Winners of the Top Gear Awards 2025

No Top Gear, no life, you say? Relax, Top Gear is still around with digital content for the fans, and the 2025 Top Gear Awards is one of them. 

Image: BBC

The Top Gear Awards present unusual but distinctive titles that may seem nonsensical to some. Unlike traditional automotive awards, Top Gear adopts a more spontaneous approach to determine the best car of the year. And now, here are the winners...

LUXURY CAR OF THE YEAR - Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge

SALOON OF THE YEAR - Mercedes-Benz CLA

DESIGN OF THE YEAR - Dacia Hipster Concept

CROSSOVER OF THE YEAR - Renault 4 E-TECH

ESTATE OF THE YEAR - Audi A6 Avant

OFFROADER OF THE YEAR - Defender Octa

SUPERCAR OF THE YEAR - Ferrari 296 Speciale

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Andreas Preuninger

FAMILY CAR OF THE YEAR - Kia PV5

SUPERMINI OF THE YEAR - Hyundai Casper Electric

HYPERCAR OF THE YEAR - Ferrari F80

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR - Groupe Renault

PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR - Kimera EVO37

NOISE OF THE YEAR - Ford Mustang GTD

MOMENT OF THE YEAR - Yangwang U9 Extreme's 308mph top speed

SUPER SUV OF THE YEAR - Aston Martin DBX S

CAR WE'RE MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO DRIVING IN 2026 - Bugatti Tourbillon

CAR OF THE YEAR - BMW iX3

URL: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/2026-topgearcom-awards/very-best-cars-year-welcome-2026-topgearcom-awards

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Top Gear Awards!

Opel/Vauxhall Mokka GSE

GSE goes electric, and the second-generation Mokka crossover is the first to get the new-era GSE treatment. So, what's it all about, the first-ever Mokka GSE?

2026 Opel Mokka GSE

2026 Vauxhall Mokka GSE

The first-ever Opel/Vauxhall Mokka GSE starts at 47,300 Euros EU-wide (36,995 Pounds UK-wide) plus additional costs, and what you get is an FF-only Mokka boasting the same power as a 90's Japanese sports car. While it's not what you call sporty, it's the fastest you can get from Opel or Vauxhall during the Stellantis age.

While it works and feels just like a normal Mokka B, the GSE features unique touches such as a sporty front face, GSE lettering on the lower side view, 20-inch sport alloy wheels, and performance seats, among others. Like the normal Mokka B, it's good for 310 litres of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1060 litres with all passenger seats folded down. That's multi-tasking in a nutshell.

The standout feature of the Mokka GSE is its electric drivetrain. Equipped with a 54kWh Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt battery, the electric motor drives the front wheels and generates an impressive 281 PS of power—comparable to the performance of a 1990s Japanese sports car. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 200 kph, making it the fastest-accelerating Mokka ever produced.

Asked about the driving range, the Mokka GSE is good for 336km based on WLTP standards.

Stellantis says the Mokka GSE draws inspiration from the rally car it was based on, but being an FF-only crossover, it feels nothing special even behind the wheel, even though it's packed with motorsport-tuned steering, Torsen LSD, Alcon brake discs, and available Goodyear F1 Eagle sports tires for improved distance and dynamics.

There are numerous safety features in the new Mokka GSE, such as IntelliLux lights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, 180-degree Rear View Camera, Advanced Park Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

The Mokka GSE is a front-wheel-drive crossover that doesn’t perform like the rally car it was inspired by. However, it offers impressive performance that makes it deserving of the new GSE badge. We hope this badge will be applied to other models in the future, regardless of the reason.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

MGS5 EV

No. It doesn't refer to "Metal Gear Solid 5"; this is the first-ever MGS5 EV from the Chinese-controlled British carmaker MG.

2026 MG S5 EV

2026 MG S5 EV interior

The MGS5 EV, priced at £28,745 plus additional costs, is the brand's first all-electric crossover SUV. It joins MG's EV portfolio alongside the MG4 and the image-leading Cyberster.

Beginning with the exterior design, the front face of the MGS5 can be easily mistaken for either a Geely Galaxy or a Buick, while the rear view resembles that of one from the MG4. Identity crisis aside, this crossover is all about keeping it clean and aerodynamic at its pace.

