Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Three teams headed to Ankara, Turkey this month to compete in Bumper’s annual hackathon. 

Racing against the clock, members of our development, product, design, and sales teams were split into three groups. They were tasked with creating a new feature to add to Bumper’s existing product offering. 

Over the course of just two days, the teams had to take their features from an initial concept into a fully workable feature. Teams were judged in five key areas: quality of code, user experience, commerciality, presentation, and inspiration. 

Matt Williams, Bumper’s Chief Growth Officer, headed up the winning team. He said, ‘Our annual hackathon is an opportunity for members of different departments to come together and focus on one project. The result is something really quite incredible. 

‘Last year our winning team created the ability for service advisors to see their customers’ reviews directly on their Bumper dashboard, adding immense value for our partnered garages and dealerships.

‘This year we’ve gone a lot bigger, looking at ways to improve the experience of the end user. The final product we’ve created is going to have a massive impact on the way our customer base can interact with us and we’re all incredibly excited to get it out there.’ 

Following the team’s win in Ankara, the new feature will go through several rounds of meticulous user testing before its release.

Three Bumper Teams Battle It Out for Hackathon Crown

With the popularity of SUVs being at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that manufacturers have made as many options available to their customers as possible, from big V8 engines to frugal diesel motorway cruisers and now sophisticated hybrid systems. 

These are the best 10 hybrid SUVs currently on sale in the UK, perfect for family holidays, commuting and anything in between. 

We’ve included both plug-in hybrids (PHEV) as well as full hybrids for greater selection, for more on which is which check our guide 

There are lots of hybrid cars on sale with very high MPG figures quoted, but one of the best in real-world feedback is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Its novel aerodynamic styling and extremely efficient engine selection allow it to reach over 120 MPG. 

Toyota has always been a pioneer in the hybrid sector. The RAV4 was also an innovative vehicle in its day. Combining the two then seems the obvious step.

With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and robust hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 remains a top choice for those seeking a well-rounded and eco-friendly SUV.

Combining luxury with efficiency, the Lexus UX 250h is an elegant hybrid SUV that delivers a smooth and quiet ride. Its distinctive design, high-quality materials, and advanced technology make it a standout choice for drivers who appreciate both style and sustainability.

The hybrid tech is very similar to those used in the RAV4, as Lexus and Toyota are essentially the same company, but the Lexus shows a marked improvement in interior quality and comfort.

The Volvo XC60 Recharge combines Scandinavian design with plug-in hybrid technology. Offering a luxurious interior and an impressive electric-only range, this SUV caters to those who prioritise both sustainability and a premium driving experience. 

If your commute is less than 50 miles and you can charge at work, you’ll be quids in on 

 with the 50-mile EV-only range. Impressive for a car weighing over 2 tonnes, in part due to its incredible safety features. 

Hybrid, Petrol Or Diesel - Which Is Best For You

Brand new for 2024, the Kodia iV is the first EV SUV from Skoda. This car is yet another reminder that Skoda is no longer the ugly duckling of the Volkswagen-Audi group, with very sleek styling both inside and out.

With a purported EV range of 100km, it would outlast most other EV modes currently on the market. 

Available in both a ‘full hybrid’ and PHEV guise, the new Kuga is very similarly styled to the old one, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The interior has received a minor refresh with better infotainment controls, though.

Both hybrid variants come with a 2.5L petrol engine again, which is larger than most others in this segment. It does not help the 0-60 performance though, with 9.2 seconds sounding (and probably feeling) quite poultry compared to some in this list.

Another Carbuyer favourite, the Tucson leads the way in a range of engine options, with mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid all available. All of the options use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Interior styling on the new Tucson is very bold, with an interestingly designed steering wheel, dash and centre console. We definitely recommend sitting in one before you commit to buying, as it might not be to everyone's tastes. 

