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Jonathan Westwood

Chief Compliance Officer

Jonathan Westwood | Author

Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Eduardo Rodrigues | Author

Claudia Tuñón

Claudia Tuñón | Author

Isobel Coughlan

Isobel Coughlan | Author

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Alastair Shephard

Alastair Shephard | Author

There are many different types of automobiles, from saloons to SUVs, and everything in between. One thing most of them have in common is that they are made to serve a practical purpose. Whether that’s hauling luggage in an estate or traversing rough ground in an SUV.

Sports cars, however, are made for one thing, fun. Their powerful engines excite with rapid acceleration, the low-slung body lets corners be taken faster, and a convertible top lets you enjoy the scenery whilst on a leisurely drive.

If you’re lucky enough to be considering buying a car just for having fun in, there is a world of options available, from comfortable cruisers to lightweight racers, we’ve compiled a guide of what does what, best.

Whilst £20,000 is a significant amount of cash to spend on a car, selecting the right one is still super important, as some sports cars can be faster to 

This car features prominently in this article as it’s one of the best-selling sports cars of all time. The recipe for the Mx-5 has stayed the same since the very first generation; simplicity, front-engined, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. 

The reason the modern edition has been so immensely popular is that Mazda has stuck to this recipe, actually managing to make the current 4th generation car lighter than previous ones, contrary to most other manufacturers out there. 

For £20,000 you can get a one-year-old (2022 reg) 1.5 petrol with less than 10,000 miles on the clock. Although we’d probably opt for a slightly older car, with the 2.0 engine, the 1.5 is an excellent unit producing 130 bhp and a 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds. 

For a slightly more powerful car than the Mx-5 but with similar handling, the Nissan 370z is a great choice. The 3.7-litre engine produces 324 horsepower, nearly 3 times that of the ND Mx-5. The V6 engine will also accelerate the car to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. 

As a GT car, the 370z is designed to be slightly more refined on longer journeys, with better sound deadening, driving aids and overall creature comforts. It’s perfect therefore for driving holidays, road trips or just general long-distance travel - as long as you don't have too much luggage! 

If back to basics, raw driving pleasure is what you’re looking for, then a Lotus is one of the best cars to set foot in. Designed by the same company that produced some of the most influential and successful Formula 1 cars of all time, the Elise is the last name for handling and poise.

At only 826kg, the 1.8 normally aspirated petrol engine is plenty to keep the Elise on the heels of any high-powered sports car on a technical, twisty road. The exquisite weight distribution and suspension setup make it one of the best-handling cars ever made. 

Due to the limited production numbers, a consequence of the cars still being made by hand in Norfolk, the Elise has held its value very well, £20,000 would buy you a 2007 model at the newest, with nearing 60,000 miles on the clock.

If you’re willing to go for a slightly older model, then £10,000 is still more than enough to buy an exciting but reliable sports car. Here are our top picks.

The BMW Z4 has been around for over 20 years now and has always been a top pick for those looking for a well-built car for spirited driving but with functional German styling and engineering.

The 3.0 litre straight 6 engine is the best of the bunch, producing around 260 horsepower, which is just the right amount to be lively but not uncontrollable. The Z4 comes in both manual and DCT - BMW’s codename for automatic, standing for Dual Clutch Transmission.

For comfort on long road trips, and ease when using on the occasional summer commute, the DCT is the best choice, both the manual and the DCT get to 60 mph in around 6 seconds, with the manual being slightly faster.

First launched in 2012, the GT86 was quickly adopted as a cheap-to-run, reasonably fast sports car. Its 2.0 litre naturally aspirated engine is surpassed by quite a few of the cars mentioned here, but its nimble-ness is what sets it apart.

With great weight distribution, the GT86 offers great driving performance at a reasonable price, with insurance and tax rates being considerably lower than larger-engined BMW or Porsche alternatives.

