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RoadTestReports.co.uk supply us with road test reports that are clear, concise and comprehensive. All vehicles are rated all cars on performance, ride & handling, build quality & reliability, safety & security, space & practicality plus ownership and value.
Nissan NV200 Full Road Test Report
1.5 dCi SE - Nissan introduced the NV200 to the European market as a concept at the Hanover Motor Show back in 2008 and the production model has set the tone for its future LCV line-up. The NV200 is a nimble package but it also looks good. Important for fleets who like their vehicles to have a bit of character.... read more
Toyota Auris Full Road Test Report
2010 models - Launched in 2007 as the successor to the long-serving, record-selling Corolla, for 2010 the Auris has been restyled inside and out with revised suspension, newer Optimal Drive engines and spec enhancements. Although the Auris has been selling well in Europe, it’s far from a common sight on UK roads. Maybe the 2010 model will change that.... read more
Ford Galaxy Full Road Test Report
2010 - The Galaxy gains a new turbo petrol engine and twin-clutch gearbox, while the diesel engine line-up is also revised. Upgraded trim levels bring more standard equipment, but the Galaxy’s impressive seven-seat space and comfort remain intact. With excellent economy and emissions from the diesels, the Galaxy maintains its place as a family and fleet favourite.... read more
Kia Venga Full Road Test Report
1.4 petrol, 1.6 petrol, 1.4 diesel EcoDynamics - Riding the wave of its success in the past couple of years, Kia enters a new and hotly contested market with its Venga, set to take on the Honda Jazz, Nissan Note and Citroen C3 Picasso.... read more
Kia Venga Full Road Test Report
1.4 petrol & CRDi EcoDynamics - The new Venga uses the Kia small car platform first used on the Soul. Unlike the mini SUV-style Soul, the Venga is a B-segment supermini with mini MPV styling and more interior space than the funky, youth-orientated Soul, and as much space as some bigger, C-segment cars.... read more
Volvo C30 Full Road Test Report
- The Volvo C30 is one of those cars that many buyers have made up their mind they are going to own long before they ever set foot near a Volvo dealership. Its distinctive good looks are even more appealing thanks to the facelift and the cabin is all the more inviting with the subtle changes wrought there too. If anything, these styling changes should help attract even more buyers to the C30.... read more
Fiat Punto Evo Full Road Test Report
2010 - The word Evo is usually associated with high-performance cars such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, or editions of the BMW M3 and Lancia Delta Integrale. However, in what initially seems like a brave move, Fiat has used the name for the latest version of its Punto supermini. But here Evo stands for evolution, a sign that Fiat sees this latest refreshed Punto as a progression rather than a major step-change. However, with a range of new range engines under the bonnet, it’s a significant progression, which also reinforces Fiat’s position as the carmaker with the lowest average CO2 emissions.... read more
Citroen DS3 Full Road Test Report
- Citroen has pitched the prices of its DS3 very competitively against its main rival, the Mini. The French company also says used values for the DS3 will be stronger than those for a Fiat 500, but that remains to be seen. Every DS comes with alloy wheels, electric front windows, and CD stereo with MP3 connection, and this is the specification for the entry-level DSign model. ... read more
Nissan Cube Full Road Test Report
- The Cube is an acquired motoring taste and one Nissan reckons will find 1000 buyers for in a year. This means the Cube will be a relatively rare sight on UK roads and this should help bolster used values. ... read more
Hyundai i30 Full Road Test Report
1.6CRDi - The family hatchback segment is one of the most fiercely competitive in the car market, with major players such as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra setting high standards. So Hyundai’s i30, like the Cee’d from sister company Kia, has to really impress on a number of fronts to have any chance of breaking the sales stranglehold of the established European hatches. Does it succeed? If you’ve followed the recent rise of the Korean carmakers, you won’t be surprised find out that the answer is an unqualified ‘yes’, thanks to its fine balance of ride and handling, low ownership costs and five-year warranty.... read more
Hyundai i10 Full Road Test Report
- The Hyundai i10 is yet another reason to consign jokes about Korean cars to the motor industry humour dustbin. A huge sales hit in 2009 – thanks in large part because of its attraction to buyers armed with cash from the government’s scrappage scheme – the i10 has taken on the dominant trio of the Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 in the city car market. It’s not the cutest of cars to look at, but it’s not something you’d be embarrassed to be seen in, either. However, it’s real attractions like under the skin and those, along with its fantastic running costs, make it a real contender if you’re looking to buy something small and economical.... read more
Mitsubishi Colt Full Road Test Report
Cleartec - The Colt Cleartec adds £500 to the price of a standard 1.3-litre model, so you’d need to travel a long way to make up this extra expense even when the Cleartec provides 56.5mpg combined economy to the standard car’s 48.7mpg.... read more
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Full Road Test Report
