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
  

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