draw between BMW and Dacia. 

The new BMW i3 showed up last month with plenty of wow-factor headlines. The electric 3 Series boasts 559 miles of range, 400kW charging, and a striking new look courtesy of BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. It’s the second car to get the brand’s new design after the iX3, and it’ll be on sale later this year, priced from around £52,000 upwards. 

Then came the latest Dacia, the Striker. A very cool name for a car if ever there was one. Formerly called the C-Neo, the Striker is a flagship crossover-slash-estate car that sports a new, more premium-looking design. It’ll come with a range of mild- and full-hybrid powertrains and is set to arrive in the UK at the end of the year, costing from around £22,000.

SGMW Test Drive Watch: winners and losers

In our latest test drive watch, we make a premium start with the new Audi RS 5. A model that is now a plug-hybrid and a lot heavier than the old RS 4. As expected, the added weight doesn’t lessen its breadth of ability at all – as it’s still very good at pretty much everything. 

Sticking with the premium sector, the new Porsche 911 Turbo S, with its hybrid power and all, was also deemed very good by reviewers. Not that we expected anything less. 

Moving on to cars that people actually buy in numbers, the new Kia K4 hatchback won praise as a worthy replacement for the dearly departed Ford Focus. Other new metal that won the hearts of reviewers includes the Subaru E-Outback, which was described as a leap forward for the brand. The new Mercedes GLC Electric was praised for its refinement and tech rather than the way it looks. 

As for the losers, well, the new seven-seat MGS9 might well be the largest SUV ever produced by the brand, and while space won praise, it was described as far from perfect in some reviews. The big MG didn’t fare as badly as the updated Mazda CX-5, though, with reviewers saying the new model is a bit of a step in the wrong direction. Oh dear indeed.

SGMW web watch:

MG 4 EV Urban Premium Long Range review – by Jim McGill

It’s been a couple of years since the MG 4 took the SGMW award as our car of the year, and now the model has been facelifted with a litany of tweaks and a new Urban model. Jim McGill took one for a spin to find out what it’s all about.

Read The Scotsman review here

Changan Deepal S05 first drive review: Good to drive, hard to live with? – by Phil Huff

The what we hear you cry? Yes, that’s right, there’s another new entry in the UK car market. The Deepal S05 comes from one of China’s longest-established brands, but can it make inroads in the UK? Phil Huff gets behind the wheel to deliver his verdict.

Read the Average Joes review here

Best crossover cars to buy 2026 – Shane Wilkinson

Whatever you want to call them, there is no doubt that small SUVs and crossovers are a popular pick for UK buyers. But which models are the best? Shane Wilkinson takes a deep dive into compact SUVs with his picks for the very best on sale today. 

Read the Auto Express article here

Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet 2026 review – Tim Pitt

The facelifted 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet 992.2 has received some big updates. Yes, it’s now a hybrid, and of course, it’s got more power than before with 711 rampaging horsepowers to play with. But is it still the drop-top sports car that can embarrass supercars that cost twice as much? Tim Pitt took a (very fast) spin to find out. 

Read the Motoring Research review here

BMW 530e M Sport Pro Touring Review – Maxine Ashford

In 2026, can a plug-in hybrid estate tempt buyers away from electric SUV ownership? Maxine Ashford drives the BMW 530e M Sport Pro Touring to find out if this long-roof PHEV is a worthy alternative. 

Read the Regit Cars review here

SGMW social watch:

Remember the Toyota Aygo Crazy? Dan Bevis has a good poke around Toyota’s wild MR2-powered concept car. 

Chris Rees remembers the time that Toyota ‘borrowed’ the Rover name for an ungainly looking SUV. 

Tim Pitt banks an exclusive drive of the Wood and Pickett Mini by Callum. A six-figure Mini restomod that’s very purple. 

In scale model news, Stu Bird builds himself an Aoshima KITT model. Which we think is lovely. 

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

Of course, when the iX was revealed back in 2021, BMW fans had much to say about the way it looked. How do I know? Because I had to do a double take when I first saw the way it looked. Some would describe it as a bit unwieldy-looking or downright unattractive, but there is no doubt it has presence. Last year, the refreshed version of the iX arrived with some minor design tweaks, range improvements, updated tech, and revised model names. 

2026 BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport: what’s new?

When first laying eyes on the LCI (life cycle impulse) version of the BMW iX, you’d be right to ask, “What’s different?”  

Firstly, LCI is BMW’s way of saying it’s been updated, rather than using the term ‘facelift’. However, rather than a mere facelift that usually entails styling tweaks and equipment changes, BMW has paid more attention to what’s under the metal, with all models getting bigger batteries and improved range, more power, and faster 0-62mph times. 

In the mid-range xDrive60 M Sport spec, you now get a 109.1kWh battery, up from 105.2kWh, which is officially capable of up to 426 miles of range, a 46-mile improvement over the old xDrive50 model. Power is up to 536bhp and 765Nm of torque with a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Flat out, it’ll do 124mph. 

Outside, updated bits include the light-up kidney grilles at the front, which you can switch off, and a refreshed front end with an updated headlight design. The iX options list has also been expanded to include seven new paint finishes and six new alloy wheel designs that range from 20- to 23-inches in size. 

