Top 10 best hybrid cars

Performance SUVs are among the most divisive cars on sale.They’re powerful, but also heavy and often shaped in ways that will make an aerodynamicist wince.But they’re effective, mixing sports car pace with the fashionable – to some eyes anyway – image of an SUV.As the list of 10 cars below shows, they’re all quite unique and make this class one of the most eclectic in today’s new car market. 1. Range Rover Sport SVRSuch a car can be widely admired, but most certainly will not be roundly loved. For some, its flagrant thirst, weight, expense and comfort-limiting excess smack too obviously of needlessness.A diesel V8 is, after all, plenty quick enough. However, this is a question of taste, not quality. Admirers of the super-SUV niche – and they are numerous and growing in numbers – deserve an unclouded verdict that recognises the outstanding prospect among many.No rival better mixes handling prowess, off-road talent and an SUV sense of … [Read more...] about Top 10 best sports SUVs 2018

Luxury cars – also called executive cars – have to display a broad range of skills. These are the cars high-end executives choose to drive or, more likely, be driven in. That means they need to offer outstanding comfort both in the front and back seats, and a silky smooth ride.High levels of in-car technology and infotainment are a must, and connectivity systems that will allow such machines to be used as mobile offices are increasingly important.This list features cars that are both incredibly comfortable, and great to drive – the ones at the top of our rankings are capable of both. 1. Mercedes-Benz S-ClassWhen Mercedes-Benz sets out to make a new S-Class, the brief is to make the best car in the world. While it might not seduce like a Jaguar XJ, that’s not what it’s for.This car does what it’s supposed to do superbly and is functionally exceptional. It was conceived as a long-wheelbase saloon, giving it unprecedented torsional rigidity, … [Read more...] about Top 10 best luxury cars 2018

The benefits of electric vehicle technology are, at present, partly offset by the still-limited battery range offered, along with the extra weight of those packs.Such obstacles are less of a hindrance for small cars that will predominantly be used for short journeys in cities, so it’s little surprise that a number of hatchbacks are among the most successful EVs to date. This list features pure electric cars along with a small number of range extenders, fitted with a small back-up petrol motor.We’ve considered factors such as range and usability, driving dynamics and affordability. The relatively high cost of buying EVs compared to normal cars can offset the lower running costs, so it’s important to evaluate what type of car suits you first. But if you’re looking for a small EV, these are the ones we’d recommend. 1. BMW i3The i3 has a rare quality for an electric car: an ability to appeal to people who like driving cars, especially in i3S form. While … [Read more...] about Top 10 best electric hatchbacks 2018

Driven mainly by small petrol engines paired to an electric motor, hybrids provide drivers the instant torque of an electric motor but without the range anxiety that comes with EV ownership. And with more choices available than ever we pick out the top ten best hybrid hatchbacks currently on sale. 1. Volkswagen Golf GTEThe Golf GTE may have a sporty look mirroring that of its GTI and GTD siblings and it packs decent punch to live up to that bloodline, with 201bhp on offer.And while it's not as enthralling to drive as the GTI, the best thing about the GTE is that it’s based on a Golf – and as hatchbacks go there isn’t a better basis to start from.  2. BMW i3 Range ExtenderThe distinctive looking BMW i3 has been designed with premium buyers in mind, but those who want to ease their range anxiety fears by installing a two-stroke petrol engine.It has a suave looking interior and a peppy performance, with the sporty i3S … [Read more...] about Top 10 best hybrid hatchbacks 2018

