This is the last column of mine that will land on your doorsteps in 2017, and it’s been a great year. I will finish off as strong as I started, with two reviews. First up we have the Alfa Romeo Giulia; a newcomer to the executive saloon market. The biggest question is whether the Italian has the goods to go toe to toe with the Germans.

My test car was a 2.2-litre diesel ‘Super’. It may only be the second model in the range, but the standard equipment includes the 8.8-inch Alfa Connect 3D Nav infotainment system, front and rear ambient lighting, rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning system and rain sensing wipers.

The style of the Giulia is exactly as you would expect from Alfa Romeo: it’s tremendously handsome. At the front, the signature triangular grille sits prominently, and the lines sweep up over the bonnet. The curvy headlights integrate some daytime running lights that resemble angry eyebrows. The optional 18-inch 5-hole alloy wheels were a nice addition, and at the back the curved boot lid negates the need for a spoiler, and twin exhausts show the Alfa’s sporty side.

The 2.2-litre diesel offers 180PS and 450Nm of torque (there is also a 150PS version). It had the 8-speed automatic gearbox, and can go from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph. The steering has feel, the suspension is the right balance of firm and forgiving, and with the static gear shift paddles the drive is engaging. Fuel economy is also good: with 67.3mpg on a combined cycle. Prices for the Giulia start at £29,875. With a few options, my test car was around £40k. There’s no doubt it’s a great car, but it may be priced too closely to German rivals to make it appealing to consumers.

Next we have the Skoda Kodiaq; a spacious and versatile SUV.There are a host of engines available, from a 1.4-litre TSI petrol producing 150PS, up to a 2.0-litre TDI with 190PS, and both 2WD and 4WD, manual and DSG versions available.

Mine was somewhere in the middle: a 2.0-litre diesel with 150PS and 340Nm, AWD and a manual gearbox. In all honesty, I don’t know why you wouldn’t opt for the brilliant DSG gearbox. I should say, the Kodiaq is a big car, and 150PS is not a lot. The resulting 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds and top speed of 121mph showcase that this is not a performance car.

But what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in practicality. The cabin is spacious for all three rows, but particularly generous on the middle row. The boot – with the third row folded away – is huge. Even with all 7 seats in place there is enough space for shopping.

Being the ‘Edition’ model, the list of standard equipment is rather long: including 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia unit, blind spot detection, electric tailgate, KESSY keyless entry system, lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors, phone box with wireless charging and an umbrella in the front doors. It’s just a brilliant car for the family, and one you could enjoy living with day to day.

Prices for the Kodiaq start at £22,190. The 7-seat ‘Edition’ starts at £31,675, and I think that represents great value for what is an impressive family car.

Over the Christmas period, some exciting changes are happening at Simply Motor. I’m in the process of building a new website. Content will also be available on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. More on that in the New Year, so all that’s left is for me to sign off and wish you a very Merry Christmas: have a good one!

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – Christmas 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

As this column lands on your doorstep, we find ourselves in the festive month of December. I shall save all the soppy niceties until the ‘Christmas’ edition which will be with you later this month, and for now will just stick to the cars. This column centres around one of my favourite manufacturers: Volvo. More specifically, this column is aimed at the readers who have £50k-plus lying around and are looking for a family car…

I’ll start with the V60 Polestar. I drove one last year, and loved it, but the new one has lost its3.0-litre, 6-cylinder beating heart in favourite of a more ecological 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder unit. I have to admit I was a little concerned that this would kill some of the Polestar’s character. It hasn’t. Not by a long shot. Power is actually up: 367PS and 470Nm of torque. Sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, the Polestar will go from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, and then keep going all the way to its limited top speed of 155mph.

And whilst this may look like any other Volvo estate, look a little closer and you will see the 6-piston front brakes, and what you won’t see (but is there, I promise) is a full set of Ohlins dampers. That means the Polestar handles sublimely. Body roll is non-existent, and you have the confidence to push harder knowing the brakes and 4WD system are there to keep you on the road.

The V60 Polestar costs £50,765, and for that you get a comprehensive standard specification: keyless entry and go, heated front and outer rear seats, heated steering wheel, Harmon Kardon stereo, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and so much more. As far as family estates go, this is a perfect blend of performance and practicality: I love it.

Now if you’d prefer an SUV, then what about the new XC60? I’ve been eagerly awaiting this car for some time, and after spending a week with it I can conclude it exceeded my expectations. I hand-on-heart believe this is one of the best cars on sale today.