Trim levels are unchanged, with Sport reserved for the base powertrain only, while M Sport and the flagship ‘M’ model sit at the top of the range. Other additions include a new sporty steering wheel design for the ‘M’ models and a quartet of optional interior packages to choose from that add extra tech, comfort features, or exterior design changes. 

Still divisive and imposing to look at

As I said earlier, the design of the iX is divisive-looking to some and downright ugly to others. It comes from when BMW hit us with a bunch of controversial designs at the turn of the decade, including the M3 and M4 and the new 7 Series. 

In facelifted form, it’s still very snouty looking, with the oversized kidney grilles dominating the nose. The new headlight design helps bring it into line with BMW’s Neue Klasse design ethos, while the rest of the car is chock full of angular strakes, giving it a muscular look. However, I think it looks good. Now some five years from its initial launch, it still looks futuristic and has plenty of presence on the road. Like it or loathe it, I have no doubt that it’s instantly recognisable as a radical evolution of BMW design. Which is a good thing. 

A fantastic-looking and techy cabin

On the inside, for me, the interior of the iX is fabulous. Like the outside, it still feels like a significant leap forward in both design and tech. 

When sitting in the driver’s seat, it feels spacious with plenty of light and ultra luxurious throughout with a mix of Alcantara, leather, and fabric trim. The seats feel like armchairs, with the LCI update adding a tweaked design for improved comfort. Support is excellent even for taller folk like myself, and there is a wealth of adjustability, too. 

A pair of curved screens are mated together to form the infotainment and dial cluster setup, measuring in at 14.9-inches and 12.3-inches respectively. All of the main controls and settings for the car are contained in the larger screen, which is easy to use with a little practice. It looks very similar to a vast smartphone, as once I’d got used to where the menu options were, tapping through them became quick and easy to do. The same applies to the smaller dial cluster, which is clear and easy to read and is capable of showing useful functions like the radar cruise control. The iX’s ease of use is helped by the steering wheel button layout, which is simple and effective, giving you quick access to the cruise control and the infotainment when you need it. 

All of the options, but at a price

My test car was lavishly equipped, to say the least. Highlights include the very expensive Sky Lounge Panoramic Sunroof (£3,200), alongside the M Sport package Pro (£1,350), with the latter adding Anthracite roof lining, M spec electric sports seats and a matching leather-trimmed steering wheel, as well as darkened headlights.  The Comfort (£1,650) and Technology (£3,250) packs are also worth optioning too, adding useful features like 22kW high-speed charging (useful for charging at home), ventilated front seats, parking assistance pro, and heating for the front and rear seats. 

Other less useful options include a towbar (£1,150) and the illuminated kidney grills (£500). 

In terms of how I’d spec an iX, the M spec seats are worthwhile, as they give you ‘M’ colour stripes dotted around the interior, while the Integral Active Steering (£1,400) adds an active rear axle, making it more agile. Air Suspension (£2,050) is also a must-have, as it gives the iX a smooth, cosseting ride quality similar to far more expensive luxury SUVs. 

But can a heavyweight, very large EV drive be the Ultimate Driving Machine? 

You may be surprised by this, but yes, the BMW iX is brilliant to drive. 

In xDrive60 guise, it’s super agile through corners with grip aplenty, belying its 2.4-tonne kerbweight; the steering is feelsome, quick, and accurate, too. Yes, more challenging corners will expose its weight a bit, but overall, it feels poised and sporty. Basically, exactly what you’d expect of a high-end BMW. 

It’s quick, too, taking 4.6 seconds to sprint from 0 to 62 mph. Switching it into Efficient mode for a fast take-off makes the nose rise up as you hit the throttle, while engaging Sport or Sport Plus pushes you back into your seat with a fierce wave of electric torque as you accelerate, which make it a bit of a thrill to drive. Even in mid-range xDrive60 spec, the iX has sufficient grunt for every scenario, with getting up to speed or overtaking being easy thanks to the significant power output.

During my test, I saw an average of 3.1 miles/kWh, a decent figure for a car this large that’s packed with tech, a figure that would be easily improved on longer runs. With 75% charge remaining, the predicted range sat around 290 miles, meaning that close to 400 miles should be possible. Note that this was achieved on a warm early summer day with the air con on the medium setting. 

All of the space, comfort, and practicality you’d ever need

The iX is a big car, vast in fact. The boot measures 500 litres, which isn’t the best in class, as both the Mercedes EQE (520 litres) and Lotus Eletre (688 litres) offer more space. It is easy to access via the wide opening, helped by the full-width tailgate, though. Folding down the rear seats increases storage to 1,750 litres, a figure that beats both the rival Mercedes and Lotus. 

The interior feels spacious, with plenty of room for five passengers, and as I mentioned earlier, there’s plenty of room for the tall people, and both the front and rear seats are supremely comfortable. 

Refinement and comfort are also excellent. When on the move, the iX glides along, soaking up any road imperfections with ease. It’s serenely quiet, too, with only a faint sniff of wind noise noticeable and no sign of any electric motor whine either. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it is relaxingly quiet inside on the move, cosseting you from the outside world. 

