SMMT 2026, Influencer Debate & Ford Ranger MSRT

SMMT 2026, Influencer Debate & Ford Ranger MSRT

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 Follow Kickin' Tyres for honest motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK [https://www.thecarbuyingcoach.co.uk/]. * Instagram: @kickintyrespod [https://www.instagram.com/kickintyrespod/] * TikTok: @kickintyrespod [https://www.tiktok.com/@kickintyrespod] * YouTube: @kickintyrespod [https://www.youtube.com/@kickintyrespod] * Facebook: @kickintyrespod [https://www.facebook.com/kickintyrespod] * X: @kickintyrespod [https://x.com/kickintyrespod] * LinkedIn: @kickintyrespod [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickintyrespod/] * Website: kickintyrespod.co.uk [http://kickintyrespod.co.uk]

Mazda CX-5, VW Transporter Sportline & the Real Cost of EV Ownership

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 Follow Kickin' Tyres for no-nonsense motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK [https://www.thecarbuyingcoach.co.uk/]. * Instagram: @kickintyrespod [https://www.instagram.com/kickintyrespod/] * TikTok: @kickintyrespod [https://www.tiktok.com/@kickintyrespod] * YouTube: @kickintyrespod [https://www.youtube.com/@kickintyrespod] * Facebook: @kickintyrespod [https://www.facebook.com/kickintyrespod] * X: @kickintyrespod [https://x.com/kickintyrespod] * LinkedIn: @kickintyrespod [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickintyrespod/] * Website: kickintyrespod.co.uk [http://kickintyrespod.co.uk]

Flying Cars, XPENG Autonomy, & Peugeot E-408 First Drive

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? Follow Kickin' Tyres for no-nonsense motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK [https://www.thecarbuyingcoach.co.uk/]. * Instagram: @kickintyrespod [https://www.instagram.com/kickintyrespod/] * TikTok: @kickintyrespod [https://www.tiktok.com/@kickintyrespod] * YouTube: @kickintyrespod [https://www.youtube.com/@kickintyrespod] * Facebook: @kickintyrespod [https://www.facebook.com/kickintyrespod] * X: @kickintyrespod [https://x.com/kickintyrespod] * LinkedIn: @kickintyrespod [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickintyrespod/] * Website: kickintyrespod.co.uk [http://kickintyrespod.co.uk]

Bentley Bentayga vs Polestar 3, Honda Prelude Returns, & The Rise of Chinese EVs

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 Follow Kickin' Tyres for no-nonsense motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK [https://www.thecarbuyingcoach.co.uk/]. * Instagram: @kickintyrespod [https://www.instagram.com/kickintyrespod/] * TikTok: @kickintyrespod [https://www.tiktok.com/@kickintyrespod] * YouTube: @kickintyrespod [https://www.youtube.com/@kickintyrespod] * Facebook: @kickintyrespod [https://www.facebook.com/kickintyrespod] * X: @kickintyrespod [https://x.com/kickintyrespod] * LinkedIn: @kickintyrespod [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickintyrespod/] * Website: kickintyrespod.co.uk [http://kickintyrespod.co.uk]

MG’s Solid State Battery & The Changan Deepal S05: The Truth About Chinese EVs

Are Chinese electric cars taking over? In the debut episode of Kickin' Tyres, motoring journalists Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay cut through the marketing spin to bring you the truth about the latest automotive launches. From the tech-heavy MG Tech Day in Frankfurt to "hooning" the new Changan Deepal S05 on a UK airfield, we break down what these new brands mean for British drivers. We aren't tied to any brands or dealerships, so everything we discuss is straight from the horse's mouth with zero brand bias. In this episode, we cover: * MG’s Solid State Breakthrough: Is the 95% solid-state battery a game-changer for range anxiety or just clever PR? * The 100-Year Hybrid: Why experts believe hybrids—especially plug-ins—will be around for a century to come. * Changan Deepal S05 Review: How a brand established in 1862 is using a Birmingham R&D team to tailor Chinese SUVs for pothole-ridden UK roads. * The "Excuse Bin": Who won (and who failed) the high-stakes emergency braking challenge at the Changan launch? * Exclusive Interview: Featuring clips from MG’s Global Design Chief, Jozef Kaban, on the future of automotive design. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Kickin' Tyres (05:20) MG’s Solid State Battery Tech (15:45) Interview: MG Design Chief Jozef Kaban (28:10) Driving the Changan Deepal S05 (35:30) Why Hybrids aren't dying (48:15) The Emergency Braking Challenge (55:00) Coming up: Bentley Bentayga & Ranger MSRT Follow us for no-nonsense motoring updates every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK [https://www.thecarbuyingcoach.co.uk/]. * Instagram: @kickintyrespod [https://www.instagram.com/kickintyrespod/] * TikTok: @kickintyrespod [https://www.tiktok.com/@kickintyrespod] * YouTube: @kickintyrespod [https://www.youtube.com/@kickintyrespod] * Facebook: @kickintyrespod [https://www.facebook.com/kickintyrespod] * X: @kickintyrespod [https://x.com/kickintyrespod] * LinkedIn: @kickintyrespod [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickintyrespod/] * Website: kickintyrespod.co.uk [http://kickintyrespod.co.uk]