FIRST DRIVE : WE CHECK OUT FRENCH MANUFACTURER’S TWIST ON AN OLD CLASSIC
INEOS SLASHES NETWORK
• NEW NISSAN UK CHIEF
• GENESIS DESIGNER SPEAKS OUT
WE TRAVEL TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TO SEE HOW POLESTAR DEVELOPS ITS CARS
FOUNDER
James Baggott
james@thebaize.com
Twitter: @CarDealerEd
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
James Batchelor
james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @JRRBatchelor
STAFF WRITER
Jack Williams
jack.williams@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @JournoJack25
MULTIMEDIA MANAGER
Jon Reay
jon@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @JonReay
HEAD OF DESIGN
Graeme Windell
graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @graemewindell
CONTRIBUTORS
Becca Chaplin, Jack Evans, Cameron Richards, Nigel Swan
SALES MANAGER
Kevin Day
kev@blackballmedia.co.uk
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Michelle Searle
michelle@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @cardealermich
The CarGurus & PistonHeads Difference
Used car dealer sees profits cut
BOSSES at CarSupermarket. com say they are ‘pleased’ with the firm’s financial performance, despite profits being slashed in half last year.
New accounts posted for parent company Motor Depot Limited show that the business made a pre-tax profit of £1.1m in the year ending September 30, 2024.
That figure is a hefty 54.2% down on 2023’s £2.4m, but directors say that a strong end to the year represents a sign of things to come for the second-hand specialists.
CRIME
Stolen car tracked in under 30 mins
A DEALERSHIP director had his Range Rover Sport stolen, but it was back in his possession in under 30 minutes.
Having a car stolen wasn’t an unusual occurrence for Tom Jaconelli – who has been a victim of car theft four times –but it was unusual for police to catch the thief the same night. When criminals accessed his car on April 30 it was also the third time Jaconelli had a Range Rover Sport stolen, but by using a fitted tracker, police were able to track it down.
NEWS DIGEST
Leaked memo reveals VW Group
has pulled plug on agency sales for all brands – including Cupra
Volkswagen has parked agency sales for all its brands as Cupra – the last remaining brand operating under the scheme – switches back to a wholesale model.
Agency sales, which see a car manufacturer sell directly to consumers via their website with dealers paid a fee for handing them over, were seen as all the rage following Covid, but have been met with a mixed reaction from the industry.
VW Group has now rowed back on its agency sales plans for all brands but insisted it is still the firm’s ‘long term strategic sales model’ plan.
In a bulletin to his dealer network, Damien O’Sullivan, managing director of Volkswagen Group UK, told dealers that it was changing its plans to ‘reduce the complexity’ of having different sales models working in tandem.
He said the industry is in a ‘process of transformation’ and that VW needed to ‘cater for the needs of customers’.
VW had been selling electric vehicles under the
APPOINTMENT
agency sales scheme while at the same time retailing its ICE vehicles in the traditional wholesale manner.
The note from O’Sullivan, leaked to Car Dealer, said: ‘You will be aware that other brands, as well as Audi, recently took the decision, for the short to medium term, to move back to wholesale, thereby reducing the complexity of the “dual distribution” model which currently exists with ICE and BEV products being sold under different frameworks.
‘Cupra has now also taken the decision to migrate retail sales of its BEV products to a wholesale model, with the overall aim of ensuring the most efficient sales process for our networks and customers.’
In November, Car Dealer revealed that VW had canned its agency plans for its other brands, but at the time it said it would continue to leave Cupra operating in this fashion.
A spokesperson for Cupra told Car Dealer: ‘Cupra has decided to migrate retail sales of its BEV products (Born and Tavascan) from the agency to the wholesale model in Europe, including for the UK.’
Russell Borrie named as Eddie Hawthorne replacement at Arnold Clark
RUSSELL Borrie has now taken up his new role as chief executive officer at used car dealer group Arnold Clark.
Borrie was previously chief operating officer at the business for nearly four years but has worked at Arnold Clark for 33 years.
He succeeds Eddie Hawthorne who had held the top position for 27 years.
Writing on LinkedIn, Borrie said: ‘I’m delighted to be starting my new role as CEO at Arnold Clark.
‘Firstly, I want to thank Eddie Hawthorne for his immense contribution to the Arnold Clark Group. His knowledge, insight and dedication have helped the business thrive.
‘Even in the most challenging circumstances, his clarity and resourcefulness have transformed a crisis into an opportunity to make things better. On a more personal note, I am grateful for his friendship and mentorship over the decades we have worked together.’
SALES
Polestar enjoys 185% sales boom
POLESTAR has signed off on a 185% increase in UK sales in Q1 as it continues to grow its presence in the UK market with more models and dealerships.
The Swedish electric brand delivered 3,695 cars in Q1, a 185% year-on-year rise, new figures show.
The performance has led the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) to declare Polestar to be the fastest growing European car brand in the UK.
DEALERSHIPS
Marshall Motor Group expansion
MARSHALL Motor Group has added to its dealer network after completing a deal to buy Grange Jaguar Land Rover Swindon from rival group Cambria Automobiles.
The acquisition was completed on May 1 with Marshall making the Wiltshire dealership its 11th JLR site. It joins the firm’s nearby sites in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Oxford and Newbury as the Constellation-owned group looks to strengthen its presence in the West Country.
Official: Used car ad platform Heycar is set to close as Volkswagen pulls the plug
USED car advertising platform Heycar will close after majority shareholders Volkswagen Financial Services pulled the plug.
The used car site launched in the UK in the summer of 2019 aiming to compete with Auto Trader and Motors, but has made heavy losses since. Its most recent accounts show it made a £22.4m loss
James Taylor joins as new Nissan boss
NISSAN has appointed James Taylor as its new UK boss following his departure from Vauxhall earlier this year.
Taylor stood down as Vauxhall’s MD back in February, following 25 years at the British brand, with Car Dealer reporting at the time that he had agreed a move to a rival manufacturer.
It has now been confirmed that he has joined Nissan, where he will take on the same title as he had at Vauxhall, reporting to Mayra González, divisional vice president for marketing and sales at Nissan Europe.
in 2023 following a £30m loss in 2022. Revenue for the firm decreased to just £7.4m, its latest annual report revealed.
Following reports on a German website that said Heycar will be closing as soon as next month – leading to potential job losses in Germany, France and the UK – a spokesperson has confirmed the closure to Car Dealer.
