Volkswagen has opened the UK order books for its updated California campervan, bringing sharper styling, more technology and a choice of diesel or plug-in hybrid power to one of the most versatile campers on the market.

First deliveries are due in early 2027 and, although the California is certainly not cheap, it remains an intriguing alternative to a conventional motorhome.

That is largely because of its size. At a little over five metres long and less than two metres high, the California is one of the most compact proper campervans around. It is small enough to fit into many conventional parking spaces and, crucially, under many height restrictions.

That means plenty of owners can and do use a California as a second car, or even their main vehicle, rather than leaving it parked on the driveway or garaged for large parts of the year as can happen with bigger campervans and motorhomes.

Familiar formula, smarter technology

The latest changes do not reinvent the California, but instead build on a well-established formula.

Volkswagen has redesigned the front end below the bonnet and fitted larger LED headlights, while there are new 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy-wheel designs. Power-latching sliding doors and a powered tailgate are also among the updates.

Inside, there is a redesigned cockpit with a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen alongside a 10-inch Digital Cockpit. The larger display handles navigation, media and smartphone connectivity as well as camping-related functions.

Device charging has been improved too, with up to 25W wireless charging and 60W USB-C connections, while new materials, ambient lighting and additional colour combinations freshen up the cabin.

Diesel or plug-in hybrid

Buyers can choose between two distinctly different powertrains.

The conventional option is a 2.0-litre TDI diesel developing around 148bhp, paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. For buyers intending to cover plenty of motorway miles or take lengthy touring holidays, it arguably remains the straightforward choice.

The alternative is the 1.5-litre eHybrid plug-in hybrid. It produces 242bhp, uses a six-speed DSG and comes with 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

The hybrid can travel around 52 miles on electric power under WLTP testing, making quiet, engine-off commuting realistic for owners who charge regularly. Its battery can also accept DC charging at up to around 40kW, with 11kW AC charging available.

A particularly useful addition for campers is electric stationary air conditioning. The eHybrid can heat, cool or ventilate its interior electrically for up to eight hours while charging, parked or camping, potentially making overnight stays considerably more comfortable.

The catch is cost. The eHybrid commands a sizeable premium over the diesel, meaning buyers who rarely plug in may struggle to justify the extra expense.

Three ways to camp

The range is divided into Beach, Coast and Ocean specifications.

Even the entry-level Beach is a proper camper rather than simply a people carrier with a pop-up roof. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated and swivelling front seats, a manually operated pop-up roof, awning, 230V leisure battery and a compact kitchen with a single-ring gas hob. An outdoor table and chairs are also included, while the California provides sleeping accommodation for up to four.

Coast builds on that with a larger kitchen, additional storage cabinets, two-tone upholstery and extra leisure batteries to help power equipment such as the fridge and lighting when parked.

Ocean sits at the top of the range, adding equipment including 18-inch alloys, Matrix LED headlights, an electrically operated pop-up roof, three-zone climate control and enhanced ambient lighting.

Safety technology has also been upgraded. The latest Travel Assist can support motorway lane changes and adds traffic-light recognition, while Emergency Assist is designed to guide the California towards the hard shoulder or outermost lane if the driver suffers a medical emergency.

Premium price for versatility

That combination of car-like dimensions and genuine camping facilities is the California’s big attraction, although buyers pay handsomely for the versatility.

The California Beach diesel costs £66,334 including VAT and on-the-road costs, with Coast starting at £71,464 and Ocean at £79,762.

Choosing the eHybrid 4MOTION raises those figures to £74,637 for Beach, £79,672 for Coast and £87,970 for Ocean.

Volkswagen is also offering finance deals to mark the opening of the order books. Personal buyers can get a California from £549 a month on a Solutions PCP, while business customers are being offered Business Contract Hire from £469 a month.

The £549 deal is based on an Ocean 148bhp 2.0 TDI over four years and requires a sizeable £16,511.82 customer deposit, although Volkswagen adds a £5,000 deposit contribution. The £469 Business Contract Hire offer is based on a Beach 148bhp diesel over three years, with an initial rental of £2,814. Both offers are based on 10,000 miles a year and are available on vehicles ordered by 5 January 2027.