My test car was a top of the range Inscription Pro model, with the mighty T8 Twin Engine drivetrain. Powering the front wheels is a 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 320PS and 400Nm of torque. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor with a further 87PS. Combine the two and you have a very rapid car indeed: with 0-62mph taking just 5.3 seconds.

In all honesty though, this isn’t the engine I’d choose. You see it’s not a proper 4WD system, and 320PS is too much for the front wheels alone. Under heavy acceleration there is a tendency to understeer, and that doesn’t instil confidence. Personally I’d go for the T5 petrol. It has a decent 250PS, coupled to a proper AWD system. Job done.

The styling has been revised, and the new XC60 has a much more premium feel to it. The interior is of the same design as the likes of the S90 and XC90, and I stand by I seem my comment that short of the likes of Bentley and Rolls Royce these new generation Volvos are the best interiors on the market. The blend of materials and quality of finish is simply exquisite, and I would be choosing a car like this should I ever have to undertake a serious long-haul drive.

Prices for the XC60 start at £35,655, and rise to £57,950 for the T8 Inscription Pro. If you’re in the market for a family car, and want something a bit special, then check out the XC60.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – December 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to see my column from the November editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. It featured two reviews of some pretty fast cars, but at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. First, the Ford Mustang convertible, about as practical as an inflatable dart board. This one had the smaller 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. Next up was the Leon Cupra ST 300 4DRIVE, a 5-door family estate car with 300PS and a Haldex AWD system. As always, you can read the full write ups on the Reviews page.

You may recall that around this time last year, I reviewed the Ford Mustang. This time around the car is different in two ways. Firstly, it was a convertible. Secondly, it had the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. But would it retain enough of its American charm?

In a word: no. there are two key issues with this car. Firstly, it’s a convertible. Secondly, and worst of all, it had a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine… Let me explain. When you take the roof off a car, you are removing a key part of its structure. Without the solidity of the roof a phenomenon known as ‘scuttle shake’ presents itself: the car feels like its twisting.

This shouldn’t be an issue, because you can happily cruise along at low speeds accompanied by the V8 soundtrack. Except you can’t, because this has a four-cylinder EcoBoost. Make no mistake, this is still a fast car. But it’s not a Mustang. For the same money you could have a V8 coupe. Job done.

On becoming a father, I needed a practical car (our Fiesta ST isn’t the best for prams and car seats). So we bought a Seat Leon ST, and I absolutely love it. Mine’s a diesel, but for petrolheads there is the Cupra 300 4DRIVE. Essentially, it’s a Seat Golf R. But is it any good? Well, it has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 300PS and 380Nm of torque. 0-62mph takes 4.9 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph.

That’s a serious punch in the back, and with instant gear changes thanks to the 6-speed DSG gearbox, the speedo just keeps climbing. From a standing start, the launch control system ensures you get away quickly, and that all any unprepared passenger gets whiplash. The exhaust noise is inferior to the Golf R; the pops, burbles and overrun on gear changes just seemed to be missing. Having said that, there is some proper engine noise from behind the wheel. And that’s what matters most to the driver. This is not electrical symposer-type noise either, but actual engine noise.

The haldex-AWD system works brilliantly to ensure there’s plenty of traction whatever the road conditions, and that means the 300PS is useable in full. There are 3 pre-set drive modes – comfort, sport and Cupra – or you can set an individual profile, configuring the Dynamic Chassis Control, engine, differential and steering settings to suit your taste. And from comfort to Cupra you really can tell the difference, with the whole car feeling sharper, firmer and more eager to get going.

I love how my Leon looks in FR guise, but the Cupra takes it to a whole other level. Dual exhausts sit either side of a rear diffuser. Two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels fill the arches. Angular LED daytime running lights frame a more aggressive front bumper and grille. Black mirrors, roof rails and grille surround complete a wonderful exterior package. The Desire Red paint may be an extra £650, but I think it gives the Leon the same presence that the Lapiz Blue gives the Golf R.

Inside you get some sports seats that are big and bolstered yet wonderfully comfortable. Bucket seats are an option, but not one I’d say is essential. There are lashings of leather and alcantara, gloss black trim and LED mood lighting in the front door cards. The flat-bottomed steering wheel brandishes the Cupra logo, and a start button nestles nicely in the centre console.