Verdict: a class-leading luxury electric SUV for the drivers

Love or hate the looks, there is no doubt that the BMW iX is one of the most polished offerings in the luxury electric SUV section. It drives brilliantly, with tactile and feelsome handling that is both sporty and engaging. The inside offers a high-tech premium experience that is simple to operate, along with swathes of luxury and a serene level of refinement that some rival car markers simply cannot match. 

Of course, all of this brilliance has a high cost. With prices for the xDrive60 starting from £93,205 before options, at which point you could add another £20k to that with ease. However, with the era of the luxury electric SUV upon us, the refreshed iX is one of the best options available to those with deep pockets. 

2026 BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport: full gallery

The post 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport – a luxuriously rapid EV with polarising design appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Equally busy was the automotive industry, with an array of new reveals to kick-start the year, including Mercedes killing off more of their four-cylinder AMG models and a potential ban on flush-fitting door handles. Because we like to bring you all of the exciting news.

Latest: 2026 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross review: the true ‘do it all’ daily driver

In member highlights this month, we have all of the details on the new Mitsubishi L200 and the reborn Toyota Urban Cruiser. As well as an in-depth look at the Stellantis write-downs and a man who bought his wife a Vauxhall Tigra. 

Read on for a round-up of the new cars news, first drives, and what SGMW members got up to in February.

SGMW New Car Watch:

February started with big news from Skoda, literally, with the Czech brand finally revealing its forthcoming all-electric seven-seater, which will be called the Peaq. The model has already been previewed with the bold-looking Vision 7S concept, and it will measure in at around 4.9 metres long – about the same size as the current Superb estate. The Peaq will be fully unveiled later this year as a rival to other chunky EVs like the Kia EV9, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, and the Peugeot E-5008. 

Mercedes also put another nail in their own downsizing strategy last month with the announcement that the AMG GLC 43 and 63 models are being discontinued. Both performance models were powered by four-cylinder engines, which weren’t exactly a hit with buyers and journalists alike. There is good news, though, as an AMG GLC 53 will replace both of the outgoing models, which gets its power from a 442bhp 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine. It may not be a V8 ‘63’ model, but we’ll take it. 

In electric car news, Mazda confirmed that its swish-looking 6e saloon will cost from £38,995 – a keen price point for a 348-mile EV. Elsewhere, the Toyota Highlander EV also made its official debut, with the US-only model packing three rows of seats and a 320-mile range figure when equipped with the largest battery option. 

For the budget conscious who don’t want to go very far, Citroen revealed the e-C3 Urban Range last month as well. The new model is the cheapest way into an e-C3 starting at just £18,495. Of course, the ‘Urban’ part of its name hints at where it’ll be best utilised, as it offers up to 130 miles of range, making it the perfect foil for city dwellers. 

We finish with a gripping story, again literally. As the Chinese government announced last month that it intends to ban retractable and flush-fitting door handles. Why? Because in the event of an accident and an electrical malfunction, they say recessed door handles that cannot be opened are likely to cause a fatality. And here we were thinking it was a pain when they freeze shut in the winter. But seriously, we think retractable door handles are technology for the sake of it and a bit unnecessary.

SGMW Test Drive Watch: winners and losers

The winners are…

Plenty of new models were highly rated last month, including the new Toyota bZ4X Touring, an SUV/estate EV which offers greater practicality than its regular-bodied sibling with an extra 140mm of length and 20mm more headroom for rear passengers. 

The new MG4 Urban also achieved what we thought was impossible last month by undercutting the regular MG4 for value for money. While it may not get the pulse racing when driving it, the enormous 577-litre boot, impressive comfort and tech, and the 258-mile range impressed reviewers thanks to its price tag that starts at just under £23,500. A very cheap price for a new EV in 2026. 

In the ‘cars you cannot have quite yet’ sector of the market, a drive of a prototype version of the new baby Skoda Epiq EV impressed reviewers thanks to its deft handling and techy interior. Reviewers were also impressed by the new Jaguar GT prototype. Yes, that whopping vast EV that has caused much controversy before it even arrived in showrooms. Ignoring the way it looks, this 2.7-tonne, 1,000bhp super-saloon was deemed as being super comfortable and very intuitive to drive. Leaving us with high expectations for the final production model. 

Finally, we finish in Italy with the new Ferrari 849 Testarossa, a model whose looks caused a bit of controversy online, which, according to reviewers, doesn’t matter at all, as the way it drives and goes down the road will blow your mind, describing it as thrilling to drive with a sensational soundtrack.

And in the ‘everyone gets a trophy’ section…

This one hurts a bit, we won’t lie. The updated Alfa Romeo Tonale is still a looker with plenty of Italian flair. But questionable interior quality, wheezy powertrains, and a minuscule boot in the PHEV earned it a middling review score that falls short of rivals like the Ford Puma and VW T-Cross. 

BYD’s frantic attempts at global domination in the past two years have also hindered the new Atto 3 EVO – an updated model that is designed on paper to keep it competitive in a fast-moving market but doesn’t. Yep, despite the addition of faster charging and an upgraded Google-powered infotainment system and a healthy 316-mile range figure, it hasn’t quite kept pace with rival models which offer greater range and a better driving experience. Proof if you ever needed any that new cars are in a constant state of rapid advancement these days.

