Crossover – Pulpaddict

BYD Sealion 7 review

We drive the latest model from BYD, which recently overtook Tesla to become world’s leading EV maker…

In 2024, Tesla made slightly less (4,500) electric vehicles than Chinese powerhouse BYD. A small margin, maybe, but a massive statement. BYD is now the biggest manufacturer of electric cars globally.

Founded in February 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) has expanded rapidly since it launched in the UK in 2023.

Since the Atto 3 SUV’s introduction, the brand’s new models have been named after marine mammals, hence the Dolphin, Seal, Seal DM-I and the subject of this week’s review – the Sealion 7 large family SUV.

And let’s be clear – the BYD Sealion 7 has its work cut out, because it’s up against everything from the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5 to the Renault Scenic E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford Capri.

Pried from £44,990 to £58,990, the Sealion 7 (the fourth model in BYD’s Ocean Series) is available with two battery options and three trim levels.

Comfort and Design come with an 82.5kWh battery, offering up to 300 miles range on RWD models and 283 miles on AWD. The top-spec Excellence AWD trim boasts a 91.3kWh battery, achieving the longest range in the line-up at 312 miles.

The single motor RWD has a power output of 308bhp, delivering 0-62mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds. The dual motor AWD models have 523bhp and rocket to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Entry-level versions offer up to 150kW DC fast charging (10-80% top-up in 32 minutes), while the range-topping Excellence has a 230kW DC charge rate (10-80% in 24 minutes).

A heat pump is fitted as standard to all models, helping to maximise range, particularly in cold conditions.

Based on the same platform as the BYD Seal saloon, but with a coupe-SUV body style, the Sealion 7 is sleek and distinctive with a low-slung bonnet. BYD reckons the “dual waistline” styling mimics “the energy of ocean waves”.

The Sealion 7 is slightly longer than its main rivals, which means there’s excellent space inside.

Rear leg and headroom is impressive, while the boot is a useful (but not class-leading) 520 litres, rising to 1,789 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a 58-litre frunk under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing charging cables.

The Sealion 7 is solidly screwed together and the quality of the materials used inside the cabin gives it a classy feel.

All versions of the Sealion 7 have a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen which can rotate from landscape to portrait, plus a separate driver’s digital instrument cluster.

Even though I’m not a huge fan of minimalist dashboards, I could live with the BYD’s over, say the Tesla Model Y, which is too touchscreen-centric and doesn’t even have a driver’s display.

The Sealion 7 is well equipped too. Comfort models get heated seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and a wireless charging pad, Design spec adds 20-inch alloys, while Excellence models feature Nappa leather seats and a head-up display.

All Sealion 7s get a full suite of driver assistance and safety tech. No wonder it was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP.

The driving position is on the high side for me, even at its lowest setting, but I accept that many drivers prefer that. It’s also worth noting that the steering wheel angle is slightly odd, pointing upwards rather than directly towards you, so try before you buy.

Visibility is good up front, but more challenging at the rear because of the chunky pillars and modest tailgate window, which makes the standard-fit 360-degree camera all the more important – especially when parking.

I tested the all-wheel drive version of the BYD Sealion 7 on a mix of UK roads, and the first impression is that it feels substantial (though not unwieldy) to drive.

Naturally, it’s also quiet and refined, and as you’d expect, traction is superb too.

For a car that’s marketed as an “electric performance SUV”, it certainly ticks that box in terms of raw power, delivering a hefty 509 lb-ft of torque. So, it’s very quick, thanks to that extra motor.

BYD claims the Sealion 7’s suspension is “tailored for excellent handling and secure vehicle control” with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear axle.

It’s also the first BYD model in Europe to be equipped with Frequency Sensitive Dampers (FSD), a variable system that controls the oil flow in the damper cylinders, ensuring a relatively firm set-up on smoother surfaces to improve stability and handling, but allowing a softer, more compliant configuration when the car encounters potholes or scarred road surfaces.

However, while its handling is on a par with the Tesla Model Y, in my mind that’s a fairly low bar. It’s not as engaging as I’d hoped and doesn’t live up to the hype, which is disappointing given that its saloon sibling (the Seal) is so slick.

