The small and perfectly formed Suzuki SZ4 S Cross has been significantly improved for 2017, says Robin Roberts Eight models with three engine choices including a diesel, two and four wheel drive as well as manual and automatic transmission are available across three trim levels. Originally introduced to the UK in 2013 it has now been given a new front end and brighter headlights, LED … [Read more...]
Roadtests
Sunday drive: Peugeot 3008 Allure 1.6 BlueHDi 120 auto
UK deliveries of the all-new Peugeot 3008 started in January just as the car dominated the 2017 Dakar Rally, writes David Miles. The new model is described as a Crossover cum SUV rather than the previous generation, introduced in 2009, which was more MPV cum Crossover. In a timely manner raid rally versions of the Peugeot 3008 finished in the first three podium places in the 2017 Dakar Rally … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Renault Mégane Dynamique S Nav 110
A staple of the Renault range since 1995, the Mégane is now on its fourth course of evolution, and it’s the best, writes Robin Roberts. Styling is fresh and different both inside and out and it delivers a lot of comfort for five with a reasonable bootspace to carry the family’s weekend shopping or breakaway bags. In common with other Renault models and the industry in general, the latest … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Mitsubishi ASX
A much improved Mitsubishi ASX is now on sale, writes David Miles. The revised, higher specification 2017 Mitsubishi ASX mid-sized Crossover/SUV range costs from a competitive £16,184 on-the-road or £169 a month PCP finance plan over three years. All models have a five year, 62,500 mile warranty and keeping running costs affordable Mitsubishi’s Service Plan covering scheduled … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford KA+ Zetec
Babies have a habit of growing up, just like the new Ford KA+. From its origins as a compact city car in 1996 we have seen it develop in 2008 into a convertible and sporting model and in 2014 the third generation KA+ was launched with an extra 7.5 inches wheelbase, and it came to the UK in 2016. It is a simple Studio and Zetec trimmed three-car range from under £9,000 to almost £10,300, … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
The Suzuki S-Cross has undergone a workout to improve itself for 2017, writes David Miles. Suzuki’s original S-Cross was launched in 2013 as a mid-sized Crossover but looked more of a five door hatchback or estate than a SUV. It is those muscular looking SUVs of all sizes that have boosted sales by bringing even more competitor models to the sector. The face-lifted … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Subaru Levorg Lineartronic
The Subaru Levorg is not what you might call eye-candy, but it has EyeSight. That’s the latest all-embracing collision avoidance technology which reduces the likelihood and severity of accidents. It may not be in the forefront of your mind when looking for an all-purpose 4x4 quality estate, but the Levorg really can hold its own against some of the better brands from Germany. Subaru has a … [Read more...]
New Year’s Day drive: Ford Edge Titanium 210
There are no certainties in life but with official UK new vehicle sales figures not due to be released until Friday it is already likely that Ford will again top the sales chart for 2016 and the commercial vehicle league as well, writes David Miles. Also most likely is the fact that in 2016 Brits will have bought more SUVs/4x4s/Crossovers than in 2015 when 355,118 were sold … [Read more...]
Weekend review: 2016 in the mirror
The relentless rise of Sports Utility Vehicles seems to have dominated discussions among motoring writers, drivers and the industry during 2016 but it was a more familiar family-car which impressed just before the dawn of 2017. Looking back at our testing diary for the year and also the brief opportunities for some first drives in a host of cars, we picked out about 20 which were memorable and … [Read more...]
Christmas drive: Honda Civic Type R GT
If you believe Christmas is for children and you don’t’ want to grow up, I have the answer - buy a Honda Civic Type R GT. The British-built slingshot from Swindon embodies the edginess of youth with the practicality of a family hatchback. School-runs, family shopping and rellies-round-trips can be undertaken or endured, but come the weekend and you head for your favourite bit of winding road … [Read more...]