Last week’s media launch was the first opportunity for us to drive the new Passat models in the UK and the first opportunity anywhere to drive the Saloon, writes David Miles. So with that in mind, plus the overall decline in diesel sales in our domestic market, I opted for the Passat Saloon GTE Advance 1.4-litre TSI, PHEV, 218hp, 6-speed DSG auto priced at £38,940. There are extra cost … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 320d saloon MY2020
The BMW 3 Series has been a two ‘marks’ model, writes David Miles. Firstly it’s the ‘hallmark’ core model range in the extensive BMW model line-up and secondly it’s the ‘benchmark’ model that other manufacturer’s models in the upper medium sized ranges of saloon and estates are compared to. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is the seventh generation stretching back over 40 years of sales … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Lexus ES 300h ES Takumi
The new seventh generation front wheel drive ES 300h self-charging petrol-electric hybrid D-segment executive class saloon is the first ES range ever to be sold in the UK and Western and Central Europe, writes David Miles. Although we are only just getting the ES, the original ES launched the Lexus brand in 1989 alongside the LS flagship saloon. The ES has become the brand’s most popular saloon … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: KIA Optima 1.6 CRDi 2
From being an also ran when launched in the UK in 1991, Kia has become a serious challenger to the best from Japan and mainland Europe, and the latest Optima saloon is a good example of why their rivals should worry,writes Robin Roberts. Built for a target audience and not necessarily down to a price, the Kia Optima saloon – a Sportswagon estate is also available in more versions – is … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MB C 200 AMG Line 4MATIC Saloon
You should rightly expect something special from the world’s oldest car-maker and you wouldn’t be disappointed with the Mercedes-Benz C-class, particularly the highly popular C200 4Matic AMG Line auto tested. Almost 100 years after the company was created from the partnership of German engineers Daimler and Benz it introduced the car which was to be the foundation for today’s C-class, the … [Read more...]
Mid-week motoring: Honda Civic Saloon
With no Estate version in the tenth generation Honda Civic range, until now only available in five door Hatchback form, now Honda has extended the Civic’s appeal by adding four door Saloon versions, writes David Miles. Unlike the Hatchback and Type R built in the UK for global sales, the Civic Saloon is built in Turkey for European markets. Available with 1.0-litre three … [Read more...]
Mercedes PHEVs available to order
The new Mercede-Benz plug in hybrid E 300 de Saloon and Estate are available to order, starting at £47,700 and £49,700 respectively. The new E 300 de redefines the executive hybrid segment, providing the ultimate combination of diesel’s long-distance efficiency and frugality with the emissions-free running of electricity for over 30 miles. The E 300 de Saloon and Estate are powered by a … [Read more...]
First Drive: New Audi A6 Saloon and Avant
Audi success has been built on the sum of its parts, writes Robin Roberts. Whether that’s quattro technology, TT-style or out-and-out performance through the wheels of the R8, but it’s also been piling up sales with estates. The runaway demand for its RS4 and RS6 estate or avant models over years is probably better known than the popularity of its 100 and then A6 wagons, and the A6 last year … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi A8 L 55 TFSI Quattro
When you think of ‘Super Luxury’, you think of the British titans Bentley and Rolls-Royce, writes Rhys Roberts. The giants of comfort, luxury and speed are at the top of any chauffeur’s list. The last thing you would expect is to have a German brand encroaching into this market, but Audi has managed to re-write the ‘David and Goliath’ story with the Audi A8 L. Okay, I know what you’re … [Read more...]
Prices confirmed for new Mazda6 models
Mazda has announced UK pricing and specification for the latest 6 series Saloon and Tourer versions of its flagship model. Featuring an upgraded cabin, revised styling and enhanced technology, plus the UK debut of Mazda’s cylinder deactivation SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, the updated Mazda6 also sees the popular SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel engine benefit from a power upgrade to … [Read more...]