With colder weather now upen us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.

From electric vehicles and new safety regulations to volatile used-car prices, today’s car buyers are facing a more complex market than ever before. For many, the process has shifted from exciting to overwhelming — a maze of conflicting reviews, pressured sales environments, and finance deals that aren’t always as clear as they seem.

Hot on the heels of the fully electric Junior I drove earlier this year comes a hybrid model, or ‘Ibrida’ in Italian, which sounds so much better. So, how does it all work? The system is designed to maximise the efficiency of the vehicle CO2, thanks to the support of the eMotor and the eDriving phases. When driving at low speeds, the electric motor allows for silent manoeuvring.

The first question I am usually asked about any electric car I am testing is what is the range? Well dear reader, the new Kia EV4’s quoted range is up to 388 miles. Enough for anyone I would suggest and being a Kia, the quoted range is usually fairly accurate.

I have just spent a week behind the wheel of one of the finest electric cars on sale in the UK. The Kia EV6 GT wafted me to events around the country in comfort, silence and considerable style. I have a home charger, so setting off each morning with a full battery usually means a relaxed day, with no need to think about public charging.

Great Wall Motors is back in the UK with vengeance. Some of you may recall the Steed pick-up sold in the UK between 2014 and 2016, or thereabouts. It was a rare sight though was popular with those who required a simple working truck.

As we approach winter, many rural motorists will perhaps be considering purchasing a car with 4x4 capability. Smaller SUVs have been the way forward, but increasingly the option to send drive to all wheels is only available on the pricier top-spec models. However, there is another way.

The UK first saw the Sportage in 1995 and at a recent drive day, I had the opportunity to drive one such early model. It was fun to spend time with the car, if only to see how much not just the model but the brand too has improved.

Hyundai updated its Kona range in 2023 and somehow a drive in the latest model had eluded me. No matter, as the accommodating PR team recently sent me a top spec Ultimate model. Time to put it to the test on some of Yorkshire’s finest roads. The Kona Electric range starts at £32,400 and this entry model comes with the smaller 48kWh battery.

With changeable autumnal weather now open us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.

The new Vauxhall Grandland Electric is a practical and well-equipped family SUV, built on the same Stellantis platform as its Peugeot/Citroen counterparts. Designed to do a job rather than provide thrills behind the wheel, the Grandland Electric represents Vauxhall’s continued push towards full electrification across its range.

This Bank Holiday weekend, it is estimated that some 18 million leisure journeys will be undertaken, many of which will be on the motorway. For some, this may be the only time they venture on to our fastest roads, so some timely reminders may well be appropriate. ‘Hogging’ the middle lane of a motorway can be a major cause of unnecessary congestion.

AA research shows worrying numbers holding onto misinformation. Many incorrect legends about the driving test persist – potentially hindering learners’ chances of success. Pass/fail quotas, a ban on sunglasses and failing automatically if you hit the kerb among myths many drivers believe in.

There are many 4x4s that look the part but put them to the test in tough conditions and they falter. However, for those on the lookout for a compact SUV that punches above its weight and is rather partial to a muddy track, Jeep now offers an all-wheel drive version of its Avenger. The invite came from the Jeep PR team to join them for a little brand immersion on the scenic Swinton Estate.

County Durham’s Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is preparing for the arrival of hundreds of Italian automobiles on Sunday 27th July. Cruising through the historic parkland, visitors will be able to spot classic Fiats and Alfa Romeos as well as supercars like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

Holiday season is upon us and for many that means a long road trip by car. It’s an easy way to travel with the family – just chuck everything in and head off to your favoured destination, be that in the UK or overseas. A long journey can put more strain on your car, with greater distances covered, a heavily loaded vehicle and perhaps hot climes if southern Europe is your end destination.

The Ring ULTRAinflate 30 tyre inflator is a standout choice for anyone who wants a reliable, fast, and user-friendly tyre pump with a dash of modern flair.

The AA is predicting busy roads to popular leisure destinations as the long summer getaway officially begins. With Scottish and Northern Irish schools having broken up at the end of June and English and Welsh pupils are due to start their summer holidays over the next week. This staggered school holiday pattern means that traditional “getaway weekends” will be spread out.

County Durham’s Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is gearing up for its annual Classic Car Show on Sunday 29th June, 10am – 4pm. The event is a collaboration between Raby and Durham Automobile Club and has become a must-see event for many people in the classic car community.

I’ve driven Isuzu’s capable D-Max pickup truck in every iteration over the last few years, from the humble Utility model, right up to the bespoke Arctic Truck variant. All have performed well and have been much enjoyed both on and off road. Step forward then a limited-run model, the Steel Edition, built exclusively for the UK market and based on the top spec V-Cross.

Many of us reach the stage in life when a growing family dictates the choice of car. For some that means a conventional five-seat family car does not suffice, the body count being higher. Glide forward then one of my favourite seven-seaters, the Volvo XC90, tested by me many times over the years.

Lying awake in the wee small hours, I was musing on the many different types of driving I do and wondering why some appeal to me and some really don’t. As a motoring journalist, it has always felt as though I am supposed to like driving on a racetrack. I like speed, there’s no one coming the other way (one hopes), and usually the car provided is immensely capable.

I am lucky enough to be sent a wide variety of cars for evaluation on home turf, and I always look forward to their arrival. However, when a Bentley is due, there is an increased level of anticipation. A teenage me would scarcely believe that this great British manufacturer of fine motor cars would deem me worthy of a loan.

Earlier this year, a trip to The Motorist in Sherburn in Elmet provided the chance to drive Mazda’s new family car, the CX-80. It’s the company’s first attempt at a seven-seat SUV and I came away from the launch event suitably impressed. However, when subjected to a longer test, some cars shine a little less brightly.

Once again, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) held their annual Test Day event at Millbrook Proving Ground, near Bedford. Although a bit of a trek from my Yorkshire base, the day offers the chance to catch up with automotive PRs and industry friends. Above all else, there is the chance to drive a wide variety of cars from most of the leading manufacturers.

I’ve owned my current Toyota Land Cruiser for 18 years, buying it when it was just 2 years old. Long-term ownership was always the goal. It boasts 8 comfortable leather seats, ideal for a then growing family. One of the main reasons for choosing a Land Cruiser is my very rural locale, with some roads frequently left ungritted in the depths of winter.