Hatchback

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

Korean brand Hyundai is a rival to mainstream car makers such as Skoda, Toyota and Volkswagen. However, it's also increasingly taking on premium alternatives&nbsp;– particularly with its electric cars.

At the extremes of the Hyundai line-up you find the tiny i10 city car and the huge Ioniq 9 electric SUV. Meanwhile, other highlights of its line-up include two recent What Car? Awards winners: the seven-seat Santa fe SUV and the Ioniq 5 N hot hatch.

As a bonus, all Hyundais come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas many&nbsp;rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

BERLINGO CV

Electric

IONIQ 5

LEAF

RANGE ROVER

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Electric vehicle manufacturer Roam has launched its new Roam Rapid electric transit bus in Kenya, with the firm claiming it to be the first of its kind on the continent. The Swedish-African firm, previously known as Opibus, showcased <a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-world/made-africa-africa-electric-bus-designed-transform-continent">its first electric bus earlier this year and trialled the vehicle on the streets of Nairobi.</a> It uses Roam's own modular electric platform and is planned to launch in 2023. Roam <a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-motorbikes/roam-air-arrives-next-generation-electric-motorbike">recently launched the Roam Air</a>, its first electric motorbike which has been designed and developed for use in Africa.

This electric transit bus, which has been specifically designed for use in Nairobi and Africa, is equipped with a 384kWh battery, with the firm claiming an official range of up to 224 miles and a top speed of 44mph. It is also said to be able to charge fully in less than two hours through DC charging ports.

The bus has the capacity to carry 90 passengers and features a low-entry door to allow for easier access. Inside, Roam has added priority seats for the elderly and designated areas for wheelchair users. Through its electric vehicle production Roam says it is aiming to create “a new perception on public transport vehicles” by building efficient and sustainable forms of transport.

The Rapid bus will be assembled in Kenya with some parts of the vehicle being manufactured in the region. The firm also hopes that its after-sales service will create jobs in the area and “tackle the rising unemployment rate”. It also claims that costs can be lowered by up to 50%, with the ease of after-sales reducing down time, allowing for higher margins for the operators and lower costs for commuters.

“The solution Roam brings to the Kenyan market enables us to move people safely, comfortably and timely in both a sustainable and affordable way,” said Dennis Wakaba, project coordinator for Roam. “The bus is designed not only to increase comfort and lower cost but more importantly focuses on the well-being of the population through reduced noise pollution and eliminating local emissions, improving air quality for the cities across Africa.” <hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/">Read more Move Electric stories &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3>READ MORE</h3><h3>e-CARS</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-cars">E-cars news and reviews</a><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-cars/tesla-model-3-review">Tesla Model 3 review</a><h3>e-BIKES</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-bikes">E-bike reviews and news</a><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-bikes/e-bike-buyers-guide-2021">E-bike buyer's guide</a><h3>e-MOTORBIKES</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-motorbikes">E-motorbike reviews</a><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-motorbikes/best-electric-motorbikes-sale-now-and-ones-worth-waiting">Best electric motorbikes</a></h3><h3>e-SCOOTERS</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-scooters">E-scooter news and reviews</a><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-scooters/are-e-scooters-legal-uk">Are e-scooters legal in the UK?</a>

