We test drive the Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and EV versions of the all-new second generation Kia Niro… The Niro compact crossover is an important car for Kia. After the slightly larger Sportage, it’s the South Korean brand’s second most successful model. A genuine game-changer when it was launched in 2016, …
Read More »Vauxhall Grandland review
Launched in 2018, the Vauxhall Grandland X was never the most scintillating SUV on the market, but it sold well. More than 70,000 found homes in the UK, along with some 300,000 in Europe. So-called C-SUVs are the biggest single sector in the UK, accounting for one-in-six of all new …
Read More »BMW X2 PHEV review
It’s not the BMW X2’s fault, but not long before I tested out the new plug-in hybrid version of this distinctively-styled, low-slung crossover, I was driving the latest BMW 330e saloon. Re-reading my review, I concluded: “Frankly, it’s hard to criticise the 330e because it’s an almost perfect embodiment of …
Read More »Seat Leon e-Hybrid review
We’re already big fans of the fourth generation Seat Leon. In our 2020 review, we concluded that it’s “one of the most accomplished family hatchbacks on the market, offering affordability, economy, tech, refinement, space and driving pleasure”. Fast forward to 2021 and the petrol and diesel models have been joined …
Read More »Tackling the electric car charging challenge
By 2030, sales of new cars and vans powered wholly by petrol and diesel will be banned, with hybrids to follow five years later. Between now and then most new cars launched will be offered with some form of electrification, accelerating demand for charge points. As a motoring journalist I …
Read More »Suzuki Across review
We review Suzuki’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle – the Across SUV… The handsome Across 4×4 is the first fruit of a collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota. You’d be forgiven for thinking it looks familiar, because it is – and in a good way. Let’s face it, if you’re going to …
Read More »Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid review
Launched a couple of years ago, the Citroen C5 Aircross was a welcome addition to the highly competitive mid-sized SUV market dominated by the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008. Priced from £24,355, the C5 Aircross range was initially powered by an impressive range …
Read More »Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is still No 1
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ended 2020 as the UK’s best selling plug-in hybrid SUV once again. It has been a best-seller every year since it was launched – that’s overall PHEV for five years and SUV PHEV for six. Clearly 2020 had its challenges, but it also proved to be …
Read More »Kia Motors leading the charge
The award-winning Kia e-Niro was the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in the UK during October, according to the latest official figures. Kia sold 833 e-Niros in October, representing an 8.9% share of all EVs sold in that month. In the UK, the affordable Niro family of SUVs (including plug-in and …
Read More »7-up for Go Ultra Low
Audi, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen have joined the Government’s Go Ultra Low campaign. The trio have teamed up with existing members BMW, Nissan, Renault and Toyota to increase awareness of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) among British car buyers. Between them, the seven Go Ultra Low members boast 15 ULEVs – from …
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