Daily Archives: June 26, 2012

SsangYong Rodius Ambulance?! If you didn’t feel ill before…

June 26, 2012   simon   No comments

Let’s be politically correct for a change: one of the world’s most “aesthetically challenged” cars has been converted into possibly the world’s strangest ambulance. On paper, the SsangYong Rodius makes a lot of sense: four wheel drive for access to remote areas, lots of space and a pricetag of £23,000 fully equipped, including specialist paramedic equipment, rear air conditioning and rear privacy glass.

Apart from the obvious problem of having to look at the thing, we have had the “benefit” of driving a Rodius 4wd, which suggests you only get what you pay for. We found that the SsangYong had all the structural rigidity of a damp cardboard box and the part-time 4wd system appeared to be “no time”. When it spun its wheels uselessly while trying to climb a high kerb, we decided this was not the vehicle for serious off-roading.

Read More

Video: Tiff Needell races Mercedes SLS v Aston Martin DBS Volante

June 26, 2012   simon   No comments

It’s one of life’s great conundrums (at least of you are a multimillionaire petrol-head): the iron fist in a velvet glove of the Aston Martin DB9, or the iron fist in an iron glove of the Mercedes SLS? On behalf of Evo magazine, Tiff Needell takes both cars to a wet track and wrings their necks as only a racing driver can (unlike certain TV presenters who have been known to use a driving double).
Read More

Which? Names Kia as best car manufacturer

June 26, 2012   simon   No comments

Which? The consumer’s association has named Kia as the best car manufacturer in the UK for its combination of long warranty, good products and high customer satisfaction. Which? praised the company’s “superb new range of cars” as well as the brand’s excellent value for money and “industry-leading” seven year warranty. Presenting the award, Which? Chief Executive, Peter Vicary-Smith said: “This is the first time Kia has made the short-list and to walk off with the title is a significant achievement.”
Read More

Samsung to Renault: Take our name off your cars

June 26, 2012   simon   No comments

One of the more obscure tie ups in the world motor industry is that Renault bought 70% of the car interests of Samsung in 2000 (the late unlamented Renault Koleos pictured above was actually a Samsung). Now Samsung wants its name taken off all cars made by “Renault Samsung Group”. It shows how times have changed: Renault was a name that gave credibility to Samsung, but now the company that makes the super-trendy Galaxy phone and tablet wants nothing to do with the brand of a struggling French car company.
Read More

Goodwood – It’s almost the new British Motor Show

June 26, 2012   simon   No comments

The magnetic attraction that Goodwood Festival of Speed exerts on the car industry has been used to turn this year’s Festival into effectively the British motor show. An entire new brand will be launched at Goodwood’s Moving Motor Show. Dacia is Renault’s equivalent to VW’s Skoda and there are high hopes for its Duster SUV. Other new models due to make their UK dynamic debut at the MMS, including the Toyota GT86, Jaguar XF SportsBreak, Volvo V40, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Cruze Estate and Camaro 45th Anniversary edition models.
Read More