Month: April 2019

60 years on from the debut of Alec Issigonis’s industry changing design, the various owners of the brand and external companies have spawned countless hardcore versions of the Mini.

These are the best fast Minis produced across the six history making decades of the model that went on to become a brand in its own right.

Mitjet Mini Pikes Peak

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has long been a hotbed for some of the more unhinged vehicles on this earth, especially since the iconic mountain road was fully tarmacked ahead of the 2012 edition of the race.

The switch away from gravel meant that a whole new breed of car could take on ‘The Race to the Clouds’. One such car was the 900bhp, Nissan GT-R-powered Mini Pikes Peak, built by French outfit Mitjet.

That year, the car finished third in the hands of company founder and racing driver Jean-Phillippe Dayraut. And, even though the car didn’t take victory, it will almost certainly go down as one of history’s most insane Minis, even if it likely only shares a badge with the road-going hatchback.

Mini All-4 Racing

A four-wheel drive rallying Mini? Not such a unique thing, as we’ll discuss further down this list, but this is the most successful of them.

Winning the famous Dakar Rally four years in a row – two of which came with event legend Stéphane Peterhansel at the wheel – this is one of the most successful racing vehicles of the 2010s.

It has a 320bhp engine that delivers 800Nm of torque, but it’s rugged durability that wins you the Dakar, and this vaguely Countryman-shaped bespoke racer had that in spades.

Mini John Cooper Works GP Kit

The last of the MK1 BMW-built Minis featuring the potent supercharged 1.6-litre engine that powered all of this generation’s performance variants, the 2006 John Cooper Works GP is still one of the quickest as-standard hot Minis ever.

It was 40 kilos lighter than a regular Cooper S, and had the added bonus of 215bhp. Just 2000 were built, meaning that the GP is as rare as it is powerful.

Mini Marcos

Based on the subframes and running gear from a Mini, the sweeping, petite Mini Marcos was a true sportscar underdog. As with the Marcos manufacturer as a whole, this car has a cult following in the UK and beyond.

The ultimate showing of its determined grit came at Le Mans; while all the headlines were stolen by a commanding victory for Ford and its GT40 in 1966, the Marcos managed to cross the line in 15^thplace, and was the only British car to finish the race that year.

Mini Countryman WRC

A sadly short-lived project, the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman WRC was built by rally experts Prodrive, who had previously been responsible for Subaru’s lineage of world-conquering Imprezas. The Countryman boasted all-wheel drive and nearly 300bhp.

Sadly, the relationship between BMW and Prodrive quickly soured over funding, and by the end of 2012, its days as a competitive force in the World Championship were numbered, just a year on from its debut. A second place in Monte Carlo at the start of 2012 was the high water mark for the project.

Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo

‘Built’ in the virtual world for the Gran Turismo racing game, this is probably the closest thing we’ll ever see to a rival to the Ford Focus RS from the Mini brand.

The Clubman Vision Gran Turismo was designed as a race car, featuring 389bhp, a curb weight of just 1,050 kilos, and a 0-60 time of just 3.5 seconds. While it will likely never leave the Playstation 3, it is certainly an exciting vision.

Mini Cooper S (Rally)

In the early days of rallying, before four-wheel drive cars were the norm, nimbleness and reliability were extremely important for rally cars, particularly at more challenging rallies such as the Monte Carlo.

In the ‘60s, the Mini dominated the rally in the Riviera principality, taking victory in 1964, 1965 and 1967. The plucky little cars also took a 1-2-3 finish in 1966, before a trivial headlight regulation saw them disqualified.

Car design is in an ever-evolving state as designers look to find the next trends that will capture the minds and wallets of customers across the world. Though this results in new and often improved machines as time goes on, some creations are often fondly remembered to the point that their crafters will revisit them for new models — bringing a fresh twist on classic designs.

Here, we’ve picked out the best examples of when manufacturers dug into their backlogs to inspire new cars on sale today…

Mini

The ‘new’ Mini is one of the best-known (and best-selling) retro-inspired cars you can buy. Introduced in 2001, it was soon after BMW had taken ownership of the brand, and focused on that retro flair to appeal to buyers.

Though the car didn’t have the practicality or utilitarianism of the classic model, it did have charm in spades – plus a fun driving experience, superb interior and loads of personalisation. The new Mini is now in its third generation, and though it’s become more mature, it’s still as retro and quirky as it ever was.

Fiat 500

Keeping in line with the Italian image of style, the original Fiat 500 was a hit. The dinky city car was a revolution — fast becoming a must-have fashion accessory.

Today, things remain pretty much the same — only in a much bigger, but also much safer, car. The latest Fiat 500 is sought after by fashionistas across the globe, and it’s easy to see why — retaining the cute and chic visuals the original car had in a market full of pretty average looking machines.

Toyota GT86

Toyota’s ‘AE86’ Corolla is one of the legends of the Japanese car scene. The humble coupe gained a name in the ‘80s for its impressive driving dynamics, created by low weight, near 50/50 weight balance and a tasty but not overly powerful four-cylinder engine.

Fast forward to today, and it offers a car inspired directly by the AE86 — the GT86. It takes the same formula of low-weight and balance above all but brings a modern level of performance with it. It’s a formula very rarely seen in new cars today, but one we’re grateful is around.

Abarth 124 Spider

Take the Mazda MX-5, and re-wrap it in an edgy, Italian design and what do you have? That’d be the Abarth 124 Spider. In fairness, the Scorpion-badged two-seater does benefit from a turbocharged engine (compared to the MX-5 naturally aspirated one), as well as an exhaust that’ll have people noticing two postcodes away.

