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LAW
‘Dieselgate’ goes to High Court
THE High Court is hearing lawsuits from more than a million motorists who are targeting major global carmakers accused of using technology to manipulate emissions test results.
Around 1.6 million motorists are taking action against more than a dozen manufacturers over claims that several diesel vehicles made from 2009 onwards contained prohibited defeat devices (PDDs).
The claim is the largest of its kind in English history, with the High Court told it is believed to be worth at least £6bn.
FINANCE
Aston Martin
braced for losses
ASTON Martin has told investors to prepare for massive losses amid supply chain issues and concerns over US tariffs.
The British marque says it expects to tumble into the red when its accounts are published, with bosses braced for underlying losses greater than £110m – the bottom of the previous expected range.
The warning marks the second downgrade to the luxury carmaker’s outlook since early July.
NEWS DIGEST
JLR production returns to Solihull as bosses hail ‘strong sense of unity and momentum’
JLR has stepped up its return to production, with lines in Solihull getting back under way. Car Dealer reported on October 7 that the embattled carmaker had resumed ‘some production’ at sites across the West Midlands and Merseyside.
However, this initially did not include production lines in Solihull, which remained mothballed for a further day.
Around 6,500 employees were back working at the site on October 9 with only a few lines still lying dormant.
It is hoped that those final operations, which make the Range Rover Velar SUV, will come back on stream very soon, alongside vehicle manufacturing operations in Halewood, Merseyside.
JLR says that, if that phase goes smoothly, it will be followed by the return of factories in India and Brazil.
JLR global manufacturing director Luis Vara said there is now a ‘strong sense of unity and momentum’ among production workers, who were told to work from home after the firm’s systems were hacked on August 31.
The hack wrecked the ability of JLR dealers to register cars on September new plate day and IT systems have
largely remained out of action ever since. The firm has the largest supply chain in the UK automotive sector, which employs around 120,000 people and is largely made up of small and medium-sized businesses.
The government announced it would underwrite a £1.5bn loan guarantee to JLR to give suppliers some certainty over payments, helping bolster JLR’s cash reserves, but calls mounted for more to be done.
JLR said that its extended support package would see suppliers paid much faster than under the usual payment terms, by as much as 120 days early.
It will start with qualifying JLR suppliers seen as critical to the restart of production, then will be expanded to cover some non-production suppliers.
The firm, which has also recently revealed a major slump in sales, has vowed to pay back financing costs for those JLR suppliers who use the scheme during the restart phase.
A raft of other businesses have been hit by major cyber attacks in recent months, including beer giant Asahi and high street retailer Marks & Spencer.
Leaked memo reveals Lookers MD has left the dealer group
LOOKERS MD James Brearley has left the business after just over a year, a memo leaked to Car Dealer reveals.
The internal briefing from Alex Smith, Lookers chairman and former boss of Volkswagen UK, says Brearley will ‘leave the group’ with day-to-day running of the firm already changing hands.
‘Due to a change in the group’s leadership structure, James Brearley will be ceasing the role of managing director retail and will leave the group,’ says the bulletin.
Smith said all ‘day-to-day business’ will be led by operations directors Jeff McCartney, Alex Merricks, Dave Graham and Thomas McAlindon, while leasing and rental will be looked after by Andrew Collett.
Car Dealer contacted Brearley for comment. It is believed he left the business immediately.
Smith says in the note that Lookers will now ‘double down’ on its ambitions to become ‘the number one dealer group in the UK’.
Used car dealer also dealt drugs
A USED car salesman who tried to hide around £2,000-worth of drugs in his underwear has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.
While presenting himself as a car dealer, Vincent Parkes was in fact one of the biggest drug dealers in the Northwich area of Chester.
The 36-year-old was pulled over while driving a black Audi SQ5 on June 6. Officers uncovered a quantity of cannabis, digital scales, cash, two phones and a substantial amount of prescription drugs.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
EV affordability gap is closing
THE price gap between electric and ICE vehicles has reached a record low, according to new data compiled by Auto Trader.
In conjunction with ChargeUK and the SMMT, the sales platform reported that the electric price premium for new cars has fallen to 19%, compared with a 33% difference in September 2024.
The average gap between electric and petrol cars of the same model is now £8,299 based on list price.
Big Motoring World profits collapse more than 1,000% as battle with founder continues
USED car supermarket group Big Motoring World experienced big losses in 2024.
Freshly released accounts for the used car business –Bapchild Motoring World Ltd – show it sank to a £10.7m loss last year, from a £1.1m profit the year before.
The company blamed increased financing and ‘exceptional’ costs caused by its ‘expansion’ and
Mackie complains to European Commission
CAR dealer Kevin Mackie has taken his fight against his former brand partners to the European Commission as his legal battle continues to hot up.
The retailer is currently embroiled in legal action against Renault UK Limited, Nissan Motor (GB) Limited and RCI Financial Services Limited, after his banking and access to key dealer systems were was pulled with seven days’ notice in 2021.
Submissions have already been lodged with the High Court and Mackie has registered his complaint with the European Commission director general for competition.
‘restructuring’ for the losses. The firm said it also lost revenue after GAP Insurance sales were disrupted by the FCA’s investigation into the product.
The group has been locked in a legal battle with the ousted founder of the business Peter Waddell since he left the business last year. That case is due to go to court soon where Waddell will fight to be reinstated.
JLR hack expected to hit group’s profits
DEALER group Vertu has wiped £5.5m off of its profit forecasts for the year as a result of the JLR cyberattack.
The retailer posted an update to the London Stock Exchange, in which it opened up on the impact of the hack on dealers.
The firm, which operates 10 JLR sites, says that the incident caused ‘significant disruption’ to its operations, with September trading taking a £2m hit as a result.
However, boss Robert Forrester insisted he was ‘in awe’ of the way dealers handled the crisis in order minimise the impact on customers.
