In March, Southern Group members drove a wide range of new models from the latest Chinese SUVs, updated supercars, EVs, and even a plug-in hybrid. Of all the things to drive in 2026. As well as some in-depth advice on the best small SUVs to buy.
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.
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.
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.
