Volkswagen Eos

We like the Eos, we must do because it whupped the arses of the Vauxhall Astra TwinTop and Renault Megane CC in a Top Gear Big Test. But that was the 2.0 T-FSI with a manual 'box, this is the 3.2 V6 with DSG.

Leave this Eos in its normal 'auto' mode and you'll likely feel strangely disappointed.

In town or on the motorway, the 'box is frustratingly lethargic and takes an age to kick down and release the power needed to race away from the lights (ahem) or even overtake a lumbering lorry. It really does beggar belief that there's a 3.2-litre V6 under the bonnet.

However, flick the gearlever across to manual mode, and things rapidly start to improve. Progress becomes noticeably quicker, and using the steering-wheel-mounted gearchange buttons gives the driver much more control of the driving experience.

The ride is also bearable, not anywhere near as good as in an equivalent Golf or Passat - the two cars which donated parts to the Eos - but definitely one of the best in this sector.

And while potholes and the like make their presence known, they don't jar or jolt occupants overly. What road imperfections did highlight, however, was the blight of many CCs - a squeaking roof. But that's something I think most people could easily live with.

Esther Neve