Alpina D3
The standard 19-inch wheels give a ride just on the acceptable side of hard
First Drive

Alpina D3 first drive

Interesting, desirable and capable sporting alternative to a 320d.

Alpina D3 first drive
Honda Civic Hybrid
The saloon retains double wishbone suspension at the back; neat handling
First Drive

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda's Civic Hybrid is much faster than the IMA and more fun to drive than the Prius. It lacks the refinement of the Toyota, but is cheaper to buy.

Honda Civic Hybrid
First Drive

Citroën C6 2.7 HDi

Appealing, competent and an admirably different exec. But strewth, £38k?

Citroën C6 2.7 HDi
Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower
8
First Drive

Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower first drive

Good performance, and a decent car. But it needs fiscal incentives to succeed.

Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower first drive
Suzuki SX4 1.6 GLX
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First Drive

Suzuki SX4 1.6 GLX first drive

Decently priced, attractively styled junior soft-roader.

Suzuki SX4 1.6 GLX first drive
Renault Mégane 225 Renault F1 Team 3dr
The Mégane is mechanically the same as the Cup - which means 60mph in 6.8 seconds
First Drive

Renault Mégane 225 Renault F1 Team 3dr

For £900 more than the Cup you get plenty of extras. Worth consideration if you can live with the colour and decals.

Renault Mégane 225 Renault F1 Team 3dr
Alpina B6 Coupe
The B6 isn't as agile as the M6, but is a capable cross-country car
First Drive

Alpina B6 Coupe first drive

Every bit as desirable as the M6. Not as sharp, but a better grand tourer.

Alpina B6 Coupe first drive
Volkswagen Polo (02-)  1.4 16v (74bhp) Dune 5dr Ha
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First Drive

Volkswagen Polo 1.4 16v Dune 5dr Ha 2002 first drive

Other than 4x4 looks, the Dune offers nothing more than a standard Polo.

Volkswagen Polo 1.4 16v Dune 5dr Ha 2002 first drive
Seat Altea 2.0 TDI FR
Altea's tall styling at odds with its performance
First Drive

Seat Altea 2.0 TDI FR first drive

The new 168bhp diesel engine is a real step forward.

Seat Altea 2.0 TDI FR first drive
Mazda 5 2.0D Sport
Handsome front view for angular 5
First Drive

Mazda 5 2.0D Sportv

Powerful motor and sweet chassis, but lowlier diesel version is more refined

Mazda 5 2.0D Sportv
Mercedes A 200 Turbo
A 200 T is the hot hatch for those who like their cars subtle
First Drive

Mercedes A 200 Turbo

Massive boost in the mid-range, but the Volkswagen Golf GTi is a better hot hatchback.

Mercedes A 200 Turbo

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