9 March 2020
Martin Gurdon checks out the latest Ford Transit Custom. Now built in Turkey, the current version remains Britain’s best selling light van by a county mile. We drove the long wheelbase Custom Limited 300L2 H1. Outside there’s a raft of detail styling revisions. Interior quality has also been improved, the dash has been re-designed, and the blizzard of buttons has gone. There’s a large touch screen. The Limited gets 16 inch allows, a passenger airbag, folding mirrors, quick clear screen and air conditioning. There are front and rear parking sensors but no reversing camera. The latest Transit Custom is a carefully calibrated piece of industrial design that has upgraded, possessing refreshed showroom appeal. Price: £30,465.83.
16 January 2020
A mild makeover and mild hybrid technology are both features of the latest Volvo XC90. We drove the Volvo XC90 B5 diesel AWD R-Design, which accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.6sec, delivering 137mph top speed with 37.1-44.1mpg and 154g/km CO2. Price is £56,585. Outside, the XC90 has had visual tweaks to bumpers and grille. Its spec list is more generous, and it sports a revised eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid technology incorporates a 48-volt battery, a starter cum generator and a kinetic energy recovery system that works when the car is braking or on the overrun. The battery, which lies under the boot floor, can be used to aid acceleration, start the car or power ancillaries. As a result the engine works less hard so the car is, model for model, cleaner and more fuel efficient than before and it accelerates well. The steering is accurate, the ride firm with good dynamics. It is also quiet and refined.
15 January 2020
The latest VW Golf looks familiar, but has new features including a digital dash, touch screen controls and voice actuation systems. Even the basic version gets lane keeping and lane assist and other automatic braking and anti-collision warning systems, including pedestrian monitoring. There will be plug in hybrid, 1.0 petrol and 2.0 diesel versions, but initially buyers can choose between a mix of petrol and diesel 1.5s, with six-speed manual and seven-speed twin clutch self-shifting transmissions. These include a mild hybrid petrol 150PS version -a first for the model- which we drove. Priced around £28,000, it goes from 0-62mph in 8.1sec with 138mph top speed 44mpg, delivering (WLPT combined) 108g/km CO2. It was quiet, refined and pulled well. The handling was tidy and taut and it rode with a commendable softness not always found in German cars. The latest Golf is good-looking, accomplished, generally nice to use and has many clever, thoughtful features, but some of them could be simpler to access.
1 November 2019
MG’s electric ZS is an important launch for dealers. The company builds its own lithium-ion batteries, which are water-cooled. MG claims an average range of 163 miles, or 231 miles around town, an 87mph top speed and 8.5sec 0-60. There’s a trio of driving mode settings and a three phase energy recovery button which controls the amount of power fed back into the battery when the car slows down. MG estimates that 100% top up takes six and a half hours. It should be 80 per cent juiced up using a fast charger after forty minutes. The entry level ZS Excite now retails for £24,995, the range topping Exclusive two grand more. Both have seven year warranties.
8 October 2019
Ford has always been good at producing entertaining mainstream cars and the ST fits that template. We drove the 2.3 litre turbocharged petrol, a powerful 155 mph front-drive car that will get to 62mph in under six seconds. Ford claims 35mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 179g/km for the car. The Focus ST is practical, capable and offers accessible fun. Price is £29,495.
9 August 2019
Martin Gurdon checks out the Mazda 3, which is initially being offered in five-door hatch guise. A four-door with a substantially re-worked body will arrive later. Currently there are five trim levels and 1.8 diesels and 2.0 petrol engines. The 2.0 petrol GT Sport tested here is handsome but looks a bit squat from behind. The low slung interior’s fixtures and fittings have a classy minimalism, something that extends to the instruments and minor controls. The 122ps engine we drove was coupled with a mild hybrid drive system, essentially a battery with a flywheel doubling as an electric motor, that made the stop/start function particularly smooth. The driving position is excellent, the steering nicely accurate and communicative and the ride is firm but not bouncy or harsh. The Mazda 3 sells into a sector crowded and it’s not the cheapest car in its class. Mazda expect most buyers will be private. It’s a quality product that’s well equipped, nicely made and endowed with a spark of personality that makes it more interesting than some of its competitors.
