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. 5d ago

    XPeng G6 Review, Jeep in Germany & Festival of Speed

    Is the XPeng G6 a genuine Tesla Model Y rival? And what's it really like to live with for a week? In Episode 7 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay catch up ahead of a busy few weeks — Tim's just back from a Jeep launch in Germany covering the Avenger and Compass, while Adam shares his real-world verdict on the XPeng G6 long range after a week on test. Adam gives an honest assessment of the G6's strengths and weaknesses — a great looking EV with a well-built interior, but with a fiddly infotainment system, vague steering, and a ride quality that lets it down slightly. The pair also discuss the quirky oval steering wheel, boot space, real-world range, and how it stacks up against rivals including the Tesla Model Y, BYD Seal, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. There's also talk of the upcoming XPeng L03 world premiere in Munich, the rise of Chinese car brands in Europe, Jeep's 85th anniversary, and whether either of them is bothered about missing the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Topics include: XPeng G6 long range — honest real-world reviewXPeng G6 vs Tesla Model Y and key rivalsJeep Avenger and Compass — Germany launch impressionsJeep's 85th anniversary and the new Avenger rangeXPeng L03 world premiere — Munich previewChinese car brands vs legacy manufacturersBYD overtaking Tesla in global salesGoodwood Festival of Speed — are they missing out?What's coming — XPeng Munich, LEPAS L8, Kia launch 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

    XPeng G6 Review, Jeep in Germany & Festival of Speed
  2. Jun 29

    Polestar 3 vs 4, Freelance Life & The Worst Cars We've Ever Owned

    What's it really like to make a living as a freelance motoring journalist in 2026? And is the Polestar 3 still worth buying after its shock US ban? In Episode 6 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay catch up after a longer gap than usual — Adam's back from a much-needed holiday and reflecting honestly on burnout, freelance life, and the dangers of never stepping off the treadmill. Adam shares his verdict on the Polestar 3 rear motor after driving all three versions, plus early impressions of the Polestar 4 long range dual motor on test. The pair dig into Polestar's US ban due to connected vehicle rules and what it means for the wider Geely stable, EV charging frustrations, the Mercedes CLA Electric, and the US market's complicated history with foreign car brands. Plus — the worst cars they've ever owned and a Reliant Robin cameo nobody saw coming. Topics include: Polestar 3 rear motor review — do you really need more than 333hp?Polestar 4 long range dual motor — early test impressionsPolestar US ban — connected vehicle rules and what it means for Geely brandsMercedes CLA Electric — EV logistics in the real worldFreelance motoring journalism — burnout, holidays, and the FOMO trapThe US market and its complicated history with foreign car brandsVW Group hierarchy — where does Skoda sit?The worst cars Adam and Tim have ever ownedWhat's coming up — Xpeng Germany launch and MG Tech Day 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

    Polestar 3 vs 4, Freelance Life & The Worst Cars We've Ever Owned
  3. Jun 1

    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

    SMMT 2026, Influencer Debate & Ford Ranger MSRT
  4. 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

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

    Flying Cars, XPENG Autonomy, & Peugeot E-408 First Drive
  6. 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

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

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