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Car Reviews

Mazda CX-30 – A Compact SUV for the Driver

I RECENTLY went on a trip to the Isle of Skye with Mrs. B. The first decision we had to make was which car to take for this scenic trip. Since the weather was looking surprisingly good, it seemed like my own Mazda MX-5 NC would be the best option. 

However, I’m in the business of reviewing press cars and … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Hyundai IONIQ 6 – an EV cruiser with style . . .

ON first spotting a Hyundai IONIQ 6 in the wild, I thought it looked rather classy with that exaggerated curve stretching from one end to the other. Hyundai refers to it as “Streamliner typology” and it’s a word that fits well.

It was designed from the outset to be a distance cruiser – so hence the slippery shape. The IONIQ … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Audi’s Big Friendly Giant – The Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro 340PS Launch Edition

THE Audi Q8 is the German marque’s flagship SUV and, as you would expect from Audi, it’s a luxurious, spacious, family motor that inspires quiet confidence rather than aggressive one-upmanship. More BFG than Goliath, if you get my drift.

The Q8 is a more sculpted version of the Q7, with a sweeping roofline that might lead you to believe that … Read the rest

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Pint-sized Picanto Punches above its weight – Kia Picanto GT-Line Review

The Kia Picanto is the smallest model offered by Kia in the UK, and it seems to be a popular choice judging by the number of them on the roads. Even the 1st-generation models are still commonly seen, which is a testament to their dependability. This 3rd-generation model has been around since 2017 and has had a couple of facelifts Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Range Rover Sport P510e Plug-in Hybrid Autobiography – Review

The Range Rover Sport is a luxury, sporty, SUV that is very much like – but not exactly like – the even more expensive Range Rover.

Tracing its roots back to 2005, the Range Rover Sport may no longer be available with 7 seats but it is still very spacious and is the perfect family-lugger. Especially if … Read the rest

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Subaru go full-EV with the Solterra SUV – Review

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Car Reviews

No-compromise MG HS has it all for less

IF you’re in the market for a well-specified, spacious family SUV that costs less than an entry-level Ford Focus, then the £23,495 MG HS seems to have it all sewn-up.

Okay, the Dacia Duster is cheaper but it’s also smaller and will feel like a compromise-too-far when you’re sat in it. The Citroen C5 Aircross is more Crossover than full … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

The Nissan Ariya EV is full of surprises – and almost all of them good . . .

WE’VE all heard of the Nissan Leaf – the first mainstream Electric Vehicle to gain some traction for the advancement and acceptance of the EV. It was revolutionary when first introduced back in 2011.

So, it’s somewhat surprising that it has taken Nissan so long to come up with another family EV – the Ariya. The Covid pandemic may have … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Nissan X-Trail vs Storm Pia – Or, how Tech Tamed the Torrent

The weather conditions over the 2023-2024 Christmas and New Year period were shocking for most of the country – and particularly bad for those north of the border.

So, with some trepidation, I contemplated the drive back down south to visit relatives and friends in England – which would include a ¼-mile, steep, rough track leading to my sister’s farm … Read the rest

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Car Reviews

Ford Focus Active 1.0 EcoBoost mHEV – Review

THE Ford Focus Active appears to be for people who don’t want an SUV and won’t consider a “Crossover” because it’s still too extreme. But they DO want plastic wheel arch covers and roof rails.

If that’s the case, then Ford has nailed it with the Focus Active, because it just doesn’t look like a Crossover. At first (and even … Read the rest