Tuesday 23 October 2012

SUBARU & ISUZU REVIEWS COMING SOON



RobMcSorleyonCARS.com is pleased to announce that we will soon be reviewing Subaru and Isuzu cars with the cooperation of Subaru/Isuzu Press UK

Check back soon to read our in-depth reviews.


2012 Suzuki Kizashi FULL ROAD TEST




Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 Sport CVT 4dr

Suzuki is world famous for its hatchbacks and four-wheel-drive models, not forgetting their motorbikes. When it was revealed that a large saloon was on the cards there was a lot of doubt over what the outcome would be. The Kizashi arrived in early 2012 and was designed with the American market in mind, we get behind the wheel to find out if this curious creation can live up to the origins of its name which in English translates to "a sign of great things to come"


Thursday 11 October 2012

2012 Peugeot 508 Saloon FULL ROAD TEST (Josh Ross)


Peugeot 508 GT 2.2 HDI 4 dr


Background and First Impressions


Available in either saloon or estate guises and with petrol, diesel or hybrid power, Peugeot’s 508 replaces both the 407 and 607 models. The nomenclature also breaks with the 4 series badging that Peugeot employed for its mid-sized cars. This line began with the 1934 401 and included the 405 and 406 – two class leaders that helped underwrite and maintain Peugeot’s reputation as the choice for enthusiasts. Instantly recognisable for its imposing, bold flanks and nose the 508 was launched in 2011 and is a befitting replacement for the 407.

The strongest design element is the two creases that run from either side of the grille to the A pillars. Beneath these another indentation travels from the headlight to the rear lamp cluster – this complex arrangement gives a ‘layer’ effect to the metalwork. It’s a joy to behold and gives the car a striking appearance; pronounced further in the Pearl White metallic paint of the model that I had on test.


Featuring Peugeot’s recently introduced design language the 508 drew positive, intrigued glances from many motorists and pedestrians. Features like the floating grille, swept back headlights, subtly rippled bonnet and newly stylised brand emblem are present across the range, while the strongest visual links are with Peugeot’s 208 and recently revised 308 and 107 models.




Tuesday 9 October 2012

2012 Mitsubishi Shogun FULL ROAD TEST

 

 Mitsubishi Shogun Black Edition Auto


Menacing isn't it? This is the Shogun Black Edition, Mitsubishi's latest addition to the rugged Shogun family which is based on the top spec SG4.  It comes drenched in standard equipment including a Rockford entertainment unit that has three DVD players, Dolby Surround sound and a music server. The fourth generation Shogun has been around for a rather long time now but is there still life in the old dog yet? We find out

If you’re a fan of swanky looking four-by-fours to wow your affluent friends look away now, this is a car for people who need a rugged car with genuine ability when the terrain turns ugly. Despite this the Shogun is still visually appealing for very different reasons.

It’s a design that has been slowly updated over the years in all of the key areas so despite the dated looking glass area and relatively short wheelbase the rest of the design is bang up-to-date. At the front there is more than a hint of Range Rover and a short overhang results in a good entry/departure angles when off-road. The side profile still looks fresh enough thanks to the absolutely massive 20” alloy wheels and swollen arches. At the back the spare wheel is traditionally mounted on the door-like tailgate and the clear rear lights look good.

The Black Edition we are testing here cranks up the look further with satin black everywhere including the front grill, mirrors, roof, door handles and those wheels. For those who find it all a little too dark can specify other colours including white, metallic silver, red and brown.

The interior is a really rather nice place to spend time, we especially liked the commanding driving position making it easy to peer over everything else on the road. The design itself is as you would expect; durable, well designed and good to look at. Everything is nicely laid out and operates with precision. It’s also pleasing that a lot of the materials are soft touch and the dials wouldn't look out of place in any other Mitsubishi and are dead easy to read. The only let-down is the brittle feeling multi-function computer on the centre console with its large pixel display and flimsy trim around the ancient-looking heated seat switches.




Cabin space is generous all-round with acres of rear leg, head and shoulder room. In the cavernous boot there are an additional pair of seats that pivot from under the floor, these also benefit from decent space for younger passengers. Those in the back will however find the pair of headrest-mounted multimedia screens an unexpected luxury. Passengers can watch DVDs, plug in USB devices, play games or even listen to different radio stations. They also come with wireless headphones to avoid annoying mum and dad in the front or coupled with the dash-mounted head-unit all passengers can watch the same movie in Dolby 5.1 Surround sound which incorporates a boot mounted Sub-woofer.

As soon as you turn the key you know you are sitting behind a pretty beastly engine. The Shogun is fitted with Mitsubishi’s 3.2 Litre 197bhp DI-DC turbo diesel mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. At idle there is no hiding its more agricultural roots which make for a gruff engine note. On the move refinement improves as speeds increase and when cruising on motorways when the unit is warm everything settles down. Performance isn’t blistering but at 11.1 seconds to 62mph it also isn’t bad especially considering its 2.2 tonne kerb weight. The gearbox itself is very good keeping stray revs under control with the option of swapping cogs manually with a nudge of the gear shifter.

For a car of such epic proportions the Shogun actually drives very well. Considering the massive wheels it rides well enough over most surfaces only really getting caught out around town where it can become a little choppy. The steering is also communicative enough although it can feel a little heavy. Taking corners with excess speed would be a silly idea as the Shogun serves up plenty of body roll but it always feels safe, under control and cossets passengers with minimal wind and road noise.
It will come as no surprise that Shogun excels off-road. Although its difficult to assess the cars outright ability off the beaten track we did however give it a go on a very slippery, muddy farm track. It coped very well once the locking differential was activated for optimum traction. Despite our cars standard road tyres it was impossible to get stuck which will really appeal to those who live in more rural areas.

Words and Photos by Rob McSorley


Price as tested: £41,999

Engine: 3.2 litre 16v 197bhp - 0-62mph: 11.1secs - Maximum Speed: 111mph -

Economy: 28mpg (urban) –37.7mpg (extra-urban), 33.2mpg (combined) - Emissions: 224g/km (Band K) - VED (12 months): £600

Dimensions: Length: 1430mm - Width: 1395mm - Height: 1110mm - Wheelbase: 2780mm

*data from Mitsubishi UK

The Verdict


At just under £42,000 you could be fooled into thinking that the Black Edition is expensive but when you consider the standard fit goodies on-board such as Sat nav, Reversing camera, iPod connection, Cruise control, Electric windows, Heated leather seats, and Auto lights and wipers it begins to make a better case for itself. Spec a Land Rover Discovery to the same level and you will be looking at an astonishing £55,000. Owners will however need deep pockets to run the Shogun as even when driven carefully we only managed to return 24mpg but the big fuel tank prevented too many fill-ups. Emissions are class leading putting the big Mitsubishi into Band K resulting in £600 for the first year and £260 thereafter. If you are looking for a no-nonsense, rugged off-roader unstoppable in any weather condition then the Shogun is definitely worth a look. Whilst with us we found it comfortable, refined on motorways and perfect for carrying heavy loads including the whole family. Mitsubishi are also  renowned for their bomb-proof reliability and the Shogun is perhaps the best example of this.


You will like;
-Off-road ability
-Bulletproof reliability
-Cabin space
-Rugged looks
-Standard fit equipment
You won’t like;
-Gruff engine
-Dated in places

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob Mcsorley (info@robmcsorleyoncars.com).
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