83 MOTORING ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
OUR MOTORING COLUMN, BY THE EXPERIENCED AND AWARD WINNING LOCAL MOTORING JOURNALIST NICK FLETCHER, HELPS OUR READERS CHOOSE THE BEST OF THE LATEST CARS.
BMW X2 M SPORT
THE BMW X2 IS ONE OF THE MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY in The SUV cLASS, SpAcioUS, weLL-eQUippeD, SUPERBLY DESIGNED AND BUILT AND WITH THE EXTRA KUDOS THAT THE BMW BADGE PROVIDES. With its sloping roofline and shorter wheelbase, the X2 has a sleeker, more sporty look than its X1 stable- mate, and is designed to appeal to younger buyers - yet a creative interior styling means it still scores highly for day-to-day practicality. The range starts at £30,040 for entry-level SE trim which comes with alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, electric tailgate, sat-nav and a DAB radio. My test model was an upper-range M Sport X version with a 192 hp 2.0 litre petrol engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. With many additional features including larger 19-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension, leather seats, smarter interior trim and body kit which gives a more rugged appearance, this version is £35,400. It has a top speed of 141 mph, a quick 0-60 mph time of 7.7seconds, fuel consumption of 51.4 mpg combined and emissions of 134 g/km. Underway, the X2 is smooth and responsive, with
accurate steering with good feedback. On the corners it is remarkably composed and ride comfort is very good on all but the roughest surfaces, when the harder suspension and larger wheels emphasise their presence.
The driving position is slightly lower than in some SUV
THE X2 GREATLY IMPRESSES, NOTABLY FOR ITS STAND-OUT STYLING.
models, though frontal visibility is still good and the cabin is a nice place to be, with quality materials on show and a well-laid out dashboard.. Cabin space is ample for four adults -
five at a pinch - and the boot, though not the largest in the class, is still more than adequate at 470 litres. And all X2 models come with a powered tailgate. The X2 greatly impresses, notably for its
stand-out styling, generous equipment levels, fine driving dynamics and its build integrity and high standard of finish. Of course, there are a number of formidable SUV rivals at lower prices – it’s a very crowded sector. But few if any, can match the overall blend of style, quality and cachet that this BMw delivers.•
TOYOTA AYGO
TOYOTA’S AYGO IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR CITY CARS AND THE LATEST VERSION, WITH SHARP NEW STyLinG AnD eQUipMenT UpGrADeS MAke A cAr THAT WAS ONCE JUST CUTE NOW VERY CHIC. Aygo is cleverly designed to appeal to a wide range
of customers, with each trim level carefully created to meet specific requirements. The distinctive front-end design uses the grille and angular headlights to form a visual X, so it is not surprising that all the trim levels are x-based, with the entry level x model starting at £9,295.
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