I don’t think it would presumptuous of me to assume that everyone reading this will know what the Toyota Hilux is, after all, it’s been with us for over 50 years, and in that time has gained an enviable reputation for both ruggedness and reliability.

So what’s with the GR Sport moniker?

Sometimes you come across a company you that haven’t seen or heard of before, and instinctively think they're new. Then you find out that not only are they the third most valuable car company in the world, and…

I booked the Ateca 1.5 EcoTSI SE Technology 150PS 7-speed DSG knowing I had a six hour round trip to Bedfordshire, which I usually save for larger and more luxurious motors, but in my experience the Ateca always punches above its weight for long drives….

It’s no secret that the Solterra is the almost identical sibling to Toyota’s bZ4X, but before you have disparaging thoughts of a simple badge swap, it has to be noted that Subaru helped to develop the platform used by both cars, as well as the off-road settings….

Built and designed entirely by Volkswagen (not outsourced like Mercedes and Ford), the California is a converted VW Transporter - a good looking one at that, that gained plenty of admiring glances, thumbs-up and comments during our week together.

If you’ve been around green ovals for as long as me, you’ll know that this new model builds on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage…

With the familiar 310PS 2.0 litre engine mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox, you can expect a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. And with all-wheel drive it isn’t just quick in a straight line, it can handles corners too….

With 462bhp, it’s the most powerful production car in Volkswagen’s history, and the first R model to utilise electric power, an eHybrid with plug-in hybrid technology - it’ll also set you back in excess of £70k, before options…

With 175bhp on tap, bung it into ‘sport’ mode and it’s quite a feisty car that’ll do 0-60mph 7.9 seconds…

On the outside, the keen eyed amongst you will notice a slightly wider front grille with slimmer lights, new rear bumper reflectors and LED daytime running lights which are now.…

If you’ve ever been to Sicily you’ll be acutely aware of how poor the roads are; the Cherokee’s ride, on the other hand…

My curiosity was then aroused and I suddenly needed to experience the hype…

Maybe it’s the 4x4 enthusiast in me, but I hadn’t even left the carpark and I was smitten…

Using the aforementioned to hold onto the correct gear and choosing the right lines, the Eclipse Cross will give you huge smiles all-round…

There’s plenty to like about the new MG3 and it remains immensely affordable. I haven’t even mentioned their fully transferrable 7 year/80,000-miles warranty yet…

The Rexton has just been collected, and I’m sat here trying to think of the worst bit, or at least a negative, but I can’t. The Rexton is simply a good, solid car…

Now to be honest, when we planned this trip I’d organised for us to have a V8 Mustang, but a confusion in the booking procedure meant, well, I couldn’t have one, hence the EcoSport.

During this dark and dreary drive along a wet M62 and A1, the X-Trail proved itself to be a rather nice cruiser…

Funky and chunky. I think that’s a fair description…  it certainly stands out from the crowd, and that’s before I mention the orange colour pack! 

The Skoda Kodiaq is a multi award winning large, 7-seater SUV that’s practical, comfortable and to a point, great value for money….