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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.

Latest car reviews

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

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Latest

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

Toyota Corolla hatchback in green, pictured in the countryside
news

Toyota Corolla wins on reliability, and that deserves attention

The Corolla’s FN50 reliability win is a welcome reminder that a car’s best feature can be the fact it simply gets on with the job.

5 Nov 2026
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Fiat Topolino Dolcevita viewed from above with its soft-top roof open
news

Fiat Topolino Dolcevita brings a little sunshine to the short trip

Fiat’s new Topolino Dolcevita makes the opening soft top part of the wider UK range. I like the idea, but its appeal depends on the journeys you actually make.

5 Nov 2026
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Vauxhall electric cars and vans lined up for the UK EV sales milestone
news

Vauxhall passes 100,000 EV sales, but charging is still the bigger conversation

Vauxhall’s EV sales landmark shows how far the brand has come. For the next wave of buyers, the decision will still start with where to plug in.

5 Nov 2026
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Alfa Romeo and Maserati cars on the Bottegafuoriserie display
news

Alfa Romeo and Maserati make the case for cars with a personal story

The joint Alfa Romeo and Maserati initiative has completed its first year. Its bespoke cars raise an interesting question about what makes a car feel special.

5 Nov 2026
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Dacia Spring electric city car, currently one of the cheapest new EVs in the UK
advice

Cheapest Electric Cars in the UK 2026: 6 EVs I'd Actually Shortlist

The Dacia Spring is currently the cheapest new electric car I would put on a UK shortlist at £11,990, but the best-value EV depends on whether you need city-car simplicity, longer range or one-car versatility.

30 Oct 2026
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Vauxhall Corsa exterior official press image
advice

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Replacement Vauxhall Corsa Tyres

Replacing Vauxhall Corsa tyres? Avoid five common mistakes around price, tyre specification, alignment, tread depth and replacing one tyre at a time.

23 Oct 2026
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Latest videos

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
More about me

Behind the Scenes

Life beyond the steering wheel

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A pretty special evening at the @ukhouseoflords last night for the @cafctrust Annual Awards. 

It wa
A car that’s got a sunroof that actually opens! 

I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Kia EV5 and I
Great to hang out with Tony Cascarino yesterday. 

A real, genuinely nice bloke, and thanks to the t
A very French-Japanese car… the sixth generation Nissan Micra shares Renault’s AmpR platform and a l
Relaxed Sunday vibes, with an Aperol of course 😜
Old money London

#travel #londonlife #luxurylifestyle #daysoutinlondon
I Wasn’t Expecting the MG S5 EV to Be This Good…

Up to 288 miles of range, rear-wheel drive, plenty
Is the Polestar 2 still one of the best-driving EVs you can buy? 👀

I’ve spent the last couple of w
Automotive detail
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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.