Skip advert
Advertisement

'Get your fill of combustion fun while you still can'

Steve Fowler thinks we should enjoy the pleasures of internal combustion motoring before it becomes extinct

Well that makes a change: this week we’ve been behind the wheel of some of the most important – and most exciting – cars we’ve driven for a while, and there isn’t a hint of electrification in sight.

Let’s start with the Aston Martin DBX: it’s a simply astonishing car. Quite how chassis guru Matt Becker and his team have managed to make an SUV handle more like a sports car is something I can’t fathom. The combination of clever engineering and use of modern technology has produced a car that’s sensational to drive.

It’s also got a fabulous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet that catapults the DBX down the road at an incredible rate of knots, and it sounds awesome. There’s no hybrid drive and no plug – just good old-fashioned horsepower.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen is seemingly obsessed with electric power right now as it prepares to launch its ID.3. But it hasn’t forgotten its roots, and the new Golf GTI is not only faster than ever, but, just like the Aston, there isn’t a plug in sight. And as with the DBX, it’s great fun.

Then there’s our group test this week, where we pit the latest version of the BMW M2 against the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and Alpine A110 S – another reason to remind ourselves just how lucky we are!

None of these cars features electrification, and every one of them would thrill you on a cross-country blast plus – dare we say it – they could well become collector’s items.

Why? They might be the last of their kind. These new cars without any form of electrification will become a thing of the past – it’s sadly inevitable. So Aston Martin, which has done so well to make a 2,200kg car handle like a lightweight sports car, will be forced to add in weight as the DBX will undoubtedly become electrified at some stage. VW’s Golf GTI Mk9 will surely be a hybrid of some sort. As for the BMW, Porsche and Alpine... it’s got to happen. My advice? Get in quick, before it’s too late.

Looking for an affordable fully-electric car? Check out our cheapest electric cars list here...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025