Auto News & New car review

SHARP pricing, an increased payload capacity, better performance, improved economy and a refreshed interior herald the main attractions of Mazda’s new BT-50.

The Japanese company has re-skinned its Thai-built light truck inside and out to make it seem as new as the Toyota HiLux, Nissan D40 Navara and Mitsubishi Triton Read the rest of this entry »

The facelifted Mercedes SL has caused a real stir with its curious L-shaped headlights and rough-looking bumpers. Yet it has still attracted plenty of buyers – many of whom are choosing the 311bhp 3.5-litre V6-engined entry-level SL350.

The £65,080 model is no slouch, despite its status as the least powerful car in the range. It revs freely and smoothly right up to its 7,200rpm red line. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether it was by gut instinct or careful study into pickup truck owners and their habits, the Ridgeline’s North American developers arrived at what is arguably the best execution of a pickup for an important type of buyer — those who have adopted the rural American workhorse as the latest alternative people-mover. If you’re one of the folks who has cried that most people don’t need SUVs, you’re sure to be offended by this latest trend. I might agree. But it’s my job to evaluate the vehicle on its own merits, and that’s what I’ll do. Read the rest of this entry »