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July 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 49QUICK BURSTS:Sporting chanceThe number of new SUV (sport utility) models available to UK drivers is at its highest level in 25 years, with selection up by 543% since 2000.Analysis from automotive marketplace CarGurus has found that there are now 193 new SUV models available to motorists from the UK%u2019s top 35 manufacturers, compared with just 30 in 2000. Further research revealed that all 35 of the UK%u2019s most popular brands now off er at least one SUV in their range, with 20 out of 35 (57%) off ering fi ve or more SUV variants. Considering the top three brands with the greatest number of SUVs, there are 46 diff erent options (18 Audi, 15 BMW, and 13 Mercedes). In 2000, less than half of the manufacturers examined in the study off ered an SUV.The ever-growing popularity of SUVs is refl ected in customer demand. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, eight of the 10 best-selling cars year-to-date in 2025 are SUVs, with only the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf representing other car categories. Similarly, eight of the top 10 best-selling cars in 2024 were SUVs, including the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, and Nissan Qashqai.Given the bootDacia has launched the world%u2019s first augmented reality %u2018Boot Organiser%u2019 tool within its %u2018Dacia AR%u2019 app, transforming how customers can effi ciently load and optimise their boot space. Designed to take away the stress of loading the car ahead of a weekend break, holiday adventure or when moving house, the innovative tool helps users visualise exactly where to put everything from suitcases to surfboards.If the item is not available on the extensive list within the tool, which even includes skis and sleeping bags, users have the option to add items themselves to truly reflect what they%u2019re packing. Different demo scenarios are available, including a camping trip, house move or holiday, so that users can understand how best to optimise the space in their boot. Separately, the %u2018Dacia Travel Companion%u2019 encourages users to head out and explore while making their journey safer and more enjoyable. Features include monitoring signs of fatigue by analysing facial expressions as well as sleep data and suggesting places of interest to stop along a route, personalised to the driver so that they can take a break. The app is compatible with Waze, Google Maps or Apple Maps.Up to %u00a35,000Cheap, cheerful run-arounds to get you from A to B reliably. They will be older than the rest but that doesn%u2019t mean they will be worthless. Check carefully before buying.Ford FocusToyota AurisVW TouranSEAT LeonVauxhall Astra%u00a35000 to %u00a310,000This is a decent budget without breaking the bank. You will fi nd a good selection of well-used but hopefully well-loved cars here looking for a new owner.Peugeot 2008Renault ClioHyundai IoniqDacia DusterSkoda Octavia%u00a310,000 to %u00a320,000More serious money being spent here. You will get a nice, smart car with the potential to last a good few years, or still be worth something. There%u2019s a wide range of cars priced in this bracket.Ford Puma STMG 3Volvo S90Vauxhall MokkaMINI Cooper S%u00a320,000 to %u00a330,000With this amount at your disposal, the showrooms will be opening up for you. Nice, two year old sports models and family SUVs and saloons will be on your radar.Hyundai Kona ElectricAudi A5Cupra FormentorBMW 4 SeriesRange Rover Evoque%u00a330,000 to %u00a350,000Want a high end sports model, luxury estate or futuristic electric car %u2013 but don%u2019t want to pay a new price for it? This the bracket for you. Highly desirable but without the early depreciation.Tesla Model SMercedes GLCRange Rover SportPorsche BoxsterJaguar F-TypeVW TOURANRENAULT CLIOMINI COOPER S AUDI A5TESLA MODEL S