Page 49 - Demo

January 2026 | Phonebox Magazine 49QUICK BURSTS:Ice danger revealedAlmost half of motorists risk damaging their car when clearing ice from their windscreen, while a third could face a fi ne due to their winter morning habits, according to new research.As the UK experiences early winter cold snaps with vehicles frosting up across the country, online marketplace eBay%u2019s research centre revealed one in fi ve (19%) motorists have admitted to using boiling water from a kettle despite the fact it can crack the windscreen. Almost a third (30%) said they used their wipers to clear ice, which could damage the wiper blades and electric motor.While the data found the most common ways drivers use to clear their windscreen was ice scrapers (32%) and de-icer spray (26%), it also revealed the more unusual methods, including bank cards, CDs, CD cases, paint scrapers and cold water.As well as risking damage to their car, drivers could be fi ned for how they defrost their vehicle. Nearly one in fi ve (19%) were unaware that it was illegal to drive their vehicles without fully defrosted windows. This can result in a %u00a360 fi ne and three points on your license.EV temptationDrivers charging their electric vehicles at home are discovering an unexpected bonus: not going to the petrol station means fewer sugary snacks, energy drinks and impulse buys. By charging at home, EV owners are not only saving emissions and money, but they%u2019re also avoiding the temptation of extra calories and unnecessary spending that comes with every stop.According to a new insight from British EV charger brand Simpson & Partners, the weekly visit to a petrol station often includes picking up a chocolate bar, drink or %u2018meal deal%u2019 while stopping for a top up. The average forecourt food and drink haul costs %u00a35, or %u00a3260 a year, not to mention thousands of calories.%u201cThere%u2019s so much talk in the media about weight loss drugs, how sugar isn%u2019t healthy and how diabetes is on the rise,%u201d said Mandy Simpson, co-founder of Simpson & Partners. %u201cThe hidden side benefi t for EV drivers who home charge is that you don%u2019t need to go to the petrol station and expose yourself to the temptations on the snack aisle. It%u2019s like a passive benefi t no one talks about.%u201da full electric. Enter the Ioniq 9, which does a similar job while taking all its power from a battery. It%u2019s a massive car with tons of space inside for a big family and their belongings. There%u2019s lots of choice too, in terms of two or four wheel drive, power output and the battery%u2019s range, which can go as high as 370 miles. A smooth and comfortable ride is the highlight of this big car, while excellent steering makes town driving, manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces all fi rst class. It%u2019s not a cheap car, and it doesn%u2019t feel it %u2013 everything is upmarket and full of quality.Top speed: 118mph / Price guide: %u00a372,0007. Mini Cooper ConvertibleDespite the notoriously poor summer weather here, UK drivers have historically loved convertible cars. Many can still be seen with the roof down in the depths of winter wearing a hat, gloves and scarf. Soft-tops have declined in popularity, but there are still some notable models around, including the lovely convertible from Mini. Recently freshened up, the nippy little Cooper version of BMW-owned Mini%u2019s town car is fun and freedom personifi ed. A potent two-litre petrol turbo engine provides the zippy experience on the road. If 0-62mph in eight seconds isn%u2019t quick enough there%u2019s the faster Cooper S model and even a potent JCW high performance version. Inside Mini%u2019s famous round centre dial is retained, and it contains an excellent infotainment set-up with all manner of controls and settings, all handled from there.Top speed: 137mph / Price guide: %u00a332,0008. Omoda 9Chinese brand Omoda%u2019s plug-in hybrid is new to the UK, but has found fans here already. A 5 and E5 (electric) Omoda is already available but this 9 version is larger and takes over at the top of the tree. There%u2019s a 1.5-litre petrol engine doing the long-distance honours, but two electric motors and a powerful battery handle the town driving. They are also responsible for the big car%u2019s impressive performance %u2013 a sprint from 0-62mph takes just 4.9 seconds. Fully fuelled the car can go for nearly 700 miles %u2013 about one seventh of those could be battery powered.With lots of legroom and a decent boot, the Omoda is a versatile proposition. Standard equipment includes multi-coloured ambient lighting, heated and cooled seats for everyone and bird%u2019s eye view parking cameras.Top speed: 124mph / Price guide: %u00a344,0009. Renault 5 E-TechThere are very few people in Britain, or Europe for that matter, who hasn%u2019t heard of the Renault 5. It was an icon in the 1980s and had a brilliant reputation as a versatile and yet sporty hatchback for so many people. The new car from the French maker has retained the same sort of look and style and is instantly recognisable. Today the car comes as a fully electric vehicle, smart, zippy, fun and with all sorts of colour and style options. With a range of up to 250 miles and quick charging of 80% in 30 minutes, it%u2019s a convenient option too. With nimble, agile steering and throttle, it%u2019s great for tight town driving, but put it on the open road and it%u2019ll eat up the motorway miles in comfort. Equipment includes hands-free parking assistance and speed assistance.Top speed: 99mph / Price guide: %u00a325,00010. Vauxhall FronteraVauxhall%u2019s workmanlike Frontera had a successful time of it in the 1990s and was one of those hardy 4x4s loved by farmers and adventurers. Today it%u2019s a more compact, neater package with lots of choice and plenty of style for the modern world. Engine choices range from two mild hybrid options plus a full electric version. It%u2019s still a practical choice and works well as a family vehicle. It%u2019s a comfortable car to drive, with the driver and front passenger sitting nice and high with a good view of the road ahead. There%u2019s decent space in the rear and a good-sized boot. A seven-seat version is available although, with passengers installed, boot space would disappear. Standard equipment is generous and includes cruise control, electric park brake, alloy wheels and wireless mobile phone charging.Top speed: 118mph / Price guide: %u00a325,000