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

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Is the XPENG L03 the car that takes Chinese EVs mainstream in the UK? And what was it really like to be at a global world premiere with a thousand guests in Munich?

In Episode 8 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay are fresh from the XPENG L03 global launch in Munich — and they've got plenty to say about the car, the event, and what it means for the EV market.

The L03 is XPENG's most important car yet. Designed under former Ferrari Exterior Design Chief JuanMa Lopez, it combines SUV practicality with a coupe silhouette, a drag coefficient of just 0.228, and a cabin packed with AI technology — including an upgraded voice assistant and Google Maps integration built directly into the XPENG interface. Available as a pure EV and a range extender capable of up to 1,000km, it starts from 35,000 euros in Europe.

The pair also reflect on the realities of a thousand-person global launch and what series one of Kickin' Tyres has taught them — with two episodes to go before they plan series two.

Topics include:

• XPeng L03 world premiere — design, tech and first impressions
• Former Ferrari design chief behind the L03's styling
• AI cockpit, Google Maps integration and voice assistant tech
• Range extender variant — up to 1,000km of range
• Munich launch — a thousand guests and a few glitches
• Chinese car brands — how quickly is the landscape changing?
• Series one reflections — what's worked and what's next
• Coming up — AION, Kia, LEPAS L8, Polestar 5, and Lexus ES
  

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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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Are EVs really cheaper to run? And what's it actually like living with one day to day?

In this episode of Kickin' Tyres, Adam and Tim swap press launch stories and get refreshingly honest about the realities of motoring — both as journalists and as everyday drivers.

Tim heads to Scotland for the third-generation Mazda CX-5 launch, reporting back on why Mazda's global bestseller still deserves its reputation — and where it falls slightly short. Meanwhile, Adam reflects on two years of Tesla Model 3 Performance ownership, sharing the real-world numbers on range, charging costs, and battery degradation.

The conversation takes a candid turn as Adam reveals his time as an Amazon delivery driver — and what a brand new VW Transporter Sportline meant when you're grafting on less than minimum wage. Tim also previews his upcoming drive of the new VW Transporter Sportline, plus the all-electric Mercedes GLC ahead of its UK launch.

The pair also discuss car finance, the 100,000-mile EV stigma, public charging frustrations, and why planning ahead is non-negotiable if you're going electric.

Topics include:

• Mazda CX-5 third generation — Scottish road test impressions
• Two years with the Tesla Model 3 Performance — honest ownership verdict
• Real-world EV running costs and home charging tips
• Why public charging alone isn't enough
• VW Transporter Sportline — 75 years of the VW bus
• All-electric Mercedes GLC — UK launch preview
• SMMT Test Day 2026 preview
• Car finance, cost of living, and the 100k-mile EV debate

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Are flying cars and fully self-driving tech closer than we think?

In this episode of Kickin’ Tyres, Adam and Tim compare two very different trips—one to XPENG’s cutting-edge facilities in China, and the other to Marseille for a first drive of the new Peugeot E-408.

Adam shares his experience witnessing a real flying “land aircraft carrier” in action, alongside a deep dive into XPENG’s VLA 2.0 full self-driving system—put to the test on the chaotic streets of Beijing.

Meanwhile, Tim reports back from France with driving impressions of Peugeot’s latest electrified fastback, and a look at how European brands are responding to increasing competition.

The discussion turns to the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers like Chery, BYD, and AION—and whether legacy carmakers should be worried.

Also in this episode, Milan Design Week brings another new brand into focus, while conversations around tech, pricing, and quality challenge long-held perceptions of Chinese-built cars.

Topics include:

• XPENG flying car (land aircraft carrier) demo
• VLA 2.0 full self-driving experience in Beijing
• Peugeot E-408 first drive in Marseille
• Inside Auto Show China 2026
• The rise of Chinese car brands in the UK
• Chery’s expanding brand lineup (Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas)
• Milan Design Week and the launch of Lepas
• Are Chinese EVs outperforming European rivals?
  

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Can electric SUVs now rival the very best petrol-powered luxury cars?

In this episode of Kickin’ Tyres, Adam and Tim recap a hectic run of three car launches in three days, including first drives of the MY26 Polestar 3, and a comparison with the Bentley Bentayga Speed.

They explore whether high-performance EVs are finally delivering on their promise, or if traditional luxury SUVs still hold the edge.

Also in this episode, the long-awaited return of the Honda Prelude raises questions about the future of sporty coupes, while Chinese brands like AION and Chery continue their rapid push into the UK market.

Looking ahead to upcoming trips to China and Milan Design Week, the discussion turns to new technology, emerging brands, and where the global car industry is heading next.

Topics include:

• Polestar 3 Dual Motor vs Dual Motor Performance
• Bentley Bentayga Speed driving impressions
• Honda Prelude revival
• AION V and Chery TIGGO 4 CSH overview
• The rise of Chinese EV brands in the UK
• Why SUVs continue to dominate the market

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