Leon Poultney, TechRadar’s EV correspondent, chose seven electric cars that impressed him during drives in 2025. His list, published January 1, 2026, spans practical SUVs, a hatchback, a compact retro-styled EV and premium models. It is a personal editorial selection—not a standardized head-to-head test or a universal ranking. The right pick depends on what matters most to you: comfort, space, price, charging, technology or a more manageable level of performance.
What this 2025 EV shortlist can—and cannot—tell you
Poultney says he selected the cars from the many EVs he drove in 2025, balancing practicality, affordability and technology. The seven appear in this order in his TechRadar article, published January 1, 2026: Tesla Model Y, MG IM5, Kia EV4, Citroën e-C5 Aircross, Renault 4 E-Tech, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Smart #5.
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They are not seven directly comparable cars. A family SUV, compact hatchback and premium saloon serve different needs, and the article does not describe a controlled comparison using identical routes or conditions. Treat the recommendations as Poultney’s impressions, then compare the exact versions sold where you live. TechRadar’s published prices and specifications are dated, market-specific figures—not guaranteed current offers or local prices.
How to choose among the seven
| Model | Best fit suggested by the review | Reviewer’s main reservations |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | Everyday practicality, range and public charging | Divisive refreshed styling; Performance trim may be more rapid than needed |
| MG IM5 | Performance and technology in a higher-end Tesla Model 3 rival | Firm ride, touchscreen-heavy controls and poor rear visibility |
| Kia EV4 | A comfortable hatchback alternative to another SUV or crossover | Not a performance hatch in the Golf GTI mould |
| Citroën e-C5 Aircross | Comfort and family-oriented space in a five-seat SUV | Less impressive infotainment and merely adequate performance |
| Renault 4 E-Tech | Small-car character, practicality and value in the UK and Europe | The cited launch-period price is not a current quote |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | Premium saloon technology, range and fast-charging capability | Price and specification comparisons depend on market and version |
| Smart #5 | A spacious SUV with a technology-rich cabin | The Brabus version’s power may be excessive for family use |
The “best fit” descriptions summarize the reviewer’s emphasis, not measured class victories. Range, charging and price comparisons only become meaningful when battery, trim, market and test-cycle basis match.
#1 Best Overall
- Fresh Aqua Design – Energy, Speed & Adventure: The Hamdol Aqua Racer Edition features a refreshing blue-green finish that symbolizes motion and freedom. Designed for children ages 6–12, this RC stunt car inspires exploration, creativity, and active play. With its durable dual-sided body and smooth driving control, it flips, spins, and races with ease — perfect for curious young adventurers who love excitement both indoors and outdoors.
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- Dual-Motor Power – Built for Speed & Stability: Equipped with two high-performance electric motors, the Aqua Racer delivers strong torque and precise steering. It accelerates quickly and maintains balance even on bumpy paths. Perfect for indoor tracks, outdoor driveways, or park adventures, this car keeps the fun going everywhere.
- 2.4GHz Remote Control – Race Together, No Interference: With Hamdol’s 2.4GHz anti-interference system, multiple cars can race at the same time without cross-signals. The controller offers smooth, responsive steering at ranges up to 160 feet, ensuring multiplayer fun and encouraging teamwork, competition, and shared laughter.
What stood out about each car
Tesla Model Y: a practical all-rounder
Poultney’s case for the Model Y is its practicality, range and access to public charging. He also found the refreshed version quieter and more refined than earlier generations. He notes that the styling divides opinion and that the Performance trim’s acceleration may be unnecessary for some drivers; he singles out Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive as a version to consider. Those are his impressions, not a claim that every trim or driver will experience the car the same way.
MG IM5: technology and pace, with cabin compromises
The IM5 is presented as a higher-end rival to the Tesla Model 3, with performance, claimed range, rapid charging, driver assistance and infotainment as attractions for the money. The trade-offs Poultney noticed were a firm ride, many controls routed through the touchscreen and poor rear visibility. If you are considering one, sit in the back and check sightlines, and try the main controls before deciding whether the cabin suits you.
