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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.
Exciting news for Mini enthusiasts—Mini National Day 2025 is set to be bigger and better than ever! This year’s celebration of all things Mini will take place on Sunday, 31st August 2025, at the picturesque Southwell Racecourse (NG25 0TS). Mini National Day has long been a highlight of the calendar for Mini fans across the country. Whether attendees are proud owners of classic Minis or lovers of the modern models, the event promises something for everyone. From beautifully modified Minis to lovingly restored classics, visitors can expect a stunning display of these iconic cars. Something Extra for 2025 This year,…
In the UK, the magic number for driving is 17. That’s the age when you can start learning, take your driving test, and officially hit the road. Or is it? Thanks to Young Driver, kids as young as 10 can experience the thrill of driving a real car – in a safe, controlled environment. And as soon as I heard about it, I knew this would be the perfect Christmas gift for my daughter. She’s already a seasoned go-karter, so the idea of getting behind the wheel of an actual car felt like the ultimate upgrade. The hard part? Waiting…
On 7th, 8th, and 9th February 2025, during the Rétromobile Show in Paris, Artcurial Motorcars will present the most anticipated Collector Car auction of the year. On Friday, 7th February, 113 cars will be showcased in a unique atmosphere, including two highly awaited collections: the Cadiou Collection and the ‘Silver Collection.’ The following day, the Paul-Emile B. Collection and the renowned Umberto Panini Collection of motorcycles will go under the hammer, preceding the traditional Automobilia sale. Paris – From 5th to 9th February 2024, the 49th edition of the Rétromobile Show will take place in Paris, one of the world’s…
Motorists across the UK are being urged to take extra precautions on the roads as Storm Éowyn approaches, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for hazardous driving conditions. Experts at Simply Quote Insurance are advising drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to follow key safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents during the storm. With widespread weather warnings in place, unnecessary travel should be avoided, but those who must drive are urged to take added precautions. According to a recent survey, a third of UK drivers admit to not adjusting their speed in wet conditions,…
This co-branding partnership will provide Alpine and BENETEAU owners and distributors exclusive access to special events and offers. This partnership extends to the Alpine Cars and BENETEAU product range and will result in upcoming, limited-edition collaborations that will be announced later in the year. Spearheaded by the Grand Prix-winning BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Alpine’s motorsport DNA and automotive product plan matches with BENETEAU’s ambition. The yacht builder’s worldwide leadership and investment in a new range is aligned to propel these two icons of French industry and technological expertise on a path to reinforce their design-oriented thinking and become the…
In the fast-paced world of automotive content, creators often find themselves navigating an ever-changing landscape of audience demands, platform algorithms, and personal evolution. This week, Alex Kersten, known for his engaging and often comedic take on cars, announced the relaunch of the AutoAlex main YouTube channel. This move is set to reintroduce Alex and his content to a broader audience while addressing challenges that have arisen in his career. A Brief Background Alex Kersten is no stranger to the automotive scene, having established a strong presence on YouTube through his relatable and humorous car content. Many enthusiasts will remember him…
Zeekr has announced that the Zeekr X compact luxury SUV has been awarded Euro NCAP’s prestigious Best in Class Award for Small SUV and Pure Electric Vehicles. This recognises the Zeekr X’s position not only as the safest vehicle in its segment tested by Euro NCAP in 2024, but also the safest EV of all those tested that year. The Best in Class award is determined by the weighted sum of the scores in each of the four areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment. The Zeekr X excelled in all of these, achieving 91% for Adult Occupant Protection, 90% for Child…
You may have recently come across a video posted by Josh Gresswell concerning his dealings with Taylor Hetherington and his BMW E28 – a stunning car, by the way. As someone with years of experience in public relations, I couldn’t help but notice how this situation has all the hallmarks of a potential PR crisis. To set the scene, Taylor Hetherington has gained significant popularity as a regular feature and presenter on the AutoAlex podcasting channel and its newer v2 channel. His profile has risen quickly, making any public dispute involving him even more visible. I’m not here to fan…
Can an air filter really make a difference? When it comes to enhancing a car’s performance, an air filter might not seem like the most exciting upgrade, but it can make a noticeable difference. I’ve replaced air filter panels and even complete air intake systems before, such as the Eventuri on my Mini Clubman JCW. In my experience, swapping the OEM panel filter for a performance one often delivers tangible improvements, though results can vary from car to car. When I purchased the BMW i8, I knew it wasn’t a traditional sports car. It has the looks, some performance, and…
A little over three weeks into owning the BMW i8, I thought it would be a good time to share my early impressions of this unique hybrid supercar. Spoiler alert: it’s been an exciting ride so far. First Impressions: The Looks Let’s start with the obvious—the BMW i8 is absolutely stunning. Its futuristic design, with its sleek lines and iconic scissor doors, makes it look like it’s been plucked straight out of a sci-fi movie. Wherever I go, it turns heads and sparks conversations. Kids point and stare, adults whisper in awe, and car enthusiasts come over to ask a…