Car Reviews

When the latest Kia Ceed was launched in 2018 it was a real step-up – a genuine rival to the biggest-selling cars in the hatchback sector, including the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra. Since then it has been joined by the Ceed GT (warm hatch), ProCeed and Sportswagon …

It shouldn’t be underestimated how important the 1 Series is for BMW. The hatchback accounts for one in five cars sold by the German giant. Owners also tend to be younger and more likely to move up the range as they get older. Originally launched in 2004, the 1 Series …

Skoda’s new entrant in the fiercely competitive family hatchback sector has got its work cut out – its rivals include the Ford Focus, VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Kia Ceed, to name but a few. Slotting in between the Fabia and Octavia in the range, the Scala excels in all …

It’s been a few years since DS Automobiles split from Citroen to become an innovative premium brand. Like its big brother, the DS 7, the DS 3 Crossback is a distinctive car. Competing with other upmarket compact SUVs, including the Audi Q2, MINI Countryman and Volkswagen T-Roc, the DS 3 …

The latest Mitsubishi L200 is a great example of the narrowing gap between pick-up trucks and rugged SUVs. Marketed as the Series 6, the new L200 is actually a heavily reworked version of the successful Series 5 – the UK’s best-selling pick-up after the Ford Ranger. It’s an important vehicle …

The new seven-seater Tarraco completes SEAT’s SUV line-up, slotting in above the compact Arona and mid-sized Ateca. Closely related to its VW Group cousins, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq, it’s arguably the best-looking, better-proportioned version, boasting SEAT’s trademark sharp lines. Back in the day, you’d have to choose …

You’ve got to hand it to SsangYong. In just a few years South Korea’s oldest vehicle manufacturer and “only 4×4 and SUV specialist”, has transformed its range from the left-field to the mainstream. Starting with the Tivoli compact SUV, followed by its big brother, the Rexton, and the new Musso …

Quite simply, the Toyota RAV4 is the biggest-selling SUV in the world. Originally launched way back in 1994 as the “Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive”, it’s now into its fifth generation. It was a new kind of car – one that combined the go-anywhere performance and rugged stance of an …

Rugged versions of regular cars are nothing new – think Volvo’s ‘Cross Country’ range, Skoda’s Scouts and Audi’s Allroads. I’m sure Ford would like us to think of the Focus Active as one such vehicle, but the reality is that it’s a bit of a softie – more like a …

There are few really iconic cars amongst the hundreds of new vehicles on sale today. There are even fewer that have remained in continuous production for more than 50 years, albeit with constant updates. The Porsche 911 is one such icon, but can the latest iteration, the 992, live up …