Mazda 6 Car Auto Review

Mazda 6 Car Auto Review

Mazda Mazda 6 X Auto

Unknown 10:58:00 AM Add Comment

The car behind me is the latest version of the Mazda6, Mazda’s flagship family saloon car. There’s no denying it; Mazda certainly knows how to make one good-looking car, and with a subtle facelift for 2015, it’s now prettier than ever, thanks to its sleek design and handsome snout. But appearance isn’t everything, and the 6 sits in a notoriously tricky market segment, dominated by big names like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. So is it all good looks but no personality? Maybe not The car we’ve got here is the top-of-the-range Sport Nav trim, which comes kitted out from top to bottom with this really nice black leather upholstery. One thing I like in particular is just how simple it is; there are no buttons or gizmos to get tripped up on, just your air-con controls and the centre-mounted touchscreen. 

Operated via this neat little rotary dial, it’s surprisingly easy to switch between functions on the fly and really intuitive to use. One little niggle, however, is that the built-in sat-nav doesn’t let you put in postcodes, which just sort of detracts a little from Mazda’s intended ethos of ease of use. There’s also this heads-up display, which pops up when the engine’s switched on. It’s a cool touch, but it would be nice if you could make it show something other than just speed. This model also comes with Mazda’s £800 Safety Pack included, which adds extra kit like adaptive LED headlights and an automatic emergency braking system to avoid low-speed crashes, while the car comes with a reversing camera and a BOSE surround-sound system. Clocking in at nearly five metres long and two wide, the Mazda6 is a lot of car. However, that translates into a lot of interior space, with plenty of head and legroom for even the gangliest passengers in the rear. 

The boot is also pretty spacious, with rear seats that fold down easily with the pull of a handle, but loading bulky items might be a bit of a problem, given the relatively narrow boot opening. In this case, you’d be better off with the estate version. Out on the road is where the Mazda6 really excels, with an entertaining ride and grip for days, along with direct, precise steering and a short-throw gearbox. Although it’s not quite as sporty as the trim name would have you believe, it’s still bucket loads of fun, particularly once the 173bhp diesel engine gets up to speed. Quiet and refined, even at motorway speeds, it still benefits from a healthy dose of torque – specifically 420Nm of the stuff – which catapults the car out of corners and down straights. That said, it’s not perfect. This car comes with a gorgeous set of 19-inch alloy wheels, which look amazing but sacrifice a little ride quality. It’s nowhere near as bad as you’d expect though, but with smaller wheels it’s a lot more comfortable. 

The main thing that really gets me, however, is the A-pillars. Sleek though they may look, they do get in the way of visibility quite considerably, particularly when pulling out of junctions, meaning you have to crane your neck a little bit to see what’s coming. Still, with a 0-62mph time of a pretty hasty 7.9 seconds, fuel consumption of up to nearly 63mpg and CO2 emissions of only 119g/km, the Mazda6 offers a really great driving experience for surprisingly low costs. Speaking of costs, not only does it undercut its main rival, the Ford Mondeo, by about £200, the Mazda6 also offers a lot more in terms of stand-out looks, low running costs and sheer entertainment value. Comfortable, high-quality and excellent on the road, it’s not perfect but it’s easily one of the finest family cars on the market, and definitely one that’ll appeal to drivers who are as conscious about driveability as they are about style and function. So what do you think of the Mazda6? 

Mazda 3 Car Auto Review

Mazda 3 Car Auto Review

Mazda X Auto

Unknown 10:27:00 AM Add Comment

No this isn’t a Mazda6, even though it boasts the same attractive curves, this is the smaller third-generation Mazda3, proudly wearing the brand’s new Kodo body language. And if you go for the saloon-styled Fastback body style, it looks even more like its Mazda6 sibling, but as you can see, we have the classic hatch model. Although the previous-generation Mazda3 was a great car, its roots dated back to 2009, so there were a few necessary changes that needed to be made – mainly to its overly firm ride. So, can this all-new car tackle the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf? And is it still fun to drive like the last model? Let’s take a look. 

