Auto Express festive gift guide
A look at some must-have Christmas gifts for the serious petrolhead
Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re in need of the ideal present for a passionate petrolhead then we’ve got it covered.
We have a fantastic selection of gift ideas to suit all budgets, featuring everything from tools to dash cams and a very special Auto Express subscription offer - the ultimate motoring weekly read.
Take a look below for some festive inspiration...
Pioneer SPH-EVO950DAB
Price: £649
Contact: pioneer.co.uk
Nothing dates a car quite like its factory-fitted infotainment set-up, and older systems lacking must-have, modern features can be particularly frustrating. Pioneer’s SPH-EVO950DAB provides a solution, packaging features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, DAB radio, Bluetooth and much more in a neat unit that’s controlled via a responsive nine-inch touchscreen. It’ll fit almost any vehicle whether it has a one or two-DIN slot, as it uses a floating tablet-style design, and is compatible with an optional reversing camera - perfect for life on the road.
AlcoSense Elite 3 Breathalyser
Price: £69.99
Contact: alcosense.co.uk/elite3
The AlcoSense Elite 3 breathalyser provides results that can be trusted, helping you accurately check you’re safe to drive the morning after. The unit works via a premium 28mm2 semi-conductor sensor, providing a reading that goes down to two decimal places delivered in a few seconds. This is combined with clear colour coding - green, amber and red. A memory recall function makes it easy to check the previous nine results, and the Elite 3 can be set to any limit used in the UK and Ireland. The unit is also discreet and pocket-sized, so it can be taken anywhere.
OSRAM Night Breaker® 200
Price: £43.99
Contact: demon-tweeks.com
Drive more safely this winter by fitting OSRAM’s brightest halogen headlight bulb - the NIGHT BREAKER® 200. Offering an increase in brightness of up to 200 per cent, you’ll be able to see better out on the road and be prepared to react sooner to signs, obstacles and hazards. The NIGHT BREAKER® 200 offers a modern look with up to 20 per cent whiter light, and is available in ECE types H4, H7 and H11. It’s the ideal lamp, particularly during the darker winter months, for drivers who appreciate the safety and security of powerful automotive lighting.
All new Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam
Price: From £349
Contact: halfords.com and nextbase.co.uk
Introducing the all-new Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam - the world’s most connected aftermarket in-car camera. The two- camera system, with the option to add a rear camera, features AI-powered sensing technology and a 4G connection that is always working to help you stay safe. Advanced features will track the speed and movement of other vehicles and road users, and using the LiveView function via the iQ app means you can see what’s going on around your vehicle at any time. Available in 1K, 2K or 4K versions, the Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam provides complete safety and peace of mind - just like a home-security system for your car.
GYEON Q²M LeatherSet Mild and Q²M Experience Set
Price: From £29
Contact: mycarcleaning.co.uk
Leather interiors look great and feel premium, but it’s vital to take care of the material to keep it at its best for years to come. The Q²M LeatherSet Mild from GYEON has everything you need to do just that; the leather cleaner is suitable for regular use and easily lifts grime from the surface, while Q²M LeatherCoat then adds a protective layer to repel liquid and dirt, ensuring it’s easier to clean next time.
TrustpilotMeanwhile, those looking to try GYEON products for the first time will find the Q²M Experience Set offers the perfect introduction. It covers a multitude of cleaning jobs with nine sample-sized Q²M products that are large enough to enable you to get a good feel for their performance before committing to bigger sizes. Included in the pack is Q²M WetCoat, Q²M CeramicDetailer, Q²M Iron, Q²M Tire Express, and many more.
Heel Tread Socks
Price: £12 per pair
Contact: heeltread.com
With patterns inspired by the most iconic cars and racing liveries, Heel Tread is a brand for the true petrolhead. Designed and produced in Portugal, the innovative marque uses seamless knitting to create high-quality, comfortable and durable cotton socks - available in standard Crew length and low, trainer-liner styles. You can choose from any individual design or a special gift pack – perfect for the festive season. From Le Mans, Formula 1 and rally legends to quintessential automotive icons, you’re sure to nd your favourite pair or the ideal Christmas present from an ever-growing collection.