Those are substantial sums, particularly when larger campervans can offer more living space for similar money. But few combine everyday usability, compact dimensions and proper four-berth camping equipment quite as neatly as the California.

The post VW California Gets Fresh for 2027 appeared first on Business Eye.

Dacia is giving its hugely popular Sandero and Sandero Stepway full hybrid power for the first time, bringing lower fuel consumption and automatic transmission to two of the cheapest new cars on the market.

The new Hybrid 155 models combine a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a small 1.4kWh battery. Combined output is around 153bhp, making the hybrid considerably more potent than the conventional petrol versions.

Dacia says both cars can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds. More importantly for most buyers, the company claims the hybrid can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent compared with an equivalent petrol model.

Electric driving without plugging in

Unlike a plug-in hybrid or EV, there is no cable involved. The battery is replenished by the petrol engine and regenerative braking, while an unusual clutchless automatic transmission uses four ratios for the petrol engine and two for electric operation.

The system always starts the car using electric power and Dacia reckons the Sandero can spend as much as 80 per cent of its time driving electrically in urban conditions.

It should make the Sandero noticeably quieter and easier to drive around town, although the very small battery means this isn’t a car capable of travelling any meaningful distance as a pure EV.

Buyers not interested in the hybrid can still choose conventional engines. The UK Sandero range includes the 99bhp 1.0-litre TCe 100 three-cylinder petrol engine, keeping the cheapest versions firmly focused on affordability.

Plenty of kit

The hybrid isn’t available in the cheapest Essential specification. Instead, the Sandero Hybrid 155 starts with Expression trim.

Standard equipment is nevertheless generous. Expression receives a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, automatic lights and wipers and a reversing camera. Dacia’s YouClip mounting system is also included.

Journey adds a seven-inch digital instrument display, connected navigation, six-speaker Arkamys audio, climate control, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging and a Multiview camera.

The Stepway takes much the same formula but adds the more rugged crossover styling and raised 200mm ground clearance. Its modular roof bars add useful versatility, while flagship Extreme specification brings Extended Grip, Blind Spot Warning, a Multiview camera and Copper Brown detailing.

Practicality hasn’t suffered in the move to hybrid power. Dacia quotes 410 litres of boot capacity, increasing to 1,455 litres with the rear seats folded, plus a useful 1,100kg braked towing capacity.

Rivals have reason to worry

The Sandero has built its reputation on offering supermini practicality without supermini prices, and hybrid power strengthens that argument.

At £17,995, the Sandero Hybrid 155 is currently Britain’s cheapest full hybrid, around £2,000 below the MG3 Hybrid and roughly £5,000 cheaper than an entry-level Toyota Yaris Hybrid. That doesn’t necessarily make the Dacia the more sophisticated car, and buyers prepared to spend extra may find plusher interiors and more polished driving experiences elsewhere. But the price difference is difficult to ignore.

The regular Sandero remains cheaper still, so drivers covering relatively low mileages will need to decide whether the hybrid’s additional efficiency, performance and automatic gearbox warrant the premium.

The Sandero Hybrid 155 Expression costs £17,995, rising to £19,295 for Journey. Sandero Stepway Hybrid 155 starts at £19,295 in Expression trim, with the better-equipped Extreme costing £20,595.

Both hybrid models are available to order in the UK now.

The post Dacia Adds Hybrid Power appeared first on Business Eye.

Honda has significantly cut the price of its CR-V and ZR-V SUVs as it looks to make its hybrid models more competitive against some formidable opposition.

The biggest savings are on the CR-V, with reductions of up to £4,255, while every version of the smaller ZR-V has been cut by £1,310.

It means the ZR-V now starts at £35,215, down from £36,525, while the larger CR-V starts from £43,995 instead of £48,075. The changes took effect on November 2.

ZR-V moves below £40,000

Sitting between the smaller HR-V and larger CR-V, the ZR-V is Honda’s mid-sized SUV and is aimed squarely at buyers considering cars such as the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Renault Austral.

Unlike some rivals, there’s no conventional petrol or plug-in choice. Every ZR-V uses Honda’s 2.0-litre e:HEV full-hybrid system, combining a petrol engine with two electric motors.

