Sorted Magazine

Author: Val Fraser

  • The beautiful game: generations

    I’ve been to some big games: Wembley playoffs, promotions, and championship-clinching matches and – being a Notts County fan – more relegation nail-biters than I care to remember, but this match eclipsed the lot.

    It was the debut of my best friend, partner in crime, and – by reason of osmosis – a committed Magpie, Arthur Ellis taking to the pitch in the home game against AFC Wimbledon on 9th March. He may only be four years old, but he looked Herculean as he took to the field in front of over 10,000 fans with a courage far greater than the crescendo of the crowd’s eruption as the teams appeared from the tunnel.

    I knew I’d cry that day, and thought I’d grasped the reason why. Notts are part of my DNA, and my association with the oldest professional football club in the world has shaped me and has been steadfastly there during the good times and the bad. In loss, the terraces gave me sanctuary, and in joy, Meadow Lane has given me the opportunity to collect the most vital of human possessions: memories.

    But as Arthur strode out onto the hallowed turf, with my son Adam looking on as a dad-in-waiting, along with other key members of the family, I knew that I’d discovered the missing element to my emotional conundrum: legacy. My late dad had passed the baton of belonging to me, and here I was doing the same for my partner’s grandson. I’ve held him since his arrival into this often crazy world where change is constant; often causing chaos and confusion. And maybe that’s why I love the club where I’m connected with 162 years of heartfelt heritage.

    I managed to keep it together, until captain Kyle Cameron lifted Arthur up,and in almost Rafiki style, held my little Simba up for the Notts faithful to welcome him into the Pride Lands.Then I totally lost it and blubbed like a baby.

    The scoreline was irrelevant, as my mate Arthur had come of age, and I’d done my duty in the face of fierce competition; his generous dad, Ruairi, is a massive West Ham fan…

    Thanks to the staff at Notts County for arranging the most beautiful of experiences, and especially Charlie Roach, Les Bradd and Harry Dalzell who choreographed the occasion with such care and compassion. In the immortal words of Bill Shankly: “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.”

    © Ian Kirke 2024. Title image reproduced by kind permission of John Sumpter @JMS Photography. Other images by kind permission of Emma Ellis.

  • Football: Which team has the most dedicated fans?

    The research, conducted by football shirt retailer UKSoccerShop, used Google Keyword Planner to analyse nationwide searches for the shirts of Premier and Championship League teams over the last five years, identifying the teams with the most eager fans.    

    New data has revealed the teams with the most dedicated fans based on which football shirts fans are most eager to get their hands on, with Manchester United taking the top spot. Liverpool and Arsenal are also popular choices, with thousands of fans searching for their football shirts. The ranking used Google search data to reveal the most popular football shirts across the UK.

    Manchester United ranked first with the highest number of searches for their team’s football shirt, with 321,760 searches in the last year. In fact, the team’s kit has been the most popular for the past four years, consistently receiving the highest number of searches.  

    Since 2014, Adidas have manufactured the iconic jerseys, replacing Nike as their official kit sponsor. In 2023, they renewed their partnership with a record-breaking £900 million deal, extending the club’s relationship with Adidas for another 10 years. 

    Manchester United’s continued popularity identifies a strong connection between the club and its supporters. It’s no surprise they top the ranking as they also have the highest social media following with 63.3 million Instagram followers, revealing them as the team with the most devoted fans. 

    Ranking in second place, Arsenal’s football shirts garnered an impressive 296,700 searches over the past year. The Gunners’ kit has firmly secured its position as the second favourite shirt, maintaining the second spot for two consecutive years.  

    The club’s timeless charm has made their football shirts one of the most sought-after in the UK, with fans waiting excitedly each year for the annual kit release. Arsenal’s substantial fan base is undeniably advantageous, as the team is currently second in the League table.   

    Ranking in third place, Liverpool’s kit was searched for over 235,000 times in 2023 alone. Liverpool is currently topping the League table and with their 44.3 million Instagram followers, there is always hope that their shirts could rise to number one next year.  

    Despite winning the 2022-2023 Premier League for the third year in a row, Manchester City only placed fourth in the findings, with 183,020 searches in 2023. It appears that, despite their impressive on-field performance, there is comparatively less enthusiasm among fans for wearing the team’s jerseys. 

