
First Drive Review: Volvo V40 T5 Cross Country
There were two questions we were keen to answer when we drove Volvo’s new V40 Cross Country last week – how different is it…
There were two questions we were keen to answer when we drove Volvo’s new V40 Cross Country last week – how different is it…
What does ‘sporty’ mean to you? Is it a firm ride with vice-like body control? Or perhaps a hyper-sensitive steering with an almost telepathic…
As temperatures across the UK plummet below freezing, most drivers will be preoccupied with the traction of their tyres on Britain’s icy roads, but for some there’s an even bigger problem to worry about.
“My friends often ask me if I get scared by what I do or find it intimidating and I have to say no, of course not. It’s not because if I did I’d be slow but it’s because if you’re scared of this sport you’re going to be a danger to yourself, to others and likely to cause an accident. So no, I’m not scared at all.”
These words sound like some long lost mythical quotes by the legendary Ayrton Senna, but instead they’re from the cerebral man most likely to succeed Lewis Hamilton as Britain’s next top racing driver – 17 year old Jack Harvey.
BMW has announced the official launch of its M135i xDrive at next week’s Paris motor show and although it won’t be available here in the UK, we were curious to find out how it compared with Audi’s RS 3 Sportback – the enthusiast’s choice for those seeking the ultimate in high performance and all-weather traction.
During the last few months we’ve immersed ourselves in several of Volvo’s most dynamic new models, to learn about how the marque is positioned in 2012 and why you might chose to buy one rather than its more prolific German competitors.
For a nation endowed with the DNA of such maverick automotive legends as Chapman, Cooper and Brown, it seems ironic that the marque which now leads the plethora of niche British sports car manufacturers is one that was only founded in the latter part of the 20th century.
Ferrari are in the midst of launching the new F12berlinetta this week, stretching the legs of its newest prancing horse in the hills above Maranello where the car was originally developed.
After well over three decades of driving I might (finally) be showing signs of growing up. Not because I’m reviewing a new Volvo, although I’ll come back to that somewhat jaded stereotype a little later. Instead I’m learning to value cars which manage to tick a multitude of boxes, treading that fine line between usability and fun.
Back in February, we published a running report on our own Audi TT 2.0 TFSi which focused on a problem that had blighted our enjoyment of the car – namely the driver or passenger window becoming ‘stuck’ half open.
There was a time when owning a Volvo was considered cool – the year was 1994 and Volvo had teamed up with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) to contest the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
To help raise the brand’s profile, Volvo originally chose the 850 Estate, which they reasoned would generate the most media exposure.
The British Winter. It’s not ‘too’ arduous really, provided you don’t get stuck in a sudden blizzard, or your washer fluid freezes up, or some fool yet again launches themselves into the street furniture whilst attempting to drive, text and sip a piping-hot skinny latte.