Subaru Legacy

January 2nd, 2018

The new Subaru’s Legacy boasts better cabin quality and performance. The latest model is one of the best cars on the road today, although few buyers know this.

In saloon form the Legacy makes a decent executive car with lots of driver appeal. The Outback variant offers considerable off-road appeal, but the Sports Wagon estate model is where the real treasure lies.

The Legacy’s offers an impressive standard of interior fit and finish. Subaru LegacyThis model could easily be the company’s best built car ever. The firm’s attention to detail is obvious with small details such as the colour matching of different materials or the tactile nature of most surfaces. The car’s exterior has been enhanced as well and boasts several improvements.

Drivers get Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, that is complimented by the 3.0R variant. The car comes complete with rally car-style gear change paddles for its auto gearbox and a dial that allows the driver to alter the engine’s performance.

The Sports Tourer boasts a large boot and great handling. The Sports Tourer is fun to drive and is truly unique from other large load luggers.

Practicality

The Subaru Legacy is not going to be a cheap car to buy or run. In addition to the high asking price, the fuel economy isn’t the greatest and serviceing charges are high. Off-setting these costs are great reliability and high resale value.

The Legacy has a very spacious cabin and will easily accommodate a full load of passengers and a day’s shopping in the boot. Font passengers will enjoy plenty of head and legroom. Rear occupants will have enough room but not quite as much as the front passengers do.

All the gauges and instrumentation are logically placed within the driver’s line of sight. The fasica is pleasantly unclutted with intuitive controls. This is counter by the lack of quality in the plastics used.

The seats are wide and supportive. The rear seats will accommodate two large passengers and three children. Road and wind noise are virtually nonexistant. The Legacy also delivers a smooth ride.

Getting into the car isn’t difficult. The large door apertures provide unrestricted access into both the front and rear. The boot’s hatch opens wide, giving way to a low load lip and a wide loading bay.

Parking the Legacy is easy, as long as you are moving forward. When reverse parking, you might have a harder time, but it shouldn’t be an impossible task. Helping with this is light steering and good visibility.

Life Style

Subaru’s have really good driver appeal. The car’s all-wheel-drive grip and unusual engine configurations, are very appealing. The engine is very encouraging when worked hard. With the Legacy you lose a little refinement on coarse road surfaces, otherwise it delivers aride that is right up there with the competition.

The legacy offers loads of space, and the Sports Tourer feels rugged enough to deal with the rigors of family life. A good safety kit is offered as standard, and the car offers four-wheel drive. Subaru LogoThe car’s large boot should be able to hold just about anything. The leather upholstery may take some abuse at the hands of unruly children.

The Legacy would not make an ideal first car. It’s expensive to run and insure. It’s a very easy car to drive though, which will be enticing to a novice driver.

The Legacy offers a high standard of quality. The quality on offer is much better than previous generations, but the Legacy’s image remains low when matched up against the German firms. This car can hold its own with even the most prestigious names, but is not likely to be given that chance.

Safety and Security

The car comes equipped with deadlocks, keyless entry and shielded door locks. The car also includes a Thatcham Category 1 alarm package. A tracking device may be a worthwhile investment given the desirable nature of the car.

The Legacy comes with driver and passenger dual-stage airbags, side airbags, Isofix rear child mounts and a cargo security cover. ABS with EBD is also included.

The Finishing Touches

The car’s standard audio system includes an attractive radio and CD player. Some controls are slightly fiddly, but steering wheel mounted controls make things a lot easier. The sound quality is adequate and optional upgrades are available. Satellite navigation is an option.

Dark colours are flattering to the Legacy’s exterior design, and make the car look more expensive. Inside, the car’s cabin boasts high levels of quality, for an impressive look and feel.

Summary

The Legacy’s lack of a diesel option will turn some buyersw off. The car really has more to offer than the majority of buyers will ever know. It’s probably one of the most underrated cars in the marketplace and worthy of comparison with premium petrol estates from the likes of Audi, Volvo and Honda.

Jeep Compass Car Review

January 2nd, 2018

The Jeep Compass is a spacious, comfortable, well equipped motor that offers the rugged good looks associated with the American icon.

