Category Archives: Car Reviews

The MG ZS Hybrid+ offers a great deal for very little cash (unless you’re a tariff-hit American, of course)

There are two things you need to know about the latest, Chinese-built, MG ZS Hybrid+ : It’s a huge improvement over the older ZS model, and it’s also a genuine bargain in the UK. Not so much in the USA – although things can, apparently, change by the hour . . .

The old ZS EV has been dropped completely, … Read the rest

Exploring the Explorer – Ford’s Family-Friendly SUV reviewed

The new Ford Explorer EV is a mid-sized, fully electric, family SUV whose name isn’t going to cause any controversy in the UK as virtually no one here has heard of the original American gas-guzzler. Unlike the Capri or Mustang, we couldn’t give a damn about the Explorer’s heritage so won’t be taking to social media to vent our anger Read the rest

Go-Anywhere Subaru Crosstrek has you covered

THE Subaru Crosstrek is the Japanese manufacturer’s latest adventure/family-friendly SUV that replaces the XV and is their smallest model, behind the Forester and Outback. 

Always the farmer’s favourite, Subaru now manage to produce motors that are popular with anyone who fancies a bit of 4×4 reliability. Whether you’re dodging potholes, taking the dogs to the woods, or the kids to … Read the rest

Ford’s latest Kuga gets a lift in more ways than one – The Kuga Active

What is it and how much does it cost? 

THE Ford Kuga Active is the more rugged looking sibling in the Kuga lineup. It takes the Kuga ST-Line model and gives it a dose of off-road capability with raised suspension and some out-doorsy trim. 

All Ford Kuga’s were face-lifted in 2024, with the diesel being dropped a year before. … Read the rest

The Toyota that’s a Hybrid Mazda too . . .

IF you’ve ever looked at the Mazda2 Hybrid and thought, “Hang on a minute, that looks suspiciously like a Toyota Yaris,” then congratulations—you have excellent powers of observation. Because it is a Toyota Yaris, just with Mazda badges slapped on the front and back (oh, and one on the steering wheel). 

So, what were Mazda up to a couple of … Read the rest

Kia Sorento – The perfect all-rounder for larger families gets a welcome upgrade

What is it and How much? 

The latest Kia Sorento is a practical, stylish, and tech-packed family SUV that can handle the school run, a weekend trip to the Lake District, some semi-serious off-roading and virtually everything else in between. 

It’s been around in this 4th generation guise since 2020 but 2024 saw some major updates with refreshed exterior … Read the rest

A Saloon to savour – Audi’s S3 gets serious

The Audi S3 Saloon is a rather understated but incredibly quick saloon, designed for those drivers who enjoy performance – but don’t want to shout about it too loudly – but still want space and practicality for the family. 

It’s had a mild(ish) update recently with some body and engine tweaks and now … Read the rest

BYD Seal may get a little Crazy but remains impressive

What is it and How much? 

The BYD Seal is a sporty-looking saloon from Chinese manufacturer Build Your Dreams. It is their range-topper and goes up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the BMW i4, Hyundai Ionic 6 and the Polestar 2. 

There are just 2 models available – the ‘Design’ and the ‘Excellence’. The BYD Seal Design … Read the rest

New MG3 Hybrid+ lifts the Trophy for value

What is it?

The all-new MG3 Hybrid+ is a 5-door supermini which, on first glance, looks like the perfect alternative to the much-loved and already-missed Ford Fiesta. It’s somewhat more advanced than the Fiesta though, being a full hybrid. 

It has a larger battery than most rivals, giving it the ability to run on pure electric power for longer, as … Read the rest

The Scenic to be seen in – Renault’s latest EV shines

IF like me, you’ve been around long enough to remember the original Renault Scenic, then this new, full-electric, version may come as a bit of a shock. It’s now all-out, modern SUV instead of boxy, old fashioned MPV. Although Renault refuse to tag it as an SUV. Or an MPV. In fact, they refuse to tag it at all, so Read the rest