Whilst there are cars that could be considered hybrid SUVs that are cheaper than the Niro, most of those are technically crossovers, the Niro would be our pick for a well-priced hybrid SUV.

Awarded Carbuyer’s Car of the Year 2023 in the small family car category, the Niro is set to continue its rise in 2024. The new models still combine the power from an electric motor system with a large 65kWh 

 and a 1.6-litre internal combustion engine.

This combo provides great economy and reasonable performance, easily rivalling the more sophisticated German and Japanese marques in this list. The styling is certainly not subpar either.

For the more premium end of the market, these last three cars should tick all the boxes. The xDrive45e sports BMW’s legendary 3.0 straight-six petrol engine, giving plenty of old-fashioned grunt when needed.

On the contrary, the refined hybrid system lets you cruise along in almost silence and absolute luxury. This is aided by the superb quality of the interior trim.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e combines German engineering with hybrid technology. Featuring a sophisticated interior, advanced safety features, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

It's an attractive option for those who prioritise luxury and sustainability, and it comes with all the usual features found in high-end Mercedes vehicles, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, Distronic radar cruise control and more. 

Last up is the Audi Q5 TFSI e, which is a plug-in hybrid SUV that blends style with efficiency. The Q5 is great for those who want a slightly less brash car, as the exterior styling is reminiscent of an A3, one of Audi’s smaller cars. 

If SUVs aren’t your thing or you’re on a tighter budget, then check out our 

guide to affordable hybrid vehicles in 2024.

Split the cost of repairs, maintenance, MOTs and services into monthly payments. Apply online before your visit and choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships nationwide.

 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 five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Top 10 Best Hybrid SUVs To Buy 

It’s with great pleasure that we announce the Dealership of the Month for October goes to John Clark Audi Aberdeen. 

The team won the award for their quick adoption of Bumper’s open banking payment option – PayByBank.

The new payment option allows customers to make one-off, account-to-account payments directly from their mobile devices. Requiring the use of authentication within the customer’s banking app, Open banking significantly reduces the risk of fraud for the dealer and avoids high processing fees often associated with cards issued by third parties. 

Open banking now sits alongside PayLater and PayNow, allowing Audi Aberdeen to offer a broad range of payment products no matter the customer’s needs.

Bumper’s Ricardo Fishbourne delivered the award to the winning site. He said, ‘A big congratulations to the team at John Clark Audi Aberdeen. The team have successfully integrated open banking into their everyday process, giving customers even greater payment flexibility than before.

‘Customers are looking for smarter, digital alternatives to card and the team here have really taken that on board, starting to work open banking into their everyday conversations with customers. They’ve proved themselves to have an incredible knowledge of our products, which is key when introducing a new payment option such as open banking.’

Mark Duncan, Sales Manager at Audi Aberdeen, said, ‘Open banking has really helped us receive payments from customers in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. We like how simple it is to use and our customers also appreciate its ease of use once we’ve explained it to them. Open banking is helping us reduce merchant costs on our transactions as traditional credit and debit cards carry a much higher processing cost compared to Open banking’.

Congratulations to Keith, Mark, Evelyne, Andrew, Jennifer, Juli, David and the whole team at John Clark Audi Aberdeen!

Dealership of the Month: John Clark Audi Aberdeen

Luxury can take many forms, from exotic holidays and fashion brands to swanky cars. However, it's not without a cost! The luxe life usually comes with a hefty price tag and a big dent in your wallet. 

Don’t give up your search. If you know where to look, luxury cars can be surprisingly affordable. 

We have some good news for luxury auto fans — we’ve researched for you. In this article, we’ll list the best cheap luxury cars so you don’t overspend on purchasing and maintenance. Let’s get started. 

New cars are expensive, especially luxury models. Thankfully, the secondhand market is full of bargains! If you want to buy a cheap luxury car, look at pre-loved models. 

