With similar names and reminiscent styling, it may be a challenge to pick between the Karoq and the Kodiaq. This guide will pit one against the other, and should hopefully help you make a decision between these two Czech SUVs.

As Skoda's flagship, “full-size” SUV, the 

 is a favourite of larger families looking for that bit of extra space. It comes with either 5 or 7 seats, and in many different trim levels. Prices start at £38,720. 

Whilst the Kodiaq is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan, which is not the German brand’s largest SUV, the Kodiaq is the largest SUV offered by Skoda. It was first introduced in 2016, and the current car - launched in 2024, is the second generation. 

 is Skoda’s mid-size SUV/Crossover. It’s based on the same platform as the Seat Ateca, and is only available with 5 seats. Prices start at £30,670, and rise to just over £37,000 for the Sportline trim.

It was first introduced in 2017, to fill the gap left by the outgoing Yeti, a model loved by many for its spacious interior and quirky looks. So far sales have been strong, but the relatively new Kamiq has stolen some of the market share, more on that below.

If you’re looking for a large car, with as much space as possible, the Kodiaq is the best option. It is however a good deal larger than the Karoq, meaning it’ll be harder to park, and take more care to navigate narrow streets in. The table below compares the two.

We can see from the data above that the Kodiaq is a good 4 inches wider than the Karoq, this may not seem like much, but the Karoq is already a decent sized car, being 4 inches wider than a typical saloon car. 

The width and height contribute to both vehicles luggage capacity, though the Kodiaq’s is severely restricted with the 6th and 7th seats in place, but that’s something that can’t really be avoided, short of driving a minibus! 

There’s really no clear winner here, it will be purely down to how you want to use your car, if 7 seats or a large boot and 5 seats are a must, the Kodiaq takes a point. If not, it’s probably better to consider the smaller, and lighter Karoq.

Something to mention is that the Karoq is not currently available with any form of hybrid or electric powertrain. In contrast, you can get the Kodiaq in EV, hybrid or petrol/diesel variants. This can also affect both company car tax, and VED.

This earns points for Kodiaq, as it means it can match the much smaller Karoq in running costs. 

If you’re not interested in any electrification, you can pick from 4 different engine options in the Karoq.

Engine options between the two models are reasonably good, with a range of petrol and diesels on offer.

In the SE and SE-L trim Kodiaq, you can pick from either a 1.5 or a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol, with 150 and 190hp respectively. There's only one diesel engine available, with multiple power outputs on offer, from 150 to 240hp. Hybrid options include a mild system or a plug-in, both in conjunction with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine.

None of the engine options for the Kodiaq are available with a manual gearbox, they all come with the VW-group DSG twin-clutch automatic.

Options in the standard trim Karoq range from a 1.0 or 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol, or a 2.0 litre diesel. No hybrid is on offer. Power ranges from 116hp from the 1.0 petrol, to 150hp, from all other options. The 1.5 petrol is available in both DSG (auto) and manual.

If we’re being honest, there isn’t a huge difference between the Kodiaq and the Karoq, both share the same design language and have similar proportions. The big difference is best seen in person, where the overall scale of the Kodiaq is apparent.

Both cars are good to look at, especially in sportline or VRs trim, where the chrome is replaced with black accents, and the 17” alloys are upgraded to 5-spoke diamond cut ones. 

You could be forgiven for thinking, whilst inside a Karoq, that it's simply a low-spec Kodiaq, they share many of the same dashboard features and designs. 

Both feature the same centre console design, with the gear selector being sandwiched between two vertical panels, the difference being the base spec Karoq simply uses hard, textured plastic, whilst most versions of the Kodiaq are finished in soft touch leather.

The seats are another area that differs between the two cars, the Kodiaq getting sculpted “microsuede” upholstery, with the Karoq featuring plain old cloth. That said, many of the pre-spec’d Karoqs you can buy today, have the quilted suede too.

