21 Oct 2026
I'm not that grumpy - 20 October 2026
FOLLOW UP: MOTOR FINANCE REDRESS HEARING IN 2027
The date for the hearing of the two complaints into the motor finance redress scheme has been confirmed to take place between 16 and 26 February 2027. The scheme will remain in its current semi-suspended status until after the rulings. There is a potential for the ruling to not take place until the summer of 2027 with compensation expected to take place from 2028. For more on this matter, click this article link from The Law Gazette here (https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/motor-finance-redress-hearing-set-for-2027/5128201.article).
CHINA REDUCING TAX REBATE FOR EXPORTED NEVS
The Chinese Government has announced that it is reducing the VAT rebate on exporting battery electric and plug in hybrid vehicles. This is associated with the reduction in assistance for ‘future-orientated’ industries. This is bad timing for the car industry of the country as there is a slump in sales, which is adding more pressure on companies. If you wish to read more, click this electrive article link here (https://www.electrive.com/2026/10/15/chinese-government-cuts-state-subsidies-for-ev-manufacturers/).
AIRPORT DROP OFF PRICES TO BE INVESTIGATED
The practice of charging drivers to drop off or collect those using an airport has become a source of income for UK sites. However, the prices have increased at a rate that far outstrips what many feel is fair. Now the UK Government has announced it will look into these fees. Fingers crossed the result is they are banned as this does not happen in Europe. If you wish to read more, click this Motoring Research article link here (https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/government-airport-drop-off-fees/).
POLICE NOW ABLE TO SEIZE YOUR CAR FOLLOWING ACT CHANGE
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act was amended to enable police to seize a driver’s vehicle with an incredibly broad set of criteria. Criteria such as careless driving, inconsiderate driving or unauthorised driving off-road. On top of that if the officer believe conduct that causes or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance. Passengers too can be fined for their involvement. You can find out more by clicking this Carscoops article link here (https://www.carscoops.com/2287739/police-seize-70-vehicles-ditching-warning-requirement/).
EURO NCAP SAYS CLIMATE CONTROL CAN STAY ON SCREENS
Euro NCAP has clarified what interactions it believes are safety critical and thus require a physical button and which do not. Climate control and media can be left on touchscreens, as they do not see them as “time-critical tasks” as well as the mind boggling statement “it is also not proven that direct physical input is safer”. Tell that to the UK lawmakers and how drivers are banned from interacting with their phones even in a mount for media etc. If you want to read more, click this EV Powered article link here (https://evpowered.co.uk/news/this-is-fine-euro-ncap-rules-out-ban-on-touchscreen-climate-controls/).
VOLKSWAGEN BATTERY RECALL
VW is preparing itself for a large battery recall in Europe, on top of those already underway in the UK and US. In Europe ID.3, ID.4, ID.7 and ID.Buzz, as well as Cupra Born are the affected models, when they have been built between 2023 and 2025. However, the actual number to be recalled will be lower than currently stated due to it only be a small batch of batter cells that are the issue.
In the UK, the ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo, built between 2022 and 2025 are potentially affected. To find out more, click this electrive article link here (https://www.electrive.com/2026/10/16/vw-prepares-battery-recall-for-multiple-id-models-in-europe/).
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NEW NEW CAR NEWS -
Volkswagen ID.3 GTI
The VW ID.3 GTI is the most powerful GTI they have ever produced, by half a horse power! Still most powerful is most powerful. It will come with a single motor and be rear wheel drive, the battery is a 79kWh one which will enable a maximum range of 373 miles. Power is 321bhp and 402lb ft of the torques, which will allow for a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 124mph. Click this EVO article link here to read more (https://www.evo.co.uk/volkswagen/id3/209106/volkswagen-id3-gti-revealed-as-the-most-powerful-gti-ever).
BMW 3-Series
The internal combustion engined version of the 3-Series has now been revealed. Looks wise, we feel its a big wiff. Really struggling with the front end visuals, which are so far from the Neue Klasse concept, making it look like it has been crashed already. Inside it matches the current BMW design. There will be a myriad of options for powertrains, power outputs and costs. Click this Autocar article link here to read more (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-petrol-bmw-3-series-revealed-437bhp-straight-six-option).
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai have freshened up the very popular Tucson SUV. The front and rear have been sharpened up with new lighting and looks, whilst inside there is a change with a similar small screen for the driver behind the steering wheel and a HUD display. Obligatory large central screen is in place too. No doubt this will sell well. Click this Autocar article link here for more (https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-2027-hyundai-tucson-gets-bold-look-and-practicality-boost).
LUNCHTIME READ: WINNING NUMBER
Plenty of car makers have chosen to name their cars using only numbers, Driven to Write have catalogued some of them for you to find out more. Very interesting to see the different approaches of brands with some having a high number on the range topper whilst other have it on the entry level one. Click this link here to read more (https://driventowrite.com/2026/10/19/winning-number/).
LIST OF THE WEEK: 19 ESTATE CARS USED IN MOTORSPORT
Classic & Sports Car bring us another cracking list, this time all about estates that have partaken in motorsport. Be warned this is from the full breadth of motorsport. Do you agree with the choices made? What would you pick? Click this link here to view your options (https://www.classicandsportscar.com/gallery/19-estate-cars-used-motorsport).
Asa we have, for once, remembered to cross promote our own work, here is a link to a video on the Seat Leon ST Cupra 290 Black (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3puGbln3DA).
AND FINALLY: CAR ART - TERRY ROSS
Terry Ross is a motoring artist who creates these wonderful sculptures which ooze with speed and drama even though they are a static thing. Click this Classic & Sports Car article link here (https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/motoring-art-terry-ross), to check out some selected works as well as the link to his site which we encourage you to go view as its all fabulous.
