Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.4 D-4D 4WD 5Dr

Test Drive Report

Exterior - First impression of the exterior was a funky car that looked like it might be fun.....and it was. Being an indecisive woman I am not sure if this is a large small car or small medium car, it competes in either field! The Urban Cruiser is available in 2WD or 4WD, in a choice of 6 colours, my absolute favourite being the Deep Amethyst (a really dark purple that would deservedly nickname the car 'The Urban Bruiser')

Boot - The boot space is a little limited although there are combinations with folding rear seats to increase the loadspace.

Interior - Very easy getting in and out due to the elevated seating position, would be especially good for people with limited manoeuvrability or ideal for those with bad backs! Plenty of headroom once inside the cabin and seating featured an attractive soft-touch upholstery. Keyless ignition is a nice touch, resulting in the remote fob being super small and lightweight, and avoiding the 'big bunch of keys dangling around your legs' issue. Useful having the accoustic controls on the steering wheel, and featuring Toyota's Optimal Drive with green dashboard arrows indicating when to change up and down the gears to achieve best fuel economy. There are vanity mirrors for both driver and passenger (not illuminated, shame) and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. Cabin space is good for four adults, might be a push to get a third adult in the rear (unless they have size zero model proportions); however room enough for a 2+3 family unit.

Engine - Once out on the road the car has a very smooth gear change throughout the six speed box, with its neat dashboard-mounted gear stick. Good acceleration, very nippy around town, probably not ideal for endless hours on the motorway. The 1.4 diesel engine gives a respectable 57.7mpg on a combined cycle, delivering 66bhp with emissions of 130 CO2. The 1.3 petrol version gives an equally respectable 51.4mpg on a combined cycle, delivering 74bhp with emissions of 192 CO2.

Similarly quirky to the Diahatsu Materia (what?) with lower emissions, less clumsy than the Chrysler PT Cruiser; the Toyota Urban Cruiser has more style than most of its rivals and with its 4WD capability could , quite literally, get you out of a rut. Rival cars could be the Nissan Note, Citroen's C3 Picasso, Vauxhall's Meriva and possibly even the Ford Fusion. However, if you want to drive an individual and stylish car rather than something bland and 'run of the mill' the Toyota Urban Cruiser should make it to your short-list.

CO2 - 130                 P11d value - £16,995

Mazda 6 Diesel Hatchback 2.2 Sport 180bhp

Test Drive Report

Exterior - My first impression of the Mazda 6 exterior was a sleek and stylish car mixed with a sprinkling of attitude. It has the practicality of a hatchback but is more 'classy saloon' in appearance; the high sparkle of the metallic paint really catches your eye. The sporty looks of this top spec model are enhanced by 18" alloy wheels of a curvy Y-spoked design and privacy glass all around the rear. This combined with the rear spoiler, front fog lights and a long low bonnet keep the car looking like it means business (and it is amazing how many cars move out of your way when you approach them swiftly from behind in the third lane!).

Boot - The boot space is cavernous (the estate version is even larger!) and will easily accommodate your clobber, be it camping, moving furniture or taking the whole family (including granny) on holiday.

Interior - The cabin space is very roomy, with good head height and oodles of leg room in both front and rear. There are the usual profusion of storage compartments around the cabin and twin illuminated vanity mirrors (perfect for girls). All round visibility is very good and the driver controls are well placed with a multitude of steering wheel controls. The cockpit is loaded with gadgets (including Hill Hold Assist) and the centre consol keeps control in easy reach. The seating is firm and comfortable, with leather available as an option. Talking of options, there are just the two....leather seats and metallic paint! This car also features keyless stop/start and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal, heavy braking activates the hazard warning lamps to flash rapidly, warning the car behind). The Sport model also comes with aluminium pedals and half leather seats as standard.

