Road tests by motoring journalist Tim Saunders
Advanced motori
st Tim Saunders was the Business and Motoring Editor at the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports are published in newspapers and magazines across the UK and abroad.
BMW X5 E53 video, the subject of Tim's book
Above: Tim Saunders with Vicki Butler-Henderson
Kia Stonic
By Tim Saunders
Increasingly - perhaps it’s old age setting in - I value a sat nav more and more.
In fact the strength of a car can plummet if it is fitted with a substandard device from my point of view.
It’s the first thing I try when I sit in the Kia Stonic. And I am very impressed. It is extremely easy to use and it works. It’s easy to punch the destination details in and then it gets to work guiding you with precision. There are two qualms though, sometimes the instructions can be a little delayed for my liking and the voice sounds suspiciously like Theresa May.
What about that name, too? Was it conjured up by an ever so slightly tipsy marketing team? Did they mean to call it tonic? As a fan of the ‘80s BBC TV drama Howard’s Way, I can just imagine Jack Rolfe calling its name. So it’s already working then, a good name that recalls fond memories; it’s not going to be quickly forgotten.
But then the other day while admiring the rear - where the name can be found - the ‘S’ is larger than the ‘T’ which got me thinking that as the emphasis is on the ‘S’ perhaps this could refer to ‘super’ or ‘special’ – a super or special tonic. A number of options here but whatever it is, it is positive. There is no denying that this is an attractive little estate car; little to look at from the outside and a small car feel when driving. Yet it easily accommodates five occupants and there’s a good size boot that swallows a pushchair and our luggage for a quick jaunt to Cheltenham.
As I sit in the driver’s seat there seems to be a raised ride height but I’m not so sure because when it’s parked alongside our Vauxhall Corsa both cars seem to be the same height. Looking out of the windscreen you instantly appreciate the sculpted bonnet, which certainly gives interest. It’s an estate car with the feel of an SUV. The seats, which are covered in a mix of grey fabrics are comfortable. The door inserts in the rear consist of hardwearing plastic, which is a good choice for mucky children.
As the children still require child seats seatbelt points need to be well spaced to avoid causing me unnecessary aggravation when belting them in. Unfortunately, although the width of the Kia is certainly not slim the belt points don’t allow for the cumbersome child seats meaning that it takes twice as long to strap each child in. Really annoying.
My eldest daughter Harriett (7) must have been in more than 100 cars already and she, like me, is always so excited about the arrival of a new one. The children enjoy spotting the different cars throughout the journey and even Henry spots a number of Kias.
The Stonic provides a comfortable drive for both the driver and their passengers. It is quite a nippy car and the sound of the diesel engine can only really be heard when it starts. With engine stop start it is a pretty efficient vehicle too, delivering around 60mpg over the course of our time together.
The six speed manual gearbox is fairly smooth and the cruise control is easy enough to operate. When we park little Henry (2) enjoys familiarising himself with the car and quickly finds the sunglass holder above the rear view mirror. “I like that,” he says. “Put your sunglasses in there.” Other refinements include air conditioning, all round electric wing mirrors, power folding wing mirrors and a useful reversing camera.
Overall, I like the Stonic. From both outside and in it’s an attractive car with a sensible price tag.
In fact the strength of a car can plummet if it is fitted with a substandard device from my point of view.
It’s the first thing I try when I sit in the Kia Stonic. And I am very impressed. It is extremely easy to use and it works. It’s easy to punch the destination details in and then it gets to work guiding you with precision. There are two qualms though, sometimes the instructions can be a little delayed for my liking and the voice sounds suspiciously like Theresa May.
What about that name, too? Was it conjured up by an ever so slightly tipsy marketing team? Did they mean to call it tonic? As a fan of the ‘80s BBC TV drama Howard’s Way, I can just imagine Jack Rolfe calling its name. So it’s already working then, a good name that recalls fond memories; it’s not going to be quickly forgotten.
But then the other day while admiring the rear - where the name can be found - the ‘S’ is larger than the ‘T’ which got me thinking that as the emphasis is on the ‘S’ perhaps this could refer to ‘super’ or ‘special’ – a super or special tonic. A number of options here but whatever it is, it is positive. There is no denying that this is an attractive little estate car; little to look at from the outside and a small car feel when driving. Yet it easily accommodates five occupants and there’s a good size boot that swallows a pushchair and our luggage for a quick jaunt to Cheltenham.