Well, first things first, Mazda has definitely acknowledged the complaints about the firm ride, as it is now extremely supple, making longer journeys much easier. The steering is also excellently weighted and very responsive, giving you real confidence when cornering – and there’s great grip. At first, the six-speed manual gearbox can feel a bit notchy, but, as with many other Mazda’s and BMW’s in fact, you soon get used to this and appreciate that it is actually very sharp and direct. The engine we have today is the 2.2-litre 148bhp diesel, delivering plenty of low down pull and swift acceleration, reaching the 62mph mark in just 8.1 seconds. CO2 for this engine stands at 107g/km and you will realistically get around low-to-mid 60s. Thanks to Mazda’s Skyactiv philosophy of using larger engines there’s no 1.6-litre diesel options like you may find with many of its competitors. The rest of the engine range is a little unconventional for a family hatchback as well, with a 1.5-litre unit being the smallest petrol on offer. 

A 2.0-litre with either 118 or 163bhp completes the petrol range. Comfort in the cabin is very good, thanks to plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat, cushy seats and things like this BMW-esque toggle on the centre console. Storage compartments aren’t lacking either. The Mazda3 keeps up the brand’s reputation of well-equipped interiors, with three trims on offer, each carrying a separate sat-nav-equipped Nav denotation. Standard features of every model include air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a seven-inch touchscreen and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Go for the flagship Sport Nav trim we have and there are plenty of luxury features like front and rear parking sensors, a 9-speaker Bose sound system and a futuristic HUD situated above the steering wheel, which displays your speed and any sat-nav directions. Lane departure warning and high beam control are a few handy safety features thrown in as well. 

One slightly annoying thing about the sat-nav however is the fact that it doesn’t have a postcode entry function – also, if you don’t get your seating position right, it can be a little difficult to see the HUD. Due to the sporty exterior shape, head room will be limited for six footers, but leg room is very ample, with the slim front seats helping here. Mazda manages to keep the high-quality feel of the cabin in the rear as well with nice trimmings on the doors. There are also convenient, family-friendly cup holders in the fold-down arm rest. Open the hatchback and you will notice the boot’s very practical shape, unlike some that require a little contorting to fit objects in. With 364 litres of storage capacity it sits somewhere in between all of its key competitors, and if you want to boost this space then you can pay an extra £300 for the Fastback model I mentioned earlier, which offers 419 litres of space. 

Folding the seats down allows for 1,263 litres of space, but you may have to configure the front seats or take off the rear headrests before folding them down. In a nutshell, the Mazda3 is for those who want something a bit different, and also something that offers a fun Jekyll and Hyde personality – and by that I mean a car that can act as a comfortable family cruiser and also a sporty hatch you can have a bit of fun with. You will pay for this luxury however, well at least more than the Focus, but the Mazda is still cheaper than the VW Golf. But what hatch would you go for? Images by www.caricos.com

Mazda 2 Car Auto Review

Mazda 2 Car Auto Review

Mazda X Auto

Unknown 10:15:00 AM Add Comment

It doesn’t matter which member of the current Mazda family you are stood in front of, that new front-end is extremely eye-catching and is a combination of KODO body language and lightweight Skyactiv technology. This particular model is actually Mazda’s smallest offering, the Mazda2 supermini. But just because it is the smallest in the range, that doesn’t mean it skimps on fun, quality or fuel economy. And it’s a good job, because it’s up against the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo. The cabin is undeniably Mazda, with a simplified layout, large extruded touchscreen, carbon trim and stretched dashboard inlay, which in our model has an interesting honeycomb effect.

Build quality is impressive as well and everything feels well-screwed together, although some of the scratchy plastics make the VW Polo look more polished. Entry-level models are well specced though, with air-con, electric windows, USB connectivity and plenty of driver seat adjustment. But it’s the mid-range SE-L that will entice most as it has Bluetooth, cruise control, alloy wheels and, if you go for the Nav option that we have fitted, a seven-inch infotainment system with a slick rotary controller on the centre console. Coming round to the back it’s worth mentioning that five-doors do come as standard. Space wise, it’s not overly generous, but it is in line with its supermini competitors, with just enough leg and head room to keep most happy. 

