Kim Henson samples the latest model range from the go-ahead firm of Kia… (All words and photographs copyright Kim Henson). Kia’s progress in the U.K. in recent years has been nothing short of sensational, with an ever-broadening line-up of cars offering ‘something for everyone’, from the compact Picanto to the sophisticated Sportage (mid-size) and Sorento (large) SUVs to the gloriously sporty … [Read more...]
Contributors
Honda CR-V Hybrid – Road Test
The Honda CR-V 2.0i MMD AWD hybrid large SUV... ...put through its paces by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Honda tends to hide its qualities very well, which probably explains why it may not be the first go-to brand for an SUV, and that would be a mistake for any motorist to make. Korean, German and British brands tend to hog the limelight and sales in this section of the … [Read more...]
Smart #1 model availability
Dave Moss reports… smart has now confirmed UK availability for its new #1 all-electric compact SUV model. (Dave advised on the imminent arrival of the new all-electric smart model in his Wheels-alive article on 27th April; to read this, please go here: smart-moves-ahead) UK Order books will open in December 2022 for first deliveries in mid-2023, though a run of 1000 special "Launch Edition" … [Read more...]
Audi e-tron GT – Road Test
The Audi e-tron GT – Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency) tests the all-electric newcomer… Audi is on a charge into the pure-electric luxury car sector. For almost a decade the brand has dabbled in the EV market with plug in hybrid models of existing series but the dedicated pure battery e-tron series clearly shows its future intent. The e-tron programme is part of the parent … [Read more...]
There are ‘ghosts’ in our house, licence-wise
Haunting the highways….. Thousands of foreign "ghost drivers" are haunting UK roads, and it's perfectly legal, writes Robin Roberts. They can even be driving with penalty points or be disqualified and no-one in the UK knows. Highlighting a strange loophole in the law, Claims Management & Adjusting is calling for all UK residents to keep the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency informed … [Read more...]
Honda Jazz Crosstar – Road Test
The Honda Jazz Crosstar EX – music to the ears of road tester Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency)... One of the enduring models in the Honda UK lineup for two decades has been the Jazz series of superminis, which morphed into the additional Crosstar crossover model a couple of years ago, effectively a taller hatchback with sudo SUV looks. Ironically the taller car comes with less … [Read more...]
Reflections on a turning point in automotive history
Time for a (gear) change? Dave Moss discusses the possible/likely/inevitable (?) decline of the multi-ratio gearboxes that we have used since motoring began... Although cars have undergone remarkable changes in the 125 years they have been moving mankind around, continued use of internal combustion engines has ensured the survival of one particular heartache-inducing component. To the delight of … [Read more...]
Ford Ranger Raptor Double Cab – Road Test
Ford Ranger Raptor SE 2.0 Double Cab – Hard and Fast road test by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). 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 even more attention. Based on a conventional 4-door double cab pickup which is one of America’s best selling vehicles, the Ranger … [Read more...]
A welcome return for Beaulieu’s 2022 Spring Autojumble
This year’s Spring Autojumble was held at Beaulieu over the weekend of 14th and 15th May, and to the joy of attendees and stallholders, was dry for the Saturday of the event, although cloud and rain made their presence felt on the Sunday. Kim Henson was delighted to be there again, following the springtime show’s absence since May 2019, due to Covid-19 lockdowns etc. Here’s how he saw … [Read more...]
Kia Stonic – Road Test
The Kia Stonic ‘2’ 1.0T manual compact SUV... ...tried and tested by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Kia has built much of its reputation in the UK with its family-friendly SUVs so it was probably only a matter of time before introducing its compact SUV. Based on the Rio hatchback, the new Stonic has a longer body and stands slightly higher on the road with added ground … [Read more...]
Used car sales thrive while new car sales stall
There's good news and there's bad... New car sales crumble again, solid sales of used-models. by Robin Roberts New car sales are still crumbling under the weight of supply shortages, rising costs and concerned buyers facing higher costs of living. UK new car registrations fell by -15.8% to 119,167 units in April, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Despite … [Read more...]
Suzuki Vitara SZ5 Self-Charging Full Hybrid – First Impressions
Chris Adamson samples the latest hybrid Vitara from Suzuki… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Chris Adamson). An association with Toyota means that two of the models in the current Suzuki showroom (Swace and Across) share platforms and technology with their Japanese partners – but one model that very much ploughs Suzuki’s own path is the latest self-charging full hybrid … [Read more...]
Lexus NX450h PHEV – Road Test
Put through its paces by Robin Roberts – the Lexus NX450h PHEV… Lexus has come a long way in a short time with its luxury compact SUV NX450h+. Launched in 2014, the Lexus NX range brought a new player into the compact luxury crossover sector and it made significant inroads before being replaced in 2021, but it’s still based on the latest Toyota RAV4 platform with refinements to the suspension. … [Read more...]
Smart moves ahead…
smart thinking on the way forward – by Dave Moss smart has come a long way since the early 1980s, when the idea of the compact car which came to carry the name first began to take hold, born of growing concerns over congestion and urban air pollution. Production versions of the model we now recognise as the fortwo eventually emerged – after a very lengthy and troubled gestation – through a … [Read more...]
Toyota Proace Verso MPV – Road Test
The Toyota Proace Verso Medium Family MPV tried for size by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Family and business motoring is often a compromise between what you want and what you get, but that’s not the case in the shape of the Toyota Proace Verso. The people carrying version of the Proace van is extremely versatile with seating for up to nine based on three trim levels, medium or … [Read more...]
Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible – Road Test
Open top luxury – The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible… …An Easter treat for Robin Roberts (Miles Better News Agency). When you cut off the top of an Easter egg, you still have chocolate and it’s the same with the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. Photograph credits (all images): © Images by Mediaphotos.co.uk The basic egg is good enough but if you’re lucky there will be some … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – “Triumph TR2, TR3, TR3A & TR3B – Your expert guide to common problems and how to fix them”
Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly Author: Paul Hogan Published by: Veloce: https://veloce.co.uk/ 144 pages, with 254 pictures (softback) UK Price: £19.99 ISBN: 978-1-787117-25-9 This quintessentially 1950s sportscar was arguably the best of its ilk, significantly quicker than the rival MGA and deservedly popular. It remains so today and most … [Read more...]
SsangYong Rexton – Road Test
The SsangYong Rexton Auto – a seven seater SUV that’s big on style and space… …Assessed by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). 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 … [Read more...]
New cars and commercial vehicles sold in low numbers in March…
PLENTY OF DEMAND BUT SUPPLY ISSUES DENT NEW CAR SALES AGAIN IN MARCH by Robin Roberts New car registrations collapsed to a 24-year low last month, despite bulging orders which car-makers cannot supply. UK new car registrations fell by -14.3% to 243,479 units in March, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Wales bucked the trend and saw 9,523 … [Read more...]
Latest Kia Sportage, in PHEV form – First Impressions, also Kia News
The new Kia Sportage PHEV plug-in hybrid first drive. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Kia has sharpened its attack on the business sector and introduced a Plug-in Hybrid Electrified addition to its Sportage family-friendly SUV range launched just a few months ago. Some models will qualify for a very low 8% for the current Benefit in Kind company car tax rate and lower than … [Read more...]
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