Kodiaq Edition X marks 10 years since the unveiling of the SUV that helped transform Skoda into the brand it is today.

In this instalment of Drive Time, John examines new limited edition Skoda SUV, the Kodiaq Edition X, and discovers that MG has now racked-up one million sales in Europe.

Czech firm Skoda is adding a special limited-edition model to its Kodiaq range.

The new Kodiaq Edition X marks 10 years since the unveiling of the SUV that helped transform Skoda into the brand it is today.

The new model, which features a value-packed standard specification, celebrates the ongoing success of Skoda’s flagship SUV, which has sat at the top of the brand’s product line-up since its introduction in 2016.

Priced at £40,590, the new Kodiaq Edition X sits below the Government Expensive Car Supplement threshold, meaning lower running costs for owners.

The Kodiaq Edition X builds on the specification of the Kodiaq SE L, but adds a host of additional features.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch anthracite alloy wheels, metallic paint and an exterior styling package consisting of a black rear-pillar, unique dark chrome front grille and chrome roof rails.

READ MORE: JOHN MURDOCH’S DRIVE TIME: We try out Ford’s all-electric Explorer SUV and reveal how very special Land Rover Defender is going under the hammer

Rear privacy glass, a front grille with horizontal light strip and a red decorative strip between the rear LED lights complete the external design enhancements.

Inside, the Kodiaq Edition X features an ecoSuite black design selection with perforated black leather/artificial leather and grey dashboard and decorative door inserts.

Comfort is boosted by an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function and power adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat.

In terms of technology, the Edition X is fitted as standard with LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system), and AWL (all weather lighting system) with cornering function.

At the rear, LED lights with welcome effect and dynamic indicators give the Edition X a striking light signature. Keyless entry and start/stop system and an electrically operated boot complete the specification list.

The new Kodiaq Edition X is fitted with Skoda’s 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150ps engine, mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission as standard.

Equipped with a mild hybrid system, this advanced engine features 48V technology and an electric motor for fuel-saving, smoother start-stop, and coasting.

Like the rest of the Kodiaq range, it offers class-leading levels of practicality thanks to its seven-seat layout, large boot and generous levels of cabin space.

Order books for the Edition X open in April, with first deliveries expected late spring.

READ MORE: JOHN MURDOCH’S DRIVE TIME: We discover milestone for Mazda’s premium family SUV and how Subaru has started production of all-electric Outback

The rest of the Kodiaq range remains unchanged with five core trim grade options including the recently introduced new flagship model, the Kodiaq L&K and the sporty vRS.

There is a choice from a range of six powertrains, including plug-in hybrid, with outputs ranging from 150ps to 265ps.

All-wheel drive is fitted as standard on models equipped with 2.0 TDI 193ps DSG, 2.0 TSI 204ps DSG and 2.0 TSI 265ps DSG engines.

In other mototing news, MG has confirmed that it has delivered its one millionth customer car in Europe.

MG returned to the UK market in 2011 with the MG6 and since then the Chinese owned firm has become an increasingly prominent and popular brand across Europe with over 1300 dealers and representation in 34 markets.

A major factor behind MG’s ascent has been the brand’s ability to offer affordable, stylish, and fun to drive electric and advanced hybrid vehicles which were available ahead of many other marques, with the original and the MG4 EV proving to be a notable success.

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MG has now delivered 317,000 electric vehicles in Europe and has just launched the 2026 MG4 EV and all-new MG4 EV Urban.

The company has also spearheaded the introduction of performance-focussed electric vehicles with the MG Cyberster offering a forward-looking way to experience open-top motoring.

Envisioned at the company’s London design studio, the award-winning Cyberster played a leading role at MG’s 100th anniversary celebrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

MG also achieved a significant surge in orders during 2025 with its highly efficient and practical Hybrid+ cars with 139,000 deliveries further propelling the brand’s growth.

Guy Pigounakis, commercial director at MG Motor UK, who has helped steer MG’s return to a top 10 position in the UK market and a total of 386,000 sales said: “MG has successfully returned to Europe’s motoring mainstream with its one millionth customer delivery.