New Roam electric bus launched – Move Electric

v2g-home-charging-how-it-works-in-the-real-world

OVO Energy is helping us change the way we think about reducing our emissions through lower-impact home energy and e-mobility – whether it’s through <a href="https://www.ovoenergy.com/green-energy">100% renewable electricity*</a>, its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/all-your-e-bike-questions-answered/n24852">e-bike scheme</a> or creating more UK green spaces through its <a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-world/ovo-beyond-and-trees-next-step-sustainability">Tree Planting Promise</a>.Now OVO Energy is changing the way we connect to the grid with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. V2G is a unique way of using your electric car’s battery as part of a two-way home energy ecosystem – helping you reduce the cost of your energy bills, and helping the broader energy grid to more efficiently manage energy usage during peak hours.V2G may sound like something of a sci-fi future, but – working with partners Nissan, Indra, Cenex and Kaluza – OVO Energy has just conducted the world’s <a href="https://www.ovoenergy.com/electric-cars/vehicle-to-grid-charger/whats-next">largest trial of bi-directional technology</a>, to explore what it’s like to use in practice and live with every day. We sat down with Paul Kershaw – one of 320 participants in OVO Energy’s V2G trial – to find out how he found it.<a href="https://www.ovoenergy.com/electric-cars/vehicle-to-grid-charger">Learn more about OVO Energy’s V2G trial</a><h3>How V2G is different to standard home charging</h3>First, how does V2G work? Well, a typical home EV charger – which tops up your electric car using electricity from your home supply – is what the industry calls unidirectional (or one-way). With bi-directional (two-way) chargers, electricity can flow both ways, including from your electric car back to the grid.At peak times when energy demand is at its highest, our national energy grid is under a lot of pressure, making electricity more expensive and increasing the risk of power surges and blackouts. As the average UK car spends 96% of the time parked up – with 73% of that time at home – V2G provides the perfect chance to use what would otherwise be an idle battery sitting dormant on your driveway as an energy store and supply.The result: with an estimated 140-240 million EVs on the road globally by 2030**, we have the potential to harness a huge amount of energy with relatively minimal effort. A network of batteries waiting in the wings, ready to balance our grid at a moment’s notice.<hr />

<h3>How getting V2G installed is easier than you think</h3>Paul Kershaw, a self-proclaimed technology enthusiast is quick to explain his reasoning for getting involved in OVO Energy’s V2G trial. “I really liked the idea of it,” he explains. “I had a BMW i3, but I didn’t use it much, so I effectively had this great big battery sitting outside my house.”For the specialised chargers required for V2G to work in this trial, OVO Energy turned to Indra Renewable Technologies – the company responsible for producing the world’s first domestic bi-directional charging unit. Yet, despite the need for some subtle home modifications, the installation required minimal effort. “There wasn’t too much involved,” Paul explains. “Once I had the charger installed at my home by OVO Energy, and once I was set up on the Kaluza app – which monitors buying and selling energy with the grid – that was it!”<h3>What is V2G like to live with every day?</h3>That simple-to-use Kaluza app is the key to integrating V2G seamlessly into your everyday life. It calculates how much you use your electric car on a daily basis, and cleverly keeps your battery level above that figure. Crucially, it also ensures you can plan ahead flexibly for longer journeys, letting you override the settings to ensure you set off from home with the maximum charge at the lowest possible cost, and don’t have to rely on public charging.“The app made V2G so easy to use,” says Paul. “I don’t have to worry about it, which means a lot to me. It was just a matter of parking the car up, plugging it in, and leaving it. The app really takes care of everything.”“The minimum charge that I typically needed to use my car was very small – around 20% – so the app never took my battery lower than that. If I ever did need the car for more than the usual amount – if I was travelling a long distance to visit a friend as a one-off – I could use the ‘boost’ feature. The boost button overrides any of the grid settings and started charging my car right there and then.“I got an annual summary from the OVO Energy app, and it said I was “99.1% green” in my energy usage, as I only needed to use the boost function once. So, I almost never needed to demand extra energy from the grid. The car is like the beating heart to my house now, but I don’t notice it at all – it’s just in the background doing its job.<hr />

<h3>How can V2G help you cut your home energy bills?</h3>The key advantage to V2G is helping you to cut the costs of your home energy bills. By using energy from the grid to charge your car at the cheapest rates and tariffs (typically overnight) and then exporting it back to the grid when it’s needed at peak times during the day, you can effectively offset your bills. In fact, Paul was exporting more energy to the grid than he was using himself, meaning that by the time the summer came around (where he wasn’t using as much energy) he wasn’t having to pay anything in the way of home energy costs out of his pocket.“During the trial, I was exporting enough energy to cover all of my home's electricity and gas needs” says Paul. “Over the course of the year, I essentially offset my bills. I was buying energy at 30p, but when I sold it back to the grid, I was making 38p. Over the course of 12 months, that added up sufficiently. I was essentially moving my bills back to £0.”“I feel very lucky having signed on to the trial – especially considering what’s going on right now. But it isn’t just savings over the last few months. It feels good to know that I’m assisting the grid, as well as myself.”<hr />

