The latest in Audi design, engineering and digitalisation know-how has brought the updated Audi SQ7 TDI right up to speed. But the high performance seven-seater has remained true to its roots in one area that will please devotees of maximum displacement – the 435PS biturbo V8 diesel engine remains the star attraction in the newcomer, which is due to become available in the UK from August ahead … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mitsubishi L200 Warrior DC Auto
It takes a special sort of vehicle to survive, challenge and virtually dominate a sector of sales, and that’s what the Mitsubishi L200 has done for decades, writes Robin Roberts. It’s about to be reborn for the sixth time, but before it is I wanted to see what the Series 5 offers to explain its stranglehold on the sector which is a combination of workhorse and lifestyle, and often … [Read more...]
Newslines 5 July
Land Rover is planning three wheelbases under its forthcoming new Defender, being assembled alongside the Discovery in Slovakia and due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September. There will be 170 inch, 187 inch and 201 inch wheelbase versions offering five to eight seats with an SUV body-chassis but no pickup-style as in the previous generation which ended 67 years run in … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: New Suzuki Swift Attitude
Suzuki is sizzling this summer, write Robin Roberts & David Miles. While the rest of the UK market is warning of cloudy days, Suzuki sees rays of opportunity as it prepares to launch the updated and revised Swift series. Britain is the top market in Europe for Suzuki and last year they registered 38,500 cars, their second highest total helped by very favourable fleet and retail … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 May
Vauxhall is continuing its journey towards electrification with the new Grandland X all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The new Grandland X Hybrid4 is Vauxhall’s first-ever plug-in hybrid and features state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology using a 200hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive system with two electric motors … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Karoq Scout 2.0 TDI 150hp 4×4
The Scout adds a rugged element to the Skoda Karoq mid-sized SUV,writes David Miles. Available from £21,945 to £33,375 with petrol, diesel, manual, automatic, 2WD and 4WD models, the competitors include the Dacia Duster, MG GS, Seat Ateca, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, VW Tiguan and Suzuki Vitara. The Karoq has a practical range of engine options from the turbo petrol 1.0-litre … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend Engine plant shortlisted for new vehicle
Ford Bridgend Engine plant has been shortlisted to assemble the planned Ineos successor to the famed LR Defender. The Welsh location is lining up against a plant in Portugal, the CEO of Ineos Automotive Dirk Heilmann has confirmed after bosses of the UK chemical company visited South Wales and looked around the Ford plant along with Welsh Government representatives. Ineos plan to … [Read more...]
Honda, MB and SEAT Off-Roaders get top marks for safety
The new Honda CR-V, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the SEAT Tarraco have passed tough new safety tests with the highest marks. All three cars get a maximum five-star rating against Euro NCAP’s tough 2019 requirements. The new SEAT Tarraco shares Volkswagen’s MQB platform with the Škoda Kodiaq, rated as five-stars by Euro NCAP in 2017. Against the more stringent protocols of 2019, the … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 February
The latest Mazda3 coming to the UK from May will begin at £20,595. The 18-strong range of petrol and diesel hatchbacks has five trims running up to £27,735. Ford will conduct an investigation after concerns raised by its own employees over the 'analytical modelling' standards that it employs as part of its US fuel economy and emissions compliance process, says Just-Auto.com . In the wake … [Read more...]
Petrol hybrids are smart buys, say analysts
Three petrol hybrid 4x4 vehicles top the league for a smart buy. The Lexus NX, Rav4 and Kia Niro all show industry-leading low levels of depreciation. The Lexus NX retains 72% of its value from new after three years and 60,000 miles, losing on average £11,611. The Toyota Rav4 retains 69% of its value and loses an average of £10,341 over three years and 60,000 miles. The Kia Niro retains 67% … [Read more...]