Ep 114: Goodwood greats and the body parts Renault

The MG Go concept is a concept car from MG, shown at a major UK-style automotive event. The host describes it as a small car positioned below the MG3, and notes it’s styled in the UK with design cues borrowed from older MG models.

The MG3 is MG’s small hatchback model that the host uses as a reference point for where the MG Go concept would sit in the lineup. In other words, it’s being positioned as smaller than the MG3.

The Metro 6R4 is a high-performance rally-derived version of the Austin Metro, built for motorsport homologation. The podcast mentions it alongside other Metro-related names, implying discussion of specific “bits and pieces” from older cars. It’s a notable car because it’s rare and strongly associated with racing history.

The MG MGB is a classic British sports car known for its simple, lightweight design and strong enthusiast following. The podcast references it as part of a “bits and pieces” conversation about older cars and concepts. It comes up because it’s a recognizable nameplate when discussing classic-car ideas and what people might want to see revived or reimagined.

The Renault 5 is a classic small hatchback that’s become a design reference point for modern EV concepts. Here, the hosts use it as a benchmark for “cool design,” saying the newer small Nissan design language doesn’t match it as well as the MG they’re discussing.

The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a modern all-electric version of the classic Renault 5 nameplate. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of other small electric cars and design concepts, which is why it stands out: it blends retro styling with current EV technology. It’s discussed because it’s a recognizable, compact EV option.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a modern electric reinterpretation of the classic Renault 5 Turbo. The “3E” naming is tied to Renault’s EV concept direction, and the hosts mention it alongside other electrified small-car concepts to show Renault’s design influence.

The Alpine 110 electric refers to an electrified version of Alpine’s iconic 110 nameplate. The hosts call it “super exciting,” framing it as a key EV reveal that people are looking forward to.

The BMW M3 is BMW’s high-performance “M” model, known for being a benchmark sports sedan/coupe. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a car where people already expect big power figures at events like Goodwood.

The A110 refers to the Alpine A110, a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and driver-focused character. The podcast context mentions an “Alpine 110 electric,” which suggests excitement around a potential electric interpretation of the A110 concept. It’s discussed because the A110 name carries strong performance expectations.

A front splitter is an aerodynamic piece at the front of a car that extends forward and helps manage airflow under the vehicle. In this segment, it’s used as a visual design detail the host thinks resembles cues from the MG 6R4.

A PR team (public relations team) manages how a brand’s activities are communicated to the public, including what can be shown or said. Here, they’re calling to stop the host from using clips or revealing details about the passenger ride.

“Bespoke” means the car is built or tailored specifically for that limited project rather than being a generic kit or mass-produced package. In this context, the host contrasts it with simply adding a body kit to a Renault 5.

A body kit is an aftermarket set of exterior panels—like bumpers, side skirts, and spoilers—used to change a car’s appearance and sometimes its aerodynamics. The host says the project wasn’t just “stuck a load of body kit” onto a Renault 5, implying deeper engineering or a more complete build.

A limited-run car is produced in a small quantity, often to create exclusivity and preserve a specific build standard. The host mentions a specific total number of cars sold, reinforcing that this is a scarce, special release.

A rally hydraulic handbrake is a hand-operated brake system that uses hydraulic pressure to lock the rear wheels (or specific wheels) for tight cornering and controlled slides. In rallying, it helps the driver rotate the car quickly and manage traction on loose or uneven surfaces.

A roll cage is a reinforced metal frame installed inside a car to protect occupants during rollovers and severe impacts. It also increases chassis stiffness, which can improve handling consistency under hard driving.

In this context, “carbon” refers to carbon-fiber materials used in the car’s structure. Using carbon fiber can reduce weight and improve stiffness, which benefits both performance and packaging.

Group B rally cars were a high-performance class in the 1980s known for extreme power, lightweight construction, and minimal restrictions. They became legendary for their speed and danger, and they heavily influenced rally car design and culture.

Mid-engine all-wheel drive describes a layout where the engine sits near the center of the car (typically behind the front seats) and power is sent to all four wheels. This combination often improves traction and balance, especially when accelerating out of corners.

A company car is a vehicle provided by an employer for employees to use as part of their job. In this context, it’s being discussed as a way to get access to a specific car without buying it personally.

The Ferrari Luce is a concept or project name referenced in the podcast, shown as something “hidden behind a curtain.” Concept cars like this are often discussed to gauge future design direction and technology themes. It’s mentioned because it signals what Ferrari might be exploring next, even if details aren’t fully visible.

Wipers are the windshield cleaning system that sweeps water and debris off the glass. Here, the speaker is specifically reacting to the wiper design being unusually prominent—described as looking like “robot hands” on the sides of the windscreen.

Bonnet height refers to how tall the hood (bonnet) sits relative to the body lines. In car design, it affects the visual proportions and how the front-end surfaces read in photos, which is why the host mentions it alongside the splitter.

The Renault 4 is an older, budget-focused small car that’s commonly used as a benchmark for “cheap to buy” pricing. The hosts use it as a comparison point for the Volvo EX30 deal being “less than the price of a Renault 4.”