Naturally both cars come with the same warranty term, of 3 years or 60,000 miles. This is paltry if we compare it to that of Hyundai and Kia, but if you do significant mileage per year, and will be 

Reliability is a tricky one to place, without a few years' data to look back on, it's entirely speculation. However, recent WhatCar reliability ratings typically place Skoda in the mid-upper third, which should mean both cars are reasonably reliable.

Both cars received a 5 star NCAP rating, which is pretty typical of Volkswagen Group vehicles. They scored pretty closely in most areas, some of the key takeaways being listed below. 

Averaging across the board, there is no clear winner between the two, with the Kodiaq having a higher child occupant safety, but lower adult safety score. Safe to say, both cars will offer excellent protection in an accident. 

With the Kodiaq being the bigger car, it’s naturally the more expensive of the two, it also comes with larger and more powerful engines. The Karq does include many of the same tech features though, with things like the heated front seats, heated steering wheel and the reversing camera as standard.

If we compare the base spec cars, the 5 seat Kodiaq comes in at around £8,000 more than the Karoq, considering the latter is loaded with tech as standard, it’s really only the size you’re paying more for. 

These are very similar cars, with only their size setting them apart. Whilst the Kodiaq has an enormous boot (on the 5 seat version), the Karoq starts at over £8,000 cheaper. Personally, unless I was in dire need of those two extra seats, I’d pick the Karoq.

However, if carrying 7 people is something you do regularly, the Kodiaq has to be the car to go for. That said, with both of these cars facing stiff competition, and the market being in uncertain times, shop around for deals on both.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Skoda Kodiaq Vs Skoda Karoq

Buying on the used market can offer incredible value, as long as you’re prepared to make a few sacrifices regarding the newest features. In my opinion, £5,000 is plenty to get something reliable and safe, here are some of the best options.

Naturally, the smaller the car the cheaper they are, this means in some cases being able to secure a fairly modern-looking set of wheels for £5k.

A city car first sold in the UK in 2005, the Aygo is a favourite of new drivers and inner-city commuters across the country. It features a spritely but dependable 

 and a surprising amount of tech for the price. 

Just under £4,500 can get you a sub-10-year-old car, but if you want one with a nice spec and under 90,000 miles, a 2014 plate is more realistic.

 comes with a touchscreen for multimedia, air conditioning and even a parking camera. 

For something a little bigger, the Fiesta is a nice compromise between a city car and a family hatchback. This is the later Mk6 model, which might look a bit dated to some, but it offers a great amount of space for the money.

 comes with the basic but reliable 1.4 engine - I would personally avoid any 1.0T EcoBoost cars unless they have impeccable service history, a recent 

, air conditioning, and an aux hookup. As it's a titanium trim it also has the larger alloys and darkened rear glass.

2016 Mazda Mazda2 1.5 SKYACTIV-G - £4,990

Another great small car, the Mazda2 has been a popular 

 since its launch. This one features the innovative 1.5-litre petrol engine, capable of a respectable 90 horsepower, but more importantly over 70 MPG.

At £20 per year to tax, and an insurance band of 13E it shouldn’t break the bank to keep on the road too. 

 with under 70,000 miles, full-service history and modern infotainment. If you’re after a small city car, these are a top-pick.

If you have kids and possibly pets to transport, a city car isn’t going to cut it. Whilst still being easy to park and navigate towns and cities with, these hatchbacks offer that bit more space, and even more features. 

Volvo are known for their safe cars, the V40 was introduced as a slight deviation from their normal lineup of saloons or estates but has gone on to become one of their more popular models. Interior space is good, with plenty of room in the back for 3, and the 

I’d suggest a post-2015 model, just to avoid ULEZ and large VED (road tax) costs, pre-2015 models are still good cars, but I would strongly suggest picking one with a 5-cylinder Volvo engine and not the 1.6 diesel. This model has a few more miles on the clock, but that shouldn’t be an issue as it has a good service history. 

 has been a byword for the family hatchback for decades, and it’s still a great choice. They are a great combination of space and functionality. The 1.6 TDI engine in 

 claims over 80 MPG, and costs nothing per year to tax!

Further to this, it comes with both adaptive cruise control and a decent infotainment system. At £4,995 it’s pretty good value, having only covered 86,000 miles. Bear in mind it won’t be ULEZ-compliant, though.

