When Mercedes-Benz launch a car, you’d better take notice, particularly if you are looking at the A-Class, writes Robin Roberts. As the oldest car-maker it knows more than a thing or two about design and engineering, and after really establishing its reputation with executive and luxury models it turned its attention to smaller models. It launched the first A-Class in 1997 but the series has … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: VW Tiguan Allspace auto 4Motion
The Tiguan mid-sized SUV is Volkswagen third best selling model range in the UK behind the Golf and Polo hatchbacks, writes David Miles. The 5-seater Tiguan and it larger 7-seat Tiguan Allspace form the meat in the VW sandwich of their ever extending range of SUVs. Globally over 5-million Tiguans have been sold in its 11-year history. Top layer of the VW SUV range is the large and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Ateca 2.0TSI 4Drive DSG
If you ever thought SUV’s are boring, then the SEAT Ateca FR 2.0TSi will change your mind in an instant. It is one of the growing families of SUVs, and that includes a number from SEAT and the rest of the parent VW Group, but it brings a little extra pizzazz to the family party. The proportions and practical nature of this Ateca are a good starting point for the driving enthusiasts at SEAT … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Kodiaq vRS 240hp 7 seats
The award winning, highly praised Skoda Kodiaq range of SUVs has a new flagship model, writes David Miles. It’s the vRS 240hp biturbo automatic 4x4 model priced at a hefty £42,870, but added options can push that price up even further. For those looking for less performance, but still with the same practicalities of a family sized large SUV range, Kodiaq prices start from … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi TT Roadster 45TFSI 2.0 S-tronic
If you believe that life is a beach, then the Audi TT has been riding on the crest of a wave, writes Robin Roberts. Its success over 21 years has been awesome and the envy of many manufacturers, not because it’s particularly clever but because it’s essentially simple and satisfying in any situation. For a comparatively small car in the line up there’s a staggering 40-strong … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Kia Optima Sportwagon
For customers getting bored with their SUV or just plain put off by the ever increasing number of them on roads worldwide, perhaps it’s time to move on to the tried and trusted, more exclusive and traditional large estate, suggests David Miles. Despite manufacturers putting all their eggs in one basket pushing out SUVs of all sizes, there remains the opportunity to go the estate … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: KIA Optima 1.6 CRDi 2
From being an also ran when launched in the UK in 1991, Kia has become a serious challenger to the best from Japan and mainland Europe, and the latest Optima saloon is a good example of why their rivals should worry,writes Robin Roberts. Built for a target audience and not necessarily down to a price, the Kia Optima saloon – a Sportswagon estate is also available in more versions – is … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Honda CR-V 2.0 Hybrid, EX Auto
Billed by Honda as the world’s best selling SUV with over 9.0-million sales in 150 countries since the first generation model was launch in 1995, the latest generation range was launched towards the end of last year, writes David Miles. However the new range had no diesel and no 2.0-litre VTEC petrol engine options and came only with their 1.5T VTEC 173hp manual gearbox or … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Civic Type R GT
Honda is best known for its sensible family cars, and then there is the rebel Civic Type R, writes Robin Roberts. In my experience, every family has a rebel in its ranks, the wacky wayward one who may be a boisterous brother, an unconforming uncle, a shout-out-loud sister or audacious aunty. The Honda Civic Type R comprises just two versions separated by £2,000 trim additions which raise it … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Mercedes-Benz A 180d Sport
The UK is the largest global market for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class range of five door hatchbacks and four door saloons with over 340,000 sold since the first generation arrived in 1997, writes David Miles. Last year a record 43,527 of them were sold in the UK making it the UK’s eighth best selling model range and this year it has moved up the top ten sales chart to fourth position. … [Read more...]