As I write this road test there was no shortage of emails arriving in my Inbox from car manufacturers announcing record sales for the UK’s new registration plate month of March. With 492,774 new cars registered in March it has been the best sales month this century and marks 37 months of consecutive growth as the country comes out of recession. In … [Read more...]
Roadtests
Weekend roadtest: Peugeot 308 SW GT 180
When you spot the rev counter spinning backwards you know there is something different about the Peugeot 308 SW GT180. A lot of thought has gone into this new semi-estate touring type carry-all based on the highly successful 308 Hatchback. There’s a massive range of powertrains it shares with the hatchback but it comes with increased luggage space from … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Latest big Audi is ahead of the game
As the car industry progressively reduces CO2 and NOx emissions of their petrol and diesel engines required by European legislation, so the UK Government progressively raises the VED road and Benefit-in-Kind taxes even for the lowest emission and even hybrid models. As an example in the recent Budget even the very lowest CO2 models emitting up to 50g/m of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Land Rover Defender 90TD4
Testers are familiar with a thumbs-up, wave or smile from an oncoming driver when a rare and highly desirable car is in your hands. It’s a sign of appreciation, an understanding, a “wish I was you” affirmation. It’s happened to me a few times but it came as a surprise when I was bobbing along in a Land Rover Defender 90. For something as commonplace … [Read more...]
Weekend Roadtest: Volkswagen Polo 1.4SEL 90ps 5dr
Life begins at 40, or so they say. As the first small car from VW’s modern era, the Polo has a lot of experience built in, but today its now pushing up a sector in terms of size. A sort of middle-age spread. The five-door SEL we tested shows how the market and technology has changed since the first Polo went on sale in 1975. That’s 40 years ago. And … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X3 shows its age
The sales chart for SUVs, 4x4s, Crossovers, call them what you will, is at its highest sales level ever. The latest BMW X3 five-door, five-seater range is priced from £31,295 for the new 18d SE in a two wheel drive configuration or from £33,295 for the 20d with their xLine 4x4 traction and it is their best selling version. Both have 2.0-litre turbodiesel … [Read more...]
Weekend Roadtest: Hyundai i20 SE
The British car market is changing and established models are moving into new areas but the familiar five-door hatch still has an important role to play such as the Hyundai i20. The family-friendly hatch fulfills its role very well and deserves to be considered alongside more prominent rivals, particularly if you look at its refinement, features, build … [Read more...]
You’ll warm to the latest Peugeot 208 GTi
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their GTi models Peugeot has come up with a limited edition of their 208 with added GTi spec and performance. If you haven’t seen the television advertising for the 208 GTi 30th Anniversary three-door model I suggest you do. – it’s a good ‘brand image builder’. The bad news for us but the good news for Peugeot is … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Leon Cupra 280
The Spanish love bulls and horns, which probably explains their passion for the SEAT Leon Cupra 280. It is the sort of car which hot-hatch fans love for its performance at weekends and which is still civilized enough to drive every day. You see a flamenco dancer and you know you are in for a treat and it’s the same with the SEAT Leon Cupra 280. It’s … [Read more...]
Duster cleans up in the budget-SUV sector
Dacia was bought by Renault in 1999 although the Romanian vehicle brand was formed in 1966. New Dacia has since proved a huge sales hit with European customers because of their value for money credentials. It has been Europe’s fastest growing brand for eight consecutive years and in some markets Dacia models are actually badged as Renaults. European … [Read more...]
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