Independent Reviews of New and Used Cars

The ID.4 is a mid-sized EV that’s hugely important to Volkswagen. Jonathan Crouch looks at the improved version.

When we first tried this F40 1 Series, we couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed that this model line had abandoned its unique rear-driven selling point. But at the same time, we couldn’t help being impressed by the way that the Munich maker had managed to retain so much of the traditional 1 Series eager, dynamic character, despite the fundamental engineering changes visited upon it. This model could still beat most of its rivals for driver appeal. Just not by such a significant margin as before. In summary, ‘der Einzer’ became a whole lot more competitive in this guise. About to choose a Mercedes A-Class, an Audi A3 or even a plusher VW Golf from the 2019-2023 era? You really ought to try one of these too. You might be surprised just how much you like it.

In some ways, Toyota has never really made the most of its pioneering hybrid technology, but with this Yaris Cross can really did so. You could argue - rightly - that not many folk choose a fashion-led small crossover with sensible priorities, but if you were to prioritise those in selecting this kind of car, then this one makes an incredible amount of sense, with genuine 45-55mpg regularly achievable economy. That’s thanks to its full-Hybrid powertrain, the kind of engine the brand was able to offer here more affordably than you’ll find in direct rivals from this period. And a trendy vibe’s thrown in too. You could argue that twenty years ago, the original three-door RAV4 pioneered this class of car, but the brand never properly capitalised on that model, instead bringing us quirky but unappealing small lifestyle products like the Yaris Verso and the Urban Cruiser. The RAV4’s modernday successor, the C-HR, did found favour but was too expensive for many Juke and Puma folk. When new, the Yaris Cross suited their needs more precisely. It’ll do that on the used market too.

The Proace is Toyota’s medium range panel van and the improved version of the second generation model is a very competitive proposition. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

What you think of the M135i xDrive depends largely on the expectations you approach it with. This top F40-era model was clearly never intended to be a direct replacement for its six cylinder rear-driven F20 predecessor. But see it as what it is, the Munich maker’s alternative to a Golf R, a Mercedes-AMG A 35 or an Audi S3 from this period - and you’ll get the point immediately. Back in 2020, we were disappointed that BMW no longer offered something so refreshingly, radically different to cars like those. But we could understand why the business case for reversion to a more established uber-fast hot hatch formula had been so compelling. Compelling isn’t the first word that springs to mind when considering the drive experience this car serves up, but it’s undeniably impressive. Traction out of corners, that thing you had to fight for in the old rear-driven model on damp roads, is superb. And the four cylinder powerplant makes up for in willingness what it lacks in authentic howling character. So, here’s a really quick 1 Series model you could easily justify to the family. The M135i may not be as unique a confection as its rear-driven predecessor. But it’s an undeniably more complete one.