So Golf R or Leon; which should you buy? Well, I’d pick the Seat every time. It looks better, is a couple of grand cheaper, and is more exclusive. ‘Nuff said.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – November 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to see my column from the October editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. The theme this month is ‘sports cars’, and I have a couple which have been put to the test. First up is the Abarth 124 Spider, a 2-seater convertible with a 1.4-litre engine and some bonkers styling. Next up is the Subaru BRZ, a car which has been called the ‘modern MkII Escort’ in some circles. Neither car will keep up with the likes of a Porsche Boxter, but then they are half the price. So would they still be able to offer thrills? Read on to find out. As always full write ups on the Reviews page.

I have driven some rather fast cars over the last few years. I get my test cars for a week, which is just enough time to get to grips with them and have some fun. But I have felt with some of the cars that they’re unnecessarily fast. The kind of cars that if you owned one, you’d be trying to hold on to your licence. That’s why there’s always been a market for small sports cars. They’re light, so they don’t need heaps of power to be sprightly and fun. This month I’ve tested a pair, so let’s get to it.

First up we have the Abarth 124 Spider. Essentially this is a Fiat 124, a car built in the same plant and on the same platform as the Mazda MX-5, which has been breathed on by the Fiat tuning branch: Abarth. That means this 124 Spider has been beefed up. With a quad exhaust at the back, graphite wheels and a bonkers paint scheme of white/black/red, it really does look the business. Inside it had sumptuous leather seats, alcantara on the dashboard, and a huge red rev counter in the middle of the instrument cluster. Everything about it screams “sports car”.

And it’s not just all show either, thanks to the turbocharged, 1.4-litre petrol engine. It produces 170PS and 250Nm of torque. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox and mechanical limited-slip differential. 0-62mph takes 6.8 seconds and the top speed is 143mph. Pretty much the same as the likes of a Fiesta ST and 208GTi then. But the Abarth also gets a tuned exhaust. It’s pretty throaty, in fact at times it seems unnecessarily loud. But with the roof down on a country lane it is nice to have a suitable soundtrack.

And it is easy to put the roof down. No heavy electrics here; simply undo the catch and push the roof down. Takes but a second. And the resulting kerb weight of 1060kg is the reason it’s fast. It also means that it will do 44.1mpg. And the cost? Well, it starts from £26,920 which sounds steep, but you do get proper kit on this car, like Bilstein suspension and Brembo brakes.

My second car this month is one that’s been around a bit longer: the Subaru BRZ. It’s just had a facelift, and the subtle changes have made it look better. The front bumper has been redesigned, giving a wider and more aggressive stance. The 17-inch alloy wheels are a new 10-spoke design, and a tweaked rear spoiler, full-LED headlights and revised tail lamps complete the package. Inside the BRZ has a new multi-function steering wheel and revised dials which incorporate a 4.2-inch information display.

The engine is still the same as before: a 2.0-litre, flat-four boxer engine. Whilst you can tell that the distinctive boxer thrum is there, there’s no real engine sound through either induction or exhaust, which is a shame. Also a shame is that the 200PS and 200Nm are only enough to achieve a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. That makes it slower than most hot hatches. Granted, this is still a fun, rear-wheel drive coupe, but you always find yourself wanting a bit more oomph.

This is a relatively easy car to live with, providing there’s only two of you: I’m 5ft7in and there was virtually no legroom behind my driver’s seat, to the point of Subaru should have just made the BRZ a two-seater. The boot is a decent size, and despite its low stature visibility is surprisingly good. Prices for the BRZ start at £26,495, for which you could get a Ford Focus ST, a car that’s better in pretty much every way.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – October 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to see my column from the September editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local.It was another expensive month of test cars, but I have to confess that I rather enjoyed driving around in a Range Rover Sport. And at £108,000 I enjoyed it while it lasted, because I don’t foresee ever being able to afford one of my own! Next up was the Ford Focus ST, although it was a diesel version. Could it really wear the ST badge with pride? Full reviews are available on the Reviews page.

As this column lands on your doorstep, we find ourselves in September. The kids have gone back to school and we’re wondering why that thing known as ‘summer’ never bothered to show its face again this year. Admittedly we had a few nice weekends, but on the whole this has been yet another poor year. And most of the time the sun popped out for an hour or so, it was 11am. On a Tuesday. So all you could do was look longingly out of the office window.

But, for what 2017 has lacked in weather, it’s made up for in the cars that have arrived on test for me. And at least that gives you something to read when it’s raining (again). I will begin this month with the Range Rover Sport, the vehicle of choice for footballers, footballers’ wives, and footballers’ agents. Joking aside, this is a vastly popular vehicle, and I wanted to find out why. So I managed to get hold of a SDV8 Autobiography Dynamic for a week. It sounds like a posh model and I can tell you, it is.

