The 2020 model year Mitsubishi ASX has received a significant makeover for New Year sales from £20,295, writes David Miles. The first generation ASX since 2010 accumulated an impressive 1.36-million global sales with 31,000 in the UK, making the ASX Mitsubishi’s third best selling passenger range taking 22.6% of overall UK sales. The ASX is the starting point in Mitsubishi’s SUV model line up. … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia XCeed 1.4 TGDi FE automatic
Kia Ceed has been one of the outstanding success stories of the first two decades of the millennium and as we enter its third a new chapter begins with the XCeed, writes Robin Roberts. Hatchbacks have given way to SUVs over the last ten years and now this sector is further developing with the full size models being joined by compact versions which do everything of their larger … [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, comfort with capability and created what … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 December
Demand for the new Mercedes-Benz EQC in Europe is said to be behind a decision to delay the electric car’s debut in the USA. Tougher emissions standards for manufacturers by 2030 has led the company to stop developing petrol and diesel engines and ramp up ev production and the capacity will soak up models in Europe. An estimated 31.2m separate leisure journeys will be taken between today and … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI 115hp
The Kamiq is the third all-new SUV model line-up launched in the last three years to the Skoda range, writes David Miles. The Kamiq (pronounced kamich) name says Skoda comes from the Inuit people living in northern Canada and Greenland and literally means something that fits perfectly in every situation – like a second skin. The Kamiq’s name also begins with the letter K and ends in a Q … [Read more...]
Mazda CX-30 order books open
The new Mazda CX-30 enters the booming SUV sector in January. Sitting between the CX-3 and CX-5, the newcomer is priced from £22,895 for the 26 models in five trim levels, with rear or 4WD and 122ps or 180ps 2.0 litre Skyactiv petrol engines, 6sp manual or automatic transmission. Both units feature the latest compression ignition petrol engine in two power outputs and have 24v mild-hybrid … [Read more...]
DBX is pivotal for AML and Wales
The new Aston Martin DBX SUV will be a pivotal model for the company and firmly put Wales on the map for motor manufacturing, some 260 guests were told today at the official opening of the luxury brand's new factory at St Athan, near Cardiff. Addressing an audience from around the world at the new plant, AML president and ceo Andy Palmer said it represents a big step by the company into a … [Read more...]
Aston Martin Lagonda plant officially opens
Aston Martin Lagonda this morning opened its £250M manufacturing facility at St Athan, near Cardiff. First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford AM joined Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer at a ceremony to officially open the British luxury marque’s new plant. While Gaydon continues to be the home of the company’s sports car production, St Athan is the home of Aston … [Read more...]
Aston Martin DBX unveiled in Welsh assembly plant
The first Aston Martin DBX five-seat SUV will roll off new production lines in South Wales in Spring 2020, writes Robin Roberts. Breaking new ground for the 106-year-old luxury British marque, the DBX was unveiled simultaneously in the Beijing, China motor show and in the £250M St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan assembly plant today. The DBX marks a significant step for Aston … [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 Volvo to producing similar in style the XC60 … [Read more...]