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It has been a busy year for Auto Trader's motoring experts, with a huge array of cars tested. We've been behind the wheel of everything from a 60bhp Volkswagen up! to a 552bhp BMW M5, with the world's first mass-production all-electric car thrown in for good measure.

These are the cars which made the biggest impact in the world of motoring, impressed us the most and gave us the fondest memories of 2011.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
There's no better way of gauging a car's success than its waiting list, and the Evoque has a very long one indeed. Certain cars strike a note with the public - step forward the MINI Hatch, Fiat 500 and Nissan GT-R - and become as much a fashion statement as a mobility device. The Evoque is one of those cars.

It has proved so successful because it's the first Range Rover with fuel consumption north of 30mpg that proves just at home in the city as it does on a mountain top. That's the sensible answer anyway, most will buy it just because it looks so darn good.

BMW M5
Since BMW teased the M1 supercar engine into a humble 5-Series in 1985, jaws have been hitting the floor every time a new M5 is born. 2011 was no different as BMW dropped its F1-inspired (and hugely thirsty) V10 engine and replaced it with a more powerful twin-turbocharged V8.

The result is a BMW M5 which is easier to drive quickly, has a far better range between fill-ups and no less excitement when a twisty road hoves into view.

Volkswagen up!
Volkswagen's top brass describe the up! as being like an espresso - taking everything that makes a VW great and condensing it into a car the size of a coffee shot. We couldn't have put it better ourselves.

It's so pleasant to drive, quiet at motorway speeds and grown-up inside it starts to make you wonder if that Polo or Fiesta is really necessary after all.

Nissan LEAF
Nissan decided 2011 was the year to prove a mass-produced electric car was reality, not fantasy. With a range of around 100 miles, not many people are prepared to ditch their Focus or Golf just yet, but the LEAF is an impressive car all the same.

Drive one and you'll be amazed by just how quiet it is, and by the relaxing effect this has on driver and passengers alike. The interior is well designed too, with plenty of neat touches like the sat-nav which shows you a visualisation of your range in the UK.

Audi R8 V8 Spyder
In our expert's opinion, the R8 V8 Spyder is the most complete sports car on sale. That's because it's exciting, confidence-inspiring, amazing to look at and has Audi reliability.

Drop the hood, slot the aluminium gear lever into second and hear the unfiltered V8 roar behind your head and all is good in the world. The fact it costs around half the price of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder makes it a relative bargain too.

Mercedes C-Class Coupe
Improvements to the C-Class have been quietly winning Mercedes customers, and the arrival of a Coupe is welcomed by many. We enjoyed its excellent interior, which feels both well thought out and extremely tough.

It's good to drive too, with a slightly sharper feel than the saloon, and very precise steering. The smaller petrol and diesel engines are excellent too, so you don't have to worry that choosing a downsized engine will mean downsized enjoyment.

Kia Picanto
The latest Kia Picanto feels two generations newer than its predecessor, it's so much more modern both inside and out. The Picanto is one of the best-looking city cars available, cutting a dash on the high street.

Running costs are kept low by small petrol engines, and there's a seven-year warranty for peace of mind should anything go wrong.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta
The Giulietta has turned around the success of Alfa Romeo this year. Why? Because its Italian design flair is a refreshing alternative to the sensible Astra, Focus, Golf and A3, and is tempting lots of style-conscious buyers.

It's not just about looks either - the 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 2-litre diesel engines are both economical and punchy and the Giulietta is fun to drive.

Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF has just been facelifted and its great looks given a modern twist. Taut lines and new front and rear lights keep the XF one step ahead of the competition.

The addition of a 2.2-litre diesel model has also made the XF more appealing to business drivers, thanks to its much lower CO2 emissions and better economy. It has the most charm of any executive saloon bar none.

Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet
After a long absence from Volkswagen showrooms the Golf Cabriolet makes a welcome return. Because it's fitted with a soft-top - taking up less space than the folding hard-top fitted to the Volkswagen Eos - there's plenty of space for four people inside.

Volkswagen has worked hard to make the Cabriolet as good to drive as the hatchback, and it's impressive how taut it feels in corners and riding over bumps. A wide range of petrol and diesel engines ranging from 105 to 210bhp ensures economy and performance versions are all available.

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