<h3>The V2G trial: key takeaways</h3><h3>Now that OVO Energy's V2G trial has come to an end, we wanted to know whether this bi-directional charging technology has lived up to expectations. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the trial has led to more than just money back and – for Paul – a real sense of engagement in the importance of evolving how we charge our EVs and why it matters.</h3>“My experience has been overwhelmingly positive” he says. “I would definitely say OVO Energy’s V2G scheme has helped me focus on living a more sustainable lifestyle, without incurring stress about the costs of doing so. Being more green is a personal interest of mine, so emotionally, there has been a real feel-good impact.”“I loved the fact the scheme could help balance out the grid and future energy demands – it’s a very good solution to one of society’s problems. All the potential of the battery space being attached to the grid helps to smooth out peaks and troughs. It’s future thinking, and that’s why I’ve enjoyed it so much.”Despite OVO Energy’s V2G trial coming to an end, those like Paul who participated in the scheme continue to benefit from this technology, maximising on export rates to help offset their energy bills.<hr />*For all OVO Energy’s customers with a smart meter **<a href="https://www.virta.global/vehicle-to-grid-v2g">https://www.virta.global/vehicle-to-grid-v2g</a>

V2G home charging: how it works in the real world

Nissan

Leaf

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After more than 10 years on sale, Nissan's electric family hatchback has turned over a new Leaf – as a hearse. Based on a 62kWh <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a>, the conversion is the work of Wilcox Limousines, the British-based maker of funeral vehicles and limousines.The electric hearse can accommodate a driver and funeral 'conductor' in the front, with capacity for a payload of up to 230kg, including a seven-foot coffin, behind.

To construct the model, engineers removed the original Leaf's roof and pillars and replaced them with recycled carbon-fibre, styled by a specialist designer. The body was cut and extended by 80cm, the battery moved rearwards to optimise weight distribution and the vehicle's rear section stiffened and braced. Despite these modifications and being taller and longer, the Leaf hearse is only 3% heavier than the standard Leaf hatchback thanks, in large part, to the removal of the original car's two rear doors and rear seat. This puts the new model at odds with conventional hearses, which have five doors and four seats for additional funeral staff. Despite this, Louis Wilcox, grandson of company founder William Wilcox, said the new model had been well received by the country's major funeral companies who, he said: "are asking for a simpler and greener burial or cremation for loved ones."

The 40kWh test vehicle that we tried (production versions have the larger 62kWh battery) is remarkably well finished. And but for its high roof, large side windows and larger tailgate it could be a Leaf estate from Nissan, the design is that cohesive. Underway, performance is unaffected by the car's slight increase in weight, the Leaf pulling away with un-hearse-like enthusiasm. On our bumpy suburban test route and at gentle speeds it was comfortable and composed, while at higher speeds on country roads it cornered securely and predictably. The only sour note was a deep pothole that jarred it noticeably. Wilcox claims a maximum range of 210 miles for the 62kW version, only slightly less than the hatchback equivalent. Being electric, the Leaf hearse is, of course, quiet, but while this is an ideal attribute for such a vehicle, Wilcox admits that the Leaf's near-silence could also be a liability.

"The conductor, who walks ahead of the hearse in a funeral procession, needs to know where the vehicle is without turning around. With the Leaf, he could be half way along the road before he realises it hasn't moved. To avoid any confusion, we'll adapt the Leaf's reverse 'beeper' to alert them."At £109,950, the Leaf hearse is cheaper than Wilcox's larger and more traditional Jaguar XJ hearse conversion, which costs around £145,000. The company delivered its first Leaf hearse to Leverton &amp; Sons, the London-based funeral directors responsible for Royal funerals, in July. Meanwhile, it has orders from other funeral companies for 12 more, to be delivered over the next four months.Looking ahead to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/governments-2030-ban-on-the-sale-of-new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-under-fire-from-mps/n23064">2030 when the sale of petrol and diesel cars</a> and, in 2035, hybrids, is banned, Wilcox predicts challenging times for the conversion of electric funeral vehicles and, in particular, the eight-seat limousines the industry is used to.

