Alfa Romeo 145 How to get yourself behind an Alfa badge for less than fourteen grand - the 1.4-litre version is exclusive to Ireland and is still zingy enough to give a thrill. Also available with 1.6, 1.8- and a 2-litre Cloverleaf that is way beyond zing. Back end of this hatchback is distinctive but not to everyone's taste. Interior intrigues, and a little plasticky. But the badge is hard to resist. Prices £13,750-£17,800. Our choice: 2-litre Cloverleaf more than makes up for the plastic. 146 The saloon version of the 145 has a similar specification to the hatchback, with a boot that adds both better looks and a less skittish ride than the lighter sibling. The 2-litre is not designated Cloverleaf, but otherwise you get the same engine range. Prices £14,200-£18,200. Our choice: The 1.6-litre T-Spark provides best value go. 156 The car that brought Alfa back to mainstream greatness has quite the most beguiling coupe shape, a super range of engines, and an interior that properly reflects the car. Excellent handling, slightly crisp ride made up for by superbly comfortable seating. The offset front numberplate position has its own charm. We loved the 2-litre Selespeed (though never used the buttons on the steering wheel). Other engine sizes are 1.8- and 2.5-litre petrol and a 2-litre turbodiesel. Prices £18,900-£31,900. Our choice: Selespeed. 166 This flagship saloon aims to be rather more salubrious than the 156 and be a 5-series Beemer-beater. Classy interior, and ride and handling that more than meets expectations. Engine choices are 2-, 2.5- and 3-litre petrol. Price £29,700-£42,900. Our choice: 2.5-V6. GTV and Spider The GTV still retains its 'sexiest shape' coupe title and comes with all the luxury bits as befits a higher executive road-warrior's image requirements. There's not a lot of room in the boot, and if you're over six foot, forget it. Engine options are 2-litre T-spark and 3-litre V6. Coupe rides better than Spider (which also only comes with the 2-litre). Price £31,000-£39,000. Our choice: 2-litre GTV

Audi A3 Until the A2 comes on, this is where you start with Audi. Golf built on the same platform, so we know where the excellent pedigree started in this generation. Finally available in a 5-door version. Styling crisp rather than smooth. Interior competent if not exciting. The build quality is excellent. Engines 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol, the latter in 125bhp and 150bhp forms, and 90- and 110bhp 1.9-litre turbodiesels. There's lots of automatic availability. Price £18,745-£26,700. Our choice: The basic 1.6. After that, it's expensive. A4 Tidy-looking saloon built as tough as they come. Aims at Beemer 3, but not as sophisticated in the dynamics department, and ride quality is down the list. Engines are 1.6-, 1.8- (in 125/150bhp versions), 2.4-, 2.7-, 2.8-litre petrol, and the 90/110bhp 1.9-litre td options. Quattros available in petrol and diesel. There are also Avants (estates). Price £22,280-£54,415. Our choice: 110bhp TDi. A6 Not the flagship, but the mainstream, and looks really good even though already around a few years. Interior work very high quality and up to requirements of class aspiration. Engines are 1.8-, 2.4- and 2.8-litre petrol, and 1.9- and 2.5-litre turbodiesels. There's also an Avant with same configurations. Manual shifts a bit heavy, and aircon required for decent ventilation. Price £28,760-£50,680. Our choice: 110bhp TDi. A8 The flagship, definitely, and what Audi learned about aluminium bodies from this has since been translated down into the very high-tech forthcoming A2. Super luxury, comes with 2.8 V6 and 3.7-, 4.2-litre V8s, including an ‘S’ version outputting 330bhp. Price £63,075-£97,473. Our choice: The 3.7 V8 is more than adequate for our roads. TT This looks like a show concept car, but it's real. Gorgeous techno looks, biggest head-turner of the year, and may probably be the costliest to makers ever as instability at high speed has caused full recall. But if you want something to pull opposite sex attention at low speed, you won't have to worry. Engines 1.8-litre in 180/225bhp turbocharged versions. Quattro 4WD. Price £36,000-£39,800. Our choice: 180bhp (oh, what the hell - 225bhp!)

BMW 3-Series Compact Not from the same stable as the rest of the series, but a BMW at an 'affordable' price. There are better-looking cars for the same money, but they don't have the badge. Doesn't ride nearly as well as the rest of the family, and is kind of short on space. Available with 1.9-litre petrol engine, or tds, in manual or auto versions in the petrol. Price £19,950-£23,000. 3-series saloon Now we're Beemering. The latest version is dynamically and qualitatively as good as the 5-Series, albeit in smaller form. But small is really beautiful here in these relative terms. Good room in a classy interior. Superb handling and ride, though not the sportiest in its class. Engines are classics of motor engineering, in 1.9-, 2.5- and 2.8-litre petrol. Touring (estate), coupes (current and older), and cabriolet in range. Price £25,300-£45,400. Our choice: 323i. 5-Series Has been hailed as many as the current best car in its class, probably deservedly. Svelte style, roomy, marvellous handling and ride, and a touch of class that will take a lot to overtake. Engines are where BMW starts, and options are 2-, 2.5-, 2.8-, 3.5-(V8), 4.4-(V8), and 5-litre (V8), as well as a 3-litre TD that is without doubt the best of its kind. The M5, if you should afford to buy it, will fulfil all your dreams of motoring. If you just want an estate for the wife, there are several Touring versions. Price £34,600-£81,000. Our choice: 523i A/T. 7-Series When you get to where you were heading for, maybe the only way forward is in this very highly-specified alternate to the M/B S-Class. But don't let a chauffeur drive you, because legroom might feel tighter than you'd like in the rear. Very refined. Engines 2.8-, 3.5-(V8), 4.4-(V8) and 5.4-litre (V12). Price £61,400-£113,500. Our choice: 736i. Z3 Roadster & Coupe Well, would you want to be mistaken for Pearse Brosnan? I met a chef in upstate New York who drove one of these, and he seemed like a much more interesting character (and he brought us out a special bottle of his native country's liqueur to finish the evening). You can have it with 1.9- or 2.8-litre, or get serious and go for the 'M' in coupe or roadster morphs. Price £27,950-£55,200. Our choice: 2.8.

Chrysler Neon The car designed for America’s young people to give them cheap and cheerful transport. Here, because of pricing and insurance situations, it is for some rather older than that. Though due for replacement here next year, the current car still looks well. The interior might not feel up to what we’ve become used to in Europe, but will stand up to tough use. There are three levels of specification, including a leather option. Two engines are available, 1.8- and 2-litre fours. A 3-speed auto or 5-speed manual are gearbox choices. Price £15,500-£18,307. Our choice: 2-litre LX. Voyager This is a true American people carrier that doesn’t look as big as it actually is. There’s also a Grand version that’s even larger in the luggage department. Equipment levels and comfort are good, and there’s a choice of 2- and 3.3-litre petrol or a 2.5-litre TD. All are -7-seaters. It’s in a very competitive sector. Price £26,495-£39,330. Our choice: 2.5 SE TD.

Citroen Saxo A midlife revamp of any car is an opportunity to give new for old, so to speak, and the Saxo II’s front and rear ends are nice and new looking, certainly enough to give it a jizz-up into the new millennium. Inside there’s better instrumentation and an electronic reminder of when the car is due for a service. Engines include 1- and 1.1-litre and a 1.4 VTR that was quite spunky even with a pair of passengers up. There’s a 16v 1.6-litre for that, which even beats the latest Toyota Celica in the 0-60 sprint. A 1.5 diesel provides oil-burner version. All in all, the latest incarnation is a significant improvement. Price £9,000-£16,600. Our choice: The 1.6 is so much fun. Xsara A former Semperit Irish Car of the Year, the Xsara remains a neat offering in the Focus/Astra bracket, though in reality overtaken by its ICOTY successor in terms of dynamics, comfort and ‘new millennium’ looks. All versions have ABS. It is a car with a very comfortable ride and there is a wide range of versions on offer, including a very nimble coupe in which you have a choice of engines from ordinary to very quick indeed. There is also a sweet estate. Engines range from 1.4- through 1.6-, 1.8- to 2-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesels in normal and turbo aspiration forms. Price £13,200-£18,150. Our choice: 1.9VT TD estate. Xantia A little long in the tooth now (we first wrote about it in 1993) and has had a number of cosmetic and mechanical tweaks. It is still quite a popular mid-range family motor, though, and its individuality remains unquestioned. Very comfortable, still a good roadholder. Fast too, if you want it. Recently gained the new diesel engines from parent PSA Group, and in this form is still the best version to go for. All versions have ABS. Price £17,700-£23,300. Our choice: 2.0 90bhp HDI. Berlingo Multispace Citroen’s holding operation until the launch of the Picasso (in Ireland next year) contender against the Scenic and Zafira and is basically a Berlingo van with living furniture. But don’t let that put you off, because it is an exceptionally comfortable and practical small MPV, if a little let down by the absence of a rear passenger door in this market. It drives like fun, and has great space and bits nooks. Engine options 1.4-litre petrol and 1.9-litre normally aspirated diesel (which is remarkably quiet and luggable). Price £13,200-£15,250. Our choice: 1.4-litre. Synergie Citroen’s MPV is part of a joint design venture with Peugeot and Fiat, and benefits from substantial space and creature comforts that include captain’s swivel front seats. Rear passenger doors slide, making it easy to entrance and exit in confined spaces. Loses out on looks, and on handling. Only available with 1.9-litre TD, which is fine. Price £27,700. Our choice: Again, they don’t give us one.

