In-depth reviews

With a free-spinning 9000rpm rotary engine and genuine sports car poise, the Mazda RX-8 is a second-hand bargain – with one or two significant caveats…

Ginetta’s V6 race car is aimed at both newbies and experienced drivers: evo takes to the track to experience life in the Ginetta Academy first-hand

Few supercars have aged so gracefully; the 458 remains thrilling, engaging and deeply desirable today

Ostensibly the engine and transmission are not dissimilar to those of the RS7 that came before, or indeed its key rivals

Accomplished, but not entertaining, Mini’s core model now feels old and a bit awkward. The next-gen car can’t come quickly enough

Intense, charismatic and far more resolved than its former self, the Evo is a brilliant supercar dominated by that superb V10 engine

Four-cylinder engine is powerful, but lacks flexibility; gearboxes only average

An uncomplicated everyday car that drives well and does everything you could reasonably expect

Recently updated, the Porsche Macan is still the class champion and unlike most rivals a genuinely captivating drive

A beautifully built expression of Porsche’s engineering might, yet the Panamera is starting to look its age

The M2 is a throwback to a golden age of small, rear-wheel-drive performance models from Munich

The XF’s impressive chassis is now joined by a plush new interior and slick tech, but powertrains remain a significant weakness 

Now in its fourth generation, the Mercedes A-class is unrecognisable from the car that kicked things off two decades ago.

Aston Martin’s smallest model isn’t as polished or broadly talented as a Porsche 911, but has its own very distinct appeal

The current Renault Mégane RS might only just be clinging to life, but in recently updated form it’s a better all-round hot hatch than ever

With its flawed execution there’s still some way to go for the G70, but it’s a fresh take on a classic recipe and on the right track

The modern Range Rover continues to define the luxury SUV just as its ancestors did, and despite strong rivals is still something special

Concrete evidence that long-standing engineering garners excellent results. The C-class has never been better

Blessed with an excellent, involving chassis, but feeble engine and poor tyres prevent the BRZ from achieving greatness

The large hatchback and estate aren’t cool: fact. But the Skoda Superb is a great car in spite of it

The SEAT Leon Cupra is at the end of its lifespan, but has only become better with age

The updated Q5 does what it says on the tin. Well built, dependable, solid to drive, but for an edgier SUV look elsewhere

Increasingly rare accessible rear wheel drive thrills

A strong combination of full-size Range Rover elements in a more attainable package, but objectively it’s no class-leader

The engine dominates what is a captivating and distinctive performance car awash with character.

More than just an X5 XL, the X7 adds luxury, a little more space and a satisfying driving experience

The Focus RS impresses with strong performance and great handling

Trades some dynamic ability and excitement for comfort - unless you opt for the AMG C63

It’s clear the Type R has had a positive effect on the standard Civic’s handling, but a mini Type R this is not