However you look at it, the Toyota Corolla is remarkable among models and, perhaps not surprisingly as a result, is the world’s best-selling nameplate over six decades. Now in its 12th generation, the Corolla is the first to use the company’s fifth generation hybrid petrol electric technology in its 1.8 engines coming from North Wales and all assembled in its Burnaston, Derby plant, so it’s one … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: KIA Picanto 1.0 T-GDi GT Line S
With motoring costs soaring a lot of drivers are downsizing and face the dilemma of what to buy, yet do not realize how good a modern small car can be. In fact, a recent study found the typical family car today has over £32,700 of features fitted as standard which were not there a decade ago and after adjusting for inflation. We recently found ourselves facing a 400 miles trip with our Kia … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Second look Toyota Auris TR 1.6
With new car prices skyrocketing and delivery times close behind them, it’s little wonder the used car market has taken off as well. Nationally, approximately three second-hand cars change hands for every new car sold, sometimes it’s a higher ratio in densely populated areas such as South Wales or the Midlands where it might be 6:1. No wonder the used car dealers are rubbing their hands but … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Kodiaq SE L Executive
As motoring costs escalate one brand which has widened its appeal is Skoda. From being the one time cheap if not cheerful car range, Skoda can now add a smile to choice, particularly for families who appreciate value for money. With SUVs the mainstay of sales in Britain and Europe thanks to their versatility, the very capable Skoda Kodiaq does a fine job for a number of reasons and has won a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV vRS
As day follows night it was inevitable that Skoda would not only enter the burgeoning electric vehicle market but would bring to it something a bit different, a bit sporty. It has an impressive record among rallying and racing drivers and enthusiasts and any Skoda carrying the vRS badge is always a bit special. Enter the Enyaq vRS Coupe. The Enyaq EV first appeared as an SUV in 2020 but Skoda … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD
In a year which saw Britain’s new car market bump along and end up way below expectations, Genesis has provided a head-turning performance building on exclusivity and service which most manufacturers cannot match. Genesis is the premium brand of Hyundai, which includes KIA, and has been on USA sale for a decade so they are not newcomers to the market but comparatively recent additions to the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Genesis GV60 Sport Plus
To some observers it’s a Bentley, to others an Aston Martin, and some will simply ask what is it as they have never seen a Genesis on the road. Those questions are testament to the design and rarity of the Genesis GV60 pure battery SUV and they are all good points about this premium sector model from the Hyundai Motor Group. Not only does it look very up market, exclusive and sophisticated, but … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Xceed GT-Line S
KIA has risen to become one of Britain’s most popular range of models and the family-friendly Ceed has a lot to do with that, last year helping them pass 100,000 UK registrations over three decades. After the Sportage and Niro the Ceed is their most popular model and takes about 10% of sales as a coupe ProCeed, Sportwagen semi-estate, hatchback or the SUV XCeed we tested and facelifted for … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi R8 Coupe Performance RWD
Audi took a step back to go forward with the second generation R8 Coupe. Originally launched in 2006, the model shot to fame on back of an Iron Man film part and the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. Come the new series from 2015 and Audi popped in a purely rear-wheel-drive derivative. Madness or marketing wizardry? Well, being Audi, nothing is as straightforward as it … [Read more...]
New Year roadtest: Porsche Taycan 4S
For many pure petrol-heads, Porsche is the pinnacle of performance and a brand which has dominated endurance racing for decades. So the challenge of defending that reputation while moving into the new era of electrification means they have to come up with something special. And they have. The Porsche Taycan 4S is a thoroughly modern and environmental expression of the company’s awesome … [Read more...]