Daewoo Matiz Maybe the best-looking OF the so-called ‘city’ cars, and certainly a neat and accommodating package in this segment. Quite comfortable, but a bit of roll on the corners can give your heart a jump until you get used to the fact that it is rather more stable than its height and small wheels would suggest. Very easy to live with, unless you have to go very long distances to the buzz of the 800cc engine. Plus version includes aircon and electrics. Price £8,695-£9,285. Our choice: SE Plus. Lanos This one is aimed squarely at the same market as the Hyundai Accent and will provide about the same level of sophistication and comfort, as well as a fair bit of metal for the money in the segment. A good equipment specification, and it comes in 3- and 5-door hatches and a 4-door saloon, with 1.4-litre engines as basic. The 1.6-litre saloon is very good value if you need extra power for the growing family. Fidgety ride, unhappy gearshift. Price £9,995-£13,345. Our choice: 1.4S 3-door (for sheer value). Nubira This is the Korean manufacturer’s thump towards Focus/Astra and maybe trying even to cross upwards to the next segment. Recently revamped, it looks quite stylish and the handling and ride have improved no end. There’s a fairly commodious estate, but load capacity is somewhat restricted by wheel intrusion. Well specified in equipment terms, though engine and gearshift not yet up to European or Japanese better standards. There are 1.6- and 2-litre engine options. Seems overpriced against Focus. Price £14,795-£17,195. Our choice: 2-litre CDX (you might as well have the higher spec, even if it won’t be worth extra at trade-in). Leganza The one that surprised us most this year, giving us a very comfortable and accommodatious motoring environment that showed its worth on a couple of long trips. Well equipped, and feels pretty well built. We gather it was actually designed originally to be a Jaguar but was turned down by Big Henry’s luxury people, so were getting something designed above its class. Like all Daewoos, well-specified in equipment terms, and is selling very well too. Just a 2-litre engine, and two specification levels. Price £18,395-£19,995. Our choice: 2.0 CDX.

Daihatsu Cuore Almost a Micra lookalike, but without making it. However, the price is certainly much more attractive, and the Cuore is financially well in contention in the city car league. Jittery ride lets it down. There’s just a 1-litre 3-pot, but well engineered and nippy. You can have it with autobox and in Plus specification. Price £7,995-£9,120. Our choice: The Plus gives you five doors. Sirion This one certainly stands out in the street, thanks to its unusual styling. The interior is accomplished enough, but neither distinctive or exciting. The car shares the 1-litre engine of the smaller Cuore, and is thus a little less pokey. Gets to sound like a sewing machine if you want to trash it for impetus. Again, this one comes with autobox option (for just over £600 more) and a Plus specification which adds extra goodies (though this time there are five doors already). Price £9,595-£11,320. Our choice: Plus (+). Terios This was one about which I got my opinions rapped because I was unable to take it seriously offroad and then suggested it might not be able to perform in the muck as well as the full 4x4 Suzuki Jimny. Well, it was taken by a UK mag against the Land Rover Defender and managed to go where the Defender failed to! meantime, it is a simple normal-ratio 4x4 with a tidy 1.3-litre engine and an equally tidy looks. I actually enjoyed it on the road, and it allowed me make a very fast trip without qualms across some of North Kildare’s worst roads on the day I returned it. Price £13,250-£14,670 (for autobox). Our choice: DX for the better specs. Fourtrak Daihatsu’s traditional 4x4 is one of the most dependable agricultural vehicles around, even if the plastic he-man wheel-arches make it look a little wimpy. Basic but rugged interior fittings, and it’s not a car to be enjoyed on the tarmac. Engine is a 2.8-litre TD, and in this market the Fourtrak now only comes in LWB estate form. Price £26,245. Our choice: You have it.

Fiat Seicento Fiat’s delightful and much more likeable successor to the popular ‘Cinq’ is good-looking and competent. Interior is trendy, though the perched rev-counter on the Sporting looks very like the afterthought it must have been. Ride is choppy, and steering a little too much on the heavy side, but at the price we suppose there are limits to what can be done. The engines are 900cc and 1.1-litre (in the Sporting) and provide reasonable, but not bright, pep. You have to love it, and people do. There’s a ‘Citymatic’ semi-auto, which makes you stir without clutching, and costs no more if you’re having an SX spec version anyway. Price £6,900-£7,995 Our choice: Citymatic. Punto All new version of Fiat’s most popular current car throughout Europe, and it is a significant improvement on what was already possibly the best car in its class. Again, 3- and 5-door options, each version having a strongly individualistic look. Engine options opening with a reworked version of the 1.2-litre FIRE petrol units but with also the option of a new 16v version of the same motor. There’s a new 1.8-litre 16v is taken from the Barchetta sports car, and the new Punto is the first car in its class to have a common-rail diesel JTD engine. Electric power steering allows the driver to select an even lighter steering load for city driving. The CVT auto has a ‘6-speed’ version where the driver can choose completely automatic or ‘sequential’ gearshifting with a clutch-free torque convertor. picking up the drive. Price £8,995-£14,795. Our choice: CVT Speedgear. Bravo/Brava Fiat’s mid-ranger is sturdily built and feels firm, though dashboard elements don’t look or feel as tough as the rest of the car. There’s sprightly performance from all versions, which include 3- and 5-door options (hence ‘Bravo/Brava’) that also have outside visual cue differences, particularly on lights. There’s lots of space, and the main crib might be for the firm ride, but if you like to let the engines exercise as well as they can, you’ll enjoy it. Engines are 1.2-, 1.6 and 2-litre petrol and a sparkling 1.9JTD. Price £11,600-£17,550. Our choice: £1.6GT Bravo. Marea The understated saloon version of the Bravo is not as distinctive as the Tempra it succeeded and that might be the reason we don’t think we see as many of them on the road as there are. But it is a solid and comfortable car, if a little less commodious as its rivals in the class. Excellent value for a mainstream car. Beautiful estate shares most of great engines, which in the saloon include 1.6-, 1.8- and 2-litre petrol and a brace of TDs in 75/105bhp options. Price £14,590-£19,500. Our choice: 1.8 ELX Weekend. Fiat Coupe This is the one we prefer to the Alfa GTV, if for no other reason than we can sit comfortably in it. Gorgeous looks are dateless, and have styling cues from many other traditional and modern sports car classics. The 2-litre engines include a blasting turbo, and this is a car that will still hold its place and desirability well into the next millennium. Price £26,100-£33,300. Our choice: 2.0 Turbo. Scudo A 6-seater van-based Combi. Competent small workmen carrier. Price £17,850. Our choice: Don’t need it. Multipla It's going to be one of those cars you love or hate, but it certainly turns heads. The vehicle is aimed directly at the compact MPV sector pioneered and still led by the Renault Scenic. Though only on a footprint of a medium family car (it's even shorter than the Bravo), the Multipla can also carry up to twice as much luggage as the same car along with six people. Neat touches include a dash-mounted gearshift, and a 'bi-level' door mirror which allows you to see the kerb when parking (deserves the 'gizmo of the year' award!). There’s a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TD. Price £15,500-£18,250. Our choice: 1.6. Ulysse Fiat’s version of the Citroen Synergie. Substantial space and creature comforts that include captain’s swivel front seats. Rear passenger doors slide, making it easy to entrance and exit in confined spaces. Loses out on looks, and on handling. Only available with 1.9-litre TD, which is fine, but with two levels of specification. Price is competitive. Price £21,900-£33,300. Our choice: Competitive TDS.

