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 and BMW electric model territory … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BYD Seal Design RWD
Now here’s my prediction for 2024: the BYD Seal is going to make a splash in the sporting saloon sector. Up to now, Europe has been the leading provider and market for four-doors with something a little special in the family sector, but that is likely to change over the coming 12 months. China’s BYD (it stands for Build Your Dreams) launched its Atto 3 SUV and Dolphin hatchback in Britain in … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MG4 EV Trophy
If you believe pure electric cars are overpriced and underperforming, you haven’t tried the MG4 Trophy. Introduced last autumn as the top model in a new series, the Trophy builds on the success of the ZS suv and MG5 estate and delivers family friendly hatchback practicality wrapped in an eye-catching style. But its beauty is more than skin deep and the versatile Modular Scalable Platform it … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW 220d M Sport Coupe
To those of a certain age there was only one sporting car, a rear-wheel-drive coupe, and this simple formula mix are the ingredients in the BMW 220d M Sport we have just tested. Front-wheel-drive hot-hatches largely replaced the iconic ideal must-have for enthusiasts but they never replaced the balanced handling and driving satisfaction of a RWD coupe. BMW itself has built some memorable FWD … [Read more...]
MG pushing boundaries in EV design & performance
MG Motor UK has revealed the first UK images of its all-new MG4 EV, ahead of the launch in September. The key new model will utilise MG’s innovative Modular Scalable Platform - state of the art battery architecture that will underpin the next generation of MG models. Designed for a wide range of vehicles, the MSP can be used flexibly in models across different vehicle segments, from hatchbacks … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce 2.0
Executive cars can be much of a muchness behind their familiar badges and dark windows while some designs confuse what particular model you’re seeing, but that was never the case with the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Launched in 2016 as the latest four-door saloon from the AR stable it has won numerous European styling and performance awards and it led to the development of the Stelvio SUV as … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Honda e Advanced
The power of dreams is going electric with the Honda e. As if to really differentiate the design from anything which has gone before as the company begins its transition to full electric power, the Honda e is a completely new model from the ground up. Honda e is meant to be a commuting car so its battery size, motor and performance have been engineered for this purpose, rather … [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 expect of a family car but with a sharper … [Read more...]