Welcome to the latest edition of the Southern Group happenings, the monthly round-up of the latest content created by our members in September 2025.
Last month, the SGMW members were their typical busy selves, cranking out the usual mix of reviews, including first drives of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the electric Nissan Micra, as well as an in-depth feature on car parks.
2025 Southern Group Heritage Day: Big trucks, police cars, and classic drives
Here, you’ll find a round-up of the latest goings-on in the automotive industry, along with a selection of highlights from the latest content produced by SGMW members across the web and in print, as well as a selection of social media posts. To find out more about our members and the content they produce, the full list can be viewed here.
Read on for the highlights created by SGMW members in September 2025.
SGMW car launch watch:
September started funky with the reveal of the GWM Ora Cat SUV, a model aiming to steal sales away from the Ford Puma Gen-E with retro-inspired design and a 201bhp electric powertrain.
At the other end of the car spectrum, Analogue Automotive VHPK revealed their take on the Lotus Elise S1. How does a 600kg kerbweight, central steering wheel, and 250bhp sound? Yep, we agree it sounds magnificent.
Elsewhere, the ‘cars you can never have list’ got a bit longer last month with the arrival of the new Ferrari 849 Testarossa. A 1,035bhp twin-V8 plug-in hybrid supercar with the looks to match the vast power figure that we think is worthy of the hallowed Testarossa nameplate.
Finally, the other notable highlights from last month included the Renault 4 E-Tech electric van, and the Dacia Duster Pick-Up and Cargo models – because quirky vans based on SUVs are practical. Proof that small commercial vehicles still have a place in 2025.
SGMW test drive watch:
The winners from last month’s test drives started with the new BYD Seal 6, a PHEV estate that scored highly for its practicality and efficiency. Who would’ve thought that we’d see a new family car in 2025 that isn’t an electric SUV? Not us for sure.
Other winners from last month included the facelifted Honda Civic, which received strong reviews, having benefited from a bunch of subtle tweaks. The new Kia EV4 hatchback also won strong scores from many reviewers thanks to its striking looks, superb refinement, and spacious interior.
Other winners included the new all-electric Nissan Micra, a model that has utilised the Renault 5’s underpinnings to good effect, according to critics. The KGM Musso EV pick-up also scored well last month, being described as the most convincing effort to date in the electric pick-up sector.
At the other end of the review scale, we have a solitary loser for you with the Changan Deepal S07. A model that received middling review scores while being branded a ‘Teslawannabe’. Oh dear.
SGMW web watch:
Hyundai Ioniq 9 review – Maxine Ashford
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the brand’s biggest SUV yet, but is this new three-row SUV good enough to succeed in the large family car sector? Maxine Ashford delivers her verdict for Regit.
Britain’s best car parks: the mega multi-storeys it’s a pleasure to park in – Shane Wilkinson
If you’ve never given much thought to car parks, then you’re probably not alone. However, the choice of where you park your pride and joy is an important one, according to Shane Wilkinson, who runs through the very best car parks in Britain for Auto Express.
Porsche 930 Turbo 3.3 buyer’s guide – Tim Pitt
The Porsche 930 Turbo 3.3 became an instant icon upon its debut in 1974, with performance figures closely matching rival Ferrari and Lamborghini models of the era. Tim Pitt runs through everything you need to know about the 930 Turbo with his in-depth buyer’s guide for 9Werks.
Nissan Micra first drive review: Not reinvented, but just right – Phil Huff
The Nissan Micra has been reinvented for the electric era with the latest model, which packs an electric powertrain and underpinnings shared with the Renault 5 EV. But is the latest evolution of the Micra enough for it to succeed? Phil Huff puts the new model to the test for Average Joes.
SGMW print watch:
Diesel&EcoCar – Issue 467 – October 2025
SGMW Chairman Ian Robertson helms the October 2025 issue of Diesel&EcoCar, which features the first pictures of the new BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC – reveals of the Polestar 5, Audi Q3 Sportback, and Peugeot’s updated 308 – and full details of this month’s cover star, the new Renault Clio.
There’s also the Diesel Top 50 countdown, featuring all of the best diesel cars on sale in 2025, a used buyer’s guide on the Honda Civic e:HEV, and reviews of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, the BYD Atto 2, and the brand-new Nissan Micra, to name just a few.
Buy Diesel&EcoCar Issue 467 here
SGMW social watch:
Tim Pitt tests the very blue and lightly facelifted Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, which now gets 370 miles of range from a 105kWh Performance Battery Plus unit. Of course, it’s still very much a looker, judging by these pics.
Chris Rees makes us all jealous by getting behind the wheel of the rather lovely Alfa Romeo Tipo 33. Cor blimey.
In artwork news, Peter Nunn shares the genius design work of Flaminio Bertoni. Pretty isn’t it.
In a rare ‘motoring journo on holiday lifestyle’ picture, Shane Wilkinson reports that the Mazda CX-30 gets along just fine with the local wildlife.