Practicality

The Jeep Compass will surprise those familiar with the American company’s vehicles by offering good fuel figures that average more than 40mpg with the diesel. This, combined with both relatively low carbon dioxide emissions and insurance rating, mean the Compass shouldn’t break the bank.

Visibility is excellent thanks to the lofty driving position so parking and manoeuvring around town is surprisingly easy for a car of these dimensions.

A decent driving position is relatively easy to obtain as the seat is fully adjustable although the steering column doesn’t adjust for reach.

The Compass is a practical option for a family as it offers plenty of space for all occupants plus their luggage.

Head and legroom are top drawer and the Compass has a boot with cave-like dimensions that includes a floor that can be removed for cleaning. The rear and front seats fold flat when extra space is needed for more awkward sized loads.

The materials used in the cabin should withstand the attentions of the kids although that’s not to say they are of very good quality.

The Compass should be a reliable vehicle as Jeep has a decent record in this respect.

Jeep Compass

Life Style

The Jeep Compass will appeal to parents who like their SUVs to look rugged with plenty of room in the cabin.

The Compass is Jeep’s first front-wheel-drive vehicle with the rear wheels only employed when extra traction or stability is wanted.

The handling is tidy rather than exceptional with good steering and control of body movement.

However, the ride can be a touch jittery despite the all-round independent suspension which is another Jeep first

The Jeep Compass is a refined beast – no mean trick when you consider the large frontal area and big mirrors.

Wind noise kept to a minimum while the engines remain pretty quiet unless revved really hard.

The Compass is a relatively cheap car to buy in the States, so Jeep haven’t gone overboard on the interior materials with plastics feeling brittle and looking shiny.

The Compass looks a bit like a chiselled Cherokee with Jeep attempting a blend of modern and retro to tempt buyers looking for something different from the norm. By and large they succeed and image is a major selling point for the Compass

As far as the environment goes the Compass defies conventional wisdom about Jeep as carbon dioxide emissions are not at all bad.

The sad fact is though that most people will just assume it’s a gas guzzling destroyer of rain forests without checking the figures.

Security and Safety

Jeep fit the Compass with keyless entry and an alarm to deter anyone thinking of trying to steal it.

As far as safety goes Jeep include almost every safety device known to the motoring world on the Compass. There’s anti-rollover protection, stability control and six airbags plus a part-time four-wheel drive system that enhances stability and traction when required.

The Finishing Touches

As is normal with Jeep, the Compass is fitted with lots of equipment as standard that is only available as options on many SUV rivals.

There’s only one trim level which includes kit such as leather upholstery, air-conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rechargeable torch in the boot. The stereo provides an excellent soundtrack when you are driving and is easy to use.

Summary

The Compass is Jeep’s first attempt at a soft-roader. It is a late entrant to a market full of talented vehicles so needs more than just the famous badge to attract buyers.

The Compass is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel, sourced from Volkswagen, or a 2.4-litre petrol connected to a manual or continuously variable automatic transmission.

The diesel is likely to be the most popular engine as it benefits from a turbo giving the oil burner a perky performance and decent fuel economy.

The exterior is as eye-catching as ever while the interior is a pleasant place to spend time.

The Compass offers a decent drive on the road with handling that equates with what is normally expected from a large SUV.

Lotus

January 2nd, 2018

British born Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman built racecars and sold used cars while attending college. After college he took on a stint in the RAF but continued to build cars. Applying his knowledge of aeronautic engineering, Chapman’s vehicles consistently won race after race gaining a reputation as the fastest formula racers around. After producing numerous models, Lotus Engineering Company began in 1952 followed by Lotus Cars Ltd. in 1955. Lotus Cars Ltd. was based on four principles. They were performance through lightweight, fun to drive, great handling, and innovation. Lotus is credited with developing numerous innovations through the years that were used in the production of their own, as well as other manufacturers’, autos. Among Lotus firsts are composite monocoque road car, aluminum monocoque, use of a fully stressed engine, ground effects, and extruded and bonded aluminum chassis. Today, more than ten percent of all cars sold in Europe have engines that were developed by Lotus. Due to the success of Lotus’s performance, it has been said by many that Chapman has influenced the modern automobile more than any other person.

