Audis are engineered and build to perfection, and this simple fact is again convincingly shown by the latest Q5 we drove here for you. Audi has produced some marvelous petrol engines, and the stratified fuel injection concept has been tried and tested in Le Mans racing by the brand already years ago. This vast (racing) experience shows of course in the series product. This 2 liter petrol engine truly stands out, as does the whole car by the way. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Toyota gives its hybrid range extra zest with a dramatically styled urban newcomer: the C-HR. We not only liked its shape and contours, we also loved the way it performs and drives, amply proving the vast experience Toyota has gained in building petrol engined hybrids. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Toyota C-HR: hybrid urban beauty…”
If you think joy is hardly found anymore in our modern times, then just climb behind the wheel of this Flower Power Volkswagen, and surprise yourself. Not only will put this Multivan a smile on your face, you will meet joy and happiness at every corner of your voyage. We were never literally stopped by ecstatic housewifes and girls before, climbing off their bikes or stepping out of their cars, and grabbing their smartphones to take pictures of “our” Multivan.
This car brings joy to your life, and that of many others…Just read on!
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the VW Multivan 2,0 TDI Flower Power: happiness is wherever you go…”
There are few brands which possess the art of combining sportiness with outstanding comfort and present it in a package which is the ultimate in workmanship and quality, and on top of that design a body which evokes the panache and pedigree of the legendary star.
Mercedes has succeeded again to do all this in the latest E 43 AMG, and we spent some very memorable days with it, reaching great heights in automotive experience.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC Saloon: your sporting star in city dress…”
The Amarok offers versatile transport, with go anywhere capabilities. Being well built, breathing quality and workmanship, it lacked for some the engine size to go with it. VW has now masterfully filled the gap, with a magnificent V6 Diesel, mated to an equally superb 8 speed dual clutch auto box. It makes the Amarok even more desirable. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Volkswagen Amarok V6 TDi: a power sixpack for the great outdoors…”
Subaru has the stars written in its logo. With good reason. This brand has made for decades rally cars which stood head and shoulders above the rest. What’s more, these formidable machines still have legions of followers and enthusiasts today. Subaru has cared for them for years to come, by further designing and building Subaru’s which breathe this unique sportiness. One of these is the Levorg. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
The moment comes when one has to turn its attention to a (very) successful Korean car manufacturer, which is going from strength to strength in world markets, and last but not least also in Europe: Kia.
You might know already, Kia Motors is actually now a subsidiary owned by more than 30 pct by Hyundai since 1998, so their models have a lot of (drivetrain) technology in common.
It was for us the very first time we sat behind the wheel of a Kia four wheeled product, and we chose fittingly a car out of the cee’d range, a model that has provided the foundation for Kia’s continuing success in Europe over recent years.
The cee’d has enjoyed a comprehensive upgrade last year, and we drove her for you the stylish and practical Sportswagon version, equipped with the 81 kW 1,6 liter CRDi diesel engine and the slick six speed manual gearbox. It proved sophisticated and very pleasant to drive, offering surprising mechanical refinement, amply proving the know-how of this manufacturer and, rightly so, Hyundai. Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Kia cee’d Sportswagon : your smooth companion…”
The Renault Talisman has impressed us already with its Grand Touring qualities, and needless to say that the Grandtour version is upping the ante even more. Indeed, with its roominess and elegance, it is raising the stakes in the medium size station wagon field. We appreciated again its superb mechanical refinement, its marvelous engine and transmission, its clever and comfortable suspension and excellent handling. Need we say more? Just read on…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Renault Talisman Grandtour Energy dCi 160 EDC: bon voyage!”
The icon of “green”, responsible hybrid propulsion is undoubtedly the Prius. Already the first generation stunned us completely, and I personally found it THE most clever car I had ever driven. The latest generation of the Prius fully confirms this tradition, and it is indeed better than ever. Besides its superb technical qualities, the styling people have added extra zest to the Prius, and it now has a dramatic, rather futuristic look, both inside and out. Just read further…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Toyota Prius: the absolute icon of hybrid intelligence…”
The RAV4 has won many hearts over the years, and now it is coming to us with a rejuvenated drivetrain: indeed, the long awaited hybrid version is coming to our shores. This RAV4 is powered by a 2,5 liter four cylinder and two electric motors. Yet it is quite frugal and refined, and of course (very) low on CO2 emissions. Thanks to state of the art hybrid technology. Just read further.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Continue reading “We drove the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: the beauty of “green” hybrid technology…”
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 