Autos Reviews

Renault Clio 1.2 TCE Dynamique S - Size isn’t everything if you’re buying a new Renault. The French company is downsizing, and its new 1.2-litre Turbo Control Efficiency (TCE) engine replaces the old 1.4-litre unit in the Clio line-up. The powerplant has more torque available lower down the rev range than its bigger predecessor, and it’s more efficient, too. We’ve already tried the TCE motor in the new Twingo, but how does it fare in the larger Clio? (more…)

Mitsuoka Orochi - Say hello to the Mitsuoka Orochi, Japan’s answer to the Ferrari. It looks as though it’s from another planet, but this outrageous supercar is Japan’s answer to Ferrari’s finest! If you want to really stand out from the crowd, nothing comes close to the Mitsuoka Orochi. (more…)

Renaultsport Megane - Renaultsport Megane dCi 175 - So, you can understand Renault’s reluctance to upset these customers – and as a result, it has taken years for the manufacturer to add the coveted badge to a car with diesel power. The 2.0-litre Mégane dCi changes all that – but the question is, will it be accepted into the Renaultsport elite? (more…)

Peugeot 407 Coupe - A great cruiser, the Peugeot is nevertheless outclassed by German alternatives in terms of image and quality. (more…)

Proton Gen2 1.6 GLS - Pure Gen-ius? We brought you an exclusive drive of the Proton Gen2 in Issue 820, and now we’ve tried the first UK-spec car, in readiness for its launch this month. We brought you an exclusive drive of the Proton Gen2 in Issue 820, and now we’ve tried the first UK-spec car, in readiness for its launch this month. (more…)

Proton Jumbuck GLS - When a car is engineered by Lotus, you would usually expect the result to be a brilliant handling, powerful and thrilling machine to drive. When a car is engineered by Lotus, you would usually expect the result to be a brilliant handling, powerful and thrilling machine to drive. It may come as a surprise, then, to learn that the vehicle you see in these pictures was not only fine-tuned by the UK company, but started off as a clean sheet of paper in its drawing office. (more…)

Saving with gas - Buyers of budget cars are traditionally cost conscious, so a Proton that runs on LPG has to be a winner, doesn’t it? With space to rival a Ford Mondeo and lots of standard kit, the range-topping Impian is already competitive. (more…)

Corvette C6 - Sports cars rarely come more iconic than the Corvette. America’s best selling performance model has always looked the part on the right roads but somehow never quite made the grade in Europe. Now GM has got serious. And the new, sixth edition, is more likely than ever to succeed over here. The statistics are mouth-watering. 6.0-litre V8, 400bhp, composite bodywork, performance that knocks a regular 911 into a cocked hat and all at a mere £45K. (more…)

Suzuki Swift Sport - Suzuki’s new Swift Sport is nippy enough and insurance friendly. Suzuki’s new Swift Sport aims to fill the gap by having all the looks of a fully fledged GTi, but an insurance-friendly 123bhp. (more…)

Vauxhall Corsa VXR - There’s no doubt the latest Corsa will turn heads, as the VXR model is striking from every angle. With more scoops and vents than any rival, it is unashamedly bold. However, it’s not all for show, as the bodywork was developed in a wind tunnel and the neat rear diffuser really does improve high-speed stability. Large alloys, plus a high-level roof spoiler and distinctive VXR branding leave you in no doubt as to the origin of the car. In fact, Vauxhall is fast creating an immediately recognisable look for its hottest models, something no other manufacturer can match. (more…)