Three trim levels of EV5 SUV are available, called Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S.

In this instalment of Drive Time, John gets behind the wheel of the new electric EV5 SUV from Korean manufacturer Kia and discovers that Ineos will be providing vehicles to military based on the Grenadier range.

Kia has developed an excellent line-up of EVs – the latest of which is the EV5, a mid-sized SUV that is a sound alternative to the company’s popular Sportage.

It is slightly larger than the Sportage and it takes most of its looks from the larger EV9, so its bold rather boxy design looks solid and gives the car a strong road presence.

The styling means that there are stacks of room in the cabin with space for family and luggage.

Three trim levels are available, called Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S., while an AWD version and a sporty GT are on the way.

All models feature distinctive front light clusters, tough bumpers, squared-off wings, sculpted wheel arches, vertical rear lights, a large tailgate and either 18 or 19-inch alloys wheels.

The cabin is neat and tidy with three infotainment screens merged behind a curved panel.

All the entertainment features are on the left side while the middle screen deals with the climate and the right covers all the important driving data like speed and range.

Powered by a long-range 81.4kWh battery, the EV5 has a claimed range of up to 329 miles and prices start from just over £39,000 going all the way up to £47145 for the top of the range model.

As you would expect from Kia, all models boast lots of equipment and the range topper has all the goodies including powered heated and ventilated seats which even offer a massage function.

There is also a reversing camera, wireless charging and an eight speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

There is a nice mixture of physical and touchscreen controls as well as an AI personal assistant.

The car also offers fingerprint recognition technology which drivers can use to store their favourite settings.

With 214bhp on tap the EV5 is a solid performer with a top speed of 102mph and a sprint time of 8.4 seconds to 62mph.

Some rivals in this demanding sector are more dynamic but the EV5 cruises nicely on the motorway and it is not fazed by twisting country roads where it feels well balanced.

The steering is well weighted and offers good feedback.

You can operate the car with just one pedal thanks to an i-Pedal setting which can bring the car to a standstill without touching the brakes.

There are four drive modes and steering wheel paddles allow you to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking.

The suspension does a good job of smoothing out rough roads making the SUV feel refined.

The large 566 litre boot is accessed via a large powered tailgate and with the split 60:40 seats folded flat the capacity increases to 1,650 litres. Lots more storage space is also available inside the cabin.

Charging the battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes 30 minutes on a rapid charger and 70 minutes if plugged into a 50kW outlet.

A 10 to 100 per cent charge takes seven hours and 20 minutes on an 11kW port.

The EV5 boasts a five star Euro NCAP rating, so it is packed with all the latest safety features and driver aids.

As usual, it carries the KIA seven years or 100,000 mile warranty, going up to eight years for the battery.

My only gripe was that the cabin did feel a little dark and a bit bland but all its good features may result in it being as popular as the Sportage.

Meanwhile, Ineos Automotive, SMT Defence and NMS UK have joined forces to form Team Grenadier, a UK-anchored industrial collaboration dedicated to delivering a range of vehicles ideal for deployment by the UK Ministry of Defence, based on the INEOS Grenadier platform.

The partnership delivers on the core requirements of the MoD’s Light Mobility Vehicle programme, by combining a world-leading 4X4 vehicle platform with deep-rooted special operations and systems integration expertise.

Team Grenadier is backed by proven UK-based industrial capability that can deliver operational effectiveness, supply-chain resilience and assured service-life support.

The INEOS Grenadier is the lynchpin of the project – a purpose-engineered and highly durable vehicle, designed for exceptional reliability and off-road performance.

Its ladder-frame chassis, permanent four-wheel drive, beam axles and high payload capacity, provide a robust baseline for military adaptation across multiple roles and operating environments.

SMT Defence brings specialist expertise in the design, integration and delivery of bespoke and mission-critical vehicles for elite and specialist military users. Its experience in modular architecture, high-payload configurations and survivability-driven design enables rapid adaptation of the platform to meet and exceed MoD operational requirements.

NMS UK underpins the collaboration with established UK-based military vehicle production, integration and in-life support.