Ineos slashes network and agency sales
INEOS has abandoned agency sales and will slash its dealer network in half as part of bold plans to ‘right-size’ its operations, improve customer service and boost used car sales.
Speaking to Car Dealer, Ineos regional director for the UK and Ireland Tom Johnson laid bare the firm’s plans to exit the agency sales model and restructure its network, admitting the brand had grown ‘too quickly’.
‘After two years of operation in the UK, we’ve moved from an agency model to a more traditional dealer wholesale model,’ he said.
Genesis design boss speaks out on brand
GENESIS design boss Luc Donckerwolke says the brand does not fear new Chinese car makers – despite the new entrants dramatically outselling the premium Korean car firm in the UK.
Speaking at the New York International Auto Show, Hyundai Motor Group’s chief creative officer said he believed Genesis’ attention to detail when it comes to looking after customers will help the brand succeed.
Donckerwolke, a designer with some legendary models to his name, is in charge of making Hyundai’s sister brand stand out from the crowd.
Swansway bosses ‘more than satisfied’
BOSSES at Swansway Motor Group they say are ‘more than satisfied’ with the firm’s performance despite announcing a dip in pre-tax profit.
Accounts seen by Car Dealer show that the Crewe-based group made a profit before tax of £7.7m in the 12 months to the end of December 2024, compared to £13.4m in 2023.
While the figure is 40% down on the previous year, directors say there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
The firm saw turnover go from £941m in 2023 to £946m in 2024, aided by impressive used car sales which rose by 16.8% to 18,218 units.
Aston Barclay join
Constellation
group
BCA’s rumoured takeover of fellow auction house Aston Barclay has been completed.
Car Dealer exclusively revealed that the firm was set to pounce for its rival auctioneer with sources close to negotiations saying that ‘a deal had been signed’.
The news was confirmed internally, with staff made aware on April 14.
An email, seen by Car Dealer, said the deal ‘aims to secure the longer-term viability’ of the business following ‘difficult market conditions’ which recently led to the closure of the group’s Leeds centre.
Police investigating dealership fraud
POLICE are investigating allegations of serious fraud by an Essex used car dealer which has been accused of conning customers out of an eyewatering £740,000.
Happier Cars in Harlow is said to have taken cars to sell on behalf of consumers in exchange for a commission, but customers say they never received the fees owed to them.
ITV reports that at least 50 people have been left with no cars or money by the alleged scam, with the total lost coming to almost three quarters of a million pounds.
Exclusive: Omoda and Jaecoo maker signing up dealers for third brand in UK – Lepas
CHERY – the Chinese manufacturer behind Omoda and Jaecoo – will bring a third car brand to the UK: Lepas.
Car Dealer understands the Chinese car firm is currently in talks with dealers across the country to sign them up to sell the new cars.
Likely to arrive this year, sources said they had been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements about the
launch, but the news has since been leaked to Car Dealer. At the Shanghai Motor Show, a spokesperson for the brand would not officially confirm Lepas would be coming to the UK, but admitted there were ‘strategic plans’ ongoing.
Car dealer sources close to the project explained details were currently a closely guarded secret.
TESLA: Tesla has insisted that boss Elon Musk is going nowhere, following media reports of an alleged plan to oust the world’s richest man. The Wall Street Journal reported that the EV firm has contacted recruitment firms with a view to finding a new CEO to fill Musk’s shoes.
FINANCE: Group 1 Automotive’s UK arm saw profit more than double in Q1 2025, up 109.6% to £162.9m. It also saw total revenue in Q1 of £1.2bn, up by 92%. Daryl Kenningham, Group 1’s president and CEO said: ‘Our operational excellence was on display in the UK.
TRADE: Used car prices slipped by 1.5% in April as experts feel the market is returning to ‘seasonal norms’. Latest figures from Cap HPI shows that at the three-year/60,000mile benchmark, average trade values of second-hand cars dropped by 1.5% or £270.
CRIME: A man from Solihull who had his 2016 Honda Civic Type R stolen, was shocked to find out he’d bought it back. Ewan Valentine, 36, wanted to replace his stolen Type R and was thrilled to find one so similar he even joked that he should check the VIN number.
BUSINESS: BCA has claimed it is owed more than £1.6m from a failed used car dealership. Car Dealer reported in February 2023 that used car dealer Autovogue had closed its doors, blaming ‘failing used Jaguar Land Rover vehicles’. A statement of affairs revealed the firm ceased trading owing a staggering £1.09m to a variety of motor trade businesses.
Navigating the challenges and embracing the bright future of the Electric Vehicle market
Black Horse’s Preston Rogers chats to Car Dealer
The ZEV Mandate is supercharging EV sales, making the UK the largest market for electric cars in Europe. But this evolving car market is presenting a number of challenges for car dealers.
That’s the view of Black Horse, which recently gave Car Dealer an overview of how the ZEV Mandate is shaping the car market.
‘There is no doubt that the ZEV Mandate is moving the needle – the UK is now the biggest market for EVs,’ Black Horse’s consumer distribution director, Preston Rogers, says.
‘It is undoubtedly moving the industry on faster than otherwise would have been the case, but the OEMs and dealers who are really struggling may take a different view.’
Recent amendments to the mandate announced a few weeks ago, provide more clarity and certainty, which provides a foundation for businesses to build on. This will make planning and production allocations more concrete, with tariffs impacts notwithstanding, believes Rogers.
Compounding the need to boost EV sales is private buyers not willing to splash the cash on a new one. We see early signs that this is trending higher, but nowhere near historic levels.
Fleets are the major market for new EVs and many customers are choosing to lease rather than use traditional finance products, changing the sales process for dealers.
‘We do see that for EVs, retail finance is not where it’s at,’ says Rogers. ‘It’s quite hard to shift cars in the retail channel.
‘Some of that is because of where the cars have been priced historically – the gap between BEVs and ICEs. If you’ve got an EV that is for example, 60% more than its ICE equivalent, then it’s going to be extremely hard to sell to a private buyer. That gap is getting smaller and it’s only going to go
one direction, but it has been and currently remains problematic.’
Black Horse is seeing more customers choosing residual value guaranteed products, such as PCP and lease for EVs.
‘The EV market is changeable– the technology is in its early stages, let’s not forget. Customers feel uncertain – they’ve seen the price falls of used EVs, and there may be anecdotal evidence of them knowing someone who has lost money on an EV in the past.
