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

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

Kia EV5 (2026) Review

Place the Kia EV5 alongside the Kia Sportage and it’s almost a case of spot the difference. And that is a deliberate ploy by Kia as the Sportage is the company’s best-selling car. However, the big question is can the all-electric newcomer replicate the remarkable sales success of its combustion-powered sibling? In our view, the Kia EV5 is every bit as compelling as its family-friendly stablemate.

By Maxine Ashford | 28-05-2026

3.9/5 stars

Volvo ES90 (2026) Review

Volvo has unleashed its all-new ES90 electric model that boasts a mix of saloon, fastback and SUV styling traits. It certainly looks the business and if you’re uncertain what to call it, just settle for high-end executive car.

By Maxine Ashford | 27-04-2026

3.5 /5 stars

Alfa Romeo Giulia (2026) Review

It looked likely the stylish Giulia would be disappearing into the darkest depths with more of an EV-focused future on the cards for Alfa Romeo. Now, in a dramatic U-turn, the order books have been reopened and extended into 2027 to the delight of would-be buyers or lease customers. But is the elegant saloon looking a little too dated for the modern era?

By Maxine Ashford | 23-04-2026

4.8/5 stars

Kia EV2 (2026) Review - Select Car Leasing

Kia has an enviable track record when it comes to developing top-notch electric vehicles that appeal to the masses. And they are really raising the bar with the smallest model yet – the compact EV2. Game on!

By Maxine Ashford | 30-03-2026

3.5/5 stars

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric (2026) Review

Vauxhall has given its eighth-generation Astra a mid-life refresh that sees all-round improvements in range, performance and styling. And with a choice of trims, body styles and powertrains, including fully electric, there just might be a model to suit all needs and budgets.

By Maxine Ashford | 25-03-2026

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