Motoring Reviews

From time-to-time, we get the chance to review cars and motoring products. Whenever we publish a new review we’ll add a link to it from this page.

If you’d like to see your product or service reviewed on these pages, please contact us.

• Car Reviews
• Car Care Product Reviews
• Car Parts & Accessory Reviews
• Sat Nav Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Travel Accessory Reviews

A full disclosure statement is included for all reviews.

Car Reviews

• 2014 Vauxhall Corsa

  We drive the new Vauxhall Corsa — it’s the best yet, but is it good enough to take top spot from the Ford Fiesta?

• Renault Megane Sport Tourer Expression dCi

  We drive the estate version of Renault’s latest Megane – does it manage to combine French va-va-voom and load-lugging practicality?

We’ve also written some more car reviews for our sister site, CarHirePlace.com:

• Skoda Roomster 1.4 16V (2008)

  Quirky appearance but super practical and pleasant to drive.

• Renault Scenic 1.5dCi Expression (2007)

  Renault invented the people carrier – is this miniature version up to the job?

• Ford Mondeo Titanium (2008)

  The Mondeo keeps on getting classier without losing any of its practicality.

Car Care Product Reviews

• Product review: Airglide Ultimate paint protection system

  Can the Airglide system really maintain a deep shine and make it easier to clean your car?

• Review: Turtle Wax removes crud and freshens up my paintwork

  I put Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover, Carnauba Car Wax and Renew Polish to the test.

• Review: Turtle Wax glass clean and dash plastic care

  I take a look at three of the latest car cleaning products from legendary brand Turtle Wax.

• What are fuel system cleaners & should you buy them?

  We review fuel system cleaners from Wynn’s and Halfords

• BD Clean Fallout Remover

  Will my van roof come clean with the help of Fallout Remover?

• BD Clean detailing products

  We try out a range of detailing products from Birmingham-based BD Clean, including shampoo, wheel cleaner and plastic dressing.

• Power Maxed Car Cleaning Products

  We try out Car Wash & Wax, Traffic Film Remover and Glass Cleaner from UK newcomers Power Maxed.

• Mantis Fast Glass

  We try out the new glass cleaner and rain repellent spray from Mantis Performance. Will it live up to its promise?

• Mantis Scratch Repair Pen

  We put Mantis’ new Scratch Repair Pen to the test. Can it really fix and conceal paintwork scratches?

• Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash

  We put Eco Touch’s Waterless Car Wash to the test and examine its ingredients label. Does it really combine green qualities with high performance?

• Turtle Wax Platinum Series

  We put some of Turtle Wax’s Platinum Series cleaning products to the test on the dirty, faded roof of a ten year old van. Find out how they coped.

• Turtle Wax ICE Range

  Turtle Wax is one of the oldest names in car cleaning – we put the Turtle Wax ICE range of synthetic cleaning products to the test.

• Bullet Polish

  Bullet Polish is an easy-to-use spray wax that can be used on almost any surface. We put it to the test.

• Spautopia PureX LSP

  PureX LSP is one of a new generation of silicone and wax free spray polishes that can be used on all surfaces. How well did it work for us?

• Spautopia SP Wonderspray

  SP Wonderspray is a true multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on the inside and outside of your car. We put it to the test.

• CarPlan T-Cut

  We demonstrate the scuff-removing power of T-Cut paint restorer.

• Onedrywash Waterless Car Wash

  We put waterless car wash solution Onedrywash to the test – does it impress?

• Muc-Off Supreme Car Care Kit

  Muc-Off’s Supreme Car Care Kit contains everything you’ll need to keep the outside of your car clean and shiny with a minimum of effort.

• Muc-Off Car Cleaning Products

  Muc-Off’s car cleaning products are approved by Bugatti and used in Formula One. We put some of the company’s products to the test to find out why.

• Muc-Off Nano Tech Wheel Cleaner

  Muc-Off’s wheel cleaner promises to make short work of brake dust and grime. Does it deliver?

• Mantis Scratch Remover

  We review Mantis Scratch Remover – does it really restore colour and remove scratches from car paintwork?