‘Often, customers just need a guarantee, and if dealers are able to say that they can take that risk away from the customer with great finance products, a sale can be closed.’
It’s a little different when it comes to used EVs though, says Rogers. With used EVs, the market is more traditional, with customers more likely to accept taking HP products because there is less risk.
Black Horse is seeing more EVs being financed, however, despite consumer uncertainty.
The number of EVs it is financing has risen from one in 12 in 2023 to one in 10 last year, and while this is dominated by the brands it partners, non-traditional brands
are rising to the top.
Chinese-owned British brand MG is now in Black Horse’s top three most financed brands list, along with Ford, Vauxhall, BMW, and Mercedes amongst the most popular.
This shift towards EVs in the used market is only going to continue, believes Rogers, but it’s going to take its time.
‘The Ford Fiesta isn’t on sale anymore, and yet there’s still huge demand for it. As more factories switch from ICE to EV, those ICE cars won’t be available, but customers will still want them.
‘However, what we do see is that once customers have tried an EV they tend to stay, especially if they have home charging. During 2025, there will still be question marks over EVs, but once we get into 2026/7 the narrative will change – consumers will be saying “I’m going to get an EV at some point”. Then there will be unstoppable momentum.’
Speaking of momentum, Rogers believes that when the biggest car dealers really get switched on to electric, the used market will pivot towards EVs.
‘The big price falls on used EVs was quite unhelpful as a lot of independent dealers were starting to stock them, their values dropped
and then they had a lot of stock hanging around. Today, EVs are turning fast – and faster than ICEs in most cases.
‘When we work with EV-only dealers, you can really see this change happening as they are having a great time of it now.
There is no doubt that the ZEV Mandate is moving the needle.
Preston Rogers Black Horse’s consumer distribution director
‘It’s when the biggest players are buying EVs en masse that’s when we’ll see solid ground in residual values and that’s when there’s going to be real momentum towards EVs.’
For the use of motor dealers and other motor professionals only. Black Horse Limited. Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered Number: 661204 England and Wales. Black Horse Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Scan the QR Code to go to the EV Driving Hub
Black Horse’s Preston Rogers
RENAULT 4
Power
The 52kWh battery and single electric motor produce 148bhp and a range of 247 miles.
With the success of the eagerly anticipated R5 under Renault’s belt, does bringing back another iconic nameplate have the same response? Cameron Richards
THE KNOWLEDGE
Renault 4 Iconic 52kWh
Price (as tested): £32,000 est.
Engine: 52kWh battery with single electric motor
Power: 148bhp
Torque: 245Nm
O-60mph: 8 seconds
Max speed: 93 mph
Range: 247 miles
Charging speed: 100kW
WHAT IS IT?
Renault seems to have got the electric car just right with the new 5. Its retro styling, funky interior design and low price tag have meant this little slice of French hatchback has become an instant hit with British buyers.
However, the French firm is further expanding its EV model lineup. So, it has decided to bring back another famous name plate – introducing the Renault 4.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Renault 4 nameplate was last seen on UK roads in 1992, but this new car is a completely different offering.
It comes as standard with an electric powertrain and will be rivalling the likes of the Volvo EX30 and Kia EV3.
Underneath the skin, it shares the same AmpR Small Platform with the R5 supermini, but has a wheelbase increased in size by 8cm, allowing for more space inside. Also, this new car is the first Renault to feature a one-pedal drive function, allowing the driver to travel around town purely using the accelerator, lifting off the pedal to activate regenerative braking and bring the car to a complete stop while putting power back into the battery.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The R4 is only available in electric guise, with one battery pack on offer.
It’s a 52kWh unit with a single electric motor that produces a total of 148bhp and 245Nm of torque. The car can go from 0-60mph in eight seconds and will run onto a top speed of 93mph.
Renault claims that the car can travel up to 247 miles between trips to the plug and that 100kW DC rapid charging is compatible, taking the car from a 15 to 80% top-up in 30 minutes.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Around town, it’s easy to drive due to the one-pedal drive function, and the suspension does an excellent job of soaking up lumps and bumps in the road.
The steering isn’t the most communicative, but it’s by no means numb, handling the bends with ease while offering a decent amount of grip with limited body roll.
At higher speeds, it’s smooth and quiet, however, there is a fair bit of wind whistle that comes from the large door mirrors.
But the biggest problem is the car’s visibility. The B-pillars create a massive blind spot when you’re pulling out of side turnings, and the view out of the rear is limited due to the shallow back window, thick C-pillars and upright headrests
Style
The retro styling keeps a lot of the original Renualt 4’s DNA.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
From every angle, you can tell that Renault has tried to retain the original car’s DNA in this new model.
The biggest telltale sign is the three sculpted lines that run down the doors, harking back to the original R4’s plastic protectors, and the rear C-pillar window.
At the front, there is a single long plastic light bar that illuminates at night and an angular-styled bonnet.
At the back, there are three-part LED rear tail lights that are a neat reference to the original car’s design. Meanwhile, the roof rails and large black plastic wheel arch extensions give the car a more SUV-like appearance.
Our test car really stood out as it came with the optional contrasting Diamond Black roof and Hauts-de-France Green paintwork, which Renault claims pays tribute to the Ile-deFrance Blue of the 1960s.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
The interior design is almost identical to the R5, with the dashboard and infotainment screen angled towards the driver.
Sadly, you get a confusing array of different stalks around the steering wheel. The indicators, wipers, audio controls and gear lever are all positioned very close together, making the driver’s cockpit look cluttered.
Our test car featured cloth door card trim, a nice leatherette dashboard insert, along with a gloss black panel above with the ‘Renault 4’ logo engraved into it.
Storage is only average with two cup holders, a slim glove box and rather shallow door bins in the front and back.
Boot space is one of the best in class as well. There is a total of 420 litres or 1,405 litres with the rear seats folded down. Plus, there is an additional 55-litre underfloor storage compartment that is ideal for stowing the charging cables away and the boot opening has a very low load lip, which makes it easier to hoist heavier items into the back.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
The R4’s trim levels consist of the same found on the R5, which are Evolution, Techno and Iconic.
Prices are yet to be revealed at this stage, but they’re expected to start from £27,000 for the entry-level car and rise up to £32,000 for the flagship model.
