I could not have imagined that the new Honda Jazz could be made closer to my ideal of a small car. And then along comes the Crosstar EX version to make me think again. Now I’ve got to change my tune. The Crosstar is even more completely the car we need. All I’ve got to do is persuade ‘erindoors. I …
Somebody ought to write a PhD thesis about Suzuki as a case study for a Business Management course. They seem to spend no money on marketing. Can you remember ever seeing a Suzuki ad on tv or on a billboard? I can’t call a single one to mind from the last 50 years. They don’t waste money showing off at …
When it comes to the art of designing new cars, BMW is one manufacturer that’s shown it has plenty in the locker to surprise, delight and intrigue. Welcome to the BMW X2 xDrive25e At the same time, there are some fine BMWs out there that seem to fly under the radar a touch. One such contender might be the X2 …
Nothing beats a good Focus. That wisdom – which my own parents signally failed to relay to me – came to mind last week when I was lucky enough to have the new Focus ST-Line X Edition hybrid at my house for test. This one comes with a 1.0T EcoBoost Hybrid and six-speed manual powertrain. The total power output of …
The Sorento has sat proudly at the top of Kias’ SUV range for several years now, and it looks set to remain that way with the introduction of the all-new 7-seat Sorento during the latter half of 2020 The design of the Sorento is thoroughly recognisable as a Kia. Still, in my opinion, it stands head-and-shoulders above the rest of …
The more time I spent with the Seat Leon e-Hybrid FR, the more I liked it. However, this isn’t the usual story with test cars. However, with this Leon, the relationship began with me in a state not far short of indifference towards the car and ended with me wanting it to stay for a little longer. It’s not much …
There’s a vast Gulf (German for Golf) between the VW Golf Mark 1 and the current Golf (number eight and now 47 years later). This is noted because it can be said that the more new technical stuff you buy into, the more there is to go wrong. More of that later. It must be challenging for car designers to …
During my week with the latest Tourneo Custom from Ford, I wondered who might buy this luxurious eight-seater, part van, part mini-bus? Hotels that have to ferry customers from a nearby airport and can take advantage of the 35-mile all-electric range? That’s one possible answer. High-end golf courses? Holiday companies cater to small groups of loaded and green-minded clients and …
Colour theory – the study of colour and its impact on a person’s emotions.. When asked about this, there is a range of standard responses “it’s good for resale value” or “it’s the cheapest” or a plethora of reasoning that these are the cheapest cars to get on bulk lease for company cars. But, I have a theory. If more …
“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 …