The system produces 181bhp and 315Nm, giving the ZR-V surprisingly useful performance, with 0-62mph taking 7.8 seconds. Honda quotes combined fuel economy of up to 49.6mpg.

Entry-level Elegance models now cost £35,215 and come with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, LED lights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and Honda SENSING safety technology.

Sport costs £37,455, while the range-topping Advance is £39,585. Significantly, that brings the Advance below £40,000 before options are added.

The price reduction certainly helps the ZR-V, although it remains more expensive than entry-level versions of several mainstream rivals. Its strengths lie in its generous standard equipment, punchy hybrid drivetrain and a more car-like driving experience than some family SUVs.

Bigger savings on CR-V

Honda has been considerably more aggressive with the CR-V.

The largest SUV in Honda’s European range gets reductions of between £2,680 and £4,255, with the full-hybrid CR-V Elegance falling £4,080 to £43,995. Advance drops from £51,250 to £46,995.

Unlike the ZR-V, the CR-V offers a choice of electrified powertrains. There’s an e:HEV full hybrid and an e:PHEV plug-in hybrid, both based around a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The CR-V produces 181bhp, while the plug-in version can cover up to 50 miles on electric power alone. Honda quotes an overall driving range of up to 596 miles.

Even the entry-level Elegance is generously equipped, with Honda SENSING driver assistance technology, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, a powered tailgate, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors among the standard kit.

The plug-in Elegance Tech is now £44,995, down £2,800, while Advance Tech falls £2,680 to £47,995.

A more convincing proposition

The cuts address one of the biggest criticisms levelled at Honda’s SUVs: price.

At £43,995 the CR-V is still more expensive than some mainstream alternatives. The Skoda Kodiaq, for example, currently starts at £39,390, while its plug-in hybrid is priced from £42,485. But the gap is considerably narrower than it was.

That makes both Hondas easier to recommend. The ZR-V offers a sportier, slightly more compact alternative to traditional family SUVs, while the spacious CR-V remains the choice for buyers wanting maximum practicality and the additional flexibility of plug-in hybrid power.

Honda says the new prices strengthen the value offered by its electrified SUV range. With as much as £4,255 knocked off the previous list price, there’s rather more substance behind that claim now.

The post Honda Slashes SUV Prices appeared first on Business Eye.

Hyundai has taken the wraps off an all-new Bayon, giving its smallest SUV more space, technology and a much tougher look in a bid to take on the best-selling compact crossovers.

The outgoing Bayon has always been a slightly curious-looking thing and has lived in the shadow of Hyundai’s larger Kona. This new model looks altogether more purposeful, swapping some of the old car’s quirkiness for a chunkier, more conventional SUV design.

At 4.25 metres long, it remains relatively compact and should be easy enough to thread through town or squeeze into a supermarket parking space. But a longer wheelbase has freed up more passenger room, while petrol models get a useful 440-litre boot.

Petrol First, Hybrid Later

There will initially be a choice of two versions of Hyundai’s familiar 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.

The entry-level version produces 89bhp, while the more powerful model gets 113bhp. Both drive the front wheels and can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Performance is adequate rather than exciting. Depending on engine and gearbox, 0-62mph takes between 10.8 and 14.1 seconds, with top speeds ranging from 104mph to 112mph.

A new hybrid will join the range later in 2027, combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and six-speed dual-clutch gearbox to produce a combined 136bhp.

This isn’t a plug-in hybrid, so there’s no need to charge it. It will instead recover energy normally lost during braking, with paddles behind the steering wheel allowing the driver to alter the amount of regenerative braking.

More Tech Inside

Hyundai is loading the new Bayon with the kind of technology that would have been reserved for much bigger and more expensive cars not that long ago.

Depending on trim, there are twin 12.3-inch curved displays for the instruments and infotainment, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

Other available goodies include wireless phone charging, Hyundai’s Digital Key 2, which allows the car to be unlocked and started using a compatible phone or smartwatch, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

Comfort has been given a boost too, with heated and ventilated front seats available alongside reclining and heated rear seats, rear air vents and an opening panoramic roof.

