What Car? stands as the UK's premier automotive authority, boasting over four decades of dedicated service in guiding consumers through their vehicle purchasing journeys. Renowned for its rigorous testing methodologies, the brand is widely recognized as the most dependable source for new car evaluations and expert advice, solidifying its reputation among car enthusiasts and buyers alike.
This channel serves as a comprehensive resource, delivering in-depth reviews of the latest automotive models, exclusive first drives, reader testimonials, and invaluable car-buying guidance. Expanding its offerings, What Car? now facilitates new car acquisitions directly, providing a seamless transition from research to purchase. All content is accessible in full on Whatcar.com, the UK's leading car-buying platform, which also features extensive data, leasing information, and deals on new and used vehicles.
This channel serves as a comprehensive resource, delivering in-depth reviews of the latest automotive models, exclusive first drives, reader testimonials, and invaluable car-buying guidance. Expanding its offerings, What Car? now facilitates new car acquisitions directly, providing a seamless transition from research to purchase. All content is accessible in full on Whatcar.com, the UK's leading car-buying platform, which also features extensive data, leasing information, and deals on new and used vehicles.
Drag Race: Citroen Ami vs Renault Twizy & More – Mini Electric Car Battle
This video pits four electric quadricycles – the Citroen Ami, Renault Twizy, Reva G-Wiz, and Micro Electric (ME) – against each other in a drag race to determine the fastest. The Micro Electric surprisingly takes the win, completing the 400m in 25.5 seconds, followed closely by the Renault Twizy....
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Showing 24 of 68 total titles. Page 1 of 3.
New Tesla Model Y Standard Review: Why Saving £7000 Is a Mistake!
The Tesla Model Y Standard presents a compelling price point, saving buyers approximately £7,000 compared to other trims. However, this review argues ... morethat the savings come at a significant cost, making it a questionable choice for many. Key downgrades include a reduced official range (314 miles vs. 387+ miles for Long Range), slower charging capability (175 kW peak vs. 250 kW), and a less premium interior featuring fabric seats, a lack of rear heated seats, no panoramic glass roof, and harder plastics. While the core practicality and infotainment remain strong, the loss of features like the rear touchscreen and adaptive headlights, coupled with a less powerful motor and passive suspension, detract from the overall experience. The reviewer concludes that for those who can afford it, the Long Range RWD version is a worthwhile upgrade, with the monthly cost difference being minimal on finance agreements. The Standard is deemed not the "pick of the Model Y lineup." less
New MG S6 vs Smart #5 vs Citroen e-C5 Aircross Review – What’s the Best Electric SUV?
This video presents a comparative review of three new electric SUVs: the MG S6, Smart #5, and Citroen e-C5 Aircross. The review focuses on a 350-mile ... morereal-world test from London to Lille and back, evaluating range, charging speeds, and running costs. While the transcript does not provide specific details on the reviewer's final verdict or detailed pros and cons for each vehicle, the structure suggests a comprehensive comparison aimed at helping potential buyers make an informed decision. The video covers interior features, boot space, and driving impressions, culminating in a cost analysis and a final verdict on which electric SUV is the best among the three. less
New Tesla Model 3 vs Mercedes CLA vs MG IM5 Review
The Tesla Model 3, in its Long Range RWD configuration, once again proves its mettle, securing a victory against the new Mercedes CLA and MG IM5. Whil... moree the CLA impresses with its comfortable ride, refined driving dynamics, and strong official range, it falls short on real-world efficiency, interior space, and charging flexibility due to its current inability to use 400V chargers. The MG IM5, despite its blistering performance in the 'Performance' trim tested, is let down by poor efficiency, limited range, a cramped interior, and a less practical boot, making it the weakest contender. The Model 3, however, excels with superior real-world efficiency, a more practical interior and boot, and a significantly lower cost of ownership, particularly with Tesla's 0% APR offer. While the CLA offers a more engaging driving experience for long distances, the Model 3 remains the most well-rounded and recommendable electric car in this comparison. less
New Kia EV4 Review – Brilliant or Pointless?
