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!).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?