VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

First Drive: 2016 Toyota Hilux

Toyota's best selling pickup is now in its 8th incarnation and ready to take on the world. I was going to write that there are so many improvements to the new Hilux that you would need a short break in the Lake District to read about them all, but that…

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Tyres: BF Goodrich All-Terrain

Just over 22 years ago, not long after I’d bought my first Range Rover I was offered a set of almost new 31-10R-15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains wrapped around some retro Wolf-Race alloys that had just come off a written-off Range Rover……

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VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: 2015 Volvo XC60 D5 SE Lux AWD GT

There's a certain appeal to this adaptable SUV, its sleek lines, refined road manners, family orientated classy interior and of course there's typical Volvo safety features, no wonder it's been the marques best selling model since 2009…..

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VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: 2015 Jeep Cherokee 2ltr (140ps) Limited

This, the 5th generation Cherokee, is the first under Chrysler's new owner, Fiat, and gone are the days of a boxy silhouette, instead, like many of todays other SUV's, comes a sleek new look.  Look closely though and you'll notice the odd nod to its heritage; the angular ……

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VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: 2015 Kia Soul ‘Mixx’ 1.6 CRDi

In 2013, the second generation Soul arrived with greater interior space in a revitalised higher quality cabin.  It handled better too, thanks to a new chassis that’s based on the C’eed’s and its SUV Crossover styling is more dramatic thanks to…

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VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: 2015 Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDI KX-3

The Sorento is Kia’s flagship vehicle and is said to have changed the way the world saw Kia when it was launched back in 2002.  Now in its third incarnation, the Sorento marks the start of the next stage in Kia’s transformation from a purely value-driven company into a world-class manufacture of premium quality cars.  Question is, has it succeeded?…..

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VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: Mazda 2

You may be thinking that the Mazda2 has no right to be flaunting itself on The Mud Life, it isn’t a 4×4, it has appalling ground clearance and there’s no option for mud terrains.  However, it’s a very practical and fun car to drive and therefore deserves its place here…

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Review: Land Rover Discovery 4

I had the joy of testing a 5ltr supercharged V8, Full fat Range Rover, and I was concerned that the Disco would feel, well, like a bit of a barge. I needn’t have worried, yes it’s slower, but…..

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VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon

There are very few vehicles on the road today that are as recognisable as the true Land Rover.  Since 1947 the basic shape hasn’t changed much.  As my neighbour, Steve said, "You can walk past Toyota and Hyundia garage and if they didn’t have badges, wouldn’t be able to tell them all apart.  There’s no mistaking a Defender."….

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VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: 2015 Mazda CX-3 2ltr AWD (148hp)

Launched last year (summer 2015), Mazda’s all new CX-3 is aimed at the small crossover / SUV market which includes the likes of the Vauxhall Mokka, Nissan Juke, Renault Capture, Fiat 500x, Peugeot 2008s, and the Ford Eco-Sport…

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Review: 2015 Kia Sportage, 2ltr CRDI KX4 AWD

It’s been said that the Kia Sportage has taken the SUV world by storm since its introduction back in 2010, and it isn’t difficult to see why as the Sportage still looks good with its sleek body, elegant lines and of course Kia’s 7 year, 100,000-mile warranty…

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Review: Volvo V40 Cross Country D3

Before I start, the Volvo V40 Cross Country is definitely not, despite its raised ground clearance and chunky looks and add-ons, an off-roader of any description. Sorry to burst your bubble.  It is however a chunked up version of the equally smart V40, only with a bit more attitude.…..

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Review: Mazda CX-5 AWD Sport Nav Diesel

The last time I drove a CX-5 was March 2014 when I meandered casually around the B roads of Harrogate.  I remember thinking that it was quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. I also recall being a little unkind to its looks, ‘not a pretty car’, I think I wrote. But that was then, and fast forward to April 2015 and low and behold, Mazda have parked one outside Muddy Towers for me to play with for a week……

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Review: 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport - HSE Luxury

Mention the Discovery Sport whilst talking to die-hard Land Rover enthusiasts and you’ll get the same response as when the Evoque was first introduced: ‘It’s not a proper Land Rover.'  Of course it isn’t a proper Land Rover, the Discovery Sport is more fuel efficient, safer, handles the road better, and is arguably better off road!….

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Event: Mazda PRESS Driving Day

Every so often, manufacturers arrange driving days so that journo’s can mess around… ahem, I mean drive, and properly assess their range of vehicles, and this particular Driving Day was arranged by Mazda up in t’hills of Halifax, Yorkshire.  Being a Lancashire lad I grabbed my passport and made sure that all my jabs were up to date and set off towards the Pennines……

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Review: 2015 Range Rover 5ltr, V8 Supercharged Monster!

It's only the best 4x4 ever, that's what it is. Ok, I might be a little biased here.

If it was up to me there wouldn’t be any words here, this 'review' would be completely devoid, bereft and totally lacking of text in any form whatsoever, just photos.  Photos of what I firmly believe to be the best and certainly one of the most beautiful vehicles in the world.  However, Muddy Madam suggested that ….

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Review: BMW X1 XDrive 2.0 DXLINE

Originally launched back in 2009, it’s fair to say that it wasn’t the prettiest SUV in the playground.  Now however, it appears that BMW have got their act together, and this new version is far more equipped to take on the premium SUV elite.

Although on a longer wheelbase, the new X1 is shorter in length, but ….

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