As 2025 continues at a frantic pace, the most romantic month of the year came and went. After months of subpar weather, there were signs of warmer weather and longer days, along with the usual variety of new car launches and first drives.

Last month, SGMW members continued to be their usual active selves, producing a wide array of content across the automotive spectrum, with a number of first drives, new videos, breaking news stories, and informative and sometimes amusing social posts. 

Car Launch Watch:

The new car reveals in February had a distinct flavour, varied.

Kia stole plenty of headlines with the new EV4, a rather svelte-looking electrified hatchback, the new EV2 concept, a smaller entry model, and the PV5 van – a model that will compete for sales against the VW ID. Buzz. 

Ford Capri 1.6L review: Go-Slow-In-A-Pinto

The Swedes, meanwhile, went off the beaten path, literally speaking, with the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country. A more rugged and lifted, off-road-capable version of the standard EX30.

In our usual ‘cars you cannot buy section,’ the single-seat Renault Filante Record 2025 was revealed. A model that is surely the brand’s most outrageous concept car yet, taking inspiration from the land speed record cars of the 1920s and 1950s. Back in the UK, McLaren finally revealed its new W1 Hypercar in production form. And no, you cannot buy one as it’s sold out. Hence its inclusion here.

The hot news out of Germany was that Audi has again changed its model naming structure. Sigh. This time the brand has promised it’s returning to more straightforward names based on size and segment. A-badged models are ‘low-floor,’ while Q-badged models are ‘high-floor.’ Then comes the model number that confirms the size, which is followed by whatever powers it – such as electricity, petrol, or diesel. The new A6 is the first to get the naming structure, meaning the rest of us will have to struggle to understand the current model line-up for a while yet.

Test Drive Watch:

Starting off with last month’s losers, the Nissan Ariya Nismo received a lukewarm reception from reviewers. This hot version of the brand’s flagship EV starts from £56,620 and was deemed to fall somewhat short on thrills compared to the sporty EV benchmark of the moment, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

Winners from last month include the Alpine A290 electric hot hatch which was branded as both fun and engaging to drive. Elsewhere, new SUVs, including the BYD Atto 2 and MINI Aceman, won respectable praise for being, well, respectably good, while the verdict on the updated BMW iX confirms that it’s still very good as long as you don’t look at it.

SGMW web watch:

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid 2025 review – Tim Pitt

For the new 992.2 generation, the 911 has now gone hybrid. But does the electric motor lessen its sporting appeal? Tim Pitt drives the new Carrera GTS to give his verdict. 

Read the Motoring Research review

Used Car Hunter: exciting, sporty but affordable cars for £17,000 – Shane Wilkinson

Want an exciting, sporty used car for a budget of around £17,000? Shane Wilkinson gives his take on what you should buy for Auto Express. 

Read the article on Auto Express

First look: Toyota Urban Cruiser is a sensible everyday electric SUV – Phil Huff

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is back! The new model shares its underpinnings with the Suzuki e-Vitara and comes with a choice of two motor and battery pack options. Phil Huff has a poke around the new model for Average Joes. 

Read the Average Joes article 

Mini Aceman test drive – Trinity Francis

The new all-electric MINI Aceman slots into the gap left by the Clubman, but is it a worthy replacement? Trinity Francis tests the new Aceman for The Car Expert website. 

Read The Car Expert review