First drives

First Drive

Lexus RX350 SE

Lexus has reduced the emissions and yet increased the economy and power of the RX's V6, but the hybrid is still the more convincing proposition.

25 April 2006

Lexus RX350 SE

First Drive

Volkswagen Fox 1.2 Urban Fox

This cheap and cheerful Volkswagen deserves to be a big draw

24 April 2006

Volkswagen Fox 1.2 Urban Fox

First Drive

Volvo S80 4.4 V8 SE

The new S80 is an interesting, likeable executive alternative; but this V8 model will be a rare sight.

21 April 2006

Volvo S80 4.4 V8 SE

First Drive

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S-line

The Q7's air suspension copes well with UK roads, though it can be caught out; the 3.0-litre TDi fails to shift the car's bulk with much verve.

19 April 2006

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S-line

It remains to be seen how the Sedici's price will compare with the four-wheel drive SX4

First Drive

Fiat Sedici 1.6 Dynamic

The Sedici is reasonably able off the road and on it, though the two-wheel drive Suzuki SX4, which is essentially the same car, undercuts it on price.

18 April 2006

Fiat Sedici 1.6 Dynamic

The ML is the first 4x4 to be able to join battle with Porsche's Cayenne Turbo S

First Drive

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

Fabulous new V8 and top-drawer chassis. Porsche should be worried.

17 April 2006

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

First Drive

Citroën C2 1.4i Stop & Start

The clever engine and gearbox combination, but the diesel C2 is a better bet.

14 April 2006

Citroën C2 1.4i Stop & Start

First Drive

Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi

A slightly bizarre creation, but Ford's 'MPV with attitude' is a curiously compelling proposition. It should be on any MPV buyer's list, particularly if you're an enthusiastic driver.

12 April 2006

Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi

The rear seats are easier to move around or remove than before

First Drive

Renault Espace 2.0 dCi 175

Excellent new engine and worthwhile interior mods, but now showing its age.

12 April 2006

Renault Espace 2.0 dCi 175

First Drive

Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STi Spec D

A limited and more subtle edition of the STi , which may suit those who want the Impreza's power and agility without drawing so much attention to themselves.

11 April 2006

Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STi Spec D