Honda has joined the modern space race. It has tested the waters before but this time it’s launched a serious strike for the sector that is steadily capturing more sales than ever and currently takes almost 60% of UK registrations. The new Honda ZR-V is probably its strongest competitor against brands that have been reaping the rewards of the mpv and suv market for a few years. Starting with … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Kodiaq SE L Executive
As motoring costs escalate one brand which has widened its appeal is Skoda. From being the one time cheap if not cheerful car range, Skoda can now add a smile to choice, particularly for families who appreciate value for money. With SUVs the mainstay of sales in Britain and Europe thanks to their versatility, the very capable Skoda Kodiaq does a fine job for a number of reasons and has won a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Civic e:HEV
Sometimes we look forward to long journeys with trepidation and other times with anticipation, and it was definitley the latter in the Honda Civic e:HEV. Briefly tested and impressed a few weeks earlier, a 320 miles round trip in a few hours was going to be confirmation of our initial impression or realisation we had got it wrong then. We need not have worried, of course. The latest Honda Civic … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota RAV4 PHEV Dynamic
Toyota’s original SUV is now its flagship hybrid and most powerful. However, it’s not all about power as it also delivers excellent economy and a long electric-only range with good real-world performance. For MY2023 it’s sold in Design, Dynamic and Dynamic Premium specifications, a far cry from when it hit our roads in the mid-1990s. Prices start at £44,140 and equipment fitted and option … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Camry Excel
After 15 years out of the UK market, the new generation Toyota Camry is turning heads with its striking saloon shape. While hatchbacks and SUVs have come to dominate registrations and estate cars are few and far between, the once highly popular saloon stands out as a distinctive offering. But beauty is more than skin-deep in the Toyota Camry as it uses the Toyota New Global Architecture … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Vauxhall New Insignia Sri VX-Line Nav
The Vauxhall Insignia is a lesson to rivals. While many challengers have or are about to move out of saloons/ hatchbacks and into crossover models in the modestly priced family sector, or executive brands keep pushing up prices but offering less in return, the Vauxhall hatchback stands out as extremely good value and packaging. The Insignia range today spreads over 17-models in a single … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo V60 Recharge
Volvo is now well known for their commitment to full electrification of all their models by 2025, writes David Miles. They have recently confirmed they will develop and assemble their own electric motors at their powertrain plant in Skovde Sweden. The very first Volvo from 1927 was powered by a petrol engine from the same factory. Currently many vehicle manufacture’s electric motors are … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi A3 Saloon 35 TDI 150hp automatic
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...]
Sunday drive: BMW M340i xDrive Touring
BMW has a vast array of model ranges, writes David Miles. There are Saloons, Touring estates, Active and Gran Tourer MPVs, Coupes and Gran Coupes to start with. Then we have Convertibles, Sports Cars, SUV X models and an increasing number of current and future ‘I’ all-electric models. Backing up this formidable array of body types of course are multiple trim and spec options, including the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Mondeo Vignale 5dr
Size can make a world of a difference to buyers and that’s where the Ford Mondeo packs them in, writes Robin Roberts. It has consistently won awards for its internal dimensions, roominess and popularity with families and business users and it’s easy to see why. The trend towards compact cars has seen the Mondeo segment shrink in numbers if not individual dimensions, but if you really … [Read more...]