TechRadar’s 2026 article reports up to 441 miles of range, a 10–80% charge time of 17 minutes and 0–62 mph in 3.2 seconds for the 751 hp Performance version. These are publication figures, not independently retested here; range and charging depend on the exact version and conditions.
Kia EV4: a hatchback for comfort rather than hot-hatch speed
The EV4 offers a different shape from the SUV-heavy choices. Poultney praises its ride comfort, range, infotainment, trunk practicality and handling, while cautioning that it is not a Golf GTI-style performance hatch. It may suit drivers who want a conventional hatchback format and everyday composure more than sharp acceleration or track-inspired character.
Citroën e-C5 Aircross: comfort and family space
Poultney’s family-oriented choice is a five-seat SUV with roomy storage and seats. He describes its suspension as especially comfortable, making ride quality central to its appeal. Its infotainment impressed him less, and he considers performance adequate rather than a highlight.
Rank #2
- Updated Modular Batteries: Our RC Car equipped with two rechargeable 3.7V 600mAh modular batteries that quick-swap—no tools or screwdrivers needed. Each battery provides up to 30 minutes of playtime. Modular batteries are charged via Type-C cable, fast and efficient. Built with durable ABS casing for added safety, making this a convenient, kid-friendly toy car that keeps up with all-day energy.
- Durable Design for All-Terrain Adventures: Built with high-traction all-terrain tires and a shockproof ABS shell, this rc crawler tears across hardwood, carpet, grass, and gravel with ease. Its powerful grip and impact resistance make it perfect for everything from indoor races to epic backyard adventures. Kids build confidence, coordination, and courage with every twist and tumble—great for parents who value toys that are both fun and skill-building.
- Light-Up Fun of Flips & Spins：Our remote control car turns every playtime into a glowing adventure! With automatic color changing RGB headlights and wheel lights , it flips, spins, and rotating, captivate kids indoors and outdoors. Perfect for kids who love toys that shine, flip, and wow, making it a cool gift for parties, and spot of the crowd.
- Easy Control Anti-Interference: With just two intuitive buttons and a 2.4GHz remote, even first-time drivers can race our rc cars confidently. With a range of up to 50 meters and anti-interference tech, multiple cars can race together indoors or outdoors without signal issues. A fantastic birthday gift for boys and a great pick for playdates, parties, or parent-child time.
- Best Gift Ideas: Made from High-quality ABS materials and safety-tested for peace of mind, our rc car is more than a toy—it’s a joyful way to inspire imagination, develop coordination. A perfect choice for Christmas gifts, parent-child toys, or back-to-school rewards for energetic boys.
TechRadar’s 2026 article lists 320 or 421 miles of range depending on battery version, and a UK starting price of £34,065. These are dated, publication-reported figures; the range varies by version, and the price should not be treated as a current dealer offer.
Renault 4 E-Tech: compact character and UK/European value
The Renault 4 E-Tech appealed to Poultney for its small-car character, handling and price, as well as for offering more practicality than the Renault 5 E-Tech. He also points to Android Automotive with Google Maps. TechRadar’s 2026 article gives a UK/Europe starting price of £23,445, a launch-period figure rather than a current quote. Local availability and pricing need checking in your market.
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The CLA’s headline features in Poultney’s account include a two-stage transmission, 800-volt electrical architecture, cabin screens, claimed range and fast charging. TechRadar’s 2026 article reports around 480 miles of range, 0–62 mph in 4.9 seconds and a UK base price of £45,615. Those figures are publication claims and may depend on version and market. The article compares its UK starting price with Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, but any price or capability comparison needs like-for-like trims and conditions.
Smart #5: roomy and high-tech, but choose the trim carefully
Poultney praises the #5’s space and cabin technology. He drove the Brabus version and found its 637 bhp excessive for a family SUV, recommending that buyers consider Pro+ or Premium instead for larger batteries and 800-volt charging without the Brabus model’s extreme power.