The 2.4-tonne Sealion 7 can feel unsettled over poorer surfaces, and there’s some body lean at faster speeds in more challenging corners.

Ultimately, the combination of high driving position, spongy brake pedal and limited steering feel don’t give you much confidence to fully enjoy twisty roads.

You can toggle between three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), while Snow is reserved for extreme weather conditions.

As ever, the default Normal mode offers a good balance of power and economy. Eco dulls the driving experience, while the steering is light in both modes.

Sport sharpens the throttle response and firms up the steering, but eats up the battery, so best left for short bursts of fun.

Two levels of regenerative braking are offered, though I’d prefer steering wheel-mounted paddles rather than the toggle switch on the centre console.

Depending on which model you choose, efficiency ranges from a claimed 2.8 to 3.1 miles per kWh. Interestingly, I managed a bit more than that on my test drive, but real-world range could be around 225 miles for the entry-level Sealion 7, or 270 miles for the top-spec Excellence AWD. As ever, driving style and conditions will also affect the range.

Finally, if you’re looking for a bit of peace of mind, the Sealion 7 comes with a six-year manufacturer’s warranty (above average) and eight years for the battery and electric motor.

Verdict: The BYD Sealion 7 is a real statement of an SUV and a serious rival to the big-selling Tesla Model Y. Stylish, fast, plush, practical and packed with tech, it will be on many people’s EV shortlist. However, range and price could count against it.

BYD UK

Ford Puma Gen-E review

First chance to get behind the wheel of the new Ford Puma Gen-E – the electric version of the UK’s best-selling car of 2023 and 2024

How time flies. Five years ago, I attended the press launch of the original (petrol) Ford Puma in sunny Spain.

I remember it well. Not only was the sporty compact SUV impressive, but it was the last major new car event before the first lockdown.

It’s a mark of the success of the Ford Puma that it’s now become one of the most familiar cars on the road.

A worthy successor to its big-selling ancestors sporting the “Blue Oval”, such as the Fiesta and Focus, the Puma is still topping sales in the UK, despite the shift towards hybrids and EVs.

Sure, the Puma is available as a mild hybrid petrol (EcoBoost in Ford speak), but it’s never been able to compete with zero emissions newcomers such as the Kia EV3, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot 2008, MINI Aceman, Alfa Romeo Junior and Volvo EX30 – until now.

Apart from its bluff nose (no need for a radiator/grille in an EV), white badging on the boot lid and a bigger tailgate spoiler, the Puma Gen-E looks just like the regular car, though if you look really hard down below, the battery pack is visible below the sill.

And it’s this 43kWh lithium-ion battery that’s the heart of the Puma Gen-E.

Integrated into the car’s modified platform, it’s good for an official range of up to 233 miles – or up to a claimed 325 miles of city range.

Paired with a 165bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels, it manages 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds, tops out at 99mph and develops 214lb ft of torque.

A 10-80% recharge time of just 23 minutes is quoted, with a peak rate of 100kW.

Ford has worked wonders inside, where despite its new innards, the designers have actually managed to increase the Gen-E’s luggage capacity from the petrol Puma’s 456 litres to 566 litres, which includes a 43-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet (ideal for storing charging cables).

The caveat there is that 145 litres of that space is made up of the ‘GigaBox’ in the boot, which is underfloor storage that would have housed a spare wheel back in the day.

Interestingly, the regular Puma gets a slightly smaller ‘MegaBox’, because the exhaust pipe nibbles into the underside space.

Whether you get a GigaBox or MegaBox, it is very useful, and even includes a plug, so you can stick items such as muddy wellies in there and then hose it down.

For the record, the maximum load capacity with the rear seats flipped down is 1,283 litres.

Up front, there’s a 12.8-inch digital driver’s display and a 12.0-inch centre touchscreen with Alexa built in, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The driver’s display is relatively big and there’s a fair amount of information on it such as speed, range, traffic sign recognition and a charging/brake regen meter.

Annoyingly, even with the huge, slightly oblong steering wheel, some of the screen is obscured.