- Mercedes has worked hard to bring down the cost of the E-Class Estate compared to its predecessor and says the new model works out £1400 cheaper on average but with a higher level of equipment as standard for the new model.... read more
SEAT Altea Full Road Test Report
2009 SE 1.4 TSI - The SEAT Altea is a true chimera of the car world – part hatchback, part family car, part MPV. Trying to neatly pigeon hole the Altea is a difficult thing indeed - it is a multi-function five-door small family car, yet has enough room to seat five, and still comes with that flair and sportiness that has become the hallmark of the Spanish marque. Currently available with a choice of seven engines, spread over four trim levels, there is a Altea available for most budgets – from the entry level ‘S’ trim 1.4-litre petrol to the top-of-the-range ‘Sport’ 2.0 TDI CR derivative. The car under test was a ‘SE’ trim level Altea with an innovative 1.4 TSI petrol engine.... read more
Citroen C3 Full Road Test Report
- Owning and running a Citroen C3 is not going to unduly stress your wallet. Prices are very competitive across the range compared with the C3’s major rivals and with the much improved quality it should be a much better bet for prolonged ownership. However, don’t expect the C3 to quite match a Volkswagen Polo when it comes to residual values a year or two down the line. ... read more
Peugeot 207 CC Full Road Test Report
- The Peugeot 207 CC is a very good looking car and that alone will be enough for it to hold its value well in sun-lovin’ Britain. The added attraction of a folding metal roof guarantees the 207 CC has healthy used prices, so this is a drop-top to own, enjoy and not worry about the pennies in. ... read more
SEAT Ibiza Full Road Test Report
1.6 TDi Sport - Attaching the word Sport to the Seat Ibiza in 1.6-litre turbodiesel form is bound to raise expectations of performance and pace. Group 4 insurance is easy on the wallet for a sporting car, while 65.7mpg combined economy is excellent. The 112g/km carbon dioxide emissions are also commendable as they mean low-rate road tax and cheap company car tax payments.... read more
Skoda Octavia Estate Full Road Test Report
1.6 TDI CR Greenline - It appears to be a marriage made in heaven, on one side you have Skoda which appeal to the Guardian reading, sensible people concerned with the state of the country and the world, while you have the growing supply of green badged cars into the automotive market. Skoda’s own badge “Greenline” is now several models strong and appears to be an easy and natural extension of the existing brand but does the Octavia Estate Greenline offer ‘happy drivers’ a chance to be greener?... read more
SEAT Exeo ST Full Road Test Report
2.0 TDi 143 - Associations with Audi will do the Seat Exeo no harm when it comes to used values and the extremely keen pricing of this Seat estate also make it a very attractive choice. Company car drivers will no doubt be pleased to see emissions of 143g/km for all versions with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which takes the Seat into a cost-effective range for Benefit in Kind. ... read more
Kia Ceed Full Road Test Report
2 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics 5dr - Korean carmaker Kia could be accused of coming to the green car party a little late – with its green badge ecoDynamics arriving a couple of years after many of its rivals. The first car to be launched under the green banner is a version of their popular cee’d model. With its mighty 7 year warranty intact and start/stop engine technology appearing for the first time, can the Kia cee’d become a popular option for people looking for a frugal, small family sized car?... read more
Skoda Superb Full Road Test Report
GreenLine - The latest version of the Skoda Superb, launched in 2008, has impressed critics and the public alike with its package of well-equipped spaciousness and the prospect of reliability that all Skodas now offer. It’s not too much of a stretch to suggest that it is one of the best-value cars in the family saloon market and a credible alternative to the German cars that rule the roost there. And now there’s a version for drivers who are concerned about the environmental impact of their car, the Superb GreenLine, with a range of measures aimed at reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.... read more
Volkswagen Polo Full Road Test Report
1.2 (70PS) SE manual 5-door (2009) - The new, fifth-generation Polo first appeared at the 2009 Geneva motorshow and as a 5-door it goes on sale in the UK on 16th October. As is the norm, the all-new model is larger than the Polo it replaces (and bigger than early Golfs) but it’s also lighter, safer, roomier and 20% better on fuel.... read more
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Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch Full Road Test Report
2009 - The Vauxhall Astra is one of Britain’s most popular cars. Alongside the Focus, Fiesta and Corsa, it frequently tops the sales charts and has proven to be a much-loved favourite, with a strong and loyal following. The new fifth-generation Astra is now on sale and, with Vauxhall in the middle of being sold as the car launches, its success could prove crucial to the company’s future. So it’s something of a disappointment that, while the new Astra is competent, it fails to move the game on in the small family hatchback market in any significant way.... read more
SEAT Altea Full Road Test Report
Sport 2.0 TDI CR manual - Launched back in 2004, the Altea was SEAT’s fresh take on the small family MPV. With innovative styling and a slightly sporting demeanour it was heralded as being more than ‘just a family workhorse’. The Altea has now been treated to a refreshed exterior and interior with new engine options.... read more
