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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.

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

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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 £481.78/mo

Latest

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

Toyota’s van ambitions are getting serious.
news

Toyota’s van ambitions are getting serious.

Toyota wants to sell 200,000 commercial vehicles a year in Europe by 2030. From electric vans to a hydrogen Hilux, here’s how Toyota Professional plans to get there.

14 Sep 2026
Read more
Vauxhall Astra Gets a Manual Gearbox and a Much Lower Starting Price
news

Vauxhall Astra Gets a Manual Gearbox and a Much Lower Starting Price

Vauxhall has added a six-speed manual gearbox to the Astra range, lowering the starting price to £26,495 and giving buyers even more choice across hatchback and Sports Tourer models.

10 Sep 2026
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Polestar 2026 Model Range
news

Polestar makes its UK Drivers Club official as owner community grows

Polestar has officially recognised the Polestar Drivers Club UK, bringing the independent owner community closer to the electric performance brand with exclusive events, news and experiences planned for members.

10 Sep 2026
Read more
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
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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
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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
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Reviews, first looks, events and life on the road.

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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
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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.