Sealey Dual Action Sander/Polisher Kit
Model no: CP108VSP
Price: £92.34
Contact: Sealey.co.uk
For those that appreciate a premium power tool, the Sealey Dual Action Sander/Polisher Kit is simple, easy to use and designed to get the job done. Part of Sealey’s SV10.8 Series, the Dual Action kit provides a ‘one-battery-fits-all’ solution that helps to keep costs down without compromising on performance. Featuring a comfortable housing with soft grip to help reduce vibration, the compact and lightweight sander/polisher has a variable control, offering six load speeds ranging from 2,500 to 5,000rpm. Suitable for use with hook-and-loop sanding and polishing pads, the versatile Sealey Dual Action Sander/Polisher Kit could be the ideal Christmas gift for the practical, hands-on car enthusiast.
Leatherman ARC® Multi-Tool
Price: £260.95
Contact: whitbyandco.co.uk
The Leatherman ARC® multi-tool is a seriously premium product, combining the very best materials and user-friendly features. With an impressive 20 tools, the ARC® includes a superior MagnaCut® steel blade that is perfect for everyday tasks as well the mostchallenging environments, while the advanced FREE® magnetictechnology means each tool opens easily with one hand and locks into place with a satisfying click. A removable pocket clip, four-pocket nylon sheath, and nine double-ended bits add to its overall practicality, backed by a reassuring 25-year warranty.
The Defender Signal Blocker
Price: £5.95
Contact: defendersecurityproducts.co.uk
Protect your keyless-entry car from tech-savvy thieves with a Defender Signal Blocker. The affordable, high-quality Faraday pouch isolates the key and its coded information, which could otherwise be electronically copied to let a thief simply drive your car away. Handily, every pack comes with two sizeable bags, so you can even secure your mobile phone too, if needed. The winner of three Auto Express Best Buys and the coveted Secured by Design accreditation which operates on behalf of UK police forces, the practical Defender Signal Blocker also features a hook to attach to key rings or lanyards for easy everyday use. Use XMAS10 for 10% for both sized Signal Blockers.
RTC4000 Cordless Rechargeable Tyre Inflator
Price: £59.99
Contact: shop.ringautomotive.com
You’ll never have to worry about a flat tyre again with the Ring RTC4000 cordless rechargeable inflator. The award-winning, compact device has a large, powerful battery, but remains handily lightweight which means you can easily check and inflate your tyres wherever you are. Simple to use, the RTC4000 includes practical features such as a deflator valve, built-in LED light to help in darker conditions, and a three-piece adaptor kit for small inflatables. And, if you need to top up the charge while on the go, you can use the supplied 3-metre USB-C cable.
Bilt Hamber Double-Speed Wax
Price: From £16.95
Contact: bilthamber.com/product/double-speed-wax
After you’ve finished meticulously cleaning your car, it’s important to make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste. That’s why a premium wax is a vital part of any home-detailing kit - providing a layer of protection over the paint finish while also giving a glossy shine. Bilt Hamber’s Double Speed Wax is an award-winner that’s both water-repellent and detergent-resistant, producing impressive, long-lasting results. It’s better value than the more expensive paste waxes, too, with Double Speed Wax coming in at £16.95 for a 250ml tin that also includes an applicator pad and a microfibre cloth.
Autoglym Supreme Car Care Collection
Price: £91.99
Contact: autoglym.com & Amazon.co.uk
Autoglym’s Supreme Car Care Collection provides everything you need to deliver a perfect showroom finish inside and out. Clean Wheels removes brake dust and dirt while Bodywork Shampoo cleans and prepares your car’s paint ahead of applying Autoglym’s renowned Super Resin Polish. Applying Rapid Ceramic Spray gives your car’s paint the ultimate protection. Finally dress your wheels and tyres with Instant Tyre Dressing and Wheel Protector. The Supreme Collection also takes care of your car’s interior, with Autoglym’s Interior Car Shampoo removing stubborn stains and the Vinyl and Rubber Care bringing original colour back to your car’s interior surfaces. Fast Glass will provide the finishing touch to your car’s windows. And all of these quality Autoglym products come in a handy carry case.
