Category: Car reviews

A full used buyer’s on the Smart ForFour covering the ForFour Mk2 (2015-date)

Ever since Mercedes subsidiary Smart burst on to the scene in 1998, it’s done its best to offer something different. The firm’s first car was the two-seater Smart Coupé (later known as the ForTwo), while the Mk1 ForFour injected some extra design flair into the supermini segment with its quirky styling and two-tone paint schemes. When the smaller, city-car-sized Mk2 arrived around a decade after its forebear, Continue reading “Used Smart ForFour review”

The revised Toyota C-HR now comes with extra hybrid power. We compare it to petrol power in the Peugeot 3008

The Toyota C-HR has been a solid performer in the compact-SUV class, but the Japanese firm hasn’t been resting on its laurels. For 2020, Toyota has introduced a new infotainment system to the C-HR, while the old car’s 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine has been replaced by the 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain first seen in the Corolla hatchback. These updates should boost the C-HR’s Continue reading “Toyota C-HR vs Peugeot 3008”

The Mazda CX-30 fills a gap in the brand’s SUV line-up. We see if it hits the compact SUV jackpot against the Skoda Karoq

The mid-size SUV sector is very popular in the UK, because these models provide the style of larger SUVs and almost as much practicality with the lower running costs and smaller size of family hatchbacks. However, Mazda has been missing from this segment; the CX-3 rivals smaller cars like the Citroen C3 Aircross, and the CX-5 is a bit larger, so it takes on models such Continue reading “Mazda CX-30 vs Skoda Karoq”

The new Subaru Forester e-Boxer boasts mild-hybrid tech, but has it boosted the SUV’s appeal?Verdict3The Subaru Forester isn’t a car that you buy with your head, because there are plenty of rivals which offer a broader range of ability and – more importantly – better fuel economy. However, if you’re after a practical, no-nonsense SUV that isn’t fazed by rough terrain, the Forester e-Boxer makes a convincing choice. Just be prepared to pay for it.

The new mild-hybrid Subaru Continue reading “New Subaru Forester e-Boxer 2020 review”

The 296bhp VW T-Roc R uses its Golf R underpinnings to full effect, but is it worth £38k?Verdict3.5If you want a fast, practical, comfortable Volkswagen then the Golf R – soon to be departing with the Mk8 version of the evergreen hatchback’s arrival – still probably represents the best buy. If you want a little extra practicality, the Estate beats out the new T-Roc R too, and for less money. However, this is a style-driven choice and one delivered with little compromise, driving much the Continue reading “New Volkswagen T-Roc R 2020 review”

We drive the new Alpine A110 S in the UK to see if the sharper version of our favourite coupe is even betterVerdict4.5The Alpine A110 S is a more serious and focused sports car. That doesn’t necessarily make it better than the standard model, but it does give it a character of its own. However, asking a £9,000 premium means you’ll have to really appreciate its extra focus to want one.

Rarely does a new car from a new (or in this case, revitalised) brand come along and give the Continue reading “New Alpine A110 S 2020 review”

When it comes to seven-seat luxury SUVs, the Mercedes GLS is the biggest – but does that make it the best? We compare it with the Audi Q7

Mercedes has launched an all-new version of the Continue reading “Mercedes GLS vs Audi Q7”

The all-new Hyundai i10 city car sets new standards for the classVerdict4.5There are two ways you can look at the Hyundai i10. Viewed as a rival for the VW up!, it looks slightly pricey in higher trim levels, but makes up for it with vastly superior kit and safety tech. On the other hand, it’s so spacious and practical for the class that it’ll be more than adequate for most supermini buyers. All things considered, the comfortable and frugal i10 makes a strong case for itself.

This is Continue reading “New Hyundai i10 2020 review”

We get an early taste of the new Aston Martin DBX SUV in prototype form and find it deeply impressiveVerdictWe’ll avoid giving a star rating until we’ve driven a production car, but in prototype form the DBX is hugely impressive. It delivers a driving experience that no other SUV can – in fact, it doesn’t feel like an SUV. Yet it still does all the day-in day out things that SUVs need to do. It’s not perfect – what is? But if we were about to put a sizeable deposit down on a luxury, Continue reading “New Aston Martin DBX prototype review”

A full used buyer’s guide on the Mercedes SL covering the SL Mk6 (2012-date)VerdictWhile this current Mercedes SL might not have the elegance of its predecessors, that doesn’t stop it from being a hugely desirable luxury cruiser. Despite its SL (Sport Leicht) tag, this is no sports car, although searing pace is available if you opt for one of the ferociously powerful AMG editions. You’ll struggle to use an AMG SL’s performance very often, but you do get a soundtrack that the more Continue reading “Used Mercedes SL review”