Audi A3 Sportback e-tron road test report and review

AS premium class back-markers in the modern race to introduce electric models – great rivals BMW and Mercedes are already switched on – Audi will start to catch up in the New Year with the addition of this peppy plug-in hybrid version to their top-selling A3 range.

It marries the brand’s existing 150 PS 1.4 turbo petrol engine to a new 102 PS electric motor, sitting alongside it under the bonnet and energised remotely from a special high-voltage, lithium-ion battery pack in the floor under the rear bench seat. Housing that, plus the car’s normal 12v battery in that area has reduced boot volume by 100 litres, while adding 125 kg to the kerb weight, without drastically affecting the handling.

Ford Transit Courier Trend road test report and review

IN the world of vans, Ford’s Transit has reached iconic status and therefore needs little introduction, but this is a new addition to the range and it’s called the Courier.
Once upon a time, there was only one Transit van, but today Ford’s range of commercials has grown and now includes the Fiesta, Ranger, Tourneo Custom, Transit, Transit Connect, Transit Courier and Transit Custom.

Audi Q3 TDI quattro S line 140 PS S Tronic road test report and review

THE Audi Q3 has recently had its mid-life facelift and now features the latest, deeper company grille and revised signature lighting which are the most noticeable external differences from the popular original model.
The interior has also benefited from a freshen up and now has a tidier, cleaner look, with the high quality black plastics of our test car being punctuated by brushed aluminium trimmings around the air vents, door handles, and on the major control surfaces.

Peugeot 308 SW Allure BlueHDi 120 road test report and review

IF you like Peugeot’s svelte 508 SW, but find it a tad on the tardis size, then this new 308SW will virtually sell itself to you.
Peugeot have done it again with the design of this car – it looks superb. The Peugeot range, in my opinion, is among the best of any manufacturer at the moment, and if you haven’t had a close look at it recently, then it’s certainly time you did.

VW Golf Estate SE 1.6 TDI BlueMotion road test report and review

THIS estate version of the latest Mk VII Golf, handy for Christmas shopping, is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor and its changed profile gives it a slightly sportier look while its practical virtues remain.

The boot, expandable to 1,620 litres, is 125 litres bigger than before and larger than average for a class which includes the Focus and Astra. The variable floor can be set at two levels above a basement – itself giving extra storage around the skinny spare wheel as well as a space for the canvas luggage cover when it’s not in use.