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First Drives

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First drive review: Nissan GT-R Nismo (2014)

Nissan’s fastest machine is a rival for any Ferrari. Odd for a family-car maker? Not at all: it’s a test-bed for kit that will be in tomorrow’s...
Published 01 October 2014
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First drive review: Ford Mustang (2015)

For a car we’ve never been able to buy, the Ford Mustang has a mystical grip on British hearts.
Published 29 September 2014
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First drive review: Mercedes-Benz SL 400 AMG Sport...

The new entry-level Mercedes-Benz SL-class is furiously fast but it sounds uncouth and, as Bobby Ewing could tell you, that's a mistake...
Published 23 September 2014
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First drive review: Porsche Cayenne S (2014)

Despite its sleeker lines the Cayenne can still claim to the only the second-ugliest car on the road...
Published 22 September 2014
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First drive review: Jeep Renegade (2015)

Don't blame Nissan, Kia or even Land Rover for the unhealthy amount of SUVs you see clogging up the school run on a daily basis. Blame Jeep.
Published 22 September 2014
2014 Mini 5-door Hatch review

First drive review: Mini Cooper SD 5-door hatch (2014)

Engage the owner of a current Mini in a conversation about their car and you'll undoubtedly be dragged into a long and passionate spiel about its...
Published 14 September 2014
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First drive review: Volkswagen Golf GTE (2015)

The Volkswagen marketing man summed up this new plug-in hybrid Golf GTE thusly: “For the man it is the fun of the driving, and for the woman it's...
Published 11 September 2014
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First drive review: Ford Focus (2014 facelift)

The Ford Focus: not just the staple of the nation’s company car fleets but also a popular choice with the rest of us, being the biggest-selling...
Published 09 September 2014
Audi TT Mk3 quattro Sport

First drive review: 2014 Audi TT quattro Sport

The new version of Audi's slick coupé looks only subtly different but its 'virtual cockpit' should score a direct hit with armchair fighter pilots...
Published 08 September 2014
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First drive: Jaguar E-type Lightweight review (2014)

The Quadrophenia star, who dreamt of driving an E-type as a boy, finds an ultra-sleek version of the Jag suits him down to the ground...
Published 08 September 2014
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First drive review: Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T Visia (2014)

It took a little while to put my finger on what the new Nissan Pulsar reminded me of. As I drove the 1.2-litre car into the hills behind Barcelona...
Published 05 September 2014
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First drive review: Renault Twingo (2014)

It's a big claim to fame of mine, and a source of considerable pride, that I was the first person in Britain to note the potential of the Renault...
Published 01 September 2014