Come inside, the MGS5 features a 12.8" HD Touchscreen, physical switches for AC and volume, a 10.25” display screen behind the steering wheel, a wireless charging port for the Trophy variant, and others. It seats up to five people, and with the passenger seats folded down, it gives a maximum of 1441 liters of boot space. Decent enough to meet your everyday situations.

The MGS5 is available with two electric vehicle (EV) powertrains: a 49kWh option for the SE model and a 64kWh option for the SE Long Range and Trophy Long Range models. 

The 49kWh powertrain delivers 170 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, with a 0-62 mph acceleration time of eight seconds, a top speed of 101 mph, and a maximum driving range of 211 miles. In contrast, the 64kWh powertrain offers 231 PS of power, 350 Nm of torque, accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds, reaches the same top speed of 101 mph, and provides a maximum driving range of up to 298 miles. Both estimated charging times from 10% to 80% are less than thirty minutes while plugged at a public charging station, but the lesser one is four minutes ahead.

Although being a RWD-only crossover, the MGS5 EV feels average in terms of driving feel, but being civilized on normal roads, it sure knows the meaning of common sense in a nutshell. Speaking of common sense, the MGS5 comes with MG Pilot, which features a wide variety of ADAS such as Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic. The Trophy variant comes with the 360° HD Surround View Camera, where four wide-angle cameras reveal a full view of what's around the car. 

The MGS5 EV meets the highest safety standards with seven airbags and a reinforced steel frame chassis. As for braking, the MGS5 comes with an advanced braking system made in collaboration with Continental and Bridgestone, allowing it to stop from 62mph to a standstill in 35.5 meters.

The first-ever MGS5 electric vehicle (EV) may not be the most thrilling crossover to drive, but it offers good value for money. People throughout England are eager to spend their hard-earned money on another practical crossover loaded with common sense. Does this crossover make sense to you?

Available Colors: Arctic White, Black Pearl, Piccadilly Blue, Camden Grey, Cosmic Silver, and Dynamic Red.

Photo: MG Motor

Mini Aceman John Cooper Works

The first-ever Mini John Cooper Works Aceman is an upgraded version of the Aceman designed for long-term driving. So, what can we expect from this all-electric JCW crossover?

2025 Mini John Cooper Works Aceman

Yours for £36,905 plus additional costs, the John Cooper Works Aceman is the only JCW electric crossover you can buy for now. This EV hot crossover has the Alfa Romeo Junior and the Abarth 600e in its crosshairs and looks like it's ready for a new kind of fox hunt.

The JCW Aceman resembles the standard Aceman but features sporty JCW enhancements, including sport seats and distinctive design elements that set it apart. Since there is no five-door version of the J01 Mini JCW hatchback, the JCW Aceman fills the void. Nice one, MINI.

It utilizes the same 49.2 kWh battery pack found in the J01 Mini JCW hatchback, paired with a front electric motor. It delivers a power output of 258 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. Its driving range is between 214 and 242 miles. 

Like the standard Aceman, it features front-wheel drive only, so it's not ideal for navigating gravel or snowy conditions. However, as a JCW model, it boasts sport-tuned dynamics, making it more engaging to drive compared to the regular Aceman. Just be prepared to stock up on ibuprofen and paracetamol for any discomfort!

Of course, the JCW Aceman features 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras that take advantage of its Parking Assistant and optional Parking Assistant Plus systems. It even comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and Remote 360, among others.

The first-ever Aceman John Cooper Works is an exciting addition to the market. Although it is less powerful than its Italian competitors, the Junior and the Abarth 600e, its pricing offers great value. Be prepared to handle it with care, as this EV crossover is designed for a long day on the road with you behind the wheel.

Photo: MINI

Mini John Cooper Works F66/J01 and John Cooper Works Cabrio F67

From the corners of the Nurburgring to the streets of downtown London, the all-new MINI John Cooper Works hatchbacks, both gasoline and electric, are ready to tear down asphalt with performance expected from a hot hatch.

2025 Mini John Cooper Works Electric

2025 Mini John Cooper Works

2025 Mini John Cooper Works Cabrio

The all-new Mini John Cooper Works range starts at 33,265 Pounds for the petrol hatchback, 37,535 Pounds for the petrol cabrio, and 34,905 Pounds for the first-ever John Cooper Works electric hatchback, all including additional costs. Whichever JCW model you're on, you will be greeted by dynamics that made them winners at the Nurburgring 24-hour race, whatever the heck the MINI-verse said.

