First Drive

Cadillac BLS 2.0 T

Stylish and certainly stands out from mainstream competition. Refined, too, but lacks the sparkle of an Alfa 159 or build quality of a 3-series. Still worth a look, though.

Cadillac BLS 2.0 T
First Drive

Mazda 3 1.6 TS2

The 3 always was a capable car, now it's quieter and cheaper to run. But in such a hotly contested market, that's not really enough.

Mazda 3 1.6 TS2
First Drive

Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi

This is a positive evolution for the Sedona. But with similarly priced rivals such as Ford’s dynamically superior S-Max, the big Kia is no longer quite so big on value.

Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi
First Drive

BMW 335i SE coupe

Crashy ride and dodgy active steering notwithstanding, the 335i is a compelling car which expands the appeal of the 3-series range considerably before the arrival of the hopefully more hardcore M3.

BMW 335i SE coupe
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG

Lovely engine, but we'd struggle to recommend the whole package, especially for nearly £70k.

Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG
First Drive

Dodge Caliber 2.0 SXT Sport

The Caliber is underwhelming and outlcassed. Dodge has throughout confused value for money with cheapness.

Dodge Caliber 2.0 SXT Sport
First Drive

VW Eos 2.0 FSI Sport

Good-looking and reasonably good to drive, with a great engine, but let down by an unsettled ride.

VW Eos 2.0 FSI Sport
Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS
Twin pipes for 2.2 and 3.2 petrols
First Drive

Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS first drive

New Alfa wagon is pretty, more spacious than before, and as good to drive as the saloon.

Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS first drive
First Drive

Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D T3-X

The Avensis has been mildly sharpened to remain a strong contender in the class. That the new 2.0-litre diesel is a fine engine only adds to its real-world appeal.

Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D T3-X
First Drive

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 D first drive

This is the new Chevy SUV, which is roughly the same car underneath as the forthcoming Vauxhall Frontera

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 D first drive

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