Firstly the obvious question… Why did you leave us?

If you have watched my last video talking directly to our YouTube viewers, you will know it wasn’t easy. There were several points I almost choked-up.

Inside Lane is one of my proudest achievements. From bedroom start-up to well respected motoring journal, it has been an amazing journey. The time and effort put in by everyone involved paid off. We were on just about every car launch going, road testing cars back in the UK every week, it was all amazing.

So why did I leave? I am a firm believer in challenging yourself and never getting too comfortable where you are sat. When I was approached by Motor1’s Editor-in-Chief it opened up a new door. Of course it was very flattering to be in demand, but it was more than that. Here was my golden ticket to work alongside and learn from some of the best in the business.

The resources, the people, the goal. Their passion to be the best really struck a chord with me.

Of course it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to this thing I had nurtured for years, but life is about the journey and not the destination. After 5+ amazing years it was my time to find some new roads.

What is Motor1?

Ok, so you know how much jargon there is around cars? It turns out that it is pretty confusing for people actually wanting to buy a car. Us enthusiasts know our ABS from our ESP, but many people don’t. Motor1 aims to be informative and detailed, but also more transparent. We will be producing high quality and in-depth road tests on video and in words.

But we can’t be sensible all of the time. There will be plenty of cool features and rather unusual tests going on.

What cool things have you been up to at Motor1?

I have been with Motor1 for just over a month now and it has been action packed to say the least! Day 1 involved me going to Amsterdam to shoot a video with the Kia Stonic long before anyone had even seen it!

Without pausing for breath it was on a plane to the famed Ascari track in Spain for the 308 GTi launch. Shortly after it was time for the i30 N reveal. Since it has all been about serious road testing back in the UK.

I haven’t been bored.

What’s coming up?

Obviously I can’t give you specifics. Where would the fun be in that? But I can say there is lots to come.

This week the Motor1 team is filming with everything from the Peugeot 3008 right up to the Porsche 911 Turbo S. You might have already seen Alex Goy’s video of the new Phantom, but let’s just say that there is plenty more to come from Rolls-Royce in the coming weeks. We might even do a few sensible cars, too!

Where can we read/watch what you are doing?

The Motor1 website is Mecca. Everything ends up on there along with all of the latest motoring news. However, if you want a front-row seat to our films you should definitely subscribe to the YouTube channel.

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I have always been a “full-fat” Range Rover sort of guy. The sheer opulence of the high riding king of all things on and off road is very appealing. In this regard the Sport model has always played second fiddle to its bigger brother. However, a week with the latest version has given me pause for thought. Could the new 2017 Range Rover Sport actually be the star of the show, moreover, could this be the only car you ever need to own?

Does it look familiar? Well, that is because it is the exact example that we first tested a couple of months ago. No bad thing because this specification really does flatter the Sport. It’s black on black look removes much of the flashy chrome, and with tinted windows it looks rather sinister. The bold outline of the car makes a statement that is both fashionable and attention grabbing. Contrasting 21 inch alloy wheels live within the large arches. Thin banks of lights, boot spoiler, and subtly sloped roofline hint that this Range Rover isn’t just all show.

The interior is just as lavish as its sibling being upholstered in the finest quality material. Many people ask what if the difference between a Range Rover and a highly specified Land Rover these days… The answer is attention to detail. Little things such as the damping of the storage compartments, or everything being defined by brushed aluminium. It is these touches that come together to enhance the feeling of quality. The 10 inch InControl widescreen display is responsive and totally dominates the console. A digital display also belongs to the driver serving up instrumentation. Soothing leather seats, heated and massaging of course, cosset you whilst you enjoy that commanding driving position. A full length glass panoramic roof brightens up the cabin and slides open, perfect for summer days. The rear bench seats three with good head and leg room for all. Boot space is vast 784 litres with the rear seats in place or an astonishing 1,761 litres with them folded flat. I made good use of the handy Land Rover app that not only allows you to check on things such as fuel levels and if you have left a window open, but also enables you to remotely set the air conditioning. No more returning to a scolding hot interior!

