Ben Freakley. Replace with your own hero portrait (2560x1440px)
Ben Freakley

Cars, reviews
& life behind
the wheel.

I'm Ben Freakley, a Brighton-based car enthusiast sharing honest reviews, automotive news, first drives and thoughts on the cars that interest me.

From everyday EVs and family SUVs to new launches and the occasional dream car, this is where I share what I've driven, what I've discovered and what I think is worth knowing.

Latest car reviews

Real-world thoughts on the cars I've driven, from quick first impressions to more detailed road tests.

All reviews
Polestar 4 official manufacturer press image
Review electric

Polestar 4 Coupé Review

There is a lot I really like about the Polestar 4. The quality is exceptional, the driving position is superb, the chassis actually encourages you to find an interesting road and the interior feels every bit as premium as the price suggests. After several days with the rear-wheel-drive version, including around 200 miles in a single trip, it is the sort of EV I could very easily live with. It is not perfect. Some of the driver-assistance technology became irritating, the touchscreen still controls too much and I never completely warmed to the digital rear-view mirror. But those frustrations are surrounded by so much good stuff that the Polestar 4 has become one of my favourite cars in this part of the market.

8/10
From £56,750 £527.8/mo

Latest

Reviews, news, advice, opinion, comparisons, events and thoughts from the road.

Polestar 4 SUV Brings Back the Rear Window
news

Polestar 4 SUV Brings Back the Rear Window

Polestar has officially launched the new Polestar 4 SUV, combining the character of the existing Coupé with more practicality, extra rear headroom, a larger boot and, yes, a proper rear window.

2 Sep 2026
Read more
Leapmotor C10 wins praise from UK EV owners
news

Leapmotor C10 wins praise from UK EV owners

The Leapmotor C10 has been praised by UK EV owners for its value for money, space and practicality. After being impressed by the smaller B10, I’d be keen to spend some time with the C10 too.

20 Aug 2026
Read more
The UK’s Five Fastest-Growing Car Brands Are Now All Chinese
opinion

The UK’s Five Fastest-Growing Car Brands Are Now All Chinese

Jaecoo, BYD, Chery, Omoda and Geely are now the five fastest-growing car brands in Britain. I look at the numbers, the groups behind them and what their rapid rise could mean for the UK car market.

14 Aug 2026
Read more
PHEV Charging
advice

Used PHEVs Are Arriving at Auction With Unused Charging Cables. So What Were Their Owners Doing?

Three-year-old plug-in hybrids are reportedly arriving at UK auctions with unused charging cables. Were they bought for the tax savings rather than the fuel savings, and could they now make great used buys?

12 Aug 2026
Read more
Should You Buy or Lease a Chinese Car? What UK Drivers Need to Know
advice

Should You Buy or Lease a Chinese Car? What UK Drivers Need to Know

Chinese car brands are now a common sight on UK roads, but old worries about safety and quality still linger. This guide separates fact from myth, covering Euro NCAP results, warranty terms, dealer support, parts availability and insurance costs. It also breaks down the key difference between buying and leasing, showing why leasing shifts the biggest risk, depreciation, off your hands entirely. The message throughout: judge the individual car, not the country it comes from.

22 Jul 2026
Read more
The Polestar 4 is getting a proper SUV sibling
news

The Polestar 4 is getting a proper SUV sibling

The Polestar 4 is about to get a more practical sibling. Arriving in September, the new Polestar 4 SUV promises more versatility, up to 391 miles of range and the same distinctly Polestar approach to performance and design.

7 Jul 2026
Read more

Latest videos

Reviews, first looks, events and life on the road.

All videos
Replace with a lifestyle image of Ben: Brighton, coffee, personal (1440x1800px)
About Ben

Behind the wheel

I'm Ben, a Brighton-based car enthusiast who has spent many years around the motor industry.

This website is my place to share the cars I've driven, launches I've attended, automotive stories I've found interesting and the occasional adventure beyond the wheel.

I focus on making car content useful, approachable and grounded in what vehicles are actually like in the real world.

Brighton, UK
Motor industry
Real-world reviews
More about me
Automotive detail
Say hello

Say hello

Enjoyed something I've written, have a car you think I should take a look at or simply want to say hello? Get in touch.