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Giles Smith

The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First Drive review: Mazda2 (2015)

Not only has the new Mazda2 gone upmarket, it stretches the boundaries of a supermini and its links to the digital world are cutting edge...
Published 22 December 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First Drive review: Volkswagen Polo GTI (2014)

The new souped-up Polo may seem to be wearing its older sibling's clothes, but it emerges from the shadow of the Golf with a character all its own...
Published 15 December 2014
Kia Soul EV review

First Drive review: Kia Soul EV (2015)

The electric Soul shows how far battery technology has come since the tin cans of 2008. Pity about the price...
Published 17 November 2014
2014 Skoda Fabia review by Giles Smith for Sunday Times Driving

First drive review: Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI SE (2015)

Take a look at the crimps and bevels in the bodywork of the new Skoda Fabia hatchback. Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Because what I’m seeing...
Published 03 November 2014
Vauxhall Adam Rocks Air review

First drive review: Vauxhall Adam Rocks Air 1.0T (2014)

When Vauxhall gave us the Adam earlier this year it was clearly sent to jostle for urban space with the Fiat 500, the Citroën DS3 and all those other...
Published 06 October 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

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
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
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

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
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First drive review: Aston Martin Rapide S (2014)

The Rapide S is widely seen as the prudent Aston Martin. But the new model's punch and panache add lots of spice, says Giles Smith
Published 25 August 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First drive review: Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia

With its cartoon looks, unsubtle paint jobs and air of mild menace the new Juke is trying hard to stand out in a crowded SUV market
Published 19 August 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First drive review: Bentley Flying Spur V8 (2014)

Bentley's latest luxury saloon has the company's smallest engine yet but is still capable of making a big entrance...
Published 12 August 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First drive review: BMW 218d Active Tourer SE (2014)

This front-wheel drive mini MPV is a triumph for BMW in uncharted terrain and promises to turn even the weekly shop into an adventure
Published 28 July 2014