Land Rover Freelander 3.2 HSE
Straight-six petrol version of the new Freelander is initially only available as an automatic
First Drive

Land Rover Freelander 3.2 HSE first drive

Nice, but too thirsty and pricey to make this the Freelander of choice.

Land Rover Freelander 3.2 HSE first drive
Honda Civic Type S
3dr very similar in profile to 5dr
First Drive

Honda Civic Type S first drive

Needs to ride better or be more involving. Looks like a Type R-lite, but isn’t

Honda Civic Type S first drive
Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB
It's a Phantom, only longer
First Drive

Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB first drive

Fabulously opulent. Best in the back, but the chauffeur will be happy too.

Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB first drive
First Drive

Mercedes-Benz S 63 L AMG

Very fast, and very expensive. Raw performance countered by luxury.

Mercedes-Benz S 63 L AMG
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
Mazda MX-5 RC 2.0i
The RC weighs 37kg more, but boot space is the same as the soft-top's
First Drive

Mazda MX-5 RC 2.0i

All the fun of the MX-5 with added security and useability. If you think the premium’s worth it, go for it.

Mazda MX-5 RC 2.0i
Suzuki Swift Sport
Twin exhaust pipes for the Sport
First Drive

Suzuki Swift Sport first drive

More nicely warmed through than really hot, but this well-sorted and likeable hatch is the best of its type.

Suzuki Swift Sport first drive
BMW 320si
Few exterior mods, but 320si gets special 18in alloys
First Drive

BMW 320si

A limited-run homologation special of BMW’s world touring car. A mere 2600 will be made available worldwide, and only 500 will be coming to the UK.

BMW 320si
VW Polo GTI
The Polo will get up to 134mph in the end, but its kerbweight of 1164kg limits its on-road pace
First Drive

VW Polo GTI

Not the GTi that its name and looks suggest it might be.

VW Polo GTI
Fiat Sedici 1.6 Dynamic
It remains to be seen how the Sedici's price will compare with the four-wheel drive SX4
First Drive

Fiat Sedici 1.6 Dynamic

The Sedici is reasonably able off the road and on it, though the two-wheel drive Suzuki SX4, which is essentially the same car, undercuts it on price.

Fiat Sedici 1.6 Dynamic
Renault Espace 2.0 dCi 175
The rear seats are easier to move around or remove than before
First Drive

Renault Espace 2.0 dCi 175

Excellent new engine and worthwhile interior mods, but now showing its age.

Renault Espace 2.0 dCi 175

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