The boot is a bit of a mixed bag. You do get 280 litres with the seats in place, on par with rivals, but you also get a large lip when lifting stuff in and a lip when you fold the seats down. Total storage space, again, is there abouts the same as its rivals at 950 litres. The Japanese brand’s larger engine ethos makes an appearance in the Mazda2, with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol and a turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel. The 1.5 petrol is available with either 74, 89 or 113bhp, but as the petrols are not turbocharged you will have to work the gearbox meticulously, but thankfully this five-speed manual gearbox is tremendously snappy and smooth. Go down the middle for the 89bhp petrol we have and its fairly nippy credentials - like a 0-62 sprint time of 9.4 seconds , should keep you entertained. You’ll also get around 50mpg in real world driving. The efficiency option is undoubtedly the 1.5 turbocharged diesel, emitting just 89g/km of CO2 and returning an average of around 70 to 75mpg. Similar to its siblings, the Mazda2’s ride and handling is a bit like a buffet, which is to say it has a bit of everything for everyone. Its suspension for example sits on the right side of firm, so it keeps body roll to a minimum and yet offers a comfortable ride. 

The steering is nicely weighted, although at times can lack feel, and there is loads of grip in the corners, meaning you can really tuck its nose into a bend. It doesn’t necessarily do everything perfectly, but it will suit those who are likely to vary their driving routes and automotive requirements. On the refinement front it does feel like a much bigger car, especially when you are motorway cruising, with good insulation and just well, a comfortable seating position. You do however get a bit of shake through the steering wheel when you push 70mph. On paper, the Mazda2 may not jump out as an obvious choice and it’s actually more expensive than the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo. But if you can’t choose between those usual suspects, then the Mazda2 strikes a nice balance, with its calculated offering of driving dynamics, fuel economy and build quality. So would you go for a Mazda2? 

Land Rover Discovery Sport Car Auto Review

Land Rover Discovery Sport Car Auto Review

Land Rover X Auto

Unknown 10:07:00 AM Add Comment

This is the Discovery Sport, the latest all-new model to wear the Land Rover badge. You can think of it as a Freelander replacement, but it adopts the Discovery badge which denotes it as a ‘leisure vehicle’ according to the press pack. With the Range Rover badge reserved for luxury products, it’s less glamorous than an Evoque, but Land Rover says this is a car designed for life, and to that end it’s more practical and even has seven seats as standard. That’s a trick which separates it from the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, and as we all know, Land Rover’s also have to be capable of extraordinary things off road, even if most of us count mounting a kerb as pretty extreme. So, what’s this new Landie like on and off the road, and are those rear seats worth their salt? Let’s find out. 

The new underpinnings of the Sport make it just 8cm longer than the Evoque, but a taller roofline and clever packaging means it feels much more spacious inside, particularly for rear passengers. In the front seats, the dashboard and buttons are a bit more workmanlike than that car, but still stand up well to its rivals and you certainly feel like your money has been well spent. We like the new infotainment system, which is much improved, with clearer graphics, less confusing menus and a quick response when typing or navigating options. It’s fitted as standard too, although you’ll need this SE Tech trim level or above to unlock the sat-nav. There’s an impressive level of safety kit included too, with autonomous emergency braking at speeds below 50mph and even a pedestrian airbag. As I mentioned, rear headroom shouldn’t be a problem, and if I hop out, you can see these rear seats easily slide back and forth as well as reclining. Land Rover calls this car a 5+2, because although the rear seats are well designed chairs, they aren’t really suitable for adults for anything beyond a short journey in a pinch. With 981 litres of space in five-seater mode, the Sport has plenty of luggage room, and it grows futher to 1,698 litres with the all rear seats stowed away. 