• Mantis Instant Shine Waterless Car Cleaner

  Waterless car cleaners aren’t new but are still catching on in rain-soaked Britain. We put one of the newest products on the market to the test.

• Mantis Perfect Wheels & Wheel Brush

  We put Mantis’ Perfect Wheels foaming wheel cleaner and Wheel Brush to the test – will our alloys shine brighter than before?

Car Parts & Accessory Reviews

• Review: Road Tax Flipper could help you avoid a fine

  There’s been a surge in fines for unpaid road tax since tax discs were scrapped. Can Road Tax Flipper help?

• First impressions: Michelin CrossClimate tyres

  We’re big fans of all-season tyres. Find out what we’ve made of Michelin’s award-winning entry into this increasingly popular sector.

• Pump Pal

  Banish the pain of stiff pumps and hand or arm problems forever with this simple hands-free refuelling gadget

• Ring Automotive Xenon Ultima Headlights

  We put Ring’s new high performance bulbs to the test. Xenon Ultima bulbs promise up to 120% extra light on the road – do they deliver?

• Ring Automotive Xenon Max Headlight Bulbs (H4)

  We test Ring’s flagship Xenon Max high performance headlight bulbs against standard bulbs and video the results – see the difference!

• Ring Automotive Tyre Gauges Reviewed

  We put Ring’s RTG3, RTG5 and RTG6 tyre gauges to the test – how do they fare?

• Car Battery Chargers Explained

  We explain the causes of flat batteries and take a look at two battery chargers that will keep your car’s battery in tip-top condition.

• AA Winter Car Kits

  We take a look at two kits from The AA that are aimed at helping you to prepare your car for winter driving and help you out if you get stuck while on the road.

• Ring Automotive RAC630 Digital Air Compressor

  If pumping up car tyres with a foot pump isn’t your idea of fun, then you need a portable compressor. We review one of the latest digital models, the Ring Automotive RAC630.

• Michelin Foot Pump

  A foot pump should be an essential accessory for all car owners. We test one of the best.

• Foot Pump Group Test

  We test foot pumps from Michelin, Ring Autmotive and the AA – which inflates tyres fastest?

• Car Tyre Puncture Repair Kit

  We put a puncture repair kit to the test – how does it compare to a spare wheel?

Sat Nav Reviews

• TomTom GO 510

  We put one of TomTom’s latest smart sat navs to the test. With lifetime traffic, speed cameras and maps, is it worth upgrading from an older model?

• TomTom Curfer

  The TomTom Curfer is sat nav legend TomTom’s first foray into the personal telematics market. We find out what’s on offer, and ask whether you should want one.

• Nokia Drive sat nav

  We take a look at Nokia Drive, the free sat nav app that’s included with Nokia Lumia smartphones.

• TomTom Via 135

  We take a look at TomTom’s mid-range Via 135 model, which includes its latest voice control system, Speak & Go.

• Navman Panoramic 7″ Sat Nav

  The Navman Panoramic is the largest sat nav on the market with its 7″ screen, but it’s surprisingly affordable. We put it through its paces in our review.

• TomTom GO LIVE Top Gear Edition (GO LIVE 820)

  TomTom’s Top Gear Edition sat nav was banned by the BBC after its launch – but it’s still on sale in limited numbers, so how good is this high-spec sat nav?

• TomTom Start2 Regional (UK & ROI)

  The TomTom Start2 is aimed at first-time sat nav buyers and has been designed to be as simple as possible to use. Find out how we got on with it.

• Mio Spirit 485 Sat Nav

  We review the Mio Spirit 485 GPS satellite navigation unit – how does it fare compared to the better-known brands?

• Navigon 70 Premium Sat Nav System

  The Navigon 70 Premium is Navigon’s top of the range sat nav model – does it live up to expectations?

Book Reviews

• Porsche 911: The Practically Free Supercar

  Owning one of these German supercars could be cheaper than you think, according to author and owner Robert McGowan.

