Subscribe to The Times
Home > First drive

First drive

Smart #3 review 2023: Stylish, roomy electric crossover reinvents the brand … again

Published 30 November 2023
By Neil Briscoe
New #3 aims to be a stylish, roomy electric crossover, but does it still count as a Smart? Neil Briscoe investigates.
Peugeot E-208

New Peugeot 208 and e-208 review

The gloves are off in the fight to become Britain’s best small electric hatchback, but does the new Peugeot 208 have what it takes?
Published 20 November 2023
Hyundai Kona Electric

New Hyundai Kona reviewed

The electric version of the new Hyundai Kona grabs all the headlines, but Matt Robinson discovers that the entire line-up is worth a look.
Published 19 October 2023
Ford Transit Custom

Ford Transit Custom reviewed

The Ford Transit Custom will soon go electric; Neil Briscoe tests the new diesel models out for size.
Published 11 October 2023
BMW X5

Updated BMW X5 reviewed

Revamped BMW X5 gets a sharper look and new tech, but the highlight is an upgraded plug-in hybrid system.
Published 29 September 2023
BYD Seal

BYD Seal Chinese electric saloon reviewed

The BYD Seal is the latest model to join the Chinese brand’s expanding line-up, and it comes in two versions.
Published 13 September 2023
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore

Maserati GranTurismo review

The Maserati GranTurismo coupé is back, promising power, beauty and comfort in equal measure.
Published 13 February 2023
Maserati MC20 Cielo

Maserati MC20 Cielo review

The drop-top Cielo takes all that was good about the MC20 coupé and adds an extra dimension. James Fossdyke takes the wheel.
Published 19 October 2022
2023 Renault Austral

Renault Austral review

The Austral is a massive leap forward compared with Renault’s old family SUVs, but still not quite a class leader.
Published 13 October 2022
2020 Peugeot 508 review

2019 Peugeot 508 review

The Peugeot 508 is still the alternative choice but it's almost unmatched in this class for style and distinctiveness.
Published 22 February 2020
2020 Ford Puma review

2020 Ford Puma review

The new Ford Puma is a great all-round compact crossover, writes Nick Lette van Oostvorne.
Published 21 January 2020
2020 Renault Captur

2020 Renault Captur review

The old Renault Captur was a strong seller in the UK, but does the all-new version do enough to maintain that form against much tougher rivals?
Published 29 October 2019
VW Transporter Kombi review by Nick Rufford for Sunday Times

2019 Volkswagen Transporter Kombi review

The white van once provided the transport needs for self-employed plumbers and plasterers. Now, it seems, it's the turn of the surf van.
Published 29 August 2019