What's On

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Our favorites (Part one)

Wagon:



Volvo V60

Some may argue that the V60 is just a hatchback as the cargo space is too small compared to the BMW 3-series Touring and it doesn't really have much in terms of rear seat legroom. What we do love about the V60 is how much wagon  you get for your money. Volvo tends to be quite generous when it comes to standard kit and the V60 doesn't disappoint at all. Plus there's a version for everybody. The entry-level Dynamic offers plenty of flexibility, low running costs and decent purchase price. R-Design gets sportier looking styling and a more potent 306hp turbo engine. Top of the range Polestar gets a thumping 362hp turbo engine and of course is the only real high-performance wagon you can option for currently. (We're looking at you BMW.)

Hatchback



VW GTI

The king of the hot hatches continues to be that. It may not have the hooligan appeal that the Focus ST does but for someone looking for hot hatch turn of pace in a classier more refined package, you won't be disappointed with this one. For 2018, Volkswagen has given the GTI a facelift with new LED headlights and restyled infotainment screen. The 2-liter turbo has been pumped up to 220hp and also new snazzy looking alloys are also fitted standard.

Sedan

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Kia Optima

When it comes to mid-sized sedans, we think that the Kia Optima is one of the better choices out there. You can choose between three engine options; 2.4 four-cylinder, 1.6-turbo and 2-liter turbo. The 2.4 is the pick of the range as it makes the most sense financially. We do like that Kia offers the 1.6-turbo but it just doesn't really offer much of a benefit in running costs over the 2.4. The top of the range 2-liter turbo doesn't feel as potent as the horsepower figures suggests, but for most buyers looking for a competent mid-sized sedan that's roomy and offers tons of value for the money. Look no further.

Coupe



BMW 2-series

You'd think that opting for the cheapest BMW coupe of the range would be a total penalty box, but it is the complete opposite. You can get the 2-series with two amazing engines (2-liter turbo four 248hp, 3-liter turbo six-cylinder 320hp) and a slick shifting six-speed manual; if you can't drive stick-shift then you can choose a eight-speed automatic which is just as good. The M-tuned version of the 2-series is quite literally the best M car from BMW in a long time. Just because it sits at the entry-level spot in BMW's coupe range doesn't mean that it's a penalty box and of course it can get quite expensive as well.

SUV



Land Rover Discovery

We fell in love with the Discovery when we had it as a rental. It's very comfortable to drive, has plenty of flexibility from both engines and won't disappoint with it's legendary off-road abilities. We'd choose the diesel engine which makes the most sense financially, especially considering that most buyers will do tons of highway driving with their Disco. You can also carry seven-people aboard and opt for uniquely trimmed versions. Land Rover isn't famed for its reliability, but it's very hard to fault it for what it really does bring to the table; in our

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