Affordability and suitability is now more relevant than ever in modern times, says David Miles. Do we actually now need a large and expensive business model for long journeys, do we actually need to go anywhere as business is less about face to face and more about emails, zooming or phone calls? Do we need a large car for just one person? As an example of car downsizing do we need an Audi A4 … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint
If it feels right, it’s right - and that’s a particularly apt saying when it comes to the Alfa Romeo Giulia. What’s more, the sporting saloon looks striking outside and inside and when it gets moving this driver’s smile widens still further. Alfa Romeo has always enjoyed a strong sporting fan club, and I count myself as a member, as it delivers all you’d expect of a family car but with a sharper … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jaguar XE P250SE R Dynamic
You have to admire Jaguar, which has gone through tough times yet always produces some head-turning desirable cars. The latest XE is a good case in point offering a very broad range of eye-catching four-door saloons in rear and all-wheel-drive pitched against German rivals as well as Swedish saloons. The range explained: There are approximately 50 models in the four-door range spread over eight … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo S60 T8 plug-in hybrid
The new Volvo S60 premium mid-sized saloon range was introduced in the Spring of this year and its arrival heralded two important moves, says David Miles. Firstly it is the first modern day Volvo car range not to include a diesel engine. Secondly it is the first model to be built in Volvo’s US manufacturing facility in Charleston South Carolina continuing the brand’s rapid expansion … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota Camry Excel 4-Door 2.5 Hybrid
Increasing demand for hybrid vehicles has prompted Toyota to return the Camry mid-sized four-door saloon back into its UK line-up after an absence of 15 years. This is the all new eighth generation Camry, it went on sale first in 1982 but the seventh generation versions were not sold in the UK. Although Toyota class the new Camry as a mid-sized saloon at 4,885mm in length and with very … [Read more...]
Mid-week roadtest: Volkswagen Passat Saloon Advance
Last week’s media launch was the first opportunity for us to drive the new Passat models in the UK and the first opportunity anywhere to drive the Saloon, writes David Miles. So with that in mind, plus the overall decline in diesel sales in our domestic market, I opted for the Passat Saloon GTE Advance 1.4-litre TSI, PHEV, 218hp, 6-speed DSG auto priced at £38,940. There are extra cost … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 320d saloon MY2020
The BMW 3 Series has been a two ‘marks’ model, writes David Miles.Firstly it’s the ‘hallmark’ core model range in the extensive BMW model line-up and secondly it’s the ‘benchmark’ model that other manufacturer’s models in the upper medium sized ranges of saloon and estates are compared to. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is the seventh generation stretching back over 40 years of sales … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo S60 T5 R-Design Edition saloon
In five years the Swedish Volvo premium brand has transformed from roomy, solidly built, conservatively-styled models appealing to older buyers into dynamic SUVs, estates and saloons with much more kerb appeal whilst retaining their high safety reputation, writes David MilesThe latest new model is the S60 mid-sized four door saloon range, in essence a saloon version of the highly rated V60 … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Lexus ES 300h ES Takumi
The new seventh generation front wheel drive ES 300h self-charging petrol-electric hybrid D-segment executive class saloon is the first ES range ever to be sold in the UK and Western and Central Europe, writes David Miles.Although we are only just getting the ES, the original ES launched the Lexus brand in 1989 alongside the LS flagship saloon. The ES has become the brand’s most popular saloon … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: KIA Optima 1.6 CRDi 2
From being an also ran when launched in the UK in 1991, Kia has become a serious challenger to the best from Japan and mainland Europe, and the latest Optima saloon is a good example of why their rivals should worry,writes Robin Roberts. Built for a target audience and not necessarily down to a price, the Kia Optima saloon – a Sportswagon estate is also available in more versions – is … [Read more...]
