Volvo C70 T5
The C70 adopts the floating dash design
First Drive

Volvo C70 T5 first drive

The new C70 isn't a back-roads stormer, but it's safe, rigid and better than the Audi A4 or Saab 9-3. Just watch that front tyre wear...

23 January 2006
Volvo C70 T5 first drive
First Drive

Lamborghini Gallardo first drive

Pure motoring drama. The Gallardo is not without its flaws, but it is a convincing rival to the Ferrari F430.

20 January 2006
Lamborghini Gallardo first drive
First Drive

Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi first drive

The facelifted Fiesta is still a hoot to drive, but the diesel engine's refinement and the cabin are being left behind by the competition.

20 January 2006
Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi first drive
First Drive

VW Jetta 2.0 Sport TDI first drive

A confusing option - for the same money you can have the bigger Passat.

19 January 2006
VW Jetta 2.0 Sport TDI first drive
First Drive

Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD Sport Auto first drive

Decent off-road ability here, but Japanese rivals do a better job of bridging the gap between 4x4 and everyday use.

17 January 2006
Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD Sport Auto first drive
Seat Altea 2.0 TDI FR
Altea's tall styling at odds with its performance
First Drive

Seat Altea 2.0 TDI FR first drive

The new 168bhp diesel engine is a real step forward. But the Altea's chassis, while agile, makes too much of the struggle to cope with the torque on offer. The result is a car which falls frustratingly shy of its 'performance' brief.

16 January 2006
Seat Altea 2.0 TDI FR first drive
First Drive

Mini Cooper S Works Auto first drive

Auto box seems at odds with performance Works pack

14 January 2006
Mini Cooper S Works Auto first drive
Mercedes-Benz S 350
Odd styling will still be the stumbling block for many
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz S 350 first drive

Fine car, but this entry-level petrol version could do with more torque.

12 January 2006
Mercedes-Benz S 350 first drive
First Drive

Peugeot 20Cup

Bonkers show car gives few clues to what we can expect from the 207 - but it's fun all the same and its engine shows promise.

10 January 2006
Peugeot 20Cup
First Drive

Toyota FJ Cruiser first drive

Toyota goes for off-road prowess at the expense of on-road fun

6 January 2006
Toyota FJ Cruiser first drive
First Drive

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 first drive

Trading green wellies for driving shoes, Jeep has delivered a bargain performance 4x4.

4 January 2006
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 first drive
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz S 500 first drive

Quite simply as good as it gets

2 January 2006
Mercedes-Benz S 500 first drive

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