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. 

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

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A post shared by Tim Pitt (@timpitt100)

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

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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.

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.