This particular Range Rover Sport is endowed with a new 3.0 litre supercharged V6 engine. 335 BHP and 332lb ft of torque makes for a 0-62 MPH dash of 6.9 seconds. Whilst it lacks the shove of the diesel options, it is undeniably quick! Sending drive to all four wheels is a silky smooth 8 speed automatic transmission. Wafting along this Range Rover does what Range Rovers do best. Form a relaxing environment and a totally effortless driving experience. As you cruise well above the urban hubbub you can enjoy the lack of engine or road noise. Its steering is light and the whole vehicle is excessively easy to operate. The sheer amount of cameras on our example made it easy to park even in tight spaces. What separates the 2017 Range Rover Sport from the rest of the range is how it handles at speed. It defies physics as this large SUV darts through twisting roads far better than it has any right to. Steering feel may be a bit lacking and the V6 not producing the most tuneful exhaust note, but the amount of grip and its body control more than makes up for it. It is a genuinely enjoyable thing to charge around in having that petrol V6 means that you can savour that redline moment. All of this in a car that can be had with TVs and a fridge? Yes please! On long motorway runs the 2017 Range Rover Sport V6 HSE Dynamic is a seamless mile muncher. There is a little bit of wind noise, but nothing that off-putting.

As with everyone of its predecessors, this 2017 Range Rover Sport has to earn its badge. Equipped with Terrain Response 2, it is just about the most capable thing on four wheels. As well as many selectable terrain modes, the new system also sports an auto function meaning that even a total novice can overcome whatever Mother Nature can muster.

Whilst a starting price of £64,000 is not something to just brush aside, I truly feel that this car is worth every penny. It is a luxury limo, practical family car, keen handing sports vehicle, comfortable motorway machine. What can’t it do?

The post Review: 2017 Range Rover Sport V6 HSE Dynamic appeared first on Inside Lane.

The term “facelift” is nothing new to the automotive world, as it usually signifies a few tweaks to a model part way though its lifecycle. However, more and more these nips and tucks are turning into full-blown surgery. Since separating saloon and coupe, the 4 Series has seen great success, but its tweaks for this year go beyond simply replacing the headlights. Hitting the road in the 2017 BMW 4 Series 420d M Sport, it was time to see what was what.

One of the most striking things about our test car is its colour. A new shade for the model year, it is call Snapper Rocks Blue. Personally, I think it looks great and serves to exaggerate the bold lines of the 4 Series. A raked profile is defined by a strong shoulder line that gives and athletic stance to the car. Those large kidney grills define the front facia and whilst the M Sport statement gives a more aggressive tone to the bumper. Said pack also invites these smart 19 inch alloy wheels to the party. The roofline flows into a neat rear end that proudly wears the BMW roundel.

The interior is a masterclass in German luxury with the fit and finish being near perfect. Ergonomic, pleasing to the eye with new aluminium carbon effect details, and a strong sense of durability. The seating position is near perfect as the sports seats support you in all of the right places. A three spoke steering wheel has a refreshingly minimalist approach to buttons. A new digital dashboard not only looks slick but also tailors itself to what mode the car is in. The latest incarnation of BMW iDrive is a marvel and is simply THE best infotainment package out there. Controlled via a scroll wheel with joystick movements, the user interface is very visual and easy to navigate. It also supports Apple CarPlay and a host of music streaming services. For a coupe the rear seats are surprisingly accommodating. A sloping roofline does degrade head room but leg room is plentiful. 445 litres of boot space is ample cargo capacity.