My test car came with £6,000 optional satin matte paint, which looked superb. Although driving through certain areas you could tell people thought the dealer was in town… From the driving seat, I didn’t care one iota. The cabin of a Range Rover Sport is like your happy place: go there and all your troubles disappear. There’s an aroma of new leather, and with the two-tone ebony and lunar (black and bluey-grey to you and I) you get a nice contrast between the dashboard, steering wheel and seats. Speaking of seats, the optional 20-way adjustable numbers with massage were delightful.

The engine was the biggy: a 4.4-litre V8 diesel. It has 339PS and 740nm of torque. That’s not heaps more than the 3.0-litre SDV6, but it has a distinct smoothness about it, with a faint V8 rumble in the distance. And for a car that weighs over two tonnes, it certainly gets a shift on: 0-62mph takes 6.9 seconds and the top speed is 140mph. Bottom line is this: if you want your arrival to be an event, and you want a distinct road presence, then you’ll love the Range Rover Sport. But all-in, my car was £108,000 and there’s a lot of choice at that level.

Now I know ‘Fast Fords’ have a significant following, many of whom will shudder when reading about my next car: the Focus ST-3 TDCi (or STD as I chose to call it). I can see the appeal, in theory. You get all the toys from the ST, such as the Recaro seats, bodykit, centre exhaust and even the sound symposer, but with all the economical benefits of a diesel.

But I take issue with the 185PS diesel engine. It’s just not enough. 0-62mph takes 8.1 seconds, which is around half a second slower than my Seat Leon estate. There is a variant of this engine in the Edge with 210PS, so why not give that to the Focus? Once on the move the in-gear acceleration is acceptable, and on the motorway there’s enough torque to overtake with ease (400Nm to be exact). The symposer does its best to give some hint of a sporty engine note.

The good news is that the handling is still great. The suspension is firm, and the Focus is composed over bumpier roads. It has sharp steering, thanks to a variable steering rack, and has a nice weighty feel. It’s just in between the corners you’ll want more. And with prices not too dissimilar to the petrol models, it’s hard to recommend the diesel.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – September 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to read my column from the August editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. This month featured three reviews. The first two were the Peugeot 3008 SUV, a delightful new crossover with a futuristic cabin. The second was the Ford Edge, a less delightful SUV with a rather plasticky cabin. Last up was a real treat, as I got to take my lottery car for a spin: the Audi RS 6 Performance. They say you should never meet your heroes… they’re talking rubbish!

One of the worst-looking cars I ever tested was the Peugeot 3008. It did no favours to the stereotype that a practical family car is big, ugly and boring. Understandably, I didn’t fall off my chair with excitement when Peugeot announced the new 3008… Nevertheless, I phoned the press office and booked in a GT Line to test. Sounds sporty, I thought, so we’ll give it a go.

And I’m immensely glad that I did. You can forget the last 3008: chalk and cheese doesn’t even come close. The exterior styling is great: it’s bold, angular and futuristic. But even the impressive exterior pales in comparison to the new iCockpit. Encapsulating the driver, it’s a wonderful harmony of toggle switches, virtual dials, fabric-trimmed dashboard and mood lighting.

There’s a host of engines, but I will say that the 1.2-litre turbocharged unit in my test car was surprisingly sprightly; heaving the family crossover around with the vigour you’d expect of a small hatchback. Prices for the 3008 start at £22,495 and a fully loaded one will be just over £30k. Without doubt the 3008 should be your first-choice family crossover. Don’t believe me? See one for yourself.

So what if you want something less good? Well I drove the Ford Edge recently, and it fell far short of my high hopes for it. The exterior looks superb: it’s big and American, but has a distinct presence about it. With some splendid colours available (Ruby Red – yes please!) it really stands out. Sadly the cabin was a bit cheap and plasticky, and the experience from behind the wheel was lacklustre.

My test car had a 2.0-litre, 180PS diesel that felt like it had about as much get-up-and-go as a barn. The Edge is also the size of a barn, so parking it in a village, or anywhere for that matter, is like trying to dock a cruise liner in a swimming pool. The final let down was the price. At the top end you’re talking £40,000 and, I’m sorry, that’s simply too much. Buy a Kuga – which is a great car – and keep the change.

