Pundits who 15 years ago thought Toyota mad for throwing its weight behind hybrid technology must now be eating their words. In that time, Toyota has sold four million full hybrid vehicles. Toyota has sold 2.6 million versions of the Prius in the last ten years. Flushed with the success of the original Prius, Toyota […]
The second of Volkswagen’s three-pronged attack on the city car sector For – Straightforward, practical and effective Against – Looks too much like an Up! or Mii The Skoda Citigo is, as its name suggests a city car and is launched into a segment of the market which is still growing strongly. Considering all the models spun […]
The MPV, perfected SEAT (and VW) finally got a new large MPV in 2010 and it was worth waiting for For – Great all-rounder with SEAT price and Audi quality Against – could be a bit more sporty It took the Volkswagen Group until 1995 to launch a competitor to the Renault Espace introduced in 1984 which […]
Affordable, basic motoring with everything that you actually need Something of a world car built in Slovakia to keep costs down For – the real replacement for the original Beetle – classless ‘people’s car’ Against – arguably not as pretty as the SEAT and Skoda equivalents I think there must be a little consultancy, probably in trendy […]
Same package, increased practicality 5-seat, 5-door version of highly successful A1 premium hatch. Strong residual values and cheap servicing mean Audi’s total running costs less than volume players For: high quality compact with big car feel Against: choppy ride when fitted with low profile tyres and sports suspension Audi’s onward march continues as it fills every […]
Thanks to Chinese money Volvo seems on the road to success Volvo S60 targets Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class **** out of 5 For: It’s not German but has German quality fit and finish Against: In green form struggles on performance. Correction – Volvo points out that it is possible to insert full UK post codes into […]
At least it’s not an X5 Its looks, whether you like them or not, are certainly different to the German trio *** out of 5 For: Beautifully built, bullet-proof reliability, excellent dealer service Against: Only for wealthy eco-warriors The Lexus performance in Britain in 2011 looked impressive with a 33% increase on the previous year. Unfortunately, total sales […]
Good effort but some way from class leaders Five year warranty will attract private motorists rating: *** out of 5 For: Looks good, well made, five year warranty. Against: Brand awareness still low in the UK. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but reaction to the Chevrolet Aveo’s crisp looks seems very positive. The grille is […]
2.0 TDI 140 Elegance DSG Mercedes E-Class Space, Quality At Near Astra And Focus Prices ***** out of 5 When Ferdinand Piëch, charismatic multi-billionaire autocrat became executive chairman of Volkswagen in 1993, he set out his vision for the company which included strategic competitors for each of its brands: Mercedes and Lexus and their conservative quality […]
Stunning design with excellent space Quality and equipment but only one engine choice rating: *** out of five History, if properly reported, should say that the success of Kia is primarily down to one man, ex-Audi design chief Peter Schreyer who has master minded Kia’s new look to make the brand acceptable and successful in […]
