Just when you think things couldn’t get better, Mazda has improved its acclaimed Skyactiv engine technology, writes Robin Roberts. Constant engine development and software revisions have improved combustion and power, reduced emissions and extended economy in the latest e-Skyactiv X. We tried it out in the newest popular Mazda3 186ps GT Sport, costing from just over £28,000. The … [Read more...]
Roadtests
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen Polo Active 95
Today’s Volkswagen Polo clearly demonstrates city cars do not have to lack the refinements of much larger models. For 46 years, the VW Polo has been seen as the city car with status. While some drivers opted for cheaper competitors from rivals, the Polo-person was perceived as a more mature driver who appreciated sound engineering and valued a stronger resale price. However, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus ES300h Takumi
Life is full of surprises but few are as welcome as the Lexus ES300h Takumi saloon delivers. A larger successor introduced in 2019 to the Lexus GS series, it has the advanced petrol & electric powertrain developed by parent Toyota over some 25 years. The experience shows. While some car makers are only now coming to terms with hybrid power, Lexus has been setting the standard over three … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Peugeot 2008 GT Line 130A
I have a soft spot for the Peugeot 2008 GT Line, having extensively used one during the 2020 lockdown and experienced the previous series sitting in the family stable. But they were invariably the six-speed manual versions and I jumped at the chance to experience the eight-speed automatic derivative. The Peugeot 2008 has always been a favorite among the modern SUV models and the 130 … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Octavia Estate vRS 245ps
There’s something attractive about being able to cover ground quickly but discretely. Which probably explains why specialist police units like the Skoda Octavia Estate vRS. It’s quick, very quick in the right hands, and is roomy and comfortable for long stints in service. The technology under the bonnet and bodywork is straight out of the Volkswagen Group parts departments so its reliable as … [Read more...]
First drive: Suzuki Jimny LCV
One of Britain’s most eagerly awaited new models hits showrooms on Monday and it’s almost certainly going to lead to a “brown market” price war. The Suzuki Jimny LCV will be limited to about 400 sales this year and they are expected to be snapped up even more quickly than the Jimny lightweight 4x4 SUV two years ago. Priced from about £16,700 before VAT as a commercial vehicle the Jimny LCV will … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mercedes-Benz E220 d Saloon
As Mercedes-Benz’s best selling series, the mid-sized E-Class has been a benchmark for rivals and it’s still a byword for the executive market today. Originating in 1946, over 14 million saloon and estate models have been sold since 1953 before being joined by the coupe and cabriolet bodystyles and it now represents the tenth generation. A facelift in 2020 give it a new grille, nose and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lamborghini Urus
The Lamborghini Urus is probably the ultimate "boys toy" for Fathers' Day. It's headturning, big, quick and possesses some of the most wonderful exhaust notes you can hear on the road. In the rarified world of truly luxurious cars and SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus is one of the most highly desired and it's purely a matter of personal taste whether you prefer its shark like … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Vauxhall Mokka-e SRi Nav Premium
There’s trouble brewing for rivals to the new 'green' family car from Vauxhall. The latest Vauxhall Mokka-e is not a stand-alone model but one of the offerings in a compact SUV series which includes both cheaper petrol and diesel engines and indicates the future direction of its model series as it drives towards the pure electric future in the 2030s. Mokka-e gets the new look Vizor front end … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jaguar XF Sportbrake R-Dynamic SE P250
Style and sophistication are embodied in the practical and purposeful Jaguar XF Sportbrake and a serious alternative to SUVs. Introduced in 2017 to widen the appeal of the medium sized XF saloon it sits alongside the now expanding range of Jaguar SUVs and offers a different driving proposition for those who want room but also require a more compact car. The XF series is a huge … [Read more...]