Confidence returns amid stock issues
USED car buyers are becoming increasingly more confident about their ability to afford their next vehicle, according to Auto Trader’s latest Retail Price Index report.
Of 1,000 of the platform users asked, 45% said they felt ‘much more confident’ about their ability to afford their next purchase, as the average price of a used car reached £17,036. That is a 0.6% increase on a year-on-year and like-for-like basis. It marks the second consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
It also reported a near-record pace at which cars are selling – 30 days in September.
USED CARS LAW
VERTU
BITE-SIZE
Click on the text box for the full story
USED CARS: An independent used car dealership in north Liverpool has invested £400,000 in refurbishing its facilities and offer a better experience for customers. Solo Car Sales has completed a £400,000 investment into its Anfield showroom.
STAFF: A van dealership in Warrington, Cheshire, is marking its 20th anniversary by taking its staff on holiday. JL Vans Ltd was founded by Jamie Lewis in September 2005. Located just off the M56. The business started with a single van and has grown to stock more than 100.
CONCEPT STORE: Renault has thrown open the doors to its first UK ‘rnlt concept store’, with the French brand welcoming customers to Battersea Power Station. The space was opened to the public on September 19 with customers given the chance to explore Renault’s range.
FINANCE: Used car supermarket group Motorpoint says it has ‘significantly outperformed the wider market’ over the past six months, with the firm expecting profits to be up as a result. The retailer posted a trading update in which it revealed record sales and rising revenues.
CHERY: Chinese brands Omoda and Jaecoo have continued their rapid growth across the UK with the opening of four new sites across England and Scotland. Operated by Arnold Clark, the showrooms will be located in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Huddersfield and Wallsend.
NEWS DIGEST
Administrator at GVE London resigns after just 22 days as supercar dealer’s finances are laid bare
THE administrator of troubled supercar dealer GVE London has resigned from her post after less than a month in the role.
Car Dealer reported at the start of September that Farheen Qureshi of Parker Getty Limited had been appointed to oversee the administration, following the business’s spectacular collapse.
JLR
Cyberattack and US tariffs hit sales
JLR has reported a slump in global sales over recent months as production ground to a halt as a result of August’s cyberattack.
Newly released figures have laid bare the carmaker’s ‘challenging quarter’ as it also grappled with the impact of higher US tariffs.
JLR’s sales fell by 17.1% to 85,495 units between July and September, compared with a year ago, with UK sales dropping by nearly a third.
The carmaker has recently resumed some production.
DEALERSHIPS
However, just a few weeks on, a fresh submission to Companies House has confirmed that Qureshi has departed with immediate effect.
Arvindar Jit Singh and David Hinrichsen of the Birmingham-based FRP Advisory will take over.
Shortly after Qureshi’s resignation, a ‘statement of administrator’s proposal’ was filed via Companies House.
Cargiant clocks up £121.2m in profits
SINGLE used car supermarket Cargiant chalked up £121.2m pre-tax profit for 2024 thanks to a revaluation of land it owns.
The car dealership – based in west London – owns a site near major transportation hubs and saw its portfolio jump in value by £98.8m in 2024.
The property valuation change pushed up pre-tax profits for the used car dealer from a pre-tax loss in 2023 of £22.4m to the pre-tax profit last year.
Losses hit £20m after expansion
CARWOW losses grew to £20m in 2024 after a year of continued expansion and acquisitions.
The automotive marketplace and publisher saw revenues leap 55% to £85.1m from £54.8m the year before. However, despite this, losses increased 21% from a £16.5m loss in 2023 to £20m in 2024 before tax.
Carwow says these results reflect ‘deliberate investment in product, engineering and international expansion on completion of a new funding round’.
CARWOW
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER FOR CAR DEALER PODCAST LIVE
• Panelists engage in lively debates on Chinese cars, Electric Car Grant and the used car market
• Editor-in-chief James Baggott hails ‘engaging, entertaining and genuinely useful’ event
The first time was so nice… we just had to do it twice!
That’s right, Car Dealer Podcast Live returned for a triumphant second year with guests from across the automotive industry joining us for a special recording in Abingdon.
The Car Dealer team were joined on the mics by Polestar boss Matt Galvin, Waylands’ Vicky Hart and Small Cars Direct’s Alex Bradley as they tackled the biggest issues facing dealers in 2025.
Among the topics up for discussion were the influx of Chinese brands, the government’s new Electric Car Grant, and the state of both the new and used car market, with the panel certainly not afraid to veer into controversial areas.
There were also plenty of lighter moments – with James Baggott’s car buying skills (or lack thereof) coming in for particular friendly fire.
After the recording, guests came together with the Car Dealer team to socialise long into the night, making the most of the barbecue food and private bar.
The full episode is available on Spotfiy and can be watched on YouTube, and Baggott was keen to toast another successful year.
He said: ‘Two years of Car Dealer Podcast Live and it’s been an absolute blast!
‘What started as a bit of fun has grown into something the whole industry really gets behind — and that’s down to our amazing guests, brilliant sponsors and the listeners who keep coming back each week.
‘We’ve had laughs, debates, and plenty of surprising insights along the way, which is exactly what makes it so enjoyable.
‘It’s proof that talking about the motor trade doesn’t have to be dry — it can be engaging, entertaining and genuinely useful.’
Car Dealer Podcast Live stories by
Jack Williams Photography by Kevin Bennett
‘DON’T SEE THEM DOMINATING ANY TIME SOON’
• Waylands’ Vicky Hart offers insight into what its like representing Chinese brands
• Group’s marketing chief says partners are
‘The Chinese brands are here and they’re ready to take over’. Its an opinion we’ve all heard a million times over recent years, with more and more retailers signing up to represent the likes of BYD, Omoda and Jaecoo.