The gear selector is now on a column stalk, so space is freed up in the centre console (the handbrake has also gone), resulting in more space between the seats too.

The Ford Puma Gen-E is well put together, though there are a few too many hard surfaces on the dashboard and lower down for my liking.

Overall, it’s possible to transport four adults in the Puma (five at a push). However, rear passenger space is cosy. I could just squeeze in behind someone of the same height (5’11”), but it would be uncomfortable on a long journey. Also, taller rear seat passengers might struggle if you opt for the full-length sunroof which takes up some of the headroom.

Standard-fit safety and driver assistance systems include AEB (autonomous emergency braking), a Rear View Camera, Cruise Control with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning.

On the road, the Puma Gen-E is smooth and refined – or at least it was on the lovely roads in and around Barcelona in Spain, where the international launch event was staged.

If whisper-quiet electric motion isn’t enough for you, then you can switch on the digital propulsion sound. You’ll either like it or loathe it. For me, the novelty soon wore off.

The Puma Gen-E’s acceleration isn’t neck-snappingly quick like some EVs, but fast enough – and most importantly – controlled.

It’s nimble and agile too, helped by a kerb weight of 1,560kg, which is modest for an electric car. And even though it’s about 300kg heavier than its petrol sibling, it still drives like the Puma adored by so many.

The reality is that many may prefer the electric version, because it’s simplicity itself to drive. Just push the Start button, engage Drive, press the accelerator and you’re off with no gears to worry about. In fact, if you choose one-pedal mode, it will even bring the car to a standstill when you lift off the accelerator.

For me, one of the great things about the EV version of the Puma is the driving position. You don’t feel perched like some small EVs, so it is possible to hunker down and feel more involved with the car. This is despite the Puma Gen-E being about the same height as a Jeep Avenger or Volvo EX30.

With instant torque, impressive grip and little body lean in more challenging corners, the Puma Gen-E delivers an engaging drive. Add the strong yet progressive brakes, and it generates confidence, encouraging you to push on.

It will be interesting to drive it on UK roads, where I suspect some may find the suspension on the stiff side at lower speeds on rough roads, but for now, the Puma’s zero emissions transition has been a success.

Four driving modes are offered – Normal, Eco, Sport and Slippery – which tweak the steering and throttle response. Have a play, but as ever, Eco dulls the driving experience, Normal offers the best blend of performance and efficiency, and Sport dials up the fun.

I didn’t get to try Slippery mode, but it’s meant to optimise the car’s performance in less than ideal conditions, such as snow, ice, and wet surfaces.

The Ford Puma Gen-E is not perfect though, and the range of 233 miles is likely to shrink to below 200 miles in real-world driving, though it could creep above if it’s mainly driven in a low-speed urban environment.

Bear in mind that the average car in the UK travels around 20 miles a day (about 140 miles per week) – and that figure is skewed by a small number of high-mileage drivers – so the reality is that a range of less than 200 miles probably won’t trouble most motorists, especially if they have a home charger.

Ford claims it’s the most energy-efficient powertrain, and judging by the limited data I collected on my test drives, there’s some truth in that assertion.

At worst I achieved around 2.5 miles per kilowatt-hour, but at best I managed 4.4miles/kWh, rising to 5.1 miles/kWh on one run – the most impressive energy efficiency I’ve managed in any EV.

The new Ford Puma Gen-E is available in two different specs (Select and Premium) and there are six colours to choose from: Frozen White, Electric Yellow, Agate Black, Solar Silver, Fantastic Red and Digital Aqua Blue.

Crucially, it’s priced from below £30,000 (£29,995) and Ford is also offering its Power Promise in a bid to take the stress out of EV buying and owning.

The scheme includes a free home charger with installation included, up to 10,000 miles of free charging credit and a five-year service plan.

Ultimately, the Puma Gen-E is a little late to the electric compact SUV party and it’s up against stiff competition from rivals that have been designed from the ground up as EVs – many with bigger battery options and longer range.

That said, Ford has created an electrified Puma that loses none of the appeal of the petrol-powered original, yet delivers huge potential savings and is kinder to the planet.