Its retro credentials come from the inspiration for its design – the original Fiat 124 Spider. That car was one of the prettiest ever made, and though this new version is larger, wider and heavier, it’s still quite the looker too.

Ferrari Monza SP1

Rewind to the middle of the last century and to the heydays of GT racing, when Ferrari was one of the kings of the class. Its speedsters of the day, such as the 166 M, 750 Monza and 250 Testa Rossa, were dominant on the racetrack while holding a prestige among the wealthy as a result of their stunning looks and exclusivity.

Ferrari has revived some of that spirit with the modern-day SP1 Monza, and it’s sibling the SP2. Loosely based on the 812 Superfast, these incredibly rare machines bring back the classic look of a speedster but add in brutal modern-day performance.

VW California

The Volkswagen Camper is an iconic image of freedom, and early models based on the T1 and T2 Microbus are hugely desirable today. The original California name, though, was first applied to a T3 model — built by specialists Westfalia and cementing the brand’s appeal for campervan enthusiasts.

The contemporary T6 model may do without the air-cooled, rear-engined layout of the original, but Volkswagen knows how to appeal to retro enthusiasts. It’s possible to spec your sleek, stylish California in a variety of vintage two-tone colour schemes, and even apply polished alloy wheels that ape the originals. These charming nods back only add to the California’s desirability.

Suzuki Jimny

Whereas the previous-generation Suzuki Jimny moved things on when it came to styling, the latest incarnation certainly makes the most of its heritage and is the spitting image of the original Suzuki Samurai. Dinky proportions and perfectly circular headlights give the Jimny a cutesy appearance – one which almost everyone notices out on the road.

Though it may be larger than that original Samurai, the new Jimny still looks tiny on the road, where it puts grins on anyone it passes.

Mercedes G-Class

These days, when thinking of the G-Class, it can be easy to think of flashy, chrome-festooned AMG models roaming the wilds of Kensington high street, as cracks, pops and warbles emit from an exhaust the size of your fist.

However, the original G-Class was the epitome of off-road worthiness – no frills inside and out, with its iconic boxy design and go-anywhere capability. That ability never went anywhere, even as the G became better associated with glitz and glamour, largely because beneath the skin very little had changed since it was introduced in 1979…

Finally, in 2018, Mercedes-Benz brought out a second-generation model, which retained the legendary shape but with substantial technical modifications such as independent front suspension and vast swathes of driver assistance systems. The interior also got Mercedes’ new dual-screen LCD set-up inside. Updating an icon is tough, but the German manufacturer nailed the G’s overhaul.

Alpine A110

French brand Alpine isn’t the best-known around, having a small portfolio of quirky, sporty yet ultimately ill-fated cars. The A110, though, is a real return to form, and one of the best small coupes on sale for keen drivers.

Its success is in the way it borrows the formula of its predecessor, also named the A110. A low kerb weight, a peppy four-cylinder, mid-mounted engine and not too much in the way of technology ensures this little car is an absolute riot to drive. Alpine nailed it with the styling, too, hitting all the retro design cues without becoming a pastiche. Watch out, Porsche Cayman – this retro-styled masterpiece is coming for your turf.

Jeep Gladiator

The original Jeep Gladiator was a pickup truck based on the Wagoneer, built from the early 60s until the mid-80s. From then, it appeared that the Gladiator name wouldn’t appear again until a concept appeared in 2007.

It’s taken up until now for that concept to be realised in production form. It appears to be worth the wait – there are few cars that we’ve seen with as much presence. We’ll wait with baited breath to see whether or not it’s destined for UK roads, and not just American ones.

The Vauxhall Corsa is the most popular car among young drivers, followed closely by the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, according to new research.

The British firm’s supermini has long been synonymous with those who’ve recently passed their test, owing to its small size and a lack of power that should help keep inexperienced drivers out of trouble.

Insurance comparison site MoneySupermarket analysed four million enquiries between April 1 2018 and March 31 2019 to find out which cars 17- to 20-year-olds are looking to insure.

It’s been 25 years since we launched the Corsa. Times are changing. And Vauxhall thrives on change. Find out more here https://t.co/lMu1MxMNoK#NewRulesBritannia #corsatwentyfive. pic.twitter.com/7FQBIjvNM9

— Vauxhall (@vauxhall) November 28, 2018

Despite its popularity, the Corsa was far from the cheapest car for younger people to insure with an average quote of £943, 68 per cent higher than the average price of a quote for someone aged 21-plus.

Young drivers were quoted highly on several other popular models, including an average of £994 for a Ford Fiesta and £916 for a Volkswagen Polo. Those figures are 122 per cent and 79 per cent more than those for older drivers respectively.

The least expensive car to insure in the list was the Ford Ka at £644, while the most expensive was the Volkswagen Golf at £1,651.

Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesperson at MoneySupermarket, commented: “When calculating premiums, insurers take many factors into consideration which can result in younger drivers paying a considerable amount more than other age groups. This is mainly because a high number of personal injury claims come from accidents that involve younger drivers.

“The good news is that there are lots of ways to keep the costs down, such as taking out a telematics policy, also known as black box car insurance, which uses data – where, when and how people drive – to determine the cost of car insurance. Not only does telematics offer a way to secure a cheaper policy, it also encourages responsible driving habits.”

