New cars (we sit in & critique)

Toyota Avalon

Likes: The sportiest looking Avalon we've seen in a long time. Interior has improved dramatically as well. We can't wait to see what it's like to drive.

Dislikes: The front grille could have it's own postcode.

Overall: It's a massive step forward for the full-size sedans.



Honda Civic SI

Likes: It's still a special machine to drive compared to the mainstream Civics.

Dislikes: SI isn't available on the hatchback. It doesn't feel particularly faster than the non-SI turbo form.

Overall: A few extra horsepower and firmer suspension goes a long way.



BMW 4-series

Likes: It feels well-balanced and the turbo four-cylinder offers strong performance. It's much sleeker looking than the a 3-series.

Dislikes: The interior is lifted from a 3-series. BMW is stingy with the standard kit.

Overall: The 2-series is lighter and more engaging to drive.



Hyundai Sonata

Likes: It's more efficient, more stylish and more upscale than the previous generation.

Dislikes: It's not as engaging to drive as the looks suggest.

Overall: Value-minded buyers will rejoice with this one.



Smart Fortwo ED

Likes: It's one of the more affordable electric cars on the market. It's actually much easier to live with than the gasoline powered versions.

Dislikes: Limited appeal.

Overall: It's the smartest Smart ever.

Quick reviews

Honda Civic SI

Likes: The new 1.5 turbo offers way more torque for added flexibility. It's still attractively priced and attractively quick.

Dislikes: No hatch version offered. The SI is only slightly more powerful than the 1.5 turbo from the mainstream Civics.

Overall: The Jetta GLI is still a compelling package.



Maserati Ghibli

Likes: Strong range of engines to choose from. Refreshingly Non-German.

Dislikes: The electronic gear selector is annoying as hell! Some interior controls look like they've been snatched from a Chrysler parts bin.

Overall: It's not pretty but it certainly has the Italian flamboyancy we love.



Kia Soul Turbo

Likes: The new turbo engine offers plenty of punch with decent running costs and purchase price. The standard kit is generous with loads of value for the money.

Dislikes: Residuals and resale value are iffy. No all-wheel-drive option may deter away potential buyers. Steering feedback is on the lifeless side.

Overall: It's great value now with more zip.



Buick Encore

Likes: Turbo engine offers plenty of zip with running costs that are respectable. It's comfortable to drive and easy to live with.

Dislikes: The interior feels narrow. We'd like to see a 2-liter turbo engine option.

Overall: It's a cheap Buick but it's far from a bad thing.



Dodge Durango SRT

Likes: Makes all the right growl-ly noises. It's very quick for such a large thing.

Dislikes: Really nothing has changed much since 2014.

Overall: It's aging gracefully, however there are talented rivals out there.



Chevy Traverse

Likes: An affordable and practical seven-seat crossover option. The standard 2-liter turbo is the pick of the range.

Dislikes: $50k for what?

Overall: It's easy to see why these sell so well.



VW Atlas (2.0T)

Likes: It's just as flexible as the 3.6 engine. Running costs are decent as well. It's roomy for seven people and plenty of space in the boot.

Dislikes: Cartoonish looking exterior. 2-liter turbo limited to front-wheel-drive.

Overall: The ancient 3.6 may be a bit more expensive, however it certainly isn't a bad choice.



Audi Q5

Likes: Turbo engines offer plenty of punch and very reasonable running costs. Roomy for four with a decent sized boot. Digital cockpit display is stunning.

Dislikes: It can get expensive quickly with options.

Overall: The Q5 is classier than the X3 inside and out, but as engaging to drive as an X3.



BMW 7-series

Likes: Packed with the latest technology from BMW. It's lighter than prior generations and it is still engaging to drive than most.

Dislikes: The badge snobbery with this one is high as the price of admission. Resale value is questionable.

Overall: You'd lease it and get rid of it once the warranty runs out.



Jaguar F-type

Likes: It's a proper Jag sports car. All of the engines sound quite lovely.

Dislikes: Finicky infotainment screen, door handles and iffy resale value.

Overall: A breath of fresh air in the sports car segment.

(Used) Devon test drives a Civic Si sedan

The Civic Si is a pocket rocket that so far has stayed true to the naturally aspirated engine opposed to the turbocharged engines of its rivals. Will the Si be able to lure those buyers away?

The 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder produces 205hp and a modest 174lb-ft torque which is mated to a slick shifting six-speed manual gearbox. Around town the Si feels smooth and the gearbox isn’t a pain to live with. Take it on the highway and you’ll want to keep those revs high because that’s where most of the momentum happens. This is mainly due to the small amount of available torque and it is only kicks at 4,000rpm which means you’ll either keep the revs high to keep things moving quickly or you’ll run out of steam.

The Civic Si doesn’t feel as sharp to drive as the Volkswagen GTI. The chassis often feels flustered quickly if you want to drive spiritedly. The steering has decent feel and feedback but it isn’t great neither encouraging when you do want to push it through corners and bends. At least the manual gearbox shifts are crisp and smooth. Wind won’t be much of a problem but there will be some road noise from the larger alloys and depending on which tires you option for.

In the cabin you’ll be greeted by the same two dashboard design which some will love and others will loath. The futuristic design isn’t for everyone. At least the seven-inch display and touch screen infotainment system has a simplex design and is somewhat user friendly. There are controls for climate control too which aren’t fiddly to operate and clearly labeled. Front seats are comfortable and the rear seats are somewhat comfortable. There’s plenty of legroom but taller drivers may struggle to get comfortable because headroom is a bit cramped. Boot space is pretty good too but the trunk hinges eats into cargo space.

Bluetooth, rearview camera, USB audio interface and push button ignition system are all standard on the Si. There’s even a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system and Sequential Rev-limit indicator. You’ll have to pay extra for the navigation system.

The Si is overall cheaper than the GTI, but we’d pick the GTI because it’s much more fun to drive than the Si and the turbo engine gives more torque at low revs while you’ll be forced to keep the revs high in the Si. Running costs with the Si will be low and of course you can’t forget about Honda legendary reliability record which is much more appealing than Volkswagen. There plenty of safety aids to help you avoid a collision and if you do get in one Honda track record with safety is spot on good.

Overall: It’s a pocket rocket that’s cheap to buy and has low running costs. Not to mention excellent quality. If only it had more torque and better driving experience to match its keen rival the GTI.

Likes: The engine sweet spot is when the torque kicks in. Honda build quality and pocket rocket pace at an affordable price.

Dislikes: There’s virtually no torque unless you keep revs in 4,000rpm. The driving experience isn’t even close to that of a GTI and its rivals.