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Get the latest automotive news from Driven By Rhys.
Author: Rhys Gregory
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Rhys is a UK-based automotive enthusiast and writer with over 15 years of media experience. On Driven by Rhys, he shares personal car journeys, honest reviews, and insights into performance cars and EVs.
When heavy rainfall strikes, it can transform familiar roads into treacherous hazards. Today, parts of South Wales are under water, with Storm Bert bringing chaos over the weekend. From Pontypridd’s high street, which sits perilously close to the River Taff, to suburban areas of Cardiff where roads and fields are submerged, the impact is clear. Flood warnings from Natural Resources Wales highlight the seriousness of the situation, but still, some drivers take unnecessary risks. Driving through flooded water might seem like a shortcut or a minor inconvenience, but it’s far more dangerous than many realise. Here are some key reasons…
Petrolheads and Mini enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Isle of Man Mini Fest 2025 promises to be a thrilling celebration of all things Mini, set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic motoring destinations in the world. Taking place from 2-5 May 2025, this event will showcase the largest gathering of Minis – both classic and modern – ever seen on the Isle of Man. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a unique automotive experience, this festival has something for everyone. Why the Isle of Man? The Isle of Man is a bucket-list destination for…
Mini Fair 2025, organised by the British Mini Club, is set to take place on Sunday, 26th January 2025, at Bingley Hall within the Staffordshire County Showground. This premier indoor event marks the 25th anniversary of Mini Fair, bringing together Mini enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond. Event Highlights: Trade and Autojumble Stands: The fair will feature a vast array of traders and autojumble stalls, offering a comprehensive selection of Mini parts, accessories, and memorabilia. Notable exhibitors include Mini Sport Ltd, Autoglym, and Newton Automotive. Pride of Ownership Display: Showcasing exceptional Minis spanning five decades, this display celebrates the…
Last week, Jaguar unveiled its striking new brand identity, and it’s safe to say it’s caused a bit of a stir. The move is as daring as it is controversial, with opinions split between those applauding the ambition and those lamenting the apparent abandonment of a 102-year heritage. A Clean Slate for a Bold Future Jaguar made its intentions crystal clear by wiping its social media pages clean. Everything—from old posts to iconic imagery—was erased in a single bold stroke, replaced with the new branding. It’s a move few brands would dare to make, and the response has been as…
Earlier this year Lexie Alford, known to millions as @LexieLimitless, set out to prove just what is possible in an electric vehicle by aiming to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe in one. Her epic adventure in the electric Ford Explorer had the ambitious target of covering over 29,000 kilometres in 90 days. She ended up covering six continents, 27 countries and more than 30,000 kilometres over 200 days in her attempt at the record. Launched on 18th November, a new three-part documentary series details the highs and lows of her incredible journey is coming to Prime Video.…
Compact, agile and exceptionally efficient, the Toyota Yaris Cross has been honoured with the Urban Living Award in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards. Announced this week, the award is independent recognition of the all-round excellence of the all-hybrid compact SUV range. There was further success for Toyota with “highly commended” honours for the all-new Land Cruiser in the Adventurer’s Choice category; GR Yaris performance hatchback in the Pleasure of Driving class; and Proace City compact van in the Van of the Year award classification. Mat Watson, Carwow expert, said: “If you want something small, economical and nippy…
Cardiff has become a hotspot for car manufacturers to showcase their latest offerings, and BYD is the latest brand to roll into town. As part of their marketing push, BYD is bringing their range of electric and hybrid vehicles to cities across the UK, and I decided to take the plunge and experience their showcase firsthand. Scrolling through Instagram, I often see ads from car manufacturers inviting people to test drive their cars. Normally, I scroll past these as they often feel like a prelude to a high-pressure sales pitch. However, BYD’s ad caught my eye—perhaps it was their innovative…
Porsche has unveiled the latest additions to its Taycan lineup, introducing three new models that enhance the electric sports car’s performance and versatility. The new Taycan GTS, available as both a sports saloon and a Sport Turismo, builds upon Porsche’s Gran Turismo Sport legacy, offering a balance of everyday usability and dynamic driving. Additionally, the entry-level Taycan sports saloon now features all-wheel drive for the first time, broadening its appeal. The Taycan range now encompasses 16 variants, including three body styles—sports saloon, Cross Turismo, and Sport Turismo—with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Power outputs span from 300 to 760…
Personalising and accessorising your vehicle has always been popular among drivers, from adding your favourite air freshener to interior décor. More recently, new ways to organise and style your car has gained popularity across apps like TikTok, as many are looking for new hacks to spruce up their cars. There have been over 377.8 million videos on TikTok around ‘Car Accessories Must Haves’ and there has been a stagging 4,700% increase in the last 12 months for TikTok searches for ‘Car Accessories 2024’, suggesting drivers are increasingly looking for ways to customise and organise their vehicles. But should drivers…
Subaru has reached a major milestone and imported the 250,000th Subaru into the UK. The brand marks the occasion by launching its new multi-year charitable programme. To celebrate this significant landmark, Subaru UK Ltd is kick-starting a new charitable initiative, supporting charities that align with Subaru’s vision and values. The brand is currently selecting its first charitable cause, which will benefit from the use of this 250,000th vehicle – a Subaru Crosstrek. The new initiative is set to support causes over the coming years. Over nearly 50 years, Subaru has built a reputation in the UK for delivering safe, fun, and…