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Cover photo, left side of fast running car in the woods
Maxine Ashford

Maxine Ashford

Motor Journalist

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!).

Articles by Maxine Ashford

Reviews by Maxine Ashford

4.9/5 stars

BMW iX3 (2026) Review

With cutting-edge technology, a bold new design and an official 500-mile driving range, the all-electric BMW iX3 dismisses range anxiety fears with a shrug of its muscular haunches and it could just be ‘the’ car to beat.

By Maxine Ashford | 18-03-2026

3.9/5 stars

Kia K4 Hatchback (2026) Review

The K4 is Kia’s all-new petrol-powered family hatchback and it will be sold alongside the electrified EV4 and the XCeed crossover to offer customers a full range of powertrain choices in the C-segment. But will this model be lost in the wave of excellent EVs the Korean carmaker has launched lately?

By Maxine Ashford | 11-03-2026

3.8/5 stars

Vauxhall Frontera (2026) Review

The Frontera makes a welcome comeback for Vauxhall but it’s a far cry from the rugged 4X4 that wore the badge 20-plus years ago. It’s more family-focused, two-wheel drive and is available in EV guise or powered by a compact 1.2 litre petrol engine.

By Maxine Ashford | 06-03-2026

3.3/5 stars

Hyundai Bayon (2026) Review

How refreshing – a clutch, a gearstick and a ‘proper’ handbrake! Sometimes the little things in life can be so rewarding, especially with manual cars becoming quite a rare breed these days in favour of single-speed automatic EVs. But Hyundai has recently revised its Bayon compact crossover line-up, which thankfully still includes a manual variant. It may not be the quickest car out there, but it’s certainly got plenty of plus points.

By Maxine Ashford | 24-02-2026

3.7/5 stars

Skoda Elroq vRS (2026) Review

Skoda has raised the bar in the high performance EV sector by launching its fastest ever production car – the Elroq vRS. It can power from zero to 62mph in just 5.4 seconds, but still covers all the practicality bases well and has an impressive driving range. However, this added firepower does come at a price.

By Maxine Ashford | 17-02-2026

3.9/5 stars

Skoda Fabia 130 (2026) Review

Skoda is kicking off its 130th anniversary celebrations in style with the launch of its fastest production Fabia model ever. Aptly, it’s called the Fabia 130 and it takes its inspiration from the company’s rallying success. Overall, it’s engaging to drive and boasts a striking interior but should be considered a ‘mild’ rather than ‘hot’ hatchback.

By Maxine Ashford | 05-02-2026

3.8/5 stars

Volvo XC60 (2026) Review

Volvo has given its global best-seller, the XC60, a mid-life refresh with sharper styling, new features, plus tech upgrades with a faster infotainment system. It’s calm, comfortable, economical and very Swedish in its demeanour.

By Maxine Ashford | 02-02-2026

4/5 stars

Toyota Aygo X Hybrid (2025) Review

Toyota has added to the appeal and efficiency of its fun-loving Aygo X model by introducing a hybrid powertrain to the mix - and it improves the car in every department.

By Maxine Ashford | 07-01-2026