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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

3.8/5 stars

Volvo XC60 (2026) Review

Short summary 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

3.7/5 stars

Toyota bZ4X (2025) Review

When Toyota launched its fully electric bZ4X family crossover back in 2022 it was met with great excitement – after all Toyota had decades of hybrid expertise to draw upon. Sadly, it was a little underwhelming, mainly due to its low range. But the new 2026 model addresses that issue and the car has seen numerous revisions and upgrades for all-round improvements.

By Maxine Ashford | 31-12-2025

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