Under that long bonnet of the 2017 BMW 4 Series 420d M Sport is a turbocharged 2.0 litre diesel engine. Output is 190 HP and 400Nm of torque. Whilst that engine is familiar, the chassis has received some notable attention. Thinker anti-roll bars have been fitted, damper settings tweaked, the overall camber of the wheels altered, and a slightly wider track. This all translates into a coupe with a stable platform that promotes high levels of grip, but also a front end that is eager to hit those apexes. In its sport mode, with extra weighting to the steering, the 2017 BMW 4 Series is an accurate machine and rather resilient to roll through sweeping bends. A nice 6 speed manual is pleasing to row through whilst the car hunkers down ready for the next series of challenging bends. It is very much a car that feels like it works with you and not against you. The diesel engine gives you that defined low down shove out of the bends and thanks to the torque levels, it is a meaningful shove. Once you have finished playing and it is time to get back to reality, the new 4 Series is quiet and refined. Set the adaptive dampers into Comfort and the ride strikes a good compromise between supple and sporty. The cabin is well insulated  from wind and road noise with the engine being a hushed whisper on the move. In this setting the steering is lighter allowing for easier town driving. Visibility is something else that was surprisingly good for this breed of car.

The 2017 BMW 4 Series 420d M Sport adds to its breadth of abilities making it an even more appetising proposition than before. By finessing an already impressive package BMW has produced a car that is particularly difficult to critique. It delivers in everyday life, a claimed 62.8 MPG combined isn’t to be sniffed at, as well as when you want to drive with a bit of verve. The range starts from £29,545 and can be found in showrooms now.

The post Review: 2017 BMW 4 Series 420d M Sport appeared first on Inside Lane.

The introduction of the Peugeot 308 marked a clear turning point for the French brand. It was out to claim its identity back and mount an upmarket offensive. Scooping multiple awards in a highly competitive environment, the 308 announced to the world that Peugeot was getting back in the saddle. The time now comes to make a few tweaks to this hatchback, and so we headed to Germany to be amongst the first to see what the 2017 Peugeot 308 GT 2.0 BlueHDi had to offer.

Whilst at first glance you might not immediately spot the external revisions, but look closer and the details begin to reveal themselves. New LED lighting signatures are more prominent, a new more slender bonnet leads down to a proud chromed grill, and reworked bumpers refine the design. This being the GT model it receives a few more sporting touches including a set of smart alloy wheels. The 308 has never been a car that craves the attention of every passerby. Instead it delivers on an air of sophistication.

The interior of the new Peugeot 308 is a clean design of which focuses on minimising clutter. Many of the buttons and switches have been removed and are now housed within a new 9.7 inch touchscreen display. This unit was first seen in the 3008 SUV and it responsively delivers phone connectivity, access to climate control, and navigation. Pleasingly it unitises the latest versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All trim levels bar the entry level get a full length glass panoramic roof. The natural light that fills the cabin reveals sweeping surfaces and aluminium details. GT cars are endowed with a set of leather heated sports seats of which also have a massaging function. The rear bench offers seating for a further three with leg room being good, but the panoramic roof cuts down on headroom. Boot space is 470 litres and can be taken advantage of via a large hatch opening.

This drivetrain combination is new to the Peugeot 308 and is actually a rather good package. Under the bonnet is a 2.0 litre BlueHDi diesel engine producing 181 HP and a hefty 400Nm of torque. That is then forwarded to the front wheels by an 8 speed automatic transmission. Changes are pretty smooth, although, when selected manually via the paddles they can be momentarily hesitant. There are three selectable drive modes for the GT; Eco, Normal, and Sport. Obviously Eco is when you will be aiming for the best fuel economy, but the car in its Normal state is a refined machine. Road and wind noise are kept quiet and other than the initial gargle of the engine under hard acceleration, the 2.0 litre fades into the background once up to speed. At low speeds the control weights are light and the car is an easy means of getting from point A to point B. It was difficult to make a judgment on ride quality, and if those larger alloy wheels would have an impact back home, as the German and Austrian roads we sampled were silky smooth. However, the overall experience was certainly civilised. Rear visibility is limited due to a small window and so I would recommend the reversing camera. Heading onto some amazing mountain roads, we naturally selected the Sport mode. As well as emitting a gruffer noise into the cabin, it adds notable weight to the steering, alters the engine mapping, and firms up the dampers on GT cars. Entering a complex series of hairpins it was immediately obvious that grip levels were high and could be exploited. The new 308 is not the most involving car to drive in its class, there is a lack of feedback from the steering, it is a precise and confidence inspiring automobile. Body roll is kept in check and the small steering wheel promotes a sense of agility. This stable platform maintains composure even when put into an environment most owners never will. The low down torque allows for brisk exits from corners, but ultimately this car is most at home on the motorway where that trait enables strong overtakes. New tech such as traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency breaking, and adaptive cruse control are all welcome additions. As this is such an early drive we don’t currently have access to official CO2 and MPG figures.

