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Get the latest automotive news from Driven By Rhys.
Author: Rhys Gregory
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 been following my blog, you’ll know all about the fierce yet friendly rivalry between my daughter and me when it comes to go-karting. (If not, check out our earlier escapades here: Family Rivalry on the Track: My Daughter vs Me at Teamsport Cardiff). So, it should come as no surprise that for my birthday this year, my daughter laid down a challenge: a head-to-head race to see if I’ve still got what it takes now that I’m a year older. We got up bright and early on a cold January Saturday, ready for our 9:40am session at Teamsport…
A new survey has revealed widespread support for stricter limits on new drivers, with 88% of Brits saying there should be additional measures for motorists who have just passed their test. The findings highlighted approval for rules like car type restrictions and passenger limits, reflecting growing public concern over road safety and a desire for increased regulation for new drivers. The research comes from Go.Compare car insurance, which asked 2,000 UK residents for their opinions through a survey. The results uncovered significant backing for increased limits on motorists who have just passed. The survey asked about restrictions like curfews and…
If you’ve ever tuned in to a traffic report in Wales, the chances are it’s mentioned the Heads of the Valleys road network. More often than not, it’s not good news: major delays, lengthy queues, or road traffic collisions. It’s a name synonymous with disruption and inconvenience, and for over two decades, it’s been a byword for roadworks. As someone who’s lucky enough to avoid the daily grind on this stretch of road, I can sympathise with the frustration of those who aren’t so fortunate. My encounters with it are sporadic, usually limited to passing through a junction while travelling…
Today, 2nd January, is my birthday, and I decided to celebrate it by ticking something off my bucket list. I finally visited the new Baffle Haus location in Bonvilston, just outside of Cardiff. It’s been on my radar for a while, and this was the perfect excuse to give it a try. For those unfamiliar, the Baffle Haus brand was founded by a group of motorbike enthusiasts, including none other than Wales rugby union star George North and cricketer Andrew Salter. Their original spot in Monmouthshire, The Cedars, has been a hit since it opened a few years ago. Towards…
Mini enthusiasts, mark your calendars for one of the most exciting events of the year! The iconic Minis and Milkshakesevent is returning for 2025, bringing together car lovers, families, and milkshake aficionados alike. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better, taking place at the stunning Sandon Hall and Park Enterprises in Stafford on Sunday, 1st June 2025. What to Expect Minis and Milkshakes isn’t just about cars; it’s a day packed with fun, food, and festivities. Whether you’re a proud Mini owner or just love the charm of these classic and modern vehicles, there’s something for everyone: Mini…
If you’ve ever wondered about the significance of the characters on a UK number plate, you’re not alone. It’s more than just a random assortment of letters and numbers. Each part tells a story, and with the arrival of 2025, changes in number plate formats will follow as usual. Here’s a breakdown of how UK number plates work, how to read them, and what they’ll look like from March 2025. The Current Format: What Does It Mean? UK number plates have followed a fixed structure since September 2001. They consist of three distinct sections: Area Code (First Two Letters): The…
When it comes to ticking boxes off a car enthusiast’s bucket list, this one’s a biggie. I’ve just bought myself what many would call an affordable supercar. Yes, I recently said goodbye to another dream car of mine—my Tesla Model 3 Performance—and you can read all about that journey here. But as one chapter ends, another begins. Allow me to introduce its stunning replacement: the BMW i8. Is It Really a Supercar? Now, is the BMW i8 strictly a supercar? That depends on who you ask. On one hand, its performance figures don’t quite reach the dizzying heights of traditional…
Two years ago, I made a purchase that felt like a dream come true. It wasn’t just any car; it was a Tesla Model 3 Performance, a car I’d admired for years but never thought I’d own. When I bought it, it was the most expensive car I’d ever owned, priced at over £40,000 with a bit of HP finance to make it possible. It was a 2019 model, so second-hand, but it felt brand new to me—a technological marvel that combined blistering speed with futuristic features. I was ecstatic. A car that could hit 0-60 mph in under four…
Newport City Council is partnering with Zest, the UK’s fastest growing investor-operator of public access EV charging infrastructure, to deliver on-street charging facilities across the city. Under a 15-year concession agreement, Zest, a certified B Corp, will provide 144 EV charging points across 77 locations, providing Newport drivers with the essential infrastructure needed to transition to a more sustainable mode of transport. The project is equally funded by Zest, the Welsh government, and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). Newport City Council is committed to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 and…
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports has annoucned that 2025 FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff will be withdrawn from next season’s calendar. In a statement issueed today, organisers have said following three years of investment to stage the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff, sadly this particular event is no longer viable within a complex economic landscape impacting the event and its contributing stakeholders, when faced with ever-increasing costs and declining attendances. The decision has been made in close consultation with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). There will still be 10 rounds across the 2025…