Kia’s new B-segment crossover will be named ‘Stonic’. An eye-catching and confident compact crossover with true European design flair, the Stonic is inspired by the form and function of larger Kia SUVs while a sweeping roofline and uniquely designed roof rack add a sporty look to the vehicle, which goes on UK sale later this year. … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
TVR will display new model in September
The Welsh site chosen to build the next 200mph TVR series will be announced in two or three weeks, it was stated yesterday. The un-named car was first announced in 2015 and it soon attracted over 350 deposits from TVR enthusiasts. Originally, it was to be a centre-piece manufacturing site on the Circuit of Wales development but that has hit planning and financial issues, and in March 2016 … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota Prius PHEV
A week-long road test in the new Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) created two notable firsts for me, says David Miles. It was the first road test production car I have tested with a solar roof and it was the first test car to return over 100mpg for a full week of motoring. The sales success of PHEVs have created the driving force for increased demand of Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles in … [Read more...]
Lotus Elise Cup power overflows
Punching well above its weight, the new Lotus Elise Cup 250 offers a scintillating blend of purity of purpose with performance at the apex of the recently revised Elise range. Supercharged, lightweight and distilled from Lotus’ extensive motorsport knowhow, the new model packs 243 hp into a chassis designed to deliver the benchmark in responsive handling and haptic feedback. The car’s … [Read more...]
Skoda Superb raises its game
Škoda Superb saloon and estate models have been comprehensively revised. They now come with automatic emergency call as additional security, enhanced comfort features, together with extended connectivity equipment solutions and 19-inch alloy wheels. … [Read more...]
Newslines 26 May
The 680hp Icona Vulcano Titanium is a one-off that hit the streets at Cannes Film Festival, where the waiting list for exclusive test drives keeps extending. The Vulcano Titanium has a 100% titanium body design inspired by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird jet fighter costs £2 million, more than the Bugatti Chiron, and it does 218mph. Ford is the official manufacturer backing next month’s … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: MINI Clubman Black Pack
Like their parent company BMW, MINI is keeping their ‘pedal to the metal’ by introducing a raft of additional derivatives of their core model ranges, says David Miles. I interviewed Nicholas Griebner, Head of Product for MINI UK who said, “Last year one out of 50 new cars sold in the UK was a MINI and so far this year sales are up by a further 7%.” In 2016 MINI sold a record 70,000 new cars … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Crossland X proves size matters
Size really matters in the burgeoning SUV sector and the new era of sub-compact models is being joined by the Vauxhall Crossland X, writes Robin Roberts. It’s shorter and lower than the sibling Mokka X AWD and close to the Astra Hatch but it features an elevated seating position and a user-friendly interior to the front-wheel-drive only platform. There’s a familiar look to the front of … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 May
Jeep is expanding its Wrangler range of 4x4 vehicles with the limited edition Night Eagle. Revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the Jeep Wrangler Night Eagle comes in a choice of striking colours with exclusive decals, and provides a unique style, premium equipment levels and, of course, Jeep’s legendary off-road capability at £39,810. Dacia has launched a new special edition … [Read more...]
New Honda Civic Type R priced
Honda UK has announced pricing for the hotly-anticipated next generation Civic Type R. On forecourts in July, the entry level 2.0 320PS model will cost £30,995 and the GT version will cost an additional £2,000 at £32,995 on the road and will come with a host of extras. PCP pricing has also been confirmed for the new car, which is built at Honda’s UK manufacturing plant in Swindon; with … [Read more...]