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+

Articles by Nic Cackett

Suzuki Swift Sport vs Honda Civic Type R Mugen vs Renault Clio Cup

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

Nic Cackett26 August 2020

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

Porsche Boxster Spyder, Jaguar F-type and Mazda MX-5

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

Nic Cackett29 May 2020

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

Audi TT RS Coupé

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?

Nic Cackett7 August 2018

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

Nic Cackett21 November 2017

First ride: Aston Martin Vantage prototype

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

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

Nic Cackett3 September 2017

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?

Nic Cackett2 September 2017

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

Supercharged Nomad has 290bhp, which is plenty

News

Top 10 best used lightweight cars - top 100 used cars 2017

It’s time to lighten up with machines that make weekends go blurry. We kick off with the Mégane R26.R and Nomad

Nic Cackett20 August 2017

Top 10 best used lightweight cars - top 100 used cars 2017

Audi RS3 saloon

The new Audi RS3 saloon

First Drive

Audi RS3 Saloon UK 2017 first drive

The Audi RS3 is back and in new saloon guise.

Nic Cackett9 August 2017

Audi RS3 Saloon UK 2017 first drive

McLaren 570S Spider

First Drive

McLaren 570S Spider 2017 first drive

McLaren has created its most attainable drop-top by removing the roof from the 570S coupé, but none of the car's talent has come away with it

Nic Cackett25 July 2017

McLaren 570S Spider 2017 first drive

First Drive

Volvo XC60 T8 2017 first drive

The most expensive Volvo XC60 is the quickest and the cleanest, but not the best

Nic Cackett19 July 2017

Volvo XC60 T8 2017 first drive

Skoda Octavia vRS estate vs. Seat Leon ST Cupra vs. Volvo V60 AWD Polestar - fast estate triple test

News

Skoda Octavia vRS estate vs. Seat Leon ST Cupra vs. Volvo V60 AWD Polestar - fast estate triple test

Want performance and a big boot? Take your pick from these three fast estates, then. But where’s the sweet spot: £26k, £35k or £50k?

Nic Cackett16 July 2017

Skoda Octavia vRS estate vs. Seat Leon ST Cupra vs. Volvo V60 AWD Polestar - fast estate triple test

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