Here are five of the best-value luxury cars:

Made from 2001 to 2011, the L322 is one of the most iconic shaped Range Rovers. Known for being the first to use a monocoque design instead of the old Land Rover-esque body on chassis, it was sublimely comfortable and refined whilst still being more than capable off-road. 

These can be bought for as little as £5,000 with less than 100,000 miles on. Look out for a good service history, as these complex cars can be demanding if not looked after.

BMW’s flagship executive saloon has been around for many years now, but as with many premium models, the older generations quickly lose value. The best generation to buy for great value is the E65, made from 2001 to 2008.

As it has not yet become a classic but sports a completely different styling from the newer and current generations, a model in good condition can be had for less than £6,500. We’d suggest the 3.0 diesel engine, which is legendary for its reliability and torque.

3. Mercedes S-Class 2006 - 2013 - £4,400

The S-Class has always been a staple in the high-end luxury/executive saloon market, competing with the BMW 7 series and Audi A8. Along with oodles of tech and ultra-luxurious cabin space, the S-class came equipped with great engines, from the 3.0-litre economical diesel to the 6.0-litre V12.

For practicality and running costs, we’d advise either the S320 or S350 versions with economical but powerful Diesel engines. For around £4,400, you can get a 130,000-mile Mercedes S-Class with plenty of kit and options from circa 2007. 

The Jaguar XF is the newest car of the bunch and the most expensive option. However, it’s a great combination of luxury and a more affordable price that some readers might find interesting. Second-hand models are available for as little as £8,000.

Highlights of the Jaguar XF include a deluxe cabin feel, sports driving characteristics, attractive interior design, and a smooth drive. 2020 models even have a touchscreen media system, which will cost you a little more. 

Launched in 2010, the Audi A8 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cheap luxury car that will stand the test of time. This model is known for being reliable and needing little maintenance — meaning it also has affordable maintenance costs (but more on cars that are cheap to run later!)

The Audi A8 has a classy interior, a sophisticated overall look, and plenty of technical features that’ll make any auto fan smile. Benefits of an Audi A8 include adaptive air suspension, a 3.0 TDI, and a super smooth engine feel.

The secondhand market is rarely kind to expensive and luxurious vehicles, mainly due to the high costs associated with keeping them on the road.

Almost everything costs more, from high tax bands to even the tyres being two or three times the price of those fitted to a basic hatchback.

These three luxury cars have been picked with their cost of running in mind: 

As luxury cars go, Lexus is pretty high up in the rankings. It is famous for producing some of the best-made saloon cars in the world, but for some luxury that won't break the bank, the GS450H is perfect. 

It uses a 3.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, a system similar to that of the Toyota Prius, and is extremely reliable and effective at producing great economy figures. The GS450H, despite being a full-size luxury saloon with over 350 horsepower, can easily achieve in excess of 45 MPG.

Cars from around 2006/2007 offer the best combination of low miles (under 100,000) and great value. 

Another Japanese brand, the Honda Legend, is a much less common sight on the roads than others on this list. With its 3.5-litre V6 engine and ample creature comforts, it definitely falls under the category of a luxury car.

Whilst you won't see as impressive MPG figures as the Lexus, as a hybrid system does not assist the NA 3.5L engine, you can rely on it being ultra-reliable and well-built, as with all Honda products. This means you shouldn't end up in the garage too often for repairs.

Volvo is well known for its comfortable cruisers, and the S80 takes passenger comfort to a new level with plush seats and loads of creature comforts. Double-glazed windows are an option for unrivalled interior quietness, too!

We’d suggest the dependable D5 engine, with plenty of torque and reasonable fuel consumption. This 2.4 Diesel is used in all of the Volvo range. £3,000 would net you a tidy Volvo S90 from 2003-2011 with reasonable miles; around 120,000.

If you’re looking for an upmarket hatchback but don’t want to splurge, consider the classic Mercedes A-Class. This car has a luxury look and a sleek interior design, making every journey feel like a treat. More recent models even have high-tech entertainment systems and voice recognition. 