    Manchester City’s ranking is even more surprising considering the presence of popular players such as Jack Grealish, who have made the team an appealing choice for fans. Despite currently ranking tenth in the League, Chelsea’s kit was the fifth most searched for last year, with over 170,000 searches. Their dark blue kit is clearly still a favourite among football fans and the team has plenty of supporters as evidenced by their 41.6 million Instagram followers.  

    In sixth and seventh place are Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa football shirts, with 116,070 and 78,460 searches, respectively. Tottenham are currently ranked fifth in the Premier League, battling it out against Aston Villa who are fourth. The eighth and ninth spots go to Newcastle United and West Ham United, with 69,560 and 64,340 searches across the UK in 2023, respectively.  

    Newcastle United’s iconic jerseys have made headlines across 2023 as the team decided to end their partnership with Castore, after multiple complaints concerning the quality of the shirts. Newcastle signed a five-year deal in 2023 with Adidas, who will be manufacturing the jerseys from the 2023/2024 season onwards. Meanwhile, West Ham United have continued their £7million deal with kit provider Umbro.  

    Only just making it into the top ten, Everton football club had 38,230 searches last year for their shirts. Unfortunately, the team is currently ranked eighteenth in the League table, but it seems they still have plenty of supporters proudly wearing their shirts. 

    Over the past five years, Manchester United has consistently taken the top spot with the most sought-after kit, except for 2019, when Liverpool shirts were the favoured kit. Liverpool and Arsenal battle for second and third place every year, leaving Manchester City and Chelsea to sit in either the fourth or fifth position. Despite ranking lower than Manchester United and Liverpool, appearing in the top five consistently indicates they still have a dedicated fan base.  

    Speaking on the findings, Simon Pretswell, CEO of UKSoccerShop, told Sorted Magazine: “The data reflects the enduring popularity of Manchester United football shirts among fans. The club’s rich history and global fan base cements its position as a frontrunner in football shirt preferences. It’s fascinating to see which teams have the highest number of loyal and dedicated fans over the years. For fans, buying a football shirt is a great way to feel part of their team’s community, and many will delight in wearing them to support their favourite teams during the games. The power of fan support is not to be understated, and it is clear teams such as Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool have hugely dedicated fans.” 

    Sources: https://www.uksoccershop.com/and Google Keyword Planner  

    Main Photo Credit: Nicholas Green via Unspash

  • Faith: Jesus Film Project latest

    Digital Editor’s Note: I’m very pleased to welcome Josh Newell as a Guest Writer for Sorted Magazine. Josh brings a range of experience to the role of executive director for the Jesus Film Project. Shortly after graduating from Indiana University, he and his wife, Holly, joined staff with Campus Crusade for Christ as part of the first Jesus Film short-term recording team. Through that experience, they developed a heart for the Muslim world, and worked with Bible translation partners in the Middle East to translate new versions of the Jesus Film.

    After moving their family to serve in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia area, Josh began to lead the Global Church Movements (GCM) for Campus Crusade. Simultaneously, Josh helped to launch two leadership teams to more effectively serve the 30 countries in the area, then served as director of Leadership Development for North Africa and the Middle East.

    In 2013 Josh received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and joined Jesus Film Project as director of Marketing Communications and US Strategy. He has been the organisation’s Executive Director since 2018.

    Josh writes: It was Jesus’ love that inspired a team from Jesus Film Project to travel to a region of India from which people had previously driven out Christians. The team was there to share the love of Jesus by distributing food. As they served, one family, the Hasans, approached the team with tears in their eyes. 

    The Hasans told the team that for five years they had driven Christians away, beaten them and forced them to leave. Even so, this team of Christians came back. The family was in shock. They couldn’t believe that after everything, Christians would still return to their region and show kindness to the people who had driven them away. 

    The Hasans invited the team to their home. Once there, the team used a video tablet to show the 1979 Jesus Film in the family’s heart language. God moved in their hearts, and the Hasans prayed to receive Christ that day. 

