Kim Henson samples the latest version of Suzuki’s popular S-Cross SUV… Suzuki has just introduced to motoring writers their new ‘Full Hybrid’ variants of the S-Cross, as distinct from the ‘Mild Hybrid’ versions of the all-new S-Cross model which arrived late in 2021. Perspective Before looking in more detail at the newcomer, it is interesting and useful to see how Suzuki is doing in what is a … [Read more...]
First Impressions
Our brief encounters with new models on the U.K. market
Latest electric vehicles on test…
New generation EVs are charging into showrooms... ...By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). A whole new cell of cars is being created for our electric future and some of them were lined up at the annual SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) driving day for motoring writers. We have seen hybrid adaptations of some familiar models and they have been joined by pure electric … [Read more...]
SMMT Test Day South provides brief road test/first impressions opportunities a-plenty
Kim Henson reports on this year's ‘Test Day South’, held in Hampshire on 29th September… The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently held its annual regional Test Days (in the north and south of the country); always much-liked, useful events on the calendar of many motoring scribes… including me. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). An annual event … [Read more...]
The new MG4
MG4 Preview by Chris Adamson. Photos: MG Motor. Available this month, the new MG4 electric five door hatch-back is a dramatic change in direction for the famous British marque in many ways; both in areas you can see and those you can’t. One of the most striking features of the MG4 is how it looks; in recent years the Chinese owned brand has tended to be rather conservative in its offerings … [Read more...]
Latest Mazda CX-60 Plug-in Hybrid – News and First Impressions
The new Mazda CX-60 PHEV SUV News and First Drive Views… … by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). News The new Mazda CX-60 priced from £43,950 now going on sale is the most powerful model ever from the company. The range-topping SUV is Mazda's PHEV first plug-in hybrid and it combines their acclaimed Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor and … [Read more...]
Honda Civic e:HEV self-charging hybrid – First Impresssions
FIRST UK DRIVE OF THE NEW HONDA CIVIC e:HEV… …By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). News If you’ve ever spent a night sleeping in your car it can be a very disconcerting place to wake up, but that was one of the tests engineers set themselves creating the new Honda Civic e:HEV petrol electric self-charging hybrid. Sleeping on the job took on a whole new purpose for them to … [Read more...]
Genesis GV60 – First Impressions
Guy Loveridge takes the wheel of this important all-electric newcomer… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Guy Loveridge). Freshly launched and barely run in, I could nor resist the opportunity to drive an absolutely mint Genesis GV60 at the recent Scottish Open Golf. This event, to the East of Capital City Edinburgh, is title sponsored by Genesis and so what better place to take a … [Read more...]
Latest Vauxhall Astra (‘Mark 8’) – First Impressions
First Impressions of Vauxhall's 'Mark 8' Astra, by George Loveridge (Driving Around)... Vauxhalls are virtually a right of passage in the motoring world. They really are one of those brands where most people can say they’ve had, been in, passed their test in, or even may still own one. I can almost guarantee that if you walk down your street, you’ll be able to find one. Just in 2021, there were … [Read more...]
Kia charges ahead… News and reviews of current models, and a glimpse into future plans…
Kia looks ahead… …reports Robin Roberts, WheelsWithinWales. (All words copyright Robin Roberts, WheelsWithinWales, all images from Kia). Less than ten years ago, Kia began development of its Soul electric car and now it’s one of the world’s leading makers of low carbon models, but is still keeping the internal combustion engine option open. As it prepares to roll out the forthcoming Niro … [Read more...]
Kias galore – briefly test driven in one day
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...]
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...]
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...]
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