Coupes are the poster stars of the motoring world. Sleek, compact and designed with style in mind, it’s little wonder why so many people strive to get their hands on the keys to one. And though they’re usually expensive to buy new, they can prove tempting on the used market.

We’ve set ourselves a budget of £15,000, and scoured the classifieds to find some of the very best sports coupes you can find for this figure or under.

Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ

Back in the ‘80s, Toyota nailed the budget sports coupe formula with the now legendary ‘AE86’ Corolla. It had the perfect balance of low weight, compact dimensions and enough power to get a little sideways on demand, making it an automotive icon in the years to follow.

After years of teasers, it followed up with the GT86, taking the same formula, developing it with Subaru (which sells the car as the BRZ) and creating a modern car for the enthusiast. It’s now in its seventh year of production and has gained huge popularity, resulting in plenty of clean, well-maintained examples available for good prices. For £15k you can pick up a seriously good condition, pre-facelift machine.

Nissan 370Z

Nissan’s 370Z took on the firm’s legendary ‘Z’ moniker, continuing a line of much-loved performance cars. Though in production for some time, the sleek two-seater managed to fend off many rivals, and represents a good option in the used market.

A 3.7-litre V6 engine is one of the best aspects of the 370Z, providing the car with plenty of punch and a great soundtrack too.

BMW Z4 M

Though now sold exclusively as a convertible, there was a time when BMW had a fixed hard-top roof on its Z4 sports car — and let the engineering minds of its performance-focused M division loose on it too.

With a 3.2-litre straight-six engine sending almost 340bhp to the rear wheels via a manual gearbox — yes, a manual M car — it had the crisp driving experience to match its drop-dead gorgeous looks. Though £15k just about brings cars that could do with some TLC into the fray, values are only heading one way, so now might be the time to cash in on this future classic.

Ford Racing Puma

The humble Ford Puma may have featured sporty styling, but it was the Racing Puma which really lived up to the car’s go-faster design. Thanks to a wider front and rear track, the Puma was both more accomplished in the bends than the standard version, while looking meaner too.

Just 500 were made in total – but some examples can still be purchased for under our £15,000 budget. Get in there quick, though – these prices are likely to rise.

Porsche 911 Carrera (996)

It’s a bit mad to think that a Porsche 911, widely regarded as the benchmark for all sports cars, can be had for such a low price. But the 996 is something of an ugly duckling here, disregarded by many Porsche purists for its ‘fried egg’ headlights, move away from air-cooled engines, and its ability to grenade its own powertrain at any given moment.

The result though is a car that’s not appreciating and can be had for a very good price. It still offers that trademark Porsche driving experience, blending perfect handling with genuine daily usability. Before purchasing though, check the car has had its factory IMS bearing switched out for a more robust unit — or there’s a lengthy repair bill waiting to happen.

Jaguar XKR

Jaguar knows a thing or two about making sleek, performance-orientated two-doors, and the XKR was a fine example of this. Building on the already pacey XK8, the XKR brings with it a 4.2-litre supercharged V8 packing 420bhp. It’s more than enough to give the Jaguar acceleration that’ll scare most supercars.

Running costs will be high owing to the car’s poor fuel economy, as well as the cost of maintenance, but get yourself a well-cared-for example and you’re unlikely to regret the decision.

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Though the Volkswagen Golf R is often regarded as the ‘do-it-all’ hot hatch that now has a huge following, its coupe-hatch sibling in the Scirocco R is one that’s often overlooked.

It’s not too hard to see why — though using the same engine, it puts out less power at 261bhp and sends that to only the front wheels rather than all four, making it a bit more of a handful to drive. That said, it still offers an engaging experience once tamed — and still outclasses many rivals. Prices for good examples are comfortably within our £15k budget today.

Peugeot RCZ

Peugeot’s curvy, bubble-domed RCZ made quite the impression when it was released, and broke the mould in terms of the way ‘regular’ coupes should look. The interior may have been standard-fit Peugeot, but the exterior looked like few other cars on the road – and remains that way.

The RCZ is a great buy on the used market, too. You’ll be able to find plenty of examples for our £15,000 budget – and running costs won’t be too scary, either.

Honda CR-Z

The CR-Z is a striking coupe from Honda, and features a hybrid powertrain too. It means that as well as costing well under £15,000 used, the CR-Z will cost very little to run – and it has a proven track-record when it comes to reliability, too.

It’s nippy and fun to drive, and could be the ideal choice for those who want to inject a little bit of fun into their daily drive, without adding an increase in running costs.

Maserati 3200

Think that an all-Italian sports coupe would be well out of reach at £15,000? Think again. Maserati’s elegant 3200 can be had for under our budget, and it’s easily one of the most striking cars to feature on this list.

It uses a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and it’ll hit 60mph from a dead stop in around six seconds. Of course, reliability and running costs will likely prove to be headache-worthy, but find a well-looked-after example and there’s no reason why the 3200 can’t be enjoyed in a (relatively) small budget.

Whether at a motor show or simply as pictures on a small screen, we all love a concept car. These often wacky creations can range from serious indications of where a manufacturer wants to go in the future, to madcap creations merely intended as an exercise for the styling department.

And while many concept cars display totally new ideas that the manufacturer has never tried before, many others look to the past for the inspiration for the future – drawing on lessons learned with classic models to shape their ongoing design direction and focus.