    But the story doesn’t end there. The Hasans used their influence among their people to help show the film in seven other locations, sparking a movement throughout the community. What I love about this story is how it shows the extraordinary power of the love of Christ. His is a love so potent that it spills over, even in dangerous situations. 

    The truth is Jesus loved the Hasan family and their people group long before that team of believers approached them. That’s the amazing thing about our God, He reaches out first. He pursues not just the people who are looking for Him or those who “fit the mold” of Christianity. He reaches out to everyone, everywhere, regardless of their history or their distance from Him. He loves us all, regardless of age or status, or where we live in the world. 

    While we might not all necessarily share the gospel with groups that could beat or chase us away, we do have the opportunity to do so with our neighbours and friends. Sharing the story of Jesus with those closest to us can still be intimidating. To those concerns, I say trust in the strength of Jesus’ love, and let it guide your words as you share the gospel. 

    Here at the Jesus Film Project, we equip believers to tell the life-changing story of Jesus in the heart languages of people everywhere. That’s why we’ve translated our 1979 Jesus Film into more than 2,100 languages. By God’s grace, and with the help of our partners, today we create films and resources in many languages and provide equipment to help tell the story of Jesus in the most remote areas of the world. Everyone, everywhere should have access to the transformative story of Jesus. 

    Through the Jesus Film Project’s library of films and resources, more than 600 million people around the world have become followers of Jesus. With numbers like that, it’s easy to overlook the individual lives represented, but every person has a story like the Hasans, a story of Jesus’ love reaching out despite the odds. 

    As Christians, we have a responsibility to share Christ’s love with the world, and this month I’ve felt that so strongly. With the upcoming release of our newest animated feature film, Jesus (coming 2025), my hope and prayer is that through this film, more people will encounter Jesus’ love, a love powerful enough to reach even the furthest hearts. 

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of the Jesus Film Project

  • Environment: Churchgoers speak up

    Churchgoers have called for more sustainable farming and animal welfare on Church-owned land.

    A clear majority of churchgoers believe that tenant farmers on land owned by the Church of England should adopt organic or regenerative practices and rear their livestock using ‘free range’ systems, according to a new study.

    A survey of 605 regular churchgoers was undertaken as part of a study on food and farming for Green Christian led by Tim Cooper, Emeritus Professor of Sustainable Design and Consumption at Nottingham Trent University.

    Preliminary findings were released ahead of a debate on Land and Nature at the Church of England’s General Synod this weekend.

    Over 57% of respondents indicated that tenant farmers on church land should be either ‘required’ or ‘encouraged’ to adopt organic or regenerative practices and rear their livestock using ‘free range’ systems. By comparison, 26% thought that they should have to follow a set of minimum standards such as the ‘Red Tractor’ scheme, while a mere 18% said they should have complete freedom to choose their preferred farming practices. 

    Respondents attending Church of England churches were slightly more inclined to favour stricter guidelines: only 13% thought that its tenant farmers should be free to choose their farming practices.

    An amendment is due to be tabled to the Synod motion requesting the Church Commissioners to report back on their progress with engagement and collaboration with tenants about sustainable farming.

    Commenting on the survey findings, Professor Cooper, a co-founder and trustee of Green Christian, said:

    “Our survey provides clear evidence that churchgoers want the substantial agricultural assets owned by the Church of England to be farmed according to organic or regenerative practices and for its tenant farmers to rear their livestock on ‘free range’ principles.

    While recent reports suggest some progress in promoting sustainable farming, this needs to be accelerated and accompanied by efforts to ensure that factory farming does not occur on church land. The Church should be leading by example, not following cultural trends.”

    Main Photo Credit: Stephen Radford via Unsplash

  • Community: The changing landscape of volunteering

    Digital Editor’s Note: I’m very pleased to welcome Girls’ Brigade CEO Judith Davey-Cole as our Guest Writer. Judith reflects on the changing landscape of volunteering.

    Judith writes: Volunteerism is deeply rooted in human history. It has played a pivotal role in shaping societies, addressing pressing issues, and bringing about significant positive transformation. 

    In the past four years the world has seen unprecedented change. The repercussions of the pandemic, war in Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza war and the cost-of-living crisis continue to impact us all along with the communities we live in.

