To thousands of users, the Toyota Hilux is the golden oldie but 50 years after it hit British tracks, trails and tarmac it’s definitely less of the oldie and actually a very up to date model. Toyota keep updating but not altering the sound basics of their beloved and highly popular pick-up. With five models to choose it now has the strongest appeal to those … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda CX-5 2.0 Newground
While not having a huge range, Mazda has a well-defined line up in significant sectors. Most people will blurt out MX-5 if asked to name their most identifiable model, so you may be surprised to learn that the crossover CX-5 has been their global best seller since 2014. Over 70,000 are now on UK roads and it makes up 25% of Mazda British sales. Produced … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Jazz Crosstar EX
Among the Japanese automotive brands, Honda stands out as being a bit different, not afraid to have a go at something while remaining fiercely independent, even if it tends to change its mind from time to time. One of the enduring models in its UK lineup for two decades has been the Jazz series of supermini’s, which morphed into the Jazz Crosstar crossover … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: First drive Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid
Suzuki has not skimped on kitting out their new-age full hybrid Vitara SUV and it represents much better value than its closest eight rivals. Every model gets intellingent braking assistance, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise, seven airbags, Smartphone connectivity, remote key, navigation and … [Read more...]
First drive: All new Kia Sportage arrives
Having given our readers a static view sneaky peek of the all-new Kia Sportage last November at a Kia UK media test driving event for other models in the range, this week we got behind the wheel of this important mid-sized SUV family favourite, writes David Miles. Here is a quick specification résumé of the all-new Sportage UK line-up: It is the fifth … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q3 S line TFSl e 45 Automatic
Audi has been one of the most successful brands in modern times as it aims squarely at making the cars people want to buy and their Q3 subcompact crossover hits the nail on the head. Initially launched in 2011 with a mid-life facelift afterwards, the larger second generation hit the road in 2018 sitting on the latest versatile MQB platform from the … [Read more...]
Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship is rolling
Registrations have flooded in for the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship with vibrant new class structure designed to attract a wide variety of cars and drivers. This year’s Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship will feature 14 different classes including, by popular demand, a new category for Road Rally … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Honda CR-V 2.0 i-MMD Hybrid
Honda is raising its game with the latest CR-V SUV, writes David Miles. Announced in December for the 2021 model year, it’s available now only with petrol electric hybrid power in 2WD or 4WD forms depending on spec level chosen. So it’s the latest 2021 model year CR-V we are reviewing with its new e:HEV branding and prices range from £30,880 for the base S … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Tucson Ultimate 1.6 T-GDi 150ps
Hyundai has built its UK reputation on family values competitive pricing and an ever-expanding range of SUVs. While it’s just announced its latest player on the street, the Bayon SUV, it success has largely been down to the Tucson, itself comprehensively facelifted for 2021. Since its launch 17 years ago, Tucson has become Hyundai’s … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: SEAT Arona Xcellence 1.0 TSI
In the much-troubled year of 2020 new car sales across the globe stalled and even the must-have Crossover/SUV styled vehicles saw their sales flatten, writes David Miles. According to JATO Dynamics reliable new car sales figures, although such vehicles still accounted for 40% of all cars sold in Europe there was no growth. They added ‘Over the last six … [Read more...]
