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: Ford Mustang Mach-E (extended range)
A famous name from the past will lead Ford’s fight for sales in the new all-electric age of our cars. The venerable Mustang name has been cloned from the muscle sports car launched in the mid-60s and now in its seventh generation as the brand’s longest-lived nameplate on a family SUV. The Mustang Mach-E is vitally important to Ford and in familiar style has arrived with a choice of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ Auto
The Nissan Qashqai was arguably the first of the current crop of modern crossover family cars and the latest version faithfully builds on its pedigree so can still be considered the benchmark for rivals to try and match. Not only has it been facelifted in 2021 but it has been given the latest audio, navigation, creature comforts and conveniences alongside some nice styling … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Enyaq iV 80 EcoSuite
Wow, it’s a Skoda! That was the reaction our Enyaq generated in a few people during our test of the company’s first pure battery SUV and which marks the change of direction it is going as we begin our journey into the zero emissions future. Engineered on parent Volkswagen Group’s electric modular platform it is the first time that this chassis has been built outside Germany. It won’t be the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Arona 1.0 TSi Xperience Lux
SEAT broke new ground for itself when launching the Arona subcompact crossover in 2017 slotting beneath the slightly larger Ateca, and it's just strengthened itself with a completely new look outside and in together with a host of technical upgrades. The industry has been falling over itself to bring in crossover models between MPVs and hatchbacks due to their wider practicality and … [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 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: Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition PHEV
Ford has been a bit slow pushing into the hybrid sector, but I think it's been worth the wait to drive the Kuga PHEV. The highly popular SUV behind the blue-oval badge has been well designed and developed for today's buyers of family cars who want to have as few compromises as possible but also need a good range. The recent petrol fuel shortages meant the car's reasonable electric only … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q4 e-tron Sport 40 204ps
The Audi Q4 e-tron really is shaping up to challenge in the pure-battery electric car sector with its first compact SUV. As befits Audi, the Q4 e-tron is available with a wide choice of power units, 125, 150 or 220kW outputs from two battery capacities, rear or all-wheel-drive and four trim levels including a well-specified launch edition. Depending on the battery pack chosen … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia e-Niro3 64kWh
The electric car offensive is intensifying with latest models such as the Kia e-Niro now offering a practical alternative to conventional cars. Ok, its price is potentially a major barrier compared with petrol or diesels including the Niro ICE series but if you have a business or the freedom to choose what you drive, then the e-Niro is undoubtedly one of the best modern low-emission choices you … [Read more...]