electric cars

A COASTAL town was treated to free chips with a twist – the chippy was powered by an electric car.

In the aptly named Kent town of Deal, National Fish and Chip Day was celebrated with 300 portions of chips given away, as well as a limited run of battered fish.

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But it wasn’t your ordinary chip shop, with the chippy being powered by two electric cars and fronted by TikTok’s ‘Chip Shop Diva’, Destiny Harold.

The Dacia Spring, which its makers say is the cheapest electric vehicle currently on the market, was the power behind the frying, in partnership with local chippy, The Blue Mermaid Fish Bar.

It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults found fish and chips is the most popular treat on a British holiday, as well as cream tea and hot doughnuts.

Others to feature in the top 20 list include Mr Whippy ice cream, Cornish pasties and mussels.

Quintessentially British foods, such as fish finger sandwiches, strawberries and cream and a pie and mash also featured in the ranking.

A spokesperson for car brand Dacia said: “It was fun treating passers-by today and showing the power of our electric car, Spring, using its vehicle to load technology, which allows you to power external devices off the car’s battery.

“It’s no surprise we have a national day dedicated to the iconic meal that is fish and chips and the study shows just how much we love it and associate it with holidays by the seaside.

“Playing on the phrase ‘cheap as chips’ in line with our affordable car and being in the appropriately named Deal, was a great way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day.”

The research also found 41% of adults describe such foods as nostalgic, while 45% feel satisfied after eating them.

When ordering a classic fish and chips, cod (48%) and haddock (19%) were the most popular choices, but 69% simply order a portion of chips.

It also emerged 44% believe fish and chips is the ‘food of the people’ and 39% said class doesn’t impact how people eat it.

While 46% feel there is something nostalgic about eating the British staple with a wooden fork, which 33% typically do, although 38% opt to eat it by hand.

Food psychologist, James Cornish, said: “There are few things that unite the British public quite like fish and chips.

“Golden, salty, comforting, and steeped in history, this timeless dish is more than a meal – it’s a national treasure.

“Loved across generations, social classes, and regions, it’s one of those rare things that truly brings us together.

“There’s a certain kind of magic in fish and chips – a simple meal that somehow carries the weight of memory, comfort, and delight.

“Maybe it’s because we don’t expect too much from humble food, but our delight is excelled through the delivering of more than we expected.”

DRIVERS looking to buy an affordable but reliable older motor should consider one of these top 10 picks from the Which? annual car survey.

The consumer group has revealed a list of cars it recommends with five-star reliability ratings between 10-15 years old, some for less than £3,000.

From nippy city cars to big family SUVs, there are options for all drivers hunting for a bargain buy that doesn’t scrimp on quality.

Michael Passingham, senior researcher at Which?, told thisismoney that hybrid cars have come to dominate the list of most reliable, older vehicles.

He said: “Why do these cars perform so well? One reason could be that the hardest part of a car’s life – starting and pulling away – are mostly handled by the small electric motor.

“These motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines and, along with sturdy main battery packs, really don’t have to work all that hard. 

“The downside is that our data shows a much higher failure rate of the 12V battery (the small battery all cars have) on full hybrids; this component is worked hard so it pays to buy a quality one and get it replaced every five years or so.”

In good news for consumers, so called ‘full’ hybrids’ have been removed from the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars planned by the government.

Micheal warned against opting for a plug-in hybrid, saying that this type of car has “one of the least reliable engine types according to our data”.

Here is the full list of the 10 best buys for the most reliable older cars…

10. Toyota Auris (2012-2019)

Average used price: £4,650

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Faults: 28% Breakdowns: 7% Days off the road: 5.3

The predecessor to the Toyota Corolla, the Auris served as the brands family hatchback offering for almost two decades until it was replaced in 2019.

The second generation Auris, sold between 2012-2019, boasts impressive reliability with less than three in ten owners reporting faults in the last year, and only seven per cent saying their vehicle broke down.

The average price of £4,650 makes this a competitive option when looking for a family, and environment, friendly hatchback.

