Subaru XV 2.0 SE ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

Little known to many Subaru have actually been making crossovers for a very long time. Actually before they were even cool. It all started in the early 90s with their Legacy estate which came with AWD and jacked up suspension for those living in more rural locations. 

Here we are testing the brand’s latest offering the rugged XV. Essentially a fourth generation Impreza hatchback with increased ground clearance and body cladding this compact Subaru is aimed squarely at Kia’s Sportage, Peugeot’s 3008 and Mitsubishi's ASX. With Subaru’s symmetrical permanent four wheel drive system and a five year warranty up it’s sleeve is the XV a better car to drive and own? Read on to find out

VIBE Car of the Year 2012

Review by Rob McSorley

We have just crowned Ford's superb 1.0T EcoBoost as our Car of the Year.

Now read the full verdict

Ford Focus 1.0T Ecoboost Review

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Chevrolet Orlando 2.0 VCDi Exec ON THE ROAD

Review by Rob McSorley

Photos by Mat Brooks

The Chevrolet Orlando is a bit of an unknown entity in the UK. As the name suggests it was originally intended to be manufactured in the states where it has been a huge hit as it was primarily designed for the American market. Now a few years into its life it's a curious looking MPV with its chunky, almost retro Americanized styling but is actually an indirect replacement for the ugly, unloved Tacuma. We got our hands on a top spec LTZ model to find out if the C-Max and Scenic have reason to be concerned.

Top 12 of 2012 & DriverVIBE Car of the Year

Happy New Year and Welcome to DriverVIBE.

Put down your party poppers and raise your glasses. Its time to look back at my Top 12 cars of 2012 that you will be wanting parked on your drive during 2013.

The categories are;

Most Improved

(Winner & Recommended)

Best Economy

(Winner & Recommended)

Most Fun

(Winner & Recommended)

Biggest Surprise

(Winner & Recommended)

Most Family Friendly

(Winner & Recommended)

Best Technology

(Winner & Recommended)

Special Award

DriverVIBE Car of the Year 2012

Most Anticipated Car of 2013

2014 Peugeot 208 CC

Images by Theo Chin

Words By Rob McSorley

Given the massive success of the whole folding hardtop coupe-cabriolet movement (originally started by Mercedes with their SLK then) made affordable by Peugeot with their 206 CC its begs the question, will there be a 208 CC? 

There is no doubt that the 208 is a great small car thanks to it's reduced size and weight making for a much more spirited drive. Considering that folding metal roof mechanisms are not only complicated but very heavy it makes us wonder whether Peugeot would risk the reputation of the 208. Also an insider has mentioned to us that the 208's body may be too small to comfortably accommodate the complex roof.

Either way, thanks to Theo we have these two images of what the 208 CC could look like, if it does make it to showrooms it should turn heads just like Peugeot's other CCs.