We drove the Iconic, which features several upgrades including heated front seats and steering wheel, part-leather seat upholstery, a leather dashboard inlay, a powered tailgate and Renault’s OpenR link infotainment system with Google built-in.
All models come with an energy-efficient heat pump and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, where the car’s battery can be used to plug in electrical appliances.
More information on the R4’s equipment levels will be revealed soon.
VERDICT
Renault has done it again when it comes to offering a fun and funky EV that has bags of character. The R4 should be just as popular as the R5 when it arrives in the UK later this year.
Just like its smaller sibling, it looks great, has charm and is good to drive. Plus, with the added benefit of the extra space inside, a larger boot capacity and efficient one-pedal drive function, what’s not to like?
Cabin
The interior takes much of its design from the R5 so it can be confusing with all the different stalks around the steering wheel.
Renault has done it again when it comes to offering a fun and funky EV.
TARGET BUYERS:
Young families looking for a practical, efficient and competitively priced EV. THE RIVALS:
SELLING POINTS:
DEAL CLINCHER:
Better equipped than many rivals – comes with a heat pump and vehicle-to-load (V2L) as standard.
Car Dealer editor-in-chief
JAMES BAGGOTT has launched a subscriber-only Substack newsletter. Every Friday, he digests the week’s news and gives his opinion on the biggest stories. Here’s a selection of his comments from the most recent newsletters. To subscribe, head to cardealer.substack.com
Used car prices slipped by 1.5% in April
Used car prices fell by 1.5% or £270 in April, according to Cap HPI, which says the market is returning to seasonal norms. Despite the dip, April 2025 was the fourth strongest April in 12 years. EV values fell the most, down 2.7%, marking their fifth monthly decline. Dealers remain wary of electric cars due to falling prices, rising supply and attractive new EV deals.
What do I think?
Don’t be alarmed, this drop looks like we’re just back to normal. The average dip in April is about 1.2% –ignoring the weird Covid year – so this fall is nothing unusual. The EV fall is a little more worrying, though. With more new EVs being pushed into the market I suspect this will only get worse – especially as manufacturers keep pushing the prices down of their new cars to meet tough targets.
JAMES’S VIEWS ON THE NEWS
New car registrations fell by over 10% in April as tax changes took effect
New car registrations dropped 10.4% year-on-year in April to 120,331, according to the SMMT. The fall was blamed on VED changes that removed EV exemptions and the timing of Easter. EV market share rose to 20.4%, but still lags behind ZEV Mandate targets. Petrol and diesel sales fell sharply, while all buyer types saw declines. The Kia Sportage was the UK’s best-seller. The SMMT again called for government support to accelerate EV adoption.
What do I think?
I was interested to see the sale of plug-in hybrids rise considerably in April, up 34% year on year, and so far this year their sales have risen 27%. I’m a fan of hybrids, especially now manufacturers are launching them with bigger electric ranges and the ability to fast charge. While some argue they’re pointless, as you’re adding lots of additional weight to a car, I’d say they give reluctant potential EV buyers the chance to experience electric driving without any of the downsides. I know lots of people who have swapped to a pure EV after realising they can make life with one work after ‘practising’ with a plug-in.
China will be – if it is not already – the dominant force in the automotive industry. The state has watched as the Japanese, and then the Koreans, entered markets around the world and built huge businesses. It’s learned from their mistakes, copied their tactics, and is ready to take up the number one spot.’
I’ve been writing about my trips to the Shanghai and New York motor shows and how it opened my eyes to where the future of the motor industry will be.
Subscribe to James’s weekly newsletter at cardealer.substack.com – out every Friday and directly emailed to your inbox
What I’ve heard
CAR makers will be breathing a sigh of relief after the UK and US announced a trade deal that lowered the impact of tariffs. UK built cars imported to the US will now face a 10% tariff rather than the punitive 27.5% rate Trump’s ‘independence day’ changes imposed.
While still three times more than they faced before Trump’s big changes, the new rate, brokered as part of the wider trade deal, will ease some of the pain.
The 10% rate will be paid on the first 100,000 cars imported to the US from the UK – last year the total was about 101,000. So there’s not much room for growth there.
It was telling that the Prime Minister was at JLR’s Solihull plant to announce the deal (above). The British car maker had paused exports to the US in April while it worked out what impact the higher rates would have on its business. Now, one can only assume they are happier about the new rates if they were prepared to invite Sir Keir Starmer and his team to the factory for the big reveal…
I can’t help thinking this new deal still looks pretty painful and that most people would rather go back to how it was before Trump got his big board out and started pointing at figures in the White House.
Russell Borrie named as Eddie Hawthorne replacement at Arnold Clark
Russell Borrie has officially taken over as CEO of Arnold Clark, succeeding Eddie Hawthorne after his 27-year tenure. Borrie, who joined the business in 1992, previously served as chief operating officer and brings over three decades of experience with the group. He praised Hawthorne’s leadership and vowed to uphold Sir Arnold Clark’s founding values. Borrie now leads a 12,000-strong workforce as the group enters its next phase of growth.
What do I think?
After 30-plus years in the business, Borrie is a natural choice to take the reins at Arnold Clark. He knows the company inside out and has worked closely with Hawthorne, so continuity seems assured. That said, following a leader with a 27year tenure won’t be easy. All eyes will be on how Borrie balances tradition with innovation.
Family-run Ford dealership to close down
TC Harrison Ford in St Neots will close its doors on May 16 after nearly a century of family operation, with the site set to be redeveloped into a retirement village. No job losses are expected, as staff and operations will transfer to the group’s nearby Huntingdon branch, which will undergo expansion. The closure follows wider cuts across the Ford network, part of a long-term strategy to streamline its UK retail footprint.
What do I think?
This story was this week’s – and April’s – most popular. For some reason it completely took off on our website with more than 113,000 people reading it. I think that’s because people are always sad to see a Ford dealer disappear and, unfortunately, there’s been plenty of that in the last few years. Ford has slimmed down its huge network massively as it rightsizes its network and I fear the cuts aren’t over just yet.
Aylesbury-based Adams Brothers Subaru has celebrated longtime customer Bill Nunn after he collected his 26th new car from the family-run dealership. Nunn bought his first Subaru – a Legacy Estate – in 1995 and has since remained loyal to both the brand and dealer. His latest purchase was a sixthgeneration Forester.
ARCTIC BLAST!
