The legend that is the Mitsubishi L200 lives on in the new Series 5. After 33 years and four generations the trend-setting pickup-cum-poser SUV goes on sale in September in the latest in-carnation. And it’s more car-like than before with new fascia and seats, rotary mode selector replacing secondary levers, and an urban friendly turning circle. Restyled from bumper to bumper, its … [Read more...]
First Drives
Weekend roadtest: Jaguar XE will rewrite rule books
The Jaguar XE is rewriting rule books. The unwritten law which states Germany’s dominance of the premium small executive saloon sector is unchallengable is about to be broken. Pitching into the premium small executive sector, the four-door XE is up against long established rivals from Germany. It can beat them with 3,000 orders on the books in just a few weeks. The brand is seen as making … [Read more...]
Ford Focus ST rises to the Goodwood challenge and the UK market
The new high performance 2.0-litre Focus ST had its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Moving Motor Show this week. Available with two body styles, five door hatchbacks and estates, ST prices start at £21,995 and rise to £26,595 with three levels of specification ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3. The 154mph new ST made its UK debut in action on the famous 1.16 mile hill climb course in the hands of … [Read more...]
New Ford Galaxy is a world away from the old one
With over 200,000 visitors expected at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and its Moving Motor Show event before it closes tomorrow, Ford is using the prestigious motoring occasion to give the all-new Galaxy seven seater large MPV range its European debut. Right hand drive models will arrive in UK showrooms in August in time for the new registration plate sales month of September. Paul … [Read more...]
DS premium brand launches in UK
France’s newest premium brand is launching in the UK this month. DS is the prestige part of Citroen and until now the initials have been used on up-market versions of the Chevron-badged brand with 80,000 sold worldwide. But not anymore. In future the DS symbols will stand for a separate series, beginning with the top of range DS 5 which launched in the UK this week and 60 years after the … [Read more...]
Stronger flavour to latest Volkswagen Polo GTI
There is a stronger flavour to the latest Volkswagen Polo GTI. The original Polo appeared in 1985 and broke new ground for VW as a small car but it has steadily been updated, improved and strengthened and the latest hot-hatchback version is based on the fourth generation of the series on sale since July 2014. The Polo remains VW’s second best selling range after the Golf. Last year the Golf … [Read more...]
Fiat 500X appeal is down to viagra
Arriving in Fiat dealerships this weekend is the new 500X, a compact SUV version of their cute and very popular 500 City Car and MPV range. The new five-door 500X is a puffed up version, hence its ‘blue-pill’ TV and internet advertising theme, of the Fiat 500 three-door City Car hatchback and prices start at £14,595 and rise to £25,845. Talking of number the Fiat 500X Italian Crossover ‘blue … [Read more...]
Honda CR-V updated for 2015
With global sales soaring for the Honda CR-V, the refreshed compact five-seat SUV brings new dynamic qualities and refinement to the range for 2015. Out has gone the big diesel engine and instead there are now 1.6 160PS or 120PS diesels alongside the 155PS 2.0 petrol, with the choice of six-speed manual or a new nine-speed automatic in the line-up and the familiar choice of five 2WD or four … [Read more...]
SEAT X-appeal brings four-wheel-drive to popular range
SEAT is hoping its newest lifestyle estate will have X-appeal. On the back of booming registrations last year, the Spanish car-maker has just introduced the Leon X-Perience. This is not only a 587 to 1470 litres touring estate but it comes with four-wheel-drive and taller suspension, ideal for wintry roads or a spot of light off-roading for active owners and it will pull, depending on … [Read more...]
New Audi TT raises its game
The car which underlined style has just got edgier. The third-generation Audi TT Roadster now on sale boasts more in-car technology and greater efficiency from its powertrain while delivering greater agility in the driver’s hands. It’s down to a reworked aluminium and steel hybrid platform which is surprisingly light and comes with the most advanced engines and transmissions and sitting on … [Read more...]