The Civic is another popular hatchback, and whilst Honda are well known for their petrol engines, this 1.6 diesel unit is just as good. Its 119hp power output is unlikely to win any drag races but it does claim to achieve over 85MPG and costs nothing to tax.

Styling wise this age of Civic somehow looks toned down compared to the previous model, but it retains the angular look that sets it apart from most cars in the same segment. 

 with 85,000 miles on the odometer, not bad value.

The second-hand SUV market isn’t as well stocked as the hatchback and small car sectors, mainly because 

 tend to be more expensive, larger and with bigger engines, meaning you’d need to settle for an older model for the same cash. There are still some good options though, here are my 3 picks.

This generation Kuga was based on the same platform as the Ford Focus of the time, meaning it’s not as large as some typical SUVs, but it still comfortably fits 5 plus a good amount of luggage. 

It comes with the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine, a reasonably well-reviewed engine that delivers 

 and power. You can just about get a ULEZ-compliant car for under 5 grand, 

this one having 100,000 miles on the clock

Unfortunately, the only way to get the newer shape Cr-V - the previous generation looks quite dated now - is to settle for one that’s covered over 100,000 miles. This one’s done 120k but has a 

, and being a Honda, it should be perfect for years yet!

Features include cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and an impressive nearly 589 litres of boot space. As this is a Euro 5 spec car, it isn't ULEZ compliant, but the 1.6 diesel engine claims an impressive 65 MPG. It’s currently for sale over on 

Despite being 10 years old, this shape of Tiguan has aged very well, possibly because the generation on has only just been replaced in the UK. Either way, they present well, with the height and size of an SUV, but in many cases the economy of a much smaller car.

This model, thanks to it being the 2WD version

, claims to be able to do nearly 60 miles to the gallon, although, thanks to its age, it is £190 per year to tax. 

Later cars should fall into the £0 bracket but double check before buying

! For £5,000 though it's a good option for a family car.

What's the Most Reliable Car for Under £5,000?

It's difficult to pin what car is the most reliable, so here are some cars that were rated as very reliable when new, that can now be found for around £5,000:

What Brand of Car is the Most Reliable to Buy Used?

Again, the data varies from year to year, so here are some makers that have been voted the most reliable in the past few years.

Can You Buy a Reliable Car for Under £5,000

Yes! As long as you pay attention to what cars have been heralded as reliable, and those that have a good service history, there’s no reason why a used car bought for less than £5,000 wouldn’t be reliable!

Best Used Cars Under £5,000

Ever since the car was invented, people have been vying to design and make the fastest one possible. 100 years ago the fastest car just about managed 130mph. Nowadays half the cars on the road could reach that speed. 

So what are the fastest cars ever made, and which one currently holds the record?

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut - 330mph (claimed)

Whilst the famous Swedish hypercar maker has not yet conducted an official top speed run, they have plenty of form at breaking world records, previously holding the top speed title with their first car, the CCR, then again with the Agera RS. 

Not only have simulations shown the Jesko can hit 330mph, but real tests have also shown it beating the 0-400-0kmh record (0-249-0mph), achieving the feat in a staggering 27.83 seconds, and hitting the near 250mph peak in only 19 seconds!

Unlike the Chiron it borrows its engine from, the Bolide is a track-only car; not meeting the regulations for use on the public roads. That doesn’t make its speed any less impressive though, with an 8 litre W16 engine producing 1,847 horsepower and some serious aero, it's got all the ingredients to hit the manufacturer's claimed 310mph.

Only 40 cars were made by the German arm of the French automotive legend Bugatti, which helps to make the £3.5m price tag make a little more sense.

The first car on this list to actually set a world record, the Chiron Super Sport is the speed-focussed variant of the Chiron, announced in 2016. Only 30 cars were made, with the cars being delivered between September 2019 and July 2022.

As standard, the car was fitted with a speed limiter that prevented drivers from reaching the top speed on the road. But as part of the package, Bugatti would track-prep the car at the Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany.

