Category: Car Tests

Nissan has acquired a vast experience in building SUV’s which win car loving hearts all over our globe. Their new X-Trail amply proves the point, as well as the Qasqai for that matter. This latest model strikes an ideal balance between looks, roominess, frugality and, last but not least, build quality and refinement. We drove the smooth and silent petrol engined version of this X Trail, with a 1.6 liter four cylinder under its hood, mated to the six speed manual gearbox. A wonderfully refined and frugal combination…well suited to this SUV which is so effortless to drive.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Continue reading “We drove the Nissan X-Trail DIG Turbo 1,6 Liter 163 HP : a world class SUV with oriental refinement…” →

Volkswagen does not only build cars with immense workmanship and quality, they also offer cars which are totally practical, sturdy, yet timelessly elegant and donned with a touch of luxury. Such a car is this Passat Alltrack. It offers the practicality of a station wagon, has a frugal and smooth diesel, has state of the art electronics, driving aids and infotainment, and last but not least permanent four  wheel drive. Ready for everyday duty on forest roads, but also fit for shopping on the Berliner Kurfürstendamm or any (posh) boulevard in this whole wide world…just read on.

Hans Knol ten Bensel Continue reading “We drove the VW Passat Alltrack 2.0 TDI SCR 4MOTION bluemotion technology 150 HP: your companion for any road…” →

Renault has chosen a very fitting name for its top of the range limousine, which has very impressive panache and style, thanks to the masterful hand of exterior designer Alexis Martot. The proportions and volumes of this sleek limousine are timelessly pleasing, and have a certain magic about them which the big Renault sedans have missed for a long time. But it is all back now, and like the mythical pre-war Reinastella’s, our Talisman test car came in a gleaming black livery… “Etoilé Black”, it is now called here.

Hans Knol ten Bensel Continue reading “We drove the Renault Talisman dCi130: the magic of French style and refinement…” →

This new Lexus RX 450h reaches new heights in subtle smoothness, power and driving dynamics, and also pleases with very bold, contemporary angular looks. Its daring proportions really turn heads, but otherwise it remains a true Lexus: offering its happy passengers a very smooth, civilized ride, soothing and relaxing, vibrationless and (almost) silent. Easy to drive, handle, full of useful accessories and loaded with well thought out driving helps. Life is truly grand in a Lexus. This is what the RX450 h shows here again…

Hans Knol ten Bensel Continue reading “We drove the Lexus RX 450h: reaching perfection in hybrid Four Wheel Drive…” →

Volkswagen has introduced the latest generation of its best selling Touran at the Frankfurt show last year, and needless to say that we were eagerly awaiting a test drive of this (very)important car. We drive here for you the very smooth 1,2 liter TSI version, coupled to the manual 6 speed transmission. It adds indeed much mechanical refinement to this spacious people carrier, which displays amply the “savoir faire” of the VW group in making truly outstanding (passenger) cars. Just read on…

Hans Knol ten Bensel Continue reading “We drove the VW Touran Highline 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Technology 81 kW (110 HP): your whispering spaceship…” →