Skoda Octavia Full Road Test Report
2.0 TDI - Skoda has quietly become one of the jewels in the Volkswagen Group crown over the last decade. Whereas once it was the butt of cruel jokes, it’s now a manufacturer of reliable, practical cars that are proving popular with those in the know. The Octavia has been one of the cars that have enhanced Skoda’s reputation since its launch 13 years’ ago. Based on the same platform as a Volkswagen Golf, but with a little extra room built in, it’s now been revised with some cosmetic changes to the exterior, an updated cabin and some new engines.... read more
BMW X1 Full Road Test Report
xdrive 23d - SUVs aren’t the most popular type of car in these times of heightened environmental awareness - especially in metropolitan areas, where green campaigners have made ownership of one the latest social faux pas. However, carmakers have responded to this trend by building crossovers with SUV elements and smaller 4x4s. The latest example is a premium mini-SUV called the X1 from BMW. An upmarket version of the likes of Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti, the X1 has the premium sector of this market to itself at the moment, at least until Audi launches a Q3 (probably in 2011) and the Range Rover LRX emerges at the back end of 2010.... read more
Volvo S80 Full Road Test Report
DRIVe - The big attraction with the S80 in DRIVe form is its superb economy and emissions. You may have to trade some performance when picking the 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, but the reward for company drivers comes in the form of a much reduced benefit in kind payment to the tax man.... read more
Mini E Full Road Test Report
- Electric cars are going to be a tough sell to car-mad Brits. We love our hot hatches far too much to be interested in reskinned milk floats. But the world’s oil supplies won’t last forever, so carmakers are looking to the future and starting to build electric-powered concepts and prototypes. So what better to persuade the driving public that a car that you plug in can actually be fun to drive than an electric Mini, one of the most popular cars on the road today. We drove the prototype Mini E that will be trialled in the UK over the next year by private and fleet users and discovered that electric cars really could be the future, if they’re as good as this.... read more
Volvo XC60 Full Road Test Report
DRIVe - Volvo has wrought a number of changes on the XC60 DRIVe to make it cleaner and greener than its standard diesel-engined compact SUV. Most obvious of these is to ditch four-wheel drive in favour of front-drive only, which helps the DRIVe model be only a shade slower off the mark than the D5 model that is 30bhp more powerful. ... read more
Volvo V50 Full Road Test Report
DRIVe - Buyers wanting to go green with a Volvo V50 have two choices of the Swedish firm’s DRIVe model: one with the eco-friendly 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine and the other with the same engine but equipped with stop-start technology. The Volvo V50 is based on the Ford Focus, which enjoys a solid reputation for reliability. Coupled to Volvo’s meticulous build quality, the V50 is a sound bet for anyone concerned with the longterm quality of their car. The Volvo V50 may not be the most practical small estate, but it engenders a sense of pride in its owners.... read more
Mitsubishi i Full Road Test Report
MiEV - The Mitsubishi i MiEV is the newest electric vehicle available in the UK and unlike some of its rivals- it is a proper car rather than a quadricycle. The name means Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle and according to the Japanese giant, it is hoped to do well in the business market and the private car sector. The car looks quite funky with its bubble-esque shape and its four doors. Small scale trials are in place now, but further delivers are due in 2010…... read more
SEAT Ibiza Full Road Test Report
Ecomotive 2009 - The Ecomotive versions of the Ibiza add £600 to the price of the standard 1.4 turbodiesel models whether you choose the three- or five-door versions. A revised ECU electronic brain for the engine helps reduce emissions to 98g/km. Seat has an above average reputation for reliability, helped by much of its mechanical parts being sourced from the Volkswagen Group parts counter. This latest Ibiza is likely to prove even more tough and long-living, while the 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine is under no great stress powering a lightweight supermini.... read more
Mazda 3 Full Road Test Report
2.0 Sport i-stop - The Mazda 3 delivers a reasonably sporty, capable driving package regardless of which engine you choose. In the i-stop model, there’s just as much front end bite into corners and plenty of grip to see you safely out the other side. At 159g/km for the 2.0 Sport i-stop, buyers conscious of emissions will still find more financial comfort in the diesel-powered models from the 3 range that come in under the 120g/km mark. There’s also the combined economy of 41.5mpg that is reasonable for a petrol but still way off what we’d like to see from a stop-start model.... read more
Daihatsu Copen Roadster Full Road Test Report
1.3 2009 - The latest Daihatsu Copen has grown ‘just’ a little and has been given a new normally aspirated 1.3 litre engine and improved suspension. It all adds up to an even more involving, fun ride that promises to put a grin on your face. It offers genuine sports car thrills for peanuts and will always be admired for its toy town looks. The Copen has also picked up a bad attitude from nursery, now loving to be revved hard and chucked about B roads. However you need to get over the very noticeable scuttle shake and rattles that spoil the fun. That aside, open top motoring gets no cheaper than this.... read more
Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon Full Road Test Report
1.9 TTiD EcoPower Turbo Edition - At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show Saab showcased its new EcoPower Technology. Now while this could be passed off as just another example of green marketing spin, it’s hard not to take note of a powerful, 140mph executive saloon that returns an impressive 53.3mpg on the combined cycle. ... read more
Daihatsu Sirion Full Road Test Report
1.0 SE (2009) - The little Sirion packs a few tricks up its sleeve with nimble manoeuvrability, impressive interior space and lots of standard kit. The car is very well built and has typical Japanese reliability that should be number 1 on any buyers’ checklist. The Sirion is cheap to run and own whilst returning respectable miles per gallon. On the downside the car is a little unstable at speed and suffers from Daihatsu’s typical poor gearchange. ... read more
Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch Full Road Test Report
1.7 ecoFLEX Design - Astras have been part of the UK’s furniture now since 1980, with this fifth-generation model launched in 2004. The substantially bigger, sixth-generation Astra is due to go on sale in late 2009, but for the time being you might wish to barter for a current, super-economical turbodiesel ecoFLEX version…... read more
Peugeot 308 Full Road Test Report
S HDi 90 5dr - When Peugeot decided that the popular small family car the 307 had come to the end of its natural lifespan you can imagine that someone high up in the company basically said “same again boys” or words to that effect, as the result, the Peugeot 308, looks and feels very much like its predecessor and more like a mid-life revision than an entirely new model. The Peugeot 308 is in one of the toughest automotive segments out there, a real battle ground where sales volumes are high and customer choice is equally as high – all major car makers have at least one model battling for sales here. How does the Peugeot 308 compare to the other heavyweights in the segment?... read more
Chevrolet Cruze Full Road Test Report
2.0 VCDi LT - Described as the most important new Chevrolet yet, the Korean-built Cruze 4-door saloon replaces the Lacetti and is designed to compete with cars like the Kia Ce’ed, Hyundai i30 and Skoda Octavia, as well the likes of the Focus, Astra and Golf. Prices start at under £12,000, although this top-spec, satnav-equipped LT model is almost £16,000. ... read more
Fiat 500C Full Road Test Report
1.3 MultiJet 1.4 16v FIRE - The original, rear-engined Fiat Cinquecento was launched in 1957 and it sported a fold-back fabric roof, manually operated of course. With the advent of the new Fiat 500 things have been done in reverse order; first came the hatchback (the engine’s now in the front), then the sporty Abarth and now the convertible ‘C’. Of course you want one, but here’s a test anyway!... read more
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Full Road Test Report
B170 BlueEfficiency Sport - When it comes to building greener cars, everyone’s at it. Even premium carmakers like Mercedes-Benz are jumping on the bandwagon, with the launch of its Blue Efficiency range of cars. However, unlike most other manufacturers, Mercedes has decided to tweak its petrol-powered cars, rather than its diesels. It does this by the addition of a stop/start mechanism, as found in models from the likes of BMW. This new system will initially be found in A-, B- and C-Class models, but it’s likely that it will be rolled out on to other models in the future, starting with the E-class in 2010.... read more
Nissan Qashqai+2 Full Road Test Report
1.5dCi n-tec - Like VW’s Touareg, the Qashqai is named after desert-dwelling nomadic tribe, but unlike the Saharan Touaregs, the Qashqais hail from South Western Iran. What you may not know is that the new Qashqai n-tec comes with the full Nissan Connect infotainment system and, in this case, a new 1.5dCi engine. ... read more
Peugeot 107 Full Road Test Report
1.0 Verve - Funky design and frugal use of fuel make the 107 the ideal car for the young, newly qualified driver. Budget should not prove a problem with a starting £7,795, the 107 also offers low insurance grouping of 1E, ideal for those yet to gain their first year’s no-claims bonus. Definitely a budget city car, the 107 most appealing feature has to be its super efficiency with both fuel and money. The Verve special edition road tested here adds some extra kit including air con and cool styling touches for some added allure. ... read more
Renault Megane Sport Tourer Full Road Test Report
dCi 160 - The last “Shaking Your Ass” Renault Megane was something of a Marmite car – you either loved it or hated it. The latest generation looks more conventional, with a conservative-looking saloon and stylish Coupe. The newest member of the family, the Megane Estate, is somewhere in between these two. As a vehicle aimed at families and fleet buyers, it has an air of practicality, but it’s also a bit, dare we say it, sportier, compared to the last iteration, with a roofline that slopes towards the back and a raking rear pillar. But are its looks enough of a reason to buy it?... read more
Citroen C1 Full Road Test Report
