Try, Buy, Dream – June 2025

Trying a car has never been easier – lots of car brands now offer subscription services on a monthly basis, with no down payment or exit fee so you can swap in and out of different models with minimal notice. Or you can lock in for longer, on a leasing deal, which still means you just pay a monthly amount and hand the car back at the end of the deal. Additionally, some brands provide 24-hour test drives for a chance to get to know the car before you commit.
Then there’s the Buy choice, whether it’s paying for the car in one hit or signing up to a fixed term finance deal with the option to buy the car at the end. These are cars that make good long-term sense. And finally our fave section, for dreamers everywhere. The new luxe stuff, the wishlist option or the treat yourself splurge, depending on how big that imagined windfall might be. Enjoy this month’s offerings!

DS Automobiles is Citroen’s suave premium spin-off which produces a handful of striking models ranging from the compact DS 3 to the imposing fully electric N°8. DS offers a taste of French luxury making it a viable alternative to ubiquitous German brands, perfect for anyone looking for something a bit different. This is exactly why we think you should try out the DS 4 Plug-in Hybrid on a 24-hour test drive. We enjoyed living with this fancy family hatchback for six months on long term test and it was a great way to experience the plugged-in lifestyle without committing to going fully electric. Alternatively, there’s a self-charging hybrid option, or you could take the plunge and wait for the all-electric version coming soon.
Find out more about the DS 4 here

Fiat is no stranger to revamping its back catalogue by reimagining its iconic models for the modern age. Now, following the success of the 500’s reincarnation, it’s time for the Panda to get a new lease of life. Enter the Grande Panda. This takes the boxy shape of the original and enlarges it, creating an instantly recognisable car full of character which feels both retro and fresh. The Grande Panda is available as either a mild hybrid or a fully electric car, so there should be a version to suit your needs. With its bright pops of colour, quirky interior and easy-going driving experience, the Grande Panda is sure to put a smile on your face. Then there’s the price. The Grande Panda undercuts the closely related Citroen C3 and offers great value for money, which is why it’s our pick to buy this month.
Find out more about the Fiat Grande Panda here

Tom Cruise is back in cinemas pulling off ridiculous stunts in the latest Mission: Impossible movie, so we’ve been rewatching the prequal in the vein hope of making some sense of all the drama. While we still think there’s some glaring plot holes, the film does feature Simon Pegg offering tech support from a rather plush BMW iX. This blatant bit of product placement has us dreaming of BMW’s large, luxurious electric SUV and wondering how a bunch of disavowed agents managed to cough up the six-figure sum they’d need to buy one. Since the film premiered, BMW has given the iX an update, so it now has more range, more power and more tech – perfect for any would-be field agent tasked with saving the world. Plus, because the iX has been around for a while now, there’s plenty of pre-loved examples available at a fraction of the original price – owning an iX might not be Mission: Impossible after all.
Find out more about the BMW iX here

Try, Buy, Dream – May 2025
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