"Vehicle payload is the issue. We're usually permitted to increase the official payload by up to 25%, but that includes the weight of the conversion as well as of additional passengers. Because they're heavy cars to begin with, electric cars have lower payload capacities than petrol or diesel ones, so the increase is barely enough to cover the additional passengers and modifications."So, expect traditional petrol-engined hearses and limousines to be a feature of funerals for a while yet, at least until electric vehicles become lighter. Now that would be turning over a new leaf.John Evans<hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/">Read more Move Electric stories &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3>READ MORE</h3><h3>e-CARS</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-cars">E-cars news and reviews</a><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-cars/tesla-model-3-review">Tesla Model 3 review</a><h3>e-BIKES</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-bikes">E-bike reviews and news</a><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-bikes/e-bike-buyers-guide-2021">E-bike buyer's guide</a><h3>e-MOTORBIKES</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-motorbikes">E-motorbike reviews</a><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-motorbikes/best-electric-motorbikes-sale-now-and-ones-worth-waiting">Best electric motorbikes</a></h3><h3>e-SCOOTERS</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-scooters">E-scooter news and reviews</a><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-scooters/are-e-scooters-legal-uk">Are e-scooters legal in the UK?</a><h2> </h2>

Meet the Nissan Leaf electric hearse – Move Electric

all-your-e-bike-questions-answered

The next time you ask someone for a simple way to lower your carbon footprint, and they tell you to: “Get on your bike”, don’t be offended. Opting for pedal power over the car, bus, tram or train is one of the easiest ways to reduce the impact of the journeys we make – especially in busy urban areas, where it seems as if we spend a lot of time creating a lot of carbon and emissions while not moving very fast at all. According to the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2021-02-02-get-your-bike-active-transport-makes-significant-impact-carbon-emissions">University of Oxford</a>, cycling every day can reduce the CO2 output of your daily transport by 84%. Equally, doing just one bike journey a day can reduce your annual carbon footprint by over 6 per cent. Cycling is also a great way of <a href="https://www.cyclinguk.org/campaigning/views-and-briefings/health-and-cycling">staying more physically healthy</a>, while also making a positive contribution to your mental health. So, imagine the benefit of doing even more trips on two wheels. That’s why OVO Energy is investing in <a href="https://www.nextbike.co.uk/en/glasgow/">an innovative pay-as-you-go bike-hire scheme</a> powered by nextbike that is changing the way people travel around Glasgow, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. As part of its mission to make home energy cheaper, simpler and greener, OVO Energy has always thought way beyond the 100% renewable electricity that it offers to all its customers, finding even more ways to help them cut their broader carbon impact. That includes <a href="https://www.ovoenergy.com/i-dig-trees">planting nearly two million carbon-reducing trees on behalf of its one million members</a>. So, helping people cycle more was perhaps the next logical step. Which is how we find ourselves heading to Glasgow to experience OVO Energy’s bikes for ourselves. <a href="https://www.nextbike.co.uk/en/cardiff/ovobikes/">Learn more about OVO Energy’s e-bike scheme</a><hr />

How OVO Energy is making bike hire easyOutside Glasgow Central, we meet nextbike Business Development Manager Leigh Richards, and set off to find our wheels – a process which proves incredibly easy. Using the simple and intuitive nextbike smartphone app, we quickly spot a bike station across the road – boasting a full rack of OVO Energy e-bikes and pedal bikes in their eye-catching bright-green livery, all ready for hire.With your debit or credit card synced to the app, paying for a bike and releasing it from its dock takes a matter of seconds. Simply choose the bike you want, use the app to scan its QR code, then select the corresponding bike on the app. That’s it.If you’re picking an e-bike, you’ll want to know how much charge is already available in its battery before you set off. Handily, you can check the percentage on all of the available bikes on the self-charging stands before you even get to the bike station. Then, once you’re standing next to the bike, you can also triple check its battery percentage using the clear, built-in indicator on the bike frame. A few taps of the app, followed by a satisfyingly mechanical clunk of the bike uncoupling, and we’re ready to begin our journey and start learning how OVO Energy’s e-bikes work. “It literally takes minutes to register with the nextbike app, find the nearest bike station, plan your route and get cycling”, Leigh says. “The app lets you see live locations of all the bikes throughout your city and availability at each station, and even check the amount of charge each e-bike has. It also has all your account details, how to share feedback, and how to reach customer service, too.”<hr />