Lotus Logo

Volvo C70 Car Review

July 29th, 2014

The second generation of Volvo C70 is designed to combine the efforts of the company’s coupe and convertible models. Replacing these two models with a single car that combines the benefits of both cars is a very smart move on Volvo’s part. The car is luring buyers away from traditional premium convertibles, compact coupes and even some junior executive models.

 

Volvo C70

Volvo provides high safety levels and good mechanical reliability. The company’s generous safety package will be a plus with buyers, especially because convertibles aren’t quite as safe as non-convertible cars to begin with, and generous amounts of safety will win over a few buyers.

The Volvo C70 can be a fun and exciting car to drive. The car is well engineered, looks really smart. The car is full of positive attributes, but is not a fast or racy car. The car is attractively styled but not beautiful.

The cabin provides excellent passenger space, even for rear seat passengers. The car provides a high standard of fit and finish. Materials are of a high quality and feel durable.

Practicality

 

The C70 is a bit on the expensive side, but fuel economy can be maximized if you should opt for the diesel engine. Servicing charges will be low but may become problematic if the roof malfunctions, which it has been known to do. Resale values should be high.

 

The cabin is spacious and will provide sufficient space to all of the occupants, and though it is capable of carrying four adults, with the roof down the boot is hardly big enough for the luggage needs of half that. The boot is of generous proportions with the roof up however.

 

The gauges are clear and concise. They are logically placed making searching for them unnecessary. The fascia is uncluttered and the controls are functional as well as practical. The switch-gear is of high quality with a weighty durable feel.

Passengers will be comfortable both up front and in the rear. With plenty of head and legroom, only tall rear passengers will complain. The front seats are fully adjustable, with the exception of height adjustment. The rear of the cabin tends to get dark with the hood up, though this hardly hinders comfort.

Accessing the cabin is easy. Though the doors are heavy, getting into and out of the cabin is an easy task. Rear passengers will have a bit of a challenge due to limited room in the footwell between the body of the car and the front seats.

Parking the C70 is easy, though parking sensors are an option as the rear is a bit hard to judge with the top up. Light, precise steering and good visibility make the C70 easy to park.

Life Style

 

The first generation C70 lacked driving appeal. Though the car had excellent style, it fell short among its competitors on drivability. The new C70 has addressed many of those past issues, and now shares quite a few of the powertrain elements with the Ford Focus. The T5 variant can be fairly fast, but the car was designed more for cruising than for speed. Despite the considerable power on hand, the car is still not that exciting.

This is not a family car. The car’s interior is not designed to be child friendly, and the car’s boot is much too small to accommodate a family. The car is more for adults who do not have children yet.

This is not a good first car either. It will be expensive to purchase, and the engines are not that economical, so fuel costs will probably be high as well. There are better first cars available, even with the Volvo brand.

The car’s cabin is easy enough to access, but the doors are quite heavy. The top can only be put up or down while the car is stopped, with the driver’s foot on the brake and their finger on a button for thirty seconds. This could quickly become annoying.

Volvo C70 #2

Security and Safety

 

The car’s standard security features include a steel top that is much more secure than a fabric top, an alarm system and deadlocks. One useful feature is the ability to link storage areas such as the glove box to the central locking system, this will provide additional security while the top is down.

Volvo is a leader when it comes to safety equipment, and the C70 is no different from the company’s other cars. Safety features include SIPS, WHIPS, countless airbags and standard traction control.

The Finishing Touches

 

Volvo automotive has developed a new interest in providing top-notch sound systems. There are three sound systems available, Performance, High Performance and Premium. The entry-level unit has six speakers, the range topper 14. All three units provide excellent sound quality and hi-tech features.

Summary

 

For a covertible, the C70 seems to lack a little charm and character. Rival brands seem to have a little more personality than the C70. The car does seem somewhat more practical than many rival brands, and that will appeal to many clear headed buyers.

Peugeot 4007 Car Review

July 29th, 2014

The Peugeot 4007 is the third model to come out of a collaboration that has already spawned the Mitsubishi Outlander and Citroen C-Crosser. The 4007 handles well and offers a smooth, flexible engine. It is well equipped and has plenty of room for five.