SGMW Web Watch:

Mitsubishi L200 returns in May as £36k rival to Ranger and Hilux – Phil Huff

We kick off with more big news: the Mitsubishi L200 is back! After the brand withdrew from the UK in 2021, the new seventh-gen model marks the brand’s return to these shores with an all-new design. Phil Huff runs through all the details for Professional Pickup.

Read the Professional Pickup article here 

Toyota Urban Cruiser cruises into the limelight at multi-million pound media centre – Maxine Ashford

Toyota’s latest addition to its ever-growing EV range is the new Urban Cruiser. Yes, the name was used on the rather poor small SUV from the mid-noughties, but now, it’s back as a chunky all-electric SUV. Maxine Ashford takes a look at the new small Toyota for Regit cars. 

Read the Regit Cars article here

I bought my wife a new Convertible and it immediately broke – Matt Richardson

In marriage news, Matt Richardson buys his wife a new car, which then breaks down. The car in question is a Vauxhall Tigra Twin Top. And yes, we cannot remember the last time we saw one either. 

Stellantis $26.5 Billion EV Debacle May Prompt Brand Purge – Neil Winton

No, $26.5 billion is not a misprint. This is the write-down figure announced by Stellantis last month. According to Neil Winton, this vast figure could prompt the conglomerate to cut down its vast collection of overlapping car brands. 

Read the Forbes article here

SGMW Social Watch: 

Shane Wilkinson loves a Rover. So much so that he has vowed to cram as much Rover-themed content into Auto Express as he can. We wish him luck with this noble quest. 

Apparently, the Isuzu Gemini was sold in South America – a fact brought to our attention by resident obscure car historian Chris Rees. Even stranger is that it was built in Korea and called the Saehan Bird. 

Phill Tromans gets up close with the new Geely Starray EM-i – a new PHEV that can manage up to 84 miles of electric range that also gets plenty of kit and animals that live inside its infotainment. 

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Lastly, we finish on a high via Stu Bird, who got to have a poke around a first-gen Toyota Prius rally car. Very cool. 

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

The post Dan Bevis appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

After some reported excess over the Christmas period, the SGMW members returned to work with an even more prolific output than usual, with a flurry of new features, reviews, and news pieces. 

January also got off to a strong start for the group as well, with the reveal of the SGMW New Year’s Honours, our annual awards that pay tribute to the best cars and the best PR stars. You can read about all of the worthy winners here. 

Read on for the highlights of what the SGMW membership got up to in January, along with a brief overview of the news and all the important reviews. 

SGMW New Car Watch

January was a busy month for Kia, who unveiled a total of four new models. First up is the new EV2 supermini, the brand’s smallest electric car to date, and one that promises a big range and plenty of space. Then there were the GT models; at the time of writing, you can only buy the EV6 GT (you can read our review here), but soon you’ll be able to buy the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT. Essentially, if you want a rapid EV with faux gearshifts in any size, Kia has you covered. 

In non-SUV news, and proving that other body styles are not yet dead, the Zeekr 7GT shooting brake also broke cover, along with the revised Xpeng P7+ – both models that will be close rivals to the Volkswagen ID.7 when they arrive late this year. 

Heading back to small car news, the new Geely EX2 supermini has been confirmed for the UK market. This tiny electric car is a strong seller in China, so the brand will be hoping for more of the same when it arrives in Blighty with a range of around 250 miles. 

Finally, we switch back to petrol power with the Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage, a reimagining of the legendary Veyron hypercar based on the Chiron Super Sport underpinnings. The trouble is, you can’t have one. Mainly because it costs EUR 8.8 million for one and because they are only building one. As for the FKP part of its name, this is named after its creator, Ferdinand Piech, the former head of the VW group who was one of the main drivers in the creation of the Veyron 20 years ago. 

SGMW Test Drive Watch: Winners and Losers

Drum roll, please, for the winners:

After all the excess of Christmas, road testers around the UK were fired back into action with an array of new drives. We start with forbidden fruit in the form of the new Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain, a model that was praised for its space (lots), refinement (very good), and that despite its off-road ability, it’s very competent in both the ride and handling departments. A shame we cannot have it in the UK. 

Our next winner had reviewers going all misty-eyed over the olden days of the hot, small Skoda thanks to the new Fabia 130, the new hotted version of the brand’s supermini. A model that was deemed as being rather good thanks to its power increase and extra kit. 

Our final winner is the Toyota GR Yaris Gen2 Aero Performance. Basically a GR Yaris with more body kit than before. Obviously, reviewers loved the latest update to Toyota’s rally-bred hot hatch, but we wouldn’t expect anything less, as it is brilliant. 

And an awkward silence for the losers:

First up is the Hyundai Nexo, a hydrogen-powered SUV which starts from £66,000. Which is a lot for a car that, according to some motoring hacks, is no match for a fully electric SUV. Painful words to read if ever there were any. 

Our next loser of the month is the Smart #3 Brabus, which is perfectly good, aside from its tech, which spoils it. Oh dear. 

SGMW Mag Watch:

This month’s mag watch marks the debut of Copacetic magazine in these hallowed pages, a bimonthly periodical for modified cars featuring slickly written words and top-notch photography, all helmed by the SGMW’s newest member, Daniel Bevis. 