As well as being cheap to run, the GT86 is a nice car to be in, coming as standard with Air conditioning, cruise control and a great infotainment system. At around £8,000 for a 2014 car with sub 80,000 miles on the clock, it’s a great option for those with a £10k budget.

Always at the upper end of the spectrum of sports cars, Porsche’s history is full of racing pedigree, from Le Mans to Rally. That ethos is built into all their sports cars, with the Boxster being the most accessible.

Introduced in 1996 it is often regarded as the lesser Porsche when compared to the 911, but in reality it is still an extremely capable car, with excellent poise and handling characteristics. The generation we’d recommend is the first gen, sold up until 2004, as these are obtainable within the £10,00 budget.

 and records, as these cars need to be maintained correctly. A good condition, sub 90,000-mile car can be bought for around £9,000, this will get you the ‘S’ model with the superb 3.2 litres flat 6 engine.

What is the Cheapest Sports Car to Maintain?

Maintenance is an essential part of owning any vehicle, especially one that is designed to be driven near the limit of its performance on a regular basis. To keep costs low you need a combination of good reliability, cheap parts and ease of accessibility, the latter being a killer for many mid-engined sports cars.

For the reasons mentioned above, we would crown the Mx-5 as one of the cheapest sports cars to maintain. Regardless of generation their dependable engines and drivetrains make them extremely durable.

Parts too are easy to come by, and their front engine, and rear drive layout are great for easily accessing components such as the clutch, cambelts and more.

The one, rather large caveat is to look out for rust, look to buy one that’s been restored, imported or dry stored. Whilst the rust repairs are well documented and easily fixed, the costs can mount quickly.

As the Mx-5 has been around for so long, and each generation has been as reliable as the last, we’d recommend any of the 4, depending entirely on your budget.

Cheapest New Sports Car: Mazda Mx-5 - £24,750

We said an article about sports cars would feature a lot about the Mazda Mx-5, and here it is again! At a current MSRP of £24,750, the brand-new Mx-5 is the cheapest new sports car on sale in the UK.

That price gets you the most basic spec known as ‘Prime-Line’. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing, as that nets you 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, android auto and the great 1.5 petrol engine.

Besides, with the great combination of rear-wheel drive, a manual gearbox and a small, light roadster, the open road is the only extra element required to have loads of fun in the ND Mx-5.

What is the Most Powerful Affordable Sports Car?

If it's raw power you want, there are a few cars out there that offer extremely high horsepower figures but have now depreciated to very affordable prices.

Whilst we would not recommend these for their fuel economy or low insurance premiums, they are certainly reasonably priced to purchase.

As the car with the largest engine on this list, the Monaro VXR8 packs a huge punch, its 5.7 Litre V8 produces 330 horsepower and 349 lb-ft of torque. If the power itself is not enough, the V8 engine produces one of the most thunderous sounds you can get for less than £13,000.

On the topic of cost, a 2005 Monaro can be found for £12,500 on Autotrader. The car we found had only 48,000 miles and a full service history.

If you liked the sound of the Monaro, this German bruiser has even more power, for an even cheaper price. The CLS 55 AMG is a 4 or 2-door saloon with a staggering 500 horsepower from its 5.5 litre V8 engine.

Thanks to a clever automatic gearbox the CL 55 can hit 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds, despite it weighing twice as much as some of the other cars on this list, at 1920kg.

All this power and performance comes at only £7,495, for a 2006 car with 95,000 miles on the clock. If you want a better-kept example though you may have to break the £10,000 mark. Make sure to keep some money aside for servicing, we found that one rear tyre costs over £300!

So there we have it, a round-up of the various levels of sports car goodness the market has to offer, everything from reliable and economical Japanese featherweights to petrol-guzzling, supercar-challenging brutes. For more guides on what cars to buy, check out our blog 

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

A Guide to Affordable Sports Cars, New and Old

When it comes to purchasing a family car in the UK, affordability is a key concern. Beyond the initial purchase price, you'll want to consider the cost of taxing, servicing and insuring your new vehicle. 