The Kia EV4 presents a compelling package, striking a balance between driving dynamics and practicality, though it faces stiff competition from within... more Kia's own lineup. The reviewer highlights its agile handling, comfortable ride on motorways, and impressive rear legroom, making it a strong contender for families. The long-range version offers a competitive official range of up to 391 miles, though real-world efficiency was measured at around 3.5 miles per kWh, suggesting a practical range of approximately 300 miles. Positives include the accurate steering, responsive infotainment, and Kia's standard 7-year warranty. However, drawbacks include slightly heavy steering that can detract from driver engagement, road and wind noise at higher speeds, and slower charging capabilities due to its 400v architecture compared to rivals. The reviewer finds the hatchback version more practical than the fastback, especially the entry-level standard range model, which is praised for its value at £34,700. The fastback, particularly in higher trims, is deemed less recommendable due to its higher price point and less competitive range and charging compared to the Tesla Model 3. less
New Tesla Model Y vs BYD Sealion 7 vs MG IM6 Review – Which Is Best? | What Car?
The Tesla Model Y, in its latest iteration, has significantly improved its driving dynamics and interior refinement, addressing key criticisms of the ... moreprevious generation. While its official range of 387 miles is no longer class-leading, its real-world efficiency and access to the extensive Supercharger network make it a compelling choice. The interior boasts better materials and a more solid build, though the reliance on the touchscreen for gear selection remains a minor drawback. Compared to the BYD Sealion 7 and MG IM6, the Model Y excels in infotainment, handling, boot space, and overall running costs, solidifying its position as the best all-rounder and a top contender in the electric SUV market. less
How Far Can Electric Cars Really Go in Extreme Heat?
This "What Car?" investigation delves into the real-world impact of extreme heat on electric vehicle range and charging. Testing three disti... morenct EVs in over 40°C temperatures in southern Spain, the results indicate a significant range reduction, averaging over 35% below official figures, comparable to winter shortfalls. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (Highland) and Kia EV3 Long Range both experienced substantial range degradation, with the Model 3 showing a 44% drop and the EV3 a 32% drop from their official ranges. The budget-friendly Citroen EC3, while closest to its official range, still fell short and faced considerable charging delays and difficulties. The study highlights that extreme heat, coupled with the energy demands of air conditioning and the greenhouse effect from large glass surfaces, significantly impacts EV efficiency. While charging speeds were less affected than anticipated for the Tesla and Kia, the Citroen struggled. The review concludes that while current EV technology is improving, extreme temperatures remain a challenge, though the UK's milder climate mitigates this for most users. less
New Peugeot 208 Review – Best Hybrid Small Car?
The Peugeot 208, despite its petrol engine's diminishing presence in the market, remains a compelling option in the small car segment. This revie... morew highlights the second-generation model, updated with a facelift that introduces distinctive lighting signatures and a refreshed exterior. While the "hybrid" badging on certain models is a mild-hybrid system offering limited electric-only capability and not achieving the fuel economy of full hybrids, the reviewer found the 1.2 PureTech 100 petrol engine to be the most recommendable. The interior is praised for its plushness and high-quality materials, rivaling premium offerings, though the unconventional i-Cockpit layout may not suit all drivers. Ride comfort and cabin quietness are significant strengths, making it a pleasant cruiser, especially on the motorway. However, dynamic handling is less engaging than some rivals. Practicality is decent, with a good boot size, though rear-seat space is adequate rather than generous. The infotainment system, while featuring a 10-inch screen across all trims, is criticized for its reliance on the touchscreen and voice control for essential functions like climate adjustment. The entry-level Style trim with the PureTech 100 engine is identified as the best value proposition, offering a strong package at a competitive price, despite lacking some luxuries. Safety is rated well, though not class-leading. Overall, the 208 stands out for its comfort, refinement, and interior quality, particularly in its more affordable configurations. less
New BYD Dolphin Surf vs Renault 5 vs Citroen eC3 Review – What’s the Best Small Electric Car?