“The underlying affection for MG, the iconic British sportscar brand, which includes a flourishing classic car culture and many passionate owner groups, is valuable and greatly appreciated.

“This heritage continues to shape our strategy direction and reinforces our commitment to electric performance cars.

“However, the MG of today has also returned to prominence by offering customers an extensive choice of cars and adopting a forward-looking approach and especially to hybrid and electric vehicles, often ahead of others, as well as investing in relevant and attainable technology.

“We’ve also made an engaging and consistent case for overall value which many customers have responded to.”

MG Motor will make several key announcements, covering technology and design, in the first half of 2026 which it claims will emphasize its commitment to European customers.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court on Monday rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to slow the process of refunding billions of dollars’ worth of tariffs the Supreme Court struck down as illegal last month.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit started the next phase in the refund process by sending it to a lower court to sort out.

In a court filing Friday, Trump’s Justice Department had urged the Federal Circuit to proceed cautiously and hold off for 90 days. But the judges refused.

The Supreme Court ruled Feb. 20 that Trump’s sweeping tariffs on most countries in the world were illegal, clearing the way for the importers who paid them to seek refunds.

The government had collected more than $130 billion from the tariffs by mid-December, and could ultimately be on the hook for refunds worth $175 billion, according to calculations by the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

But the Supreme Court offered no guidance on refunds; its decision did not even mention them. Now the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York will decide how the complicated refund process should proceed.

“I would expect the Court of International Trade to quickly issue an order requesting a status update from the government on their plans with respect to refunds (or expedited briefing),” said trade lawyer Ryan Majerus, a partner at King & Spalding and a former U.S. trade official. “I expect the court to take an aggressive posture, asking the government to justify how they intend to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling.”

Siddartha Rao, a partner at law firm Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney, said he has been getting a lot of calls from clients with questions.

“We are somewhat in uncharted territory,” he said.

The Trump administration has been reaching for new tariffs to replace the ones the Supreme Court struck down.

One question, he said, is how the government might actually pay for these refunds.

“Everyone is sort of cognizant of the fact that it’s not like there’s over a hundred billion dollars sitting in, you know, in a room somewhere to just cut checks,” Rao said. “So, you know, this is a Treasury problem, and it may very well be that the administration is reimposing tariffs for the reasons that it’s cited … it’s important for strategic trade agreements and for bargaining power and all of that. But it also might be that they need to raise revenue to pay out refunds.”

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Mae Anderson reported from New York.

AP Writer Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington contributed to this story.

The Greenside in Hartlepool will reopen on Wednesday, March 18, as one of Marston’s newest ‘Grandstand’ sports pubs, following an investment of more than £190,600.

The pub closed its doors on Monday, March 2, to begin the revamp.

The redesign promises a ‘stadium-like experience’, with cinema-style screens. (Image: Marston’s)

Alison Marcus, pub partner, said: “We’re so excited to show off the new and improved pub.

“With a calendar of sports up ahead, The Greenside will be the perfect destination to get involved in big event atmosphere and soak up the action, especially thanks to some amazing new technology, food and drink offers, and events.”

The redesign promises a stadium-like experience, with cinema-style screens, upgraded sound systems, and tiered seating to create an immersive environment for sports fans.

Guests will be able to order through Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app for added convenience. (Image: Marston’s)

The centrepiece will be a three-metre-wide screen paired with a state-of-the-art audio setup.

Outside, a refurbished outdoor area with TV screens means customers won’t have to miss any of the action.

Guests will be able to order through Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app for added convenience.

The centrepiece will be a three-metre-wide screen paired with a state-of-the-art audio setup. (Image: Marston’s)

The pub is encouraging the community to contribute sports memorabilia, including photos and items, to help celebrate Hartlepool’s sporting heritage.

The pub will screen a wide array of sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, F1, tennis, darts, horse racing and more.

Recreational features include regulation dart boards, pool tables, and new competition leagues.

A new ‘Match Day’ food menu has also been introduced, featuring snacks like wings and nachos alongside traditional pub favourites.

