Hatchback

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

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

CITROEN

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

HYUNDAI

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

LAND ROVER

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

MINI

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

NISSAN

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

SUZUKI

BERLINGO CV

Electric

IONIQ 5

LEAF

RANGE ROVER

maeving-rm1-electric-motorbike-review-–-move-electric

<h3>Move Electric rating: four stars out of five</h3><h3>What am I looking at?</h3>If you’re thinking that the Maeving RM1 looks like a classic British motorcycle from the middle of last century, that’s no coincidence. The new electric motorbike is British designed, engineered and built, at a facility in Coventry, the historic home of the British bike and car industry. It’s meant to be a retro-designed desirable product. And it is.

<h3>A retro-styled electric motorbike? Tell me more...</h3>It’s a near 125cc equivalent e-motorbike available in a couple of different flavours, but will be most popular in twin-battery, 45mph form that gives it a range of around 80 miles. There’s a 28mph option too, and you can spec it with a single battery which has a shorter range if you want, but with two batteries and a max speed of 45mph (a bit more on the flat with a prevailing wind) it can still be ridden after only a day’s CBT (compulsory basic training) on an ‘A1’ driving licence and, we suspect, this is the form which suits it best. And in which it’s really impressive. Maeving believes it has made a bike with more British components than any other bike maker – sourcing from the UK wherever possible. It has a steel frame with a triangle suspended by twin shocks at the rear, and a small leather-like saddle. There’s a footpeg either side of the frame but the controls, like a scooter, are all operated from the handlebars rather than by the feet.

<h3>How fast can it go and how big are the batteries?</h3>The motor is an in-hub Bosch unit mounted in the rear wheel, so there’s no chain or drive belt to worry about – although it does make the wheel itself heavier, which can have an adverse effect on comfort and handling.

The motor makes 6bhp in the bike’s ‘A1’ variant as tested (or 5bhp in 28mph-limited form), plus 118 lb ft, whose peak is developed from a standstill. Petrol engines need to rev before they give peak performance. Electric motors give their maximum from rest.

If you specify one battery it’s a 42Ah pack mounted in the silver-coloured front cradle where a bike’s engine would usually be. The smaller silver unit behind houses the inverter and management gubbins. If you spec a second battery – and we would – that sits in the box that looks like a conventional bike’s fuel tank (so, of a fashion, we suppose it still is). That can be a storage box if you only run on one battery.

There is an argument that with an electric bike you don’t need to package elements where you would with an internal combustion engine – so you can have something radical-looking like <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/bmw-ce-04-electric-scooter-review-%E2%80%93-move-electric/n24162">BMW’s CE-04</a>. But Maeving has packaged the RM1 so that it looks classically cool, and to our eyes, is none the worse for it.<h3>What about the quality and ride?</h3>Fit and finish, certainly, seems first rate. Even the battery packs, with bamboo trims look good. They each weigh 12kg and can be charged from 0-100% on a three-pin plug in around four hours and you get two chargers if you spec two batteries. Unlike electric car batteries, small bike batteries are too small to accept fast charging speeds.

With batteries clipped into place, the RM1 primes itself with a turn of the key, then you select drive and it’s twist-and-go just like a scooter. Throttle response is really nicely judged, reasonably soft but very linear, so it’s easy to meter out the right amount of power. The bike is actually pretty small and the seat position quite low, and weight – even with two batteries fitted – only 123kg. It’s brilliantly manoeuvrable. Maeving has apparently hired several former Triumph motorbike engineers and they’ve set the RM1 up to handle with both stability and agility.

Given it’s also narrow and there are no gears or foot pedals to worry about, it’s an absolute doddle to ride and filter in town – and if you catch a glimpse of it's reflection in a window, it looks very cool, too.

<h3>Anything else I should know about?</h3>Given its compact size, big lads might feel a touch cramped and the seat is quite firm, but ergonomically it works seriously well. There is no ABS but the brakes are linked – so if you apply the rear brake, it very gently applies the front, with the major part of the front’s stopping power coming from the front brake lever.

