BEAUTY

Most of us are looking for a small cosmetic upgrade after lockdown, be it an inch or so off after an influx of comfort food, a haircut or a piece of clothing that doesn’t have an elastic waist. Well, with the arrival of a new Astrid & Miyu shop in Notting Hill, we’re stepping it up a notch; alongside very covetable chunky hoops, dainty anklets and mix-and-match necklaces, the superlatively stylish, box-fresh shop offers tattoo and piercing services alongside a unique welded-bracelet offering. With our heads turned by their gem-encrusted – not too heavy-duty – barbells and stackable rings and cuffs, we decided to visit for a tragus piercing and to check out the beautiful new space.

If you feel a little apprehensive at the thought of needles piercing your skin or making a permanent modification to your body, be sure to book in here; because from the dried flower displays around the doorframe, to the blush-hued interiors, to the model-beautiful yet immensely welcoming staff, it’s a place where you feel immediately at ease. Astrid & Miyu clearly have a good sense of their clientele – those looking for dinky tattoos of planets, stars or zodiac signs rather than full-back pieces or flirtily curated ear candy rather than subdermal implants – and they’ve created a safe, laidback space for those who might be intimidated by a more hardcore studio.

My experience was seamless and thankfully pain-free – and Covid safe throughout. I filled out the standard safety forms in a cosy waiting area with a neon light, plants and velvet couches, then went into the coolly decked out studio, sat in the chair, turned my head to one side and within less than five minutes I was the proud possessor of some glamorous new ear-gear. At the time of writing it’s healing incredibly well with the odd spritz from a saline solution. I would happily return to accoutre more cartilage or get some cute permanent markings. And, if you’re not quite ready to make such a commitment, the store’s welded bracelets – certainly the first I’ve seen in London – are an excellent alternative. This hot new take on the BFF bracelet is a claspless gold chain secured onto your wrist by an experienced jeweller; the result is something tasteful and timeless which can easily be snipped off with scissors should your bracelet buddy fall out of favour. It’s just one of the innovations the brand has in plan.

We chatted with founder Connie Nam, who moved from a role in finance in Hong Kong to conceiving a jewellery business around her kitchen table in Notting Hill (this outpost is something of a homecoming for her). Inspired by the more inviting, accessible jewellery stores of Seoul, where pieces weren’t imprisoned behind glass and you could see artisans at work, Nam has adopted a more holistic method of shopping and an altruistic approach throughout the brand. go, and the brand have been impressively giving during lockdown: all their profits for May and June 2020 were donated to the Rainbow Collection to aid domestic-violence survivors; they partnered with Med Supply Drive to supply PPE; delivered sanitary products to NHS workers; gave key workers a 30 per cent discount; sewed masks; and provided free business advice for small brands. Plus, they supported LGBT+ charity Just Like Us during Pride; started a three-month mentorship programme which has helped alcohol brand Collagin, accessory and lifestyle brand Sun & Day and work-bag business AMZA; and Nam personally forwent her salary for three months to provide grants for black-owned businesses. If sustainability is your concern, then it’s Astrid & Miyu’s too – an innovative 3D-printing service they’re developing cuts down on their carbon footprint and allows them to customise pieces to clients’ tastes. Frankly, we’re happy to put our money – and our ears – into their hands; Notting Hill residents’ lives just got a little sparklier. For bookings and to purchase pieces visit www.astridandmiyu.com.

‘Languishing’ is creeping into the lexicon of Covid-related terms as we inch out of lockdown and back into our lives – it’s the ‘meh’ sensation of recalibrating your life after a traumatic year, and the other day I felt it quite strongly after a difficult few months. Trying to jump-start yourself out of a malaise like this isn’t easy, but I can show you a good place to start: Shane Cooper’s beautiful Kensington clinic. Now that we can tentatively be beautified in safe, PPE-protected surrounds, those longing for haircuts and some full-on pampering have swooped in to nab appointments; and while we can’t claim Shane’s fountain-of-youth facials to be wholly evocative of ‘the lipstick effect’ (this level of bespoke luxurious self care costs a couple of hundred at the least), we can tell you – emphatically – that you will leave with the freshest, glowiest of visages and feeling somewhat lifted from any post-lockdown funk.

