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For those who enjoy driving, when the day comes to buy something more practical it is often a sad one. Trading keen handling for boot space is the usual formula for anyone with a growing family and for the person behind the wheel, there much missed MX-5 has become a thing of the past. However, Mazda point out that things do not have to be this way and that their Mazda 6 2.2 150ps Tourer Sport Nav Diesel offers dynamic handling as well as all of the more day-to-day necessities.
We have the keys to a 2.2 litre diesel Mazda 6 Tourer of which it much be said, looks thoroughly modern. Just like the new Mazda 3 and CX-5, the 6 is built around the Japanese companies Kodo ethos of design. Its long profile flatters itself with vast sweeping lines and a highly sculpted profile. To be honest it makes a lot of other cars in this class look, well, a bit dull. In its Snowflake White Pearl paint the Mazda 6 Tourer looks every inch the premium product.
Whilst the interior doesn’t offer the same flamboyance as the exterior and when compared with its new baby brother, the Mazda 3, it doesn’t look quite as fresh. That said, its clear logical placement of controls and uncluttered console is very functional. There is a lot of space in the 6 for occupants with rear seating being especially roomy. Plenty of leg and head room in tandem with a comfortable rear bench should keep parents safe from the almost inevitable cries of “are we nearly there yet?!” The boot offers 1,632 litres of capacity which is good but not quite class leading. Entry level cars are well equipped but this being the top specification Sport Nav model it gets the full heated leather treatment, dual zone climate control, reversing camera and 5.8 inch touchscreen satellite navigation. All-in-all the cabin is a comfortable place to be.
With the family boxes ticked keeping the wife, children and dog happy, we should turn our attention to how it drives… The Mazda 6 2.2 150ps Tourer Sport Nav Diesel produces 148BHP and 380Nm of torque. That torque is at its peak from as low as 1,800rpm meaning that this car is perfect for those situations where you need to be quick off of the mark. The car pulls strongly with its Skyactiv engine feeling like it has plenty of guts. Besides pulling power, that aforementioned engine in this 6 Tourer is rated at 67.3MPG combined emitting just 110g/km of CO2. This makes the car frugal on fuel and cheap to tax. Engine noise isn’t the worst in its class but it does find its way into the cabin under acceleration. With smooth and linear power delivery that is our only complaint about the Skyactiv-D motor. Mazda have infused a bit of sports car DNA in the Mazda 6 with its sharp steering and quick rack. Its agility is a defining feature of the cars characteristics making it feel much smaller. The overall driving position is keyed towards enthusiastic drivers as its well bolstered seats sit low in the car. You can place the 6 with confidence on the apex of a corner and its good levels of grip will see it stay there. Another enjoyable aspect is the well-sorted 6 speed manual gearbox which snicks into place in a manner you would expect from a sportier machine. The well sorted chassis and suspension ensures body roll is kept to a minimum, although some might find the resulting ride a tad firmer than they would expect. On motorways the Mazda 6 settles down to a cruise providing a refined experience for the daily commute. On such journeys the cars impressive fuel economy comes into play and with these low running costs company car owners should add the Mazda 6 to their short list. Around town it is easy to drive, although poor rear visibility means that we would suggest the reversing camera to make parking the estate much more convenient.
The Mazda 6 Tourer is a very well accomplished car that stands out from the competition with handsome looks and handling traits very rarely seen in this class. For the man or woman who has to sacrifice their sporty little number for something that suits the family, the 6 certainly retains some of the fun that you desperately do not want to let go of. Our test car at £24,825 with all of its toys isn’t the cheapest estate on the market, but entry level 6’s are well equipped with Bluetooth, 17 inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a touch screen display from as little as £19,595. Considering the level of technology as standard, the Mazda 6 becomes good value for money. This 2.2 litre diesel engine is the pick of the bunch being powerful enough whilst returning excellent fuel economy.
After a nightmarish day at the office where between staring at a computer screen for hours and making endless phone calls, you manage to spill coffee all over your boss’ new suit. The thought of being at home in bed is a welcoming one. However, you have one last obstacle to overcome and it might just be the straw that breaks the camels back. THE COMMUTE HOME! Potentially hours stuck in traffic with a gauze of noisy horns and expletives in the air. Can you make it home before your blood starts boiling? Can the Honda Accord do the job?
The Honda Accord Tourer is made up of clean lines that creates a conservative overall design. Whilst not the flashiest estate in the car park, some rivals have really raised the bar, its chromed trim and polite roof rails promote a sense of maturity and class. This car clearly is not aimed at a younger generation and so its target audience will likely appreciate its more sophisticated appearance. Let us call it “the power of the understatement.” This being the Tourer means that it isn’t a small car, but then its proportions should allow you to reap the benefits inside. Shouldn’t it?