With all seven seats raised there’s only space for a few soft bags, but as they are intended for occasional use, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. So, that’s enough information, what’s it like to drive? Well, actually, it’s very good. I can still remember the car sick-inducing old 4x4’s my dad used to drive, but things have come a long way, and the smallest Discovery handles like a tall saloon car. There’s just a slight feeling of the Sport leaning into a bend, but then it takes a broad shouldered stance and feels extremely stable and planted. The steering has just the right amount of weight too. If we’re being picky, this handling ability does mean the suspension is fairly firm, and it picks out some bumps, mainly at lower speeds, but this is still a comfortable car on the whole. At the moment it’s available with just one engine, a 2.2-litre diesel with 188bhp and either the six-speed manual fitted here, or a nine-speed automatic. It’s punchy enough, but a new Ingenium 2.0-litre diesel is on its way which should be worth the wait. 

We’re expecting it to be more refined, but the main news is a boost in economy from 46mpg to almost 58mpg, with a significant cut in CO2 emissions. But, that’s only part of the story. Every Land Rover has to be great off-road, so let’s see how it gets on We put the Sport through its paces at the small but technical Land Rover Experience Halewood, just a stone’s throw from the production line where it was put together. In normal driving most power is sent to the front wheels, but torque can be shuffled to wherever it’s needed, as gut-wrenching obstacles like the toblerone and this axle twister are designed to demonstrate. It’s always amazing what a Land Rover can do off road, even on road tyres, but the fact I’d been using the same car for commuting to work and a trip to North Wales, just showed its breadth of abilities away from the organised routes of a car launch. If the Discovery Sport can’t get you where you need to go, you must lead a pretty extreme lifestyle. 

Land Rover is on a roll at the moment, and if the number of Discovery Sports spilling out of the Halewood plant is anything to go by, this model is already a hit. It is surprisingly practical for its size, has peerless off-road pedigree and judging by people’s reactions during our week with the car, it’s very desirable. For now, its thirsty engine is its weakness, but with the Ingenium diesel now available to order, we can’t wait to see if it makes the Sport a resounding class leader. Can you see yourself in a Land Rover Discovery Sport? 

Land Rover Discovery Car Auto Review

Land Rover Discovery Car Auto Review

Land Rover X Auto

Unknown 10:47:00 AM Add Comment

The Land Rover Discovery is a modern day icon, with 1.1m sales under its belt since it first went on sale in 1989. The basic shape you see behind me was introduced in 2004, but underwent significant changes in 2009 to become the Discovery 4. Now just called Discovery, this rugged seven-seat off-roader rivals models like the Audi Q7 and Jeep Grand Cherokee and costs from just over £40,000. Inside the Discovery you’ll find a real blend of luxury and utility, with premium materials and stereo systems, but some hard plastics designed to take whatever mud and abuse is thrown at them.

All the main controls have a chunky feel as they’re designed to be easy to use when wearing gloves for those jaunts to the Arctic Circle. Trim levels for the 2015 Discovery have been changed to SE, SE Tech and HSE, with the entry-level model now getting cruise control and automatic lights and wipers as standard. Also new are Land Rover’s InControl Apps offering sat-nav, media streaming and internet radio, helping bring the infotainment system up-to-date. As you may have noticed, this is hardly a small car and there’s a huge amount of space inside. 

You sit high up, with a great view over the bonnet and cameras are even available to give you a view all around the car. The rearmost seats are great for kids and can just about be used by adults, but probably not for long journeys. The Discovery tends to be bought by active families, and this 1,124-litre boot is one of the biggest business. Fold all the rear seats down and there’s around 2,000 litres of space, giving it more furniture carrying potential than some vans while it is able to tow a trailer of up to 3,500kgs. The Discovery is anything but a light car, so we’re glad its 3-litre diesel engine’s 252bhp is powerful enough to still feel brisk, even if its 8.8-second 0-60mph sprint can’t match sportier rivals like the BMW X5.