These are some of our favourite retro-styled concept cars – vehicles inspired by their predecessors. Some of these even spawned production models…

Peugeot e-Legend (Peugeot 504 Coupe)

Peugeot rather stole the hearts of the public when it displayed the e-Legend at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. This slinky, all-electric coupe may look modern, but it’s actually a clear homage to the 1970s classic – the 504 Coupe.

This Pininfarina-styled executive shuttle got everything just so right with its styling, and the silhouette and shapes are clear to see in the new e-Legend. Head inside the concept and the link is even clearer, with bright blue crushed velour upholstery a stunning tribute to the original.

Fiat Centoventi (Fiat Panda)

The original Fiat Panda was all about charming utilitarianism, and the Centoventi concept is no different. The all-electric concept makes novel use of items such as removable battery packs and an integrated charging cable, posing simple solutions to problems that production EVs face even now.

The square silhouette and shelf-like dashboard with configurable pods are further nods to the classic model, but if you were in any doubt as to this futuristic concept’s inspiration, Fiat was keen to lend a helping hand. When it was on display at the Geneva Motor Show, it handily left a toy panda bear on the dash.

Audi Rosemeyer (Auto Union Silver Arrow)

Think back to the year 2000. Audi, previously known mainly for staid saloons and estates, had just launched two brand-new models – the forward-thinking A2 and the sleek and slinky TT Roadster. The time, then, was ripe for a 16-cylinder, polished-aluminium concept car inspired by 1930s race cars. Wait, what?

That’s right, the Rosemeyer takes its remit from the Auto Union ‘Silver Arrows’ Grand Prix cars of the ‘30s, It’s named after one of their drivers, Bernd Rosemeyer, and pairs styling cues from them with an 8.0-litre W16 engine and quattro all-wheel drive. Just like the Bugatti Chiron from a few years later. Hmm…

BMW 2002 Hommage (BMW 2002)

BMW was rather stating the obvious when it named this one. After all, if you’re paying homage to the iconic BMW 2002, why not call your concept car the 2002 Hommage?

The Hommage brings back several classic BMW styling details, including the leaning-forward ‘shark nose’, beefed-up wheel arches and superb front spoiler, and adds them to a compact package, closing the gap between the contemporary 2 Series and the classic 2002. Add in to that the most classic of engines – the straight-six – and you’re onto a winner.

VW ID. Buzz (VW Microbus)

Volkswagen has several truly iconic models, but one of the best-known is the Microbus. Based on the T1 and T2 Transporter, it’s since become a total icon of California surfer culture – and Volkswagen’s been promising to bring it back for years.

While the 2001 Microbus concept was good, it’s the ID. Buzz that’s the most exciting, as VW has promised it will go on to spawn a production model. The new electric powertrain allows that classic cab-forward styling to return, and the whole thing’s packed with brilliant retro touches. We’re big fans.

Honda Urban EV (Honda Civic)

Honda was a pioneer of the hybrid car, but it’s somewhat lagged behind on electric vehicles. The Urban EV was its first attempt at mainstream electric transport, and boy, did it strike a chord – the concept proved so popular that Honda’s now working on a production version.

It took clear inspiration from Honda’s first mega-popular model – the original Civic. Sadly, the Urban EV’s gorgeous clean design has been somewhat bloated for production, and it does without features like the suicide doors, animated headlights or giant multi-spoke wheels.

Vauxhall GT Concept (Opel GT)

Few remember the Opel GT – a slinky, sexy sports coupe with remarkable ‘flip-over’ headlights (in place of pop-up units). Few can deny that the GT Concept looks a lot like that 60’s classic, and the two cars share a long bonnet, short rear deck and pronounced haunches over the front wheels.

The Concept also contains several nods to other models – especially in its red front tyres, which pay homage to the Opel Motoclub motorbike of the 1920s.

Ford GT Concept (Ford GT40)

The GT40 is probably one of Ford’s most recognisable cars ever. Built to dominate racing, it left a lasting legacy – so much so that Ford revisited it in 2002 with the GT40 Concept. A faithful modern interpretation of the racing car, every detail from the deep hood scoops to the doors that extended into the roof paid homage to the 1960s original.

The GT40 did indeed spawn a production model – the Ford GT, which is now in its second generation. When introduced in 2005, the GT looked almost identical to this concept – sadly, some of the retro appeal has been lost with the current model, launched in 2017.

Want performance that will scare off a supercar, but in a package that’ll still be comfortable enough for four or five adults and their luggage? Enter the sports saloon. These cars are just as at home on a twisting lane as they are blasting down the Autobahn – and we’ve found some examples for under £10,000.

Let’s take a look at some of the four-door sports saloons available now for our budget.

BMW E39 M5

Few sports saloon are as iconic as BMW’s M5. The E39 model was a masterclass in understated, yet muscular, styling — while its 4.9-litre V8 endowed it with a bellowing soundtrack, and plenty of performance too.

Yet, when you dialled things back, it was still a useable, comfortable car based on the regular — and very good — 5 Series. Plus, you can now pick these up for just under our £10,000 budget, making them excellent value for money.

Jaguar XFR

While the regular, used XF may not tickle the fancy of performance car enthusiasts, the same can’t be said of the XFR. Despite appearing relatively unchanged over the cooking model in terms of styling, its 503bhp V8 engine meant it was anything but boring.

They’re excellent value used, too. If you can deal with a rather old-fashioned cabin, then you’ll be rewarded with a truly invigorating sport saloon.

Audi S6

When it comes to understated styling on performance monsters, there aren’t many who do it quite as well as Audi. The S6 has always been a key showcase of this, bringing to the table plenty of go but fewer ‘look at me’ styling touches as rivals.

