Back From China, Geely EX2 vs Suzuki Swift & Is The Fiesta ST Returning?

In Episode 9 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay are back from China — jet lagged, busy, and full of opinions about everything they've seen and driven. Tim shares his impressions of the Geely EX2, an affordable entry-level EV that genuinely impressed him, and the Geely EX5 on test. Adam reflects on his second trip to Guangzhou with XPeng — the G9L preview, the hospitality, and why a few days in China is never quite enough. The pair also debate which makes more sense for most buyers: the Geely EX2 EV supermini or the Suzuki Swift mild hybrid — and the answer might surprise you. There's also honest chat about the Lexus ES UK launch, the underrated Lexus UX300H, the Honda Prelude, the Nissan Juke, and whether a potential Ford Fiesta ST comeback could actually be the real deal this time — or another disappointment like the Capri. With just one episode left in series one, Adam and Tim also reflect on what's worked, what's next, and what series two of Kickin' Tyres will look like. 🚗 In This Episode • XPeng G9L preview — China debrief • Geely EX2 — affordable entry-level EV impressions • Geely EX5 — real-world test verdict • Geely EX2 vs Suzuki Swift — which would you buy? • Lexus ES UK launch — EV only in the UK • Lexus UX300H — underrated compact luxury crossover • Honda Prelude — a stylish alternative to the SUV crowd • Nissan Juke — still making a strong case in 2026 • Ford Fiesta ST — is it really coming back? • Series two plans — guest interviews and what's changing ⏱️ Chapters [00:00] Welcome back & jet lag debrief [00:49] Geely EX2 — affordable EV supermini impressions [03:11] Geely EX5 — real-world test verdict [05:38] XPeng G9L — China preview debrief [09:29] XPeng in China — hospitality, chaos and highlights [18:30] Lexus ES UK launch — turning up in a V8 to an EV event [20:43] Lexus UX300H — underrated compact luxury crossover [22:01] Cherry Tigo 4 — why Adam still hasn't driven one [22:44] Suzuki Swift — refreshingly good fun [25:18] Geely EX2 vs Suzuki Swift — which would you choose? [29:13] GWM Ora Funky Cat — whatever happened to it? [34:37] Honda Prelude — worth another look [36:34] Nissan Juke — still relevant in 2026 [41:23] Ford Fiesta ST — is it making a comeback? [44:04] Aeon UT, Polestar 5 and upcoming launches [47:03] Series one reflections and series two plans [50:10] Shoutout — Charging Status EV podcast 🎙️ About Kickin' Tyres No-nonsense motoring opinions, honest reviews, and inside access from two experienced automotive journalists. 🚘 Powered by The Car Buying Coach UK. 📲 Follow Kickin' Tyres Instagram: @kickintyrespod TikTok: @kickintyrespod YouTube: @kickintyrespod Facebook: @kickintyrespod X: @kickintyrespod LinkedIn: @kickintyrespod 🌐 Website: kickintyrespod.co.uk #GeelyEX2 #SuzukiSwift #XPeng #CarPodcast #KickinTyres #ChineseCars #EVReview #MotoringJournalism #FordFiesta #LexusUX