Skoda Superb

Isolation is a word that nicely sums up the Skoda Superb. Isolation in a good way, because you feel cut-off from the world, quietly going about your business, the car not bothering you. But also isolation in a bad way, because there is absolutely no thrill in driving this latest Superb. Treat it as an A-to-B tool, and you'll be OK; anything else will disappoint.

At least the isolation from the 2.0 TDI is a good thing. These VW diesels have never been raucous, but sometimes there was more rattle than you got in other cars. Skoda must have bunged some extra noise insulation under the bonnet, because the Superb is far better. You can just about hear it, but it won't bother you and it helps with the overall feeling of quality you get from the Superb.

And despite this being a pretty big car (you'll need something like a Mercedes S-Class to match the rear legroom on offer here), the 140bhp 2.0-litre engine has plenty of power and torque to pull it along.

OK, so the turbo entry point isn't the smoothest, but at least it cuts in at 1,600rpm so you're not constantly changing gear. Plus, for those who find a manual too involving for this whole experience, there's always the DSG gearbox.