The Volvo EX30 is a compact electric SUV from Volvo, notable for being positioned as a more affordable entry point into EV ownership. In this segment, the hosts discuss a specific lease/deal price and then talk about its real-world winter range expectations.

A “50 kilowatt hour battery” refers to the battery capacity measured in kWh, which largely determines how much energy the EV can store. In practice, that capacity influences how far the car can drive before needing a charge, especially under cold-weather conditions.

“Official range” is the distance an EV is rated to travel under standardized testing conditions. The hosts contrast it with real-world winter efficiency, implying you may see a much shorter range in colder weather.

“44 kilowatt hour” refers to the battery capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A larger kWh battery generally provides more usable energy for driving, which affects range—especially in winter or on longer commutes.

A “kWh battery” refers to the battery’s energy capacity measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). In EV shopping, higher kWh generally means more potential range, but the hosts are specifically weighing whether a 73 kWh battery is enough versus waiting for a larger pack.

The Peugeot 308 is a compact car that’s often chosen for its everyday practicality and efficiency-focused variants. In the podcast, it’s mentioned indirectly through time spent with a Peugeot 3008, with the conversation turning to efficiency. It’s relevant because the 308 is commonly compared when people are trying to pick a fuel/energy-efficient daily driver.

The Peugeot 3008 is a compact crossover that’s being discussed here in an EV context, specifically around battery size and winter efficiency. The hosts compare how a smaller battery struggles in winter versus a bigger-battery version that can better handle longer drives.

The Peugeot 5008 is another Stellantis crossover that’s compared against the 3008 here, with a focus on EV efficiency in winter. The host claims the 5008’s efficiency is “pretty good,” implying it may be better suited for cold-weather longer drives.

Stellantis is the large automaker group behind multiple brands, including Peugeot and DS. The hosts use it to argue that the EV battery technology and underlying hardware are very similar across these brands because they share corporate engineering and platforms.

The DS 7 is a premium compact SUV from DS Automobiles. In this segment, the hosts are discussing how DS models can share battery hardware across variants, which affects how much range you can get depending on which battery size you choose.

PCP stands for “Personal Contract Purchase,” a car finance arrangement where you pay for the car over a set term and then typically have options at the end, such as paying a final “balloon” amount or returning the car. The host mentions PCP to frame how someone might choose a car based on monthly affordability rather than buying outright.

The Volkswagen I.D. Polo is an upcoming electric small car positioned as a practical alternative to other compact EVs. In this segment, the hosts focus on real-world usability—especially seating height and how it compares to the Renault 5 and the standard Polo—so listeners can judge whether it’ll be comfortable for getting in and out.

The Volkswagen ID Cross (part of the ID electric family) is positioned as a slightly taller, SUV-like EV compared with smaller EVs. The hosts use it to explain how EV battery packaging affects ride height and cabin “uprightness,” and they contrast it with the Renault 5’s lower stance.

The Volkswagen Polo is a small hatchback that’s known for being practical and easy to live with. In this segment, the hosts compare the Polo’s seating position and packaging to an EV alternative, noting that the current Polo sits lower and that the EV’s battery packaging changes how low the cabin feels.

“Home chargers” refers to EV charging equipment installed at a residence, typically connected to the home’s electrical system. In this segment, the hosts argue that buyers are often required to pay for both the charger and the installation work, which can undermine affordability.

In this context, “fitting” means the installation work required to get a home EV charger set up safely and correctly. The hosts treat it as a separate cost from the charger hardware, often involving electricians and possibly electrical upgrades.

EV stands for electric vehicle, meaning a car powered primarily by one or more electric motors and charged from an external power source. The segment focuses on the economics of EV ownership, especially the added cost of home charging.

The BMW iX3 is BMW’s electric version of the X3, using an electric powertrain instead of a gasoline engine. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the car Mike plans to use for a “charge-free” trial, with a claimed range of about 500 miles.

“Range” is the estimated distance an EV can travel on a full charge under specified conditions. The host’s “500 miles” figure is used to set expectations for how long the BMW iX3 can go without charging.

“Electric motorbikes” refers to motorcycles powered by electric motors and a battery pack, rather than a combustion engine. They’re often discussed for city commuting because they can be quiet and provide instant torque at low speeds.

The Alpine 110 is a classic lightweight sports car from Alpine (Renault’s performance brand). It’s especially known for its small, nimble handling and rally-inspired heritage, which is why it gets mentioned as a “great” car even in an EV-focused conversation.

The Volkswagen Golf is a mainstream compact hatchback that’s widely used and often used as a benchmark for everyday practicality. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as not thrilling the speaker as much as other options, which highlights how different cars can feel even within the same general category. It’s discussed because the Golf is a common reference point when comparing driving feel and appeal.

“Seven-seater EVs” refers to fully electric vehicles designed to carry up to seven passengers. It’s a specific niche because EV packaging (battery size and weight) can make third-row space and efficiency harder to balance than in smaller EVs.

The Ioniq 3 is referenced in the podcast as part of a lineup of small electric cars being compared side by side. That kind of comparison usually focuses on things like efficiency, packaging, and real-world usability. It’s discussed because it’s positioned as an EV alternative in the same general segment.

