The Audi SQ7 really has given the luxury SUV sector a kick – or more accurately, an electric shock. It is the first series production car to be fitted with an electric compressor used to eliminate turbo-lag and boost acceleration. The result has to be experienced to be appreciated, and that’s quite an experience which transforms the 2.3 tonne seven-seater with sports car … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta 1.5 dCi 110
The Nissan Qashqai is a C-SUV segment mid-sized ‘Crossover’ first launched in 2007 and is generally credited with launching the term Crossover. In real terms what does Crossover mean, well the space of a C-segment family hatchback with the raised ride height and styling of an SUV and some models also add the seating and load carrying flexibility of an MPV people carrier. Since the launch of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus IS300h
The market for compact sports saloons is arguably one of the toughest and was dominated by the German brands, until the arrival of the ‘baby’ Lexus. That all changed in 1999 when the first petrol Lexus IS200 hit the road and we are now into the third generation offering the pure petrol IS200t, or as here, a hybrid petrol & electric powertrain in the IS300h. Using the parent Toyota company’s … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: SEAT Mii FR Line 75ps 1.0
SEAT Mii is the designer baby in the brand, and it’s a little charmer. It was introduced as the Spanish company’s challenger in the booming city class of cars formerly replacing the Arosa, but to enhance its attraction there are a few distinctly fashion-conscious versions with special paint, decals and eye-catching equipment such as the Beats sound system on our Mii FR Line, launched in 2016 … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jaguar XE Portfolio 2.0 Ingenium 200hp
The 2018 model year Jaguar XE sports saloon sees the debut of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium petrol engines, writes David Miles. It's the first application of their 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbocharged 200, 250 and 300hp petrol engines while a 240hp Ingenium turbodiesel engine is also added to the range and the sporty XE S gets a 40hp increase to 380hp for the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine which … [Read more...]
New direction for Jeep Compass
The new Jeep Compass compact SUV is heading in the right direction in terms of size, five star safety equipment, inclusive specification and competitive prices, says David Miles. With sales of compact SUVs booming the second generation new Jeep Compass is priced from £22,995 to £35,595 and are scheduled to arrive in the UK from February 2018. The Compass range sits between … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota Auris GB25 Hybrid
To celebrate their 25th anniversary TMUK has produced the special edition Auris Hybrid GB25 five door hatchback priced at £24,045. Prices for the 39 British built Auris hatchback and estate model derivatives start at £16,655 and rise to £26,905. The engine range consists of 1.33-litre 99hp petrol, a turbo 1.2 116hp petrol, the 1.4 D4-D 90hp turbodiesel, the 1.6 D4-D 112hp … [Read more...]
Jaguar raises the Pace in race for sales
The new E-Pace is the “cub” in the Jaguar pack designed and engineered for younger buyers and first timers to the brand. The emphasis of engineers and designers was style, comfort and a high degree of WiFi compatibility and connectivity, delivered with Jaguar’s sporting flair and the assured ability of 4WD from its seven decades of Land Rover experience for the majority of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MB C-class 250d AMG Line coupe
You know Mercedes-Benz must be doing something right after nearly a century of making cars and when close rivals are struggling they turn out models like the C-class 250d AMG Line coupe. It’s not smallest, biggest, most economical or fastest, but it simply does so many things so well it stands head and shoulders above competitors in its class. If you asked me to define this coupe … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Rapid Spaceback
The updated Skoda Rapid and Rapid Spaceback models were revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March and are now established within the popular Skoda extensive range of models. Where the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback sit in the line-up needs some explanation. They are both positioned between the Fabia B-segment supermini hatchback/estate models and the C-segment Octavia hatchbacks/ estates. As the … [Read more...]