Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2021 i What Car?

Model S On sale Early 2022 First introduced to the UK in 2014, the Model S luxury car will get a big interior update early next year, with the portrait-orientated touchscreen infotainment system of today’s car ditched in favour of a 17.0in landscape unit. This runs new software with the processing power of 10 teraflops (yes, that’s really a thing), meaning the games you can play on it are comparable with those on modern consoles. Also due soon is the Model S Plaid, which uses three electric motors to produce a whopping 1006bhp. That’s said to be enough for 0-60mph in just 1.99sec. Model X On sale Early 2022 Tesla’s large Model X SUV will get the same interior changes as the Model S. But while official pictures show both…

THE UK’S ELECTRIC vehicle charging network will grow with 150 extra charging hubs and 1500 chargers over the next four years, thanks to investment from British firm Osprey Charging. The new network of chargers will be installed adjacent to major A-roads and motorways, offering charging speeds of between 150kW and 175kW. At that rate, you’ll be able to add 100 miles of range to some electric cars in as little as 10 minutes. The new chargers will be as much as 75% smaller than existing units, so more can be installed at each location, and will feature technology designed to better manage load when the network is in high demand. The first site will open near Wolverhampton, with three more already under construction and 10 in the planning phase.…

SAVE £24 85 Hyundai Santa Fe WHAT CAR? SAYS Model 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid Premium List price £40,255 Target Price £37,770 Target PCP £371 The Santa Fe is a fantastic large SUV, with space for seven adults on board and lots of standard kit – especially if you go for our recommended Premium trim, because this comes with luxuries such as heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry. This Santa Fe is also a hybrid, and that means it should help to lower your fuel bills. SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR Target PCP This is how much our Target Price mystery shoppers think you should expect to pay per month if you buy a car on PCP finance. Each deal is for a 48-month term with…

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NEW CAR DELIVERY delays cause headaches and financial stress, leaving owners frustrated and potentially without transport. Dealers are sometimes left in the dark by car makers on delivery dates, making it difficult for them, too. Contacting the dealership can prove an exasperating process, with ‘just a couple of weeks’ becoming a phrase you hear over and over again. However, there are some things you can do to improve the situation. • When you order your car, make sure you get a delivery date in writing. It’s likely to be an estimate, but it’s important to have it so you can negotiate your position. Once you’ve been given a date, you need to find out what will happen if there is a delay. • When you’re trading in a car as…

I live in a relatively remote part of the UK and I’m curious about how an electric vehicle (EV) performs as it nears the end of its charge. Is it like a cassette player that gradually slows down and grinds to a halt, or will it just stop abruptly? Would it have enough power to limp to a nearby charger or other power source as the battery depletes? Also, what’s the situation with being recovered by a breakdown company in an EV? Can they tow electric cars, and what can the recovery providers do about helping you to recharge the battery? Peter Cooper WHAT CAR? SAYS… There is no hard and fast rule about what an EV does as its battery runs down. On some, the power gradually reduces until…

NEW Audi Q4 e-tron 40 S line List price £47,090 Target Price £47,090 A bit smaller than Audi’s other electric SUVs, the Q4 has a spacious interior and an official range of more than 300 miles in this mid-range 40 guise NEW Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line List price £45,995 Target Price £43,659 The EQA is an electrified version of Mercedes’ GLA family SUV with an official range of 260 miles and an interior that’s as dazzling as its conventional sibling’s Both Audi and Mercedes-Benz launched their first electric SUVs (the E-tron and EQC respectively) back in 2019. They were – and still are – comfortable, practical and suitably luxurious choices, but there were two big issues: their high prices and their slightly disappointing ranges. These two new arrivals from…

2.0 TSI 190 R-Line Mileage 7973 List price £39,550 Target Price £33,752 Price as tested £46,920 Test economy 34.2mpg THERE’S A TEST that’s not usually part of the rigorous What Car? schedule but is likely to interest potential buyers of Volkswagen’s Passat-based Arteon Shooting Brake. It’s the ‘look-over-the-shoulder test’, and it can be carried out any time you park your car and walk away. Top marks are awarded if you take a lingering glance back. The Arteon passes with flying colours. Even on a trip to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, surrounded by all manner of exotica, I still felt a pang at leaving it and a thrill at returning. That feeling continues inside, too. My car’s R-Line seats with ‘Carbon/Nappa leather’ upgrade are a £1535 indulgence, but they look…