Car insurance can be a substantial expense, especially for families, but there are options available that won't break the bank. In this article, we'll explore some of the cheapest family cars to insure in the UK, categorised by body type: saloons, estate cars, SUVs, and 7-seaters. 

We’ve also given some indicative insurance premium costs, remember these will vary greatly depending on your personal circumstances. We based our quotes on a 40-year-old driver with 20 years of experience and 10 years of no claims bonus. 

Whilst a hatchback is convenient for loading objects in the back, estates are significantly bigger. If you need to move multiple people, but not bulky items, a full-size saloon (sedan in the US) is the car for you. These are some of the cheapest saloons to insure: 

The Ford Mondeo has been a UK favourite for decades, and its popularity extends to insurers who generally offer competitive rates for this compact saloon. Its reliable and efficient engines, along with a strong safety record, make it an attractive choice for families. 

Whilst the Mondeo has been discontinued by Ford in favour of SUV and Crossovers, there are some great bargains to be found on the second-hand market, particularly on older cars, 2007 - 2014 in particular where the premium Titanium X model can be found for less than £4,000, equipped with cruise control, leather heated seats, DAB radio and more. 

Another well-liked option, the Vauxhall Insignia, is often praised for its affordability, both in terms of purchase price and insurance costs. A perfect replacement to the ageing Vectra, Its relatively compact design makes it easy to navigate through city streets and park in tight spaces, but with enough space and features to be comfortable on long journeys. 

Its high safety record means it has a low insurance group, and therefore doesn’t cost too much to insure. 

The Skoda Octavia offers a bit more space than the previous two options while maintaining reasonable insurance rates. It's known for its spacious interior, quality build, and strong safety features, all of which contribute to its appeal for families. 

The wide range of engine options is another selling point for the Skoda, the best one for a balance of cheap insurance, economy and usable power, is the 2.0 TDI. You can opt for the 1.6 TDI or 1.5 petrol, but for motorway driving a little more power would be worth the increase in cost. 

Estate cars are multi-purpose, they can carry 5 adults whilst also hauling a large suitcase for each. If you then need to move some furniture, simply fold the back seats down and you effectively have a small van. For that reason they’re perfect for families, these ones are selected for their low insurance costs: 

The Dacia Logan MCV combines practicality with affordability. As an estate car, it offers ample cargo space, making it a great choice for family trips. Its low purchase price is mirrored in insurance costs, making it one of the most budget-friendly estate cars to insure. 

Something you might not know is that MCV stands for Maximum Capacity Vehicle, something that Dacia have taken seriously, with its near 600 litre boot capacity. 

Whilst the name Sportswagon may not initially indicate “cheap to insure” the Sportswagon actually manages to secure one of the lowest insurance groups of the whole lineup, with the 1.0 petrol engine being in group 9. 

With Kia's reputation for reliability and affordable maintenance, the other running costs should be relatively low too. The Ceed is also fitted with some great infotainment tech, such as lane keeping, on the higher spec models. 

Historically, Volvo has had a reputation for being owned by older drivers, what this means to insurance companies, though, is 

This is often reflected in the cost of insurance on the practical and safe Swedish autos, to this day.

The V70 is Volvo’s medium estate car, with the V60 and V90 representing the compact and larger estates in their lineup. It offers a good balance of a large boot, but economical engine choices. In typical Volvo fashion, the safety features are some of the best you’ll find in a car of a similar age. 

Some SUVs offer slightly more passenger space and comfort when compared to saloons or estates. One thing they certainly help with is road visibility, which is why many people feel safer driving them. These are some of the cheapest to insure SUVs: 

The Renault Captur is a crossover SUV that blends style with practicality. It's often found on the lower end of the insurance cost spectrum thanks to its modest power and plentiful safety features. 

We’d recommend the TCe 130 engine, as the 1.3 turbo petrol has just enough power to make progress, but retains a low insurance category of 15. If you want even cheaper insurance, the TCe 90 is group 11, but some users report it being underpowered for long journeys. 