To finish off this month we have the most bonkers practical family car on sale today: the Audi RS 6 Performance. This is a big, boxy estate car. But look closely and you will see broad arches. The lower front grille brandishes the word “Quattro” and at the back there are two dustbin-sized exhausts. These subtleties hint towards the beast that lies beneath…

A 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8. 605PS and 750Nm of torque. 0-62mph in a supercar-rivalling 3.7 seconds and a top speed of155mph (with optional limits of 174mph and 189mph, like either is necessary!). In ‘comfort’ mode the RS 6 is easy to drive, tame and relaxing. Then you put it in ‘dynamic’ mode. The dampers stiffen, the steering gets heavier and, best of all, the full force of that rip-snorting, fire-breathing V8 is unleashed. It’s absolutely brutal.

The world around you becomes a blur as you are propelled toward the horizon,on a wave of animalistic V8 bellowing, at what can only be described as warp speed. Cornering ability is no concern either, thanks to the brilliant Quattro AWD system and the adaptive dynamics. My test car had the optional carbon ceramic brakes at a whopping £9,500, making it stop as ferociously as it goes.

There is no doubt in my mind that the RS 6 Performance would be in my dream garage. It’s the ultimate ‘Dad’ car: dogs, pram, shopping, done. Then when it’s just you, you can have an absolute riot. And at £86,460 I’m going to put it out there: it’s a bargain.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – August 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to catch my column from the July editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. I reviewed two cars, both hot hatches (of sorts). The first is the Fiesta ST200, a limited edition of a car I loved so much I actually bought one. But would the limited model be worth the extra? And then I finish up with the Audi S5 Sportback. Not the usual hot hatch, for sure, but one that promises all the same thrills in a sensible-looking package. Could it really be the hot hatch for suits? Time to find out. As always full write ups can be found via the Reviews page.

I’m going to call this column a “hot hatch special”, and so I will start with one that has, unquestionably, held the crown over the last couple of years: the Ford Fiesta ST. Released in late 2013 it took the world by storm, receiving tremendous compliments from publications and journalists alike. Mrs Woods fell for the charm… and we bought one!

There’s an increasing number on the roads; and by that I mean they’re everywhere. So how can you make yourself stand out more? Well, how about an ST200. It has many unique styling features: Storm Grey exterior paint, matte black machined alloy wheels, ST200 badges, different seats, stitching and even striped seatbelts. And it looks very nice.

But it’s no good just to look better; so what about the interesting stuff? Well the ST200 has, you guessed it, 200PS. And 290Nm of torque. As with the standard car, transient overboost delivers an extra 15PS and 15Nm in bursts of up to 15 seconds. In reality that means the figures are 215PS and 305Nm, but EU regulations don’t allow Ford to quote those figures. Yawn.

Ford altered the final drive for the ST200, from 3.86 to 4.02, resulting in shorter gears. That makes overtaking in the ST200 even easier than the standard car, and makes it feel faster than the standard car. Which it is. Barely: 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds vs. the standard car’s 6.9 seconds.

Lastly, the price: £23,215. And that brings us to the elephant in the room: the Mountune package available on the standard ST, giving it the same power as the ST200. An ST-3 costs £20,215 and a Mountune package takes that up to, say, £21,000. Which means that essentially you’re paying over £2,000 for exclusive cosmetics. So it comes down to this: exclusive styling, exclusive price.

I swapped the ST200 for an Audi S5 Sportback. It is a 5-door hatchback, and it has a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. I’d say that’s pretty hot! How does 354PS and 440Nm sound? 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph? Good, then I’ll tell you a bit more about it.

For 90 percent of the time, the S5 is a quiet, comfortable executive car. It has a large boot, plenty of cabin room and enough goodies to make it a great companion day to day. And, I have to say, that running this car in ‘normal’ road it’s reasonably good on fuel: combined consumption is 37.7mpg and the CO2 emissions are 170g/km.

Then, for the remaining 10 percent of the time, you can use Drive Select to choose “Dynamic” mode. And the S5 goes nuts. The engine noise is more prominent in the cabin, and the exhausts get louder. The throttle is more responsive, the steering weightier. The adaptive suspension (£900) alters the damping and the gearbox works to keep the car in the best gear to propel you toward the horizon. The S5 has launch control, and will achieve its quoted 0-62mph time. Every time.

I really like the styling too. It’s has somewhat similar lines to the A7, with a low roofline and sloping rear end. Any car with pillarless doors is cool, it’s just a rule, and the S5 Sportback gets 4 of them. Inside the Audi is just a brilliant place to be. Most prominent are the ‘S’ super sports seats, finished in leather and featuring diamond stitching, they look superb. The optional flat-bottomed steering wheel (£100) and virtual cockpit (£250) are brilliant value for money, must-choose options.