Its global reputation in Armoured and Protected platform development, quality and fleet assurance ensures the programme can be delivered at scale, on time and with long-term resilience – directly supporting UK defence objectives and domestic industry.

Mike Whittington , chief commercial officer, INEOS Automotive, said: “A defining advantage of the industrial collaboration is its British ownership, onshore assembly and local supply chain.

“It brings strategic benefits in operational independence and resilience with security and regulatory alignment – delivering on the MoD’s core objectives.

“Grenadier’s unrivalled capability and inherent strength provide an obvious starting point for mission-critical transport.”

The Grenadier Multi-Role Light Vehicle (MRLV) is one of nine modular LMV applications, each underpinned by the Grenadier’s strong ladder frame and heavy-duty axles.

Already proven in demanding operational environments by fire, police and rescue services around the world, the platform offers exceptional cross-country mobility, outstanding durability and straightforward maintenance, making it ideally suited to long-term military service.

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Suspected Class A, Class B and Class C drugs, were seized along with a suspected ammunition round, a suspected Taser-type device, a BB-type gun and drugs-related paraphernalia.

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A man in his 30s has been arrested after drugs, a suspected Taser-type device and a BB-type gun were found during a search in north Belfast on Friday, the PSNI said.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department carried out the planned search to tackle drug-dealing and organised criminality in the area.

In a statement, Detective Sergeant Robson said: “Detectives and local officers seized a quantity of suspected Class A, Class B and Class C drugs, along with a suspected ammunition round, a suspected Taser-type device, a BB-type gun and drugs-related paraphernalia. All of these items have now been taken away for further forensic examination.”

The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing ammunition in suspicious circumstances, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of suspected Class A, B and C controlled drugs and he remains in police custody.

Mr Robson continued: “The detection and disruption of organised criminals involved in the supply of drugs is a policing priority for police in north Belfast.

“This proactive operation shows that, when we have the right information, we can take decisive action to protect our communities from the harm caused by drugs.

“We want to make our communities a hostile environment for those involved in the drugs trade and the message from this operation is clear: There is no safe place for you in north Belfast.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Taylor Swift‘s blowout wedding celebration with Travis Kelce is scheduled to kick off on Friday afternoon at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

And Hollywood heavyweights have descended on Manhattan in droves, arriving in helicopters, planes, private cars and Ubers.

On Friday morning, rapper Jay-Z and his daughter Blue Ivy were spotted exiting a helicopter in Midtown alongside film director Steven Spielberg.

At the same time, Bradley Cooper was already in his tuxedo, seen making his way to the venue with his girlfriend Gigi Hadid, who showed off her glam for the bash on social media.

Other stars who have already been seen in the Big Apple include Selena Gomez who was spotted at high-end hotel Fouquet’s in Tribeca on Friday morning. 

Also spied in the city were Dua Lipa, Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, Graham Norton, Este Haim, Jack Antonoff, Suki Waterhouse and Anya Taylor-Joy.

Swift’s close friend Lena Dunham was seen on Thursday near MSG for the first night of Swift and Kelce’s multi-day celebrations. 

Additionally, the the singer’s longtime friends Ashley Avignone and Abigail Anderson were spied too. Swift’s Opalite music video costar Graham Norton was spotted at the JFK airport after jetting in from the United Kingdom. 

Travis’ mother, Donna Kelce, was also spotted arriving by plane into New York City on Thursday. 

Jay-Z and Blue Ivy were seen at the heliport on the same day 

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A permit issued by the city for Friday’s event allows for roughly 1,000 guests and there are 100 NYC police officers outside the venue; Swift and Kelce seen

A permit issued by the city for Friday’s event allows for roughly 1,000 guests and there are 100 NYC police officers outside the venue.  

Then there are Travis’ pals.

His teammate Patrick Mahomes’ wife Brittany already shared a photo from inside Swift’s Thursday party.

Other pals include Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly Stafford, former NFL player Beau Allen, Chiefs offensive lineman Creed Humphrey and fiancée Ana Demmer.