The Suzuki Vitara offers an SUV experience without the high insurance costs typically associated with larger SUVs. Its compact size and fuel-efficient engines contribute to its affordability, both in terms of purchase and ongoing expenses. 

As a Japanese-made vehicle, you can be sure the engine and transmission will be robust for many years to come, we’d recommend the full hybrid version for its great fuel economy and ample power. 

The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that provides a well-rounded package at a budget-friendly price. Its competitive insurance rates due to being in group 16, combined with its modern design and safety features, make it an attractive option for families. 

The 1.6-litre petrol hybrid gives plenty of power for motorway journeys, with the battery and motor assisting nicely for town and city driving, achieving an overall MPG of just above 50. 

If transporting more than 5 people is something you do regularly, then a 7 seater is a must. The first ‘people carrier’ was the Renault Espace in 1984. Thankfully the technology, comfort and safety of 7-seaters have improved a lot since then, and because they are often used for family duties only, the insurance premiums can be surprisingly reasonable. 

The Dacia Jogger is a budget-friendly 7-seater that offers space and practicality without straining your budget. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive 7-seaters, its affordability is hard to beat. 

We think the Jogger is one of Dacia’s best-looking cars to date and has completely revamped the image of Dacia cars, and even the image of 7-seaters in general, with its angular but stylish design. 

The hybrid powertrain produces 140 hp but still returns in excess of 55 MPG, from the 1.6 petrol engine and motor combination. There’s also a 1.0 3-cylinder petrol, which would be the best choice for cheaper insurance. 

Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer - £540 per year

The Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer is a stylish and spacious 7-seater with reasonable insurance costs. Citroens are known for their comfortable ride and family-friendly features, making it a strong contender for larger families. 

Thanks to the great safety features built-in as standard, and the low insurance group, the C4 SpaceTourer is as reasonable to insure as it is to buy. 

A mainstay in the people carrier market, the Volkswagen Touran is a well-rounded 7-seater that combines Volkswagen's reputation for quality with relatively low insurance premiums. 

It offers a versatile interior, strong safety features, and efficient engines, making it a solid choice for larger families on a budget. Whilst the standard SE trim doesn’t offer too much tech compared to the R-Line, they all come equipped with pre-collision braking and sophisticated electronic stability systems. 

So, the cars detailed above mean that family transport doesn’t need to cost a lot in yearly running costs. We found that for the best insurance premiums, estate and saloon cars are cheaper than SUVs, so if you don’t need the extra height of a crossover or SUV, take a look at some estate and saloon cars first. 

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. 

Cheapest Family Cars to Insure

In today's world, the push for environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles has never been stronger. Hybrid cars have emerged as a practical solution for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on fuel. 

If you're in the market for the best value hybrid cars, there are some excellent options. In this article, we'll explore the cheapest plug-in hybrid and self-charging hybrid cars available in the UK, offering unbeatable value for eco-conscious motorists. 

If you're in search of a compact and affordable hybrid, the Honda Jazz Hybrid is worth considering. Renowned for its reliability and efficiency, the Jazz offers excellent value for money. 

Its hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy, and the vehicle's compact size makes it ideal for navigating crowded city streets. With its budget-friendly starting price, the Jazz Hybrid is an attractive option for those looking for a reliable self-charging hybrid. 

The Toyota C-HR Hybrid is one of the standout choices for those seeking an affordable yet feature-packed hybrid car. With a starting price that makes it one of the most budget-friendly options in the hybrid market, the C-HR Hybrid offers exceptional value for money. 

The Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that boasts an efficient self-charging hybrid powertrain, making it perfect for both city commutes and longer journeys. Its impressive fuel economy and stylish design make it a top contender among the cheapest self-charging hybrid cars in the UK. 

The Kia Niro Self-Charging Hybrid is another excellent option for budget-conscious hybrid buyers in the UK. This compact crossover SUV combines practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious motorists who need a little extra space. 

