Mazda MX-5 Mk4 2.0

More powerful 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 Mk4 adds extra performance to an already brilliant car. Once again, Mazda has pulled off a masterstroke with the new MX-5. While the 1.5 is all about back-to-basics thrills, the new 2.0-litre version backs up the good looks with some great performance upgrades. Choosing between them comes down to what you ultimately demand from a sports car. Either one will have you beaming from ear to ear, though. ...

New Peugeot 208 Allure 2015

Facelifted Peugeot 208 aims to take on the MINI and DS 3 with new personalisation options. Peugeot is treading a brave path by aiming its facelifted 208 at the likes of MINI and DS. The personalisation options aren’t as extensive, but they do inject new appeal into the strong-selling supermini. The three-cylinder turbo can’t transform it into a hot hatch, but offers enough to become our pick of the updated 208 range. That said, if rock-bottom...

New Ford Galaxy 2015

  For most people the S-MAX’s more appealing styling and nearly-as-big interior will sway them over the new Galaxy, but if it’s maximum space, low running costs and mind-boggling flexibility you’re after then the Galaxy definitely delivers. The fact that this new model adds improved looks, premium levels of refinement and an impressive sheen of quality into the mix is a bonus.   If the MPV is being killed off by the...

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

  The Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer is a sleek and stylish rival to family estates like the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb. The Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer was introduced in 2008 to replace the ageing Vectra estate. It was a huge leap forward in terms of the way it drove and the way it looked - although the Insignia didn't quite match the outgoing Vectra's practicality. In 2013, a thorough facelift inside and out has helped maintain...

Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercedes thinks it can knock the Porsche 911 off the top of the sports car market, and the AMG GT is the car to do it The Mercedes-AMG GT is the firm's new flagship sports car. It's been developed entirely in-house by AMG, yet despite having a silhouette inspired by its predecessor, the SLS AMG, it’s not a direct replacement. Instead the AMG GT is a smaller and less expensive GT, and it has the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type R, Aston Martin...

MINI John Cooper Works 2015

  It's the fastest and most powerful MINI yet. Say hello to the 2015 MINI John Cooper Works.   The MINI JCW builds on what was already was an appealing, charming and quick hot hatch. With performance stats that wouldn’t look out of place in the class above, tweaks to the engine, exterior and overall attitude of the JCW make it feel more than a step beyond what the Cooper S is capable of. The JCW upgrade comes at a cost, especially...

Volvo XC90

  New Volvo XC90 is one of the best SUVs you can buy, with quality, efficiency, space, comfort and, of course, safety. The wait for the new Volvo XC90 has been well worthwhile. Debuting a whole new platform and efficient four-cylinder-only engines (one with plug-in hybrid tech), it has the style and quality to match Audi, BMW and Land Rover in the premium SUV segment, with new levels of safety – as you’d expect from Volvo. The D5 diesel ...

Mazda 6 Estate

  The Mazda 6 Tourer is a spacious, economical and well-made estate that rivals the Ford Mondeo. The Mazda 6 Tourer estate has lots of space, lots of tech but doesn’t cost lots to run. It has been developed using Mazda’s ‘SkyActiv’ philosophy, which focuses on fuel efficiency and low CO2, making it a great company car choice and a cost-effective family car. A recent update will be hard to spot on the outside, but it has helped keep...

MINI One D

  MINI One D mixes shining fuel economy with a fun drive and a big hit of MINI style. While the MINI One D looks great, is very economical and drives well, the more punchy Cooper D is worth the extra £1,560 cash. For that money you not only get more kit, but the extra power means you can exploit the MINI’s brilliant chassis that little bit better, which makes it more fun, and that’s what a MINI should be.   The new MINI was...