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...]
Weekend roadtest: Volvo XC40 T3 R Design
It may be a throw-back to Nordic history, but when there is news of a new Volvo, heads turn towards the horizon. They are not always the first to introduce a feature or model in a sector, but you can bet their version will be significant. And you cannot get much more significant that the latest Volvo XC40 R-Design with its new three-cylinder 1.5 litre petrol engine, the … [Read more...]
Mid-week motoring: Suzuki Vitara upgraded
On sale early in 2019, although UK order books were opened in September, is the upgraded Suzuki Vitara with mild styling updates but more notable are new engine options and specification upgrades, says David Miles. Priced from £16,999 to £25,649 the nine variant 2019 model line-up sees 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engines replacing the previous 1.6-litre 120hp petrol … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus CT200h Premium
The Lexus CT200h set the bar for the hybrid revolution in the compact premium sector when it arrived in 2011, and its raised its game still further with the latest version, writes Robin Roberts. Using the well-engineered powertrain from its sister company’s Toyota Prius introduced in 1997, the Lexus CT200h has been further retuned and it is and impressive combination of petrol and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Kona SE 1.0 pet. 2WD
While it takes its name from a Hawaiian island, the Hyundai Kona is really more of a landmark in the mainstream SUV sector. Kona is available in 11 versions based on five trim levels powered by choice of new 115 or 136 six or seven speed 1.6 turbo-diesels, alongside 120ps 1.0 2WD six speed and 177ps 1.6 AWD petrol engines, all sharing a five-door SUV-styled body. Our … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen T-Roc Design 1.0TSI
The people’s car company is moving with the times in the shape of the Volkswagen T-Roc. This new to market SUV is their latest offering in a booming sector which is pushing out traditional saloons and hatchbacks in favour of more practical “tall” hatchbacks. VW has long experience in the MPV market and put that to good use developing the T-Roc and emphasises a model with a lot of … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Fiat 500X 1.4 MultiAir 140hp DCT auto 2WD
Such has been the huge growth in demand for SUV/Crossover types of vehicles that manufacturers right across the car industry have flooded the market with their offerings so it’s easy to forget or overlook some of those that have been with us for a while. One such range is the Fiat 500X compact SUV, first launched in the UK in 2015, with five doors and the choice of 2WD and 4WD models. … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Peugeot 5008 GT Line 2.0D
Don’t let the anti diesel lobby or increased Government taxes put you off buying the Peugeot 5008 2.0-litre, 150hp turbodiesel seven seat large SUV, it remains fit-for-purpose, says David Miles. Some large SUV styled vehicles, which can carry up to seven people and tow up to 1,800kg when required, are just more user-friendly with a strong diesel engine and of course will return far better fuel … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Karoq SE L 1.5 TSI 150hp
With the arrival of so many new SUVs, Crossovers and 4x4s it easy to be confused on which is the best and most suitable model to buy, writes David Miles. One thing for sure is that the availability of such vehicles has grown out of all traditional proportions as manufacturers chase sales. The mid-sized SUV sector has grown faster than the small SUV/Crossover market and generally … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Renault Captur Dynamique S Nav TCe 90
First shown as a concept compact SUV vehicle in 2011 the Renault Captur came to market in 2013 and has undergone a continuous evolution since then keeping it at the top of the evermore competitive compact SUV segment. In 2015 and 2016 it was Europe’s best-selling B-segment SUV reaching 215,679 sales last year and although the final figures for this year will not be published for a … [Read more...]