With its self-charging hybrid system, the Niro ensures you don't have to worry about plugging in, making it a hassle-free option for everyday driving. Its competitive pricing and extensive warranty coverage enhance its value further. 

Ford has also entered the hybrid market with a bang, offering the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid at a competitive price point for a full-size SUV. This SUV provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike. 

The Kuga's plug-in hybrid technology allows you to drive on electric power alone for shorter trips, saving money on fuel while reducing emissions. It's a prime example of a practical and budget-friendly plug-in hybrid. 

No list of hybrid cars is complete without a Prius, despite not being everyone's cup of tea design-wise, they are an excellent choice for reliable, economical and safe transport. One with reasonable miles; in the region of 80 - 100,000, can be bought for around £12,000. This would buy a car made between 2012 and 2014. 

The second generation is the one we’d opt for, giving the best combination of battery wear and price. Most of the older cars are prone to failing 

 units, giving sub-50-mile range, and as they hold their value so well, the cars less than 5 years old are still above £20,000 to buy used. 

The Outlander was one of the first plug-in hybrid SUVs to hit the market in the UK, in 2013 it astonished everybody with its claimed economy figure of 140 MPG. 

10 years later and the technology seems to have held up well, with many achieving well in excess of 150,000 miles for sale on Autotrader. We’d advise trying to source one a little less travelled, with examples from 2015/16 being available for £9,000 with less than 80,000 miles on the clock. 

When launched in 2011, the Lexus CT200h was the first hatchback Lexus had ever made, it was also the first luxury hybrid hatchback to be made available. It was quite popular with company car schemes of the time, offering low company car tax due to its efficient drivetrain. 

Speaking of the drivetrain, it being borrowed from the Toyota Prius should give some confidence in its performance and longevity, with many cars still being used daily in 2023 we’d suggest a 2014 model with the facelifted front and rear bodywork. A nice one can be bought for around £8,500. 

From the success of the Prius, Toyota made sure to shoehorn the powerplant into as many models as possible. This brought cars of differing sizes to market, whilst still using the innovative hybrid powertrain. 

The Auris is a good example of this, being a slightly bigger car than the Prius, especially in estate form, is ideal for bigger families. The Auris has great reliability records just like the Prius, but we’d suggest getting as new as possible to preserve the 

. £8,000 will buy a relatively low mileage example, at around 80 - 100,000 miles. 

Hybrids are fast becoming more affordable on the second-hand market, but are still a little way off of petrol and diesel cars when you factor in the potential 

Hopefully though with our guide, you can find a hybrid that will serve its purpose of giving great fuel economy, at a reasonable price point. If you want to learn more about hybrid technology, check out our guide on the different types 

The Cheapest Hybrid Cars for Sale in the UK

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car is how fuel-efficient it is, especially if you drive a lot of miles per year. In this article, we’ll run through some of the most fuel-efficient cars on sale today. 

Miles per gallon is the standard measure of fuel efficiency in the UK, although the European Litres per 100km standard is sometimes quoted by German, French and Italian car manufacturers. 

Many modern cars have an MPG readout on the digital dashboard, but if you want to double-check your MPG, or calculate it yourself, it’s quite simple: 

When you fill-up your tank, reset your car's trip computer. 

This gives you the MPG figure for that tank of fuel/journey. 

What are the most fuel-efficient cars in the UK?

With most car manufacturers focussing their research and development on improving fuel efficiency, there are plenty of cars to choose from if you want a high MPG figure: Here’s our top list of fuel-efficient cars in the UK. 

Since its introduction, the C class has been a top contender in the luxury saloon market, but with the latest hybrid powertrain, it is also one of the best options for fuel efficiency. 

Achieving over 470 MPG in Mercedes’ tests, it far surpasses the next best petrol or diesel hybrid cars. The large 

 pack contributes significantly to this enormous MPG figure, meaning it can drive quite a distance before even needing to call upon the 2.0L petrol engine. 