On arriving at the hush-hush clinic – a non-descript door on Cromwell Road, that nicely aligns with Shane’s one-toe-in-thespotlight approach – I do wonder what kind of facial upgrades to expect. My usual experience is to lie back, have some delicious balm rubbed and scrubbed into my face then relax with a hot cucumber-y towel over my eyes as Enya-esque music plays – but here I’m in for an altogether more serious, yet indulgent and soothing treatment. Any concerns are soon alleviated on meeting the chatty, warm and welcoming Shane, whose workspace is hung with hip artwork, dressed with stylish furnishings and feels professional yet reassuringly far from anything too white and clinical.

Spice Girls play in the background and Shane gets to work on his Exclusive Facial Treatment – one of his most popular, also used as a pre-red-carpet booster by many a celeb (Maya Jama, Vicky McClure, Lily Allen, Rita Ora and many more can attest to his magical skin-brightening powers). He’s keenly aware of how diverse skin types can be and as such, he’s much sought after for his ability to tailor treatments to the client, so I’m confident that he can quench and enliven my dry, psoriasis-troubled face.

We kick off with some radio-frequency exfoliating to prime the epidermis and slough off any unwanted flaky bits, tighten things up and boost collagen. Then we move on to micro-currents to give the muscles a nudge back into shape – they’re tamed using plastic wands with a small electrical current (not as scary as it sounds, honestly), and I can already feel mine leaping to attention as he works. It’s a therapy used on stroke patients that’s made the crossover to beautifying and appears to be equally adept at aiding both. Next up, dermablading to a marble smoothness that I haven’t felt for a while, having been too timid to wax at home – it’s immensely satisfying to feel those hardto-tweeze hairs and dull patches of skin be scraped away to be reborn with a more literal radiant outlook.

Then a cooling oxygenating mask infused with hyaluronic acid and rose water for a dreamy scent is laid over my face as I’m treated to a mini rave under Shane’s LED light machine (another gentle encouragement to my collagen). It also bestows some much needed hydration on my ‘dehydrated due to being back in the pub again’ face. Throughout Shane tells me about how he started, helping his mother with anti-aging treatments in Essex and giving me the lowdown on his ascendence to a top-of-the-field therapist and his interest in emergent technologies, with some enjoyable conversational diversions into Nineties pop music and our desired travelling spots once things are ‘back to normal’. The coup de grâce for any troublesome skin is a blast on Shane’s cryotherapy gun, which caused some consternation with its beeping countdown, but proved to be a refreshing digestif. Then there’s ‘the reveal’ – and there I am, indeed looking younger and more revitalised then I’ve felt in months. I’ll admit that I had some skepticism about the efficacy of facials that come with a hefty price tag and involve methods that may seem torturous to the uninitiated, but what’s a few hundred pounds when you look like a million bucks? And, I’ve been converted to the ways of serious beauticians after such a pain-free – indeed, very laidback – experience. But, what matters even more is the psychological difference – I’ve gone from colourless languishing to thriving and feeling very human again in the space of an hour, which is honestly something that’s hard to put a price on. Now, the bad news: Shane’s diary is chock-ablock; but, if you’re jonesing for a refresh, he’s releasing his own line of personally approved pick-me-ups in the form of firming creams, serums and masks that will tide you over until you get an appointment – and if lockdown’s left you desperate to do so, we highly recommend you try to secure his next free spot.

Shane Cooper skincare clinic, 85 Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BW For products and to book visit www.shanecooperuk.com, or email info@shanecooperuk.com.

As a qualified and experienced aromatherapist, using essential oils are an integral part of my daily routine. It’s quite incredible how just inhaling a few drops can make a hugely positive difference to our state of mind and wellbeing.

