Another week, another whirlwind in the motoring world. From big industry moves to fresh EV twists and a few surprises on the road, here’s the quick-fire roundup of the stories every driver should know.
HMRC’s 400% Car Tax Spike for Double‑Cab Pick‑Ups
- HMRC has reclassified many double‑cab pick‑ups, removing their long‑standing tax advantage.
- Some drivers now face up to a 400% increase in benefit‑in‑kind costs.
- Anyone using a pick‑up for work is being urged to review their tax position ASAP.
Potholes & Poor Roads Causing Havoc
- Hidden potholes in standing water have caused a spike in breakdowns during the wet start to 2026.
- RAC reports a 15% rise in breakdowns linked to poor road surfaces.
Honda Cancels Its New 0‑Series EV Line
- The futuristic SUV and saloon have been scrapped due to weak demand and tough financials.
New 2026 Volvo EX60 Revealed
- Promises the longest EV range in the UK for its class.
Renault’s EV Push Continues
- Renault Group plans to launch 36 new models in under four years, including a new EV platform with a catchy name.
New Models & Launches
BYD Seal Deal of the Day
- 503bhp electric saloon available from £276/month, offering serious value.
Porsche Cayenne Electric S
- 657bhp and 405 miles of range — Porsche’s new electric SUV is officially revealed.
Dacia Striker Estate
- A new “super‑sub” estate priced at £22k, continuing Dacia’s value‑focused strategy.
Renault’s Baby Defender‑Style Off‑Roader
- Renault has reportedly beaten JLR to the punch with a compact Defender‑inspired model.
Worldwide Car News Roundup — This Week
V & Future Tech
Geely Overtakes BYD in Early 2026 Sales
- Geely has become China’s top carmaker for the first two months of 2026 — a major shift in the world’s biggest auto market.
Porsche Reverses EV Strategy — Job Cuts to Follow
- Porsche is cutting jobs after a costly rethink of its electric vehicle roadmap.
VinFast Launches Ultra‑Luxury Brand ‘Lac Hong’
- New Lac Hong 800S and 900S models target the global prestige segment with high‑power EV drivetrains.
Renault Reveals New Global EV Platforms & Concepts
- New EV tech including the RGEV platform and the chunky Bridger 4×4 concept aimed at international markets.
New Models & Performance Cars
Porsche Adds Mid‑Range Cayenne S to Electric Lineup
- Expands its EV SUV range with a new mid‑tier model.
Audi RS3 Competition Limited Announced
- A £90k run‑out special edition celebrating the last of Audi’s five‑cylinder engines.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Priced Up
- Supercar‑like performance with pricing reaching $176,000 with the Track Pack.
Concepts & Future Design
Renault R‑Space Lab Concept
- A futuristic, tech‑heavy concept exploring new interior space solutions.
Return of the Espace?
- Renault hints at a revival with a new concept showcasing advanced packaging and tech.
