First Drive

Lexus IS220d Sport

Sport specification sharpens the IS, but can't raise it to the level of communication offered by the BMW 320d. The bigger wheels hurt refinement a little, too.

8 May 2006
Lexus IS220d Sport
First Drive

Audi Allroad 3.0 TDi

A good compromise between off-road looks and on-road ability.

5 May 2006
Audi Allroad 3.0 TDi
Ford S-Max 2.5T Titanium
The S-Max is an entertaining drive
First Drive

Ford S-Max 2.5T Titanium

The S-Max is an enjoyable drive, and highly practical

4 May 2006
Ford S-Max 2.5T Titanium
First Drive

Brooke Double R 260

The Brooke Double R is cheaper than a Caterham CSR, just as quick and a huge amount of fun. Offset pedals are the only downside - apart from the lack of a roof.

3 May 2006
Brooke Double R 260
First Drive

Saturn Sky 2.4T first drive

The Sky isn't quite as agile as an MX-5, but its ride is better and its engine torquier. This bodes well for the Europe-only Opel GT, due for launch with 260bhp next year.

3 May 2006
Saturn Sky 2.4T first drive
First Drive

BMW Z4 3.0i SE

The 3.0-litre six is a delight, but the Z4's lack of steering feel and its chassis flex detract.

3 May 2006
BMW Z4 3.0i SE
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Coupe

Slotting a 6.2-litre V8 into the CLK results in a car that's faster to 60mph than a Lamborghini Countach, but the Merc doesn't involve you in its huge capabilities as a 911 would. And a Carrera S costs the same.

2 May 2006
Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Coupe
Daihatsu Terios  1.5 SX
Chunky Terios faces stiff competition from rivals like Fiat's Sedici
First Drive

Daihatsu Terios 1.5 SX first drive

A vast improvement over its predecessor, but the standard in the class has been raised so it still faces a battle to prove a compelling buy

5
28 April 2006
Daihatsu Terios 1.5 SX first drive
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz R 350 L first drive

A refined and spacious alternative to the 4x4-style SUV. But the diesel engine might be a better buy than the base petrol model.

28 April 2006
Mercedes-Benz R 350 L first drive
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG

Very at home in a straight line once you've found some traction, the SL 65 is now more eager round bends too.

28 April 2006
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG
First Drive

Volvo S80 3.2 SE

In six-cylinder guise, the S80 delivers a great drive and a glimpse into Jaguar's future.

27 April 2006
Volvo S80 3.2 SE
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz S 65 L AMG first drive

The S 65 is massively fast, desirable, powerful and depreciative.

26 April 2006
Mercedes-Benz S 65 L AMG first drive

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