    Understandably volunteer participation has not yet fully recovered. In the latest Community Life Survey, the proportion of the UK population who volunteer had dropped from 23% in 2019/2020 to 16% the following year (2021/2022). However, we know the positive impact volunteering can have. Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits both physical and mental and can provide a sense of purpose.

    It is undeniable that charities like ours at Girls’ Brigade could not function or deliver programmes without volunteers. They carry out our services to girls and young women across the country, leading groups and connecting with communities. We have volunteers from ages 18-94. This year alone, eight of our wonderful volunteers are marking 50 years of service! 

    Jo Thoy is 67 years old from Durham. She has been a part of Girls’ Brigade since 1965 first as a member and then a volunteer – the usual path our young women take. Jo said, “Girls’ Brigade has been my life. If you cut me in half like a stick of rock candy, you’d see Girls’ Brigade written all through me.” The welcoming community that she experienced as a young girl is what keeps her engaged as a volunteer leader and she’s determined to keep that encouraging and safe environment prevalent for all her members today. 

    Jo was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, but that didn’t stop her from investing in Girls’ Brigade – she was surrounded by love and care through the whole process. Jo believes this commitment goes two ways: “It doesn’t matter how long you volunteer for, but loyalty is vital.”

    But it doesn’t take someone working directly with volunteers to recognise that the world has changed since Jo first got involved with Girls’ Brigade. With volunteering on a steady decline, long-term, committed volunteers like Jo may not be the norm anymore. Work commitments, caring responsibilities and falling living standards are all affecting the longevity that volunteers can commit for. 

    For younger volunteers, like 27-year-old Grace Claydon in Essex who also has two jobs, the reason she’s volunteering now is much more important than the question of how long she’ll volunteer for: “Girls’ Brigade gave me so much as a young woman growing up, and it’s so important to me to be able to give back and provide those opportunities I had to the next generation.” 

    Grace said: “I think it’s good to be part of something … you’re more likely to be loyal to something if you feel like you belong. Girls’ Brigade has always been a safe place for me, and a place of belonging. But all volunteering is important and valuable. We all go through seasons of life and sometimes things work for us and sometimes they don’t.”

    Attitudes towards volunteering may be changing, but the need for volunteers isn’t shrinking. Volunteers are helping us create a movement. They’re on the ground seeing life transformation. I firmly believe if we celebrate the commitment of our volunteers, allowing them to express the impact it has had on their lives and dedicate our time to the next generation of leaders providing opportunities for people to serve in safe environments, we may just see a big change in 2024. 

    Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Girls’ Brigade 

  • SsangYong Musso: “Rugged and built for the rough stuff”

    SsangYong Musso

    The Musso began life in 1993 as a rather ugly mid-size SUV before being discontinued ten years ago.

    But now it’s back, having had a massive makeover, and it’s on sale in the UK.

    And believe it or not, it’s surprisingly impressive and has already won plaudits and accolades.

    Like SsangYong’s other vehicles, the Musso is a workhorse, a veritable powerhouse of features that make it a standout performer.

    It is a rugged pick-up that doesn’t skimp on the finer things, such as 17-inch alloy wheels and DAB radio.

    Admittedly, entry-level EX trim is a little bare, not including infotainment or smartphone connectivity.

    That and even the next trim up, Rebel, still only offer manual air conditioning. Still, the one after it – Saracen – gets 18-inch rims, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, heated and ventilated power-adjustable Nappa leather front seats with driver lumbar support and SatNav.

    Top-of-the-range Saracen+ offers even more.

    Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that pumps out a respectable 202PS, part-time four-wheel drive, and a manual or automatic gearbox.

    As pick-up trucks go (and, without doubt, as SsangYongs go), the Musso is an attractive motor that looks classy but, at the same time, is rugged and built for the rough stuff.

    It is a brute, no doubt about it, with bold lines and design giving it a robust look, while the bold front grille and vertical ‘air intake slits’ that house the day running lights add much aggression.

    The Musso isn’t a vehicle that you can assess based on the criteria of any regular car, taking 11.9 seconds (11.3 with the manual gearbox) to get from 0-62mph, which isn’t exactly remarkable, but then no truck is judged on its pace.