It's important not to confuse these vehicles with the standard JCW Trim variants, as they are fully equipped JCW cars that come with sport-tuned dynamics, distinguishing them from their regular counterparts. They maintain the familiar MINI appearance but feature aggressive aerodynamic enhancements. The dashboard includes a round 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen that incorporates JCW-exclusive features suited for track days, along with sports seats and other elements that might be considered too much information (TMI).

The petrol-powered John Cooper Works hatchback and cabrio are powered by a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine that produces 231PS of power. Mated only with a 7-speed DCT, the hatchback does 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and is electronically limited to 155mph. The cabrio is slower than the hatchback because of its 0-62mph time of less than seven seconds and 147mph of top speed.

The John Cooper Works Electric, meanwhile, features a 49.2 kWh battery pack and an electric motor at the front, producing 258PS of power and 350Nm of torque. It does 0-62mph in less than six seconds and has a top speed of over 124mph. As for the driving range, it's good from 226 to 250 miles.

MINI claims that JCW cars offer drivers the exhilarating go-kart feeling, but these new models possess even more qualities. The sport-tuned dynamics make them both tamer and more aggressive than their predecessors. The petrol-powered variants deliver a lively experience, while the electric version may leave you reaching for ibuprofen and paracetamol. Nonetheless, these impressive dynamics helped the JCW win the 2024 Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race, and now you can experience one whether you're in London or at Silverstone.

As expected, the new JCW lineup features 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras that take advantage of its Parking Assistant and optional Parking Assistant Plus systems. It even comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and Remote 360, among others.

The new Mini John Cooper Works range elevates the MINI to new heights with its Nurburgring-winning dynamics and sporty features. Whether you love them or hate them, these hot hatchbacks are too exciting to ignore.

Photo: MINI

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - McLaren P1

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Forza Motorsport series. To commemorate this milestone, let’s take a look back at the cover cars from the Forza Motorsport franchise, starting with the very first game released in 2005 and continuing through to the final installment launched in 2023.

Let's continue with the McLaren P1, the hybrid hypercar that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 5, one of the games that spearheaded the Xbox One era of 2013.

The McLaren P1 is a hybrid supercar that embodies the brand's technological expertise and motorsport heritage. Its main goal is to be one of the best driver's cars in the world and a worthy successor to the McLaren F1. The P1 is powered by McLaren's newly developed IPAS petrol-electric powertrain, which features an improved version of the 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine used in the 12C, along with a single electric motor. This combination produces a remarkable total power output of 903 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.

Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the P1 is limited to just 375 units, each priced at £866,000. All units have been sold out.

Let's have a commemorative lap around Spa in the midst of the rainfall. It's just like that Top Gear episode where Jeremy Clarkson drives the McLaren P1 around Spa during rainfall. I've recreated that moment before, and I'm more than happy to do it again, see if I'm better than last time. Let's roll the tape.

Just like old times, they said.

The McLaren P1 transformed our perception of hybrid cars with speed and power, just as Forza Motorsport 5 transformed the franchise in ways previously unimagined. This is evolution, personified.

A NEW GENERATION OF RACING

Next time, let's take a look at the Ford GT, the hero car of Forza Motorsport 6.

Doctor Who S2 FINALE Review

Last week's penultimate episode of BBC's Doctor Who Season 2 saw The Rani's armageddon plot unfold. Her armageddon plot is to revive the deadliest Time Lord of all, Omega. With the Unholy Trinity unleashed armageddon by reviving Omega, will The Doctor save the universe and defeat The Unholy Trinity as well as Omega? It all culminates in the Season 2 finale of Doctor Who, titled "The Reality War."

Doctor Who S2 FINALE

HOLD IT!!! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode!!! Then, come back here when you have!!!

Doctor Who S2E7 Episode Review

May 24, 2025. The day Belinda Chandra left Earth to travel with The Doctor. It's also the day of the "absolute terror" prophesied by The Rani. That's right. The Mrs. Flood who keeps showing up every episode, finally revealed her true identity. She really is The Rani all along, bigenerated. As The Doctor and Belinda got caught in the explosion as they raced through the 24th of May, 2025, what happened to them? All will be revealed in the first part of the two-part Season 2 finale of Doctor Who, titled Wish World.

