In a bizarre turn of events, rather than focusing on developing replacements for the aging Stelvio and Giulia, it appears the storied Italian automaker is instead trying its hand at the dating scene. The pitch? That the Junior Elettrica is the perfect segue to a romantic date.

According to its research, which comprises a 1,000-member sample size of people actively dating in the U.K., 60% of daters are tired of their dating apps. The solution? Go on a drive. Again, based on Alfa’s own research, 44% would prefer to go on a drive or a day trip versus the traditional dinner and drinks.

Read: Alfa Romeo’s Junior Has Some Appeal, But It’s Not The Smart Choice | Review

Fear not, singles. Because Alfa Romeo has partnered with Kate Mansfield, a dating and relationship coach, to craft the “Love Thy Romeo” guide to dating in real life, and not from behind a screen. Mansfield is apparently outstanding in her field, and specializes in helping women move from those pesky apps to a real-life connection.

It’s an odd development for a car company, sure. But then, we’ve seen weirder, and we suppose Alfa Romeos are often associated with passion, right?

A Ploy For The Junior

Now, obviously, we’re not really suggesting that Alfa has diverted its R&D budget away from replacements (even if the lineup is beginning to look a bit aged a la Chrysler) into creating a dating guide. What’s actually happened is it spent some of its marketing budget on something a bit different, if a bit odd.

But the way the Junior is being shoehorned in as the perfect road-trip companion is what makes it especially entertaining, with Jules Tilstone, Managing Director, Alfa Romeo UK, saying: “Junior Elettrica is the perfect date companion for a romantic escape, combining performance with passion and style, rooted in its Italian DNA.”

We’re not convinced, and it’s got us thinking: what might be the perfect car for that long, romantic road trip? A few suggestions we’ve come up with: perhaps a classic R107-generation Mercedes-Benz SL500, with that smooth, torquey V8 and the wind in your hair. Or, if you wanted to keep the Italian passion front and center, how about the Pininfarina-designed Fiat 124 spider. New or old, we’d probably take either of these over the electric Alfa.

Let us know what kind of vehicle you’d choose for a first-date getaway.

Demand for Chinese electric vehicles continues to surge across the UK, but this near-unrelenting growth could soon slow to a crawl. According to a new report, the UK may follow in the footsteps of the European Union and impose tariffs on EVs from China.

The push for tariffs is being led by the EU. Officials have reportedly told British ministers that unless the country hits Chinese vehicles with tariffs, then the UK could be cut out from the ‘Made in Europe’ scheme. If this were to happen, it would make it much more expensive for British car manufacturers to sell vehicles into the EU.

Read: Half Of British Drivers Would Now Buy A Chinese Brand They Couldn’t Name 3 Years Ago

The Sunday Times reports that UK business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has started drafting a package for tariffs in the lead-up to a summit being held between the UK and EU next month. Up until this point, the country has been reluctant to impose tariffs, but as sales of Chinese vehicles have surged, it appears they are now getting ready to act.

Jaecoo Tops Sales Charts

A look at recent sales data shows just how much demand there is for Chinese cars in the UK. In September, almost a quarter of all new cars sold in the UK came from China. The nation’s best-seller was the Jaecoo 7 with an extraordinary 10,812 sold last month, allowing it to even outsell the Tesla Model 3.

The Jaecoo 7, often referred to as a ‘Temu Range Rover,’ is sold in the UK with a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid. September was the second month this year that it has been a best-seller in the UK. It’s unclear if the UK is weighing up tariffs against combustion-powered models from China, but it’d be wise to do so if it really wants to stop brands like Chery, BYD, and others from taking over local roads.

In the EU, EVs from China face tariffs of as much as 45 percent. Chinese brands quickly shifted their focus from EVs to plug-in hybrids after these tariffs were instated. Lawmakers in the bloc are now said to be weighing up the possibility of extending the tariffs to also include hybrids.