Price today £26,000* Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo List price when new £30,995 Available from 2017-present The Civic Type R is scorchingly quick and a class act in the corners; it’s one of our favourite hot hatches Hyundai i30 N 2.0 T-GDi Performance List price when new £27,995 Available from 2017-present The cheaper i30 N has a little less grunt, but don’t underestimate its power to entertain Price today £21,000* HONDA CIVIC TYPE R HYUNDAI i30 N HYUNDAI REALLY PUT a cat among the pigeons when it launched the i30 N in 2017. With 241bhp and sharp, fun handling, it was a heck of a first attack for a brand that was new to the hot hatch battlefield. HONDA CIVIC TYPE R HYUNDAI i30 N Price today is…

1 Toyota GR Yaris THE GR YARIS is a truly special machine that feels tailor-made for tackling a British B-road. With its small proportions, clever four-wheel drive system and firecracker of an engine, its performance is incredibly accessible, yet it’s also fast enough to frighten thoroughbred sports cars. For pure driving thrills, hot hatches don’t get any better. And yet it’s well priced and should be fairly cheap to run. Our pick 1.6 Circuit Pack List price £33,520 Target Price £33,520 MPG 34.4 CO2 186g/km For An absolute riot in the bends; incredible traction and acceleration off the line; tempting finance deals Against Limited rear seat and boot space; interior too similar to a regular Yaris’s; small range of options WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR PRACTICALITY Honda Civic Type R…

1 Kia Sorento THE SORENTO’S HYBRID tech combines good real-world fuel economy with comparatively low CO2 emissions, while the ride is forgiving and the steering pleasingly accurate. Throw in a nicely made interior that can seat seven adults in comfort, a driving position that’s lofty enough to make HGV drivers jealous, and Kia’s unmatched seven-year warranty, and you’ve got an outstanding all-rounder. Our pick 1.6 T-GDi HEV 2 List price £39,350 Target Price £37,633 MPG 40.9 CO2 158g/km For Vast interior; frugal and strong engine; industry-leading warranty; comfortable ride; well equipped Against Expensive considering you don’t get a premium badge; automatic gearbox can be hesitant WHAT CAR? SAYS Hyundai Santa Fe Our pick 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 4WD Premium List price £42,535 Target Price £40,001 MPG 40.4 CO2 159g/km For A…

Prices don’t include £2500 government grant for cars costing less than £35,000 1 Volkswagen ID.3 THANKS TO REAR-WHEEL drive, accurate steering and fine body control, the ID.3 is an electric car that’s genuinely fun to drive. What’s more, its practicality is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, and predicted resale values are superb. As a bonus, the ID.3 performed exceptionally well in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests, because it’s good at protecting occupants in a crash and at avoiding crashes in the first place. Our pick Pro Performance Life List price £32,255 Target Price £31,545 Range 263 miles CO2 0g/km For Long official range; fun to drive; spacious and practical interior; slow predicted depreciation Against Iffy interior quality; infotainment systems puts style before substance; charging network weaker than Tesla’s…

1 BMW X5 WHEN CHOOSING A plug-in hybrid, it goes without saying that you want economy and cost-effectiveness, but if you don’t want to compromise on the finer things in life, the X5 xDrive45e is right up your street. It offers the same fantastic interior as any other X5, and is even more refined. Yet it’s cheaper to run than rivals, not least because it can travel a whopping 54 miles on electric power. Our pick xDrive45e M Sport List price £69,915 Target Price £64,965 MPG 217.3 CO2 29g/km For Superb ride and handling balance; excellent infotainment; big pure electric range; low company car tax Against Only seats seven if you go for our preferred engine; the boot isn’t as big as you’d expect WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR COMFORT…

NEW ENTRY 1 BMW 4 Series Convertible LIKE THE COUPÉ on which it’s based, the 4 Series Convertible feels wonderfully balanced, and combines agile handling with impressive comfort if you specify the Pro Pack’s adaptive suspension. It’s also refined with the roof up or down, and surprisingly practical for a car of this sort, offering space for four adults and a good-sized boot. Throw in an upmarket and well-equipped interior and you’ve got a drop-top that’s hard to fault. Our pick 420i M Sport Pro Pack List price £48,100 Target Price £44,369 MPG 41.5 CO2 154g/km For Agile and precise handling; comfortable ride; user-friendly infotainment system; classy interior Against Some visibility issues; rear seats fold flat but don’t split; adjustable lumbar support costs extra WHAT CAR? SAYS Fiat 500 Cabrio…