There’s also plenty of safety kit available, including smart cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2.

N Line Adds Some Attitude

An N Line model brings a sportier look rather than significantly more performance, with different bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior detailing and a rear diffuser incorporating twin exhaust outlets.

Inside, it gets its own cloth and suede-effect seats.

Hyundai hasn’t yet confirmed the complete UK trim structure. However, it has confirmed wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the new model, along with an extensive range of driver assistance technology.

Tough Competition

The Bayon enters one of the most competitive parts of the market, where buyers can already choose from the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Ford Puma, Peugeot 2008, Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota Yaris Cross.

That means simply being good isn’t really enough.

The new Bayon counters with plenty of interior space and a comparatively generous 440-litre boot. The forthcoming hybrid could be particularly important too, giving Hyundai a more direct competitor to hybrid versions of the Renault Captur and Toyota Yaris Cross.

The downside is that the initial petrol engines offer fairly modest performance, particularly the 89bhp model. Buyers wanting something quicker might be better holding out for the hybrid.

Pricing is likely to start at around £25,000 when it arrives in 2027.

The post Hyundai’s Baby SUV Grows Up appeared first on Business Eye.

Citroën is preparing to bring one of the most famous names in European motoring back to the road, with its new 2 CV Concept previewing a tiny, affordable electric car expected to reach showrooms by 2028.

Unveiled at the recent Paris Motor Show, the wonderfully cutesy little EV is intended to sit between Citroën’s Ami and C3 and, crucially, the company is targeting a European starting price of around €15,000.

This is no cynical badge-engineering exercise, according to Citroën. Instead, the company says it wants to reinvent the philosophy that made the original 2CV special: simplicity, affordability, low weight, comfort and clever engineering.

A French motoring icon reborn

Few cars provide richer material.

The original 2CV made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1948 and remained in production until 1990. Conceived as inexpensive transport for rural France, its simple air-cooled two-cylinder engine, soft suspension, lightweight construction and roll-back fabric roof made it one of Europe’s most distinctive cars.

Indeed, Citroën’s famously pragmatic development philosophy included creating a car capable of carrying people and produce over rough rural roads. The exceptionally compliant suspension subsequently became part of the 2CV legend.

The new car takes inspiration from that history without simply photocopying it.

At 3.76 metres long, it is actually shorter than the old 2CV and Citroën is targeting a kerb weight of around one tonne. Visually, however, there is no mistaking the connection.

Almost cartoon-like circular headlights sit proud of the body, while a high, sweeping bonnet, rounded wheelarches, upright sides and curved roof give the concept an extraordinarily cheerful appearance. There are exposed windscreen wipers, slim rear lights and enormous 19-inch steel wheels, while the fabric sunroof is perhaps the most obvious link with the original.

It’s deliberately cute and wilfully different from the increasingly homogenised world of compact electric cars.

Heritage becomes a selling point

That distinctiveness could prove important.

European manufacturers are facing increasing pressure from Chinese marques including BYD, Chery and its Omoda and Jaecoo brands, while other newcomers are rapidly establishing themselves. Many arrive with long equipment lists and aggressively competitive pricing.

European brands possess something much harder to manufacture quickly: history.

Renault has already demonstrated how effectively it can be deployed. The Renault 5 E-Tech transformed the visual character of the original Renault 5 into a modern EV rather than slavishly recreating it. Renault’s fully electric sales rose strongly during the first half of 2026, helped by the success of the R5.

Citroën is now playing a similar card.

The challenge is ensuring the eventual 2CV is more than a compelling piece of industrial design. The old car became an icon because it was useful and inexpensive, not because Citroën told customers it was iconic.

Simple, colourful and clever

The concept’s interior is appropriately unconventional. There isn’t even a traditional dashboard.

Instead, a cylindrical structure carries a single-spoke steering wheel and essential controls, accompanied by a Citroën Smart Vision display and an eight-inch square touchscreen. A detachable “Radioën” works as both the car’s radio and a portable speaker.

There are wide Advanced Comfort seats, soft strap door handles and a removable storage basket in place of a conventional centre console. Bright yellow tartan upholstery, wicker-inspired fabrics and beige detailing add more personality.