Lavender is a great choice, of course, to lift your mood, and relax and calm the mind, but also zesty mandarin, soft and feminine rose geranium, rich and herbal clary sage, light and lemony rose otto and heady and exotic ylang-ylang, frangipani and tuberose. These latter three will transport you to a tropical island paradise in an instant, and are lovely blended with a little sweet-almond oil and dabbed on your wrists when you just need a pick-me-up on a particularly stressful day. As with all pure essential oils, do use sparingly, and, unless you are confident you are not sensitive to having them on your skin, always use heavily diluted in a carrier oil. Only purchase from reputable suppliers – believe me, those packs you see on Amazon are generally of very poor quality and are often diluted already.

My recommended suppliers are Quinessence Aromatherpy (www.quinessence.com), Tisserand (www.tisserand.com), Neal’s Yard Remedies (www.nealsyardremedies.com) and Amphora Aromatics Ltd (www.amphora-aromatics.com ). Tisserand offers some excellent diffusers too – try the elegant Aroma Spa Diffuser which cleverly uses ultrasonic aroma technology instead of a candle to create an incredibly fine vapour which quickly fills any room with your chosen oils. It also uses chromotherapy through gentle variations of soft coloured light. You can add a few drops of essential oils into a hot bath too, or on to a tissue you keep near your pillow at night. Popping a few drops into a carrier oil and using on your legs and arms as a daily moisturiser is highly effective also.

If you are a little unsure of creating your own aromatherapy blends there are plenty of pre-prepared products available from each of these companies too. And you don’t have to buy actual essential oils to benefit from their calming and healing properties, some skincare products feature these as their primary

ingredients. Some of my favourite products worth seeking out include: Tisserand’s excellent ranges such as the Total De-Stress Collection and Sleep Better range. Lily & Loaf (https://lilyandloafinternational.com) and Nourish London (https://nourishskinrange.com) both offer high-quality, beautifully fragranced essential oil blends and aromatherapy products.

Artisanal brand Africology (https://uk.africologyspa.com) offers a wonderfully scented Rose Absolute Serum which is gorgeous and effective to use. Another product I’ve used daily for months now and sadly am on my very last drop is the delicately scented Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex from the Organic Pharmacy (www.theorganicpharmacy.com), who also do an ultra-luxurious Rose Diamond Face Cream. And one of my favourite skin-care brands Zoetic (www.zoetic.com) has a lovely range of creams with CBD and fragrances of exotic delights such as lemongrass and ylang-ylang. taste most have. Try a relaxing tea before bedtime too. Passion Flower Tea from Naturboutique (https://naturboutique.co.uk) tastes great and works well.

Finally, consider using silk eye masks to block out the light – particularly if you live in the city and are disturbed by street lamps. And treat yourself to a silk pillowcase – which not only is incredibly soft and cool to rest on, but helps keep your hair and skin smooth too. My favourites are from This is Silk (https://thisissilk.com) and UNCU (www.uncu.london).

It’s worth investing in some of these lovely products and creating a daily ritual where you can be still and centred and find the calm, confident and balanced you once more.

In addition to using aromatherapy to relax, do consider CBD oil drops – excellent brands include Pure Sport (https://puresportcbd.com), Cannaray (https://cannaray.co.uk), Life Spark (https://lifesparkcbd.co.uk), Cannadox (www.cannadoxshop. com), and one I’m enjoying currently is Blood-Orange CBD drops from Thrive (www.wethriveofficial.com) – these taste amazing, with none of the sometimes harsh, sharp, nettle-like

This is a wonderfully indulgent and highly effective new collection from one of the world’s best skincare brands. The Pure Gold Diffusion System is designed to provide immediate radiance and sustained delivery of key replenishing ingredients to help compensate for a loss of receptiveness of the skin. This results in a more even skin tone, smoother and finer skin texture and a luminous glow. Treat yourself to all or some of the products from the range, comprising a Radiance Concentrate Serum, Radiance Cream and Radiance Eye Cream. They really are a delight to use. www.laprairie.com