Verdict: The Ford Puma Gen-E is an ideal entry-level electric car that’s likely to be a particularly big hit with the legions of Puma and Fiesta owners out there looking to make the big switch to zero emissions motoring. Easy to drive, just as practical inside and out, and arguably more engaging to drive, the electric Puma should definitely be on your EV shortlist.

Ford UK

Citroen e-C3 review

We get behind the wheel of the Citroen e-C3 – one of the most affordable electric cars on the market…

There are many reasons why EVs are not selling as well as had been hoped, including the lack of incentives, patchy public charging infrastructure and range anxiety.

But for many drivers, it’s the upfront cost – which is why cars like the all-new Citroen e-C3 are so important.

Starting at £21,990, it’s about the same price as an equivalent, well-equipped, small petrol hatchback.

And while its claimed range is a modest 199 miles, it’s more than enough for most motorists.

The fact is that the average car in the UK travels around 20 miles a day (about 140 miles per week) – and that figure is skewed by a small number of high-mileage drivers – so the reality is much less, especially in urban areas.

In other words, small EVs are starting to make sense for more drivers, especially if you can charge from home and can take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs.

The Citroen e-C3 isn’t even the cheapest five-door electric car on the market. The Dacia Spring wins that title (priced from £14,995), followed by the Leapmotor T03 (£15,995). However, the likeable Citroen is more grown-up and edges it when it comes to comfort, kit and practicality.

Like its stablemates under the giant Stellantis umbrella, which also includes Peugeot, Fiat and Vauxhall, Citroen is hedging its bets with its new compact hatchback because it’s also available with a basic petrol engine (from £17,990).

Originally launched in 2002, the C3 is now in its four generation. And just to demonstrate its importance – 5.6 million have been sold globally since then, making it the brand’s best-selling model ever, even dethroning the iconic 2CV.

The Citroen e-C3 is the first electric version of the C3, which now features SUV-inspired styling, including short overhangs, front and rear skid plates, roof rails and large 17-inch alloys.

Retaining the same footprint as the outgoing model, the new car is 10cm taller, while ground clearance has also increased.

First impressions are great. It’s good looking in a chunky way, feels solid and the contrasting roof colours are cool. I particularly liked the Monte Carlo Blue with a white roof option.

Inside, the e-C3 isn’t as cheap and nasty as you might think. While there are plenty of hard plastic surfaces, there’s also a swathe of fabric trim across the middle of the dashboard, while the cockpit design itself is funky and modern.

Up front, there’s a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a small, low-set, oblong steering wheel and a sleek digital driver’s display integrated into the dashboard above.

The set-up works nicely, though the main infotainment screen’s graphics are fairly basic.

The cabin is surprisingly spacious and the driving position is a tad higher than you’d expect in a small hatchback, but then the e-C3 has a crossover feel.

There’s no shortage of headroom and there’s a decent amount of legroom in the back. At 310 litres, the e-C3’s boot is about average (there’s a high lip, but it is fairly deep), and if you fold down the 60:40-split rear seats, a total of 1,188 litres of storage is available.

However, the standout feature of the e-C3’s interior is the level of cushioning and support provided by Citroen’s squidgy ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats.

All versions come with a generous level of standard equipment, including LED headlights, electric door mirrors, rear parking radar, rear spoiler, cruise control, manual air conditioning, six airbags, and a suite of driver assistance and safety features.

Depending on which trim level you opt for (Plus or Max), other goodies on offer include power-folding and heated door mirrors, leather-effect steering wheel, LED rear lights, rear privacy glass, wireless charging and a rear camera.

At launch, the Citroen e-C3 is available with a 44kWh battery that’s good for an official range of up to 199 miles, with 100kW DC rapid charging providing 20% to 80% of capacity in as little as 26 minutes.

Its front-mounted electric motor produces 114bhp, which translates into a claimed 0-62mph time of 11 seconds, and a top speed of 84mph.

Those figures may sound modest, but the reality is that it’s quick enough off the line and it can hold its own on faster roads and motorways.

In fact, it drives well, though of course, with its light steering and excellent visibility, it’s best suited to an urban environment.

