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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.
With the icy winter months fast approaching, it is important that you make sure your car is ready to be driven in such conditions. Windscreen wipers, in particular, need to be inspected carefully. Faulty or damaged wipers can make your regular morning commute unsafe if your windscreen can’t be properly cleared of rain, dirt, or motorway debris – not to mention you can fail your MOT for this reason too. Switching out the old for the new seems to be on many Brits’ to-do lists, with searches for ‘replace windscreen wipers’ up by 90% over the last three months. To…
Over 50,000 BMW and MINI drivers in the UK can now enjoy their favourite BBC podcasts, radio and music more conveniently than ever, as BMW and MINI become the first car brands to integrate the BBC Sounds app directly into their vehicle’s built-in app store. Previously listeners needed a smartphone to access BBC Sounds via Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay®. Now drivers of selected models* with BMW Operating System 9 or MINI Operating System 9 and a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or the MINI Connected Package, which enables unlimited data connectivity, can stream content from the BBC Sounds app…
Attention all car enthusiasts and petrolheads! Mark your calendars for AdamC Fest 2025, a premier event that celebrates car culture like never before. Taking place at the iconic Hertfordshire County Showground, St Albans, next year’s festival promises to be bigger, bolder, and packed with adrenaline-fuelled action. The Ultimate Petrolhead Paradise AdamC Fest is the brainchild of renowned automotive YouTuber AdamC, known for his captivating content showcasing the UK’s thriving car scene. His passion for unique builds, classic motors, and high-octane supercars shines through in this unmissable event. From custom creations to the rarest collectibles, AdamC Fest brings together car lovers…
Zeekr, the premium electric brand making waves in Europe, has unveiled its latest model: the Zeekr 7X. Designed with global families in mind, this all-electric midsize SUV combines cutting-edge technology, performance, and practicality to redefine expectations for electric driving. Let’s take a closer look at why the Zeekr 7X might just be the perfect fit for Europe’s evolving automotive market. Bold Design with a Premium Edge The Zeekr 7X’s striking appearance reflects its Scandinavian design roots. Developed in Gothenburg, Sweden, the SUV boasts clean lines, a sleek profile, and distinctive Matrix LED headlights. It introduces Zeekr’s new front-end design for…
When it comes to iconic motorsport destinations, few places resonate more with enthusiasts than Le Mans. It’s a name synonymous with endurance racing, speed, and automotive heritage. Now, Alpine is adding another exciting chapter to this legacy with the launch of their first-ever experience centre, ‘La Piste Bleue’. Situated at the heart of Le Mans, this new facility is a celebration of Alpine’s racing DNA and commitment to performance, providing fans with a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the brand. What is La Piste Bleue? Alpine’s ‘La Piste Bleue’ translates to “The Blue Track”, a nod…
Amazon has taken a bold step into the automotive world with the launch of ‘Amazon Autos,’ a platform that allows customers in 48 U.S. cities to purchase new Hyundai vehicles entirely online. It’s a move that promises to bring the simplicity of Amazon shopping to what is often a lengthy and stressful process—buying a car. Can you imagine being able to buy a car from Amazon? Just like adding a pair of trainers or the latest tech gadget to your basket, you can now shop for a Hyundai, complete the paperwork, and arrange pick-up, all with a few clicks. It’s…
David Beattie has been appointed the new Director for MINI UK and Ireland, effective from 1 January 2025. David succeeds Federico Izzo, who has taken a new role as Head of MINI Region Europe, after leading the brand through the successful relaunch of the new MINI family in the UK. David Beattie, who has been heading the Used Car Business since 2023, was previously responsible for MINI Sales from 2018 and has played a vital role within the business since he joined BMW Group UK in 2005. Besides an extensive Sales and Marketing experience, he brings a well-established relationship to…
Renault has sent shockwaves through the automotive world by announcing that the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, initially unveiled as a show-stopping concept car, is heading into production. This bold move marks the return of an icon, blending retro styling with cutting-edge electric performance. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development. A Nod to the Past The Renault 5 Turbo 3E pays homage to the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, models that defined rallying and hot hatch culture in the 1980s. The new iteration retains the spirit of its predecessors, with its striking wide body, massive…
Jeremy Clarkson’s award-winning lager will be available in 105 pubs across the UK, after Marston’s becomes the first national pub brand to proudly pour pints of Hawkstone Premium Lager. Pubs across England, Scotland and Wales will be serving the original Hawkstone Lager, which has been named ‘officially amazing’ after winning gold at the 2024 World Beer Awards, as well as scooping the title of country winner for England. Jeremy Clarkson first began producing Hawkstone Lager at Diddly Squat Farm on the second series of Clarkson’s Farm, using his own spring barley to brew the pints. With tones of citrus, malt,…
Subaru Europe, a subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION, announced today that the all-new Subaru Forester, that is set to arrive in the UK in early Spring 2025, has achieved the maximum five-star overall rating in the 2024 European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The Forester registered scores exceeding the required threshold in all four key assessment areas, Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assistance. This achievement results in all Subaru models in the UK having attained Euro NCAP five-star status, following the Subaru Crosstrek attaining its five-star status in September 2024. For the Vulnerable Road Users assessment…