The Audi TT has reached the end of the road and what a journey it’s been. I was lucky enough to attend the UK launch of the TT Coupe in Leeds in 1999 (see below), a year after it went into production and on sale in Germany and now, a quarter of a century on, production has ceased. In that time there have been only three generations of the car but it developed from Coupe to Roadster and even … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Proceed GT-Line S
Having a finger in every pie is very satisfying for KIA, It means they can offer the wide range of buyers something and you are not hit too hard if tastes change and a design goes out of fashion. With the resurgence of interest in estate cars for load-lugging over and above the more limited hatchback shapes it was natural that their highly successful Ceed family car would be joined … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MINI Cooper S Convertible Exclusive
The British MINI is as traditional as a cup of tea, and next year it will be particularly apt because it’s the Convertible’s 20th anniversary, traditionally marked with a gift of china. Launched four years after the new generation MINI hatch was unveiled by parent BMW in 2000, the MINI Convertible has moved through four generations which include a completely electric version. It’s a neat … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Kodiaq SE L Executive
As motoring costs escalate one brand which has widened its appeal is Skoda. From being the one time cheap if not cheerful car range, Skoda can now add a smile to choice, particularly for families who appreciate value for money. With SUVs the mainstay of sales in Britain and Europe thanks to their versatility, the very capable Skoda Kodiaq does a fine job for a number of reasons and has won a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD
In a year which saw Britain’s new car market bump along and end up way below expectations, Genesis has provided a head-turning performance building on exclusivity and service which most manufacturers cannot match. Genesis is the premium brand of Hyundai, which includes KIA, and has been on USA sale for a decade so they are not newcomers to the market but comparatively recent additions to the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volvo C40 Recharge Twin
Volvo has set out to change its drivers’ views on mass market electric cars with the latest addition to its battery-only range. It’s different from the moment you go on line to look at the C40 Recharge, with single or twin motors utilising 67 or 75kWh batteries and powering 231 or 408hp motors with front or all-wheel-drive. After the larger XC40 Recharge the more compact C40 Recharge will … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki Hybrid Vitara SZ5 Allgrip
To those in the know, Suzuki has a very strong engineering history and its 4x4 models’ capabilities are legendary and affordable. It’s the same story with the new Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid just tested as the more powerful electric motor has been introduced to not only increase power but also efficiency and economy, and it’s reflected in a lower exhaust emissions figure as well which, of course, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda CR-V 2.0i MMD AWD hybrid
Honda tends to hide its qualities very well, which probably explains why it may not be the first go-to brand for an SUV, and that would be a mistake for any motorist to make. Korean, German and British brands tend to hog the limelight and sales in this section of the market but the reality is the Honda CR-V can hold its own against some better-known names and is not only superior in certain … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Proace Verso
Family and business motoring is often a compromise between what you want and what you get, but that’s not the case in the shape of the Toyota Proace Verso. The people carrying version of the Proace van is extremely versatile with seating for up to nine based on three trim levels, medium or long body lengths and various layouts all given good specifications for each role. Our Family version … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: First drive Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid
Suzuki has not skimped on kitting out their new-age full hybrid Vitara SUV and it represents much better value than its closest eight rivals. Every model gets intellingent braking assistance, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise, seven airbags, Smartphone connectivity, remote key, navigation and climate control. On top of this standard … [Read more...]