The Peugeot 308 always excelled at being a good all-rounder, and this updated incarnation polishes it further. The French brand has found its feet again and the 308 strengthens its hand at a time when no manufacturer is resting on their laurels. The 2017 Peugeot 308 goes on sale this September.

The post Review: 2017 Peugeot 308 GT 2.0 BlueHDi appeared first on Inside Lane.

The SUV marketplace is excessively fashion conscious, and so the visuals of such a car play a very big part in its appeal. CX-5 was a rather handsome effort but looks somewhat understated by todays standards. Enter the all-new model and it certainly stamps its authority on the automotive catwalk. Clean lines run from nose to tail conveying a sense of motion. the Kodo design language see the introduction of a new deep chrome trimmed grill that is flanked by a pair of narrow headlights. As the roof gently slopes towards the rear you will find a domed boot lid and a smart set of horizontal lights. Our top specification test car looked great wearing a set of dark 19 inch alloy wheels.

This revolution in design continues inside where the interior is unrecognisable. There is still plenty of usable space, but the perceived quality of the cabin has been taken up a peg or two. Soft-ouch materials line most surfaces with brushed aluminium defining things such as air vents. A contoured dashboard and intricate inserts give it plenty of character. Mazda’s ergonomic touchscreen infotainment display is mounted onto the dashboard with its tumbler and shortcut buttons easily falling to hand. It features all of your usual DAB, phone connectivity, and navigational features, but does lack the option of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A pair of supportive leather heated sports seats play host to front occupant, whilst the driver now receives a heated steering wheel too. Rear head and leg room is pleasing, however, the middle passenger does have to straddle a protruding transmission hump. A wide opening electric tailgate reveals 506 litres of boot space and a nice flat floor.

Refinement in the 2017 Mazda CX-5 was a key target for engineers and it is fair to say they have succeeded. With an anal level of detail going into new rubber seals and strategically located sound deadening, engine and wind noise all but evaporates. There is some road noise, likely not aided by our cars larger alloy wheels, but overall it is a tranquil means to travel. Powering this example is a 148 BHP 2.2 litre diesel engine of which is accompanied by a healthy 380Nm of torque. Whilst there is an all wheel drive variant on offer, this configuration with front wheel drive is expected to be the most popular. Sending that power to the front wheels is a 6 speed manual transmission. Right from the get-go the engine proves to be a strong choice with that aforementioned torque available low in the rev range. Mazda have work hard to hush their diesels and so their related soundtrack is kept to a minimum. Around urban environments this SUV scores well with good all around visibility and light steering. It does a great job of not feeling like a large car to drive. This is further backed up by its agility on twisting roads. There is some initial body roll, as you would expect, but it is quick to change direction and has a real sense of composure even when pushing on. The short throw to its gearstick is more sports car than family workhorse and the prime seating position aids with driver connection. That said, the steering is a bit too light at speed and I found myself taking a few stabs on entry to corners in order to get a sense of what the front wheels were doing. That is a shame because in very other respect this is the best handling car in its class. Whilst the ride is a little firmer than the competition, it is supple enough to live with everyday. On the motorway iy is a well balanced cruiser and a relaxing means to travel long distances. Mazda claim 56.5 MPG combined from our car.