Citroën has even shaped storage spaces to accommodate eggs, one of numerous nods to the original car.

Range and performance remain a mystery

There is, however, a sizeable gap in our knowledge.

Citroën has not yet announced the battery capacity, electric motor output, performance, official range or maximum charging speed of the production car. Nor has it detailed separate trim levels or confirmed precisely what equipment an entry-level €15,000 version will receive.

What Citroën has said is revealing. Keeping weight down should allow the production 2CV to use a smaller and therefore cheaper battery, with its range deliberately tailored towards everyday driving rather than headline-grabbing long-distance figures.

Can the 2CV repeat history?

At around €15,000 it would operate in a very different price bracket from many mainstream European EVs and could emerge as an intriguing alternative to inexpensive electric cars from Dacia and Chinese manufacturers, as well as forthcoming small European EVs.

The 2CV Concept certainly has character on its side but Citroën has a difficult balancing act ahead. It must turn this hugely appealing concept into an inexpensive production car without sanding away the eccentricities that make it interesting.

If it succeeds, the 2CV could demonstrate that Europe’s great carmakers still have an important weapon against newer competitors: not merely nostalgia, but brands and designs that consumers already have an emotional reason to care about.

The post Citroën Reinvents An Icon appeared first on Business Eye.

BYD is going big with its latest electric car – very big in fact.

This new Atto 8 is a full-size, seven-seat SUV that will sit at the top of the Chinese car maker’s rapidly expanding line-up when it arrives here next year.

At more than five metres long and almost two metres wide, it’s a sizeable machine aimed squarely at cars like the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Peugeot E-5008.

But the headline act is the Atto 8’s new battery and charging technology, which BYD claims will allow you to add hundreds of miles of range in little more time than it takes to fill a conventional car with petrol or diesel.

Two Versions To Choose From

There are two models initially, both powered by a huge 115kWh battery.

The entry-level Design RWD gets a single electric motor driving the rear wheels and producing 456bhp and 365Nm of torque. That sounds like plenty, although a 0-62mph time of eight seconds is actually fairly leisurely given the power on offer.

More importantly, it has an impressive claimed range of up to 405 miles.

If that’s not enough power for your seven-seat family SUV, the range-topping Excellence AWD adds a second electric motor at the front, producing a whopping 764bhp and 775Nm.

That cuts the 0-62mph time to just 4.6 seconds, putting this big family SUV into serious performance car territory. The inevitable trade-off is slightly lower range, although the claimed 374 miles is still impressive.

Charging In Minutes

Even more eye-catching is BYD’s new FLASH Charging system.

At a compatible charger, BYD says the Atto 8 can charge its enormous battery from 10 to 70 per cent in just five minutes and from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes.

That sounds fantastic, but there’s an obvious catch. You’ll need to find a charger capable of delivering those rates. BYD says it plans to install 3,000 FLASH charging stations across Europe by the end of 2027, so initially at least, owners are unlikely to be achieving nine-minute charges everywhere they go.

Still, if the infrastructure catches up, it could remove one of the biggest remaining disadvantages of running an electric car.

Packed With Kit

The Atto 8 is generously equipped too.

Even the entry-level Design gets genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, tri-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, huge 26-inch head-up display and 15.6-inch central touchscreen with Google built-in.

The front seats are heated, ventilated and have a massage function – and unusually, so are the two outer seats in the middle row. There’s also a 10-speaker sound system and two 50W wireless phone chargers.

Excellence cars upgrade to a 21-speaker DiSound audio system.

There should be plenty of space too. Even with all seven seats occupied, the boot holds 270 litres. Fold the two rear rows and that expands to 1,960 litres, while there’s a useful 136-litre storage compartment under the bonnet.

Strong On Paper

On paper at least, the Atto 8 compares very favourably with the growing band of seven-seat electric SUVs.

The Kia EV9 is the obvious rival, while the Peugeot E-5008 offers seven seats in a slightly smaller package. Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is another big electric SUV competing for the same family buyers.

The BYD’s 405-mile maximum range and potentially astonishing charging speeds give it plenty of showroom appeal. But this is also BYD moving into more expensive territory, where buyers will expect the refinement, comfort and quality to match the impressive numbers.

