Car Indicators
THE popular Puma remains Ford’s go-to model for drivers who want an SUV that’s more compact and stylish than the Ford Kuga. It’s more crossover than SUV and closer than anything else to the much-missed Fiesta, on whose platform it is based.
The Puma range starts with the Titanium model, from £26,580, while the middle-ground ST-Line model starts from £27,480. … Read the rest
IF you’ve never heard of KGM then you’re not alone. I took the Korean manufacturer’s Torres SUV to South Queensferry for a few photos in front of the iconic Forth Bridge and was asked about the car by more than a dozen passers-by. Not one of them had heard of KGM Motors and only a couple had heard of SsangYong … Read the rest
IF ultimate refinement along with unbeatable practicality is your idea of SUV nirvana, then the Mercedes-Benz GLS is likely to be on your shortlist.
Eye-watering prices aside, the Rolls Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga may offer even more refinement, but with the Mercedes boasting a full 7-seats, it ultimately takes the win. Only the BMW X7 comes close; but even … Read the rest
THE BMW X5 xDrive45e Hybrid is a full-sized SUV that packs a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine alongside BMW’s fourth-generation hybrid technology which provides a generous 24kWh electric battery.
This means the new Beemer is capable of a very useful 54 miles on battery power alone – more than enough for the average commute of just over 20 miles. However, since … Read the rest
SUBARU have a way of making a vehicle that you immediately trust to get the job done, whether it’s bring the kids home from school or take the other sort of kids to market – and while the XV model is aimed firmly at the family rather than the farmer, it’s good to know that rugged dependency is part of … Read the rest
IN a world now dominated by the SUV I must say that the Infiniti Q60S felt like a breath of fresh air when it arrived on my doorstep – a good looking, sleek coupe whose looks are, thankfully, matched by its performance.
A replacement for the under-rated Infiniti G37 coupe, this V6-powered Q60S goes up against some stiff German competition … Read the rest
LEXUS don’t do the obvious. If they did then their 4-door executive saloon would have a powerful diesel engine fitted upfront, say like BMW, Audi, Jaguar or Mercedes. But no, Lexus do things differently and therefore you’ll find the Lexus GS utilises a petrol engine which is backed-up by a powerful electric motor.
Yep, hybrid is the way to go … Read the rest
THE Skoda Octavia vRS hatchback has always been a favourite with those wanting to experience some sporting thrills while unwilling to sacrifice any practicality. After all, having a family shouldn’t mean you need to wave goodbye to driving pleasure.
And if that family includes a dog there is always the Octavia vRS Estate. I say “a dog” but it could … Read the rest
IF a group of 15 year olds take the time to look over a car and then comment on how “cool” it looks then there is a good chance the car in question is either a super-car or the latest hot-hatch. If that car is a Volvo then clearly something has happened at Volvo to wipe away years of “pipe-and-slippers” … Read the rest
Hyundai’s foray into the world of hybrid vehicles starts with the aggressively-priced Ioniq mid-sized hatchback which takes on the all-conquering Toyota Prius – and on the face of it gives Toyota a bloody nose when it comes to pricing, being around £4,000 cheaper spec-for-spec than its Japanese rival.
Available as a hybrid or an all-out electric vehicle, the Ioniq is … Read the rest