The S5 Sportback starts at £47,875, and it may just be the holy grail: a grown up hot hatch.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – July 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to catch my column from the June editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. It has been a busy month, but I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying fatherhood. Sure, there are challenging times- not least when the 3am screaming occurs- but it is all worth is for a smile, a laugh, or the firm grip of your finger. And it also meant I could squeeze in just one vehicle to test. But what a vehicle it is. You will all know by now that I am a huge fan of Volvo, so I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of their latest executive saloon: the S90.

So here we are. June. Almost halfway through the year in what seems like a heartbeat. A lot has happened over the last month, not least my ascension to fatherhood. Sure, the amount of sleep I get has drastically reduced, but that’s a small price to pay when your daughter stares at you with big eyes full of unconditional love. What I have found is that paternal instincts are strong. You are besotted in an instant, and will do everything in your power to offer protection.

That makes my test car this month particularly interesting. The word “Volvo” conjures up connotations of safety, build-quality and a certain robustness that suggests the car may well outlive you. All of this is good for protecting the little one, but that’s of little consolation if the car itself was a drab, dreary box that was as fun to drive as a clog.

The car I was testing was the all-new S90. You may well have seen the TV advert with a rather smug-looking chap driving it to, and through, Paris. ‘Human made’ is the tag line, and it suggests an air of quality that only the finest cars on the market can provide. And from spending a week in the S90, I can tell you that quality resonates in every aspect of it.

On the outside the styling is executive; a balance of imposition and sleekness. This is a very long car indeed, but disguises the fact well until you look closely. The Thor hammer LED daytime running lights are instantly recognisable as Volvo, and frame the concave grille nicely.

Inside, the materials are of the highest quality. My car had black leather, but with cream leather and wood veneer the level of opulence is exemplary. Short of your really special cars – Rolls Royce and the like – this is one of the nicest interiors of any car on sale. The seats are sculpted, comfortable, and are available with a massage function. Not just a lumbar cushion inflating and deflating either. No, these are proper massage seats, that knead and caress your back to ensure you remain relaxed whilst crawling down the M6 at 13mph.

There are a few engines to choose from, and my test car came with the one I’d pick: the 2.0-litre D5 diesel engine. It produces 235PS and 480Nm of torque. There’s an 8-speed automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four wheels. That means the S90 is actually pretty nippy: 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds and the top speed is 145mph.

The AWD setup results in some excellent handling capabilities too. The grip levels are comfortable even on the wettest road, and give the driver confidence behind the wheel. The chassis is superb: body roll is minimal, the steering is direct, and the suspension balances composure and comfort to perfection.

How about running costs? Well the D5 boasts 58.9mpg on the combined cycle, and CO2 emissions of a mere 127g/km, which is impressive for a large, executive saloon with this level of performance and AWD. Road tax would be £160 in the first year, and £140 thereafter. But be careful, because ticking a few option boxes will easily push the S90 over £40,000 and that means a surcharge of £310 for five years. Bloody government!

Prices for the S90 start at £33,865, and even the entry level models come with a host of safety equipment and that same feeling of quality. Put a few options on the D5’s though and you can get close to £50,000. Having said that, the S90 is worth every penny: I would have one in a heartbeat. Now how about a Polestar version…

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – June 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to catch my column from the may editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. It’s been a hectic month yet again, but I have managed to squeeze in a couple of reviews for your perusal. The first is the Hyundai Tucson: sibling of the Kia Sportage and versatile crossover. Next was the updated Jaguar XF, a car which I was rather excited to see. The Jaguar model line-up is currently one of the most exciting in the market, putting Jaguar back on the map. As always the full write ups of both cars can be found on the Reviews page. See you next month!

By the time this column lands on your doorstep, I will be a father for the first time. But don’t think that means I’ll only be reviewing Astra diesels and Ford Galaxys from now on. In fact, the forthcoming months look to be some of my most exciting yet… Watch this space.

This month I will start by talking about the Hyundai Tucson. It shares many things with the Kia Sportage, and that’s a car I rather like. So how does its (non-identical) twin compare? I grabbed a top-of-the-range Premium SE to find out.

Looks wise, I like the exterior design. It’s bold and angular. From the front there’s a large, almost-aggressive grille. Both the front and rear three-quarters view showcase a well-proportioned design. The Premium SE model gets huge, 19-inch turbine alloy wheels which give some serious kerb appeal. The plastic bottom border of the car give a sense of ruggedness, which completes the ‘crossover’ design package. Inside, the Tucson is less impressive. The cabin lacks that air of quality that the exterior presents.