The only caveat is that the Auris took an average of 5.3 days to get back on the road after a breakdown, which is higher than other cars on this list.

9. Suzuki Alto (2009-2014)

Average used price: £2,800

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Faults: 25% Breakdowns: 1% Days off the road: 2.6

The Suzuki Alto, released in 2009, is still living up to its promise of being a cheap, compact and reliable supermini.

It was first offered for £6,000-£7,000 and now can be snapped up for less than three grand, the cheapest buy on this list.

The simplicity of the Alto makes it a particularly reliable option, with just 1 per cent reporting breakdowns in the last 12 months, and a quarter saying they had to deal with faults.

If it does need a repair, the Alto’s simplicity means it gets back to you in an average of only 2.6 days.

8. Toyota Yaris (2011-2020)

Average used price: £3,100

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Faults: 23% Breakdowns: 6% Days off the road: 3.1

The go-to small, dependable car for many in the last 25 years, the Yaris, is still making recommendation lists for its affordability and reliability.

With less than a quarter reporting faults and only 6 per cent dealing with a breakdown in the last 12 months, the Yaris still holds up remarkably well after all this time.

This is the 2011-2020 model with a hybrid drivetrain, an addition which makes it economical to drive as well as to buy, averaging just over £3,000.

7. Suzuki Swift (2010-2016)

Average used price: £3,500

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Faults: 27% Breakdowns: 8% Days off the road: 1.4 

Suzuki appears again on this list with the 2010-2016 Swift supermini, a compact, simple vehicle at a compelling price.

Received positively upon release, the Swift was praised for being fun to drive with a competitive blend of efficiency and performance.

Now on sale for only around three and a half grand, this might be a great option for those looking for a small but fiery little motor.

Although it scores a little worse on breakdowns, with 8 per cent being the highest on this list, it does only spend a brief 1.4 days in the shop when things do go wrong.

Couple this with a good score of 27 per cent reporting faults, and this characterful car is still a good buy in 2025.

6. BMW X1 (2009-2015)

Average used price: £5,200

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Faults: 35% Breakdowns: 7% Days off the road: 2.1

In a shock entry to this list, the BMW X1 is an outlier for luxury SUVs, which are often unreliable and costly to repair.

On the contrary, the X1 competes with other, much smaller, simpler cars with a respectable record of just 7 per cent reporting breakdowns last year and only 2.1 days taken to fix on average.

Consumers may be able to take advantage of typically low SUV resale prices, generally due to reliability and repair cost concerns, to pick up this hidden gem for a very reasonable price of around £5,000.

That said, the X1 does rank low on this list in terms of faults, with over a third experiencing issues in the last 12 months.

5. Skoda CitiGo (2009-2019)

Average used price: £4,500

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Faults: 22% Breakdowns: 5% Days off the road: 2.8

Mechanically identical to the VW Up!, the Skoda CitiGo was meant for squeezing into tight parking spaces and down narrow streets while keeping your fuel costs and insurance premiums to a minimum.

After being discontinued five years ago, the CitiGo now makes for a tempting prospect on the second-hand market.

It was initially praised for being surprisingly roomy for being so small, and for being the cheaper alternative to the Up! while essentially being the same car.

It boasts impressive reliability, with only 22 per cent reporting faults and 5 per cent experiencing a break down.

The CitiGo is fairly quick to repair as well, only spending 2.8 days at the garage before being ready for more.

4. Honda Jazz (2008-2015)

Average used price: £3,800

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Faults: 25% Breakdowns: 4% Days off the road: 2.7

Almost exclusively driven by those of a certain age, the Honda Jazz is popular amongst the older demographic for a reason: its convenient, reliable and easy to drive.

These attributes might get Grandma excited, but they should also make the Jazz an attractive option for anyone looking for a solid vehicle at a bargain price.

One in four owners reported a fault with their cars and the average time in the garage was 2.7 days being fixed by mechanics.

Your Jazz shouldn’t be seeing the inside of a garage too often though, with only 4 per cent breaking down in the last year.