All draught beers will be available in two-pint cups.

The Greenside has been selected for this new Grandstand concept due to its close ties with local teams, charities, and community groups.

Marston’s say that nationwide, 86 per cent of sports fans say they prefer watching games in sports pubs because of the better screens, sound and atmosphere.

The Department for Work and Pensions has clarified the reason behind the massive increase in Universal Credit claims

The Department for Work and Pensions has responded to the sharp surge in Universal Credit claimants over recent years, clarifying that the figures are not what they might appear. Nearly 80% of these new recipients did not submit fresh claims for the benefit.

Since 2022, six legacy benefits have been progressively consolidated into Universal Credit, and the DWP confirmed this accounts for the overwhelming majority of the striking rise in claims. The department posted on X: “Nearly 80% of the increase is people being moved from old benefits onto Universal Credit. Not new claims. A transition we inherited.

“And it’s the same story for those with no work requirements – at least 72% of that increase is legacy benefit claimants moving across.”

In December 2025, the total number of Universal Credit claimants across Britain reached 8.34 million, an increase of almost one million since December 2024. Figures released on Tuesday revealed that more than 775,000 of these individuals had been transferred from legacy benefits.

In short, the considerable rise in Universal Credit recipients since 2022 is largely the result of a managed administrative transfer rather than an emerging pattern suggesting significantly more people are likely to lodge new claims for the benefit going forward. The transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit has been progressing through a managed migration process, reports the Express.

Those affected were issued migration notices and given the opportunity to transfer their claim to Universal Credit with Transitional Protection before their existing benefits ceased.

Legacy benefits being moved to Universal Credit:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Certain benefits, such as Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits, have already officially come to an end. The Government expects the final stages of the migration to be concluded by the end of March.

The managed migration process commences when an individual receives their migration notice. This will include their own personal deadline by which they must apply for Universal Credit in order to receive Transitional Protection, which guarantees they will not be left financially worse off under the new system.

For instance, if someone was receiving £600 a month from Tax Credits but only qualifies for £400 from Universal Credit under standard eligibility rules, the Transitional Protection will supplement this with an additional £200. However, should you miss the deadline stated in your migration notice, you will forfeit any entitlement to Transitional Protection.

Those unable to meet the deadline outlined in their migration notice may also be eligible for reasonable adjustments from the DWP. These could include extended deadlines or the appointment of representatives for individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs.

Earlier this month, Sir Stephen Timms disclosed that more than 150 Complex Case Coaches have been mobilised to offer tailored support, collaborating with local safeguarding teams for especially vulnerable individuals.

It is a familiar four-word sentence that bus users across Greater Manchester have heard for 20 years. A sentence that cost ‘hundreds of thousands’ of bus passengers dearly or frustratingly delayed the start of their days.

It was said by bus drivers apologising to older and disabled people they were ‘too early’ to use their bus passes, as government restrictions prevented free travel before 9.30am, so passengers needed to buy a cut-priced ticket instead.

Two trials in Greater Manchester have since shown the early-morning ban actually slowed the network down, creating a second rush hour just after 9.30am, when a ‘crash’ of passholders could finally get onboard. That meant the ‘9.30am rule’ mainly forced disabled and old people to pay for tickets or compelling them to start their days late, pushing appointments and meetings back to mid-morning.

But those days are behind Greater Manchester, after Andy Burnham scrapped the 9.30am rule on Sunday (March 1).

“Permanent freedom from the 9.30am rule means that older and disabled people can get out and about without any restriction – to hospital appointments, to work or to care for their grandkids,” the mayor said on Friday (February 27).

“We’re really proud to be doing this and we can do it because we put our buses back under public control. The people are in charge again and that’s why we’re making this change – to benefit the people of Greater Manchester.”

Removing the rule now spreads demand more evenly, with an August pilot finding 100,000 elderly and disabled people using their passes earlier every day. A similar trial in November, the busiest month for bus use, found 120,000 made the same move.