What are OVO Energy’s e-bikes like to ride?With the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2030, Glasgow is the perfect location for OVO Energy and nextbike’s bike-hire scheme. In fact, since nextbike first started its bike-share scheme in 2014, Glaswegians have racked up an astounding 1.2 million rentals around the city, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and congestion while also keeping the population fit and healthy. It only takes a couple of minutes of riding to see just how easy OVO Energy’s e-bikes are to use. They’ve clearly been designed for anyone to grab, go, and get pedalling. Unlike some bike-share models available across the UK, the front forks on nextbike’s latest-generation e-bikes feel perfectly weighted. The electric assistance offered by the e-bike’s motor and battery is equally seamless – and incredibly welcoming. As a hilly sprawling city, Glasgow can be tiring to ride over long distances, meaning that a helping hand of battery power can open up cycling to even more users. Depending on which of the five gear ratios you’re in, the bike will provide an extra push of electrical assistance as you pedal away, taking the effort out of any journey.“The e-bikes are ‘pedal assist’, where the motor is activated by the rider pedalling,” Leigh explains. “You have assistance from the motor up to 15.5mph, helping to increase the range per charge. There are no new controls for riders to learn. You just get on and ride it like a normal bike. They flatten hills and get you to your destination quicker than most forms of transport.” Case proven, as we complete our first few miles, feeling almost as fresh as we did when we first climbed on.As we head west through Glasgow’s Victorian and art nouveau architecture, Leigh can see from our spirited cycling, that we’re getting the hang of the e-bikes quickly. “They’re super simple to use, right?” he says, smiling. “The perfect way to dip your toe into the world of electrified urban transport.”<hr />

What is the OVO Green Route and who is it designed for?One of our reasons for picking Glasgow to sample OVO Energy’s e-bikes is the Green Route. It is a carefully curated map of local eco-businesses that offer sustainable products and services to create a better, brighter, greener future. From restaurants and thrift shops, to cafes and even greengrocers, OVO Energy’s Green Route offers those unfamiliar with the city and with an interest in greener living, a chance to experience the eco life, all the while enjoying the wind in their helmet.“The Green Route was designed to help promote independent, like-minded, sustainably focused businesses throughout Glasgow,” Leigh explains. “Local initiatives like thrift stores and shops selling plant-based products promote a cleaner environment with less waste produced. For locals, we want to highlight the people and places that are actively on a mission to change for a cleaner way of life. For visitors to Glasgow, we hope to help them find these hidden gems that may be otherwise missed.”A quick mid-morning pitstop at Serenity Now – a plant-based cafe in Glasgow's West End, focusing on healthy vegan cuisine – provides the perfect opportunity to talk to Leigh about how the OVO Energy and nextbike partnership came to be. It also lets us sample how easy it is to hop on and off OVO Energy’s e-bikes, using the reassuring frame lock mechanism to secure the bike so they’re ready for your return.“OVO Energy’s focus on sustainability makes them a perfect match for us,” Leigh explains. “OVO Energy is not only committed to being a net-zero carbon business, but it’s also supporting its customers to reduce their emissions. In the same way, nextbike is committed to offering low-cost, sustainable travel to the public. “For customers who care about the environment, getting about on an e-bike and choosing a renewable energy provider are two positive steps they can take in their personal lives to reduce carbon emissions and improve their local environment.”We also ask why OVO Energy and nextbike have opted to focus on e-bikes and pedal bikes, rather than on one of the increasing number of government-approved e-scooter rental-scheme trials? “We think that bikes and e-bikes are the ideal option, especially for longer journeys,” says Leigh. “Our e-bikes have a rack for carrying luggage and let you sit in a comfortable position. E-bikes have a low barrier of entry for new users as well.” As the sun comes out and we remove our jackets, Leigh’s point becomes evidently clear – the handy built-in basket up-front – complete with cable ties – helps to ensure that our valuables don’t go flying out.<hr />

Green businesses large and smallA short ride up the Great Western Road brings us to the spectacular free-to-enter <a href="https://glasgowbotanicgardens.co.uk/">Glasgow Botanic Gardens</a>. With 9000 species of plants and over 20 hectares of landscaped grounds to explore, you’ll have more to see than time to spare, and we don’t waste a second – taking in the natural beauty as we walk through the park.As lunchtime beckons, we head to <a href="https://ubiquitouschip.co.uk/">Ubiquitous Chip</a> – another stop on OVO Energy’s Green Route. Tucked on the corner of Ashton Avenue, this enchanting eatery offers sophisticated Scottish grub in a traditional pub restaurant, come east-end greenhouse. After a morning of riding, we’re hungry to learn more about how e-bikes, in particular, help us reduce our impact on the world around us. “E-bikes are one of the lowest-carbon means of travel for most urban journeys,” Leigh explains. “More so shared e-bikes, which are utilised multiple times per day. They’re more accessible to users, offering a power assist to more casual riders who would otherwise potentially find it difficult to pedal up a hill or longer distances. They let you extend your commute and travel across cities to visit friends easily, producing carbon emissions of around one thirteenth of that of car travel.