    Nor is it judged by its handling, which is okay but not helped by the absence of any real feel to the steering.

    Ride comfort is reasonably good, albeit not great, although the middle ground between softness and firmness gives it a good level of agility in the bends compared with some of its competitors.

    It does tend to feel like it’s bouncing around a bit without anything in the loading bay to press the rear down, though.

    You can have a six-speed manual gearbox, although the automatic increases the towing limit by 300kg to an impressive 3500 kilograms, so that’s worth considering.

    It is fine off-road, too, unless you’re tackling a thick swamp.

    Inside, the Musso looks much like an ordinary car, so there’s no utilitarian feel that you’d associate with some pick-ups.

    There is plenty of silver trim, buttons on the steering wheel, air vents and a nicely sized touchscreen built into the dashboard.

    This added to the leather on top of the gear knob with the automatic version gives it a premium feel, and you’d quickly forget you were in a truck.

    It feels high-quality, too, with decent attention to detail.

    The infotainment system is an eight-inch touchscreen in the Rebel and a 9.2-inch HD screen in the Saracen and Saracen+ trims, that’s intuitive to use and comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus TomTom SatNav with the larger screen.

    As expected, practicality is a strong suit of the Musso, with seating for five and ample headroom and legroom for all passengers.

    It could be more economical, and the Saracen+ is available with a long wheelbase, which is slightly less economical still.

    The Musso comes with a safety pack as standard, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning and high beam assist.

    Overall, the SsangYong Musso isn’t what I thought it would be at all. It treads the delicate balance of ruggedness and refinement well, offering a vehicle that can tackle a muddy trail and comfortably ferry your family around town.

    The Musso satisfies many needs, offering a compelling choice for those seeking a rough terrain vehicle that doesn’t skimp on luxury, especially with higher trims.

    It could be more entertaining to drive, but people rarely buy a pick-up for its ability to power slide around corners.

    I recommend the Rebel trim, as it offers many more creature comforts than the EX-version, although even the latter, at entry-level, offers excellent value for money.

    Fast Facts – SsangYong Musso [Rebel, automatic]:

    • Max speed: 113 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 11.9 secs
    • Fuel economy: 31.5 mpg
    • Engine layout: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
    • Max. power (PS): 202
    • CO2: 236 g/km
    • Price: £34,893

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of SsangYong Musso

  • Faith: Spring Harvest Seed Fund helps communities

    Every year, visitors to Spring Harvest contribute to The Spring Harvest Seed Fund. It is designed to support small community initiatives and projects set up to effect positive change. Ten percent of the Spring Harvest event offering is set aside to create The Spring Harvest Seed Fund.

    The Spring Harvest Seed Fund received applications from a diverse range of projects aimed at catalysing positive change in communities across the country. Nearly £13,000 was awarded across multiple projects. The chosen projects selected for funding embody the ethos of The Spring Harvest Seed Fund and reflect the core values of Spring Harvest.

    Here are just a few of those projects:

    Catharine Bates’ Selective Mutism Forest School: Nurturing Well-being in Unique Environments: This project addresses the unique needs of children with selective mutism, providing a safe and nurturing environment for outdoor activities and promoting positive well-being. By catering to the emotional needs of vulnerable children, Catharine’s initiative aligns closely with the seed fund’s focus on serving marginalised communities and promoting social justice.

    Claire White’s The Family Community Choir – Uniting Unchurched Families Through Music: This project seeks to foster unity and belonging among unchurched children and families through the power of music and worship. By providing a space for families to come together across different communities, Claire’s project embodies the seed fund’s vision of building community cohesion and resilience through supportive relationships.

    Mitch Jones’ Reading Safe Space Home of First Stop – A Beacon of Hope and Compassion: This project represents a beacon of hope and compassion in the heart of Reading. By providing a safe haven for individuals in need, including medical services and emotional support, Mitch’s initiative epitomizes the seed fund’s commitment to serving the marginalized and vulnerable in society.

    Dawn Roderick’s St. Martin’s Family Club – Fostering Community Cohesion Through Kindness: This initiative offers an afternoon club for families in Bradley, fostering community cohesion and trust through kindness, love, and compassion. By providing a supportive environment for families to come together, Dawn’s project exemplifies the seed fund’s focus on building resilient communities rooted in faith and fellowship.