Older A-Classes cost less, allowing you to drive around in style without a big bill. However, this might not be the best option if you live within a ULEZ area, as some old A-Class models aren’t compliant.

The Volvo XC60 provides the space and sophistication of a mid-size SUV while also giving an all-around modern driving experience. Unlike sportier models, the XC60 has a simpler design, but this is Scandinavian minimalism at its best. Pair this with a touchscreen media system, and you’ll get a faultless vehicle.

What really makes the XC60 a cheap luxury car is its high-quality materials and build. Owners report nee

 meaning you’ll spend less time paying off garage invoices and more time enjoying the car on the road.

Unlike fashion, car brands tend to spread their products across many market segments, with only a select handful making luxury cars. However, the most commonly seen luxury brands are Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Range Rover, and BMW.

Let’s get to know some of the top names.

One of the oldest car makers in the world, Rolls Royce split their business ventures between building jet engines and arguably the most luxurious cars in the world. They are famed for their exquisite quality, attention to detail and paint finish.

Another British classic, although it has been owned by Volkswagen since 1998, Bentley has focussed on the sports-luxury market in the last 20 years or so, with one of their most popular models being the Continental GT. 

One of the big three high-end German manufacturers, Mercedes was one of the first to make a car back in 1886. It produced a single-cylinder tricycle of sorts, using wooden wheels and a tiller to steer. Their modern vehicles are much more well-equipped. They are some of the most premium cars on the market.

Another German Giant, BMW targets the premium-luxury market worldwide, with a large market share in their home country as well as the rest of Europe and the US. Whilst still producing executive and luxury cars, BMW is also big in the sports car market, linking to its large motorsport history.

Whilst Audi has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group since the late 1960s, Audi cars are generally distinguished from their VW counterparts by higher quality and more stylised design.

Created as a vehicle for wealthy landowners and farmers to use instead of the utilitarian Land Rover, in 1969, the Range Rover offered off-road capability. Still, in comfort and luxury, it was an immediate success. 

Nowadays, it’s still super popular, one of the most well-known SUV and luxury brands in the world, and it is still equipped with great off-road ability. 

Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to the question of what the cheapest luxury car is.

The best way to find cheap classy cars is by looking through used car sites. Like second-hand clothing sites or antique store websites, the pricing can be unpredictable and depends on what the seller wants to earn.

Sometimes, you might get lucky and find an incredible deal. Other times, sellers want to charge high fees for cars that aren’t worth so much anymore.

Finding the cheapest luxury car - The bottom line

So, that was a quick rundown of the most affordable luxury cars. Hopefully, we’ve given you a starting point for your search. Make a note of these models and brand names, or bookmark this page. 

Always check out second-hand sites to find the best value-for-money luxury car. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems that get listed every day! Now go forth and discover. 

Split the cost of car repairs into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper. Apply online before your visit and choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships across the country.

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.

Affordable Luxury Cars: The Cheapest Luxury Cars to Buy and Maintain 

The majority of energy consumed in Morocco is created by fossil fuels, with around 57% coming from oil, and 33% from coal. In 2021, solar energy in the country accounted for less than 2% of the overall energy mix. With such substantial solar and wind power potential, Morocco has been actively developing renewable energy sources to meet the growing demand.

The Ouarzazate solar power station is one such project looking to capitalise on the country’s solar power potential. One of the world’s largest concentrated solar projects, this huge facility uses concave mirrors to concentrate solar energy and generates 582 megawatts of electricity. 

The site can store up to 7 hours of solar energy for continuous power supply after sunset.

The chosen region for the project benefits from exceptionally high sunlight year-round, giving the power station a unique advantage for solar energy generation.

In addition to a new source of renewable energy, the project has had a big impact on local communities. 7,000 local job opportunities have been created as well as educational initiatives and skills training.