evie - There’s a lot of scepticism about electric cars, not helped by the fact that the most commonplace model in the UK is the GoinGreen G-Wiz – which is less an electric car, more of a quadricylcing accident waiting to happen. However, things are looking up for drivers who don’t want to lose any pleasure in driving, with the launch of the Citroen C1 ev’ie, an emissions-free version of the French carmaker’s class-leading city car. Because that’s what ev’ie is – a C1 that just happens to have had its internal combustion engine removed and replaced with an electric powertrain by The Electric Car Corporation (ECC).... read more
Renault Scenic Full Road Test Report
1.5 dCi - Renault’s Megane-based Scenic compact MPV is popular in the mid-sized C segment (which includes cars such as the Focus, Astra, Golf, etc). In that part of the market, MPVs constitute 30% of sales across Europe, with the Scenic accounting for 14% of those sales. So Renault has a lot of stake with the launch of this third-generation Scenic. The French carmaker has responded by designing and building a modern family wagon that is modern looking, safe and practical. But the company’s products have also suffered from reliability issues, so it will be interesting to see if it has tackled those effectively.... read more
Toyota Prius Full Road Test Report
T Spirit 2009 - The world’s first mass market hybrid car first went on sale in Europe in 2000. Three years later came the second-generation Prius, and 2009 sees the arrival of the third. During that time power has risen by 30%, while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have dropped by 23% and 26% respectively. Are you ready for over 70mpg?... read more
Volvo C30 Full Road Test Report
DRIVe 1.6D - Volvo’s existing, highly efficient 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine has been retained to power the DRIVe model range. With an impressive 64.2mpg from a sports coupe, Volvo have certainly grabbed the market by the scruff of the neck.... read more
Suzuki Swift Full Road Test Report
1.3 DDI-S - The Suzuki Swift makes a versatile, unpretentious, stylish and very cool rival to the likes of the Mini. A fun and sporty ride combines with a great level of kit provided at a good price. Likely to appeal to many motorists from newly qualified young drivers looking for something with serious street cred to those looking for an economical and environmentally friendly commuter car or just run-about town small car. The Swift offers a no compromise approach to fuel economy, with the diesel model offering a great 62.8mpg combined and fits into tax band B without losing out on performance. Seriously loveable and because it is not as populous on the road as some of its rivals, it retains a sense of exclusivity. When admiring glances are forthcoming at the supermarket car park, you will be glad you opted for this little gem. ... read more
Lexus RX Full Road Test Report
450h SE-L Premium - If ever a car tried to be all things to all men (and women) then it’s the Lexus RX. Part family car, part exec cruiser, part estate and part 4x4 SUV, the new, much-modified RX450h is the third-generation RX and features second-generation full hybrid drive. On paper it’s got the lot, but is it almost too good to be true?... read more
Skoda Fabia Estate Full Road Test Report
1.4 TDi GreenLine - The Skoda Fabia GreenLine Estate offers the perfect combination of space, fuel efficiency and sensible pricing. The ideal car for those who want watch their carbon waistline without compromising on lifestyle. A small car with surprising internal dimensions, the estate version of the Fabia GreenLine is built to rival sister cars, the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive and the Polo Bluemotion. Choose this model over the other two if you need the added space and don’t mind that it is not quite as green as its rivals. It qualifies for Tax Band B at £35 instead of the tax-free A group of the Ecomotive and Bluemotion, but it is a small price to pay for the added functionality.... read more
Honda Insight Full Road Test Report
2009 - Honda is taking on the Toyota Prius with the latest version of the Insight, which is a huge advance on the original two-seater launched in 1999. The major selling point of the Insight is its hybrid powerplant, a petrol-electric unit that reduces CO2 emissions and provides a cleaner, greener way of motoring. And unlike the original two-seat Insight, the new version is very much a family car, with five seats and bootspace that is a match for the leading competitors in the segment. The Insight is also competitively priced, starting at £15,490, which undercuts the Prius by nearly £3,000.... read more
Toyota Urban Cruiser Full Road Test Report
1.4 D-4D - Manufacturers are inventing new niches of vehicles that are increasingly hard to pigeonhole. But although Toyota’s Urban Cruiser literature avoids use of the term ‘crossover’, like Nissan’s Qashqai, that’s what this all-new model is – a crossover between a compact off-road 4x4 and an on-road family 5-door estate. But will you want one? ... read more
Volvo S40 Full Road Test Report
1.6D DRIVe - The Volvo S40 is an elegant saloon the features excellent build quality and safety. The performance is spirited and the handling is precise. Volvo’s strong residuals and the impressive fuel economy of the DRIVe will undoubtedly appeal to customers for both financial and environmental reasons.... read more
Volkswagen Golf Estate Full Road Test Report
- Volkswagen has been building estate versions of its Golf hatchback since 1993 and the company has high hopes for this third generation. The Golf Estate is a good alternative for growing families, offering plenty of space and all the usual reasons for buying a Golf from just over £15,000. Launched with three engines – 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9 and 2.0-litre diesel – and three trim levels – S, SE and Sport Wagon – there are enough options for all potential buyers, although VW estimates that most will go for the basic S trim level in combination with the 1.9-litre diesel engine.... read more