The BYD Dolphin Surf enters the small electric car segment as a compelling, budget-friendly option, aiming to undercut rivals like the Renault 5 and C... moreitroen e-C3. While it boasts a competitive price, particularly on PCP finance, and offers a surprisingly spacious interior and boot (especially with its underfloor storage), it falls short in key areas. The interior, though functional, lacks the polish of the Renault 5, and its infotainment system, while featuring standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, is less intuitive. Driving dynamics are a mixed bag; it's more settled than the e-C3 on motorways but lacks the engaging feel and sophisticated ride of the Renault 5. The drag race performance was a surprise, with the Dolphin Surf proving quicker than its official figures suggested, even beating the Renault 5 in some runs. However, its real-world efficiency and range, while decent, were slightly behind the Renault 5. Ultimately, despite its strengths in practicality and cost-effectiveness on finance, the Renault 5 emerges as the superior all-rounder, praised for its superior driving experience, more refined interior, and better infotainment, making it the recommended choice in this comparison. less
Electric vs Petrol Car: Which Is Really Cheaper? Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Hyundai Tucson
This "What Car?" video pits the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV against the Hyundai Tucson petrol hybrid in a 200-mile real-world cost comparis... moreon. While the Tucson's £26.64 fuel cost for the journey was significantly cheaper than the Ioniq 5's £44.68 public charging cost, the narrative strongly emphasizes that this comparison is heavily skewed by the charging location. The reviewer highlights that charging the Ioniq 5 at home, using a typical home wallbox rate (27p/kWh), would slash the cost to £16.75, and on an overnight tariff (7p/kWh), it would be an astonishing £4.34. This effectively demonstrates that for long-term savings, home charging is crucial for EVs. Both SUVs received praise for their comfortable motorway ride and competent performance, though both had minor criticisms regarding low-speed ride harshness and road noise. The Ioniq 5's ultra-fast charging capability (reaching 217 kW) was noted as a significant advantage, despite the higher public charging cost. The video concludes that while the Tucson is cheaper on this specific public charging scenario, the EV's potential for much lower running costs, contingent on home charging, makes it the more economical choice for private buyers in the long run. less
New BYD Dolphin Surf Review – The Best Small EV?
The BYD Dolphin Surf, also known as the Seagull in China, positions itself as a compelling budget-friendly electric vehicle, significantly undercuttin... moreg rivals like the Renault 5 and Citroen EC3. The review highlights its surprisingly spacious interior for its sub-4-meter length, offering competitive rear-seat accommodation and a practical boot with a useful underfloor storage area for cables. While the entry-level Active model's range (136 miles) and charging speed (65 kW) are considered modest, the mid-spec Boost and range-topping Comfort models offer a more respectable 200 miles of range and faster 85 kW charging. The Comfort trim, featuring a 150 bhp motor, delivers brisk acceleration (0-60 mph in 8.28 seconds, faster than official claims) and is praised for its performance relative to its class. However, the driving experience is noted as a mixed bag, with noticeable pitch during acceleration and braking, and less grip than some rivals. The brake pedal feel is also described as grabby, and the ride can be choppy. Despite these drawbacks, the interior quality is deemed good for the class, with a pleasant "wetsuit" material accent and ample storage. The infotainment system is functional, though the rotating screen has limited utility with Apple CarPlay. Overall, the Dolphin Surf is commended for filling a gap in the market by offering a more refined experience than cheaper alternatives like the Dacia Spring, while being considerably more affordable than more sophisticated competitors like the Renault 5. less
New Jaecoo 7 Review – The Worst Car From China?
The Jaecoo J7 presents a mixed bag, aiming for premium quality at a reasonable price but ultimately falling short due to significant on-road deficienc... moreies. While the interior boasts good quality materials, ample space, and practical storage solutions, and the plug-in hybrid variant offers an impressive real-world electric range of 51 miles (exceeding official figures and rivals like the BYD Seal UDMI), its driving dynamics are a major letdown. The steering is overly sensitive and twitchy, making it difficult to maintain a straight line, and the ride comfort is poor, with harsh thuds and rebounds on typical British roads. The handling is also compromised, with a lack of grip and significant body lean. Even the petrol version suffers from these issues and lacks power. Compared to key rivals like the MG HS, which offers a superior driving experience, better electric range (over 73 miles), and a lower price point, the Jaecoo J7 struggles to justify its cost, especially given its on-road shortcomings. While it has some merits in electric range and interior, the poor driving dynamics make it difficult to recommend over numerous other stronger options. less
New Ford Capri Review – Better Than a Tesla Model Y?
