800 miles in the Honda Jazz Crosstar Now, let’s get one thing out the way first – this is by no means a Gran Tourer or ‘GT’ car. Nor is it particularly well-suited to long-distance travel (compared to other vehicles from Honda’s fleet, such as the Civic or CR-V) however, it coped remarkably well all things considered, and I had …
Ford Fiesta MHev, a composed and zippy ecoboost Hybrid
“This car is far too good to be lumbered with the name Fiesta.” Standing outside my house, looking like a picture of restrained elegance and quiet purpose, it would make me think, “That’s a seriously mature car. Surely it deserves more dignified associations than the clack of castanets and the stomp of Cuban heels?” Buzzing along country back-roads around my …
Peugeot 2008 1.2 GT Line, it’s a winner
By the end of my week with the Peugeot 2008 and about three hundred and fifty miles, this French car had firmly become ‘mon ami!’ Or, as it’s built in Spain, ‘mi amigo!’ Because, provided a price of as much as £28,000 for a B-segment crossover SUV is acceptable and manageable, New 2008 owners will not be disappointed. As ever, …
Living with the Honda E
Fall in love every day with the highly likeable Honda e Suddenly, everything seems just that little bit better. You pre-heat this electric car before stepping out the front door via the key fob, knowing that the moment you set foot in its futuristic cabin the world will be toasty and warm once again, like having a duvet on four …
Honda Jazz EX, deserves the highest accolades
The latest Honda Jazz came to me on test a week after I had voted for the new Land Rover Defender in a Car of the Year poll. To my mind, that distinction puts it firmly in the same bracket as its predecessors. I have lost count of the number of friends who have bought a Honda Jazz as a …
Reviewed, the Škoda Scala Monte Carlo
At first, you may be a little confused as to where the Scala fits into Škoda’s vast range. Well, it’s smaller than a Kamiq, but not really bigger than a Fabia. See? It’s a little confusing. Resembling the discontinued ‘wagon’ version of the Fabia, the Scala essentially takes up the same mantle. Five seats, clever design and impressive styling are …
Ford Kuga Titanium mHEV good-looking, comfortable and capacious
I drove my daughter to work in a Ford Kuga hybrid. When I picked her up after work, I was at the wheel of a Volvo XC60 hybrid (such is the daily life of the motoring writer). My girl didn’t notice the difference. But you would think that even a 17-year-old who has never shown the faintest interest in any …
The New Škoda Octavia, more than satisfying
When the new Škoda Octavia launched, was it some sort of prodigy come true, a miracle on earth, the greatest thing since sliced bread… With the motoring cliche “all the car you could ever need” being bandied around like it was the only words anyone could say on Twitter, I looked forward to finding out if a few months after …
THE stirring 007 James Bond Aston Martin
‘WE’VE been expecting you, Mr Bond.’ The words rang out across the deserted hangar as the Violet Lady – nicknamed the Violent Lady – strode towards her adversary. Main picture by Phil Dye He thought the Aston was his – she knew it was hers. “I’m glad you came Mr Bond,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it,” he intoned …
The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid, a thing of beauty
If governments were at all concerned that the motoring industry was ignoring its machinations to push it in the direction of electric and electrified cars, they can now rest easy. The internal combustion engine, mind you, is the smallest in the Bentley range, a mere 3.0-litre V6 job, but before purists get too hot under the collar it is paired …