In Dan’s own words: ‘In Issue 5 we’ve got an exclusive feature on quite possibly the world’s coolest BMW E21, resplendent in retro 1970s Group 5 aggression but actually a brand new build, as well as a deliciously purple-on-purple E46 M3 wagon. And the breadth and scope of the features in-between gets pretty wild… we have the CALLUM Designs C-X75, finally giving the concept-turned-stunt-car the life it deserves, as well as a hardcore Peugeot 106 with a brawler attitude.

There’s an Oldsmobile lowrider and an off-road Ferrari, a VIP Toyota Crown Majesta and the HPA Mk4 Golf R32 from Gran Turismo (you know the one!), an extravagantly bewinged Honda NSX and the box-fresh Encor S1 restomod…

In addition to that, we’ve got a report from Essen Motorshow, a collector with some brilliantly deranged Fords, and a behind-the-scenes look at the UK HQ of Meguiar’s.”

Issue 5 of Copacetic magazine is available to buy here

SGMW Web Watch:

BYD Sealion 5 DM-i first drive review: Sensible, flawed, and priced to get noticed – Phil Huff

We kick off this month’s Web Watch with ‘Phil Huff tests a new Sealion.’ Not a title we ever thought possible. For clarity, Phil has been testing the new BYD Sealion 5 DM-i SUV for Average Joes, not an actual sealion. 

Read the Average Joes review here

Best summer cars 2026: our top choices and where to drive them – Shane Wilkinson

With summer seeming very far away, given that it has rained for every day of 2026 so far, Shane Wilkinson looks ahead to warmer days with his picks for the best summer cars and where to drive them. 

Read the Auto Express article here

Mini Countryman Electric gets range boost to over 300 miles – Natalie Middleton

All versions of the MINI Countryman Electric have received tech changes which give them more range, with the E spec now managing over 300 miles. Natalie Middleton runs through the details for Fleetworld. 

Read the Fleetworld article here

The Brussels Motor Show highlights – Maxine Ashford

Last month, journos gathered in Belgium for the Brussels Motor Show, an event that saw 300,000 people attend last year. New models on display include the new Kia EV2, alongside the latest Toyota Hilux, along with a glut of Chinese models. Maxine Ashford runs through all the big stories for Car Journo.

Read the Car Journo article here

SGMW Social Watch:

Our newest member, Dan Bevis, proves himself more than worthy with a post pointing out the similarities of old car badges. Absolutely the kind of content we’re here for.

Very similar badges from completely different cars I used to own – a Mini and a Mk2 Cortina.
Someone once explained to me how this situation came about, but I’ve forgotten. Everyone outsourcing badge-making to the same company, probably. pic.twitter.com/bGegpUFCk1

— 𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝔹𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕤 (@denialvibes) January 25, 2026

Moving swiftly onto forgotten car brands, Chris Rees points out an obvious naming error with the Daewoo Racer II. 

They should have called this the ‘Daewoo Hubris’ pic.twitter.com/IDL8m0Zx67

— Chris Rees (@quillerrees) January 13, 2026

Ah yes, the Rover Streetwise, a pseudo-SUV/crossover that was only suited to tarmac rather than mud of any kind. Despite its lack of ability to match its looks, Shane Wilkinson believes it belongs in a list of 50 modern cars that changed the world. And yes, we agree. 

I fought hard for the Rover Streetwise, I really did! https://t.co/pZlgr2iWta

— Shane Wilkinson (@WilkiWheels) January 24, 2026

We finish this week with a car spot. This time Stu Bird has delivered with this beauty, a lovely Vauxhall Corsa B 1.2 16v. An utterly glorious thing. 

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

SGMW Awards 2026: HAPPY START TO 2026 FOR SGMW NEW YEAR HONOURS WINNERS

Despite the snow, Christmas traffic, and abundance of free biscuits, the SGMW membership continued their continued commitment to the written word last month with a plethora of reviews, news, and features. They even managed to all gather in the same place for the Southern Group’s annual Christmas meal; which was a fantastic event as usual. 

Anyway, these are the tinsel-covered highlights as produced by the SGMW membership for December 2025, along with a quick peek at all of the important goings-on. Enjoy. 

SGMW new car watch

Last month started on a considerable high with the arrival of the new Toyota GR GT, a V8-powered supercar packing 641bhp and a small hybrid motor. Which, if we do say so, is rather stunning looking. Wowsers indeed. 

Back in the normal world, notable arrivals from December include the new XPeng G6, a 480bhp electric SUV that will cost around 40k. In Germany, meanwhile, Volkswagen announced a new Final Edition version of its stout SUV for both the Touareg and Touareg R models. As the name suggests, this new trim level spells the end of the big VW, which is slated to end production in 2027. 

Caterham also shared some more details on its upcoming Project V electric sports car, including that it’ll get a 268bhp powertrain, giving it the capability to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in around 4.5 seconds and have a range of around 249 miles. 

Finally, Mitsubishi is back! Well, in the UK at least, a place where they’ve been famous for not selling cars since 2020. The new Outlander PHEV will spearhead the brand’s return to Blighty, alongside the burly L200 pickup. Now, if they can bring back the Evo and lend us the Tommi Makkinen heritage fleet car for a week, that’ll make us very happy. 

