Honda’s latest diesel engine has not moved the goal-posts in the market, it has introduced a completely new game and left existing players in the dressing room. We were accustomed to gradual economy and performance improvements with diesel engines but the new Honda i-DTEC 1.6 has taken big strides in economy, performance and low emissions. While pumping out just 94gkms of CO2, the … [Read more...]
Roadtests
New BMW X5 builds on success
The third generation BMW X5 SUV, or Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW calls it, goes on sale in the UK from 16 November priced from £42,590 and rising to £63,920. But in reality the on-the-road prices will be much higher due to must-have options and packs. There is the £2,760 Design Pure Experience pack, the £2,160 Design Pure Excellence and £2,995 Dynamic Package add-ons, plus loads of single … [Read more...]
Skoda kicks up the dust with its sporting models
It's an unlikely brand to shoulder its way into the performance market but Skoda punches above its weight in many ways. Skoda, a full member of the Volkswagen Group since 2000, started as a bicycle manufacturing business in 1894 and the links to cycling continue today with vehicle support for the Tour de France, Tour of Britain and most recently Ride London. After bicycles came motorcycles in … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: New Jeep Grand Cherokee
The iconic American heavyweight in its new form is in so much demand in its home market that right hand drive models for the UK are very limited. Nothing says more about the heritage of the Jeep brand than the latest Grand Cherokee models are still built in motor city Detroit, albeit a significantly updated production line with retrained quality conscious motown line workers. After the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki Swift Sport 5dr
Suzuki has brought a new look and practicality to its sporting Swift model with the addition of a five-door body. While giving it more versatility it has lost none of its verve. On sale since January with three-door bodystyle the make-over has also added a high level brake light in the roof-top spoiler and one-touch closure to the driver’s side window in the Swift Sport. You can also order … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus IS 300h
Britain’s executive car market is the envy of Europe and the latest Lexus IS 300h has been carefully pitched into the sector, and comes out very well. Using proven hybrid technology from Lexus’s larger models, the 300h is the first hybrid in the IS series where they are counting on its mixture of petrol and electric power to give it tax and running costs advantage over diesel powered … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mitsubishi Mirage 1.3
The Mirage has been a shimmering success for Mitsubishi in Britain and it’s easy to see why. The new five-door only version arrived this spring with a simple choice of 70 bhp 1.0 or 79bhp 1.2 5speeders and optional CVT on the higher output version. We tested the manual 1.2 Mirage3, expected to be a strong seller priced towards the top of the four-model range beginning at just under £9,000 … [Read more...]
Subtle changes make the BMW 5 Series still better for 2014
THE 2014 BMW 5 Series is more of the same but better, writes David Miles. During 41 years there have been six generations of the BMW 5 Series large executive car range and the latest line-up of Saloon, Touring estate and Gran Turismo five door coupe styled hatchback are now getting their mid-life updates for the 2014 model year. But it will take a sharp eye to see the differences. They are … [Read more...]
Nissan Note and Micra double the trouble for rivals with more to come
Nissan’s doubled its challenge in Britain’s city car segment with the roll out of the new Note and Micra, both built in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The latest models in the the B-segment combine new looks with sector-first technologies and innovation and there’s a new Juke model as well. Seamlessly connecting design and technology, the new Note brings a number of innovative premium features to … [Read more...]
Audi A3 family grows up
The Audi A3 Saloon is their new “world car” and joins a revitalised S3 and S3 Sportback series at the end of this month. From its launch in 1993, the A3 has taken Audi into new sectors across Europe but the arrival of the latest derivative, the saloon A3 is designed to appeal to more US and Chinese buyers and boost the brand as a result. Its arrival this autumn will also put the A3 Saloon … [Read more...]