Our budget will bag you a 2008-year model, which features a staggeringly powerful V10 engine — one shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, no less. Of course, running costs will be high — but few on this list could be described as frugal, in fairness.

Alfa Romeo 159

Many say that you can’t be a true petrolhead until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo — and the Italian firm’s 159 was a prime example of why these cars have such a cult following. A 3.2-litre petrol engine was the punchiest powerplant on offer – available in the JTS model – and gave the 159 a decent level of performance.

In true Alfa fashion, residuals haven’t been strong – which is why the 159 is a sports saloon that won’t cost the earth to buy.

Vauxhall Insignia VXR

Vauxhall has a habit of creating some mad-hat, outlandish variations on its regular road cars, and there are few quite as crazy as the Insignia VXR. A 2.8-litre V6 engine under the bonnet provides 321bhp, meaning it’ll hit 60mph in just under seven seconds — respectable for a car of this size.

And because it’s based on the regular Insignia, it’s brilliantly practical — with plenty of room for driver, passengers and their luggage.

Subaru Impreza WRX (Blobeye)

If you’re after a livelier, more energetic experience compared with the regular sports saloon, the Subaru has you covered with the Impreza WRX. The commonly called ‘blobeye’ generation – which is the one our budget covers — may have been knocked at the time for its styling, but it’s a design which has arguably aged well.

Though the interior quality may be lacking somewhat against rivals here, it’s robust — and should stand up to daily duties without issue.

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

There’s a key aspect of the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG that makes it so exciting — and that’s the engine. It’s a naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V8 with 476bhp, allowing it to hit 60mph in 4.6 seconds — crazy performance for a large, relatively heavy saloon car. Though the quality of Mercedes cars at this age did falter a touch, you’ll find all manner of gadgets and gizmos fitted inside.

Make sure to thoroughly check through the car’s history here — these engines needed consistent maintenance. Find a great one though and you’ll nab yourself one of most exciting sport saloons of all time.

Volvo S60 R

Think of Volvo, and what springs to mind? Safe, reliable estate cars perhaps, or even frugal hatchbacks. For most, it’s unlikely that an image of a performance saloon car will pop up — but that’s just what the S60 R was. A 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine drives all four wheels, making this one accomplished cross-country four-door.

The S60 R also represents excellent value, and you’ll be able to pick up a decent example for well under our £10,000 budget.

Saab 9-5 2.8 V6

Though the Germans may have established the super saloon segment, the Swedes knew how to make one just as good. Enter the Saab 9-5 2.8 V6, which perhaps takes the understated ‘Q car’ to a whole new level.

Instead of hiding a boisterous V8, under its bonnet lays a — you guessed it — 2.8-litre V6 engine. It was however aided by two turbochargers, ultimately sending 296bhp to all four wheels — enough to shock a Lotus or two. As a result of relative obscurity and the collapse of Saab though, demand isn’t too high and neither are prices.

Mitsubishi Evo VII

Back in its day, the Mitsubishi Evo wasn’t just touted as a fast saloon car — but something of supercar killer. With clever rally-honed mechanical systems combining with its legendary 4G63 engine, the VII is when things really began to get wild.

Though the succeeding VIII and IX models are more popular, the VII was what kicked that string of hits off — and ultimately it’s relative lack of of appreciation means values haven’t quite skyrocketed yet, meaning it can still deliver a mega driving experience for not too much cash.

There’s a tendency to focus on the front seats in a car. And why wouldn’t there be? After all, the car’s owner is usually its main driver, and so it makes perfect sense to buy a car that’s good to drive, comfortable to sit in and spacious up front.

But there are many people who use their back seats regularly, whether that be to ferry children, relatives, or even paying customers to and from their destinations. For those people, it’s the rear pews that matter.

Rear seats are especially important in the livery service trade, where customers will pay big bucks to be chauffeured here and there. These passengers expect the finest in comfort, space, and refinement – and some also require top-end technology to enable them to keep connected on the move.

These are the best cars you can buy now for those travelling in the rear…

Skoda Superb

The Superb is legendary in the Volkswagen Group for its rear legroom. Though it’s ostensibly based on the same underpinnings as the humble VW Golf, it’s been stretched and fettled to provide space for even the very lankiest passengers to stretch out.

A comfortable ride thanks to a long wheelbase as well as high-quality interior fittings ensure that the rear seats are the place to be in this car. It’s certainly good enough for dignitaries – the Czech president has one as his personal transport.

Audi A8

If the Skoda badge isn’t quite premium enough for you but you’d like to stay within the VW Group, the Audi A8 is the car for you. Even regular-wheelbase models are very accommodating in the rear, though for true comfort, long-wheelbase models are the way to go.

The A8’s packed with the very latest tech, including mild-hybrid powertrains and adaptive suspension, so the important folk in the rear will enjoy refinement and ride comfort in equal measure.

Mercedes-Maybach S650

Mercedes only applies the Maybach badge to its very top-end S-Class, so there’s no doubt this beast is a rather special one. Though it looks much like a ‘regular’ S-Class on the outside (if you can call any S-Class ‘regular’), it’s been given a serious interior makeover and fettled to provide the ultimate in ‘bahnstorming’ luxury.

And while this doesn’t have as much presence as bespoke Maybach models of old, the double-M badge at the end of that long, long bonnet should leave passersby in no doubt that you’re a passenger of quite some means.

