Suzuki has a knack of bringing to market just what buyers want at the right time. It has built all manner of models including city cars, sports cars, lightweight offroaders and pickups and more recently SUVs which will not tip the bank balance into the red. Essentially applying good design and engineering but keeping it simple to reduce cost has paid dividends for Suzuki and given them a … [Read more...]
First drive: All new Kia Sportage arrives
Having given our readers a static view sneaky peek of the all-new Kia Sportage last November at a Kia UK media test driving event for other models in the range, this week we got behind the wheel of this important mid-sized SUV family favourite, writes David Miles. Here is a quick specification résumé of the all-new Sportage UK line-up: It is the fifth generation Sportage with the original … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ Auto
The Nissan Qashqai was arguably the first of the current crop of modern crossover family cars and the latest version faithfully builds on its pedigree so can still be considered the benchmark for rivals to try and match. Not only has it been facelifted in 2021 but it has been given the latest audio, navigation, creature comforts and conveniences alongside some nice styling … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Tucson Ultimate 1.6 T-GDi 150ps
Hyundai has built its UK reputation on family values competitive pricing and an ever-expanding range of SUVs. While it’s just announced its latest player on the street, the Bayon SUV, it success has largely been down to the Tucson, itself comprehensively facelifted for 2021. Since its launch 17 years ago, Tucson has become Hyundai’s best-selling SUV with 7 million sales globally … [Read more...]
Volvo XC60 range widens
Volvo's award-winning XC60 mid-size SUV is now available with a full range of electrified powertrains. The former World Car of the Year is offered purely with hybrid power, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesels to petrol-electric plug-in hybrids. Every mild-hybrid powertrain in the XC60 range combines a powerful 2.0-litre engine with a 48-volt battery and a KERS kinetic energy recovery system to … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Puma Titanium 1.0 MHEV 6sp
The Ford Puma is the company’s latest crossover and it’s strongest new generation of family cars to date. The name has been used before by Ford and between 1997 and 2002 it was on an unusual model, a compact three-door coupe. That was based on the latest Fiesta and ironically the new car is also derived from the current Fiesta. Built in Romania and slotting between the EcoSport … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 July
Range Rover and Range Rover Sport series have expanded to include a new family of 3.0 six-cylinder diesel engines with plug-in mild hybrid assistance. There are also some special edition trim versions including SV Autobiography Dynamic Black in the Range Rover. Two new pure electric crossovers have been announced as the industry gears up for a much greener future. The Nissan Ariya will have a … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo XC90 B5 diesel R-Design
The second generation Volvo XC90 large SUV with 4x4 traction and seven seats is the flagship of the revitalised Volvo range, writes David Miles. It was introduced in 2014 and recently it has undergone its mid-term revisions to keep it relevant in today’s expanding SUV market sector. It was the sales and image success of the premium brand XC90 that led Volvo to producing similar in style the XC60 … [Read more...]
Newslines 18 May
Thousands of motorists could be forced into paying fines for traffic offences they didn’t commit due to a clause enforced by Transport for London for cross-hatch yellow box offences. TfL is using a loophole created by the 2003 decriminalisation of the Transport for London Road Network to chase owners of vehicles, rather than their drivers, for payment of fines relating to traffic contraventions … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: New Audi A8 ahead of its time
The new fourth generation Audi A8 is really ahead of its time. It is the first car in the world to be built for the forthcoming age of autonomous vehicles which don’t require driver interaction in traffic at up to close to 40mph, the so-called Level 3 or “eyes off” category. As legislation changes to allow the Level 3 to be ‘turned-on’, beginning in America but gradually being rolled out … [Read more...]