The Hyundai Ioniq line is Hyundai’s dedicated EV and electrified-car family, and “Ioniq 3” is being proposed as an EV comparison candidate. In this segment, it’s part of a suggested set of EVs to test head-to-head.

The Alpine A290 is mentioned as one of the small performance-leaning electric options in the podcast’s comparison list. Cars like this are typically discussed for their balance of efficiency and sporty character within a compact footprint. It comes up because it’s being weighed against other hot-hatch-style EVs.

The Skoda Epiq is referenced in the podcast as part of a set of upcoming or discussed electric vehicles. It’s brought up in the context of comparing different small EVs, which usually includes how practical they are and how they fit into a budget. It’s discussed because the Epiq name suggests a specific role in Skoda’s EV lineup.

The Peugeot 208 GTI is a performance-oriented trim of the Peugeot 208 hatchback, typically associated with a sportier engine and firmer driving feel than the standard model. It’s being included here as a comparison point alongside EVs, highlighting how “hot hatch” buyers might cross-shop.

Kia EV2 is being referenced as a smaller electric Kia model in the proposed EV test lineup. The “EV2” naming suggests a lower-tier, more affordable position in Kia’s EV range, aimed at mainstream buyers.

The Renault 5 Alpine A290 is a modern, performance-focused take on the classic Renault 5, built around a small, sporty package and tuned for driver feel. In this segment, it’s used as a benchmark for how “sharp” and engaging a car feels, even though the speaker says the other car isn’t quite as sharp.

MEB plus refers to an evolution of Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric-vehicle platform, aimed at improving packaging and performance versus earlier MEB-based cars. Here, it’s described as a “second and a half generation” of EVs, implying incremental refinement rather than a totally new architecture.

Alloy wheels are wheel rims made from metal alloys (commonly aluminum), typically chosen for lower weight and better heat management compared with steel wheels. In this segment, the host frames them as the preferred look and upgrade that many people want.

Steel wheels are wheel rims made from steel, usually heavier than alloy wheels but often cheaper and sometimes more durable in harsh conditions. The host brings them up to argue whether they still have appeal compared with the more popular alloy wheels.

The Volkswagen ID3 Pro S is an electric hatchback where wheel choice affects day-to-day usability. In this segment, the host contrasts 20-inch alloy wheels with 18-inch steel wheels for winter use, focusing on ride comfort/efficiency and how easy they are to keep clean.

Winter tyres are tires designed specifically for cold temperatures, snow, and ice. They use softer rubber compounds and tread patterns that maintain grip when the weather is too cold for normal all-season tires.

Alloys here refers to alloy wheels, typically made from aluminum (or similar) rather than steel. Alloy wheels are popular for their lighter weight and appearance, but they can be more expensive to repair or replace if you curb them.

“Steelies” is a common enthusiast nickname for steel wheels. Compared with alloy wheels, steel wheels are often cheaper and can be more durable in winter conditions, though they may be heavier.

A tailgate is the rear door of a hatchback or SUV that swings up to access the cargo area. In this segment, the hosts focus on tailgate operation—specifically power vs manual—and how it affects usability.

The Fisker Ocean is an electric SUV from Fisker, and this segment focuses on its long-term ownership reality—especially software support and suspension feel. The hosts discuss how owners needed updates, spare parts, and even a “software service” plan after the brand’s troubles.

“Fisker service” (transcribed here as “fiscal service”) is presented as a company set up to support Fisker owners. The key point is that it’s meant to handle vehicle software updates and related ownership support.

Software updates are over-the-air or dealer-delivered changes that improve or fix a vehicle’s electronic systems. For modern EVs like the Fisker Ocean, updates can be critical for functionality, features, and long-term usability.

The Cadillac BLS is a compact executive car that Cadillac sold in Europe. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a Saab-era owner needing parts and keeping a niche model on the road during a difficult period for the Saab brand.

“Financial problems” refers to a company’s inability to sustain operations or meet obligations. In this context, the speaker links Fisker’s financial issues to rumors and to concerns about whether owners would still get support like software and parts.

Air suspension uses compressed air instead of steel springs to control ride height and damping. In this segment, it’s compared against the Fisker Ocean’s suspension setup to describe how “close” the Ocean feels to a traditional steel-sprung ride.

The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck built for work and everyday driving, often used for towing and rougher roads. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside different suspension setups, including air suspension, which can change ride comfort and handling. It’s a common topic because suspension choice can make the same model feel very different.

Coil suspension uses metal coil springs to support the vehicle rather than air springs. Here, the speaker says the Fisker Ocean’s coil suspension felt closest to a traditional steel-suspension setup compared with air-suspension Land Rovers.

Finance deals are loan or leasing arrangements used to pay for a vehicle over time. The segment explains that when Fisker’s situation changed, people with finance deals were “bought out,” shifting the impact away from customers.

A steering wheel is the primary driver control for directing the car, and in this segment it’s part of a broader critique of how the interior feels. The host is comparing the Ferrari Luce’s cabin controls and layout to what they see as more generic EV interiors.