Phew, assuming you haven’t melted, welcome to the June 2026 roundup of all things Southern Group. While the Great British summer is busy doing its best impression of a fan oven, the SGMW’s members haven’t slowed down for a second. In fact, despite the blistering heat, our membership was busy cranking plenty of new content last month.
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.
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.
