The Hyundai Santa Fe has been the bedrock of the brand since launched in 2001, but it’s no dinosaur. The fourth generation of this highly popular large SUV is packed with the latest features and choices to please any family with the emphasis on enjoyment and living. Split over four trim levels the price range is £33,425 to £43,295 and there are 15 versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe with five … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: FIAT 500X Cross Plus, 1.3A
With the on-going arrival of all-new SUVs of all sizes in full swing, the popular market sector also offers updated versions of SUVs which have been available for much longer, writes David Miles. At the compact end of the SUV market one such revised and refreshed model range made its UK debut at the end of last year. This was the refreshed five-door compact Fiat 500X, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Arteon R-Line 2.0TDI 190ps A
Volkswagen is raising its game again. Introduced in late 2017, the VW Arteon flagship of the marque is steadily expanding and today runs to over 20 variants in the UK. There are seven petrol or diesel engine and powertrain options including manual, automatic and 2WD or 4WD versions in two trim levels in a single five-door bodystyle. Using the modular VW platform, Arteon sits … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Vauxhall Grandland X Tech Line Nav
Given the turmoil in the world’s car industry, the faltering global economy, falling sales, demonization of diesel engines and in the UK that touchy issue about Brexit, Vauxhall’s latest advertising strapline for their Grandland X mid-sized SUV, ‘Keeps Calm – Carries On’, looks like sensible advice - if we chose to take it, writes David Miles. All sectors of the new car market except SUVs show … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Land Cruiser SWB LCV
In recent weeks I have watched a variety of documentaries from the wildest and most remote places on earth and while the presenters change with each programme there seems to be a satisfying, reassuring continuity as they are all conveyed in a Toyota Land Cruiser, writes Robin Roberts. Its reputation to get you anywhere, and with precious presenters that also means getting them back, … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Citroen Berlingo XL 100hp
The Citroen Berlingo has just been awarded the 2019 MPV of the Year title in the annual What Car? motoring Oscars. MPV multi-purpose vehicles, or ‘people carriers’, as we know them in their heydays of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s have lost out in terms of sales to the growing desirability of owing an SUV – ‘sports utility vehicle’. But manufacturers of MPV type vehicles, Citroen call their new … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SsangYong Tivoli Ultimate Petrol Auto
Everyone likes surprises, especially if they give you even more than expected such as with the SsangYong Tivoli SUV, writes Robin Roberts I think it’s a bit of liberty calling it an SUV when the petrol version tested is only 2WD and is little more than a taller hatchback, but the Tivoli goes deeper. In the Tivoli range of SUVs there are four trim levels spanning £14,000 to £21,700 … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Volvo V60 T5 Momentum Pro estate
Last year Volvo in the UK outperformed the new car market with sales, and it's starting off well this year, writes David Miles. Whereas the market fell by 7%, Volvo increased their sales by 9% to achieve 50,319 registrations with their award winning new range of models This year the brand is aiming for 60,000 plus sales thanks to the popularity of their SUV XC40, XC60 and XC90 SUVs … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi A4 Avant 40TDI quattro
While SUVs are the flavour of the season, there’re rich pickings for manufacturers and drivers in cars like the Audi A4 Avant. Most SUVs are rarely used to their full capacity or ability but an estate car, particularly a sporting estate like the Black Edition 40TDI quattro tested, can offer a more rewarding experience. It will seat five with plenty of room or offers over … [Read more...]
Midweek motoring: New Citroen C5 Aircross first drive
This is a big year for the French Citroen brand, writes David Miles. It’s their 100thanniversary and already has got off to a successful start with their products picking up several Car/Van of the Year Awards in the current round of annual ‘Oscars’ given by the motoring media. Also, Citroen won the first round of the 2019 World Rally Championship – the famous Monte Carlo Rally, … [Read more...]