Prices haven’t been confirmed yet, but early estimates suggest the Atto 8 could start at around £48,000, with the high-performance Excellence likely to cost considerably more.

Sales are due to start in the first quarter of 2027.

The post BYD’s Big New Flagship appeared first on Business Eye.

We wrote about the all-new fifth-generation BMW X5 on these pages during the summer, when BMW revealed a substantially reinvented version of its big premium SUV, including the first fully electric X5.

At that stage there was one important detail missing: the price.

Now BMW has filled in the blank, confirming that the new X5 will start from £85,375 on the road when it arrives in the UK next spring.

Electric entry point

Perhaps surprisingly, it is the electric version that provides the entry point to the new range. The BMW iX5 60 xDrive costs from £85,375, while the six-cylinder diesel X5 40d xDrive starts at £85,885, just £510 more.

The plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive is £86,870, while the performance-focused X5 M60e xDrive moves into six figures at £101,775.

Those prices put some hard numbers against what is one of BMW’s most significant model launches. The new X5 is the first BMW engineered to support five different drive systems globally, including battery-electric and, eventually, hydrogen power alongside diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid technology.

525 Miles On A Charge

For UK buyers, the headline act is likely to be the iX5. Its twin electric motors produce 578hp and 805Nm, good for 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, but its range and charging capability are arguably more significant.

BMW quotes a WLTP range of up to 525 miles from its large 141kWh usable-capacity battery, positioning the iX5 as a serious long-distance electric SUV. Its new 800-volt architecture also allows DC charging at rates of up to 460kW.

Diesel And Hybrid Alternatives

There are more conventional alternatives for anyone not ready to make the switch to a fully electric X5.

The £85,885 X5 40d xDrive combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, producing 313hp and 670Nm.

The £86,870 X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid develops 489hp and 700Nm and can cover up to 63 miles on electric power. At the top of the initial range, the £101,775 X5 M60e xDrive raises output to 612hp and 800Nm, cutting its 0-62mph time to 4.5 seconds.

New Look, New Technology

As we reported in July, the fifth-generation X5 receives much more than a powertrain overhaul. BMW’s Neue Klasse design language brings a cleaner, more upright look, with new double-X daytime running lights, BMW Winglet door handles and optional electrically powered soft-close doors.

Inside is BMW’s latest Panoramic iDrive system, bringing together its Central Display, Panoramic Vision and available 3D Head-Up Display, while an optional passenger screen makes its X5 debut. A panoramic glass roof and sports seats are standard, with M Sport, M Sport Pro and M Performance versions providing further styling and equipment upgrades.

Adaptive suspension is fitted as standard and customers can choose from 11 exterior colours and alloy wheels up to 23 inches.

On Sale Next Spring

The new X5 will be built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the United States. UK launches for the electric iX5, diesel X5 and plug-in hybrid versions are scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The post New BMW X5: UK Prices Confirmed From £85,375 appeared first on Business Eye.

MINI is giving its biggest model a more adventurous edge with the new Countryman Untamed Edition, combining tougher styling with a handful of changes designed to make it more useful when the tarmac runs out.

Available with petrol and electric powertrains, the special edition brings distinctive colours, additional body protection and the option of all-terrain tyres, while retaining the Countryman’s family-friendly interior and everyday practicality.

Sitting at the top end of the MINI family in terms of size and versatility, the Countryman has increasingly moved beyond the traditional small-car territory associated with the brand. The Untamed Edition takes that further, targeting drivers who want something capable of coping with outdoor pursuits and rougher surfaces without sacrificing the comfort of an everyday family SUV.

Ready for rougher roads

The most meaningful changes are reserved for the S and SE versions, which can be specified with specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres.

The electric Countryman SE also gains an additional 15mm of ride height, increasing ground clearance, while ALL4 all-wheel drive features on relevant models.

That does not suddenly turn the Countryman into a hardcore off-roader, but the changes should provide a little more reassurance for drivers regularly tackling muddy tracks, campsites or rough rural roads.

