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Martin Ward

Position: Manufacturer Relationship Manager

Number: 07740 157 580

A popular figure in the automotive industry, celebrated in the Business Car Power list Top 10. An unrivalled understanding of the entire automotive manufacturing process. Providing independent and tailored advice to help automotive and related businesses identify and achieve their goals.

21/08/2014

Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVTi X-Clusiv 5 door

The difference between the old Aygo and new is as different as “chalk and cheese” – the previous model was good, is still good, and sought after as a used car. But the all-new car is light years ahead and a totally different proposition. The car we had on test was the special edition X-Clusiv. The first thought on the name was “kids will never learn how to spell correctly if manufacturers keep...

14/08/2014

Volkswagen e-Golf

There’s not really a lot that can be said about a pure electric car that has not been said before. They are all quick, quiet, have a limited range per charge, and are regarded by most as expensive, even with the UK Government EV grant taken into account. Does the e-Golf break the EV mould and offer more than what is currently available? The e-Golf is powered by a compact AC electric motor which...

06/08/2014

Audi S1 Sportback

Martin Ward's review of the new Audi S1 Sportback: 'high power, great quality, big fun'

28/07/2014

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Global Press Event, Scotland We went to Scotland to drive the new and improved 2015 model year Speed, and having driven the previous model quite extensively in Germany a couple of years ago, it was hard to believe that Bentley could actually improve it. We left Cameron House on the edge of Loch Lomond to drive the 105 miles to Cambeltown. On this journey we took in some of the most beautiful...

23/07/2014

Volkswagen Scirocco, plus the first view of the Jeep Renegade

Volkswagen Scirocco, European Press Event, Frankfurt. Plus – The first view of Jeep Renegade. The UK is the largest market in Europe for the Scirocco, and in global terms it is second behind the largest market, which believe it or not, is China. Between September 2008 and the end of May 2014, 36,940 Scirocco models were sold here in the UK. The original Scirocco was launched 40 years ago, and...

16/07/2014

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Now this car really is a conundrum, and it’s hard to know where to start with it. It is very confusing, brilliant and yet slightly disappointing at the same time. This V60 is powered by Volvo’s D6 powertrain, which consists of the 2.4 litre 5 cylinder 215hp diesel engine from their D5 models, coupled to a 50kwh/70hp electric motor. The engine powers the front wheels, and the electric motor powers...

10/07/2014

Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat - World Premiere, Potsdam, Germany. Volkswagen chose their own design centre at Potsdam near Berlin to show the world for the first time their all-new Passat. Quite an event it was too, with most countries being represented with a handful of selectively invited guests. It was a warm and sunny evening, alongside the lake, in the heart of Volkswagen’s design centre. During the...

03/07/2014

Citroen C4 Cactus

When we first saw the Cactus, a few months ago, it was one of those “what on earth” moments after the cover was pulled off it. What is Citroen thinking about? was the thought in most people’s minds. Even the UK representatives from Citroen shook their heads in disbelief. Once the dust had settled and we had chance to walk around it, looking at it from every angle, walking round it again and again...

25/06/2014

Vauxhall Viva

UK Press Event, Luton This was the first time I have ever driven a Viva HA, I have been around a bit, but never had the chance before to drive this classic Vauxhall. The Viva is equivalent to today’s Astra; although shorter in length it does not lose much interior space. The first Vivas were built at the new Ellesmere Port plant which came on stream in 1963, with the Viva being the first car to...

18/06/2014

Infiniti Q50 2.2CDi Premium (Multimedia)

“What’s that, who makes it, where is it made, how much is it?” If anyone else askes me these questions, I promise I will scream. It happened nearly everywhere, outside home, parked in town, at the supermarket or at a school meeting. I was first to arrive at the school meeting and parked the Q50 in the school car park, and every other person who came into the meeting asked the same question, all...