    Abby Guinness, Head of Spring Harvest said: “These projects, each unique in its approach and impact, offer a glimpse into the incredible work thousands of people are doing across the country. The Spring Harvest Seed Fund is there to help those people who want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. By nurturing visionary initiatives and empowering individuals to effect change in their communities, the seed fund continues to sow seeds of hope and transformation across the nation. We’re happy to be able to support others through the generosity we’ve received.”

    Main Photo Credit: Anna Samoylova via Unsplash

  • Style: Long hair for men is in

    It would seem that long hair for men is in. The Emmys saw actors like Pedro Pascal and Jeremy Allen White donning slicked back looks and long tresses. Recently Google Trends saw an increase of 200% in searches for how to style long hair for men. Apparently men have been seeking help and advice for growing out their hair!

    Maintaining long hair can be incredibly difficult, especially when you’re in the awkward in-between stage. Andrew Vassiliou, Director of Chris and Sons has provided his expert commentary below explaining how men can maintain their hair when growing it out, and what to ask the barber at your next appointment. Andrew writes:

    Discuss how you want your hair to grow

    Sit down with your barber and set a plan of how you want your hair to look as it grows. Clearly communicate that you’re growing your hair out and discuss your desired end goal, in terms of style, look and length. This will help your barber understand how to shape your hair as it grows and how to customise your haircut to achieve your goals.

    Establish a timeline

    Talk about your timeline and how long you plan to grow your hair. This can guide the barber in determining how to shape your hair during the different stages of growth, and hopefully avoid the awkward in-between stage. 

    Ask for regular trims

    While growing your hair out, regular trims are essential to prevent split ends and maintain a healthy appearance, and also set the foundations for a consistent shape. Discuss how often you should come in for trims to keep the growth even.

    Explore different styling options

    Discuss styling options that work with your current hair length and texture. Your barber can suggest suitable styles or techniques to manage your hair during the transition.

    Keep an open line of communication

    If you encounter any issues or challenges during the growing process, like excessive dryness or difficulty styling, bring them up with your barber. They can offer solutions and recommend adjustments to your hair care routine to get your ideal style.

    Source: https://www.chrisandsons.co.uk/

    Main Photo Credit: Taylor via Unsplash

  • Citroen eC4 Sense: “Smooth and refined”

    Citroen eC4 Sense

    The eC4 is a crossover that combines a coupe’s sleek lines with a hatchback’s practicality and adds a dash of Citroen’s trademark quirkiness.

    But is it any good to drive, and does it make sense as an electric car? Let’s find out.

    The eC4 is powered by a single electric motor that produces 136PS and 300Nm of torque, which propels the front wheels through a single-speed automatic gearbox.

    Its battery has a capacity of 50kWh, which gives the car a claimed range of 219 miles, while charging the battery from 0 to 100% takes around 7.5 hours on a 7.4kW home wallbox or 30 minutes for a 0 to 80% top-up on a 100kW rapid charger.

    A burst of torque from the electric motor delivers instant acceleration, making the French vehicle feel nippy around town.

    There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Normal and Sport, with Eco limiting the power output and maximising the regenerative braking, which helps to extend the range. Normal mode balances performance and efficiency, and Sport sharpens the throttle response and steering.

    The suspension system is one of the highlights of the eC4, as it features Citroen’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions technology. This means that hydraulic bump stops at each end of the suspension travel absorb shocks and vibrations from uneven roads.

    The result is a very comfortable ride quality, especially on rough surfaces, making the eC4 feel smooth and refined.

    On the inside, the eC4 is spacious, with a minimalist dashboard and a digital instrument cluster, which looks stylish if a bit plasticky in places.

    There is plenty of headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. The boot space is decent, too, offering 380 litres of room with the rear seats up and 1,250 litres folded down in a 60/40 split.

    The infotainment system is easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The only downside is that some of the settings are buried in submenus, which can be distracting while driving.

    The eC4 is an economical car to run, as it has zero emissions and low running costs. Citroen says you should be able to do 219 miles on a full charge but, as with nearly all-electric cars, expect less than this in practice.