SsangYong Turismo

We’re dropping down to earth with an audible thud to suggest the sub-£20k SsangYong Turismo but hear us out – this Brobdingnagian bruiser is actually a fine choice for those travelling in the rear.

It’s all down to size. The Turismo’s huge body contains seven genuinely adult-sized seats – one of very few MPVs to do so. Those in the middle row get individual captain’s chairs with twin armrests too, plus there’s a great view out courtesy of enormous rear windows. Just so long as you get into this car under cover of darkness, you’ll love it.

Honda Jazz

The dinky Jazz is amazingly roomy inside for such a small car, and its trademark ‘magic seats’ in the rear are enough to earn it a place on this list.

It’s a true marvel of packaging, and few superminis will allow tall adults to stretch out quite so much as the Jazz does. As for presence? Well, you’ll certainly fly under the radar…

Land Rover Discovery

The Discovery offers a considerable amount of luxury, though admittedly those who want the most presence from their livery service would do better with a Range Rover. However, for family transport, there’s little better.

Key to the Discovery’s success is its stacked ‘stadium’-style seating – the middle row is situated higher than the front, and the rear higher than the middle. This ensures passengers all get easy access and a fantastic view out of the car’s enormous windows.

Rolls-Royce Phantom

You knew this one was coming, didn’t you? Luxury cars can’t be mentioned without the word ‘Rolls-Royce’ cropping up, and the Phantom is the best of the breed. It’s the size of a stately home and considerably more luxurious.

Rear-seat passengers sink into soft leather and inch-thick lambswool carpet – after climbing in through the Phantom’s rear-hinged coach doors, of course. On the move they’ll be able to stretch out, and only the faintest whisper from the V12 engine up front ever penetrates the cabin. This is proper, old-school luxury at its finest.

BMW 7 Series

The 7 Series is the best car in its class from a driver’s perspective – so if you’re in the habit of keeping your chauffeur happy, then by all means, opt for this. However, the big BMW is also a great choice for rear-seat passengers, as it’s got bags of room and more technology than GCHQ.

Passengers can control media, navigation and connectivity via removable tablets, while the Rear Seat Comfort pack adds a Blu-Ray player and digital TV. Because, well, why not?

Suzuki Celerio

Got a tiny budget, a tiny garage but lanky teens to carry in your rear seats? The Suzuki Celerio may be small, but it’s mighty spacious for a city car, and you’ll just about be able to squeeze a six-foot adult into the rear seats.

Once back there… well, they can operate the windows. Ooh, and there’s a cupholder! And grab handles. Sheer. Unadulterated. LUXURY.

Lexus LS

Want something a bit different to the German norm for your luxury limo? The Lexus LS could be for you. It mates hybrid powertrains – ideal for the CEO with a conscience – to a truly avantgarde interior.

The chauffeur might not be best pleased with the slightly unfathomable infotainment up front, but passengers in the rear will enjoy cavernous legroom, silk inserts on the door panels and extendable footrests.

What is it?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class line-up is a bit of a confusing one, but the fact it offers two different saloons is particularly difficult to fathom from a layman’s perspective. The difference – in Mercedes’ eyes – is that while the ‘regular’ A-Class saloon is more practical and classy, the CLA is more slinky, more sexy, and more sporting.

Though it has four doors, Mercedes calls it a ‘coupe’. You might think that puts it in contention with other compact coupes on the market such as the Audi A5 or BMW 4 Series, but the CLA is quite a lot smaller – it’s more of a direct rival for its own A-Class saloon sibling, as well as cars such as the Audi A3 saloon.

What’s new?

The new CLA is, like the old model, based on the same underpinnings as the Mercedes A-Class hatch – along with its sister cars, the A-Class saloon, GLA, and B-Class. That gives it access to Mercedes’ latest range of petrol and diesel engines as well as the hatch’s wonderfully classy interior and high-end tech.

On the outside, it’s been given a makeover that brings it in line with the larger CLS, plus sharp-edged styling that marks it out from the A-Class saloon. The swooping roofline also helps differentiate it from a distance.

What’s under the bonnet?

The UK will get four petrol options at launch – diesels are likely to follow later. The range kicks off with 180 and 200-monikered petrols, which are 1.3-litre units, followed by 2.0-litre 220 and 250 models. 220s are available with Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel drive system, and all are paired up with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

There’s little to complain about with the 200 or 220 models we drove. The engines are smooth and powerful, and pair with the CLA’s incredibly slippery body (it’s second only to the A-Class saloon for drag coefficient) they make wonderful motorway cruisers. The gearbox, too, is fairly slick, only becoming bogged down occasionally. They’re far from characterful, though – but perhaps that isn’t such a big problem in this segment of the market.

What’s it like to drive?

The CLA’s body control is much like its engines – compliant and controlled without much excitement. The car turns in quickly and neatly, with the extra traction afforded on four-wheel drive models not really necessary unless you’re in a real hurry. The ride is surprisingly good, though as with any model on the enormous, 20-inch wheels of our test car, it does have a tendency to crash over potholes in the road rather than ride them smoothly.

Put simply, there’s not a great deal to differentiate this from a Mercedes A-Class. You’ll have far more fun in a BMW 2 Series or a similarly priced Mini, but the CLA’s mature, solid way of going about things will endear itself to those people cross-shopping it with an Audi A3 saloon.

How does it look?