It’s also an ideal small car for dealing with the UK’s pothole-blighted roads. In addition to the superb seats, it’s also blessed with Citroen’s ‘Advance Comfort’ suspension which soaks up imperfections and delivers a refined, smooth rode for the most part.

Despite its height and soft suspension, the e-C3 manages to corner well too with controlled body lean.

I’d estimate the real-world range is closer to 150-160 miles, though if most of your driving is in built-up areas the claimed 199 miles is more than possible, especially in warmer weather.

Interestingly, there’s no ‘B’ button for increasing regenerative braking on the gear selector (a Stellantis fixture until now). Instead, there’s a ‘C’ (for comfort) button.

So, disappointingly, the regenerative braking levels can’t be adjusted and there’s no one-pedal driving mode.

Ultimately, the e-C3 is very capable and good value for money. A car that will help bring all-electric motoring to the masses.

Verdict: The new Citroen e-C3 is an affordable and appealing small EV with an accent on comfort and practicality.

Citroen UK

Kia EV3 crowned UK Car of the Year 2025

Gareth Herincx

53 mins ago
Auto News

Kia has pulled off the double by winning the UK Car of the Year Awards two years in a row.

Following on from the Kia EV9’s triumph in 2024, the EV3 has been named overall victor in 2025. It’s also the fourth year in succession that the top prize has gone to an electric vehicle.

The EV3 won its Small Crossover category and then beat the winners of the six other categories.

As a member of the UKCOTY jury, I played a small part in picking Britain’s best cars of 2025, and I’d like to congratulate all the winners.

Paul Philpott of Kia UK (left) with UKCOTY's John Challen — *Paul Philpott of Kia UK (left) with UKCOTY’s John Challen*

“Securing back-to-back successes in this competition has only been achieved once before, which shows the outstanding attributes and appeal of the Kia EV3,” said John Challen, co-chairman, UK Car of the Year Awards.

“Kia has successfully grown its EV portfolio and the specification, driving range, and distinctive styling are all EV3 elements that impressed our panel of experts.”

Receiving the winner’s trophy, Paul Philpott, president and CEO, Kia UK, said: “We’re delighted to once again be victorious winning the outright UK Car of the Year Award with EV3. This follows our success in 2024 with EV9.

“These consecutive awards clearly demonstrate Kia’s strong leadership in electrification, the genuine demand from UK customers, and the quality of our product line up.”

UK Car of the Year Awards 2025 category winners:

Small Car – Suzuki Swift
Family Car – Skoda Superb
Small Crossover – Kia EV3
Medium Crossover – MINI Countryman
Large Crossover – Hyundai Santa Fe
Executive Car – Polestar 4
Performance Car – Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

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Alfa Romeo Junior review

We get behind the wheel of the first electric car from iconic Italian brand, Alfa Romeo…

If all had gone to plan, Alfa Romeo’s debut EV would have been called the Milano. However, after a political row, the company had to dip into its heritage to resurrect the Junior moniker.

You see, Alfa Romeo isn’t the thoroughbred Italian than it once was because it’s now part of the giant Stellantis group, which also includes Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, DS, Jeep and Abarth.

So, the Junior is built some distance from Milan at the Tychy plant in Poland, and it shares its platform with the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600, which are also manufactured there.

The good news is that the Alfa Romeo Junior (also available as a mild hybrid) is one of the best compact SUVs on the market.

The EV version, marketed as the Junior Elettrica is priced from £33,895, and there’s a choice of three models – the Elettrica, Elettrica Speciale and Elettrica 280 Veloce.

All three use the familiar Stellantis 54kWh battery pack. However, the electric motor in the Elettrica and Elettrica Speciale develops 154bhp, while the range-topping Veloce is uprated to 278bhp. Drive on all three is via the front wheels.

In acceleration terms, that’s 9 seconds compared to 5.9 seconds for the Veloce to reach 62mph from standstill. The downside is that the official range for the latter drops from 250 to 215 miles.

The Elettrica is well equipped and comes standard with 18-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, LED lights, auto wipers, a 10.25-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10.25-inch driver’s display and safety kit including AEB, Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Lane Assist.

