Author: Rhys Gregory

I’ve always been a massive fan of the Mini F54. It’s a car I’d long admired and dreamed of owning, even before watching Peter (PetrolPed)’s videos about the Mini Clubman. Admittedly, his incredible upgrades gave me some ideas, though it’s a shame what happened to his Charlie Clubman. For me, the Mini Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW) 2021 is a dream realised. The 306 horsepower and the all-wheel drive (All4) were huge selling points that sealed the deal. That said, the Mini Clubman’s design has always been divisive. Some fans couldn’t quite embrace its unique styling, and perhaps that’s why…

Are you a sleek and sophisticated luxury saloon? Or perhaps a rugged and adventurous off-roader? Maybe you’re a zippy little hatchback that thrives on tight corners and urban adventures. Whatever your vibe, we’ve got a quiz that will reveal the car that truly matches your personality. At Driven by Rhys, we believe cars are more than just machines—they’re an extension of who we are. From the way they look to how they perform on the road, the car you drive says a lot about your lifestyle and preferences. So why not have a little fun and find out which car…

Following last month’s unveiling of Jaguar’s bold new brand identity—a move that ignited intense debate across the car world—the British marque has now revealed images of its striking Type 00 concept car. It’s an unmistakable glimpse into the company’s dramatic new direction, and one that challenges perceptions of what Jaguar has been and could become. In my previous blog (Jaguar’s Bold New Brand Identity: A Turning Point or a Misstep?), I shared my initial scepticism about the brand’s apparent willingness to erase parts of its storied past. The decision to wipe Jaguar’s social media accounts clean last month felt like…

The debate over whether drivers of larger vehicles should incur higher parking fees continues to polarise opinion. Arguments range from environmental and safety concerns to issues of fairness and practicality. Recently, this topic gained renewed attention when Cardiff Council launched a public consultation exploring the introduction of different parking zones across the city. Although no decisions have been made, the proposal has sparked significant discussion among locals and those further afield. Arguments in Favour of Higher Fees for Larger Vehicles Environmental Impact Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and 4x4s, are typically less fuel-efficient and emit more CO2 compared to smaller…

As the weather gets colder and winter sets in, many Brits are swapping nights out for cosy nights in, in front of their favourite films and TV shows – with 86% of UK adults watching as many as 20 of their favourites in the run up to Christmas, according to a study by used car marketplace Motorway. And with classics like Home Alone and Gavin & Stacey Christmas specials topping the list of Britain’s favourites, many of them have a common denominator – iconic scenes involving cars. From heartwarming driving home for Christmas moments, to thrilling car chases, or falling…

The John Cooper Works (JCW) seats in the Mini Clubman strike the perfect balance between racing style and everyday functionality. With heated front seats, they’re both cool and practical. However, on longer journeys, especially as a passenger, they can feel a bit uncomfortable. Despite this, I wouldn’t swap them for anything… or so I thought, until I discovered a new product from SMPS 2012. Earlier this year, I came across carbon fibre seat back covers from SMPS 2012. If you’ve ever seen the carbon fibre bucket seats in BMW M cars or Porsche GT3s, you’ll know what I mean –…

Are you ready to rev up your festive spirit and put your motoring knowledge to the test? This Christmas, we’re combining holiday cheer with horsepower in a quiz that’s sure to get any car enthusiast jingling all the way! Our Christmas Car Quiz is packed with fun and challenging questions about everything from iconic movie cars to festive driving traditions. Whether you’re a dedicated petrolhead or just looking for some light-hearted fun over the holidays, this quiz has something for everyone. Why Take the Quiz? Challenge your friends and family: Who’s the ultimate Christmas car guru in your circle? Learn…

Lexus has been honoured for the quality of both its products and its services in the 2024 Scottish Car of the Year Awards. At a presentation ceremony in Edinburgh yesterday, the Lexus LBX was named the Small Crossover/SUV of the Year. Lexus also received the Aftersales Award for excellence in customer service. The annual awards are judged and hosted by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, which represents professional automotive journalists and broadcasters across the country. Alisdair Suttie, the association president, said: “There are compact crossovers and SUVs and then there’s the Lexus LBX that our judges unanimously agreed is…

The Toyota Yaris line-up includes an enhanced GR Sport grade and stylish new options for its 2025 model year while maintaining a commitment to class-leading efficiency and safety in the highly competitive B-segment for small hatchbacks. An agile compact car ideally suited to modern urban life, with proven quality, exceptional efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics, the multiple award-winning Yaris is consistently one of Toyota’s best-selling models in Europe. The Yaris family has accumulated more than 10 million global sales, including more than five million in Europe, since its launch in 1999. Yaris has been a benchmark for innovation since its debut,…

As a soon-to-be dad again and the owner of a Tesla Model 3 with white interior, keeping my seats pristine is a top priority. With the added challenge of fitting a baby car seat, I decided to test two Amazon seat protectors: the Morrols Car Seat Protector (£13.79) and the Lusso Gear Car Seat Protector (£24.95). Here’s how they stack up: Why Protect Your Seats When a Baby’s on the Way? A baby brings a lot of joy but also a surprising amount of wear and tear to your car. Car seats can leave permanent indentations on your vehicle’s seats,…