John Hennessey started his business tuning and modifying standard vehicles, they still offer tuning packages for many models including the Ford Raptor pickup truck and the Dodge RAM. In 2017 they unveiled the Venom F5, featuring the company's first in-house made engine.

Hennessey squeezed over 1,800 horsepower from the relatively small 6.6 litre LS-based V8 engine, and simulations state the car should actually be capable of 328mph! A notable variant of the Venom F5 is the F5-M, a six-speed manual version, which unsurprisingly holds the record of the most powerful manual car ever built.

Despite the name, SSC or Shelby Super Cars, founded by Jerod Shelby is of no relation to the formidable Carroll Shelby of the 1967 Le Mans winning fame. The passion and performance are there, though. In 2022, the Tuatara hit 295mph on a closed runway in Florida.

This comes after the SSC made headlines in 2020 for releasing a promo video of the new car hitting 331mph, but eagle-eyed viewers noticed the on-board telemetry systems didn’t quite tally. After some discussion and admissions of misinterpreting, the Tuatara may always be known mainly by the controversy, rather than the genuinely impressive performance.

Out-and-out speed is one thing, and the car that holds the top spot will always be talked about, but in a world of simulated top speeds, social media and controversy, it’s often more satisfying to learn and reminisce about the older greats, and special breakthroughs.

First Car to hit 200mph - The Sunbeam 1000hp

Although very much a race car, the Sunbeam 1,000hp is worthy of an essay all on its own, not least because it highlights how far engine and aero design have come in the last 100 years.

In 1927, the Sunbeam 1,000hp set a new world record on Daytona Beach, Florida. Reaching a top speed of 203.79mph. The car, known as ‘The Slug’, was built in Wolverhampton by Sunbeam, a motorcycle, motorcar and aero engine manufacturer. 

It was their access to aeroplane engines that enabled the Sunbeam 1,000 to exist, it used two 22-litre engines that jointly developed over 900 horsepower.

First Road Car to Hit 200mph - Ferrari F40

The F40 is famously the first road car to achieve 200mph, with a top speed of 201mph on its release in 1987. This is, however, strongly contested; the Firebird-based Pontiac Tojan is claimed to have reached at least 203mph three years before.

The Tojan used a marine-based small block V8 with two huge turbochargers, and was built by a small tuning shop in Nebraska, but as that was a very limited run coach built car, the title is usually given to the Italian car.

And what a car, the F40 has to be one of the most recognisable and iconic supercars of all time, with its low, angular body and huge wing. Mechanically it was remarkable too, with a 2.9L turbocharged V8 - Compare that to the 44 litres in the Sunbeam above, just 60 years earlier.

First Car to Achieve 200Kmh (124mph) - The Jaguar XK120

At the time of its debut in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 was the fastest production car in the world, achieving 124 miles an hour in standard trim, and 135 with some slight modifications. The early cars featured a sleek all-aluminium body and convertible roof, it was powered by a 3.4 litre inline 6-cylinder engine.

A number of records were broken with the Jaguar XK120, including averaging 130mph for an hour, over 100mph for 24 hours and one particular test conducted on a racetrack in France, where an XK120 was driven for 7 days and 7 nights averaging just over 100mph for the entire run, a great testament to the durability of the car.

First Car to Hit 150mph - Mercedes Benz 300SL

A few years after the Jaguar XK120 was released, the Stuttgart manufacturer of prestige vehicles decided to make its first road-going sports car, the 300SL. Attention was drawn predominantly to the beautiful body and gullwing doors, but its 160mph top speed was another string to its bow. 

At the time the 300SL was the world's fastest production car, based on the race car of the same name that won Le Mans a few years prior. Thanks to its beauty, prestige and rarity, used prices of the 300SL are some of the highest on this list!

First Car to Hit 250mph - The Bugatti Veyron 16.4

A surprising venture that spawned out of Volkswagen’s re-launch of the Bugatti name, the design brief for the Veyron was that it should be as competent in reaching its proposed 248mph top speed, as it was being driven to the opera.