Ford Ka Brilliant package in the baby-car class, yet under-appreciated in Ireland. We still love the perky looks, and the comfort specifications are great. Based on the Fiesta platform, it retains all the good-riding and handling characterises of its bigger sibling. Boot a little small, and the venerable 1.3-litre engine, while doing its job flawlessly, should be retired in favour of the super 1.25-litre available in the Fiesta. Price £8,890-£9,490. Our choice: Ka2. Fiesta Neatly-done style upgrading will bring Ford’s most popular car in Ireland safely through the Millennium crossover, but it is the last of the current platform’s line and they didn’t do too much with it to keep the wheels turning. Interior has been freshened both stylistically and with new trim materials. It is still a small car in the rear compared to the competition, but the delightfully-precise handling and comfortable ride keeps it desirable. Engines are 1.25- and 1.3-litre petrol, and a 1.6-litre will come next year. Aircon comes as standard on LX and Ghia. Price £9,695-£11,215. Our choice: 1.25-litre Ghia. Puma This little cutie retains the highest IWI (‘I Want It’) rating of any small sporty car on the market. Sexily gorgeous outside, and just as succulent inside, it still should not be judged as just a pretty face, because in the 1.7-litre version it is the most fun you can have in a car without climbing into the back seat with your favourite person of the opposite sex. For smaller wallets there’s a 1.4-litre, and if you know someone in Ford they might be able to order you the stunning ST160. Price £16,035-£18,910. Our choice: 1.7i. Escort believe it or not, they’re still selling it to people who don’t mind its aged looks and dynamics and who find the Focus too revolutionary. The advantages are that it is relatively cheap, and easy to keep on the road. Available now with 1.4-litre petrol and 1.8-litre TD engines, in 5-door and wagon form only. Price £11,170-£14,315. Our choice: A Focus. Focus The 1999 Semperit Irish Car of the Year winner and still a winner all the way as far as we’re concerned. Stunning and highly distinctive good looks, advanced tech interior, and great dynamics married to the best range of engines Ford have had for a long time. The saloons and estate don’t have quite the driving edge of the hatchback, but it is a marginal drop-off. Engines are 1.4-, 1.6- and 2-litre petrol and a 1.8-litre TD that is a vast improvement on its predecessor, albeit still noisy. Ford’s ‘price point’ where you can have a hatch, saloon or wagon for the same price makes it easier to choose for lifestyle needs. Price £13,990-£16,790. Our choice: 1.6-litre saloon Ghia. Mondeo The car that proved Ford’s ‘world car’ concept started as a good one and then evolved into one even better, well able to see off many of its rivals in driving terms. Still a good-looker, its main flaw is rear room. Its main pluses are the wide range of engines, with 1.6-, 1.8-, 2- and 2.5-litre petrol (that latter our favourite V6 still) and 1.8-litre TD. there’s a handsome and capacious estate with handling as good as the other variants. If someone can steal you an ST200, it’s a glorious drive. Price £17,395-£28,500. Our choice: 2-litre GLX will give you decent driving and fair comforts. Cougar The American-built big brother to the Puma has the outside looks but not the fun of baby brother. And maybe we shouldn’t have expected it, because this is more a long-distance cruiser than a fast-handling sports car. The ride can be grumpy, and the interior fittings and trim are to US rather than European standard. Engine options are the familiar 2- and 2.5-litre petrol units found in Mondeo. Real good luggage access, and we’d use this as 2-seater with rear seats down. Price £27,990-£30,160. Our choice: 2-litre. Galaxy Ford’s full-size MPV has now become the standard to be aimed for in this segment, one larger outside our shores than in this country. A shared venture with VW and SEAT, the Ford version comes with 2-, 2.3- and 2.8-litre petrol engines, and a 1.9-litre TD with either 88/110bhp options. The Galaxy is a comfortable and roomy 7-seater, though with full seating up there’s relatively poor luggage space. A segment being severely threatened by the new Scenic-led compact MPVs. Price £24,990-£35,460. Our choice: 2-litre Zetec (add auto). Explorer The current version of a traditional piece of Americana which looks the macho part but doesn’t perform as well as many competitors when it comes to the mud stakes. Still, it feels good, is very well appointed, and has a smooth 4-litre V6 that, unfortunately, sips greedily at the wallet. Explorer is very roomy, but against its homeland cost and even that across the Irish Sea, seems to be overpriced here by a long shot. Price £41,770. Our choice: What we get.

Honda Civic There was a time when Civic was a name for power, fun and devilish sparkle, but now the car has merely a reliable, almost conservative image. This should not take away from the superb running gear underpinnings on which Honda’s reputation has been based, but there is a need for another injection of flair to the model. Available in 3- and 5-door hatches and saloons, with engines of 1.4-, 1.5- (VTEC), and 1.6-litre capacities. Owners will be rewarded with trouble-free motoring for the life of the car. Price £13,075-£21,655. Our choice: 1.5i LS. Accord Quite the brightest star in Honda’s mid-range at the moment, the Accord is the best version dynamically that it has ever been. Handling and ride rivals that of more upmarket executive transportation, and only the somewhat bland interior takes away from the fact that this is something special. Honda don’t have any trouble selling all the product they can get, so the price premium over others in the segment reflects this as much as the high quality of the car as a whole. Engines are 1.8- and 2-litre, all with VTEC technology. Price £20,995-£26,935. Our choice: 2.0i ES. HR-V Trendy 2WD or 4x4 recreational vehicle aimed at young people. The CR-V has highly individual exterior styling, but takes a little bit of getting used to inside. Very good to drive, comfortable and composed on rough surfaces. Only a 3-door form is currently available, though a 5-door is on the way next year. Engine is a 1.6-litre, and though a little noisy from inside the cabin is smooth and willing (strangely, it is very quiet outside). A slightly tinny sound when closing doors disappoints. But the C-RV grows on one very fast. Controls excellent. Price £17,265-£19,305. Our choice: Si 2WD (because nobody buying this will ever really want to go offroad). Prelude Honda’s current version of its 2+2 road cruiser is not as distinctive-looking as its predecessor, but has strong-looking ‘bug eyes’ to tell those in front you’re coming. Already good handling is enhanced in the top-range version with 4-wheel steering. There’s not a lot of extra room in the cabin, but it is comfortable for a pair. Engines are 2- and 2.2-litre, the latter a VTEC. Price £24,565-£33,575. Our choice: If we could justify the money, the 2.2. Integra Type R If you want a road-racer that sounds just like a stripped-our rally car, this is for you. And it will reward with super willing engine performance and handling as good as an F-16’s. The downside is that nobody else in the family will want to be driven to school or work with you. Unless they’re as car-mad as you are. Engine is a 1.8-litre VTEC. Price £28,155 Our choice: An empty and twisty back road. Legend Honda’s luxury leader has a lot of techy equipment on its dashboard, and plush rouched leather trim. It costs a lot too, and it is distinctive in that you don’t see too many of them on Irish roads. Engine is a 3.5-litre V6. Price £51,145. Our choice: Not really. CR-V This is the 4x4 that turned the market in Ireland on its head last year, selling more than anyone had a right to expect. Although Freelander has since caught up, the refinement and roominess of the CR-V makes it a continuing serious contender in this now very competitive market. There’s no low ratio, but an intriguing 4WD system that automatically comes into play when needed seems to work well. Engine is a lively 2-litre. Price £22,965-£25,440. Our choice: Si.

Hyundai Atoz One of the tall town car genre with a quintessential odd Korean styling, especially from the back. The Atoz can carry plenty, but its 1-litre engine would make loads heavy going in anything but town traffic. In Ireland it has two spec levels, the top being ‘Gold’. Price £8,995-£9,295. Our choice: Basic. Accent In its latest guise, the Accent has jumped a quantum into the quality of basic cars that we now expect. It is larger too, and at the price is a lot of value for the money. There are 3-, 4- and 5-door body styles. We liked it. Price £10,450-£11,550. Our choice: 1.4 5-door GLSi. Lantra This is another ‘crossover’, too expensive and lacking a 1.4-litre engine to be aimed at the Focus/Astra class, it pits itself as a budget Mondeo in some ways. In that, its 1.6-litre engine certainly gives a good account of itself, and there’s a fair amount of room in the package. The pricing is attractive too, particularly given the level of specification. But the cabin is bland, and the ride fretful. Still, Lantra is again a case showing Hyundai are quick to learn and the current model is well up to competition at the price. Comes as saloon or estate. Price: £14,495 (for either style). Our choice: The estate. Sonata Hyundai’s offering for the executive sector comes highly equipped for the price. Goes well on motorway distances, but at a fuel cost that’s getting harder to live with, especially if you take the V6. Looks handsome, and the distinctive grille and lights treatment has echoes of Ford’s Scorpio (which this writer actually liked the look of). Engines are 2-litre four and a 2.5-litre V6. Price: £18,495-£26,495. Our choice: 2-litre GLSi. Coupe A sleek and sexy body has certainly done the business for this sporty Hyundai, and a newly-sculpted version will probably continue the job. Very well equipped and provides a real alternative in this segment. It is good to drive, though the steering feel takes a little getting used to. The usual Korean problem of cheap-looking cabin trim is a bit of a downer, but not enough to take away the good feeling the car generates. Comes with a choice of 1.6- or 2-litre engines. Price £17,495-£19,595. Our choice: 1.6 best value.

