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Giles Smith

Vauxhall Adam Grand Slam review

First Drive review: Vauxhall Adam Grand Slam (2015)

Despite its sporty looks, Vauxhall’s Adam Grand Slam lacks the attitude and inclination to tear up the neighbourhood, says Giles Smith
Published 23 April 2015

First Drive review: Jeep Renegade (2015)

Jeep has an illustrious military history but its new Renegade crossover suffers a demotion with its Fiat underpinnings
Published 30 March 2015
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First Drive review: Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake (2015)

Nerveless, those people at Mercedes. Utterly nerveless. In a marketplace in which the term “estate car” has long since come to seem drudge-like...
Published 23 March 2015
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First Drive review: Nissan Juke Nismo RS

The new hot version of Nissan’s shrunken SUV promises ‘excitement for everyone’. Well, someone’s been overlooked
Published 09 March 2015
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First Drive review: Mercedes-AMG C 63 (2015)

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 doesn’t hang about. Panting expectantly as soon as you’ve twisted the key in the ignition, it accelerates from 0 to...
Published 01 March 2015
First Drive review: Smart Fortwo (2015)

First Drive review: Smart Fortwo (2015)

Springtime for Lego: a study recently declared the Danish company the world’s most powerful brand. It had dethroned Ferrari...
Published 23 February 2015
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First Drive review: Volvo XC90 (2015)

The update of the XC90 after 12 years is a momentous occasion. Will it finally take Volvo into the top tier of SUV makers?
Published 14 February 2015
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First Drive review: Ford Mondeo (2015)

He helped Tony Blair to a landslide win in 1997 but while the archetypal Mondeo buyer may no longer have the same political clout the car itself is...
Published 03 February 2015
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First Drive review: Volkswagen Passat (2015)

Volkswagen’s executive saloon joins the trend for taking jobs away from the driver with a system that parks trailers almost too well...
Published 19 January 2015
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First Drive review: Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI 4x4

Skoda's new off-roader lugs dogs, children and shopping in Audi-style comfort...
Published 12 January 2015
2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II review

First Drive review: Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II (2015)

In the revamped baby Rolls cosseting reaches such heights that you may wish to ditch the chauffeur and drive yourself...
Published 05 January 2015
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First Drive review: Lexus RC F (2014)

The new sports coupé from Lexus combines leather-draped luxury with thrilling handling, courtesy of an innovative Slalom torque setting
Published 29 December 2014