Practicality

The Peugeot 4007 operates best as a five-seater with generous cabin space. Flexibility is ensured as the rear seats slide and recline individually as well as folding flat. The two extra seats stowed under the boot floor offer little padding while knee space is tight. Boot space is also dramatically reduced when the rearmost seats are up, but the 4007 offers a decent amount of room when they are stowed. A split rear tailgate is a bonus when it comes to loading and unloading the Peugeot 4007.
Most drivers will find it relatively easy to find a comfortable position behind the steering wheel as there is plenty of seat adjustment. The dashboard is stylish and the controls and dials are well set out and easy to see and use.
The 2.2 litre HDi engine is the only one offered on the Peugeot 4007 – but it is a good one giving bags of low down pulling power which comes in useful when towing a caravan or coping with rough off-road terrain. The chassis is top quality offering a smooth saloon-like ride.
The Peugeot 4007 averages 39.2mpg on the standard 16-inch alloy wheels, and 38.7mpg on the range-topping GT’s 18-inch wheels.

Peugeot 4007
Life Style

The Peugeot 4007’s exterior is stylish and pleasing to the eye with a distinctive front grille and headlamps. There are also imposing wings with wide wheel arches and large alloys that add to the bold effect.
The interior features black fascia panelling that is complemented by subtle aluminium coloured finishing that highlights air vent surrounds, grab handles, and other key controls.
The Peugeot 4007 is an SUV that is a delight to drive. Many cars of this ilk suffer from a bouncy ride but the 4007 benefits from independent suspension on all four wheels. Body lean is tightly controlled, particularly for a 4×4, and although the steering is a bit short on feedback, it’s precise and well weighted.
As far as the environment is concerned Peugeot have tweaked its diesel engine to reduce of emissions by about 30 per cent so it has a combined carbon dioxide figure of 191g/km – relatively low for an SUV. There is plenty of power available with the 0-62mph dash completed in just short of 10 seconds and whether accelerating hard or cruising down the motorway, the engine stays smooth and quiet. Wind and road noise are a bit more audible at speed, but not unbearably so.
The Peugeot 4007’s cabin uses smart materials and everything feels solidly put together.
Security and Safety

The Peugeot 4007 is fitted with an alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks to protect it from the attentions of car thieves.
As far as safety is concerned electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control are fitted as standard. These help control the braking and engine power applied to individual wheels. It also helps to keep the vehicle on the right road by controlling any oversteer and correcting understeer in poor weather conditions.
The 4007 is also equipped with six airbags, including curtain airbags which will protect passengers in rows one and two in the event of a side impact.

The Finishing Touches
There are two trim levels available with the Peugeot 4007. Equipment levels are good with even the entry-level SE models coming well kitted out. There are alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, climate and cruise control and an MP3-compatible CD player. Step up to the range-topping GT model and Peugeot throw in bigger alloy wheels, as well as luxuries such as electrically adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, a CD multichanger and parking sensors.

Summary
The Peugeot 4007 is the French company’s first go at a Sports Utility Vehicle on the whole it has done rather well. Peugeot appears to have learned from the mistakes of other car companies by producing a genuine contender to take on the best the 4×4 market has to offer, to see what else Peugeot have to offer go to www.buyyourpeugeot.co.uk.
The benefits of building the 4007 in tandem with Mitsubishi Motors – a recognised 4×4 specialist – are obvious especially when coupled with Peugeot’s engine technology and stylish designs.
The 4007 comes in two versions – the SE and GT, both using the 2.2 HDi diesel engine. It offers both front and all-wheel drive via a natty switch situated in between the front seats.

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Car Review

July 29th, 2014

The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is based on a pick-up truck and was previously named Challenger. The Shogun Sport excels off the road and in more challenging driving situations. On the road the Shogun Sport feels a little out of its element. This will hurt the Shogun Sport when it comes to facing the competition. There are several rivals who offer equally capable off-roaders and more competent on-roaders.

The Shogun Sport offers plenty of space to deal with families and related items. Passenger and cargo space are excellent. The car’s interior is simple and has a somewhat dated feel. The comfort provides little comfort. The Shogun Sport is not a luxury vehicle by any means.

