Mazda is never afraid to be different and it shows in their latest MX-30 R-EV. Keeping its quirky ‘suicide’ rear passenger doors for easy access to the back seats the real change is up front under the bonnet in the newcomer. It joins the pure battery MX-30 and the CX-60 PHEV in the marque’s range with a PHEV powertrain which utilises a sub-900cc rotary engine acting as a generator to power the … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Lexus and Genesis plan updates
The Lexus LS flagship limousine will benefit from technology, safety and comfort enhancements for the 2024 model year and the range structure is also being revised. Across all versions, the LS adopts the latest third generation Lexus Safety System+. This includes a new Driver Monitor and Lane Change Assist function, while Intelligent Park Assist is provided for smooth and efficient self-parking … [Read more...]
First drive: Vauxhall Astra GSe
As it slips into middle-age, the Vauxhall Astra has been given a modern make-over. Launched in 1980, the Astra has been the bedrock of the company’s offering in the small family car sector as it moved through eight generations. This year it was given a mechanical boost with hybrid technology adding to the petrol power in a bid to lower emissions and better compete with younger rivals, … [Read more...]
First drives: Honda e:Ny1 & CR-V phev
Honda is revamping its range of offerings as the new era in electric mobility approaches, but it’s also keeping some tried and tested models. With 13 of the top 20 UK models now SUVs in a sector that has grown to almost 56% of annual registrations, Honda could not ignore what buyers want. It’s city-car Honda e has been joined by the e:Ny1 compact SUV bringing more room and range for families. … [Read more...]
Car complaints are rising
The Motor Ombudsman has seen the highest volume of service and repair cases brought by consumers in a single quarter so far this year. Between 01st July and 30 September, the Ombudsman for the automotive sector accepted a total of 1,348 new submissions from motorists, up 10% from 1,226 in the second quarter, and equating to a 13% increase versus the volume seen during the opening three months of … [Read more...]
Weekend review: Old dogs & new tricks
More and more new names are appearing in the UK car market as it evolves into the electric age, but at the recent Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders annual southern test day for writers near Basingstoke it was two familiar names which caught my attention. The Nissan X-Trail has been a success in Britain for over 23 years while smart has been hanging around for even longer with a … [Read more...]
Skoda update Scala and Kamiq
Škoda has announced UK specifications and pricing for the newly updated Scala and Kamiq, now on sale. Both have uprated equipment and refreshed exterior and interior design, including increased use of sustainable materials. There are new interior design selections: Loft, Lodge and Monte Carlo with the Scala priced from £22,095 and new Kamiq from £24,030. … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Genesis enter Coupe sector
Genesis has unveiled the GV80 Coupe and the re-designed GV80 marking its debut in the coupe SUV segment. Genesis’ inaugural SUV - GV80 - blends luxury aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and has achieved impressive sales figures of over 170,000 units in the global luxury SUV market since its global debut in January 2020. The enhanced GV80 brings the first model change in over three years, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Jazz Advance Sport
A lot of airtime and column centimetres have been taken up with Wales’ default 20mph urban limit, but I’ll let you into a little secret, you can do 100 in a Honda Jazz Advance Sport, and it’s perfectly legal. The fact is I am not talking about the sporty Jazz’s speed, rather its ability to return 102mpg: yes over a ton. Even on a busy day you’ll probably exceed 60mpg from this incredible Tardis … [Read more...]
Newcomers 12 September
Volkswagen has added extra style, performance and exclusivity to its range with the new Golf Black Edition, now on sale. The Golf Black Edition sits between the R-Line and GTE models and comes packed with exciting and exclusive features. In addition, it has all the style customers have come to expect from any Volkswagen Black Edition. Additional items compared with the R-Line include 18-inch … [Read more...]