Author: Rhys Gregory
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.
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…
Welsh drivers are amongst the least confident in bad weather with only 6% stating they’d feel confident to drive in wintery conditions, according to a study on winter driving. The study found that the number of confident Welsh drivers sits below half the UK average. Wales is among the top three UK regions for least confident drivers. Over 54% of drivers even reported cancelling plans due to icy conditions. The Winter Driving Survey, conducted by webuyanycar, the UK’s go-to online car-buying service, reveals where in the UK motorists feel most confident driving in icy weather conditions. According to the study,…
As the first model in the strictly limited Mercedes-Benz Mythos series, the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed (combined energy consumption: 13.7 l/100 km | combined CO₂ emissions: 312 g/km | CO₂ class: G)1 is celebrating its world premiere at the Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The uncompromising realisation of a fully open, two-seater performance car with no roof or windscreen is a tribute to racing and offers an unforgettable driving experience. “The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed is the most direct way to experience performance and fun at the wheel. Thanks to the car’s radically open design with no roof or windscreen, nothing separates the driver…
BMW and Kith are launching a new edition of their successful collaboration. The BMW XM and its links to the legendary BMW M1 are the focus of the third collaboration between the premium car manufacturer and Ronnie Fieg’s world-renowned lifestyle brand, Kith. The high-performance plug-in hybrid will be available next year as the 2025 BMW XM by Kith, with exclusive exterior and interior designs. The 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept offers a first look at the car, which will be manufactured as a one-of-one vehicle and presented at Art Basel Miami 2024, taking place from December 6-8 at the Miami…