Well, yes and no. There is no denying that the cabin offers a nice amount of space for passengers. Rear head and leg room is generous and large windows allow good amounts of natural light to fill the interior. However, the Accord Tourer has a flaw when it comes to the boot. In this top specification EX model the electric tailgate opens to reveal a big flat loading area. Perfect! The issue I speak of arrises when you fold the rear seats flat and want to load a large object. Two protruding suspension turret housings turn the loading area from a big rectangle into an hourglass shape. This results in not being able to fit wide objects down the length of the car. I know, not a deal breaker, but it could prove to be a slight annoyance considering you would buy this car for its practicality. Moving back into the passenger area, occupants are treated to plush leather heated seats that are fantastically comfortable and typical Honda build quality is seen throughout. Bluetooth and dual zone climate control is also on offer as is a sunroof for those times when you want more of said climate to enter the car. Yet, I have another gripe with the interior… It is horrifically outdated when compared with competitors. A maze of grey buttons and dials illustrated by a digital display similar to that found on an old video tape player? The interface for satellite navigation is like something from Windows ’98 and the clarity of the display isn’t the greatest. Come on Honda! We know the Accord is no spring chicken, but the ergonomics of its rivals are far better.
Thankfully the Accord Tourer is redeemed by the way it drives. Powered by a 2.2 litre diesel i-DTEC engine, it is a strong performer. Its 148BHP is available with a delectable 350Nm of torque meaning that it is more than capable of taking advantage of gaps at junctions and bold overtaking manoeuvres. Power is sent via an automatic gearbox which is absolutely seamless with its cog swapping. Seriously, it is so smooth you could play a game of Jenga and not have your tower of wooden blocks topple over. This Accord also has paddle shifters on the steering wheel for those moments on the school run when you feel like Jenson Button. The ride, though a bit on the firm side, compliments the quick and direct steering resulting in meaningful changes of direction without vast amounts of lateral movement from the body. On the motorway the Honda Accord Tourer makes itself at home. Allowing the automatic gearbox to do its job and setting the cruise control, its quiet engine does all of the work whilst you relax. It is a genuinely soothing drive and one that just about anyone would welcome after a hard day at work. Visibility is adequate in all directions, but our test car was also fitted with a very useful reversing camera which makes parking the big car much easier. The only disappointing factor in the way this car drives is its claimed 44MPG combined, far behind the 72MPG claimed by Mazda’s similarly powerful 2.2 diesel in the 6.
The Honda Accord Tourer’s problem isn’t that it is a bad car, far from it. It is a wonderfully tranquil driving machine that will reliably take you home in comfort come rain or shine. It’s issue is that it is old and whilst you can buy one brand new today, the nameplate hasn’t seen massive changes since 2008. At the £31,990 asking price even of our highly equipped test car, that is a lot to ask for when the competition in this class is of such a high standard. That said, the price might be justifiable to those wanting the peace of mind Honda offer in their build quality.
There are many reasons why the crossover segment is booming. Aesthetically people like the robust looks of a big car as it promotes a sense of security. The high driving position enables a good view over traffic and down onto “lesser” road users. It is also the current fashion to own such a car and those making a large investment do not want to be seen driving something that is “so last generation, darling.” Of course a lot of peoples excuse for buying a an SUV is the odd day when it snows in the UK and that means you will need one with all wheel drive.
This is the revised 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 175ps AWD Sport Nav Diesel and if the above sounds close to what you are after, a 4X4 model with a good torque will not send you far wrong. The CX-5 back in 2012 introduced Mazda’s new design language, Kodo. Its fluid body lines and sculpted shape certainly separate it from a class that has become very populated over the years. Being the first of Mazda’s “6th generation” cars the brand has emphasised their desire to offer a premium product in the appearance of the CX-5. This car also introduced a new offering of efficient engines named Skyactiv of which now can be found across the range. For 2014 a refreshed CX-5 brings with it revised suspension, more refinement and some new technology.
Inside the Sport Nav model you will find a cabin upholstered in some rather nice leather and a console that provides excellent ergonomics, even if a little uninspired in its looks. The car seats five in plenty of comfort which the rear quarters supply good head and leg room to passengers not quick enough to call “shotgun.” Its boot is also of a good size. Up front everything you interact with has a nice robust feel to it which is great for a car that will likely become the family workhorse. The infotainment system in this car provides a touchscreen interface for things such as radio, Bluetooth and a built-in TomTom satellite navigation system. The instruments are functional and easy to read with things such as the gear leaver and climate control fall easily to hand. In terms of the driving position, the CX-5 hits the proverbial nail on the head with an arrangement that feels a little bit, dare I say it, sporty.