Jaguar S-Type Bit by bit, Jaguar are widening their range to make the marque as inclusive as it was 30 years ago. The S-Type hasn’t yet brought the cat ‘down’ to the level of the 240, but we’re getting to the point where there is at last a Jag that the executive not at the top of the ladder can aspire to. The S is good-looking and drives smoothly and quietly. Looks its best from the front. Two engines - a 3-litre V6 and 4-litre V8. Love the grille for its simplicity. Price £42,290-£56,935. Our choice: 3-litre Executive. Classic XJ8 As the name defines, a classic Jag with luxury and sporting feel worked well together. But not for the chauffeur-driven, as rear legroom is scarce enough amid the leather and wood. Powered by 3.2- or 4-litre V8s. For the longer leg, go for the Sovereign or Daimler Super 8. Price £57,700-£97,900. Our choice: XJ8 4-litre. Special versions Take your choice from the XJ8 Sport, the XJR 4.0 V8 supercharged, the XK8 in coupe or convertible, or the XKR in similar dress options. Price £74,700-£98,200. Our choice: Go for broke, the XKR S/C coupe.

Jeep Wrangler Forgotten they still sell this classic? Well, they do, but it’s a major handful to deal with. Still, nothing has as much cafe-land street-cred, and if you;re asked to prove it can do what it looks like, it will go anywhere. Engines are quite ancient, 2.5- and 4-litre petrol guzzlers, the former only available with the soft-top version. Price: £20,525-£26,260. Our choice: Soft top. Cherokee The other Jeep icon, and remaining as attractive as ever despite only very mild metal reworking. A real off-roader, too, able to cut the mud with any other and better than many. Back seat room is tight both in leg and head terms, and on-road ride slightly jittery. Main engine option here is 2.5-litre TD, rather unrefined. Alternate 4-litre straight-six is smooth but thirsty, and available only as a top-of-the-line LTD with leather. Price £29,980-£37,123. (2.5 TD commercial version £21,950) Our choice: 2.5TD LTD Leather. Grand Cherokee The latest version has only just arrived and is a seriously good-looking and well-equipped husky machine in the best US outdoors tradition. Will go absolutely anywhere, and in supreme comfort and style. This starts up where the Ford Explorer stops off. Available with 4-litre V6 and 4.7-litre V8, and a 3.1-litre 5-cylinder TD . Leather and auto only. Price £38,515-£54,000. Our choice: 4-litre.

Land Rover Defender They just can't stop this machine which is as much an icon as the Jeep Wrangler and will probably go on as much forever. Square looks reflect the simple but very sturdy build system, which still shows the welds on the metalwork. Feels OK on-road only if you've just trashed it through some of the more inaccessible terrain around. And don't expect to appreciate the sound system. Powered by a brace of 90 or 110bhp TDs, and comes in SWB and Station Wagon formats. Price £17,295-£31,845. Our choice: 90 P/U (because if you want to spend £27,000-plus on a 4WD station wagon, there are more civilised ones around). Freelander The car that really put L/R on the road and leisure areas, and has been a phenomenal success for them since day one. Looks good apart from the butchiness of the front bumper, and there are soft-top, removable hard-top and full estate size versions. No lower ratios, but much is made of the patented Hill Descent Control on the more expensive models, and anyway it goes fine off-road in any situation buyers are likely to meet. Engine options are a 1.8-litre petrol and 2-litre TD, neither of which are as refined as we'd like. Price £20,680-£28,920. Discovery II They kept the name and the shape, but changed everything including the build quality, and in the process made the Disco a decent car on and off-road. Two foldable rear seats system a great idea. The VRT changes in the last budget hit what might otherwise have been flying sales. Powered here only by a 2.5-litre TD which is vastly improved on previous power. Price £36,720-£44,450 (Commercial version £24,550-£26,750). Our choice: Tdi GS.

Lexus IS200 The marque that showed you CAN develop a new luxury brand without decades of tradition aimed its logo are a whole new market area when it ducked into the 2-litre segment. The IS200 is a very good car in engineering terms, with a very sexy sound built into its 6-cylinder engine when pushed to the revs it likes. A 6-speed or autobox is the transmission choice. The style is understated and we don't particularly like the tail-lights treatment, nor the tacky dashboard styling. Will eventually be a serious challenger to Beemer 3, but Alfa 156 still has more charisma. Price £28,880-£33,400. Our choice: Leather manual. GS300 Lexus are seriously targeting the 5-series BMW with this one in its current guise. Given that this is at the moment an impossible task to ask, the GS300 is very much our favourite in the L stable, with a touch of sportiness both in the style and drivability. The 3-litre engine is thirsty when pushed, but first-time Lexus owners won't care much about that. Price: £50,950-£54,150. Our choice: You might as well have the leather version. LS400 As close as it gets to the Merc S-class, and superbly implemented to garner the major slice of the US imported luxury market that it did. Style is Swiss Banker conservative, and sound is absent at all speeds. One really for the chauffeur, because there's not a lot of fun in driving the 400 unless upsetting the peasantry is your thing. Price £74,850. Our choice: One is enough.

Mazda Demio The boxy shape of Demio indicates a reasonable load-carrying capacity, though there's a shortage of nooks for bits and pieces. It will carry five, and with all up the ride is less skittish than when carrying the driver only. A larger engine option than the 1.3-litre would be nice, but the pricing is tidy. Price £11,740-£12,760. Our choice: GLX 1.3 5-door (because if you're buying it for family shuttle duty, you might as well have a few creature comforts). 323 The style of the current hatchback models took a little getting used to after the flair of the previous. But the 'sport estate' grows on you and the car is undoubtedly more spacious and practical. There's a saloon that is subtly very stylish and well-specced. Engines are 1.3-, 1.5- and 1.8-litre petrol and a 2-litre diesel or 2-litre TD. Value is good and residuals hold well. Price £13,450-£17,450. Our choice: 1.8GT. 626 An upgraded and restyled Mazda 626 is now on sale, available in three distinctive body styles, the 5-door Hatchback, the 4-door Saloon and Station Wagon. The new 626 comes in three grades, ‘Comfort’, ‘Exclusive’ and the 2.0 litre, 136bhp ‘Sportive’ which is the new flagship of the 626 range. The car has a greater presence with sportier looks and feel and incorporates Mazda’s newly adopted family face with the five-pointed front grill as seen on the recently launched Premacy. The 626 range of engines have been enhanced to give smoother performance and come in 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre versions. All 626 models have air conditioning as standard. The 1.8 litre has manual version while the 2.0 litre models have automatic climate controlled air conditioning. Price 18,280-£21,315. Our choice: 2.0 hatch ‘Exclusive’. MX-5 The quintessential sports car beloved of young female solicitors and accountants and men of a certain age who feel a little unsure of themselves. A great little sports car, with traditional rear-wheel-drive that can make things interesting on wet twisties. But if you're going on the grand tour with two, send the luggage on, because there's even less boot room than the rival MGF. Now available only with the 1.6-litre in this market. Price: £20,490. Our choice: Well ... Premacy Mazda’s entry into the compact MPV market is a stylish and well-planned vehicle that should capture it a fair share of this rapidly-growing market. A 5-seater, it is very flexible in accommodation options, though for really difficult stuff there will need to be prior thought before heading for the beach, s seats will have to be left behind. Very well specified, the goodies include a perimeter alarm as standard. Engine is 1.8-litre, and there’s a more powerful version for rather more money. Auto available. Price £17,395-£20,600. Our choice: Comfort. Xedos 9 Bigger brother to sadly-discontinued Xedos 6 somehow isn't as stylish as smaller sibling, but comes with a lot of comfort and more room to carry the business lunch partners. Very comfortable. There's a 2.3-litre V6 which isn't found anywhere else in the Mazda range. A/T as standard. Price £36,490 Our choice: You got it. RAY O'BRIEN (MOTORS) LTD Newbridge, Co Kildare   Main dealers for Mazda cars & Mercedes-Benz commercials. Phone 045 431130