The new Ford Capri is presented as a stylish, sporty electric SUV, but the review reveals a mixed bag of attributes. While it boasts impressive practi... morecality with a cavernous boot and generous front storage, its coupe-like styling significantly compromises rear headroom, making it less spacious than rivals like the EV6 or ID5. The interior offers a generally bright and classy feel with ample storage, though some cheaper plastics and distracting touch-sensitive steering wheel controls detract from the premium experience. Performance is strong, especially in the dual-motor AWD variant, and real-world efficiency is commendable, outperforming some key competitors in tests. However, the driving dynamics are a letdown; the ride is firm yet lacks body control, and the steering offers little feedback, making it disappointing for a car marketed as sporty. Pricing is also a concern, with the entry-level model being competitive but higher trims quickly becoming more expensive than rivals, and a heat pump being an optional extra. Ultimately, while the Capri offers good standard equipment and efficiency, it struggles to stand out in a crowded segment, with many alternatives providing a more well-rounded package for the money. less
What's the Best Cheap Electric Car? New Leapmotor T03 vs Dacia Spring Review
This review pits the budget-friendly Leapmotor T03 against the Dacia Spring to determine the best cheap electric car for 2025. While both offer signif... moreicantly lower running costs compared to traditional vehicles, especially for short, low-speed commutes, they come with substantial compromises. The Dacia Spring, despite its lower entry price and a slightly better infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, suffers from poor build quality, a cramped interior, vague steering, and significant body roll. The Leapmotor T03, though more expensive initially and lacking smartphone mirroring, offers a more solid feel, a better driving position, a more spacious interior, and superior handling and performance, making it the stronger overall contender. Neither car is recommended for long commutes or motorway driving due to poor refinement and safety concerns, with the Spring scoring a dismal one star in Euro NCAP. For those prioritizing absolute lowest cost for urban use, the Leapmotor T03 emerges as the winner, offering a more refined, albeit still basic, EV experience. less
New Tesla Model Y Review – We Drive This Updated Electric SUV
The updated Tesla Model Y review highlights significant improvements in comfort and refinement, addressing key weaknesses of the previous model. The r... moreeviewer praises the enhanced interior quality, the intuitive infotainment system (despite the lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and the continued practicality with ample storage space, including the frunk. New features like ambient lighting and redesigned, more supportive, and ventilated seats are noted as positive additions. While the steering has been made calmer, the reviewer still finds the ride firm, though more settled than before, and the reduction in road noise is a welcome change. The official range has seen a slight increase, and charging capabilities remain strong with access to the Supercharger network. Despite a price increase, the Model Y remains competitively priced against rivals. The review concludes that the updated Model Y is a more compelling electric SUV choice due to its improved on-road manners, refined interior, and practicality. less
New Mercedes CLA Revealed! Full Details on Tesla Model 3 Rival
The new Mercedes CLA marks a significant shift for the brand, embracing an all-electric future on its new MMA platform, designed to accommodate both E... moreV and hybrid powertrains. The electric CLA boasts impressive preliminary range figures, with the rear-wheel-drive 250+ variant targeting up to 492 miles, surpassing the Tesla Model 3. Its aerodynamic design, featuring a drag coefficient of 0.21, and a clever two-speed gearbox contribute to its efficiency. The interior receives a major overhaul, inspired by the Vision EQXX concept, featuring a minimalist dashboard, a large integrated screen setup, and an AI-powered MBUX system with ChatGPT integration. While the optional passenger screen and its distraction mitigation are questionable, the overall build quality and material choices, including aluminum and premium paper finishes, are praised. Rear passenger space is improved due to a longer wheelbase, and a standard panoramic roof enhances the sense of space. A notable addition is the front trunk ('frunk'), offering practical storage for charging cables. The hybrid variant offers a 1.5L engine paired with a small battery, capable of short electric-only bursts. Pricing for the electric CLA is expected to be in the mid-£40,000 range, positioning it as a premium competitor. less
New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review – We've Driven It!
