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CAR Magazine overall rating : 4

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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 ...

Mercedes SLK 250 (2011) CAR review

3.5

Ben Barry, 08 March 2011 00:01

This is the new Mercedes-Benz SLK, the third generation of Stuttgart’s folding hardtop sports car. Traditionally, 50-something females have been the SLK’s key demographic, but Mercedes is trying to shift the needle a little towards men. It’s a tricky brief : improve refinement and usability even further, while enhancing driving dynamics too. But Mercedes is bullish: ‘We were surprised when ...

Mercedes E250 CDI Cabriolet (2010) CAR review

2.5

Ben Barry, 22 March 2010 12:13

All is not what it seems in Mercville these days. Take the new E-class Coupé and Cabriolet twins. They wear the proud E-class badge, yet strip away the verisimilitude and you'll spot the guts and garters from the C-class and E-class parts cupboards. But those looks are 100% new E, and we'd have to admit the new E-class convertible is ...

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 Z4 sDrive35i (2009) CAR review

3.5

Ben Barry, 19 March 2009 23:00

It says something that the first-generation BMW Z4 is already off-sale, yet it still looks ahead of its time, and is still fun to drive. The second-generation model, then, has quite an act to follow. CAR has just driven it, in twin turbo 35i trim – a 23i and 30i are also available – and we can report that it’s a very ...

Vauxhall VXR8 facelift (2008) CAR review

Ben Barry, 17 September 2008 09:00

It might have only been launched a year ago, but the Australian-built Vauxhall VXR8 has already been upgraded. The big news is the new LS3 engine. Seems the 6.0-litre V8 LS2 was a bit weedy at 411bhp and 405lb ft, so the LS3 takes its place with a newly swollen 6.2 litres of Aussie muscle. The VXR8 isn't exactly in ...

VW Passat R36 (2008) CAR review

3.5

Ben Barry, 29 May 2008 11:09

This is Volkswagen’s most powerful production Passat yet - the new R36, a car that trumps the last generation’s unloved W8 in the power stakes. Big deal, you might think, but bear with us. For £30,990 you get a 3.6-litre V6 churning out 295bhp and 258lb ft, four-wheel drive versatility and subtly imposing styling. What sets the VW Passat R36 apart visually? ...

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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