However, one dealer executive sees things a little differently as she opened up on the challenges of representing one of the new wave of brands.
Vicky Hart, head of marketing and digital at Waylands, says the she doesn’t see the Chinese challengers dominating ‘any time soon’ due to a combination of key factors.
She pointed to a lack of brand awareness as a major issue as the new outfits looks to steal market share from more established legacy rivals.
The comments came during our Car Dealer Podcast Live show in which Hart was one of three industry guests to join us on the panel.
Speaking about the new Chinese brands, she said: ‘I think that what they’re doing
‘superb’ at supporting dealer
network
is they’re providing customers with more choice but one thing we’re seeing is that actually, they tend to sit in a basket with a lot of the volume brands that we would know and expect to be on the shopping list.
‘I don’t think we’re at a point where we’re going to see domination of those brands in a very short period of time.
‘I think what they are doing is perhaps extending that buying decision, extending that purchase journey, because now more than ever there is more choice. But I think absolutely there is still an opportunity for the mainstay brands that we continue to see.
‘I don’t see them dominating anytime soon.’
Waylands itself has dipped its toes into the water when it comes to representing Chinese brands, with the dealer group signing up to represent Omoda and Jaecoo in Bristol.
Hart admitted that the outfits were at a ‘disadvantage’ compared to their rivals as they look to overcome the challenge of
having ‘no established base’.
She added that the situation posed difficulties from an aftersales point of view, as well as a sales position.
However, she insisted that the Cheryowned operations had been ‘superb’ in supporting the dealer network both financially and in terms of asset provision.
‘I think we recognise that in that brand [Omoda and Jaecoo], we have the disadvantage, if you like, of no established base,’ she added.
‘From an aftersales point of view, clearly we have a challenge but from a sales point of view, there’s no renewal opportunity there.
‘In terms of marketing activity, we know it’s costly – we are ultimately looking to conquest customers from other brands.
‘I would say that in terms of asset provision, in terms of financial support, the brand have been superb. To that extent, they absolutely put their money where their mouth is and are very supportive of the dealer network.’
ZEV MANDATE FINES TO FUND EV INCENTIVES?
• Matt Galvin comes up with innovative alternative to current Electric Car Grant
• Polestar boss says ZEV mandate fines should be reinvested into EV incentives
• Manufacturer MD described the roll out of the current scheme as ‘a bit of a farce’
Money collected from ZEV mandate fines should be reinvested into government incentives to boost EV sales.
That is the novel approach put forward by the UK boss of Polestar who has labelled the current Electric Car Grant ‘a bit of a farce’.
Matt Galvin, the Swedish brand’s MD in the UK, made the comments during his recent appearance at Car Dealer Podcast Live.
During the show, talk soon turned to the the government’s Electric Car Grant, which has been largely criticised for being too complicated since it was announced earlier this year.
The issue does not impact Polestar, whose cars are priced above the £37,000 cap, but Galvin was quick to put forward some possible alternatives to the current set up.
While insisting that the grant is a good thing overall, he said that more needs to be done to support used EVs, amid a turbulent market for dealers.
On the subject of the grant, he said: ‘It’s a good idea, absolutely but it was executed terribly.
‘There was far too much confusion and kerfuffle for almost two months before it was really clear to consumers which cars it applied to and which cars it didn’t.
‘I’ve probably got a slightly different perspective on how they could have approached it. For me it’s about giving more people choice, in terms of their transition to an EV.
‘The used car market for EVs, I think it’s fair to say, has been challenging. With residual values plummeting, first adoption of those cars and ownership of those cars has been a really terrible experience.
‘The Netherlands did a thing recently where they supported used cars and actually in terms of adoption of electric cars, which is – if we believe in electric cars being part of a sustainable future – really important, that lower price point that a used car provides might have been a more interesting way to use some of that money.
‘Also of course there is the ZEV mandate fines – big fines for people that don’t comply – and that’s not taxpayer money. They could reinvest that in some kind of incentive which does do new and used cars or maybe it levels the VAT on charging for example.
‘There are lots of different things they could have done but I am an advocate of it. I think it’s a good thing. We do need to get on this journey of EV adoption. It’s not changing, it’s coming for all of us, and any way that we can smooth the transition is a good thing.’
The panel also discussed the impact of the grant on consumers, after Auto Trader admitted that EV sales had been left in a ‘holding pattern’ due to a lack of certainty.
Only a trickle of EVs qualified for discounts in the opening weeks of the scheme and Galvin says that a full list of cars should have been available from day one.
He added: ‘You would have thought the obvious thing would have been to do the preparation and the homework first so they could say “The grant’s here. These are the cars it applies to” from day one. That would have had far more traction.
‘What the industry saw was a stalling of consumers wanting to make that choice because, quite obviously, they are going to want to see what the full list of cars is before they make that decision on their purchase.
‘There was definitely a big dip in consumers making that decision. It was a bit of a farce, it could have been done a lot better but we are where we are.’
THEEVENTIN PICTURES
NISSAN LEAF
Power
The 75kWh battery with the electric motor produces 212bhp and 355Nm of torque.
The Leaf is an important car for the Japanese brand, so does reinventing it as an SUV make it a class-leader? Cameron Richards finds out.
WHAT IS IT?
The Nissan Leaf is the trailblazer when it comes to mass-market EVs, after its launch in 2011. It became the Japanese firm’s pièce de résistance as no other car maker had entered into this niche sector before.
Fast forward 14 years and the EV market is booming, with several models offering 300mile plus electric driving ranges and impressive DC rapid-charging capability.
However, over the years, the Leaf was being overshadowed by the growing number of electric SUVs on the market. So, for the third-generation car, Nissan has gone back to the drawing board and redesigned this very important model for the marque from a hatchback into an SUV.
WHAT’S NEW?