Clearly the 2017 Mazda CX-5 has evolved the formula in order to become a more premium offering. It ticks the right boxes when it comes to family life, but also is something that might encourage you to take the long way home. I may prefer the steering setup of its predecessor, but in every other aspect the latest generation is a far superior machine. Despite how competitive this class is, Mazda should be very happy with their efforts. The all-new CX-5 costs from £23,695 (loaded with standard equipment) and goes on sale 30th June.

The post Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv D 150 Sport Nav appeared first on Inside Lane.

Extended wheel base, high top, and plenty of torque from a 2.1 litre diesel engine, it was well equipped for the task. Open the 180 degree rear doors to reveal a gargantuan amount of space. I could sit here and tell you how many cubic metres this and pallet size that, but to us laymen the best example is that aforementioned awkward sofa. Sat nose to tail, you can fit a large two and three seat sofas with a little bit of room to spare! And then you have the hight of the van of which will keep your fridge freezer upright and healthy no problem at all. Better than simply fitting oversized items, tie-down points enable some piece of mind that your priceless Ming vase won’t meet your wardrobe.

Taking your pew high up in the cabin, you would be forgiven for thinking that the journey ahead would be pretty daunting. There is a lot of van back there after all! Thankfully our Sprinter was endowed with blind spot monitors and a reversing camera. Safe in the knowledge that I was unlikely to pancake a pension in her Rover Metro, I set off.

Whilst under load the diesel engine makes itself known, but it pulls cleanly and once underway refinement levels are better than you might expect. The steering is light making it an easy vehicle to work with and its surprising turning circle further adds to its approachability. Whilst empty the suspension may be a little over-sprung, yet fully laden with the furnishings of a house, the ride was rather good.

Just 3 trips in the Sprinter and the process of transporting all of my worldly belongings from point A to point B was over. It was certainly less painful thanks to the big ‘Benz. Slightly more painful is the argument I am currently having about where that damned sofa should go!

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The Fiat 500 celebrates its 60th Birthday this year, quite the milestone for the little car! But don’t forget that today the 500 represents a family of cars from the Italian brand. From the little hatchback to the 500X SUV, the retro styling now takes all shapes and sizes. The Fiat 500L might not be winning any beauty contests any time soon, but the fact that it forms 1 of every 4 car sales in its class makes it an important model. According to Fiat, 40% of the car is brand new in this revised incarnation. We headed to the home of Fiat in Turin to find out what the 2017 Fiat 500L Cross had to offer.

Within the 500L range you will find three distinct breeds; the more stylised Urban model, a 7 seater Wagon, and the Cross of which we snagged the keys to. At a glance it would appear than not a lot has changed, but look closer and the more intricate details reveal themselves. A reworked front facia adopts new chromed “whiskers” and for the Cross, a more rugged grill. Also on this variant you will find front and rear skid plates, a slightly raised ride hight, and deeper grooved tyres. The two-tone black and orange of our test car was certainly eye catching, but the overall design still splits opinion.

Some of the most prominent changes are to be found within the car. A totally new dashboard proudly wears the 500 logo and houses the latest 7 inch HD touchscreen from Fiat. This infotainment system is a huge step forwards from its predecessor and is also compatible with Apple CarPlay. The instrument cluster joins the digital revolution with a display that can provide information including navigation prompts. Rather plush seating makes for a comfortable environment for front occupants. The large glass panoramic roof adds to the already pleasing sense of overall space within the cabin. Rear passengers might not have class leading head room, but leg room is good and further boosted by a flat floor for the middle seat. However, what is class leading is the 2017 Fiat 500L Cross’ boot at 455 litres.

