It is not a surprise to glimpse the little red brake calipers peeping out between the flash paired spokes of the 19” alloy wheels… These trappings are all in line with what you would expect in the new Ford Focus ST 5 Door. The performance figures on the spec sheet may be eyebrow-lifting – 190 PS/400 Nm of torque/0-62 mph …
First Drive : The Lexus LC Convertible, a sense of theatre
The Lexus LC Coupe has always looked impressive and elegant all at the same time. The all-new car shares the LC Coupe’s gorgeous design and adrenaline-charged performance while adding the fun associated with wind-in-your-hair motoring. And, as with the hard-topped model, a non-turbocharged unit sits under the hood. This alone makes the LC different. Why? Well, there’s a glut of …
The highly practical Subaru XV E-Boxer
Subaru’s compact crossover XV E-BOXER ticks plenty of boxes. We all like our cars to be safe. Subaru says its customers go for safety, capability and reliability. Subaru’s mantra is ‘Confidence in Motion’. So, with the XV having been updated with an electric lithium battery motor (located under the boot floor for overall car balance) to work with the company’s …
First Drives: 2020 Honda Civic Type-R, latest, greatest
Honda has intensified the magnetism of the Type R The Limited Edition hunk of metal is the most uncompromising Type R. It’s crafted for the track, with a decluttered cabin and lightweight elements, both of which are responsible for the vehicle’s 47kg weight reduction. The next addition is the Sport Line, which been assembled to appeal to motorists who want …
Honda CR-V EX Hybrid AWD, a superbly practical SUV
Honda CR-V – What a wonderful surprise I’ve said before about my love for driving SUVs, and immediately the first thing I did upon taking delivery of the Honda CR-V was check out the interior. Safe to say, I was definitely impressed. The EX sits at the top of Honda’s model range, and it certainly shows. Plenty of leather surfaces …
First drives: Jeep Renegade 4xe PHEV
Jeep has turned a corner with its new plug-in hybrid electric Renegade. It uses the familiar 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor or generator driving the front wheels coupled with a hefty 60hp electric motor on the back axle using power from a 114kWh 400v traction battery under the back seats. In pure electric mode you might select …
Reviewed the Kia Niro 1.6 GDi HEV
Father/chauffeur/nag-in-chief I drumming my fingers on the steering wheel of the Kia Niro outside the house, waiting for Her Royal Highness to deign to take her seat. Our younger daughter was late for the school run. She couldn’t find her glasses. Her hair was still wet from the shower. Time was ticking on. When she finally belted up, I switched …
Reviewed the Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell EV
THERE is a story that having got to your destination in the hydrogen powered Hyundai Nexo, you can use the tailpipe emissions to make a cup of tea. The reason for the interest in the tailpipe emissions of the Nexo is because this is a car powered by hydrogen fuel cells which emit only water as a by-product. It is …
The Honda Jazz EX, easy to live with
I’ll readily admit, I was a little sceptical of the new Jazz. After a week of living with it, however, I have a new understanding of why customers buy them in their droves. That’s not to say the Jazz is without its faults, however, though in reality, the benefits far outweigh the pitfalls. Whilst I had the Jazz, I was …
Reviewed Mazda2, a giant in spirit
Little big car. The analogy came suggested itself because the top-spec 1.5 litre GT Sport Nav version of the Mazda2 we borrowed provided all the frills and extras you’d expect in a big luxobarge while being physically a tiddler of a supermini in the league of the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. Leather upholstery with tastefully subtle contrast panels? Tick. …
