The first convertible Audi ‘S’ model in the premium compact class is now on UK roads, writes Robin Roberts. The all-new, 300 PS S3 Cabriolet was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Order books opened a month later and the first models are now being delivered. Building on the two-plus-two A3 Cabriolet, the newest addition packs a punch from its highly tuned 2.0 litre petrol engine and … [Read more...]
First Drives
New BMW X4 fills another niche
Such is the competition in the global new car market to gain an advantage manufacturers are leaving no potential new niche sector unexplored, says David Miles. Niches of niches are now common and the growth in sales of the German premium brands of BMW and Audi are mainly attributed to having more new models in more new market sectors. As an example, BMW’s first ever production front wheel … [Read more...]
Peugeot 308 SW joins Car of the Year range
Close on the tail of the new Peugeot 308 Hatchback is the purpose-designed estate version labelled SW. Created by the same team which created the Car of the Year 2014, the 308 SW is nevertheless a different car with a longer floor-pan and more practical loadbed than the best selling hatchback stablemate. The sleek shape of the 308 SW is more than a smoothed out extension of the hatchback and … [Read more...]
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is strategically important model
Diversification with more niche models creating more sectors of the new car market has played an important part in growing the new car sales. Take at look at Audi’s growth success, 17 to 50 models in 13 years has resulted in continuous record global sales. Not to be outdone BMW has followed the same route with their 2 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series infilling between the longstanding 1, 3 and … [Read more...]
This time it’s personal with the new Peugeot 108
When the first generation Peugeot 107 City Car range was launched in 2005 the emerging City Car sector recorded 117,000 UK registrations. The timely launch of the second generation Peugeot 108 will coincide with the City Car segment expected to grow to over 242,000 annual UK sales this year. Sales have been driven by their lower purchase price supported by very affordable monthly PCP … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jeep Cherokee 2.0
The most “user-friendly” Jeep Cherokee in its history is now on sale. The legendary off-roader, which was actually the model for the first Land Rover over 60 years ago, has been given the very latest on and off-road systems and technology for today’s buyers and users. It has benefitted from becoming part of the Fiat group and uses 140 and 170bhp 2.0 turbo-diesel engines from the Italian … [Read more...]
New Toyota Aygo builds in the fun factor
Toyota is inviting new and current customers to ‘Go Fun Yourself’. The normally conservative Japanese car maker has whole-heartedly adopted the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency’s risqué Pan-European marketing strapline for the all-new Aygo city car in UK dealerships from 1 July. The invitation reflects the added ingredient of ‘fun’ rather than the past small car functionality the first … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mercedes-Benz C 220 Sport Saloon
The oldest car-maker in the world proves its in step with modern trends in the shape of the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon. Over 30 years ago, the big-car maker decided to bring its values and virtues into the medium sector with what was the first generation of the C-Class and now the fifth generation is about to make its mark. It is a significant 100KG lighter than the series it replaces … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hottest yet SEAT Leon Cupra
Not so much a halo as horns distinguish the new SEAT Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 from its stablemates. The Spanish brand has always marked out a distinctive design line with a flamenco ability to excite and a bullish attitude towards performance. Little wonder that the ultimate sporting SEATs in the Cupra series are among the most desired drives of enthusiasts, who can enjoy the dedicated Cupra … [Read more...]
Land Rover Discovery XXV
The Land Rover Discovery has passed a 25 years milestone in its life and the XXV Special Edition reaches dealerships now to mark the event. Discovery 1 went on sale in 1989, Series II followed nine years later, the LR3 and Discovery 3 went on sale in America and the rest of the world in 2004 and updated model Discovery 4 is the current version from 2009. The new Discovery XXV Special Edition … [Read more...]