    However, the eC4 could be more engaging to drive, and it faces stiff competition from rivals such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia e-Niro and the Volkswagen ID.3.

    But, if you’re looking for an electric car that’s different from the rest, the eC4 is undoubtedly worth a gander.

    Fast Facts – Citroen eC4 [Sense trim, 50kWh]:

    • Max speed: 93 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 10.0 secs
    • Range: 219 miles
    • Motor layout: Single electric motor with front-wheel drive
    • Max. power (PS): 136
    • CO2: 0g/km
    • Price: £31,995

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Citroen

  • Audi A4 Avant: “A commanding presence on the road”

    Audi A4 Avant

    The Audi A4 Avant is the estate version of the German marque’s compact executive saloon and a big rival to BMW’s refined 3 Series Touring.

    Although most of the A4s you’ll see on the roads won’t be the Avant, the car with the bigger booty is supposedly the best combination of premium performance, style, and practicality that Audi offers.

    The Sport Edition, which is the entry-level trim nowadays, is tested here. But it still comes well-equipped, with 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, LED headlamps that pierce the night like a lighthouse, three-zone climate control and heated front seats.

    The cabin greets you with a three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with gearshift paddles and twin-leather upholstery – available in beige, brown, grey, or black, setting the tone for a luxurious ride.

    The 40 TFSI engine is a gem – a well-refined 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit churning out a healthy 204PS, making it an animated performer.

    It is paired with a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission that’s smooth and refined, ensuring that power delivery is always on point.

    The A4 Avant is a beauty, no doubt about it, with its elongated silhouette and sharp lines giving it a commanding presence on the road.

    It is visually appealing with Audi’s now traditional aggressive hexagonal goatee grille at the front, chiselled air intakes and a mean frown from the headlights.

    Driving the A4 Avant is an experience in itself. The ride comfort is top-notch, thanks to the ‘comfort dynamic’ suspension that easily absorbs bumps and potholes. However, the next trim up, the S-Line, has a firmer, sportier suspension.

    You don’t need a harsher ride as the handling is still sharp and responsive in the Sport edition. It makes it a joy to navigate through winding country roads or busy city streets, meaning you can stick at entry level without compromising.

    The 40 TFSI engine is a performer, delivering its power smoothly and efficiently. At the same time, the S tronic gearbox ensures seamless gear changes.

    Step inside the A4 Avant, and a delightful, stylish, and functional cabin welcomes you.

    Even the standard black colour scheme feels classy and timeless. Mind you, that’s partly thanks to the aluminium inlays, which brighten things up nicely, adding much sophistication and modernity.

    The infotainment system is a standout feature, positioned on the dashboard with its 10.1-inch touchscreen that’s intuitive to use and packed with features like Audi Connect, MMI Navigation Plus and Audi Smartphone Interface.

    You also get a digital instrument cluster called Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, replacing the traditional analogue dials with a 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD, providing lots of helpful information in your line of sight.

    Practicality, though, is where the A4 Avant truly shines.

    It offers five relatively spacious seats for what’s still a compact car, offering a relaxing ride for all occupants and ensuring a comfortable experience even on long journeys.

    Boot capacity measures 495 litres with the rear seats up, increasing to 1,495 litres with them folded down in a convenient 40/20/40 configuration. However, BMW’s 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes C-Class Estate offer marginally more.

    Still, that’s enough for your weekly shopping, a couple of suitcases, or even a small piece of furniture.

    Fuel economy is okay, delivering 44.1mpg emitting 146g/km of CO2 in the process, making it a reasonably good choice for an estate of its size.

    Safety features include Audi pre-sense city, parking system plus, cruise control with speed limiter, plus automatic emergency braking, while an optional driving assistance pack adds even more.

    The Audi A4 Avant is a car that ticks all the right boxes: it’s stylish, powerful, practical, and packed with features.

    Fast Facts – Audi A4 Avant [40 TFSI Sport Edition S tronic]:

    • Max speed: 130 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 7.3 secs
    • Fuel economy: 44.1 mpg
    • Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
    • Max. power (PS): 204
    • CO2: 146 g/km
    • Price: £39,005

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Audi