The world of serious, big 4x4 luxury SUVs is an exclusive one, and they don’t come much more exclusive than the SsangYong Rexton, writes Robin Roberts. “What?” is a question I rightly anticipated from a number of drivers when I suggested the same point to them. It begs explanation, so here we go. To put the company into perspective and where it sits alongside Korea’s better known Hyundai and … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic
Although Subaru is a brand with increasing sales in the North America and Australasia, but in the UK the brand has always been and still is a niche choice appealing to older customers with an individual desire to own something different. It is failing to attract a new generation of younger buyers although it still has strong customer retention. Gone are their glory days where sales … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X3 xDrive2.0d xLine
The BMW X3 has history and enduring desirability on its side in the immensely popular SUV sector which shows no sign of contracting but continues to expand with newcomers from some surprising entrants. Launched for the 2004 model year, the BMW X3 was one of the early sports activity vehicles and pitches against some worthy global rivals from its current manufacturing base in the United States. … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Arona SE Technology 1.0TSI 95ps
The SEAT Arona SUV mid-sized range not only spoils you for choice, it spoils you full stop. There’s a choice of over 20 models in a handful of trim levels and using 95, 115 or 150ps petrol engines as well as 95 and 115 diesels with manual or automatic transmission choices and priced between £13,600 and £20,500. That’s what you might reasonably expect from one of the biggest car groups in the … [Read more...]
Volvo XC40 raises the game
Volvo’s push with introducing new products continues with the arrival in April of the first models in their XC40 compact SUV range of 2WD and 4WD, petrol and diesel models and to come plug-in hybrid and fully electric powered versions to be added to the line-up later, writes David Miles. The Volvo brand has gone from near bankruptcy to high flying under the ownership of the Chinese … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Kia Picanto X-Line 1.25 MPI
The Kia Picanto five door city-car range launched in May 2017 and has gained an X-Line Crossover/SUV version for 2018. Although small City Car sales fell by 10% in the UK last year, close to 69,000 buyers were still attracted to this segment and Kia aims to boost its Picanto sales by a adopting the more desirable Crossover/SUV styling craze with their new X-Line versions from £12,595. Other … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 190PS 4×4 7st
The Skoda Kodiaq marked a turning point for the Czech subsidiary of VW as it launched into the burgeoning SUV sector. From its introduction in 2017 the five and seven seat Kodiaq has picked up numerous awards and was followed with a smaller Karoq SUV, which has also been highly praised. It seems as if Europe and its discriminating drivers have suddenly woken up to the brand which built a … [Read more...]
Aston Martin reach milestone in Wales
The first phase of Aston Martin’s new manufacturing facility at St Athan is complete. Development started on the site in late 2016 when Aston Martin was given access to the former MoD site and phase I works included the creation of the customer and staff reception areas, offices and the employee restaurant. Phase II commenced in April 2017 to convert three super hangars into a … [Read more...]
Eclipse foreshadows new age for Mitsubishi in UK
The new Mitsubishi Eclipse is going to become a memorable model. Now in their 101st year of vehicle manufacturing, Mitsubishi Motors is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and last year this consortium became the World’s largest manufacturer of cars and light commercial vehicles. Together they and their sub brands, which include Dacia and Infiniti, sold over 10.6-million new … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Mitsubishi Outlander 4, 2.2 DI-D automatic
Mitsubishi Motors celebrated their 100th anniversary of car production in 2017 having produced their first car – the Model A in 1907 and their first 4WD model the PX33 in 1933, writes David Miles. Imports first began to Europe beginning in the UK in 1974 with the Lancer and Galant saloons and the first Shogun 4WD range came in 1983. Today Mitsubishi Motors is part of the Renault-Nissan … [Read more...]