Buckle Up is a dedicated channel for automotive enthusiasts, curated by individuals with a profound passion for everything on wheels. The channel chronicles the journeys of three British presenters as they explore the world of motoring, sharing their insights and experiences in a style that is both informative and engaging, often with a humorous and spirited dynamic.
Specializing in in-depth reviews, comparisons, and award-winning analyses, Buckle Up covers a wide spectrum of vehicles, from cutting-edge electric saloons and hybrid superminis to the highly anticipated models of the year. Their content delves into real-world performance, range tests, and head-to-head shootouts, providing viewers with a comprehensive guide to the automotive landscape.
Specializing in in-depth reviews, comparisons, and award-winning analyses, Buckle Up covers a wide spectrum of vehicles, from cutting-edge electric saloons and hybrid superminis to the highly anticipated models of the year. Their content delves into real-world performance, range tests, and head-to-head shootouts, providing viewers with a comprehensive guide to the automotive landscape.
Which Is the Best Hybrid Supermini? 2025 MG3 Hybrid+ vs Mazda 2 vs Suzuki Swift Shootout
Buckle Up pits the 2025 MG3 Hybrid+, Mazda 2 Hybrid, and 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid in a comprehensive triple test. The MG3 Hybrid+ emerges as the overall winner, praised for its stylish and well-equipped interior, comfortable seats, and superior standard equipment. While it doesn't lead in fuel ec...
Latest Additions
Showing 9 of 129 total titles. Page 6 of 6.
Peugeot 508 SW Plug-In Hybrid Review
Jasper reviews the Peugeot 508 SW Plug-In Hybrid, highlighting its significant improvements in styling and quality compared to older Peugeot models. H... moree praises its classy and refined exterior design, particularly the distinctive front lighting and the sleek profile of the estate body. The interior is commended for its excellent materials, driver-focused cockpit, and practical features, including ample rear legroom and a generous boot space of 530 liters (expandable to over 1700 liters). The driving experience is described as competent, with a comfortable ride, responsive steering, and a surprisingly rapid acceleration thanks to the 225 horsepower combined output from the 180hp petrol engine and electric motor. While the brakes are noted as slightly less impressive due to regenerative braking, the overall package is deemed a very good, practical, and stylish choice for those seeking a modern estate with a blend of petrol and electric power. less
Renault Twizy Review | The Perfect City Machine?
The Renault Twizy is presented as a quirky city machine, but the review quickly highlights its significant drawbacks. While its compact size and elect... moreric nature are noted, the reviewer finds the driving experience terrifying due to excessive noise, a lack of refinement, and a frighteningly basic suspension system. The vehicle's safety is questioned, particularly for rear passengers, and practicality is severely limited by its small boot and cramped interior. Despite its potential as a head-turner, the reviewer concludes that the Twizy is neither practical nor comfortable for everyday use in the UK, deeming it inferior to walking and significantly more expensive and less complete than rivals like the Dacia Sandero or Citroen Ami. Ultimately, the reviewer would not buy one, only considering a short-term hire in a more suitable environment like the South of France. less
Nissan Leaf Tekna Review: The Cheapest Way Into Electric Car Ownership
The Nissan Leaf Tekna is presented as a compelling entry point into electric vehicle ownership, particularly for those seeking affordability. The revi... moreewer highlights its practical aspects, including a surprisingly deep 370-liter boot comparable to its ICE rivals like the Golf, and comfortable seating for four adults, with stadium-like seating for children offering good visibility. The Tekna trim level adds desirable features such as a sat-nav, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a full 360-degree camera system. On the road, the Leaf offers a smooth and progressive throttle delivery, a light steering, and a comfortable, if slightly soft, ride. The reviewer notes the regenerative braking can be a bit abrupt, especially below 30 mph, and the car's overall profile is more MPV-like than a traditional hatchback. While the claimed 124-mile range is optimistic, a realistic 70-80 miles is deemed sufficient for average daily commutes, making it a cost-effective option, especially considering low running costs and potential tax/congestion charge exemptions. The reviewer also touches on the battery leasing option versus outright purchase and the car's modest 107 bhp performance, concluding that for its price point and intended use, the Leaf is a highly recommendable and sensible choice for first-time EV buyers. less
Renault Kangoo ZE II In-Depth Review | Would an EV Van Work for You?
The Renault Kangoo ZE II is presented as a niche electric van primarily suited for inner-city deliveries, with reviewers Harry and Rob finding its ove... morerall quality and performance lacking for broader applications. While acknowledging its low maintenance and potential cost savings over diesel, they highlight significant drawbacks. The interior is described as "horrid" and "van-like," with poor material quality, uncomfortable seating (especially for the passenger), and a lack of basic amenities like air conditioning. The driving experience is characterized by sluggish acceleration (0-60 mph in a lengthy 23.99 seconds), weak regenerative braking, and a generally unrefined feel, despite its car-based underpinnings. The exterior design and charging port location also drew criticism for being confusing and poorly executed. The reviewers strongly advise purchasing this van only if a cheap, second-hand electric van for urban use is an absolute necessity, recommending "literally anything else" for other purposes. less
Vauxhall Corsa Review | Better Than People Think?
