In-depth reviews

The A-Class is hard to recommend unless you need compact MPV space.

The BLS is OK, but offers nothing new in a market overflowing with talent.

The Flying Spur's W12 engine is great and the cabin beautifully trimmed - but VW-sourced parts let things down slightly.

The Alfa is charismatic and fun, but ultimately flawed

Like its Kelisa relative the Kenari is another Perodua based on an old Daihatsu model.

The GS450h is a very convincing hybrid. Eerily smooth and fast, well equipped and refined, it's the best model in the GS range.

The Getz offers lots of room, is well equipped and impressively designed. It's a strong budget supermini.

The Sports Coupe may be ageing, but it remains competitive. However, as with so many Mercs, it's simply too expensive.

The RX is a huge worldwide sales hit for Lexus.

Citroen has come up trumps. The C4 Picasso is a massive step forward and shoots straight to the top of the MPV sector.

The Panda is great to drive, nimble, and has an eager character.

Kia lacks the brand name to pull people into the showrooms, so it sells on price and equipment.

The Tigra is a quality product. Styling is sharp and, while a lack of power and high prices are negatives, the overall package gets our vote

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With an added twist of Seat spice the Alhambra offers the same space and functionality of close relatives, the VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy, but at a fri…

With more recognised luxury marques now in foreign control Bristol is totally unique in providing bespoke luxury cars for discerning customers.

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Hyundai's second 4x4 seems almost unnecessary. It's not much smaller than the popular Santa Fe, and prices aren't significantly cheaper either.

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The sales success of the Porsche Boxster has impressed everyone, but it was hardly surprising that it was Honda that came out with the strongest compe…

Born from a similar mould to the one that gave us the Citroen Berlingo Multispace, Renault's Kangoo is also based on a van.

Good value, practical and decent behind the wheel. For families looking to get the most out of their car, Mazda's compact MPV is it.

The Golf TDI diesel is something of an institution, and with economy, torque and in-gear urge, it's not hard to see why.

A facelift in 2006 succeeded in freshening up the Megane, with improved interior quality and refined, efficient diesels.

Jaguar has plenty to be proud of. The XK is great to look at, modern, desirable and sure to be a success.

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There's no doubting the quality of the Honda. But the two-rows-of-three layout is an acquired taste, and the FR-V looks pricey.

Focus-rivalling Peugeot is very good at being average, but lacks the magic to challenge class-leaders.

We should applaud Dodge for its approach. But it is simply not very polished or well built.

Great news for Land Rover fans - the Freelander 2 is hugely capable, highly desirable and drives brilliantly.