< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING XPeng XPeng is one of China’s most tech- savvy car brands and has big plans for the UK. It has announced a network of 20 dealerships by the end of 2025, meaning it’s not just dipping a toe - it’s cannonballing into the pool. XPeng models, such as the G6, come equipped with high-tech driving features, wraparound screens, and an interior vibe that feels more like a gadget launch than a car showroom. XPeng stands out for its software- forward approach. Over-the-air updates, voice control, and advanced driver- assistance features make its cars feel very 2030 - even if the name still sounds like a dodgy antivirus program. Build quality has improved massively, and pricing undercuts similar-specced rivals from the West. Jaecoo (Chery) Jaecoo is Chery’s attempt at rugged SUVs with urban polish. Its first model, the Jaecoo 7, looks the part - boxy, confident, and dripping with faux-off-road charm. It is aimed at mid-market buyers who want SUV practicality with a bit of style, and early reviews suggest it hits the mark on price and specs. It is a relatively new brand even in China, so UK buyers might need convincing, but the pitch is clear: decent value, solid equipment, and a look that stands out without being weird. Whether it can back it up with long-term support remains to be seen. Chinese cars: Which brands are best? Mock the names all you like - they’re here, and they’re serious. Chinese manufacturers have gone from copycat curiosities to global players in record time. Here is your 2025 guide to who’s who, what they’re selling, and which ones are worth your time (and possibly your driveway). LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 71 COUNTY MOTORING XPeng Jaecoo (Chery)Omoda (Chery) Omoda is Chery’s design-led marque aimed squarely at the business-oriented crossover crowd. The Omoda 9 is a surprisingly decent, luxury-focused machine - sharp lines, eye-catching lighting, and an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in something twice the price. It has the buzzwords: big screen, connectivity, ADAS, the lot. While it’s very much early days for Omoda in the UK, the brand clearly understands what drivers want - style, gadgets, and a price that doesn’t involve a second mortgage. Chery’s experience in global markets gives Omoda a head start, and early drives by us suggest the product is better than people expected. BYD (Build Your Dreams) BYD is the best-known name on this list and with good reason. It is one of the most prominent EV makers in the world, and its cars are now arriving big-style in the UK. The premium-focused BYD Seal model, for example, offers great value, comfort, excellent safety ratings, and some of the best battery tech in the business. The marque is not trying to wow you with gimmicks – it’s just offering solid electric cars at the right price. Build quality has been a pleasant surprise, and dealership support is growing. While the brand is still finding its feet, BYD is fast becoming a go-to recommendation for people who want a status-symbol EV that works without the drama. LeapMotor LeapMotor might sound like a dodgy mobile app, but it’s getting serious attention now - especially after linking up with Stellantis to distribute cars in Europe. The C10 SUV offers space and range without pushing the price into the stratosphere. The marque’s models aren’t flashy, but they fill a very real need: affordable EVs for real people – especially those who need a car for business. Given how few manufacturers seem interested in that anymore, LeapMotor could carve out a niche - assuming it can build dealer support quickly. Chinese car brands are no longer just “the cheap option.” They are making great products for private and business markets and doing it faster, cheaper, and, in some cases, better than the established players. There is genuine variety here - and not just variety, but also healthy competition. Omoda (Chery) 72 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORINGBYD (Build Your Dreams) LeapMotor LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 73 COUNTY MOTORINGThe McLaren 750S Spider is a thrilling addition to the British manufacturer’s lineup, embodying the perfect blend of power, precision, and open-air exhilaration. A true tribute to McLaren’s engineering prowess, the 750S Spider promises a mind-blowing drive. New McLaren 750S Spider The perfect blend of power and precision 74 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORINGFast Facts – McLaren 750s Spider: Max speed: 206 mph 0-62 mph: 2.8 secs Fuel economy: 23.2 mpg Engine layout: 3,994cc, twin-turbo V8 Power (PS): 750 CO2: 276 g/km Priced from: £269,160 On the Road. hardtop allows you to switch between the serenity of a coupe and the thrill of open-air driving in mere seconds. Inside, the 750S Spider is a masterclass in luxury and cutting-edge technology. The seats provide both comfort and support, while the driver-focused cockpit houses a state-of-the-art infotainment system that integrates with smartphones. McLaren’s commitment to creating a bespoke experience is evident, with numerous high- end materials and finishes available for buyers to customise their interiors. Furthermore, the 750S Spider is equipped with advanced safety features and driving aids, making it accessible