It’s been a bad 12 months for the British car market, but not for Lexus. The luxury Japanese brand has just enjoyed a 4.5% rise in sales in 2024, mostly due to a strong surge in its electric models. But wisely, Lexus has decided to keep a wheel in both tracks of development, one set in the electric mode and the other in the hybrid highway. And it’s worked … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD
In a year which saw Britain’s new car market bump along and end up way below expectations, Genesis has provided a head-turning performance building on exclusivity and service which most manufacturers cannot match. Genesis is the premium brand of Hyundai, which includes KIA, and has been on USA sale for a decade so they are not newcomers to the market but … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake Luxury Line
Britain is a very lucrative if sometimes specialist car market and that’s what newcomer Genesis is counting on with a small model range which includes the G70 Shooting Brake. This semi-estate designed for the European market and no-where else appeared in late 2021 alongside a saloon and two larger SUVs with simple choice of petrol or diesel engines. The … [Read more...]
Genesis trumpet a trio of newcomers
If you are a motorist with only a passing interest in the introduction of new models you will not have missed the news that a new premium brand called Genesis arrived in the UK and Europe and you'll see a lot more of them this year. Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai the South Korean brand which sells globally in huge numbers alongside its other brand, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint
If it feels right, it’s right - and that’s a particularly apt saying when it comes to the Alfa Romeo Giulia. What’s more, the sporting saloon looks striking outside and inside and when it gets moving this driver’s smile widens still further. Alfa Romeo has always enjoyed a strong sporting fan club, and I count myself as a member, as it delivers all you’d … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q7 55 TFSI e quattro auto
Audi like to do things differently and their latest model actually delivers less but gives you more. The Q7 has been a hallmark with its seven-seats but the new mild-hybrid 3.0 TFSI petrol version tested punches out more power and gives passengers more space by fitting just five seats. It’s always been debatable whether a cramped seven-seater was … [Read more...]
“Made in Wales” Aston Martin rolls off line
Aston Martin production of their luxury £154,000 DBX SUV started today in Wales. The big four-door model was announced for St Athan, some 20 miles west of Cardiff, in 2016 and over the last four years the company has been converting three massive superhangers into the company’s latest production centre at the former RAF base. It has gradually taken on over … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jaguar XE P250SE R Dynamic
You have to admire Jaguar, which has gone through tough times yet always produces some head-turning desirable cars. The latest XE is a good case in point offering a very broad range of eye-catching four-door saloons in rear and all-wheel-drive pitched against German rivals as well as Swedish saloons. The range explained: There are approximately 50 models … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Bentley Bentayga Speed
The Bentley Bentayga Speed has gold-plated the booming SUV sector. Enthusiasts of the winged-wonder-cars possibly thought Bentley was mad to add an SUV to its luxury saloon, convertible and coupe line up but, of course, this is no ordinary SUV. Top end rivals have gone down the performance route but Bentley has brought sophistication with speed, … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Volvo XC90 B5 diesel R-Design
The second generation Volvo XC90 large SUV with 4x4 traction and seven seats is the flagship of the revitalised Volvo range, writes David Miles. It was introduced in 2014 and recently it has undergone its mid-term revisions to keep it relevant in today’s expanding SUV market sector. It was the sales and image success of the premium brand XC90 that led … [Read more...]