This new innovative gadget delivers ingredients directly to pores without the need of unnecessary filler. The device works with accompanying Skinpods by using magnetic misting, which gently amplifies the infusion and delivery of actives into the skin, while ultrasonic diffusion and sonic pulsations ensure the formula is evenly distributed. Skinpods are a sustainable alternative to the unnecessary filler ingredients that come with most skincare products as each targeted pod contains the most potent ingredients delivered exactly where your skin needs them. There’s a pod for every skincare concern, including the Clean Vapor Skinpod that rids the skin of residual oil and grime and the Hydro Boost Skinpod, which delivers a nourishing boost. £179 from http://reduit.com

For silky smooth hair-free skin, this clever device is a must. Designed to give the same results achieved in a professional spa, it’s clinically proven for at-home use, with unlimited flashes. The RPL™ technology inside every Sensilight PRO has been designed with both effectiveness and safety in mind. A cordless design gives you full freedom of movement, and the battery life provides up to 600 flashes between charges which can cover a full body in one charge, making the Sensilight PRO versatile too. £379, www.sensica.com

Using an eye massager is one of the most effective ways to deal with not only eye strain from staring at screens for too long, but help improve the appearance of the skin under your eyes too. The Skinego Prime is designed to fit neatly into the contour around the eye and reaches a temperature of 42 degrees. With thermal treatments being clinically proven to help stimulate collagen production, this function allows you to fully target problem areas such as dark circles, puffiness or tired eyes like never before which can result in tighter firmer looking skin. £95, www.skinego.com

This brand offers a luxury, cosmeceutical and result-driven range of skincare that is vegan, cruelty-free, has recyclable packaging and is made in the UK. The products feature CBD. Favourites include their Super-Glow Miracle Oil, and SkinDrench Super Serum which glide on and leave skin feeling incredibly soft and nourished. Use the oil with their black obsidian Gua Sha in a lifting, firming and fluid-draining facial massage. From £24.99, www.grassrootsskin.com

Get the ultimate refreshed summer glow with Ren’s Summer Limited Edition Daily AHA Tonic. It’s lovely and cooling to use and brightens, hydrates, exfoliates, soothes and smoothes the skin. And it has a delicate summery fragrance of fresh organic cucumber. £28, www.renskincare.com

Hailed as some of the best anti-ageing products on the market, both these excellent non-invasive, medical-grade facial-therapy devices help slow down the signs of ageing to tighten and firm your skin, reduce wrinkles and reveal a more radiant and toned appearance. While most treatments usually only address the surface of the skin, Sensilift is different. It acts on deeper layers using its patented InTrense RF™ technology to promote collagen synthesis and deep-tissue lifting. You’ll start to see results with even just a five-minute treatment once a week. They are both painless and easy to use. The MINI is perfectly portable too, so you can take it on holiday with you and never miss a treatment. Sensilift MINI (£179) or Sensilift PRO (£279), www.sensica.com

Eliminate dead skin cells, decongest pores, reduce the signs of ageing and boost circulation with this evening facial polish which contains soothing avocado oil. Do try the rich yet easily absorbed Bedtime Revitalising Cream too and other great skincare, aromatherapy and nutrition products by this lovely brand. £19.95, https://lilyandloafinternational.com

Age Defy + by Cha Vøhtz

This is a highly acclaimed collection of luxurious and organic skincare products designed to reverse the signs of ageing through skin regeneration, moisture balance and hydration. Particular favourites include the Collagen Boost Vitamin Serum which has Vitamin C, Bakuchi Oil and Hyaluronic Acid. Perfect for summer is the DD Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15, and the Hydrate and Renew Serum. From £39, www.greenpeople.co.uk

All ESPA products are a delight to use. To achieve a summer glow your skin needs to be clear and exfoliated and these three products do just the job. Each has a delicious fresh scent, too. The cleansing sorbet cleverly changes from a balm to oil to simply melt away impurities and leave your skin silky soft and able to absorb moisturising treatments more easily. From £40, www.espaskincare.com