3 July 2019
The Suzuki Jimny is rugged 4x4 with a separate ladder frame chassis, coil spring rigid axles and selectable four wheel drive with high and low ratio transmission. The car’s considerable off road talents result in basic on road manners. The interior is made with tough materials, and the car’s exposed hinges and visible spot welds are part of its aesthetic appeal. The rear seats are best for children. The boot when they’re up is tiny, but fold them down and you ‘d have room for a sheep or two. Our near £18 grand SZ5 Allgrip is a unique utility vehicle that can leave most soft roaders for dead on the rough, which means on tarmac this uncompromising little car is less cute than it looks.
5 June 2019
Martin Gurdon gives his take on the new Toyota Corolla, the world’s best-selling car. There is no diesel and the car is powered by 1.2 turbo, and hybrid 1.8 and 2.0 power plants. We drove a 2.0 litre Hybrid Touring Sports estate, which has a little less boot space than the 1.8, thanks to encroaching batteries. Driven gently, the car near silent as it slips between electric and petrol power using a CVT transmission. The Toyota returned less than 50mpg, and has tailpipe emissions of 89g/km of CO2. Price is £29,000.
2 April 2019
The hybrid version of Honda’s latest CR-V has a petrol 2.0 engine and a pair of electric motors. One acts as a generator, the other provides additional drive. We drove an all-wheel-drive CR-V in range topping EX guise, featuring a large glass sunroof and heated rear seats. Honda claims a combined 51.4mpg. As yet there aren’t that many hybrid sports utilities, so the CR-V is one of the first hybrid, sports utility vehicles. It’s a capable, well-realised and most of the time a notably relaxing place in which to travel.
21 February 2019
Volkswagen was one of the first car makers to work out that well heeled customers might buy fast-back, five-door cars with coupe profiles, tapping into the market with its Passat-based CC. This car has been replaced the Arteon, a hatchback, six light design, this uses current Passat underpinnings and is now VW’s flagship. Its broad, hatchback body is stylish, with a distinctive front lamp cluster. Here Martin Gurdon drives an Arteon R-Line 150PS four cylinder diesel. His verdict? This car is capable, likeable and possesses a subtle classiness.
18 December 2018
Martin Gurdon checks out the SsangYong Rexton. The old Rexton offered space, heft and value to make up for lorry like dynamics. The new one retains its predecessor’s strengths but has much improved dynamics and a huge interior with big, comfortable seats. Fold away the second and optional third row and the rather high luggage deck provides just under 1,980 litres of space. With a 2.2 four-cylinder Euro 6 diesel mated to a seven-speed, self-shifting transmissions the Rexton pulls well and there is the option of two wheel drive and high and low all-wheel-drive settings.
17 October 2018
Martin Gurdon checks out the latest Ford Focus, one of the most important cars being launched this year. It’s stronger, and more spacious and efficient than before. This is a refined car with excellent seats, a good driving position and easy, pared down controls. It is the first Ford offered with a heads-up instrument display. An option is the FordPass Connect embedded modem, which allows heating and starting to be controlled remotely and tyre pressures to be checked on a smart phone. Free for two years it’s subject to a subscription charge after that.
10 August 2018
Motor Trader's Martin Gurdon checks out the Shogun Sport, which features a separate chassis, centre diff, log travel suspension and comprehensive suite of off -road driving modes. It’s got decent axle articulation and ground clearance Land-Cruiser-beating 3.1tonne towing capacity. There’s only one engine, a 2.4 diesel four cylinder, which pulls well.
23 July 2018
Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon reviews the mid-sized Grandland X SUV, which slots in above the Mokka. The Grandland is a clever re-skin of Peugeot’s 3008. Built in France in a deal that pre-dates Peugeot’s Vauxhall takeover. It’s true this SUV is late to the party, offers little or distinctive and is not particularly cheap. But it is however a good looking, carefully calibrated, mainstream product designed to give people what they want. On that basis Vauxhall dealers could be on to a winner.
26 June 2018
Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon checks out the Volvo XC40 T5 First Edition, a high-spec, sub-£40,000 SUV, which offers all-wheel drive and a pliant ride. It grips and handles well, has light and accurate steering and there is a complete lack of wind noise. The interior is decently spacious and well made. This is a capable, comprehensively specified modern SUV, targeting a healthy market segment for dealers.
11 June 2018
Martin Gurdon road tests the much improved, second-generation Nissan Leaf, which drives like a very quiet automatic car, rides comfortably, steers accurately and is pleasant to use. For city driving few cars are more relaxed.