Audi A3 Cabriolet Full Road Test Report
- The A3 Cabriolet is the third convertible in Audi’s model range. A compact four-seater, it’s aimed at buyers with lower incomes than TT Roadster or A4 Cabriolet owners. It’s a microcosm of everything owners like about an Audi: stylish, well-engineered, practical and fun to drive, it’s a solid driving machine that most convertible buyers owners would be more than happy to own. The range comes with four engines – two petrol and two diesel – and two trim levels. Audi anticipates that the bigger diesel will be the volume seller, with nearly half of all sales. Prices range start at £20,740.... read more
SEAT Alhambra Full Road Test Report
2.0 Tdi Ecomotive - Named after the famous Moorish palace in Granada, Spain, the SEAT Alhambra is the third component of the Spanish marque’s Ecomotive range of greener vehicles. Although the car hasn’t changed aesthetically since the turn of the century the seven-seater can still hold its own thanks to perky performance, green credentials and strong resale values.... read more
MINI Cooper Convertible Full Road Test Report
- The Mini is a true motoring icon that will be 50 years old in 2009. As part of the celebrations, a new Convertible version is going on sale, boosting the latest generation’s line-up to three models. There are no great changes to the new Convertible, relying on a tried and tested formula of go kart-like handling, cute styling and cool image. However, despite the car not looking very different to the old one, there are a number of changes under the skin that bring it bang up to date, including a range of technological advances and environmental measures.... read more
Volkswagen Touareg Full Road Test Report
V6 TSI Hybrid - The Touareg has always been known as a slightly bling but sturdy and luxurious SUV. It’s more capable off-road than many a so-called mud plugger and it makes for an excellent towing vehicle. Those merits aside, it has never been renowned for its eco-friendly abilities, but VW has wised up and created a prototype with a hybrid powertrain. It’s not on sale yet, but the company plans to put it into production when the new generation of Touareg arrives next year.... read more
Ford Fiesta Full Road Test Report
1.6 TDCi ECOnetic - Ford’s latest Fiesta has already been established as one of, if not the top hatchback on the market today. Sublime handling, distinctive looks and excellent build quality are all mainstays of the standard Fiesta, but does an environmentally friendly option add a dull edge to an exciting range or does it make sense? Read on to find out.... read more
Renault Modus Full Road Test Report
1.2 Turbo 100 - Renault has been turning out the highly popular Clio supermini for as long as anyone can remember, but then in 2004 came the Modus. This was a supermini too, but looking more like an MPV it offered more interior space and even greater practicality for slightly less image conscious buyers.... read more
Ford Ka Full Road Test Report
1.2 Zetec - The previous Ka had been in production since 1996 and proved a roaring success for Ford. Sharp looks, practicality, immense affordability and go-kart-like handling made the blue oval’s baby a great choice, new or used, for new drivers, pensioners and everyone in between. So, 13 years on, the next generation has a lot to live up to, and, on the face of it, it’s not off to a bad start with fresh styling and appealing looks. Read on to see if it’s still up to scratch.... read more
Alfa Romeo MiTo Full Road Test Report
1.4 Turbopetrol Veloce - If you lust after a 186mph, £110,000 Alfa Romeo 8C supercar but can only afford a supermini, then Alfa’s new MiTo might just satiate your desires. The MiTo’s styling and interior is inspired by the 8C and it’s also genuinely fun to drive, but thankfully prices start at around £100,000 less.... read more
Mazda 2 Full Road Test Report
TS2 1.4 Diesel - It is not surprising why this car won the World Car Of The Year 2008 award. With the car being lighter and more fuel efficient this green car also has a sporty, dynamic appearance which certainly makes this car stand out from the crowd.... read more
Fiat Qubo Full Road Test Report
1.4 petrol & 1.3 MultiJet - Small MPVs are few and far between. With good headroom, easy access and a raised seating position they’re ideal for young families and senior citizens alike. Toyota’s slightly odd-looking Yaris Verso was one, but it never really caught on. Perhaps Fiat’s affordable and unusually-styled new Qubo will…... read more
SEAT Leon Full Road Test Report
1.9 TDi Ecomotive - It has been the widely held view in recent years that most marriages come to a messy and expensive end where nobody really benefits. This marriage is different however, it is a marriage between economy and performance...... read more
Suzuki Splash Full Road Test Report
1.3 DDiS - If you’re looking for space or thrills then the Splash probably isn’t for you. However, the Japanese tiddler is one of a growing number of superminis that is extremely in tune with the needs of many a cash-strapped modern motorist.... read more
Honda Civic Hybrid Full Road Test Report
2009 - The revised model of the Civic Hybrid is new for 2009, it utilises the same technology under the bonnet as the previous Civic Hybrid – in that it has a 1.3 litre petrol engine with IMA (the battery) - but has received a welcome face lift, giving it a contemporary look more in line with the Civic and Accord; where as the older model looked a little dated, that cannot be said of the 2009 car.... read more
