The new Vauxhall Astra VXR and it's most powerful front-wheel-drive hot hatch currently one sale because under the bonnet there's a 2.0-litre turbo with 276bhp that's good for 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds.
The VXR is based on beautiful Astra GTC which is a very good starting point. However, Vauxhall has beefed it up with a muscular body kit, huge alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. There's also a mechanical limited slip differential for improved traction when exciting corners while Vauxhall's HiPer Strut front suspension is designed to quell torque steer.
Renaultsport Megane 265 review - CarBuyer
Read the full review here: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/renault/megane/renaultsport-hatchback/review
The Renaultsport Megane 265 is Renault's answer to the Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI and SEAT Leon Cupra R hot hatches. The car that preceded it, the Megane R26.R, was a stripped-out hot hatchback with sharp handling which was extremely uncomfortable to drive on the road. However, the latest version manages to equal that car's performance, but be comfortable to use on a daily basis. The standard 265 model is built with everyday usability in mind, while the cheaper Cup model is more track-focused version, gaining parts to improve cornering ability in exchange for several luxury items. Confusingly, you can add the Cup parts to the standard car as an option.
Ford Focus ST review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ford/focus/st-hatchback/review
The all-new Ford Focus ST is a performance-oriented version of the Focus, but is built with an eye on everyday usability as well. As a result it's not only blisteringly quick in a straight line but it's also comfortable and refined too. The suspension strikes a great balance between ensuring sharp handling and softly sprung comfort, while the engine sounds quiet below 3500rpm. Unlike the old Focus ST, the current model is only available as a five-door and it now comes as an estate model too, which means it's more of a family car than ever before. It also starts at a price-tag that greatly undercuts its main rivals.
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine and get 6 issues for £1 plus a free gift: http://subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/cb
Volkswagen Scirocco R review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/volkswagen/scirocco/r-coupe/review
The Volkswagen Scirocco R is the most powerful version of the handsome coupe available, offering 261bhp from its 2.0-turbocharged engine. It possesses similar performance figures to the Renault Megane Reanultsport and Ford Focus RS. Retaining the standard model's front wheel drive layout, the Scirocco R sits lower on huge wheels and features a new spoiler and wide-set twin Exhaust pipes- it's instantly recognisable as the top of the range, performance model. The aggresively styled front bumper also features new LED daytime running lights, increasing road presence. The interior has received a similar treatment, featuring sports seats, alloy pedals and lots of very high quality, soft touch materials. It's also beautifully made. For a £1,300 premium buyers can opt for the six-speed twin-clutch DSG gearbox complete with steering wheel-mounted gear-shift paddles.
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine and get 6 issues for £1 plus a free gift: http://subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/cb
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible - CarBuyer
For the money there are few drop tops that come close to the performance and head-turning capability of the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible. With a 6.2-litre V8 derived from a Corvette it has more than 400bhp meaning a sub six second 0-62mph sprint time and looks that are 100 per cent American muscle car. Thankfully, unlike muscle cars of old it can go round corners without falling over.
Renault Mégane RS vs. Opel Astra OPC
Rennfahren zum fairen Preis mit Opel Astra OPC 2012 und Renault Megane RS. AUTO BILD hat die beiden zum ersten Vergleich antreten lassen. Das Ergebnis überrascht.
Toyota GT86 (Scion FR-S) review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/toyota/gt-86/coupe/review
The Toyota GT86 has been charged with injecting a little excitement into the Japanese brand's dull and dependable image. Developed in partnership with Subaru, the rear-wheel drive coupe promises to mix driving fun with great value for money. The GT 86 is priced at around £25,000, and is aimed squarely at entry-level versions of the evergreen Audi TT. While the Toyota isn't as attractive as the sleek Audi or muscular Nissan 370Z, it still has the ability to turn heads. And what the interior lacks in quality and cutting edge design, it more than makes up for with generous standard kit. But the GT86 is car that demands to be driven rather than looked at. Sharp and engaging handling, a characterful 2.0-litre flat four petrol engine and strong brakes help make the Toyota a number one choice for back road blasts.
Get six issues of our sister title, Auto Express magazine for £1: http://subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/cb
Ferrari FF review - CarBuyer
To celebrate CarBuyer's two years on YouTube, I thought I'd have a break from the superminis and give you a review of something really exciting. Hope you enjoy watching the review as much as I had filming it - Mat;-)
Full reviewt: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ferrari/ff/coupe/review
The FF is a radical departure for Ferrari, as it's the first four-wheel-drive car that the Italian manufacturer has ever produced. It's powered by a 6.3-litre V12 engine and is capable of speeds over 200mph. The distinctive bodywork was designed by Pininfarina, and the FF offers levels of comfort and space which have never previously been seen in a Ferrari.
