Families know that each generation is usually bigger than the last, and it’s the same with the new Fiat Tipo. Originally announced in 1988, the first generation Tipo remained in production until the mid 1990s but in September 2016 the new model to carry the name was unveiled. The name was the only familiar feature of the newcomer as it has moved up in size and it offers one of the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Vauxhall Astra Elite diesel hatch
You could be forgiven for wondering how conservative Vauxhall would emerge as one of Britain’s Brexit champions with its Astra. This family focused five-door hatch and sports tourer is now in its seventh generation and rolling off the Ellesmere Port production lines bound for British and European markets, and it’s also pushing out Opel-badged versions as well for the first time. It … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Nissan Micra Tekna 0.9 IG-T 90
The new fifth-generation Nissan Micra B-segment ‘Supermini’ sized hatchback range is now on sale, writes David Miles. UK prices go from £11,995 up to £18,765 but the popular trend for personalisation options will push those prices steeply upwards. The ‘supermini’ sector of the new car market is super-competitive with a huge choice of different brands such as the Ford … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Hyundai i30
The all-new third generation Hyundai i30 five door hatchback range went on sale in the UK from 1 March this year and it will be followed by Tourer estate versions due this summer. The two ranges will be similar in terms of engine and specification choices, but a little more expensive and all are covered by Hyundai’s much praised five years unlimited mileage warranty. The new i30 prices start … [Read more...]
British build Honda Civic takes a bow
The new 10th generation Honda Civic five door family hatchback is now in production for global markets and it is only being built in the UK at their Swindon factory. It's good news for post-Brexit Britain with Honda spending a further £200 million turning their Swindon plant into a global manufacturing hub for the new Civic hatchback, says David Miles. In the UK Honda dealers have 2,000 … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Honda Civic 1.4S
There is something very British about the Honda Civic 1.4S, writes Robin Roberts. Not only is it built in Swindon with parts from suppliers around the country, including Wales, but it has a sort of middle England feel. It is straightforward; sits firmly in the family sector in terms of design, engineering and size and it is unchallenging to drive and own. If the Civic was a person, you’d … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Renault Mégane Dynamique S Nav 110
A staple of the Renault range since 1995, the Mégane is now on its fourth course of evolution, and it’s the best, writes Robin Roberts. Styling is fresh and different both inside and out and it delivers a lot of comfort for five with a reasonable bootspace to carry the family’s weekend shopping or breakaway bags. In common with other Renault models and the industry in general, the latest … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford KA+ Zetec
Babies have a habit of growing up, just like the new Ford KA+. From its origins as a compact city car in 1996 we have seen it develop in 2008 into a convertible and sporting model and in 2014 the third generation KA+ was launched with an extra 7.5 inches wheelbase, and it came to the UK in 2016. It is a simple Studio and Zetec trimmed three-car range from under £9,000 to almost £10,300, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen Move up! 1.0
Small cars can sometimes give a tester the biggest surprises, such as the Volkswagen Move up!, says Robin Roberts There are 17 models in the up! range from £9,370 to £11,750 for the 60, 75 and 90PS 1.0 petrol models and the five-door 82ps e-up! jumps to £25,280. The petrol versions come in three or five-door bodystyles with a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed sequential automatic … [Read more...]
New SEAT Ibiza has something on its mind
SEAT has something on its mind, and it’s not the whiff of dirty emissions in the fallout from the parent Volkswagen Group scandal. There’s something going on inside the newest SEAT Ibiza; outwardly very similar to the outgoing model, the latest version is completely revised inside and under the skin. The emphasis has moved towards greater exterior personalization and enhanced sophistication … [Read more...]