Nic Cackett

Nic Cackett
Title: Road tester

Nic heralds from Surrey where he misspent a youth by lavishing ever-larger sums of money on secondhand hot hatches. Finally got a proper job as a firefighter removing other people’s wing mirrors with a Mercedes-Benz Atego DPL. Disgruntled with the strenuous shift pattern, he downshifted into automotive journalism and has been at the coalface ever since. Still has a lingering affection large motors squeezed into small cars, but is happiest when left to day dream with a Caterham brochure. Follow Nic on Google+

Car review

Used Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2012-2015 review

Can the hottest Astra make for a thrilling and cost-effective used purchase, or is it just too unruly?

Used Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2012-2015 review
Car review

Used Ford Fiesta 2017-2022 review

For the eighth generation, Ford tread lightly with the new Fiesta. But does that compromise it as a good used purchase?

Used Ford Fiesta 2017-2022 review
Car review

Hyundai i30

Hyundai’s next-gen bedrock model gets a ‘new era’ look and shrunken turbo petrol, but is it enough to take on the Volkswagen Golf

Hyundai i30
Car review

Used BMW X1 2015-2021 review

New crossover is quite different from its forebear, but is this updated X1 better - and does it have the premium edge over Audi, Mercedes and Land Rover?

Used BMW X1 2015-2021 review
News

Last of the non-turbo hot hatches: Suzuki Swift Sport vs naturally aspirated rivals

The old Swift Sport was the last atmo hot hatch standing. We gave it a last hurrah along with two past masters of the breed

Last of the non-turbo hot hatches: Suzuki Swift Sport vs naturally aspirated rivals
News

Cabrio clash: Porsche Boxster Spyder vs Jaguar F-type R vs Mazda MX-5

Three great roadsters from Jaguar, Mazda and Porsche embark on a road trip to the Isle of Skye to establish a winner

Cabrio clash: Porsche Boxster Spyder vs Jaguar F-type R vs Mazda MX-5
Car review

Used Ford Focus RS 2015-2018 review

Is Ford’s AWD mega-hatch as special as we first thought? And can the Focus RS beat stiff competition from the Volkswagen Golf R and Mercedes-AMG A45?

Used Ford Focus RS 2015-2018 review
First Drive

Audi TT RS Coupé long-term test

The Audi TT RS has the looks, a vociferous engine and the supercar-baiting performance, but is it too uncompromising to use as a daily driver?

Audi TT RS Coupé long-term test
Under the DB11-based body was the Vantage’s structure and V8
News

First ride: Aston Martin Vantage prototype

Earlier this year, we rode in a prototype of the new Vantage. Here's what it was like

First ride: Aston Martin Vantage prototype
First Drive

Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2017 first drive

Wagon version of Jaguar XF is intended to be just as good as the saloon. In many ways, though, it’s better

Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2017 first drive
The Golf R and Focus RS battle it out
News

Britain's best affordable driver's car: Volkswagen Golf R versus Ford Focus RS

"We're not so different, you and I," said every nemesis ever, but can the same be said for Ford and VW's chalk and cheese mega hatches?

Britain's best affordable driver's car: Volkswagen Golf R versus Ford Focus RS

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