Don’t we all just love the iconic Mini. It comes to us now in many versions, all breathing this unique Mini style and personality. The BMW group has indeed developed a talent in declining the classic and iconic Mini character in many totally modern and up to date cars. This Countryman version amply proves the point: state of the art plug in hybrid technology has been put into this Mini, which makes it the car to have and cherish for the coming decades…
Just read further!
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The joys of refined motoring are timelessly rewarding, as we experienced again behind the wheel of the magnificent Skoda Kodiaq. This flagship SUV has it all: a fine chassis and suspension, carrying a well honed diesel powertrain. Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Cleverness is not lost on French automakers. And when it comes to making a hybrid with diesel power, the Renault engineers had something up their sleeve…The new Scenic Hybrid Assist exactly fills the bill, as it responds ideally to what the average buyer is looking for today when it comes to integrating E-power into its everyday mobility. Of course, Renault is on the forefront in EV technology, and has introduced its all-electric Zoé already in 2012. But it also knows that there is more, last but not least to offer affordable and clever hybrid propulsion.
As the Scénic is now after 20 succesful years in its fourth generation, it was a good occasion to introduce this technology on this bestseller. Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the new Renault Scenic 110 dCi Hybrid Assist: French genius”
When one slides behind the wheel of a Porsche, you are looking forward to something special. Our heart was always throbbing when we saw the big round rev counter of the 911 in front of us and turned the ignition key with our left hand. In the Macan, things were hardly different. We were also faced with the big rev counter, with virtually the same lettering and the big, slim needle. The ignition key finds its slot also on the left side.
Of course, one does not hear the hissing sound of the flat six, but nevertheless one is treated to the sporting yet civilized growl of a thoroughbred inline four. The same impression of absolute quality and workmanship remains, and one cannot but admire the beautiful steering wheel insert showing the iconic Porsche emblem. The rounded contours of the dashboard and the door panels also embody this timelessly purposeful Porsche styling language, and one is literally engulfed with the pride and fulfilling pleasure the careful ownership of a Porsche brings you. Indeed, also this Macan is a car to cherish and to own, so much is certain. It is also beautifully proportioned and it size is for us “just right”. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Porsche Macan 2.0 L Turbo : excellence was expected…”
Volkswagen has acquired a vast experience in the art of designing and building cars. When they decide to launch a top of the range four seater coupé, it is guaranteed to turn heads. And this the Arteon certainly does. It has stunning, well balanced looks, and the beauty of it is that it also delivers. When it comes to performance, mechanical perfection, economy and build quality, this car certainly reaches for the sky in its class. We had an extended drive in this superb VW… Just read on.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The Volvo estates have carved a unique niche in our car world, and are more than ever geared to continue this grand tradition. Just look at the latest stylish V90. It embodies a unique Scandinavian panache with its beautifully proportioned curves and contours, and continues the legendary Volvo estate car tradition with uncanny and timeless elegance.
A beauty it is, but of course state of the art technology is also omnipresent, with abundant drivetrain power, safety features and driving aids, all wrapped in a package which offers supreme comfort. Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Volvo V90 D5: an icon embraces graceful modernity…”
We all know it: small is beautiful. Some even say more: “a master needs few tools”. Indeed, the true master really shows himself in the little materials he needs for his craft, or to exert his masterful skills. For the designer or the painter, this means that only a few strokes of pencil or brush are needed to create a masterpiece.
Well, the Kia engineers and designers only needed a 3,595 mm to put on wheels a delightful car that fulfills all your driver’s dreams. Just read further!
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Kia Pikanto 1.2 ISG GT Line: the spicy delights of life…”
E-power looks to become the mobility solution for the coming decades, and indeed manufacturers are eagerly developing a complete range of electric cars. They will be fit for the megacities of this planet, but when you want to cover long distances in less populated areas and in countries where the charging infrastructure is not yet up to scratch, the (plug in) hybrid layout seems to be the solution with an immediate and bright future.
Toyota and Lexus have been producing hybrids now for years, and have acquired a vast experience and know how in making these cars. The Lexus IS 300h impressed us greatly again. It is synonymous of excellence, and we can hardly find a sedan with is more fitting for our times, and this for years to come.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Lexus IS 300h: your stylish sedan with a bright green future…”
This car bearing the proud lion has already reached the summit, as it has been applauded car of the year 2017. Deservedly so. It not only looks stunningly good, it also drives and handles masterfully. We put the posh GT version through its paces, and we were spoiled by the 180 HP Diesel and smooth auto box and superb drivetrain and chassis. Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Peugeot 3008 2.0 BHDI 180 EAT6 GT: “en marche” with style and space…”
We all love icons, as they are part of our times. The beetle is such a four wheeled icon. Volkwagen gave it even a new life with the New Beetle, which appealed also to many new drivers who never owned the original one. And now it has coupled this New Beetle, which is in its second generation already, to another iconic era, when flower power and its lifestyle conquered the world. The result is a car which turns heads, and wins your (and our) hearts… Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the New Beetle Peace & Love 1.2 TSI : an icon of pure joy…”
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 