The Speciale adds privacy glass, an electric driver’s seat, a180-degree camera, a hands-free tailgate, sports styling tweaks and keyless entry with proximity access technology.

The top-rung Veloce gets 25mm lower suspension, red brake callipers, 20-inch alloys, leather steering wheel, and sports pedals.

I tested a mid-range Elettrica Speciale in stunning Brera Red, with a contrasting black roof.

Slotting in below the Tonale and Stelvio SUVs in the Alfa Romeo line-up, the Junior is an attractive car, managing to look both delicate and aggressive.

There’s even a new take on the scudetto – or shield – up front. The ‘shield grille’ is now embedded with the Alfa Romeo logo. Personally, I think it looks like a 3D printing exercise and some of the Alfa Romeo identity has been lost in the process, but judge for yourself.

Inside, it’s very driver-centric, with the large infotainment screen angled towards you.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, while visibility is good at the front and sides, but trickier at the back thanks to the rising window line and chunky rear pillars. Thankfully, every Junior comes with rear parking sensors for parking manoeuvres, while the Speciale and Veloce get a rear-view camera too.

The infotainment is a mixed bag. It’s by no means best in class in terms of graphics, layout and response times, but it does the job and you can always connect your phone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

The system’s saving grace is the row of real buttons below the touchscreen with key features including temperature, fan speed and volume. If only the likes of Tesla and Volvo would do the same, because physical controls for essentials are easier and safer than prodding and swiping a screen on the move.

Build quality is good, but the overall experience would be classier if there were a few less hard plastic surfaces in the cabin.

Rear passenger space is reasonable, so it’s just possible for me to sit behind an adult of the same height (5’11”), but it would be a tad cosy for a long journey.

Boot space is OK with 400 litres (or 1,265 litres with the 60/40 seats flipped). There’s also a small ‘frunk’ under the bonnet – ideal for storing your charging cable.

So far so good, but it’s when you get behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Junior that it starts to become, er, speciale.

Unlike most electric crossovers, the driving position is very good. The seat can be lowered so you don’t feel perched, as is often the case.

This pays dividends once you’re on the move, because you immediately feel more involved with the car and the overall driving experience.

With a decent turn of speed, plus light, yet sharp and accurate steering, it’s nippy and easy to drive in town.

Overall ride quality is on the firm side, but not uncomfortably so, chiming with the Junior’s sporty driving characteristics.

Push it on more challenging roads and it handles well. Body lean is well controlled and there’s decent traction. If the brakes were more progressive, it would be even better.

Weighing in at 1,545kg, it’s relatively light for an EV, so it does feel agile, but if you want more of a hot hatch experience you’ll have to pay £42,295 for the Veloce which has more power, a lower ride height, beefed-up suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, bigger brakes and uprated tyres.

Like other Alfa Romeo cars, the Junior gets DNA (Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency) drive modes, which adjust steering weight, throttle response and brake feel.

As ever, Dynamic is fine for fun, short bursts with maximum power on tap and Advanced Efficiency dulls the engagement factor, so best to stay in Natural for the best blend of performance and efficiency.

The other thing to say about the drive modes is that there’s mild regenerative braking in A and N, and none in D. If you want higher regen, you’ll have to switch the gear selector to B, but it’s not quite the one-pedal effect.

Talking of recharging, every Junior has a standard heat pump, which should help with winter battery efficiency, but my experience after a week of mixed driving is that the real-world range from the 154bhp Elettrica Speciale is closer to 200 miles, which is a bit disappointing.

And if you do have to stop (you will on a long journey), Alfa Romeo quotes a 10-80% charge time of 30 minutes at speeds up to 100kW DC.

Ultimately, the Alfa Romeo Junior Speciale isn’t perfect, but it’s brimming with character, and it does deliver an engaging drive, unlike most of its rivals.

Verdict: If you’re looking for an electric compact SUV that is fun to drive, stands out from the crowd, offers good value and is well-equipped, then the Alfa Romeo Junior should be high up on your shortlist.

Alfa Romeo UK