Our ice-cool James Batchelor went to a frozen lake in Sweden to see how Polestar develops its cars.
You know you’re in safe hands when you have someone like Joakim Rydholm sitting alongside you at the wheel. He’s flicking a rally-prepped Polestar 3 one-off through a series of high-speed S bends carved into a frozen lake, pitching the car into a variety of lurid and hair-raising slides.
The sun has long since set – the darkness is jet-black – and somewhere above us the Northern Lights are glowing, but Rydholm is busy with yet another bottom-clenching four-wheel drift and casually explaining the finer points of its chassis set-up. Meanwhile, I’m hoping my dinner of reindeer prepared in seven different ways doesn’t make a reappearance.
Rydholm is head of driving dynamics at Polestar. It’s a mundane job title for a man who’s far from boring. He’s a Swede and everyone knows that the Scandinavians are the best at driving, particularly on snow, and he’s been rallying since the year dot. More than that, he’s been known to strap himself to boot floors to listen and calibrate suspension systems and pinpoint squeaks and rattles. To say he’s fanatical is an understatement.
Our blast underneath the luminescent sky is effectively a peek behind the curtain into the Polestar engineering team’s typical winter working day. The seemingly never-ending series of S-bends is part of a specially-constructed track sliced into a frozen lake near Jokkmokk, a tiny Swedish town, deep in the Arctic Circle, and famed for its markets which have been running for 400 years.
The track, affectionately known by Polestar as the ‘Joakim-ring’, is used in a similar way to the ‘Nurburgring Nordschleife’ in Germany, and that’s to test cars to their limits. But, instead of 13 miles of undulating tarmac, here, the track is made from smooth ice that’s just a few metres deep and has been created purely to develop electric performance cars. Polestar’s Arctic Circle proving ground consists of three tracks named 2, 3 and 4 after the respective Polestar models. Right in the middle of the complex is a little village consisting
Rydholm is head of driving dynamics at Polestar. It’s a mundane job title for a man who’s far from boring.
The seemingly never-ending series of S-bends is part of a specially-constructed track sliced into a frozen lake.
Give our man an empty ice track and 536bhp and he does this
of a large teepee-like construction which is an eaterie, a lavatory hut, a sauna, and an ice bath – effectively a hole cut into the ice with a ladder poked down into the 1-degree water. The buildings get their power from two Polestar 4s – Vehicle-to-Grid technology (which is expected to be rolled out on Polestar models in the near future) uses the cars’ batteries to power everything the site needs, from the coffee maker to flushing the loo (probably).
Earlier in the day, when the sun was high in the sky, I had the chance to drive Polestar’s model range in ways that are unimaginable in the UK’s often grey and miserable climate. First, I chose a Polestar 4 for Track 4 – the fastest circuit of the three that loops around the others.
It gives me the opportunity to exploit the Polestar 4’s prodigious 536bhp punch. Polestar’s Christian Samson sits beside me to show me the ropes; he gradually coaxes me to trust the car and push it. Before long, I’m hurling it into dramatic four-wheel drifts that fire snow into the sky and make me look like a hero; little do I know Samson will be performing similar coaching for my breathing later when I plunge into the ice bath…
Samson leaves me to enjoy the car for myself, and I spend a good hour or so pushing myself and the car’s limits, often at the expense of the orange-coloured marker posts that delineate the track from the snow banks. It’s a useful exercise as I discover there is a dynamic bite to the Polestar 4 that I’ve never really experienced on UK roads. In Britain, the 4 seems like a cosseting GT car rather than a lithe, ice-track monster.
There’s not too much time to dwell on the 4 as it’s time for the 3. Polestar’s largest model to date impressed me when I first drove it last summer in the UK, and here, the car’s sporting character is even clearer to see. The 3’s track is tighter and slower, but really shows off the car’s sharp steering and clever torque-vectoring tech – the latter adds a bit of torque
Batch saw the Northern Lights and took a plunge in an ice bath
Thumbs up for drifting
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
to the rear axle to really help rotate the car. It’s a stupidly fun system to play with on the ice, but in the real world, this translates to making this sizeable car feel and handle as if it’s a smaller vehicle than it really is.
The Polestar 2 has always had a more dynamic feel than its nearest competitors, and despite its advancing years, it still has the edge. It also likes to kick its tail out and slide, if track 2 is anything to go by. This is the tightest and trickiest course of them all, and shows off the Polestar 2’s weighty and razor-sharp steering well. But I admit I spend more of my time looking in the direction I had come rather than where I should have been going; my skills not up to the slippery ice as I had hoped.
Despite Polestar giving us the keys to its most potent models, it’s clear that today has been an exercise in discovering that power isn’t what necessarily makes an EV exciting to drive. But why spend so much time developing these cars on the ice?
‘Because if these cars work in minus 30 degrees then they will work everywhere else,’ Rydholm tells me. ‘When we start a new project, we drive the prototypes without ESC, ABS and traction control. Then we start tuning the springs and when they are all in harmony we tune the roll-bars and the bushes. Only when we are happy with the results and the car feels confident without the systems, we then add ESC, ABS and traction control.
‘These are support systems, not safety systems; it’s important to understand the difference. We could save one whole year of car development if we hid behind [and began projects with] the systems.’
What Rydholm means is that Polestar could save time and money using these systems from the outset, like many other car manufacturers do. There’s nothing wrong with doing things that way, but Polestar feels it can create a better performance car with this approach, and is delivering what customers expect from a premium brand.
‘If we are a performance brand we need to have good components, so that’s why we have Öhlins for passive dampers, ZF for active dampers, Brembo brakes and Michelin tyres. We then spend thousands of hours behind the steering wheel to make sure they all work in harmony – this is how Polestar creates performance cars.’
I have my fears that an all-electric future means the prospect of insipid cars that all drive the same. But after a day with Rydholm and the Polestar team, the future looks exciting… although probably best experienced on a closed frozen lake.
After a day with Rydholm and the Polestar team, the future looks exciting… although probably best experienced on a closed frozen lake.
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CAR NEWS ROUND-UP
Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...
C5 Aircross revealed as new rangetopping SUV
CITROEN has marked 100 years since its founder lit up Paris’ Eiffel Tower with the company’s name by revealing the Citroen C5 Aircross in the French capital.
The new C5 Aircross arrives to sit at the top of the French carmaker’s range, coming in hybrid and electric forms, and will go on sale in the UK later this year.
