Content area
Full Text
It's a good year for Mercedes-Benz and VW, with both having two models in the top 10 (against BMW's one), while Japan makes a strong showing with hybrid/electric cars. CHAS HALLETT reports
BEST LUXURY CAR Mercedes S35O CDI Bluetec
After a busy day at the office and with a four-hour journey ahead of you, there's absolutely nothing that can touch an S-Class. And that applies whether you're driving or being driven.
The largest Merc saloon is going to be superseded by an all-new model next year but no other big saloon has quite the sybaritic appeal of this one. It's quiet, supremely comfortable, plush and can massage away nearly 500 miles between fillups. That's impressive enough, but it also works well as a financial proposition too - both for the company and your benefit in kind tax bill.
Our one complaint is that the interior isn't as adventurous as some of its newer rivals such as die Jaguar Xf. But it beats the Jag on interior lounging space and build quality hands down.
List price £60,140
Target price £56,228
Cost per mile 131.9p
Typical contract hire per month £1,248
CO2 177 g/km
Tax liability 28%
Average mpg 41.5
0-60 mph 7.1 seconds
Top speed 155 mph
BEST SALOON BMW 318d SE
There's a reason thousands of 3 Series saloons are crowding out the fast lanes - they are absolutely terrific. Even though this version will be replaced within a year it's still an astonishingly good car. Yes, this is virtually the cheapest, lowest powered model in the range, but it's as sweet to drive as the posher, more powerful ones. Sharp steering, oodles of grip and a surprising amount of pace mean you can have plenty of fun between meetings.
It's also as rock-solid as every other BMW and, as long as you accept that it's really only a four-seater, it also serves well as something to transport the family. In fact, the one and only reservation about the BMW 318d is that the new one may be even better.
List price £26,680
Target price £24,524
Cost per mile 53.9p
Typical contract hire per month £514
CO2 119 g/km
Tax liability 13%
Average mpg 62.8
0-60 mph 9.1 seconds
Top speed 130 mph
BEST...