Revised Peugeot 408 goes on sale priced at £31,995

Peugeot has announced that the updated 408 range has gone on sale with prices starting at £31,995.

The 408 will be available in three different trim levels: Allure, GT and GT Premium, while all models come packed full of standard kit.

The entry-level Allure model comes equipped with LED headlights, a gloss black front grille and door mirror caps, keyless entry and start, rear privacy glass, adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors. Move up to the mid-level GT at £34,495 and it adds matrix LED headlights, an illuminated front grille, a powered tailgate and front parking sensors.

Sitting at the top-of-the-range is the GT Premium, which will be priced from £36,795 and boasts three-stage heated front seats with a massaging function, electrically adjustable front seats, a 360-degree surround camera and a Focal 10-speaker premium sound system.

Under the bonnet, the 408 is available with a regular hybrid powertrain which consists of a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 48-volt battery that makes 143bhp. The plug-in hybrid model uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and 16.2kWh battery pack that develops 218bhp and can travel a claimed 50 miles on electric power.

The electric E-408 is fitted with a 58kWh battery pack and an electric motor to produce 207bhp and can travel a claimed 283 miles between trips to the plug.

Furthermore, the E-408 is eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant, which means customers can save up to £1,500 off list prices, with the entry-level model starting at £32,695 and rising to £37,595.

Orders for the updated Peugeot 408 are open now with deliveries expected to commence later this year.

By Cameron Richards

Caterham celebrates 100 years of the Nurburgring race track with limited-edition variant of the Seven

Caterham is celebrating the centenary of the legendary Nurburgring race track with a new limited-run variant of the Seven sports car.

The Seven Nurburgring Edition will be limited to just 100 examples worldwide and features bespoke tuning, exterior and interior details over the standard car.

The exterior includes Nurburgring branding and logos on the bodywork, a Nurburgring ‘red’ track day roll bar, a Nurburgring mesh grille, carbon front wings and LED rear taillights.

To enhance driveability on track, the car benefits from custom-made Bilstein dampers to optimise the best cornering abilities.

Just 100 examples will be made. (Caterham)

Its cabin is complemented by leather upholstery with Nurburgring embroidered logos with red stitching, which is also found on the transmission tunnel, there are carbon interior panels, sequential light shifts, a four-point road harness and all cars come with their own unique numbered plaque.

Under the bonnet is a Ford-derived 2.0-litre Duratec engine that produces 210bhp and 203Nm of torque. It can take the car to 60mph in 3.8 seconds and tops out at 136mph.

The Seven Nurburgring Edition will make its world debut at this year’s ADAC 24 hours of Nurburgring endurance race.

Prices for the Seven Nurburgring Edition start at £48,995 and all 100 units are available to order through Caterham’s dealership network.

By Cameron Richards

The Volkswagen ‘GTI’ nameplate goes electric with hot ID.Polo

The Volkswagen ‘GTI’ nameplate has gone electric with the unveiling of the hot ID.Polo.

The ID.Polo GTI kick starts the brand’s new performance-focused electrification era, and the car will go up against the Cupra Raval and Alpine A290.

Underneath, the car sits on the Volkswagen Group’s ‘MEB+’ platform and is hooked up to a 52kWh battery pack with an electric motor to make front-wheel drive, 223bhp and 290Nm of torque. In terms of range, Volkswagen claims the car can travel up to 263 miles on a single charge and that 105kW DC rapid-charging will be compatible, allowing a 10 to 80 per cent top-up to take 24 minutes.

It’s hooked up to a 52kWh battery pack. (Volkswagen)

Its exterior continues the theme of Volkswagen’s ‘Pure Positive’ design language, while there is chunky 19-inch alloy wheels, the iconic ‘GTI’ red stripe around its front nostril, illuminated Volkswagen badges, an LED lightbar, an airtake with a honeycomb grille and red-painted vertical bumper inlets.

At the back, the C-pillar design has been inspired by the original Golf hatchback, while the roof spoiler, two-part black diffuser and 3D LED taillights give it that distinctive GTI identity.

The interior has a red and black theme to it. (Volkswagen)

The cabin has a red and black theme with the sports steering wheel featuring a 12 o’clock marker with red stitching, a red stripe that runs across the dashboard and red topstitching on the door cards and outer edges of the sports seats. Plus, the upholstery also reinterprets the tartan pattern of GTI models from yesteryear and the ‘GTI’ logo is also embroidered into the headrests and steering wheel.

Prices and specifications for the Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI have not been revealed at this stage, though the car has gone on sale in Germany for the equivalent of just under £34,000.

By Cameron Richards

Skoda celebrates 125-year anniversary in motorsport with limited-run Fabia Motorsport Edition

Skoda is celebrating 125 years in motorsport with the announcement of a new limited-run variant of the Fabia.

The Fabia Motorsport Edition is based on the Fabia 130 and includes lots of exclusive design details to make this model a unique proposition.