Pretty much everything about this third-generation car is new. It will be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK, and it will sit on the firm’s ‘CMF-EV’ modular platform, which is shared with the larger Ariya SUV in the firm’s model line-up.
It’s also bigger and wider than the hatchback model it replaces, which should help with interior space, as well as featuring new on-board ‘NissanConnect’ with Google built-in technology.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The Leaf will be available with a choice of two battery options: ‘Standard Range’ 52kWh or an ‘Extended Range’ 75kWh unit.
Our test car comes fitted with the larger 75kWh setup and electric motor to produce a total of 212bhp and 355Nm of torque. The car can accelerate to 60mph in 7.6 seconds, or 7.4 seconds in ‘Sport Mode’, and the car will run all the way up to 99mph.
Nissan claims that the car can do an estimated 386 miles between trips to the plug. It’s also 150kW DC rapid-charging compatible, which the manufacturer claims can add 273 miles of range in 30 minutes.
The smaller 52kWh battery and electric motor produces a total of 171bhp and 345Nm of torque, while it has a claimed range of up to 271 miles on a single charge.
WHAT’S
IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Leaf isn’t a car that is going to set the world alight in the driving stakes, but as a daily commuter, it ticks all of the right boxes.
Out on the open road, the car’s comfortable ride means it’s a rather relaxing longdistance cruiser, while there is little intrusion into the cabin from road and tyre noise, with
THE KNOWLEDGE
Nissan Leaf 75kWh Extended Range
Price: £42,000 (est.)
Engine: 75kWh battery with an electric motor
Power: 212bhp
Torque: 355Nm
O-60mph: 7.6 seconds
Max speed: 99mph
Range: 386 miles (EST)
Charging speed: 150kW
Style
The new design has a more sporty look with sloping roofline, flush door handles and a unique 3D taillight signature.
only a little bit of wind whistle coming from around the door mirrors.
The ‘e-Pedal’ mode allows the driver to coast around town on one pedal, allowing the driver to lift off the accelerator, which slows the vehicle down through regenerative braking, and puts power back into the battery.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
This new model has been completely transformed with its exterior design, which has certainly boosted the appeal.
The slippery body is there to help improve air flow over the car, while the flush door handles, sloping roofline and hidden rear door handles give the Leaf a much more sporty appearance.
Other details include the unique 3D tail light signature, boomerang-style front headlights and kick-up tailgate, which gives a nod to the firm’s 400Z coupe.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
At first glance, the Leaf’s cabin design is simple and logically laid out, but there are few touches that make it feel a little bit dated.
The physical buttons on the steering wheel are great for usability, but the design itself feels as though it’s come from a car 10 years ago.
There are two 14.3-inch screens and a curved dashboard design to make the cabin feel more futuristic. It’s just a shame that a lot of the materials feel cheap and not very nice to touch.
Storage is good though, with large door bins, some underneath armrest storage, cup holders and a hidden compartment below the gear selector on the dashboard.
Our test car also comes with Nissan’s dimming panoramic roof, which allows for the glass to turn opaque, reducing light and heat into the cabin, and freeing up space by not having a blind.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Here in the UK, there will be four trim levels on offer, with Engage, Engage+, Advance and Evolve.
Prices and final specifications are yet to be revealed at this stage, but it’s anticipated that prices will start at around £33,000 for the 52kWh car and rising to £36,000 for the larger 75kWh version.
An energy-saving heat pump does come as standard on the larger battery model, and flagship ‘Evolve’ cars will come with two-tone paint.
Plus, the Leaf could also qualify for the government’s full Electric Car Grant incentive of £3,750, which will certainly boost its appeal against the competition, with cars such as the Skoda Elroq only receiving a £1,500 price reduction.
VERDICT
The Leaf is a car that you’re going to buy with your head instead of your heart, but that isn’t a criticism.
Nissan has done a good job with this new third iteration, as it has a stylish exterior, simple interior and decent electric range.
There’s no denying that this Japanese alternative is a very sensible choice for those looking for an electric SUV. We just think that cars such as the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq are more engaging to drive and better all-rounders in this highly competitive market.
There’s no denying that this Japanese alternative is a very sensible choice for those looking for an electric SUV.
and those in the market for a midsize electric SUV.
Interior
The Leaf’s cabin design is simple and logically laid out with nice touches such as the dimming panoramic roof.
SELLING POINTS:
DEAL CLINCHER: It’s anticipated that the Leaf will receive the full £3,750 incentive from the government’s Electric Car Grant.
EV reliability and maintenance
Separating fact from fiction with real-world data
Stranded drivers. Tyres wearing out in months. Batteries failing after a few years. Sky-high servicing costs. Some media reports paint a bleak picture of electric vehicles, making them seem unreliable, expensive, and a fad that’s quickly fading.
But that’s simply not true. And more often than not, it’s dealers who are left to tell the truth.
Why do we read so much about the ‘downsides’ of EVs?
Controversy sells
Some information about EVs can be sensationalised. Information that creates tension between EVs and traditional vehicles often attracts more attention. This can lead to exaggerated claims spreading quickly.
Chris Chandler, Principal Consultant and Subject Matter Expert for electrification and alternative fuels for Lloyds Transport, explains why EVs have a Public Relations problem –and what we can do to set the record straight.
People naturally fear the unknown
And to many, EVs are just that. If they have doubts about EVs, they’ll find negative stories to qualify how they feel. This is known as confirmation bias.
Snappy soundbites often lack detail and context
Online snippets can lead to misunderstandings, making it harder to distinguish between reality and exaggeration.
