As May came and went the Southern Group members remained as prolific as ever. Last month saw the group gather to raise money for charity with the annual SGMW Sue Baker Memorial Karting GP, along with the usual blend of car reviews, reveals, and varied social media posts.
Latest: Volvo XC90 V8 review: a V8-powered shrine to longevity
Read on for a round-up of the movements in the automotive industry and the highlights from our members.
SGMW Car Launch Watch:
May started with a distinct retro vibe with the announcement that a new Yugo is arriving. This welcome news was made even better by the reveal that it’ll be a manual. Other new car highlights include the latest Jeep Compass, an all new model that’s available with both hybrid and electric powertrains, with the latter capable of a lofty 403 miles.
The facelifted Skoda Enyaq vRS was also revealed, with the latest model getting a new face, and more power with 335bhp on tap. It also gets more range and is officially capable of 340 miles between charging stops.
Ford revealed a special version of the Capri created by Eric Cantona. No, we don’t understand it either. This special edition features a tribute to the former Leeds and Manchester United player’s infamous kung-fu kick at Crystal Palace in 1995 stitched into the headrests alongside his shirt number on the body work and some stripes. Thankfully, the model is a one-off, so you won’t be able to buy one.
Last but not least came the announcement that the new Renault Twingo, which has been reborn as an EV, will be coming to the UK. A move that will make small-car enthusiasts very happy. The even better news is that according to most outlets, it’ll cost around £17k when it goes on sale. Bargain if you ask us.
SGMW Test Drive Watch:
Top of the pile of last month’s winners was the Lotus Emeya, an electric super-saloon that is said to be a real rival to the Porsche Taycan. Elsewhere, the BYD Dolphin Surf, a new entry in the electric city car sector, was described as sophisticated despite its diminutive size. The final winners for May were the new Genesis GV70 Electrified, which won praise for its engaging drive thanks to its virtual gear shift setup, and the new Renault 4 EV, a car that’s described as being as good as the 5 EV, but with more space.
Languishing in the not really losing but not really winning section of last month’s reviews was the new Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid, which lost points for its ride and lack of efficiency, while it’s bigger hybrid brother, the 600, was also deemed to be good but not exactly ground-breaking by reviewers when it comes to the way it drives.
2025 SGMW Sue Baker Memorial Karting GP – a memorable thriller of a race
May also saw the SGMW gather for the annual Sue Baker Memorial Karting GP. This year, the group was raising money for Woman On The Move Against Cancer (WOMAC). A fantastic charity that raises funds for those affected by cancer.
The 2025 installment of the karting GP was a real thriller. With eight teams taking part, and plenty of late position changing and some brilliant racing. The Hyundai team took the honours in 1st place, with Honda in 2nd, and Kia making a late dash to finish 3rd.
You can read the full race report here.
SGMW print watch:
Diesel & EcoCar Magazine – June 2025 Issue 463
In what could be Diesel & Eco Car’s greenest issue yet, the new Citroën C5 Aircross is the cover star for issue 463.
It features all of the latest car news, including the new Lexus ES, the new Jeep Compass, the Audi A6 saloon, the Mercedes-Benz Vision V and the facelifted DS No4, and the full lowdown on the facelifted Subaru Solterra and its Trailseeker sister car.
While test drive highlights include first drives of the Audi A5 Avant TDI, Hyundai Inster and the BYD Sealion 7, to name just a few. If that isn’t enough, the used buyers guide for the new issue covers the Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi.
Buy issue 463 of Diesel & EcoCar magazine here
SGMW web watch:
Renault Rafale PHEV review: Plug-in, stand out – Phil Huff
With Renault churning out new SUVs like crazy in recent years, you’d be forgiven for not keeping up. Luckily, Phil Huff is here with a drive of the new Renault Rafale E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid to get you up to speed.
Test-Driving The 2025 Polestar 4—The Car With No Rear Window – Trinity Francis
Of all the new car trends, doing away with the rear window surely has to be a deal-breaker? Trinity Francis drives the new Polestar 4 to find out what it’s all about.
MGS5 EV review – Maxine Ashford
In the very packed electric SUV sector, does the new budget-friendly MGS5 EV have what it takes to stand out from the crowd? Maxine Ashford delivers her verdict.
Lotus Eletre S review: 2.5-tonne ‘hyper SUV’ brings amazing kit but leaves traditional Chapman values behind – Jim McGill
Does a 2.5-tonne electric SUV really deserve to wear the Lotus badge? Jim McGill has been driving the new Eletre SUV to find out.
SGMW social watch
Stu Bird confirms that the Opel Manta has a very attractive sounding nameplate. Not bad for an aging Cavalier coupe (his words, not ours).
Chris Rees finds the Ginetta and BMW collaboration we never knew we needed.
As it was for a landmark 70th birthday party in France, we can forgive Tim Pitt for taking the official ‘I’m travelling somewhere nice’ picture.
Continuing with French-related events, Shane Wilkinson takes the new Renault 5 for a spin and rather likes it.
