Land Rover Discovery SDV6 XS
The Discovery 4 SDV6 XS is the perfect combination of style and capability, comfortably equipped with seating for up to seven adults, four-corner air suspension and Land Rover's unique Terrain Response® as standard.
Other advanced features include automatic climate control, a harman/kardon® nine-speaker audio system and Bluetooth® telephone connectivity. There is a superb 3.0 litre, 180kW diesel engine with technically advanced parallel sequential turbochargers and six-speed adaptive automatic transmission.
Discovery 4
Format:
4WD 4D saloon
Position:
front
Type:
V6 turbocharge
Engine Size:
3 litre
0-62 mph:
9.6 secs
Power:
242 bhp
Top Speed:
112 mph
Retail Price:
£44,195
BMW 530d SE
As benchmarks for the new BMW 5-series saloon go, the last-generation E60 530d takes some beating – fast, refined, dynamically capable, comfortable and incredibly durable.
And, despite early controversy, its ‘flame surfaced’ body still looks fresh these days.
It must be quite an intimidating act to follow, then, not only for its competitors, but also for its successor: the F10-generation BMW 530d saloon.
BMW 530d SE
Format:
4D saloon
Position:
front
Type:
6 cylinder
Engine Size:
2993cc diesel
0-62 mph:
6.3 secs
Power:
245 bhp
Top Speed:
155 mph
Retail Price:
£38,780
Nissan 370Z Roadster
This is one of my all time favourites with an amazing 3.7 litre V6 power unit which produces a very useful and exciting 324bhp.
Coupled with the drop top it combines a fabulous driving experience with the unbeatable chance to get the wind in your hair along with the sounds and smells of the countryside.
It's the sort of car which makes you think of excuses to go for a drive.
Nissan 370Z Roadster
Format:
roadster
Position:
front
Type:
V6
Engine Size:
3.7L
0-62 mph:
5.5 secs
Power:
324 bhp
Top Speed:
155 mph
Retail Price:
from £32,050
Mini Cooper S Countryman
Like most things these days, MINI is becoming super-sized. This growth of the popular small car is a good thing, though. MINI’s first SUV, and its first four-door is a welcome addition to the brand.
MINI has always meant something different in the world of automobiles. The first Alec Issigonis Minis were almost ridiculously small, but they packed a lot of performance and handling in to that tiny package. The Countryman revives the old name for the original Mini estate and the latest version is a cracker accounting for the majority of current MINI sales.
Cooper S Countryman
Format:
5 door
Position:
front
Type:
turbocharged
Engine Size:
1.6L
0-62 mph:
7.9 secs
Power:
184 bhp
Top Speed:
130 mph
Retail Price:
£22,605
Toyota Prius T3 Hybrid 1.8 VVT
This is the car that will make you feel good.....both on the road and because you'll be doing your bit to help save the environment.
Combining the conventional petrol engine with an electric motor, which take over the power production whenever possible, it reduces fuel consumption and emissions to make it a clean and economical car to run.
All that plus comfort and space.....oh, and quiet! Toyota has produced a winner.
Toyota Prius T3 Hybrid
Format:
5D hatchback
Position:
front
Type:
petrol/electric
Engine Size:
1798cc
0-62 mph:
10.4 secs
Power:
98bhp
Top Speed:
110 mph
Retail Price:
£21,055
