City slicker meets countryside pony is how I would describe the top specification model in the revised Suzuki Ignis range, writes David Miles. All models now have a new 1.2-litre four-cylinder K12D Dualjet Hybrid petrol engine offering WLTP CO2 emissions from 114g/km and combined cycle fuel economy from 55.7mpg for the 2WD models. And you will note from those last few words I say 2WD model so … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Honda Jazz hybrid supermini
The previous three generations of the Honda Jazz supermini five door hatchback have been all about packaging of its occupants, David Miles explains. These include best in class space, higher seating positions, good visibility, easy access, wide opening doors, good levels of safety and other equipment. They are wrapped up in Honda’s legendary reputation for engineering quality and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan Juke Tekna+ manual
Designed and built in Britain, you can expect a loyal following for the Nissan Juke which is now in its second generation after more than a decade setting the trend for family SUVs. Since September 2010 it has been snapped up by over 1.5 million owners around the world who wanted to add style to the school-run and other social outings. Building on its link with Renault and … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Honda Jazz Crosstar e-HEV
It might be music to some people’s ears that Honda is bringing us more Jazz but their F1 programme looks more like hokey cokey, observes David Miles. Announced last week Honda F1 is quitting at the end of next year, they were first involved in 1964 and out in 1968, in again in1983 and out in 1992, back in again in 2000, out in 2008 in again in 2015 and now out again in 2021. The company says it … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia XCeed 1.6 GDI PHEV 3 auto
The all-new Kia XCeed PHEV is their strongest challenger yet to family car rivals. Its combined powerful petrol-electric powertrain with very low emissions and ownership costs, quality fittings and finish embodied in a roomy five-door body is the latest addition to the popular Slovakian-built series. The XCeed is based on the better known Ceed platform but with different front and rear ends … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q7 55 TFSI e quattro auto
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...]