It appears British lawmakers are taking threats from the EU seriously. Last week, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders indicated the Made in Europe rules threaten British car production. If this latest report is true, it seems the UK is about to choose sides, and in siding with Europe, it may turn its back on China.

The UK’s Traffic Officers are looking for an all-new, all-electric tool for their fleet, as National Highways runs testing on the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Four examples of the full-size electric SUV have been commissioned for use by the agency and are currently deployed for evaluation on England’s motorways and major A-roads.

These seven-seaters from Hyundai have been decked out in the highway agency’s traditional high-visibility livery, with reflective decals and the all-important emergency lighting systems. In addition to the low-profile amber and red LED light bar, there are additional warning lights installed in the rear windscreen, side mirrors, front bumper, and tailgate, plus a programmable LED signboard for good measure.

Read: Fake Cop Pulls Over Tesla, Then Calls Real Cops On Himself

Add the lighting, CCTV, a 100W bullhorn, and the additional juice needed for the full suite of on-board equipment for patrolling the UK’s roads, and you’re looking at some significant power draw. Normally, that would be especially concerning for an EV. However, the folks at Richell Vehicle Conversions, who handled the conversion, thought of that and have fitted the on-test Ioniq 9s with their own dedicated 240 Ah auxiliary battery system.

Even though the auxiliary battery system is kept separate from the 110 kWh battery that powers the rest of the car, it’s still not clear what the extra draw and added weight (plus the aerodynamic penalty of the lightbar) will do to the Ioniq 9’s 385-mile (620 km) electric range. Still, at least the Ioniq 9 comes with rapid charging thanks to its 800-volt architecture.

Although they may look like police cars at a passing glance, National Highways Traffic Officers and their vehicles aren’t actually affiliated with the UK police force. However, despite the role of a traffic officer being one of a civilian, officers are allowed to stop and direct traffic, pull drivers over for safety reasons, and close lanes of a motorway. What they can’t do is arrest or charge drivers or search vehicles.

Either way, if the tests are successful, UK roadgoers may be seeing a lot more of these EVs, provided they’re up to the task. The trail is being used as the UK’s National Highways is considering further purchases during 2026.

Images: Hyundai

The Toyota Hilux is widely considered one of the most indestructible vehicles out there, with the famous Top Gear stunts from 2003 solidifying the legend. Fast forward to 2026, Toyota has recreated one of the grueling tests, to see whether the new Hilux BEV could still take a beating like its predecessor.

The UK arm of the Japanese automaker went on Reddit, asking users to pick a punishment for the zero-emission workhorse. Participants in the survey could choose between hitting the Hilux with a 1-tonne (2,205 lbs) wrecking ball, or subjecting it to a high-altitude caravan drop. The internet overwhelmingly chose the latter, and we can’t really blame them for doing so.

More: What Happens To A Toyota Hilux When You Drop It From 10,000 Feet In The Air?

Keeping their promise, engineers hoisted a 760 kg (1,676 lbs) caravan roughly 30 feet (9.1 m) into the air using a big crane. Then they parked a brand-new Hilux BEV underneath and let gravity do what it does best.

Toyota UK

The camper smashed directly on the roof of the midsize truck, with its weak fiberglass and wood construction crumbling under the forces of the impact. For a more dramatic effect, Toyota captured the stunt with high-speed cameras, and even installed one inside the mobile home showing what it feels like to land on a Hilux while being upside down in your living room.

More: Ford Covered A Ranger Super Duty In 1,300 Pounds Of Mud And It Kept Going

Despite taking a direct hit from a falling house on wheels, the Hilux BEV powered up immediately and drove away from the wreckage. Battle scars included a deformed roof, a cracked windshield, and a dent on the rear bed looking as if a baby Godzilla tried to climb on it.

The suspension appears to absorb the forces of the impact, briefly creating a street version of the truck. The battery which is mounted on the ladder frame chassis and the electric motors were unharmed, although the truck is likely a write-off due to the roof damage.

