29/01/2024
New VW Golf 8.5 celebrates 50 years with impressive tech and power upgrades
After months of teasers and spy shots the new Mk 8.5 Golf finally bares all. Find out what’s changed, and why the beloved manual ‘box has been dropped, below.
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A passionate petrolhead with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things automotive, Harris joined the Blackcircles.com team as a Content Writer in 2023.
His writing background is underpinned by a journalism degree from The University of the West of Scotland with placements at What Car? and Autocar magazine. Outside the motoring world, Harris built his experience authoring content for The Royal Photographic Society Journal and Legion Scotland Online.
Harris bolstered his motoring know-how with a stint as a Car Sales Executive at BMW, before following his true calling into motoring journalism.
After months of teasers and spy shots the new Mk 8.5 Golf finally bares all. Find out what’s changed, and why the beloved manual ‘box has been dropped, below.
Perpetuating a craze of growing grilles, these five Chinese newcomers are the basking sharks of the automotive world. Are they opulent or ostentatious? You decide.
Combining the agility of a scooter with the comfort and security of a four-wheeler, Milan’s latest tandem microcar takes the Twizy formula to new heights — and widths...
Showcasing the Japanese firm’s latest tech advancements and boasting styling by former Nissan GT-R designer, Shiro Nakamura, the LSR-05 looks to put THK on the map.
Skoda’s largest SUV has received a fiery performance overhaul. Find out how the Czech firm has turned up the Kodiaq’s wick.
Available in two or four-wheel drive with an estimated 248-mile range, we find out if Suzuki’s belated electric arrival has been worth the wait.
Paying homage to the famous vintage racer, this 85% scale replica Bentley is fully road legal. But, with a top speed of just 45 mph, can it keep up with modern traffic?
It’s not the fastest model in the 911 catalogue but, according to Porsche, it is the most engaging. Does Vicki Butler-Henderson agree?
As a Radio 1 DJ, Greg James is used to spotting hits. But does he think this new Renault will top the EV sales charts?
These critically acclaimed commercial failures prove that, sometimes, being a great car isn’t enough to win the public over.
As Jaguar’s bold new look continues to split opinion, we look back at the best (and worst) automotive rebrands. New or old? Cast your votes.
Skoda’s unassuming Superb is the last car you’d expect to pack sports car-baiting performance.
Porsche has added a GT3 and GT3 Touring to its refreshed 911 roster. From revised gear ratios to bantamweight bucket seats, find out what’s new for the dot two.
Smart’s spiced-up #3 gets all-wheel drive, 422 bhp, and up to 258 miles of range. Find out how the EcoContact 6Q’s combination of grip and efficiency, makes it all possible.
While Suzuki’s charming Jimny has many great qualities, with just 101 bhp, power is not one of them. But this isn’t just any Jimny... Join Vicki as she gets to grips with a farmyard tool gone feral.
After a shorter-than-expected life, Toyota’s most potent two-door coupe has reached its terminus. But it’s not going down without a fight. Get the full lowdown on Supra’s hardcore finale, below.
Whether it’s done on the factory floor or in your home garage, the trend of de-chroming cars shows no signs of abating. And, with over eight Black Editions on its books, few love the covert craze more than VW.
Although it’s not Ford’s first crack at electrifying a US staple, the new Explorer takes the next step in the brand’s march towards an all-electric future. Vicki finds out if the legendary American nameplate can do the business in Britain.
Ferrari’s latest drop-top GT might be “achingly beautiful”, but Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out if it’s got the substance to back up that style. Can the Roma Spider beat Bentley and Porsche at their own game?
Vive la Renaulution! The 5 Turbo’s back and its road legal. But can this carbon-bodied reboot win hearts and minds like its grandad did? Keep reading for all the juicy details.
You wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to crack a walnut, or a pair of scissors to cut the grass, but these crazy car/engine combos are the automotive equivalent.
Following a lukewarm reception for its e:Ny1 electric crossover, can Honda's latest prototypes put the firm back on the EV map?
Whether it’s a 964 or 992.2, to the uninitiated, the 911’s meandering model designations can feel like a foreign language. But are you fluent in Porsche parlance?
Stop the press, Mazda’s head-turning new 6 is coming to the UK! But can it dethrone Tesla’s Model 3 as the segment’s EV of choice?
While its styling is divisive, there’s no denying the M4’s ferocious performance. But can the facelift model take things up another gear?
The Funky Cat is no more… But GWM’s cutesy EV lives on with a new, zestier GT guise. Could this be the first budget-friendly electric hot hatch?
Whether you’re on a sunny autostrada or sodden M1, highway miles take a toll on your body, mind, and wallet. But why suffer? With help from Bridgestone, these cars make a marathon feel like a sprint.
Hailing from the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, Arctic Trucks know a thing or two about impossibly rugged Toyota conversions. But does their latest beefed-up Land Cruiser possess the same pioneering spirit?
Weighing just 850 kgs and producing over 350 bhp, Tuthill’s creation turns the ‘70s 911 up to 11 (literally). Join Gordon Shedden and Vicki Butler-Henderson as they sample every last rev.
From athletic grand tourers to rabid hot hatches, these five depreciated performers prove you can still enjoy driving thrills on a budget. But should you take the plunge?
Boasting a 715-bhp V12 and a sub-4 second 0-60 mph sprint, Ferrari’s high-riding Purosangue blurs the boundaries of the SUV segment. But what does Vicki Butler-Henderson make of it?
While the styling tweaks are subtle, much has changed behind the scenes for iX. From improved efficiency to a new range-topping spec, find out if the facelift has the edge over key rivals.
They don’t have polished road manners compared to their crossover counterparts, but these lovable 4x4s always get the job done when the trail gets tricky. Find out which 5 mud-pluggers we’ve fallen for, below.'