Jasper's daily driver, the Vauxhall Corsa E, is reviewed with a focus on its practicality and suitability for everyday use, rather than performan... morece. Despite its 'image problem,' the reviewer finds the 1.4 turbocharged 99bhp model to be a competent and surprisingly refined city car. Key strengths include a comfortable ride (on standard suspension models), decent handling for its class, and a quiet cabin at speed. The interior materials are deemed acceptable, with soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and a leather steering wheel. However, the reviewer notes drawbacks such as a lack of steering feedback, a slightly sloppy gearbox, and impractical front cupholders. The glovebox is also criticized for its small size due to the car's original left-hand drive design. While the "Limited Edition" trim adds sporty styling cues, it offers no performance advantage. Ultimately, the Corsa E is presented as a sensible, unremarkable, yet perfectly adequate daily car that doesn't deserve its negative stigma. less
Renault Fluence ZE Review
Harry King reviews the exceptionally rare Renault Fluence ZE, a car he describes as "the rarest car you don't care about." This electri... morec sedan, a precursor to the Zoe, was Renault's first foray into EVs and clearly a development vehicle, not designed from the ground up for electric power. Its rarity stems from Renault's buy-back policy for faulty units and low initial sales. The reviewer highlights numerous quirks: the electric motor housed in an engine-like casing, dual charging ports on each side, a battery consuming the entire boot space, and a spare tire kit that takes up valuable room. Interior quality is criticized as subpar, with cheap materials and poor fit-and-finish. Driving dynamics are equally unimpressive, with the chassis struggling under the battery weight, leading to a "land bargey" feel, poor turn-in, and concerningly weak brakes. The claimed 100-mile range is halved in reality, exacerbated by battery degradation and driving style. While acknowledging its rarity and quirky French charm as a novelty, King concludes it's not a practical or enjoyable car by modern standards, suggesting it's better as a discussion piece than a daily driver. less
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Review | The Worst Car We've Ever Tested
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is unequivocally panned by the reviewer as one of the worst cars tested. The primary criticisms revolve around its exceptionally... more poor build quality, with materials described as "melted down wheelie bins" and an overall cheap feel. The driving experience is equally dismal, characterized by vague steering, excessive body roll, and a sensation of speed that feels significantly slower than indicated. Practicality is severely limited by its tiny boot and cramped rear seating, offering virtually no legroom. While acknowledging its potential as a very short-commute city car for under £6,000, the reviewer strongly advises against it for anyone with longer journeys, citing its abysmal range (realistically 40-50 miles, despite a claimed 90-100 when new) and the original £38,000 price tag as major deterrents. The car is deemed "genuinely awful" and not worth the reviewer's time, though it might appeal to a niche market for extremely short urban trips. less
BMW i3 Review
Jasper reviews the BMW i3, a vehicle he considers BMW's first proper hatchback, noting its unique, futuristic styling that still holds up today. ... moreHe highlights the 'Range Extender' model, which includes a small two-cylinder engine and petrol tank to alleviate range anxiety, offering a combined electric and petrol range of over 200 miles. The i3's construction, featuring an aluminum and carbon fiber chassis, is praised as innovative. Positives include instant electric torque for quick acceleration, a smooth and quiet driving experience, excellent all-around visibility, and a surprisingly agile handling due to its low center of gravity. However, the review points out significant drawbacks: impractical rear-opening doors that require the front doors to be open first, a small boot capacity, and questionable interior materials in some areas, particularly the scratchy door panels. The styling, especially the wheels, is deemed 'disgusting' by the reviewer. Despite these criticisms, Jasper concludes that the i3 is a surprisingly competent all-rounder, capable on motorways and country roads, and recommends it for its unique experience and practicality, especially now that used prices are appealing. less
The Cheapest Tesla You Can Buy! | Tesla Model S Review
Rob Wilson of Buckle Up reviews the Tesla Model S 85, offering a balanced perspective using both a 'skeptic' and 'Elon' hat. He hi... moreghlights the car's impressive aerodynamic design (0.24 drag coefficient) and the surprisingly practical seven-seat option, though rear passengers may find space limited. The interior is minimalist, dominated by a 17-inch touchscreen, which controls nearly all functions, including unique features like "emissions" (fart sounds) and entertainment games. While the reviewer praises the instantaneous acceleration and addictive regenerative braking, he notes the car's size might be a challenge on UK roads. Real-world range is estimated at around 220 miles in cold weather, down from the claimed 312 miles. Despite some initial concerns about build quality and the reliance on the touchscreen, Wilson is ultimately impressed, finding it a compelling option, especially considering the free Supercharging access on older models, and declares it a "very good car" that has changed his perspective on EVs. less