SGMW test drive watch

Winners: 

We start the winners section with the refreshed Isuzu D-Max, which received plenty of positive praise for its on- and off-road ability and smartly designed cabin. We fully agree with this positive praise, and you can read our thoughts on it here. 

Other winners from the festive period included the redesigned Citroen C5 Aircross, which was rated as a strong contender in the family SUV class for its practicality, comfort, and value for money. 

Sticking with French cars, the new Renault Clio supermini won the hearts of reviewers, as despite it not arriving in the UK until 2027, reviewers deemed it worth waiting for. While at the other end of the French-car spectrum, the Alpine A390 was awarded excellent review scores for its considerable driving ability. 

Moving swiftly onwards to America, the new Jeep Compass was positively received by testers, who said it represents a leap forward for the US brand, thanks to its angular looks, excellent tech, strong build quality, and vast interior. 

The winner of the month award has to go to the Mercedes CLA Hybrid. A car that was described as being a highly impressive alternative to going fully electric thanks to its frugality. Also winning praise for its fantastic tech and excellent refinement. 

And the losers: 

In the losers’ section, no one got the presents they wanted. The verdicts on the Toyota Urban Cruiser likely left the brand’s PRs eating their feelings over Christmas. These low scores were mainly due to its average range figure and slow charging ability, cheap-feeling interior, and rather forgettable driving experience. We can only assume some journos will be off the Toyota Christmas card list for this year. 

Slightly further up the ratings scale was the Leapmotor i C10 Irmscher, which, despite the famous name stamped on its bodywork, was described as being fancier looking rather than any better. Not very Christmas cheer at all. 

SGMW Web Watch:

Bentley Continental GT 2025 review – Tim Pitt

In ‘standard’ form, the latest Bentley Continental GT gets a 680hp V8 hybrid powertrain. A not too shabby number if you ask us. But is it the pick of the range? Tim Pitt gets behind the wheel of the British luxury coupe to find out. 

Read the Motoring Research review

I tested the Tiggo 9 from China’s biggest car exporter Chery in a 640-mile festive adventure – with no top-ups – Jim McGill

Jim McGill embarks upon a grand European adventure in the new Chery Tiggo 9 SUV. How grand exactly? Try a 640-mile road trip taking in five countries along the way. 

Read The Scotsman review

Toyota bZ4X 2025 review – Maxine Ashford

The Toyota bZ4X was only introduced a few years ago, and now there’s an updated model which is more efficient with a higher range figure. But can this revamped Toyota EV compete against the latest crop of family SUVs? Maxine Ashford has driven the latest model to find out. 

Read the Regit Cars review

Lexus UX300h 2025 Review – Stuart Bird

Lexus gave its UX SUV a significant update a couple of years ago, but is the hybrid UX300h still a competitor compared to its rivals? Stu Bird gives his verdict in his latest video for the Driven It channel. 

SGMW Social Watch:

Tim Pitt bags himself an early Christmas treat in the form of a rather lovely Lotus Emira with 400bhp on tap. Jealous? Yes we are. 

Early Christmas present: I have taken delivery of this Emira Turbo SE for the next few weeks.

‘Purple Haze’ paint colour looks more Lamborghini than Lotus – proper junior supercar vibes, I think.

Anything you want to know? pic.twitter.com/nK6UBwNv6g

— Tim Pitt (@timpitt100) December 23, 2025

When is a Citroen Visa not a Citroen Visa? Well, according to Chris Rees, it’s when someone gives it a 2CV-styled makeover. 

Is it a Citroen 2CV? No, in a bizarre twist it’s actually a Citroen Visa pic.twitter.com/w6Vd4rkJHz

— Chris Rees (@quillerrees) December 5, 2025

When it comes to spotting rare and obscure cars, SGMW members have an exceptionally eagle eye for such things. Peter Nunn is the latest to excel with this spot, a very cool Fiat 850 coupe. Che cosa! As the Italians would say. 

Very cool car parking spot this AM pic.twitter.com/rqbZXFTpy7

— Peter Nunn (@PeterNunn3) December 22, 2025

In birthday news, Shane Wilkinson celebrates 32 times around the sun with a very appropriate birthday cake. SGMW approved of course. 

Today my family is celebrating 32 years of my existence with a Lightning McQueen cake. I approve! pic.twitter.com/yPVx69F3zK

— Shane Wilkinson (@WilkiWheels) December 29, 2025

The post Southern Group Happenings: December 2025 appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross: what’s new?

The D-Max range received a light update in early 2025, with a new front camera system boasting a wider field of view than before. According to Isuzu, both the lane assist and speed sign recognition have been upgraded, helping the D-Max to see other vehicles quicker than before. 

Part of this update included a minor cosmetic makeover with a restyled bonnet, front bumper, new headlights, and a new alloy wheel design. Inside, there’s an updated infotainment screen with new software. A new automatic gearbox was also introduced, which is capable of 25% quicker gear changes than the old unit according to Isuzu. 

A new off-road driving setup was also added. Called Rough Terrain mode, this setup makes the D-Max more capable on muddy tracks and in icy and snowy conditions. 

What about the specs and rivals?