Forlle’d Hyalogy is a state-of-the art Japanese nano-technology skincare range, with a ‘liquid skin’ formulation which delivers long-lasting skin health, renewal and regeneration. Using Nanotechnology, Biofermentation and Ionisation the products work simultaneously on both epidermal and dermal layers of skin for scientifically proven results. Do try the P-effect Reliance Gel and Hyalogy Lift Cream. From £93, www.forlleduk.com

A range of excellent products to transform the radiance of your complexion, help slow the effects of time on your skin, boost natural energy levels and feelings of inner calm. Perfect for taking on holiday is their Discovery Range – four of their hero products including facial essence, wash, balm and moisturiser in generous travel-sized jars. From £35, www.slowageing.co.uk

Glamourous, super-stylish, beautifully crafted and great to drive, the Lexus LC 500 convertible really does tick all the luxury drop-top boxes. If you’re planning any escapes from your city home to countryside manor or cottage by the sea, this really is the perfect car to take in the scenery, enjoy the fresh air and make each journey a pleasurable experience.

Still busy notching up awards since its launch, this most elegant and desirable model has recently won the title of ‘Best Luxury Car of 2021’ in the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards and also ‘Best Open Top’ in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2021.

Judges’ praise included comments such as ‘The feel-good factor of driving a car which looks astounding, sounds terrific and should be as reliable as a Swiss watch, cannot be underestimated’, ‘one of the best-looking convertibles – ever’, ‘The Lexus LC 500 Convertible is a car to add to the bucket list’ and that it’s ‘brilliant to drive.’ Thoroughly enjoying the car on test, we couldn’t agree more.

The LC Convertible – following the example set by its sister Coupe model reviewed last year, perfectly captures the spirit of Lexus’s evolution as a luxury lifestyle brand, providing discerning customers with driving pleasure, unique design and superb craftsmanship quality.

Its story started when a concept version was revealed at the Detroit motor show in 2019, revealing how Chief Designer Tadao Mori and his team had succeeded in translating the award-winning design of the Coupe into an equally stylish and desirable soft-top, following the principle of ‘ultimate beauty.’ Refreshingly, only minimal changes were made for the production version, which was launched in world markets last year and took its place as an aspirational, halo model for the entire Lexus line-up. Unlike many convertibles, it’s evident to see the designers really focused on making a car that looks equally beautiful with the roof up or down, applying Lexus’s famous attention to detail in areas such as the folding-top mechanism to achieve the ideal lines without compromising cabin comfort or load space.

The LC 500 convertible’s credentials certainly don’t stop at its impressive visual appeal. It’s a thrilling and engaging drive thanks to its 5.0-litre V8 engine and 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, matching the Coupe with a 155mph electronically limited top speed. The 0-60 sprint takes just five seconds, while precise aerodynamic styling prevents any uncomfortable wind buffeting when travelling at speed. The cabin is beautifully appointed, finished in high-quality materials throughout and reflecting Lexus’s human-centred philosophy in its design, comfort and multi-sensory appeal.

It’s the perfect car for exploring the countryside and heading out to the coast. Driving top-down enjoying fresh sea air is wonderful and with its dynamic handling, each mile is a pleasure to travel. The engine sounds rich and throaty too – unique to a naturally aspirated V8.

The LC 500 Convertible at circa £93,000 is practical as well as pretty, the boot is actually more spacious than you might think from its streamlined lines, the roof can be raised and lowered in just a few seconds at the touch of a button, and thanks to minimal buffeting from wind, you can arrive at your destination looking as immaculate as when you left. This really is a beautiful, luxurious and desirable car. Visit: www.lexus.co.uk

Large, imposing yet elegant, the Range Rover D350 is a car of class and substance, and it’s hard to think of another more perfect for heading out to the coast and country as a family. Celebrating its 50th birthday, the appeal of this motoring icon has endured and it’s easy to see why.

The high roofline, acres of glass, and space affording enough head, shoulder and leg room for just about anyone means it’s like a light and airy, super-comfortable lounge with an ever-changing view. This is a remarkably quiet car thanks to touches like an acoustically laminated windscreen, enabling passengers to just relax back and let the world in all its chaos pass peacefully by. This space and comfort doesn’t compromise on the Range Rover being a thoroughly decent drive though. The D350 mild hybrid 3.0l diesel AWD auto on test can tackle the 0-60 sprint in just 7.1 seconds – not bad at all for a car of this size. At 700Nms there’s plenty of torque to play with when you need an overtaking boost, and towing even a sizable horse box will be no problem at all.