This sporty flare continues as you hit the road. Despite having a big 2.2 litre diesel engine and a weighty all wheel drive system, this cars agility is astonishing. Obviously the 2WD variant emphasises this further, but even this car feels swift. The immediacy of its change in direction is very commendable not just for an SUV, but in general. Its steering is well weighted allowing for accurate placement of the car on the road. This paired with a nice 6 speed manual gearbox makes for an involving drive. 420Nm of excellent torque is on offer for a 0-62MPH time of 8.8 seconds. This torque plays a huge part in the CX-5’s fun factor, surging the car onwards out of corner exits. Body roll is much less than you would expect from a car of this size enabling you to carry more momentum through sharp bends. The suspension is a tad softer than the 2013 specification but only marginally. However, what you trade for a little bit of ride comfort you gain in handling. On faster road the 2.2 litre Skyactiv diesel goes to work and is more than happy to pound at motorways all day long. Its 170BHP is more than enough for you to make courageous overtaking manoeuvres when faced with a Sunday driver ahead. Engine noise is reduced in the cabin over last year’s car allowing for a bit more refinement, yet under acceleration the diesel engine can be heard quite predominantly. Settle the car back down and order is restored. If you are unlucky enough to stall the car this 2014 CX-5 will restart the engine as soon as the clutch is pressed. Mazda claim that the 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 175ps AWD Sport Nav Diesel will achieve 54.3MPG on the combined cycle, an impressive figure for its class.
At £28,395 our test car had all of the bells and whistles including DAB radio, keyless entry, leather and the list goes on… An entry level CX-5 petrol can be had from as little as £21,595. All-in-all the 2014 Mazda CX-5 hasn’t changed dramatically from its inception, but then did it need to? Mazda got the recipe right the first time offering a machine that is very enjoyable to drive.
When you need to dig a hole you use a shovel. If you want some money you go to a bank. And if you want a car to transport large objects and potentially a dog, then you get a Volvo. Like a loyal family labrador, a Volvo estate has always been seen as a faithful companion on Britain’s roads. The only downside to these dependable load luggers is that the neighbours wouldn’t glance twice at it. Let us be honest, a big estate car isn’t exactly the sexiest machine you could be driving. That said, the Volvo V60 does a good job of turning heads.
Packaged as a Volvo that still ticks the practicality box, the V60 is a much more sculpted and design oriented car than estates of the past. Bonnet creases add some character, broad shoulders gives a sense of presence, and tasteful amounts of chrome trim highlight to onlookers that this is very much a premium product. Our test car is the Business Edition, a model aimed at those looking for a company car at a reasonable price, but still with the optional extras that make things a bit more executive. In power Blue the car looked very smart even with the standard alloy wheels.
The interior is typical Volvo with each component being engineered to very high standards. Although the centre consoles vast array of buttons is beginning to look a bit dated now, a new interior layout for the company will come with the 2014 XC90, the controls are logically located. Something that always strikes me with the latest incarnation of Volvo cars is just how meticulously detailed the designers have been with everything occupants interact with. Things such as the reassuring feel of resistance when buttons are pushed or the shape of its sublimely supportive seats. It certainly feels like someone cared an awful lot about how people should feel inside the cabin. The instrument panel is predominantly analogue in this Business Edition, but it does feature an Eco gauge showing how efficient your driving is. Space in the second row is ample both in the head and leg departments. Whilst the boot has a flat loading area and is big enough for all of your usual Volvo estate owner needs, it is slightly smaller than rivals thanks to the V60’s tapered roofline. The rear seats fold flat or can be individually lowered making for a versatile space. This Business Edition also receives satellite navigation and Bluetooth.
Our V60 had the keyless option fitted and so with a push of the starter button its 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel came to life. At idle the engine is very smooth with hardly any vibration penetrating into the cabin. In motion the diesel that produces 115HP and emits just 108g/km of CO2 is whisper quiet. Only under hard acceleration does a hum begin to build. This Volvo V60 does have a touch of turbolag that is just noticeable at low rpm, but the turbo soon spools up and provides excellent torque to pull off overtaking manoeuvres. Its 6 speed manual gearbox is smooth and each gear slots into place with minimal fuss. On motorways the Volvo V60 hold its own and is capable of comfortably cruising for long periods of time. Take the car into a more urban environment and you will find it to be a very easy machine to drive with good visibility all around. The steering is precise allowing for accurate placement of the car on the road promoting a feeling of agility. However, the steering feel itself whilst well weighted offers little feedback. I also have a small gripe with the suspension as for a big car where people will spend a lot of time, the ride is firmer than expected. However the upside of a stiffer setup is reduced body roll through corners, in this respect the V60 always feels composed. The range of this car on one take of fuel, provided you drive sensibly is astonishing. I reckon it will easily do over 700 miles and its claimed 63MPG isn’t too far off believable in the real world.
