It is no surprise to me that Kia is doing well in sales terms. The firm’s comprehensive range provides vehicles to suit a wide range of preferences and practical needs, and for U.K. buyers the company’s line-up currently includes petrol-powered, hybrid propulsion and fully electric models. In other words they cover ‘all bases’. Reassurance for buyers is provided by Kia’s market-leading and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda3 Saloon 186ps Exclusive-Line
While every maker wants to be distinctive and have desirable cars they also tend to follow fashion and sometimes end up with dull models which look no different to one another, but thankfully the Mazda3 range offers an alternative. Its range has developed from saloons to hatchbacks and Cross-over models, but among them is a hidden jem in the shape of the classic saloon. Yes, a car with a boot … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki Vitara Ultra Allgrip
The highly popular Suzuki Vitara has been given a make-over for 2025 to enhance the appeal of this already highly competitive medium sized SUV. The Vitara hybrid remains a strong selling model in the range and Suzuki has redefined its styling, raised the level of standard equipment and technology as well as further improved hybrid efficiency to stretch the mileage range. Vitara now utilises the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MG ZS Trophy Hybrid+
MG is a becoming a brand to be reckoned with and strengthening its standing in the British market by taking a step back. The famous octagonal badge has been seen on UK made models since 1924, but it has also been a century of change, most notably when it was saved by an unknown Chinese brand called Nanjing in 2005 and then almost immediately resold to the state owned SAIC car company. They … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Picanto GT-Line
If you can remember when cars were actually fun to drive you’ll enjoy the latest Kia Picanto even more with the high specification now added to this anything but basic runabout. We briefly drove the latest baby car from the Korean family in the summer and that was an entry-level model, but we’ve just managed to get our hands on the higher specified GT-Line, and it made a big impression for a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki Swift 1.2 Ultra
The fourth generation Suzuki Swift is already a landmark model, just months after its introduction. While it builds on the success of previous models over the last 40 years and is one of the most capable city cars on sale it is also the last of its kind since Suzuki announced it will step up its battery electric vehicle range and in that will be a model to replace the Swift in a few years. For … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda MX-5RF 2.0 Homura
Sometimes, the simple things in life please the most and that’s certainly the case with the Mazda MX-5. The classic yet modern sports two-seater is straightforward, front-engine and rear-wheel-drive engineering, but underneath it embodies some of the latest technology to make owning, driving and enjoying the open-air experience in safety and, when the sun’s not shining, in sophisticated style … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Yaris Premiere Edition
The Toyota Yaris has been one of the brand’s most successful models with over 10 million made, and it’s not resting on its laurels. This Spring the familiar Yaris hatchback range was increased with the addition of the Premiere and GR models which have brought more electric power and greater refinement to the range. Toyota has launched the new Yaris in five versions from £22,640 to about £29,715. … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Jazz Crosstar Advance Sport
The Honda Jazz is one of the brand’s longest-lived models and remains one of its best kept secrets over 42 years. Improved for 2024, the Jazz range begins with the Elegance and Advance hatchbacks at £26,395 or £27,550 with the Crosstar Advance topping them at £28,550 before roadtax is added. The slightly taller Crosstar Advance gets the same bodywork upgrades, front, back and sills as its … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Octavia Estate SE L TDI
Diesel cars are a dying range but I must say long live the Skoda Octavia Estate turbo-diesel. It’s going to become a model we will look back upon and ponder; wonder why such a thoroughly good all rounder has to be replaced by much more expensive, less practical and, frankly, less satisfying electric rivals. It’s one of the oldest model names in the Skoda stable and still accounts for about … [Read more...]