Volvo C30 T5
C30 based on S40 chassis, but shortened
First Drive

Volvo C30 T5 first drive

A stylish, good to drive and well-equipped alternative to the mainstream.

Volvo C30 T5 first drive
First Drive

Hyundai Accent 1.4i Atlantic

The Accent Atlantic is a stop-gap until Hyundai's Astra-rival arrives next year. It's very cheap, but not that good either

Hyundai Accent 1.4i Atlantic
BMW M6 convertible
The ride is rather improved by the extra weight
First Drive

BMW M6 convertible

The soft-top M6 delivers a delicious soundtrack and a huge sense of occasion. But its 220kg weight gain blunts its responses.

BMW M6 convertible
First Drive

TVR Sagaris 4.0 first drive

It still smells of resin, but this Sagaris is a significant improvement, and feels built to last a bit longer. And it goes sideways for Britain

TVR Sagaris 4.0 first drive
First Drive

Subaru Legacy 3.0R spec.B

Mild visual update keeps Legacy fresh. New SI Drive system and paddleshifts for optional auto box give greater breadth of appeal. A good-looking, good-to-drive alternative to the mainstream.

Subaru Legacy 3.0R spec.B
Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi CC
Focus feels better to drive with roof up
First Drive

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi CC

The best in its class, though that still means it's a compromised drive

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi CC
Porsche 911 Targa 4
Near-identical looks to the coupe
First Drive

Porsche 911 Targa 4 first drive

Targa 4 combines real practicality with serious performance and the pleasure of (largely) open-air motoring. Quite possibly the pick of the range.

Porsche 911 Targa 4 first drive
First Drive

Subaru Impreza 1.5R first drive

Don't think of the 1.5R as a cut-price Impreza WRX - it's nothing of the sort. Instead, it is practical, well-equipped and unpretentious. And just a little bit slow.

Subaru Impreza 1.5R first drive
280705 A sko
Skoda Octavia vRS
First Drive

Skoda Octavia TDI vRS 2004-2013

A genuinely quick and entertaining addition to the Octavia line-up. But more worthy as a rapid estate car than a hot hatch rival

Skoda Octavia TDI vRS 2004-2013
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz CL 600 first drive

The uber-coupe from Merc has some wonderful touches and is massively swift and refined, but it is in no way worth the premium over the CL 500

Mercedes-Benz CL 600 first drive

Pages