Suzuki SX4 1.6 GLX
e
First Drive

Suzuki SX4 1.6 GLX first drive

Decently priced, attractively styled junior soft-roader.

17 March 2006
Suzuki SX4 1.6 GLX first drive
First Drive

BMW Z4 2.5si Sport first drive

The lesser hairy-chested Z4. Not hardcore, but a deft blend of pace and ability.

15 March 2006
BMW Z4 2.5si Sport first drive
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz GL 450 first drive

Extremely capable and highly practical, but the new Merc GL may be just too big for comfort.

13 March 2006
Mercedes-Benz GL 450 first drive
Renault Mégane 225 Renault F1 Team 3dr
The Mégane is mechanically the same as the Cup - which means 60mph in 6.8 seconds
First Drive

Renault Mégane 225 Renault F1 Team 3dr

For £900 more than the Cup you get plenty of extras. Worth consideration if you can live with the colour and decals.

10 March 2006
Renault Mégane 225 Renault F1 Team 3dr
Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi 888
The engine management system has been changed to release 160bhp in normal mode; 195bhp in Sport
First Drive

Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi 888

The 888 is fast and furious, but fun. At only £120 more than a 1.9 SRi 150, expect the 100 examples to sell quickly.

10 March 2006
Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi 888
Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi 90
The 307's engine doesn't change it radically, but does improve it
First Drive

Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi 90 first drive

The 307 is improved by its new lightweight diesel engine, but it is still some way from the class best.

9 March 2006
Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi 90 first drive
Alpina B6 Coupe
The B6 isn't as agile as the M6, but is a capable cross-country car
First Drive

Alpina B6 Coupe first drive

Every bit as desirable as the M6. Not as sharp, but a better grand tourer.

8 March 2006
Alpina B6 Coupe first drive
First Drive

Renault Clio 1.6 VVT Initiale

Pleasant enough, but the top-level specification pushes the price too high.

7 March 2006
Renault Clio 1.6 VVT Initiale
BMW Z4M Roadster
That wheel is linked to a steering system with hydraulic rather than electric assistance
First Drive

BMW Z4M Roadster first drive

A rough diamond: flawed but still captivating if treated the right way.

1 March 2006
BMW Z4M Roadster first drive
First Drive

Kia Magentis 2.0 CRD first drive

Kia is making an assault on mainstream saloon territory with its new Magentis. Although much better, there's plenty of room for improvement too.

21 February 2006
Kia Magentis 2.0 CRD first drive
First Drive

VW Touran 1.4 TSI

Hardly a visual treat, but the Twincharger engine is more than a technical gimmick - it makes this 1.4-litre petrol a better bet than an equivalent diesel.

21 February 2006
VW Touran 1.4 TSI
First Drive

Dodge Ram SRT-10

Outrageously powerful, but too big to be practical and left-hand drive only

16 February 2006
Dodge Ram SRT-10

Pages