Underneath the D-Max’s refreshed design sits a ladder-frame chassis, a refreshingly old-school setup – as if it works – why change it, right? Power comes from a 162bhp 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 360Nm of torque. In V-Cross spec, power goes to all four wheels via either a standard six-speed manual box or an optional automatic, with the latter specced in our test car, along with a switchable drive system that allows you to run in rear-wheel drive for normal road use. 

The top spec V-Cross has a long list of standard equipment onboard as well. Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-LED headlights, and folding mirrors. Inside, there’s a refreshingly unobtrusive 9-inch infotainment screen, along with such niceties as leather-trimmed seats, front heated seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a litany of USB ports, and a comprehensive suite of safety tech.  

The towing and load figures are competitive, too, with a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and a 1085kg payload capability when specced with an automatic gearbox. Opt for the manual, and the payload increases to 1105kg. 

Direct rivals include the Ford Ranger, the Volkswagen Amarok, and the Toyota Hilux. Which all offer the same towing capacity and very similar payload specs in their higher double cab models. 

Is it good at pickup things?

Yes, the vast load bed is cavernous. Want to do a tip run? Well, the D-Max has you covered with the rear bed measuring in at 1520mm long by 1530mm wide, meaning it is capable of swallowing vast amounts of cargo and things. Access is also easy thanks to a powered metal tonneau cover, which retracts at the touch of a button. 

While we stayed away from any serious off-road routes, we did take the D-Max on some light private green lanes where it made light work of them. Once four-wheel drive and Rough Terrain mode are selected, it simply marches onwards making light work of any terrain in its path. Off-road the auto box made it simple to keep going, as it’s a case of managing the throttle while the gearbox and drivetrain systems sort it all out for you ensuring there is minimal loss of traction for quick progress. 

But it’s a pickup, surely it cannot match a car for refinement?

Given its workhorse-like design, it’s fair to say that the D-Max cannot match a regular car when it comes to refinement. As soon as you fire up the engine, there is no doubt that it’s diesel powered, with a fair amount of clatter making its way through to the cabin. 

However, once the engine is warmed up, it quietens down. On the move, it’s obvious you’re driving a diesel, but refinement is good overall for a commercial vehicle. The suspension damping is competent enough on minor imperfections, but on rougher surfaces it does crash and thud a fair bit, with larger bumps making their way through to the cabin. Again, not entirely unexpected for a vehicle of this type. 

What about the interior?

The leather-trimmed seats are both comfortable and supportive, with a wide array of adjustment, and the heated seats were useful in the cold weather experienced during our test. Overall, the cabin’s logical layout makes it simple to operate while on the move. This ease of use is aided by the chunky physical buttons used to activate all the regular functions you need, together with a good-sized infotainment screen which is easy to read and operate. A refreshing change from rival models that have done away with buttons in favour of a vast tablet-sized screen on the dashboard. 

The cabin feels ruggedly constructed with good-quality materials throughout. There were very few squeaks or rattles on our test truck, and overall, the inside of a D-Max is a comfortable place to spend time. 

There’s masses of space inside as well, enough to accommodate even the tallest of people in the front. It’s the same story in the rear seats, with ample space for adults and children.

Does it drive like a truck?

Obviously, yes. But this is no bad thing. The 1.9-litre diesel engine delivers a good torque spread from low down the rev range, giving you plenty of pulling power from the off. The optional six-speed auto box shifts seamlessly with a quick kick-down, too, making it easy to progress on the road with minimal fuss. 

It’s not fast, with 0-62mph taking 13 seconds, but it never feels underpowered. Acceleration is quick enough, with plenty of pulling power available to make getting up to speed on faster roads an easy task. 

It drives competently, too. While the steering lacks feeling like most modern cars, it is accurate enough. The handling is what you’d expect for such a large and high-up vehicle with a somewhat lazy feel to it. Yes, the D-Max cannot match the car-like driving dynamics of the class-leading Ford Ranger, but its chassis setup makes it feel secure and capable on the road. 

One minor point was the safety systems. At times these were overbearing, resulting in false alerts. Particularly the front AEB system, which detected a few phantom crash hazards when the road in front was completely clear. Also, the tiredness monitor would ping on occasions minutes after starting a journey. More slight annoyances than anything. 

But can really use a D-Max to ‘do it all?’

Pretty much, so long as you’re adept at parking. The D-Max measures in at 5280mm long by 1870mm wide, making it a bit of a behemoth. Meaning that parking on paper at least, is a bit like trying to steer the Ever Given down the Suez Canal. However, parking it is made easier by the litany of cameras and sensors dotted around the bodywork. Meaning that with a bit of patience, parking the D-Max is straightforward enough. Notably, it sits at 1790mm tall, which is low enough to fit into most normal multi-storey car parks. 

Given its vast dimensions and 2015kg kerbweight figure, you’d be forgiven for thinking that fuel economy would be an issue. Here, we were pleasantly surprised, returning a figure of 34.9mpg achieved after a week of careful motorway and urban driving. A number that beats the official combined economy figure of 31.4mpg by a small margin. 

Will it be reliable?

Isuzu offers the D-Max with a standard five-year/125,000-mile warranty complete with UK/EU roadside assistance. The Volkswagen Amarok gets an identical length warranty period with 124,000 miles of coverage, while the Ford Ranger sits behind its rivals with only three years and 60,000 miles of coverage. 