If you need more boot space and don't want an SUV, the Skoda Octavia iV could be the perfect option. It boasts over 250 miles per gallon from its 2.0-litre petrol engine and hybrid motor combination but affords over 500L of boot space. Making it a very functional and efficient family car. 

As with other Skodas, the interior and trim is purposeful and well-made. Whilst the tech has improved massively over the last 5-10 years, they’re still slightly behind the competition of Mercedes and BMW in finish level and luxury. 

The BMW 3 series is another saloon car favourite, boasting impressive handling and road-holding capabilities alongside the comfort and luxury required of a German cruiser. 

Alongside the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, the 330e has a large battery and motor combination pushing the total horsepower to nearly 300 bhp. The 330e slightly outpaces the C300 e to 60mph, too. 

If you don't need the height and bulk of an SUV or the luggage space of an Estate, the Peugeot 308 Hatchback might fit the bill nicely. It has just enough room to carry 5 adults and a reasonably sized boot.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine and motor propel the car to 60 in around 7 seconds, meaning it has a reasonable turn of pace. 

It can also do nearly 40 miles on electric power alone, meaning if your commute to work is short, you might never need to fill up at the petrol station between weekends! 

As the first SUV in our lineup of fuel-efficient cars, the Lexus NX is a great choice for efficiency, luxury and SUV styling. Packed with incredible safety features including the latest dynamic radar cruise control for collision avoidance. 

At 84 MPG it does not fare as well as the saloons and estates it competes with, but it still does well, considering its nearly 2 tonne kerb weight. 

The car that popularised the hybrid technology still remains one of the most commonly seen petrol/electric vehicles on the road. Considering the Toyota has incredible reliability scores, great MPG and clever packaging, it's not too surprising. 

Favoured by Uber drivers the world over, the Prius offers plenty of space for 5 adults and their luggage and is not likely to break the bank on fuel costs or repairs. 

The 2023 model achieves just over 67 MPG, it’s important to note that this is the first 

 listed, plug-in hybrid MPG figures are often higher than self-charging ones, as they include the energy put into the battery via home charging, whereas self-charging hybrids need no additional energy other than filling up with petrol. 

, the Tucson is a great choice, with over 80 MPG achievable, and more than 550 litres of luggage space in the rear, it’s perfect for the cost-conscious large family. 

Like many other PHEVs discussed, the Tucson can do nearly 40 miles on electric-only power, with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine kicking in to help out when required. 

Hyundai has really begun to target the high-end sector with their recent models, with premium features like smart parking assist, radar cruise control and top-spec infotainment systems. 

Make your repairs work for your budget. Split the cost into interest-free monthly payments at 1000s of partnered garages and dealerships nationwide. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

What are the Most Fuel Efficient Cars You Can Buy in the UK?

This month's Dealership of the Month award goes to Chiswick Honda & MG, part of the Norton Way Group. 

Having recently gone live with Bumper’s PayLater and PayNow solutions, the Chiswick team have won the award for their instant adoption of these payment methods into their process across the business. 

Regional Account Manager Jack McHale said, “I’m delighted to hand the award to the dealership. Their win is a recognition of a shared performance with both the sales and aftersales departments utilising Bumper to benefit their customers with a choice of payment options. 

“The teams have integrated Bumper into their daily conversations with customers following their training and recent launch. The feedback from the customers, service advisors, and sales execs has been great; with them all stating the ease of use as a key reason for its rapid uptake and success”. 

Congratulations to William, Tracy, Elliott and the whole team at Chiswick Honda & MG. 

Chiswick Honda & MG Take Home Dealership of the Month Award 

Everyone knows Michelin Tyres - the company with the jolly man made of tyres as its mascot. You’ve also most likely heard of Michelin stars – stars awarded to high-quality restaurants around the globe. But did you know they’re both the same company? This is how a tyre company started giving out the world’s most prestigious restaurant awards. 

