The all-new Sportback is slightly longer, wider and taller than the current car, and its wheelbase has increased by 58mm (around two and a half inches), which doesn't sound much, but it does make quite a difference to the car’s interior space.
First Driving Impressions – Dacia Sandero/Sandero Stepway, European Press Launch, Malaga
If Victor Meldrew was to be told about the Sandero, he would surely use his famous catchphrase. The price of this car starts from £5,995, which is similar to what a Ford Fiesta 1.0 litre Popular 5 door was priced at in 1989. It’s incredible, but true. So, just how bad is this bargain basement, cheap Romanian-built Supermini?
First Driving Impressions – Jaguar XF Sportbrake, International Press Launch, Edinburgh
A strange name to choose for a very British car: Sportbrake. I’ve heard of a tea, coffee or lunch break, but Sportbrake? I know they’re spelt differently and Jaguar marketers have tried to combine sportiness with the old Shooting Brake, but I’m not sure it works. Jaguar should maybe have stuck to their heritage and simply called it an Estate, and not tried to get too clever with it. However, for some countries – where the XF sells well – the name really is immaterial.
First Driving Impressions – Mazda6
The latest Mazda6 model is all-new right from the chassis up and includes new technology. The original design of the concept car – called the Shinari – was brilliant and much of it was promised in the new Mazda6, however, like all concepts the real thing is always a watered down version and some of the interesting and exciting features tend to disappear. That said, the new Mazda6 is a huge improvement on the current model in terms of styling, quality and technology.
First Driving Impressions – Kia Sorento, European Press Event, Barcelona
Kia are generally having a good time around the world at the moment, with sales progressing handsomely in the upward direction. So far this year, the Korean brand has sold over 33,000 cars in the UK and are on track to sell around 65,000 this year. Compare that to the number sold in 2008 – which was a total of 33,000 units – and the improvement over the last four years is blatant. In Europe, Kia sold 290,000 units last year and expect to top 345,000 this year. The company has a goal to reach over 500,000 units by 2016.
Test Car – Skoda Superb 2.0 litre TDI Elegance
We recently had a 2009 59 plate Skoda Superb that came from Volkswagen Financial Services and had been out on lease with a customer for the last three years. It was delivered to us, immediately after it had been collected from the previous driver, and he or she had obviously treated it so well; it was immaculate throughout.
First Driving Impressions – Bentley Continental GT Speed, International Press Launch, Bavaria
The Continental GT Speed is a tale of two cars: it’s just as happy going at 5mph around town, as it is at high speed on the Autobahn. It’s a highly luxurious car that hides some monstrous abilities. Light the touch paper and stand well back!
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