Toyota UK

Toyota warns viewers not to attempt to recreate or replicate any action shown in the video, as it could cause serious injury, death, or property damage. Furthermore, the company noted that all caravan debris was recovered from the Bentwaters Airfield in Suffolk, and sent to a recycling facility.

More: Tata Buried Its New $5.5K Sedan Under 20 Tons Of Gravel To Prove A Point

Interestingly, the caravan drop, filmed with the help of Very Nice Films and Bickers, was just the “warm-up” for the Hilux BEV. Toyota offered the truck to Top Gear’s YouTube channel, to continue the rough treatment. It will be interesting to watch the second round of Hilux torture, at least until WhistlinDiesel gets his hands on the latest generation of the midsize truck which is not available in North America.

The new Toyota Hilux is currently available in mild-hybrid diesel and fully electric powertrain options, with a hydrogen variant confirmed for 2028. Still, the diesel truck accounts for the vast majority of Hilux sales, due to the combination of a lower price, a more usable fuel type, as well as superior towing and payload ratings.

In news that is sure to either surprise or delight you, depending on where you sit on the EV vs ICE divide, a recent study from the U.K. has found that high-mileage electric cars are more reliable than their combustion counterparts. On the face of it, the evidence flies in the face of those put off by higher-mileage EVs, due to concerns over wear and tear.

However, there’s an important catch: the study was carried out using the UK’s MOT test data. While the sample size is impressive, with 47.4 million MOT tests analyzed, you do need to remember what the inspection looks out for and, importantly, what it doesn’t.

Read: The Priciest Repair On A Used EV Isn’t The Battery

An MOT is a legally required annual test for cars over three years of age registered in the U.K. It ensures a car meets minimum standards of safety and emissions. What an MOT doesn’t do is test things like an EV’s remaining battery capacity or recharging health. Similarly, for an ICE car, it doesn’t factor in engine performance or the condition of a vehicle’s transmission.

What The Data Says

While it may not paint the whole picture, there is some merit to the study, suggesting that high-mileage EVs shouldn’t necessarily be skipped over when browsing the classifieds. The research, which was carried out by transport consultancy New AutoMotive and commissioned by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), was carried out on cars aged between three and eight years old.

For EVs with between 90,000-120,000 miles (145,000-193,000 km), only 16.5 percent failed. Compare that with 22.1 percent of combustion-powered cars, and that’s a 25 percent lower relative rate. The gap between the two drivetrain types increases the more miles are added. For EVs that had more than 120,000 miles on the odometer, the MOT test failure rate stayed roughly constant, with 16 percent failing, while ICE vehicles had a higher failure rate of 23.5 percent.

The study also found that, at lower mileages, the difference between electric and combustion was negligible. Between 20,000-40,000 miles / 32,180-64,370 km the EV failure rate was 12 percent, with ICE cars at 11.7 percent.

The Full Picture

On the failure rate alone, it would appear that high-mileage EVs aren’t as unreliable as their gas-powered alternatives. However, as an MOT test doesn’t factor in battery health, one of the largest components of high-mileage EVs wasn’t accounted for. An MOT test still checks safety and wear items, including tires, steering, suspension, brakes, lights, and the condition of a vehicle’s structure.

However, wear items are still a big concern. The research found that EVs recorded nearly twice as many tire defects as ICE vehicles. In lower-mileage EVs, brakes were also flagged. This was likely due to the fact that EVs mainly rely on regenerative braking, meaning that the friction brake components were less likely to be used as much, and therefore more susceptible to corrosion-related wear.

See Also: After 62,000 Miles, The Healthiest EV Battery Belonged To A Kia, Not A Tesla

While the research was carried out by the independent transport consultancy New AutoMotive, it’s also perhaps prudent to note who commissioned the study. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) represents over 1,000 companies operating within the UK’s vehicle rental, leasing, and fleet management sectors. Many of those companies likely have fleets of high-mileage EVs ready to enter the used car market.