3. Lexus RX 450h (2009-2015)

Average used price: £6,400 

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Faults: 16% Breakdowns: 0%  Days off the road: 2 

This chunky SUV was voted the most satisfying car to own in 2024 in a Which? survey.

A glance at the cars record quickly confirms that one of the factors that make it so popular must be its excellent reliability.

Looking at the hybrid-powered models here, only 16 per cent reported a fault in the last year and none had their RX break down on them.

For the times that the RX was sent into the garage, it only spent 2 days on average being worked on.

The price is a little higher than some others on this list, but buyers are getting both space, comfort and relatively good fuel efficiency.

2. Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015)

Average used price: £3,800

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Faults: 26% Breakdowns: 0% Days off the road: 1.7

The iconic MX-5 speeds into the number two spot for good reason, bucking the trend of unreliable sports car to still deliver thrilling driving with solid build quality at a good price.

Hailing originally from the late 1980’s, this example of the world’s best selling roadster is the third generation MX-5, it debuted in 2005 and still holds up today.

The record from Which?’s data is flawless when it comes to breakdowns, and shows that this classic is quick to fix only spending 1.7 days in the shop.

Just over a quarter reported faults, but that’s not a huge figure when it comes to second-hand sports cars.

1. Lexus CT 200h (2011-2020)

Average used price: £7,300

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Faults: 13% Breakdowns: 0% Days off the road: 1.2 

Topping the list as the most reliable 10 to 15 year-old car comes the Lexus CT 200h, a full hybrid hatchback which served as the brands answer to the Ford Focus and VW Golf until 2020.

CT 200h owners surveyed by Which? delivered glowing reviews, reporting zero breakdowns and only 13 per cent experiencing a fault with their car.

Drivers praised the vehicles comfort and, of course, reliability, only pointing to a small boot and clunky infotainment system as critiques, as reported by thisismoney.

The car sells for around £7,000, the priciest offering so far, but its near spotless record should mean your investment pays off with a dependable motor that is good for years to come.

The ones to steer clear of

Which? puts the diesel powered Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2014) and Nissan Qashqai (2007-20013) as two of the least reliable vehicles that consumers should steer well clear of if dependability is their aim.

The Zafira has become known for catching fires in recent years due to issues with its heater blower motor and regulator. This usually happens when owners replace parts with cheaper, aftermarket components.

It is hardly a wonder that drivers are turning to cut-price alternatives when the Zafira breaks down on three in ten owners, with more than half reporting faults in the last year.

The car also takes a whopping 14 days on average for repairs to be made.

The first generation Nissan Qashqai also from suffers reliability issues, and needs almost a week in the garage on average before it is road-ready after a malfunction.

Both these cars use diesel fuel, and Which? has found that this is by far the worst fuel type for reliability, with an average fault rate of 48 per cent, compared to 39 per cent for petrol and 23 per cent for hybrids.

THE BRITISH cities with the worst availability and speed of electric vehicle charging have been revealed in new research.

More and more people are making the switch to EVs each passing year, but access to charging infrastructure continues to be a key concern for motorists.

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Cost, speed and access to EV chargers can vary vastly from region to region across the country.

But new data from Available Car has shed light on exactly which cities are the best and worst to drive an electric vehicle.

Researchers looked at the number of charging points per 10,000 people within a five mile radius of city centres.

They also noted the average cost and time it takes to charge half an EV battery.

The data examines 53 major cities across the UK, excluding London.

Liverpool was found to be the city with the lowest number of chargers, with just two chargers per 100,000 people within a five mile radius of the city centre.

Newcastle barely did better at 2.4 chargers per 100,000, while Bradford and Leeds followed up with 2.6 each.

Smaller cities boasted far better numbers in the EV charging accessibility ranking.

Ripon was the city with the highest number of chargers per 100,000 at 63.1 – far ahead of second placed Salisbury at 43.7.

But simply finding a charger isn’t the only issue EV owners face.

Available Car’s data also highlighted a major regional disparity in the time it takes to charge half a battery.