The new range-topper carries over much of the
2024 Paris Motor Show Citroen C5 Aircross Concept car’s styling, including its vivid green paint colour. The newcomer adopts a boxier design, and uses plenty of design themes already seen on the recently launched C3 such as the ‘three-point’ light signature and chevronshaped trim pieces. The new C5 Aircross is also the first Citroen to come with 20-inch wheels.
DBX S brings more power to SUV range
ASTON MARTIN has revealed a lighter and more powerful version of the DBX SUV with the ‘S’.
The DBX S comes fitted with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 717bhp –20bhp more than the standard car. It does 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 193mph.
Several options make the car lighter, including a carbon fibre roof, magnesium wheels and the deletion of roof rails.
New EV6 has sub£40,000 price tag
KIA has unveiled a new, more affordable version of its EV6.
The EV6 ‘Air’ has a price tag of £39,235, coming under the Expensive Car Supplement, which applies over £40,000.
A 63kWh battery pack allows the EV6 Air to do up to 265 miles on a single charge, while 800-volt charging means that a 10 to 80% top-up can be completed in 18 minutes when the car is connected to a speed 350kWh charger.
New
Compass
gets up to 403 mile range
JEEP has taken the covers off the new Compass SUV. The car can be specified as a mildhybrid ‘e-Hybrid’, producing 147bhp, and this is joined by a 197bhp plug-in hybrid model.
Three electric versions will also be available, including a two-wheel-drive model with an electric motor in either 216bhp or 234bhp. Plus, there will be a four-wheel-drive model called ‘4xe’ with a dual-motor setup producing 380bhp.
New A6 gains plug-in hybrid
AUDI has introduced a new plugin hybrid powertrain to its A6. Available on both saloon and Avant layouts, the A6 plugin hybrid models use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine linked to an electric motor and battery. In total, the system develops 295bhp that powers Audi’s quattro AWD system. Thanks to a 25.9kWh battery, the A6 plug-in hybrid could return up to 69 miles of electriconly running in the saloon.
JEEP
AUDI
KIA
ASTON MARTIN
CITROEN
New lightweight 296 Speciale edition revealed
FERRARI has unveiled a new lightweight hardcore version of the 296 supercar, named the Speciale.
It will be available in coupe guise or as a drop-top ‘Aperta’, for the ultimate wind-in-the-hair experience.
Under the bonnet, there is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to an electric motor to produce 868bhp – 30bhp more than the standard 296 GTB.
Ferrari claims that the car can travel up to 15 miles on electric power
D-Max pick-up gets electric offering
ISUZU has revealed its first EV offering, the D-Max EV pickup.
Under the skin, the pick-up comes fitted with a 66.9kWh battery pack and dual electric motors to make four-wheeldrive.
The manufacturer claims the vehicle can travel up to 163 miles on a single charge, and accepts a maximum charging speed of 50kW DC, taking the truck from a 20 to 80% top up in one hour.
New ES with hybrid or battery power revealed
LEXUS has taken the covers off the new ES saloon and it will come with a choice of hybrid or electric power.
The hybrid powertrain badged ‘ES 300h’ comes fitted with a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that produces 199bhp. Plus, front and all-wheeldrive versions will be available.
There will be the addition of two battery-powered versions too, named ‘ES 350e and ES 500e’.
INDUSTRY VIEWS
NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM CAR DEALER LIVE
With lead conversion up by a fifth since the start of the year, we are getting back to the trend of March being the retail month of the year.
Bex Kennett Auto Trader
The outlook for the rest of 2025 is challenging but the opportunities are huge
As the weather hots up attention is turning to the summer, with one expert suggesting the outlook is challenging but the opportunities for car dealers are enormous.
Bex Kennett from Auto Trader recently appeared on Car Dealer Live to give an update on the new and used car markets, and revealed the motor trade is experiencing a strong does of optimism thanks to robust demand and market competition.
Auto Trader experienced a significant increase in consumer interest in March, with an 11% year-onyear rise in platform visits, and a 20% increase in new car leads.
‘In March, we saw buyers who had been researching their next car during the winter making a purchase,’ Kennett said. ‘With lead conversion up by a fifth since the start of the year, we are getting back to the trend of March being the retail month of the year. Anything compared to previous years is going to be positive as we’ve had such a challenging time of it in the new car market.’
March 2025 was also a ‘really strong’
‘They’re coming and they’re serious’:
CHINESE car manufacturers are making European and American rivals seem ‘irrelevant’ thanks to their advanced technology and increased production power.
That is according to one expert, who says that Chinese firms, which were making garden equipment just a few short years ago, could soon be rivalling much more established legacy brands.
Claire Miller, an independent advisor on all
time for sales of new electric cars, with 69,000 registrations – up 43% on the same month in 2024 – but discounts are getting greater.
‘Discounts have increased by around 0.6% to 11.5% from brands and retailers to really incentivise buyers. This, along with more education, is resulting in more people viewing EVs [on Auto Trader] – up 60% on March 2024.
‘Around 20% of our enquiries are for electric vehicles, with models like the MG ZS EV leading the way with an 11% share.
‘But this is still behind; don’t forget that during the fuel shortage of June 2022 there was a peak of 32%.’
Kennett explained that one massive challenge this year is the increase in the ZEV Mandate from 22% to 28%.
‘There’s a wave of cheaper EVs that are really helping with the affordability gap [between EVs and ICE cars], but this is still a big increase. EVs are still 23% more expensive to an ICE car.’
But she added that incentives such as discounts will help drive uptake, along with ‘sexier-looking’ new models.
Why automotive industry needs to ‘embrace’ China
things electric and mobility, recently attended the Shanghai Motor Show and says she was blown away by what she found.
She told hosts James Baggott and Jon Reay: ‘China is where it’s at. In a past life, I spent quite a lot of time working in China.
‘I’ve been going out there for 20 odd years –when the roads weren’t metal – now, it’s a tier one city so you can see the rise, which is a lot to
do with BYD.
‘It feels different. It feels like a can-do attitude everywhere. What with that, and their advanced industrial manufacturing, these companies are able to make a different car on every position in their line.
‘It’s mainly automated, they’re pushing out 40 cars an hour at 20 plants. They’re coming and they’re serious.’