The 2.5 diesel engine is the best choice available. The car wasn’t designed for performance but is good for hauling large loads and pulling things. The engine seems to struggle at times while dealing with heavier loads.

The Sport is also difficult to navigate around town. While steering is fine off the road it is less desirable on the tarmac. The car’s boot is also not as large and functional as one might expect from such a large vehicle. The rear seats do not fold completely flat and the vehicle provides a high load lip.

Practicality

The Shogun Sport is not the least expensive vehicle in its class, running costs are high, fuel economy is high and the Shogun Sport will not hold high resale value. Servicing costs are likely to be high as well.

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport

The Shogun is a large vehicle that provides a lot of cabin space. The cabin is poorly arranged and much of the space is in illogical places. Legroom is not great and elbowroom is even worse.

The car’s controls are simple and for the most part logically placed. The cabin and control panel have a somewhat outdated look, although everything works and seems sturdy.

The cabin does not deliver very good levels of comfort. The seats tend to be hard and non-supportive, and passenger space could have been better. Legroom and elbowroom is poor and will be uncomfortable on longer journeys. The car also delivers a rough ride on the tarmac.

The Shogun provides decent accessibility. Front passengers fair really well with large doors that open widely and provide a large door aperture for easy access. Middle row passengers also fair well with easy accessibility, but rear passengers should be children. The rear seats can be more difficult to access and once in the space is more limited.

Parking the Shogun Sport can be difficult due to the car’s seating position and limited visibility. Handling is also an issue and can pose difficulties when parking.

Life Style

 

The Shogun Sport performs well off-road. It handles most difficult terrain without any trouble, but it doesn’t perform as well on the road. The car can haul larger loads but the engine may struggle when loaded down, and the car’s handling isn’t the greatest either.

This is an excellent family vehicle. The Sport provides enough seating to accommodate the entire family and their cargo. The seats fold to improve cargo carrying capabilities. The seats are not the most comfortable and may not be well suited for longer trips.

This is not a first car. It is too big and too expensive to purchase, running costs and fuel expenses are too costly, and the vehicle provides poor handling and limited visibility as well. There are definitely better first cars available for the money.

The Shogun Sport is viewed by many as a very competent off-roader, yet a less refined on-roader. This will discourage many buyers who can afford to buy rival brands. Many other brands are just as capable off and on the tarmac.

Security and Safety

 

The car’s standard security features include central locking and an engine immoboliser.

The car’s safety features include ABS with EBD and twin front airbags. The car’s large size will also assist in keeping passengers safe in the event of a collision.

The Finishing Touches

 

The car’s standard audio unit includes a decent stereo system that produces good sound quality. The unit is easy to hear even when the vehicle is being pushed hard and engine noise is more obvious.

The car also comes with power steering, electric power mirrors and a sunroof. The car’s exterior design looks very attractive in black. Black gives the car a more regal look and is very flattering on the Shogun Sport.

Summary

 

The Shogun Sport comes fairly well equipped with a very reasonable price tag. Buyers who live in the country will appreciate the car’s 4×4 capabilities and the dependability that the Sport provides, while city dwellers may desire a more refined on-road experience.

Jeep Patriot Car Review

July 29th, 2014

The Jeep Patriot is an impressive model from the Americans that offers genuine off-road ability with decent on-road manners. It looks suitably rugged and will appeal to fans of the American icon as well as those who have never considered buying a Jeep before.

Practicality

The Jeep Patriot has been cleverly designed with useful ideas including reclining and folding rear seats, plus a front passenger seat that can be folded flat when long loads need to be carried. The cabin is littered with cubby holes so all the family’s odds and sods can be neatly tucked away.
The Jeep Patriot easily accommodates four occupants, but a large transmission tunnel can make life uncomfortable for a central rear passenger.
The boot is shallower than some rivals but is still able to take a decent amount of luggage or shopping.
The interior plastics are hard-wearing, if lacking in a bit of quality, and should survive repeated contact with the kids.
Running costs are competitive compared to others in its class. The diesel averages 40mpg-plus while carbon dioxide emissions are pegged at 180g/km.
It is reasonably easy to attain a comfortable driving position as the seat can be cranked up and down and the steering wheel adjusts for height.
Visibility is good from the high driving position and headroom is good – although shallow windows and thick pillars make the Patriot feel a bit closed in. All the dials and controls are large and simply laid out, making them easy to see and use.

