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Car Reviews

Mazda CX-80 3.3D Review: A six-cylinder diesel SUV that defies the electric trend 

LAUNCHING a seven-seater SUV powered by a straight-six diesel engine feels about as on-trend as bringing back the MiniDisc. Yet that’s exactly what Mazda has done – first in the CX-60 and now with the larger CX-80. 

While rivals chase electrification headlines and complex plug-in promises, Mazda has doubled down on honest engineering: a big, efficient diesel engine, a roomy … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Kia EV3 Review – The everyday electric SUV that hts the sweet spot 

YOU don’t expect a compact electric SUV to feel this polished. The Kia EV3 doesn’t just tick the boxes for range, practicality, and family-friendliness – it does it with enough style and tech to make some premium brands look a bit overpriced. With sharp looks, a long-range option of up to 375 miles, and Kia’s trademark value, the EV3 could Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Ford Transit Custom Sport PHEV Review – A van with a sporting edge

THE Ford Transit Custom is so familiar on UK roads it’s practically part of the landscape. Builders, delivery drivers, mobile workshops – it’s the van that gets the job done.

But Ford hasn’t let familiarity slip into stagnation. Over the years we’ve seen it grow from a dependable diesel workhorse into something far broader: limited editions with style, fully electric … Read the rest

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Events

From Zero to Eco Hero: Breaking My Motorsport Duck at FIA Eco Rally Scotland

Motorsport. The word itself conjures the smell of petrol, the glint of spanners, and the sight of stripped-down machines surrounded by crews in overalls. It’s an arena of speed and spectacle, from the marble-polished glamour of Monaco to the gritty thrill of gravel-spraying rally cars tearing through damp forests. At its extremes, it is visceral, loud, and mechanical—a theatre of … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

KGM Actyon Review – Coupe Crossover with Surprising Substance 

IF the name KGM doesn’t immediately ring any bells, perhaps its former identity, SsangYong, will. The South Korean brand first landed on UK shores back in the early ‘90s, primarily known for reimagining Mercedes-Benz hardware on a budget. Models like the Rexton bore more than a passing resemblance to early M-Class SUVs. 

Now, rebranded as KGM (Korea Global Mobility) and … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Ford Focus ST Edition: Everyday Hero with a Hooligan Streak 

THE Ford Focus ST Edition is the only press car I’ve ever had which comes with a large spanner in the glovebox. 

But worry not; the spanner is a sign of the ST Edition’s commitment to ultimate performance rather than a fix for iffy engineering. Adjustable KW coilover suspension may be a manual affair in the Focus ST Edition, but … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Dusting Off the Competition: The All-New Dacia Duster Reviewed

BACK in 2010, the Dacia Duster arrived on the scene with a refreshing lack of pretence. It was robust, practical, and proudly utilitarian. Over 2.2 million global sales and more than 40 awards later, the latest, all-new Dacia Duster marks the model’s third generation. 

It still marches to the beat of its own drum, offering families, adventurers and value-conscious buyers … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+ Review: Hybrid Drive, Premium Comfort & Everyday Practicality

THE Nissan Qashqai (or Cashcow, as I’m sure the bean-counters at Nissan refer to it) has managed to carve out an envious position in the UK SUV market, selling almost 5,000 units in 2024 alone. This year it could do even better.

Since its original launch in 2006, the Qashqai has become something of a household name in the UK—a … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Ford Capri EV Review: A Retro Name for a Modern Crossover

I’D LIKE to say the Ford Capri is back, but this new EV is as much like the original Capri as the Mustang Mach-E is like a true Mustang. i.e. not similar at all. Gone is the sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupé that graced British roads in the ’70s and ’80s. In its place stands a fully electric SUV coupé, sharing its Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Mazda MX-5 Homura Review: The Purest Sports Car Experience – Updated, Not Uprooted

The Mazda MX-5 is the sports car that barely needs an introduction. If you are at all interested in driving, chances are you’ve thought about, owned, or lusted after an MX-5 at some point. Now in its fourth generation, and with 35 years under its belt, Mazda’s little legend has had a subtle, but meaningful, update. 

It remains a compact, … Read the rest