11 April 2018
Martin Gurdon reviews the seven-seater Tiguan Allspace, which comes with a longer wheelbase, stretched rear doors and its own bumper, bonnet, grill, roof and C pillar treatment. The car tested came with four traction settings and kit included three zone air conditioning, driver fatigue warning, distance monitoring, pedestrian recognition, city braking and up-to-the-mark connectivity. It retails at £33,000. The car's good to drive, huge inside, well equipped and well made. VW expects 15% of total Tiguan sales to come from the Allspace.
2 February 2018
Martin Gurdon reviews the Renault Alpine A110, which will be sold by Renault Retail in Acton, Orpington, Solihull and Manchester. Arnold Clark Glasgow, Martin's Winchester and Glyn Hopkin will also sell the car from Q2
2 January 2018
Martin Gurdon road tests the McLaren 570S Spider, which is powered by a 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 delivering power to the rear wheels through a seven speed double-clutch transmission.
15 November 2017
Citroen has replaced the C3 Picasso mini MPV with the compact C3 Aircross SUV. Martin Gurdon sees what this latest crossover has to offer
19 October 2017
Peugeot's latest generation 3008 medium-sized SUV is put through its paces by Motor Trader's Martin Gurdon
25 September 2017
The latest version of Seat’s Ibiza will give dealers a renewed opportunity to compete against mainstream contenders in the competitive city car segment.
30 August 2017
Kia's UK dealers started selling the Optima PHEV at the end of 2016 as the brand's flagship petrol-electric hybrid model. Motor Trader has been testing the executive saloon for six months to see how this plug-in hybrid performs out of the showroom and on the road.
11 July 2017
Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon test drives Ford’s latest generation Ka city car. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, the model on test retails in showrooms at £10,545.
24 May 2017
Suzuki’s all-new Ignis city car plays to the brand’s strength of delivering high quality and reasonably priced small cars. Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon test drove the 1.2-litre four cylinder petrol SZT model priced at £12,214.
21 April 2017
The Kia Rio has long been a mainstay for the UK dealer force, so a new one is big news. It has come on a long way since it first appeared as a semi estate with a bargain basement price tag. The latest, fourth generation Rio is a pleasant looking car with profile slightly akin to the latest Renault Megane and Mercedes A Class. The car is well made although there are quite a lot of hard plastics used inside. It’s a modern, comfortable interior with good space for four. Engines range from new 1.0 turbo petrols, 1.24 and 1.4 petrols and 1.4 litre diesels. We drove an Eco 3 diesel with a six speed manual gearbox. The car handled tidily, pulled well and was refined on motorways. Minor roads revealed an unyielding ride. The Rio has an excellent spec and an an industry leading seven year warranty, but model for model it’s no longer cheap and is now directly competing against superminis like the Fiesta and Polo, which is likely to make it a tougher sell. FACT FILE Kia Rio CRDi 3 Eco Price, £17,235 CO2, 98g/km 74.3mpg combined 11.6 sec 0-60
31 March 2017
The well-regarded Mazda3 has entered UK showrooms having been facelifted, although most of the changes are under the skin as Motor Trader's Martin Gurdon discover.
23 February 2017
Jaguar has come late to the SUV party, the fastest growing part of the premium car market, making the F-Pace one of the most eagerly awaited new cars for both customers and dealers. Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson assesses the merits of the R-Sport 2.0-litre diesel 180PS model on and off road. http://www.motortrader.com/tv/jaguar-f-pace-r-sport-2-0d-review-23-02-2017
15 February 2017
Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon test drove the Honda C-RV. Now in its fifth-generation it was given a mild makeover in 2015 with some styling changes inside and out and some under-the-skin spec changes. These include the arrival of smooth 9 speed automatics. A 2 litre petrol is offered but most buyers will opt for the 1.6 turbo diesel. “We drove a 160PS version which had decent low speed torque and was commendably refined and relaxed on motorways. Economy wise, think early 40mpg, some way short of the 55mpg combined officially claimed.” Gurdon was impressed by the build and quality ride. “The handling is poised rather than exciting, although the steering is nice and the ride pliant. “The C-RV is well screwed together and its interior is spacious and flexible, with room for five and their gear. The ergonomics and idiot proof and unlike some testers we found the touch screen entirely user friendly.” The C-RV has up-to-the-minute safety kit including cruise control that monitors other vehicles. “Honda has been a little on the back foot in recent years, but this nice, well engineered car continues to find a ready market,” said Gurdon Engine: 1.6 turbo diesel Top speed: 118MPH Fuel consumption: 55.4 combined Emissions: 139G/KM Price: £26,120
5 January 2017
Volvo has gone back to its roots with the V90, its all-new flagship estate car. We drove the 235PS Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse AWD Inscription, which proved willing, free revving and had plenty of urge. Definitely for buyers who don’t want a hulking 4x4 or German premium estate.
