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First Drives

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
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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
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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
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First Drive review: Land Rover Discovery Sport (2015)

By raiding the parts bin and applying magic glue, Land Rover has created an SUV with off-road toughness, all mod cons and room for seven
Published 08 December 2014
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First drive review: BMW 3-series plug-in hybrid (2014)

BMW's plug-in hybrid saloon packs serious power and torque alongside low emissions, high mpg and a bargain price...
Published 02 December 2014
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First drive review: Audi Prologue concept car (2014)

From Julia Roberts's revealing outfit in Pretty Woman to shops with a strict invitation-only door policy, Rodeo Drive has seen most things. It is...
Published 25 November 2014
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First drive review: Mercedes-AMG GT S (2015)

Mid-market sports cars are cash cows for manufacturers, none more so than the Porsche 911. But it's got competition...
Published 17 November 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
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First Drive review: Smart Fortwo Passion (2015)

Its dashboard may resemble Cookie Monster, the goggle-eyed character from Sesame Street but the newly bulked-up city car is fit for purpose...
Published 10 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
2015 Vauxhall Corsa SRi review

First drive review: Vauxhall Corsa SRI VX-line (2014)

The Corsa has a new body, new innards and — sort of — new engines. But only one question matters: is it as good as the Ford Fiesta?
Published 21 October 2014