car reviews

Short of something armoured, nothing will get you as far into, and more importantly out of, a hostile place than a Toyota 4x4

Fun to drive, easy to own, cool to look at (if you like retro). A very good car

Fun to drive, fun to operate and cheap to run. Other city cars are cleverer, but it's still competitive

The latest version of the car that defined the premium hatch sector stays classy

A fun car with a practical side, but no longer one of the sharpest hot hatches on sale

Cutting-edge BMW supercar shows the establishment the way. It's superb

A roadster is a simple car so let’s not overthink this – the Abarth is a front-engined, rear-drive, manual-gearboxed, manual-roofed two-seater that wants to show you a good time

GTI Mk1 gave birth to a era of hot hatchery. And for that, we thank it

Despite high tech updates, the Mustang is as crude and cool as ever. A muscle car, not a sports car, and all the better for it.

If you’re a die-hard early adopter, get yourself a Nexo. Transitioning from petrol and merely looking for something a bit more eco? A conventional EV, hybrid or PHEV remain the best options for the majority of drivers

The best DB11 so far. Loses little to the V8 Coupé in refinement, better to drive than the V12, and a feast for all the senses

BMW X1 review: by going transverse-engined the X1 has become technically less distinctive, but more useful in the real world.

Citroen has made the C4 Cactus more mainstream, yet conversely it's become a more niche choice in the process

Audi’s four-frameless-doored ‘coupe’ is back, with A8 limo tech. It’s an ultra-refined, if soulless, tech express

Merc's first proper attempt at a pick-up. It's better than most, but nothing revolutionary.

Ford EcoSport review: better-looking, better-equipped and better to drive than before

The Subaru XV is better than many of its competitors off-road, but is let down by its engine and gearbox

Great chassis, great interior but so-so powertrain – the Subaru Impreza remains an oddball

The best 21st Century MG yet. Other faint praise is available...

A seven-seat, Discovery-sized 4x4 with proper locking differentials, selectable all-wheel drive, and ultra-utilitarian body-on-frame construction. This is a 4x4 of the old school.

Nothing in life is perfect but the Phantom gets close. An imperious, impeccably engineered automotive experience.