Even though the all-American Jeep brand, Chrysler and Dodge are now owned by the Italian Fiat Group, the Jeep retains its long standing sports utility “go anywhere, do anything” policy. At the international press launch of the fourth generation Jeep Cherokee, held at Fiat’s Balocco Proving Ground near Milan in Italy, the American executives of Jeep, whilst still keen to emphasise the products … [Read more...]
First Drives
Mitsubishi Outlander really is a game changer
The new Mitsubishi Outlander really is a game changer returning up to 2,824mpg. 4x4s, SUVs, dual purpose and crossover vehicles, call them what you will, continue to grow in popularity with sales continuing to increase in the UK. Their sales have grown by 49% in the last two years to become the third largest sector in the UK’s new car market with close to 248,000 registrations in 2013. In … [Read more...]
BMW 4 Series Convertible raises the game
Joining the ranks is the BMW 4 Series Convertible which replaces the 3 Series drop-top from March. The newcomer, with its folding hard-top roof, looks nearly identical to the 4 Series Coupe launched last year with the roof up and with it down it looks like a stylish four seater cruiser. It is longer, lower and wider than the outgoing 3 Series Convertible so that gives more leg and headroom … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi and BMW do battle topless
Normally you can wait months for a good convertible to drop its hood and enter the UK market, but now two good models have come along at the same time. Before you decide which is better for you, read our reviews below. With two new A3 models being added to their line-up the Audi brand has grown from 17 to 48 variants in 13 years resulting in five years of record UK sales. In 2013 the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: New Lexus CT 200h
Joining the expected 400,000 new cars which will hit our UK roads during the new ‘14’ registration plate from this month will be the new Lexus CT 200h petrol/electric hybrid. Whilst Lexus describe it as ‘new’ it is actually a mid-life refresh with an upgrade of specification and the chance to adjust prices, mainly in a downwards direction. Available from £20,995 for the entry level S model … [Read more...]
Ford’s new Tourneo Connect is a motoring hold-all
Need to move the earth when it comes to family or business transport? Then Ford can help with their new five seat Tourneo Connect and five/seven seat Grand Tourneo Connect. Both models were designed in the UK at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex and prices start from £14,245 for the five door model and £16,985 for the ‘Grand’ versions. Andy Barratt, Ford’s UK sales director said … [Read more...]
Renault fight back with latest Megane series
Arriving in time for the new ‘14’ registration plate month of March are the face-lifted and revised range of Renault Megane five door Hatch, the three door Coupe and the five door Sports Tourer. In addition to a series of engine and equipment changes there are price reductions on some models of up to £1,200. The most popular Hatch models start from £16,745, the Coupe from £17,645 and the Sport … [Read more...]
Skoda Yeti family is making more tracks
Skoda’s Yeti is no mythical creature being first spotted in 2009 and to date over 29,000 of them are in captivity in the UK. Yeti is their popular, boxy shaped, five door ‘compact crossover’ and it’s been breeding so there are two versions for the new 2014 range now on sale. For 2014 Yeti is available in two wheel drive only form ready for the urban jungle and the Yeti Outdoor is the same … [Read more...]
Honda Civic Tourer rises to challenge with space to spare
The Honda Civic Tourer this month joins the company’s best selling UK model range, with a lot of spare capacity. Built alongside the current Civic, CRV cross-over and compact Jazz in Swindon, the new Civic Tourer has a loadspace which rises from 624 litres to 1,688 litres but a body which is only 23cms longer than the hatchback version and has a lower loading lip than the hatchback. Honda’s … [Read more...]
Citroen’s new work of art
The all new Citroen C4 Picasso five seater was launched in August last year and now it is joined by the elongated seven seat ‘Grand’ versions with prices ranging from £19,200 to £27,855, around £1,700 higher than the shorter C4 Picasso versions. At the press launch last year for the C4 Picasso, Citroen estimated around 6,000 annual UK sales and around 10,000 for its ‘Grander’ seven seater … [Read more...]