Lexus has come a long way in a short time with its luxury compact SUV NX450h+. Launched in 2014, the Lexus NX range brought a new player into the compact luxury crossover sector and it made significant inroads before being replaced in 2021, but it’s still based on the latest Toyota RAV4 platform with refinements to the suspension. And that's no bad thing. The second generation introduces the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SsangYong Rexton Auto
In the automotive sector there are rarely surprises, except with the SsangYong Rexton. The Korean company has been making 4x4 models for over 65 years, a little less than Land Rover but it has evolved just like its better-known UK rival. Today’s Rexton is the fourth generation since being introduced in 2001 and it retains the rugged reputation it has earned among those who really need a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jeep Wrangler 4-Door, Night Eagle
Its big, its brash, its still the iconic all-American 4WD SUV, writes David Miles. But the modern Jeep brand is owned by Chrysler and they are part of the Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles conglomerate which in turn is now in partnership with the PSA Group of brands. Following the recent merger the FCA and PSA groups together will be known as STELLANTIS, the world’s 4thlargest global automotive … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited
Respect is earned, not awarded, in the motor industry, and one of the most influential vehicle brands is Jeep, now on the eve of celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2021. Think about that for a minute; it was born out of WW2 conflict, battled through the 20thcentury’s consumer culture and taken on many imitators. It’s doubtful that Land Rover would exist if it wasn’t for Jeep and after seven … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: First drive Jeep Renegade 4xe
Jeep has turned a corner with its new plug-in hybrid Renegade. Without compromising its famous off-road abilities the Renegade 4xe adds emission lowering and power enhancing electric drive. It’s the first electrified Jeep to be sold in Britain and uses the familiar 1.3 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor or generator driving the front wheels coupled with a hefty 60hp … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mitsubishi ASX Exceed 4WD
Family-friendly Mitsubishi Motors know how to stir up arguments. The latest third-generation Mitsubishi ASX is now better able to take on rivals than the immediately preceding products with its bolder styling, well revised and updated interior and cutting edge convenient technology. For 2020, Mitsubishi fitted a more powerful 150hp 2.0 litre petrol engine and choice of five-speed manual … [Read more...]
Wales’ Ineos Grenadier 4×4 unwrapped
This is the new Ineos Grenadier. INEOS Automotive today reveals the exterior design of the Grenadier, its forthcoming, no-nonsense 4x4 vehicle for the world, as another step on the road towards start of production. Heavily influenced by the previous Land Rover Defender loved by Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it will be built in a new factory at Brocastle Industrial Estate, Bridgend as … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: 2020 Range Rover Evoque 2.0-litre D240 HSE
Launched earlier this year the second generation baby Range Rover – the Evoque now starts its 2020 model year sales with prices ranging from £31,295 to £50,425 plus options. The original compact SUV Evoque launched in 2011 was seen by us motoring folk to be the replacement for the Land Rover Freelander practical family sized and potentially affordable SUV. But the Evoque gained an … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: VW Tiguan Allspace auto 4Motion
The Tiguan mid-sized SUV is Volkswagen third best selling model range in the UK behind the Golf and Polo hatchbacks, writes David Miles. The 5-seater Tiguan and it larger 7-seat Tiguan Allspace form the meat in the VW sandwich of their ever extending range of SUVs. Globally over 5-million Tiguans have been sold in its 11-year history. Top layer of the VW SUV range is the large and … [Read more...]
First drive: New Suzuki Jimny
You’ll be lucky, very lucky, to get behind the wheel of the new generation Suzuki Jimny, says David Miles. Dale Wyatt, Director of Suzuki Automobiles in the UK said this week at the press launch for the new Jimny small SUV, “The new Jimny is the most irritating car I’ve launched. Why? Because demand is outstripping supply. “We received over 10,000 enquiries from potential UK … [Read more...]
