After its launch in 2008, the Ford Kuga has grown from the company’s first ‘tall’ hatchback into one of their success stories among UK best sellers, and the story continues this year. Now on sale with some very significant updates and improvements to its technology, equipment and design, the Ford Kuga is taking on rivals including many in the showrooms of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: KGM Torres K40
On the 70th anniversary of the founding of their business, KG is celebrating with the launch of their Torres model for today’s 2024 market. Now KG Motors mayn’t be familiar to everyone but acquired the struggling SsangYong Motors, which is undoubtedly better known and respected among owners. The cars are built in Pyeongtaek, about an hour’s drive south of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota GR86
It’s a delicate balance building cars for the masses, for markets around the world and meeting the needs of motorists with a love of motorsports, but Toyota does all three very well. The new GR86 is a very good example of bringing motorsport engineering into the mainstream, well almost. It has been developed from the earlier GT86, which used a 2.0 litre … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Kamiq SE
As the retail motor trade goes through a reset at the moment squeezed by new technology and rising prices which private buyers are reluctant to embrace or pay, models like the Skoda Kamiq are standing out. It’s a straightforward petrol model for a family with up to five seats, price-pitched perfectly for many and it comes with a suite of safety and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota RAV4 Plug-in GR Sport
Better late than never is probably what you can confidently say about the impressive Toyota RAV4 PHEV. We have always been fans of the Toyota RAV4 but when it launched the petrol-hybrid in 2016 we bemoaned the fact there was no plug-in derivative to improve emissions when other manufacturers were putting them into showrooms. So, Toyota has been slow to … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster Edition
Despite the proliferation of modern 4x4 vehicles, there are many potential users who still prefer the 'traditional’ non-nonsense approach to off-road machines: enter the INEOS Grenadier, which is aimed at filling the gap. In describing the Grenadier, INEOS say, it’s “… a serious off-roader that no-one’s building any more. The rugged 4x4 that will get you … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Scala Monte Carlo
Skoda is emerging as a serious family and business car contender on UK roads, particularly after its extensive facelift and revisions earlier this year. Previously, many looked at Skoda only after discounting the higher priced alternatives in its sector but it has elbowed and shouldered its way to the front, propelled by a value for money philosophy. This … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan X-Trail N-Connecta Mild Hybrid
The Nissan X-Trail was one of the first crossover models when unveiled in 2000 and now in its fourth generation as it enters its third decade, it is still one of the best family cars available. After globally passing seven million sales, today’s British range includes an unusual seven-seat electrified model, which we have tested here in Mild Hybrid … [Read more...]
Picanto to spice up the UK city car sector
Kia is bucking the trend and staying faithful to the city car sector with the arrival of the latest Picanto. While other manufacturers put the brake on city cars to concentrate on mid-sized models and cross-overs claiming smaller models are unprofitable, the Kia Picanto is about to prove them wrong and make money for the booming Kia brand. In a tightening … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki Swift 1.2 Ultra
The fourth generation Suzuki Swift is already a landmark model, just months after its introduction. While it builds on the success of previous models over the last 40 years and is one of the most capable city cars on sale it is also the last of its kind since Suzuki announced it will step up its battery electric vehicle range and in that will be a model to … [Read more...]