Its exterior is finished off in Moon White metallic paint with a contrasting black roof and A-pillars. There are black-painted front and rear spoilers and a diffuser, unique graphics taken from the firm’s Fabia RS Rally2 competition car, smoked 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights, lowered suspension and twin-exit exhaust pipes.

Inside, there are black sports seats with integrated headrests, carbon fibre-look trim on the dashboard with a numbered plaque of the car, a ‘Skoda Motorsport Emblem’ on the steering wheel, woven floor mats and bespoke door sills with a racing decal motif.

It comes with unique graphics that are used on the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 competition car. (Skoda)

Under the bonnet, the car uses Skoda’s 1.5-litre turbocharged ‘evo2’ engine that develops 174bhp and 250Nm of torque – the same as you’ll find in the Fabia 130 variant.

Customers who order a Fabia Motorsport Edition will also receive a special gift box which will include a certificate of origin signed by the members of the Board of Management at Skoda, a protective transport case with the ‘Fabia 125’ logo, driving gloves and a piece of the safety frame taken Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 competition car.

Skoda has not revealed prices for the exclusive model at this stage, and just 125 examples are set to be made worldwide.

By Cameron Richards

Toyota announces prices and specifications for the bZ4X Touring

Toyota has revealed prices and specifications for its new electric estate, the bZ4X Touring.

The bZ4X will sit alongside the SUV variant in the firm’s model line-up and shares its underpinnings and interior with the new Subaru e-Outback.

There will be just two trim levels to choose from: Design and Excel, while standard equipment includes a 14.3-inch infotainment system, a wireless smartphone charger, a powered tailgate, heated front seats and a panoramic surround view monitor.

The top-of-the-line Excel grade adds further kit such as an on-board 22kW charger, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a digital rear view mirror and an optional JBL premium audio system.

Underneath, the bZ4X Touring is fitted with the same 74.7kWh battery pack found in the SUV variant.

The Design model uses a single electric motor to make front-wheel drive, 221bhp and has a claimed range of up to 367 miles.

Excel cars come with a dual-motor setup to make all-wheel drive, which boosts power to 376bhp and has a claimed range of 328 miles between trips to the plug.

Orders will be available from June with prices starting at £45,995 and rising to £51,695 for the flagship Excel model.

By Cameron Richards

Audi reveals interior of flagship Q9 SUV

Audi has given us a first glimpse of the Q9 SUV before it makes its debut later this year.

The Q9 will sit at the top of Audi’s model line-up and will be a direct rival to the BMW X7.

Audi claims the interior has a ‘lounge-like atmosphere’ and is available with six or seven-seat configurations.

The front seats feature a ventilation and massaging function, and as standard, all seats are partially electrically adjustable, plus the third row of chairs can be stowed away at the touch of a button.

There will be a choice of -six and seven-seat configurations. (Audi)

All models will come with a full-length panoramic sunroof and on the top-specification car, it will feature 84 LEDs in the roof which the driver can choose between 30 different colours.

Customers will be able to order their car with new fabric and wood trim, fine Nappa leather, alpaca fibre or Dinamica microfibre materials.

The redesigned centre console incorporates two wireless charging pads and a USB-C charging port, and the doors of the car can be electrically operated from the driver pressing the brake pedal or clipping in their seat belt, which will automatically close the doors to their preference.

Audi has not revealed the car’s exterior design at this stage, with the Q9 expected to make its world debut on July 29.

By Cameron Richards

Jeep Avenger gets fresh look for 2026

The Jeep Avenger has been given a new look and features lots of tech upgrades to boost its appeal.

The Avenger is Jeep’s smallest model and sits on Stellantis’ ‘STLA Small Platform’, which is shared with the Alfa Romeo Junior, Fiat 600, Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka.

Its exterior design now uses Jeep’s signature ‘seven-slot’ front grille, while higher-spec trims will boast LED backlighting to make it stand out at night. There are new bumpers with vertical red front details with the Jeep logo, moulded-in-colour-coded skid plates and a fresh pair of -17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

The car is now available with matrix LED headlights and fresh alloy wheel designs. (Jeep)

Inside, there are softer plastics used on the door panels, the lower dashboard section has a padded insert and the car’s ‘Selec-Terrain’ controller is framed in red with a rubber coated to make it stand out to the driver.

The Avenger is also now available with more on-board tech, such as matrix LED headlights and there is a 360-degree surround-view camera to take the strain out of manoeuvring in town.

Customers will be able to choose from a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 99bhp, while there is also an e-Hybrid model that produces 108bhp and is mated to a 48-volt battery, plus there is the Avenger Electric which is hooked up to a 54kWh battery pack and an electric motor to deliver a claimed range of up to 248 miles.

