VEHICLES Damian Turner VEHICLES Damian Turner

Review: 2017 SEAT Leon X-Perience

Well, it’s a SEAT Leon estate that’s been given four-wheel drive, a bit of a lift and plastic extensions on the arches.  Admittedly, that doesn’t sound like much when you say it quick, but it makes the X-Perience quite a practical vehicle if you need 4x4-ability every now and again.  Granted, from the outside it bears a quite resemblance to Skoda’s……..

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First Drive: 2017 SEAT Ateca

As new vehicle launches go, this was pretty cool.  From a trendy hotel in Manchester with a roof top terrace, to a drive through its bustling city centre, this is exactly what the brilliant PR team at SEAT was looking for when they decided to celebrate the launch of SEAT’s new urban SUV, the Ateca……..

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Review: 2015 Peugeot Partner Van

It's a van. "I can see that, but what on earth are you doing reviewing a van?"  you may ask, and it's a valid question. 

It started last year when I was invited to DriveIt, a dedicated light commercial vehicle show at which visitors could test drive any of the vehicles on show…

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Review: 2015 Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid4

It’s a beefed up, selectable 4x4 estate with hybrid technology, which, if I’m being completely honest, nearly put a downer on the whole experience for me, but let’s hold off on that thought for a moment...

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Review: Mitsubishi Jeep, CJ-3B Type 27

Between 1953 and 1998, Mitsubishi motors produced over 200,000 Jeep variants under licence from the Willys company in America. Very few were exported, but as they were predominantly right hand drive, a few were imported into the UK. This particular example dates from 1979 and is just one of 8 that were ‘officially’ imported by the Colt Car Company. It has undergone……….

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Review: 2015 Mitsubishi Shogun

Since the first-generation Shoguns arrived in the UK back in 1982, they have built up a 34-year reputation for being a tough but affordable vehicle with go-anywhere off-road capability. Available in both SWB (3 door), and LWB (5 door)…

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Review: 2014 Mercedes S 500 L AMG

Now, I’ve always had a thing for big V8 saloons, over the years I’ve owned an Rover SD1 and a Lexus LS400, and more recently I was tempted by a Mercedes CL500, but the cash was ear marked for a new kitchen instead, meh…

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Review: 2014 Mercedes G-Wagen G350 BlueTec LWB

The G-Wagen is an imposing vehicle whichever way you view it, its reputation is legendary, but then so is the price. This particular G350 TEC BlueTec costs £83,830, then there’s the £22,320 worth of extras bringing the total up to an eye watering £106,150……

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Review: 2017 All-New Mazda CX-5

The original CX-5 was introduced way back in 2012, and with global sales of over 1.5 million it now accounts for roughly 25% of Mazda’s global sales volume, with more than 32,000 current-generation CX-5s having been sold in the UK; no mean feat…

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Review: 2017 All NEW Kia Picanto

Like other small cars, the Picanto has never been on my radar.  It isn't huge, it doesn't have a big V8, nor does it have any kind of 4x4 system, so why did I fly all the way down to Grosseto, Italy to drive one then?  Well, I was going to say that your answer is in the question, I love Italy, but that isn't the reason at all - no, seriously, it isn't!…….

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Tyres: BF Goodrich Mud Terrain

Deux Smurf came with a set of General Grabber All Terrains, and they were a little past their sell by date for off-road use.  As winter was approaching, quickly, I decided that a new set of boots were needed, sooner rather than later…..

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Review: 2016 ALL NEW Kia Sportage

In our mind, the outgoing Sportage still looks as fresh as a daisy, which is testament to its designer, ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer who also had a hand in styling the new model. Retaining its sloping roofline, bulging arches and minimal glass, the new model is still recognisable as a Sportage, but with a more ………

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