The visual treatment is suitably chunky. There’s a redesigned vertical grille, Dark Steel detailing and additional protection for the front and rear of the car, wheelarches and side sills.

Exclusive 19-inch Untamed Edition Spoke alloy wheels complete the transformation and have been designed to recall the simple, functional appearance of traditional off-road steel wheels.

A more adventurous look

Buyers can choose edition-specific Nomad Blue or Hideaway Grey paint, alongside Nanuq White and Midnight Black.

For those wanting something more distinctive, a matt Frozen Nomad Blue finish will be available for orders from January 2027. Significantly, it will be the first factory-applied matt paint finish offered by MINI.

The outdoor theme continues inside. JCW sports seats upholstered in Vescin Nightshade Blue are standard, joined by Dark Steel trim and contrasting blue detailing.

There are some more practical additions too. Rubber floor and boot mats should prove particularly useful after muddy walks, cycling trips or weekends spent camping.

The Countryman remains a useful load-lugger, with an optional towbar allowing towing of up to 2,000kg. MINI is leaning heavily into the lifestyle side of the Untamed idea too, offering a purpose-built roof tent developed with Italian specialist AUTOHOME, featuring weather-resistant materials, a panoramic opening and gas-strut assistance, alongside lightweight HELINOX camping chairs and tables.

Petrol or electric

Importantly, Untamed is not restricted to one powertrain. The Edition will be available in the UK in Countryman C, S, E and SE forms, giving buyers the choice of petrol or fully electric power.

That broad line-up should make it easier for buyers to choose the level of performance and drivetrain that best suits their needs without missing out on the special edition treatment.

Prices for the Countryman Untamed Edition start at £33,595 on the road. Orders are open now, with the first customer deliveries expected in early 2027.

Ultimately, Untamed is more lifestyle-focused special edition than serious off-road transformation. But that is probably the point. The combination of tougher tyres, extra protection, useful practical touches and distinctive styling gives the Countryman a little more ability away from smooth roads without compromising the qualities buyers need for the school run or daily commute.

For Countryman owners whose weekends involve rather more mud than motorway, it could prove an appealing combination.

The post Countryman Heads Off Road appeared first on Business Eye.

The electric car price war is gathering pace and Hyundai’s latest offering could be one of the most interesting yet.

The new Ioniq 3 is a compact five-door electric hatchback offering more than 300 miles of range, useful family-car practicality and, thanks in part to the Government’s Electric Car Grant, a starting price comfortably below £20,000.

That puts it firmly into territory occupied by increasingly capable small EVs such as the Renault 5, Citroen e-C3 and BYD Dolphin, while larger-battery versions also provide an alternative to more expensive models.

A different take on the EV3

Underneath, the Ioniq 3 is closely related to its corporate cousin, the Kia EV3, sharing core EV hardware with the Kia. But Hyundai has deliberately given its car a different character.

Where the EV3 is a fairly upright, boxy compact SUV, the Ioniq 3 is lower and more hatchback-like. Hyundai calls it an “Aero Hatch”, and its slippery shape contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.263.

It looks distinctive without being too outlandish and practicality hasn’t been completely sacrificed in pursuit of style. There are five seats and a sizeable 441-litre boot.

Customers get two battery choices. The entry-level 42kWh model uses a 145bhp motor and offers up to 213 miles of official range. Interestingly, the bigger-battery 61kWh version actually has slightly less power at 133bhp but stretches the official range to an impressive 308 miles.

Hyundai quotes 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, so this isn’t an electric hot hatch. Instead, its performance is firmly pitched at everyday driving, which is probably appropriate for a relatively affordable family EV.

Range without the wait

Charging performance is competitive rather than spectacular. Hyundai says a 10-80 per cent rapid charge can be completed in around 29 minutes. The European specification also supports AC charging at up to 22kW.

That puts the Ioniq 3 well behind the ultra-fast 800-volt charging offered by bigger and considerably more expensive EVs such as Kia’s EV6, but around half an hour for the usual rapid-charge stop should prove perfectly acceptable for most buyers.

There is some useful technology inside too. The Ioniq 3 is the first Europe-developed Hyundai to use the company’s new Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment platform.

