Category: Car reviews

First report: Our new MINI Clubman Cooper Exclusive looks like it’ll be right up our street in busy LondonVerdict4There's a lot to learn about our new Clubman, but we can’t wait to get stuck in. We’re already loving several aspects of the MINI, including the powertrain and interior.

Mileage: 3,158
Economy: 39.4mpg

My new fleet car is here, and the latest MINI Clubman has so many features that I feel like I’m going back to school learning about them all. After a little Continue reading “MINI Clubman Cooper Exclusive: long-term test review”

The revised Mercedes GLC is drawn against the class-leading BMW X3 in this premium SUV battle

For years Mercedes’ mid-size SUV model wasn’t available in the UK due to constraints of converting it to right-hand drive, but that changed in 2015 with the launch of the brand’s GLC.

Now, four years later, the car has rather fallen by the wayside under the onslaught of other premium off-roaders. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Porsche Continue reading “BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC”

The new Mazda CX-30 compact crossover is based on the impressive 3 hatchback, but is the SkyActiv-G GT Sport model as good on the road?Verdict4Much like the new Mazda 3 hatchback, the CX-30 is a good car lacking a good petrol engine. However, we’re told that the 178bhp SkyActiv-X motor will be available when the car arrives in November, and it should go some way to addressing this. Interior quality surpasses that of most mainstream rivals, and the CX-30 is good to drive, but there are more Continue reading “New Mazda CX-30 SkyActiv-G GT Sport review”

The Audi RS Q3 fits into quite a niche market but does its premium price make it a premium performance SUV?Verdict4If a rapid, small SUV is a niche you crave, then the Audi RS Q3 is all you’re being served right now at this sort of price point. It’s a more expensive proposition than the likes of the VW T-Roc R and Cupra Ateca, but you get a lot more for your money – chiefly that engine – and it feels the sum of its parts. The starting price doesn’t seem ludicrous, then, but it will be Continue reading “New Audi RS Q3 2019 review”

Does the entry-level Range Rover Velar D180 offer more for your money than the more expensive variants?Verdict4Avoid the more expensive trim levels and the cheapest Velar in the range is certainly not without appeal. Regular motorway users could do far worse than pick its blend of comfortable ride, cruising refinement and long-distance range. But for those who regularly drive around town, the petrol model is probably a better bet – and once you switch to that fuel type, Porsche’s Macan Continue reading “New Range Rover Velar D180 2019 review”

Does the entry-level Range Rover Velar D180 offer more for your money than the more expensive variants?Verdict4Avoid the more expensive trim levels and the cheapest Velar in the range is certainly not without appeal. Regular motorway users could do far worse than pick its blend of comfortable ride, cruising refinement and long-distance range. But for those who regularly drive around town, the petrol model is probably a better bet – and once you switch to that fuel type, Porsche’s Macan Continue reading “New Range Rover Velar 2019 review”

First report: our new Toyota Corolla Hybrid Excel impresses as it arrives on our fleetVerdict4It's early days with our Corolla, but we can already tell it’s a world away from the old Toyota Auris. The first impressions are good – it’s nice to drive and economical – although time will tell if there is a price to pay.

Mileage: 3,647

Goodbye CR-V, hello Corolla. I’ve switched hybrids, but not like-for-like. The intention in downsizing is to see how my family adapts to a Continue reading “Toyota Corolla Hybrid Excel: long-term test review”

We find out if the new Skoda Kamiq has what is takes to beat the Volkswagen T-Cross and Citroen C3 Aircross

Supermini-based SUVs are part of one of the fastest-growing sectors of the market, so it’s little wonder that nearly every mainstream car manufacturer has a model that fits into this class. Skoda was one of the only big names left that was missing from the popular and highly profitable area, but that’s no longer the case: its new Kamiq is finally here.

It’s easy to get confused Continue reading “Skoda Kamiq vs Volkswagen T-Cross vs Citroen C3 Aircross”

We find out if the new Peugeot e-2008 is good enough to cash in on the electric SUV crazeVerdict4Peugeot realises that EVs aren’t for everyone, which is why it offers petrol, diesel and electric versions of its 2008. But while combustion versions are pricey, the e-2008 represents relatively good value against its closest rivals. It can’t quite match the range or performance of the Hyundai Kona Electric, but it counters with a more pleasant drive and a stunning interior.

A couple of months Continue reading “New Peugeot e-2008 2020 review”

The Skoda Citigo-e iV takes Skoda's city car platform and gives it a fresh EV flavour. Will it be enough to convince buyers?Verdict4Giving buyers a choice of charging options lowers the car’s list price and, if you don’t need to top up in a hurry, the cheapest Skoda Citigo will make a great deal of sense. It’s plenty quick enough, and even more fun to drive than its nippy petrol predecessor. The new Citigo e iV is the best value new electric car on the market.

We’ve already sung Continue reading “New Skoda Citigo-e iV 2019 review”