“Commuting with an e-bike gets you to the office and home faster, meaning more time with the kids or an extra 20 minutes in bed in the morning. You can commute in regular clothes and arrive at your destination with more energy and vitality to take on the day. Plus, using active travel to get to work also incorporates exercise into your daily routine without taking up any extra time, which brings additional health benefits. What’s not to like?” Thanks to OVO Energy and nextbike’s flexible and cost-effective pricing, hiring a pedal bike or riding an e-bike doesn’t cost the earth, or empty your wallet. If you’re a local, you can pick a cost-effective monthly or annual membership which reduces the pay-as-you-go costs of pedal bike hire, and gives you up to 30 minutes of free usage per day. Or, you can choose to pay-as-you-go for as little as £1 for the first 30 minutes for a pedal bike, or £2 per 20 minutes on an e-bike.That makes e-bikes a fun, flexible and cost-effective alternative to most forms of public transport – whether you’re exploring the city or commuting. “You’d be surprised how much distance you can cover on an e-bike in that time,” says Leigh.Having only used 25 per cent of our e-bike’s battery, we put the power to the pedals and head safely back to Glasgow Central Station in record time. On the way, we pass the dramatic riverside OVO Hydro – OVO Energy’s brand-new multi-purpose indoor arena, which is not just the largest entertainment venue in Scotland, but is also the most sustainable, having recently become the first arena in the world to achieve a <a href="https://www.ovohydro.com/visitor-information/a-greener-arena">Greener Arena (AGA) certification</a>.<hr />

Returning the e-bikes is as easy as it was to hire them out. “Our e-bikes can be returned to any station around Glasgow, making it as convenient as possible for the regular user,” says Leigh. Simply slide the front wheel into one of OVO’s bike station docks or park next to the rack and press down on the frame lock behind the seat. An audible beep will confirm that your rental has ended. But, what if the racks are all full? Provided you’re in proximity of the bike station, you can simply pull the kick stand and push down the frame lock lever and end the rental session on the app. It’s that easy.In our short time with OVO Energy and nextbike’s latest generation of e-bike, it’s clear just how effective they are. “At OVO, we’re on a mission to zero carbon,” says OVO Energy Head of Partnership and Sponsorship, James Watts . “Our OVO bikes are part of our Plan Zero strategy to create a carbon free world, whether that's the transport we use or the way we power our homes.“Glasgow is a thriving city with so many fantastic, independent businesses who champion sustainable practices, which is why we wanted to highlight the good work they're doing through our OVO Bikes Green Route. Opting to travel around via bicycle, couldn’t be an easier and healthier way of discovering a city.” With a slick app, plenty of bike stations around the city and mind-blowing battery efficiency, the good that OVO Energy’s pedal bikes and e-bikes have on the environment is obvious. But, what is less obvious is just how much fun you’ll have exploring the city on two wheels. This really is the future of public transport, realised today, and a glorious gateway into a whole new world of e-mobility. <a href="https://company.ovo.com/reduce-re-use-recycle-ovo-energy-launches-green-route-bike-tour-of-eco-friendly-stores/#:~:text=To%20celebrate%20the%20launch%20of,30%20minutes%20per%20bike**.">Find out more about the OVO Energy Green Route </a>

All your e-bike questions, answered 

how-alexander-dennis-is-leading-the-uks-electric-bus-charge-–-move-electric

The Government's pledge to provide almost £200 million of funding to introduce zero-emission buses has started to take effect, with bus manufacturers working on new ways they can introduce zero-emissions mobility. The cash injection, which is part of a £3 billion National Bus Strategy to improve bus services, builds on a Government promise made in 2020 to fund 4000 electric buses across the country and to end the sale of new, non-electric buses by 2032.

