When Jaguar launched their XE four door compact executive saloon car range in 2015 it was heralded as a ‘game-changer’ for the brand, writes David Miles. It filled the long held gap left in the brand’s range following the exit of the unloved X-Type put out to grass in 2009. The XE was a must-have for the brand, especially in the fleet and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai SantaFe Premium 2.2 SE
America is predictably the land of the unpredictable, and that’s not confined to politics but also people’s car buying habits. If you had said a little known Korean company would be selling one of America’s most popular models in the country which really created the sports utility, you would have been laughed at. But it is Hyundai laughing now even if … [Read more...]
Mazda MX-5 RF is open or shut case for buying
Britain’s most popular new sports car’s gone hard-core, writes Robin Roberts. On 4 March the first batch of 500 2017 Mazda MX-5 Retractable Fastback models with an “origami-style” aluminium powered folding roof will be driving out of showrooms and into spring. After the runaway success of the MX-5 convertible, Mazda says it believes the RF will take … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Civic 1.4S
There is something very British about the Honda Civic 1.4S, writes Robin Roberts. Not only is it built in Swindon with parts from suppliers around the country, including Wales, but it has a sort of middle England feel. It is straightforward; sits firmly in the family sector in terms of design, engineering and size and it is unchallenging to drive and … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota C-HR hybrid
Toyota took their time getting into the very fashionable and high selling compact SUV market sector leaving customers with just their hard-core RAV4 as the option, but now that's all changed, says David Miles. UK sales of what the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders call Dual Purpose vehicles, what we know as 4x4s/SUVs and including some Crossovers … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki S-Cross 1.0 SZT
The small and perfectly formed Suzuki SZ4 S Cross has been significantly improved for 2017, says Robin Roberts Eight models with three engine choices including a diesel, two and four wheel drive as well as manual and automatic transmission are available across three trim levels. Originally introduced to the UK in 2013 it has now been given a new front … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Peugeot 3008 Allure 1.6 BlueHDi 120 auto
UK deliveries of the all-new Peugeot 3008 started in January just as the car dominated the 2017 Dakar Rally, writes David Miles. The new model is described as a Crossover cum SUV rather than the previous generation, introduced in 2009, which was more MPV cum Crossover. In a timely manner raid rally versions of the Peugeot 3008 finished in the first … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Renault Mégane Dynamique S Nav 110
A staple of the Renault range since 1995, the Mégane is now on its fourth course of evolution, and it’s the best, writes Robin Roberts. Styling is fresh and different both inside and out and it delivers a lot of comfort for five with a reasonable bootspace to carry the family’s weekend shopping or breakaway bags. In common with other Renault models and … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Mitsubishi ASX
A much improved Mitsubishi ASX is now on sale, writes David Miles. The revised, higher specification 2017 Mitsubishi ASX mid-sized Crossover/SUV range costs from a competitive £16,184 on-the-road or £169 a month PCP finance plan over three years. All models have a five year, 62,500 mile warranty and keeping running costs affordable … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford KA+ Zetec
Babies have a habit of growing up, just like the new Ford KA+. From its origins as a compact city car in 1996 we have seen it develop in 2008 into a convertible and sporting model and in 2014 the third generation KA+ was launched with an extra 7.5 inches wheelbase, and it came to the UK in 2016. It is a simple Studio and Zetec trimmed three-car range … [Read more...]