The five most common myths about EVs
There are many myths circulating about electric vehicles, but these are the most persistent:
EVs wear through tyres at an alarming rate
Truth: While EVs do experience slightly higher tyre wear than petrol or diesel cars, the difference is a lot smaller than some online claims suggest. Our tyre partner, Kwik Fit, analysed over 5 million tyres and found that EVs wear tyres just 11% faster on average, or around 2,700 miles sooner, than their petrol or diesel equivalents. For SUVs, the difference is even smaller at 7%. Why? EVs are heavier, their tyres are larger, and they deliver more instant torque. But this is far from the wallet-busting crisis some suggest. As tyre technology improves, wear rates will continue to level out. And the biggest factor? Driving style. Hard acceleration, braking, and sharp cornering will wear out any tyres faster, EV or not. Drive smoothly, and your tyres last longer.
EV drivers are being left stranded in laybys
Truth: The average new BEV now delivers 275 miles on a single charge, with some exceeding 400 miles. When looking at Lloyds Banking Group brands, for Lex Autolease’s EV fleet, the figure is just under 300 miles — more than enough for most drivers, as 99% of UK journeys are under 100 miles. And despite common fears, running out of charge is rare. In 2024, just 1.85% of EV breakdowns were due to an empty battery, a figure expected to fall to 1%, the same as petrol and diesel cars running out of fuel. Many of these callouts are due to range anxiety, with drivers safely escorted to the nearest charger. So no, EV drivers aren’t being left stranded on laybys and hard shoulders across the UK.
What can we do?
Educating the public will be a key part of dispelling myths about EVs, and dealers have an important role to play. There are simple ways you can help:
EV batteries need replacing after 3-4 years
Truth: Today’s EV batteries are built to last the life of the vehicle. A Tesla study found that after 200,000 miles, their batteries lose just 12% capacity on average. In the UK, all new EVs come with a minimum 8-year, 100,000 mile battery warranty, ensuring the battery retains 70% of its original capacity by the time the warranty ends. Need proof? We put it to the test. In the 2024 GreenFleet EV Rally, we tested a 9-year-old Tesla Model S with over 250,000 miles on its original battery, motors, and drivetrain. After covering 1,500 miles, the results proved the durability and reliability of EV technology.
EVs are expensive to maintain
Truth: Lloyds Transport base our maintenance budgets on manufacturer parts, labour, servicing, and tyre replacement, along with lease duration and annual mileage. On 3 and 4-year leases (10,000 to 20,000 miles per year), the maintenance budgets for pure electric vehicles are 27% to 37% lower compared to petrol or diesel cars. That’s a saving of up to £1,400 over four years. One manufacturer reported a 45% saving on EVs versus petrol and diesel.
Our analysis of Lex Autolease EVs, with leases ending in 2024, shows actual savings of 19% to 49% on maintenance costs over their lease life, with a greater range of ages and mileages but reflecting similar savings. Tusker’s data supports this, showing that EVs are 14% to 32% cheaper for servicing and maintenance than petrol and diesel cars.
EV drivers are unhappy and complaining
Truth: Lloyds Transport track customer satisfaction closely. Our data shows that EVs generate 1% fewer complaints than petrol or diesel vehicles. In fact, in a six-month sample, the complaint rate for EVs was just 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles, reflecting a positive experience for most customers. The Tusker Driver Report (Summer 2024) found that 90% of drivers were satisfied or very satisfied with their EVs. An independent ZapMap survey of over 3,700 EV drivers gave an average satisfaction score of 87/100 – proof that EV drivers are happy with them.
– Provide training for your team, so they’re ready to reassure customers with reliable information.
– Share real-world data on performance and the growing charging network with your team, customers and industry colleagues.
– Attend industry conferences and workshops so you’re always up to date with EV advancements.
Together we can push out misinformation and help drive the UK towards a more sustainable future.
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
Lithia completes takeover of Hatfields Group
LITHIA UK has finalised its acquisition of Hatfields Group for an undisclosed sum, retaining the Hatfields name and workforce. The deal adds four JLR sites in Hull, Liverpool, Pickering, and Shrewsbury to Lithia’s growing network, bringing its total to 11 Land Rover outlets. It also introduces the first Omoda Jaecoo store in the UK under Evans Halshaw. Lithia executives said the acquisition strengthens their luxury division and reinforces their commitment to JLR’s brands, with JLR UK boss Patrick McGillycuddy welcoming the move as a show of confidence in their retail network.
What do I think?
Ok, so we might have got the date of completion wrong, but we did break the news in June that Lithia was in talks to buy Hatfields. We first got a whiff that there may be something brewing with a tip-off from staff. Back then they thought the deal would be going through in August. This week the news was confirmed that Lithia had taken over. This is another big step for the Americans and shows their appetite for expansion is still there. It’ll be fascinating to see how they make it work.
Motorpoint expecting profits to rise as firm ‘significantly outperforms the wider market’
Motorpoint expects pre-tax profits of £3.6m for the six months to September 2025, up 80% on the £2m it made in the same period last year. The used car supermarket group posted record sales and revenue of £648m – a 15% year-on-year rise – with July and August its best-performing months since 2018, excluding post-lockdown highs. CEO Mark Carpenter credited strong margins, data-led pricing and improved customer experience. Interim results will be published on November 12.
What do I think?
What a turnaround. It wasn’t that long ago we were talking about the losses listed used car supermarket business Motorpoint had chalked up. These half year results are very impressive and show there might still be life in the large format supermarket model yet. The results are very different to the huge losses chalked up by Big Motoring World, revealed last week, and point towards a positive used car market so far in 2025. It’ll be fascinating to see how the rest of the year pans out for Motorpoint.
Quote
‘I don’t think we’re at a point where we’re going to see domination of those brands in a very short period of time.’
Waylands marketing chief
Vicky Hart told the Car Dealer Podcast Live audience that she doesn’t think Chinese brands will dominate the car market any time soon, a view at odds with many in the industry.
