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.

Electric vehicle (EV) owners in the UK are facing new challenges as the government introduces changes to the way EVs are taxed. For many years, electric car drivers have enjoyed the benefit of paying no vehicle tax, thanks to their zero emissions. However, as the number of electric cars on UK roads increases, it raises the question: is it sustainable to continue offering zero vehicle tax indefinitely? According to ZapMap, as of September 2024, over 1.25 million fully electric vehicles are registered in the UK, making up about 3.75% of the total 34 million cars on the road. This is…

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One of the things I love most as a dad is encouraging my daughter to step out of her comfort zone and try something new. It’s one of those things that, as a parent, you know will help her grow—whether it’s teaching her to ride her bike (which is still one of my all-time favourite memories), climbing that intimidatingly high climbing frame, or braving her first rollercoaster. This time, the challenge was go-karting. I hadn’t been behind the wheel of a go-kart in over a decade when we found ourselves at the TeamSport Cardiff track. It wasn’t just a random…

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Last October, I lost my father, Stephen Gregory, to cancer. It has been an incredibly difficult year as my family and I try to come to terms with his passing. In some ways, it still feels like yesterday. The grief is still raw, and it’s clear that the journey of healing is just beginning. Each of us has found our own way of remembering him. For my mother, it’s in the small gestures—though she still can’t bring herself to look at family photographs. My mother, sister, her children, and my own daughter have all contributed to a piece of artwork…

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In parallel with its rollout of fully electric vehicles, Audi is continuing to intensively develop core combustion engine models such as the Q5 SUV, which is now available to order. The initial sales phase begins with the Q5 TFSI and Q5 TDI priced from £49,950 (OTR) and £51,600 (OTR) respectively. At the top of the lineup, boasting a 367PS 3.0 V6 engine, is the SQ5 priced from £74,400 (OTR). The latest addition to the highly successful Audi SUV stable is the first to be based on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). It underpins its impactful new look with powerful…

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Today, Tesla has launched a new addition to its Model 3 line-up in Europe – Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. Offering a range of 436mi / 700km (WLTP) and a consumption of 20.1kWh per 100 miles / 12.5kWh per 100km, Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is the longest-range Model 3 ever and the most efficient Tesla vehicle built to date. With an EV electricity tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go at 7p per kWh an owner charging at home driving 10,000 miles per year would spend less than £150 a year on charging, approximately £140.82 for the Model…

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Visiting Los Angeles had always been a dream of mine. From the palm tree-lined streets to the sprawling cityscapes seen in so many iconic films, LA felt like a place of endless possibilities and excitement. So, when I finally had the chance to go this summer, I made sure to make the most of it—starting with one of the city’s most incredible attractions: the Petersen Automotive Museum. A Film Buff’s Paradise If you’re a fan of movies like I am, you know that LA is essentially a giant film set. Some of my favourite films were shot or set here,…

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The now iconic original Renault 5 made its mark in its day by helping millions of families through sweeping changes including oil shocks, evolving lifestyles and the need for a second car. The “R5” has successfully met these challenges thanks to its versatility, its frugality and the impish je-ne-sais-quoi that propelled it to pop stardom. With its heart-winning design, inspiring driving experience, exciting and easy electric and digital technology, and circular production system that is both local and responsible, Renault 5 E-Tech electric has everything it needs to set the new standard in city cars for the energy transition. The story…

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If you’re looking for the perfect blend of coffee, car culture, and community, then a trip to Caffeine & Machine’s The Hill is just what you need. It’s the first permanent home of the brand, which has since gone on to open two further sites in Bedfordshire (The Bowl) and Hampshire (The Hut). I was intrigued to see what makes Caffeine & Machine so different to any other meet-up. As a first-time visitor, I was keen to explore what makes The Hill such a unique destination, and I left with plenty to share. Finding Your Way to The Hill The…

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As summer drew to a close, we were fortunate to give the Mini Clubman JCW one last hurrah before the cooler days of autumn set in. My company was planning a celebratory getaway to the Isle of Wight in honour of our 20th anniversary, a destination that’s become a personal favourite of our founder. He wanted to share this gem with the whole team, and as soon as I heard about the trip, I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to bring the Mini along for the ride. Though compact, the Mini Clubman felt like the perfect companion for…

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Think it would be the perfect setting for a road trip: Taylor Swift starts belting out her catchy tunes on your playlist as you set off on your lengthy drive. New regulations, however, could see this ideal surrounding lead to fines of between £100 and £5,000 for UK drivers. Yes, you read that right. Reason For New Fines In recent legislation introduced by UK transport authorities, special consideration has been given specifically to excessively loud music and, by name, lists of popular artists who feature in upbeat numbers that Taylor Swift’s songs might become, causing the drivers who listen to…

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