JLR is hoping strong SUV sales in America will offset a slowdown in the UK and China. The luxury British brand had to writedown $3.9Billion last year due to lower sales but the SUV sector is doing well in the US and the company has new models to launch there over the next 18 months, including the new Evoque (above) and upcoming Defender. Nissan profits have collapsed to a near ten-year low … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Karoq Scout 2.0 TDI 150hp 4×4
The Scout adds a rugged element to the Skoda Karoq mid-sized SUV,writes David Miles. Available from £21,945 to £33,375 with petrol, diesel, manual, automatic, 2WD and 4WD models, the competitors include the Dacia Duster, MG GS, Seat Ateca, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, VW Tiguan and Suzuki Vitara. The Karoq has a practical range of engine options from the turbo petrol 1.0-litre … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Ateca 2.0TSI 4Drive DSG
If you ever thought SUV’s are boring, then the SEAT Ateca FR 2.0TSi will change your mind in an instant. It is one of the growing families of SUVs, and that includes a number from SEAT and the rest of the parent VW Group, but it brings a little extra pizzazz to the family party. The proportions and practical nature of this Ateca are a good starting point for the driving enthusiasts at SEAT … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Skoda Kodiaq vRS 240hp 7 seats
The award winning, highly praised Skoda Kodiaq range of SUVs has a new flagship model, writes David Miles. It’s the vRS 240hp biturbo automatic 4x4 model priced at a hefty £42,870, but added options can push that price up even further. For those looking for less performance, but still with the same practicalities of a family sized large SUV range, Kodiaq prices start from … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend Engine plant shortlisted for new vehicle
Ford Bridgend Engine plant has been shortlisted to assemble the planned Ineos successor to the famed LR Defender. The Welsh location is lining up against a plant in Portugal, the CEO of Ineos Automotive Dirk Heilmann has confirmed after bosses of the UK chemical company visited South Wales and looked around the Ford plant along with Welsh Government representatives. Ineos plan to … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Santa Fe Premium SE
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been the bedrock of the brand since launched in 2001, but it’s no dinosaur. The fourth generation of this highly popular large SUV is packed with the latest features and choices to please any family with the emphasis on enjoyment and living. Split over four trim levels the price range is £33,425 to £43,295 and there are 15 versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe with five … [Read more...]
MG ZS EV SUV
MG Motor UK will launch its very first battery electric vehicle in the UK this autumn with the arrival of the MG ZS electric SUV. With a full-sized boot and room for five, the MG ZS EV is the perfect car for people who want to go electric but also need the space and practicality of a compact SUV. Since launch in November 2017, MG ZS has become a familiar sight on British roads, always … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: FIAT 500X Cross Plus, 1.3A
With the on-going arrival of all-new SUVs of all sizes in full swing, the popular market sector also offers updated versions of SUVs which have been available for much longer, writes David Miles. At the compact end of the SUV market one such revised and refreshed model range made its UK debut at the end of last year. This was the refreshed five-door compact Fiat 500X, … [Read more...]
Aston Martin mark St David’s Day and new Welsh plant
The Aston Martin DBX SUV, which will be built in St Athan near Cardiff, made a surprise visit to No.10 Downing Street in an early celebration of St David’s Day. Aston Martin Lagonda’s investment in a second UK manufacturing facility, which was announced in early 2016, will create over 700 new skilled jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan. Over the past two years the former Ministry of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Toyota Land Cruiser SWB LCV
In recent weeks I have watched a variety of documentaries from the wildest and most remote places on earth and while the presenters change with each programme there seems to be a satisfying, reassuring continuity as they are all conveyed in a Toyota Land Cruiser, writes Robin Roberts. Its reputation to get you anywhere, and with precious presenters that also means getting them back, … [Read more...]