Autoglym Deluxe Exterior Collection
Price: £84.99
Contact: halfords.com (exclusive to Halfords)
If you’re looking to add extra protection to your car’s bodywork and paint, Autoglym’s Deluxe Exterior Collection is the perfect Christmas gift. This exclusive to Halford’s Collection features some of Autoglym’s best sellers - Super Resin Polish, Magma, UHD Shampoo and its Rapid Ceramic Spray. This comprehensive Deluxe Exterior Collection combines Autoglym’s seven premium cleaning products with three of its highest quality finishing accessories, allowing you to achieve car-care perfection every time and making it an essential for every Auto Express reader.
Draper Expert 127 Piece Mechanics Tool Kit
Price: £180
Contact: drapertools.com
The Draper Expert 127 Piece Mechanics Tool Kit is a premium, quality set featuring a huge selection of the most popular workshop tools. This comprehensive kit includes 1/4” and 1/2” Sq. Drive 72-tooth reversible ratchets, plain slot and PH-type screwdrivers, combination spanners, a range of pliers and Draper HI-TORQ® and MULTI-DRIVE® sockets and spanners. The contents come neatly organised inside a heavy-duty reinforced lockable case, so you’ll never lose the 10mm socket again.
Auto Subscriptions Offers
Price: From £26.99
Contact: subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/xmas23
Save up to £102 on an annual Christmas gift subscription to the best motoring magazines around in our huge Christmas Sale! Share your passion and get hassle free gifts that keep on giving. You can arrange your gift and delivery from the comfort of your own home, which means less time shopping and more time enjoying the festive season! Our Gift subscriptions start from just £26.99, and with savings of up to £102 on an annual subscription, they’re not to be missed!
Motor Folios
Price: £92
Contact: motorfolios.com
If you’ve managed to keep a full service history for your cherished car, it makes sense to keep all the documents safe, organised and easily accessible. This can be done in an aesthetically pleasing way with Motor Folios. Made with hand- finished, bonded leather, Motor Folios are available in four colours with a matching suede-effect lining and nickel corners. The finishing element is a plaque proudly displaying your car’s marque, plus a choice of either the chassis or registration number.
AutoSock
Price: Various
Contact: autosockdirect.co.uk
If you’re worried about driving on snow-covered roads this winter, then AutoSock tyre snow socks could offer the perfect solution. The textile coverings fit easily over your tyres, maximising grip and traction to keep you moving safely on more slippery surfaces. They even work well in slushy conditions - perfect!
Overland and Overland+ jump starters
Price: From £89.95
Contact: mobilesolarchargers.co.uk
Winners of four Auto Express Best Buy reviews, the Overland and Overland+ are excellent expedition-proven power banks that can also jump start any engine from 0.1 to 5.0 litres. The units can be recharged via either mains or an optional fold-out solar panel, and are supplied with a 12V lighter-style socket.
Great Britain & Northern Ireland A-Z
Price: £14.99
Contact: az.co.uk
You’ve never experienced true satisfaction until you’ve completed a tricky car journey using your own navigational skills. So, switch off the tech and invest in this easy-read, spiral bound road atlas – now fully revised and updated. Featuring clear, detailed road mapping at a scale of 2.5 miles to 1 inch, this big, easy-to-read map is published in a large A3 format.
Limited100
Price: From £119
Contact: limited100.co.uk
If you love cars you’ll be sure to appreciate the exclusive, handcrafted wall art from Limited100. Offering a fabulous selection of original images from a group of award-winning photographers, their unique museum-quality car prints are the ideal Christmas gift for any passionate petrolhead.
Nilfisk Core 130 bike & auto pressure washer
Price: £149.99
Contact: Available on ebay
You want your car looking its best during the winter months, so regularly treating it to a proper wash is essential. Nilfisk’s Core 130 Bike and Car Pressure Washer has 130 bar of pressure and an anti-kink hose that’s simple to store. Keeping your car clean has never been so easy.
AlloyGator
Price: from £64.95 for a set of four
Contact: alloygator.com
AlloyGators are the market leading alloy wheel rim protection product trusted by thousands of drivers across the world. They are made from super tough blended nylon composite with added UV stabiliser and impact modifier, to enable strength and durability in variable climates and have been approved by Toyota GB, Peugeot, Citroen and DS as an aftermarket accessory. HORIBA MIRA and TUV certified and approved, AlloyGators enable you to protect your alloy wheel rims from scuffs and scrapes while enhancing the look of your vehicle. With a choice of fifeen colours and sizing between 15 and 24 inches, there’s a set of AlloyGators to suit every driver’s needs.
