Cars Best Buys Guide

Cars - Review Centre Recommended

On this page the Review Centre editor picks out some of the best loved vehicles in some of Review Centre's most popular car categories. If you are looking for the best sports car, most reliable family car or the best people carrier then look no further. We give you some ideas on the best motors around, based on the know how of Review Centre drivers.

Best Sports Car - Skoda Octavia RS

The days when driving a Skoda was a source of embarrassment are long gone. Nowadays Skoda drivers have a very satisfied, knowing look on their face and to understand why you need look no further than the Skoda Octavia RS. The sporty design and stylish character of this car is combined with high performance and reliability. As well as Zenith alloy wheels the front and rear bumper comes with an integrated spoiler and the rear bumper with cats' eyes reflectors. It's an understated, superb look. A maximum speed of 240 km/h, acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, a comfortable, high spec interior, the 200 bhp engine, torque of 280 Nm, the smooth running and six-gear transmission all come together to create an effortless and dynamic drive. The Skoda Octavia RS sport receives a perfect approval rating from drivers at Review Centre leading to it being voted best sports car 2006 in Review Centre's annual poll of reviews. Over 100 drivers have submitted reviews to Review Centre and all of them have been delighted with their vehicle in terms of comfort, performance, reliability and value for money. Review Centre reviewers also praise Skoda dealers for their ability to resolve any problems if they do occur. All of this and more is why the Review Centre editorial team has no hesitation in recommending the Skoda Octavia RS.

Best People Carrier - SEAT Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE.

The SEAT Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE is the overwhelming recommendation in the people car category at Review Centre based on every important consideration. Owners describe a powerful vehicle, big and fun to drive, reliable and perhaps most satisfyingly, one which is available at a very competitive price compared to other people carriers on the market. The latest SEAT Alhambra 1.9 TDI SE comes especially recommended, a seven-seater diesel MPV that has VW's high end 130bhp turbo diesel engine. It should cope with most family requirements around town or on a longer trip. The Alhambra will manage 0-60mph in 12.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 116mph. As one Review Centre contributor puts it: "The 6-speed gearbox means the car cruises effortlessly on Motorways. The Alhambra has a high spec level and represents good value for money." Older models also show signs of reliability based on our user recommendations. Owners at Review Centre also point out positives such as great visibility and riding position; plus good safety features. There are now several superb MPV people carriers on the market but few if any appear to offer the value for money and performance of the SEAT Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE.

Best Executive - Lexus GS 430 4.3 V8

Lexus GS is another award-winning vehicle which has developed a consistent reputation to become the highest rated brand in recent years among UK car dealers. According to the 2005 National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) survey Lexus is the best car brand in the UK. The Lexus GS also regularly tops the JD Power and Associates UK chart for Customer Satisfaction, customers naming the GS series the best midsize luxury car for 2002 through to 2005. The Lexus GS430 4.3 V8 also receives a 100 per cent recommendation from users at ReviewCentre.Com. The most recent Lexus GS 430 is a smart mid sized 4 door, 5-passenger luxury executive vehicle in the same class as the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It comes equipped with a 4.3-litre, V8, 300-hp engine. You can expect around 18-mpg around town and 25-mpg on the motorway and a standard 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. With Lexus you can be very relaxed about receiving reliability and quality, great looks and a high level of luxury spec including high-tech safety equipment. You will also experience a comfortable, sophisticated ride due to Lexus' renowned high-quality engineering and some superb and unique interior touches. Drivers at Review Centre repeatedly recommended this vehicle. "Most comfortable seats and ergonomic controls on the market," says one, "The HID lights, sound system and nav are second to none. Just a pleasure to drive," says another. Read user reviews to find out more reasons why this car is such a satisfying choice.

Best Family Car - Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima is a 4-door, up to 5-passenger family saloon, or sports saloon, available in two basic models, the SE and the SL. For years the Nissan Maxima has enjoyed a reputation for combining reliability, comfort, performance and space at an affordable price. Second hand models are available at competitive prices and have a reputation for ongoing reliability while newer models offer higher levels of luxury. New or second hand the Nissan Maxima SE is a 100 per cent recommended vehicle at Review Centre. "It is an ideal car for people who are looking for a practical/reliable family car that borders on luxurious, while at the same time providing performance that makes most other cars on the road envious," says one driver.
The most recent Nissan Maximas are equipped with a standard 3.5-litre, V6, 265-hp engine achieving 20-mpg in the town and 28-mpg on the motorway. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard, and a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional. Every Nissan Maxima has 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and full length head curtain airbags. If you are looking for the practicality and reliability needed for dealing with the pressure of family life but still require some style in your drive then the Nissan Maxima could be for you. Its powerful engine and classy interior is a good compromise between a people carrier which may be too big for your needs and a more sporty vehicle which fails on space and comfort issues. With Nissan you can also be assured you have a brand which has developed a loyal following.

Best City Car - Citroen Saxo VTR/Citroen C2 VTR

The Citroen Saxo VTR is an easy recommendation in the city car category. From over 70 reviews at Review Centre the Citroen Saxo VTR receives a high 87 per cent recommended rating. It comes highly recommended for both first time buyers and city dwellers alike. Review Centre reviewers say the Saxo VTR is not only a brilliant, fun car to drive but one which offers great value for money. It is also described as a very practical car with good boot space and spacious interior. Review Centre reviewers love this vehicle, raving about its great handling, aided by one powerful engine. The radio is also set high and easy to use as are the rest of the controls. "I have had my Citroen Saxo VTR 7 years now and it never lets me down," says one owner at Review Centre. "It is an amazing attractive little car," says another. The Citroen1.6i VTR was launched in 1996 with a 90 bhp engine, along with the 1.6i 16v VTS at120 bhp. Front fog lights, sports seats, electric front windows, alloy wheels, sunroof, remote cl are standard. Other models have electric mirrors, ABS, passenger airbag and alarm. Both the hot hatch versions - 1.6 VTR and VTS 16-valve are excellent choices. The Citroen Saxo VTR was discontinued in 2003 but was so popular that there are hundreds available on the second hand market at competitive prices. The C2 Citroen C2 range which replaced it also comes highly recommended. The Citroen C2 1.1i SX update in particular is a good option with high performance and comfort and that all important extra boot space. Read review centre reviews to find out more about the Citroen City Car range.