Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi
Kia’s new Optima may look like a Jaguar but can it really live up to those good looks? We find out What is it? The Optima is Kia’s stunningly styled family saloon that is crammed with luxury equipment and features. Who is it aimed at? While large saloons face stiff competition from a plethora of crossovers and compact SUVs as the choice for family transport there is much on offer in the Optima to make those in need of family space...
Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML250 BlueTEC 4Matic
The luxury SUV market is filled with capable contenders so can the third generation M-class really set a new benchmark in the SUV world? We find out What is it? Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, this new M-Class is still unmistakably a Mercedes. But while it may be bigger and more powerful, in the interests of improved fuel economy and lower emissions, Mercedes have equipped the M-Class with a smaller engine than ever...
Volkswagen Up! – High Up 5dr
We find out if Volkswagen’s new city car lives Up! to the title of World Car of the Year What is it? This very cute and affordable little city car is the new baby of the Volkswagen range. Available as a 3-door and 5-door version think of the VW Up! as a fun size Golf! Who is it aimed at? The Up! is perfectly pitched at the urban dweller ; Martin Winterkorn, the Volkswagen chairman, called it the iPod of cars when he showed a...
BMW 640d M Sport Gran Coupé
We drive BMW’s 6 series Gran Coupé and discover that life is indeed a journey and not a destination. What is it? BMW’s Gran Coupé is a jaw-droppingly gorgeous addition to the 6-Series selection. BMW have taken the regular (if there is such a thing!) 6 series and stretched it to accommodate two more doors. Who is it aimed at? Over eight years ago the Mercedes-Benz CLS established the idea of the “four-door coupe” and in doing so...
Volvo V40 D2 SE
We find out if the world’s safest car is as good to drive as it is at keeping us safely cocooned? What is it? The V40 is the world’s safest car and is packed with a host of safety features, including the world’s first airbag system to protect pedestrians. Who is it aimed at? Volvo has its sights firmly on Audi A3 and the BMW 1 series drivers but is also hopes to nab mainstream hatchback drivers from the Focus, Astra or Golf ....
Mazda CX-5 2.2D
Does the world really need another Compact SUV? Mazda obviously think so! We find out if their CX-5 is really good enough to win fans in this competitive market. What is it? Mazda’s latest addition is intended to capitalize on the ever popular Compact SUV market; essentially what these cars offer are the looks of a rugged country warrior but with hatch back proportions. So they may look like fuel guzzlers but underneath the brawny...