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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

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

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