Some cars immediately impress, others take a bit longer and they stand out against models which made no measureable impression after a much longer period behind the wheel. The Kia EV3 GT-Line S is an example of the series which seems to get better each time it’s driven. We first drove the new Kia EV3 last December and were impressed, but a lot’s happened … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Tesla Model Y AWD
It can be hard learning to drive, but relearning brings a whole new skill set into the driver’s seat of the latest Tesla Model Y dual motor. Tesla is a pioneer in the new age of electric cars and after their first Model X SUV hit the market in 2015 it then rolled out the Model 3 saloon two years later and completed its range with the larger SUV Model Y in … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Explorer Premium AWD
Ford has been a hesitant entrant into the modern BEV market, but is quickly making up ground with models such as the Explorer SUV. While it used its own technology for the Mustang electric sports car, to cut costs and development time it turned to Volkswagen to create the Explorer SUV derived from the ID.4 platform and powertrain. That’s not a bad thing … [Read more...]
Easter roadtest: Ford Capri Premium AWD
The Ford Capri name is back and turning heads some 55 years after the original model. The first Ford Capri designed by the same man who styled the Ford Mustang was produced from 1969 to 1986 and covered three generations with two million models registered. Originally made in Ford Halewood, Liverpool plant, the new all-electric Capri uses the Volkswagen … [Read more...]
Toyota unveil new Urban Cruiser EV
Toyota presents the all-new Urban Cruiser, a model that will bring powerful design, interior spaciousness and rich technology content to the market for compact battery electric SUVs. Urban Cruiser, developed from the Urban SUV Concept, will give Toyota a strong presence in a fast-growing and highly competitive market segment in the UK and Europe and … [Read more...]
Another Chinese brand coming to Britain
Xpeng is the next Chinese brand coming to the UK early next year, it was announced. The G6 SUV will lead the importation of a range which will be handled by the very experienced IM Group, which have enormous experience over almost 50 years with Subaru & Isuzu and recently added GWM of China to its portfolio while handling the parts operations for … [Read more...]
Suzuki announce pure battery Vitara
Suzuki Motor Corporation has unveiled its first mass-production pure battery electric Vitara, in Milan. Production will commence at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India in spring 2025,with sales expected to begin in various countries, including Europe, India, and Japan, around summer 2025. The newcomer is expected in UK showrooms next Autumn to sell alongside the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q4 45 e-tron black edition
The latest Audi Q4 e-tron is proof that you can get more than you expect, even in today’s cut-throat and complex car market. When originally launched in March 2021 it was the fourth fully electric model in the brand’s e-tron series but it’s undergone continuous improvement and towards the end of 2023 it was boosted with a bigger battery and significant … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match saloon
Volkswagen has been on a learning curve with electric cars but now it’s heading towards the top of the class. It has flirted with electric cars for many years and a decade ago gave us their zero emission versions of the e-Golf and e-Up, adapted models of their better known petrol and diesel hatchbacks. VW engineers knew change was coming down the line and … [Read more...]
First drive: KIA EV9 Air RWD
KIA has turned the corner into a new market segment with its EV9 pure electric model. The EV9 seven-seater launches in three trim levels and an additional range-topping six-seat option from £65,025 to £78,775 in rear wheel drive or all-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim with 200bhp single or 378bhp twin motors. That puts it squarely into Mercedes … [Read more...]