At £24,220 our test car has some tough rivals in the form of the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant, yet the Volvo sets itself apart from the Germans with unique styling and trademark Volvo safety. It might not be the most engaging car in its class but if it is practicality, a touch of style and fantastic ergonomics you are looking for, then the Volvo V60 D2 Business Edition is a fine choice.
We had not yet had a good poke around Mercedes-Benz latest offering until the other day. Whist the crossover market is forever growing in popularity, it made sense for the Germans to take advantage of the platform that underpins the A-Class and create a baby SUV. The Mercedes-Benz GLA slots into the range as a high riding hatchback that is available with a range of engines and optional all wheel drive. We got the opportunity to prod around a preproduction model at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands.
A shiny new Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 4Matic is currently parked in the lobby of the huge Mercedes structure. Locked to the general public, we were given the keys to open the car up and take a good look around the new baby Benz.
Proportionally the car looks great with its long bonnet and curved rear. The GLA isn’t as tall as what the pictures would have you believe, that is down to some of its bold design features. Its large grill, strong body lines and angular headlights give it an air of aggression that maybe some of its competitors lack. In AMG-line trim this GLA appeared very smart and ever the premium product just like its little brother, the A-Class.
The interior is a masterclass in high quality surfaces. Leather wraps itself around large bolstered seats whilst aluminium details the sculpted shape that makes up the console. A chunky steering wheel is presented to the driver along with a familiar Mercedes-Benz instrument cluster. In the back what would a be a rather dark space is brightened with a two section glass roof. Head room is good and whilst leg room is far from tight, its isn’t the most spacious in the class. The boot is adequate, but again rivals do offer more storage.
Mercedes-Benz have done a good job with the GLA presenting a well built and pleasant interior. I don’t think the exterior can be faulted as it looks great, especially in black.
For a more in-depth opinion to be formed on the GLA we shall just have to wait until we drive it.
Jaguar’s reputation has been steadily on the up over the last few years with the British-based brand proving itself a dab hand at delivering stylish, sophisticated executive saloons like the XF and its bigger brother the XJ. Last year’s F-Type launch genuinely had journalists the world over on their feet with admiration and those effortlessly seductive looks had even the most steadfast Jaguar cynics drooling at the mouth. However, beneath the glittering, albeit fully merited, veneer there lurks a rather big 3 Series-shaped hole in the Jag line-up, one that has remained unplugged since the demise of the much maligned X-Type back in 2009.
All that is about to change though, as Jaguar has ended years of speculation by confirming plans to once again take the fight to the likes of the Mercedes C-Class, the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series with an all-new compact sports saloon named the XE.
Built around the bones of the C-X17 crossover concept debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the XE will be the first production Jaguar model to showcase the company’s advanced new aluminium monocoque shell. This lighter and stiffer chassis has certainly received plenty of plaudits, so much so that it has inspired Jag with the confidence to claim that the XE will be the most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon in its class. No pressure then.
What’s more, the XE not only gets an upgraded skeleton but also a brand new beating heart. Several weeks ago, Jaguar announced the introduction of a new range of lightweight, low-emission four-cylinder engines and it has now been confirmed that the all-new XE saloon will be the first model to benefit from this new generation of petrol and diesel powertrains, named Ingenium. Kitted-out with either rear or all-wheel drive, the new engines will be both efficient and powerful, hitting speeds of up to 186mph whilst mustering a mightily impressive 66mpg if driven with a bit of TLC.
The big cat is certainly entering the domain of some of the most fearsome predators in the motoring jungle but can it really beat the German goliaths at their own game? That judgement will have to be reserved until later in 2014 when full XE technical and trim spec is to be announced. Global roll-out commences in mid-2015.
The Mazda range is undergoing a transformation in design language. Its latest styling is named Kodo “soul of motion” and has been seen on all of their latest models from CX-5, 6, and 3. Their smallest offering, the Mazda 2, is starting to show its age a little and in the highly competitive world of hatchbacks looking last generation is no good thing. The Mazda Hazumi Concept bring the Mazda 2 bang up to date.
