Vehicle Tests

“It has a foot operated parking brake, don’t forget to release it” said the Lexus press representative as I climbed into the dark red sleek machine. Seat adjusted, wheel in position and now let’s press the fun button and bring the beast to life. As the 5.0l V8 comes to life it’s vocal announcement is subtle, but enough to ensure ...

Mention the Discovery Sport whilst talking to a handful of die hard Land Rover enthusiasts and you’ll get the same response as when the Evoque was first introduced: ‘It’s not a proper Land Rover..’ etc.  Of course it isn’t a proper Land Rover, the Discovery Sport is more fuel efficient, safer, handles the road better, and is arguably better off ...

So, just what is the Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid4?  Well, it’s a beefed up, selectable 4×4 estate with hybrid technology, which, if I’m being completely honest, nearly put a downer on the whole experience for me, but let’s hold off on that thought for a moment.  With extended wheel arches and raised ground clearance, the 508 RHX really does look ...

Over the past couple of years I’ve thoroughly enjoyed driving various versions of the  Jaguar F-Type, from the convertible to the Coupe.  Today however was a good day, the sun was shining and in front of us sat a gleaming white V8-R, 550ps AWD Supercharged convertible sex machine. (Too much? I don’t think so). After we lowered the roof with ...

If you read my road test last year on the outgoing Grand Vitara (click here), you’ll know that I fell for it in a big way, but time stands still for no 4×4, and after 27 years it was time for a change. The new, fourth generation Vitara is as stylish and robust as ever, offering the usual value for ...

The last time I drove a CX-5 was March 2014 when I meandered casually around the B roads of Harrogate.  I remember thinking that it was quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. I also recall being a little unkind to its looks, ‘not a pretty car’, I think I wrote. But that was then, and fast forward to April 2015 ...

It’s always interesting reading other peoples reviews of a car that you’ve just driven, sometimes I’m like, ‘Yeah, I agree with that.’ Other times I’m gawping in dismay at what appears pure ignorance, and with the Wrangler it was certainly the latter as one reviewer actually called it a pointless vehicle and only gave it 3/10.  Now, being a long ...

I always remember glancing at X-Trails of old and thinking that they looked a bit odd, a bit awkward looking, and in my opinion not very pretty. These days however, Nissan have done a fine job and created a sleeker and more modern design, giving it a similar look to the Qashqai, its smaller sibling. On the downside, it does ...

Jumping into the Sport my first thought was, it’s a bit cramped.  No, let me rephrase that, I don’t mean cramped as what a 6’ 2”, 18 stone bloke feels like driving a Defender, perhaps snug is a better word.  Perspective I think is required before I dig myself any deeper.  During the previous week I had been fortunate enough ...

Last year I was invited to Mercedes-Benz World to drive the new G, GL, GLA and ML Class 4×4’s. Being honest, it was only the G350 that excited me, so I wanted to end the day with a bang (not literally!), so I asked what they had that was big ‘n’ fast.  Their response was to hand me the key to an ...