City slicker meets countryside pony is how I would describe the top specification model in the revised Suzuki Ignis range, writes David Miles. All models now have a new 1.2-litre four-cylinder K12D Dualjet Hybrid petrol engine offering WLTP CO2 emissions from 114g/km and combined cycle fuel economy from 55.7mpg for the 2WD models. And you will note from those last few words I say 2WD model so … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: First drive Jeep Renegade 4xe
Jeep has turned a corner with its new plug-in hybrid Renegade. Without compromising its famous off-road abilities the Renegade 4xe adds emission lowering and power enhancing electric drive. It’s the first electrified Jeep to be sold in Britain and uses the familiar 1.3 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor or generator driving the front wheels coupled with a hefty 60hp … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Subaru XV Premium Lineartronic petrol
If you have to ask, you don’t know - and that’s very much the personality of the Subaru XV Premium Petrol Lineartronic SUV. Subaru has never fielded a huge range or enjoyed head-turning sales, but its best sellers have and are still highly sought after and popular with fanatical owners. Few will not have seen the famous blue and gold Imprezas sweeping all before them in the World or British … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Puma Titanium 1.0 MHEV 6sp
The Ford Puma is the company’s latest crossover and it’s strongest new generation of family cars to date. The name has been used before by Ford and between 1997 and 2002 it was on an unusual model, a compact three-door coupe. That was based on the latest Fiesta and ironically the new car is also derived from the current Fiesta. Built in Romania and slotting between the EcoSport … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Ford Kuga ST-Line X 2.5 PHEV
After the Coronavirus lockdown Ford is in full delivery mode with the all-new third generation Kuga SUV 5-door range, writes David Miles. That’s good timing as pent-up demand by UK customers saw overall new car sales increase by 11% in July but sadly remain nearly 42% down for the year-to-date. The Kuga is crucial in Ford’s sales performance as it is their third best selling model range … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Ford Puma ST-Line X hybrid-petrol
Ford revealed its new 5-door Crossover – you could call it a compact SUV – towards the end of last year with UK deliveries scheduled in January, writes David Miles. However the COVID-19 lockdown derailed delivery to over 7,000 early adopter customers awaiting this new addition to the market place and more than 90% have chosen the petrol/hybrid 48V mHEV models. My initial test drive programme … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Subaru Forester 2.0XE automatic
Some car-makers shout about their success in your face but Subaru doesn’t need to because the all-new Forester 2.0XE Premium Lineartronic actually watches your face. Facial recognition is fitted to the instruments to ensure the driver’s eyes concentrate on the road ahead and this combined with a suite of safety features using exterior cameras and sensors to keep the car on course … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mitsubishi ASX Exceed 4WD
Family-friendly Mitsubishi Motors know how to stir up arguments. The latest third-generation Mitsubishi ASX is now better able to take on rivals than the immediately preceding products with its bolder styling, well revised and updated interior and cutting edge convenient technology. For 2020, Mitsubishi fitted a more powerful 150hp 2.0 litre petrol engine and choice of five-speed manual … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: INEOS U-turn on Welsh car plant
Ineos has suspended plans to build its new 4x4 Grenadier in Wales. The company is now talking to Daimler about taking over a car plant it's vacating in France. In a blow to Welsh automotive manufacturing which promised up to 500 jobs at Brocastle, Bridgend, it said today, “INEOS Automotive can confirm that it is reviewing its manufacturing strategy for the new Grenadier in light of the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MG ZS Exclusive BEV
From its conception almost a century ago, MG stood out as a performance brand on a shoestring and that simple value endures today with a modern twist. In the 1920s, Morris Garages cars tuned versions of standard family models and today the Chinese-owned MG marque sells family cars but has been one of the first to offer the latest pure electric versions at down to earth prices when compared to … [Read more...]