FINANCE NEWS
Auto Trader adds new car finance offers to its website
by Rebecca Chaplin rebecca@oncuecomms.com
Auto Trader has added a new feature to its website where new car dealers can display finance offers on their adverts. New car dealers are now able to attach FCA-compliant finance offers to their new car stock as well as monthly costs, with Auto Trader saying this will give greater transparency on price.
It added that nine in 10 buyers are using finance when purchasing a new car, while 84% of consumers said that being able to easily compare cars and finance offers was key to choosing which car to buy.
Mark Busby, director of commercial operations at Hendy Group commented: ‘We want to convert browsers to buyers and showing them upfront exactly what deposit contributions they’ll receive from the OEM means they’ll know the monthly costs of how much deposit is required – providing greater price transparency from the start of their journey and helping us to stand out in a competitive marketplace.’
Craig Carter, brand director at D.M. Keith, also felt that this new addition will build confidence with the customer and said: ‘Having the ability to add clear finance offers to new car adverts will ensure prospective buyers feel more informed and confident when making a purchase with us. Not only this, but the solution will be a real game changer for us as it will allow us to transact with consumers quicker than before.’
By making the finance offers on new vehicles clearer, Auto Trader expects this will cut down the back and forth finance quotes with customers so they can make decisions faster. The new solution also makes attaching a finance offer simple and says this will allow franchised dealers to capitalise on increased demand.
ANALYSIS
Car finance market shows strong growth
THE number of customers taking out car finance on new and used cars soared in March, new data shows.
Latest figures from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) reveal March experienced the strongest rate of growth in over three years.
The FLA said a primary reason was customers bringing forward their purchases before tax changes kicked in in April. The data shows that consumer car finance new business volumes grew in March 2025 by 11% compared with the same month in 2024. The consumer new car finance market reported new business by value in March 25% higher than in the same month in 2024, while new business volumes grew by 21%. In Q1 2025, new business volumes in this market were 16% higher than in Q1 2024.
Meanwhile, in the used car finance market, the value of new business in March was 9% higher than in the same month in 2024, while new business volumes grew by 3%. In Q1 2025, new business volumes in this market were 3% lower than in Q1 2024.
TIME IS MONEY
RICHARD PYGOTT
A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING
Why subprime isn’t a dirty word…
Ifirst joined the motor finance industry 15 years ago, and the feeling I got from dealers and others in the trade about subprime customers and finance companies wasn’t great. ‘Subprime’ was practically a dirty word.
I was repeatedly told that subprime customers weren’t worth the hassle, that they had bad credit because they never paid their bills, and that they were best avoided. There wasn’t much love for subprime finance companies either; long-winded processes, drawn-out decisions, and bad experiences.
As time passed and I spoke with more dealers and more customers, that stereotype started to unravel.
Sure, some people don’t pay their bills, but most people I spoke to were just… people. Nurses working night shifts. Long-distance lorry drivers. Parents juggling childcare, bills, and full-time jobs. Ordinary people who’d fallen on hard times, redundancy, illness, divorce, and were just trying to get back on track.
They weren’t looking for sympathy – they were looking for a chance. Someone to listen to them and understand how they’d ended up where they were, rather than being declined by an algorithm on a computer.
Thankfully, over the last few years, I think the industry’s perception has started to shift and dealers are waking up to the idea that a credit score doesn’t tell the whole story.
I believe affordability, intent, and life stability can’t be neatly summed up in a number –people aren’t numbers!
At First Response Finance, we look beyond the credit file. Our underwriters focus on the person behind the application, which is why, over the last 20 years, we’ve helped thousands of dealers sell more cars and support subprime customers buy the car they need and want.
Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response. Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk
Yes, some in the motor trade still write off a subprime customer. But I know that if you partnered with us, it could be the difference between waving someone out the door or handing them the keys to a car on your forecourt.
I believe that if we bring a little empathy, and some common sense into the subprime conversation, we don’t just get better results, I think we build a better industry.
So maybe ‘subprime’ was never the dirty word and the issue is the perception?
Want to learn more? Visit our dealer site or get in touch on 01156711755, we’d love to help.
We’ve helped thousands of dealers sell more cars and support subprime customers buy the car they need and want.
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE
Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales
BCA
W: bca.co.uk
T: 0344 875 3480
Finance
E: customerservices@bca.com
Info: BCA’s remarketing programmes deliver volume, choice and availability for buyers, and speed, efficiency and market-leading returns for sellers.
Automotive E-Commerce
ATG
W: atg.auto
T: 0844 264 3519
Info: Leading provider of retailing solutions, Automotive Transformation Group maximises sales for retailers, OEMs, financiers and fleet suppliers by making car buying easier for their consumers.
Data
Real World Analytics
W: realworldanalytics.com
T: 0808 1890 617
E: auto@realworldanalytics.com
Info: We are a SaaS-based data analytics solution provider for multisite dealers. Our business intelligence tools help customers make faster and better decisions.
DMS
DealerDesk
W: dealerdesk.co.uk
E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk
Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.
Finance
Blue Motor Finance
W: blue.co.uk
T: 020 3005 9331
E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk
Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.
Finance
Close Brothers
Motor Finance
W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/
Info: Close Brothers Motor Finance are a specialist finance provider, working with over 8,000 dealer partners to offer flexible finance solutions for car, motorcycle and LCV customers.
First Response
W: dealer.firstresponsefinance.co.uk
T: 0115 671 1755
E: marketing@frfl.co.uk
Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.
Finance
Forza Finance
W: forzafinance.co.uk
T: 01245 245678
Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.
HR & People Management
HR Manager
W: hrmanager.co.uk
T: 01480 455500
E: info@hrmanager.co.uk
Info: HR Manager is Lawgistics’ new digital compliance portal designed to assist employers in managing their legal obligations, responsibilities and duties.
Insurance
Tradesure
W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk
T: 0121 248 9313
Info: Providing motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in the UK, the Tradesure team are reliable professionals who know how to help you.
Key Control
Traka
W: traka-automotive.com
T: 0333 355 3726
E: automotive@traka.com
Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.
Lead Management
GardX AD-Vantage
Lead Management
iVendi
W: ivendi.com
T: 0330 229 0028
E: tellmemore@ivendi.com
Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.
Legal & Compliance
Lawgistics
W: lawgistics.co.uk
T: 01480 455500
E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk
Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.
Marketing, PR & Video
OnCue Communications
W: oncuecomms.com
T: 020 8125 3880
Info: We are a leading provider of PR, video and events services to the automotive industry. The PR team has a proven track record of securing high-value, big-impact media coverage.
