Author: Rhys Gregory

When it comes to electric cars, Tesla has long been at the forefront, with the Model 3 and Model Y being two of the brand’s most popular vehicles. As the owner of a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance, I recently had the opportunity to try a 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD for a week. With a growing family and a baby on the way, the idea of upgrading to the Model Y had been on my mind, especially considering its reputation as the best-selling EV and overall new car in 2023. So, is the upgrade worth it? Let’s…

27 million UK drivers don’t reduce their speed when driving in icy conditions, despite the danger it poses. New research has revealed less than half (47%) of British drivers slow down whilst driving in these conditions, even though almost 1 in 10 (9%) have had an accident. Men were revealed to be slightly more likely to slow down in ice and snow (49% to 45% for women), in the study by ATS Euromaster. Younger drivers (18-24s) are the least likely to slow down, with only a third saying they do (34%), compared to 57% of over 55s. Only 16% of…

Project: Drive invites motoring enthusiasts to the “Welsh Weekender,” a three-day road trip through Wales’s most picturesque landscapes. Starting just over the English border, participants will journey into North Wales, passing near Wrexham and traversing scenic routes towards the coast. Highlights include a visit to the charming village of Portmeirion and an overnight stay in the valleys of Snowdonia, renowned for their breathtaking views. The adventure continues southward through the heart of Wales, culminating in the majestic Brecon Beacons. The final night is spent in Abergavenny, offering ample opportunities to explore local culinary delights. The trip concludes with a return…

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 23 November 2024, as Re:Fuel hosts Mini Mania!, an unmissable event for Mini owners and enthusiasts. Taking place from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Re:Fuel, Five Bridges, Willand Road, Cullompton (EX15 1QP), this gathering promises a day of automotive passion and camaraderie. What to Expect: Mini Showcase: Whether you own a classic Mini or a modern masterpiece, bring your pride and joy to display. Meet fellow Mini lovers, exchange stories, and admire a variety of models and modifications. Food & Drinks: Enjoy locally sourced food and beverages, including Re:Fuel’s famous all-day cooked breakfasts and artisan…

As we move into December, cold frosty weather is just on the horizon, which means many drivers across the nation will wake up to a frozen windscreen. And it seems that people are trying to find the most efficient method for de-icing their car, as Windscreen Wipers have spotted searches for ‘clearing windscreen’ have risen by 48% over the last 3 months. With countless hacks and misinformation online about how to defrost your motor, the experts at Windscreen Wipers have shared the dos and don’ts when de-icing your windscreen this winter. Don’t: Fall for online hacks A recent de-icing hack…

MINI Plant Oxford has started the production of the MINI Cooper Convertible for the first time since 2015. The model joins the MINI Cooper 3-Door and MINI Cooper 5-Door, making MINI Plant Oxford the home of the MINI Cooper family. Announced last month, the fourth generation MINI Cooper Convertible includes a revised exterior design, sustainable interior materials, and innovative in-car technology. “We are thrilled about the start of production of the MINI Convertible, which is now being produced again at the Oxford plant, the home of MINI. Unique in its class, the MINI Convertible offers unparalleled, brand-typical driving fun, combined…

Let me start with a confession: I’ve always smirked at the idea of electric vehicles (EVs) navigating the countryside. It wasn’t the charging infrastructure that bothered me – it was the weight, the lack of engine noise, and the disconnect I assumed would exist on twisty, unpredictable roads. As a die-hard petrolhead with a Mini Clubman JCW (306bhp, All4), I’ve always reached for its keys when heading into the wilds of Mid or West Wales. My Tesla Model 3 Performance (M3P, 2019), for all its tech brilliance, stays put in those moments. Why? To me, the thrill of country driving…

As a long-time Mini enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the blend of performance and personality that comes with these cars. I used to drive a 2.0 Mini Clubman Cooper S (2017) that sounded incredible and looked equally as cool. With a few modifications, I’d managed to amp up both the look and the sound, though, in reality, it was never truly a JCW. Even with a big brake upgrade and the OEM JCW brake kit, it was always just shy of hitting that next level. So, when I finally upgraded to a 2021 Mini Clubman F54, the true Cooper S’s bigger,…

In the first part of my tuning journey, I shared my motivation and reasoning for considering a Stage II tune on my Mini Clubman JCW. Now, it’s time to dig into the final steps and upgrades needed to prepare the car for this significant performance enhancement. When tuning a car, the process is as much about the preparation and supporting hardware as it is about the tune itself. Let’s dive into the specifics of getting the Clubman JCW ready to handle Stage II, covering the necessary upgrades, hardware decisions, and pre-tune checks. Understanding Stage II Requirements The hardware requirements for…

Analysis of the latest government data has revealed that younger drivers are outperforming older generations in their driving tests. In the 2023/24 testing period, 52% of learner drivers aged 17 to 24 passed their practical on the first attempt, compared to well under half (44%) of 25 to 34-year-olds.[1] In fact, learners between the ages of 50 and 59 were most likely to need six or more attempts before succeeding, as just 38% passed their test on the first attempt. The research, by Go.Compare Car Insurance, looked at pass rate data from the Department for Transport to uncover how many…