Author: Robin Roberts

When one of the world’s biggest vehicle makers launches a model you usually have to sit up and take notice, however, the Ford Ranger Raptor demands attention. Based on a conventional pickup which is one of America’s best selling vehicles, the Ranger Raptor SE has been given a performance make-over to cope with both European roads and a more demanding driving styles than encountered on the plains of the mid-West. As such it’s a compromise and in reality a unique vehicle at that which is too small to qualify as a CV for tax purposes and does not look anything…

Thousands of foreign “ghost drivers” are haunting UK roads, and it’s perfectly legal, writes Robin Roberts. They can even be driving with penalty points or be disqualified and no-one in the UK knows. Highlighting a strange loophole in the law, Claims Management & Adjusting is calling for all UK residents to keep the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency informed of their current address. A GB licence holder must immediately notify the DVLA of any change of address, this is stipulated at section 99(4) of the The Road Traffic Act 1988. Yet, under Section 99A(3), EU driving licence holders can drive…

Kia has built its reputation in the UK with its family-friendly SUVs so it was probably only a matter of time before introducing its compact SUV. Based on the Rio hatchback, the new Stonic has a longer body and stands slightly higher on the road with added ground clearance over the supermini stablemate. The Kia Stonic comes in eight versions: two engines and four trim grades –‘2’, ‘GT-Line’, ‘Connect’ and ‘GT-Line S’. The ‘2’ grade is offered with the 1.0-litre T-GDi engine developing 99bhp and six-speed manual transmission, which we tested or a dual-clutch automatic unit. Other versions get the new…

New car sales are still crumbling under the weight of supply shortages, rising costs and concerned buyers facing higher costs of living. UK new car registrations fell by -15.8% to 119,167 units in April, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. In Wales, new car sales slipped by 12.64%, the least on the UK mainland in April and some 4,190 new cars were registered compared to 4,796 a year earlier. Despite showrooms being open for the entire month, unlike the previous year which saw lockdown restrictions in place until 12 April, global supply chain shortages, of which semiconductors…

Launched in 2014, the Lexus NX range brought a new player into the compact luxury crossover sector and it made significant inroads before being replaced in 2021, but it’s still based on the latest Toyota RAV4 platform with refinements to the suspension. And that’s no bad thing. The second generation introduces the first PHEV version of the Lexus NX range with a 53bhp electric motor for the 252bhp four-cylinder petrol engine and gives the car all-wheel-drive ability with traction spread shifting as detected and needed. It takes 2.5hrs on a 230v/32A charger to rear 80%, the battery range is 43…

Family and business motoring is often a compromise between what you want and what you get, but that’s not the case in the shape of the Toyota Proace Verso. The people carrying version of the Proace van is extremely versatile with seating for up to nine based on three trim levels, medium or long body lengths and various layouts all given good specifications for each role. Our Family version accommodated eight in its shorter medium body style with twin-sliding side doors and full-width high opening fifth door. Prices rise from £40,765 to £54,240 for the seven models which share 180…

Day’s of Neath is the first Welsh retailer for the upcoming Ineos Grenadier models. The first 24 dealers UK wide have been appointed but the disruptive newcomer is planning another 10 around the country with the first getting models within two months, ready for the September plate change and autumn/ winter selling period. Prices and specifications will be released very soon. The Grenadier was conceived after it was announced that Land Rover would be ending sales of its Defender series – it has since introdued a new model – and there had been conerns about the rural community being neglected…

When you cut off the top of an Easter egg, you still have chocolate and it’s the same with the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. The basic egg is good enough but if you’re lucky there will be some more treats inside as we found with the incredibly satisfying 650bhp 6.0 litre 12-cylinder twin-turbo petrol model just tested. As befits a car of this upper class, the comprehensive standard specification was crowned on the test car with carbon ceramic brakes, styling enhancements, Naim sound system, touring specification and rotating display among other extras. The Continental GT Speed Convertible’s standard Mulliner…

Kia has sharpened its attack on the business sector and introduced a Plug In Hybrid Electrified addition to its Sportage family-friendly range launched just a few months ago. Some models will qualify for a very low 8% for the current tax year and lower than most rivals which come with a 12% penalty and total cost of ownership will be lower than other Sportage electrified models. The introduction of the latest Kia Sportage PHEV means it now sells ten electrified models in the UK which account for almost one-in-three registrations in dealerships with nine different powertrain choices for buyers. In…

In the automotive sector there are rarely surprises, except with the SsangYong Rexton. The Korean company has been making 4×4 models for over 65 years, a little less than Land Rover but it has evolved just like its better-known UK rival. Today’s Rexton is the fourth generation since being introduced in 2001 and it retains the rugged reputation it has earned among those who really need a genuine serious off-roader and added a lot more refinement and value. It is about the same size as a Range Rover but half the price and it has won Best Value 4×4 awards…