Plenty of standard kit

The range starts with Advance, which gets 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, front and rear parking sensors, a 12.9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and smart cruise control. Hyundai SmartSense safety and driver-assistance technology is also standard.

Premium sits above Advance, while Ultimate brings Matrix LED headlights, Highway Driving Assist 2, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

At the top is N Line Evo, which provides the sportiest appearance rather than a big performance boost. It gets N Line styling, 19-inch wheels and a larger 14.6-inch infotainment display, plus conveniences including Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor and Memory Reverse Assist.

Price could be its trump card

The Ioniq 3’s strongest argument, however, may be value.

Before incentives, the Advance 42kWh is £22,245, while the 61kWh Advance costs £25,745. But every version qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, dropping those figures to just £18,495 and £21,995 respectively.

Grant-inclusive prices for the 61kWh Premium and Ultimate are £23,695 and £26,195, while the flagship N Line Evo costs £28,195.

That makes the Hyundai exceptionally competitive, especially given the 308-mile potential of the 61kWh car. The Kia EV3 offers a more SUV-like shape and rivals such as the Renault 5 arguably have greater retro charm, but the Ioniq 3 counters with space, sensible technology and some eye-catching prices.

The post Hyundai’s electric bargain arrives appeared first on Business Eye.

An electric car has topped the best-sellers list in Northern Ireland for the very first time. The Tesla Model 3 was the best-selling car in the region in September, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The landmark moment comes as Northern Ireland’s new car market enjoyed a buoyant September, with registrations rising 22.5% year on year to 5,441. In the first nine months of 2026, 38,136 new cars were registered, up 6% on the same period last year.

Electric breakthrough arrives

Electric cars regularly feature prominently among the UK’s best sellers, but Northern Ireland has historically been slower to make the switch.

September’s figures suggest that picture is changing. The Tesla Model 3 claimed top spot with 242 registrations, narrowly ahead of the Ford Puma on 233 and Nissan Qashqai on 188.

Tesla also put a second model into the top 10. The Model Y recorded 143 registrations to finish sixth.

Tesla’s strong September came on the back of some especially attractive finance offers over the summer, including 0% finance on the Model 3. Those deals will undoubtedly have contributed to the brand’s strong showing in the registration figures.

It is a significant milestone not simply because an electric car has taken the Northern Ireland crown. It also breaks the recent dominance of SUVs at the head of the sales table.

SUVs and crossovers remain the overwhelming presence elsewhere, however. The Puma and Qashqai were joined by the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga and Vauxhall Frontera among September’s 10 most popular cars.

Chinese brands advance

Another notable feature is the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers.

The BYD Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid was Northern Ireland’s fourth best-selling new car in September with 157 registrations, while the MG HS took ninth place with 116.

That gives Chinese-owned brands two places in the top 10 and reflects their increasing presence in the wider UK new car market.

Collectively, the 10 most popular models accounted for 1,573 registrations, or 28.9% of Northern Ireland’s September market.

The wider sales performance is equally striking. A 22.5% monthly increase and 6% year-to-date growth represents an encouraging result against a backdrop of continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

UK market accelerates

Northern Ireland was not alone in having a strong September.

Across the UK, new car registrations increased 12% to 350,536, making it the strongest September since 2017 and extending market growth to a tenth consecutive month, according to SMMT.

Private demand rose 13.9% to 149,166 cars, while fleet registrations increased 9.6% to 190,998. Registrations in the smaller business sector were up 37.3% to 10,372.

SMMT attributed much of the overall growth to intense competition, including from new market entrants, greater choice and attractive deals encouraging some customers who might otherwise have bought used to purchase a new car.

Electrification gathers pace

September was particularly noteworthy for electrified cars, which accounted for a record 58.4% of UK registrations.

Battery electric vehicle sales jumped 36.3% to a record 99,201, giving fully electric cars a 28.3% share of September’s market. Plug-in hybrids performed even more strongly, with registrations climbing 55.5% and their market share reaching a record 17%. Conventional hybrids accounted for 13.1%, although registrations in that category fell 4.3%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, described September’s record EV performance as a “major achievement”, adding: “Drivers are increasingly embracing the growing choice of models made available.”

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