MGF Rover’s answer to the MX-5 is mid-engined, sassy, and to some of us is marginally the better car, but really this is very much a point of view. The 1.8-litre engine features VVC technology, and practical matters such as putting up the roof quickly without breaking fingernails or getting soaked in that sudden shower are well thought out. The nose treatment harks back well to the marque’s tradition, and if the ride and handling are a little less than true sportiness, that actually suits the vast majority of buyers. There are two versions on the 1.8-litre engine, the better with VVC technology. Price £22,840-£25,025. Our choice: The VVC.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Well, it had inauspicious beginnings over an animal that has long been extinct in Ireland. But it seems to have overcome these and is selling quite well indeed. Trouble is, the (expensive) fix to the instability problem has left it a little harsh on the road for something fronted by the world’s most prestigious mass-manufactured luxury brand. We have some reservations also about the somewhat mishmash design of the dashboard area. But a great city car that can be very at home on the open road too. Most people don’t realise that the A is in fact shorter than the Ford Ka. Big load-carrier with most seats out. Engines are 1.4-, 1.6-, and 1.9-litre petrol and 1.7-litre TD. Price £15,500-£20,890. Our choice: A160 semi-A/T. C-Class If it took one model generation to mature, the C-Class showed that the wait was worth it. In many respects, the car is a really ‘affordable’ way to get into true M-B, sharing the good looks and build and finish quality that are the brand’s main attributes. At the entry level, though, you won’t get performance to quicken the heart, but the image and that overall quality more than makes up for it. You can have saloons and estates.Engines available ARE 1.8-, 2-, 2.3-, 2.4- (V6), 2.8-litre petrol and 2.2- and 2.5-litre TDs. Price £27,290-£45,300. Our choice: C240 A/T saloon. E-Class If you want a big M-B motorway express machine that is solid comfort with a bit of distinctive front end, and can’t run to S-Class, this is among your true choice of wheels. Almost a quarter of all M-Bs sold worldwide are Es. Lots of room, interior a bit conservative burgher unless you go for one of the snazz packages, and a sense of massive strength that is hard to equal. Again, getting behind the wheel of one is manageable enough, but if you want a satisfying performance it’ll cost considerably more. Really, there’s little point in taking the basic 2-litre engine, so you should start with the 2.4 V6 at least. Other petrol engine options include a 2.8- and 3.2-litre V6s and a 4.3-litre V8. The 2.2- and 2.7-, and 3.2-litre TDs are the oilburning options, with the latter among the best of its kind on the market. Estates available too. Price: £35,260-£91,760 (for the E55 AMG. Our choice: E320 CDi A/T saloon. S-Class Again, the latest version is a maturation from the wealthy spiv-barge to something that can almost be called a ‘green’ car in terms of its friendliness to the environment. Lower, svelter and smoother in execution, it is the line that Lexus should be looking at for their next generation big car. It drives brilliantly, and doesn’t ask you to lift a finger more than is absolutely necessary. Standard and long wheelbase versions, the latter essential if carrying rear seat passengers is a large part of life. Engines are 2.8-, 3.2-, 4.3 and 5-litre petrol. Price £62,400-£98,900. Our choice: S320. CLK They can’t get enough of these off the production line to keep up with demand. Looks great, has lots of style and equipment inside, and makes an even better statement than S-Class - that there’s sport in sense at least in the young-middle aged dog. You can have coupe or cabriolet. Engines 2-, 2.3-, 3.2-litre, one of the middle ones supercharged and called Kompressor. Price £35,950-£60,635. Our choice: CLK230K A/T. SLK A coupe and roadster that isn’t quite as sporty in performance as its image. But it cossets and coddles and provides a real feel-good factor. Engines 2-, and 2.3-litre Kompressor both with A/T. Price £39,400-£45,110. Our choice: Kompressor. V-Class Really is a van with windows, but very much in demand for taxis in Dublin. Will probably retain its value over a good number of years, and do the logging job well, though there are nicer people-carriers around. Engines are 2.3-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel. Price £33,120-£35,750. Our choice: V230 Cdi A/T. SL Roadster with the most class and a style that has lasted well despite its age. Doesn’t have perhaps the same pizzazz image of the SLK, but nevertheless has the power to transcend all that. And you can pay more than for an S-Class. Twice. Engines 2.8-, 3.2-, 5- and 6-litre. Price £81,750-£135,800. Our choice: SL320 has best value and practicality, if such an epithet is applicable. M-Class US-built SUV has handsome stubby look, and is reasonably comfortable in its luxury trim. Rides well for the breed, but small quibble is the central back location of the spare wheel, which obscures direct view back. Engines are 3.2-litre V6 and 4.3-litre V8. Price £46,190-£61,980. Our choice: 3.2 is fine.

Mitsubishi Colt This 3-door only supermini is smooth in style but lacks a little in space compared to several of its competition. It's well-made as are all Mitsus, but kind of bland to drive. The only engine availability here is a 1.3-litre petrol, which is adequate. All in all, the Colt is finding it hard enough to make an impact these days. Price £11,790-£12,430. Our choice: 1.3GL. Space Star Mitsubishi's entry to the compact MPV stakes immediately impressed more than we expected, though the marque's experience with the very driveable Spacewagon over the years should have prepared us. It is roomy and versatile, and the 1.3-litre base engine proved to be more than able to keep up high cross-country averages. A 1.8-litre GDI engine has been recently added. Price £13,650-£17,995. Our choice: 1.3 GLX (you'll drive this a lot, so have the extra niceties). Lancer Essentially the saloon version of the Colt, and for the £1,000 price difference between them at base level is very much better value and a more useful machine. Not very exciting, though, despite the image they portray from the very different rallycar of the same name. The engine is limited to the same 1.3-litre except for the estate, which gets the 1.6. There's an autobox available for the saloons. Price £12,630-£15,550. Our choice: 1.3 GLX saloon. Space Runner This is the one going into competition with both Zafira and the marque’s own long-running Spacewagon, though it will need a 1.6- engine option to do the job properly. Stylish looking and nice to drive. Currently comes only with 2-litre engine. Price £20,450-£21,210 (the extra is for aircon). Our choice: with aircon. Carisma The Carisma 2 saloon and hatchback models come with a significant changes to both exterior and interior design as well as a number of added standard features. Four models, for the first time split into a new price/class line-up. These are Classic, Comfort, Elegance and Sport, which replace the previous GL, GLX and GLS model identifiers. Oddly, the 1.8-litre GDI petrol engine that was the single sparkle in Carisma’s light seems to have been dropped from the list, and the options are only 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.9-litre TD. Price £16,310-£17,300. Our choice: 1.6 Classic H/Back. Galant Well styled large car and nice to drive, with quiet and smooth engines and a ride that is more towards comfort than handling dynamism. Inside is well finished, and the wagon version has a lot of space in which to play. All versions without a sunroof have aircon. Engines 2- and 2.5-litre petrol and a 2-litre TD. Price £21,715-£30,715. Our choice:2.0 GLS A/T. Spacewagon This is a new version of what was for years one of the smaller MPVs, and by that token one much more car like to drive. It's a 6-seater and doesn't try to be anything else, so has ample luggage space as well. The ride is also more like a car, and the current style is nice too. Pity that, as is too common from that side of the world, the interior is dull. Engines are 2-, and 2.4-litre (GDI) petrol and 2-litre TD. Price £19,950-£27,720. Our choice: 2.0 GLX TD. Pajero Pinin A compact urban 4WD Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) with off-road abilities which it inherits from the Pajero. It is the only compact SUV which has the SS4-i system which allows it to switch easily between 4WD and 2WD. Designed to appeal to the ‘sophisticated lifestyle’ of urban dwellers. Engine is the 1.8-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine. Price £22,950. Our choice: Hmm ... there’s a lot of competition here. Challenger Macho off-roader based on a Mitsubishi pick-up platform. Looks good, performs excellently off-road but you want to get used to its on-road behaviour. Engine in this market is restricted to a 2.5-litre TD. Price £24,500 (commercial)-£36,435. Our choice: 2.5 TD GLS De Luxe (might as well be comfortable). Pajero Almost an icon at this level of off-road warrior's machine, but icons are always in danger of being overtaken by the competition. Still manages to retain a position near the front, though, particularly in its mud milieu. Only average on road. Choice of SWB or LWB bodies, interiors that include leather, and power from from a brace of TDs of 2.5-(only one version) and 2.8-litre capacity. Price £22,250 (commercial)-£50,795. Our choice: 2.8 GLX LWB.

