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...]
Weekend roadtest: Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition Estate
We live in a 24/7 world, expect everything to work at any time and not let us down. One guide to choosing a good car is looking at what police, ambulance and taxi companies use because they are on the road 24/7 and one of the most prolific of vehicles is the Skoda Octavia Estate. Without being whincingly expensive to buy and run they fulfill their roles and deliver mile after mile, year after … [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...]
Sunday drive: Audi S7 Sportback 349hp TDI quattro
Currently the S7 model is the top of the range version in Audi’s new A7 Sportback range but order books are open for an even more powerful – and faster RS7 variant arriving early next year, writes David Miles. The Sportback is the five door coupe version of the Audi A6 luxury Saloon and Avant estate family. A7 Sportback prices start from £48,175 with the S7 priced from £68,680 and the … [Read more...]
Midweek motoring: New Citroen C5 Aircross first drive
This is a big year for the French Citroen brand, writes David Miles. It’s their 100thanniversary and already has got off to a successful start with their products picking up several Car/Van of the Year Awards in the current round of annual ‘Oscars’ given by the motoring media. Also, Citroen won the first round of the 2019 World Rally Championship – the famous Monte Carlo Rally, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X4 2.0d M Sport
BMW has been in the driving seat of the SUV sector for a number of years, notably in America but also in Europe, writes Robin Roberts. It has gradually spread its experience through all sizes of cross-over models but it’s arguably in its element with the X4, the bigger stablemate to the X3 and without going into the higher priced and larger X5 family series. Up to now it’s range … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport GSi
The new Vauxhall Insignia range of Grand Sport five door D-segment hatchbacks and Sports Tourer estate were launched last year and in March this year the flagship higher performance GSi versions in both body styles arrived in UK showrooms, writes David Miles. Prices start from £33,415 on-the-road with both engines costing the same, only the price of the body style differs. In addition … [Read more...]