Toyota iQ Full Road Test Report
1.0 VVT-i Multidrive - Billed as the world’s smallest 4-seater, Toyota’s cute iQ goes on sale in the UK in January ’09. At just under 3 metres long it’s shorter than the original Mini, and vastly more sophisticated, but what’s this all-new city-car like to drive, and can it really seat four in comfort?... read more
Volkswagen Golf Plus Full Road Test Report
Bluemotion - The Golf Plus hasn’t been a huge seller for Volkswagen since its introduction in 2005, mainly because the original Golf is such a competent car. But increasing pressure on manufacturers to lower emissions and up fuel economy has resulted in a car that’s not just practical, but extremely economical, and with the new road tax legislation coming into force in April, the lower the emissions the better.... read more
Toyota Auris Full Road Test Report
2.0 D-4D 130 5-door - More Corollas were made than any other car in history, but despite that success the Corolla never really captured the hearts of UK or European buyers. For the latest model, launched in early 2007, Toyota started afresh by engineering it specifically for the European market. And they called it the Auris.... read more
Citroen C2 Full Road Test Report
VTS 1.6 HDI - The cute C2 first went on sale in 2003 replacing the previous Saxo model. Two years later Citroen launched the 231mm shorter C1, but at about 12ft bumper to bumper the C2 isn’t exactly hard to park, and it has more interior space. A revised, ‘new look’ C2 has just gone on sale.... read more
SEAT Ibiza Full Road Test Report
Hatchback 1.4Tdi Ecomotive - This road test however took place over a four day period, tackling A and B roads along with a few miles of motorway cruising and the Ibiza Ecomotive proved to be a spirited performer with more guts than you would give it credit for on paper.... read more
Audi A4 Avant Full Road Test Report
2.0 TDI SE Avant - The Audi A4 2.0-litre TDI SE Avant was kindly supplied by Inchcape Audi. Simply select your local dealer by following the link provided - Inchcape Audi.... read more
Kia Rio Full Road Test Report
1.5 CRDi - The current Rio was launched in 2005 and it signified a major advancement over the old model for the Korean manufacturer. In terms of size it’s a hard car to pigeonhole as it’s bigger than, say, a B-segment Fiesta, and smaller than a C-segment Focus. But does size really matter?... read more
SEAT Ibiza Full Road Test Report
1.4 SE and 1.4 Sport - The all-new 5-door Ibiza supermini was well received by the media when it was launched in July ’08. Two months later comes the 3-door SC model, or SportCoupe. SEAT expects to sell the three of these sleeker, 3-door SCs for every one 5-door version. But how good is it?... read more
Lexus LS Full Road Test Report
LS600h - standard and L - Toyota is the world’s largest car manufacturer, and Lexus is its luxury brand, so you’d expect the flagship of the Lexus range to be something special. With the world’s first V8/hybrid power, the first hybrid with all-wheel-drive and even the first human body sensing temperature control, the LS600h is very special indeed.... read more
Citroen C3 Full Road Test Report
Stop and Start 1.4-litre petrol - Citroen’s C3 Stop & Start was launched in 2004 and it boasts one significant and unusual technical feature. When it slows to a halt at lights or in traffic, the engine automatically stops itself to save fuel. And when you want to move off again just press the throttle and the engine instantly re-starts and away you go. It’s clever, it’s green, and it works…... read more
Honda Jazz Full Road Test Report
- A surprisingly roomy supermini, the Jazz is a great car to drive. Honda is not offering the cheapest supermini but the Jazz is without question a classy car to own.... read more
Honda Civic Hybrid Full Road Test Report
- The Civic Hybrid is a capable, economical car with inexpensive running costs. The fuel economy is impressive but the same figures are achieved by many diesels. The low CO2 emissions (109g/km) could be the area in which it wins over most prospective purchasers.... read more
Kia Ceed SW Full Road Test Report
1.6 CRDi LS SW - This 1.6-litre diesel engine is a marriage between economy and performance. The seven-year warranty displays a confidence in the product which other manufacturers have so far failed to match.... read more
Kia Ceed Full Road Test Report
2.0 CRDi Sport - The 2.0-litre diesel engine offers superb performance but it is in the quality of the build that Kia has surpassed itself. The 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty is the best in Europe.... read more
Mazda 2 Full Road Test Report
- The Mazda 2 is a supermini that will be competitive in its segment. The handling and good residual values are its strong points while the suspension is its largest negative.... read more
Suzuki Swift Full Road Test Report
- The Suzuki Swift is great fun, good-looking with a modern feel. It is well put together, offers excellent value for money, and the Suzuki supermini is quickly winning fans.... read more
Ford Fiesta Full Road Test Report
1.4-litre Zetec - The Ford Fiesta is a roomy and reasonably inexpensive mode of transport. A competitive supermini that is good to drive but slightly lacking in character.... read more
Peugeot 107 Full Road Test Report
Urban 5dr 1.0-litre petrol - The Peugeot 107 is the second smallest car in its line-up and it shares its platform with the Citroen C1 and the Toyota Aygo. Since coming out the 107 in Urban trim level has been a runaway success so we put the car to the test to see how the good the city car was.... read more
Mini Cooper S Full Road Test Report