Nissan Micra Soldiering on in its own particular uniform long after others have changed their clothes. The Micra is still an engaging little car with great headroom and a comfortable interior. The 1-litre 16v engine is smooth and brave, and can come mated to a CVT. In 3- or 5-door forms and just one trim level. Price £10,295-£11,395. Our choice: Probably for the last time, 1.0 GX 5-door. Almera Reliable and capable, but suffered all through its life from a blandness in execution that reflected unfortunately in its early selling slogan 'the car they don't want you to drive'. There was, for a while, a fast and satisfying hot version, but it seems to have been driven off into the sunset. There'll be a new and prettier one next year. Meantime, the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and 2-litre diesels will not let you down and you can drive Almera anywhere in confidence (that nobody will notice). Available in 3-, 4- and 5-door forms. Price £12,795-£16,195. Primera Now on its third facelift since first launched, the Primera may not be the most exciting car to look at, but it is one of the best packages in its class for somebody who needs transportation that is roomy, reliable, and won't date too easily because it's overstyled. Changes outside have been cosmetic, but a number of significant engineering tweaks has improved an already good car. Particularly good is the all-new 1.8-litre engine, and the absolute commitment to CVT for automatic transmission at the 2-litre level. A 1.6-litre is still the entry level. There's a capacious estate. Price 17,195-£22,795. Our choice: 1.8. Maxima A good-looking flagship that deserves on every count to do better than it does, but can't crack the luxury badge barrier. Style is understated but class, and the car is well built and very comfortably appointed. Engines are 2- and 3-litre V6s, the former an engine that is very hard to beat in its size. Price £27,415-£35,000. Our choice: 2.0 SE A/C A/T. 200SX We liked this for a few years but it's now showing its age in the starkly understated style and crude-handling rear-drive platform. The 2-litre turbo engine comes with the option of an autobox. Price £27,935-£29,235. Our choice: Not really. Terrano Mid-sized 4WD has been rejuvenated. Drives well, and is a real off-roader in the SUV segment, probably able to see off many of the competition in the real rough. SWB and estate versions, all powered by the same 2.7-litre diesel. There’s an auto. Price £22,995 (commercial)-£34,650. Our choice:2.7 SE LWB. Patrol The darling of southern Africa and for the very good reason that if you don't have ruggedness and reliability, you will probably die. Big load-carrier too. A 3-door or 5-door choice, the latter with A/C and leather. One 2.8-litre diesel. Price £30,295 (commercial)-£41,595. Our choice: The 5-door.

Opel Corsa Opel’s baby has become one of the best-selling cars in the world and has earned a reputation as a tough, comfortable, and reasonably roomy (especially in 5-door) small car. Perky looks have stood the test of its years and it is still attractive. A tidied suspension in mid-life improved things from early indifferent handling. Engines are 1-, 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.7 oil-burner, the best of which is the 1-litre 3-cylinder. The Corsa was the first small car to have an electric power steering option which is cheap to make, light to use, and doesn’t drain engine power. Price £10,100-£12,450. Our choice: Swing 1-litre is best value. Tigra Without this little pretty, there would never have been a Ford Puma, and even though Tigra has been around for quite some time, its looks still hold. Don’t try and put anyone in back, though. Now comes only with 1.4-litre engine. Price £15,250. Our choice: Only one. Astra Opel’s success story of the decade and one which has in many opinions outrun VW’s class benchmark Golf. Really roomy family car, and built to last. Comes in 3-, 4- and 5-door and an estate that is as competent to drive as any version in the range. Engines are 1.2-, 1.4-, 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol and 1.7-litre TD. Price £13,585-£18,900. Our choice: Sport 1.8XE. Zafira Astra-based compact MPV has all the great qualities of its sibling along with seating innovation and just being absolutely well thought out. Drives superbly and in automatic form is a car that you could well buy to last through a full generation of child rearing and holiday travelling. Sales rapidly eroding the genre’s originator Scenic’s lead. Comes with 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol and a 2-litre TD. Price £16,995-£21,345. Our choice: Comfort 1.8XE. Vectra Opel’s steady middle-ranger comes in an amazing range of versions, ‘one for everybody in the audience’. It is spacious, very refined on the long haul, if not the best handler of its class - but that’s not a real worry for the fleet driver who wants it for that space, its reliability, and comfort from country end to end. Saloons, hatchbacks and estates, with 1.6-, 1.8- and 2-litre (they seem to have dropped the 2.5 V6 option) petrol and 2-litre TD. Price £17,495-£23,075. Our choice: CD 2.0XEV. Omega Recently revised for 2000, this is one of the most successful big cars produced by a mass-manufacturer. Upgrade has enhanced interior and a new 2.2-litre petrol engine will become the base, but the tough current 2-litre is still available. There are 2.5- and 3-litre V6 options as well, and a 2.5-litre TD. Great estate. Price £25,815-£39,950. Our choice: 2.5-litre TD. Frontera This second generation of the brand is vastly superior to the predecessor in ride and handling, and is a good looker if chunky macho is your thing. Well finished, and reasonably roomy, though people in the back might find themselves a little short on headroom. It comes in 3- and 5-door versions, with a choice of 2.2- or 3.2-litre petrol, and a 2.2-litre TD. Big V6 is very thirsty. Price £24,525-£30,995. Our choice: Limited 2.2DTi.

Peugeot 106 Little baby is pert, perky, and good for two people with maybe a small child or two in the back, though market is really for youngsters who haven’t got that far yet. There are 1-, 1.1- and 1.6-litre petrol options, the last a GTi that will pull your socks off and leave you smiling as it does so. Price £9,445-£15,250. Our choice: GTi. 206 Shows that sexy looks will sell even if there are clear shortcomings in the overall car. There’s plenty of space, and a comfortable ride, but the ergonomics of the driving position must have been worked out by a made-redundant older Alfa designer. A GTi version is a stormer, but there are more interesting options for the money. Engines are 1.1-, 1.4-, 1.6- and 2-litre petrol and a 1.8-litre diesel. Price £10,345-£16,595. Our choice: 1.1LX 5-door. 306 Shows that Peugeot still know how to design a good family car, though they need to do it again now as all the lead points which the 306 had in the beginning have been overtaken by rivals. Ride and handling really good, and there are hatchbacks, saloons with the biggest boot in the class, and a snappy-looking estate. Engines are 1.4-, 1.6- and 2-litre petrol (the last in a GTi) and a 1.8-litre turbodiesel, plus the HDI tds recently introduced by the PSA group.. Price £13,195-£23,995. Our choice: Meridian 2.0 HDI estate. 406 Recently facelifted, Peugeot’s best car is now smarter in front and feels better inside. Always a smooth ride and sharp handling, there are saloon and estate versions, and a coupe that is simply gorgeous to look at without having any startling styling to date it. Engine choices are 1.8-, 2- and 3-litre V6 (coupe only) and new 2-litre HDi TDs. Price £17,395-£37,890. Our choice: ST 2.0 with A/C. 806 The Peugeot version of Fiat’s Ullyse and Citroen’s Synergie. With a choice of 1.9- or 2-litre (HDI) tds. Both have aircon and ABS. Price £25,295-£27,795. Our choice: The HDI (given that we’d be keeping this longer than a standard car, we might as well have the best).

Porsche Boxter Look and go as fast as their unique and speed-screaming looks indicate. The cheaper Boxter comes with 2.7- and 3.2-litre engine options. Automatic available, but defeats the purpose. Price £54,700-67,900. Our choice: 2.7-litre. 911 Smart styling updates the traditional Porsche image. Engines are 3.4- and 3.6-litre twin turbos. Price starts at £98,000 for basic model. Our choice: Won’t ever have the chance to.

Range Rover The one to go for when you've arrived, and already have the Merc or Beemer. No doubt but this is a true luxury car, and it has all the trimmings, but unfortunately also a great thirst in petrol versions. The plain looks may be what buyers want, but stylish big offroaders like the Jeep Grand Cherokee in its latest guise could threaten the RR's position. Self-levelling air suspension is excellent. Engines are 4- and 4.6-litre V8s, both auto, and a 2.5-litre turbodiesel that isn't as smooth as the car warrants. Price £50,800-£64,860. Our choice: 4.0SE (if you can afford the car, you deserve the V8's smoothness).

