the key to motoring journalism was unlocked for me by none other than clarkson. say what you like about the man, but for me, he's more honest than most.... and i quote
"treat what i say as entertainment and nothing more.... i certainly don't want you to buy a car based on my narrow judgement"
motoring journalists don't have to change tyres, put kids in the car, commute, or live with it when it goes wrong, unless you've gone for a long term test.... but even so, a dealer seeing a press car coming in, is bound to be extra nice sir.... witness most magazines testing ferraris and porsches every couple of months..... they don't for the main, live in the real world....
as a result, i look for reliability.... low insurance grouping, interior space and reasonable fuel economy.... diesel is a non starter because i don't do the miles and the way things are going, diesels "clean" reputation will take a knock soon.... (boris, london, particulates)
mrs mkjazz has a seat mii (vw up copy) and even though normally vw are overpriced and under talented, i have to say that on a recent trip from london to falkirk and back, it was pretty quiet (for a city car, not in the league of an s class) and despite all the tests/ reviews i've seen, i didn't have to change down on hills, it wasn't gutless, and i wouldn't hesitate to do it all again.
the moral of the story is to take every test with a pinch of salt.... because the person doing it has different priorities to you.... and is usually being paid. test the car yourself and if it fits with what you want it to do, then take a punt on it..... especially if it's from a proven company such as honda!