Leicester is the city found to have the slowest EV charging times – taking an average of 8.25 hours to get to half charge.

Available Car’s report reads: “The city’s slower charging infrastructure highlights the need for investment in faster chargers to support the growing demand for electric vehicles.

“Without quicker charging options, Leicester may face challenges in encouraging more drivers to switch to electric.”

But Leicester EV drivers have some solace – as the survey also found it to cheapest city to charge your car, where a half full battery would cost an average of £12.60.

Brighton & Hove and Portsmouth followed Leicester as the next slowest for charging, 6.24 and 5.67 hours respectively.

Wakefield recorded the speediest charge of the cities surveyed, taking an average of just 0.8 hours.

The researchers used a Tesla Model Y as the benchmark vehicle when gathering the data.

Their report adds: “Making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) should be an exciting step towards greener, more sustainable driving.

“However, one of the biggest barriers preventing drivers from switching from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles is having to rely on their local charging infrastructure, particularly the time it takes to charge and the cost involved.

“Unlike petrol and diesel drivers, EV owners must navigate the UK’s charging network, where charging speeds and costs vary significantly based on location and charger type.”

A MAJOR car brand is reportedly looking to raise £5billion including a loan guaranteed by the UK government after axing 20,000 jobs.

Cash-strapped Nissan, Japan’s third-largest carmaker, is already facing £4billion in losses – its worst annual loss in a quarter century.

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But now, the company are said to be considering raising more than 1 trillion yen – just over £5 billion – from debt and asset sales in a bid to prop up Nissan.

The struggling Japanese automaker plans to issue as much as 630 billion yen in convertible securities and bonds, including high-yielding US dollar and euro notes, according to Bloomberg News.

The move would also include a £1billion syndicated loan guaranteed by the British government, the documents show.

Sale-and-lease-back plans for its Yokohama headquarters, plus properties it owns in the United States, are also reportedly on the cards.

The aggressive fundraising plans underscore Nissan’s rapidly deteriorating financial and operational position, despite efforts by newly appointed chief executive Ivan Espinosa to turn the company around.

In addition, Nissan is reportedly seeking to sell part of the stakes it owns in Renault and battery maker AESC Group, as well as plants in South Africa and Mexico.

Bloomberg News cited sources as saying Nissan’s board did not appear to have approved the funding proposal yet, leaving it unclear whether it would happen.

The proposal was also slated to include the rollover of some debt, the report said.

A Nissan representative said the company does not comment on speculation.

It comes after Nissan said they could part ways with its global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, to fund the company’s urgent restructuring plan.

After having moved to the 22-story high-rise in 2009, the car manufacturer is now facing mountains of debt and is on track to cut 20,000 jobs, shut several of its plants and slash billions in costs.

With a glitzy gallery, the flashy headquarters can showcase more than thirty motors and stands in stark contrast to their previous offices.

The company have said that part of their plan has called for reviewing assets that can be sold in a desperate bid to pay for the restructuring.

With its own headquarters in sight, thought to be worth approximately £500 million, Nissan would structure a deal so it could continue to use the site through a lease so its offices and operations remain in place.

A company spokesperson said: “Nissan is considering all possibilities to recover its business performance, but there are no specifics to share at this point of time.”

The move is not unprecedented, however, with McLaren doing something similar with its HQ in Woking in recent years.

Nissan confirmed in April that it was anticipating losses of up to £4 billion, its worst annual loss in a quarter century.

Nissan is also planning to close seven factories by 2027, including two domestic sites which are thought to be the Oppama and Shonan plants, saving £2.6 billion in the process.

There have also been reports of downsizing or a partial sale of its Tochigi assembly plan and test centre facility north of Tokyo which was recently equipped with manufacturing technologies to assemble electric vehicles.

To underline the dire financial situation, the motor company is even halting the development of certain models to cut its expenses.

While the car company has been hit hard by the effects of Donald Trump’s tariff war, Nissan’s new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, has admitted the company’s financial trouble started a decade ago.

