If this is the year you finally decide to upgrade your car, you’ll need to know what’s available in the market right now. Whether you’re shopping for a small hatchback to buzz around the city or a large four-by-four to use in the countryside, there are a number of great options out there. Here are the top-rated cars from a variety of different categories to suit your needs, whatever they may be.
SEAT Leon
With so many worthwhile choices available to you, searching for the right family car is a difficult job. What makes the SEAT Leon stand out is that it’s a perfect blend of German engineering and Spanish style. The turbocharged engines, available in either petrol or diesel variants, are derived from the same MQB platform in the Volkswagen Golf. The Leon has a slightly sportier feel, though, which, when combined with its stylish good looks, makes it much more fun to drive. The latest generation also received a five-star Euro NCAP rating so it’s an ideal option for those travelling with young children too.
Jaguar XE
There’s no denying that the executive market is dominated by three main manufacturers. Those in the market for a company car shouldn’t limit themselves to the so-called “German three,” though. In fact, there are several other alternatives, and arguably none better than the Jaguar XE. The XE manages to not only match the BMW 3-Series on raw performance, reaching 0-60 mph in an impressive 4.5 seconds, but it also has the beating of it when it comes to both fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Somehow, Jaguar managed to get the XE a fraction under the 100 g/km limit, earning it in a place in Car Tax Band A.
Nissan Qashqai
In many ways, the Nissan Qashqai is the car that really popularized the modern “crossover vehicle” phenomenon. A crossover vehicle uses a car’s platform, whereas a sport utility vehicle (SUV) is based on a truck. The result is what’s known as a “unibody” architecture, where both the body and the frame are in one piece, as opposed to the body on frame design that SUVs typically use. All you need to know, however, is that you’ll have the main benefit of a SUV, primarily more space, without the downside of the poor fuel economy that SUVs tend to have. With a new generation recently released, used marketplaces like these are also ideal places to find first-generation models in good condition.
Volvo XC90
However, crossover vehicles won’t be for everyone. For those engage with off-road sports or simply need more space, you’ll be in the market for a full-blown SUV. In many ways, there’s a contrast of approaches in this sector. There are several premium manufacturers that specialise in creating luxury vehicles while others focus on making something that can be a reliable workhorse for years to come. The Volvo XC90 sits in the middle of these. Thanks to the powerful engine options available, you’ll have no trouble traversing rough terrain, while the spacious seven-seat interior means that the whole family can remain in comfort during the length of the trip.