A mobile hospital to provide health services to the local community has been set up, and funding is given to the local medical centre, including an ultrasound machine.

Additionally, the project has helped the local community by providing a minibus, which has lowered the local school dropout rate. 

Through our partnership with Ecologi, Bumper contributes to lots of climate-positive projects throughout the world. To find out more about how Bumper gives back to our community head to our 

Ecologi Project: Renewable Energy Solutions in Morocco 

Each year, tens of thousands of people in the UK are involved in car accidents. But how likely is a car accident, and is one car safer than another? What steps can you take to ensure your safety on the road? 

Understanding these statistics is crucial for staying safe and shaping policies. Let's explore key car accident and road safety questions and statistics and how you can protect yourself.

1. What are the odds of being in a car accident in the UK? 

0.21% of the UK population were involved in a car accident

. There were 143,326 injuries caused by car accidents in the UK, according to the 2022 

There are plenty of different causes of car accidents. However, three are more common than others: 

3. Not looking properly is the leading cause of UK car accidents

 drivers failing to look correctly causes around 37.8% of UK accidents. This includes car drivers and motorcyclists. 

Of the 143,326 injuries, only 1,766 car accident casualties were fatal. This means the chance of dying in a car accident on your daily drive is extremely low, far 

5. Someone is killed or injured every 16 minutes on UK roads

, in the UK, a person is killed or seriously injured by a car crash every 16 minutes.

6. How many people die per day from car accidents in the UK?

 five people die per day due to car crashes. A further 82 are also seriously injured. 

7. What are the odds of dying in a car crash without a seatbelt? 

Soberingly, 21% of car accident deaths occur in cars where the driver or passenger isn’t wearing a seatbelt. Please, always wear your seatbelt. 

Fortunately, seat belt usage is increasing. Gov UK found that 

of all front and rear seat passengers wear seatbelts.

8. How does the UK car crash death rate measure up to other European countries?

The UK has the fourth lowest car crash death rate per million people compared to 32 other European countries 

Which country is the lowest? Norway has the lowest rate with 21 deaths per million people.

9. How many alcohol-related car crashes are there? 

Alcohol has and likely always will be one of the leading causes of car accidents. 

According to the official UK Government data, around 5% of all car accidents involve at least one driver or passenger over the legal alcohol limit. 

Although the number of fatal car accidents in Great Britain is low, of those, in 2020, 

between 200 and 240 people were killed, and at least one driver was over the legal alcohol limit

10. How are drink-drive crashes categorised?

 defines a drink-drive accident as an incident on a public road where one of these three criteria are met:

11. Are car accidents more likely in winter? 

Summer is known to be the most likely season for car accidents, but it’s not down to weather or poor driving conditions. Instead, it’s because far more people are out on the road. 

More people driving equals more crashes, which is the same reason why fatal car accidents went down by 

12. Does weather or temperature affect car crashes?

 can increase the likelihood of crashes in the UK. This is because more vulnerable drivers are on the roads in warmer weather and summer months, leading to a higher exposure to accidents. 

13. Does speeding increase the likelihood of a crash? 

Speeding is the number one cause of car accidents worldwide.

When you’re speeding, you decrease your reaction time as well as increase the stopping distance, so the likelihood of an accident sharply increases. Put simply, it’s a lot more difficult to avoid an obstacle if you are over the speed limit. 

Always obey speed limits, they are there for your and everyone else’s safety. 

14. How many hit-and-runs happen in the UK?

A hit-and-run is an incident when the vehicle doesn’t stop after a car crash. 

 since 2011. The boroughs with the highest rates include Merton and Wandsworth. 

Overall, drivers fail to stop in one out of every five crashes. 

15. Who is statistically more likely to be in a car crash? 

Statistics show that there are different factors at play when it comes to who is most likely to be involved in a car accident. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main ones: 

16. What age group is most likely to be involved in a crash in the UK? 

Young male drivers under 25 are four times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers aged 25 or over. 

