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First Drives

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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
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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
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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
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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
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First drive review: Lexus NX (2014)

The Lexus NX has an identity crisis, unsure whether to pitch itself at hi-tech hipsters or play safe for an older crowd...
Published 04 August 2014
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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
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First drive review: Mercedes-Benz C 250 BlueTec estate...

The C-class estate has always been a staid favourite of boarding-school families. Now a redesign has made it one of the best-looking cars on the road...
Published 22 July 2014
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Giles Smith's first drive review: Mini Countryman Cooper...

What great news for elephants
Published 07 July 2014