Welcome to the latest edition of the Southern Group of Motoring Writers (SGMW) Happenings. Here you’ll find the SGMW members’ latest ramblings that may involve test driving new cars and bikes, some armed police, and a birthday party for a car brand.
Without further delay, these are the highlights from SGMW members from April 2025.
SGMW car launch watch
We start off with a new addition to the ‘cars you cannot buy’ list with the new Mercedes G-Class ‘Edition Stronger than the 1980s’. Although it’s technically new, this very special G-Wagon is a retro-styled throwback to the classic and indestructible models of four decades ago. Cost? Well, here’s the sore point, as all of this 1980s greatness will set you back a cool £152,815. The even bigger pain point is that only 460 will be built. And of course we want one.
The new Audi A6 saloon was also revealed last month. The new model gets the brand’s latest design language and will go head-to-head with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. Here’s to hoping buyers opt for this svelte-looking saloon over the typical SUV choice.
Lastly, Honda showed the world a glimpse of their future last month with a trio of reveals. First up was the welcome return of the Prelude nameplate, a new coupe model that’ll get the brand’s new S Shift technology. The radical-looking Honda 0 SUV and 0 Saloon also made their debut. Both are slated to start production in 2026, and both prototypes feature long striking rooflines and angular rear quarter styling setting them apart from other electric rivals. A design that gives the 0 models a quirky-looking side silhouette.
Lastly, we have to give Smart a special mention. You remember Smart, the Mercedes offshoot that used to make tiny city cars? Well, those days are long gone. As the new Smart #5 Brabus has arrived with 637bhp. No, that’s not a misprint either – this new Brabus-tuned electric SUV is the brand’s largest and most powerful model to date.
SGMW test drive watch
Several new models got their first drives on UK roads last month, including the refreshed Volvo XC90. Which is still rather good even after nine years on sale. Reviewers were also full of praise for the Vauxhall Grandland Electric, Renault Rafale Hybrid, and the new BMW M5 Touring.
In slightly odd car reviews, the 2025 Citroën Holidays campervan was praised for being keenly priced compared to the more expensive VW California.
In the perhaps not as good as we’d hoped section, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX is proof that more power doesn’t mean better as reviewers found it less than thrilling to drive. The BYD Sealion 7 lost points from motoring hacks for not being as good to drive as its direct rivals. Lastly, there was the Nissan Ariya Nismo, a model that reviewers said failed to live up to the iconic badge attached to it. Ouch indeed.
SGMW web watch:
Armed police, avalanches and 40cm of snow – inside our 3,750-mile Arctic drive powered by sustainable fuel – Jim McGill
Have you ever gone on a road trip and wondered if you should have stayed at home? Well, Jim McGill might have felt that way during a 3,750-mile Arctic drive where he encountered 40cm of snow, avalanches, and some armed police.
Test ride: Heightened sense of adventure – Royal Enfield Himalayan – Andy Russell
Andy Russell switches to two wheels for his latest review and to find his sense of adventure with a test ride of the new Royal Enfield Himalayan for Orwell Motorcycles.
Car Deal of the Day: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake offers real luxury for less than £265 a month – Ben Hodges
Want a stylish-looking rear-wheel-drive estate car that’s not a BMW or a Mercedes? Ben Hodges confirms his pick for the Auto Express deal of the day.
Test-Driving The 2025 Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid System SUV – Trinity Francis
Last month, Trinity Francis tested something of a rarity in 2025, a new hybrid! And not just any hybrid, the new 2025 Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid System SUV.
SGMW social watch
In ‘having a hard day’ news, Chris Rees is forced to put in the hours driving a 505hp Alfa 4C race car with a manual gearbox. Our heart bleeds for him.
At a cars & coffee event, Ben Hodges finally makes a friend in his new (to him) Audi TT Roadster.
Tim Pitt gets behind the wheel of the last ever Ford Focus ST for City AM.
In 70th birthday news, Peter Nunn shares some highlights of Alpine’s birthday party at the Goodwood Members Meeting.
