First drives

First Drive

Toyota Prius Plug-in long-term test

Does running a plug-in hybrid really make sense as a 500-mile-a-week driver? Six months with a Toyota Prius Plug-in gave us a conclusive answer

29 June 2018

Toyota Prius Plug-in long-term test

First Drive

Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350d 4Matic 2018 first drive

A more potent V6 engine and greater driver focus add some welcome character to the posh Mercedes pick-up

29 June 2018

Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350d 4Matic 2018 first drive

First Drive

Ford Focus 2018 first drive

Focus retains its position as the best-in-class to drive – spec dependent – while adding extra space, functionality and connectivity

26 June 2018

Ford Focus 2018 first drive

First Drive

Volvo XC40 T3 2018 first drive

Volvo’s first three-pot motor and standard suspension settings aren’t so flattering in a car that's markedly better to drive in other forms

25 June 2018

Volvo XC40 T3 2018 first drive

First Drive

Dacia Duster Comfort SCe 115 4x2 2018 first drive

It's still not as refined as other SUVs, but in terms of sheer value the second-generation Duster is very much in a class of its own

22 June 2018

Dacia Duster Comfort SCe 115 4x2 2018 first drive

First Drive

Ford Ka+ Active 2018 UK first drive

This SUV-inspired makeover for Ford’s city-friendly small car will find its fans, but the Ka+ Active doesn’t set any new benchmarks for the class

22 June 2018

Ford Ka+ Active 2018 UK first drive

First Drive

Audi Q8 2018 first drive

Range-topping SUV is short on the styling and performance pizzazz needed to make it a Range Rover Sport-toppling style icon, although it’s an accomplished luxury car

20 June 2018

Audi Q8 2018 first drive

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 2018 review hero front

First Drive

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 2018 first drive

Mild hybrid engine completes an extensive facelift for Mercedes’ fourth-generation junior saloon, but the C200 isn’t the most convincing choice in the line-up

20 June 2018

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 2018 first drive