#BrownCarGuy – News, Views & Reviews!
The Mazda CX-30, introduced last year, slots under the CX-5. So why not call it the CX-4? Because there is already a CX-4 sold in China, which is a different car. And this is based on a the Mazda3 hatchback, although its 7cm shorter and 10cm taller. The same platform is also the basis for the all-new all-electric MX-30.
Continue reading “Mazda CX-30 Review”I first drove the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio at the launch in Italy four years ago, around the Balocco test track in Vercelli. Frankly I loved it. Instantly accessible speed, reassuring but entertaining dynamics and as for those knuckle-biting sexy looks… well this is one hot saloon.
Continue reading “Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Review”The current Kia Picanto has been around since 2017, but last year it received a facelift and tweaks to its drivetrain. What we have here on test is a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder car with just 66bhp, claimed to be capable of 100mph (though you’d need to be going downhill, with the wind behind your back, while slipstreaming another car to attain that). And at 14.1 seconds for the 0-60mph acceleration run, it’ll be beaten by one of those new London Taxis.
Continue reading “Kia Picanto Review”I’m going to be making a very special exception in this review. Normally I don’t like plug-in hybrids. What’s the point? Electric cars must be plugged-in of course, but it’s frankly a nuisance. Hybrids should have the advantage of self-charging. So why put up with the hassle of plugging them in too? Dunno.
Continue reading “Jaguar F-Pace 400e PHEV Review”This is the second generation Suzuki Ignis introduced in 2017. It’s most recent update saw a facelift with a revised bumper and brighter grille and most importantly, a mild hybrid power unit. The Ignis slots between the Alto and Swift in the Suzuki range, but borrows a little SUV DNA from siblings Jimny and Vitara. As such, it has 180mm of ground clearance despite its tiny size, and of course is available with automatic all-wheel drive.
Continue reading “Suzuki Ignis Review”This isn’t my first time reviewing an Alfa Romeo Stelvio. I reviewed both the 510bhp Quadrifoglio and 280bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder when they first came out about four years ago. For the latest model year generation, the Stelvio has received a few enhancements. But here’s a sage piece of advice: never pass up an opportunity to drive a Stelvio. By the end of this piece, or if you watch my video review, you’ll realise why.
Continue reading “Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce Review”The current Land Rover Discovery arrived in 2017 and was the first in the lineage not to use old-skool body-on-frame construction. It is now based on the same platform is its more opulent Range Rover and Range Rover Sport siblings. Which of course makes it less Farmer Faisel and more more Sheikh Salman.
Continue reading “2021 Land Rover Discovery Review”This decent looking little Audi executive class saloon has a bit of a wild streak. Note the ‘S’ ahead of the 3 rather than ‘A’. That means it has 310bhp, Quattro all-wheel drive and 0-62mph in under five seconds! Thanks to a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that also puts out 295lb ft of torque put to the ground through a 7-speed dual clutch auto. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
Continue reading “Audi S3 Saloon review”Here’s my quick drive review of the latest plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the current Ford Transit van. We don’t normally review vans and commercial vehicles on this channel, but it’s interesting to get an insight into how far vans have come and developed in terms of ease of driving, noise vibration harshness (NVH) and refinement and quality. There’s a quick look at the space available, the front compartment, but mostly it’s about the drive and the something of a surprise reaction on throttle application! Should I review more commercial vehicles? Follow #BCGFordTransit
Continue reading “Ford Transit Custom Van PHEV Review”Here’s my quick drive first review of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E in both RWD and AWD extended range guises. I’ll be getting a Mach-E again in a few weeks to do a full review, however at the Ford GoElectric road show, there was a chance to grab the cars for a few short runs, so here are my initial thoughts, findings and impressions on the car. Follow #BCGFordMachE
Continue reading “2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Review [First Drive]”