This led to an ultra-powerful, ultra-luxurious hypercar that produced over 1,000 horsepower from its 16.4-litre engine. Over the course of developing the Veyron, Volkswagen Audi Group spent $1.6 billion, meaning each Veyron cost at least $3.5 million to make. Upon launch, the car was priced at $1.9 million.

Fastest Cars Ever Made

For over a decade, self-charging hybrids were the only hybrids vehicles on the market, and they’re still extremely popular today. The first mass-produced hybrid was released in 1997, so automakers have had plenty of time to perfect the recipe.

But now, over 25 years later, what are the best self-charging hybrids on sale?

Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVTi Hybrid - £30,505

The Toyota hybrid system hasn’t changed in principle since the first Prius in 1997, it was an incredibly efficient and reliable system then and it still is in the modern Toyota and Lexus products. The current 

 also uses this system, alongside practical hatchback packaging. 

Starting at £30,505 the new Corolla is great value, considering the bulletproof reliability baked in. Its pretty well equipped too, with even the base Icon spec having a 12” touchscreen and 16” alloy wheels fitted. 

The new generation of Honda designs is a nice balance between modernity and retaining the model's character. The new 

 is a great example of this, with its LED lights and more angular panel design.

Under the bodywork is a great car, too, it features Honda’s excellent 1.5 hybrid powertrain, allowing the new Jazz to hit nearly 63MPG on a motorway run. At £26,885 the fact you get adaptive cruise control, Garmin-powered navigation and Honda’s smart safety sensing system is a very nice addition to the package.

Considering it's the cheapest car on this list by a good margin, the 

 full hybrid packs a decent punch, with typically chic styling and a considerable amount of tech. The base model; the evolution, comes with 145hp, cruise control and a 7” Android auto infotainment system. 

If you want any colour other than white, expect to pay around £750 extra, the same is true for the various styling packs usually seen on the press cars and TV adverts. Renault claims nearly 70mpg from the 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid drivetrain.

Here’s a tip for any Corolla Touring Sports admirers: the 

 is the same car, just with different badges and trim pieces. You get all the reliability and durability of the Toyota - not that Suzuki doesn’t make reliable cars anyway! - at a lower cost. 

From my research, the base model Swace (Motion) is roughly equivalent to the second-tier Corolla Touring Sports (Design), but be sure to check the spec thoroughly at your local dealership before committing.

A mainstay in the estate market, the current 

 continues to combine style and German engineering with its 220hp hybrid-electric powertrain. Fuel economy isn’t one of its main selling points, with Mercedes claiming just over 52mpg; poultry in comparison to the Swace’s 64 mpg. 

Where they differ though is the fit and finish of the interior, like most Mercedes the C-Class is excellently furnished, with brushed metal and leather aplenty. The C200 uses a 1.5 litre petrol engine and a hybrid system, paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Not strictly an estate, but not quite a crossover or SUV, the new Citroen C5 X is in a category of its own somewhat. Whilst it doesn’t retain all the benefits of an out-and-out wagon, it is a good compromise. 

Whilst the powertrain is called a mild hybrid, the C5 X can do a very short distance (0.6 miles) on electric-only power, which according to Citroen would account for 50% of travelled distance when driving through a city. It’s a relatively handsome vehicle, with bulky-looking overhangs and angular-yet-curvy lines. 

Decidedly more boxy than the old car, the new 

 has a fresh look, inline with the rest of Hyundai’s range it uses angular shapes with blacked-out accents all over. The colour range is limited to earthy tones of orange, grey and black, personally I think the design would suit a vibrant blue or burnt orange better!

The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 petrol hybrid system, that Hyundai claims to achieve 41 mpg. Interior tech is aplenty with powered tailgate, lane following and more all included in the base model.

Sister company to Toyota, Lexus has access to all the same great hybrid tech found in the Prius and others, 

 makes full use of this, available in both plug in and self charging hybrid. 

The latter can achieve 50 mpg from its 2.5 litre engine and motor combo, which is pretty good for a petrol SUV, especially with all the leather and tech packed in. The NX starts at £44,445, a pretty good price considering it’s competing with the Mercedes GLC and BMW X3.