Carwow losses top £20m after a ‘year of investment’ in new brands
CARWOW reported a £20m pre-tax loss in 2024 despite revenues jumping 55% to £85.1m, driven by investment in expansion and acquisitions. The automotive marketplace spent £14.3m acquiring Autovia, including Auto Express and Evo, and also purchased Gridserve Car Leasing, rebranded as Carwow Leasey. CEO John Veichmanis said the results reflect ‘impressive top-line growth’ as the firm continues to build a unique media and sales ecosystem. Its auction platform sold more than 75,000 cars generating £1.1bn in gross revenue. Backed by a $52m funding round, Carwow now employs over 500 people and attracted more than 1bn YouTube views in 2024.
What do I think?
I chatted to Veichmanis via text message following these results and he was very happy with them. On the face of it, losses increased, but he explained the firm had seen a dramatic increase in revenue and had been busy investing in the platform and acquisitions. So far Carwow has raised an incredible $202m and its used car auction platform has been a huge success for the firm. It’ll be interesting to see when it tips into profit.
The most unreliable used cars revealed after survey of 30,000 owners
What Car?’s 2025 Reliability Survey has revealed the Nissan Juke (2019-present) as the UK’s most unreliable used car, with 60% of affected owners facing repair bills over £1,500. The Volkswagen Tiguan (2024-present) and Kia Sportage (2016-2021) followed. MG was ranked the least reliable brand, while Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia models dominated the most dependable list. Four models scored a perfect 100% reliability rating, including the Hyundai i10 and Kia EV3.
What do I think?
This was a surprise for Nissan, especially considering its other models – Leaf, Qashqai and X-Trail – all scored more than 95% in the survey. Nissan told Car Dealer it was ‘discussing’ the data on the Juke with What Car? as it didn’t tally with its own surveys. The list is a huge annual insight into what cars are like to own and I was fascinated to see the VW Tiguan and Sportage join the Juke at the top of the unreliable section. It’s worth checking out the full data.
Car dealer Lookers returns to profit as year of job losses and cuts pays off
LOOKERS has posted a £43.7m pretax profit for 2024, bouncing back from a £1.8m loss the previous year. The dramatic turnaround follows sweeping cost-cutting measures under new Canadian ownership, which saw staff numbers slashed and operating costs fall by £21m. Despite a 4.4% drop in revenue to £4.29bn, margins improved, helping to restore profitability. Now operating 134 sites, the group is aiming to become the UK’s number one dealership, with a new leadership team driving forward a renewed growth strategy.
What do I think?
This is quite the swing for Lookers, but I suspect largely due to a lot of ‘pain’ being taken in the year before. But that being said, this is an impressive result for a firm that always had an enviable portfolio of franchises. Whilst the cost cutting and job losses was painful, it appears it was undoubtedly needed and is beginning to pay off.
Pic of the month
Rolls-Royce has created a one-off Spectre to honour a customer’s beloved dog Bailey. Two-tone paint mimics the dog’s ear colouring, while rose gold paw prints appear on the coachline and dashboard. Inside, moccasin and crème leather echo the dog’s fur, with a portrait crafted from 180 veneer pieces as the centrepiece.
CAR NEWS ROUND-UP
Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...
Frontera gains new flagship ‘Ultimate’ trim
3 given faster charge and more power
THE 3 electric SUV has been ungraded by Polestar to deliver shorter charging times and more performance than before.
Key to the upgrades is a new 800-volt electric charging architecture. As a result, the batteries can be taken from 10 to 80% charge in 22 minutes.
The new Polestar 3 range gets a higher-output rear electric motor across the range, with up to 670bhp now available.
A NEW range-topping version of the Frontera SUV with the ‘Ultimate’ trim has been unveiled by Vauxhall. The Frontera is Vauxhall’s new family SUV, which can be specified with five or seven seats. The Ultimate trim comes as standard with heated front seats and steering wheel, a heated windscreen and roof rails.
There is a choice of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 48-volt battery, which is available with 108bhp and 143bhp power outputs. There is also the option of electric powertrains with a standard 44kWh battery and an electric motor to give a claimed range of up to 186 miles.
New Stonic will start from £21,795
NEW Stonic crossover models will be priced from £21,795.
The car is Kia’s answer to the Hyundai Bayon and is the firm’s smallest SUV. It has recently undergone a mid-life facelift to bring it closer into line with other Kia models. There will be three trim levels on offer, with the entrylevel ‘Pure’ model featuring automatic headlights, a 12.3inch touchscreen infotainment system and cruise control.
Spring receives more power for 2026 Avenger Electric prices are slashed
MORE power and mechanical updates are coming for the Dacia Spring in 2026.
The Spring is Dacia’s budget electric city car and Britain’s cheapest new electric vehicle, priced at £14,995.
The Spring receives a new and improved powertrain, which brings a 24.3kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery and electric motor. There is more power than before, with a choice of 68bhp and 98bhp.
AVENGER Electric models are now £3,750 lower as a result of the new ‘Jeep EV Grant’ incentive scheme.
The American firm is the first car manufacturer to match the government’s Electric Car Grant scheme, with the highest cut being £3,750 off an electric vehicle priced under £37,000.
That means, the Avenger Electric now comes in at £26,249 for the entry-level ‘Longitude’ model.
DACIA JEEP
VAUXHALL
GR Yaris gets new rally-inspired ‘Aero Performance’ model
TOYOTA has announced that the GR Yaris hot hatchback can now be ordered in an ‘Aero Performance’ variant, which may appeal to rally fans.
The GR Yaris is Toyota’s homologated hot hatch, with a four-wheel drive system, a bespoke three-door body style and two limited-slip differentials.
The new Aero Performance model focuses on making the car more aerodynamic with a new front lip spoiler, a larger rear spoiler – which can be manually adjusted – air intakes in the front wings and rear bumper, as
Updated RZ electric SUV announced
LEXUS has announced that the updated version of the RZ electric SUV has gone on sale, priced from £53,995.