Then there is San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and his wife, Claire Kittle, and retired tight end Greg Olsen.

Kelce’s longtime friends Reggie King, Ross Travis, André Eanes, Aric Jones, and Joe Oravec, as well as his college roommate Derek Wolfe, were also seen around midtown.

Travis’ cousins Zachary Jamison and his wife, Gabrielle, and Tanner Corum and his wife, Samantha, let fans know via Instagram that they are already in New York City.

Guests reportedly have signed a NDA for the wedding celebration and have also been told to not bring their cell phones to MSG. 

Bradley Cooper was in a tuxedo as he headed to the event of the year

His girlfriend Gigi Hadid was spied in a pink gown as she sat in the back of the SUV

Hadid shared her glam hours before Swift’s celebration

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His teammate Patrick Mahomes’ wife Brittany already shared a photo from inside Swift’s Thursday party

Also seen was Paige Buechele, wife of Kansas City Chiefs Player Shane Buechele

Selena Gomez shared her Thursday look when she met with Swift at MSG

Here the wife of Benny Blanco was seen heading to the party

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Jack Antonoff wore a tuxedo as he headed to the Thursday event

Anya Taylor-Joy and her husband, Malcolm McRae, were spotted in New York City on July 1

The event will take place at Madison Square Garden; seen on Friday

Swift turned Madison Square Garden pink for her wedding rehearsal dinner as she prepares for her Kelce wedding celebration.

The 36-year-old pop superstar is holding her event at the fabled New York City venue.

The venue was lit up with pink lights and adorned with dusty pink curtains while the interior was decked out with peach-colored flowers.

Guests were seen heading to the venue on Thursday while Swift is believed to have arrived at the venue in an SUV.

According to a police memo obtained by the New York Times, the rehearsal dinner took place on Thursday evening – kicking off at 6pm local time – for around 100 guests – while a larger celebration for around 1,000 people is expected to be held on Friday.

The Friday bash will reportedly be the wedding itself – though PageSix has said she already wed – starting at 4pm local time with a cocktail hour on the sixth floor of the venue before the ceremony in the main arena around 5.30pm which will be followed by a reception.

Streets have been shut off around the venue and large security cordons have been put in place with the New York Times reporting hundreds of police officers will be posted outside MSG throughout the festivities.

Dua Lipa seen in NYC on Thursday; she is expected to attend the event

Bad Blood costar Zendaya is in town and believed to be a Swift guest

The two have been pals for over a decade; seen in 2015

According to People magazine, sources have said MSG has been ‘transformed,’ with one insider adding: ‘I’ve never seen it look so different.’

One insider told the publication: ‘It looks very special. They have grass, carpets, canopies and it looks like a place where you’d get married. There’s a stage set up but it’s special.’

People reports the dress code for Friday’s celebrations is black tie and there will be a strict no phones policy in place.

It comes after New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani joked about the wedding when a reporter asked about the rumors during a press conference about a heat wave.

Sports reporter Erin Andrews was seen on Thursday

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Swift’s close friend Abigail Anderson was also seen

Sarah Blackburn King and Ross Travis were seen leaving their hotel

George Kittle and Claire Kittle held hands outside their hotel

Swift’s Opalite music video costar Graham Norton was spotted at the airport

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Alana Haim and Este Haim have been in NYC too; seen in June at MSG

Mamdani, 34, replied: ‘My recommendation to all New Yorkers is to stay inside and stay cool. And if you happen to be getting married at Madison Square Garden, you will be staying inside and you will be staying cool. And I think it’s a good example to set for the city at large.’

Mamdani also discussed Taylor and Travis’ wedding while talking about preparations for the soccer World Cup. The mayor – who is a huge soccer fan – said at the time: ‘We are the biggest city in the country. We are used to big events, and we are incredibly excited for this one.

‘We know it coincides with the Knicks’ Finals run. We know it coincides with July 4, America 250, Taylor Swift’s wedding — all happening at the same time – and we are so excited to welcome the world here.’

Elsewhere, New York Post column PageSix has reported Taylor and Travis have already legally married ahead of their big day.

