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First Drives

2015 Passat GTE review

First drive review: Volkswagen Passat GTE (2016)

The popularity of plug-in hybrids is set to explode. Volkswagen reckons that sales will mushroom four-fold by 2018, to a staggering 893,000 per year....
Published 17 July 2015
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First Drive review: Bentley Mulsanne Speed (2015)

Even royalty might find it hard to resist taking the wheel of a fully kitted-out luxury saloon with breathtaking acceleration. Just be careful in...
Published 14 July 2015
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First Drive review: Audi R8 V10 Plus (2016)

The moment you’re handed the keys to the V10-powered 2016 R8, there’s only one question that comes into your head: will it be better than the...
Published 11 July 2015
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First Drive review: Skoda Superb Estate (2016)

If there was ever a car that didn't really need any more space, it is the Skoda Superb...
Published 09 July 2015
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First Drive review: Mercedes-Benz GLE (2015)

Mercedes’ revamped and renamed school-run monster is packed with driver ‘assists’, including one that apparently predicts crosswinds
Published 06 July 2015
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First Drive review: Porsche Boxster Spyder (2016)...

The original 1950s Porsche 550 Spyder was the car you could buy on a Saturday, race on a Sunday and drive home on a Monday
Published 03 July 2015
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Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible review (2015)

Drivers hoping to make an impression and soak up some summer rays at the wheel of one of the grandest convertibles on the road need to pay more attention...
Published 30 June 2015
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First Drive review: BMW X5 xDrive40e (2015)

BMW's large but refined new plug-in hybrid SUV is certain to be seen but not heard when it flies past you.
Published 29 June 2015
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First Drive review: SsangYong Tivoli (2015)

It’s true cars have improved a lot, but a cheap Korean crossover? Well, Giles Smith is pushed to find a thing wrong with this one
Published 22 June 2015
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First Drive review: Volkswagen Sharan (2015)

For drivers of a certain age, owning a vehicle that can comfortably transport six hyperactive children high on sweets and cakes back home from a birthday...
Published 22 June 2015
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First Drive review: DS 5 (2015)

Paris in the springtime and in the Jardin des Tuileries, in the biggest marquee this side of Kim Kardashian’s wedding
Published 15 June 2015
James May Ferrari 488 GTB review

James May drives the 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB

The new £184,000 488 GTB is a clever and ruggedly handsome beast. And that could be annoying for James May, who has just ordered its £208,000 predecessor.
Published 10 June 2015