Latest Car Reviews

Tuesday, 2nd of December 2008

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4x4s

4x4s rated by performance, ride and handling, build quality and reliability, safety and security, space and practicality plus ownership and value.

Toyota Rav4

2.2 D-4D SR180 - The first RAV4 hit the streets way in 1994. Initially in 3-door guise, it bravely pioneered the still highly popular soft-roader niche. Since then the ‘RAV’ has been completely re-designed twice and grown in size, but along the way has become not only Europe’s best-selling SUV, but the world’s best-selling compact SUV.... read more

Kia Sportage

XS 2l CRDI Auto - A fab example of a low cost 4x4 style car which undercuts most rivals on running costs, is generously equipped, and is signified by its’ punchy engine. A must for those families seeking as much car as possible for as little money as possible.... read more

Volvo XC60

2.4-litre diesel - This vehicle stops you from hitting cars, which are directly in front – pure sci-fi? Actually it’s not. The boffins have developed a Crossover, that uses the latest technology to keep you as safe as possible. The Volvo XC60 is the maker’s first small premium utility vehicle and it will compete in one of the fastest growing segments in the world.... read more

Toyota Land Cruiser

3.0 D-4D 5-door - In recent times 4x4s have become high-rise family estate cars with varying degrees of off-road capability. Toyota’s Land Cruiser is different. Originally launched over 50 years ago, it’s a robust, purpose-built, old-school off-roader that has evolved to also meet the less strenuous demands of day-to-day family life. But is it a bit too rugged for the school run?... read more

Subaru Forester

Diesel - Heavily facelifted this year, the Forester has now caught up with the rest of the SUV crowd with the option of a diesel engine. The Japanese brand is boasting top fuel economy with the lowest insurance and CO2 emissions in its class, which is more than enough to make the Forester a serious contender to the raft of far less sensible soft-roaders on the market.... read more

Jeep Patriot

2.0 CRD Limited manual - The Jeep Patriot was launched in the Summer of 2007, at the same time as the similar Jeep Compass. Both models come with the same choice of engines, although the more rugged-looking Patriot costs a £2k less and apparently appeals more to men, while the softer Compass is aimed more at women. I should like the Patriot, then…... read more

Fiat Panda 4x4

1.2 - Need a 4x4 but don’t want to break the bank? Want to get your tyres properly muddy occasionally but don’t wish to be branded as some kind of maniac eco-saboteur? Fiat’s thrifty, diminutive and surprisingly capable Panda 4x4 could well be what you’re after.... read more

Nissan Murano

2009 UK - A few months back we drove the 2009 Nissan Murano in American spec to give you a taste of what was to come…now we have got our hands on the UK version.... read more

Jeep Wrangler

2-door and Unlimited 4-door - The bloodline of the latest Jeep Wrangler can be traced directly back to early World War II. These days it’s still a robust and purposeful workhorse, but it’s now available with four doors – four more than the original, and it’s substantially more refined than in decades past.... read more

Kia Sorento

2.5 CRDi XS - The Kia Sorento offers generous torque levels and a comfortable and easy ride. Solid build quality and reliability has become a Kia trademark.... read more

Jeep Cherokee

2008 2.8 CRD Auto - An icon is back – Jeep has launched the all new Cherokee and its boxy design is also back. This will please the die hard Jeep fans as the previous generation was too much of a soft roader for their taste buds. The new Cherokee which has a starting price of £24,495 has been given a complete makeover both inside and out – let's see how it gets on…... read more

Nissan Murano

2009 US - The 2009 Nissan Murano has grown up and it looks good– we have been able to get into the second generation of the stylish 4x4 on a test in Spain. This car will not be available in the UK until October and due to this early test drive we drove it in US specification as the UK spec won’t be ready until the British Motorshow later this month.... read more

BMW X5

- The new BMW X5 is a significant improvement upon the old BMW X5. Featuring an excellent choice of engines, the third row of seats turns the X5 into a genuine seven-seater. The X5 is a capable performer both on-road and off-road.... read more

BMW X6

- The X6 Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) is for drivers who like the high up seating position of the X5 but still want a classic sporty BMW drive and don’t really need the practicality. It may be odd to look at but given its huge dimensions, the X6 is remarkably agile. It's also beautifully built and very fast. The X6 is an X5 with attitude.... read more

Audi Q7

- The Audi Q7 is well constructed and offers a smooth ride. However, it is expensive both to buy and run. Large, daring and authoritative – Audi’s first foray into the SUV market will make quite an impact.... read more

Ford Kuga

2.0-litre TDCi Titanium - The Ford Kuga is a brand new model for the Blue Oval –known as a crossover SUV it’s the first time that Ford has entered into this segment of the car market. The car is certainly a head-turner but Ford’s Kinetic design may not be to everyone’s taste – read on to find out whether we enjoyed the latest product from the Blue Oval.... read more

Volkswagen Tiguan

2.0 TDI 140 4Motion S - The Tiguan has entered a jam-packed and competitive market but will probably still do well, mainly due to the desirable Volkswagen badge. It doesn’t offer anything dissimilar from the already recognized and thriving competition.... read more

Honda CR-V

2.2 CDTi - The vehicle we tested was the 2.2 CDTi which makes up the majority of the CR-V sales for Honda in the UK.... read more

Kia Sportage

4wd 2.0CRDi XS ME - Despite the credit crunch and the fuel prices off-roaders are still very much in demand – so how do you fancy a budget SUV? Well the Kia Sportage may not be to everyone’s liking but it comes in at under £18,000 and it can go off-road. Now we have your attention – lets see how the compact 4x4 gets on.... read more

Volkswagen Touareg

R50 - Power hungry? Then you’ll like the look of this it’s the Volkswagen Touareg R50. It’s worlds apart from the recent Bluemtion range that has been introduced. For instance the Polo Bluemotion is a frugal diesel car with a low CO2 output – the Touareg R50 is also a diesel powered vehicle but with its V10 unit, it takes a lot more fuel to make it sing.... read more

BMW X3

2.0d SE - BMW very rarely make mistakes but that is what has happened here. Not up to BMW’s usually high standards, the X3 performs more like a saloon than the compact SUV it purposes to be and the build quality is simply not good enough for a vehicle of this price. Budget BMW.... read more

Porsche Cayenne

S - The Porsche Cayenne S handles & performs like its classic 911 stable mate but has the space & practicality of a large family run around.... read more