Kickin' Tyres

Are car brands making a mistake by chasing influencer reach over earned media? And what does it take to build lasting relationships in this industry?In Episode 5 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay get honest about the state of motoring journalism — the good, the frustrating, and the truths nobody else wants to say out loud.Adam and Tim both attend SMMT Test Day 2026 at Millbrook Proving Ground, where the absence of several legacy brands sparks a wider conversation about how manufacturers are rethinking their PR strategies. Tim also arrives fresh from the Alpine A390 GTS global media drive in Italy and reflects on what makes — and breaks — a journalist-PR relationship.The pair dig into the rise of paid content creators and why honest car reviews still matter when consumers are making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Adam also shares his verdict on the Ford Ranger MSRT — a street racer pickup that turns heads but comes with ride quality caveats paid influencers won't mention.Topics include:SMMT Test Day 2025 — which legacy brands were absent and whyInfluencers vs motoring journalists — the credibility debatePR relationships — ghosting and what both sides get wrongFord Ranger MSRT — ride quality, looks, and real-world drivingAlpine A390 GTS — Italy global media launchThe reality of freelance motoring journalism in 2026Follow Kickin' Tyres for honest motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK.Instagram: @kickintyrespodTikTok: @kickintyrespodYouTube: @kickintyrespodFacebook: @kickintyrespodX: @kickintyrespodLinkedIn: @kickintyrespodWebsite: kickintyrespod.co.uk

Are EVs really cheaper to run? And what's it actually like living with one day to day?In this episode of Kickin' Tyres, Adam and Tim swap press launch stories and get refreshingly honest about the realities of motoring — both as journalists and as everyday drivers.Tim heads to Scotland for the third-generation Mazda CX-5 launch, reporting back on why Mazda's global bestseller still deserves its reputation — and where it falls slightly short. Meanwhile, Adam reflects on two years of Tesla Model 3 Performance ownership, sharing the real-world numbers on range, charging costs, and battery degradation.The conversation takes a candid turn as Adam reveals his time as an Amazon delivery driver — and what a brand new VW Transporter Sportline meant when you're grafting on less than minimum wage. Tim also previews his upcoming drive of the new VW Transporter Sportline, plus the all-electric Mercedes GLC ahead of its UK launch.The pair also discuss car finance, the 100,000-mile EV stigma, public charging frustrations, and why planning ahead is non-negotiable if you're going electric.Topics include:Mazda CX-5 third generation — Scottish road test impressionsTwo years with the Tesla Model 3 Performance — honest ownership verdictReal-world EV running costs and home charging tipsWhy public charging alone isn't enoughVW Transporter Sportline — 75 years of the VW busAll-electric Mercedes GLC — UK launch previewSMMT Test Day 2026 previewCar finance, cost of living, and the 100k-mile EV debateFollow Kickin' Tyres for no-nonsense motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK.Instagram: @kickintyrespodTikTok: @kickintyrespodYouTube: @kickintyrespodFacebook: @kickintyrespodX: @kickintyrespodLinkedIn: @kickintyrespodWebsite: kickintyrespod.co.uk

Are flying cars and fully self-driving tech closer than we think?In this episode of Kickin’ Tyres, Adam and Tim compare two very different trips—one to XPENG’s cutting-edge facilities in China, and the other to Marseille for a first drive of the new Peugeot E-408.Adam shares his experience witnessing a real flying “land aircraft carrier” in action, alongside a deep dive into XPENG’s VLA 2.0 full self-driving system—put to the test on the chaotic streets of Beijing.Meanwhile, Tim reports back from France with driving impressions of Peugeot’s latest electrified fastback, and a look at how European brands are responding to increasing competition.The discussion turns to the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers like Chery, BYD, and AION—and whether legacy carmakers should be worried.Also in this episode, Milan Design Week brings another new brand into focus, while conversations around tech, pricing, and quality challenge long-held perceptions of Chinese-built cars.Topics include:XPENG flying car (land aircraft carrier) demoVLA 2.0 full self-driving experience in BeijingPeugeot E-408 first drive in MarseilleInside Auto Show China 2026The rise of Chinese car brands in the UKChery’s expanding brand lineup (Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas)Milan Design Week and the launch of LepasAre Chinese EVs outperforming European rivals?Follow Kickin' Tyres for no-nonsense motoring insight every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK.Instagram: @kickintyrespodTikTok: @kickintyrespodYouTube: @kickintyrespodFacebook: @kickintyrespodX: @kickintyrespodLinkedIn: @kickintyrespodWebsite: kickintyrespod.co.uk