KIA EV3 WINS 2025 WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR
The Kia EV3 has been hailed the outright winner at the 2025 World Car Awards. Revealed during a live announcement at the World Car Awards ceremony at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, the Kia EV3 secured the prestigious title of 2025 World Car of the Year.
“It is an immense honour for everyone at Kia that the EV3 has been awarded the 2025 World Car of Year title. This award highlights Kia’s global leadership in providing design-led, technologically advanced, sustainable mobility solutions and how the EV3’s class-leading attributes redefine the user experience for customers worldwide,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.
The 2025 World Car Awards were judged by a panel of 96 highly respected international automotive journalists from 30 countries. The EV3's victory brings Kia’s total of wins at the World Car Awards to six since 2020.
What category did the Kia EV3 win at the 2025 World Car Awards?
The Kia EV3 won the following title at the 2025 World Car Awards:
• 2025 World Car of the Year
What are the Kia EV3’s key product features?
The EV3 brings the cutting-edge innovation of Kia’s flagship EV9 to a wider audience than ever before, setting new standards in the compact electric vehicle (EV) SUV segment. The EV3 boasts a bold, progressive exterior and an innovative, practical interior that maximises space, functionality, and comfort.
The EV3 has a segment-leading range of up to 375 miles and can charge from 10-to-80% in 31 minutes*, delivering impressive usability. The vehicle’s innovative interior design optimises space, comfort, and accessibility, while Kia’s AI Assistant, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates enhance the ownership experience with cutting-edge technology.
Previous World Car Awards titles won by Kia Kia EV9 – 2024 World Car of the Year
• Kia EV9 – 2024 World Electric Vehicle
• Kia EV6 GT – 2023 World Performance Car
• Kia Telluride – 2020 World Car of the Year
• Kia Soul EV – 2020 World Urban Car
MG drives ahead in 2025
MG Motor UK has kicked off 2025 with a record-breaking first quarter, posting its strongest ever start to a year. The brand registered 24,641 new vehicles in the UK between January and March, representing a 6.5% yearon-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. The robust performance continues MG’s upward trajectory in the UK market and reinforces its growing appeal among both private and business customers.
The standout month was March 2025, which saw 15,876 new MG vehicles delivered to customers across the country. A particularly impressive highlight was the 91.8% surge in sales to private customers, underlining MG’s ability to resonate with individual buyers seeking affordable, reliable, and feature-rich vehicles in today’s competitive market.
MG ZS and HS Lead the Charge
MG’s continued growth has been powered by the exceptional performance of its core models— particularly the MG ZS SUV and MG HS.
The MG ZS remained one of the UK’s most sought-after compact SUVs, securing 9,041 registrations in Q1. Its popularity ensured it ranked as the ninth best-selling car in the UK for the opening months of 2025, a notable achievement in an increasingly crowded SUV segment. A key factor in its success has been the introduction of the ZS Hybrid+, launched in the second half of 2024. This advanced hybrid variant has quickly gained traction and was named the top-selling hybrid in the UK during the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the larger MG HS SUV also performed strongly, with 9,738 registrations, making it the seventh best-selling vehicle overall
in the UK for the period. The HS continues to win over families and fleet customers alike thanks to its spacious interior, high levels of equipment, and excellent value proposition.
Market Share Growth and Strategic Vision
MG’s share of the UK new car market continues to climb steadily. After ending 2024 with a total market share of 4.18%, the brand has already surpassed that figure in early 2025, rising to 4.24% in the first quarter. This ongoing growth underscores MG’s strengthening presence in the UK and the effectiveness of its multi-fuel strategy, which includes petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
Expanding the EV Line-Up: The MG S5 EV
Looking ahead, MG is further strengthening its electric vehicle offering with the recent launch of the MG S5 EV, an all-electric SUV based on the critically acclaimed MG4 platform. Designed to offer a compelling balance of affordability, practicality, and electric driving pleasure, the S5 EV is positioned to attract first-time EV buyers and those looking to make the switch to electric without breaking the bank.
