My Week in Cars Podcast Recap: Bargains, Kit Cars & the McLaren Debate
Bottom line: Steve Cropley and Matt Prior argue that market turmoil creates hidden car bargains, debate whether a kit car can rival a McLaren, and dissect the £80k Bentley Bentayga, Ford’s confusing name game, and Mazda’s new range‑extended models.
My Week in Cars Podcast Recap: Bargains, Kit Cars & the McLaren Debate
Image: My Week in Cars Podcast Recap: Bargains, Kit Cars & the McLaren Debate – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The hosts start with the obvious – naming. Ford’s recent alphanumeric shuffle (e.g., “Ford Focus ST-Line”) leaves many owners confused. Steve jokes that the badge feels more like a password than a model name.
On the luxury side, the Bentley Bentayga at £80,000 is described as a “lean‑budget monster.” Its classic boxy silhouette still turns heads, but the new grille and slimmer LED headlights give it a fresher vibe.
When it comes to pure excitement, Matt wonders if a well‑built kit car could ever feel like a McLaren on the road. He points out that a kit’s raw, exposed chassis can look just as aggressive as a supercar’s aerodynamic lines, especially when owners add carbon‑fiber body panels.
Performance & Mileage
Performance talk shifts to Mazda’s range‑extended electric models. The new e‑Power system adds a small petrol generator that recharges the battery, delivering city‑friendly electric driving with a safety net for longer trips. Early testers report 40‑45 mpg‑equivalent (MPGe) combined, which is respectable for a mild‑hybrid.
For the Bentley, the 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 produces 542 hp, sending the SUV from 0‑60 mph in under 5 seconds – impressive for a vehicle that costs less than a typical supercar.
The McLaren conversation is less about numbers and more about feel. A 720S‑style V8 can crush 0‑60 in 2.9 seconds, but the hosts note that a kit car’s lighter weight (often under 1,200 lb) can give comparable acceleration if paired with a high‑revving engine.
Price & Rivals
Price is the thread tying everything together. The £80k Bentayga competes with the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, both of which start around £95k but offer more standard tech. The hosts suggest the Bentayga’s lower price could be a “turmoil‑driven bargain.”
Ford’s naming confusion may push buyers toward rivals like the Volkswagen Golf or the newer Hyundai i30, which retain clear model hierarchies.
For kit car enthusiasts, the cost can be as low as £5k for a basic chassis, versus a McLaren’s multi‑million price tag. The hosts stress that a kit car is a hobby project, not a direct performance competitor, but it can satisfy the desire for a unique, head‑turning ride.
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L Twin‑Turbo V8 (Bentley) | ~20 mpg combined | £80,000 |
|
| e‑Power (Mazda) | 40‑45 MPGe | From £30,000 |
|
| V8 4.0L (McLaren‑style kit) | Varies – driver dependent | £5,000‑£15,000 (kit only) |
|
FAQ
What is the mileage of the new Mazda range‑extended models?
They achieve roughly 40‑45 MPGe combined, thanks to the e‑Power system.
Is the £80k Bentley Bentayga worth buying compared to its rivals?
It offers Bentley’s brand cachet and a luxurious interior at a lower price than many rivals, but fuel economy is poorer and tech levels are similar to higher‑priced competitors.
Can a kit car really replace a McLaren for everyday fun?
A kit car provides a unique, hands‑on experience at a fraction of the cost, but it lacks the refinement, warranty, and sheer performance of a true McLaren.
What do you think about the current car market bargains? Drop a comment below – we’d love to hear your take!
Source: Read Official News