The RZ is the firm’s most luxurious SUV and rivals the Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX40.
The updated model receives a new 77kWh battery pack with an electric motor, which gives a claimed range of up to 353 miles on a single charge.
Other changes include a new ‘steer-by-wire’ system.
EX90 receives upgraded technology for 2026
TECHNOLOGICAL upgrades are on their way for the EX90 electric SUV in 2026.
The EX90 is Volvo’s flagship electric SUV and rivals the likes of the BMW iX and Mercedes EQS.
Volvo says the car now features a new 800-volt architecture, compared to the old 400-volt system, which should bring faster charging speeds. The firm claims 155 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes.
INDUSTRY VIEWS
THOUGHTS
We are seeing used car transaction volumes up yearon-year at on overall market level.
Catherine Faiers
Auto Trader
Used car market is in a ‘robust’ position heading into 2026
The used car market is currently in a ‘robust’ position heading in 2026 but dealers need to keep on top of differing trends across the industry.
That is according to Auto Trader’s Catherine Faiers, who says that volumes and values are both currently trending upwards.
Sitting down with Car Dealer’s James Batchelor, the automotive giant’s chief operating officer added that demand remains strong, which is translating into quick days-to-sell figures for retailers.
‘I think the market at the moment is pretty robust,’ she said.
‘We are seeing used car transaction volumes up year-on-year at on overall market level, we are seeing good levels of consumer demand.
‘We have seen the year-on-year growth rate soften slightly but still the absolute number of visits and engagement from buyers we’re seeing on our platform is strong.
‘Pricing has been a bit more positive than perhaps we would have expected. I think we’ve got used to a market where prices are broadly
flat year-on-year – a pretty stable market. We’ve actually seen year-on-year growth over the last couple of months and we’re hopeful that trend will continue for the next few months of this year.
‘That’s very helpful for retailers and the consumer demand that we’re seeing in the market can absolutely support that level of retail pricing and that is all translating through into pretty fast speed of sale still.
‘We’re not seeing speed of sale accelerating in the way that is was but we’re certainly still seeing retailers selling cars pretty quickly.’
Despite the positivity, Faiers did insert a note of caution for dealers – encouraging them to look at the data on a more granular level.
She pointed to differing trends across age cohorts as a reason to apply nuance to the market and stressed the importance of ‘targeted strategies’.
She added: ‘As ever, we talk market data at a very high level but the detail is what really matters at the moment actually – the trends we’re seeing in sub-one-year-old cars, where we are seeing a little bit more pre-reg volume come through.’
Motorway makes pledge to dealers as boss outlines plans
MOTORWAY boss James Wilson says there is still ‘lots of headroom’ for the auction platform to get even bigger over the coming years, despite concerns about the macroeconomic environment facing the used car market.
The firm’s chief operating officer appeared on a recent episode of the Car Dealer Podcast, where he outlined how Motorway plans to keep growing by ramping up the amount of relevant stock in its daily sales. However, told hosts James Baggott and Jon Reay that the outfit ‘hasn’t got a right to grow’ and that success will only come if it is able to keep
delivering for its dealer partners.
The firm is now aiming to improving its cut through with the general public in order to make sure that dealers are able to bid on the very best used car stock.
Outlining Motorway’s vision for the future, Wilson said: ‘There’s lots and lots of headroom for us to grow but what’s important is we keep delivering for our dealers.
‘We haven’t got a right to grow – we’ve got to deliver for our dealers consistently, day in, day out, a great experience.’
FINANCE NEWS
FCA reveals how payouts will work
as
millions of car buyers due cash for unfair car finance deals
by James Baggott @CarDealerEd
Some 14 million car buyers will get compensation payouts of around £700 each if a proposed Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) scheme goes ahead. The City regulator expects the scheme will cost lenders £8.2bn, with payouts starting as early as 2026.
The FCA said the majority of motor finance agreements ‘will not qualify’ for compensation. However, it estimates that 14.2 million agreements, some 44% of those made since 2007, will be considered unfair and the consumers who took them out due payouts.
Anyone who took out finance between April 6, 2007 and November 1, 2024 could be due compensation if their deals meet one of three tests, said the FCA in its announcement. Compensation is due if consumers weren’t told details of at least three arrangements between the lender and the car dealer, including:
• A discretionary commission arrangement, which allowed the dealer to adjust the interest rate the customer would pay to obtain a higher commission.
• A high commission arrangement (35% of the total cost of credit and 10% of the loan).
• A contractual arrangement or tie between the lender and car dealer, which provided exclusive or near-exclusive rights to lenders to provide credit.
Those people who complained to their lender are likely to get their payouts faster as the scheme gets up and running. Those customers who have not complained will be contacted by their lender within six months of the scheme starting.
The FCA says a compensation scheme is the ‘best, most efficient way of getting compensation to those owed it’. The scheme will be free to access for consumers.
Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA, added: ‘Now we have legal clarity, it’s time their customers get fair compensation.’
Close Brothers loses £122.4m as scandal bites LOANS
CAR loan provider Close Brothers has set aside a further £3m to cover compensation payments to customers, as it stated a £122.4m loss in 2024.
The lender published its delayed results after a year in which it took a series of emergency steps to bolster its finances by more than £400m. These included selling its asset management division and withholding dividend payments.
Car finance accounts for more than a quarter of Close Brothers’ £9.5bn loan book at £2bn, leaving it exposed to substantial compensation in the wake of the FCA’s proposals.
But the latest issue for the lender focuses on customers who repaid their car loans early, some of whom were not reimbursed by the bank.
Close Brothers has set aside £165m to cover the cost of the commission compensations and left that sum unchanged in its projections. The overpayment compensation of around £33m is separate to this.
