When you cut off the top of an Easter egg, you still have chocolate so can enjoy it even more and it’s the same with the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. The basic egg is good enough but if you’re lucky there will be some more treats inside, which is what we found with the incredibly satisfying 650bhp 6.0 litre 12-cylinder twin-turbo petrol convertible version of the GT Coupe. As … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia EV6 GT Line S 77.4kWh AWD
It’s official, Kia’s new generation pure-electric EV6 is the top-performing Car of the Year 2022. Earlier this month it beat 60 other new cars, electric and with internal combustion engines, to the coveted CoTY award judged by 59 motoring journalists from 22 European countries. It is the first Kia to win the internationally acclaimed award and set a very high standard for the new generation … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda6 Saloon 2.5 194ps GT Sport
When it comes to choosing your new car it’s not always obvious that the better choice is not your first choice. Buyers who pour over print or on-line reviews can become numbed to the choices and models laid out before their eyes. Badge envy may blur vision and the surreal experience is sometimes far from reality. You have to physically get into a car and experience it to fully appreciate … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Genesis GV80 Lux 5 seater
Premium SUVs have had it their own way for a long time in Britain, but things could be about to change. The arrival of the Genesis GV80 this autumn will give those who want to be different, to make an automotive statement, a new way to express themselves. Genesis chief creative officer is Peruvian-born Belgian Luc Donckerwolke, who before joining the Korean company in 2015 headed up … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Highlander Excel 2.5 Hybrid AWD
Individuals are getting larger and so are our cars, so it was the right time for the Toyota Highlander to be introduced to the UK market. Highlander is the company’s largest SUV and has been brought to European showrooms for the first time after 20-years on sale in Japan and America, brimming with fourth generation self-charging hybrid system to maximise emission-free driving without restricting … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mercedes-Benz E220 d Saloon
As Mercedes-Benz’s best selling series, the mid-sized E-Class has been a benchmark for rivals and it’s still a byword for the executive market today. Originating in 1946, over 14 million saloon and estate models have been sold since 1953 before being joined by the coupe and cabriolet bodystyles and it now represents the tenth generation. A facelift in 2020 give it a new grille, nose and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jaguar XE D200 SE R Dynamic
Jaguar’s baby car is maturing. The Jaguar XE series was introduced in 2015 to replace the X-Type and has been refreshed over six years so it now comprises more than a dozen models using the same four-door saloon body with petrol or diesel engines in rear or all-wheel-drive and five trim levels from standard to highly sporting as befits Jaguar's heritage. It still makes sense if you drive a lot … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Sorento 4 1.6HEV
The Kia Sorento 4 is full of surprises in a market which often delivers nothing out of the ordinary, writes Robin Roberts. I mean; what car comes with an beach, a wood-burner, a café or its own forest? They are part of the “nat sounds” available in the highly sophisticated infotainment system and are a calming or relaxing influence in a car which is already in the lowest stress … [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...]
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...]