NISSAN ARIYA e-4ORCE: big SUV is one for the family

ONE of the first things you notice about electric cars is the distinct lack of a good old fashioned front grille.

In its place will be a large slab of solid bodywork, because with no engine upfront needing cooling air flowing over it, the slats of old are about as much use as mudflaps on a tortoise.

But it’s still all about airflow and low drag co-efficient, hence the slippery shapes you see on the roads. Continue reading

KIA STONIC GT-Line 1.0 T-GDi 48v: chunky all rounder is value for money

SOME might point the finger at this one being a case of style over substance, but if you want a small SUV that’s competent in all areas it’s worth investigation.

It represents decent value for money, is fairly cheap to run and it comes with Kia’s seven year warranty for an extra bit of peace of mind. Continue reading

MAZDA MX-30 R-EV: choice is yours with this small and smart SUV

LOVE them or not quite made up your mind, electric cars are here to stay and not surprisingly the focus is on what the battery can achieve.

With current mutterings of some being capable of over 600 miles on a charge and new research hinting of the possibility of them being made without highly expensive lithium (cobalt has already been ditched by BYD), let’s get back to the real world and sample Mazda’s first toe in what are becoming very muddy waters. Continue reading

BYD SEAL: sleek saloon is latest in UK range

THE irony was noted when BYD chose to reveal their latest model on a day that was wetter than a haddock’s swimsuit.

The aptly named Seal completes the Chinese manufacturer’s current European line-up. But rest assured there will be more to come.

The Seal is their all electric sports saloon, sleek of line and offering impressive performance and handling.

Continue reading

HONDA CR-V PLUG-IN HYBRID: don’t mesh with the biggest so far

JUST when you thought it was safe to go shopping for a CR-V  there’s now a new one to make the decision making process that much more complicated.

The previous generation of Honda’s big selling SUV ditched pure petrol power in favour of a hybrid set-up. We drove one earlier this year and were suitably impressed. Continue reading

BYD DOLPHIN: blade technology cuts into UK market

YOU can’t accuse BYD of being a shy newcomer to the UK market.

Currently with 27 dealers around the country, they’re aiming to have 100 by the end of next year, giving more motorists the opportunity to tap into their range of all electric cars. Continue reading

POLESTAR 2: improved range improves your range

In the bar room bragging stakes the keyfob for a Polestar probably won’t win you many brownie points – but the car parked outside will.

It oozes Swedish style from every angle, minimalist as it is and makes it a highly desirable form of transport – a clean shape that catches the eye. Continue reading