Nissan Leaf 2023
10 November 2025
When I decided to switch to an electric vehicle, the 2023 Nissan Leaf felt like a natural choice—a compact hatchback with a fully electric powertrain, reasonably priced, and without a flashy persona. The options were the base S with a 40 kWh battery and 147 hp, or the slightly higher-end SV Plus with a 60 kWh battery and 214 hp. I went with the base model. The first thing that struck me was how quiet and smooth the ride is. No engine noise, no vibrations—just pure driving. It’s especially pleasant in the morning or around town: the Leaf pulls away confidently from a stop, thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque. It’s perfect for city driving: comfortable seating, good visibility, and a cabin spacious enough for two adults and a child. I charge at home on a 240V outlet—plug it in at night, and it’s ready by morning. The range, though, isn’t exactly cutting-edge by today’s standards: about 149 miles in the base version. Heavy use of the AC or driving in winter noticeably cuts into that. For out-of-town trips, you need to plan carefully. The SV Plus promises around 212 miles. Fast charging at stations is available but not the most impressive: reviews note that DC charging to ~80% can take significantly longer than with newer top-tier EVs. Handling is decent—not a sports car, but comfortable for everyday driving. The suspension does its job without fanfare, though road noise becomes a bit more noticeable above ~62 mph compared to premium EVs. Maintenance and running costs are a pleasant surprise: fewer moving parts mean fewer headaches. For me, this was a practical step into the electric future without unnecessary hassle. If you’re after an affordable, simple, and comfortable city EV, the 2023 Nissan Leaf is well worth considering. But if you want long highway trips without frequent charging or a more thrilling drive, you might want to look at higher-range versions or competitors.
Nissan Leaf 2020
9 November 2025
When I first got behind the wheel of the 2020 Leaf, I felt like an astronaut: no engine jolts, no rumble – just smooth acceleration, and off you go. But here’s a story. One of my first days, still getting used to the electric motor’s ‘did I move or not’ feel, I was playing the parking-lot hammock game (you know, trying to perfectly slot between two cars). I turned the wheel, lightly pressed the gas, and the car silently glided forward. I was expecting a vroom-vroom, but nothing. Then, out of nowhere: ping! – from the multimedia touchscreen I accidentally tapped, cranking the radio louder. Neighbors stared. I blushed. The Leaf was quiet, but I was loud. In the city, the Leaf performs great: good visibility, comfortable seating, and the electric motor is peppier than it seems. Per the specs, the base version has about 147 horsepower and a range of around 149 miles. The Plus version with a bigger battery goes up to 226 miles in ideal conditions. But there’s a flip side: on the highway or in rain and ice, you realize this isn’t a supercar. The suspension is soft but not sporty, and noise insulation is average. And when the car didn’t deliver that zip I was hoping for on a fast stretch, I had to accept the reality of a quiet, city-oriented electric vehicle. The 2020 Nissan Leaf is a solid choice if you want to switch to an electric car with minimal compromises. But if you’re dreaming of thrills or long highway trips without recharging, you might need to brace for some cringe-worthy moments, like my parking-lot ping-radio fiasco.
Nissan Qashqai 2020
9 November 2025
When I decided to get a 2020 Qashqai, I thought: a solid family crossover, everything as it should be. It looks decent enough, with a higher seating position and better visibility than a standard hatchback. But the more I drive it, the more I realize that expectations and reality don’t quite align. Let’s start with the transmission. Gear shifts can be… odd. Sometimes it switches smoothly, but other times it feels like it’s hesitating – you accelerate, and the car responds with a delay. As one review put it: apart from the ‘moan-y’ transmission, the Qashqai has some issues with its gearbox. Noise insulation is average. Once you hit speeds above 62 mph, you start hearing the tires hum and the road rustle. It’s a crossover, sure, but not a premium one, and I expected a bit more. Suspension: fine on smooth roads, but hit a typical British road with cracks or bumps, and the car feels like a grumbling instrument – every pothole, every dip goes ‘thump-thump.’ Electronics: there are minor quirks. For example, the multimedia system took a while to sync with my phone, the rearview camera froze once while parking, and there are creaks in the plastics – small things, but together they give off a vibe of not-quite-Japanese quality, more like a Japanese-but-not-top-tier. On the plus side: the seating position is great, visibility is better than in a sedan, the cabin is roomy enough for two adults and a child, and the trunk suits family needs. The 2020 Qashqai isn’t a bad car, but it’s not the no-compromise vehicle you’d hope for. If your budget is tight and you want a popular crossover, it’ll do. But if you’re after reliability, comfort, and no hassles, there are better options out there. I’m still weighing whether to accept its quirks or trade it in.