The engine in my test car was a 1.7-litre diesel offering 141PS, and was 2WD. It had the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) which would be my choice over the manual. It makes the most out of an engine that is a little underpowered. To its credit, it cruises well, but it just lacks that urgency when you need a burst of acceleration. Should you want a bit more oomph, there is a 2.0-litre diesel which offers 185PS and has AWD. The Tucson rides well, even on 19-inch alloys; soaking up bumps and potholes with ease.

The Tucson is fairly priced, starting at around £19,500. My Premium SE test car cost £31,125 which is reasonable considering it features keyless entry, electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control and heated front/rear seats.

A Jaguar XF replaced the Tucson. It featured the highly-acclaimed 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine. It had AWD, an 8-speed automatic gearbox and offered 180PS and 430Nm of torque. It’s not the fastest, with 0-62mph taking 8.4 seconds, but it is still a brilliant engine. And considering the combined fuel consumption figure is 57.7mpg you can see why the Ingenium engines are becoming so popular.

As for the car itself, the XF has benefitted immensely from a facelift. Outside the looks are crisper, more defined, and a bit sharper. My test car was an R-Sport which means it gets a sporty bodykit and had optional 20-inch alloy wheels for a serious style presence.

Inside the R-Sport was just my cup of tea. Sumptuous sports bucket seats were inviting, and the optional carbon fibre veneer whilst expensive (£1,100 to be precise!) was just what the interior needed to match that external presence. The InControl Touch Pro adds a 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster, which is without doubt a showstopper. You can customise the view and even use it as a full-screen sat-nav, and it just makes the XF feel current, modern and technological.

There is a certain prestige in the Jaguar brand; you don’t drive a Jag, you drive a “Jaaaaaag”, and with the AWD grip you really can drive it. This car grips and grips, tucking into every apex and hurtling you out the other side, whatever the weather. With adaptive dynamics the damping is variable, meaning that on A-road blasts you can have a firmer, sportier setup, yet return to a softer more comfortable setup for motorway driving.

Prices for the XF R-Sport 180PS AWD start at £38,650 and with options my car tipped the scales at £48,995. I accept that this is a lot of money for a 2.0-litre diesel saloon car. But what a car it is!

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – May 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to see my column from the April editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. This month I had some tasty motors. First up is a Skoda Superb with the 2.0-litre engine from the Golf R, 280PS and 4WD. Forget your badge snobbery, this Skoda is a serious hunk of metal, and commands respect from fellow motorists. Then we move on to the Jaguar F-Pace which, in my opinion, is one of the best looking SUVs on sale today. It’s fair to say I had a good month, and as always you can read full write ups on the Reviews page. Enjoy!

Sticking to my recipe for 2017, this column brings another two reviews. Both are sports cars, but not as you would imagine. In fact, looking at them, you would probably not expect the performance that they offer. So let’s get on with it…

Skoda is not a name traditionally associated with sports cars. But, consider this: Skoda is part of the Volkswagen-Audi Group. That brings with it a lot of pedigree; I’m talking GTi and Quattro. So what’s the car then? Well it’s the new Superb Sportline. And it’s rather good. For starters, the Superb is rather Germanic with its styling. The lines are crisp, angular and a tad clinical. The Sportline builds on this with subtle detail: gloss black mirrors, lip spoiler and grille surround. There are two unusually-shaped exhausts at the back, and some large 19-inch silver/grey alloy wheels.

Inside you get lots of leather and alcantara, gloss black finisher and some rather swish mood lighting. And once you look inside the Superb you realise just how enormous it is. The rear legroom is staggering: this is like that emergency exit seat on the plane, but without the accompanying sense of responsibility for everyone on board. Then we get to the boot, which on the hatchback I tested was cavernous. There is an estate version too, and I imagine this could be used as accommodation for visiting relatives.

I must talk about the engine, because my test car was a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 280PS and 350Nm of torque. It has 4WD, a 6-speed DSG box, does 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155mph. And best of all, this hot-hatch version looks identical to the 2.0-litre diesel version. That makes it the ultimate sleeper. It may cost £34,020 but you get a lot of car for your money. I’d have one.

How about the F-Pace; Jaguar’s first ever SUV? I was surprised that the styling seemed to split opinion; I personally think it’s a handsome beast. Finished in ‘Italian Racing Red’ my test car stood out in a crowd. The optional 22-inch alloys may be £1,600 but the kerb appeal they bring is worth every penny.