Renault Clio Size matters, after all, and perhaps large sizes are too much for the back, but the Clio's current body style is sweetly grown up from the original. It's also reliable and well built, and with a choice of 1.2-, 1.4- or 1.6-litre (that last in auto only) engines. Price £10,350-£14,500. Our choice: RN 1.2 5-door. Megane Slightly upgraded at beginning of the year, the Megane is a neat contender in the Astra/Focus segment, though perhaps overtaken in dynamics and space terms by both. Nevertheless, a very neat car with a wide range of trim options as well as body styles in hatch, saloon and coupe. Engines are 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesel. ABS standard on all. Price £13,500-£17,790. Our choice: RT 1.4 RT 16v 5-door. Scenic The original of the compact MPV species and still leading the field so strongly that it has been made a model in its own right. Recently revamped moderately and a really nice car to drive. With 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and a brace of 1.9-litre oilburners. All have ABS. Price £15,750-£20,800. Laguna Renault's Mondeo class contender remains classy and true to its original style and substance. There's a plushness about it that keeps it in the running, and a ride that has its own luxury. There are overall better cars, particularly in real roominess, but the refinement of Laguna's engines and general implementation of the designer's aspirations keep it going well. There are 1.6-, 1.8- and 2-litre petrol options and a 1.9-litre TD. The Grandtour estate can come with seven seats. Price £17,590-£21,990. Our choice: RT Sport 1.8. Safrane The big car of the marque suffers the usual problem in that the money will buy a luxury brand. But Safrane is very comfortable and very well equipped and something that any upper executive will feel very satisfied in. Engine is 2-litre petrol, available with auto trans. Price £28,950-£30,600. Our choice: A/T. Espace The original European full-size MPV and still the type leader in innovation, comfort and style. Not the biggest, but probably the best, reflected in price and demand. Available with 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre TD. Price £29,750-£35,100. Our choice: RXE 2.2TD.

Rover Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75. Mini Who'd have believed that it would have lasted 40 years? But it did, and while some of us still have the sore backs to prove it, it did get us youth of the sixties onto the road in something that everyone wanted. Mini can still be fun, but is really an anachronism that nobody had the heart to kill (until next year, anyhow). Just a 1.3-litre engine now. Price £10,650. Our choice: 1.3i Cooper (no extra for the name and stripe). 25 Just launched, this revamp of the 200 series retains the good parts of the original and adds a new front end that echoes the well-thought 75 face. A 1.1-litre won't be available here until the new year (we may even have to wait until the next millennium!), but a brace of 1.4s, 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol and a pair of 2-litre oilburners should give plenty of choice in the meantime. Very roomy in class and well finished. CVT option has programmed 'gearshifts' and is a nice option. Price £11,695-£13,995. Our choice: 1.8 CVT when available. 45 Again, a revamped version of the old 400 series, with a similar range of engines and gearbox versions. A nice level of specification makes this one competitive enough in the Astra/Focus class, though both of those probably outclass the Rover in dynamics and style. Still, they've eliminated the sharp edge to lifting the boot, and we like the car. There are 1.4-, 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol and a 2-litre diesel. Price £14,150-£16,195. Our choice: 1.8-litre CVT. 75 This one brought Rover back to the luxury market with a great swish. Unmistakable styling, an interior to die in plushness for, and a ride comfort that Rolls Royce probably envies. Only downside is that it has to make up for middle and upper segment in one car for the moment. Engines are 1.8-, 2-(V6),and 2.5-litre (V6) petrol and 2- and 2.5-litre TDs. Price £24,995-£31,795 Our choice: 2.0 Classic.

Saab 9-3 This small executive class car has improved considerably with some bodywork tweaks, but the important parts were always very good anyway. The interior is what we expect from Saab, with fairly massive dashboard treatment that might not be to everybody’s taste. The convertible is, as always, much sought after in certain markets, particularly the US. Here we have rain and a lot more price. Engines are 2- and 2.3-litre petrol with both light and normal turbo as well as ordinary aspiration. There’s also a really good 2.2-litre TD. For greater punch there are Aero and Viggen versions. Price £23,700-£52,000 (Convertible 2.3 Viggen). Our choice: 2.2TiD 5-door. 9-5 The replacement for the long-served 9000 turned out to be a substantially improved form of the art, providing really excellent safety and comfort in a spacious package that looks well too. Indeed, the estate version (the marque’s first for 20 years) is one of the best-looking cars in its class, and drives with all the panache of any really good saloon. A lot of engineering detail make this model an enthusiast’s executive car. Engines are 2-, 2.3- and 3-litre petrol. The Aero version is an excellent option for that little extra everywhere, including oomph, while, if you fancy a road-eating monster that is still civilised, try the Griffin. Price: £32,300-£47,050. Our choice: £2.3SE estate.

SEAT Arosa It was here before Lupo and comes in considerably cheaper with just a nose and dashboard difference, really. Very much for two, though there are seats in the rear for small people. Comes with 1-litre petrol engine. Price £8,540. Our choice: There’s only one, so guess. Ibiza/Cordoba Newly updated and a very much more refined car. The new nose treatment reflects what was begin with the Toledo, and gives the marque an impressive stance in the image stakes. Although a fair bit of metal for the money, it can be a little cramped in the rear. In its class it is the largest car, but sells rather more competitively than the average segment cost, and in addition has a considerable advantage in specifications. Cordoba is saloon version, and there’s a Vario estate. Engine options are 1- and 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.9-litre SDi diesel, and a great 156bhp 5vpc 1.8-litre Turbo. The Cordoba also has a 1.6-litre petrol version. Price £9,900-£17,740. Our choice: 1.4 (1.6 in Cordoba) or the 156bhp version for sheer fun at a bargain price. Toledo Possibly the best incarnation of the whole Golf/Bora/A3/Octavia family, if for nothing else than its looks. But the latest Toledo is also a quantum ahead of the car it replaced, and the stolidness of the old car’s reputation shouldn’t stop people trying out what is a car both dynamically satisfying and comfortable. An enormous boot might have been shortened a little to give more legroom in the rear. Engines are 1.6-, 1.8- and 2.3-litre V5 petrol, and a choice from 90- or 110bhp TDs. Price £15,820-£22,450. Our choice: 1.9 110bhp TD. Alhambra This full-size MPV is from the same assembly line as Ford’s Galaxie and VW’s Sharan and shares all the good points of those vehicles. A 7-seater, it also has a 1.9-litre TD as well as the 2-litre petrol. Very accomplished and good looking ... and cheaper than its siblings. And then, just to show the others in the segment, there’s a 150bhp 1.8T ... Price £22,500-£25,600. Our choice: 1.9 TD.

Skoda Felicia Nicely matured if elderly beginner car from a marque that has now been accepted as being of high quality. Certainly the most metal you can get for the money in Ireland, and comes in an estate form that is as big as an Astra. Engine options are 1.3- and 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.9-litre normally-aspirated diesel. Price £8,620-£12,565. Our choice: 1.6 GLX. Octavia A stylish body underpinned by the Golf/Toledo platform and running gear, and not far short of those in the quality of the interior, either. This is very much one for those who like value for their money, but still want the best available. An estate rivals luxury marque load-carriers in style, and maybe comes close enough in substance to some. Engines 1.6, 1.8-litre petrol, one of the latter with a turbo, and 1.9-litre normal and turbocharged diesels. Auto trans also available through the range. Price £12,640-£19,570 Our choice: Combi SLX 1.6.

Subaru Justy If you're a Suzuki Swift fan, this is one with all-wheel-drive and a 1.3-litre engine, with a Subaru badge. Pretty roomy, but the design is showing its age. Comes in 3- and 5-door versions. Price £11,195-£11,695. Our choice: If you have a burning need for an AWD supermini, the 5-door. Impreza To some degree, this was an ugly duckling, albeit a well-made one, until they put a hot engine that showed the extremely capable chassis and made a real fun reputation both on and off the rally circuit. The interior is still a bit dull, but the car is a joy to drive in every guise. Saloon and wagon form, with the stylistic edge on the latter. Engines are 1.6- and 2-litre petrol, the larger one also available in turbo guise. The 2-litres are also AWD. Price £13,595-£28,500. Our choice: For the family, 1.6GLi Wagon; for the heart, 2.0GL Turbo Wagon. Forester Built on the Impreza platform, this is a solid and decent-looking AWD estate with some off-road capability restricted by ground clearance. A real working car in a style that won't date, nor will it turn heads. Very well equipped. Engines 2-litre petrol with optional turbo. All-weather pack worthwhile if you're out on the road a lot. Price £20,850-£27,445. Our choice: 2.0 AWD auto. Legacy Always to our mind one of the undersung cars in the Irish market, though those who drive them know just how good they are. Current style is understated but undatable, although the Outback estate version is pretty macho and businesslike. Equipment levels through the range are good, and all come as AWD. Engines 2- and 2.5-litre, with a selection available in automatic. Price £20,500-£28,150. Our choice: 2.0GL estate.

