Vauxhall’s inspired replacement for the functional yet incredibly dull Vectra, the Insignia, has certainly blown away the design cobwebs at the manufacturer. It is without doubt one of the prettiest cars on the road at the moment, and it isn’t just an attractive face either as there’s plenty of brains in there too. Bags [...]

Mitsubishi enjoys a good reputation for cars that last very well, but the Colt is not made from high grade materials. The cabin’s plastics all appear flimsy and easily scratched, and we could feel several exposed screws and poorly finished plastic trim edges with our fingers without leaving the driver’s seat. The mechanical side [...]

To say that Mercedes was stung by the quality problems of the previous E-Class generation would be an understatement. For this latest model, they really have gone to town in an effort to redress the balance and claw back their hard-won reputation as the favoured car of Munich taxi drivers. We can assure those [...]

Like all Ibizas, the Bocanegra shows that small doesn’t have to mean cheap. It’s very well screwed together and feels like a solid machine. Some of the interior plastics are hard to the touch and don’t look as classy as the construction says it should be, but we’re in no doubt that the Bocanegra [...]

All of the engines used for the 5008 have seen action in other Peugeot models, and the 1.6-litre petrol engines are shared with BMW, so have a healthy pedigree of getting the job done without failing. We’ll have to wait a while to see how the new EGC dual-clutch gearbox performs in the reliability [...]

Under the bonnet of the SEAT Altea is a perky, fuel efficient 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine – but if you’re immediately thinking that this engine is bound to struggle with the size and weight of the Altea then think again. Out of the three petrol units available for the Altea, this 1.4 TSI [...]

The Peugeot 4007 is the very close sibling to the Citroen C-Crosser, its position in the market is that of a crossover SUV – offering plenty of room for five, the potential to squeeze seven at a push, and four wheel drive. Available with a single engine choice, a 2.2 HDI diesel unit, the car [...]

The cabriolet king is back, in the 207 CC, Peugeot offer a master class in how to produce a classy convertible supermini. Restyled in July 2009, the 207 CC makes the open air option affordable, practical and yet still ooze style. As the top selling coupe cabriolet in Europe, the 207 CC sets a high [...]

Volvo as a brand historically does well in customer satisfaction surveys such as the JD Power poll. The most recent edition placed the Swedish company in equal ninth alongside BMW, which reflects the premium nature of the company’s products. The V50 also did fairly well in the survey, coming in joint 35th place with [...]

Despite Mazda promoting the CX-7 as a sporty driving machine, it’s the very comfortable ride that first strikes you after a few minutes behind the wheel. Compliant and cosseting, it makes the driving experience highly enjoyable: it takes ruts, potholes and uneven surfaces in its stride, and didn’t become seriously unsettled at any point [...]