Maxine Ashford

Maxine Ashford has written for national and regional newspapers, websites and specialist magazines, as well as some work for BBC radio. She's a regular contributor to The Independent's motoring section. She was awarded the Guild of Motoring Writer’s Feature Writer of the Year in 2024 and is one of two UK judges for Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year. Maxine has been working in journalism since the late 1980s and has been specialising in motoring since the turn of the Century. She relishes the opportunity to drive all the latest models both here in the UK and overseas, as well as interviewing the specialists and engineers behind all the innovative technology as we move towards a fully electrified world of driving. She is also an avid rugby fan (watching not playing!).

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Articles by Maxine Ashford

We go off-road in the UK's newest pick-up!

The GWM POER300 is a rugged new diesel-powered pick-up - but can it really cope with serious off-roading? Read our report.

By Maxine Ashford | 23-09-2025

Kia K4 hatchback coming to the UK

All-new petrol-powered Kia K4 is powering into UK showrooms later this year

By Maxine Ashford | 19-09-2025

Melbourne to Sydney in a Toyota Corolla: 5 things we learned!

We enjoyed a 1,000km Australian road trip from Melbourne to Sydney in a new Toyota Corolla - but did we manage to swerve the kangaroos..?

By Maxine Ashford | 12-08-2025

We tackle Monster Mountain in Suzuki off-roaders!

Suzuki is celebrating 55 years of its legendary off-roading skills - and we skittered up Wales' infamous 'Monster Mountain' to put them to the test!

By Maxine Ashford | 14-07-2025

Reviews by Maxine Ashford

3.5/5 stars

Peugeot E-308 (2025) Review

As far as mid-life facelifts go, the latest Peugeot E-308 has exceeded all expectations with a raft of new design upgrades, superior technology, improved performance and a far more tempting price-tag too.

By Maxine Ashford | 04-12-2025

4.4/5 stars

BMW 5 Series Touring (2025) Review

Blending everyday practicality with executive comfort, the BMW 5 Series Touring is a premium estate that delivers sharp handling and high-end technology for all-round family and business appeal. The 5 Series Touring is the ultimate reminder of just how good estate cars can be.

By Maxine Ashford | 26-11-2025

3.7/5 stars

Vauxhall Mokka GSE (2025) Review

Who knew a Mokka could be this much fun? The answer is Vauxhall did and they have backed up that belief with this rally-inspired GSE model, the firm’s most potent electric car to date.

By Maxine Ashford | 26-11-2025

3.4/5 stars

Geely EX5 (2025) Review

If you think Geely is just another in a raft of new Chinese manufacturers to land in the UK, think again. The brand dates back 40 years, has strong links with Volvo, Smart, Lotus and Polestar, and just happens to be one of the top 10 automotive brands in the world. The EX5 is a great introduction to the Geely name – and its low price could make it really stand out from the crowd.

By Maxine Ashford | 13-11-2025

4/5 stars

Kia EV4 Review 2025

In an age when every EV coming to market seems to feature SUV styling cues, Kia has bucked that trend with its new hatchback and saloon EV4 models. Find out why the fully electric EV4 has got all bases covered when it comes to style and practicality.

By Maxine Ashford | 11-11-2025

3.8/5 stars

SEAT Ibiza 2025 Review

The SEAT Ibiza seems to have had more facelifts than a Hollywood film star, but will the latest one launch it back into the spotlight?

By Maxine Ashford | 30-10-2025

3.8/5 stars

Honda Prelude Review 2025

After a quarter of a century Honda has welcomed back the Prelude into the fold – it’s a stunning two-door coupe that will leave onlookers green with envy. Car of the Year contender? It just might be.

By Maxine Ashford | 30-10-2025

4.1/5 stars

Nissan Leaf (2025) Review

Nissan is building on its legacy as the creator of the first mass-produced EV with the development of the third-generation Leaf. It’s bolder, bigger and better – and exceeds all expectations.

By Maxine Ashford | 15-10-2025