The ride delivered is smooth and forgiving thanks to air suspension as standard – even on pothole-riddled country lanes and with the larger 22-inch Style “9012” 9 Split-Spoke Gloss Black wheels we had fitted. Handling for a car of this height and weight is remarkably good. The steering is well judged and weighted.

Off-road is where the Range Rover really leaves its rivals in its wake. It truly is a car for all seasons, as even if you never leave tarmac, you’ve the reassurance that you and your passengers will be as safe as possible travelling in the worst of weather and surface conditions. The beauty of it is you don’t need to be an off-road driving expert either thanks to Land Rover’s unbeatable Terrain Response system, which, with a twist of a dial, automates as much as possible for you. Our vehicle featured Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control and a Drive Pack comprising Blind Spot Monitor, Driver Condition Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter.

The Range Rover’s high ‘command’ driving position gives an unbeatable view of the road ahead, and from the steering wheel to seats, just about everything can be electronically adjusted to suit your exact height/visibility and comfort needs. Our car was fitted with a 360-degree surround camera but rear cameras come as standard along with front and rear parking sensors. For excellent visibility and safety driving at night, Matrix LED headlights, which can remain on high beam without blinding oncoming drivers, are also standard. All driver controls are sensibly placed too. The two 10-inch sharp-focus touch screens are intuitive and easy to use – once you’ve had a pre-drive familiarity play.

The cabin and cockpit as you’d expect from Land Rover and a vehicle of this calibre; they’re superbly appointed, luxurious, elegant and tech-rich. The deployment of craftsmanship is clearly evident and all surfaces, trims and materials are of the highest quality. Our £103,000 Vogue SE model featured Vintage Tan Seats with Ebony / Vintage Tan Interior, aluminium treadplates with Range Rover script, configurable ambient interior lighting, 20-way heated and cooled front seats with power-recline heated and cooled rear seats and heated steering wheel, Kalahari veneer, soft door close, a Meridian Surround-Sound System, fixed panoramic roof, three-zone climate control, Tow Pack and much, much more.

This monarch of much loved, large, luxurious, truly all-terrain capable cars is set to stay top of the pack for some time. We say ‘Long may the Range Rover Reign.’ Visit: www.landrover.co.uk

Substantial, striking and head-turning , Audi’s e-tron S Sportback couples ample kerb appeal with impressive power, performance and electro-eco creds. This first Audi all-electric S model is also the first production vehicle in the world to boast three electric motors – one powering the front wheels and two powering the rears, producing a hefty 370kW and thrilling thrust of torque surging to 973Nm in Boost Mode and even 808Nm without. This takes the car to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds – impressive for a sizable car weighing in at over two tonnes.

Performance is meaningless without decent handling though, but as one of Audi’s elite S models, you know you’re in for a rewarding, dynamic yet safe drive. The model’s electric quattro system shares the task of getting a grip on the road between all four wheels and torque vectoring distributes driving force between the two rears with millisecond-targeted precision. For a large car, out on test it proved to be a remarkably swift, agile, instantly responsive and thoroughly engaging drive. One of the concerns for many when it comes to choosing an all-electric car is the worry of a limited driving range and being caught short power-wise mid route, miles away from home. However, this model features a high-voltage battery with a gross energy capacity of 95kWh, of which 91 per cent (86kWh) is usable. With one battery charge it’s capable of achieving up to around 226 miles – enough to please and reassure most and make those trips out to the coast or country a pleasure.

In addition to a practical range and excellent performance the e-tron S Sportback is a stylish, spacious, comfortable and superhigh-tech car. Looks-wise, prominent bumpers and flared wheel arches create an extra 5cm of width over standard models and the sculpted curves and bold sweeping lines give more than a hint to its impressive performance pedigree. There’s a choice of eight attractive colours. Our test car in Catalunya Red metallic was particularly eye-catching, set off nicely by 21-inch black-diamond-cut, sport-alloy wheels, selenite silver intakes and surrounds and a panoramic sunroof.