Doctor Who S2E7

HOLD IT! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode. Then, come back here when you have.

Doctor Who S2E6 Episode Review

Doctor Who's Got Talent! The sixth episode of Doctor Who Season 2 imagines what Eurovision would be like if it's set in the 30th century. Welcome to the Interstellar Song Contest! With your host, Rylan!

Doctor Who S2E6

HOLD IT! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode. Then, come back here when you have.

Opel/Vauxhall Frontera Mk3 v Citroen C3 Aircross Mk2

The Frontera is back in the Opel/Vauxhall lineup, but it's no longer the off-road capable SUV that Jeremy Clarkson bisected on his final day as a Top Gear presenter. This time, it's a compact crossover with French DNA. Thanks a lot, Stellantis.

2025 Opel Frontera

2025 Vauxhall Frontera

Starting at 23,900 Euros or 23,995 Pounds plus additional costs, the Frontera returns as a compact crossover that now runs on the same framework as this...

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross

Yes, the Frontera is now basically running on the same shape as the all-new Citroen C3 Aircross, which is yours for 19,700 Euros plus additional costs. While the previous model, as Jeremy Clarkson said in his Grand Tour shenanigans, is faster than itself, strong enough to tow a ship, big enough to fit Angelina Jolie's family, better at catching bad guys, and good enough to get through the mountain than the elephant, this new model wants to be just like the said model.

What we have here are two identical compact crossovers whose predecessors got Clarksoned. Anyway, enough about Clarkson's Troll Farm. Onto the crossovers.

2025 Opel Frontera interior

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross interior

Although the Frontera and the C3 Aircross are similar in size, they have distinct appearances. The Frontera showcases the new Vizor design, which was first introduced on the second-generation Mokka. In contrast, the C3 Aircross features a front design inspired by the Oli Concept, similar to that of the regular C3 model.

The interiors tell a similar story. Both models are equipped with similar features, such as a touchscreen for infotainment and smartphone connectivity, USB-C ports, and more. However, the seating arrangement raises some concerns, particularly with the seven-seater option, which feels cramped for anyone seeking comfort. When it comes to boot space, both the Frontera and the C3 Aircross offer a capacity of up to 460 liters with all passenger seats in use, and up to 1,600 liters when the seats are folded down. This all seems quite logical.

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross

Both the all-new Frontera and the all-new C3 Aircross are manufactured at the same Stellantis plant in Slovakia, so you can expect a familiar range of hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. The entry-level model features a 1.2L THP Hybrid engine paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Additionally, there is a 113PS EV model that offers a driving range of 305 km based on WLTP standards, as well as a more powerful 145PS variant. While it's uncertain whether these models can tow a large boat like the previous C3 Aircross, it's best to set that consideration aside.

Both vehicles are front-wheel drive, but don’t expect to navigate through Broughton Hall without sticking to paved roads or crossing the mountains that Hannibal traversed centuries ago. Additionally, you won’t be chasing bad guys speeding in fast cars on French roads. 

It seems that the typical Clarkson-style excitement has been set aside for these models in favor of practicality. With numerous safety features such as Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Alert, speed sign recognition, high beam assistance, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot detection, and a reversing camera, what more could you need?

Unfortunately, the all-new Frontera and the all-new C3 Aircross have moved away from the unique characteristics of their predecessors in the name of practicality. However, they remain some of the most sensible crossovers available today. That said, the seven-seater variants can be quite challenging for those trying to find the ideal balance between functionality and comfort.

Will you buy either of these two crossovers or stick to the old ones Clarkson enjoyed?

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Citroen

Doctor Who S2E5 Episode Review

Entering the latter half of the second season of Doctor Who, The Doctor is dealing with a nefarious figure who calls himself The Barber, who is allegedly behind the disappearance of residents around a small Nigerian village.

Doctor Who S2E5

HOLD IT! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode. Then, come back here when you have.

Doctor Who S2E4 Episode Review

It's been a while since the Empire of Death, but Ruby Sunday is back in the fourth episode of Doctor Who Season 2. It may be her lucky day, but not for UNIT because they’re facing something that brings them down.

Doctor Who S2E4

HOLD IT! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode. Then, come back here when you have.

Doctor Who S2E3 Episode Review

The Doctor and Belinda continue their journey in the third episode of Doctor Who Season 2, where they face hell... in The Well. Yes, there's hell in the well.