Twelve areas in England, from Greater Manchester to Portsmouth, will receive grants from the multi-million-pound package for electric or hydrogen-powered buses, as well as charging or fuelling infrastructure. Coventry has been officially branded the UK's first All-Electric Bus City and has plans to run up to 300 zero-emission buses. Elsewhere, London already boasts more than 650 zero-emission buses, while Mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to convert the whole fleet to electric by 2034. Remarkably, the capital introduced its first fleet of all-electric buses less than six years ago.Key to its rapid take-up of the vehicles has been the joint venture between BYD UK, a China-based electric technology and battery company, and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), a subsidiary of NFI Group, one of the world's leading independent global bus manufacturers. In June 2021 the pair were the recipient of the UK's biggest electric bus deal, placed by London bus operator RATP Dev London. Almost 200 BYD ADL Enviro200EV single-deck and Enviro400EV double-deck vehicles were ordered and all have since been delivered.

If the name Alexander Dennis seems familiar to you, that's because the Dennis part of the company has been making vehicles since 1895. It was originally based in Guildford, Surrey, and by 1904 the company was building commercial vehicles. By the 1920s, the sector had expanded to include bus manufacturers Plaxton in Scarborough and Alexander in Falkirk. Fast forward to 2000 and Plaxton and Dennis merged to form TransBus. Four years later the new company collapsed but was promptly saved by a Scottish consortium that brought Alexander, Dennis and Plaxton together to form the Alexander Dennis brand. By 2007, it was building buses in China and Canada as well as in the UK and the following year launched its first hybrid buses. In 2019 Alexander Dennis was bought by NFI Group, a bus manufacturer headquartered in Canada and which claims to have 14 production facilities in North America and the UK capable of manufacturing up to 8000 zero-emission buses, or ZEBs for short, each year.

Alexander Dennis (ADL) production is now centred on Falkirk and Scarborough (where it builds Plaxton coaches), with an engineering hub in Farnborough. In January 2021, the company brought production of its electric chassis in-house to Falkirk, having previously contracted out the work to BYD in China. The move means ADL has the capacity to build up to 1500 ZEBs each year.That's ADL's story so far but for its customers and fans of electric buses in general, it's what's coming next from the UK's leading ZEB manufacturer that matters most. To find out, Move Electric spoke to Paul Davies, ADL's president and managing director.

What is your vision?"We’re never standing still and have been delivering market-leading electric buses for close to six years. Now it’s time to take the next steps in our zero emissions journey. We firmly believe in continuing to work with bus operators to shape the evolution to zero-emission mobility; leading the 'ZEvolution', as we call it."How will you do that?"One key way is through our recent appointment of Chris Gall as Group Engineering Director who will lead this transition. Chris joined us last year from Jaguar Land Rover after an extensive career in the global automotive industry."The number of local bus passenger journeys in England fell by 2.5 billion to 1.57 billion in the year ending March 2021, admittedly much of it due to Covid. Is the Government's National Bus Strategy for England, published in March 2021, giving you the roadmap for the bounceback the industry craves?  "It sets out a bold vision that has been warmly welcomed by bus manufacturers as well as the wider bus industry."However, we are concerned about the lag between announcement and deployment; this needs to be much shorter for the benefit of bus users, city dwellers and all involved in the manufacturing of zero-emission buses."It is now vital to deliver on this vision and ensure its benefits are immediately felt in our communities, by ensuring there is sufficient funding and visibility of future phases planned, and that initiatives can deliver without undue delay."

ADL recently won orders for 137 ZEBs funded by the Scottish Government as part of Phase 1 of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB). Is this the kind of commitment you’d like to see replicated across the UK?"ScotZEB is a good example of how funding can bear fruit quickly for operators, passengers and the manufacturing industry requiring, as it does, operators to select manufacturers ahead of bidding and place orders within a short timeframe following the award of funding."We need a steady flow of orders, not a promise of a tidal wave. Funding programmes help us to plan our capacity, supply chain and people, rather than just react."ADL offers a mix of different fuel types. Why not just concentrate on electric?"There is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to driveline technology, as operational requirements can differ widely."We have been the market leader for new buses in the UK for many years; something we have only been able to achieve by giving our customers what they need. However, we are seeing a steady growth of zero-emission technologies, with electric buses now accounting for approximately 40% of our volume."In addition to battery electric buses, we’ve added hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to our offering to allow customers yet another choice to reduce their carbon footprint. The technology is proven, reliable and highly effective in the right conditions."

