If you believe cars are boring, think again. A bigger, bolder and better BMW 430 series now carries the German car-maker’s honours where the famous 3-series left off. While the 3-series continues as a saloon and estate, the 4-series fills in with the very clever coupe and convertible styles. Bigger outside and inside than the previous model, our 430 is all the better for … [Read more...]
Roadtests
Sunday drive: Audi S8 Plus
By David Miles Not only are Audi’s UK record sales driven by the constant addition of new core model ranges, they have now embarked on performance derivatives with Plus and RS badges. The Audi A8 range of large executive saloons with quattro all wheel drive is long established both in standard and long wheelbase forms with powerful petrol and diesel engine options. Now comes the 4.0-litre, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Leon FR
In every family, individuals frequently try to stand out from their kith and kin, just like the Seat Leon FR. As part of an enormous range within its own brand, it also belongs to part of the Volkswagen Group which includes the Golf and Audi A3, the closest rivals to the Leon. The Leon takes on its relatives with a staggering range to suit mostly young tastes, offering three and five door … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Range Rover Evoque Convertible
By David Miles It was only a matter of time before the workhorse became a dressage contender. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is the latest in a highly successful series which owes its family blood line to the luxury off-roader which really created a whole new sector in 1970. Heralded by Land Rover as the World’s first luxury compact SUV convertible, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Peugeot 108 Allure 82
By Beth Keenan Cars are a staple part of family life for most of us, just like potatoes. Like potatoes, cars of particular categories do best in some but can be used for more than one purpose depending upon how they are prepared. You can have big ones for large families, medium sized for smaller families or little ones for couples. The Peugeot 108 falls into the last category as a … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Suzuki S-Cross diesel auto
My headline uses a short version of what this new model is called in full – the Suzuki S-Cross 1.6 DDiD ALLGRIP SZ5 TCSS. Bear with me whilst I explain. DDiD refers to the 1.6-litre 120hp direct injection turbodiesel engine, ALLGRIP refers to its variable modes 4WD system, SZ5 is its one and only high spec level and TCSS means Twin Clutch System by Suzuki. The S-Cross is a five door, five … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Jazz CVT
The Honda Jazz is intended to have the widest appeal. Reintroduced to Britain last year and retaining the name, it is actually a larger car both inside and out with a new platform underneath and the latest technology as standard or options. The famous “Magic Seat” system is there and offers unrivalled room and configurations in this class, turning it into a real mini-mpv … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Hyundai Tucson Premium SE
The demand by customers for SUVs and Crossovers has made them the best selling sector in the European new car market and the third best selling sector in the UK where sales increased by 21% last year. Hyundai has replaced the popular ix35 mid-sized SUV with the all-new Tucson priced from £18,995 to £32,695, reflecting the wide range of prices and substantial new models. Current engine … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Kuga 2.0 6sp AWD
Kuga has been an unqualified success but Ford is not resting on laurels and has consistently refined what is the best selling SUV in its sector. We have just been testing the new and most powerful turbo-diesel which has renergised the Kuga and will capitalise on the fact that a diesel supplement has ended and there is no added penalty if you are running it as a company car. Anyone buying a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan X Trail n-tec 163 2WD
X marks the spot where Nissan started carving out a niche in the MPV market. The arrival of the Nissan X Trail in 2000 started a new line in the Japanese brand which has seen the Qashqai become one of the most popular MPVs on the UK market and that was followed by the Juke SUV, essentially a derivative of the larger car’s platform which now has its own following. The Nissan X-Trail … [Read more...]