Slip inside to discover a cabin that’s as attractive, roomy and comfortable as it is tech-rich. The supportive, electronically-adjustable, heated front S Sport seats were in a tasteful rotor-grey valcona leather with anthracite diamond stitching and S logo embossing. Deluxe two-zone electronic climate-control with remote preconditioning allowed us to heat or cool the car before entry, and rear passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom, as unlike many other electric cars, the e-tron’s battery is positioned underneath the car, so there is no need for a space-taking central tunnel. There’s a sizable boot to fill, which at 615 litres, can accommodate a mammoth Waitrose shop or enough cases for a long family vacation.

As you’d expect from an Audi and car of this calibre, there’s ample state-of-the art tech to enjoy. Included is MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch and Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus – two high-definition, excellent touchscreen colour displays and a full-colour, fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit with additional Sport and e-tron displays. Plus a 36-month subscription to Audi Connect, which provides high-speed 4G internet access in your car via an embedded SIM card with no data charge. There’s also Parking System Plus to guide you into tight spots with a rear camera and parking sensors at the front and back, and Cruise Control, Smartphone Interface and more.

To summarise, Audi’s e-tron S Sportback is one of the world’s most desirable all-electric models. Seamlessly marrying ample style, space, comfort and refinement with potent and engaging power and pace, this is a true drivers’ delight yet still practical, eco-conscious and family friendly too. Visit: www.audi.co.uk

As electric vehicles go, Tesla would probably be the first brand to come to mind for most. That is, until Polestar emerged from Scandinavia to steal the spotlight and win drivers over with its super-stylish, effortlessly cool and eco-conscious cars.

Viewed kerbside, the Polestar 2 is a simply stunning fastback-style car. Bold yet understated, futuristic without being flashy, lean yet muscular, curvaceous yet honed – all these seemingly impossible contradictions work and the result is a model which is a visual delight.

Features like frameless mirrors and avant-garde lights give it an other-worldly air but it’s never a case of show without sense. The Polestar 2’s door handles are aesthetically pleasing but also enable you to unlock the car just with a light touch – and thanks to integrated ground lighting, you can see them easily in the dark. The boot can be opened just by running your foot below.

Inside, the aesthetic appeal continues and it’s here you can experience the brand’s efforts to be eco-kind. Our model on test, in bright Snow metallic, featured a vegan Charcoal Weave Tech with Black Ash deco, set off beautifully with contrasting bold yellow seatbelts to really give a racing air. They may be small details, but the Polestar 2’s interior lights make a big difference. White mood lights give a clean, fresh vibe, and make it easy to find things in the dark. And the hexagonal gear selector with an illuminated Polestar symbol in the base is a beautifully crafted and a unique visual focal point.

Although the Polestar 2’s interior has been carefully designed using innovative materials, its uncluttered appearance still comes fully loaded with a raft of state-of-the-art features even as standard. The generous list actually runs two columns of an A4 page! Highlights include an always-updated infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS, 360° surround-view camera, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, plus a panoramic roof. As with cousin Volvo models, Polestar boasts industry-leading safety tech too, including the likes of Cross Traffic Alert and a host of advanced collision warning and avoidance systems. There are also great option packs and features to choose from. Our model on test came with an excellent Harman Kardon Premium sound system available as part of the Plus Pack, and the Performance Pack adds high-capacity Brembo brakes, adjustable Öhlins Dual-Flow Valve dampers, 20-inch Forged Alloy Wheels and more.

It’s not all about looks and tech though. The Polestar 2 really is a contender for the best electric car in production. With up to 408hp, a sub-5 second 0-60 sprint, instant torque delivery and super-responsive feel, it’s an engaging delight to drive. Overtaking is child’s play and it’s the type of car you will make excuses to keep heading out to play in. Equally at home on motorways or country B roads, the steering is precise and well-weighted, there’s ample grip and the electric delivered instant thrust at the slightest touch of the toe – a thrilling delight. If your preference is for the more sedate then you might like to know the Polestar 2 can actually tow even a six-berth caravan with ease.