Continued Momentum in 2025
With a strong product lineup, expanding dealership network, and rising brand awareness, MG Motor UK is well-positioned to maintain its momentum throughout 2025. As the company continues to focus on delivering value-led innovation and customer satisfaction, it remains committed to making electrified and efficient vehicles more accessible to UK drivers.
MG’s blend of affordable pricing, diverse powertrains, and practical design continues to win over customers, and the results from Q1 suggest 2025 could be another landmark year for the
The new Elroq
vRS: The sportiest
version of Škoda’s electric compact SUV
Š
koda Auto is expanding its electric lineup with the launch of the new Elroq vRS, the high-performance flagship of the compact electric SUV range. Debuting six months after the Elroq's global premiere, the vRS variant boasts dual electric motors producing 340 PS (250 kW) and all-wheel drive, making it Škoda’s fastest-accelerating production car yet, hitting 0–62 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
Powered by an 84 kWh battery (79 kWh usable), the Elroq vRS offers a WLTP range of over 340 miles. It supports DC fast charging up to 185 kW, allowing a 10–80% charge in about 26 minutes. For home charging, an 11 kW AC charger replenishes the battery fully in eight hours.
The Elroq vRS introduces Škoda’s new Modern Solid design with bold black styling elements, a high-gloss illuminated Tech-Deck Face, and exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels. The sports chassis features progressive steering and is lowered by 15 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear, tuned specifically for dynamic handling. Škoda also offers adaptive DCC suspension for a tailored ride experience, alongside more powerful front brakes and selectable exterior sound profiles.
Inside, the Elroq vRS features the vRS Lounge Design Selection with black microfibre Suedia upholstery, lime green stitching, and a carbon-
look trim. Heated front sports seats come standard, with electric adjustment and massage for the driver, and available for the passenger via the Maxx Package. A 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, 5-inch Digital Cockpit, and AR head-up display provide a tech-forward interface, while a 12-speaker CANTON sound system delivers 675 W of premium audio.
Practicality meets innovation with a 470–1,580-litre boot, power tailgate with Virtual Pedal, and clever features like a QR code in the boot for how-to guides. Connectivity is bolstered by four USB-C ports (45 W), wireless phone charging, and the latest version of Travel Assist which includes Adaptive Lane Assist, Predictive Cruise Control, and more.
Škoda’s Remote Park Assist, accessible via the MyŠkoda app, allows owners to park the vehicle from their smartphone. The app can also enable the Remote Trained Parking function for automated maneuvers into pre-learned spaces.
The Elroq vRS made its public debut at Milan Design Week 2025, with an artistic showcase inspired by nature. As part of the launch, Škoda partnered with Czech brand Botas to release limited-edition shoes echoing the SUV’s design and materials.
With cutting-edge tech, strong performance, and bold design, the Škoda Elroq vRS sets a new benchmark in the electric compact SUV segment—blending everyday usability with unmistakable sporty character.
MAZDA CX-30S COMPLETE EPIC BALTIC TO ARCTIC JOURNEY
USING SUSTAINABLE FUEL
In an impressive demonstration of alternative fuel capabilities, a fleet of twelve 2025 Mazda CX-30s recently completed an extraordinary journey spanning over 1,300 miles from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle. This remarkable expedition showcased not only the vehicles' performance in challenging conditions but also highlighted Mazda's commitment to exploring sustainable fuel solutions as part of their multisolution approach to reducing carbon emissions.
The journey began in Malmö, Sweden, situated on the Baltic coastline, and concluded in Tromsø, Norway—a coastal town located more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Throughout this extensive northern European trek, the vehicles traversed through Sweden, Finland, and Norway, covering precisely 1,344 miles while exclusively powered by SUSTAIN's 100 per cent biofuel, which contains zero fossil fuel components.
