Tag Archives: family SUV

Clever Honda ZR-V makes the case for a driver-focused family SUV

FROM certain angles, the front of the new Honda ZR-V looks a little grumpy. Maybe it is the weight of expectation – after all, it is going up against the titanic duo of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.

However, I suspect it’s just a bold reflection of Honda’s intentions for the ZR-V in this very competitive segment. It’s determined … Read the rest

Ford Kuga Black Package Edition – 2.5 Duratec PHEV Automatic – Review

THE Ford Kuga seen some changes in the past year-or-so with the diesel variant being dropped altogether and some sparkly new special editions gracing the forecourts.

This 3rd-generation Kuga is a far car from the jacked-up Ford Focus of 2008 which first bore the Kuga name. It’s now a decent sized, all-out family SUV that packs some excellent … Read the rest

A 7-seater superstar – The Kia Sorento HEV Edition

IT was only last week that I was contemplating the merits of the traditional pick-up against a good-sized SUV and, as if to force the point, I was delivered a smart-looking Kia Sorento ‘Edition’ by the same chaps who took away the Ford Ranger Wildtrack.

Both had rather plush, leather upholstery (the cars, not the chaps), 4-wheel-drive, and plenty of … Read the rest

Ford Puma Titanium 1.0L Ecoboost MHEV 6-speed manual – Review

Now, I don’t know about you, but I see a heck of a lot of Ford Pumas on the roads these days – so there must be something about the Fiesta-platformed SUV that is floating a lot of boats.

I completely understand the appeal of the fiery ST model (Ford Puma ST Review) and I also enjoyed the … Read the rest

Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv D Takumi – Review

NEVER one for simply following accepted convention, Mazda have introduced an all-new engine to their flagship CX-60 range – and it’s a diesel. A bold move indeed, considering how many manufacturers are gearing up for an ICE-free future (irony fully intended).

However, recent events point to a future that may see the Internal Combustion Engine survive (nay, even THRIVE) beyond … Read the rest

Kia Sportage 1.6 GT-Line S HEV FWD – Review

KIA have recently brought their best-selling family SUV bang-up-to-date with a radical new look that makes the 5th-generation Sportage a bit of a stunner both inside and out. 

Taking design cues from the all-electric EV6, the new Sportage is striking from both front and rear with sharply contoured boomerang-like LEDs at the front and a swooping, fastback design … Read the rest

Suzuki S-Cross Ultra ALLGRIP auto – Review

SUZUKI is always a manufacturer you can rely on when it comes to value for money with no compromise on tech – especially if you’re after a reliable 4×4 that won’t break the bank.

Sitting between the Vitara and the Across is the new Suzuki S-Cross that is a perfectly-sized SUV for the growing family. And yes, it’s available with … Read the rest

Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pro – Review

AS I’ve mentioned in previous articles, welcoming a Volvo into my life has always been a moment of joy. Always stylish, always clever and always a calming, relaxed and stress-reducing driving experience. 

However, the fully-electric XC40 Recharge model was causing me some concern as I eyed it up on my driveway. . .Not because I doubted the Swedish manufacturer’s ability … Read the rest

Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 d 4Matic Night Edition Executive – Review

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