Suzuki Alto Style and comfort has been long overtaken by European rivals here and the Alto has to fight hard to make it in this market. Five-door hatchback, with a 1-litre engine. The more expensive one is an automatic. Price £8,500-£9,650. Our choice: Not really. Swift A long-soldiering supermini that is now really showing its age in style and in drivability. Roomier than some competitors, though. Available with a 1-litre 3-pot petrol engine and in a couple of trim levels. 3- or 5-door. Price: £9,850-£10,495. Our choice: Basic 1-litre. Wagon R+ This unashamedly squarebox can be liked for its quirky looks, but is appreciated for its capacity and good equipment levels. Ideal for someone with light deliveries in city areas. Has to huff and puff a little on long inclines or against the wind. Just a 1-litre engine here. Price: £9,995. Our choice: Take it as it comes. Baleno Reliable and neat-looking saloon is outclassed by rivals in drivability and looks. There used to be a 1.6- which performed well, but obviously didn't sell. Saloon only, with 1.3-litre engine. Price: £12,300. Our choice: There are better choices. Jimny Trendy-looking small off-roader will work very well on the rough and look good in the young people's places. Not a lot of room in the back, but it's a cheap way of getting around with some attention. There's a 1.3-litre petrol engine. Price: £12,950. Our choice: you have it. Vitara This one led the fray for a long time for the marque, but now its boxy looks are a bit dull. Reasonably equipped, and available in a 3-door estate and commercial only. Very much a working AWD, for the small farm. Price £15,995 (commercial)-£17,185. Our choice: the next one. Grand Vitara A good-looking car and with a specification level and drivability that is as good as any you'll get in the SUV market at this price. Really scores in the muck, too, over rivals that often don't have the extra low set of cogs for the serious work. The 2-litre TD is adequate for the job and in a cheaper tax bracket than larger off-roaders. A 5-door estate that looks chic when clean. Price £20,245 (commercial)-£21,750. Our choice: Estate.

Toyota Yaris Semperit Irish Car of the Year and European Car of the Year, Yaris is a breath of fresh air from Toyota, a bright-shining new star against the faded previous Starlet. Recently upgraded with new trim options and a 1.3-litre engine version which gives more punch than the standard but technologically-advanced 1-litre. The instruments binnacle is innovative and actually works. Roomy, but a little on the noisy side against competition. Automatic option. Price £9,995-£13,395. Our choice: 1.3 5-door Sol. Verso The new mini-MPV based on the Yaris is pretty unique-looking and achieves its roominess with a raised roofline and a very straight-up rear end. At first blush, it might be an acquired taste, but has all the stylistic ingredients to be a car true to a new millennium perception. All versions come with the new VVT-I 1.3-litre engine recently added to Yaris. Price £13,250-£15,050. Our choice: Verso Luna auto. Corolla Tweaks to styling and engine range coming up that will make up for the lapse in style of the most recent version. The car is still tough, reliable, and good to drive. New 1.4-litre VVTi petrol and 1.9-litre diesels are the choices, in hatchback, saloon, and estate forms. Price £13,350-£16,550. Our choice: Avensis The class leader in its segment, an inherited and well-earned title from its predecessor Carina. Avensis is neatly styled, very comfortable inside, and exceptionally quiet in all guises. Deserves its placing. Comes in saloon, liftback and estate forms, with three levels of trim and 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol or 2-litre TD engines. Range of options is now probably most extensive in class. Price £16,920-£22,375. Our choice: 2.0 TD Aura saloon A/C. Celica Back with a buzz in both style and drivability, this one looks millennium material all the way from nose to tail. Drives excellently and feels good inside. Only available at the moment with a 1.8-litre version of Toyota's VVT-I engines, but smart in the sprint nevertheless. Well equipped, including aircon. Price £26,995. Our choice: Yep. Camry Another undersung car in this market, but one of America's favourites. Very well specced, and a smooth car to spend your executive time in under any conditions. Available with 2- or 3-litre engines, automatic or manual in the former, auto only in the latter. Price £29,510-£39,160. Our choice: 2.2 auto. RAV 4 This is Toyota's contender for the SUV market at the leisure end, and which opened the market to the likes of Freelander et al. It looks good, is best rider in 5-door form, and comes only with a 2-litre petrol engine. Price £20,970-£25,600. Our choice: 5-door. Picnic Again, here's where Toyota rather led the party in compact MPVs, and did a nice job of it too. Competitors like the Zafira have since outpaced it in refinement and innovation. But a comfortable and very safe vehicle, and there are a wide range of options, including a choice of 6 or 7 seats. 2-litre petrol or TD engines. Price £21,135-£27,295. Our choice: TD GL. Landcruiser May not be the original of the species, but it certainly has as good a name for reliability and is a deal more comfortable than much of its competition. In southern Africa they are sworn lifesavers. Style says it's coming, and will go anywhere. Available in short- and long-wheelbase forms with 3-litre TD or 3.4-litre V6 petrol (or V8 option to special order in upper registers). Price £22,635 (commercial)-£46,090. Our choice: TD LWB GL estate.

Volkswagen Lupo VW's smallest comes from a shortened previous Polo and was first thrown into the woods as its SEAT Arosa sibling. The styling of the VW car is perkier in the nose, though the dashboard arrangement takes some getting used to, as it appears rather massive for the size of the car. The version with no power steering is exceptionally heavy in parking and traffic, and the extra for the P/S would be a necessity. 1-litre engine. Price £9,360. Our choice: with P/S. Polo Just revised and slipped onto the market here in time for the new year sales bulge. Polo has enjoyed an excellent reputation and comes in a wide variety of forms for a supermini - hatchbacks, saloon and estate. Engines are 1-, 1.4-, 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesel. Drivability outclassed still by Fiesta, and Yaris and Punto are snapping at its heels at the least. Price £10,400-£16,000. Our choice: 1.4-litre in whichever form you prefer. Golf Still the one to retain its values best on resale, thanks to a reputation built up over generations of the car and pretty well deserved. The interior is a little dull still, and competitors are equalling the dynamics. But build quality perception will maintain its position. Engines are 1.4-, 1.6- and 2-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesels in normal and turbo aspiration as well as bhp choices in TDs. A 150bhp GTi also makes it into the market. There's also a cabrio. Price £13,160-£22,200. Bora A saloon in its own styling built on the Golf platform and the first time VW has had a good-looker saloon in this class. Shares the same build quality and reputation of the base car, and comes with enormous boot though slightly restricted rear legroom. Engines are 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TD, though latter only in the 90bhp version. Price £15,110-£19,015. Passat VW's excellent compact executive saloon still leads the way in desirability and roominess. Build, trim, and equipment are all very good, and Passat begs the question as to why would you pay many thousands more for an Audi A6? Engines 1.6-, 1.8- and 2.8-litre V6 petrol and 1.9-litre TDs in two power levels. Price £17,900-£30,240. Our choice: 1.9TDi 110bhp. Sharan The VW brand on the Galaxie/Alhambra MPV theme and gains from the badge the same essential perceptions that VW enjoys. A good one by all accounts, and quite a range of options in this guise. Engines are 1.8- and 2-litre petrol and 1.9 TDi in both power configurations, as well as the ‘GT’ 150bhp 1.8 turbo. Price £24,995-£31,980. Our choice: 1.9 TDi 110bhp. Beetle If you want an end-of-millennium icon, you can have this one in LHD only at the moment. Based on the Golf platform and with a 2-litre 115bhp petrol engine. Roomy in front, tight in the back (and remember where the engine really is!). Price £18,780. Our choice: if you want it.

Volvo S40/V40 This is the car that revitalised Volvo in the medium family car stakes, and is comfortable and well equipped, as well as being a good driver. The estate is smart-looking, rivalling the style of BMW, but won't really carry home the stuff from the auctions. Engines 1.6- and 2-litre petrol, the LPT version of the latter being a lot of fun, and a 1.9-litre diesel. Price £18,900-£25,650. Our choice: 1.8iSE S70/V70 Middle range of Volvos are based on what was their best car in recent years and are substantial and well-designed cars, now a little getting on in years. Superb ergonomics and the estate is a load-carrier in the best Volvo tradition. Engines are 2- and 2.4-litre petrol and a 2.5-litre TD. An AWD is available, but expensive. Price £29,750-£47,500. Our choice: 2.4 20v estate. S80 Volvo's newest luxury car is superbly comfortable, well designed, bright and lovely to drive. The refinement brings it close to some pure luxury brands, though driving dynamics are still short on the BMW 5-series at which it is aimed. Engines are 2-, 2.4- and 2.9-litre petrol and a 2.5-litre Td that is so quiet you mightn't realise for a while that it's an oilburner. Price £33,400-£51,500. Our choice: 2.5D. C70 Coupe Really good-looking car is let down somewhat by the interior fittings, but is nevertheless and nice alternative for the executive who wants a little sportiness in his or her commuting life. Engine is 2-litre LPT or 2.4-litre 20v. Price £35,000-£43,500 (for powerful T model). Our choice: 2.4.

NOTE: The above are merely subjective opinions and no responsibility will be accepted for any individual buyer's decisions or experiences. Current prices and specifications should be checked with your local dealer. Brian Byrne.