THE GOVERNMENT HAS scrapped the weight limitation on towing that applies to drivers who got their licences after 1996. That means newer drivers can tow a full-size caravan or a two-horse trailer without having to take an extra test. Under current legislation, a driver whose licence dates from before 1 January 1997 is allowed to tow a braked caravan or trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3500kg. However, anyone who qualified after that date isn’t allowed to tow anything werighing more than 750kg; if they want to pull something heavier than that, they have to take a trailer towing test. The test covers two licence categories, B and E, which are included on older licences but are not ticked on new ones. The decision by the Driver…

ON SALE 18 NOVEMBER FIRST LOOK 2022 Range Rover revealed Everything you need to know about this all-new version of Land Rover’s flagship ROAD TEST New Cupra Born driven The first electric car from Seat’s sporty offshoot can hit 62mph in just 6.6sec Cash vs finance Why taking out finance could be your best option, even if you have enough cash to buy a car outright Pick-up truck mega-test If you think pick-ups are just for farmers, think again. But which model is best for work and play?…

SCAN FOR A GREAT DEAL ON THIS CAR Buy this car at whatcar.com/new-car-deals BEST BUY Skoda Enyaq 60 Lodge List price £35,375* Target Price £35,375* Options we’d add Heat pump (£1005), Parking Package Basic (£505), Climate Package Basic (£400), 100kW charging (£340), Transport Package (£305) Total cost of options £2555 *Price doesn’t include the Government’s £2500 grant for electric vehicles but does include £525 for the Lodge interior design pack, which is an option and doesn’t affect the Enyaq’s eligibility for the grant ✓ We all know the British weather can be as temperamental as an A-list celebrity, and that’s where the Climate Package Basic comes in. It includes tri-zone climate control for hot days and heated front seats for chilly ones. It also adds heated windscreen washer nozzles for…

NEW Audi A5 Cabriolet 40 TFSI Vorsprung S tronic List price £57,545 Target Price £54,450 The current benchmark recently received a subtle facelift and a heavily updated interior BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i M Sport Pro Edition List price £50,400 Target Price £46,485 Our reigning Coupé of the Year provides the basis for this striking new four-seat soft-top WHEN MERCEDESBENZ launched its original SLK roadster in 1996, it revolutionised the convertible. Suddenly, everybody wanted an SLK-style folding hard-top; the traditional fabric roof was destined for the dustbin of history. Or, at least, that’s the way it seemed at the time. In reality, folding hard-tops have turned out to be no more than a passing fad – the motoring equivalent of calculator watches, bum bags and Pokemon Go. The trouble was…

Picture a Venn diagram with circles representing stability, performance, practicality and value. Right in the middle, at the point where those circles overlap, sits the Kia Sorento. In years past, there’s been a gulf between premium SUVs from the likes of Audi, BMW and Land Rover, and big 4x4s from mainstream brands. However, the Sorento offers 90% of a premium SUV’s towing ability for 60% of the price. It’s a reassuring car to tow with, pulling a big tourer with composure at the UK legal limit and beyond. Kia gives buyers the choice of hybrid, plugin hybrid and diesel power, and for regular towing there are still good reasons to choose a diesel. The 2.2-litre engine is ideally suited to the job, with grit and muscle worthy of a rugby…

1 Honda Jazz THE JAZZ IS the small car to beat for passenger space, and its unique and incredibly flexible rear seating only adds to its practicality. It’s neither the most fun car in the class (that’s the Ford Fiesta) nor the most comfortable (that’s the Peugeot 208), but with excellent visibility, it’s definitely easy to drive. Hybrid power also makes it really cheap to fuel, and slow depreciation helps make up for high prices. Our pick 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR List price £20,960 Target Price £19,508 MPG 62.8 CO2 102g/km For Remarkably spacious, with great seating flexibility; strong performance; lots of standard kit; holds value well Against Pricey by small car standards; not the quietest cruiser; disappointing infotainment system WHAT CAR? SAYS Volkswagen Polo Our pick 1.0 TSI 95…

1 Ford Puma THE PUMA IS a joy to drive, because it’s super-nimble for a small SUV, while the steering gives you a real sense of connection with the front wheels. These are things you’ll appreciate no matter what type of road you’re driving on. True, rear seat space is only so-so, but the Puma is still surprisingly practical, thanks to a huge boot with a heightadjustable floor. It’s also well equipped, strong on safety and very fuel-efficient. Our pick 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid 155 ST-Line List price £23,995 Target Price £22,690 MPG 50.4 CO2 126g/km For Great fun to drive, yet rides bumps well; remarkable blend of performance and economy; big, clever boot Against Space in the back is adequate rather than outstanding; over-the-shoulder visibility could be better WHAT CAR?…

