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.

If you’ve ever driven on UK motorways, you’ve likely experienced this: you’re carefully sticking to the average speed limit, yet a lorry seems to barrel past as if the limits don’t apply to them. This common perception often leaves drivers wondering about speed limits, lorry regulations, and whether there’s something they’re missing. So, why do lorries appear to move so quickly through average speed limit zones, and are they actually speeding? 1. Perception vs Reality One key reason why lorries seem faster is down to perception. With their larger frames, high riding position, and rumbling engines, lorries create an illusion…

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There are narrow roads, and then there’s Llangynidr Bridge. Known as one of the oldest and narrowest bridges in Wales, it’s a true test of nerve for any driver brave enough to cross. My recent journey took me and my Mini Clubman JCW over this precarious stone bridge on our way from Baffle Haus to Hills Brecon – and I’ve got a scuffed alloy to show for it! A Bit of Background on Llangynidr Bridge For anyone unfamiliar with it, Llangynidr Bridge (also known as Coed-yr-Ynys Bridge) dates back to the early 1700s. This ancient structure spans 69 metres (230…

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Is there anything better than a scenic drive through Wales and a delicious lunch to top it off? This autumn, as we wove our way through the Brecon Beacons looking for a place to rest and refuel, we found ourselves back at an old favourite – Hills Brecon. Travelling through Powys on a crisp, slightly overcast day, the vibrant autumn leaves were at their peak, creating a stunning backdrop of fiery oranges and reds. The twisting roads were perfect for the Mini Clubman, its turbo fluttering as we hugged each bend. And there, nestled among the hills and waiting for…

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A used car expert has warned Brits of six common mistakes they must avoid making when buying a car – or risk paying an extra £25,000. The warning comes as the used car market continues to thrive – having experienced the fifth quarter of successive growth as recorded by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). To ensure drivers get the best possible deal on their next car purchase, Steven Edwards, motoring editor at used car search platform MOTORS, has shared the costly mistakes to be aware of when buying and budgeting for a used vehicle – which could…

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Private or personalised number plates have become popular in the UK as a way to make cars more distinctive, celebrate special occasions, or create a connection between car and driver. Some people see them as a fun way to personalise their vehicle, while others view them as investments or gifts. If you’re considering a private registration for the first time or simply curious about the process, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know — with a bit of my own experience thrown in. Why Do People Buy Private Number Plates? There are several reasons people are drawn to…

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Life has a funny way of surprising us, especially when you’re a car enthusiast with a household brimming with adrenaline, turbochargers, and an expanding collection of wheels. My wife and I are delighted to announce we’re expecting a new addition to our family in December, rounding us up to a family of four. But as we prepare for this journey, we’ve reached a major crossroads—one that I’m sure car lovers and future parents alike can relate to: the classic dilemma of car life versus baby life. However, before we start thinking about how we’re going to balance track days and…

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For motoring aficionados and collectors alike, a unique event awaits: RM Sotheby’s will present The Last Gullwing, the final Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing ever produced, at a star-studded auction in Las Vegas this November. Partnering with amfAR and Wynn Las Vegas, this gala event will unfold during Grand Prix Race Week, adding an exceptional night of luxury, philanthropy, and high-profile guests. Hosted by Jay Leno and set to honour Sylvester and Jennifer Stallone, with an exclusive performance by Diana Ross, this promises to be a memorable evening celebrating iconic cars and a worthy cause. The Auction Event Taking place on…

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Alpine has taken a bold step into the future, unveiling the all-new A290—a car designed to embrace the brand’s high-performance DNA while fully embracing electric mobility. Positioned as an entry point into the Alpine world, the A290 promises to bring the adrenaline-inducing experience of Alpine’s classic A110 to a compact, electric platform fit for the urban landscape. A New Era for Alpine and Hot Hatches For enthusiasts who appreciate the thrill of the hot hatch, the A290 delivers an enticing taste of Alpine’s “Dream Garage,” a collection of 100% electric sports vehicles designed for the modern driver. The A290 is…

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If you’re a petrolhead, you’ve probably dreamt of parking your pride and joy on a beach, imagining that open space where sand stretches for miles. But if you’re also someone who takes meticulous care of your vehicle, parking on the beach might be a concept that contradicts every instinct. Sea salt can cling to the underside, sand can get into all the wrong places, and if your car is lowered or finely tuned, you might end up with more beach than you bargained for. Still, despite these risks, there’s a particular draw to it, and Ynyslas Beach on the Welsh…

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As much as I love taking my Mini Clubman JCW for a spin through the winding roads of Ceredigion, sometimes it’s nice to let someone else take the wheel. Or, in this case, the whistle! When I heard about the opportunity to ride the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which steams through the Cambrian Mountains, it was an instant “yes.” Even better, the journey began in Aberystwyth, the seaside town where I spent my uni days. It was the perfect excuse to stroll down memory lane, revisit old haunts, and experience the charm of a classic steam train. Getting to Aberystwyth…

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