Car Reviews

2019 Aston Martin DB11 AMR

When the Aston Martin DB11 debuted in late 2016, it marked the first all-new DB Aston since the DB9 of 2003. But even Aston insiders admit it wasn’t entirely perfect, so the more powerful DB11 AMR – standing for Aston Martin Racing – doesn’t just sit above the standard V12 DB11, it replaces it entirely. A price of £174,995 represents a £10k increase over the outgoing DB11.

Ben Barry

August 9, 2019

2019 Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Review

The Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is the most powerful Velar model yet, and by a long shot too at 542bhp. In the UK, the next step down the petrol ladder has half the cylinders and well over 200bhp less. With all its V8 firepower, the two-tonne-plus Velar can run from 0-62mph in barely any more time than it takes to say its unbelievably long name, at just 4.5 seconds, and hit 170mph.

Ben Barry

August 6, 2019

2019 Hyundai i30 Fastback N Review

The Hyundai i30N hot hatch proved there’s more to the Korean company than small shopping cars with long warranties. From a standing start, the frisky little i30N made the Golf GTI seem a softie and gave both the hardcore Civic Type R and Megane RS a proper fright. Now there’s a slightly more grown-up version: the i30 Fastback N. It takes the same basic recipe as the impressive hatch, but adds a coupe-like roofline, complete with full-length tailgate that hinges above the rear screen. The longer body is topped off with an attractive ducktail rear spoiler.

Ben Barry

August 6, 2019

2019 BMW 330i Review

Few cars define their class quite like the BMW 3-series defines the mid-size executive segment with its combination of dynamics, desirability, relative affordability and practicality. BMW hopes to maintain the status quo with this seventh-generation model, while introducing some big changes. We’re testing it here in 330i M Sport trim, complete with rear-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Ben Barry

August 6, 2019

2019 Audi S7 Review

Diesel might be in the doldrums, but if anything can give the fuel a much-needed boost it’s this new Audi S7, which swaps its predecessor’s petrol V8 for a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6. It’ll cost around £68,000, though that’s still to be confirmed. Given diesel’s negative press, and because this new car’s power is actually 100bhp down on the old one’s at 344bhp, you might ask what on earth Audi’s playing at. Many customers surely will. But the new model gets a tonne more torque at 516lb ft (up 110lb ft), better fuel economy of 43.5mpg under tougher new standards and CO2 emissions that fall to 170g/km./ It is a gamble from Audi, but after a day’s driving we’re convinced a diesel S7 does actually stack up as highly usable high-performance saloon..

Ben Barry

August 6, 2019

2019 Peugeot 508 GT Review

It hasn’t been easy for French carmakers to lure buyers away from premium German saloons. Renault, Peugeot and Citroen have all tried and largely failed over the years, but now Peugeot is making a bold attempt with the new and extremely French 508. It’s Peugeot’s only saloon in a line-up otherwise chock full of hatchbacks and SUVs.

Ben Barry

August 5, 2019