Martin Ward (pictured), manufacturer relationships manager at Cap HPI attends launches for the Kia Stonic and Volkswagen T-Roc SUV.
Monday
Down to Newbury for the UK press launch of the Kia Stonic. A strange name, you may say, and I’m not sure where it came from.
This distinctive SUV is 4,140mm long and looks good from every angle.
It was designed for the European market and has a choice of three engines: 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel.
The 1.0-litre has 120PS, goes from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, is quiet and refined and is bound to take the lion’s share of sales, maybe as high as 85%.
A real pleasure to drive, and it felt so roomy with a good sized boot.
Prices range from £16,295 to £20,495, but my choice would be the ‘First Edition’ 1.0 that is fully loaded and costs £19,695. It looks good value coupled to that small, yet powerful, petrol engine.
Thursday-Friday
Flew from Luton to Gatwick to connect with an early flight to Lisbon for the international press launch of the Volkswagen T-Roc.
The cars were lined up at the airport, ready T’Roc & Roll. This SUV is so stylish and at 4,234mm long competes with a large variety of other popular SUVs (including the Stonic).
We first drove the 2.0TDI, then later in the day a 2.0TSI petrol.
The best seller in the UK will be the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, though none of these were available in Portugal to test.
Based on experience with this small engine in other VW Group vehicles, I’m sure it will be brilliant in the T-Roc.
The car is full of the latest infotainment and safety technology.
With a large choice of colours and contrasting roofs, personalisation is a key element in the car’s appeal and attraction.
No prices yet, but expected to start around £19,000, with first UK deliveries due in December.
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