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 impressions
• Polestar US ban — connected vehicle rules and what it means for Geely brands
• Mercedes CLA Electric — EV logistics in the real world
• Freelance motoring journalism — burnout, holidays, and the FOMO trap
• The US market and its complicated history with foreign car brands
• VW Group hierarchy — where does Skoda sit?
• The worst cars Adam and Tim have ever owned
• What's coming up — Xpeng Germany launch and MG Tech Day
  

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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 why
• Influencers vs motoring journalists — the credibility debate
• PR relationships — ghosting and what both sides get wrong
• Ford Ranger MSRT — ride quality, looks, and real-world driving
• Alpine A390 GTS — Italy global media launch
• The reality of freelance motoring journalism in 2026

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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 impressions
• Two years with the Tesla Model 3 Performance — honest ownership verdict
• Real-world EV running costs and home charging tips
• Why public charging alone isn't enough
• VW Transporter Sportline — 75 years of the VW bus
• All-electric Mercedes GLC — UK launch preview
• SMMT Test Day 2026 preview
• Car finance, cost of living, and the 100k-mile EV debate

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