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 … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skywell BE11
Private buyers who want a high specification electric car and business drivers with eyes fixed on a low tax penalty are targets for the new Skywell range arriving in Britain. The Cirencester-based importer, Innovation Automotive, is also looking at traditional used car dealers seeking their first new car franchise in a local market area where they are … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda HR-V Advance Style Plus
A quarter of a century after introducing the Insight as Britain’s first petrol-electric hybrid, the latest Honda HR-V is probably more relevant today. While rival hybrids have grown in size compared to the Insight of 25 years ago, there is not that much difference in the footprint of the HR-V. It is now in its third generation and sharing a Honda portfolio … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Lexus RZ450e
Lexus has just raised the game in the fierce fight for buyers looking at zero-emission pure battery premium cars. Enter the Lexus RZ450e series of nine models from £55,595 to £66,695 in Urban, Premium, Premium Plus and Takumi with choice of 18 or 20 inch wheels and single or bi-tone paint finishes. The 450e has the latest electronic axles effectively … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Seat Arona FR 24 LE
Seat has earned its place as the stylish brand for a younger generation of drivers over the last four decades. On sale since 2017, the Seat Arona is one of the new generation of ‘crossover’ models or tall hatchbacks in the B-sector and the smallest in their sub-compact range under the Ateca. Its introduction has helped Seat pass the magic million mark for … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Omoda 5 SUV petrol
No-one can doubt the Chinese brand Omoda is very serious about coming to Britain and taking on the legend brands. We were impressed with a first drive of the pure electric Omoda E5 last May and now we’ve had a chance to get some initial impressions of the Omoda 5 petrol version of their new SUV. Yes, a petrol powered newcomer joins the range at a time when … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen Golf Match
The Golf has been the golden one for Volkswagen. Ever since its launch in 1974 when it set a new standard in the hatchback sector it has gone on to become the standard by which any rivals are judged and to which competitors are compared. True, some are roomier, softer sprung, sharper handling and cheaper, but overall the VW Golf is an incredibly good … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Kuga ST-Line FHEV
After its launch in 2008, the Ford Kuga has grown from the company’s first ‘tall’ hatchback into one of their success stories among UK best sellers, and the story continues this year. Now on sale with some very significant updates and improvements to its technology, equipment and design, the Ford Kuga is taking on rivals including many in the showrooms of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Kamiq SE
As the retail motor trade goes through a reset at the moment squeezed by new technology and rising prices which private buyers are reluctant to embrace or pay, models like the Skoda Kamiq are standing out. It’s a straightforward petrol model for a family with up to five seats, price-pitched perfectly for many and it comes with a suite of safety and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota RAV4 Plug-in GR Sport
Better late than never is probably what you can confidently say about the impressive Toyota RAV4 PHEV. We have always been fans of the Toyota RAV4 but when it launched the petrol-hybrid in 2016 we bemoaned the fact there was no plug-in derivative to improve emissions when other manufacturers were putting them into showrooms. So, Toyota has been slow to … [Read more...]