Doctor Who S2E3

HOLD IT! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode. Then, come back here when you have.

Doctor Who S2E2 Episode Review

The Doctor and Belinda's adventure continues in the second episode of Doctor Who Season 2, Lux. This episode has something the Whoniverse should have done a long time ago: a 2D CARTOON CHARACTER!

Doctor Who S2E2

HOLD IT! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode. Then, come back here when you have.

Doctor Who S2E1 Episode Review

The 15th Doctor is back for his second outing and this time, he joins forces with a new companion named Belinda Chandra. Their opening salvo involves...The Robot Revolution.

Doctor Who S2E1

HOLD IT! Before my quick review, ensure you have already watched the episode. Then, come back here when you have.

My FM Log: Stowing at High Velocity

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 and the Lotus Evora GT430 are the time-limited prize cars of Forza Motorsport's Velocity Tour update. Having obtained these prize cars, let's get to know them before stowing them at High Velocity. Get it?

Stowing at Low Velocity is the Lotus Evora GT430, obtained from clearing the update's Open Class Tour until the April 9, 2025 deadline. 

Unveiled in the summer of 2017, the Lotus Evora GT430 is top-billed as the most powerful V6-powered Lotus road car ever made.

Apart from the aerodynamic upgrades compared to the previous Evora GT410, the Toyota-sourced 3.5L V6 supercharged engine is recalibrated to produce 430HP of power and 325lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it sprints from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and has 190mph of top speed.

The GT430 is offered also with the road-oriented Sport variant, which ditches its large wing and front splitter, resulting in 10kg weight loss and an improved top speed of 196mph, making it the fastest Lotus road car at the time of its release.

Stowing at High Velocity is the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, obtained from clearing the Velocity Tour until the April 30, 2025 deadline.

From its 1971 debut to 1990, when it was replaced by the Diablo, the Countach is no doubt The Greatest Lamborghini of All Time. Because of its crowning glory, Lamborghini decided to create a 21st-century remake of the icon using bits and bobs from the Sian.

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, unveiled in the summer of 2021, is a modern take on the legendary Lamborghini Countach that made headlines at its 1971 Geneva Motor Show debut. 

The reborn Countach uses components from the already sold-out Sian, and its 6.5L V12 engine is armed with an electric motor and a supercapacitor, generating a total output of 808hp. It can go from 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 355kph. 

All 112 units were sold out before its world premiere.

With their quick introductions done, let's drive these two around Bathurst before stowing them at High Velocity. Yeah, I know.

Stow & Go. When they ask you to stow them at high velocity, the only way to go is, you guessed it, high. Welcome to the High Mile.

Enjoy your new rides!

Opel/Vauxhall Grandland Mk2 v Peugeot 5008 III

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect from Stellantis' mad inventions.

2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland

2025 Peugeot 5008

First, let's get to know the prices of the twin midsize crossovers. The second-generation Grandland starts at 36,000 Euros or 34,700 Pounds while the third-generation 5008 starts at 38,200 Euros plus additional costs. On paper, they're slotted below the 40-grand mark, which is reasonably priced for these midsize crossovers from the Stellantis fleet.

2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland

2025 Peugeot 5008

Despite their similar sizes, the Grandland and the 5008 have distinct appearances. The Grandland features the new Vizor design that first appeared on the second-generation Mokka, while the 5008 is essentially a larger version of the 3008.

2025 Opel Grandland interior

2025 Peugeot 5008 interior

The all-new Grandland features a 16-inch HD touchscreen with smartphone connectivity that controls almost the entire vehicle as well as the 10-inch driver information cluster and an optional HUD. 

The all-new 5008, meanwhile, is jammed with Peugeot's i-Cockpit setup consisting of dual 10-inch screens on the Allure or the 21-inch Panoramic i-Cockpit with i-Connect Advanced, voice recognition, ChatGPT, and others.

Space-wise, it's the 5008 that is the most spacious of the two because while the Grandland has 550 to 1645 liters of boot space, the 5008 has 758 to 1815 liters. Surprising.

As told earlier, they both have the same electrified heart. They are offered a choice of a 136PS 1.2L Hybrid mated to an e-DSC6, a 1.6L PHEV with 195PS of power while mated to an e-DSC7, and the range-topping electric with a choice of a 73kWh and 82kWh battery packs.