Nissan Qashqai 2023
9 November 2025
When choosing a family crossover, the 2023 Qashqai stood out as one of the most logical options. I went with the 1.3L turbo version (or the e-Power hybrid) – solid for city driving and weekend getaways. From day one, I appreciated the seating position: great visibility above average, comfortable seating, and getting in and out is a breeze. The interior feels solid: decent materials, everything seems well put together. For instance, reviews note that the interior is high-quality, with good materials and assembly. In the city, the car handles calmly and predictably: steering is light, parking is easy, and the driver assists work as expected. Reviews mention the steering is effortless, and tight turns are a cinch. Dynamically, though, it’s not all roses. The engine pulls adequately, but when you want a bit more punch, you feel it’s tuned for comfort, not thrills. The multimedia and infotainment system works fine but feels a step behind the competition in terms of modernity. For practicality: the trunk and seating space are perfectly adequate. Tested specs confirm it’s a good fit for families. If you’re after a reliable family crossover that quietly gets the job done, the 2023 Qashqai is a solid choice. It’s not a star in dynamics, but it’s no slouch either – just a good mid-tier option. If you crave excitement or cutting-edge multimedia, you might want to check out competitors.
Mazda CX-30 2023
30 October 2025
When choosing a compact crossover, I noticed the Mazda CX-30 2023 — and I didn’t regret it. The design immediately catches the eye: concise yet characterful — the car doesn’t look ordinary. The interior pleasantly surprised: high-quality materials, comfortable driver’s seat, all controls within reach. Driving is enjoyable — even in the base version, the 2.5L engine with 191 hp performs confidently, and all-wheel drive (standard in the US) adds peace of mind. The suspension isn’t overly soft — you feel the road, but without excessive stiffness. On twisty roads, the CX-30 behaves lively, almost like a hatchback. What could be improved: the trunk isn’t record-breaking — if you often carry large loads, it’ll be noticeable. And the base engine is good, but if you want to thrill — there’s a turbo version, though it costs more. The Mazda CX-30 2023 is an excellent choice if you want a compact crossover with a premium feel and a successful balance between comfort and dynamics. Glad I chose this one
Mercedes CLA 2023
29 October 2025
When I got behind the wheel of the 2023 Mercedes CLA-Class, I immediately felt—this is the car that doesn’t just drive you around, it gives you a sensation. Externally—an elegant silhouette, sloping roof, the lines and front grille demand attention. At first glance, you know: this is premium. The interior is pure joy. Quality materials, everything thoughtfully designed. The instrument panel with modern multimedia, ambient lighting, power adjustments—you feel you’re in a car worth every penny. Handling is effortless, gear shifts are smooth, the car responds eagerly, and both city streets and highways feel equally confident. I especially love that you’re not just driving—you’re enjoying the process. Now, what to keep in mind. Rear space is limited—if you often carry three adults, it might feel a bit cramped. And on rough pavement, you notice the noise insulation isn’t perfect—on really bad asphalt, road noise comes through. If you want a car where every time you sit down you think yes, today I’m on point—the 2023 Mercedes CLA-Class is an excellent choice. If rear space and absolute silence are critical, you know what to watch for.
Mercedes Sprinter 2022
29 October 2025
When I was looking for a business vehicle—to load, haul, and not break down—I chose the 2022 Sprinter, and over these couple of years I’ve realized: this isn’t just a “van,” it’s a work tool. Here’s the reality. What makes me happy - The cargo compartment volume truly impresses—you can load materials, equipment, crates, and there’s still space left. According to reviews: the 2022 model has expansive cargo “fields.” Work-oriented configuration: various lengths, roof heights, setups—for transport, workshop, mobile warehouse. Brand reliability: with proper service, parts are available, few serious surprises. Ease of operation: clearly designed for workload, high seating position, decent visibility, handles departures and loading well. What to keep in mind - Fuel consumption and operating costs: it’s a big machine—not an “economy sedan.” Factor this in if your business has slim margins. Price: you pay for the brand, configuration, volume. Reviews note: “one of the best vans, but more expensive than competitors.” If you drive it lightly loaded, the power might feel excessive or not the most efficient choice for small urban jobs. My Summary - If you need a vehicle to work without compromises—load up, head out, without fearing “what if something breaks now”—the 2022 Sprinter is an excellent option. If the cargo needs aren’t that high, consider something smaller. Otherwise—you take it, start it, drive. It works. I’m satisfied.