Looking like a true premium product, the Mazda Hazumi Concept is a very smart looking car. Just like the new Mazda 3, this model uses striking lines that flow down the length of the car. Bold design elements such as chromed trim and blade-like wing mirrors separate it from the crowd. Powered by Mazda’s new 1.5 litre turbo diesel Skyactive engine, it claims less than 90g/km of CO2. Inside the interior is highly sculpted featuring a high centre console and Mazda’s latest infotainment system found in the 3.
The Nissan Juke and Renualt Capture have see success in the ever growing crossover or “compact SUV” marketplace. The funky designs are eye-catching whilst their high ride hight allows owners to acquire that much desired aloft driving position. For a few years now manufacturers have been trying to beat Nissan at their own game. VW is next to take aim. Volkswagen T-Roc Concept hits Geneva.
Based upon Volkswagen’s MQV platform, the T-Roc Concept is a high riding hatchback that possesses some serious attitude. Deep body lines and swollen wheel arches gives the car a very rugged architecture that is unique. A future model will take design characteristics from this concept car and share its platform with the Audi Q1. VW plan to expand their SUV range over the next few years with the introduction of a larger vehicle as well as something along the lines of this little T-Roc. The Volkswagen T-Roc Concept is powered by turbocharged 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel engine with 181BHP and 280lb ft of torque. 0-62MPH is completed in 6.9 seconds and according to the Germans the crossover will achieve a top speed of 131MPH.
The Ford Focus is one of the UK’s best selling cars, and for good reason. This peoples favourite offers a well priced, reliable and good looking package that ticks a lot of boxes for those looking for a new family motor. However, the cars rivals have really closed the gap since the current generation Focus arrived on the scene, in the case of the new Volkswagen Golf it just pips the Focus to the post in terms of handling. “We want our handling crown back” says Ford. 2015 Ford Focus revealed.
Set to go on sale late this year, this is the 2015 Ford Focus. This latest incarnation adopts the companies new family face, most noticeable the “Aston Martin” inspired grill and and angular headlights. The bonnet is also more sculpted featuring pronounced character lines. 2015 Ford Focus receives chassis changes including new front dampers and stiffer bushes. Inside the console has been completely redesigned ditching the rather dated “keypad” layout for a much more ergonomic interface. With this face lifted model comes a new 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine with either 148BHP or 177BHP, as well as a 1.5TDCi. The highly regarded 1.0 litre engine has been weaker to now deliver 99g/km of CO2.
The 2015 Ford Focus ST is also set to receive similar changes.
When considering your options to tackle the rough and tumble of off-road motoring, Fiat is perhaps understandably not the first name that springs to mind. However, in recent times the Italians have been keen to appeal to those searching for the perfect balance between city-friendly driving and exploring off the beaten track by beefing-up their Panda range with the additions of the Panda Trekking and Panda 4X4. Now, Fiat are taking the project a step further, with the unveiling of the all-new Panda Cross edition.
As the name suggests, the Cross is the closest thing yet to a fully-fledged Fiat crossover SUV. Slotting in just above its two aforementioned siblings, this ‘mini-SUV’ is set to be the most adept off-road Panda to date. To that end, the Cross is clearly more technology-heavy than its counterparts, featuring a generous helping of gadgets to combat the worst mother-nature can throw at it. For example, the new Terrain Control selector offers the driver the choice of three driving modes – Auto, Lock 4WD and Hill Descent – depending on road conditions, whilst the Torque-on-Demand 4WD system manages the engine’s torque delivery when conditions get a little rough underfoot. Moreover, the addition of oversized all-season tyres, increased ground clearance and improved off-road suspension set-up are all a significant step up from the spec offered on the Trekking and 4X4 models.
That said, Fiat are keen to stress that the new Cross will be as capable in the urban jungle as any Panda, and that no compromises have been made in terms of ride comfort, handling or road-holding in the city.
Aesthetically, the Panda Cross certainly makes its more rugged demeanour abundantly clear. The front end features new light clusters, a new bumper and new fog lights integrated into front facia. LED DRLs are built into the decidedly more industrial looking skid plate whilst Fiat also throw in chunkier wheel arches, rectangular side mouldings, new roof bars and 15-inch alloy wheels. The rear end also gets a refresh, with a redesigned bumper, under-body protection, new rear light cluster and chrome tail pipe.
Power will come from one of two engines; either the new 90bhp 0.9 litre TwinAir Turbo with 107 lb ft of torque or the existing 80bhp 1.3 turbo-diesel delivering a tad more grunt at 140 lb ft.
Both offer a 5bhp boost over and above the standard Fiat Panda 4X4 and come equipped with six-speed manual transmission.
The new Fiat Panda Cross will make its official bow at the 2014 Geneva Motor show. Sales begin in the autumn with pricing, final UK equipment specifications and technical details to be announced closer to launch.
