Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The second generation of the BMW 1 Series hatchback is packed with more gadgetry than ever, including new, super-efficient petrol and diesel engines, and lots of equipment you would expect to see on larger luxury cars. There's greater scope for personalisation (a bit like the MINI) too.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk In the face of criticism that its cars lacked quality, character and prestige, Citroen tried to give the current C5 plenty of all three. Few family saloons, are as comfortable, and the interior build quality is excellent. A 1.6 or 2.0 HDi diesel engine in VTR+ specification will offer the best mix of cheap running costs, punchy performance and lots of desirable equipment.
Full Review at: www.carbuyer.co.uk Thanks to its impressive build quality and carefully designed interior, the A4 feels every bit as special as rivals from BMW and Mercedes. With light, accurate steering, plus excellent performance from all of the engines, the Audi A4 is a comfortable, unfussy car to drive. Four-wheel drive is standard with the A4's more powerful engines, while front-wheel-drive versions are best for low running costs. Economy-minded drivers should go for the 2.0 TDIe diesel. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Full Review at: www.carbuyer.co.uk With its clever seating arrangement, top practicality and good build quality, the Zafira makes a great family car. It's competitively priced, too, and offers a wide choice of engines and trim levels. The ride is comfortable and the big Vauxhall soaks up bumps with ease. The Zafira is available with a huge panoramic glass roof, which also features overhead storage. This is a worthwhile addition, as it allows loads of light into the cabin and improves practicality. The sporty VXR version is a great choice for those who need a more practical motor, but don't want to give up on driving thrills -- it's very quick and a lot sportier than its rivals. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk We are big fans of the Vauxhall Astra - which has has been around in its various forms since 1979. This model arrived in 2009 and it immediately impressed with a cabin capable of rivaling Volkswagen's class-leading Golf for fit and finish. With secure handling and decent refinement, the driving experience comes close to rivaling that of the Ford Focus. A wide range of engine and trim levels are available, and entry level cars can be bought for relatively cheaply. You'll need to spend a few thousand pounds more than that if you want any luxury. We would recommend the 1.4-litre petrol turbo. The ecoFLEX versions will keep your costs down if you're a business user, thanks to low fuel consumption and tax-friendly emissions. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk Good to look at and even better to drive, the Jaguar XF is everything a top British luxury car should be. Its leather-trimmed interior is wonderfully detailed, and a world away from the dark, sombre cabins of many Audis and BMWs. Refined and well equipped, we say it's one of the best executive cars money can buy. The range is limited, though. The 3.0 V6 diesel engine is the top-seller, although the V6 petrol engine is cheaper to buy - but it's less powerful and economical. High-performance V8 petrol and supercharged XFR variants offer incredible pace and for their performance, reasonable economy. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Peugeot 508 is the firm's latest contender in the family car class. The looks may be a little divisive but at least they stand out, and this car's abilities are far more than skin deep. As well as being good to drive it's also luxurious and comfortable. The only problem could be with its price -- in range-topping trim it comes close to accomplished executive models such as the BMW 3-Series.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