He said: “This is not something that happened in the last couple of years.

“It’s more of a fundamental problem that probably started back in 2015, when management thought this company could reach [annual global vehicle sales] of around eight million.

“There were heavy investments both in terms of planned capacity as well as in human resources, but the reality today is we are running at around half that volume. And nobody did anything to fix that until now.”

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A LITTLE-known car brand is preparing to launch an AI-powered luxury saloon to rival the mighty Porsche Taycan.

Chinese EV manufacturer Xpeng has unveiled the latest iteration of its P7 sports saloon that they’ve branded “more than a car”.

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Said to be Xpeng’s answer to “the AI [artificial intelligence] era in form and function”, the company has identified itself as an “AI-driven mobility company”.

Indeed, they’re positioning the new flagship P7 as a showcase for how AI can redefine the luxury car experience.

Details at this stage are scarce, but the previous P7 was described as “the world’s first AI-defined vehicle” and included highly advanced autonomous driving functions, as well as a ‘smart cockpit’ that included a Knight Rider-style voice assistant.

The next-gen model is expected to build on this, as well as introduce even more advanced capabilities.

Their ultimate aim is to stand out in China‘s increasingly crowded luxury saloon market – with the likes of the Avatr 12, Nio ET9 and Luxeed S7 all hoping to be big sellers.

Regarding the upcoming P7’s new styling, Xpeng’s Exterior Design Director Rafik Ferrag told Autocar: “With this new generation, we set out to design a pure-electric sports sedan that could amaze at every angle.

“This car is our dream – refined through countless iterations.

“In my eyes, the all-new Xpeng P7 is a work of art, shaped with emotion and purpose.”

It’s currently unknown if the P7 will be sold outside of China – with more details to follow.

For now, the Porsche Taycan remains the industry leader when it comes to luxury, performance all-electric saloons.

While sales have dipped in recent times, the Taycan remains a highly sought-after electric sports car ahead of the likes of the Lucid Air, Tesla Model S, BMW i4, and Audi e-tron GT.

One other Chinese brand that’s got Porsche in its sights is Denza – headed by motoring giant BYD.

The ever-expanding car brand is one of the largest private companies in China and has already started to make waves globally – including in the UK.

But for those seeking something with more speed and luxury, their sister brand Denza and their first car in its line-up – the stunning Z9 GT – might appeal.

Clearly borrowing design cues from the Taycan and Panamera, the grand tourer – with its shooting brake estate styling – was unveiled at the recent Milan Design Week ahead of its European market release later this year.

MAZDA is pulling the plug on its first and only electric car, criticised during its four-year run for its limited range and cramped cabin.

The MX-30, which made its world debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, is a subcompact crossover SUV that offered EV, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid variants.

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But now, it’s quietly reached the end of its production lifespan.

Launched in the UK in 2021, the MX-30 was positioned against competitors such as the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008.

However, it struggled to gain traction, primarily due to its short range and limited practicality.

One of the most significant criticisms of the MX-30 – aside from its bizarre, coach-style doors – was its modest range of just 124 miles, thanks to its 35.5kWh battery.

The smaller battery size, chosen to reduce the car’s weight, certainly improved handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production.

However, it also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers.

Indeed, today, rivals like the Jeep Avenger, Renault 4, and MINI Aceman offer ranges of around 250 miles, highlighting the MX-30’s shortcomings.

WHAT’S NEXT?

While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK.

This variant, equipped with a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, can cover more than 400 miles, according to Mazda.

What’s more, the brand is set to give electric cars another stab next year with the 6e saloon, which is poised to be in the same segment as the top-selling Tesla Model 3.

A fully electric SUV is also in the pipeline, but the decision to temporarily pluck its only pure electric vehicle in its lineup is bold – particularly in light of the UK Government’s ZEV mandate.

Under the current mandate, at least 28% of manufacturers’ new car sales must be zero-emissions vehicles by 2025, prompting many brands to prioritise EV production.

