What's On

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

We sit in and (of course!) we critique

Hyundai Kona 1.0 T-GDI Trend – Frontansicht, 24. Dezember 2017, Düsseldorf.jpg

Hyundai Kona

Likes: Distinct styling with modern interior styling. The optional turbo engine provides extra oomph where it matters the most.

Dislikes: Distinct styling may not be for everyone. Rear seat passengers may feel shortchanged on space. Dual clutch auto gearbox is annoying at times.

Overall: The crossover craze (sigh) isn't showing any signs of slowing down.



Ford Escape (1.5-ecoboost)

Likes: The interior is roomy for five with a decent sized boot. It's easy to drive around town and is far more flexible compared to the standard 2.5.

Dislikes: At times the 1.5 turbo sounds overworked. It also can be seen as a false economy in terms of fuel savings over the 2.5 engine.

Overall: America's favorite crossover, certainly isn't our favorite.

Bentley Bentayga 2015 - front.jpg

Bentley Bentayga

Likes: The interior is pure and utter excellence. You certainly won't have a shortage of power with this one.

Dislikes: Eye watering price tag. Eye watering exterior styling. No diesel engine option.

Overall: Proof that money can't buy you taste.

Volkswagen Atlas 2017 SUV.jpg

Volkswagen Atlas (2.0t)

Likes: Slightly more affordable than the 3.6 engine. Seven seats and a boot that's actually useful when third row seat is in place.

Dislikes: Front-wheel-drive only. Running costs are almost identical to the 3.6.

Overall: We loathe the cartoonish exterior styling; but it does what it's intended to do well.



Lexus RX L

Likes: A seven-seat version of the popular RX. The hybrid option provides lowest running costs and emissions of the range. Interior feels very classy and refined.

Overall: Some controls are fiddly to use. The exterior styling is on the odd-side. The third row seat is a little cramped compared to the Volvo XC90.

Overall: Lexus will sell tons of these and it's easy to see why.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Short reviews (We sit in them and we critique)

Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE Luxury TD4 2016.jpg

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Likes: The standard turbo engine is smooth but the more powerful output is a welcome addition. Legendary off-road abilities still retained with 5+2 configuration.

Dislikes: The transmission isn't all that refined. Reliability is very iffy. There are so many three-row crossover options that are roomier and cheaper.

Overall: It's not 'sporty' but it is an all round capable option.



Mercedes C-class Coupe

Likes: It has a presence no other car on the road has. Strong range of engines to choose from and available 4-matic all-wheel-drive system.

Dislikes: The price of admission can go from reasonable to jaw dropping quickly.

Overall: It's no BMW 4-series but it does feel classy where it matters the most.

'18 Honda Odyssey.jpg

Honda Odyssey

Likes: It's still the champ of minivans. It's much more efficient than before and it certainly is more refined than before.

Dislikes: It's not as stylish or sharp to drive as a Chrysler Pacifica. The push button gear selector on some trims is maddening to use.

Overall: It's the hallmark of minivans. The international version looks really cool.

2014 Honda Odyssey (MY14) VTi-L van (2015-08-07) 01.jpg
(Above: The international version of the Odyssey looks way cooler in our opinion.)

Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi AWD Platinum Edition (IV) – Frontansicht, 21. Februar 2016, Düsseldorf.jpg

Kia Sportage

Likes: Both engines are more than up for the job. We love the commanding view and the interior feels very classy for this price segment.

Dislikes: The exterior styling maybe a hit or miss for some.

Overall: One of the most well-rounded crossover out there that no one is buying.

Lincoln MKX II China 2016-04-18.jpg

Lincoln MKX

Likes: The available 2.7ecoboost engine is our favorite of the range. It's smooth to drive with plenty of luxurious features to tack on if desired.

Dislikes: Lincoln tends to get overshadowed by its competition.

Overall: Lincoln is slowly getting its grove back but it's still has a long way to go.

2016 Toyota Prius Two Eco (cropped).jpg

Toyota Prius

Likes: It's the benchmark when it comes to hybrids. It's much roomier than the previous generation and feels much better to drive.

Dislikes: Styling maybe too left-field for some.

Overall: It has the highest 'smug' appeal of any hybrid sold. (Please note: sarcasm was inserted into that comment.)