Tests
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ROAD TEST: MAZDA CX-7 DIESEL When Mazda launched its stylish new crossover here in the UK in 2007, it proved a welcome addition to the market, combining four-wheel drive practicality with a handsome and curvaceous bodyshell guaranteed to appeal to younger family buyers of the time. But there was just one problem: its engine..... Issue: Sep 2010 |
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BUYING USED: JEEP WRANGLER While the Jeep Wrangler feels – and looks – as though it’s been around since Noah was a lad, it wasn’t until 1993 that official British imports of the ‘YJ’ model (on sale in the USA since 1987) finally got under way, all part of Chrysler’s determination to see its famous 4x4 brand succeeding in the UK’s booming market. And while most of Chrysler’s emphasis was on its Cherokee and Grand Cherokee top-sellers, it felt there was also a niche for its no-frills off-roader. .... Issue: Sep 2010 |
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BUYING USED: LAND ROVER FREELANDER The launch of the original Freelander at the end of 1997 marked a major turning point for Land Rover, this being the company’s first compact SUV. And it was a worthy effort, combining all that was great about the British brand but in a bodyshell not much bigger than a family hatchback. .... Issue: Sep 2010 |
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OFF-ROAD ON A BUDGET Even if your main mode of daily transport is a 4x4, you might not want to risk damaging it by heading off-road every weekend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some all-terrain fun when the mood takes you – simply by investing in a ‘cheap and cheerful’ off-road toy, the kind of vehicle you won’t worry about scratching, denting or damaging when out in the rough. .... Issue: Sep 2010 |
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BUYING USED: RANGE ROVER SPORT The famous Range Rover’s 40-year move upmarket has been great for Land Rover. It has reinforced the premium SUV’s status as top dog 4x4 – but, at the same time, it also created a gap in the model range. Think about it: the Discovery has been with us since 1989, serving those who are after a big, working off-roader. And this allowed the Range Rover to get posher and dearer, culminating in the 2002 L322 masterpiece. .... Issue: Aug 2010 |
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THE £10K TRUCK Not everyone in the market for a one-tonne pick-up can afford – or would even want – to buy brand new. And, happily, there’s no shortage of choice on the secondhand market, with a budget of around £10k bringing you an array of worthy contenders. .... Issue: Aug 2010 |
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OWNER'S VIEW: LAND ROVER DEFENDER This must be the definitive 4x4. The original. The original Land Rover. Never mind this Johnny-come-later ‘Defender’ nonsense; that’s just to distinguish the real, the original Land Rover from posh, soft, over-leathered wannabees which just happen to share the same badge and get built in the same factory. When Rover launched its Land Rover, way back in 1726, when even our editor was but a youth, it was intending to build a car for farmers. Truly. Remind yourself of this the next time a Range Rover Sport passes you at Warp Factor Eight on the M25. Perhaps that should be Max Factor Eight….... Issue: Aug 2010 |
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ROAD TEST: MITSUBISHI SHOGUN 3.2 DI-DC ELEGANCE FIVE-DOOR Compared with some of the opposition out there, Mitsubishi’s Shogun is getting on in years. The first monocoque-designed model was launched way back in 2000, and the current line-up is closely related to that. Yes, it’s been updated and improved over the past decade, but it’s not exactly a spring chicken. And that has presented Mitsubishi with a few problems of late, with the Shogun being among the worst in its class when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions. .... Issue: Aug 2010 |
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OWNING: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A ‘JOY MACHINE’ You’ve got to love Honda. Insane bouncing enthusiasm may be common to all Japanese car manufacturers, but Honda seems more prone to it than most. We’re looking here at the handy little 4x4 that is Honda’s HR-V. But do you know what Honda called it when the company announced it was to launch a slightly unusual (for its time; as common as potholes today, of course) mid-to-titchy size 4x4? You don’t? Or maybe you think you do… but I bet you’re wrong. .... Issue: Jul 2010 |
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ROAD TEST: MAZDA BT-50 INTREPID You can’t help but feel a bit sorry for Mazda. While other Japanese makers like Mitsubishi, Toyota and Nissan have all enjoyed major success in the UK with sales of their one-tonne pick-ups, Mazda has traditionally lagged behind. Well behind, in fact. So much so, the company has taken the reluctant decision to halt all future imports of the BT-50. And with probably no more than 40 unregistered examples still within the Mazda dealer network, time is running out if you want a brand new truck wearing a Mazda badge..... Issue: Jul 2010 |
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