First Drive

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640

A definite step forward over the old Murcielago, the LP640 has astounding grunt and levels of grip, blended with old-school Lamborghini qualities. Hugely desirable.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
First Drive

Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XS

A revamped version of Kia’s popular Sorento SUV — Kia’s pre-emptive strike at the new Land Rover Freelander, due in November.

Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XS
First Drive

Volvo C70 D5 SE

Cheaper than the Mercedes CLK, but still not cheap, the D5 diesel engine is refined enough and neatly suits the C70's cruising ability.

Volvo C70 D5 SE
Audi TT 3.2 V6 S-tronic
3.2-litre DSG-boxed quattro version has 247bhp on tap
First Drive

Audi TT 3.2 V6 S-tronic

A leap forward over the old model; so much so, in fact, that it places the TT as a genuinely compelling rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Audi TT 3.2 V6 S-tronic
Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6
Steering a little lifeless, not as quick as Alfa norm
First Drive

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6

The Alfa Romeo 159 Q4 is the top-of-the-line 159, with a new 3.2-litre V6 and four-wheel drive

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6
First Drive

Subaru Impreza 2.5T JDM STI CZS

A Subaru Impreza STi that puts the official WRX STi PPP in the shade. With ‘around 350bhp’ and at least 355lb ft it offers more power than the official Prodrive-fettled car, and yet is still offered with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty

Subaru Impreza 2.5T JDM STI CZS
Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi
Handling able rather than remarkable
First Drive

Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi

First UK drive of the all-new Galaxy, which looks very similar to the new S-Max, but offers more room and a better ride

Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi
Skoda Roomster 1.9 TDI
Low seating position means you drive MPV-like Roomster like a car
First Drive

Skoda Roomster 1.9 TDI

A novel and attractive addition to a crowded market. Wait to see the final pricing on UK models before committing, though - it could prove expensive.

Skoda Roomster 1.9 TDI
First Drive

Chrysler 300C 3.0 V6 CRD 5dr Touring 2005

Good value for money and a more individual alternative to the usual load luggers.

Chrysler 300C 3.0 V6 CRD 5dr Touring 2005
First Drive

Volvo V50 D5 Sport first drive

A decent alternative to the T5 petrol, but a tad expensive and still lacking in overall load-lugging capacity.

Volvo V50 D5 Sport first drive

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