Test drive: Renault Austral mHEV 160 auto: an outstanding success

This mid-range version of the new Renault Austral became obsolete very quickly. At launch, it featured the well-known 1.3 cc 4-cylinder engine shared with the Kadjar as well as various Daimler group cars. However, in this case it is mated to the continuously variable X-Tronic transmission also used by its cousin, the Nissan Qashqai. A very …

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Test drive: Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro 150 kW2017 (77 kWh battery): a very expensive icon

Volkswagen’s electrified range is getting larger all the time and will soon be complete. The ubiquitous minibus is now getting a battery too. Such a vehicle is not particularly our cup of tea but we thought it would be interesting to take a look at this iconic vehicle which costs a fortune, by the way. …

Lire la suite de Test drive: Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro 150 kW2017 (77 kWh battery): a very expensive icon

New car test: Mazda CX-60 Diesel: good vibrations

Belgium, and even Europe, represents only a tiny part of Mazda new car sales. If the Japanese engineers think a 3.3 litre diesel in-line 6 engine is perfectly suited to their large SUV, there’s no point in arguying with them… even though such a big lump is not tax friendly in our small country. For the …

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Test Drive: DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 300: Lateral thinking

Faced with the German onslaught on the SUV segment, French brands are fighting back doing things their own way. The DS7 was launched in 2017 as the DS7 Crossback. Last year, it was renamed DS7 for the second half of its career and received a number of aesthetic and technological improvements. We enjoyed getting another …

Lire la suite de Test Drive: DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 300: Lateral thinking

Test Drive: BMW iX1: the conqueror

The recently-launched BMW X1 second generation range includes an electric version which is simply called iX1. Like its ICE siblings, it is based on the FAAR platform. On the outside, the main differences  are its closed radiator and blue bonnet badge. Look a bit closer and you will notice there are no tailpipes under the …

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Test drive: Dacia Jogger: lovely jubbly

No, it's not yet the hybrid version of Dacia's seven-seater that we tested for a week. But we did take advantage of the new logos and a new colour that suits it perfectly to find this vehicle with unbeatable value for money. Whether it's taking the kids and their friends to their favourite activities, moving …

Lire la suite de Test drive: Dacia Jogger: lovely jubbly

New car test : Renault Kangoo E-Tech : Electrons on the sofa

Stellantis group recently decided to market only electrically-powered minivans (However, recent rumours talk about a return of ICE ones in England and elsewhere) but Renault prefers to develop its Kangoo range and offer petrol, diesel and electric versions. The latter is named E-Tech and we were able to test it right before its arrival at …

Lire la suite de New car test : Renault Kangoo E-Tech : Electrons on the sofa

Test drive: Volkswagen Arteon SB 1.4 TSi e-Hybrid: A firm favourite

Even if estate cars are less popular these days, thanks to the success of SUVs. However, they are still around and successful when they come from German manufacturers . The pleasing Arteon Shooting Break was launched in June 2020. More recently, it got greener credentials thanks to a plug-in hybrid engine that we had the …

Lire la suite de Test drive: Volkswagen Arteon SB 1.4 TSi e-Hybrid: A firm favourite

Match: You get the choice between the 58 or 77 kWh Cupra Born… which one is right for you ?

Forget everything you know about the Spanish Cupra brand. Screaming engines and firm suspensions that were a Seat Ibiza, Cordoba and Leon trade mark are now a distant and fond memory. Cupra is now a brand in its own right. Just like the rest of the Volkswagen group brands, it dives into electrification at breakneck …

Lire la suite de Match: You get the choice between the 58 or 77 kWh Cupra Born… which one is right for you ?

Test drive: Honda Civic e:HEV: half way between tradition and modernity

Discovering the latest Civic makes you feel like getting back in contact with an old acquaintance! In our ever changing world where everything moves on at supersonic speeds, it's a pleasure to test a good old 5-door sedan car. Seems that many carmakers would like to consign these to a museum as they don’t generate …

Lire la suite de Test drive: Honda Civic e:HEV: half way between tradition and modernity