Ford California Special finally reaches the UK!
The Ford Mustang California Special brings its West Coast-inspired styling to the UK with a 5.0 liter V8 producing 444 horsepower and 529 Nm of torque. Available only as a convertible, it adds GT CS badging, unique decals, a black honeycomb grille, exclusive 19 inch wheels and a dedicated suspension setup, while the test car also features optional MagnaRide adaptive suspension. The biggest criticism is the 10 speed automatic transmission, which can feel slow to respond when sudden acceleration is requested and does not match the raw character of the V8 as naturally as the available six speed manual. At around £60,000 with options, it is far from cheap, but the appeal comes from its loud exhaust, rear wheel drive behavior, nostalgic styling and slightly unruly personality. It may feel large and heavy on narrow UK roads, yet the California Special delivers the kind of engaging, imperfect driving experience that gives the Mustang its character.
2026-08-13T08:09:34Z
Peugeot 308 gets a cleaner look and better hybrid appeal
The 2025 Peugeot 308 facelift brings a cleaner and more modern look while keeping the stylish character that makes this hatchback and wagon stand out. The biggest changes are at the front, with lower DRL elements, a cleaner bumper design, and an illuminated Peugeot logo. At the rear, new three slash lights and glossy black details replace some of the old chrome trim. Inside, the 308 keeps the familiar Peugeot i Cockpit with a small low steering wheel, a digital instrument layout, and programmable i Toggle controls, although the driving position still requires some adjustment. The cabin feels well designed and avoids too much piano black trim, but rear legroom is better suited to children than tall adults. The 195 hp plug in hybrid feels like the strongest version, with smooth power, enjoyable steering, and up to 85 km WLTP electric range. The full electric version feels less convincing, with modest performance, 100 kW charging, and around 300 km real world range.
2026-08-09T07:25:44Z
The 2026 Ram 1500 BackCountry gets a 5.7L Hemi - but skips the Rebel price tag
A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and a full four-wheel-drive system. Off-road hardware includes a 1-inch lift, unique suspension tuning, 275/65R18 Falken Wildpeak AT3WA tires, four-wheel-drive high and low range, and a rear locking differential. The truck sits between the more basic Warlock and the more expensive Rebel, aiming to deliver useful capability without piling on every premium feature. Payload on the tested configuration is 1,330 pounds, while a 2-inch receiver and trailer wiring are included, although the factory trailer brake controller is optional. Inside, it still gets a 12-inch infotainment screen, front and rear parking sensors, wireless charging and unique vinyl-and-cloth seats, while features such as a front camera are intentionally left out to keep the truck simpler and less expensive.
2026-08-13T14:50:28Z
This facelifted 508 PSE keeps its sharp performance edge
The facelifted Peugeot 508 PSE combines 360 brake horsepower, four-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid efficiency, and striking estate styling in Peugeot’s most powerful production car. Its 1.6-litre petrol engine works with electric motors at the front and rear, delivering 0–62 mph in just over five seconds while providing around 26 miles of electric driving for shorter journeys. The refreshed design introduces a new front end, updated lighting, revised badges, turbine-style alloy wheels, and fresh paint choices, while the cabin retains its compact steering wheel, digital displays, piano-key controls, premium materials, and practical 530-litre boot. The biggest drawback appears once the battery is depleted, leaving a heavy front-wheel-drive estate with less impressive performance. With pricing around £55,000—roughly £5,000 more than a BMW 330e xDrive Touring—the 508 PSE is a distinctive choice for drivers who can charge regularly and value style, rarity, comfort, and hybrid performance.
2026-08-11T09:09:34Z
Does the BMW i4 M50 feel like an M car?
The BMW i4 M50 gets a first drive to see how this all electric Gran Coupe feels compared with a traditional performance BMW. With 544HP and 795Nm of torque, the i4 M50 has strong acceleration and instant electric response, but the real test is how it handles daily driving and more enthusiastic roads. This video looks at steering feel, ride comfort, braking response, cabin quality, range confidence, charging practicality, grip, and how the extra battery weight changes the driving experience. The i4 M50 also has to prove whether the M50 badge brings enough character beyond straight line speed. Does this electric 4 Series Gran Coupe feel like a convincing performance car, or is it more of a fast daily EV?
2026-08-13T07:03:30Z