While the tidal wave of the latest electric powered models washes into showrooms, one conventional car floats above them and remains an example of simplicity, style and sales success over a stunning and enviable 37 years. The Mazda MX-5 not only saved Mazda's fortunes in the 1990s but it also effectively revived the traditional affordable sportster sector … [Read more...]
Roadtests
Weekend roadtest: Xpeng G6 long range
Whatever happens to the planed zero-emissions mandate with its stuttering schedule for implementation there is no denying it is bringing us some interesting and desirable models. But few of the newcomers will have the 'history' of Xpeng, which like Tesla of America, was rooted in technology and software rather than motor cars. Not to be phased for the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia EV4 Fastback GT-Line S
The Kia EV4 is a landmark model for the brand as their first zero emissions hatchback and Fastback saloon, and it will seriously challenge the Continental luxury brands. The hatchback is built in Slovakia with a slightly smaller bootspace than the Fastback assembled in Korea and both models have a choice of 58.3kWh standard battery or 81.4kWh long range … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Picanto GT-Line S
With the headline rush into pure electric cars now faltering, there is growing appreciation of what a good petrol car can do for a manufacturer, as in the Kia Picanto GT-Line S. While some rivals had axed their city cars or effectively moved them up market and therefore into more expensive territory, Kia adopted a policy of keeping open their options for … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW iX3 50 xDrive
With VAT-free home charging from October, now is the time to put in your order for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive and just hope you’re not stuck in a queue of customers. That will be the only annoying fact if you want to get your hands on the World Car of 2026. It really is very, very good. If you think electric cars are boring, this Neue Klasse BMW iX3 will … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Prelude Advance
There is an almost ageless and timeless appeal about the Honda Prelude coupe. It has always been a highly popular part of the Honda line-up and showed the Japanese engineers not only build very competent family cars but, given encouragement, can turn out a capable coupe which turns heads and delivers smiles-better-performance. It has the classic profile or … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Golf GTE
The popularity of the Volkswagen Golf has hardly dimmed since it was launched over 52 years ago, and there is little sign of this achievement being changed with the GTE phev version. There is a mind-boggling range of hatchbacks and saloons with a wide range of engines and selective trim levels, and we have been testing the only phev petrol model GTE with a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mitsubishi L200 MY26 First drive
The legendary Mitsubishi L200 lives again. After months of anticipation, the seventh generation of this global best selling pick up is now available and it’s more powerful, economical, better specified, comfortable and capable than ever before. In five-seat double cab layout it can be bought in Titan or higher Barbarian trim with a commercial version to … [Read more...]
Kia has the power to move me and you
This year Kia is celebrating 35 years in the UK, and the ongoing rise and rise of the company is testament to the quality and variety of models produced by the firm. These days Kia offers vehicles across a multitude of market sectors and with a variety of powertrain types to suit all requirements and personal choices. This wide spread of offerings, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagan T-Roc R Line
Almost a decade after its launch helped turn around Volkswagen fortunes and create one of its most successful SUV challengers, the T-Roc generation two is on sale. Beaten for demand only by the larger Tiguan, the T-Roc Gen2 is really a completely new model not a facelifted derivative, being redesigned outside and in, offers more space and comes with the … [Read more...]