to a broader range of driving enthusiasts. The suspension system ensures that the At its heart lies a 4.0-litre twin- turbocharged V8 lump, producing an astonishing 750 horsepower. This powerhouse enables the supercar to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a staggering 2.8 seconds, firmly establishing it as one of the swiftest convertibles available today. McLaren’s engineers have meticulously designed the car’s lightweight carbon fibre structure, with a total weight just beyond 1,200 kg, ensuring that its handling and performance are truly exceptional. One of the most striking aspects of the 750S Spider is its design. The car boasts aggressive lines and an aerodynamic silhouette, which enhances both its visual appeal and performance. The retractable vehicle can effortlessly tackle everything from twisting country roads to high-speed motorways, granting you unparalleled confidence. While the 750S Spider carries a premium price tag, the combination of performance, luxury, and the iconic McLaren pedigree makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to experience the pinnacle of British automotive engineering. In a fiercely competitive supercar market, the McLaren 750S Spider stands out not merely for its speed but for the complete driving experience it offers. This car is not just a means of transportation; it’s an invitation to savour the journey in style and sophistication. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 75 COUNTY MOTORING76 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY SUDOKU competition Closing date for entries is: 20th SEPTEMBER 2025 To enter just email the numbers that appear in the purple squares to: competitions@blmgroup.co.uk Win a £20 voucher to spend with any of our advertisers in this issue. Last month’s solution Lincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead... Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20 Take nothing for granted and never judge a book by its cover. Someone very close to you is harbouring a guilty secret. You may find yourself feeling restless, bored and trapped. An impromptu meeting with someone you find wildly attractive may lead you into temptation whether you are living with a partner or not. Taurus Apr 21 - May 21 You are not being told the truth about something extremely important. Someone you have been communicating with regularly will lead to a fascinating meeting of the minds. An ex-partner will continue to appear with the intention of causing you as much agitation as possible. A worrying financial matter cannot be ignored any longer. Gemini May 22 - June 21 If you are looking for a new direction in both your personal and working life, there is no finer time to make a few of your dreams come true. Accept a dinner date invitation and get out of your rut. If it’s love and romance that you are seeking, you won’t be disappointed. Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23 Someone who thought they knew you well is going to be speechless at an announcement you are about to make. For once you are putting yourself at the top of your priority list. If you are tangled up in a love triangle and partners are refusing make important decisions, take matters in your own hands. Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23 Once again you will put yourself under pressure because you have agreed to attend wine and dine meetings. Frustration in a romantic relationship continues to grow. Perhaps your partner is the sort of person who finds it difficult to express their feelings, go steady on them as ranting and raving will get you nowhere. Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23 If you love your partner, don’t throw your relationship away just because you are not being told what you want to hear. Be a listener rather than a talker. You have people to meet, places to visit and can’t afford to miss golden opportunities. Job interviews look interesting, especially if travel is involved. Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23 The prospect of new love looks interesting. You may even meet someone soon in unusual circumstances. An ex-lover will show signs of jealousy and anger because you are getting on with your life. Party invitations will come flooding your way because you are projecting positive vibrations. A difficult situation at work will iron itself out. Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 Listen to your instincts when weighing up a long term friendship that is rapidly reaching its end. By now you know exactly who your true friends are, leaving you in no doubt what course of action to take. Emphasis will be on your health and wellbeing, but by maintaining a positive attitude, you will overcome a difficult situation. Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21 Your advice will be sought by a close friend who is in a huge dilemma. There is only so much you can do or say, as you don’t have the power to make everything right for them or anyone else. A secret meeting with someone you cannot stop thinking about could lead to a fulfilling relationship. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 You could be swept off your feet by a newcomer at work or the social scene. People are unpredictable, and what happens next could take you by surprise. Holiday plans may be ambiguous because of changes in your domestic circumstances. An opportunity to turn a hobby into a business gives you hope for a successful future. Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 Someone you have given wise advice to may choose to ignore it, at their peril. Experience cannot be taught, and there are certain people that you have met who are short sighted and motivated by greed. You are right to wash your hands of such individuals, focusing instead on what is important to you. Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20 Something or someone that was important in your life a short while ago is no longer foremost in your mind. Instead you are more concerned about putting your life in order and addressing health issues that are stopping you from enjoying life. By changing your diet and taking up new interests, you will begin to feel better. 269743185 784519236 513682479 947138562 132956748 658274913 875321694 426897351 391465827 M2A3Y 754283619 821697453 639145728 472361895 195728346 386954172 943576281 218439567 567812934classified To advertise your services call Angela Cooper at Lincolnshire Today on 01472 310310 British Classics Heritage Motors Parts 1948 to date Retail Trade Export Special Projects Restorations Manufacturing Modifications Country Workshops Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs, PE11 4EZ Classic Landrovers Tel/Fax 01775 750223 www.british4x4centre.co.uk Motors Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd The best photography is about much more than taking a picture. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, preserving a memory. Sometimes it’s about looking at things a little bit differently. Tel: 07974 695626 www.stuartwildephotography.com guide fo essentia The il tobe oom Gr and theBrid m d WEDDINGS/ NET.Y t LINC . WWW COLNSHIRETODAY If you are getting married then this guide is your must have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips from the county’s top wedding specialists and will provide you with inspiration for your big day. To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QE Alternatively visit: Weddings To Let • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 77 Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby Photography Is this how work makes you feel on a Monday morning? We’re looking for those with a zest for life to join Lincolnshire Today’s sales team! You don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie to work here but it helps… Contact Angie Cooper on 01472 310310 © stock.adobe.com/indomercyJolly Fisherman vs. Happy Plaice Animal rights group Peta has been accused of “picking on” Skegness’s century old mascot, after calling for him to be dropped due to his job. The demand for the Jolly Fisherman to be replaced comes with the suggestion of swapping his statue with a “Happy Plaice” sculpture. Not considered a fin-tastic idea locally, councillor and former mayor Steve Kirk described the campaign as “nonsense.” He told the BBC: “Anyone who has been around for a while will realise that around once every ten years or so, when they are desperate to raise their profile they [Peta] pick on the poor Jolly Fisherman.” It seems Peta’s plans will be left to flounder. Face to face with a pigeon thief A new exhibition is shedding light on dozens of criminals who were held at Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison during the 1870s, including some with surprising offences. Now showcased inside the Magna Carta Vault is the Register of Habitual Criminals, a fascinating document for which those being released from prison were photographed and their lives — and crimes — recorded. While amongst the jailed are Norwegian sailors who stole a silver watch and clothes from a house, and a man from Grimsby who pilfered six tins of condensed milk, John Holmes, aged just 14, from Barrow upon Humber, was sentenced to 21 days imprisonment for a crime not often seen nowadays, having been accused of thieving two pigeons. watercooler 78 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net Have we missed anything? Send your rib-ticklers to t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk By the 5,000 miles for Brigg Town A football fan has travelled 5,000 miles to see Brigg Town play in the tenth tier of English football. Making the trip from India to Lincolnshire, Rohan has been following the club for years after discovering them during lockdown in 2020, watching their games online since. Having become friends with the chairman after requesting one of their shirts on social media, the superfan and sports journalist, who was visiting England to cover the cricket series, has now finally seen the team play live, even leading the players out on to the pitch. © stock.adobe.com/chrisdorney © stock.adobe.com/steevy84 © stock.adobe.com/Electric Egg Ltd.Byyourside then,nowand inthefuture Learn about our free Will Writing Service at ambucopter.org.uk/will Ourfirsthelicopter,1994 LNAACT REG CHARITY 1017501 Neale Court Care Home Residential, Dementia, Respite Care Our home has been refurbished and extended, whilst still retaining a warm family atmosphere. It has been thoughtfully designed with our residents’ comfort and independence in mind. Enquire today 01522 682 201 Neale Road, North Hykeham, Lincs, LN6 9UA www.countrycourtcare.comNext >