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Nissan X-Trail e-Power, takes charge

In Car Reviews, Electric, Electric cars, Hybrid, Nissan by Matthew Macconnell

The Nissan X-Trail e-Power, no need to charge this one Car Reviewed: Nissan X-Trail e-Power Tekna When the newest fourth-generation car in Tekna trim was delivered, my first thoughts were just how girthy it is, but when looking at the figures, it isn’t much wider than a new Nissan Juke. It’s just under 4.7m in length, which means it’s slightly …

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Škoda Octavia Estate, a big seller

In Car Reviews, Diesel, Skoda by Robin Roberts

Diesel cars are nearing extinction. Long live the Škoda Octavia Estate turbo-diesel Car Reviewed: Škoda Octavia Estate SE L 2.0TDI 150 It’s one of the oldest model names in the Škoda stable. Still, it accounts for about half of the brand’s European sales, but the fact it’s semi-estate shape and diesel engine have become unfashionable in the eyes of many …

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MG HS, a budget flagship SUV

In Car Reviews, MG by Matthew Macconnell

The MG HS, a budget SUV that’s doing its darndest to cover all bases Car Reviewed: MG HS Trophy Buy the Trophy, and your HS will come with dual-zone air conditioning, a powered tailgate, rear privacy glass, a six-speaker stereo system and heated sports seats. My test car was the Trophy equipped with the £545 Urban Gray paintwork and the …

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Ford Puma ST mHEV, the mildly hot one

In Car Reviews, Ford, Hybrid by Robin Roberts

The Ford Puma was at the top of Britain’s car sales in 2023, it’s easy to see why Car Reviewed: Ford Puma ST EcoBoost mHEV 7 Speed Automatic It has also played about with the ST and Vignale suffixes as it did with the Ghia years before, along with the famous RS badges. Now, it has come full circle with …

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Life with a Ford Focus Active 1.0 EcoBoost

In Car Reviews, Ford, Hybrid by Matthew Macconnell

The stars were clearly aligned when the Ford Focus Active was dropped off Car Reviewed: Ford Focus Active 1.0-Litre EcoBoost The Active is aesthetically, well, odd. It’s classed as a crossover; it sits slightly higher than a standard Focus and is covered in tough-looking black plastic. That aside, it makes for a strong argument in the hybrid field and has …

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Honda CR-V eHEV, built to last

In Car Reviews, Honda, Hybrid, SUV by Robin Roberts

The Honda product range is steadily heading in an ‘electric’ direction Car Reviewed: Honda CR-V e:HEV It is the largest Honda SUV sold in Britain and has been the most popular model worldwide for over six generations. Honda’s Compact Recreational Vehicle is sold in both front and all-wheel drive in Britain, in Elegance and Advance trims. It marks the gradual …

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Life with the: Renault Austral E-Tech iconic esprit Alpine

In Alpine, Car Reviews, Renault by Matthew Macconnell

Originally, Alpine cars were lower to the ground than a snake’s stomach and were triumphant in Monte Carlo rallies Car Reviewed: Renault Austral E-Tech iconic esprit Alpine Sadly, this isn’t the case. The Alpine moniker is just a way of saying ‘range-topper’: you still get the same 1.2-litre 200bhp powertrain mated to an automatic ‘box, found in cheaper Austral models, …

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The Ford Ranger Platinum makes an impression

In 4x4, Car Reviews, Ford, Pick-Ups by Jonathan Humphrey

The Ranger Platinum flaunts Ford’s talent for pick-ups Car Reviewed: Ford Ranger Platinum 3.0L V6 EcoBlue 10-speed Auto AWD The Ford Ranger Platinum has just made the choice of SUV or pick-up easier. You wouldn’t mind showing your friends this well-specced, luxury version of the Ranger. A full five-seater with an electric roll-top over the pick-up bed and an £1800 …

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Living with the Genesis GV60 Sport Plus

In Car Reviews, Electric, Electric cars, Genesis by Matthew Macconnell

I expected big things from the Genesis GV60 after previously living with an electrified GV70 for a week Car Reviewed: Genesis GV60 Sport Plus BEV Rather than faff around town for the next seven days, I threw my bags into the slightly small 432-litre boot and took the GV60 153 miles away from home to Kinloss RAF base in the …