I've been out driving the particularly slinky new Mercedes CLA. Can't tell you how it drives yet, but it does look good especially on these MASSIVE wheels. pic.twitter.com/1uqTbekNG9

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) April 4, 2019

We really like the way the CLA looks. The devil is in the detail – though broadly it’s very similar to the A-Class saloon, a wider track and lower roofline, plus smoother curves all over make it quite a different beast in the flesh.

Mercedes’ aggressive front end is present and correct, while round the rear, the boot lid and taillights take their inspiration from the larger, more expensive CLS. In fact, from a distance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the two cars are one and the same – and though the drooping rear has also been attempted by more workaday cars such as the Vauxhall Insignia, it’s a styling language Mercedes does well. Smart LED head and taillamps complete the slick look.

What’s it like inside?

The CLA borrows its interior from the A-Class, and it’s a very impressive place to be when you consider its humble hatchback origins. Material quality is very good, for the most part – it’s let down only by the cheap and flimsy-feeling indicator stalks.

The quintet of solid metal air vents complete with ambient lighting really lift the design, and the amount of chrome means that even when trimmed in monochrome colours you won’t get bored in here. Finally, there’s Mercedes’ signature – the twin-screen cockpit setup, combining driver information and infotainment into a seemingly seamless stretch of glass.

As for space? Well, adults won’t be happy in the back thanks to a severe lack of headroom, so we’d recommend treating the CLA as a 2+2. Luggage space is easily enough for a couple’s luggage, though.

What’s the spec like?

The CLA’s offered in three trims, all based on the sporty-looking AMG Line. Standard models feature generous equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated front seats, keyless entry, the MBUX infotainment system and wireless charging. Add the Premium pack and you’ll receive the 64-colour ambient lighting, a larger instrument display and the headline augmented reality navigation capable of layering directions onto a camera feed for improved accuracy. Finally, Premium Plus cars gain a panoramic roof, Multibeam LED lights, and the ‘ENERGISING COACH’ – a system that supposedly adjusts climate control, lighting, music and seat controls to suit and compliment your mood.

Head to the options list and you can personalise the car further, with a relatively wide array of paint and trim finishes befitting the CLA’s status as the young, vibrant member of the A-Class line-up.

Verdict

We could have predicted what the CLA would be like from the moment we drove the A-Class – the two cars really are very similar. As a standalone model, the CLA is handsome, good to drive and packed with premium kit. Those after ultimate practicality would be better waiting for the forthcoming ‘Shooting Brake’ estate, or opting for a hatchback A-Class – but if you want a sleek-looking coupe-esque saloon, this is a fine choice, and a rarity in its segment.

What is it?

BMW has long been an established contender in the SUV market. Since the X5 debuted in 1999, it’s gone on to become one of the recognisable faces in the premium large car segment which has gone on to spawn a series of niche-busting X cars.

There is one part of the SUV market it has been notably absent from — and that’s the very top end of it. Land Rover may have that cornered with the Range Rover, but now BMW is having a crack at it with this, the X7.

What’s new?

Now, BMW is keen to point out this isn’t just a bigger X5 — think more 7 Series that can also cover the muddy stuff if need be.

That it can do, in no small part thanks its standard all-wheel-drive system, but this is first and foremost a luxury cruiser — as well as the first seven-seater SUV from BMW. Plus, being just over five metres long, two metres wide and 1.8 tall, it’s comfortably the biggest car the brand has ever marketed.

What’s under the bonnet?

Can't tell you how this is just yet, just know it's gotten muddy. pic.twitter.com/kp1Kv8xmXe

— Ryan Hirons (@RyHirons) April 11, 2019

From launch, two diesels and a petrol are on offer for the BMW X7, and it’s the latter we’ve got behind the wheel of. It’s the firm’s tried-and-tested ‘40i’ offering — a 3.0-litre, turbocharged straight-six engine.

It produces 335bhp and 450Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The result is 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 152mph possible. As for efficiency, BMW says it’ll manage 24.6-24.8mpg on the combined WLTP cycle, with emissions weighing in at 198g/km.

It’s a unit that’s remarkably smooth in smaller cars — and fortunately that remains the case here. Power delivery remains consistent all through the rev range, and the gearbox is just as seamless in its shifts. There are minor complaints in the refinement department when pressing on, though at a cruise there’s barely a whisper from the unit.

What’s it like to drive?

Considering this is the largest car BMW has ever offered, the X7 does a remarkable job of hiding its weight. It offers a more involving drive than its key rival in the Range Rover, and certainly feels more agile in all scenarios too.

It’s when covering motorway miles the X7 really shines, though. With a supple ride, near enough silent and comfortable cabin, it makes the prospect of a multi-hundred-mile journey quite pleasing — although we opt for the 30d in this case so less time is spent at the pump.

Taking on the town is surprisingly easy too — though it is still a massive car, which is when its array of parking aids and cameras come in to make life that little less stressful.

How does it look?

We’ll be honest, the styling of the BMW X7 is something of an acquired taste. Up front, there’s the unmissable — and most divisive — huge front grille, flanked by thin LED headlights, while taking the long walk around to the rear reveals a taillight assembly almost mimicking that of the 7 Series saloon.

It’s definitely more appreciable in the flesh — with its design details looking much more proportionate in the flesh than photos would lead you to believe — though it’s certainly an outlandish design regardless.

What’s it like inside?

When forking out £70k+ out for a luxury SUV, you’d expect a lush cabin right? Well, that’s certainly the case with X7. It’s emblazoned in leather and real wood trimming, with supremely comfortable seats and bags of room for all seven occupants. Yep, that third row is actually liveable with — even for a full-sized adult.