The Grandland Electric has up to 213PS of power with a 0-100kph time of nine seconds and a driving range of 582km while the e-5008 has up to 230PS of power with a 0-100kph of over nine-and-a-half seconds and a driving range of 664km so, on paper, it's another win for the 5008.

Both the Grandland and the 5008 are now running on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform and as a result, they're both driving better than their predecessors, although they're still front-wheel-drive only so the only paths they're good at are just roads. Not off-roads. Contrasting, isn't it?

The all-new Grandland comes standard with a variety of safety features, including automatic cruise control with stop-and-go function, advanced traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed adjustment, and post-collision braking. For an additional fee, you can add the Intelli-Drive 2.0 system. The all-new 5008 comes standard with Drive Assist Plus 2.0 and Peugeot VisioPark 360.

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect but in the end, out of the two, it's the all-new 5008 that takes the share.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Peugeot

MG ZS (ZS3A) and HS (AS3A)

MG's ZS and HS budget crossovers have entered their latest generation. These new-generation MG crossovers are worth noting for their budget-conscious pricing, spacious interiors, impressive dynamics, and advanced technology.

2025 MG ZS

2025 MG HS

The all-new MG ZS starts at 21,995 Pounds plus additional costs while the all-new MG HS starts at 24,995 Pounds plus additional costs. Although they're sized differently with the HS slightly bigger than the ZS, these crossovers finally eschewed the Mazda-esque styling in favor of a cleaner styling lifted from today's MG3. Welcome to the new look of MG.

2025 MG ZS interior

2025 MG HS interior

Digging on the new interiors, the all-new ZS features a 12.3-inch color touchscreen as standard on the SE model while the Trophy variant features Black Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and rear privacy glass. The boot space goes from 443 to 1457 liters.

The all-new HS, meanwhile, features two 12.3-inch HD screens, dual-zone auto airconditioning, heated front seats, and Black Leather Style Upholstery with Tan Leather Style Upholstery. Because of the increased dimensions compared to the previous model, the boot space goes from 507 to 1484 liters.

When discussing performance, the all-new ZS features the same hybrid powertrain as the current MG3. It includes a 102PS 1.5L petrol engine combined with a 100kW electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 196PS and 465Nm of torque. This setup is paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under nine seconds, with a top speed of 104 mph.

On the other hand, the all-new HS offers more options. It provides a choice between a 170PS 1.5L Turbo GDi engine, which can be mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Alternatively, there is a high-performance 272PS 1.5T GDI plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in under seven seconds and reach a maximum speed of 105 mph. Combined fuel economy is 0.5km/100km based on WLTP standards.

Both of these crossovers come with MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance System, which provides a variety of driver aids. In addition, they have a 360-degree parking camera and MG I-Smart live services for added peace and security.

MG's ZS and HS budget crossovers have entered their latest generation. These new-generation MG crossovers are worth noting for their budget-conscious pricing, spacious interiors, impressive dynamics, and advanced technology. Which one will you go for?

Photo: MG Motor UK

Polestar 4 vs Lotus Emeya

Polestar has done the impossible with the first-ever Polestar 4, an all-electric coupe crossover with no rear window. How is this possible? Is it legal to drive a car without a rear window?

2025 Polestar 4

The 700,000Kr Polestar 4 is unlike every road car you've come across since the days of the Gumpert Apollo because like the Apollo, the Polestar 4 has no rear view window. Verging suicidal by Polestar standards, the liftback styling and signature Polestar styling first seen in the Polestar 3 SUV really means business for the Swedish EV premium brand under the thumb of China's Geely group.

2025 Polestar 4 interior

Inside, the Polestar 4 accommodates up to five people but because of such luxury car pricing, it's too expensive to be used as a family car, perhaps it can be used for business class purposes, escorting big shots from Peking to Paris. Because it doesn't have a rear mirror, the only way to see things behind you is by using the 15.4-inch touch screen with Google built-in and Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. It's the future, after all.

Powered by a 102kWh battery pack, the RWD Long Range Single Motor variant produces 272PS of power while the AWD Long Range Dual Motor variant produces 544PS of power, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 200kph. As for the driving range, the latter does 590km on one full charge.