Under the domed bonnet of our test car was the tried and tested 1.6 litre MultiJet 2 diesel engine. Producing 120 HP and 320Nm of torque, the low down shove after the turbo spools is what defines this engine. Taking advantage of gaps in the Italian traffic proved to be something of this cars forte thanks to light steering that was effortless to use. Something else you need in a busy urban environment is good visibility and here the 500L scores well too. In addition to a good all around view, A-pillar windows and a reversing camera made navigating the sprawl of Turin that much easier. On more dynamic tarmac the 500L Cross reveals some predictable body roll and a slow change of direction. Whilst the overall ride is positive, the light steering comes across as a bit vague at speed. At motorway speeds refinement isn’t too bad with little road and wind noise penetrating the cabin. It is quite happy to cruise but has to be worked a bit to make stronger progress. Fiat claim 66 MPG combined.

This being the Cross model it features modes such as Traction+ for light off road trails and Gravity control of which works like traditional hill descent control. A good 5km of rutted roads and gravel tracks was an accurate means to test the worst a typical 500L would face. No, it isn’t a mud plugger by any means, but it will likely exceed the requirements of the average owner.

The 2017 Fiat 500L Cross is a uniquely characterful car within its class. As looks are subjective we shall leave final judgement to you, but in orange it will undoubtably turn heads regardless. Majoring in practicality the new 500L is a step forward from its predecessor, however, the competition is tough and pressure from SUVs is ever growing. Pricing has yet to be announced for the new 500L, but sale begin in the Uk from September.

The post Review: 2017 Fiat 500L Cross appeared first on Inside Lane.

There is no questioning what an impressive SUV the F-Pace is. It strongly confirmed that Jag can indeed thrive within a segment that they had previously been absent from. Despite sales heading very much in the right direction, Jaguar are not resting on their laurels. For the new model year comes the 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 25t, a model that aims to further broaden the cars appeal.

The new car hasn’t changed all that much externally, no bad thing because the F-Pace has been a handsome machine from day 1. Ian Callum’s attempt to bring a truly sporting stance to the SUV sector results in a car with a long bonnet and the usual short overhangs. However, its taller dimensions bring with it a sense of purpose, further reinforced by the large grill and feline headlights. Things become a lot more elegant towards the rear with a curved plane proudly wearing a leaping jaguar. In R Sport trim, with its more athletic bumpers and larger 20 inch alloy wheels, it looks very executive.

That theme of premium prowess continues inside where the cabin wraps around occupants. Leather, aluminium, glossy finishes, weave together to create an environment distinctly different from its German counterparts. You sit low in the chassis for this class of car, but retain the desirable raised driving position. The widescreen of the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system spans the centre console whilst the rising gear selector makes an entrance below. The rear bench seats three with the outermost occupants receiving plenty of leg room. A central transmission tunnel must be straddled by the middle passenger, and the glass panoramic roof does eat into headroom. However, a large 650 litre boot is highly usable thanks to a wide opening and flat floor. Folding the rear seats flat grants the user 1,740 litres.

Previously the choice of petrol engines in the F-Pace were limited… The only option was the top-flight 3.0 litre V6, which was great, but overkill for the school run. The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 25t is equipped with a new turbocharged 2.0 litre 4 cylinder Ingenium petrol engine. Whilst not king of the hill when it comes to its sibling, 247 HP and 365Nm of torque make it more than brisk enough. 0-60  MPH is completed in a very respectable 6.4 seconds. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox, of which is just as impressive in its function as we have come to expect. The engine in motion is refined and when cruising it is but a quiet hum in the background. Under hard acceleration its noise isn’t sonorous but still not bad for a turbo four. This engine also weighs less than its bigger brother meaning the F-Pace’s already keen handling benefits. The rear wheel drive biased all wheel drive system enables sharp turn-in and the stable body control, further bolstered by adjustable dampers, makes it an enjoyable steer. Good levels of grip provide reassurance to push on. Obviously the diesel options will offer the low down shove thanks to their torque advantage, but this new unit acquits itself well. The ride is still a little firmer than competitors, but the aforementioned adjustable dampers in their comfort setting enables a positive balance.

