Tag Archives: praise

News

Skoda Superb gets a makeover with a 62-mile PHEV

Skoda deserves praise for not only bringing back its popular repmobile when others are abandoning the market, but also for staying true to the qualities that made the Superb a hit. It’s no surprise considering that the outgoing model has sold 845k units since its launch in 2015.

The Mk4 Superb is a complete reinvention in terms of style and technology. However, underneath the glitz, there’s a comforting sense of familiarity. It features a sleek new digital interface, eco-friendly upholstery options, and a PHEV with a greater electric range than the first-generation Nissan Leaf.

But on the other hand, it also offers numerous physical buttons, a spacious boot comparable to an Amazon warehouse, and a choice between two diesel engines that don’t rely on electric assistance.

In a market that is being disrupted by new brands, technologies, and segments, it’s reassuring to see conventionally designed cars like the Superb endure.

Driving the 2024 Skoda Superb prototype

The SUV trend is growing rapidly, but the Skoda Superb Estate remains one of the best options for a large family car. It may not have the visual impact of its Kodiaq stablemate, but it’s spacious, comfortable, delivers a smooth ride, and is competitively priced. Moreover, it offers a variety of engines that are cost-effective to run. When the fourth-generation model arrives in 2024, it will have big shoes to fill.

The new Superb hatch and estate share much of their architecture with the Volkswagen Passat, as they were jointly developed. The design is still sleek but updated, incorporating slimmer headlights and tail-lights to align with the new Kodiaq, which will be launched around the same time. The new Superb Estate is 40mm longer and 5mm taller than its predecessor, and the boot has increased from 660 to 690 litres – surpassing the capacity of the Peugeot 508 SW and the rugged-looking Citroën C5 X.

Prices, trim levels, and specifications will be confirmed in November 2023. The lineup will consist of a standard Superb, a sportier Sportline version, and the luxury-focused Laurin & Klement trim. However, the slightly raised and more rugged-looking Scout estate will not be available in the UK.

News

First drive: 2024 Porsche Macan prototype

The brakes of the 2024 Porsche Macan prototype deserve high praise. They provide a great deal of feel for an electric vehicle (EV), effectively incorporating recuperation functions without the need to disconnect the drive to the front axle, as some EVs do. According to Meier, a representative from Porsche, they prefer to refer to it as “one-pedal braking” rather than “one-pedal driving,” distinguishing it from the heavy use of regenerative braking in many other EVs.

As we spend more time driving the Macan prototype, it becomes evident that it offers a different driving experience compared to its Audi counterpart. The Macan has a sportier character, although it may not be as luxurious.

It’s important to note that our impressions are based on pre-production models, and we will need to test the final production versions and consider pricing details before making a final judgment. However, our initial impressions are highly favorable, and Porsche believes that customers will share this sentiment. They predict that the Macan will account for the majority of the brand’s EV sales in the second half of the decade.

Porsche Macan turbo Prototype

Price: £90,000 (estimated), Motors: Two permanent magnet synchronous motors, Power: Over 603bhp, Torque: Over 738lb ft, Gearbox: 1-speed reduction gear, 4WD, Kerbweight: 2200kg (estimated), 0-62mph: 4.4 seconds, Top speed: 155mph, Battery: Lithium-ion, 100kWh (total), Economy, Range: 3.2mpkWh (estimated), 311 miles, Rivals: Audi SQ6 E-tron, BMW iX3

First Drive

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2023 first drive

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio super saloon has received positive reviews since its launch in 2016. It was a much-awaited performance car from the Italian brand that could compete with the best in its class. The car’s rear-driven handling, compactness on the road, and powerful Ferrari-derived V6 engine were widely recognized.

Alfa Romeo has taken a unique approach in the performance car market by making the car simpler to make it better. The Quadrifoglio version receives the same updates as the regular Giulia, including new headlights, a new radiator grille, new digital instruments, and an updated infotainment system. Additionally, the engine power has been increased to 514bhp, and the suspension and driveline have been recalibrated to give the car a ‘mini-GTA feel’ according to Alfa performance engineering lead Domenico Bagnasco.

The ‘100 Anniversario’ version of the car celebrates the centenary of Alfa’s green cloverleaf iconography and features gold-edged badging and detailing. Only 100 units will be produced for the global market, and all are already sold in the UK.

To address the previous issues with on-track performance and handling, Alfa has made significant changes to the car’s mechanical specifications. The electronically controlled ‘eDiff’ has been replaced with a more conventional mechanical limited-slip differential. Other changes include increased anti-roll bar stiffness on both axles and firmer calibration of the electronic dampers at their firmest setting. These changes improve the rear axle’s response and consistency in limit handling with the ESC switched off.

The Giulia still maintains its appealing low driving position, well-designed cockpit and controls, and a sense of agility on the road. Despite the ‘mini-GTA’ billing, the car doesn’t feel overly aggressive. The ride and damper calibration are comfortable in the ‘natural’ driving mode, the steering is light but direct, and the engine and gearbox are generally smooth in normal traffic.