It’s helped by an excellent eight-speed automatic, smoothing progress and keeping the engine in its power band. There’s also far less body roll than you’d expect, because the Discovery’s air suspension is able to both lower and stiffen up for road driving. Off road this Land Rover lives up to its reputation, with huge ground clearance and a Terrain Response system which automatically adjusts the car to suit the conditions. This off road ability does come at a cost, with fuel economy of 35.3mpg lower than many of its more road-biased rivals, even though this Discovery does improve on its predecessor. If you want a proper 4x4 it’s hard to ignore the Discovery. Its design, seven seat practicality and off-roading abilities all make it a highly desirable model.

On the downsides, its size and weight do mean smaller and lighter rivals offer lower running costs. Still, the popularity of the Discovery shows plenty of customers are prepared to pay a bit more to get behind the wheel of Land Rover’s luxurious workhorse. But, what do you think of the Land Rover Discovery? 

Kia Sportage 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Sportage 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Motor Kia Sportage X Auto

Unknown 8:54:00 AM Add Comment

When crossover SUVs hit the mainstream, the Nissan Qashqai was the poster boy, but, alongside the Qashqai were models like this, the Kia Sportage. This crossover has been an integral part of the south Korean-manufacturers success in the UK over the last few years, along with models like the Picanto city car and Rio supermini. With a minor facelift back in 2014, the Sportage is in its third-generation, and judging by the sheer amount of them you will have seen on the road, it’s clear to see that it’s Kia’s bestseller. I just want to start by showing off the Sportage’s practicality, which is really important as some vehicles in the crossover segment tend to forget this and go for style over substance. The boot for example offers 564 litres with the seats up and 1,353 with the seats down, meaning its bigger than the Honda CR-V – it’s just a shame those seats down fold flat. Still, very practical. 

Sitting in the back feels more like a large saloon than an SUV as there is plenty of space from head to toe, particularly important if you plan on going on long distance journeys. Inside, the Sportage is pretty swarve. It may not quite have the German manufacturing edge of VW or Audi, but you’ll pay a premium for that anyway. On a whole, the materials used are good quality and the dashboard layout is very logical. Standard Sportage models come with essentials like Bluetooth and air con, as well as luxury features like cruise control and leather trimmings. The flagship KX-4 model we have has a handy 7-inch touchscreen with sat nav and a reversing camera display as well as a panoramic sunroof. There is even a parallel park assist system which analyses your surroundings and steers the car for you, which is a bit strange at first, but, it really does work. Right, enough of the robotics, let’s do some actual driving. 

Just like the Hyundai ix35 that it shares its blueprints with, the Sportage is very much built for comfort, with a supple suspension that makes everything from city to motorway driving a breeze. What it fails to offer though is high levels of engagement as the steering lacks feedback and weighting. There’s also a fair amount of body roll when you chuck it into corners and the diesel engines can be noisy. But before we get too critical, let’s not forget, the Qashqai hasn’t really got the X factor in the driving dynamics department either and in fact, apart from the likes of the Ford Kuga, crossover SUVs tend to struggle when it comes to excitement behind the wheel. Although there is an entry-level 1.6-liter petrol with 133bhp available, it is the diesel options that will most likely get people’s attention, and these come in two forms, a 1.7-litre and 2.0-liter. With power outputs including 114, 134 and 181bhp, it is pretty easy to find a diesel to suit you. It is however a bit disappointing that the most efficient engine, which is the 114bhp 1.7-litre diesel, emits 135g/km and returns a claimed average of 54mpg. 

This still remains the best overall pick in the engine range though. If you really want to spruce your Sportage up, then there is an AWD model available with the 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which is what we are testing. This will allow you to explore more of the countryside, with the ability to split power evenly between all four wheels, so you don’t slip in the mud, along with a hill descent assist feature. Word of advice though, go for the manual box, because the automatic is rather sluggish when changing in-between gears. While the Sportage might lack some driving excitement, its good levels of kit, impressive practicality and comfort definitely warrant it a place on your shopping list of crossover SUVs. It’s also cheaper than the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga, plus you get Kia’s seven-year warranty, which in itself is worth a great deal, especially if you’re a family car buyer. But has the Sportage’s tiger-nose face won you over?