Inside the F-Pace is designed to feel more like a car than a big SUV. Sure, you feel high up, but the cabin cocoons you. The S model features some body-hugging bucket seats, from which all the controls are perfectly within reach. The plastics are top quality, the leather is soft, and the hexagonal aluminium and gloss black finishers give a premium feel.

You are probably wondering why I said that the F-Pace was a sports car but, being the S model, my test car was blisteringly fast. Its 3.0-litre V6 diesel produces 300PS and an earth-moving 700Nm of torque. Sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, it will get from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and keep going all the way to 150mph. That’s a mighty thump in the back for a car that weighs just shy of 1,900kg. But the V6 diesel is also remarkably smooth and quiet; making motorway cruising effortless and relaxing.

The F-Pace is also reasonably economical. Combined fuel consumption is 47.1mpg. CO2 emissions of 159g/km put it in VED band G. That’s £185 in the first and subsequent year. Well, that is until 1 April. Cars registered after this point will be £140 flat rate, but with £500 first year rate. And because the price of my test car (£59,665) is above £40,000. It has a £310 annual supplement for 5 years. But after spending a week with one, I wouldn’t care: it’s worth it.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – April 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.

Here is another chance to catch my column from the March editions of The Local Herald and The Clitheroe Local. 2017 is already disappearing and it’s going to be a monumental year. This month I have another two cars to feature, and with my wife and I expecting our first child it seemed only apt to take a ‘family man’ approach. So first up we have the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross; a car which promises true 4×4 capability in a family crossover. Then we have the leviathan which is the Kia Optima Sportswagon; Kia’s executive limousine is now available in estate form. But how would they cope with my new found love of family-friendly practicality? Let’s see, shall we…

As we find ourselves in March, I can’t help but wonder where 2017 is going. Nevertheless, another month passes and I’ve been kept busy with another two cars. First up this month is the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross. It’s had a facelift and the front end is, erm, striking to say the least. It’s gone from being bulbous to looking like an angry bulldog; flat-faced and bearing big, chrome teeth.

Inside there is a noticeable lack of finesse; the seats may be leather but there are some scratchy plastics knocking about. And it’s not just looks either; once I got going there were a fair few squeaks and rattles which became a nuisance after a while.

The engine in my test car was the 1.4-litre turbocharged ‘Boosterjet’ unit, and it’s an absolute gem. On paper it doesn’t grab your attention: 140PS, 220Nm of torque, 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. However, this is a lively engine that feels pretty nippy around town. The 6-speed automatic gearbox has a tall 6th to keep revs down on the motorway, and as a result the SX4 cruises rather well.

The SZ5 model I tested is very well equipped; including heated front seats, satellite navigation, keyless entry and go, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control. The panoramic roof looks great and lets plenty of light into the cabin, but unfortunately it takes up some headroom; something which is (surprisingly) lacking in the back. The boot is plenty big enough, and leg room is generous. The SX4 also has Suzuki’s ALLGRIP 4WD system, making it a capable crossover.

As tested, my test car was £25,349. For the standard equipment you get, that’s good value for money. However the SX4 lacks that touch of quality. Without those finishing touches, it struggles to win your heart; at which point £25,000 is a lot of money. Tough one this; I wanted to like the Suzuki, but small details let it down.

Next up is the Kia Optima, and this is the new Sportswagon; the estate version of Kia’s executive saloon. We are often told that size doesn’t matter, but with the Optima it does; the Sportswagon is gargantuan. At 4,855mm long, you will often find yourself poking out of the end of a parking space. Thankfully the GT Line S comes with a full 360-degree parking view camera to compensate.

The engine is still the same 1.7-litre diesel engine producing 139PS and 340Nm of torque, but it is now available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). On paper that sounds underpowered, but the Optima never feels it. In fact you often find yourself having to reign it in; if you’re not careful on the motorway you will find yourself going the wrong side of 80mph. The gearbox is good; changing smoothly and utilising the torque of the engine. It isn’t as slick as the Volkswagen-Audi offerings, but it’s still the gearbox to choose in the Optima.

As you would expect from Kia, the GT Line S is fully loaded. Heated and air-conditioned front seats, heated outer rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Harmon Kardon stereo, keyless entry and go, driver’s seat memory function and LED headlights are all standard. The styling on the exterior is sporty, and the inside looks and feels very premium.

Through town the Kia feels too big. But on the motorway it eats up the miles with ease. You can fit an immense amount of luggage in the boot, and all passengers will be comfortable. At £30,595 on the road you certainly get a lot of car for your money.

Full reviews can be found on the Reviews page.

Dan

The post Motor Mouth – March 2017 appeared first on Simply Motor.