Part of the reason SUV sales have been booming of late is the emergence of the crossover - a car that combines the taller driving position of larger 4x4s with the relatively compact dimensions of a regular family hatchback.The Nissan Qashqai arguably kickstarted the market, and other manufacturers were soon to cotton on to the Japanese firm’s recipe for sales success.These days, any car company worth its salt will have a contender in this segment, so consumers are spoilt for choice. But which models are worth the money? Here are our top 10 picks. 1. S eat AtecaSeat’s first foray into the SUV corner of the market has been a hugely successful one. With the Ateca, the once floundering Spanish manufacturer now has a class-leader on its hands.It ticks all the right boxes so far as affordability, looks, economy and practicality are concerned and manages to be engaging to drive as well - something that can’t be said of many cars in this segment.It's not … [Read more...] about Top 10 best crossover hatchbacks 2018

With sales of SUVs skyrocketing, fewer and fewer people are getting behind the wheel of compact saloons, which is a shame because there are some cracking options out there.To stand out in this class, competitors will need to have a mixture of deft handling, a comfortable ride, impressive interior quality and respectable fuel economy - a balance that can be difficult to strike at the best of times. Below are the cars we think have best nailed this brief. 1. Jaguar XESitting pretty at the top of our list of 10 favourite compact saloons is the excellent Jaguar XE.The British car comes up trumps over its rivals thanks to its excellent ride and handling, plush interior and strong standard equipment across the range.Performance from the petrol and diesel Ingenium engines is on par for the course, too. However, the handsome Jaguar is somewhat let down by limited space in the rear and a slightly smaller boot than those in rivals such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz … [Read more...] about Top 10 best compact saloons 2018

The mid-size executive class champions quality, economy and comfort, with the odd dash of handling dynamism thrown in for good measure.These are the cars that will spend a great deal of their lives out on the motorway, so refinement is key. A bit of badge appeal won’t go amiss here, either. These are our favourites. 1. BMW 5 SeriesBMW’s latest 5 Series is the quintessential executive saloon, which is no doubt a result of its 46-year history.It sets the standard in the segment as far as interior quality is concerned, and also makes for a supremely comfortable long-distance tourer.It may not be quite as engaging as, say, a Jaguar XF, but this is forgiven when you consider where cars of this type spend most of their time. The tech on board is a notch above, too. The true well-roundedness of the 5 Series earns it top honours here. 2. Jaguar XFJaguar’s XF is undoubtedly the driver’s car in the segment, combining deft handling characteristics with a supremely … [Read more...] about Top 10 best mid-size executives 2018

In 2018, around one in three registrations in the UK and Europe will be SUVs. It's a segment that has been growing steadily for years but has only now started to pick up real pace, prompting manufacturers to build entire ranges of high-riders.These are just below average on the size chart but are the most popular, with the segment housing several brands' best-selling SUVs. Customers expect Tardis-like space on the inside and a commanding driving position, combined with the compactness of an average family hatchback to keep palms unsweaty in town and on narrow lanes. 1. Volkswagen TiguanThe Tiguan is Volkswagen's third-best-selling model after the Golf and Polo hatchbacks. It's flexible, spacious, solidly built, comfortable and refined. With just a little more driver engagement, it would be a formidable package.It's still the best in this class, though, despite coming second to the Ford Kuga in terms of driver engagement. It's a pricey option and its interior … [Read more...] about Top 10 best compact SUVs 2018

The very peak of automotive performance and the very fastest, most expensive and most powerful four-wheel achievements in the world are represented in our hypercars top ten. If it has set a production-car speed record lately or taken us into uncharted territory on ask-and-you-can’t-afford showroom price or peak power output, chances are you’ll find it here.Some of this class’s entrants have state-of-the-art hybrid-electric powertrains, others just savagely fierce combustion motors ready to hurl them into the middle distance. But all are monuments to both the science and the thrill of out-and-out speed. 1. Ferrari LaFerrariFerrari’s latest top-of-the-tree hypercar is nothing less than the greatest and most sensational peak that the performance car has ever reached. Powered by an incredible, spine-tingling, naturally aspirated, 789bhp 6.3-litre V12 assisted by 161bhp of electric power channelled direct to the rear wheels, the LaFerrari’s … [Read more...] about Top 10 best hypercars 2018