One of the intriguing recent surveys done by Auto Trader, the ‘bible’ for used and new UK car sales trends and figures, showed that the two fastest selling used cars were both MPVs, writes David Miles. The top selling model was the SEAT Alhambra followed by the Volkswagen Sharan, both interestingly diesel automatic versions. In fact in Auto Trader’s top ten fastest selling used car sales chart, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest:Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription AWD
If you asked anyone to name three famous Swedish icons I bet you’d hear them mention Volvo. Whether that came before or after ABBA and IKEA is debatable and older generations may substitute SAAB somewhere, but the fact is Volvo has become more than a car brand. It’s a global representation of Sweden and the Swedes tend to do things differently, their own way, with a particular style and flair … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Audi S7 Sportback 349hp TDI quattro
Currently the S7 model is the top of the range version in Audi’s new A7 Sportback range but order books are open for an even more powerful – and faster RS7 variant arriving early next year, writes David Miles. The Sportback is the five door coupe version of the Audi A6 luxury Saloon and Avant estate family. A7 Sportback prices start from £48,175 with the S7 priced from £68,680 and the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Renault Captur GT TCe90
It’s always interesting to study numbers and in the case of the Renault Captur it adds up very well. Over the last few years it has become the best selling urban crossover model or compact suv with 1.5 million sold in 90 countries around the world. That’s impressive. In the UK it’s not been seen as the leader in its field but those who have bought them will know it’s a very good … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota Camry Excel 4-Door 2.5 Hybrid
Increasing demand for hybrid vehicles has prompted Toyota to return the Camry mid-sized four-door saloon back into its UK line-up after an absence of 15 years. This is the all new eighth generation Camry, it went on sale first in 1982 but the seventh generation versions were not sold in the UK. Although Toyota class the new Camry as a mid-sized saloon at 4,885mm in length and with very … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Q4
Anyone who thinks SUVs are boring big cars should talk to their Alfa Romeo dealer selling the dark-horse Stelvio Quadrifoglio Q4. The term Sports Utility Vehicle is definitely over-used among car-makers, but Alfa has groomed a great car which ticks all the boxes for its enthusiastic drivers . Drawing on the powertrain expertise of sister-brand Ferrari and all-wheel-drive knowledge dating … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia ProCeed 1.6 GDI GT
On the back of its best-ever half-year sales performance, Kia has launched a series of updates across its UK range for 2020. As it rolls out new models and expands its electric model choices, the Korean car-maker cannot let a wheel slip in the showrooms and takes every opportunity to build on its success. Part of that is completely new product while some careful marketing also means special … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: DS3
The DS3 Crossback Compact SUV serves style and function as standard, writes David Miles. Yet another SUV recently joined the ever-growing fashionable market sector – this time it’s the compact DS 3 Crossback. For those that don’t know DS Automobiles is marketed as the premium brand from the PSA Group which already has Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall brands in its stable. In fact … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Tarraco 2.0TSI 4Drive 190ps
SEAT has risen from being an also ran car-maker to a pace-setter and it’s most obvious with their flagship Tarraco SUV. Heading a range of SUVs offering reasonably priced models in different sectors, the SEAT Tarraco delivers seven-seat spaciousness and a subtle all-wheel-drive ability for wintry roads and activity seeking users. Tarraco runs to over 20 models with petrol or diesel engines, … [Read more...]
Mid-week roadtest: Volkswagen Passat Saloon Advance
Last week’s media launch was the first opportunity for us to drive the new Passat models in the UK and the first opportunity anywhere to drive the Saloon, writes David Miles. So with that in mind, plus the overall decline in diesel sales in our domestic market, I opted for the Passat Saloon GTE Advance 1.4-litre TSI, PHEV, 218hp, 6-speed DSG auto priced at £38,940. There are extra cost … [Read more...]