Subscribe to The Times
Home > First Drives

First Drives

The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

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
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: 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
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
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

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
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

Giles Smith's first drive review: Mini Countryman Cooper...

What great news for elephants
Published 07 July 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First drive review: Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG coupé (2014)

An S-class for the driver in you
Published 30 June 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First drive review: Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (2014)

With the potential to deliver 176.6mpg, is the new plug-in hybrid A3 the future of Audi or an interesting distraction?
Published 26 June 2014
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

First drive review: Citroën C4 Cactus (2014)

Citroën's stylish new hatchback has eye-catching side protection that will surely make a splash with buyers
Published 23 June 2014