The ban was first introduced in 2006, when old people’s bus passes were rolled out, as a compromise between the government and bus firms following a row about the loss of revenue. Officials estimate the move will cost the Bee Network £5m annually.

For passholders, it’s ‘life-changing’, according to Nakib Narat, co-chair of the Greater Manchester Older People’s Equality Panel. He said: “It’s a life-changing move and it’s not just a win for older and disabled people – it’s a massive boost for the Greater Manchester economy and a genuine lifeline during the cost-of-living crisis.

“We’re not just passengers. We’re active contributors to the economy. By allowing people to travel when they actually need to, we’re putting an end to that notorious 9.30am bus crash and the frustration of being one of the ‘Twirlies’.”

The mayor’s move means passengers using a concessionary pass issued by Transport for Greater Manchester under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme can use their pass on any bus in Greater Manchester, Bee Network or not, at any time.

“It is frustrating and upsetting to be dealing with another instance of tragedy abuse.”

Rangers have released a statement after Celtic supporters were seen mocking the Ibrox disaster during Sunday’s Old Firm match and police launched a probe.

Some Hoops fans were filmed making the sick gestures during the 2-2 draw against their bitter rivals. One twisted fan was videoed holding up his phone with the number 66 on the screen – the number of Rangers fans who lost their lives in the 1971 stairway crush.

Another supporter in front of him was spotted making a diving gesture with his hands, which is used as another vile way of mocking the tragedy. Meanwhile, a fan nearby was seen making a gun gesture with his hands.

As police confirmed they were investigating the incidents, the Ibrox side have condemned “another instance of tragedy abuse”.

A spokesperson for Rangers said: “It is frustrating and upsetting to be dealing with another instance of tragedy abuse. After a similar event last season, an individual was prosecuted, highlighting there are serious consequences for such actions. The club will fully support the authorities in any investigation into this matter.”

The sick scenes come after a Celtic fan was prosecuted for mocking the Ibrox disaster at another Old Firm clash. Action was taken against Darren Malloch in October after he mocked the tragedy in May last year.

The 34-year-old was banned from football games for 14 months and fined £520 after pleading guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner. The Celtic fan also lost his job when the clip went viral.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and enquiries are ongoing.”

The Scottish Premiership clash saw two goals from Youssef Chermiti give the Light Blues a 2-0 lead over their rivals at half time.

Celtic dominated the second half, though, as they found a way back with a goal from Kieran Tierney. Reo Hatate then equalised late on after needing three attempts to beat Jack Butland with a stoppage time penalty.

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A taxi driver has been arrested in a Costa holiday resort after allegedly attacking an Irish tourist for burping in his cab.

The 65-year-old victim was rushed to the hospital with serious head and face wounds after he was ‘punched to the ground’ in the alleged assault in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol.

He was taken to a health centre in Las Lagunas before being transferred to the hospital in Marbella.

The 51-year-old cab driver is said to have ordered the unnamed holidaymaker out of his taxi for burping inside the vehicle.

The Irish tourist reportedly hit his head on the curb after being knocked to the ground when the driver punched him in the street once he and a friend he was with left the cab.

The second holidaymaker was unharmed in the incident, which happened near a hotel on the seafront promenade.

It was not immediately clear this morning if the assault victim, said to have been under the influence of alcohol, remained in hospital and what his current condition is.

The arrest was made at the scene by officers from a National Police rapid response unit who were mobilised along with paramedics, thought to have been alerted by concerned witnesses.

The taxi driver, held on suspicion of a crime of wounding, has not been named.

He is thought to have been released on bail over the incident after appearing before an investigating judge, while the criminal probe initiated following his arrest continues.

In November last year, police arrested another driver in Fuengirola after he allegedly dragged a tourist along the road who was trying to stop hfrom im driving off with his suitcase following an argument over the fare.

The holidaymaker, whose nationality was not disclosed at the time, was taken to the same hospital as the Irish assault victim.

The victim suffered head injuries when the driver accelerated, and he fell to the ground as he lost his grip on a door handle he was holding onto.