One source told the publication: ‘They are already married.’

PageSix also reported rumors suggested the pair may have exchanged vows in a small, private ceremony in Tennessee, where the singer moved with her family when she was a teenager to pursue a career in country music.

It is good for publicans and it is good for the country that people should be encouraged to come together to wave the flag in a show of non-political unity

It may be a headache for police, but they should be able to respond to the wishes of the general public who pay their wages and only rarely get occasions to let their hair down.

Equally, the public should respond sensibly and respectfully to what could be a great and memorable occasion – the true tragedy of revelry is that sporting defeats coupled with excess alcohol lead to a rise in domestic violence and that can never be excused.

The other big question is should the kids be allowed to stay up and watch a match which may drag on to 4am?

School is important, even as term nears its end, and no child should miss lessons.

It is great to see innovative schools coming up with imaginative solutions, like showing the match in full before the first school bell.

We tend to agree with England’s German manager, Thomas Tuchel, when he said: “There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years – let them watch.”

One Durham school has told its pupils that this is a lesson in resilience – you may stay up late but you must be at your desk and you must find a way to do your work.

And that is the adult world. It is full of awkward choices and compromises, of finding ways to get things done, of pushing through until the work is done.

Judging by the frustrating way the team have been playing of late, you are going to need every ounce of resilience to watch this match through to the final whistle. C’mon, England!

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are gearing up for day two of their wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden, and the extravagant event is expected to see roughly 1,000 of their famous friends come together to commemorate their love.

Hollywood royalty, sports stars, actors and singers have all descended upon New York City for the star-studded event.

But it appears there may be some tension during the dazzling celebration, as a ton of celebrity exes will be forced to reunite.

Between Jack Antonoff and Lena Dunham, Suki Waterhouse and Bradley Cooper and Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding, there could be some very awkward run-ins at the wedding celebration.

Swift’s longtime music collaborator Antonoff and her close friend Dunham were both spotted arriving separately at Madison Square Garden on the first day of Swift’s wedding parties, so it’s safe to assume they’ll be at the party this evening.

The two dated for five years from 2012 to 2018, and Dunham later confessed to cheating on the producer in her memoir Famesick.

Waterhouse and Cooper are both confirmed to be attending the wedding celebration; they were together from 2013 to 2015.

Cooper has since moved on with Gigi Hadid, one of Swift’s oldest friends, which is how he scored an invite to the coveted event. 

Hadid may also have to see one of her exes at the party: Zayn Malik. It’s unclear whether or not the One Direction singer will go to the wedding celebration, however, he and Swift famously released a song together in 2017, called I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.

Both Goulding and Sheeran were spotted in New York this week, so it’s safe to assume they’ll be there.

The exes have both been a part of the Cruel Summer songstress’ inner circle for years, so it comes as no surprise. 

They were briefly rumored to be in a relationship back in 2013, and were spotted holding hands at the MTV Video Music Awards. 

It’s heavily believed by fans that Sheeran’s song Don’t was written about Goulding leaving him for Niall Horan, however, Goulding has denied this.

‘I did go on a few dates with Niall, but I was never in a relationship with Ed,’ she told Elle UK in 2025.

‘I have absolutely no idea where that came from and why it was turned into such a big thing.’

Both Sabrina Carpenter and Camila Cabello may have to see their ex Shawn Mendes at the wedding celebration. 

But it appears there may be some tension during the dazzling celebration, as a ton of celebrity exes will be forced to reunite, including Jack Antonoff and Lena Dunham, who dated for five years from 2012 to 2018 (seen together in 2014)

Suki Waterhouse and Bradley Cooper are both confirmed to be attending the wedding celebration; they were together from 2013 to 2015. They’re seen in 2014

Cooper has since moved on with Gigi Hadid (seen in September), one of Swift’s oldest friends, which is how he scored an invite to the coveted event

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The three were embroiled in an infamous rumored love triangle back in 2023.

Mendes and Carpenter were seen spending a lot of time together in February of that year, however, the singer denied at the time that they were a couple.

