The Lexus brand came to SUV prominence in 1998, actually year 2000 in the UK with the introduction of the original RX as a luxury, comfortable easy to drive large SUV, writes David Miles. Now in its fourth generation spanning two decades the petrol-electric hybrid RX 450h 5-seater and RX L limousine style 6 or 7-seater premium large SUVs have received further improvements in specification, … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 420i M Sport Coupe
In these days of health and safety in this Covid era holding mass motoring media product test driving events is not easy, you need space. And to meet that space requirements for this week’s BMW UK Media Showcase event of their new and updated models they used an aircraft hangar at the Bicester Heritage Centre for the media to assemble and collect their test drive cars. This event heralded the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint
If it feels right, it’s right - and that’s a particularly apt saying when it comes to the Alfa Romeo Giulia. What’s more, the sporting saloon looks striking outside and inside and when it gets moving this driver’s smile widens still further. Alfa Romeo has always enjoyed a strong sporting fan club, and I count myself as a member, as it delivers all you’d expect of a family car but with a sharper … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q7 55 TFSI e quattro auto
Audi like to do things differently and their latest model actually delivers less but gives you more. The Q7 has been a hallmark with its seven-seats but the new mild-hybrid 3.0 TFSI petrol version tested punches out more power and gives passengers more space by fitting just five seats. It’s always been debatable whether a cramped seven-seater was really desirable and how valuable it would … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Audi A7 Sportback TFSI hybrid
The Audi A7 Sportback range of premium four door large coupe models gains a new PHEV plug-in hybrid TFSI e quattro variant to its line-up, writes David Miles. This also heralds the arrival of the Q7 TFSI e quattro, A8 TFSI e quattro and A6 Saloon TFSI e quattro PHEV models plus the Q5 TFSI e quattro has also recently arrived. Together they create a formidable presence in the overall Audi … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 1 Series 118i auto M Sport 5-door
The third generation BMW 1 Series range of 5-door hatchbacks is now with us, writes David Miles. In a change from previous versions this generation is predominately made up of front wheel drive versions with transversely mounted engines which have a shorter bonnet, the cabin area moved forward within the car’s footprint and the rear seat knee room is increased with a larger boot so it’s a roomier … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Superb PHEV
Skoda’s hugely popular and award winning Superb range of large Hatch and Estate models has received a further boost to their range with the addition of petrol-electric PHEV models, writes David Miles. The global car industry is moving quickly to provide hybrids and pure electric powered models to meet the new the new EU emission regulations. These come into force from 1 January 2021 and electric … [Read more...]
Latest Mercedes models prices’ confirmed
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, CLA 45 S and CLA 45 S Shooting Brake are available to order now with prices starting from £50,570 for the A 45 S 4MATIC+, £52,145 for the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Coupé and £53,570 for the CLA 45 S Shooting Brake 4MATIC+. The A 45 S 4MATIC + Plus costs £56,570. The CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Plus Coupé starts at £58,145, while the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Plus Shooting Brake is available … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 320d saloon MY2020
The BMW 3 Series has been a two ‘marks’ model, writes David Miles. Firstly it’s the ‘hallmark’ core model range in the extensive BMW model line-up and secondly it’s the ‘benchmark’ model that other manufacturer’s models in the upper medium sized ranges of saloon and estates are compared to. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is the seventh generation stretching back over 40 years of sales … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW 840d Convertible
Refinement and rarity are the driving forces behind the new BMW 8 Series, and its halo has to be the convertible. Relaunching its flagship series last year after nearly two decades out of the market it means the premium German brand is better placed to tackle its rivals and raise aspirations among owners. The 8 Series comprises four-seat coupe or cabriolet body styles with a … [Read more...]