ROAD TESTS BY MOTORING JOURNALIST TIM SAUNDERS
Advanced motorist Tim Saunders regularly reviews vehicles from the leading manufacturers. Videos on his youtube channel have been watched more than 350,000 times.
His first report on a BMW 520i was published in the Dorset Echo when he was 17 (just after passing his driving test) in 1995. He went on to become business and motoring editor at the Bournemouth Echo. Now, his engaging and informative reviews are published in magazines across the UK. "Your pieces are a great addition to our magazines," says Chanel Hosfield, Editor of Life Publications.
Nissan X-Trail
By Tim Saunders
I have fond memories of driving the Volkswagen Passat two-litre diesel estate - some ten years ago now - because the acceleration was so impressive and the gearbox so smooth. The engine felt as if it would just go on and on. It was a joy to drive. I’m reminded of this as I sit in the Nissan X-Trail SUV. This is a much taller vehicle and probably a bit longer too because it accommodates up to seven occupants. It only has a 1.5-litre petrol engine. So I am pleasantly surprised when I put my foot down and hear the smooth note of the engine as it revs higher and higher through the gears. It’s just like that Passat. Yet it’s 500cc smaller and only has three cylinders, so Nissan has added a little turbo to enhance performance, which adds fun to the proceedings. The only thing is that if you’re too eager when driving this two wheel drive there is wheel spin, which is noticeable when pulling out of a side road or a roundabout. Nought to sixty in under 10 seconds and a top speed of 124mph while returning over 40mpg. Not bad though.
It looks pretty cool, too, finished in a striking dark grey, slightly darker than the shade used by Volvo. I like it. There was a time when black was the preferred finish for many but this is a definite improvement in my book. The rear privacy glass contrasts nicely against this, too.
We all love the panoramic glass roof, which incorporates a tilt/slide electric sunroof, although Caroline finds that when this is open fully the sun catches her right on the head and burns her, so we have to close it. During the time of the test the pollen count is high and I really appreciate the air conditioning, which soothes my sore eyes and general stuffiness. The seats are comfy, we like the interesting use of fabrics and are surprised to find brown on the dashboard and on the doors inserts. You don’t find brown in many cars these days. It reminds me of my ‘80s childhood when this colour was inside both my parents’ Vauxhall Carlton and Belmont.
The X-Trail is a family vehicle through and through and my two youngest: Heidi (11) and Henry (8) thoroughly enjoy sitting in that third row of seats; Henry preferring to clamber through the boot to get to his throne. Harriett (13) enjoys the peace and quiet of the middle row, which can be helpfully moved forward – so it’s a good way of splitting them up during a fraught and hectic half-term that has seen them having swimming lessons first thing each day and which has tired them out. Then Henry is worried about a forthcoming football tournament, which results in challenging behaviour to say the least. However, long car journeys help to calm him. We go to Bournemouth to collect a dressing table that Heidi has found online and it fits in the sizeable boot perfectly. Returning from our trip to the beach at East Wittering one sunny Sunday we are met with a closed M27 and have to divert a very long way via Petersfield back home. But we don’t really mind because it’s a chance for an extended drive that allows us to savour the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Another excursion is to the tip with bags of garden waste that are easily fitted into the boot. Yes, the X-Trail is a very capable vehicle indeed.
Honda HR-V 1.5
By Tim Saunders
Motorists are an unloved species. They suffer from high taxes, profiteering and potholes. And it’s never going to get better, especially in a recession.
It makes buying a vehicle a really really tough decision and one where the head must rule the heart. This is an area for good, sensible accountancy.
Enter the Honda HR-V. Poring over numbers is boring, thankfully this electric hybrid is anything but. With its striking design, with hints of sporty coupe about it, it is a striking SUV that’s high enough up from each and every atrocious road surface for the driver to almost forget about those dastardly potholes that are getting bigger and bigger. On one road local to me I have seen the road starting to open up with a long crater forming down the middle. In no time at all third world roads are going to be of better quality.
When fuel prices continue rising but more importantly so does the Earth’s temperature, we have to work smarter and Honda claims that this vehicle will return up to just over 60mpg, helped by the fact that it can silently crawl along in EV mode, ensuring that on a full 40 litre fuel tank it can travel up to around 460 miles with emissions as low as 94g/km.
Although the front is quite bold and straight with slanting headlights, it grows on you. The rear is home to straight lines. It’s certainly an interesting exercise in design. The black roof together with the black alloys contrast nicely against the premium sunlight white pearl two tone paintwork.
Inside, the substantial tweed seats are edged with expensive cream leather. We’re not just talking rich tweed though because down the middle of the seat is a chequered flag strip, adding to the luxurious yet sporty feel. The cream theme continues on the dash making a pretty bright and airy cabin that has a high quality feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive. There’s a power boot lid and the boot itself is large enough for a family’s needs.
While the speed limiter is a good idea, I find it awkward to operate but probably the more familiar I become with it the easier it will get. Travelling down hill with the speed limit set at 30mph a loud buzzer goes off as we hit 32mph. I shout at the children in the back thinking they’re messing about with seatbelts but then realise that the noise is the result of the car exceeding the set speed. At best this is frustrating at worst it could cost you points on your licence. I expect a speed limiter to stop the car from going faster than the desired speed - some vehicles are fitted with such systems.
A trip to Somerset allows me to put the HR-V through its paces. We crawl through many sets of roadworks starting on the M27 in Hampshire through Wiltshire right to our destination. At these ridiculously low speeds at least I can rest in the knowledge that we’re in EV mode so not polluting. When there are opportunities to travel as fast as say, 50mph, which is quite rare during the day, along this route, the Honda is quite capable.
I find the large front a little awkward when parking because I’m not completely sure how much space I have but it’s easy enough to manoeuvre.
It’s at night when the fun is to be had. The roads are clear so there are just those pesky speed cameras to bear in mind. The engine can be a little noisy when over revved which can happen when you put your foot down due to the automatic gearbox. However there are gearshifts either side of the steering wheel allowing the driver more control of the gears if preferred. I have few complaints about the H-RV, it’s a joy to drive and most importantly the driver arrives at their destination without any aches or pains – I can’t say the same of the Nissan Qashqai.
Facts at a glance