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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.

04/06/2014

Nissan X-Trail 1.6 dCi Tekna

This all-new X-Trail is nothing like any X-Trail you have seen in the past. It has lost its “boxy” and “utilitarian” looks and has moved into this Century. The previous models sold fairly well, around 53,000 units were sold in the UK in the past 10 years. But I am not sure those owners will take to the new one, it might be just too modern. It could be argued that the new X-Trail is not really an...

28/05/2014

Kia Soul

Kia Soul, UK Press Event, Leeds. It was back in late 2008 that we had our first encounter with the Soul. It was in Kia’s R&D centre in Russelsheim near Frankfurt where we saw it. The initial reaction from most, including Kia’s senior management, was “what on earth were they thinking of”. To say people were shocked is probably and understatement. The Soul went on to have reasonable success in...

21/05/2014

Subaru WRX STi

When the WRX arrived, it seemed like going back in time, it was saying, welcome to late 1990’s. It was around this time when Subaru were in their heyday with the Impreza WRX being the “Boy-Racer” car of choice for the Colin McRae and Richard Burns wannabes. But unfortunately for Subaru and other sports saloon manufacturers, times were getting hard and this type of vehicle dropped out of favour...

14/05/2014

Renault Grand Scenic Dynamique 1.6 dCi 130

We had a couple of meetings with Renault in Paris and a viewing of the new Twingo in Aubevoye. This region of France is about half way between Paris and Calais. It seemed more logical to make the journey by car and what better way to do the trip than in a Renault, a Grand Scenic to be more specific, perfect. Renault sent us a “13” Plate car, with a few miles on the clock, but was the facelift...

07/05/2014

Peugeot 2008 Allure 1.6 e-HDI

When we first saw the 2008, we thought it was simply a 208 Estate or Wagon, and that it would not fit into the Crossover or SUV market. But after spending a week using the car, it most certainly is not just another B Sector estate. The car we had on test was powered by the super-efficient 1560cc diesel engine that produces 92bhp that accelerates from 0-62mph in 12.8 seconds, has a top speed of...

30/04/2014

Volkswagen Polo

Global Press Launch, Bavaria The Volkswagen Polo first rolled off the production line in 1975, so it will have its 40th birthday next year. Since its launch over 14 million have been sold worldwide, with 721,000 sold last year. It is produced in seven plants around the world. Cars destined for the UK are built at Volkswagen’s factories in Pamplona, Spain and Uitenhage in South Africa. We asked...

23/04/2014

SEAT Leon SC 2.0 TSi Cupra 280 DSG

On paper this car looks like a monster, but in reality it is well behaved with good manners. The power outputs of hot hatches just seem to have gone up and up over the last few years. In years gone by anything with more than 200ps was seen as the ultimate performance car. But this new Coupe from SEAT boasts a massive 280ps, yes 280ps. When the car arrived the thoughts were it was going to be a...

16/04/2014

Jeep Cherokee

European Press Event, Bolocco, Italy I have long and lasting memories of the Jeep Cherokee, as it was back in 2007 that we drove what was then the new Cherokee in Southern Morocco, near the Algerian border. The terrain was baron, hostile and demanding. This was the desert, there was nothing but sand for hundreds of miles. We were driving the Cherokee up and down sand dunes the height of four...

09/04/2014

Skoda Yeti Outdoor 1.6TDi 105ps Elegance Greenline

The name of this car is quite a mouthful and it’s a good job it has a large rear door to fit on all the badges. Skoda now has two models in the Yeti range, the Yeti and the Yeti Outdoor and there are no plans to introduce a Yeti Indoor. These new models come at the same time as a facelift to the range. The two versions feature different design features that allow the buyer a slightly different...

02/04/2014

Vauxhall Cascada 1.6T SIDI Elite

Regional Press Event, Wigan The Cascada has been on the market for nearly 12 months now, but this was the first time we have had chance to drive one. The only previous encounter with this car was a couple of years ago at GM’s HQ in Frankfurt, when we had a full brief and presentation from the design team and engineers, and of course the sales department who sung its praises and told us just how...