I’ve worked for myself most of my adult life which means spending a lot of time on my own. I don’t mind my own company, though it is far too easy to get distracted. Even as I write, the kettle beckons, as it must be at least an hour or so since I last had a brew. I also find it helpful to talk to myself, though doing this out loud in the local supermarket seems to be frowned upon.

This government, like its predecessor, says it wants to actively encourage motorists to switch to electric cars. The choice is now wider than ever, and prices are coming down. There are now EVs available to buy from less than £20,000. With another £10,000 available to spend, the choice is huge, with plenty of family-sized vehicles on sale.

The first question I am usually asked about any electric car I am testing is what is the range? Well dear reader, the new Kia EV4’s quoted range is up to 388 miles. Enough for anyone I would suggest and being a Kia, the quoted range is usually fairly accurate.

Great Wall Motors is back in the UK with vengeance. Some of you may recall the Steed pick-up sold in the UK between 2014 and 2016, or thereabouts. It was a rare sight though was popular with those who required a simple working truck.

The UK first saw the Sportage in 1995 and at a recent drive day, I had the opportunity to drive one such early model. It was fun to spend time with the car, if only to see how much not just the model but the brand too has improved.

With changeable autumnal weather now open us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.

This Bank Holiday weekend, it is estimated that some 18 million leisure journeys will be undertaken, many of which will be on the motorway. For some, this may be the only time they venture on to our fastest roads, so some timely reminders may well be appropriate. ‘Hogging’ the middle lane of a motorway can be a major cause of unnecessary congestion.

There are many 4x4s that look the part but put them to the test in tough conditions and they falter. However, for those on the lookout for a compact SUV that punches above its weight and is rather partial to a muddy track, Jeep now offers an all-wheel drive version of its Avenger. The invite came from the Jeep PR team to join them for a little brand immersion on the scenic Swinton Estate.

Holiday season is upon us and for many that means a long road trip by car. It’s an easy way to travel with the family – just chuck everything in and head off to your favoured destination, be that in the UK or overseas. A long journey can put more strain on your car, with greater distances covered, a heavily loaded vehicle and perhaps hot climes if southern Europe is your end destination.

The AA is predicting busy roads to popular leisure destinations as the long summer getaway officially begins. With Scottish and Northern Irish schools having broken up at the end of June and English and Welsh pupils are due to start their summer holidays over the next week. This staggered school holiday pattern means that traditional “getaway weekends” will be spread out.

I’ve driven Isuzu’s capable D-Max pickup truck in every iteration over the last few years, from the humble Utility model, right up to the bespoke Arctic Truck variant. All have performed well and have been much enjoyed both on and off road. Step forward then a limited-run model, the Steel Edition, built exclusively for the UK market and based on the top spec V-Cross.

Lying awake in the wee small hours, I was musing on the many different types of driving I do and wondering why some appeal to me and some really don’t. As a motoring journalist, it has always felt as though I am supposed to like driving on a racetrack. I like speed, there’s no one coming the other way (one hopes), and usually the car provided is immensely capable.