The Polestar 4 is packed with numerous safety features that earned the right to become fully autonomous in the foreseeable future, with Level 2 autonomy the best it can do for now. It even comes with the Polestar-first Smart Eye that detects drivers' eye movements in the name of reducing driver distraction.

2025 Lotus Emeya

Feeling nervous about driving a car with no rearview mirror like the Polestar 4 should be better off with the more expensive choice; the Lotus Emeya, the first all-electric premium sedan from the company behind lightweight sports cars such as the Elise, Exige, and the Evora.

2025 Lotus Emeya interior

Priced at 89,500 Pounds plus additional costs, the Emeya is more expensive than the no-rear-window Polestar 4 and has one seat less compared to the said car but with all the downsides come with the added upsides because, unlike the Eletre SUV, this is a lot more interesting to drive.

Like the Eletre SUV, the Emeya sedan is powered by dual motors that power it and the Geely-derived platform underneath. Although it doesn't behave like a Lotus, it delivers a throat-chopping experience when you put your foot down and looks like someone's driven to tears, wishing they want to experience this someday.

The Emeya features three different configurations with the base variant producing 612PS of power and 373 miles of driving range to the ultra-powerful Eletre R with a monstrous 918PS of power output, capable of going from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 278kph. As for the range, the Eletre R is good for 485km on one full charge.

It also features the most sophisticated ADAS offered such as the LIDAR system, ultra-HD cameras, and millimeter-wave radar, making it equipped for fully autonomous driving.

The Polestar 4 is an all-electric coupe crossover with no rear window, while the Lotus Emeya is an all-electric premium sedan. Both cars have pros and cons. The Polestar 4 is less expensive but doesn't have a rear window, while the Lotus Emeya is more expensive but has a rear window. If I had to choose, I would go for the Lotus.

Photo: Polestar, Lotus

My FH5 Log: Quartet JUNK

Christmas celebrations in Forza Horizon 5 are officially ruined because of the arrival of The Four Horsemen of the Scrap-o-calypse. 

Four older-generation luxury cars have invaded Horizon Mexico to darken our Yuletide celebrations. Who are this update's nightmares during the Christmas celebration?

Week 1 of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up saw the first horseman of the scrap-o-calypse: the third-generation Bentley Flying Spur. The last W12-powered Flying Spur.

Week 2 saw the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Wagon. This German junk is powered by a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine producing 469HP of power and 516ft-lb of torque. This is more than your auntie's basic W211 E-Class saloon.

Week 3 shocked Bimmer fanatics in Forza with the wrong M5. It's the previous-generation F90 M5 CS. This limited-edition M5 is based on the facelifted F90 M5 and is the first to have four seats. The tuned 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine produces 627HP of power and 553ft-lb of torque, sprinting form 0-60-mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 190mph, making it the fastest-accelerating M saloon ever made.

Lastly, the final week of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up brought us another "clunker" wagon; the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon. Even in its estate setting, it carries the same features from the CTS-V sedan and coupe such as control arm front suspension, Multi-Link rear suspension, Brembo brakes, dual-mode Magnetic Ride Control, Bose 5.1 surround sound system, standard navigation system, and a choice of two transmission types; a 6-speed 6L90 automatic or a 6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual. It even packs a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine from the C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, producing 556hp power and 550ft-lb of torque.

It's time to unleash the ghosts of Christmas past around Horizon Mexico. These four horsemen of the scrapyard are going to give us a taste of what they're made of.

Welcome to the dark side of the Horizon Holidays.

It's typical Forza. They've shunned the evolution of automobiles and shocked the younger generation of car enthusiasts by dumping older-generation cars into games like Forza Horizon 5. As the year 2025 approaches with nothing from the Forza producers, I guess this is what they called the death kneel.

That's right. The Forza franchise is officially DEAD in 2025 because none of the games featured every single 2025 Model Year vehicle. This means that the new Forza Motorsport game and Forza Horizon 5 are the last Forza games they'll ever make as the Forza franchise is set to permanently close its doors in 2025.

I just remembered: the Horizon Extremes update next week will have just one prize car, and it's a rotten piece of junk from the depths of the inferno: the DeBerti Chevrolet C10 Slayer. Still, this is the beginning of the end—the end of not just Forza Horizon 5 but THE END OF THE FORZA FRANCHISE.

Good luck enjoying the final days of the Forza franchise. It was a fun racing franchise while it lasted...