Nissan Kicks 2020
29 October 2025
When I got the 2020 Kicks, I wanted something light, peppy, to zip around town without stressing over fuel or parking. Here's how it turned out: What really clicked: The design grabs you right away: the body isn't just "another crossover," but stylish, compact, with character. Like "I'm a guy on wheels, but without the extra swagger." In the city—pure joy. High maneuverability, parking's no headache. Reviews also note that the Kicks handles urban traffic effortlessly. Fuel economy truly delights. No need to worry about filling up, especially if you're using it actively but not constantly on the highway. Another cool thing: multimedia, smartphone connectivity, a solid set of assistants. As a second owner, I can say: the car is generally reliable if you maintain the technical side. Owners note that "the standard four-cylinder engine is simple—and it can last." What could be better Dynamics—not a "sparrow sniper." It starts off fine, but if you want "zoom-zoom"—it's not there. Reviews say outright: the engine is weaker than competitors. Trunk and rear seats: when riding solo or with one passenger—great. But if you often need to carry three adults + luggage—it feels like it's not a "commander's" crossover. On the highway or at speeds above average, you start to feel it's truly a city car. For a guy who lives in the city, loves mobility, style, and doesn't want to refuel every day—the 2020 Nissan Kicks is an excellent choice. Not ideal for "highway races," but perfect for "running errands, meetings, with music, in comfort." I'm the second owner—and no regrets so far. If choosing again, I'd take almost the same, maybe just with a slightly bigger engine or a peppier version.
Fiat 500 2022
28 October 2025
I own a 2022 Fiat 500, 1.0 hybrid. Got it brand new, and after two years I can’t imagine life without it. It’s the perfect city car—compact, nimble, parks effortlessly even in spots where others simply can’t squeeze in. Looks-wise, it’s pure eye candy. I often catch glances in parking lots, especially from women. The interior is charming, everything within reach, seats are comfy, visibility is great. The only downside—the trunk is ridiculously small. Fine for daily grocery runs to the supermarket, but heading out of town means folding seats and deciding what to take and what to leave. The engine is tiny but sufficient for urban driving. Acceleration is smooth, the gearbox shifts softly. Fuel economy is pleasing—around 47 mpg average. On the highway, though, it’s less fun: overtaking is tough, especially with passengers and luggage. It’s lightweight, you feel the wind, and above 68 mph it gets noisy. Suspension is firm, particularly on rough roads, but handling is superb—corners confidently. Parking sensors and rear camera make life easy. Winter was no issue—starts reliably, heater kicks in fast, cabin warms quickly. Drawbacks: it’s low, scrapes on dirt roads, and long trips are tiring. But in the city it’s a gem. Its size and personality fit megacity rhythm perfectly. The Fiat 500 isn’t an all-rounder, but if you want a stylish, reliable, and frugal city runabout, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it.
Dacia Sandero 2017
28 October 2025
Sandero 2017, 1.2 petrol, manual. Bought it new, now mileage is nearing 100,000 km, overall satisfied with the car. It’s simple, no frills, but does its job honestly. Starts in any frost, sips fuel — about 39 mpg in the city, over 47 mpg on the highway. Perfect for daily commutes and trips to the countryside. The engine is weak, especially with the AC on or climbing hills with two or three passengers. But it doesn’t break down, doesn’t burn oil, pulls steadily without surprises. The gearbox is mostly trouble-free, shifts crisply, original clutch. Suspension is quite firm but reliable. Handles our roads like a champ, nothing falls apart, though it jostles on bumps. The interior is spartan, plastic is hard, but over the years nothing critical has come loose. Only the dashboard creaks in severe cold. Sound insulation is rubbish, practically nonexistent. Above 62 mph it gets noisy, especially from the wheels and wind. But I just turn up the radio and drive on calmly. On the plus side, plenty of cabin space, roomy trunk, seats fold conveniently. Maintenance is a joy, of course. Parts are dirt cheap, everything’s available. I change consumables myself — oil, filters — all straightforward. In all this time, only replaced stabilizer links and front brake pads, nothing else needed. Overall, Dacia Sandero isn’t about comfort or prestige, it’s about practicality and reliability. For those who just want to drive without wasting nerves or money, it’s an excellent choice.
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