Months later, Mendes was spotted kissing his ex Cabello at Coachella.

Many fans believe Carpenter went on to write her song Taste about the situation, in which she sings: ‘I heard you’re back together and if that’s true / You’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissin’ you / If you want forever, I bet you do / Just know you’ll taste me too.’

It’s unconfirmed if Mendes is attending Swift’s wedding celebration, however, he and the pop star have a long friendship; he opened for her on her 1989 World Tour and the two collaborated on a reimagined version of her song Lover in 2019.

If Swift’s pal Phoebe Bridgers – who previously released a song with the bride, called Nothing New – attends, she will risk crossing paths with her ex Paul Mescal.

Mescal is currently dating another one of Swift’s close friends, Gracie Abrams, so it’s likely he’ll be at the wedding celebration.

Selena Gomez – who is confirmed to be attending – might have to take a walk down memory lane if Swift’s pal Taylor Lautner shows up.

Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding were briefly rumored to be in a relationship back in 2013, and were spotted holding hands at the MTV Video Music Awards (seen). They were both spotted in New York this week so it’s safe to assume they’ll be there

Camila Cabello may have to see her ex Shawn Mendes (seen together in 2019) at the wedding celebration. It’s unconfirmed if Mendes is attending Swift’s wedding celebration, however, he and the pop star have a long friendship

If Swift’s pal Phoebe Bridgers – who previously released a song with the bride, called Nothing New – goes she will risk crossing paths with her ex Paul Mescal. They’re seen in 2022

Selena Gomez – who is confirmed to be attending – might have to take a walk down memory lane if Swift’s pal Taylor Lautner shows up. They’re seen together in 2011

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Swift and Lautner briefly dated in 2009 and lost touch afterwards, but reconnected and rekindled their friendship in 2023.

The singer even invited the Twilight star on stage during her Eras Tour and featured him in the music video for her song I Can See You later that year.

He and Gomez briefly dated in 2009, before he started his relationship with Swift.

Swift and Kelce partied late into the night on Thursday for what was believed to be a rehearsal dinner with 100 of their closest friends, including Hadid, Cooper, Gomez, Antonoff and Dunham, among others.

There are conflicting reports about whether Swift and Kelce have already married, but there are plans for an enormous party with 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden today. 

The Government is allowing pubs and bars to stay open until 5am for England’s next World Cup game

Cambridgeshire pubs will be allowed to stay open until 5am for England’s next World Cup match. Punters and pub owners are rejoicing across the country as the Government announced on Thursday (July 2) that pubs and bars can stay open until 5am on Monday, July 6.

This means pub-goers will be able to watch the Three Lions go head-to-head with Mexico at 1am in the round of 16 in the World Cup. The change means establishments don’t have to apply to extend opening hours and they will be able to extend licensing hours to serve alcohol.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”

The extended opening hours will be a welcome boost in footfall and money for pubs and bars across the country. For Cambridgeshire residents that want to venture out in the early hours, here are all the pubs that will be staying open:

• Baron of Beef, Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UF
• Bath House, Bene’t Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QN
• Golden Hind, Milton Rd, Cambridge, CB4 1SP
• Grain & Hop Store, Regent St, Cambridge, CB2 1AB
• Granta, Newnham Rd, Cambridge, CB3 9EX
• Pickerel Inn, Magdalene Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AF
• Prince Regent, Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AW
• Robin Hood, Fulbourn Road, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, CB1 9JL
• Rock, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7AW
• The Moorhen, West Lake Avenue, Hampton Vale, Peterborough, PE7 8JH
• Charters Bar, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1FP
• Halcyon, Atherstone Avenue, Peterborough, PE3 9TT
• Hartford Mill, Hartford Marina, Huntingdon Road, Banks End, Wyton, Huntingdon, PE28 2AA
• Samuel Pepys, High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TF
• George Hotel, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3AB
• The Cambridgeshire Hunter, Berkeley Street, Eynesbury, St Neots, PE19 2NF
• Lamb Hotel, Lynn Road, Ely, CB7 4EJ

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