As reported by Auto Express, a Mazda spokesperson said: “Mazda will meet the requirements of the ZEV/VETS legislation through the various flexibilities within the scheme and the introduction of further BEVs.”

This comes as Sun Motors supremo Rob Gill recently got to road-test the new Mazda 3, featuring a gutsy 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.

HAVE a guess what engine powers this little Mazda3.

Is it a cheery 1-litre three-pot similar to a Volkswagen Polo?

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A sweet 1.2-litre turbo à la Vauxhall Corsa?

Or even a 1.5-litre hybrid like a Toyota Yaris?

The answer is none of the above.

It is actually a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol.

That’s a B-I-G lump for a little squirt.

Bigger than anything you’ll find in a Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai, come to think of it.

The reason being, Mazda has always dared to be different.

It doesn’t do “downsizing”. In other words using a smaller capacity engine and fitting a turbo to it.

It prefers “right-sizing”. Having the correct capacity engine for the job, so it is less stressed and more efficient.

Also, this new engine, combined with 48v mild hybrid tech, produces more torque lower down the rev range than the old 2-litre, improving real-world performance.

Cylinder-deactivation tech shuts down two cylinders under light loads, lowering CO2 and adding a smidge of mpg.

So it’s a really clever engine for a vehicle that’s aged well, drives sweetly and is brimming with big-car kit from £25k.

Slick six-speed manual or auto? I’d go manual. It’s one of the best in the business and an absolute joy to thread down a B-road.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the fastest ride at the fairground but it corners tidily, with good body control, and feels solid and safe.

If you need 4WD, try a CX-30.

The cabin is another example of Mazda’s mission to provide the highest quality for the money.

Clarkson once said the Mazda3 is ‘probably the most amazing car on sale in Britain’

Head-up display, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and a reversing camera all come as standard. We like that.

We also like the skinny, leather-wrapped steering wheel, squishy elbow pads, chunky ­footrest, big cup holders, old-school ­volume and heating controls, and grab handles galore.

It’s almost like they know exactly what people want from a car.

Clarkson once said the Mazda3 is “probably the most amazing car on sale in Britain”.

A pint of Hawkstone Lager says he’ll like the 2025 version even more.

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JUST passed your driving test? It’s time to get a car.

We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re doing it on your own. 

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Don’t worry! At Sun Motors, we’re going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers​. 

When comparing the best used first cars, we’ve weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. 

The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds.

You want to hit the road, so let’s start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers.

Top 5 best used cars for new drivers 

Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We’ve selected small cars with solid engines and engineering.

They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they’re a great place to start on your car owning career.

1. Ford Ka
2. Skoda Fabia
3. VW Polo
4. Fiat 500
5. Mini

Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 



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MODEL: Ford KA

Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it’s the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium.

It’s cheap to insure, but is it any good? 

Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It’s economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you’re highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. 

You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k.

Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia

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The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last.

The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that’s also in a low insurance group, meaning it’s cheap to insure.

Driving is more fun than you’d imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride.

We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible.

Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model.

German precision: VW Polo

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OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they’re not identical twins.

The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish.

The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks.

You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500.

Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500

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When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that’s as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it’s a surprisingly good drive. 

The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road.

There’s not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it’s an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget.

Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers.

Money-no-object: Mini

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Who doesn’t want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. 

The ‘modern’ MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors.

When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it’s a fantastic car to drive and own.)

There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000.

MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don’t be put off by a model that’s done over 100k.

Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that’s a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform.

What is the best car for a new driver?

Personally, I’d go for a Dacia Sandero – because that’s what I drive. But I’m old. 

If I were a first time car buyer, I’d try and find the perfect middle ground. That’s going to be a great looking car that’s fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. 

My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia.

If you can, take one out for a drive. It’s surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history.

Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy

Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price.

When buying from Sun Motors, you’re dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed.

Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles.

Why would you buy from anywhere else?

New driver car buying FAQs

Car finance for new drivers​: Can I get a used car on finance if I’m a first-time driver?

Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you’re over 18.

If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history.

Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance.

Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel!

How much is insurance for a new driver?

