Best in class
Mazda 6
Do families really still buy big saloons? Or have they all gravitated to MPVs and SUVs now? Well, if they have then they're missing out on one of the flat-out best cars around. Just updated with mildly revised styling and some new chassis settings, the big Mazda is comfy, refined, good to drive, spacious and beautifully made. Yes, so some of the cabin is a bit too dark and plain and it does seem to have sacrificed some handling sharpness for a softer ride, but who cares? This is a class act, and best sampled as a truly handsome (and practical) estate. Only black mark? The 2.2 diesel could do with being a little more economical in daily driving. Best one: 2.2 D 150hp Executive estate for €31,395
Also consider
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen carried out a carefully honed job when it introduced the new Passat this year. It’s not so different our outré that it would alienate previous Passat buyers but there is enough about it that’s new and fresh to keep the rest of us interested. Styling is quietly handsome inside and out, and quality levels are very, very high. Updated 120ho 1.6 TDI makes the 2.0-litre versions redundant. Not as sharp to drive as the Mazda, but wonderful comfy and refined.
Ford Mondeo You'd be hard-pressed to find a better-looking big saloon than the new Mondeo – that big, deep grille and slitty lights give it real road presence. Ford has carried that style through to the inside too, and there's lots of space, especially in the back. The only problem is that early cars seem to have been plagued with niggling build issues – creaky cabins, malfunctioning electrics etc. Hopefully these are just teething problems, as this is a car that deserves to be properly built.
Worth waiting for
Kia Optima
The current Kia Optima is a handsome thing, but it has a cheap, old-fashioned cabin and US-centric suspension settings. The new Optima though, due at the back-end of this year, could be something rather better. Kia is saying it will be better set-up for Europe, there will be a broader range of engines and quality will take a big leap up. Plus, there will probably be a deeply gorgeous estate option, if the Sportspace concept is anything to go by. Launches: Autumn 2015
Underrated
Opel Insignia
The Insignia is getting on a bit now – it’s been on sale since 2008, and while Opel gave it a major facelift last year, and a new 2.0 CDTI diesel engine this year, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s getting on. The thing is though, it’s still really good. The new 170hp 2.0-litre diesel may not be quite as \“Whisper” quiet as Opel claims but its pretty smooth abd very punchy. The cabin has been improved, and on a long-haul, the Insignia’s brilliant seats and comfort will help you keep tiredness at bay. Still worth a look, then.