Sign in

(10)

---

With so many incredible cars being launched in 2011, it was hardly suprising some stole more headlines than others. Here is our rundown of excellent cars which arrived quietly in showrooms over the past twelve months.

Suzuki Swift Sport

The new Swift Sport is a tricked-out supermini with only a cult following. It deserves to go mainstream, thanks to its sparkling 1.6-litre petrol engine and rewarding handling. Costing from £13,500 the Swift is brilliant value for money, offering one of the biggest performance hits available for less than £15k. It now comes with a six-speed gearbox as standard too, making it a more relaxed cruiser than the old Swift Sport.

Chevrolet Orlando

This seven-seat MPV looks wholly American, with bold lines and a huge front grille. It's a big, brash mini-van. But, it also shares its underpinnings with the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, which it undercuts on price by a significant margin. The Orlando drives well, with decent composure and ride comfort and a strong 2-litre diesel engine. Its boxy shape and numerous cubby holes make it very practical - although like most MPVs, the boot is tiny when all seven seats are being used.

Hyundai i40 Tourer

Tip-toeing onto company car lists is the Hyundai i40 Tourer. Is it worth a test drive alongside the Mondeo, Insignia and 3 Series? Absolutely. With more interior space than you'd warrant from looking at its svelte exterior, strong engines and bags of standard equipment, it's a compelling choice. Even the entry-level Active trim level gets 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, leather steering wheel, heated door mirrors, electric windows and an electric handbrake with auto hold. Costing from £18,395 it undercuts the £19,045 Mondeo Estate and £19,350 Insignia Sports Tourer significantly.

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio is a rival to the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo - one of the toughest crowds to take on in motoring. But, despite all the odds, this latest Rio is a real contender. It's not quite as fun to drive as the Fiesta, or as posh as the Polo, but it's more practical, has loads of toys as standard and there's a long seven-year warranty to fall back on.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4

While Toyota dominated the hybrid market and Nissan introduced the first mass-produced electric car, Peugeot snuck in with the first diesel hybrid. Mounted in the back of the 3008 Hybrid4 MPV, the electric motor gives this 'Pug' four-wheel drive, but more importantly, allows it to average more than 70mpg and emit 99g/km of CO2. That's impressive for a five-seater with a huge boot.

Skoda Fabia vRS

While it's not as out-of-the-blue as the original Fabia vRS, the latest version is even quicker, thanks to its 180bhp supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine. It's sure to upset drivers of much pricier models. And, despite a TV advertising campaign, we've found most people still don't know much about the Fabia with the little vRS Badge, especially if you go for the estate version in a reserved colour.

Hyundai i10

Hyundai's i10 city car is one of the most grown-up small cars available, with pleasant engines and handling and a surprisingly roomy interior. The latest facelift smartened up the exterior and interior, as well as improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions, bringing down the running costs of what was already a very cheap car to own.

Peugeot 508

Peugeot has replaced its 407 and 607 models with the 508, rejuvenating its offering for families and business executives alike. The 508 in saloon and estate guise is far better looking inside and out than the older cars, and offers a smooth and refined drive. The 2-litre diesel is best suited to UK buyers, and there's a diesel hybrid on the horizon, as well as a more rugged four-wheel drive version called the 508 RXH.

Mazda5

While the Ford Grand C-MAX has topped small MPV sales charts, the Mazda5 remains a rarer sight on UK roads. That's despite the two cars sharing their underpinnings and offering similar levels of practicality and performance. Sliding side doors give great access to the rear seats and the driver is in for a treat too, thanks to precise handling and a smooth gear change.

Volkswagen Passat Estate

While models including the Golf Cabriolet and up! grab headlines, the Passat Estate continues to win consistent sales with its understated but stylish approach to motoring. Efficient engines, space and refinement are a winning combination in a model which will spend most of its life carrying families around the country - a task the Passat Estate relishes.

(10)