First Drive

Smart Fortwo Brabus

The Brabus engine and suspension upgrades are well judged, but they don’t come cheap

29 August 2007
Smart Fortwo Brabus
First Drive

Audi A8 2.8 V6 FSI first drive

New entry level A8 might save you money on your tax bill, but in all other respects we'd take the 3.0-litre TDI

28 August 2007
Audi A8 2.8 V6 FSI first drive
First Drive

Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 HCCI first drive

A super-clean petrol Vectra that's nearly as frugal as a diesel; well done GM

24 August 2007
Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 HCCI first drive
First Drive

Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi 150 Dynamique first drive

Refined, smooth and safe. But neither thrilling to drive nor quite as elegant as its predecessor.

22 August 2007
Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi 150 Dynamique first drive
First Drive

Elfin MS8 Clubman first drive

An appealing concept that doesn't quite work in reality

22 August 2007
Elfin MS8 Clubman first drive
First Drive

Honda Accord Sport GT first drive

Final version of the Accord is a compelling combination of performance and comfort

20 August 2007
Honda Accord Sport GT first drive
First Drive

Renault Clio 1.2 TCE first drive

Clio gets Twingo’s turbo engine and it’s a hidden gem

16 August 2007
Renault Clio 1.2 TCE first drive
First Drive

Volvo V70 2.5T SE first drive

New V70 is the best yet, but not with this 2.5 petrol turbo engine.

15 August 2007
Volvo V70 2.5T SE first drive
First Drive

Jaguar XJ TDVi Sovereign LWB first drive

Aeging but supremely comfortable, especially for those in the back

12 August 2007
Jaguar XJ TDVi Sovereign LWB first drive
First Drive

Subaru Impreza GB270 first drive

Last-of-the-line WRX is typically great to drive, and even better value. Get one while you can.

10 August 2007
Subaru Impreza GB270 first drive
Mitsuoka Orochi 3.3 V6
Mitsuoka Orochi 3.3 V6
First Drive

Mitsuoka Orochi 3.3 V6 first drive

Not for shy, retiring types, this £44,000 creation by Japan's top replica car maker is what you might call an acquired taste

6 August 2007
Mitsuoka Orochi 3.3 V6 first drive
First Drive

Renault Grand Espace 2.0 dCi 175

Smooth, refined turbodiesel goes nicely with six-speed auto; cabin remains best in class

2 August 2007
Renault Grand Espace 2.0 dCi 175

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