Additionally, the D-Max’s turbocharged 1.9-litre diesel engine features a steel timing chain, which Isuzu says is better for durability and longevity and is part of the brand’s commitment to making their vehicles reliable. Compare this to the rival Ford and Volkswagen models which feature a wetbelt (a cambelt housed in oil) that is known to be a weak point that is very expensive to fix. The fact that Isuzu has kept their powertrain simple is another plus point for the D-Max. 

Verdict: A pickup that can really do it all

Want a rugged go-anywhere-and-do-anything pickup? Isuzu has nailed the brief completely. While it is true the D-Max is down on power compared to some rivals, it more than makes up for it with a strong dual capability consisting of copious amounts of rugged ability mixed with decent on-road manners that make it a usable and practical daily driver fulfilling the ‘do it all’ mantra.

Adding to its appeal is the extensive warranty and Isuzu’s commitment to making it reliable, along with the well-specced cabin that features usable rather than overwhelming tech, along with all of the niceties you’ll ever need.  

For the £40,800 starting price when equipped with the optional auto box (subject to 20% VAT), the D-Max V-Cross is a strong all-round performer that’s as equally capable as its direct rivals from Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

2026 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross test: full gallery

The post 2026 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross review: the true ‘do it all’ daily driver appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

The group’s own new year honours pay tribute to star cars, which have most impressed members, and the PR office stalwarts who go the extra mile.

Southern Group Happenings: November 2025

The SGMW annual awards, the first of the year, give group members the chance to recognise achievements in the world of motoring from manufacturers, PR teams and individuals.

Once again, we had a good turnout of members voting. Some classes were very close which added to the excitement as the votes came in and were counted.

SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “It’s been another action-packed, full-on year so choosing the winners is no mean feat. It’s our way of showing how much we appreciate all the efforts made by manufacturers and their hard-working teams.

”This is the ninth year we have run these awards and we are delighted they have gone from strength to strength and are seen as reward for being on the road to success. Everyone likes to see their hard work recognised and we appreciate the efforts of manufacturers and the PR teams and look forward to driving their exciting new models.”

The full results for the SGMW New Year Honours 2026, with some opinions from members, are:

BEST PR NEWCOMER – someone who made a special impact in liaising with the media during the past year and is either new to the industry PR scene or has taken on a new role/position.

Winner – Christian Tilbury (Renault UK)

“Christian has hit the ground running in what has been a busy time for Renault, launching Scenic, Symbioz, updated Captur and Austral, new 4 and 5, and preparing for the arrival of new Twingo and Clio in 2027. He impresses for doing what he says he is going to do, always replying to e-mails or phone calls and, more importantly, he’s a thoroughly decent and approachable guy.”

BEST PR OFFICE – awarded to the operation consistently delivering the best all-round or forward-thinking service to SGMW throughout the year.

Winner – Kia UK

“Once again the excellent team at Kia has excelled itself in ensuring members of the SGMW have comprehensive access to their cars, both new models and heritage.”

THE SGMW OBE (OPERATING BEYOND EXPECTATION) – for acting above and beyond the call of PR duty during the past year. It can be for consistent high performance, a memorable one-off effort or a thoughtful gesture towards one of our members caught in a bind.

Winner – Simon Branney (Genesis Motor UK, now Geely Auto UK)

“Simon Branney, for tirelessly being brilliant, making other people in the PR look as though they’ve been caught napping and being an excellent PR advocate.”

“Simon Branney for his exceptional support of the SGMW, notably at our Heritage Day but also in being a consistent supporter of the Karting GP (even though he can’t race for sticky toffee pudding!).”

‘DARK HORSE’ OF THE YEAR – a car that surprised SGMW members, either by its arrival or just how good it was.

Winner – Hyundai INSTER

“Fantastic attention to detail both inside and out, genuine fun to drive.”

“This small electric car packs a lot of space and appeal, making it a big contender in the EV market.”

ONE TO WATCH – the car that SGMW members most look forward to driving in the coming year.

Winner – Honda Super-N

“Honda is yet to find its feet in the EV world, but the Super-N is a loveable kei car that’s set to have a practical battery range as well as a sensible price.”

SGMW CAR OF THE YEAR

Winner – Renault 5 E-Tech

“Renault nailed the brief completely – fantastic retro styling, great tech and it drives very well like a supermini should – all at a competitive price.”

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD – to honour someone who has given extraordinary service to the automotive industry, a particular manufacturer or been a very special friend to SGMW.

Winner – Gary Cuthbert, Ford Motor Company

SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “I couldn’t think of a more deserving person for this year’s Chairman’s Award, having worked for Ford Motor Company for untold years and delivering a fabulous service to journalists when arranging press cars. Gary Cuthbert retired from Ford last May and is already greatly missed from our side of fence, and no doubt internally too. No doubt he has spent the summer in his motorhome without having to worry about work. Happy retirement Gary, and thanks so much for everything you did to keep the wheels turning.”

SGMW SOUTHERN STAR – for the group member who has done most for the organisation or its profile or done something praiseworthy or beyond the call of duty.

Winner – Ben Hodges

“Ben is consistently supportive at all levels, and proactive in advancing the SGMW’s goals.”

The post HAPPY START TO 2026 FOR SGMW NEW YEAR HONOURS WINNERS appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.