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...]
First Impressions
Our brief encounters with new models on the U.K. market
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...]
Latest Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid – First Impressions
The new Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid... ...tried and tested by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Seven years from launch and two years after it added a mild hybrid model to the Vitara range, Suzuki has not skimped on kitting out their new-age Full Hybrid Vitara SUV. The wait has been worth it as it represents much better value than its closest eight rivals. Prices are from £23,499 … [Read more...]
Kia’s latest Sportage – First Impressions
THE ALL-NEW FIFTH GENERATION SPORTAGE - NEWS AND VIEWS By David Miles and Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Overview Motoring writers had a static view sneaky peek of the all-new Kia Sportage last November at a Kia UK media test driving event for other models in the range, but this week we got behind the wheel of this important mid-sized … [Read more...]
Genesis line-up – First Impressions
A TRIO OF GENESIS PREMIUM BRAND MODELS TRIED BY DAVID MILES (AND MILES BETTER NEWS AGENCY). Kim says, "These are David's typically comprehensive and relevant 'First Impressions' of driving a selection of Genesis models, and cover some different versions compared with the examples I drove, and featured in my Wheels-Alive article of 21st December. Notably the G70 Shooting Brake that he tried was … [Read more...]
Genesis Range – First Impressions/Brief Road Tests
Kim Henson reports on his brief test drives in a selection of current Genesis models… (Words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim). It is difficult to keep up with the Genesis premium brand story in the U.K, so rapid has been its development from a ‘standing start’ just a few months ago to a range that today offers a variety of ‘luxury’ models, all providing a buying proposition that is … [Read more...]
Kia goes from strength to strength…
Kia's Generation Game Changer – by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). For a generation of motorists it’s difficult to think that Kia Motors UK never existed and for others it’s hard to believe how far they have come in 30 years. Entering UK showrooms in 1991 with the rebadged Mazda 121 selling as the Kia Pride, the Korean brand registered 1,800 sales, but that was just a ripple of … [Read more...]
Renault Captur E-TECH – First Impressions
Renault's Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid assessed in a first drive by by George Loveridge. All words and photos ©George Loveridge. In recent years, the ‘Compact SUV’ has become more of a common sight on Britain’s roads; with the SUV being a lifestyle choice and statement vehicle for most, the smaller variant sitting between a hatchback and an SUV appeals to those who need a ‘small’ car with … [Read more...]
SMMT Test Day South 2021 – First impressions of new models from across the industry
Kim Henson was in attendance and enjoyed the day… In normal times, on several occasions each year the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) brings together representatives of the car makers and motoring writers, giving us scribes the chance to drive a variety of vehicles in similar road and weather conditions. In addition it gives us a valuable opportunity to talk to our colleagues in … [Read more...]
Suzuki Swift Sport and Vitara – Brief Impressions of current models
Kim Henson briefly test drives the latest, 48 volt self-charging hybrid system versions of the Swift Sport and Vitara… (Words and photographs – all copyright, by Kim Henson). With self-charging hybrid technology, incorporating an upgraded new lithium-ion battery, applied as standard across the Suzuki line-up, the latest models all employ a compact, lightweight belt-driven ‘Integrated Starter … [Read more...]
Ineos Grenadier – First Impressions
Kieron Fennelly gives his views on this classically-inspired tough-in-nature new four wheel drive machine… It was Ferry Porsche who, sixty years ago, famously said “I couldn’t find a sports car I liked, so I decided to build my own.” The man behind the Ineos Grenadier, Sir James Ratcliffe evidently had a similar idea. But unlike Porsche who saw his mission as developing his father’s consultancy … [Read more...]
Honda e – First Drive Road Test
ALL ELECTRIC HONDA e ADVANCED FIRST DRIVE… …By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). The power of dreams is going electric with the distinctive and multiple award winning Honda e. As if to really differentiate the design from anything which has gone before as the company begins its transition to full electric power, the Honda e is a completely new model from the ground up. Honda e … [Read more...]
Mazda3 GT Sport – First Impressions
The first test drive of the new Mazda3 186 PS GT Sport with new e-Skyactive X hybrid technology... By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Just when you think things couldn’t get better, Mazda has improved its acclaimed Skyactiv engine technology. Constant engine development and software revisions have improved combustion and power, reduced emissions and extended economy in the … [Read more...]
Lotus Emira Arrives
New Lotus Emira 'unboxed' and introduced at re-born Hethel HQ... Sensational Emira debut staged at Lotus’ historic home, significantly upgraded with new facilities and all-new sports car factory Emira ‘unboxed’ live in front of more than 300 guests Jenson Button, F1 World Champion and Lotus customer, was surprise special guest with world-exclusive first Emira test drive … [Read more...]
McLaren 620R – First Drive
Chris Adamson assesses Mclaren’s latest model, the new 620R… (Photos as individually credited). McLaren’s current resurgence in Formula One has put the British brand back in the sporting spotlight although for most racing enthusiasts the thrill of motorsport is still very much a long-distance connection. However, if you do want to experience some of the visceral energy of motor racing and … [Read more...]
A new McLaren arrives
First view of the McLaren Artura… …By Chris Adamson. (Photographs as individually credited, from McLaren and from Chris). Hybrid hypercar pioneers McLaren first wowed the motoring world with the 2012 debut of the P1, now, almost a decade later, they are set to go hybrid mainstream – well, if you can call a car that costs over £180,000 mainstream that is. Welcome to the Artura, a high … [Read more...]
Mazda MX-30 (fully electric) – First impressions
ALL ELECTRIC NEW MAZDA MX-30 news and first drive views by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Making its move into the electric generation of modern cars, the Mazda MX-30 lands squarely in the middle-ground of the market. Based on the stable-mate CX-30 crossover which costs about £2,500 less, the MX-30 has a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion traction battery which has added weight to the … [Read more...]
VW up! First Brief Impressions from a Wheels-Alive reader
Gerald Morgan gives his initial verdict on Volkswagen’s latest 2020 up! All variants are five door hatchbacks, powered by a 65 PS 1.0 litre petrol engine, driving the front wheels via a five speed manual gearbox. (The car featured, a ‘Black Edition' version, was equipped with VW’s Start/Stop system incorporating battery regeneration). (All word and photographs by Gerald; the opinions expressed … [Read more...]
BMW latest 4 Series Coupé – First Impressions (plus BMW model news)
BMW’S NEW 4 SERIES COUPE, FIRST DRIVE NEWS AND VIEWS. David Miles (Miles Better News Agency) reports… In these days of health and safety in this Covid era, holding mass motoring media product test driving events is not easy, you need space. And to meet that space requirements for this week’s BMW UK Media Showcase event of their new and updated models they used an aircraft hangar at the … [Read more...]
Latest Jeep Renegade PHEV – First Impressions
New Jeep Renegade 4xe news and first drive views… By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Jeep has turned a corner with its new PHEV plug-in hybrid electric Renegade. Without compromising its famous off-road abilities the Renegade 4xe adds emission lowering and power enhancing electric drive and it’s the first electrified Jeep to be sold in Britain. It uses the familiar … [Read more...]
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