Jaguar claim that the new 25t R Sport emits 170g/km CO2 and can return 38.2 MPG on the combined cycle.

This 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 25t R Sport is a fantastic offering from a company that is going from strength to strength. The new engine is a sound choice for those who like their cars petrol flavoured. You can have this engine in an R Sport F-Pace from £44,460.

The post First Drive: 2018 Jaguar F-Pace 25t R Sport appeared first on Inside Lane.

The Jaguar F-Type is a beautiful marriage of curvaceous design and British built grunt. I have long cooed over this machine and even more so when the handsome coupe arrived. Whilst over the years I have driven some impressive performance cars, the F-Type has always been missing from my catalog. That needed changing and to aid me in my quest I employed a 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible. Talk about trial by fire! This top-flight Jag makes its siblings look like kittens.

It isn’t the sort of car you should take to a funeral… Our test car arrived loud and proud in the most extravert shade of orange. Whilst the body work retained all of the familiar curves and taught lines, the SVR is garnished with testosterone. Carbon fibre bonnet louvers, ducts, channels, a sizeable splitter, and a proud centre venturi. Quad exhaust pipes point like cannons from the rear overlooked by a large active wing. Its long bonnet and broad shoulders give it a purposeful stance whilst the detailed alloy wheels serve as the icing on the cake. This car demands the attention of every living thing within 250 yards.

The interior feels just as special with a central bank of vents rising to give the cockpit a sentient feeling. Leather and alcantara coats every surface as you take your seat low within the chassis. Highly bolstered sports seats grip you and a dished three spoke steering wheel is aimed squarely at your chest. A grab rail runs down the centre console hinting that the passenger might just want to hold on tight in the very near future. Mounted within the console is the infotainment system of which is a bit dated. A quick play reveals that Jaguar’s latest system found on newer models than this is a big step forward. Open the boot lid and a surprising 207 litres of space, or enough for a weekend away, can be found.

Before driving the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible there is a palpable tension. The machine is ready, but are you? The starter button pulsates, the click as it is pushed, then a roar as this big cat clears its throat. As you purr out of the car park the ZF automatic transmission is just as silky smooth as you would expect. To my surprise, the SVR is actually more refined than its aggressive looks would have you believe. In its most comfortable setting the suspension deals with road imperfections adequately and if you avoid mashing the throttle there isn’t too much noise bleeding through into the cabin. There is some wind noise, as is customary with convertibles, but overall I would say living with this F-Type isn’t much of a hardship. But you don’t want to know about how it behaves around town, do you? You’re reading this to hear about what happens when it is let out into the wild! Beneath your right foot is a weapons grade supercharged 5.0 litre V8 of which produces 568 BHP and 700Nm of torque. All of that grunt is tamed via an intelligent all wheel drive system that can send up to 50% of power to the front. You might also be pleased to know that said system can also allocate 100% rearward. Launching the car from a standstill is like lighting the fuse of a cruise missile. Without warning the immediate response rushes the Jaguar F-Type SVR from 0-60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds. The unrelenting acceleration will continue through to 195 MPH. Narrated by some of the loudest barks to ever come from a combustion engine, it is a visceral experience. Even lifting off of the throttle initiates machine gun fire crackles and pops. Show the car some twisty roads and it doesn’t disappoint in the handling department either. Thanks to torque vectoring and a rear wheel drive bias, it leaps from bend to bend demonstrating real agility. High levels of grip add a sense of security whilst you exploit the raw performance. In its dynamic setting the steering is very precise and allows for accurate placement when hunting apexes. When driven hard the ZF gearbox comes a little bit unstuck in that its responses are fast, but just a whisker not fast enough. However, there is no denying the capabilities of the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible. The engineering achievement that it is, I have little doubt, would keep pace with a 911 Turbo on a technical set of roads.

