One of Britain’s most eagerly awaited new models hits showrooms on Monday and it’s almost certainly going to lead to a “brown market” price war. The Suzuki Jimny LCV will be limited to about 400 sales this year and they are expected to be snapped up even more quickly than the Jimny lightweight 4x4 SUV two years ago. Priced from about £16,700 before VAT as a commercial vehicle the Jimny LCV will … [Read more...]
Maserati Levante Hybrid arrives in July
The Maserati Levante Hybrid is the company’s next model as it realigns its EV range. The car's been revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show this week and will go on UK sale in July when its price will be revealed. It uses an e-boosted version of the company’s 2.0 four-cylinder petrol engine with sophisticated recharging system and permanent 4x4 drive. Levante Hybrid combines … [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...]
JLR move to block VW premium models in United States
A row has erupted over intelligent all-wheel-drive systems used by a number of car marques. Jaguar Land Rover filed a complaint in the US to block imports of VW Group's Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi and VW SUVs. JLR allege they are using its patented Terrain Response technology without permission. JLR said in its court documents with the US International Trade Commission the systems negotiate a … [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: Subaru XV Premium Lineartronic petrol
If you have to ask, you don’t know - and that’s very much the personality of the Subaru XV Premium Petrol Lineartronic SUV. Subaru has never fielded a huge range or enjoyed head-turning sales, but its best sellers have and are still highly sought after and popular with fanatical owners. Few will not have seen the famous blue and gold Imprezas sweeping all before them in the World or British … [Read more...]
JLR loose bid to protect Defender shape
One of the world's most distinctive shapes, the classic Land Rover Defender, is not unique enough an Appeal Court judge has decided. Jaguar Land Rover sought to get the trademark rights for the shape of the Defender SUV, but it failed and means billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group can go ahead with the Grenadier off-road vehicle, which he admits was inspired by Defender. A London court on … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Subaru Forester 2.0XE automatic
Some car-makers shout about their success in your face but Subaru doesn’t need to because the all-new Forester 2.0XE Premium Lineartronic actually watches your face. Facial recognition is fitted to the instruments to ensure the driver’s eyes concentrate on the road ahead and this combined with a suite of safety features using exterior cameras and sensors to keep the car on course … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Isuzu DMax XTR Doublecab
The Isuzu DMax is a first team player in the Pickup sector. The official supporter of the Welsh Rugby Union has gone for the niche serious off-road and utility market with its 23-strong range of mostly double-cab but also a solo single cab and extended cab models. As one of Japan’s oldest motor businesses started in 1916 building its experience making Wolseley cars for East Asia, Isuzu developed … [Read more...]
UK gets first Jeep hybrid this autumn
The first electrified Jeep will reach UK showrooms this autumn. The new Jeep Renegade 4xe is packed with technology both in its sophisticated 4x4 powertrain using two electric motors as well as connectivity for users. It can be recharged from mains or left to do so by the engine during normal use. Renegade 4xe can be driven on 100% electric thanks to a 11.4 kWh battery paired with a 60hp … [Read more...]