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 emerges as a significant contender in the large, seven-seat electric SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of space, range, and... more technology. While it shares underpinnings with the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 distinguishes itself with a curvier design and superior aerodynamics, contributing to an impressive official range of up to 385 miles (RWD, 20-inch wheels) and 372 miles (AWD, 21-inch wheels) in cold conditions. The interior prioritizes practicality and luxury, particularly in the range-topping Calligraphy trim, featuring spacious third-row seating and premium second-row 'relaxation' seats with extensive adjustability and entertainment options. The driving experience is characterized by a comfortable, relaxing motorway cruise, though its considerable weight and softer suspension tuning mean it handles more like a traditional large SUV than a sporty one, with noticeable body roll on tighter corners. Charging is rapid, capable of up to 250 kW, and the vehicle offers substantial storage space, including a useful front trunk. While interior material quality is good, it doesn't quite reach the heights of some premium European rivals. Overall, the Ioniq 9 presents strong value, especially considering its longer range compared to the EV9, making it a highly recommendable option for families seeking a spacious, long-distance electric SUV. less
New BYD Atto 2 Review – Best Electric SUV From China? | What Car?
The BYD Atto 2 enters the competitive small electric SUV market with a focus on practicality and value, though it doesn't redefine the segment. T... morehe interior offers generous space for its class, comparable to rivals like the Kia EV3, and features a unique, swiveling 12.8-inch infotainment screen with a clever gesture control for climate. Build quality is deemed reasonably good, though not premium. Positives include standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comprehensive 360-degree camera system. However, the Atto 2's main drawbacks are its ordinary WLTP range of 194 miles (with the 45.1 kWh battery, UK version slightly better) and a modest 65 kW charging speed, making it more suited for urban use than long-distance travel. On the road, performance is brisk for its class, but handling is uninspired with light steering and noticeable body lean. While competitively priced, especially with BYD's six-year warranty, it faces strong competition from rivals that offer better range, faster charging, and more engaging driving dynamics. less
New Renault 5 Review – Full Verdict on Fantastic New EV
The What Car? review of the new Renault 5 positions it as a highly compelling option in the electric vehicle market, particularly for those seeking an... more affordable yet capable car. The reviewer highlights its fantastic EV credentials, emphasizing its value proposition. While specific trim levels, drivetrain options, and detailed performance figures are not explicitly detailed in the provided transcript, the overall sentiment suggests a positive reception, particularly concerning its potential to make EVs more accessible. The review touches upon various aspects including interior, battery options, performance, and ownership, with a dedicated section on real-world range and charging, indicating a comprehensive evaluation. The verdict strongly suggests the Renault 5 is a significant contender, likely due to its blend of features and price. less
New Polestar 4 Review – No Rear Window, No Problem?
The Polestar 4 presents a unique proposition in the electric SUV market, notably for its lack of a traditional rear window, replaced by a digital disp... morelay. While this offers a wide view, the reviewer found it detrimental for judging distances, especially when reversing, despite the inclusion of 360-degree cameras. The interior is praised for its plush materials, sleek design, and effective Android-based infotainment system with Google integration. However, usability issues persist with the touchscreen-only controls, particularly for adjusting climate and vehicle settings via the infotainment screen and frustratingly inconsistent steering wheel controls. The driving position is sporty rather than commanding. Rear seat space is described as 'palatial' due to clever packaging. Performance is strong, especially in the dual-motor variant, offering rapid acceleration and impressive official ranges (367 miles for dual-motor, 385 miles for single-motor). However, the handling, while tidy in the single-motor version, lacks the engagement and precision of rivals like the Porsche Macan Electric. Charging speed, capped at 200kW, is also not class-leading. Despite its quirks, the Polestar 4 is considered stylish, spacious, and competitively priced, especially the single-motor variant, making it a compelling, albeit unconventional, choice. less
New Kia EV3 vs Skoda Elroq vs Mini Aceman Review: Road Trip Costs Compared
The Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, and Mini Aceman were put to the test on a 300-mile road trip to determine the best electric SUV. While all three offer compe... morelling features, the Skoda Elroq emerged as the overall winner. The Mini Aceman, despite its premium branding, significantly underperformed in range and practicality, making it difficult to recommend in 2024. The Kia EV3 presented a strong case with a comfortable ride and a well-appointed interior, but its higher PCP costs and slightly less competitive range compared to the Elroq placed it in second. The Skoda Elroq impressed with its spaciousness, excellent driving dynamics, competitive pricing, and a theoretical real-world range of 244 miles, making it the most well-rounded and value-driven option among the three. less
New BYD Dolphin vs MG4 vs Citroen e-C3 Review – What's the Best Cheap Electric Car?
