It is not everyday that I get the chance to drive a manual transmission car. With the car industry pivoting towards electrification across all segments, the petrol powered manual car is a rare breed in 2026. However, that is exactly what I have here to test. The Hyundai i20 is a compact 5 door hatchback that has been out for a few years now, it is the base of the enthusiasts choice i20N. The i20 is available with a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed DCT. There are 4 trim levels available, Element, Black Line, Tech Line and N-Line S. This test car is mid range Tech Line priced from £24,245. The Tech line trim adds features LED headlights and front sensors. Power comes from a 1.0 litre turbo charged petrol engine, putting out 90PS and 172 nm of torque. 0-62mph in 12.8 seconds and the i20 can even tow up to 910kg with a braked trailer. Check out the full video on YouTube.

It is impressive how much a vehicle can change with one generation, this is the latest generation of Santa Fe and the design of this vehicle has changed drastically. The exterior is now more angular and block like, with squared off edges and 'H' design elements scattered throughout the exterior design of the new model. In the UK we get the hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrains, I am testing a hybrid Santa Fe. Prices start at £49,090 for a 7 seater and £56,090 for a 6 seater. Power comes from a 1.6 litre turbo petrol, through a 6 speed auto and the power goes to either 2 or all 4 wheels. The interior is a step up over the out going model, this Calligraphy trim is the top of the range model which adds comfort features and twin sun roofs. Check out the YouTube video to see the new Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid in more detail.

This is the smallest EV that Hyundai currently offer in the UK and it certainly makes a splash within the small hatchback segment. The exterior design is compact yet tall, whilst providing visual cues to a practical interior and a retro throwback with the Parametric Pixel LED tail lights.

The interior has lots of design elements which catch your eye from the screw head design on the door cards. My test car was finished in a soft brown and cream colour combination, it certainly adds a flare to the car.

The electronification of the car market is ongoing, Hyundai enter the large SUV EV segment with their Ioniq 9.  There are multiple trim levels on offer from a base rear wheel drive to a performance awd. Acceleration various from 9 seconds to 5.2 seconds, depending on the trim level. Hyundai claim 385 miles of range from the 110kWh battery.

A luxurious interior which can be optioned with captain chairs on the second row, if you don't want the standard seating arrangement. Akin to the Genesis GV70 that I drove, the interior is filled with a light colour interior with thoughtful design details that promote an airy cabin.

Currently the main rival is the KIA EV9, a sister product based on the same platform.

Check out the full video on YouTube.