Jeep Patriot

Life Style

Modern motoring rarely calls for four-wheel drive capability, but hey the Patriot is a Jeep so it has proper off-road credentials rather than the ‘soft road’ set up of many rivals.
Thus muddy fields at school sports days or winter slush and snow are no problem for the Patriot which, in addition to all-wheel drive, also offers hill descent control as standard plus special ABS braking and traction systems that allow for slides. Extreme terrain though will catch the Patriot out as it lacks the ground clearance and low ratio gearbox for serious mud wrestling.
If you are looking for a car with road presence but not so rugged as to frighten little children then the Patriot ticks all the boxes.
It is reassuringly chunky and drives well for an SUV. Body roll is kept in check and the Patriot takes on twisty country lanes with confidence.
The seats are comfortable and the ride compliant on virtually all surfaces ensuring long journeys pass pleasantly. Yes the diesel engine is a bit noisy when you start up but it does settle down when you reach cruising speeds and little wind noise is allowed into the cabin.

Security and Safety

The Jeep Patriot is fitted with an alarm and an immobiliser to deter the criminal element and ensure its security.
The Patriot offers a lot of safety equipment with every model including front, side and head airbags – the front airbags varying their deployment depending on the severity of a crash.
Jeep also throw in stability control and brake assist systems for emergencies, as well as a clever system that helps prevent the Patriot rolling over.

The Finishing Touches

The Jeep Patriot comes in two trim levels – Sport and Limited – with even the cheaper Sport models coming reasonably kitted out.
The entry-level Patriot comes with front and rear electric windows, electric folding door mirrors, air conditioning and alloy wheels. Limited specification adds cruise control, front fog lights, leather seats, plus stereo controls on the steering wheel and more body-coloured exterior trim. Satellite navigation is an aftermarket unit fitted at extra expense rather than one fitted on the production line – the standard CD stereo system is excellent though.

 

Summary

The Jeep Patriot has a lot going for it – chunky good looks and a budget price-tag being just two. It manages to combine good levels of comfort for a Sport Utility Vehicle with competent handling characteristics.
Whether in a field or on the highway the Patriot manages the neat trick of being fun to drive. Its in-your-face Jeep styling ensures it attracts attention wherever it goes.
Two engines are offered on the Patriot but the only viable power unit is the VW-sourced 2.0-litre CRD diesel which offers 138bhp and lots of pulling power. It also offers reasonable fuel consumption, relatively low carbon dioxide emissions and is pretty smooth for an oil burner.
The Patriot is good value for money boasting an extremely competitive price combined with generous equipment levels.

Vauxhall Meriva Car Review

July 29th, 2014

Vauxhall’s Meriva is a people carrier with a tall yet short stance. The exterior design hides a spacious cabin and load space. It may be out-styled somewhat by rival brands but it has a lot to offer.

 

Vauxhall Meriva

Renault’s Modus is might be more desirable and Citroen’s Xsara Picasso is larger, but the Meriva compact people carrier provides seating for five and manages to maintain quite a bit of style with its hatchback form.

Along with the company’s popular Zafira people carrier, Vauxhall’s Meriva is a popular vehicle throughout Europe. The Meriva is favored for many reasons, such as competitive pricing, a versatile interior and good road manners. All of these are great selling points for the Meriva.

For growing families who need something between a conventional hatchback and a conventional people carrier, the Meriva is an excellent alternative. The car’s space is cleverly hidden by the car’s attractive exterior design, but on the inside cabin space rivals that of regular cars. makes a lot of sense. The car now boasts a performance VXR variant which will also be a good selling point.

Vauxhall has designed the Meriva to deliver a good spirited ride. The car is no hot hatch, but it can deliver a brisk, fun ride.

Practicality

The Meriva will be inexpensive to buy and run. Low insurance, good fuel economy with both the petrol and diesel engines, and low service charges off set the slightly higher asking price. The diesel engine will improve fuel economy but only slightly.

