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
First Drive

Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic first drive

Neat, capabale but not very radical small car with high standards of comfort and refinement; deserves to be successful

9 October 2003
Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic first drive
First Drive

VW Golf 2.0 FSI first drive

Best petrol Golf — more refined and more powerful than the 1.6 — but it still can’t compete on the same level as a diesel

7 October 2003
VW Golf 2.0 FSI first drive
First Drive

Saab 9-5 2.3T first drive

An interesting leftfield choice for exec buyers breaking from the crowd, but still dynamically off the pace of the Germans

7 October 2003
Saab 9-5 2.3T first drive
First Drive

Honda Civic Type R first drive

Revisions to the styling, chassis and steering finally give the rest of the package a chance to keep up with the phenomenal drivetrain

7 October 2003
Honda Civic Type R first drive
First Drive

VW Golf 2.0 TDi SE first drive

The complete hatch adds refinement in every area, apart from the gruff engine. A car most hatch buyers will and should aspire to.

7 October 2003
VW Golf 2.0 TDi SE first drive
First Drive

Mazda 3 1.6

Impressive advance over outgoing 323, but faces talented new rivals from Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen in near future

25 September 2003
Mazda 3 1.6
First Drive

Lexus LS430 first drive

Mid-term freshening adds vital six-speed auto to the LS430's inventory, giving livelier performance and only strengthening its luxury car appeal

23 September 2003
Lexus LS430 first drive
First Drive

Renault Megane CC 2.0 VVT first drive

Accept the C-C for what it is — a stylish cruiser with a very up-market roof — and it doesn’t disappoint. Thrill seekers look elsewhere

23 September 2003
Renault Megane CC 2.0 VVT first drive
First Drive

Subaru Legacy 3.0R first drive

Despite a classier interior and the usual brilliant chassis, latest Legacy hampered by standard auto and lack of diesel option

23 September 2003
Subaru Legacy 3.0R first drive
First Drive

Land Rover Freelander Sport

Landie's revamp of the interior has been money well spent, while the unchanged mechanics are as sturdy as ever - still best in class, especially the diesel version

16 September 2003
Land Rover Freelander Sport
First Drive

Smart Roadster Coupe

Better equipped and more practical than a Roadster. If you can stump up the cash, you’ll enjoy a fine-handling sports car

16 September 2003
Smart Roadster Coupe

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