As a medium sized SUV the Niro 1.6 Hybrid is perfect for those not needing 7 seats or a huge boot. The 1.6 powertrain is well proven after being used across the Kia range for a while, if that’s not enough Kia offer a 7 year warranty to back it up.

Inside the Niro sports a novel 2 spoke steering wheel and a very German-esque dashboard, with an angular glass panel reminiscent of certain Audi interiors. Base spec comes with 140hp and the biggest load capacity of the three powertrain options, those being hybrid, 

If you want a more economical car, but without the hassle of charging an electric car or plug in EV, a self charging hybrid is perfect. They have enabled a new generation of low-emissions larger cars such as 

, that would traditionally have used diesel engines.

Self-charging or “full” hybrids used to be the norm, the first hybrid, the Toyota Prius was a self-charging hybrid. They use the car's petrol engine, alongside regenerative braking to keep the battery topped up.

What is the downside to a self-charging hybrid?

Unlike plug-in hybrids, most self-charging hybrids cannot run on electric power alone, meaning you can’t use them for short journeys as an EV.

9 Best Self-charging Hybrid Cars

In the last few years there have been so many new car manufacturers arriving on the UK market it’s hard to keep up, the majority of these new brands are Chinese-owned EV companies.

Now Chinese EVs are proving to be quirky cars at a very affordable price, but which ones are the best?

Since 2007 SIAC Motors in China has owned the MG brand, formerly known for classic British sports cars. 

They now offer a range of hybrid and fully electric vehicles, ranging from small city cars to SUVs. The 

 is the latter, being a medium-sized electric SUV.

Starting at £30,495 the ZS is good value, coming equipped with adaptive cruise control, the ability to pre-warm the car through the relevant app, and active city braking. 

Inside, the SE model features fabric seats and a 10” touchscreen display.

Unless you’re interested in Formula-E, Nio is not likely to be a name you’re familiar with, but the premium Chinese EV brand is set to launch in early 2025. 

 is said to be in competition with the Mercedes EQC, BMW iX3 and Porsche Macan.

When you look at the spec sheet it’s clear they’re not playing around. With over 400hp, 7.1 surround sound and all the safety features you could dream of, many built with the premise of self-driving in mind.

BYD has had vehicles on UK roads since 2013, in the form of electric and diesel-electric buses. 

 is their first SUV, at nearly £38,000 it sits somewhere in the middle of the market, with various premium features potentially giving it an edge over the MG ZS.

With 260 miles of range, it’s slightly worse than the MG, and is considerably worse than one of its mainstream competitors, the Kia EV6, which has a claimed range of 360 miles. 

 is a quirky compact city car, capable of 193 miles on a single charge, whilst its size may suggest an affordable EV, it is actually aimed at the luxury end of the market, to compete with the likes of the Volvo EX30.

Styling on the 03 is a tricky one, to me it looks like a classic Porsche from the front, a Vauxhall Adam from the side, and a Nissan Leaf from the back.

This isn’t inherently a bad thing, it certainly gives a quirky look. Equipment is plentiful with sat nav from a large infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, 360 cameras and a facial recognition system for unlocking.

Until the BYD Seagull is released in 2025, the 

 is the company's smallest car. Whilst the exterior isn’t much to look at, especially compared to the Ora 03, the interior is actually quite nice, with high-quality leatherette and sleek curves to the dashboard.

At £26,195 it’s a good bit cheaper than the Ora too, despite that it still packs 200hp and a decent trim level, especially when compared to European or even Japanese-made cars.

 is more of a mid-size hatchback than a small city car, the price puts it in-line with this category, especially when considering the amount of tech and features it has. 

Available in 4 trim levels, from “SE” up to “Trophy Extended Range”, even the most basic model has MG pilot - a lane keeping, adaptive cruise type system -, and a 10” touchscreen and will do 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. 

With new vehicles coming to market constantly, there are quite a few scheduled to be released in 2025, including some exciting electric sports cars.

Hailed as being the first all-electric sports car sold in the UK (when it releases at least!), the MG Cyberster is both a homage to the British brands' sports cars of old and a tie-in to the newest tech on the market, that is typical of Chinese-made EVs.