The New e-Skyactiv G Engine
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 models featured in this expedition were equipped with the newly introduced 140ps e-Skyactiv G 2.5-litre petrol engine. This powerplant represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, incorporating sophisticated cylinder deactivation technology paired with Mazda's innovative M Hybrid mildhybrid system.
This engineering combination has yielded measurable improvements in both fuel economy
and emissions reduction during real-world testing when compared to the outgoing 2.0-litre engine previously offered in the CX-30 range.
Sustainable Fuel as a Viable Alternative
The Baltic to Arctic expedition serves as compelling evidence of sustainable fuel's potential as an immediate solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from existing internal combustion engine vehicles. Particularly noteworthy is that these CX-30 models required absolutely no modifications to operate efficiently on the sustainable biofuel.
The vehicles achieved an impressive average fuel economy exceeding 40 miles per gallon throughout the journey, demonstrating that performance and efficiency need not be compromised when transitioning away from conventional fossil fuels. This flexibility represents a significant advantage in the broader context of reducing transportation-related carbon emissions.
Understanding SUSTAIN Biofuel Technology
The sustainable fuel powering the CX-30 fleet was provided by SUSTAIN, a company specialising in second-generation biofuels. Unlike conventional fuels derived from fossil sources, SUSTAIN's product is manufactured entirely from agricultural waste materials that would otherwise serve no purpose for human or animal consumption.
This innovative approach to fuel production creates a more environmentally responsible
cycle. The biofuel utilises carbon already present in our atmosphere—carbon that was captured naturally by plants during their growth cycle and is then released again during combustion. This closed-loop system stands in stark contrast to fossil fuels, which release additional carbon dioxide that has remained sequestered underground for millions of years.
Mazda's Broader Commitment to Sustainable Fuels
The Baltic to Arctic expedition represents just one component of Mazda's ongoing efforts to showcase the potential of sustainable fuels in transitioning away from fossil fuel dependency. Since June 2023, Mazda UK has powered its entire Heritage Fleet with sustainable fuel, preserving automotive history while reducing environmental impact.
In 2023, a Mazda MX-5 became the first vehicle to complete laps at racing circuits across all four UK home nations while running exclusively on sustainable fuel. Following this achievement, a quartet of MX-5s made history as the first cars to travel from Land's End to John O'Groats—the traditional route spanning the full length of Great Britain—using only sustainable fuel.
TEN YEARS, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND INSPIRED MINDS AND A BOLD NEW EXPANSION PLAN
Officially launched in 2015 by King Charles, the then Prince of Wales, the Nissan Skills Foundation began as a single interactive workshop aiming for about 1,000 students. Fast forward ten years and the foundation has beaten that target 100-fold, expanding to 13 different STEM courses for students aged six to eighteen.
To mark the double milestone, Nissan invited 200 children from across the North East onto the Sunderland Plant factory floor to build 300 Nissan Qashqai made out of LEGO bricks. With each LEGO Qashqai using 204 pieces, a total of 61,200 LEGO bricks were expertly fitted during the hour-long event – a rate of about 1,000 bricks per minute.
And, of course, the task was carried out in perfect manufacturing sequence - just like the real production lines a few feet away.
Michael Jude, HR Director at Nissan Sunderland said: “To have inspired more than
100,000 young minds over ten years is a phenomenal achievement. We could not be prouder of our training team who help unearth the exciting talent of the future.
“But it’s not just about the numbers. We have dozens of current staff who attended a Skills Foundation event while at school, proof that the foundation’s work today really does produce the talent of tomorrow.
“So I am delighted to be able to announce the doubling in size of the foundation as part of our leadership of MADE NE. Reaching more than 16,000 students a year will supercharge the talent pipeline we and our supply chain partners need to build the brilliant electric cars of our EV36Zero future.”