The cabin receives soft-touch plastics on the door cards and a padded insert on the lower dashboard section. (Jeep)

There will also be a limited-run ‘85th Anniversary Edition’, which will include ‘85th Anniversary’ logos on the front wings, a tartan bonnet decal, gold-finish bumpers and wheels. Its interior will include exclusive seats with the ‘85th Anniversary’ logo embroidered into them along with a tartan pattern and contrasting gold stitching.

Orders for the revised Jeep Avenger are expected to open in the summer with further details on price and specifications to be revealed soon.

By Cameron Richards

Toyota Hilux will be priced at £42,845

Toyota has announced that the ninth-generation Hilux pick-up will be priced at £42,845 when orders open later this year.

The Hilux has built up a reputation for being one of toughest and most capable commercial vehicles around, and the new ninth-generation model is the most advanced yet.

The range kicks off with the entry-level Active grade and includes equipment such as a digital instrument cluster, electric power steering, Toyota’s ‘Safety Sense’ driver assist systems and a rear deck step. The mid-level Icon starts at £48,545 and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless smartphone charger.

The Hilux will be available with diesel and electric powertrains. (Toyota)

The Invincible specification comes in at £51,145 and boasts part-leather seat upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a 12-inch digital driver’s display and an auto dimming rear view mirror. The flagship Invincible X starts at £54,095 and is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a JBL premium sound system, a high-over bar, a drop-in load liner and heated rear seats.

Under the bonnet, the Hilux can be chosen with a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech to produce a total of 201bhp and has a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

For the first time, the Hilux will be offered with an electric powertrain and uses a 59.2kWh battery pack with an electric motor to make 193bhp and has a claimed range of up to 150 miles.

The Hilux EV also receives the £5,000 plug-in van grant, which means prices come in at £52,845 and rise to £55,695.

Orders for the new Toyota Hilux open on June 1 and deliveries are expected to commence in mid-June for the EV variant and July for the diesel.

By Cameron Richards

Renault heads to the beach with the R4 JP4X4 Concept

Renault is heading to the beach as it has revealed its latest concept with the R4 JP4X4.

The JP4X4 is based on the Renault 4 Savane 4X4 Concept and is the firm’s take on an electric beach buggy that features a drop-top hood and four-wheel drive system.

Its exterior includes an ‘openwork’ roof to ensure maximum stiffness and a pick-up truck-like rear tailgate, while a surfboard is strapped to the roof and skateboards stowed in the boot area.

The exterior features a surfboard strapped to its roof. (Renault)

Further changes include a 15mm raised ride height over the standard R4, 18-inch wheels wrapped in unique Goodyear Ultragrip Performance tyres, while the front and rear tracks are 10mm wider on either side.

The interior gains ‘Egyptian Mummy’ bucket seats. (Renault)

Jump into the cabin and you’re greeted with ‘Egyptian Mummy’ bucket seats with built-in headrests and are finished in a mixed fabric upholstery. The door panels, boot surround and dashboard have a textile finish, there’s a floating centre console and a grab handle located on the passenger side, if the terrain gets bumpy.

Renault has not revealed the vehicle’s battery capacity, performance figures or its claimed electric range at this stage.

The R4 JP4X4 Concept will make its world debut at this year’s French Open tennis tournament on May 18.

By Cameron Richards

Lexus expands its EV range with the TZ six-seater SUV

Lexus is expanding its EV model line-up and entering the premium electric SUV sector with the TZ.

The TZ will be the firm’s flagship SUV and will rival cars such as the Volvo EX90 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.

Underneath, the TZ will come with electric power and is hooked up to a 95.8kWh battery pack with dual electric motors to make all-wheel drive, 224bhp and 268Nm of torque. Lexus claims the car can travel up to 330 miles between trips to the plug and that 150kW DC rapid-charging will be compatible, allowing a 10 to 80 per cent top-up to be completed in 35 minutes.

Its exterior has been designed to be as drag coefficient as possible with its flush door handles, elongated silhouette and bold edges. At the front, the car uses Lexus’ signature ‘twin-L’ headlight design and curved bumper inserts.

The TZ will be equipped with a 95.8kWh battery. (Lexus)

The rear is complemented by swollen rear haunches, a sloping roofline and horizontal stance to give it that distinctive Lexus appeal.

Inside, Lexus refers to the car’s cabin as a ‘driving lounge’, with new slimmer, sculpted seats to improve comfort. There are less physical buttons for a cleaner and more minimalist look, while there is a 14-inch central infotainment display with a 12.3-inch multi information screen.

The TZ has a minimalist interior design. (Lexus)

With all six seats in place, Lexus claims there is room for four 55-litre suitcases, though with all the seats folded down, that space jumps to 2,017 litres.

To improve driveability, the TZ will be equipped with the firm’s ‘Interactive Manual Drive’ system. It simulates an eight-speed automatic gearbox that the driver can control through the steering wheel-mounted paddles which generates shifts depending on the driver’s throttle input and vehicle speed.

Further details on the Lexus TZ such as prices and UK specifications will be revealed later this year.

By Cameron Richards