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

4.1/5 stars

Kia Sportage (2025) Review

The Kia Sportage is a bit like a best friend that’s been around forever, but just keeps getting better with age. It’s reliable, fun, practical and always eager to please.

By Maxine Ashford | 14-10-2025

3.5/5 stars

KGM Musso EV 2025 Review

The pick-up sector could be hotting up if KGM decides to go ahead and launch its all-electric Musso here in the UK – and we really hope that it does!

By Maxine Ashford | 03-10-2025

4.3/5 stars

Nissan Micra (2025) Review

Nissan’s all-new sixth generation Micral is moving into the modern era with full electrification. Here we argue why the Micra makes a mature alternative to the Renault 5.

By Maxine Ashford | 30-09-2025

4/5 stars

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review

Hyundai has a new flagship model called the Ioniq 9. It’s the company’s most expensive car, is fully electric and can accommodate up to seven people. Keep reading to find out why the Ioniq 9 delivers on all fronts.

By Maxine Ashford | 25-09-2025

3.5/5 stars

GWM POER300 2025 Review

A new pick-up has landed from Chinese manufacturer GWM, but will this practical rather than fashionable vehicle have what it takes to challenge the big hitters?

By Maxine Ashford | 23-09-2025

3.4/5 stars

Vauxhall Mokka Review

Vauxhall has brought its Mokka bang up to date with a fresh new design and improved tech, but will that be enough to help it stand out in a bustling EV sector?

By Maxine Ashford | 01-09-2025

4.4/5 stars

Renault 4 Review

Launching on the back of the award-winning Renault 5 and with a name that’s steeped in history, the all-electric Renault 4 has a great deal to live up to – we think it succeeds on all counts.

By Maxine Ashford | 21-08-2025

3.6/5 stars

Ford Puma Gen-E Review

It’s not easy re-inventing your best-selling car in Europe, but Ford hopes that adding electrification to the mix will help boost the Puma’s appeal in an ever-changing arena.

By Maxine Ashford | 20-08-2025