• How to Get More from Your Satnav

  R. T. Scanlon’s expert guide to making the most of your sat nav and avoiding common routing problems and pitfalls.

• Haynes Advanced Driving

  John Lyon’s Advanced Driving guide is based on his extensive training experience, which includes training police drivers.

• Haynes Highway Code For Drivers

  Haynes new Highway Code For Drivers includes additional information as well as the official highway code.

• The Complete Book of Porsche 911, by Randy Leffingwell

  The Porsche 911 is possibly the most successful sports car of all time. Randy Leffingwell’s book tells the story of the car, from its 1960s origins to the present day.

• 365 Sports Cars You Must Drive, by John Lamm

  Take a fantasy drive through 365 of the most desirable sports cars ever made – past or present.

• Bernie, by Susan Watkins

  Bernie Ecclestone’s power, influence and wealth are legendary. In this book, Susan Watkins reveals the story of Bernie’s life and explains how he transformed Formula 1 into what it is today.

• Red Bull Racing F1 Car by Steve Rendle

  Red Bull’s Formula One cars have dominated the last two years in F1 – this Haynes manual takes a closer look at the Red Bull RB6.

• TV Cars by Giles Chapman

  TV Cars by Giles Chapman takes a nostalgic look back at the cars which became identified with some of the most popular television series of the last few decades.

• Sports Cars by James Mann

  Sports Cars is another good book in the Motorbooks First Gear series, featuring hundreds of photos of great sports cars plus key facts about each model.

• Motorbooks First Gear Books

  We review five books from the Motorbooks First Gear series – Muscle Cars, Camaro, Exotic Cars, Mercedes-Benz and Ford Mustang.

• Preston Tucker & Others by Arvid Linde

  Arvid Linde’s book Preston Tucker & Others provides an interesting insight into the automotive pioneers you’ve probably never heard of – but who nevertheless played an important role in automotive history.

• The Car Book – Haynes Guide

  The Car Book is an excellent, beginner-friendly guide from Haynes that will teach you everything you need to know about your car – without expecting you to be a mechanic.

• Haynes Your Car (Glovebox Guide)

  Your Car is a useful little guide from Haynes that covers all the basic car maintenance topics that drivers should know about, but often don’t.

• Auto Repair For Dummies

  We review Auto Repair For Dummies – does this book live up to the promise of its title?

• Car Care Made Easy – The Ultimate Glovebox Companion

  Car Care Made Easy is a cracking little book that should be in every driver’s glovebox. Read our review and find out why.

• AA European Driver’s Handbook & European Travel Kit

  The AA’s European Driver’s Handbook covers driving requirements for 42 European countries and is a great source of information.

• Haynes Driving Abroad (3rd Edition)

  Haynes Driving Abroad guide is a useful manual for driving in other European countries and further afield, with additional information covering the USA, Australia and other popular destinations.

• The Official DSA Complete Learner Pack for Car Drivers

  This 3-disc box set gives you all the information you will need to support your driving lessons and help you pass your theory and practical driving tests.

• Haynes – Learn To Drive All In One Book

  Learn To Drive is an excellent book that should provide real value for learner drivers.

• Learn To Drive In 10 Easy Stages

  Learn to Drive In 10 Easy Stages makes an ideal all-in-one companion to driving lessons for learner drivers.

Travel Accessory Reviews

• Alcosense Lite personal breathalyser

  We re-test the Alcosense Lite, with mixed results

• Police Breathalyser vs Personal Breathalyser Group Test 2

  We test an £800 police Draeger 6510 breathalyser alongside some mid-range alternatives.

• Personal Breathalyser Group Test

  An evening’s drinking can lead to you being over the limit the next morning. We test three personal breathalysers that allow you to test yourself before hitting the road.

• AA Emergency Snow Shovel

  A folding shovel is an essential piece of winter driving equipment. They are cheap and small and can be tucked out of the way in the boot of even the smallest cars. We take a look at a shovel from The AA.

• AA Snow & Ice Grips (Shoe Studs)

  Fed up with pavements that are so icy you end up walking on the road? We test out a set of The AA’s strap-on Snow & Ice Grips to see if they solve the problem.