“The important thing about this study is that we can separate age from mileage,” said Ben Nelmes, chief executive at New AutoMotive, speaking to Fleet News. “Looking simply at the headline MOT numbers gives a misleading picture because Britain’s electric cars are much younger than its petrol and diesel fleet, while comparing cars by age alone misses the fact that EVs have typically covered considerably more miles.”

“Once we compare cars of the same age and mileage, something striking happens. At lower mileages, there is very little between petrol and electric cars, but beyond around 60,000 miles (96,560 km) the failure rate for EVs flattens while the petrol failure rate continues to rise. High mileage isn’t a proxy for poor condition in the way buyers have traditionally assumed. The data suggests the mechanical simplicity of an electric drivetrain starts to become increasingly valuable as cars accumulate miles.”

Images: MG / Hyundai

Kia has recently unveiled the new PV7 van ahead of its market launch in the second half of 2027, but until then, the smaller PV5 remains its core LCV. Besides the Cargo and Passenger variants with an enclosed body, the PV5 is also available in a Chassis bodystyle, serving as a blank canvas for all kinds of conversions.

The PV5 Chassis retains the futuristic front end of its siblings, but the rear has been chopped to reveal the bare chassis, turning it into a two-seater. The 4,610 mm (181.5 in) long LCV features a custom bulkhead with a rear windshield, and a pair of taillights mounted directly on the steel beams. As with the vans, it is available with 16-inch steelies and hubcaps or alloy wheels of the same size, retaining the same with a 2,995 mm (117.9 in) wheelbase.

More: Stellantis Has A New Manual Turbodiesel Truck But It’s Not What You Think

The chassis bodystyle is the ideal base for aftermarket conversions. Examples include refrigerated vans, box vans, mobile workshops, dropside pickups, tippers, ambulances, service vans and compact campers. Kia has already exhibited a PV5 with an integrated kitchen turning it into a food truck. The automaker promised that more conversions will follow later this year in collaboration with its UK partner TGS Automotive Group.

Kia

Despite the utilitarian looks, the two-seater cabin of the PV5 Cargo retains the amenities of is van siblings including a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.9-inch infotainment display, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging, and a comprehensive ADAS suite.

Long Range Thrills

One and a half year after the debut of the Kia PV5 lineup in production form, Kia has launched the PV5 Chassis in the UK, exclusively available in the Long-Range configurator. This is fitted a a front-mounted electric motor generating 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and a large 71.2 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated WLTP range of 259 miles (416 km) between charges.

More: Crown Vics Chased Suspects On The Ground. Kia’s Police Van Chases Them From The Sky

Other markets get access to the Kia PV5 Chassis Mid-Range with the smaller 51.5 kWh battery and a less powerful electric motor producing 120 hp (89 kW / 122 PS). Both Long-Range and Mid-Range models have a maximum payload of 1,005 kg (2,216 pounds), closely matching most diesel-powered midsize pickups.

Kia

Nissan has announced that the Kicks e-Power will become available in Europe, the UK, and Turkey, with production taking place at the Sunderland Plant in England. The automaker has also confirmed two new EVs for European markets – the Pixo urban hatchback and the next-generation Juke.

The current Nissan Kicks was introduced in 2024 in North America, with the Kicks e-Power arriving in 2026 in Japan. Naturally, European customers will gain access to the electrified version, in line with the region’s strict emission regulations and strong hybrid demand.

Review: The 2026 Nissan Kicks Isn’t Bad, It’s Just Surrounded By Good Choices

Measuring 4,365 mm (171.85 in) long, the Kicks will be one of Europe’s biggest B-SUVs, being longer even than its cousin, the Juke that stretches to 4,210 mm (165.8 in) long. Direct rivals include the Toyota C-HR, the Hyundai Kona, and the VW T-Roc, which are also available with self-charging hybrid powertrains.

Nissan Kicks (Japan)

Nissan didn’t share the detailed specifications of the EU-spec Kicks, but we expect it to be similar – if not identical – to the Japanese version. The subcompact crossover features Nissan’s third-gen e-Power hybrid technology, with an electric motor moving the wheels and a combustion engine acting as a generator.