11 November 2016
Nissan’s fledgling Infiniti premium brand is gradually finding its feet image-wise and the Q30 is a good example of why. Aimed squarely at the hatchback market exemplified by the BMW 1 Series and A-Class Mercedes, the Sunderland-built Q30, which is actually based on the A-Class’s sub structure is more European-friendly than some of Infiniti’s older offerings. http://bit.ly/2gQ89oE
17 October 2016
Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon test drives Audi’s all-new Q7 E-Tron plug-in. The car was added to the Audi line-up in May priced from £65,000. A spacious five-seat premium SUV, the E-Tron has a plug-in range of 34 miles and a claimed combined range of 156mpg.
12 September 2016
The Lexus 450h is a petrol/electric hybrid built with four mode air suspension and four-wheel-drive. Full review at http://www.motortrader.com/tv/lexus-rx45h-video-review-2-12-09-2016
1 September 2016
Honda’s all-new HR-V puts the carmaker back into the heart of the crossover sector with a model which is similar in size to the Nissan Juke but has the interior space of the bigger Qashqai. Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson test drives the latest addition to the Honda line-up. http://bit.ly/2bJPFlV
16 August 2016
Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon tests the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo, powered by a 89bhp 1.2 TSi petrol engine. The Monte Carlo is notionally the most ‘sporting’ Fabia you can buy, as Skoda has given up offering genuinely quick vRS versions of the car. Once again it seems very solid, something that extends to the interior. The five-speed gearbox is positive, the brakes very good indeed, the steering quick and communicative. The ride is a bit jiggly on poor surfaces, but otherwise fine. This unit was mostly quiet and refined – almost inaudible when idling- and employed a stop/start system that was fast an unobtrusive. This Fabia is modern, capable and engaging, but there’ still an essential honesty about it that people who like Skodas appreciate. http://bit.ly/2gMQjTs Martin Gurdon [author image="http://www.motortrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Martin_Gurdon_77X70.jpg"]Martin Gurdon is a freelance journalist who has been contributing to Motor Trader for more than 20 years[/author]
4 August 2016
Motor Trader’s Martin Gurdon test drives the latest Volkswagen Touran. The new mini-MPV boasts more room inside than is a true seven-seater. Our test features the petrol-engines 1.2-litre TSI model with an engine output of 110 PS and price tag of £23,000. http://www.motortrader.com/category/tv
6 May 2016
Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson test drives Hyundai’s all-new Tuscon compact SUV. http://www.motortrader.com/ Launched in 2015, the model saw Hyundai jettison the clumsy ix35 name to revive the more customer friendly Tucson badge last seen on a Hyundai SUV back in 2009. Motor Trader has been testing the best-selling two wheel drive SE Nav 1.7 CRDi model for three months to see how the brand’s latest model compares with the fast grow competition. Camera and production: David Berman and Chris Dicks Copyright: Metropolis Multimedia unauthorised usage not allowed.
22 March 2016
Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson test drives the magazine’s long term Ford Mondeo to see if it’s 1.0-litre 125PS Ecoboost petrol engine delivers on super frugal promise. Camera and production: David Berman and Chris Dicks Copyright: Metropolis Multimedia unauthorised usage not allowed.
10 March 2016
Martin Gurdon tries the SsangYong Korando 2.2 diesel.
15 January 2016
22 September 2015
Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson’s flying lap of the Circuito de Navarra in the new generation Jaguar XF. http://www.motortrader.com/ production: David Berman Metropolis Multimedia unauthorised usage not allowed.
6 August 2015
Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson reports on the magazine’s long term SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE SE Technology 2.0 TDI 150PS. http://www.motortrader.com/ http://www.seat.co.uk/ Camera and production: David Berman Copyright: Metropolis Multimedia unauthorised usage not allowed.
3 January 2015
From http://www.thegrumpyolddrivers.co.uk
10 December 2014
Read about it at http://www.thegrumpyolddrivers.co.uk
10 December 2014
Read about it at http://www.therumpyolddrivers.co.uk
7 October 2014
http://thegrumpyolddrivers.co.uk
6 June 2014
Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson takes the magazine's long term Mazda3 test car to Rivervale Cars in Brighton to see what the new model means to Mazda dealers in the UK. Camera and production: David Berman. Copyright: Metropolis Multimedia unauthorised usage not allowed.
