Ben Barry | Executive | CAR Magazine Online

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AC Schnitzer ACS5 2.0d (2011) CAR review

4.5

Ben Barry, 19 October 2011 09:00

The 520d makes up the majority of BMW 5-series sales here in the UK – its blend of performance, frugality, space and low C02 emissions means it’s hard to beat, particularly for company car drivers. But here’s a thing: the AC Schnitzer ACS5 2.0d Sport. It’s sold in the UK through Rossiters in Kings Lynn, and promises similar pace to ...

Porsche Panamera Diesel (2011) CAR review

2.5

Ben Barry, 22 July 2011 09:40

Just a few months after launching the Panamera petrol hybrid, Porsche is serving up an alternative maximum efficiency GT: the Panamera Diesel. It can, says Porsche, cover 745 miles on its 80-litre tank. If you’ve got a capacious bladder, an optional 100-litre tank is set to be an option too. The Panamera Diesel goes on sale from August 2011, and, ...

Porsche Panamera V6 (2011) CAR review

Ben Barry, 10 June 2011 09:00

Porsche's Panamera is the entry-level model in Porsche's five-door GT range. Fitted with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, the basic Panamera begs a significant question: without the massive performance or four-wheel drive, does the Panamera's four-seater practicality overwhelm the controversial looks? Read on for out test of the Porsche Panamera V6 to find out... Porsche Panamera V6: the Porsche family car? ...

BMW 530d SE (2010) new CAR review

3.5

Ben Barry, 26 March 2010 12:27

As benchmarks for the new BMW 5-series saloon go, the last-generation E60 530d takes some beating – fast, refined, dynamically capable, comfortable and incredibly durable. And, despite early controversy, its ‘flame surfaced’ body still looks fresh these days. It must be quite an intimidating act to follow, then, not only for its competitors, but also for its successor: the F10-generation ...

Volvo S80 D5 (2009) new CAR review

Ben Barry, 14 August 2009 09:00

Chances are the Volvo S80 won’t be on your exec saloon wishlist, but, with a light re-style, sharper chassis and punchier engine, the Swedes have transformed it into a proper contender. Okay, but it's a Volvo S80 so I’m waiting for the but… No but, the S80 is the sleeper of the segment, a comfortable companion with – in the D5 SE Lux Premium ...

BMW M6 Competition Package (2009) CAR review

3.5

Ben Barry, 05 March 2009 10:00

The M6 came out aeons ago (well, 2005), so BMW has seen fit to give it a refresh with the optional Competition Package, a collection of enhancements that ups the M6’s £83,700 sticker price by £2135. For that you get uprated suspension that’s 12mm lower at the front and 10mm lower at the rear. There are also more lenient stability ...

BMW M5 (2008) CAR review

Ben Barry, 29 July 2008 13:05

The E60 BMW M5 is the fourth-generation M5 and, at £65,890, the third-most expensive car in the M-Division range – sitting below the M6 Coupe/Convertible but above the M3 Coupe/Saloon/Convertible and M Coupe/Roadster. How does it drive? Brilliantly. It’s comfortable, extremely fast and sure-footed but playful. If anything lets it down, it’s the unnecessary gadgetry – but we’ll get to that later. ...

Vauxhall VXR8 (2007) CAR review

Ben Barry, 31 May 2007 04:23

That’s one hell of a Vauxhall you've got there... Don’t let the badge fool you. It reads Vauxhall but underneath that chunky sheetmetal is Holden’s new Commodore Clubsport R8 with a higher spec GTS interior. Re-badged as the VXR8, and wearing a barely believable £35,105 price tag, this 411bhp monster will terrorise British roads come mid-June. The new Commodore is ...

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