More: Nissan’s Old Kicks Returns, And It Drives Like An EV Without Ever Plugging In

In Japan, the Kicks e-Power is fitted with a 1.4-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 97 hp (72 kW / 98 PS), a front-mounted electric motor generating 141 hp (105 kW / 143 PS), an optional rear-mounted electric motor contributing another 67 hp (50 kW / 68 PS), and a lithium-ion battery. It remains to be seen whether Europe will get both the FWD and AWD (e-4ORCE) powertrain options, as well as the adventurous Rock Creek trim.

Production In The UK

Nissan Sunderland facilities

The EU-spec Kicks e-Power will be manufactured in Sunderland alongside the Juke, Qashqai, and Leaf, following a £170 million ($229 million) investment. The plant celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and has built a total of 12 million vehicles since the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the assembly line back in 1986.

More: This Is How Nissan Copied China To Slash Development Times In Half

The UK factory will be the fourth production location for the second-gen Kicks, which is currently made in Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. A facelifted version of the first-gen Kicks with hybrid power still survives in some regions, like Thailand. Since the debut of the original in 2016, Nissan has sold over 1.8 million units in more than 70 countries.

Two New EVs

A camouflaged prototype of the new Nissan Pixo | Photos: SH Proshots

Besides the European arrival of the Kicks, Nissan has also confirmed that a new electric city car will be unveiled next week. The model will adopt the Pixo nameplate and will serve as a twin to the Renault Twingo and the Dacia Spring, albeit with Nissan-specific styling.

More: Nissan’s Strangest-Looking SUV Just Got Stranger, And It’s Going Electric To Prove It

Last but not least, Nissan said that the all-new third generation of the Juke will also be manufactured in Sunderland starting in 2027, migrating to a fully electric powertrain. This explains why the automaker brought the Kicks e-Power to Europe, offering a hybrid alternative to the upcoming zero-emission Juke.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson of Nissan AMIEO Region, said: “Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”

Nissan Juke EV

London’s iconic black cabs have some new high-tech competition. Uber and British autonomous driving specialist Wayve have launched the UK’s first autonomous ride-hailing service, putting self-driving cars onto the capital’s famously busy streets.

Starting today, passengers ordering UberX, Uber Electric or Uber Comfort could find a Wayve-equipped Ford Mustang Mach-E turning up instead. There’s no additional charge, and anyone who’d rather leave the driving to an actual person can reject the autonomous option before it arrives.

Related: A Tesla Robotaxi Got Boxed In By Bollards, So It Bulldozed Its Way Out

Calling these robotaxis completely driverless is getting slightly ahead of ourselves, though. During this opening phase, every car will carry a trained, Transport for London-licensed private hire driver who can keep an eye on things. Neither company has said exactly when the human safety net will disappear.

Doors are unlocked, and journeys are started through the Uber app, and once aboard, passengers get interactive displays supporting 64 languages, showing the route the car intends to take. Unlike some autonomous services in other parts of the world that are confined to carefully selected neighborhoods, Wayve’s cars can operate throughout London, with the exception of airport zones.

That autonomous freedom comes from Wayve’s AV2.0 system, which uses an AI Driver trained through experience rather than relying on traditional high-definition maps and piles of hand-written instructions. Wayve has been teaching the technology on London roads since 2018, so it’s logged pretty much every kind of traffic situation.

140,000 Riders, But Only 15 Cars

More than 140,000 people have already opted in through Uber’s Ride Preferences, though their chances of actually getting into one of these cabs is pretty slim. There are currently just 15 Wayve Mustangs versus roughly 100,000 Ubers in London.

London is Wayve’s home city but doesn’t represent the end of its ambitions. Wayve and Uber plan to expand their partnership across 12 international markets, with AI-driven Nissan Leafs due in Tokyo later this year. Uber, meanwhile, expects autonomous rides to be operating through its platform in as many as 15 cities by the end of 2026.