Either way it’s always very predictable and dependable, and feels stable at higher speeds owing to wheels that are larger than a trad scooter’s.The battery state is shown as a percentage rather than a range – riders will get used to that, and given the range will reduce much more quickly on the open road than in town, there’s a degree of sense in showing it in percent rather than miles.<h3>How much does it cost?</h3>The RM1 is priced from £4995 in single battery form, or £5990 with two batteries (or you can always buy a second one later). The bike comes with a two year warranty while the batteries get a three year warranty, and seven different colour options are available, too.

Supply is direct from the manufacturer, who’ll deliver it, rather than through dealers – though there will be a number of pop-up shops for test rides or purchasing too. Finance options are also on offer. <h3>Verdict</h3>Ultimately it’s a great-looking, pleasingly finished bike that’s not unreasonably priced and great to ride in town. Really easy to recommend.

<h3>Maeving RM1</h3>Price: £5990 (twin battery)  Electric motor/s: Bosch hub motor Drive battery: 2x LG lithium-ion 42Ah  Power: 3.0kW (4bhp) continuous, 4.4kW (5bhp) peak Torque: 118 lb ft / 160Nm Top speed: 45mph claimed Range: up to 80 miles 0-62mph: na Kerb weight: 123kg <hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.moveelectric.com/">Read more Move Electric stories &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

Maeving RM1 electric motorbike review – Move Electric

how-to-take-your-fleet-electric-in-7-simple-steps

Electric vehicle sales are booming. Although overall UK car sales have been down by around 29% for the past couple of years, sales of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">pure-electric cars</a> have rocketed and they now make up 14.6% of the market. It’s a similar story in the commercial van sector. In 2021, the UK had the highest number of plug-in electric vans sold in Europe and there were around four times as many Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG) applications compared with the year before. Proof that more individuals and businesses than ever are making the electric switch.OVO Energy has long been at the forefront of this electric revolution: confidently flying the EV flag since 2019 with a growing fleet of all-electric vehicles aimed at lowering the company’s carbon footprint, improving the air we breathe, and cutting its operational costs.You can learn more about why OVO Energy made the switch and the big benefits it has seen in doing so, but here – according to OVO Energy – are the seven key steps that will help you take your fleet electric.For more on fleet and company cars, see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">company car advice pages</a><h2>1: What role does your fleet play in your business?</h2>It’s a simple question but one that holds the key to how you might move your fleet towards an all-electric future. From sales teams to smart meter installation, OVO Energy’s fleet of vehicles are the backbone of its customer outreach and play a vital role in its services.With that in mind, OVO’s commercial vans need to be able to carry heavy loads, provide the space for bulky items, and go the distance without fuss. “Assessing the size, range, payload and related technologies gives you an idea of what you’ll need from your BEV,” says Ben Guest, OVO Energy’s Field Services Director. “There’s no sense opting for an EV if it won’t be able to complete the task with ease and efficiency.”<hr />

<h2>2: Get everyone on board</h2>“It is critical to align your business behind the direction you want to take your fleet,” says Ben. “Where possible, set goals, get buy-in and executive sponsorships to involve and engage stakeholders and EV evangelists within your company.Face to face interaction cannot be understated, OVO Energy has spent years talking to its drivers, their managers, and schedulers in advance of any major changes to understand their needs, their concerns, and – crucially – to spread the word and explain why OVO is so adamant that electric is the future of its mobility strategy.“Finding EV ambassadors within those groups (perhaps individuals who already own an EV or who have experienced them before) can be a powerful tool in overcoming concerns and highlighting the positives around living with an EV,” says Ben. “Once they’re on-board, they can do a great job of conveying the reality of this shift.”<h2>3: Plan your rollout</h2>Whatever plans you might have for your fleet (large or small), vehicle availability will play a central role. With manufacturer delays caused by global supply chain issues, you’ll need to be able to plan and adapt accordingly. OVO Energy stresses the importance of talking to manufacturers or your local dealers about lead-times and their current roadmap for new models. The last thing you want is to be caught in a long waiting list for an older generation of vehicle.“Plan your rollout to coincide with the end of existing leases or when you would normally exchange vehicles,” says Ben. “It’s also important to order in advance of those vehicles coming to the end of contract to avoid disruption”.<hr />