1 BMW 3 Series THE HYBRID BMW 330e slickly integrates the latest tech with the long-held wants and needs of executive car drivers. It’s easy to live with, has a high-quality interior and is great to drive, yet it’s also cheap to run. When charged, it can officially cover 37 miles on electricity, and it remains fairly frugal when running on petrol power. The resulting low emissions yield huge tax savings for company car drivers. Our pick 330e M Sport Pro Pack List price £45,045 Target Price £42,397 MPG 188.3 CO2 34g/km For Great to drive; low emissions and good electric range; high-quality interior; class-leading infotainment Against Smaller boot and petrol tank than regular 3 Series; sporty suspension setup won’t be to all tastes WHAT CAR? SAYS Tesla Model 3…

1 Tesla Model 3 PUT SIMPLY, NO large electric car balances range, performance, price and technology as well as the Model 3. It was already hugely compelling, both as a private buy and a company car, but a refresh for 2021 made it even better. Factor in access to Tesla’s unbeatable charging network and the Model 3 is an incredibly desirable yet thoroughly sensible choice. It’s the best argument yet for switching from fossil fuels. Our pick Long Range List price £48,490 Target Price £48,490 Range 360 miles CO2 0g/km For Dependable, fast charging network; well priced; stuffed with tech; surprisingly practical; enjoyable to drive Against Firm town ride, pricey finance deals; interior is better than it was, but could still be plusher WHAT CAR? SAYS Porsche Taycan Our pick…

1 Volkswagen Touran THE TOURAN MATCHES the flexibility of huge MPVs such as the Ford Galaxy, with its independently sliding middle-row seats. And despite being a far more compact car, adults fit in all three rows. What’s more, the Touran feels much like a normal hatchback from behind the wheel, thanks to tidy handling and a supple ride. So yes, it exists to offer an abundance of functionality, but that doesn’t define the way it drives at all. Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 SE List price £29,750 Target Price £24,348 MPG 42.8 CO2 150g/km For Compact outside yet spacious inside; seats seven adults; Isofix on all rear seats; tidy to drive; tempting PCPs Against There are cheaper cash buys; Ford Galaxy has more third row space; automatic gearbox can be…

1 BMW 4 Series ITS LOOKS MIGHT be divisive, but whether or not you’re a fan of this 4 Series’ aggressive styling, you’ll love what’s underneath. This is one of the most rewarding driver’s cars in the class and, if you opt for the Pro Pack’s adaptive suspension, it’s also a very comfortable everyday car. In addition, the 4 Series benefits from a wonderful interior with supportive seats and class-leading infotainment. Our pick 420i M Sport Pro Pack List price £43,300 Target Price £40,580 MPG 42.2 CO2 151g/km For Rewarding handling; no longer so derivative of 3 Series; high-quality interior; composed ride Against Looks won’t be for everyone; some rivals have larger boots; you hear wind and tyre noise at speed WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR VALUE Audi TT Our…

1 Ford Puma ST UNTIL RECENTLY, BUYING a sports SUV required a sizeable outlay, but the Ford Puma ST changes that. And don’t think the fact that it costs far less than the competition means it’s far less fun. Even the mighty Porsche Cayenne has to bow to the Puma’s incredible agility, while its greater driver engagement and less extreme acceleration mean there’s far more chance to enjoy yourself on public roads. Our pick 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Perf Pack List price £29,710 Target Price £28,256 MPG 41.5 CO2 155g/km For Hugely entertaining handling; tuneful and punchy engine; relatively cheap to buy and run Against Occasionally bouncy ride; infotainment system could be slicker; Volkswagen T-Roc is bigger in the back WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR BIG SPENDERS Porsche Cayenne Coupé Our…

1 Porsche Taycan SOME MIGHT VIEW it as heresy to declare an electric car the number one performance car, but the Taycan is proof that such models can be just as rewarding and usable as the best petrol rivals, and then some. Even the entry-level 4S version can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.0sec. Plus, the Taycan has exceptionally precise, tactile steering and incredible poise in corners. Its brakes are monstrous, too. Our pick 4S Performance Battery Plus List price £87,991 Target Price £87,991 Official range 288 miles CO2 0g/km For Massive and instantaneous performance; remarkably agile; gorgeous interior; seats four adults Against Charging network isn’t as good as Tesla’s; similar-priced Model S is more spacious WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST FOR THRILLS Mercedes-AMG C63 Our pick S Coupé Night Edition…

