First Drive

Audi TT 3.2 V6 Roadster first drive

V6 and DSG ’box are just as successful in the Roadster as they are in the Coupé

11 November 2003
Audi TT 3.2 V6 Roadster first drive
First Drive

Mercedes-AMG E 55 first drive

A mighty all-rounder with the pace to humble a Ferrari 360 and the space to swallow a family.

4 November 2003
Mercedes-AMG E 55 first drive
First Drive

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Evoluzione

If you can overlook the flaws still present from the original car, Xtreme's £3400 conversion is well worth the money

4 November 2003
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Evoluzione
First Drive

Volvo S40 2.4 first drive

At last, a small Volvo that lives up to its billing. But smaller-engined, cheaper models might make more sense

4 November 2003
Volvo S40 2.4 first drive
First Drive

Peugeot 307 CC 2.0 16v first drive

Dull to drive, but metal roof adds glamour and practicality. It would have things all its own way, but for the Mégane CC.

28 October 2003
Peugeot 307 CC 2.0 16v first drive
First Drive

Subaru Legacy 2.5i SE first drive

All-new Legacy still the driver’s choice, but now with a smart interior to enhance appeal. Greener engines cut running costs for company

28 October 2003
Subaru Legacy 2.5i SE first drive
First Drive

Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi first drive

Better equipped, better value and better to drive - especially in diesel guise

21 October 2003
Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi first drive
First Drive

Toyota Prius 1.5 T3 first drive

No GT to drive, but the new powertrain is a quantum leap and strong mid-range torque makes cruising eerily quiet and relaxed. Styling much improved

21 October 2003
Toyota Prius 1.5 T3 first drive
First Drive

VW Touareg 2.5 TDI first drive

Entry-level Touareg handles well enough, and is solidly built, but 2.5 diesel doesn’t have the refinement you’d expect

21 October 2003
VW Touareg 2.5 TDI first drive
First Drive

Volvo S40 T5 SE first drive

Volvo’s best effort in this sector by a mile. Retains essential Volvo character despite being closely related to the Ford Focus

21 October 2003
Volvo S40 T5 SE first drive
First Drive

Mazda 3 2.0 TS2 first drive

A comfortable and attractive car, but a little underpowered; the engine is coarse and the steering overlight, making its sport badge slightly fanciful

21 October 2003
Mazda 3 2.0 TS2 first drive
First Drive

Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6 estate

First-ever Jag load lugger is stylish, roomy and engaging to drive. Audi dealers: start worrying now.

14 October 2003
Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6 estate

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