New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake.

The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. 

Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don’t ever buy a car without knowing how much it’ll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise.

What size engine can a new driver drive uk​?

If you’ve passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. 

Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car.

What to look for when buying a used car for the first time

Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here.

• Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won’t share this information.
• Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done.
• Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small.
• Size – Don’t get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents.
• Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car.

Are used cars as safe as new cars? 

Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.

THE BOSS of an iconic car brand has revealed a major update on its merger with a rival, as the company admits the EV push is hurting sales.

Despite rumours of a potential tie-up between Stellantis and Renault, both companies have denied seeking a partnership.

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John Elkann, Stellantis Chairman, told the Financial Times: “We are not discussing any merger.”

Management at the automotive giant has been turbulent following the resignation of the former CEO, Carlos Tavares, who they still haven’t replaced.

The automotive giant currently oversees many carmakers such as Peugeot, Fiat and Vauxhall.

However, Stellantis has several underperforming brands, such as Chrysler, described as “a shadow of its former self,” according to motor1.com

Another failing car manufacturer is Abarth, which has seen revenues drop during its push to go fully electric.

This has caused major concern at Stellantis, adding to the company’s decision not to get involved in a massive merger.

Last year, the Auto conglomerate recorded a 12 per cent drop in shipments, which they blamed on “temporary gaps in product offerings”.

On the other hand, the Renault group reported their highest sales.

The two major companies share a common ground regarding the future of cars in Europe.

Both share concerns over strict emission regulations negatively impacting their profit and production of gas-powered city cars.

The European Union recently granted automakers an extension to meet their emission targets.

However, by 2030, stricter regulations will come into force, banning the sale of new cars with harmful emissions across the EU.

This comes after Europe’s second-largest carmaker halted production of an iconic model as its EV lineup faces “deep trouble”.

An initial manufacturing break at Stellantis has now been extended as bosses report a collapse in demand for electric cars.

The Fiat 500 was one of the vast company’s most successful and beloved models across two production runs lasting a collective 35 years.

Dating back to 1957, it has sold more than six million units between its two iterations.

However, the 500e, unveiled in 2020 as an electric alternative, has proved less popular.

The model is intended as the long-term successor to the 500 beyond the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel car sales.

But stuttering demand has now forced a pause in its production.

The latest data suggest that both the petrol and electric 500 sol 74,885 units from January to July.

That’s almost a quarter down on the same period last year.

Bosses told Autocar that poor sales were “linked to the deep difficulties experienced in the European EV market by all producers.”

They have also reportedly told union reps that the electric car segment is facing “deep trouble” more generally.

Fiat CEO Olivier François said: “We obviously, like everyone else, thought that the world would go electric faster and the cost of electrification would go down faster.

“But we couldn’t imagine that Covid would happen, shortage of raw materials would happen [and] the European Society – not all, not the youngest part – would turn their backs on the sustainable solutions.

“But this is the reality. We have to face those realities.”

BUYING a used car involves lots of decisions. What size and style do you want? Are you petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV? Should you buy as cheaply as possible or invest as much as you can?

We can’t answer any of these questions, but we can tell you what the UK’s most popular car for sale on Sun Motors is.

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It is, of course, the ever-reliable Nissan Qashqai.

When it was launched, this compact crossover SUV pretty much defined the category. It’s nearly 20 years old but remains as popular as ever. 

I’ve driven the Nissan Qashqai and I’ll give you my honest opinion of its good points, bad points and anything else I can remember that’s relevant.

What are the most popular used cars?

Sun Motors is a nationwide marketplace that connects thousands of buyers and dealers. We keep track of every purchase and can reveal our list of the 10 most popular used cars in the UK.

You already know that at the top of the charts is the Nissan Qashqai. Here’s a list of the rest…

1. Nissan Qashqai
2. VW Golf
3. Mercedes A-Class
4. Mini (all models)
5. Kia Sportage
6. BMW 1 Series
7. Ford Kuga
8. BMW 3 Series
9. Audi A3
10. Hyundai Tucson

Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.