DRIVING LICENCES WILL become digital and paper certificates for MOT tests will be scrapped under new plans unveiled by the Government. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) intends to develop an app that will be used to display digital provisional driving licences by 2024, with full licences expected to be included soon afterwards. The current plastic licences will initially be available alongside the app for drivers who still want them, but they’re likely to be scrapped if the system proves successful. Other planned changes include “bringing MOTs into the modern age” by introducing digital test booking systems and certificates. The changes are set out in the DVLA’s Strategic Plan, which also includes targets and expectations for the organisation through to the end of 2024. Announcing the measures, Transport Secretary…

100,983 The number of drivers fined for not having the correct insurance in 2020, up from 86,914 in 2019, according to police data 91% Surge in searches for electric cars during the recent fuel shortage, according to Uswitch 34% Proportion of drivers who will buy from their local dealer (rather than shopping farther afield) when they choose their next car, according to exclusive What Car? data The radical Citroën Ami electric quadricycle will go on sale in the UK next year, with 12,000 people already having declared an interest in buying one. A refundable deposit of £250 will secure your order, with final pricing and specifications still to be confirmed. The Ami is just 2.4m long and has a range of 46 miles. Its battery can be recharged in three…

Abarth/Alfa Romeo/Fiat/Jeep Alfa Romeo buyers can expect to wait up to four months for new cars, although this estimate includes the Giulia GTA, which is a special model that’s hand built to order. Meanwhile, customer wait times are four to six weeks for the Abarth range, up to six weeks for Fiat models and up to eight weeks for Jeep vehicles. BMW/Mini BMW Group itself is more optimistic than the dealer we spoke to; the latter quoted lead times of more than 16 weeks for BMW models and 13 to 16 weeks for Mini models. “The BMW Group was largely able to compensate for the semiconductor supply problems that arose in the first six months of 2021,” said a spokesperson. “However, we expect the supply situation to remain difficult and…

I’m looking to buy a Volvo XC40 T3 R-Design Geartronic and I’m getting close to purchasing one. The one thing that’s stopping me placing the order is my concern that the car’s petrol consumption will be excessive. The official overall figure is 38.7mpg, but I fear that might not be achievable in everyday driving. Can you give me an honest opinion on this to help me make up my mind? Gordon Freeman WHAT CAR? SAYS… The Volvo XC40 is our favourite family SUV because it offers a great combination of generous passenger space, a practical boot, a high-quality interior and the peace of mind of all the latest safety features. The T3 R-Design Geartronic (automatic) is our pick, because it’s one of the more affordable models at £34,430, or about…

UPSIZE Peugeot 5008 1.2 Puretech 130 Allure EAT8 List price £33,470 Target Price £32,104 The 5008 is one of our favourite large SUVs and has recently been updated. It has a space and price advantage over the hybrid 3008, but a lot less power DOWNSIZE Peugeot 3008 1.6 Hybrid 225 Allure e-EAT8 List price £37,310 Target Price £33,382 Unlike its larger sibling, the 3008 is available with plug-in hybrid power, with an official electric range of 39 miles and the potential to save you a bundle on running costs PEUGEOT 3008 PEUGEOT 5008 SOME ARE BORN great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them. It’s the same in the motoring world, where you’ll find cars that are so good straight out of the box that they remain…

Cooper Sport Mileage 2665 List price £21,965 Target Price £20,761 Price as tested £27,385 Test economy 48.2mpg THERE’S A NIFTY little toggle switch on the dashboard of my Mini. When I flick it up, Sport mode turns the dials red and readies the engine and steering to supply extra adrenaline. Flick it down and the engine comes over rather drowsy, but I gain a halo so bright there’s no need for interior lighting. That halo is thanks to the Mini’s economy goldfish (I call her Wanda), who lives in the infotainment screen. She rewards smooth, considered driving that prevents the water in her tank from sloshing around with a gold star and an excited backflip of gratitude. My quest for a screenful of stars has turned me into a bit…

1 Seat Leon AS A FAMILY car, the latest Leon gets the basics right by offering a big boot and even more space for passengers than the gigantic Skoda Octavia. But it also serves up a very welcome slice of fun and costs less to run than you’d think. Don’t go thinking that the Leon feels even remotely hairshirt, either. It’s every bit as smart inside as the more expensive Volkswagen Golf, while its infotainment system is more user-friendly. Our pick 1.5 TSI Evo 130 FR List price £24,515 Target Price £22,097 MPG 50.4 CO2 127g/km For Great handling; smart, spacious interior; punchy yet frugal petrol engines; generous standard spec Against Ride is on the firm side; more wind and road noise than some rivals; very few optional extras available…

