In this week’s machinery section, we test-drive the Schäffer 8620T. The German-built articulated telescopic loader proved its worth cleaning out a winter fattening shed with more than enough lift capacity and reach to get into the most hard to reach corners.

The 122hp Deutz engine had plenty of power to spin the wheels on the wet concrete and operate the telescopic boom simultaneously.

According to Honda, the latest incarnation of the Civic is the beginning of the fight back for diesel engines.

Alistair Chambers test-drove the restyled hatchback. With 120hp, this car is no slouch and is well able to get up to the speed limit with very little fuss.

Even off road the Civic kept its composure on bumpy country roads. For those looking in the compact car market, it’s worth a look.

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