‘It’s effectively a lot of very small amounts going back some time,’ said Mike Morgan, Close Brothers CEO, adding that the issue was limited to car loans.
TIME IS MONEY
RICHARD PYGOTT
The best new customer is an old one
Iwas chatting recently with one of our Business Development Managers about how often we should market to our own customers. That conversation got me thinking: how often do dealers actually do the same?
We all spend so much time talking about new leads, and I have to admit that I’ve fallen into that trap myself before. New customers. New buyers. But what about the people who’ve already bought from you? The ones who sat in your office, had a coffee, met the team, and driven off smiling in their new car.
Here’s the thing: your existing customers are the easiest people to market to. They already know you, they already trust you as you’ve already done the hard part.
I believe that most dealers are sitting on a goldmine without realising it. That sold list you’ve got tucked away somewhere isn’t just old data, it’s your best prospect list. Those people will need another car eventually. They’ll need servicing, and they’ll tell their friends and family where they bought from.
Yet, in most dealerships, the focus is still on chasing the next new lead rather than reconnecting with the ones who already know, bought from you, and liked you.
I know from experience that marketing to your existing customers doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, I’ve always found that the simple stuff often works best.
I’d strongly recommend sending a quick email to say thanks and remind customers you’re there when they’re ready to change, following up with a friendly, human-sounding service reminder, making a short call to check how they’re getting on with their car, and sharing a social post celebrating returning customers to show everyone that people come back to you!
I know that little gestures can make a big impact because customers forget, life happens, and lots of other adverts are vying for their attention. If customers don’t hear from you for a year or two, there’s a good chance they won’t even think of you next time they’re in the market for a new car.
But if you’ve stayed in touch, dropped them a friendly message, or appeared in their social media feed with something useful or familiar, you’re back on their radar.
It’s certainly not about pestering people every month. It’s about staying visible, keeping the relationship warm, and reminding them why they bought from you in the first place.
Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response. Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk
So, before you spend another penny chasing new customers, take a look at your sold list from 12, 18, and 24 months ago.
These are people who’ve already chosen you once and might just do it again if you give them a reason to.
Because sometimes, the best new customer… is an old one.
If you need any assistance in how to market your customers and finance them, get in touch
I’d strongly recommend sending a quick email to say thanks and remind customers you’re there when they’re ready to change.
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE
Auctions
Auction4Cars.com
W: auction4cars.com
T: 03003 730 866
E: customerservice@auction4cars.com
Info: The UK’s leading independent trade car auction site. Completely online, it boasts some of the lowest auction fees on the market.
Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales
BCA
W: bca.co.uk
T: 0344 875 3480
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.
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.
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.
AUDI Q7
James Baggott has been trying some other seven-seat SUVS, but were they any better than his Audi Q7?
I’ve been driving quite a few larger, family-sized cars recently as part of my job – and it’s given me a fresh perspective on my Audi Q7.
Let’s face it, this Q7 is getting a little long in the tooth. First introduced nearly 10 years ago, it may have had a few facelifts, but in car terms, it’s getting a little geriatric.
However, after trying some of the new seven-seat challengers in recent weeks, while it might be a little older, the Q7 is still very much my first choice.
Let’s start with one of the new pretenders. I’ve just had a week behind the wheel of the new Toyota Land Cruiser – a gigantic off-roader with seven seats, just like the Audi. While the Japanese offering is designed more as a workhorse, favouring off-road prowess to on-road comfort, I was still shocked at how unrefined it felt and how little space was in it.
The driver and front passenger areas in the Toyota are tiny and the floor pan is so high that it feels like you sit with your knees around your ears. I had it parked next to the Q7 on my drive for a few days and while you have to admit it looks impressive, I was disappointed whenever I took it for a drive.
It felt agricultural, noisy and as though very little thought had gone into the user interfaces. The series of button presses to turn every pointless, bonging warning off was like starting a Boeing 747. And you had to do it every single time you started the car.
On the road, the Land Cruiser was rattly, jarring and uncomfortable – and all this for a not so inconsiderable £75k price tag.
After a week with the Toyota, I hopped back in the Audi and felt instantly at home. The experience reminded me of all the things I loved about the Q7. It’s fantastically comfortable and the interior is a lovely place to spend time.
The multimedia system – now fully fixed after a trip back to Audi HQ – works very well. The controls are intuitive, the massaging seats are a wonderful optional extra and I now truly appreciate the soft, floaty ride quality. It soaks up bumps with ease and is worlds apart from the tractor-like Toyota.
Over the last few weeks, the Q7 has been called into action for a number of family trips and for those of you who have a larger clan, you’ll appreciate the layout of this seven seater. The rearmost row of two seats can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button and there are few complaints from my teenage daughter when she’s asked to sit at the back. For those of you with teenagers, you’ll know complaint-free travel is highly unusual.
With the seats down, the boot is humungous and often required for garden centre or double buggy carrying duties. With two little ones under three years old, we’re often carting around what most normal people would take for a weekend away for a simple trip to the park. Thankfully, the Audi has plenty of space for our excess.
What I’ve realised after nine glorious months with the Audi is that it really is hard to fault. As a family car, it’s close to perfection. I love the luxurious touches, like the soft close doors that click shut for you, the integrated rear blinds to keep the sun off the kids’ faces and the powered functions like those aforementioned seats.
It’s clear that after 10 years, there is actually little reason to change this Audi Q7. It is a perfect blend of old and new – and that’s what makes it a winner in my book.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Audi Q7
This month’s highlight:
Realising just how good the Q7 is even after 10 years. It’s the perfect blend of old and new – and we think that makes it a winner on our book.
OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING
Mileage: 11,331
All in all we’ve loved our time –albeit short – with the X-Trail and we’ll miss its imposing presence.
The Rafale has just arrived on our fleet and we’re looking forward to finding out what it’s like. Mileage: 8,197