The expansion marks the next phase of Nissan’s skills drive as cocreators of MADE NE (Manufacturing, Automation, Digitalisation, Electrification North East), a £14.6 million initiative to create world-leading training facilities that support the region's manufacturing sector.
In the MADE NE training facility at the SASMI building next to Sunderland Plant, Nissan will open a second dedicated classroom, significantly increasing
potential student STEM engagement for the electric vehicle and advanced manufacturing sector.
Among those attending the LEGO production event was a Year 6 class from Gillas Lane School in Houghton Le Spring – which was also the first school to attend the Monozukuri Caravan workshop, centred around the Japanese art of manufacturing, a decade ago.
Kay Straughan, Headteacher, said: “Over the last 10 years we’ve seen many of our school children attend various courses at the Nissan Skills Foundation.
“We believe that by introducing children to the exciting opportunities available in STEM-based careers at a young age, we’re providing them with the knowledge to inform their future career choices as they go through their educational journey. It’s also a brilliant opportunity for our students to gain hands-on and applied learning experiences outside of our school environment.”
HONDA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF CR-V WITH ‘DREAM POD’ CAMPING CONCEPT
To commemorate 30 years of the globally successful CR-V, Honda has unveiled an extraordinary camping innovation that transforms their popular SUV into a mobile adventure hub. The bespoke 'Dream Pod' concept showcases Honda's commitment to versatility and outdoor exploration while highlighting the evolution of one of the world's most beloved compact SUVs.
The Evolution of an Automotive Icon
The CR-V, short for Compact Runabout Vehicle, first appeared in 1995 and quickly established itself as a pioneer in the crossover segment. By combining the handling characteristics of a passenger car with the practicality and versatility of an SUV, Honda created a vehicle that would reshape automotive preferences worldwide.
Now in its sixth generation, the CR-V has maintained its position as a global bestseller, ranking as the third most popular SUV globally in 2024. With over one million units sold across Europe throughout its lifetime, the model's enduring appeal speaks to Honda's understanding of what drivers truly value: reliability, versatility, and innovation.
Inside the 'Dream Pod' Concept
At the heart of the 'Dream Pod' transformation is the ingenious integration of the EGOE Nestboard 650, a compact camping solution that fits perfectly within the CR-V's generous 617-litre boot space. This clever system allows for quick conversion of the vehicle's interior into a comfortable sleeping area for two adults when the rear seats are folded flat.
The Nestboard's functionality extends beyond just providing a place to sleep. A concealed drawer slides out to reveal a fully-equipped cooking station, complete with a stove, collapsible sink, and storage compartments for utensils and dining essentials. This thoughtful design ensures that adventurers can enjoy home comforts even in remote locations.
The concept vehicle also incorporates several genuine Honda accessories that enhance its adventure capabilities. A Honda-certified Thule bicycle carrier can be attached to the detachable tow bar, allowing for easy transport of bikes for daytime exploration.
Sustainable Adventure with Plug-in Hybrid Technology
The 'Dream Pod' concept is based on Honda's first plug-in hybrid model for the European market, reflecting the manufacturer's commitment to more sustainable mobility solutions. With an impressive all-electric range of 79km (49 miles), the CR-V e:PHEV allows adventurers to explore natural settings with minimal environmental impact.
When operating in EV Mode, the vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions and operates with near-silent efficiency, ensuring minimal disruption to wildlife and other outdoor enthusiasts. This electric capability is complemented by the security of a hybrid powertrain, eliminating range anxiety even when venturing far from charging infrastructure.
Capturing the Night Sky: A Photographer's Perspective
To showcase the unique capabilities of the 'Dream Pod', Honda collaborated with renowned astrophotographer Benjamin Barakat, who took the concept vehicle into the Italian Alps to capture spectacular images of the night sky. This real-world test demonstrated how the vehicle's versatility and comfort enable creative pursuits in remote locations.
