Designed for the individuals who sit within the back seat – who’re likely to have purchased it for – rather than the driver, the vehicle redefines the term sumptuous, using the finest hides, probably the most perfectly mirrored walnut, and soundproofing that’s better than in certain recording studios.

Built big to prove a place (the point being this is still the world’s finest motor car) the vehicle has some neat touches – like the badges in the wheel centres remaining the right way up, regardless of how fast the street wheels are spinning – but many of the technology is hidden from sight, that is as it needs to be with a Rolls-Royce.

One of the world’s most revered car brands, for the latter decades Rolls Royce is at the shadow, if perhaps in sales terms, of their step-sibling Bentley. Rebirth was signalled by relocation to Southern England, whilst Bentley remained in Crewe.

It could took such as the British Library on wheels when viewed front-on, however the Goodwood-built Phantom – the first RR to appear since BMW assumed ownership is really a truly awesome bit of machinery.

Despite its German ownership and senior management, Rolls-Royce is resolutely British in the mindset. Watch out for a convertible version – this should possess a roof rivalling that of the Welsh National Stadium in size – soon.

The big question facing Rolls-Royce is whether or not the brand, which in fact had its reputation dented just a little by early reliability issues with the old Silver Shadow, continues to have what it takes to keep interest. In the end, there is now competition from Maybach, and Bentley hasn’t gone away.

Renault’s reaction to the executive car marketplace is typically quirky; Vel Satis is big, spacious, and full of all manner of neat detail touches for example inlaid marquetry where others would use faux burr walnut, and seats that could not look odd in a sofa superstore.

Appearing like a massively distorted Megane, Vel Satis has got the comfort of the occupants since it’s higher priority, but this isn’t at the tariff of performance, that is especially good once the 3.5 litre V6 engine continues to be specified.

This really is possibly the world’s largest five door hatchback, but Renault would ask what’s wrong with that.

Built right down to a price, Renault’s Twingo has turned into a cult classic because of its cheeky appearance and surprisingly good accommodation.

Never being produced for right hand drive markets did not dent its success, and also the car continues into its twelfth year of existence with continuing appeal; nowadays there are regular ‘high fashion’ derivatives appearing every couple of months which help sustain the model’s momentum.

A 2CV de nos jours, Twingo has either 60PS or 75PS engines, and only a manual or electronically-controlled quick-shift transmissions. Handling is preferable to might be expected, as a large number of holiday hirers have found over the years.

Using the original Scenic Renault effectively invented the mid-sized multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) sector. So successful was that car that it is sequel would need to be something very special indeed.

Nevertheless it wasn’t; the bustle-back body style polarises opinion, and also the mechanical packages matches the sooner car but does not take it into new territory – but reliability levels are apparently higher.

If your clean handling package is within your sights the Dynamique may be the one to go for; it’s car-like levels of grip and cornering power, regardless of the height of the MPV. Increased luggage space can be obtained on demand, because of the available of the recently-introduced Grand Scenic.

Longer compared to hatchback Megane on which it’s based, Coupe Cabriolet is definitely an elegant car that transforms from closed to spread out in a matter of seconds, because of a well-designed metal roof which folds neatly back to the luggage compartment.

A genuine four seater, the CC is Renault’s reaction to the 309CC of Peugeot. Power develops from a range of three petrol engines (whether 115PS or 136PS injection or perhaps a 165PS 2.0 litre turbo) or perhaps a 1.9Tdi diesel with 120PS and numerous torque.

Handling is neat and tidy, and also the car is surprisingly rigid even if the roof is down. Highly desirable, and half the buying price of a Mercedes-Benz CLK.

Quirky styling conceals a cabin which has less rear seat space than its appearance suggests; this is actually the only weakness on which is otherwise an excellent car.

Obtainable in a wide variety of specifications and mechanical packages (in the entry-level 72PS 1.4 litre through to the barnstorming 225PS turbo two litre within the Megane Renault Sport) Megane will come in three and five door hatch, and estate forms.

Handling of the lesser models is biased towards comfort – soft and gentle understeer is about the agenda -but the Renault Sport version is sharp as a freshly-fitted scalpel blade – but at the expense of a jittery ride that passengers will complain about.

Uninspiring in looks, the newly-announced Logan may be the result of a 4 year programme to construct a cheap, although not nasty, car for the middle classes in emerging markets.

Branded Dacia Renault, the Logan has been built in five sites: Romania, Russia, Colombia, Iran and Morocco. Created to meet all known and expected global safety and emission standards, Logan is really a full five-seater sedan with substantial luggage accommodation.

Don’t expect razor sharp handling or performance – the vehicle is built to undertake the worst of under developed road surfaces and win – but do expect durability along with a level of comfort hitherto alien to that particular market sector.

Renault’s reaction to the fiercely-contested business car sector – where it competes head-on with pretty much every mass-market manufacturer in Europe – may be the hugely competent Laguna.

As may be expected on this class, there’s much to choose from in trim, engine and transmission packages; best of the bunch for overall me is probably the 2.2Tdci diesel with six speed manual gearbox.

This gives excellent performance and it is matched to some suspension package that allows the most to become made of the car. Accommodation is nice – there is a Sport Tourer that provides estate hauling capability, along with the five-door hatch – and quality of ride is excellent.

Looking similar to a cartoon car – it’s no accident that the recent UK advertising campaign used claymation characters Wallace and Gromit as sales aids – Kangoo is definitely an affordable and eminently practical bit of functional transport.

Sliding side doors, a cube-like interior, more precise handling than may be expected, and also the availability of a hugely impressive little diesel variant constitutes a lot of sense for those who’re content to not drive svelte and stylish – though often less practical) cars.

The high riding position exerts a cost in the form of body roll, and also the four-wheel drive variant is really a curious beast that does not seem to make lots of sense.

Now in the third generation, Espace gets more van-like with each incarnation. Just like the ScGiiic the car’s appearance polarises opinion, but owners truly appreciate the car’s accommodation – particularly in its long wheelbase Grand Espace form.

Despite its bulk the Espace is surprisingly agile when forced to barter twisting roads, along with a comprehensive selection of drive trains (from the 140PS two litre to a 3.5V6, and three different diesel options, having a choice of five and six speed transmissions) implies that there is something to match every requirement.

A strong favourite with those who’ve large families, or plenty of friends to move.

Now looking rather dated when put alongside equivalent products from Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen and Peugeot, curiosity about Clio is being sustained by some aggressive marketing – and also the fact that it provides affordable driving towards the young.

The entry-level 1.2, with 60PS, continues to be a major seller, providing more enjoyment than its specification suggests.

In the other end of the scale, and sandwiching a great deal of petrol and diesel engines, may be the awesome Clio V6, a mid-engined, two-seater hooligan of the car with performance and handling which will give many a supercar a run because of its money.