Category: Car Tests

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…” →

Revelling at the marvelous sound of a thoroughbred straight six, revving up under full power, all this in a car which responds with precision at the slightest movement of the wheel.

Steering a sporting compact “bolide”, which will readily go in a finely balanced power slide when you ask for it, that’s BMW driving as we have always understood it. The BMW which carries this tradition into the present day is this M2 Coupé. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the BMW M2 Coupé: the unique magic of “classic” BMW driving…” →

There are times when it is indicated to discover the immense progress which is made in the field of light commercial vehicles. This time we made a trip to the French midi at the wheel of a – what’s in a name – masterful product of the Renault stable. The experience proved to be nothing less than truly exquisite. Just read on…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the Renault Master Energy dCi Twin Turbo 170 HP: king of the road…” →

In our modern (mega)cities, clean power will be paramount. BMW has long understood this, and has brought quite a formidable E-car on the road. Its clever i3. We already tested it for you with the small twin cylinder petrol engine in the back as a range extender. With charging points becoming ever more available in many places, BMW feels confident enough to offer a “pure” battery only version, albeit with a new, more powerful battery, warranting – in ideal circumstances – a range of not less than 410 kilometers.

Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the BMW i3 extended range: e-power takes you a long(er) way…” →

Faithful readers know that the Fiat Tipo has truly impressed us already, and indeed we looked forward to an encore with a test of the five door hatchback version. Read further about our findings…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the 5Door Fiat Tipo 1,6 120 HP Multijet: drivers’ delight with that extra space…” →

In 2007 Audi launched the A5 and set a stylish benchmark in its class. Especially the design and styling of the Coupé and Cabrio pleased many, and as a proud owner of a 3 liter TDI A5 Cabrio I count myself amongst the admirers. Honing a good car to even more appealing design and mechanical perfection is the way Audi conceives car making, and now the new generation A5 fulfills all these promises. It has a new chassis for even better handling, the engines have been improved and are smoother, more powerful and frugal, and last but not least infotainment and driver assistance systems have been further improved.

Just read on….

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the Audi A5 Coupe 2.0 TDI 190 HP S Tronic : excellence was expected” →

When the largest car manufacturer in the world builds a compact car, which is meant to be truly what the brand stands for, namely a “Volkswagen”, than you can expect something exceptional. Well, here it is. We were always quite fond of this smallest VW, and the 90 HP TSI version we drove here really stole our car loving heart.

It clearly showed us again how much driving pleasure a powerful, nimble car can deliver. Just read on….

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the Volkswagen up! 1,0 TSI 90 High: small is truly beautiful…” →