Worryingly, young car drivers account for a quarter of drivers killed in reported drink-driving accidents despite only representing 

17. Are men or women more likely to crash? 

Men are more likely to experience a casualty from driving, with 62% of all car-related injuries being male. Sadly, 78% of all car fatalities are male, according to the 

18. Which make of car has the most accidents? 

Did you know that the Toyota Prius is the 

, with 1,207 crashes for every 100,000 Toyota Priuses on the road?

If you’re looking for a safe vehicle, then you might want to consider an Audi. Audis account for the least number of accidents in the UK per 10,000 cars, according to the 

20. Which is more dangerous - motorbikes or cars? 

 to be killed in an accident than a car driver. Motorbikes are inherently more dangerous than cars on the road. So, if you’re thinking about driving a bike, think twice. 

21. What’s the most dangerous car colour? 

Research from carVertical showed that brown cars were the likeliest to have been in an accident, with 51% of vehicles on their platform having been involved in one. Oddly, yellow was the second riskiest colour, with 50.6%, and red came in third with 49.8%. 

 are white and grey, with only 44% of collisions involving these colours. 

 found that car crashes affected four main groups: pedestrians, car occupants, pedal cyclists, and motorcyclists. Here's how the data breaks down

Motorcycle accidents have decreased 40% from 2004 to 2022, and serious injuries have decreased by 30%. 

However, from 2018 to 2022, an average of 

104 motorcyclists were seriously injured, and six died per week

. Nearly half of the fatalities were in 2 vehicle collisions between the motorbike and a car. 

The most common reason for motorcycle accidents in the UK is the driver or rider failing to look properly. So, when driving, always look once, look twice, and think bike. 

Curious about car accidents outside the UK? Here are some 

 from the World Health Organization’s Road Traffic Injuries fact sheet.

24. How Many Car Crashes Are There A Year?

1.19 million people worldwide are killed by car accidents, and a further 20 to 50 million are affected by non-fatal injuries and disabilities). 

25. 92% of car crashes happen in low- and middle-income countries 

Middle- and low-income countries see the majority of car accidents, even though they only have around 60% of the world’s vehicles. 

26. Car crashes cost countries 3% of their GDP 

Yes, you read that right. Car crashes and accidents cause so much damage that they cost each country approximately 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP). 

27. Crash injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults 

Across the world, car crashes are the main cause of death for children and young adults between the years of 5 to 29. 

28. The United Nations General Assembly has set a target to half crash injuries by 2030 

In June 2022, the General Assembly set a target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 

29. Are ride-sharing apps more likely to cause accidents? 

With the rise of ride-sharing apps (e.g. Uber and Bolt), more of us are using taxis than ever before. But has this increase in usage caused more accidents? 

No! A Study from the University of Oxford found that 

Uber is connected with a 9% decline in UK

Regardless of your age or what car you happen to be driving, the number one factor that influences the likelihood of an accident is your own behaviour behind the wheel. 

Following the UK car crash statistics, let’s look at how you can protect yourself on the road. 

UK Car Accident Statistics - Final Thoughts 

After reading all these car accident statistics, we hope you feel assured that the chances of a serious car accident are extremely low. However, if you find yourself in a car accident and need car repairs, you might want to consider 

, you can spread the cost of any repairs at no extra cost. Apply for a credit limit and find a reliable service partner today. 

Three Bumper Teams Battle It Out for Hackathon Crown

Top 10 Best Hybrid SUVs To Buy

Dealership of the Month: John Clark Audi Aberdeen

Affordable Luxury Cars: The Cheapest Luxury Cars to Buy and Maintain

Ecologi Project: Renewable Energy Solutions in Morocco

Vital Car Accident Statistics All Drivers Should Know

The 9 Cheapest New Cars In The UK

What would our streets, towns and cars look like after a zombie apocalypse?