Audi like to do things differently and their latest model actually delivers less but gives you more. The Q7 has been a hallmark with its seven-seats but the new mild-hybrid 3.0 TFSI petrol version tested punches out more power and gives passengers more space by fitting just five seats. It’s always been debatable whether a cramped seven-seater was really desirable and how valuable it would … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Puma Titanium 1.0 MHEV 6sp
The Ford Puma is the company’s latest crossover and it’s strongest new generation of family cars to date. The name has been used before by Ford and between 1997 and 2002 it was on an unusual model, a compact three-door coupe. That was based on the latest Fiesta and ironically the new car is also derived from the current Fiesta. Built in Romania and slotting between the EcoSport … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Renault Captur GT TCe90
It’s always interesting to study numbers and in the case of the Renault Captur it adds up very well. Over the last few years it has become the best selling urban crossover model or compact suv with 1.5 million sold in 90 countries around the world. That’s impressive. In the UK it’s not been seen as the leader in its field but those who have bought them will know it’s a very good … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Vauxhall Insignia hatchback 2.0 turbodiesel
Although I tend to review new or at least recently refreshed cars, just occasionally it is time to relook at a longer serving model which still continues to pull-in awards, mainly due to the space it offers, its extensive range of models and its competitive pricing, writes David Miles. So it’s my refreshing time with the Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport - a very grand title for a volume … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Civic Type R GT
Honda is best known for its sensible family cars, and then there is the rebel Civic Type R, writes Robin Roberts. In my experience, every family has a rebel in its ranks, the wacky wayward one who may be a boisterous brother, an unconforming uncle, a shout-out-loud sister or audacious aunty. The Honda Civic Type R comprises just two versions separated by £2,000 trim additions which raise it … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Kona 4WD 1.6 Auto Premium GT
There is a lot of noise generated about SUVs at the moment but the Hyundai Kona does not shout about its abilities, it just delivers them. This fuss-free formula is favoured by those who need the space and equipment of a quality SUV which decides when you can get away with front wheel drive or would benefit from all-wheel-drive. Best of all it does not bring you out in a sweat on the road or … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Sportage GT-Line S 48v
Success can be measured or judged in many ways, and one of those is behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage, writes Robin Roberts. It is the Korean’s brand’s best selling model in Britain, and last year a record number of Kia models were sold including their globally best-selling SUV. So it can be said to be the most desired model in their UK range since the brand entered Britain in 1991, but … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MG ZS 1.0T GDI Exclusive auto
Sometimes it’s the little things which bring the biggest surprises, like the MG ZS SUV with a sub-1.0 litre engine and an automatic gearbox, writes Robin Roberts. Now years ago you would have baulked at a five-seat family car with a 999cc engine and lumbered with an automatic transmission. But I can tell you things have really changed for the better. The MGZS … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Peugeot 508 Allure BlueHDi 130 manual
If style alone sold cars, the new Peugeot 508 would be soaring success, writes Robin Roberts. In an age when we are told SUVs and Crossovers are the golden ticket in the lottery of life, the new 508 makes you think again and realise there is still room for a successful shape to challenge modern so-called wisdom. It looks like a smoothly styled saloon but it hides a fifth-door at the … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Kia Ceed 1.4 T-GDi First Edition
Kia is sowing a new crop of family cars, writes David Miles. Formerly known as the Kia cee’d, the C-segment new generation five-door hatchbacks are now known as Ceed, with a capital C and no apostrophe. When first introduced in 2006 the car was given the name cee’d meaning Community of Europe with European Design to promote the fact that it was built and designed in Europe and … [Read more...]
