Road tests by motoring journalist Tim Saunders

 

Advanced motorist Tim Saunders was the Business and Motoring Editor at the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports are published in newspapers and magazines across the UK and abroad.

 

Tim's video review of the BMW X5 E53, the subject of his latest book

 

Above: Tim Saunders with Vicki Butler-Henderson

Over 175,000 views on Youtube

Seat Toledo

Seat Toledo lr

Videos
 
By Tim Saunders
I’ve been doing this long enough to know whether I like a car or not pretty much immediately. A bit like tasting a good meal, all the senses are relatively alert (even more so if my daughters allow me a good night’s sleep) and the decision is quick in coming.
And so as I slide into the driver’s seat of the Seat Toledo I can tell you that I instantly like this saloon. Why? First and foremost because the seat is hard and supportive and easy to operate to ensure that it is in exactly the right position. The steering wheel is also in the correct position for me in terms of both height and distance away. While this really is key in ensuring that the driver feels confident, an uncluttered easy to navigate dashboard is a necessity for me. And again Seat scores highly here. I don’t have to sit and scratch my head for 10 minutes to work out how to start the engine or demist the windscreen. Simply put the key in the ignition and turn while your foot is on the clutch. There’s a traditional handbrake, too. It is home to a potentially complicated media centre incorporating satellite navigation and digital radio but is pleasantly easy to operate. This is refreshing because when I was in a Jeep the other week I really did feel lost for sometime before discovering where certain controls could be found. I am surprised how simple this vehicle is. And I like it.
What also appeals very much is the frugal 1.6 TDi engine. It is claimed to return 67.3mpg while emitting 109g/km. This Seat is an ideal company or family car. Its sleek modern lines are appealing and it is large enough for a family of five. That boot is a good size, too. I like the ski hatch for those awkward longer items like curtain poles or for allowing access to the boot for rear passengers, while driving. The cabin with its black cloth interior is a bit bland and could do with a glass sunroof to lift the light levels.
For me the Toledo is a great driver’s car, it is responsive, hitting 60mph from standstill in a respectable 10 seconds and will go on to 125mph. I am surprised that there is only a five speed manual gearbox but that’s only because every other manufacturer these days provides a six-speed. If it’s unnecessary and is not going to improve economy then there’s no need for it. And that’s very much the ethos of the Toledo, I feel. Seat could have gone overboard on the vanity goodies it included in this package but they haven’t. For instance, there’s no reversing camera or welcome home lighting when you open the door at night. There are parking sensors, which are helpful. And the high levels of equipment that are included are important and useful. For example, there’s a tyre pressure monitor and tiredness recognition system. It comes with 17-inch Dynamic alloy wheels and rain sensing windscreen wipers, too.
With its sporty hard suspension and decent engine the Toledo is a joy to drive.
The only thing I do not like is the folding armrest in the front, which frankly, just gets in the way.
 
Facts at a glance
 
Price £19,755
Top speed: 125mph
0-60mph: 10secs
Economy: 67.3mpg
Power: 115bhp

Honda HR-V

Honda HRV lr

Video

By Tim Saunders

When the Honda HR-V arrives on my doorstep (it’s a tough job being a motoring journalist) I was very pleasantly surprised. You see I remember the original HR-V in production from 1999 to 2006, which looked, frankly, strange. It was a quirky vehicle that didn’t really look comfortable in itself and quite boxy, too.
This second generation model is a veritable delight. It’s curvaceous and sexy and extremely youthful looking no doubt enhanced by its pearly white finish. First and foremost it is a sports utility vehicle (SUV) but I would go as far as saying that it is one of the most stylish I have had the pleasure of driving. Head on it looks fresh; I like the curvaceous front end and from the rear there is a hint of the frog about it thanks to its slightly arched back.
Like its smaller sibling, the Civic, the side profile suggests that it is only a three door thanks to the use of the neat concealed door handles. But of course it is not, it’s a five. Manufacturers are really raising the bar when it comes to alloy wheels these days too and Honda is no different, there is a very flash set that certainly enhances the overall look.
Step inside and there is a feeling that the driver and occupants are one step ahead of the competition. For instance, select the temperature and fan speed by touchscreen – the first time I have come across this. But I find this slower to react to my requirements than traditional buttons and switches when driving because it is necessary to be quite precise and inevitably when keeping their eyes on the road, the driver cannot be.
Supportive black leather seats provide a luxury feeling to the interior. The panoramic glass roof not only allows a huge amount of light into the otherwise dark cabin but it also incorporates a tilt/slide electrically operated sunroof; this is quite unusual because often manufacturers seem to just include a glass roof but no sunroof. There is also an electrically sliding cover.
A choice of two engines: either the 1.5-litre petrol or the 1.6 turbo diesel; the test vehicle is fitted with the latter. The typical diesel rattle is present on start up but most drivers won’t mind this when they can travel over 600 miles on a full tank.
To drive, the HR-V generally feels a capable vehicle and not too large. However, it can be easy to misjudge its width despite the lane departure device that bleeps if the driver goes over the middle of the road.
The thin manual gearstick is a novelty and positively adds to the driving experience, making selecting any one of the six gears thoroughly enjoyable. It is a good decisive unit.
There is a centre armrest in the front and a folding one in the centre rear. And there are plenty of cupholders, too.
My daughters quickly discover that there are buttons on the side of the front headrests that if pushed allow them to move the headrests. Where would I be without them? I cannot lock Heidi (2) in the car while I fetch her car seat because she sets the alarm off…
A sizeable boot makes light work of most loads and there is plenty of legroom front and back.
Yes, I do like this HR-V.

Facts at a glance

New price: £17,995 upwards
Top speed: 121mph
0-60mph: 10.2secs
Power: 188bhp
Economy: 70mpg

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