Plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon will be launched next Spring with a new body and interior. It will have an electric range of about 40 miles and supplemented by a 1.6 litre petrol engine producing 139bhp. Škoda is expanding its new Scala compact model series by introducing the popular Monte Carlo trim level. It uses distinctive black elements and black … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Cupra reveals all-electric model for future
CUPRA is redefining elements like performance as it unveils an all-electric model. After unveiling the CUPRA Formentor Concept earlier this year, CUPRA is going one step further into its vision of electrified performance with the CUPRA Tavascan Concept, named after a village in the Pyrenees. The unique and special car brand is now linking its high-performance DNA with state-of-the-art powertrain … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 320d saloon MY2020
The BMW 3 Series has been a two ‘marks’ model, writes David Miles. Firstly it’s the ‘hallmark’ core model range in the extensive BMW model line-up and secondly it’s the ‘benchmark’ model that other manufacturer’s models in the upper medium sized ranges of saloon and estates are compared to. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is the seventh generation stretching back over 40 years of sales … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW 840d Convertible
Refinement and rarity are the driving forces behind the new BMW 8 Series, and its halo has to be the convertible. Relaunching its flagship series last year after nearly two decades out of the market it means the premium German brand is better placed to tackle its rivals and raise aspirations among owners. The 8 Series comprises four-seat coupe or cabriolet body styles with a … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Peugeot 508 SW GT BlueHDi 180
The new Peugeot 508 SW five door five seater estates have recently come to market with prices starting from £26,845 but the wide range of engine choices and specification levels plus options can push the price up to almost £41,000, writes David Miles. The new estate compliments the award winning 508 Fastback, a five door, five seater hatchback range launched last year. Both body … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Honda HR-V
With only a few weeks to go until the new 69 registration plate peak sales month of September, Honda like many other manufactures is eager for customers and announced a whole range of offers to attract sales in a new car market still in decline, writes David Miles. Honda for instance is currently offering a Test Drive Event with a £750 to £1,000 incentive plus 5-years complimentary … [Read more...]
Mid-week motoring: MINI at 60
Last week MINI celebrated production of the 10-millionth Mini and MINI built under British and BMW ownership periods, writes David Miles. The landmark car was a MINI 60 Years Anniversary Edition just like the one I have been test driving. To celebrate the 60th anniversary MINI brought together at Plant Oxford one car from each year of production - 60 cars from 60 years. To celebrate 60 years of … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Jaguar E-Pace 180hp Diesel R-Dynamic S
Now you might logically think that the E-Pace is the new all-electric model in the Jaguar Pace family of SUVs, but it isn’t – that’s the just released I-Pace. Confusingly, there is also the F Pace launched in 2016 sitting between the E-Pace and I-Pace. Could E then stand for Elegant? In my eyes definitely not. It’s a compact five door five seater sports SUV which carries the … [Read more...]
Hyundai lets power go to its head
Hyundai Motor is launching its first car with a solar roof charging system. This groundbreaking eco-friendly technology will provide vehicles with additional electrical power, as well as increasing fuel efficiency and driving range. Hyundai Motor’s solar roof charging system makes its debut on the New Sonata Hybrid. The system supports the vehicle’s electric power source, improving fuel … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Nissan Qashqai Tekna 1.3 DIG-T 160hp Auto
The British built Nissan Qashqai is today generally recognised as the founder of the Crossover vehicle market sector when it was launched in 2007, wrties David Miles. It offered SUV styling with family hatchback sizing and practicality with 2WD and 4WD traction options. But it was in fact the Matro Rancho launched in 1977 that brought the ‘off-road look’ to the family hatchback market at a … [Read more...]