THE CAR EXPERT

2 days ago | thecarexpert.co.uk | Stuart Masson

New car registrations improved by less than 2% in May 2025, although it was a mix of growing fleet business and falling consumer sales, with the overall market still struggling along well below pre-pandemic levels. According to results published this morning by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the overall new car market improved by just under 2% compared to the same month last year, thanks to a 4% improvement in fleet registrations. Private new car sales, however, fell by 2%.

3 days ago | thecarexpert.co.uk | Stuart Masson

The Alpine A290 is a performance version of the Renault 5 E-Tech small electric hatchback. It was launched in the summer of 2024, with the first customer cars arriving in the UK in the spring of 2025. The A290 is the second model in Alpine’s range under its rebirth, alongside the longstanding Alpine A110 sports car. Unlike the A110, however, the A290 is based on a Renault rather than being a bespoke model – in this case, the reborn Renault 5 electric hatch.

1 week ago | thecarexpert.co.uk | Andrew Charman

In the UK, the two signature symbols of opulent motoring are without doubt Bentley and Rolls-Royce, a pair of brands renowned across the world for their luxury and very British heritage – despite, ironically, both being under German ownership. The two brands have spent most of their histories closely intertwined. After a glorious beginning based on its 1920s racing exploits, Bentley was bought by Rolls-Royce and, for many years, lived in the shadow of its parent brand.

1 week ago | thecarexpert.co.uk | Stuart Masson

Make and model: Kia Picanto 1.0-litre petrol manual ‘2’Description: Small hatchbackPrice range: from £16,065Kia says: “Kia’s smallest model, the Picanto, has been enhanced with an impressive new design and advanced technologies. The Picanto offers customers a modern, stylish and advanced A-segment model at an affordable price point.”We say: Facelifted with bold styling and more tech, the Kia Picanto city car is practical, reliable and cheap to run.

2 weeks ago | thecarexpert.co.uk | Stuart Masson

Chinese brand Jaecoo has arrived in the UK and has set ambitious sales targets for its range of petrol, hybrid and electric models. It’s a name you may not have heard about just yet, but that’s set to change. Jaecoo is the second car brand from Chinese giant Chery to launch here in the UK over the last 12 months, following the launch of Omoda last summer. The two brands are working in tandem, targeting different customers but building a joint dealer network across the country.