Back in the 1880s in France, when there were very few cars on the roads, brothers Andre and Edourard Michelin needed a way to increase their tyre sales. To get drivers out on the streets and using more tyres they had the bright idea to create a guidebook. 

The guide initially focused on essential travel information like maps, instructions on how to change tyres, and places to refuel. At first the guides were given out for free in the hopes this would encourage more drivers to use them, until one of the brothers entered a workshop to see a stack of their guides being used to prop up a workbench. 

Under the assumption that nobody cared about the books because they hadn’t spent their hard-earned money on them, the brothers reworked their guide and began selling them for seven francs each (92p in today’s money). 

Included in this new version was a list of hotels and restaurants. They also removed any paid advertising. Noticing how much influence the guide had on diners’ choice of restaurants the brothers started to send ‘mystery diners’ to write reviews. 

In 1926 their famous star system was introduced. Initially, only one star was used, but five years later they began a one, two and three-star rating system, where one star was worth a stop, two stars were worth a detour and three stars were worth a special journey. 

Today the star system is still in use and has become a symbol of a great quality restaurant and top-notch dining across the globe. 

The Michelin brother’s famous guidebook wasn’t their only stroke of marketing genius. Around the same time as the guide was introduced, the brothers began to use a mascot. 

Almost exclusively known as the ‘Michelin Man’ this mascot made entirely of tyres’ real name is Bibendum. The name comes from ‘Nunc est Bibendum’ which is Latin for ‘it’s time to drink’, as early adverts showed the character drinking a glass of nails to show how strong Michelin’s tyres were.

Other early adverts depicted Bibendum as a womanizing, cigar-smoking, beer drinker. But luckily, he soon cleared up his act and in the 1920s he was often shown participating in sports like cycling and running or helping families change their tyres. 

It’s safe to say the tyre-shaped mascot has been a work-in-progress for the company, which has now become a refined and instantly recognisable character for everyone. Just make sure you don’t type ‘vintage Michelin man’ into Google or you’ll be in for a bit of a fright! 

How a tyre company started giving out the world’s most prestigious restaurant awards 

Through our partnership with Ecologi, Bumper is contributing to major climate-positive projects throughout the world. Ecologi helps to support Bumper’s sustainability goals by using funding from its members to invest in carbon avoidance and tree planting projects around the globe.

Currently, India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually. Although 75% of this waste is collected, only 20% is treated. This has a huge impact on environmental and health issues across the country. 

When the waste is sent to landfill sites the supply of oxygen to organic waste is often cut off causing it to decompose anaerobically. This produces, amongst other harmful emissions, methane. Methane produced in India contributes to around 29% of total greenhouse gases, with the global average being around 18%.

To make the issue worse, India’s demand for electricity is growing rapidly, with coal power plants often relied upon. This can lead to adverse environmental and health effects for local communities. 

The aim of the Organic Waste Management Programme is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and firewood for cooking by placing biogas plants throughout the country. The biogas is recovered and used for thermal and electrical applications. The programme also helps to avoid emissions by ensuring waste at landfill sites is disposed of properly. 

Between 2016 and 2023 the project resulted in an annual emission avoidance of up to 70,000 tCO2e and supported 73 jobs in the local community. A recent survey also found that 100 families who had previously used firewood for heating food had switched to biogas created from organic waste.

Ecologi Project: Using organic waste to produce electricity in India 

Cars are generally regarded as depreciating assets

This means that regardless of how well you service, clean, and care for your car, it will always be worth less than when you bought it. 

You don’t have to grin and bear a big loss, though! There are plenty of cars that hold their value in the UK. The trick is knowing which ones are worth your time.

To help you find a slow-depreciating car, we’ve rounded up the best cars in the UK known for holding their value. We’ve also gone a step further and given you the WORST cars known for depreciating quickly, so you can be sure to steer clear. Let’s jump right in.

Some cars lose their value faster than others. The list below shows which cars hold their value best. Make a beeline for these!

A popular car for people wanting a reliable, practical, smaller car, the Jazz’s reliability and simplicity mean even older ones still command a respectable price secondhand, making it the UK's best car for holding its value.

A favourite with self-employed tradespeople, the Ranger is practical and 

, as it is registered as a commercial vehicle. The practicality of the Ranger is what makes it so desirable, perfect for anyone looking for a car that holds its value and doesn't require lots of services.

If you’re looking for a new car that will hold its value for a few years, the new Defender is the best-performing car by far - mainly due to the incredible demand. It also provides luxury SUV features and durable off-road features. As long as you look after your Defender, you can expect it to only drop a fraction of the price after a couple of years. 

The third commercial vehicle to appear on the list, the Hilux is famed for its incredible reliability and durability. Other key features of the Hilux include up to 10 years of warranty coverage, a generous load area, and a steady build. With the Nissan Navara being discontinued, the demand for the Hilux will only increase.

Not looking for a pick-up truck? No worries. The Yaris is a top contender for a small city car with great practicality and reliability. It’s been in production for many years, and each generation is as well received as the last. The Yaris holds its value well, so don’t overlook it!

Since its inception in the 1970s, the Fiesta has been a popular small to medium-city car on Britain's roads. However, now that Ford has discontinued this staple model, we suspect the newer ones, especially the STs—the sporty ones—will hold their value well. 

If you’re looking for a luxury car that holds its value well, the Porsche Panamera could be a match for you. This offers a stylish look and excellent driver engagement. Of course, this is a more expensive purchase. However, it depreciates slowly while offering an opulent vehicle experience. 

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a seven-seater that doesn’t depreciate overnight. It also boasts reliable off-road skills, a sleek look, and great interior design. You can use it for country terrains or driving to your local Tescos. Pick the plug-in hybrid p300e for the best performance, as this retains 63% of its initial value.

The Toyota bZ4X is a fully electric everyday car that might look a tad boring compared to some of the sports cars on this list. However, it has a reputation for reliability, a solid build, and an eco-friendly ethos. Plus, it holds its value well, which is likely necessary for you if you’re on this page! 

The Audi RS 3 has a 61.95% depreciation rate, earning it a spot on our list of cars that hold their value well. Yes, this rating means you’ll lose around 38% of the value, but this isn’t much at all compared to competitors. 

Modern technology, old-school aesthetics, and an excellent reputation—it’s the Mercedes G-Class. This car is by no means a cheap upfront buy. However, it doesn’t lose value after a few years of ownership, making it ideal if you’re looking to invest in a vehicle.

Another sports car that impresses drivers worldwide, the Porsche 911, unsurprisingly, doesn't lose much value. The best-performing version is the top GT3 variant, which holds up to 63% of its value. The worst performer? The Targa. This holds up to 47% of its value.

The plug-in hybrid p460e Range Rover sport takes the last spot on this list, thanks to its 65% retained value. This is yet another sporty edition that depreciates slower than its peers. So, if you’re ready to go all-in on an investment, check this model out.

Curious about the worst cars in the UK for depreciation? Here’s where not to invest your cash if you’re looking for long-term value. The reasons, as discussed above, are often due to the car's complexity, unreliability or status. 

BMW cars have a reputation for luxury, driving feel and performance, but these benefits, when new, can become liabilities as the cars age. After five years, expect your 5 series to be worth approximately 45% of its initial cost; after 20, 80% of the value will be lost.

For reasons similar to those of the 5 Series, buyers of new Mercedes C-Class luxury cars can expect them to drop in value significantly over the first years of ownership. 

Whilst Peugeot’s stylish SUV may be in vogue, the figures for its value show this to be short-lived. A Peugeot 2008 3-year-old car can be worth little over a third of its value on the forecourt. 

 F Pace depreciation UK? We’re here to deliver the bad news. Another SUV but priced for an entirely different market, the F-Pace is a brilliant bit of cutting-edge engineering and tech. However, this may also be detrimental, as they are worth considerably less after only a few years. 