Kia Soul EV 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Soul EV 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Motor Kia Soul EV X Auto

Unknown 8:45:00 AM Add Comment

Yeah!, we are on Electric Avenue, which can mean only one thing, we have got our hands on yet another electric car this time the Kia Soul EV. Unlike many of its competitors like the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3, the Soul EV is based on a conventionally powered car with the addition of a few design tweaks and, of course, a zero emissions powertrain. Exterior wise, there are some unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, additional cladding on the front bumper and, if you want to be smug about your environmental awareness, a unique two-tone Caribbean blue paint job. 

First thing you may notice is that you don’t get a conventional gearstick. Instead you get a similar set-up to an automatic, with a selector lever with Park, Drive, Neutral, Reverse and Regenerative Braking option, a feature we’ll come back to that later. You will also notice these stylish white highlights, another unique feature of the EV model and its details like this that helped the Soul EV grasp a Red Dot design award. Space and practicality all-round is pretty much as generous as the standard Soul, so if you want more details click the link here to be taken to the review. Anyway, let’s get going. Turning on the engine, or battery in this case, is as easy as pressing a button. When you do, you will hear some brief melodic music, then you are ready to go. 

As with every electric car the drive is almost silent. Also, put your foot down when stopped at the lights or going around 10/15 mph and the 109bhp on tap will thrust you forward quite vigorously, although this surge of energy eases at about 30 or 40mph. Still, the Soul EV is good for a zero to 60mph sprint time of 10.8 seconds. It will also go on to a top speed of 90mph. As the Soul EV is always trying to preserve energy, you can feel the car’s breaks pulling back and trying to regenerate energy every time you take your foot off the accelerator, kind of like a giant elastic band – and this can take some getting used to. Now, Kia claims you can get a 132 mile range out of the Soul EV, but, let’s be honest, you’re going to struggle to get that. Realistically, you should manage an average of around 90 miles in day-to-day driving – but this will fluctuate depending on traffic, the roads you use and the outside temperature. 

As the Soul EV’s 27kWh battery is slightly more powerful than the Leaf’s 24kWh battery, you should get slightly better range, but nothing worth shouting about. This brings me on to its charging. All you do is click the switch to open this little hatch on the front bumper and then plug it in. Depending on your location, will depend on which port you plug in, as there are essentially three different ways you can charge – each offering a different time scale. The simplest is to plug into a conventional household plug socket – and this will take around 11 to 14 hours to fully charge. Obviously, that is a long time, so those in a rush can use a fast charge station, which you will find in many cities and can also be installed at your home. And this will fully charge the car in around 4-5 hours. If you simply cannot wait that long, then there is the rapid charger, which you will find at motorway service stations. These can give you an 80 per cent charge in just over 30 minutes. A handy feature for those who are charging at home is this scheduling screen. So, if you know you are going to be out of the house for a day or two but don’t want your car using unnecessary electricity, you can schedule it accordingly. 

When you are pottering about in the Soul EV, there are loads of features inside for you to be aware of, most of which help when it comes to efficiency and range. These include a display with an average speed check, a cool 3D sat nav that shows you the location of your nearest charging point, and there is even a battery consumption screen, showing you how much energy you are using. There is also the regenerative breaking mode. Usually electric cars just do this automatically, but Kia give you the option to really optimise it. When you pull the gear lever down to B, you will slowly but surely roll to a stop, kind of like pulling a gradual, super-efficient handbrake. In terms of driving dynamics, there is not much difference between this and the standard Soul. In fact, as it has 278kg of additional weight low down, the Soul EV actually feels sturdier, especially in the corners. But, if you are specifically after an electric car that is fun to drive, then there’s no question, go for the BMW i3. No emissions, means no tax or London Congestion charge to pay. No petrol or diesel means all you have to worry about is a small addition to your electricity bill. And you still benefit from Kia’s acclaimed seven-year/100,000 mile warranty. However… even after the £5,000 government grant, the Soul EV is still almost twice as expensive as the standard Soul model. And there are even some charging stations, particularly the rapid chargers, that are billing people for using them up to £7.50 for a 30 minute charge in fact. But would you still consider going electric?