Costing £115,485 the SVR is a fair chunk of change, but when you consider that it has all wheel drive and a power advantage over the more costly AMG GT, the F-Type is respectable value. It also has more theatre as speed than its competitors and more charm when stationary. The 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible proves that the brand still has claws.

The post Review: 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible appeared first on Inside Lane.

The city car class might be made up of small cars, but it is big business for manufacturers. Truth be told, we don’t all need big cars and for many residing within the urban sprawl, something that gets you from A to B whilst being easy to park is a godsend. Kia, over the years, has flourished into a keen contender within the automotive arena. Its wide range starts with the little Picanto and extends all the way up to the 7 seat Sorento. The time has come for the all-new 2017 Kia Picanto to make its debut in Italy where we have come to be amongst the first to sample this compact contender.

Well, somebody certainly put a firecracker under the designers desk whilst drawing this one! Sat next to its predecessor, of which appears reserved and polite, this new car has real attitude. Squat but broad, angry yet composed, a big character but in a small package. The wide “Tiger Nose” grill bridges the gap between intricate raked headlights. This being the top specification car it wears a set of sharp 16 inch alloy wheels and a chromed exhaust tip. Sure, it has that classic box form factor of all city cars, but the overall aesthetic is one that you wouldn’t mistake for another.

Inside the 2017 Kia Picanto GT Line S shares the same seemingly magical trait of the TARDIS, in that “it is bigger on the inside”. For most cars in this class the cabin is a tricky subject, but the Picanto has been intelligently packaged. Front and rear passengers enjoy good headroom with legroom for the rearmost being respectable also. Even the middle occupant needn’t straddle a hump in the floor. Surprisingly boosted two toned seats make themselves at home in the front, as does Kia’s ergonomic touchscreen infotainment system. Alas, those traditional scratchy plastics can be found throughout the interior. That is a shame because other than that the Picanto isn’t a bad place to spend time. Redemption is to be found in a class leading 255 litre boot that can grow to 1,010 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Clearly the 2017 Kia Picanto GT Line S is big on practicality.

This little car has a few engine choices of which can be plumbed in. First up is a 66 BHP 1.0 litre and that is fine for pottering about town, but does feel a bit lacking at speed. Coming soon is a 99 BHP turbocharged three cylinder of which sounds very promising indeed! However, we are testing the 1.25 litre four cylinder naturally aspirated unit that churns out 83 BHP and 122Nm of torque. It is clearly no Ferrari with a 0-60 MPH time of 11.3 seconds, but it is brisk enough and the power band is pleasingly broader than the entry level motor. The 1.25 is much happier on the motorway than its sibling. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5 speed manual transmission. Said gearbox has a nice short throw but a slight notchy feeling at times. What really stood out for me was this Picanto’s steering. Kia has come a very long way and this car provides the most promising evidence yet that the brand is listening to feedback. Whilst it could possess a bit more feel, the weighting is sensible and inputs are met with a precise response. It was rather rewarding being able to place this pint-sized Picanto exactly where I wanted it on twisting mountain roads. Having the wheels pushed to the very edge of each corner is a plus for handling. There is some body roll but also more grip than you might expect. Stir the gearbox and let its engine rev, the fun is to be found in maintaining momentum through the bends. Obviously most owners won’t be driving their example with anywhere near this much vigour, so you will be pleased to know that we took it to some busy Italian towns too. The ride on the whole is good, larger alloy wheels on the GT Line S do make it firmer, but the standard car soaks up imperfections very well. Visibility is positive and top specification models are further improved with a rear reversing camera. It is an easy thing to drive in a crowded space and feels at home in the hustle of urban life. Kia claims that this example emits 106g/km of CO2 and returns 61 MPG combined.

Prices of the new car start from £9,450 and if you want this top specification 2017 Kia Picanto GT Line S it is £13,950. Kia should be rather pleased with their work as the baby of the range certainly gives other manufacturers something to think about.

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