For some, the Volkswagen Touareg is very old school, but for many newcomers it can still teach them lessons. If you have to regularly cover long distances at all hours, with or without people or luggage, or have to tow a horsebox or trailer, the Touareg will perform such tasks without trouble. Appropriately named after a nomadic Sahara group, the VW Touareg has been in production since 2002 and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Octavia Estate SE L TDI
Diesel cars are a dying range but I must say long live the Skoda Octavia Estate turbo-diesel. It’s going to become a model we will look back upon and ponder; wonder why such a thoroughly good all rounder has to be replaced by much more expensive, less practical and, frankly, less satisfying electric rivals. It’s one of the oldest model names in the Skoda stable and still accounts for about … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4
It’s a familiar problem; you have to pick up a Christmas tree and somehow get it home along with maybe a few other seasonal plants and excited children. Most motorists resort to tying the netted tree onto their roof and hoping it stays there but the flexible seating in the Skoda Karoq offers a more practical packaging solution unless you have a very long tree. The split folding rear seats drop … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SsangYong Musso Saracen+
The SsangYong Musso has just extended its appeal, literally. We tested the double-cab Musso back in late 2022 and were impressed with its room and practical points and as we were giving it the once over, SsangYong Motor UK announced a little extension to the range. Actually it added 12-inches to the loadbed of the top specification Saracen, adding a + sign to denote its growth. Some may think … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Isuzu D-Max AT35
With so many vehicles looking almost identical, it's refreshing to review the impressive Isuzu D-Max AT35. Put simply, there is very little else on or off road quite like it. What's more it is not just frills without purpose as it comes with pedigree and practicality. Isuzu is one of Japan’s oldest vehicle makers founded in 1916, came to the UK in 1987 with the Trooper SUV and then introduced … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SsangYong Musso Saracen
Pick-ups have been the vehicle of choice for generations in the countryside and the backbone of the construction industry. A few years ago pickup manufacturers raised their game when they realised traditional SUVs were becoming so expensive and a whole new customer profile was appearing in the shape of the active-lifestyle lovers. Meeting the twin needs of those who want a pickup for pleasure … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Ranger Raptor SE
When one of the world’s biggest vehicle makers launches a model you usually have to sit up and take notice, however, the Ford Ranger Raptor demands attention. Based on a conventional pickup which is one of America’s best selling vehicles, the Ranger Raptor SE has been given a performance make-over to cope with both European roads and more demanding driving styles than encountered on the plains … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SsangYong Rexton Auto
In the automotive sector there are rarely surprises, except with the SsangYong Rexton. The Korean company has been making 4x4 models for over 65 years, a little less than Land Rover but it has evolved just like its better-known UK rival. Today’s Rexton is the fourth generation since being introduced in 2001 and it retains the rugged reputation it has earned among those who really need a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Vauxhall New Insignia Sri VX-Line Nav
The Vauxhall Insignia is a lesson to rivals. While many challengers have or are about to move out of saloons/ hatchbacks and into crossover models in the modestly priced family sector, or executive brands keep pushing up prices but offering less in return, the Vauxhall hatchback stands out as extremely good value and packaging. The Insignia range today spreads over 17-models in a single … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan X-Trail Tekna
The Nissan X-Trail has been a long-lived and much loved member of the Japanese family, sitting above the smaller Qashqai SUV with which it shares much of its components and technology. Launched in 2001 as a tough dual purpose 4x4 alternative to the bigger and heavier Patrol 4x4, the X-Trail has gone through three generations and it cannot be too long before it is again revised or … [Read more...]