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Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years before he was killed in the surprise U.S. and Israeli bombardment.

It’s only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen. Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement.

The supreme leader has the final say on all major decisions, including war, peace and the country’s disputed nuclear program.

In the meantime, a provisional governing council composed of President Masoud Pezeshkian, hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and senior Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi is guiding the country through its biggest crisis in decades. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that a new supreme leader would be chosen early this week.

The supreme leader is appointed by an 88-member panel called the Assembly of Experts, who by law are supposed to quickly name a successor. The panel consists of Shiite clerics who are popularly elected after their candidacies are approved by the Guardian Council, Iran’s constitutional watchdog.

Rouhani, a relative moderate, was president of Iran from 2013 to 2021 and reached the landmark nuclear agreement with the Obama administration that U.S. President Donald Trump scrapped during his first term. Rouhani served on the Assembly of Experts until 2024, when he said he was disqualified from running for reelection. Rouhani criticized it as an infringement on Iranians’ political participation.

Hassan Khomeini

Khomeini is the most prominent grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. He is also seen as a relative moderate, but has never held government office. He currently works at his grandfather’s mausoleum in Tehran.

Ayatollah Mohammed Mehdi Mirbagheri

Mirbagheri is a senior cleric popular with hard-liners who serves on the Assembly of Experts.

He was close to the late Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, a fellow hard-liner who wrote that Iran should not deprive itself of the right to produce “special weapons,” a veiled reference to nuclear arms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mirbagheri denounced the closure of schools as a “conspiracy.”

He is currently the head of the Islamic Cultural Center in Qom, the main center for Islamic teaching in Iran.

If you struggle to sleep and constantly flip your pillow because you’re too hot, you might consider trying one of the best cooling pillows available to aid your slumber. They’re designed to stop you overheating in bed, ranging from those that rely on the material of the fillings to regulate your body temperature to cooling gel pillows, which are cold to the touch.

“Some pillows, especially ones filled with feather down or solid memory foam, can trap heat, meaning the sleeper may overheat during the night,” says Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert for And So To Bed. “Some people can be especially sensitive to overheating at night, such as those experiencing menopausal hot flashes or an overactive thyroid. Cooling pillows or pillow covers may help you regulate your temperature during the night, potentially helping you sleep better.”

Solutions range from a £10 chilled insert from JML to a £150 cooling memory foam pillow from Tempur. I’ve tried them all and you can read my reviews below, followed by answers to some frequently asked questions. First, here are five of our top buys:

The best cooling pillows: At a glance

UConn heads into the postseason undefeated and still the unanimous No. 1 choice in The Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25.

The Huskies, who have won 47 consecutive games, are 31-0 this season after routing St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. It’s the 11th time they’ve headed to the conference tournament undefeated.

They received all 31 first-place votes in Monday’s poll from a national media panel.

The top nine teams remained unchanged this week with UCLA, South Carolina and Texas following the Huskies. Vanderbilt and LSU were next followed by Oklahoma, Michigan and Iowa.

TCU replaced Louisville in the top 10 after the Cardinals lost at Notre Dame on Sunday.

North Carolina made the biggest jump, moving up five spots after knocking off Duke on Sunday. The Tar Heels have won four straight.

In and out

Fairfield entered the poll at No. 25 for the second time in three seasons. The Stags are 25-4 this season and tied with Quinnipiac atop the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings. They were ranked for three weeks in March at the end of the 2023-24 season. Alabama, which has dropped five of its last six games, fell out of the rankings.

Conference supremacy

The SEC has the most teams in the Top 25 with eight. The Big Ten is next with seven. The Big 12 has four teams, the Atlantic Coast Conference has three and the Ivy League, MAAC and Big East each have one.

Games of the week

The Power Four conferences tournaments begin with numerous potential Top 25 matchups in the Big Ten and SEC. If seedings hold, No. 5 Vanderbilt will face fourth-ranked Texas in the semifinals with a potential one-seed in the NCAA Tournament on the line. Texas was fourth and Vanderbilt fifth in the NCAA Top 16 reveal on Sunday.

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Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball