Kickin' Tyres

Adam Gray & Tim Barnes-Clay

Welcome to Kickin’ Tyres — the fortnightly motoring podcast that blends expert insight with proper, down-to-earth car chat. Hosted by motoring journalists Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay, this is what happens when two mates who just happen to work in the same world — albeit in slightly different ways — get together to talk cars and have a laugh. Between us, we’ve spent years attending launches and road-testing the latest models. Tim brings decades of experience as a motoring journalist, while Adam combines journalism with hands-on car-buying coaching — offering a practical, consumer-first perspective shaped by real-world experience. Together, we cut through the marketing noise to focus on what actually matters. Each episode is a relaxed, conversational deep-dive into the world of four wheels. Recorded remotely and intentionally informal, we cover the launches we’ve just returned from, the cars we’ve been driving, the standout stories shaping the industry, and interviews with independent experts. There’s a strong consumer focus, but Kickin’ Tyres isn’t just about what car to buy. It’s about the reality of modern motoring — from industry trends to everyday ownership — with a broader lens and a bit more personality. Built on the same consumer-first DNA as The Car Buying Coach UK, the show operates with zero brand bias and no dealer affiliations — just honest, informed opinions for people who are car-hunting, car-curious, or simply enjoy a good bit of motoring chat. Listen in, and find out more at www.kickintyrespod.co.uk

Episodes

  1. SMMT 2026, Influencer Debate & Ford Ranger MSRT

    4d ago

    SMMT 2026, Influencer Debate & Ford Ranger MSRT

    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 2026 Follow 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

    53 min
  2. Mazda CX-5, VW Transporter Sportline & the Real Cost of EV Ownership

    May 19

    Mazda CX-5, VW Transporter Sportline & the Real Cost of EV Ownership

    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 debate 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

    58 min
  3. Flying Cars, XPENG Autonomy, & Peugeot E-408 First Drive

    May 4

    Flying Cars, XPENG Autonomy, & Peugeot E-408 First Drive

    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

    56 min
  4. MG’s Solid State Battery & The Changan Deepal S05: The Truth About Chinese EVs

    Apr 6

    MG’s Solid State Battery & The Changan Deepal S05: The Truth About Chinese EVs

    Are Chinese electric cars taking over? In the debut episode of Kickin' Tyres, motoring journalists Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay cut through the marketing spin to bring you the truth about the latest automotive launches. From the tech-heavy MG Tech Day in Frankfurt to "hooning" the new Changan Deepal S05 on a UK airfield, we break down what these new brands mean for British drivers. We aren't tied to any brands or dealerships, so everything we discuss is straight from the horse's mouth with zero brand bias. In this episode, we cover: MG’s Solid State Breakthrough: Is the 95% solid-state battery a game-changer for range anxiety or just clever PR?The 100-Year Hybrid: Why experts believe hybrids—especially plug-ins—will be around for a century to come.Changan Deepal S05 Review: How a brand established in 1862 is using a Birmingham R&D team to tailor Chinese SUVs for pothole-ridden UK roads.The "Excuse Bin": Who won (and who failed) the high-stakes emergency braking challenge at the Changan launch?Exclusive Interview: Featuring clips from MG’s Global Design Chief, Jozef Kaban, on the future of automotive design. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Kickin' Tyres (05:20) MG’s Solid State Battery Tech (15:45) Interview: MG Design Chief Jozef Kaban (28:10) Driving the Changan Deepal S05 (35:30) Why Hybrids aren't dying (48:15) The Emergency Braking Challenge (55:00) Coming up: Bentley Bentayga & Ranger MSRT Follow us for no-nonsense motoring updates every fortnight, powered by The Car Buying Coach UK. Instagram: @kickintyrespodTikTok: @kickintyrespodYouTube: @kickintyrespodFacebook: @kickintyrespodX: @kickintyrespodLinkedIn: @kickintyrespodWebsite: kickintyrespod.co.uk

    1 hr

About

Welcome to Kickin’ Tyres — the fortnightly motoring podcast that blends expert insight with proper, down-to-earth car chat. Hosted by motoring journalists Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay, this is what happens when two mates who just happen to work in the same world — albeit in slightly different ways — get together to talk cars and have a laugh. Between us, we’ve spent years attending launches and road-testing the latest models. Tim brings decades of experience as a motoring journalist, while Adam combines journalism with hands-on car-buying coaching — offering a practical, consumer-first perspective shaped by real-world experience. Together, we cut through the marketing noise to focus on what actually matters. Each episode is a relaxed, conversational deep-dive into the world of four wheels. Recorded remotely and intentionally informal, we cover the launches we’ve just returned from, the cars we’ve been driving, the standout stories shaping the industry, and interviews with independent experts. There’s a strong consumer focus, but Kickin’ Tyres isn’t just about what car to buy. It’s about the reality of modern motoring — from industry trends to everyday ownership — with a broader lens and a bit more personality. Built on the same consumer-first DNA as The Car Buying Coach UK, the show operates with zero brand bias and no dealer affiliations — just honest, informed opinions for people who are car-hunting, car-curious, or simply enjoy a good bit of motoring chat. Listen in, and find out more at www.kickintyrespod.co.uk