With the top-of-the-line model expected to have 4-wheel drive and just over 500 horsepower, it should be a load of fun, whether the nearly 2-tonne curb weight will hamper that is something different. 

The Cyberster will also feature the very supercar-esque “scissor doors”, it is certainly one of the most exciting EVs to look out for in 2025.

As the first Chinese brand electric pickup truck to come to the UK, the 

 will be eagerly awaited by those looking for a 

 friendly pickup with all the features found on other Chinese EV brands.

With a payload of 1,000kg and a combined range of 205 miles, it should be a good companion to those needing to transport tools or materials reasonably short distances.

Although with 2-wheel drive only it won't be the best option for those needing to cross rough terrain.

The MIFA 7 could well be a good alternative to the Mercedes EQV, or the Volkswagen ID Buzz, being considerably cheaper than the Merc and about the same as the VW, the extra features are where the Maxus shines.

Its combined range is just under 400 miles, which is much better than the EQV and the ID Buzz.

It also comes with Nappa leather captains chairs, adaptive cruise control and the usual touchscreen infotainment systems. The MIFA 9 is expected to be available in the UK from early 2025.

On the whole, the reports have been very good for most of the recently launched Chinese EVs. with BYD topping the list for reliability.

With each manufacturer offering a different selection, from MG with its sporty Cyberster, and Maxus prioritising MPV and commercial vehicles, there’s no one stand-out marque just yet.

Whilst there have been some well-discussed quality issues with Tesla, their recent models have seen better quality control. That said, for the cost and features you get, the Chinese brands do tend to offer more value for money.

Top 10 Chinese Electric Cars on Sale in the UK

There are a few important things to keep on top of when owning or driving a car. Ensuring your car is MOT’d, taxed and insured is something every driver should know how to do.

With modern technology, there’s no excuse either, all you need is an internet connection and your car's registration number. The service for checking your road tax expiry also offers useful information about your MOT status, too.

Thankfully the gov.uk website has a quick and easy service for checking car tax, anyone can use it to check any car registration:

Why You Need to Check If Your Car is Taxed

Having car tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to use its official name, is a legal requirement to drive on UK roads. 

The punishment for not taxing your car depends on how and when you are caught, but it can range from a £100 fine, to criminal convictions and vehicle seizure.

A different service must be used to check if your car is insured: the 

 database. To check if your car is insured, follow these steps:

Having a car insurance policy is a legal requirement to drive on public roads in the UK. You must have a minimum of third-party cover. This ensures that if you are involved in a collision, the other party will be able to claim against your insurance company for their losses.

Driving without insurance is a serious offence, and comes with a range of punishments starting at a £300 fine and 6 penalty points.

 is an annual test of roadworthiness, carried out by qualified personnel at an approved MOT station. To check how long your MOT is valid, follow the steps below:

You can also view previous MOTs using this service, including any minor or major defects and advisories. 

Having a valid MOT certificate is required to tax a vehicle, and driving without either is a serious offence. The MOT checks all the safety aspects of your car, including tyres, suspension and more. 

You should be aware of when your MOT is due to expire in advance, as you can book at test up to 30 days early, this allows you time to fix any faults.

How to Avoid Fines, Penalty Points or Vehicle Seizure when Driving

It may seem like a lot, but there are only really a few things to remember:

If you do these 4 things, and maintain a good standard of driving, there is no reason to worry about fines or penalty points!

If you find yourself forgetting about your car’s MOT or insurance renewal until the last minute, here are a few tips on how to remember for the future:

If your MOT is due soon, consider using Bumper’s 

, this allows you to spread the cost of MOT work with interest-free payments.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Skoda Kodiaq Vs Skoda Karoq

Best Used Cars Under £5,000

Fastest Cars Ever Made

9 Best Self-charging Hybrid Cars

Top 10 Chinese Electric Cars on Sale in the UK

Is My Car Taxed & Insured: How To Check

Do You Pay Road Tax On Electric Cars?

The World's Most Expensive Cars