The Meriva’s cabin is spacious and will provide sufficient space to all occupants, though the front passengers will enjoy the most legroom. The boot is large and will accommodate the needs of a family.

The gauges are clear and concise. The quality seems to reflect what the price suggests. The buttons and knobs aren’t of the highest quality either. The fascia is uncluttered and the controls are both functional and practical, but the sat-nav system does require that you take your eyes off the road to operate.

The cabin is quite with the exception of wind noise at motorway speeds. The rear seat passengers all have enough room to be comfortable but the front seat occupants will be the most comfortable enjoying the most legroom. The seats are firm but not overly so.

Accessing the front seat is easy, though you have to slide in and reach a bit for the seat bottom. Rear seat occupants will have no problem getting into the seat, although the door aperture is notably smaller. The rear hatch is easy to open but is a bit harder to shut, and loading heavy items will require some lifting as the lip is slightly high.

Parking the Meriva is easy as visibility is good all around. Reverse parking can be difficult as the car is wide and long. To aid with this are wide side mirrors, and optional rear sensors.

Vauxhall Meriva2

Life Style

The Meriva is a safe car that handles well. The car may not provide a rewarding driving experience for a keen driver. The middle order petrol provide a good balance between refinement and pace. The VXR model, offers higher levels of refinement and performance. The car offers speed but the heavily assisted steering doesn’t provide a lot of confidence at speed.

The Meriva would make a decent family car. The Meriva could easily accommodate a small family with plenty of leg and headroom for all. The car performs well and offers a good llevel of safety. The boot is large and the rear seats fold flat to provide more room for cargo. The car’s interior should be durable enough to withstand the abuse that children dish out.

The Meriva would make an excellent first car. The Meriva costs about average for a car in its class, the car is easy to drive and park, boasts a good driving position and without the VXR variant the car isn’t too powerful for novice drivers.

In recent years the Vauxhall brand has made some improvements in terms of quality and image. The company is more versatile and offers a wider variety of quality vehicles. The company is quickly becoming a more trusted brand.

Security and Safety

The car comes equipped with all the basics to keep it safe and secure. Remote central locking is also included. Buyers may want to purchase a visible deterrent as well.

The car’s safety features include front airbags, and  rear Isofix mounting points. There are several cost options available and a safety bundle can be purchased.

The Finishing Touches

The car’s standard audio system includes a decent system that produces good sound quality. There are several upgrades available, including Bluetooth hands free telephone operation, roof-mounted DVD player and screen for rear passengers and an audio system with headphones.

The Meriva looks best in solid colours, but brighter metallic shades give the Meriva more of an upmarket feel. The cabin’s interior is comprised of mostly dark plastics. The fabrics seem durable and hardwearing.

Summary

Vauxhall’s Meriva is an easy and competent car to drive. The car’s spacious cabin adds to the car’s practicality. This is the perfect car for a small family with young children.

Land Rover Discovery Car Review

July 29th, 2014

Bigger, better and packed with modern technology, the Land Rover’s Discovery is the company’s new pride and joy. The car’s enhanced exterior style is striking and attractive yet the car is not all looks. Off the road the Discovery delivers an impressive performance, yet handles equally as well on the road giving owners a very versatile vehicle.

Land Rover has faced stiff competition in the SUV market through the years and it is not surprising that the company has addressed issues that past Discovery models have faced. Older models handled well off road but delivered less impressive on-road performances. The latest model will not disappoint drivers on or off the road. It is a well-rounded SUV with a lot of potential.

The company’s new claims to having produced the ultimate on road and off road vehicle are substantiated by many very satisfied drivers. It seems that past woes have been for the most part left behind. The new Discovery is a functional, capable, and stylish vehicle that can be used to fill a variety of needs.

Land Rover has geared the exterior design to focus on younger buyers. The very modern style is attractive while the interior boasts quite an abundance of technology. The Discovery has the capabilities to hang with the roughest and toughest off-roaders while providing and comfort right up there with the more posh on road vehicles.

The Discovery provides a flexible seating system that will suit many needs.  Land Rover’s third generation 4×4 is designed to for versatility and practicality and will appeal to a much broader audience. It may take buyers a while to realize that past issues have truly been resolved.

