What's it really like to travel halfway around the world for a car launch? And how do Chinese brands stack up against Japanese stalwarts when you put them side by side?

In Episode 9 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay are back from China — tired, busy, and with plenty to say about the XPeng G9L preview, the Geely EX2, and what the trip revealed about where the automotive industry is heading.

Tim shares his impressions of the Geely EX2 — an affordable entry-level EV that surprised him — and the Geely EX5, while Adam reflects on his second trip to Guangzhou and what makes XPeng so much more than just a car company. The pair also dig into the Lexus ES UK launch, the Lexus UX300H, the Honda Prelude, the Nissan Juke, and the Suzuki Swift — and debate which makes more sense: a Chinese EV supermini or a tried-and-tested Japanese hybrid?

There's also talk of a potential Ford Fiesta ST comeback, the Peugeot E208 GTI launch in Scotland, and what to expect from series two of Kickin' Tyres.

Topics include:

• XPeng G9L preview — China debrief
• Geely EX2 — affordable entry-level EV impressions
• Geely EX5 — real-world test verdict
• Geely EX2 vs Suzuki Swift — which would you choose?
• Lexus ES UK launch — EV only in the UK
• Lexus UX300H — underrated compact luxury crossover
• Honda Prelude — a stylish alternative to the SUV crowd
• Nissan Juke — still making a strong case
• Ford Fiesta ST — is it making a comeback?
• Series two plans — guest interviews and what's changing

Follow Kickin' Tyres for honest motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK.

• Instagram: @kickintyrespod
• TikTok: @kickintyrespod
• YouTube: @kickintyrespod
• Facebook: @kickintyrespod
• X: @kickintyrespod
• LinkedIn: @kickintyrespod
• Website: kickintyrespod.co.uk