TechRadar’s 2026 article reports up to 366 miles of range and under 18 minutes for a 0–80% charge. It also describes 36 inches of interior screen area and a 25.6-inch augmented-reality head-up display. Treat these as publication-reported figures, not a universal specification for every #5 trim or market.
Rank #3
- Latest Upgraded Modular Battery: Equip your child's RC car with two easily detachable 500 mAh (3.7V) lithium battery modules. Each battery module provides up to 25 minutes of non-stop action. Quickly swap the spent battery with the fully charged spare to extend playtime to 50 minutes. The tool-free quick-swap design is ideal for young racers eager to continue their adventures without delay. Each battery is safely encased in a premium ABS shell and integrates seamlessly with the car's design, making it easy and safe for children to manage the batteries independently.
- Effortless Charging with Type-C Interface:Our RC car’s modular batteries are charged via a Type-C cable, which is widely used across various devices, from mobile phones to laptops. This means there’s no need to search for special chargers or juggle multiple types of cables. Fast and efficient, the Type-C connection reduces charging times significantly, so your child can get back to their adventures sooner.
- Multi-Stunt Control & Robust Build: Explore the dynamic capabilities of our QUNREDA remote control car with its easy-to-use two-button controller that enables nine different stunts, including 360° flips and multi-directional spins. Enhanced with 2.4GHz anti-interference technology, this RC car ensures long-distance control up to 50 meters, allowing multiple cars to race without interference.
- Robust Build with Enhanced Navigation: The car is equipped with distinctive red-eye LED headlights to help users easily identify the front of the car during dynamic play, alongside durable, all-terrain tires made from high-quality ABS for superior grip and shock absorption, perfect for any indoor or outdoor environment like beaches, wetlands, or grasslands.
- Instant Adventure Awaits: Unbox an immediate racing challenge with our RC stunt car, specifically designed to captivate kids' imaginations. Watch as they delve into a world of speed and agility, piloting their vehicle through complex stunts and races that not only enhance their coordination but also boost their problem-solving skills. Perfect for solo play or with friends, this car keeps your child engaged in active play, fostering a sense of accomplishment with every new trick mastered.
Compare the exact version, not just the headline
Headline range and charging numbers can obscure differences between trims, batteries, markets and test cycles. Manufacturer specifications are version-specific: Tesla publishes UK Model Y WLTP data, Smart breaks #5 specifications out by trim, Mercedes-Benz publishes CLA range by version, and Citroën lists e-C5 Aircross data by battery version. Consult the official page for the exact vehicle offered in your market before comparing figures:
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What to check on a test drive
The review’s drawbacks point to useful things to assess in person. The reviewer’s observations are not universal defects, but they identify factors a specification sheet may not settle:
- Ride and handling: Pay attention to firm or soft suspension on the roads you actually use.
- Visibility: Check the rear view from the driver’s seat and, if possible, from the rear seats.
- Controls and infotainment: Try common tasks such as adjusting climate settings and navigating menus; touchscreen reliance is a matter of personal preference as well as usability.
- Space and seating: Bring the passengers, child seats or everyday cargo you need to accommodate.
- Performance: Consider whether the quickest trim adds value for your driving, or simply more power than you need.
- Charging: Confirm the exact version’s charging capability and whether the public charging options where you drive are practical for your routine.
Charging at home: check compatibility and feasibility
Charging equipment is not interchangeable by assumption: match any cable to the car’s connector, power rating, charging point and region. Renault’s official guidance notes the cable requirement for its vehicles; it does not establish one universal cable for all seven models. See Renault UK’s charging guidance for its market-specific advice.
A home wallbox is a possibility for some owners, not a universal requirement. Citroën’s official information describes home charging using an 11 kW wallbox, but whether that works for a particular household depends on the property, electrical installation, local rules and the car’s capability. Check those constraints before planning an installation.
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