- The Mini Cooper S is a pleasure to drive, the turbo-charged 1.6-litre engine is a perfect fit. A real driver’s car, the highly desirable Cooper S is built at the Mini factory in Oxford.... read more
BMW 1-Series Full Road Test Report
118d Efficient Dynamics - The luxury end of the market is going green and the first car we have on test is the BMW 1-Series 118d EfficientDynamics variant. The five door car looks like a normal 118d as it doesn’t have any special badging on the car. We had the SE trim level on test and this variant starts at £18,880.... read more
Fiat Bravo Full Road Test Report
Eco 1.6 Multijet 105 - Green is the buzzword in the motoring industry at present and the greenest manufacturer in Europe is Fiat, according to figures published by Jato Dynamics. The Italian maker has launched the Bravo Eco to enhance its range. The car’s engine is based on the 1.6-litre Multijet diesel and starts from £14,150 in Active trim while the Dynamic trim level starts from £15,150.... read more
Ford Focus Full Road Test Report
ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi diesel - This has got to be one of the most eagerly awaited green cars of all time for both the business and the private sector – it’s the £16,050 Ford Focus ECOnetic. With fuel at an all time high and road tax based on CO2 emissions green cars have never been in such high demand. So we got to work and put one of the most important cars of the year to the test.... read more
BMW 1-Series Coupe Full Road Test Report
120d ES - The BMW 1-Series coupe has been on sale since late September 2007 and offers a pleasurable driving experience thanks to a fantastic range of engines. Impressive fuel economy and the car’s eco-friendliness are an added bonus.... read more
Fiat 500 Full Road Test Report
1.3 Multijet Pop - The new 500 pays homage to the classic car from the Fifties and Sixties. A chic and competent city car with great looks what will make it a very desirable proposition to its target urban customer.... read more
Peugeot 207 Full Road Test Report
SE 5dr 1.4-litre VTi Petrol - The Peugeot 207 is an important car for the French maker in the UK so we put the 1.4-litre VTi petrol derivative through it paces on a recent test drive. Our test car was priced from £12,895 and we picked the lively 1.4-litre petrol to see how good the car was. Will the Lion roar with the 207?... read more
Volkswagen Golf Full Road Test Report
Match BlueMotion 1.9TDi - Launching planet friendly cars seem to be the trend at present and VW has now the second car in its BlueMotion range – the Mk 5 Golf. Will the £16,750 Golf pitch on to the green successfully? It looks good on paper as the maker claims it will get 62.8mpg on the combined cycle while CO2 emissions are 119g/km, which means a tax bracket of 18%.... read more
Toyota Aygo Full Road Test Report
1.0 Aygo - The Toyota Aygo is the sister model to the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1. Great engine, low running costs, good looks and a excellent quality for the money.... read more
Peugeot 107 Full Road Test Report
1.0 Urban - The Peugeot 107 is the sister model to the Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1. The 107 provides budget motoring in an agile, responsive and reliable car. The 107 offers low running costs, a great engine and a solid quality.... read more
Citroen C1 Full Road Test Report
1.0 Rhythm - The Citroen C1 is the sister model to the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107. The C1 provides budget motoring in an agile, responsive and reliable car. The C1 is inexpensive and fun to run featuring a delightfully quirky interior.... read more
Chevrolet Matiz Full Road Test Report
0.8 S - The Chevrolet Matiz is looking to compete against other “budget” cars such as the Kia Picanto and Fiat Panda. In some aspects it leads its rivals but falls short in too many areas.... read more
Volkswagen Polo Full Road Test Report
1.4TDi Bluemotion - Fancy doing your bit for the environment - by lowering your CO2 emissions? While keeping the cost of motoring down? Then you need to have a serious look at the Volkswagen Polo 1.4TDi Bluemotion. The tweaks to the body and chassis are minor – it’s the engine where the work has gone on and the car has turned from being a good city car to being a brilliant all rounder.... read more
Kia Picanto Full Road Test Report
Ice 1.1-Litre - There are many rivals with more prestige but this city loving Picanto’s good looks, affordability and green ethos will appeal too many who need a car for the urban jungle. Small on the outside but surprisingly big on the inside, this city slicker may have just what you want.... read more
Kia Ceed Full Road Test Report
1.6 CRDi GLS - The Kia Cee’d’s ability as a dependable transport and motorway cruiser makes the car a worthy choice when you are going to buy or lease your next car. The Cee’d excels at the simple things it is very practical and easy to live with because it’s so comfortable and user-friendly.... read more
Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch Full Road Test Report
1.4 SXi - Performs efficiently and handles brilliantly. A sporty looking exterior, quality is by far the first word that comes to mind. A comfortable ride with plenty of head room in the front and back. A worthy successor to previous Astra models.... read more
Toyota Prius Full Road Test Report
TSpirit Hybrid Synergy Drive - The Prius is a practical and versatile car that effortlessly switches between the electric motor and and 1.5 litre petrol engine. Excellent reliability and economy plus good looks will make this an extremely popular choice in the UK.... read more
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