A re-bodied Nissan Bluebird – itself no great record holder within the history of the auto industry – SM3 is really a mid-sized sedan powered with a 1.5 litre Nissan engine. Targeted at the youth market, SM3 has 100PS to experience with – sufficient to make it feel quite lively -allied to some sporty suspension package.

The only real transmission choices a five speed manual. Mindful of potential export markets, the vehicle bristles with safety features and equipment such as a half dozen airbags and crush zones to European standards.

The cost is sufficiently low to achieve success in emerging economies, that is bound to assist the cause.

A considerable sedan which bears more than the usual passing resemblance towards the old Honda Accord/Rover 600 series, the traditional looks deceive; underneath the skin is really a sophisticated package having a choice of engine which are from a 1.8 to a 2.5V6.

That is similar to many emerging market cars, there isn’t a diesel option. A well-specified suspension system helps deliver the ability cleanly – although as may be expected of this type of substantially sized car handling dynamics defer to some soft quality of ride – and quality is up to European standards.

Better known in Europe as a maker of cell phones. DVD players and other clever electronic things, Samsung is a car maker. Part of the Nissan-Renault group since 2000, the brand comes primarily in the homeland of Korea, where it performs an important function as a vanguard into emerging markets; where both Renault and Nissan have traditionally been weak.

Both model selection of Samsung cars contains nothing exciting. They’re functional practical and affordable without having to be especially stylish – but you are still sufficiently good to take a tenth of the Korean marketplace for new cars.

Expect greater input for Renault later on, much as has happened with middle Europe’s Dacia brand; there’s apparently possible that the Dacia Logan will end up available with a Samsung badge in 2005. It will likely be interesting to determine how much influence Renault’s design team can exert within the appearance of future Samsung models.

An extended vehicle compared to 9-3, the 9-5 is really a sensible option to many executive cars. Urbane – and distinctly Saab – exterior design conceals a businesslike package of mechanical components that offer drivers rich in levels of enjoyment, yet don’t force passengers to pass through a hard ride.

The estate (wagon) variant is proving especially popular, since it provides additional space with no sensation of driving a hearse. The star performer within the range may be the 2.3 petrol turbo, which supplies sparkling punch inside a sharp chassis, aided in no small part by Saab’s smart using four wheel steering.

Offered in both saloon and convertible form, the 9-3 is definitely an impressive package, combining lusty turbocharged petrol or diesel engines having a finely-tuned suspension system.

Handling is neat and precise, and also the convertible version includes a surprisingly rigid body shell, great deal of thought has no roof. Directed at buyers of BMW 3-Series cars who wish to stand out from everyone else, the 9-3 – specifically in 210PS 2.0T form – acquits itself well in most situations, as well as provides occupants having a satisfying degree of luxury.

Rooted within the aircraft industry Saab soldiered on for many years, building desirable and interesting cars on without any budget; the brand promoted using turbochargers in saloon cars, and it is models featured such idiosyncrasies being an ignition key which locked the vehicle into reverse gear.

However the vicissitudes of the industry were against it and finally it was forced to succumb towards the might of globalization and be another General Motors brand.

Fortunately GM has allowed the marque to prosper in the own right, also it now has a fascinating pair of cars. They are soon to be accompanied by a sports-utility vehicle.

There’s a suggestion that GM plans for Saab being as potent a force for your group as Volvo has for Ford. Criticisms how the cars are rebodied Opels are unfair; whilst they share many components, Saab cars have the ability to feel unique towards the brand, and still feet distinctly Swedish.

Tailored for provide young drivers by having an affordable machine, Streetwise is really a radically-altered 25 which draws heavily on post-modem surf culture; skid-yump mouldings front and back, roof bars for holding it’s and jacked-up suspension combine to provide lots of street-to-beach credibility.

Regardless of the raised ride height handling continues to be surprisingly good, and there’s a choice of engine options made to meet the insurance-led economic strictures faced by Britain’s youth.

The interior is equally special, with four bucket seats along with a high-quality audio system. Cool dude. Interestingly, despite its youth appeal, most appear to be bought by mid-life crisis sufferers.

Developed and built-in India, City Rover is exactly what it says about the name plate; a Rover for city driving. The compact four seater is really a pleasing little package – especially since early quality issues happen to be overcome – and utilizes a 1.4 litre engine which endows the vehicle with smart acceleration.

The lack of a diesel variant sometimes appears as a weakness, but an enthusiastic price point allows the vehicle to compete against established rivals from Korea like the Daewoo Matiz and Hyundai Getz.

When there is a flaw within the package it’s the absence of a diesel variant – this really is unlikely to become remedied in the future, as budgets are extremely restricted.

You will find those who have never quite understood the explanation of having a mid-sized conventional sedan within the Rover family, however it continues to defy those critics by selling in healthy quantities.

The diesel engine, allied to some Jatco automatic transmission, creates a surprisingly sophisticated package – even though majority of buyers plump for the 1.8 litre 16 valve engine that’s free-revving.

Handling about the higher-series cars remains geared more to comfort than absolute driving precision (the MG emerges to enthusiastic drivers) which suits its market position. The 2005MY facelift helps the vehicle survive.

Now showing wear and tear in the form of driveline vibration which betrays its 1980s origins, the 25 is constantly on the soldier on as a favourite of more mature drivers who appreciate ownership of what’s perceived (and marketed as) an extremely British car.

Although model started life as a Honda, a variety of engines from the modest 1.1 litre to some highly effective 2.0 litre turbo diesel gives buyers plenty of choice, and although suspension settings are softer than those within the sibling MG ZR that it shares many components, the vehicle handles cleanly. Since the car approaches the end of their life there are several excellent added-value bargain versions because of appear.

When it had been launched, this car surprised observers – here would be a Rover that could stand tall using the products of then-owner BMW.

A healthy selection of front-drive cars – which have a high degree of credibility – continues to be recently accompanied by a super new V8. It’s a sophisticated Ford engine within the front, driving out with the rear wheels. With 260PS to experience with, and suitably uprated suspension, this can be a spiritual successor towards the Rover V8s of the 1970s, however with vastly superior driving dynamics.

Since retrieval in the hands of BMW. Rover is becoming Britain’s biggest domestically owned car maker. Despite being financially challenged, the organization is managing to construct some fine cars: the classic lines of the 75 and far attention to quality has ensured the model still remains a popular with executive car buyers, as well as the ageing 25 was handed a new take on life when designer Peter Stevens ended up a new variant, Streetwise.

An upgraded for the 25 and 45 models – both which are based on relatively ancient Honda models in the era when Rover was allied to that particular manufacturer- is promised soon, but in the meantime Rover has re-entered the pocket-sized car market thanks to some pot venture with Indian manufacturer Tata which resulted in the City Rover.

Imminent deliveries are required of the 75 V8, which runs on the sophisticated 4.6 litre power unit beneath its bonnet- this really is more than simply shoe-homing a sizable engine to the front of the car, since the V8 will break with Rover’s front wheel drive tradition by putting its power with the rear wheels. Financial security continues to be some way off, however the future for Rover is cautiously optimistic.