Is the XPeng G6 a genuine Tesla Model Y rival? And what's it really like to live with for a week?

In Episode 7 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay catch up ahead of a busy few weeks — Tim's just back from a Jeep launch in Germany covering the Avenger and Compass, while Adam shares his real-world verdict on the XPeng G6 long range after a week on test.

Adam gives an honest assessment of the G6's strengths and weaknesses — a great looking EV with a well-built interior, but with a fiddly infotainment system, vague steering, and a ride quality that lets it down slightly. The pair also discuss the quirky oval steering wheel, boot space, real-world range, and how it stacks up against rivals including the Tesla Model Y, BYD Seal, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

There's also talk of the upcoming XPeng L03 world premiere in Munich, the rise of Chinese car brands in Europe, Jeep's 85th anniversary, and whether either of them is bothered about missing the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Topics include:

• XPeng G6 long range — honest real-world review
• XPeng G6 vs Tesla Model Y and key rivals
• Jeep Avenger and Compass — Germany launch impressions
• Jeep's 85th anniversary and the new Avenger range
• XPeng L03 world premiere — Munich preview
• Chinese car brands vs legacy manufacturers
• BYD overtaking Tesla in global sales
• Goodwood Festival of Speed — are they missing out?
• What's coming — XPeng Munich, LEPAS L8, Kia launch
  

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What's it really like to make a living as a freelance motoring journalist in 2026? And is the Polestar 3 still worth buying after its shock US ban?

In Episode 6 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay catch up after a longer gap than usual — Adam's back from a much-needed holiday and reflecting honestly on burnout, freelance life, and the dangers of never stepping off the treadmill.

Adam shares his verdict on the Polestar 3 rear motor after driving all three versions, plus early impressions of the Polestar 4 long range dual motor on test. The pair dig into Polestar's US ban due to connected vehicle rules and what it means for the wider Geely stable, EV charging frustrations, the Mercedes CLA Electric, and the US market's complicated history with foreign car brands. Plus — the worst cars they've ever owned and a Reliant Robin cameo nobody saw coming.

Topics include:

• Polestar 3 rear motor review — do you really need more than 333hp?
• Polestar 4 long range dual motor — early test impressions
• Polestar US ban — connected vehicle rules and what it means for Geely brands
• Mercedes CLA Electric — EV logistics in the real world
• Freelance motoring journalism — burnout, holidays, and the FOMO trap
• The US market and its complicated history with foreign car brands
• VW Group hierarchy — where does Skoda sit?
• The worst cars Adam and Tim have ever owned
• What's coming up — Xpeng Germany launch and MG Tech Day
  

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Are car brands making a mistake by chasing influencer reach over earned media? And what does it take to build lasting relationships in this industry?

In Episode 5 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay get honest about the state of motoring journalism — the good, the frustrating, and the truths nobody else wants to say out loud.

Adam and Tim both attend SMMT Test Day 2026 at Millbrook Proving Ground, where the absence of several legacy brands sparks a wider conversation about how manufacturers are rethinking their PR strategies. Tim also arrives fresh from the Alpine A390 GTS global media drive in Italy and reflects on what makes — and breaks — a journalist-PR relationship.

The pair dig into the rise of paid content creators and why honest car reviews still matter when consumers are making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Adam also shares his verdict on the Ford Ranger MSRT — a street racer pickup that turns heads but comes with ride quality caveats paid influencers won't mention.

Topics include:

• SMMT Test Day 2025 — which legacy brands were absent and why
• Influencers vs motoring journalists — the credibility debate
• PR relationships — ghosting and what both sides get wrong
• Ford Ranger MSRT — ride quality, looks, and real-world driving
• Alpine A390 GTS — Italy global media launch
• The reality of freelance motoring journalism in 2026

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