First drives

The Mazda CX-5, in its 148bhp, 2.2-litre diesel guise emits just 199g/km of CO2

First Drive

Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150PS 2WD

The headline-grabbing Mazda CX-5 returns the best fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any model in the range, and is a top-level contender in the class

25 May 2012

Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150PS 2WD

Peugeot robotised manual is transferred from the 508 to the 208

First Drive

Peugeot 208 1.4 HDi EGC

Base diesel Peugeot 208 is quite perky and civil, but 1.2 petrol is a better bet.

25 May 2012

Peugeot 208 1.4 HDi EGC

BMW says the new, second-generation M6 convertible is the fastest-accelerating open-top road car it has ever built

First Drive

BMW M6 Convertible

The M6 convertible is an enormously impressive piece of engineering. It's blindingly quick, but delivers the sort of relaxed cruising traits to make it an excellent everyday proposition

25 May 2012

BMW M6 Convertible

The coupe-estate styling is all Volvo's, but the car uses basic Focus running gear

First Drive

Volvo V40 D2 SE

Volvo's first all-new car under Chinese ownership is a revelation; early signs are that it's a credible VW Golf rival

25 May 2012

Volvo V40 D2 SE

The Vauxhall Mokka is a late entrant to the crossover market

First Drive

Vauxhall Mokka 1.4T 4x4

The Vauxhall Mokka is the marque's first foray into the mini SUV market. An early drive shows it has real promise

25 May 2012

Vauxhall Mokka 1.4T 4x4

The Maserati GranTurismo Sport boasts a Stradale-rivalling 453bhp

First Drive

Maserati GranTurismo Sport

The Maserati GranTurismo Sport competes against more rounded rivals, but offers plenty of compelling Maserati mystique

24 May 2012

Maserati GranTurismo Sport

The 99g/km Insight finally qualifies for road tax exemption

First Drive

Honda Insight 1.3 IMA HS

Reduction in CO2 gives the tax-saving status Honda’s Insight always should have had, but the competition has moved on and the price has crept up.

24 May 2012

Honda Insight 1.3 IMA HS

The DCT gearbox works well, but you're still better off with the manual

First Drive

Kia Cee'd 1.6 GDI 4 DCT

The Kia Cee'd's dual-clutch transmission is better than the auto, but the manual is the best

23 May 2012

Kia Cee'd 1.6 GDI 4 DCT

The Ford Escape is the sister car to the next-gen Kuga which lands here next year

First Drive

Ford Escape 2.0 Ecoboost

The US market Ford Escape hints at what Europe can expect from the Kuga next year. It offers more style and driving fun than its predecessor, but is just as functional

23 May 2012

Ford Escape 2.0 Ecoboost