Marketing, PR & Video
Marketing Delivery
W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/
T: 01892 599911
E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk
Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.
Oil & Lubricants
Mobil™
W: mobil.co.uk
T: 0800 0857 420
Trade Bodies
Ben
W: ben.org.uk
T: 0808 131 1333
Info: Ben is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families.
Vehicle Photography
Dealer 360
W: dealer360.co.uk
T: 01270 780855
E: nicky.spratt@ukturntables.com
Info: UK makers of photo booths incorporating our turntables for car, van and motorcycle dealers. Our software controls turntable and cameras – a onestop solution.
Vehicle Tracking
Meta Trak
W: metatrak.co.uk
T: 020 8867 2340
E: enquiries@metatrak.co.uk
Info: Total vehicle security. Clever tracking technology, advanced immobilisation, 24/7 monitoring and an easy-to-use app. Security. Connectivity. Peace of mind.
Warranty Providers
AutoProtect
W: autoprotect.co.uk
T: 01279 406888
E: sales@autoprotect.net
Info: AutoProtect offers a full portfolio of award-winning protection products, including GAP. We lead the market with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.
Warranty Providers
Car Care Plan
W: carcareplan.com
T: 0344 573 8000
W: gardx.co.uk/gardx-ad-vantage
T: 01243 376426
E: goforaspin@gardx.co.uk
Info: The award-winning 360 service offers an engaging display of the vehicle while additionally presenting profitable F&I products to a consumer.
Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.
Recruitment
WeRecruit Auto
W: werecruitauto.co.uk
T: 01603 550041
Info: Permanent recruitment – here to assist businesses within the automotive sector find the best fit for their company in terms of skillset, experience and culture.
Info: Car Care Plan is a leading provider of motor protection products, trusted around the world to deliver quality protection with integrity and a customer-oriented outlook.
Warranty Providers
Centurion Warranties
W: centurionwarranties.co.uk
T: 0800 368 7420
E: support@cwuk.net
Info: Centurion offers comprehensive aftermarket warranty solutions to motor dealers across the UK who sell first-owned vehicles through to high-end, prestige and sports cars.
Warranty Providers
Händler Protect
W: handlerprotect.com
T: 0800 088 7889
E: sales@handlerprotect.com
Info: Händler Protect is an exclusive dealer warranty provider. Proud to partner and represent more than 1,000-plus ‘active’ independent motor dealers across the UK each month.
Warranty Providers
Warrantywise
W: warrantywise.co.uk/dealer
T: 0800 001 4551
E: dealers@warrantywise.co.uk
Info: Warrantywise sells over 100,000 warranties per year.
Quentin Willson personally designed Warrantywise to be the UK’s best used car warranty.
These Listings Work!
More Sales For You
W: Your website address
T: 020 8125 3880 (that’s us!)
E: sales@blackballmedia.co.uk
Info: The Suppliers Guide lets dealers find the companies they need to help them with their business. Make sure you’re here. Contact us via the above number or email address.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Bluesky Interactive
W: blueskyinteractive.co.uk
T: 01926 651000
Info: Bluesky Interactive drive dealer websites and digital marketing forward thanks to game-changing innovation, the latest technology and our exceptional relationships with our clients.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Haswent
W: haswent.com
T: 020 3920 6164
E: hello@haswent.com
Info: Composer is a next-gen automotive platform. You have extensive stock management options, and you’ll gain a brilliantly responsive new website.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Spidersnet
W: spidersnet.co.uk
T: 01273 837749
E: hello@spidersnet.co.uk
Info: Websites that are designed to increase the number of customers for dealers. We have solutions for all budgets and needs. All solutions include our DMS Autopromotor.
LONG-TERMERS
MAZDA MX-5 RF
James Batchelor needs no excuse to spend time with an MX-5. Here, he introduces his latest long-term test car.
‘You must be mad’, came the reply from my colleague when I said I had an idea to live with a sports car for six months, four of which would be in deepest, darkest winter.
But this wasn’t just any two-seater. Mazda’s MX-5 has been on sale in Britain for 35 years now. And while there are certainly more powerful, flashier and imposing sports cars around, the dinky Mazda has always been there delivering thrills by the bucketload at a bargain price.
In a previous life on a car magazine, I lived with an MX-5 Roadster for six months and found the experience so utterly joyous that I’ve been trying to find an excuse to have another go in one.
Pitching the idea to Mazda elicited a similar response from my colleague, but the brand relented and chucked me the keys to one with a nicely bedded-in 5,000 miles on the clock with the proviso I had to hand it back when the clock ticked onto 12k.
This time around I opted for the RF, which stands for ‘Retractable Fastback’. To you and me, this means it’s the one with the folding hard-top roof.
The RF is proof that the MX-5 has grown up a little bit since it launched way back in 1989, and you could say it’s a little bit softer than the traditional rag-top Roadster model. But that was fine with me as I would be driving the car mostly during a typical miserable British winter.
The MX-5 had a little bit of a nip-and-tuck update last year – a lucky coincidence to justify running another MX-5 as a long-term test car, I felt. There’s a new, wider infotainment screen, the trim levels have been changed, there are some new colours and wheels, and some mechanical tweaks too.
One of those paint shades is the ‘Aero Grey’ of this car – a £570 option. It’s not the first colour you think of for a sports car, and one that I think will take some getting used to, but this Exclusive-Line trim’s black leather seats and subtle grey stitching are spot on in my book.
The RF only comes with the more powerful engine offered in the MX-5 range. It’s a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with 181bhp, and is hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox. Nothing to write home about, but boy, if you think that, then you’re missing the whole appeal of the MX-5.
I haven’t told Mazda yet, but this car hasn’t had a rest since I was given the keys. So much so, I’ve already racked up 2,000 miles in some of the beastly winter weather we’ve had this year, and that mileage cap of 12,000 miles is already making me sweat. Over the next few reports, I shall reveal exactly why I’ve been clocking up so much mileage.
This month’s highlight: Finding any excuse to give the little MX-5 a blast come whatever weather – it’s utterly joyous.
OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING
Mileage: 3,896
We’re finding out if ‘our Audi’ can compete with the influx of Chinese brands heading this way.
Leon is settling in nicely and we’re enjoying every mile we drive – it’s very easy to live with. Mileage: 4,361
