Appearing like a bit-part player from one of the Mad Max movies. Armada is really a curious beast; buyers obtain a choice of two- or four-wheel drive (with slightly different gearing within the standard automatic transmission) which hints at off-road capability, however the tall, muscularly-styled machine is nearly a low-rider, with ground clearance quite different from those of a sedan.

Yet despite its insufficient ground clearance the Armada doesn’t handle just like a car – instead it pitches and rolls a tad too much for comfort. Both wheel variant may also suffer deficiencies in traction, as a result of surfeit of power in the 5.5 litre all aluminium V8, which pumps out 305PS and enough torque to tow a 20 tonne truck without noticing.

Built primarily to satisfy the demands of the American market Altima is really a substantial sedan which favours quality of ride over precision of cornering.

Clean styling, having a commendably restrained utilization of chrome plating and also the adoption of 16″ or 17″ wheels helps reposition the vehicle alongside Honda’s larger sedans – something which earlier incarnations of the Altima couldn’t achieve.

Engine options are either a cooking 145PS 2.4 litre four or even the more desirable 3.5 litre V6, and drivers can choose a five speed manual shift or a computerized four speed unit.

Or you might buy the far more satisfying 6-speed 250PS SE-R V6 derivative, that is altogether more sporting anyway, right down to 18″ cast alloy wheels and stiffened suspension.

Nissan’s mid-range contender is really a reasonably anonymous-looking machine (you can stick some of several badges for example Toyota or Proton onto it and nobody would notice).

Probably which supplies good accommodation along with a range of efficient engines. A number of body styles emerges, the most popular being the versatile five door hatch, that when allied with the 2.2 turbo diesel engine gives crisp performance and surprisingly nimble handling.

The cost-effective 1.5 entry-level package is really a popular choice, too, which also handles having a cleanness that shows just how much the Nissan engineers have studied the requirements of European drivers.

Offered in both coupe and roadster forms, Nissan’s stunning new sports vehicle is proof how the company has rediscovered its heritage; its lineage could be traced right back towards the wonderful 240Z of 1969.

Things have, obviously, moved on. The 350Z, using its sophisticated V6 proving capable very rapid acceleration because of its power output of just about 300PS.

Fortunately for purists the ability is delivered with the rear wheels; the very best is gained in the package once the six speed manual gearbox is within place, but even if the automatic 5 speed can be used the car continues to be satisfyingly quick.

Handling is wonderful – as sharp like a newly-stropped Swiss Army knife – and also the car looks the part too. What more can a red-blooded driver request?

Despite functioning on the business level together with France’s Renault Nissan is constantly on the build cars its way – a means which is today millions of miles taken off the Nissan of old, the one that accustomed to built ‘tarts’ handbags on wheels’ with an excessive amount of chrome and imitation leather.

That is similar to other major automotive manufacturers it’s gone looking for a new styling imprint with such diverse machines since the Primera.

Maxima, Quest, Murano and 350Z models evidence of this new visual direction. In some instances the cars are enjoyable to drive his or her looks promise, however in other cases (like the Micra) the dynamics neglect to match expectations, which means that they end up being considered slightly risible by some observers.

That is similar to other Japanese manufacturers not every cars can be purchased in all markets; we’re unlikely to determine the massive and intimidatory Armada in Great Britain, for instance.

That is similar to all Morgans the Roadster should order. An all-new car (despite its classic lines) the vehicle is powered with a Ford 24 valve 3.0 litre V6 which supplies the driver having a useful 223PS – sufficient to power the conventional car to 100kph within five seconds – and also the optional lightweight-bodied variant to that particular speed in yet a shorter period.

Top speed has been said to be over 130mph (210kph) but given the car’s 1950s aerodynamics, you’d need to be brave to prove claiming. But who cares anyway?

What counts may be the Morgan ownership experience, which car delivers that in spades.

Providing an AAA pass (access every area) to the world of Morgan motoring, the modestly-sized 4/4 – which conies in two-seat and four-seat (+4) form – supplies a highly enjoyable driving experience.

Quality of ride is better than you may expect from the car with such vintage looks, but just like all Morgans the suspension package is tailored for providing cornering appeal first, and anything else later.

The car’s 1800cc DOHC engine supplies a useful 160PS, sufficient to feel considerably quicker than. Even so, expect 0 – 100kph in around eight seconds, if you’re prepared to punish the clutch.

The slightly strange look achieved through the faired-in head lamps indicate this is a Morgan with aerodynamic capabilities – and so the name.

Under the bonnet is a good BMW V8 pumping out 325PS via a close-ratio six speed gearbox. To explain performance as exhilarating is similar to saying the Sistine Chapel has a significant nice ceiling – the Aero 8 experience needs to be experienced to become believed.

Not really a car for the average person, this rewards an optimistic approach and sharp reflexes with sensations which are as addictive as is also memorable.

In the ownership of the same family since its creation in 1912 – which makes it a unique focal point in the English motor Industry-Morgan cars might appear to become little changed because the 1960s, but actually looks deceive; underneath the skin the cars meet all safety and emission requirements.

The entry-level 4/4 continues to be a consistently good seller for the Malvern-based manufacturer, but it’s the Aero 8 that’s now probably the most desired Morgans; consistent on-track success at such circuits as Le Mans. Sebring and Monza underlines the car’s road capabilities.

New for 2005 may be the Roadster, which takes about the mantle of the Plus & all of the which presented of the Malvern Link factory in May 2004; the model no more meets emission standards, so continues to be replaced through the sharp new V6-engined Roadster.

Cars continue to be built around a steel chassis carrying a treated ash frame that the body panels are attached – and long may it’s so.

Spacious it may be, a minimum of within the confines of its class, but a star? The jury’s still on that one.

Trying out as much space like a typical compact multipurpose vehicle (like the Meriva or Jazz) however with a lot less flexible interior than buyers expect, Space Star is really a moderately good machine in a moderate price.

Nobody is ever going to get excited with a car that may be had with whether 1.3 or 1.6 petrol – neither which approach class leader when it comes to power delivery or perhaps a 1.9 TDi which is merely pretty good in terms of torque. Handling is underwhelming, a soft ride resulting in mild understeer.

The activity variant of Mitsubishi’s hugely popular Shogun sports utility (SUV, but tagged by them like a ‘soft roader’) is offered with whether 2.5 litre turbo diesel or perhaps a 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine, and it has four wheel drive that may be switched to rear wheel drive when needed at lower speeds.

Featuring some neat design detail touches, the commodious interior is more car-oriented than SUV drivers often expect, and noise levels are similarly car-like.

Off-road performance is very good, and also the on-road behaviour is quite good, too.

Named after Pininfarina, an italian man , design house accountable for its styling, the Pinin is really a compact three-door machine targeted at the younger end of the market. Neat, sculpted lines along with a cosy interior (it’ll seat four, although not in great comfort) make for any good blend for the (usually single) those who buy these cars.

The short wheelbase of the Pinin creates a slightly jiggly ride on basically the smoothest tarmac, and even though car can be created to comer quickly, it does not feel as if it will. However it looks the part, and that is what most counts within the small SUV sector .