The demand in the UK, the EU and global markets for SUVs, Crossovers and 4x4s continues and the surge in additional models from brands new to these sectors builds on their fashionable must have appeal, says David Miles. In the UK last year there were 437,000 new car registrations for what the industry calls Dual Purpose vehicles. We can add in at least … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 June
Kia’s new B-segment crossover will be named ‘Stonic’. An eye-catching and confident compact crossover with true European design flair, the Stonic is inspired by the form and function of larger Kia SUVs while a sweeping roofline and uniquely designed roof rack add a sporty look to the vehicle, which goes on UK sale later this year. … [Read more...]
All new Audi Q5 will build on success
The all-new Audi Q5 will build on the success it started nearly ten years ago. Audi UK head of PR, Jon Zammett said, “The Q5 has achieved 1.6-million global sales since it was launched in 2008. We already have a strong range of Q SUV models – the Q7, Q5, Q3 and the recently launched Q2 and our directors have indicated that there will be Q4 and Q8 models … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X4 3.0d M Sport
Marking boxes is what it’s about with the BMW X4, says Robin Roberts. This beefy brother to the 3 Series was introduced to fill a niche of the market where Audi, Porsche, even Land Rover, have been plugging away with their SUVs. Without losing the 3 Series agility, the X4 brings added ability with its intelligent all-wheel-drive transmission … [Read more...]
Skoda Kodiaq hunts rivals on the SUV sales trail
Yet another all-new model range joins the booming SUV market, this time it is the Skoda Kodiaq range of large five or seven seat, 2WD or 4WD on/off roaders, writes David Miles. Prices start from an eye-catching £21,565 rising through a range of 24 derivatives to £34,050 and deliveries to UK customers start from 6 April. Order books opened last November … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Ateca 1.0TSI
Having the right car at the right time is what all makers aim to deliver, and for SEAT it’s the Ateca, says Robin Roberts. Named after a village in Spain, the Ateca is going to be big on the European car market, having immediately won awards after its launch in the summer of 2016. In Britain the new-generation SUV sits in a range … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota C-HR hybrid
Toyota took their time getting into the very fashionable and high selling compact SUV market sector leaving customers with just their hard-core RAV4 as the option, but now that's all changed, says David Miles. UK sales of what the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders call Dual Purpose vehicles, what we know as 4x4s/SUVs and including some Crossovers … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Suzuki S-Cross 1.0 SZT
The small and perfectly formed Suzuki SZ4 S Cross has been significantly improved for 2017, says Robin Roberts Eight models with three engine choices including a diesel, two and four wheel drive as well as manual and automatic transmission are available across three trim levels. Originally introduced to the UK in 2013 it has now been given a new front … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Mitsubishi ASX
A much improved Mitsubishi ASX is now on sale, writes David Miles. The revised, higher specification 2017 Mitsubishi ASX mid-sized Crossover/SUV range costs from a competitive £16,184 on-the-road or £169 a month PCP finance plan over three years. All models have a five year, 62,500 mile warranty and keeping running costs affordable … [Read more...]
Multi-million-pound Nissan Sunderland investment
Nissan will create a “super-plant” at its Sunderland centre. Confirming the next Qashqai will be built there, it unexpectedly yesterday added that the X-Trail SUV will also go into production in the North East. To do this the current installed capacity of 475,000 cars will be expanded and Nissan aims to build 600,000 cars from 2018. It is almost … [Read more...]
