SEAT’S Leon of 1998 vintage was their first C segment car under VW ownership, and sparked the emergence of the FR and Cupra spec cars for the more sporty orientated driver.
And its success here since then has proved it’s not just Spanish holiday resorts and islands that Brits have a strong liking for.
But nowadays the Spanish economy needs a shot in the arm, and the latest model could be just the car to drive to the rescue. Because it’s really quite good.
HERE’S a Mirage that’s very real – and one you’re likely to see more and more of on the roads.
And you’ve got to say confidence in Mitsubishi’s latest small car is high. One dealer took 23 orders on his launch weekend and Mitsubishi UK MD Lance Bradley says although they’re targeting 4,000 sales a year, the initial response has been so good they feel they can quite easily sell twice that number.
BACK in the days when I first started road testing cars, there was one that stood out like a beacon when it came to reliability – and let’s face it, 30 odd years ago cars were NOT that reliable.
Toyota’s Corolla was the car the world bought because while it was hardly likely to raise your blood pressure or bring out beads of sweat on your forehead, you knew it would always get you home. Without fail.
THERE’S definitely something surreal about driving along a French autoroute and being able to see an aerial view of everything to the right and left of you.
In an Audi, you can – a fact highlighted by the all-new A3 Sportback, which goes on sale on March 16.
In our house we know it as the car that Jim drives….
Hyundai has introduced the New Generation Santa Fe – one of the brand’s most iconic and popular models in the range.
The popular D-segment SUV has been re-styled outside and inside, fitted with intelligent new technology, and is now powered by a more efficient diesel engine with reduced CO2.
Va Va Voom is back – but not, I’m afraid, Thierry.
The legendary Frenchman will nonetheless be happy to see his favourite small car has shed 100 kgs, is some 45mm lower than before and has a more masculine look that Renault are hoping will give buyers more reason to reurn to the Regie.
DACIA have only been in the UK for around seven months – but already their Sandero model is an award winner.
As well as the holder of the title of Britain’s cheapest new car, it’s also picked up FHM magazine’s ‘Best For When You’re Short of Cash’ award…..
Looking for information on any particular car?
Over the past 30 odd years I’ve run the rule over most of the major cars that populate our roads, thanks to good links with the top manufacturers.
On this site you’ll find recent tests of cars from Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, Great Wall, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Mazda,
Mercedes-Benz, MG, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Range Rover, Renault,
Saab, SEAT, Skoda, smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Other information available at the drop of an email to the address below, or even a phonecall – I do answer it sometimes!
SO, the snow came – and so, thankfully, did Kia’s highly useful Sportage.
Not without a touch of déjà vu either. Because the last time Britain was well and truly blanketed in the white stuff that no one seems to be able to cope with, I also had a Kia Sportage on test at the time.
AS the Monty Python chaps would say, and now for something completely different…..
No longer does the Mercedes-Benz entry level model fall over and wave its wheels in anguish at the sight of a roadside Elk. In fact the latest model to carry the name is so well sorted it’s almost race track ready.