Guy Loveridge reports from the Lake District with his impressions of the Ineos Grenadier... (All words by Guy; photographs from Guy, and PFPR). The Ineos Grenadier is simply a remarkable motor vehicle. From being sketched on a £5 note at the, of course, Grenadier pub as a dream of what could/should replace the out going Land Rover Defender to this hugely capable machine, both on and … [Read more...]
First Impressions
Our brief encounters with new models on the U.K. market
Ineos Grenadier FD – First Impressions
Robin Roberts samples the Ineos Grenadier FD, on and off road. He writes, "Inch by inch, metre by metre and after just a few miles the Ineos Grenadier impresses..." Conceived to replace the outgoing Land Rover Defender at the time, the Grenadier is the product of a multi- million pound investment by chemical firm Ineos and its owner, one of the richest men and motoring enthusiasts in … [Read more...]
BYD Dolphin hatchback – Background and First Impressions
Robin Roberts (and WheelsWithinWales) tells all about this new kid on the block electric hatchback… If you have used a Nokia 3310 mobile phone, Apple i-pad or ridden on a new Transport for London electric bus, then you have already experienced BYD technology. The Chinese battery technology business which has powered these landmark products has a global footprint powering many familiar items, … [Read more...]
Mazda MX-30 E-EV Crossover – News and First Impressions
News and brief Views about the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV Crossover. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). News Mazda is never afraid to be different and it shows in their latest MX-30 R-EV Crossover launched to the UK’s motoring media recently. Keeping its quirky ‘suicide’ rear passenger doors for easy access to the back seats the real change is up front under the bonnet in the … [Read more...]
Latest Vauxhall Astra GSe hybrid – First Impressions
The new Vauxhall Astra GSe brief first drive by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). As it slips into middle-age, the latest generation Vauxhall Astra has been given a modern make-over. Originally launched in 1980, the Astra has been the bedrock of the company’s offering in the small family car sector as it moved through eight generations. This year it was given a mechanical … [Read more...]
Peugeot 508SW – First Impressions
Chris Adamson reports after test driving this hybrid conventional estate car… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Chris Adamson). Large bulk carrying sports utilities are gradually coming to dominate the UK new car market; most makers have quietly begun to abandon traditional saloons, hatchbacks and estate cars in favour of the versatility and appeal of the SUV. Consequently, a … [Read more...]
Honda e:Ny1 – First Impressions
First brief test drive of the Honda e:Ny1 by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Honda is revamping its range of offerings as the new era in electric mobility approaches, but it’s also keeping some tried and tested models. With 13 of the top 20 UK new model registrations now SUVs, in a sector that has grown to almost 56% of annual registrations, Honda could not ignore what buyers … [Read more...]
New Vauxhall Astra GSe – First Impressions
Chris Adamson test drives this newcomer in the Astra line-up from Vauxhall… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Chris Adamson). One of the longest established names to be found in British showrooms is the Vauxhall Astra, a venerable and big-selling model that has been at the heart of the Vauxhall product line for eight generations since 1980 with many of them being built at Ellesmere … [Read more...]
New Nissan X-Trail and smart #1 – First Impressions
LITTLE AND LARGE NEW MODELS PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES AT A RECENT INDUSTRY SMMT TEST DAY – By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). More and more new names are appearing in the UK new car market as it evolves into the electric age, but at the recent Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders annual southern test day for writers near Basingstoke it was two familiar names which caught my … [Read more...]
Test-driving recent new models at the SMMT Test Day South 2023
Kim Henson reports from this annual event that he rates as 'invaluable'… For many years the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders or SMMT (the U.K.’s industry body representing the automotive sector) has provided annual opportunities for motoring writers to attend regional events, in the north and south of England respectively, primarily to assess a wide variety of models showcased by the … [Read more...]
Latest KIA Proceed GT-Line S – First impressions
The KIA Proceed GT-Line S in its newest form tried for size by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Having a finger in every pie is very satisfying for KIA with a huge range of models consistently leading to more UK sales. Getting his slice of that pie was our road tester Robin Roberts who last week attended a media test driving day held at the famous Manor House Hotel in Britain’s … [Read more...]
Kia goes from strength to strength with a wide variety of models
Kia goes from strength to strength with a wide variety of models Kim meets Kias… Kim Henson samples four Kia models from the current range – and is impressed. There are many good reasons why Kia is enjoying sales success in the U.K. These include the firm’s famous, market-leading seven year warranty, the very wide range of models and propulsion types – including, of course, hybrid and fully … [Read more...]
Honda ZR-V – First Impressions
The Honda ZR-V hybrid SUV range First Drive by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Honda’s tightened its hold on the SUV sector with this month’s announcement of the ZR-V, squarely aimed at families and retail buyers. The Japanese car-maker has a very loyal following and while it wishes existing owners will consider the newcomer when they want to change, it also hopes to hook in … [Read more...]
Latest Honda Civic Type R – First Impressions
Kim Henson briefly samples the newest version of the Type R… It is more than three years since I enjoyed a week of test driving Honda’s Civic Type R, liking its overall competence and its distinctly sporting personality, which also, cleverly, didn’t detract from everyday family motoring practicality. Fast-forward to 2023 and the latest incarnation of the Type R is with us, some 22 years after … [Read more...]
Suzuki Swace (updated) – First Impressions
Kim Henson briefly samples the latest, updated version of Suzuki’s British-built Swace estate car… When I road-tested the first generation mid-size Suzuki Swace, in 2021, I rated it highly for its interior space, comfort, practicality and cost-effective economy of running (achieving nearly 60 miles per gallon in almost 500 miles of ‘real life’ motoring). I also enjoyed it dynamically; the Swace … [Read more...]
McLaren Artura – First Impressions
The new McLaren Artura PHEV petrol-electric supercar – The exclusive sports car maker has turned the corner, says Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). A huge multi-million pound investment, new management with encouragement for a brand that has uncompromisingly delivered drivers' cars, has now enabled, embraced and enriched the latest hybrid powertrain technology. But, of course, … [Read more...]
Latest Genesis models (including electric-powered versions) – First Impressions
Kim Henson samples new cars from the Genesis stable… including their latest ‘electrified’ models. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). When I test drove a number of Genesis ‘luxury’ vehicles late last year and in the spring of 2022, the firm was new to the U.K. and at that stage all their cars were petrol or diesel powered, as the Genesis name and brand were introduced to … [Read more...]
Volkswagen ID.5 – First Impressions
Chris Adamson samples VW’s all-electric ‘Premium SUV Coupé… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Chris Adamson). Although relative late-comers to the electric vehicle segment, Volkswagen has been setting some benchmark figures with its ID family (part of its ACCELERATE brand strategy) starting with the ID.3 hatchback, which for some-time led the way in the segment, and then came the … [Read more...]
Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid – First Impressions from Robin Roberts
The Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid test driven by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency)... Suzuki has passed another milestone on its road to future mobility with the arrival in UK showrooms of the latest Full Hybrid S-Cross SUV. Using the same powertrain from its Vitara stablemate, the S-Cross Full Hybrid is a logical development of the mild-hybrid S Cross introduced at the end of … [Read more...]
Fiat 500C Dolcevita 1.0 Hybrid – First Impressions
'Bring Me Sunshine!' Chris Adamson samples a cheerful Fiat 500… (Words and photos by, and copyright, Chris Adamson). We may be heading into the depths of winter with dire economic warnings almost as gloomy as the long- range weather predictions – but one way to cheer any motorist is to contemplate the joys of open-top motoring to come next spring and summer. Add in a bit of retro styling and a … [Read more...]
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