Barakat utilised time-lapse techniques to photograph celestial wonders including Orion's Nebula within the Milky Way and the Pleiades cluster – a formation comprising over 1,000 stars. The 'Dream Pod' provided him with a comfortable base from which to work, allowing extended periods in isolated areas without compromising on essential comforts.
LEADING THE PRIDE PEUGEOT AND ATTITUDE MAGAZINE CON-
TINUE TO DRIVE PRIDE FORWARD IN 2025t
PEUGEOT is proud to continue its partnership with Attitude magazine for the ninth annual PRIDE Awards, now officially renamed the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe 2025. This prestigious event, celebrating everyday LGBTQ+ heroes across Europe, will be held at The Peninsula London on Friday, 4 July 2025.
The 2025 awards will honour 10 inspirational individuals from the UK and across Europe who have made a lasting impact through community work, resilience, and advocacy. These unsung heroes represent the heart of the LGBTQ+ community, and the event promises to be the biggest celebration yet.
PEUGEOT and Attitude first formalised their collaboration in 2024, creating a dynamic, multi-platform partnership focused on storytelling, charitable action, and shared values. Last year’s event also marked the debut of the new all-electric PEUGEOT E-3008 fastback SUV, which chauffeured guests in zero-emission style, highlighting PEUGEOT’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The E-3008 is part of PEUGEOT’s expansive 12-vehicle electric range— the widest of any mainstream European brand.
Nicola Dobson, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK, said:
"We’re incredibly proud to renew our partnership with Attitude. The PRIDE Awards are a celebration of remarkable individuals and a reflection of our values: diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. At PEUGEOT, we believe in driving progress through pleasure, and this collaboration brings that belief to life by supporting those who champion equality and resilience."
Darren Styles OBE, Managing Director of Attitude, reflected on the partnership’s impact:
"Last year, our collaboration with PEUGEOT allowed the original—and best—PRIDE Awards to reach new audiences. Their support was so impactful, Autocar even named their team 'Drivers of Change'. With this renewed partnership, and a new Europe-wide scope, we are raising the bar once again."
He added, “By renaming the event the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe 2025, we officially recognise the many past winners from countries including France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Spain. In partnership with PEUGEOT, a true European powerhouse, we’re bringing the continent’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration to life—right before Pride in London.”
Coinciding with the end of Pride Month, the awards will feature PEUGEOT’s iconic lion emblem, a full fleet of electric vehicles, and a powerful content programme designed to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. This renewed collaboration promises not just a celebration, but a bold statement of support for diversity, progress, and pride across Europe.
NC750X and EM1 e: pick up prestigious design awards
Honda is pleased to announce that two of its powered two-wheelers – the EM1 e: electric moped and versatile ‘urban adventurer’ NC750X – have garnered prestigious design awards.
The EM1 e: receives an iF award, having already been the recipient of a Red Dot Product Design award in 2024. Developed under the concept of creating an “electric scooter ‘just right’ for people,” the EM1 e: became the first electric personal-use Honda two-wheeler to go on sale in Europe on its arrival in 2023. Powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery, it features simple and slim packaging realized by the optimization of the layout of key components. High-brightness LEDs are adopted for the lights, contributing to greater peace of mind while riding at night. The headlight features a simple, flushsurface design, highlighting the ultra-modern look of the EM1 e:.
Honda’s streak of success in the Red Dot awards continues into a sixth consecutive year with the NC750X, which follows the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP (2020), Forza 750 (2021), ADV350 and NT1100 (2022), CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp (2023) and EM1 e: (2024) as previous Honda winners of a Red Dot Product Design award.
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A massive thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped make this day such a success.
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Huge Congratulations to Ellis Sanderson-Streete!
Ellis, a key member of our Chiswick Honda Parts Team, has officially been named Honda UK Apprentice of the Year!
He received this incredible national recognition at none other than Twickenham Stadium, the home of English Rugby, during a special Honda event. Ellis was welcomed back to the dealership with a well-deserved celebration from all of us at Norton Way.