Fiat 500C review - CarBuyer
On first sight of the Fiat 500, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time... Fiat's recreation of its famous 1960s city car is so faithful; you really can park the new and old models next to each other and compare like for like. Following on from the massive success of the 500 hatchback, Fiat wasted no time in removing the roof to create the diminutive 500C cabriolet. It's not a true convertible, though, as only the centre section of the roof folds down, and the window frames on either side remain in place. The range of small and cheap to run petrol and diesel engines from the hatchback is carried over, and unsurprisingly the 500C drives similarly to the hatchback, with light and easy controls. The same cute, retro looks are a big part of the appeal, and a big selling point for the 500.
Audi A8 review - CarBuyer
Read the full review here: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/audi/a8/saloon/review
It doesn't matter if you're looking for a car to drive, or to be driven in, the A8 is thoroughly impressive in both areas. It packs a host of clever technology to make the driving experience as seamless as possible, including lights that are connected to the sat-nav and will illuminate junctions, bend round corners and even dip when they sense oncoming traffic. A system called Audi Drive Select also features, and allows drivers to tweak the steering, suspension and gearbox to make the car more sporty or more comfortable. The cabin itself is finished in high-grade materials and is very logically laid out. Customers looking for a bit more space to stretch out in the rear can opt for the long wheelbase version.
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine and get 6 issues for £1 plus a free gift: http://subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/cb
Opel Astra OPC 2012 - acceleration 0-240 km/h + Vmax test
New Astra OPC/VXR accelerating and hitting top speed over 260 km/h GPS.
Full review soon at http://www.Autoforum.cz - 0-100 in 6 sec, 0-200 in 21 sec, Vmax 262 km/h, all true speeds.
Citroen DS5 review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/citroen/ds5/hatchback/review
The Citroen DS5 is the third 'DS' offering from Citroen and is aimed at the executive segment -- putting it up against models like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia. But the Citroen offers something different. It looks like a mix between an estate and a hatchback with a jacked-up ride height and boasts styling that's certain to turn heads. The interior is top-notch too with options like watch-strap leather sats and aircraft style switches that sit above the driver's head. It's a real step up in quality and style compared to Citroens of the past. Underneath the bonnet, the most important powertrain is the Hybrid4 which -- on some models claims tax-free CO2 emissions and impressive performance. A 1.6-litre diesel with 109bhp and a non-hybrid version of the 2.0 HDi also feature. The petrol options -- both 1.6s -- put out 153bhp and 197bhp.
Get six issues of our sister title, Auto Express magazine for £1: http://subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/cb
Peugeot RCZ review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/peugeot/rcz/coupe/review
With its supercar good looks and competitive price, the Peugeot RCZ is a real head-turner. But the most satisfying things about this Audi TT rival are that it's fun to drive, comfortable and relatively cheap to run. Up front it feels spacious, and the boot is a reasonable size, so it's easy to live with day-to-day. It's a 2+2 coupé by name, but you can forget about using the back seats for anyone but small children as they're tiny.
Lexus GS review - CarBuyer
For full review see: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/lexus/gs/saloon/review
If you want a powerful executive car that won't cost the earth to run, the default choice is usually something German. And diesel. However, the Lexus GS 450h provides a refreshing alternative to the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. And now, thanks to an all new chassis and fresh design, it's better than before. The GS is a sharp-looking, luxurious, well-built and reliable car and in the case of the GS450h Hybrid, provides plenty of performance with impressive 46mpg economy.
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine and get 6 issues for £1 plus a free gift: http://subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/cb
2013 Opel Astra OPC (280hp) - In Detail (1080p FULL HD)
Opel's answer to Scirocco R and Focus RS. The new 2012/2013 Opel Astra OPC is based on the GTC but has a totally unique front axle to cope with 280 hp and 400 Nm through the front wheels. Please Like / Comment / Subscribe !
Mercedes M-Class review - CarBuyer
Full review: http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/mercedes/m_class/sports-utility-vehicle/review
The latest generation of the Mercedes M-Class was introduced in late 2011 as Mercedes lifted its game against rivals that have emerged in the decade since it spawned this segment: the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5. The M-Class is nearly four-metres long and has a massive load area, regardless of which of model you choose. The ML 250 starts the range with a 202bhp 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, then there's the volume-selling ML 350 with its 255bhp V6 turbodiesel. If it's power you're after rather than efficiency, there's the ML 63 AMG complete with 518bhp 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 -- the most powerful Mercedes 4x4 ever sold. All offer luxurious equipment levels, fit and finish as well as an imposing road presence.