As I sit in the driver’s seat there seems to be a raised ride height but I’m not so sure because when it’s parked alongside our Vauxhall Corsa both cars seem to be the same height. Looking out of the windscreen you instantly appreciate the sculpted bonnet, which certainly gives interest. It’s an estate car with the feel of an SUV. The seats, which are covered in a mix of grey fabrics are comfortable. The door inserts in the rear consist of hardwearing plastic, which is a good choice for mucky children.
As the children still require child seats seatbelt points need to be well spaced to avoid causing me unnecessary aggravation when belting them in. Unfortunately, although the width of the Kia is certainly not slim the belt points don’t allow for the cumbersome child seats meaning that it takes twice as long to strap each child in. Really annoying.
My eldest daughter Harriett (7) must have been in more than 100 cars already and she, like me, is always so excited about the arrival of a new one. The children enjoy spotting the different cars throughout the journey and even Henry spots a number of Kias.
The Stonic provides a comfortable drive for both the driver and their passengers. It is quite a nippy car and the sound of the diesel engine can only really be heard when it starts. With engine stop start it is a pretty efficient vehicle too, delivering around 60mpg over the course of our time together.
The six speed manual gearbox is fairly smooth and the cruise control is easy enough to operate. When we park little Henry (2) enjoys familiarising himself with the car and quickly finds the sunglass holder above the rear view mirror. “I like that,” he says. “Put your sunglasses in there.” Other refinements include air conditioning, all round electric wing mirrors, power folding wing mirrors and a useful reversing camera.
Overall, I like the Stonic. From both outside and in it’s an attractive car with a sensible price tag.
Facts at a glance
Kia Stonic 1.6 CRDi 3
Price: £19,300 OTR
Engine: 1.6 diesel
Power: 114bhp
0-60mph: 10.5secs
Top speed: 112mph
Economy: 60mpg
Engine: 1.6 diesel
Power: 114bhp
0-60mph: 10.5secs
Top speed: 112mph
Economy: 60mpg
Seat Leon Cupra
By Tim Saunders
Speed comes at a cost.
That’s my first thought when I drive the Seat Leon Cupra. It’s a fast five-door hatchback and the price paid is modest economy of around 38mpg.
In these days of high insurance premiums and costly fuel is this a price worth paying for what is arguably a very stylish, well-made car?
Well, let’s see.
As I stand in the dining room I am able to savour the design of the car as it stands on our driveway. Its side profile highlights some interesting lines, slightly higher at the front and lower at the back. Then there are the bright red brake callipers inside the black alloys and their low profile tyres. The test model is finished in a staid silvery grey; it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. There are tell tale twin tail pipes, the Cupra name and a little 300 emblem on the bootlid, giving a little hint as to what is under that bonnet - a Seat TSi engine producing… 300bhp. This is coupled to a six speed manual gearbox. The result is a boy racer’s delight; a blisteringly hot hatch. 0 to 60mph in 5.6secs and a top speed of 155mph. These figures are quite an achievement for a family vehicle powered by a 2-litre petrol engine. As is always the case it seems the fuel economy suffers, though. However, for those boring so-and-sos with only fuel efficiency on their minds, they can drive it with a light foot and receive 40mpg as a reward.
You might think in this day and age when the roads are swamped with traffic and the primary aim of the police seems to be to generate funds for the public purse by catching speeding motorists, that there is little place for a car like the Leon. That was certainly my feeling. But it isn’t anymore. Because the low down acceleration is so swift, it can reach 70mph quicker than many cars could reach 30mph. And so there are times when it really does come into its own.
The other night I was driving through the New Forest with the flow of the traffic when an ageing Renault Laguna sped up behind me, after overtaking some cars behind. After a brief moment the driver visibly allowed a space to return between the Leon and himself. The threat of those 300bhp was enough to put him in his place. After a while he realised I was sensible and was not going to overtake. Off he went on his merry way tailgating more unsuspecting motorists. The Leon demands respect from others but most importantly from the person behind the wheel. As I found when accelerating away from a roundabout onto a dual carriageway, there is so much power being fed to those front wheels that a senseless boy racer could very easily lose control. You cannot help but love the roar it makes when the accelerator is pushed to the floor. It is a joy and is sure to raise a smile from even the most dull, boring motorist.