The thing with the interior, though, is it’s still missing that sense of occasion that the Range Rover delivers, that feeling that ‘yes, I am the class above, I look down on everyone within a five-mile radius’ that a number of buyers of these cars tend to be after. It’s all very functional and well put together, but it could do with a little more flair.

With all seven seats in space, it offers a somewhat respectable 326 litres — about as much as any family hatchback, just with the ability to carry more of the family — and rises to 2,120 with rows two and three put flat.

What’s the spec like?

Standard equipment is generous on the BMW X7. Its £74,195 starting price in 40i guise brings with it luxury highlights such as adaptive LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels, four-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, an electrically-adjustable steering wheel and seats, plus BMW’s Digital Live Cockpit that consists of its iDrive system and 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

There’s also a plethora of safety and assistance gear thrown in like cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, BMW’s Parking Assistant Plus package and rain-sensing wipers.

Of course, you could comfortably knock the price of the car into the £100k ballpark with a generous ticking of the options list but it offers a respectable amount of kit at a price that means its undercuts the Range Rover — crucial to getting would-be buyers to lay the wallet down.

Verdict

BMW knows how to build a good and proper SUV, and it’s showcased that in the X7. It’s presented a genuine Range Rover alternative that undercuts its British rival just enough on price to be noteworthy, while presenting a more engaging driving experience and some actual off-road ability too (we had a brief trip across the mud with an instructor, who stated it was ‘on par’ with the Brit).

That said, there’s a desire for a bit more flair from the X7 and its looks are not what most will describe as ‘elegant’ — which may result in a struggle to poach Range Rover buyers.

Even if the hatchback and the crossover classes often have the sharp end of the sales charts to themselves these days, there is still a big market for the saloon car.

Whether you simply need more interior space than a hatchback, or you regularly partake in longer journeys up and down the country’s motorways, the saloon body shape is as relevant to the car industry as ever.

With countless saloons on the market, it can be difficult to work out which serve as the cream of the crop; this is the list we have narrowed down as the best saloon cars on sale today.

Volvo S60

With an immaculate design, a focus on technology and safety, and a good reputation for reliability, there are few cars that make as much sense to buy as the Volvo S60.

Long lauded for its estate and saloon output, Volvo’s proved with the S60 that it can also produce a damn good saloon, too. Opt for the more luxurious S90 if you want more space.

Audi A6

Established as a model in the 90s to combat Mercedes’ E-Class and the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6 is certainly a sober option in the mid-size saloon market. While the driving dynamics don’t quite match those offered from the BMW camp, and Mercedes is likely to always have the edge on sheer image, there are few better all-rounders than the A6.

BMW 3 Series

With a history dating back over 40 years, the 3 Series and its plethora of variants are a key backbone to the BMW brand. Now in its seventh-generation, the 3 Series looks unlikely to lose its place as the definitive compact executive saloon any time soon.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

For Alfa Romeo, the reintroduction of the Giulia nomenclature was a signal of intent. Replacing the 159 in the line-up, the Giulia did away with front-wheel drive in favour of rear or all-wheel drive, allowing the car’s improved chassis dynamics to shine through properly.

The experience behind the wheel – as well as the truly gorgeous looks – is all the convincing some will need to opt for the Italian over its countless rivals from Germany.

Mercedes E-Class

While its predecessors date back as far as the 1950s, the E-Class name itself debuted in 1993. While its bigger brother – the S-Class – has proven to be the showcase for technologies of the future, a good portion of what we see in the Mercedes flagship does also work its way down to the E-Class.

Currently in its fifth generation, the E-Class sits at the cutting edge of autonomous tech, and creature comforts as a whole.

Jaguar XE

Debuting in 2015 as Jaguar’s answer to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, the XE was envisioned as the model that would bridge the gap between luxury and mainstream for the British marque.

While it hasn’t sold in droves thus far, the XE is a perfectly capable alternative to the German offerings, and a recent refresh of the model ensures that it still looks entirely up-to-date.

VW Passat

Overall, it could be said that the Volkswagen brand does a superb job of balancing itself between being the people’s car it was always intended to be, and a prestigious brand.

The Passat is a great example of this. Essentially a middle-ground within its group between offerings from Skoda and Audi, the Passat is sleek and refined, and an update for 2019 is set to arrive on forecourts soon.

Kia Optima

While stablemate Hyundai’s stock is also rising, it is fair to say that Kia has done the best job of positioning itself among the mainstream manufacturers, to become one of the more popular brands in the UK.

And while the Optima doesn’t necessarily have the mass-market appeal of its crossover siblings from within the Kia brand, it’s still a handsome and very practical car. Those of a green disposition can even opt for a plug-in hybrid model.

Mazda6

While the third generation of Mazda’s 6 saloon has been around for a while, it was refreshed in 2018 to better represent the marque’s Kodo design language.

It certainly looks the part, and it drives beautifully as well – Mazda may be the best non-premium manufacturer for making cars like this. The 6 is a strong contender that should be on your shortlist.

Skoda Superb

Long gone are the days when Skoda dubbing its flagship the Superb was considered a misnomer. This is a truly brilliant car, though its hatchback boot opening does technically exclude it from this list.

With good value for money, a genuine luxurious streak and impressive performance at the top end of the range, the Superb can offer something for everyone – particularly those who want ultimate practicality with a strong hint of class.