Author Archives: Rob Auchterlonie

SUZUKI SWIFT HYBRID: evolving for its loyal followers

SWIFT by name and swift enough by nature, Suzuki’s compact supermini has a loyal following – and it’s evident that’s not likely to change much in the near future.

Despite the fact there’s still a perceived demand for small petrol cars, the best selling Ford Fiesta is no more, and other rivals to the Swift are heading down the electric only road. Continue reading

LEXUS LBX: new baby has premium appeal

THINK of Diversity and you’re more likely to think of a dance troup than a major car manufacturer deviating away from what they know best.

But that’s just what Lexus have done with their latest offering.  Acknowledged as a maker of safe and luxurious SUVs and saloons,  the new LBX is anything but. It’s as small as Toyota’s Yaris Cross, has about as much rear space for passengers as the aforementioned,  and comes with a hefty price tag for such a small car. Continue reading

TOYOTA C-HR: a true model of efficiency

IN a world that changes on a daily basis, there comes along the
occasional car that disproves the theory that things can’t improve.

Toyota’s latest version of the C-HR is such a vehicle. And as such it
will do its bit to ensure that the Japanese giant’s reputation for building decent hybrid cars remains unsullied. Continue reading

NISSAN LEAF: end of the road for electric pioneer

HOW quickly things change in the electric car world. This is the second generation LEAF which hit the roads in 2018 and offered owners the ability to travel a fair bit further on a charge of its battery pack than some of its opposition could do at the time.

But the hard fact is 168 miles just doesn’t pass muster six years on, and Nissan have decided to stop production to concentrate on new BEVs (battery electric vehicles) it has up its sleeve, like the new Ariya sampled a couple of weeks ago. Continue reading

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