What more can be done to stimulate bus travel?"Modern, attractive and green buses are essential to offer passengers a journey experience that will tempt them out of cars. As the National Bus Strategy rightly recognises, journey times are another key factor in making bus travel attractive, as well as keeping operational costs down."Extensive bus priority measures will be key to delivering this and will unlock a virtuous cycle of increasing patronage that grows revenue, which can be reinvested in even cleaner and more attractive buses."<hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/">Read more Move Electric stories &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3>READ MORE</h3><h3>e-CARS</h3><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-cars">E-cars news and reviews</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-cars/tesla-model-3-review">Tesla Model 3 review</a></h3><h3>e-BIKES</h3><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-bikes">E-bike reviews and news</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-bikes/e-bike-buyers-guide-2021">E-bike buyer's guide</a></h3><h3>e-MOTORBIKES</h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-motorbikes">E-motorbike reviews</a><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-motorbikes/best-electric-motorbikes-sale-now-and-ones-worth-waiting">Best electric motorbikes</a></h3><h3>e-SCOOTERS</h3><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/category/e-scooters">E-scooter news and reviews</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/e-scooters/are-e-scooters-legal-uk">Are e-scooters legal in the UK</a>?</h3>

How Alexander Dennis is leading the UK's electric bus charge – Move Electric 

Move Electric

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

<h2>What we're looking for </h2><ul><li>Generous enough real-world range to fit most lifestyles</li> <li>Plenty of charging options and quick top-up times </li> <li>Usable space and strong practicality</li> <li>Comfortable ride that isn’t hindered by a heavy battery</li></ul>

With so many electric cars now on offer, we've split the smaller models from the larger ones to ensure that we're able to compare direct rivals.

As well as being adept at coping with city life, small electric cars need to be roomy enough for a couple of adults and able to drive a decent amount of miles between charges.&nbsp;

There are some great small electric cars to choose from. The affordable Seat Mii Electric proves you don't have to have break the bank to go green, the Renault Zoe has been improved in every area, making it a great small EV prospect, and the Kia e-Niro was named our overall 2019 Car of the Year.

Small Electric

<h2>What we're looking for </h2><ul><li>Long range and ultra-fast charging capability</li> <li>Luxurious and comfortable interior</li> <li>Smooth ride and capable handling</li> <li>Lots of high-tech driver aids</li> <li>Strong performance and great refinement</li></ul>

Large Electric

Electric Van

What Car? sister channel Move Electric explores and advises on electric mobility in all its forms

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

Abarth

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

Alfa Romeo

Alpine (pronounced 'Al-peen') only makes one model, but if you’re in the market for a sports car, this French brand is worthy of your attention.

Its A110 is one of the best-handling cars on sale today. And while it’s not especially powerful, it’s still properly quick, thanks to its low weight.

The looks and character of today’s A110 were inspired by a legendary namesake that won the first ever World Rally Championship back in 1973. But the new car is undoubtedly a worthy successor.

Alpine

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

Audi

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

Citroen

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

Dacia

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

DS AUTOMOBILES

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

Fiat

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

Ford

Geely

Genesis

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

Honda

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

Hyundai

Iveco

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

Jeep

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

Leapmotor

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

Lexus

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

Lotus

MAXUS

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

Mazda

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

Mercedes-Benz

One of the most famous names on British roads, MG is owned by Chinese firm SAIC these days and it's slowly beginning to rebuild its model line-up. At present, just two cars are offered: the MG 6, which aims to match cars like the Skoda Octavia on space while beating them on price, and the Ford Fiesta-rivalling MG 3. Both cars look good value for money, but resale values have been an issue, as well as cabin quality and the tax bills created by relatively high CO2 emissions. Things could improve with the arrival of the GS, a Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV that will bring a new transmission and new turbocharged petrol engines, as well as a revised diesel motor. It's scheduled to go on sale in 2016 - although it wouldn't be the first MG to have been delayed during the brand's rebirth.

Owned by Chinese giants Chery, the Omoda brand arrived in the UK in 2024, and is intended to appeal to a young audience by offering distinctive designs and lots of in-car tech for affordable prices.

Its first UK car, the Omoda 5, is a family SUV that's available in petrol and electric forms (the latter is badged E5). However, there will also be smaller and larger Omoda models.

Hopefully, these will&nbsp;improve on the 5, which is let down by a fidgety ride and disappointing practicality.

&nbsp;

Omoda

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

Peugeot

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

Polestar

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

Porsche

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

Renault

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

Rolls-Royce

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Skoda

Skywell

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

Smart

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

Subaru

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

Suzuki

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

Tesla

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

Toyota

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

Vauxhall

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

Volkswagen

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

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