Seat has earned its place as the stylish brand for a younger generation of drivers over the last four decades. On sale since 2017, the Seat Arona is one of the new generation of ‘crossover’ models or tall hatchbacks in the B-sector and the smallest in their sub-compact range under the Ateca. Its introduction has helped Seat pass the magic million mark for … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Omoda 5 SUV petrol
No-one can doubt the Chinese brand Omoda is very serious about coming to Britain and taking on the legend brands. We were impressed with a first drive of the pure electric Omoda E5 last May and now we’ve had a chance to get some initial impressions of the Omoda 5 petrol version of their new SUV. Yes, a petrol powered newcomer joins the range at a time when … [Read more...]
Weeked roadtest: Honda Civic Type R MY24
As we look down the road towards an all-electric future, enthusiastic drivers might want to refocus on the Honda Civic Type R. It’s been with us in a few shapes for a quarter of a century and its enduring appeal is undoubtedly its very driver-focused design and engineering which has steadily matured, not really grown up, just got better with age. We … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Jaguar XF Sportbrake R-Dynamic SE P250
Style and sophistication are embodied in the practical and purposeful Jaguar XF Sportbrake and a serious alternative to SUVs. Introduced in 2017 to widen the appeal of the medium sized XF saloon it sits alongside the now expanding range of Jaguar SUVs and offers a different driving proposition for those who want room but also require a more … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Sorento 4 1.6HEV
The Kia Sorento 4 is full of surprises in a market which often delivers nothing out of the ordinary, writes Robin Roberts. I mean; what car comes with an beach, a wood-burner, a café or its own forest? They are part of the “nat sounds” available in the highly sophisticated infotainment system and are a calming or relaxing influence in a car … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volvo V90 B6 AWD
While SUVs now tend to grab sales and headlines we cannot overlook estates, writes Robin Roberts. Volvo has built a sound reputation on its estate cars and the V-series has won many awards from business and family judges. In fact some estates have morphed or developed into what’re often termed crossovers, sitting in size and style between a boxy … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MINI John Cooper Works GP3
Following the success of the two previous MINI GP models introduced in 2006 and 2013, the new limited edition MINI John Cooper Works GP3, is the most powerful and fastest production MINI ever sold, writes David Miles. Just 3,000 of these models will be built at MINI Plant Oxford for global sales with 575 of them available to UK … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Fiesta ST3 3-door
More than any other car in modern times, the Ford Fiesta has defined British motoring and the ST-series is the most desirable, particularly among rally fans. Consistently one of the top selling cars in the UK market, the Fiesta is the right size for thousands of buyers looking for three or five door jack-of-all-trades transport. It has appeared in the top … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint
If it feels right, it’s right - and that’s a particularly apt saying when it comes to the Alfa Romeo Giulia. What’s more, the sporting saloon looks striking outside and inside and when it gets moving this driver’s smile widens still further. Alfa Romeo has always enjoyed a strong sporting fan club, and I count myself as a member, as it delivers all you’d … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: SEAT Tarraco 2.0TSI 4Drive 190ps
SEAT has risen from being an also ran car-maker to a pace-setter and it’s most obvious with their flagship Tarraco SUV. Heading a range of SUVs offering reasonably priced models in different sectors, the SEAT Tarraco delivers seven-seat spaciousness and a subtle all-wheel-drive ability for wintry roads and activity seeking users. Tarraco runs to over 20 … [Read more...]