Wayve, Uber

Suzuki has released the first official images and details of the e Sky, the production version of the Vision e-Sky concept, and not much got lost on the way from the show stand. It goes on sale in Japan this autumn, with mainland Europe and the UK expected to follow in 2027.

That makes it Suzuki’s third production EV, arriving behind the e Vitara subcompact SUV and the e Every kei van. It’s also the company’s first entry in Japan’s fast-growing light passenger EV segment.

More: Suzuki’s $8,400 Kei Van Still Has Crank Windows, But It Also Has A Manual

According to Suzuki, the goal is to help drivers make the switch from ICE vehicles to EVs. The e Sky was developed as a light vehicle for everyday use, offering a comfortable ride, smooth acceleration, and a quiet cabin.

Concept Car, Minus The Show-Stand Extras

Visually, the small hatchback looks like an evolution of the concept from 2025, although several features have been toned down. The front end adopts larger LED headlights with a tinted background, and the illuminated grille gave way to a black trim piece. The revised Suzuki emblem sits on the sculpted nose, and the bumper incorporates a single cooling intake.

More: This $7,700 Suzuki Just Got A New Face And Over 66 MPG

The profile stays true to the concept, although the EV gets smaller wheels, larger mirrors, and conventional door handles reminiscent of the Suzuki Alto. Still, the EV retains the floating roof and the body-colored trim on the C-pillar. At the back, changes are focused on the bulkier LED taillights, the visible tailgate handle, and the body-colored cladding on the rear bumper.

Naturally, the model complies with kei car regulations in terms of footprint, reportedly measuring 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, and 1,625 mm (64.0 inches) tall, with a 2,460 mm (96.9 inches) wheelbase.

Inside, The Budget Speaks Up

The dashboard layout is familiar, but the pale materials, futuristic detailing and ambient lighting of the concept have been replaced by choices made with a calculator nearby. The centerpiece is the 10.1-inch infotainment display, combined with a digital instrument cluster, a traditional auto gear shifter and a dedicated panel for climate controls.

More: Suzuki’s Quirky Crossover Hides More Than A Fresh Face

Other features include a practical tray on the passenger side of the dashboard, heated seats and steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, and a heat pump paired with an electric air heater for efficiency during the Japanese winter. As with most kei cars the e Sky has a four-seater cabin with a small boot.

Small Battery, Surprising Number

The new model rides on the Heartect e architecture, designed for urban EVs. According to Japanese media, it is powered by a front e-Axle integrating the electric motor, inverter, and gears. Suzuki has yet to announce the output, but the maximum permissible figure for kei cars is 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS).

More: Suzuki’s Old Swift Sport Made 138 HP. The New One Makes A Splitter

Energy is reportedly stored in a 26 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery mounted under the floor. Despite its small capacity, the targeted range is 310 km (193 miles), which is significantly higher compared to other Japanese kei cars but slightly less than BYD’s Racco, which offers up to 199 miles (320 km). However, the latter achieves that with a much bigger 35.84 kWh battery.

The impressive range figure was achieved thanks to aerodynamics, improved motor efficiency and weight reduction, with the EV tipping the scales at 1,030 kg (2,271 lbs).

A full charge is expected to take 8 hours via a standard home outlet, or in 4.5 hours from a 6 kW wallbox. The EV is also compatible with 50 kW DC fast charging, replenishing 80% capacity in 25 minutes, while supporting Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality with an AC 100v/1500W power outlet for external devices.

Not Exclusive To Japan

The e Sky reaches the Japanese market in autumn 2026, where it will face the Nissan Sakura, the Mitsubishi eK X EV, the Honda N-One e and the BYD Racco.

More: BYD’s Kei EV Has The Lowest Sticker In Japan And The Highest Price On The Road

Its home market won’t have it to itself, however, since exports to Europe and the UK begin in 2027. Rivals there include the Renault Twingo E-Tech, the upcoming Dacia Spring, and the production version of the VW ID.Every1 concept.

Suzuki