Many people have some concern over the lack of range electric cars have, and over the ease of charging. You’ve up to 335 miles on a single charge with this model, which isn’t bad at all, and Polestar does all it can to make charging as easy and as accessible as possible, plus the number of public charging stations is growing all the time – even in more rural places.

If you desire a premium electric car with gorgeous looks, great performance, decent range and plenty of features as standard, the Polestar 2 is a cracking choice. Visit www.polestar.com

Stylish, spacious, practical and great to drive, not many cars tick all these boxes, but Volvo’s excellent XC40 can – and add class-leading eco creds and safety too. It’s no surprise this highly acclaimed model has won a cabinet full of trophies, including the ‘What Car? Family SUV of the Year’ title – for the third time, and ‘Car of the Year’ on its award debut in 2018.

The XC40 premium compact SUV continues to set the standards in its class. It’s just so easy and great to live with. As the What Car? Judges said: ‘It might be a few years since we voted the multi-talented Volvo XC40 our Car of the Year, but it still cuts the mustard. It blends generous passenger space and a practical boot with a quality interior and top-notch safety, so you aren’t only buying a hugely desirable product, but one backed up with real substance.’ Today, the XC40 range exemplifies Volvo’s far-reaching commitment to electrification, with a line-up featuring two Recharge petrol-electric plug-in hybrid versions (the T4 and T5) and two mild-hybrid petrol powertrains (the B4 and B5). Anticipation is also high for the first UK customer deliveries of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8, Volvo’s first fully electric car.

Enjoying our Recharge FWD Inscription for even just a couple of weeks you can really understand why the XC40 has been so well received by motoring experts and the public alike. A handsome car, it’s a just-right combination of muscularity and fluid lines and clearly a car of quality and class. Smaller than its also excellent XC60 and XC90 siblings, but it’s still remarkably spacious even when fully occupied front and rear. Slip inside and you’ll see that, as with all Volvo cabins, the clean, functional and fuss-free design means knee and elbow room isn’t compromised and there’s a great choice of scandi-chic tasteful interior trims in eye-pleasing light neutral tones. The XC40 is a masterclass in ergonomics and functional design, but this certainly doesn’t mean it’s lean on tech and features. Even as standard, all variants of this model feature a crystal-clear nine-inch centre-console touchscreen with voice-activated control, Volvo On Call with app, Sensus Navigation and Sensus Connect, Data SIM card providing up to 100GB of data for 12 months, eight-speaker sound system with three USB sockets and a host of advanced safety tech. Highlights include pedestrian, cyclist and large-animal detection, front-collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking, steering assistance if you unwittingly drift out of your lane and even a system which automatically tightens the front seatbelts should the car inadvertently leave the road. Our Inscription-spec model also came fitted with handy wireless phone charging, a heated steering-wheel and windscreen, dark-tinted windows, heated seats front and rear, a 360° view parking camera, panoramic sunroof, excellent Harman Kardon Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound system and more…

Both XC40 T4 and T5 FWD Recharge Plug-in Hybrids tip the scales at a minimum of 1,812kg (running order weight). However, they are swift, agile and engaging to drive. The T5 produces 180hp and 265Nm of torque, delivering the 0-60 sprint in 8.2 seconds from its 1.5-litre petrol engine, along with 82hp and 160Nm from its electric motor. Its maximum-braked trailer-towing capacity is 1,800kg. The efficiency of its petrol-electric powertrain results in official WLTP Combined fuel economy of 117.7-134.5mpg, while CO2 emissions are 47-55g/km, together with an all-electric driving range of up to 27.3 miles (according to battery charge, vehicle load and driving conditions).

Whether for daily commuting, acting as a family run-around, or even to carry golf clubs or tow ponies to shows, the XC40 is a perfect choice. Visit www.volvocars.co.uk