6 June 2014
Motor Trader test drives the third generation Mazda3 to see how it rates as an alternative to the Peugeot 308, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. Camera and production: David Berman. Copyright: Metropolis Multimedia unauthorised usage not allowed.
4 March 2014
Martin Gurdon tries the revised small Lexus 'executive' hatchback.
19 February 2014
Martin Gurdon drives the Dacia Logan MCV Access, at £6,995 Britain's cheapest new estate, for Motor Trader magazine.
10 February 2014
Martin Gurdon looks at Citroen's intriguing C4 Cactus, revealed in Paris and due to reach UK showrooms this October.
24 January 2014
Martin Gurdon drives the Seat Leon ST estate
11 March 2013
Curtis Hutchinson, Editor of Motor Trader magazine drives the VW Up. Camera and production: David Berman. Copyright: Metropolis Multimedia unauthorised usage not allowed.
[Transit Custom | Motor Trader Magazine
9 March 2020
Volvo XC90 Review | Motor Trader Magazine
16 January 2020
Volkswagen Golf Review I Motor Trader Magazine
15 January 2020
MG ZS Review | Motor Trader Magazine
1 November 2019
[Ford Focus ST] | Motor Trader Magazine
8 October 2019
Mazda 3 GT Sport | Motor Trader Magazine
9 August 2019
Suzuki Jimny SZ5 Allgrip | Motor Trader Magazine
3 July 2019
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Touring Estate | Motor Trader Magazine
5 June 2019
[Honda CR-V 2.0 Hybrid EX AWD] | Motor Trader Magazine
2 April 2019
Volkswagen Arteon Review | Motor Trader Magazine
21 February 2019
SsangYong Rexton Review | Motor Trader Magazine
18 December 2018
Ford Focus Review | Motor Trader Magazine
17 October 2018
Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Review Motor Trader Magazine
10 August 2018
Vauxhall Grandland X Review Motor Trader Magazine
23 July 2018
Volvo XC40 T5 First Edition
26 June 2018
Nissan Leaf | Motor Trader Magazine
11 June 2018
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Review
11 April 2018
Renault Alpine A110 Video Review
2 February 2018
McLaren 570S Spider Video Review
2 January 2018
Citroen C3 Aircross (2017) Video Review
15 November 2017
Peugeot 3008 (2017) video review
19 October 2017
Seat Ibiza (2017) SE review
25 September 2017
Kia Optima PHEV (2016) review
30 August 2017
Ford Ka+ Zetec video review
11 July 2017
Suzuki Ignis (2017) video review
24 May 2017
Kia Rio CRDi 3 Eco video review
21 April 2017
Mazda 3 (2016) review
31 March 2017
Jaguar F-Pace R-Sport 2.0d review
23 February 2017
Honda C-RV Review | Motor Trader Magazine
15 February 2017
Volvo V90 D5 Review | Motor Trader Magazine
5 January 2017
Infiniti Q30 Premium Tech video review
11 November 2016
Audi Q7 E-Tron video review
17 October 2016
Lexus RX450h Video Review
12 September 2016
Honda HR-V (2016) review
1 September 2016
Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo video review
16 August 2016
Volkswagen Touran video review
4 August 2016
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi SE Nav video review. Motor Trader
6 May 2016
2016 Ford Mondeo Zetec 1.0 Ecoboost - Motor Trader review. Metropolis Multimedia.
22 March 2016
SsangYong Korando test
10 March 2016
BMW 2 Series convertible test. The Grumpy Old Drivers
15 January 2016
Jaguar XF tested by Motor Trader at Circuito de Navarra
22 September 2015
SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE 2015 Motor Trader Magazine review. Metropolis Multimedia.
6 August 2015
Toyota Aygo GrumpyOldDrivers test
3 January 2015
Grumpy TT video
10 December 2014
Grumpy Fiat Panda Cross drive
10 December 2014
Volkswagen Touareg facelift test
7 October 2014
Motor Trader. Mazda3 review: the dealer's perspective. Metropolis Multimedia.
6 June 2014
Mazda3 road test 2014 – Motor Trader. Metropolis Multimedia
6 June 2014
Lexus CT200h facelift test
4 March 2014
Dacia Logan MCV test
19 February 2014
Citroen C4 Cactus launch. Paris.
10 February 2014
Seat Leon ST road test
24 January 2014
Motor Trader magazine drive the VW Up. Metropolis Multimedia.
11 March 2013