1 Volvo XC40 IT MAY HAVE been a few years since we voted Volvo’s most affordable SUV our overall Car of the Year, but it remains a hugely desirable product that’s backed up by real substance. The XC40 blends generous passenger space and a practical boot with a quality interior and the sort of top-notch safety you expect from the brand. Plus, our recommended version has plenty of poke and comes well equipped. Our pick T3 R-Design auto List price £34,430 Target Price £32,528 MPG 38.2 CO2 166g/km For Stylish, high-quality interior; big and clever boot; supple ride on most versions; comprehensive safety kit Against Fiddly infotainment system; lacks the rear seat flexibility of some rivals; body sways around a bit WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST INTERIOR Range Rover Evoque Our…

1 Skoda Octavia Estate THE iV IS one of the more expensive Octavias, but it’s still one of the cheaper plug-in hybrids, and for many the investment will pay back dividends. Its official 282.5mpg economy shows what’s possible if you charge regularly, plus the car drops into the exceptionally low 6% benefit-in-kind bracket. As a bonus, you get all the usual Octavia Estate benefits, including lots of kit, a very comfy ride and vast space. Our pick 1.4 TSI iV SE Technology List price £32,210 Target Price £32,210 MPG 282.5 CO2 23g/km For Very low company car tax; 41-mile electric range; cosseting ride; vast boot; competitive price; well equipped Against Plenty of rivals are more fun to drive; floaty over undulations; air-con controls are in touchscreen WHAT CAR? SAYS BEST…

1 BMW 5 Series OUR FAVOURITE LUXURY car for the past four years still offers the very best traits of this class. Take the interior, for example: it’s virtually identical to that of the pricier 7 Series and just as well made, despite the 5 Series costing far less. As a bonus, the 530e plug-in hybrid variant can complete many journeys on electric power. And even when its petrol engine does fire up, the car is quiet enough to shame full-on limousines. Our pick 530e M Sport Pro Pack List price £54,820 Target Price £49,316 MPG 188.3 CO2 34g/km For Fast and fun, yet comfortable and refined; low running costs, particularly as a company car; superb interior Against You need to add adaptive suspension (part of the Pro Pack) for…

1 Skoda Superb Estate SPACE IS THE name of the game when you’re looking at wagons, and the Superb Estate has been our favourite for six years, striking the sweet spot of practicality, comfort, low running costs and value more accurately than any rival. In fact, with masses of load space for flat-pack furniture or suitcases and palatial comfort for passengers, it’s one of the most impressive family holdalls in any class of car. Our pick 2.0 TDI 150 SE L List price £32,360 Target Price £30,235 MPG 56.0 CO2 132g/km For Comfortable ride; limo-like rear passenger space; huge boot with lots of practical touches; well priced Against Some rivals are more fun to drive on twisty roads; automatic gearbox can be a tad jerky in traffic WHAT CAR? SAYS…

1 BMW X6 THE COUPÉ SUV class wouldn’t exist without the BMW X6. However, the latest version isn’t the benchmark due to its history, but because it moves the game on again. It’s one of the more entertaining cars in the class to drive, and offers stunning performance, no matter which engine you choose. Meanwhile, the interior is as easy to use as it is beautifully built, and you even get generous rear space. Our pick xDrive30d MHT M Sport List price £66,935 Target Price £62,375 MPG 42.2 CO2 176g/km For High-quality interior; powerful yet frugal diesel engine; practical by the standards of the class; great to drive Against Ride is on the firm side; some options you’ll want are pricey; looks won’t appeal to all WHAT CAR? SAYS Range…

1 Porsche 718 Cayman IT’D BE EASY to write off the Cayman as a poor man’s 911. It can be bought for as little as half the money, so it must be half the car, right? Well, actually, no; in the ways that matter most, the Cayman is the best sports car on the planet. The only caveat is that you need to go for the GTS version, because this swaps the uncouth engines of lesser versions for a glorious 4.0-litre flat six. Our pick GTS 4.0 List price £67,295 Target Price £67,295 MPG 25.9 CO2 247g/km For Brilliant handling; rich, soulful naturally aspirated six-cylinder GTS engine; classy interior Against Lacks the level of standard kit you’d expect of such a pricey car, both in terms of luxuries and safety…