Available as a hatchback or saloon, the all-new EV4 will go toe-to-toe with popular electric rivals from VW, Hyundai, and MINI. Here’s what we know so far.'
'Given Britain saw 164 rainy days last year, aquaplaning has become an unsurprisingly common phenomenon on our roads. But what is it? And how can you avoid it?'
'From casual arcade escapes to hyper-realistic driving simulators, the last 25 years have seen racing titles cover the full gamut of automotive interests. But which virtual tyre shredders earn a place on our podium?'
'Ever wondered how bespoke, brand-marked tyres are made?'
'“Never has an MG been so exotic” – or powerful, for that matter. But is this scissor-doored roadster more than automotive clickbait?'
'Taking the baton from the popular (but now discontinued) Up!, the new ID.EVERY1 previews an entry-level EV destined to rival Dacia’s electric Spring, and Leapmotor’s ultra-affordable T03. Here’s all you need to know.'
'After nearly a decade on sale, Porsche’s last petrol-powered Boxster is soon to bow out to an all-electric replacement. Before it does, we find out why the 718’s final act could be its greatest yet.'
'Designed to push cars (and their tyres) to the limit, MIRA’s banked bowl measures a fearsome 33 degrees at its steepest. We find out how that feels at more than twice the UK national speed limit — all in the name of science, of course.'
'Malvern’s new 335-bhp flagship brings all the firm’s trademark old-school charm, but with the usability of a more modern-looking machine. Is this the first Morgan to worry Porsche’s 911?'
'We take a look at two of the latest brands vying to make their mark in Britain. But what separates these newcomers from the rest? '
'What was it about Continental’s UltraContact that was such a hit with the segment’s drivers?'
'From the school run to Silverstone, these rabid German hatchbacks deliver space, pace, and durability. But why is Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 S the perfect match for track-ready daily drivers?'
'As one of Porsche’s best-selling models, there’s a lot riding on the Macan’s transition from ICE to electric. Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she finds out if it deserves a place on your e-SUV shortlist.'
'Loved the world over for its combination of stoic reliability and all-terrain traction, Toyota’s Land Cruiser is a truly iconic 4x4. But has the latest model got the upper hand over Land Rover’s Defender? Vicki finds out.'
'Loved the world over for its combination of stoic reliability and all-terrain traction, Toyota’s Land Cruiser is a truly iconic 4x4. But has the latest model got the upper hand over Land Rover’s Defender? Vicki finds out.'
'It’s not the first time Hyundai’s dabbled with H2, but the new Nexo looks to present a more compelling case for Hydrogen-fuelled cars.'
'Like the dodo, these extinct motoring marques once thrived. So what wiped them out? And why will they be missed?'
'How can racing-inspired tech enhance your next set of Yokohama rubber?'
'After 3 years on sale, it’s sprucing time for Hyundai’s distinctive Ioniq 6. Here’s everything we know so far.'
'Do you really need that weekend toy? Find out how Toyota’s Supra and Kumho’s ECSTA Sport tyre are a perfect match for the city, or your favourite driving road.'
'Despite spanning nearly 30 years and three generations, the Elise lineage has never seen a rally-ready model. Until now.'
'Available in hybrid or full EV guise, Lexus’s new eighth-gen ES takes its flagship honours from the discontinued LS.'
'How does this high-performance M50 variant fare with Vicki Butler-Henderson at the helm?'
'With their lofty driving positions, year-round usability, and impressively stout performance, it’s easy to see why hot SUVs are all the rage. But such flexibility doesn’t come cheap… or does it?'
'Here’s how the Eagle F1 rose to fame in the hands (and on the wheels) of history’s motorsport legends.'
'Here’s everything we know so far about Jeep’s latest C-SUV.'
'From Milwaukee to Manchester, Goodyear’s blimp has been flying high for 100 years this June.'
'From driving range to practicality, Vicki Butler-Henderson lifts the lid on Toyota’s new all-electric SUV.'
'Toyota’s stalwart RAV4 is back for a sixth generation, and it’s not short on shiny new features.'
'Sharing a platform with Renault’s 5 and Alpine’s A290, the new electric Micra represents a drastic departure from its predecessors.'
'Harking back to the beloved 1983 4x4, Fiat’s latest concept offers all-terrain adventure in a pint-sized package. But will it make it to series production?'
'After 28 years and six generations, the Civic Type R’s days are soon to be numbered — in the UK, at least. But, before then, Honda has given its B-road brawler one last chance to entertain.'
'After 28 years and six generations, the Civic Type R’s days are soon to be numbered — in the UK, at least. But, before then, Honda has given its B-road brawler one last chance to entertain.'
'Miss your old 205 GTI? Peugeot’s E-208 GTI is an all-electric, spiritual successor.'
'Audi’s best-selling compact crossover is back. But is this third generation model the new ‘segment benchmark’, like the brand claims?'
'With up to 370 bhp and a lengthy electric-only range, the new MG HS PHEV touts some impressive numbers.'
'Join us as we roll back the decades to find out where it all started.'
'Range Rover’s Sport is as popular as it is practical, but does the new plug-in powertrain make sense in the real world? Vicki climbs aboard to give her verdict.'
'Though it might look like a classic Mini, this coach-built beauty leaves no nut or bolt unturned. But is it really worth Porsche Cayman GTS money?'
'With performance and versatility in equal measure, it’s no surprise hot hatches are so popular. But how do you find a tyre which lives up to this all-rounder billing?'
'With 53 wins and 139 podiums to his name, Gordon Shedden is one of the BTCC’s greatest home-grown talents. We find out where it all began.'
'Want to soak in the five minutes of British summer, without breaking the bank? Drop the top with one of these five uber-affordable, used cabriolets.'