On the motorway when there seem to be no spaces to join, the Leon quickly gathers speed and creates its own gap. The little accompanying roar is enough to make the driver next to us do a double take. “Slow down Daddy,” my whole family repeat. To which I reply, look at the dial, I am only doing 70mph. Because the Leon is quite low to the ground and is fitted with low profile tyres it has the uncanny ability of making it feel as if you are going faster than you actually are. The addition of cruise control ensures that the speed limit can be set and not exceeded.
While driving through Kensington I have to smile as I pass Lord Alan Sugar behind the wheel of his Rolls Royce (days after his chauffeur pranged it) parked by the roadside outside the Apprentice house, deep in conversation – no doubt in the midst of another business deal.
Inside the Leon is exceptionally comfortable with supportive, almost bucket seats that are leather edged suede and it’s big enough to be a family car. I feel that the gearbox is not as decisive as it should be but overall there’s a good driving experience and all things considered the Leon makes an attractive proposition.
That’s my first thought when I drive the Seat Leon Cupra. It’s a fast five-door hatchback and the price paid is modest economy of around 38mpg.
In these days of high insurance premiums and costly fuel is this a price worth paying for what is arguably a very stylish, well-made car?
Well, let’s see.
As I stand in the dining room I am able to savour the design of the car as it stands on our driveway. Its side profile highlights some interesting lines, slightly higher at the front and lower at the back. Then there are the bright red brake callipers inside the black alloys and their low profile tyres. The test model is finished in a staid silvery grey; it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. There are tell tale twin tail pipes, the Cupra name and a little 300 emblem on the bootlid, giving a little hint as to what is under that bonnet - a Seat TSi engine producing… 300bhp. This is coupled to a six speed manual gearbox. The result is a boy racer’s delight; a blisteringly hot hatch. 0 to 60mph in 5.6secs and a top speed of 155mph. These figures are quite an achievement for a family vehicle powered by a 2-litre petrol engine. As is always the case it seems the fuel economy suffers, though. However, for those boring so-and-sos with only fuel efficiency on their minds, they can drive it with a light foot and receive 40mpg as a reward.
You might think in this day and age when the roads are swamped with traffic and the primary aim of the police seems to be to generate funds for the public purse by catching speeding motorists, that there is little place for a car like the Leon. That was certainly my feeling. But it isn’t anymore. Because the low down acceleration is so swift, it can reach 70mph quicker than many cars could reach 30mph. And so there are times when it really does come into its own.
The other night I was driving through the New Forest with the flow of the traffic when an ageing Renault Laguna sped up behind me, after overtaking some cars behind. After a brief moment the driver visibly allowed a space to return between the Leon and himself. The threat of those 300bhp was enough to put him in his place. After a while he realised I was sensible and was not going to overtake. Off he went on his merry way tailgating more unsuspecting motorists. The Leon demands respect from others but most importantly from the person behind the wheel. As I found when accelerating away from a roundabout onto a dual carriageway, there is so much power being fed to those front wheels that a senseless boy racer could very easily lose control. You cannot help but love the roar it makes when the accelerator is pushed to the floor. It is a joy and is sure to raise a smile from even the most dull, boring motorist.
On the motorway when there seem to be no spaces to join, the Leon quickly gathers speed and creates its own gap. The little accompanying roar is enough to make the driver next to us do a double take. “Slow down Daddy,” my whole family repeat. To which I reply, look at the dial, I am only doing 70mph. Because the Leon is quite low to the ground and is fitted with low profile tyres it has the uncanny ability of making it feel as if you are going faster than you actually are. The addition of cruise control ensures that the speed limit can be set and not exceeded.
While driving through Kensington I have to smile as I pass Lord Alan Sugar behind the wheel of his Rolls Royce (days after his chauffeur pranged it) parked by the roadside outside the Apprentice house, deep in conversation – no doubt in the midst of another business deal.
Inside the Leon is exceptionally comfortable with supportive, almost bucket seats that are leather edged suede and it’s big enough to be a family car. I feel that the gearbox is not as decisive as it should be but overall there’s a good driving experience and all things considered the Leon makes an attractive proposition.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model tested: Seat Leon Cupra 300 2-litre TSi
Price: £30,095
Top speed: 155mph
0 to 60mph: 5.6secs
Power: 300bhp
Economy: 38mpg
Price: £30,095
Top speed: 155mph
0 to 60mph: 5.6secs
Power: 300bhp
Economy: 38mpg
