First Drive

Dodge Nitro 3.7 V6

Tough-guy looks clothe a strong value package, but in V6 spec it’s no fun to drive

20 October 2006
Dodge Nitro 3.7 V6
First Drive

BMW X5 4.8i SE first drive

Takes over where old model left off. High on quality, feel and desirability

18 October 2006
BMW X5 4.8i SE first drive
Honda Civic Type S
3dr very similar in profile to 5dr
First Drive

Honda Civic Type S first drive

Needs to ride better or be more involving. Looks like a Type R-lite, but isn’t

12 October 2006
Honda Civic Type S first drive
First Drive

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Di-D 2006 first drive

It's still the traditional no-nonsense 4x4, but surprisingly capable on and off road.

12 October 2006
Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Di-D 2006 first drive
Mini Cooper S
It is the new Mini, honest
First Drive

Mini Cooper S first drive

Besides a subtly updated but no less funky cabin and body, the new car offers improvements in economy and engine refinement. It's also great to drive. A mature step forward.

5 October 2006
Mini Cooper S first drive
Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB
It's a Phantom, only longer
First Drive

Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB first drive

Fabulously opulent. Best in the back, but the chauffeur will be happy too.

5 October 2006
Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB first drive
Volvo C70 D5 SE Lux
Safety is as comprehensive as you'd expect from Volvo
First Drive

Volvo C70 D5 SE Lux first drive

The C70 perhaps makes most sense with the D5 diesel, which admirably suits its cruising prowess - except when you need to nip into a gap in traffic.

4 October 2006
Volvo C70 D5 SE Lux first drive
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz S 63 L AMG

Very fast, and very expensive. Raw performance countered by luxury.

3 October 2006
Mercedes-Benz S 63 L AMG
Subaru B9 Tribeca 3.0 SE5
No low-ratio box, but B9 is fine on gravel
First Drive

Subaru B9 Tribeca 3.0 SE5 (2006-2014) first drive

Subaru's first sports-utility vehicle is good to drive, for an SUV, and good value, but it's crying out for a diesel engine

6
2 October 2006
Subaru B9 Tribeca 3.0 SE5 (2006-2014) first drive
Volvo C30 T5
C30 based on S40 chassis, but shortened
First Drive

Volvo C30 T5 first drive

A stylish, good to drive and well-equipped alternative to the mainstream.

27 September 2006
Volvo C30 T5 first drive
First Drive

Hyundai Accent 1.4i Atlantic

The Accent Atlantic is a stop-gap until Hyundai's Astra-rival arrives next year. It's very cheap, but not that good either

26 September 2006
Hyundai Accent 1.4i Atlantic
BMW M6 convertible
The ride is rather improved by the extra weight
First Drive

BMW M6 convertible

The soft-top M6 delivers a delicious soundtrack and a huge sense of occasion. But its 220kg weight gain blunts its responses.

25 September 2006
BMW M6 convertible

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