First Drive: Honda HR-V
Is there room for one more compact crossover? We went to Lisbon to check out Honda’s new HR-V Geraldine Herbert What is it? Honda may have pioneered the concept of the small sports utility vehicle (SUV), when the original HR-V model was launched in 1998, but it was Nissan that changed the way we think about family motoring with its Qashqai. Designed to appeal to young families unimpressed by the typical mini-MPV, the HR-V will...
Fiat 500x Lounge 1.6 Multijet 120hp
The latest addition to Fiat’s 500 family blends practicality, good looks and low running costs writes Suzanne Keane What is it? Following on from the success of the cute little Italian retro mini 500 the Fiat 500x is a practical family car with cute looks and retro touches. Who is it aimed at? The 500x is aimed firmly at the crossover market it is intended to attract buyers in need of a larger and more practical car while...
Fiat 500L Trekking Beats Edition
Fiat is pumping up the volume with a new special edition version of the 500L that is wired for sound writes Hannah Gordon What is it? Fiat have taken the Fiat 500 styling, added a shot of miracle grow and come up with a MPV based on the popular 500. But the trekking model is 10% higher than the regular 500L, it also sports bulkier bumpers and terrain tyres for the more adventurous souls. This limited edition also comes with a Beats...
BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport
Can the new BMW X3 finally emerge from the shadow of its big brother X5 asks Geraldine Herbert What is it? The X5 was a huge success for BMW so it came as no surprise when they unveiled a smaller version. But when the X3 hit our showrooms in 2004 it proved a huge disappointment. Instead of a shrunken X5 what arrived was an awkward looking car awash with harsh plastic inside. Things improved in 2010 with the second generation and...
Ford Kuga v Mazda CX-5 v Subaru Forester
Geraldine Herbert casts her eye over three new compact SUVs What is it? An ever increasing array of crossovers and SUVs are fighting for our hard earned cash this year. Subaru’s Forester, Mazda’s CX-5 and the Ford Kuga are all competing for sales in this popular market sector. Who is it aimed at? From urban schoolrun soft-roaders to rugged looking warriors for families looking for a compact SUV in the €30K price range...