This comprehensive review pits the BYD Dolphin, MG4, and Citroen e-C3 against each other to determine the best budget electric car. While the MG4 has ... morelong been the benchmark, the arrival of the e-C3 and a new entry-level Dolphin presents stiff competition. The review highlights the MG4's practicality and decent driving dynamics, though its interior and infotainment are considered dated. The BYD Dolphin impresses with its more interesting interior design, superior infotainment system, and better efficiency, making it the cheapest to run long-term. The Citroen e-C3 stands out as the most affordable upfront and offers a comfortable, SUV-like driving position with useful physical climate controls, but its rear seat space and infotainment are less impressive. Ultimately, despite reliability concerns for MG, the MG4 is crowned the winner for its all-around competence and value, though the competition is now much stronger in the affordable EV segment. less
Tesla vs Electric Car vs Hybrid Review – 1000-Mile Test! Which Is Really Cheapest?
This extensive 1000-mile road trip comparison pits the Kia Sportage Hybrid against the Peugeot e-3008 and the Tesla Model Y to determine the most conv... moreenient and cost-effective option for long journeys. The Kia Sportage Hybrid emerged as the clear winner in terms of convenience, requiring only two fuel stops over the entire trip, significantly less than the EVs. However, its fuel economy was surprisingly poor for a hybrid, leading to a total fuel cost of £197.29. The Tesla Model Y, despite taking longer with 10 charging stops totaling nearly 4 hours, proved to be the cheapest, costing only £130.09 for the journey, especially when utilizing Superchargers. The Peugeot e-3008, with 8 charging stops and over 5 hours of charging time, was the least convenient EV and more expensive than the Tesla at £159.63, largely due to higher charging costs outside of Tesla's network. While the Sportage excels in practicality and build quality, the Model Y offers superior boot space and a more reliable navigation system for EV charging. The Peugeot's interior and infotainment system were criticized for their quality and usability. less
New Porsche Macan Electric Review! Best Electric Sports SUV?
The all-new Porsche Macan Electric aims to replicate the success of its petrol counterpart, and largely succeeds. The reviewer praises its engaging dr... moreiving dynamics, noting excellent steering feedback, balanced handling, and impressive agility, especially with optional rear-wheel steering. The interior is lauded for its familiar, driver-focused layout, high-quality materials, and particularly the physical climate controls and responsive infotainment system with an optional passenger screen. Practicality is improved over the petrol Macan, with increased rear legroom and a respectable boot space, though the Turbo model loses some underfloor storage for a subwoofer. Performance is strong across the range, with the Turbo model delivering blistering acceleration. The claimed range is impressive, with the RWD model reaching up to 398 miles and the Turbo around 367 miles. Charging is also rapid, capable of 10-80% in just 20 minutes at 270 kW. Downsides include the high starting price, which escalates significantly with options, and the optional 22-inch wheels which can compromise ride comfort and increase road noise. Despite these points, the Macan Electric is deemed a top-tier electric sports SUV, outshining rivals and offering a more refined, practical, and faster experience than its predecessor. less
New Dacia Duster vs MG ZS Review – What's the Best Cheap Hybrid SUV?
The Dacia Duster emerges as the victor in this head-to-head comparison against the MG ZS, primarily due to its significantly lower cost of ownership a... morend PCP finance deals, making it the more sensible choice in the budget hybrid SUV segment. While the MG ZS boasts a slightly more premium interior feel and better rear-seat space, its real-world fuel economy is superior, and its ride quality is notably poor and unsettled. The Duster, despite its more basic interior materials, offers a more comfortable and refined ride, a better driving position, and more ergonomically sound controls. Although the ZS is cheaper to purchase initially, the Duster's superior residual value makes it the more economical option over three years and for monthly finance payments. The review concludes that while neither vehicle is perfect and better alternatives exist at a higher price point, the Duster's overwhelming financial advantage, coupled with its practical strengths, solidifies its win. less