Nissan Qashqai used car review​

The Nissan Qashqai may have a name that you’ll struggle to spell, but its appeal isn’t hard to spot.

It’s a crossover SUV, which means it looks like a car that’s capable of running off-road and has an elevated driving position, but in reality, it’s a pretty refined and reliable city car.

We’re going to talk about the second-generation (and subsequent) models that launched in 2013.

With this version, Nissan ironed out all the faults and created the UK’s favourite (sort of) SUVs.

It’s now beloved by middle managers, school-run mums and dads and anyone for whom a MINI was just a little bit too small.

Modern versions are even more aggressive-looking but, for our money, don’t look as good.

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The high-up driving position offers great visibility, and the responsive handling makes the car manoeuvrable enough to slide into that supermarket parking spot.

OK, so it’s not going to knock your socks off or make you smile too much, but it’s a family car, so we never expected it would.

Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today

If you’re part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start

*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue

Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience.

Enjoy:

• A choice of fuel type whether it’s petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
• A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more
• A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW
• Financing options
• Trusted dealers

Get started finding your next used vehicle here.

There have been far too many engine variations (including petrol, diesel, hybrid and the latest e-POWER powertrain) for us to run through them all.

Reviewers seem to favour the 1.3-litre DIG-T 140 mild-hybrid petrol engine, and we won’t argue.

Bad points are, as you’d expect, few and far between. The Qashqai is quite expensive as a used car, with other makes and models perhaps a little cheaper to buy, run and insure.

The Qashqai is, like lots of crossovers, a bit of a fake too. It’s not really an off-roader like the Range Rover, but not many people need that sort of performance (or can afford the price).

Are Nissan Qashqais reliable​?

The Nissan Qashqai isn’t quite as reliable as the bullet-proof Nissan cars of old, with the 2014-21 diesel models in particular suffering from engine and exhaust problems.

Overall though, it’s a sturdy family motor that shouldn’t leave you stranded by the roadside. 

Try to buy one with a full service history, ensure all recalls are done and check receipts for any work.

How much is a Nissan Qashqai?​ 

Nissan Qashqais start from £5,000 for a 10-year old (2015) model with over 100,000 miles on the clock. Nearly new models, including the e-POWER version, can cost over £35,000.

As a ballpark, expect to pay around £15-17,000 for a 2020 Qashqai.

It’s not the cheapest car on the market, with some used models that are as expensive as a new Dacia Duster, for example, but it’ll hold its value.

Is Nissan Qashqai a 4×4?

The Nissan Qashqai isn’t a true 4×4 like a Land Rover, Range Rover, etc, but you can find both front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (AWD) models on the market. 

In off-road mode the 4×4 Qashqai will tackle difficult terrain like mud and gravel, more much more confidently than the 2WD version. 

Most drivers who really need 4WD performance should look elsewhere. In the end, they probably already were.

Used Nissan Qashqai​s for sale

We’ve scoured Sun Motors to find three top used cars for sale. You’ll need to get in quick to secure these…

Bargain basement: 2020 Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium

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This isn’t the cheapest Qashqai on the market, but it’s arguably one of the best-value used motors we’ve seen.

Don’t let the 60,000+ miles on the clock put you off. This Acenta Premium model comes with 17” alloys, a good touchscreen and parking sensors.

It’ll do 55mpg all day long, too. That’s why this is our bargain buy.

Awesome auto: Nissan Qashqai​s SUV 1.3 DIG-T Tekna

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Reviewers love the 1.3 litre DIG-T petrol engine for its power, control and reliability.

This automatic Qashqai is in Tekna trim, featuring cool 18-inch alloy wheels, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display. Nice.

High-class hybrid: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power Acenta Premium 5dr Auto

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The 2024 Qashqai is a thoroughly modern car. Its petrol/electric hybrid motor produces an impressive 188bhp.

It’s quiet, quick and has the mean look of the new Qashqai.

This particular car has fewer than 5,000 miles on the clock, so it’s as nearly new as it gets.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.