Category Archives: Vehicle type

Citroen, Estate/Sport Tourer

Estate has a certain X factor

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Citroen C5 X

By Bill McCarthy

In the world where SUV/crossover appears to be king, introducing a large saloon, or is it an estate?, is a brave, or even an inspired move. Spotting an estate is increasingly difficult such is the svelte, aerodynamic styling of many modern models.

But the proof of the pudding is the practicality and the C5 X has that in spades. So yes, it is an estate, but an extremely striking looking one.

There are many selling points, but the starting price of just short of £28k for what is a whole lot of car, is a compelling one.

It comes in petrol and hybrid versions, the diesel seemingly consigned to the dustbin of history.

There are three trim levels, Sense Plus, Shine and the range-topping Shine Plus driven here.

This model featured the 130bhp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, with a powerful 180 bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder powerplant also available.

The front of the car is striking with a V-shaped LED light signature, long roofline that ends with a floating, aerodynamic upper spoiler, while a second spoiler, in gloss black, adds to the sleek look.

Styling is further enhanced with large, diamond-cut alloys and on this model, the optional bi-tone black roof. 

It looks like a premium vehicle and that impression remains with the interior. It is a roomy impressive place to be with leather, chrome and soft-touch finish giving it the upmarket ambience.

Shine and Shine Plus models get leather upholstery as standard, while Sense Plus cars feature a tweed-like fabric.

The whole interior layout is well thought out and logical and dominated by a 12-inch central touchscreen and a seven-inch information cluster behind the steering wheel.

There are big bins under the centre armrest as well as an extra slot that is ideal for your phone. Gear selection is via a centrally placed switch which does away with the traditional lever and adds to the feeling of roominess.

The boot, while still spacious, is comparatively small for an estate car and loses space because of the slung roofline.

It offers the kind of practicality found in an SUV however, with seats that can be folded flat using levers in the boot area, offering total boot space of between 545 and 1640 litres.

The brains of the car, operated via the central touchscreen features a number of apps and controls navigation where fitted, infotainment and connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system lets you customise the home screen and the TomTom navigation system is one of the best on the market.

The test model features the now familiar three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine. It seems a small capacity to power such a large car, but copes with ease, delivering the signature three-pot rasp under acceleration.

The 130bhp unit, mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, powers the car to 60mph in just 10.4 seconds, while also delivering economy of around 48mpg. Impressive for a large vehicle

On the road, it feels stable and assured and Citroen’s bespoke Advanced Comfort Suspension delivers the kind of comfort reminiscent of the gas-powered suspension of yesteryears in Citroen.

Not soft, by any means but firm enough to be comfortable as on-board sensors to automatically optimise the suspension settings based on road conditions.

All Citroens score highly on safety and this model is packed with kit, both active and passive. 

Equipment here included Active Safety Brake, Collision Risk Alert, 360-Vision, Long Range Blind Spot Monitoring System, Highway Integrated Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Active Lane Departure Warning System and Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Speed Recommendation.

For those questioning the wisdom of introducing what looks like a large saloon and bucking the SUV/crossover trend, the combination of smart styling, excellent practicality and a tempting price, could prove them wrong.

C5 X Shine Plus PureTech 130 EAT8 automatic

Price: £32,160

Mechanical: 129 bhp, 1,199cc, three cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via an eight speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 130mph

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

Combined mpg: 48

Insurance group: 21E

CO2 emissions: 136g/km

BIK rating: 31%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Family hatchback, Honda

Renaissance for Honda with stylish hatchback

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2022 Honda Civic e:HEV

Honda Civic e-HEV

By Bill McCarthy

Honda’s evergreen Civic last year underwent another renaissance with its all-new 11th-generation model. The hybrid offers an altogether sleeker, more sophisticated look, with a longer wheelbase to deliver a coupe-like silhouette

The bumper features a mesh pattern in the upper grille flanked by sleek light clusters, while tail lights have been integrated into the tailgate.

The interior too has seen modifications and is packed with standard equipment, from the entry-level onwards.

Honda describes it as a ‘human-centred interior’ which brings quality, tactility, exceptional space and comfort.

It is certainly comfortable and larger glass areas allow for a bright interior.

There are three specifications, Elegance, Sport and Advance which offer a clean, uncluttered design with a premium feel which includes soft touch finish combined with harder-wearing plastics.

The seats are comfortable with a combination of fabric and leather and neat features include two cup holders and a tray to accommodate a smartphone and a deep central storage box.

The centrepiece on this model is a 10.2 inch (nine-inch is standard) touchscreen display which controls navigation, climate, connectivity for smartphone and infotainment. It also runs Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

This range-topper also offers heated steering wheel, leather-style seats, panoramic glass roof and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, together with 18-inch two-tone diamond cut alloys.

While SUVs and crossovers are all the rage for their practicality, the Civic offers a decent amount of cargo space with 404 litres available, increasing to 1187 with the rear seats folded. While down on its predecessor, it is still pretty roomy and a wider tailgate allows for easier loading.

Powered by a lively ‘self-charging’ hybrid there is plenty of pace available and even the CVT gearbox is a more refined beast than of previous times. Much less raucous under hard acceleration.

It can hit 60mph in just 8.1 seconds and has plenty in reserve when on the motorway. However when pottering around, the electric motor can take on much of the work, reducing emissions and improving economy.

The two-litre petrol engine and electric motor produce 143PS combined, which offers pace and fuel economy of a claimed 56.5mpg.

With its firecracker sibling the Type R, you would expect excellent handling. But the hybrid is a surprisingly engaging drive, minimising roll, offering bags of grip and precise steering. It’s a car that likes to be driven especially on winding twisting lanes.

All Hondas are safe and this Civic has earned top ratings in Euro NCAP tests. It features Honda’s SENSING system which includes collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition. 

This ranger topper also includes blind spot information including cross traffic monitor.

It may not be the cheapest in its segment, starting at just over £30k, but it is packed with kit and is a stylish, practical and economical vehicle. It’s a pretty good drive as well.

Honda Civic e-HEV Advance Style

Price: £32,995

Mechanical: 143PS, 1,993cc, 4cyl petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 8.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 56.3

Insurance group: 28

CO2 emissions: 114g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/90,000 miles