Land Rover Discovery

Practicality

The Discovery is inexpensive to buy, but maintenance costs will be rather costly. Insurance rates, fuel economy, and regular servicing will be high. For the off-roaders, the V8 option is available. Even the diesel engine has poor fuel economy, but will prove to be the better choice.

The Land Rover Discovery is spacious and the base model, seating five, is as comfortable as the upgraded seven-seater. Although once seated, occupants are comfortable with plenty of room, accessing the rear most seats may require some maneuvering.

The controls are easy to use when stopped, but when driving the clutter of controls on the fascia becomes very difficult to operate. Making things easier are the duplicate buttons located on the steering wheel.  The main gauges are easy to read, but the LCD displays can be confusing.

The air suspension on the Discovery offers a smooth ride for passengers. Engine noise is low but wind noise becomes apparent when traveling at motorway speeds.

Being such a large vehicle, even for a 4X4, passengers will welcome the adjustable suspension which makes access to the cabin much easier. Once in, the seats are well arranged, but even so, the third row will be a bit tricky to access. The rear hatch opens wide enough to provide adequate access.

Parking this massive car can be slightly difficult, but with the addition of parking sensors and the luxury of light steering the Discovery is much easier to park. Visibility is excellent and seeing the boundaries of the car is easy due to the high seating.

Life Style

The Discovery can go through mud and rough terrain better than most of its competitors. It’s a highly effective off-roading 4X4. The car also delivers a more than adequate on-road driving experience. The car excells off the road but it should be far from disappointing while cruising through town.

The new Discovery could make a really decent family vehicle. With its spacious cabin and seven passenger seating capabilities the Discovery offers a lot in the way of family comfort and transportation. The car also offers family entertainment systems available on the options list.

This is not the vehicle for a newly licensed driver. The car is an expensive purchaes with high running costs. A novice driver may find it difficult to handle the Discovery and all the power and capabilities that the car has to offer. There are much more suitable first cars.

Land Rover has always been viewed as a producer of credible 4X4’s. The problem in the past has\been the company’s ability to produce a vehicle that performs as well on the road as off. The new generation of Discovery has accomplished just that. The car is an excellent off-roader with good on-road driving and handling. The car also offers a more premium quality of cabin materials.

Security and Safety

The Land Rover’s Discovery is a likely target of theft, although the standard security package is good, an upgrade such as a tracking device may be a wise choice.

The Discovery comes with not only the safety of a four-wheel drive car, but also the common electronic stability and traction aids, for a quick response even when driving off road. The car also has the potential for a total of eight airbags.

The Finishing Touches

The Discovery comes standard with a CD audio system, and many available permutations depending on trim and option list. These options include an in-dash CD changer, home cinema style system, touch screen sat-nav and a phone function. The basic controls are duplicated on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the fascia mounted controls are harder to control while driving.

Trim options on the Discovery are a disappointment considering the cost of the car. They have replaced the woods in the cabin for more practical, high quality plastics. The effect is not bad but not what you would expect for a car costing so much. The interior of the car will not be a complete let down however, with leather upholsteries available for the seats. As for exterior looks light colors are always best, darker shades are always an option but do not compliment the exterior as well.

Summary

Land Rover has addressed some very critical issues and concerns that were so prevalent in the older models. The new Discovery offers drivers much more in the way of a practical and rewarding on and off-road driving experience. The addition of modern technological features makes the car more comfortable and safer to take off-road.

Lexus GS 300h now on sale

September 23rd, 2013

The new Lexus GS 300h hybrid, which was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, is now available to order.

The model is powered via a 2.5-litre petrol engine which is mated to an electric motor and is available in four trim levels (SE, Luxury, F Sport and Premier). Every car comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, DAB radio, a DVD player, cruise control, parking sensors and electrically-adjustable heated front seats.

gsThe new hybrid emits just 109g/km of CO2 and boasts a combined fuel consumption of 60.1mpg.

Prices for the GS 300h start from £31,495, with first deliveries expected in January 2014.

You can view information for the full Lexus GS range at BuyYourCar.co.uk.