Engine - The economical six speed box has a silky smooth change moving quickly through the gears; the acceleration is swift to say the least. This is a big car when it comes to space but without the 'heaviness' of its rivals. With a choice of three petrol engines (1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 litre) and a clean 2.2 diesel with 129, 163 or 180 bhp there is something to satisfy everyone; the 180bhp diesel delivers sports performance yet has CO2's of just 142 (£125 road tax). As it that wasn't enough, this model will give you a very respectable 52.3 miles per gallon so you are not forever heading for the fuel pumps.

Having already won a host of awards (Family car of 2010 and Estate car of 2010 from WhatCar?, Best Estate car 2010 from FleetWorld and best Estate car 2010 from Fleet News) the demand for this car is likely to be high. I would definitely go for the TS2 or Sport specification (both with leather upgrade) as this gives you all the extras that make the car look good and give the driver that feeling of luxury. Without the price tag os say a Volkswagen yet having plenty of street credibility, Mazda is definitely a big contender in this class. I did not stop smiling from the time I got in until it was time to say goodbye. This car was truly a pleasure to drive and if it was my money, this is definitely where I'd be spending it!

CO2 - 142                 P11d value - £22,795

Honda Cr-z Coupe 1.5 IMA S Hybrid 3Dr

Test Drive Report

Apprehensive thought I was about my first outing in a 'hybrid' car the CR-Z left me pleasantly suprised. Honda certainly know how to deliver the WOW! factor and to alter your pre-drive opinion of a hybrid car. However, that's what this car is all about; Honda set out to show the world that eco friendly driving can be fun, the car can be stylish in design and feel racy to drive, thus improving the image of the 'hybrid'.

Exterior - The body shape is very aerodynamic and large silver & black alloy wheels add to the sporty looks; I do like the 'sharks fin' aerial, the only blip in an otherwise aerodynamic long sloping roof-line. The silver honeycomb front grille and matching wing mirrors accent the silver/black wheels. The car is a 1.5 IMA (petrol hybrid) with an electric assist motor which has a six-speed manual gearbox (unlike other hybrids) which delivers a smile-inducing 124bhp. With three levels of specification to choose from, S, Sport or GT, it's up to you which additional features you get. The three doors and the two plus two seating will, undoubtedly, deter families. The sleek sport design will attract singles and DINKY couples (dual incomes no kids yet) and the post-family man/woman who want to turn heads and be youthful again!

Boot - The boot is average in width and depth but a bit on the shallow side due to the battery being located here; however there is sufficient room for overnight bags or a grocery shop for two. The car will take two in the back seats but in practice they would need to be either stick-thin or under ten years old; its difficult to imagine any adult would enjoy being a rear seat passenger for any length of journey.

Interior - I was initially alarmed at the low seating position with legs out straight (think chaise longue) but actually found it very easy to drive, the seats are very comfortable and nicely hugging. The car was easier to get out of than I had expected but remember to leave enough room to get the large door open; probably best to avoid getting out onto a kerb especially in a short skirt! The cabin has adequate headroom not to cramp your style, the build quality is apparent and there are a profusion of gadgets and buttons for the boys. The dashboard was alight (quite literally) with information and technology (plenty to keep your eyes off the road). I especially like the 'change gear' indicator which aids optimum fuel consumption - quite surprisingly to be putting the car into 6th gear at just 34mph! Talking of gears, a lovely smooth change, makes driving the car a sheer pleasure.

Engine - There are three driving modes, economy, normal and sport (illuminating green/blue/red on the dash - driving 'red' made me grin and in 'green' I was saving the planet). Stop/start technology continues the 'eco' theme of the car; and switching to 'economy' driving mode reduces the air con performance simultaneously to further save fuel. The fuel economy figures make satisfying reading at 56.5mpg on a combined cycle, increasing to a pleasing 64.2mpg for extra urban. With a CO2 rating of 117 and aero Road Fund Licence what's not to like about the CR-Z?

Perhaps just the split rear view vision which might take a bit of getting used to but it hasn't been enough to put off the millions of Honda Civic drivers has it.....

The CR-Z was an altogether very easy drive, a bit of fun, puts a smile on your face and gives you street-cred by the bucketful. If this is hybrid, bring it on.