Quick reviews

Honda Civic SI

Likes: The new 1.5 turbo offers way more torque for added flexibility. It's still attractively priced and attractively quick.

Dislikes: No hatch version offered. The SI is only slightly more powerful than the 1.5 turbo from the mainstream Civics.

Overall: The Jetta GLI is still a compelling package.



Maserati Ghibli

Likes: Strong range of engines to choose from. Refreshingly Non-German.

Dislikes: The electronic gear selector is annoying as hell! Some interior controls look like they've been snatched from a Chrysler parts bin.

Overall: It's not pretty but it certainly has the Italian flamboyancy we love.



Kia Soul Turbo

Likes: The new turbo engine offers plenty of punch with decent running costs and purchase price. The standard kit is generous with loads of value for the money.

Dislikes: Residuals and resale value are iffy. No all-wheel-drive option may deter away potential buyers. Steering feedback is on the lifeless side.

Overall: It's great value now with more zip.



Buick Encore

Likes: Turbo engine offers plenty of zip with running costs that are respectable. It's comfortable to drive and easy to live with.

Dislikes: The interior feels narrow. We'd like to see a 2-liter turbo engine option.

Overall: It's a cheap Buick but it's far from a bad thing.



Dodge Durango SRT

Likes: Makes all the right growl-ly noises. It's very quick for such a large thing.

Dislikes: Really nothing has changed much since 2014.

Overall: It's aging gracefully, however there are talented rivals out there.



Chevy Traverse

Likes: An affordable and practical seven-seat crossover option. The standard 2-liter turbo is the pick of the range.

Dislikes: $50k for what?

Overall: It's easy to see why these sell so well.



VW Atlas (2.0T)

Likes: It's just as flexible as the 3.6 engine. Running costs are decent as well. It's roomy for seven people and plenty of space in the boot.

Dislikes: Cartoonish looking exterior. 2-liter turbo limited to front-wheel-drive.

Overall: The ancient 3.6 may be a bit more expensive, however it certainly isn't a bad choice.



Audi Q5

Likes: Turbo engines offer plenty of punch and very reasonable running costs. Roomy for four with a decent sized boot. Digital cockpit display is stunning.

Dislikes: It can get expensive quickly with options.

Overall: The Q5 is classier than the X3 inside and out, but as engaging to drive as an X3.



BMW 7-series

Likes: Packed with the latest technology from BMW. It's lighter than prior generations and it is still engaging to drive than most.

Dislikes: The badge snobbery with this one is high as the price of admission. Resale value is questionable.

Overall: You'd lease it and get rid of it once the warranty runs out.



Jaguar F-type

Likes: It's a proper Jag sports car. All of the engines sound quite lovely.

Dislikes: Finicky infotainment screen, door handles and iffy resale value.

Overall: A breath of fresh air in the sports car segment.