<h2>4: Get drivers behind the wheel</h2>There’s no better way to experience the unique qualities of electric mobility than behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. OVO says that the more you can get drivers to experience EVs first-hand, the faster they’ll understand how brilliant they are. “If you can, request demo vehicles from the manufacturer directly, or through your fleet distributor,” says Ben. “It’s important you get a feel for all the different types of vehicles and the ranges they offer.”It’s easy to forget that a shift on this scale will impact how drivers use their vehicles. So, any kind of hands-on experience is a great way to dispel any myths of inaccessibility or day-to-day compromise. Having an expert alongside the vehicles will give drivers and any teams affected by this change a chance to ask as many questions as they like.<hr />

<h2>5: Home charging vs public charging</h2>Running a fleet of EVs is only as efficient as the strategy you have in place to charge them, and OVO Energy stresses the importance of empowering its drivers with confidence in EV infrastructure. With on-the-go top-ups an integral part of business travel, it's critical to untether a driver with access to as many public charging networks as possible.“Look into your driver mix,” says Ben, “compare home charge points to public fast chargers and analyse your own business model to see how it will need to adapt to compensate for the realities of owning an EV fleet – that’s range, the cost of charging during peak and off-peak times, public charging availability and reliability.”From the get-go, OVO Energy offers to fund home charging points for all drivers eligible to have one fitted (e.g. with driveways of adjacent off-street parking). It also uses the MINA platform to streamline the process of paying for all EV charging costs, consolidating total spend each month and helping drivers keep the cost of personal and work travel separate.<hr />

<h2>6: Use data to power bigger cost-savings</h2>For anyone who currently owns or runs an EV, you’ll know the importance of mapping your personal charging efficiency. Data makes a big difference – especially when you’re running a vast number of vehicles. “We use information collected from our petrol and diesel fleets to map out the journeys of our drivers,” Ben explains. In doing so, OVO Energy has been able to understand the requirements of the drivers powering its network.“Understanding how our drivers complete their role is vital to OVO Energy’s strategy,” says Ben. “In the real-world, 98% of OVO’s drivers travel less than 150 miles per day (89% travel less than 100 miles, with the majority travelling less than 60 miles per day). That means the current battery range of our Vauxhall Vivaro-e is sufficient to charge up to 80% every working day and with that, minimal disruption to a driver’s daily routine.”But, beyond the hard stats and facts, the personal side of fleet management is once again crucial to its success. OVO Energy regularly involves its drivers, team managers and schedulers in the conversation. In doing so, it has been able to address the pain points and understand what it can do to maximise its investment in EVs.<h2>7: Keep looking forward</h2>Finally, and it may sound obvious, but looking to the future is vital to the success of any EV fleet. As the market changes and technology evolves, so too do the opportunities for refining the efficiency of your business. That could be cheaper home charging solutions or newer, better, and more affordable vehicles with greater long-distance capabilities.Crucially, as Ben explains, you must keep an open mind. “Over the years we’ve kept a close eye on newer models with larger payloads and improved battery sizes. As we’ve added these newer vehicles to our fleet we’ve seen even more improvements in the workflow of our drivers.”So, by following OVO Energy’s lead and these simple seven steps, you too could be amping up your fleet with the all-electric switch.For more on fleet and company cars, see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">company car advice pages</a>

How to take your fleet electric in 7 simple steps

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

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

new-roam-electric-bus-launched-–-move-electric

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

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

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

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

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

New Roam electric bus launched – Move Electric

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

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

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

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

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

V2G home charging: how it works in the real world

meet-the-nissan-leaf-electric-hearse-–-move-electric

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the Nissan Leaf electric hearse – Move Electric

Move Electric

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

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

Small Electric

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

Large Electric

Electric Van

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

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

ABARTH

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

ALFA ROMEO

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

ALPINE

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

AUDI

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

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

CUPRA

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

DACIA

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

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

FIAT

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

FORD

GENESIS

GWM ORA

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

HONDA

Iveco

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

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

JEEP

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

LEAPMOTOR

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

LEXUS

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

LOTUS

MAXUS

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

MAZDA

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

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

OMODA

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

PEUGEOT

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

POLESTAR

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

PORSCHE

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

RENAULT

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

ROLLS-ROYCE

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

SKODA

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

SMART

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

SUBARU

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

TESLA

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

TOYOTA

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

VAUXHALL

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

VOLKSWAGEN

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

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