The fifth generation Vauxhall Corsa range is now in UK showrooms and ready for the ‘20’ new registration plate sales month of March, writes David Miles. This time around the Corsa is only available as a five-door hatchback and sells in the ‘supermini’ sector of the new car market. The Corsa has been Vauxhall’s best selling range with over 2.1-million sold since it first launched … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda CX-30 2.0 180ps 2WD GT Sport
I have always been sceptical of the car awards bandwagon, until now. In the week I was testing the Mazda CX-30 I learned it is one of the SUV finalists in the 2020 World Car Awards, and it is probably justified being included. Even before it was introduced, CX-30 picked up a five-star Euro NCAP rating for its adult occupant safety and range of i-Active sense safety features such … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Kia XCeed ‘2’ 1.0 T-GDi
So what is the new Kia XCeed, asks David Miles. Well it’s the latest member of the Ceed C-segment family that until recently comprised the Ceed five door hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon estate and the newer ProCeed Shooting brake models, making it Kia’s third best-selling model range after the Sportage mid-sized SUV and the Picanto city car. They account for around 10% of Kia’s total annual new car … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia XCeed 1.4 TGDi FE automatic
Kia Ceed has been one of the outstanding success stories of the first two decades of the millennium and as we enter its third a new chapter begins with the XCeed, writes Robin Roberts. Hatchbacks have given way to SUVs over the last ten years and now this sector is further developing with the full size models being joined by compact versions which do everything of their larger … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Vauxhall Astra 1.2 145ps EliteNav
If proof was needed that sleeping giants are a threat, then the Vauxhall Astra proves it with the facelifted models now reaching showrooms, writes Robin Roberts. The model has been a staple of the Vauxhall brand for 40 years as the eighth-generation arrives and it’s arguably the best, and has benefitted from input by new owners Peugeot Citroen. A new or revised range of engines … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda3 2.0GT Sport 180ps
Some cars are just in your face, over-hyped and over-sold, but not the Mazda3. This refreshed and revised mid-sized model has an appeal with its restrained but attractive styling, purposeful fittings and ultra efficient powertrains. Oh and a growing list of awards, particularly with a “family” cachet to them. Perhaps, not surprisingly, its economy has won praise from those canny Scottish … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SsangYong Tivoli Ultimate Petrol Auto
Everyone likes surprises, especially if they give you even more than expected such as with the SsangYong Tivoli SUV, writes Robin Roberts I think it’s a bit of liberty calling it an SUV when the petrol version tested is only 2WD and is little more than a taller hatchback, but the Tivoli goes deeper. In the Tivoli range of SUVs there are four trim levels spanning £14,000 to £21,700 … [Read more...]
Christmas roadtest: Aston Martin Rapide S
If fortunate enough to buy a high performance coupe, the Aston Martin Rapide S will surprise you and must be on your list, Christmas or anytime, writes Robin Roberts. Not only does it carry the highly desirable Aston Martin name, but the sleek coupe hides four passenger doors and four figure-hugging seats with reasonable room inside so it’s more practical than you might … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Peugeot 508 Allure BlueHDi 130 manual
If style alone sold cars, the new Peugeot 508 would be soaring success, writes Robin Roberts. In an age when we are told SUVs and Crossovers are the golden ticket in the lottery of life, the new 508 makes you think again and realise there is still room for a successful shape to challenge modern so-called wisdom. It looks like a smoothly styled saloon but it hides a fifth-door at the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Land Rover Discovery Td6 HSE
As Discovery approaches its 30th birthday it has matured into a luxury cut price alternative to the flagship Range Rover series. That’s not a bad thing as a number of rivals have moved into this sector since the Range Rover laid down the challenge to produce a true luxury off-roader and now the Discovery can offer challengers a real battle for the business based on an immense off-road … [Read more...]
