The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Plug-inHybrid Electric Vehicle) finished another strong sales year in 2018 as the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle with 8,701 vehicles registered, an increase of 16% over 2017. The uprated Outlander PHEV was launched last September with improved EV and petrol-engine performance and increased efficiency resulting in the new WLTP figures of 139mpg and 46g/km … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Kona 4WD 1.6 Auto Premium GT
There is a lot of noise generated about SUVs at the moment but the Hyundai Kona does not shout about its abilities, it just delivers them. This fuss-free formula is favoured by those who need the space and equipment of a quality SUV which decides when you can get away with front wheel drive or would benefit from all-wheel-drive. Best of all it does not bring you out in a sweat on the road or … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Jeep Grand Cherokee Night Eagle 3.0
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 is a globally recognised large, five-seater, hard-core heavyweight and seriously capable off-roader with a long history and high specification, writes David Miles. It has evolved over many years since 1993 with over five million sales, the most recent in the hands of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles alliance. Now in its fourth generation the Jeep Grand … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Sportage GT-Line S 48v
Success can be measured or judged in many ways, and one of those is behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage, writes Robin Roberts. It is the Korean’s brand’s best selling model in Britain, and last year a record number of Kia models were sold including their globally best-selling SUV. So it can be said to be the most desired model in their UK range since the brand entered Britain in 1991, but … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Ford EcoSport ST-Line, 1.5 EcoBlue TDCI
Under the One Ford policy where any model they produced globally, subject to meeting local demand and legislation requirements, could be sold in any market, the EcoSport compact five-door SUV first saw light in 2013 to meet low cost South American markets. As the compact SUV market grew worldwide for such sized models production was increased with the EcoSport also being built in … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Vauxhall Combo Life Energy 100ps
Vauxhall know a bit about big families or those with big demands, particularly now it’s part of the immense PSA Group. So it’s reflected in the range of models now coming to market with the famous long-lived Griffin badge, and that includes the immensely practical, roomy, agile Combo series of MPVs. For those with shorter memories, multi-purpose vehicles predate the sports utility vehicles … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Audi A6 Avant 50 TDI quattro 286hp
The fifth generation Audi A6 Saloon and Avant estates are slowly coming to market, says David Miles. The 2.0-litre 40 4-cylinder TDI and 3.0 50 V6 TDI turbodiesel with mild hybrid support and automatic transmissions launched in September and met the new WLTP economy and CO2 requirements that month. Other engines are available to be ordered but deliveries have been delayed because of the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MG ZS 1.0T GDI Exclusive auto
Sometimes it’s the little things which bring the biggest surprises, like the MG ZS SUV with a sub-1.0 litre engine and an automatic gearbox, writes Robin Roberts. Now years ago you would have baulked at a five-seat family car with a 999cc engine and lumbered with an automatic transmission. But I can tell you things have really changed for the better. The MGZS … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 2.0 TSI
As an example of this fast changing world, Skoda recently introduced Sportline versions of their award winning large SUV – the Kodiaq, writes David Miles. I was due to test the 1.4 TSI 150hp turbo petrol powered model, but that was substituted because under the WLTP changes it is due to be replaced by the Volkswagen Group’s new TSI 1.5-litre 150hp, cylinder on demand petrol unit. So a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Focus 1500 ST-LineX Auto
Britain’s best selling family car has just got better, and it’s going to get better still, writes Robin Roberts. The newest Ford Focus had barely arrived in showrooms in the autumn before changes were being made to benefit from the latest WLTP emissions legislation, so the 150ps version tested here is now replaced by a 182ps derivative in ST-Line X form. However, a number of the lower powered … [Read more...]