Competing from the Focus and Astra, C3 is much more curvaceous compared to sector can be used to on offer.

1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines can be found, and also a 1.4 diesel and in normal with the Pluriel derivative bigger engined variants could be had using the slick-acting button-switched automatic transmission.

Handling is nice; although it is the stiffer-sprung bigger engined variants which are most fun and also the five door body shell is capacious and accommodating, because of some clever compromises between interior space and external footprint.

Replacement for the Saxo, C2 sets the standard quite nicely. Solidly built and appropriately solid-feeling, the two-door city car range begins with a 1.1 that will never set the planet alight.

Typically the most popular Saxos were the VTR and VTS models, and Citroen has astutely carried those variants within the new car. The 1.4SX provides a large amount of performance for any modest amount of cash, whilst the 1.6 VTS is a true pocket rocket, with handling that’s as crisp like a freshly-picked iceberg lettuce and acceleration to fulfill the most demanding boy racer.

Each of those hot cars can be found with SensoDrive transmission. There’s also a diesel version from the C2 offered for individuals who value economy over driving appeal.

It appears like van with windows because in essence it is that. Designed to meet continuing demand from rural French families for fundamental transport that does not shake fillings loose (exactly the same people who once might have purchased a 2CV) Berlingo’s rudimentary looks mask a surprisingly competent performer.

Sliding rear doors guide loading and unloading of kids, the high driving position creates easy seat access, there is a wide range of engines to select from.

The 2.0 diesel is both frugal and powerful, and therefore being a major seller. Handling is soft and pliant, but nobody buys one of those because of its cornering power.

Drawing its mechanical components from the esteemed G mid-range contender, Pluriel is a true multi-purpose vehicle, however with a uniquely French twist; it’s really a sedan, a roadster, a leisure-oriented pick-up truck along with a targa half-convertible.

And all sorts of come like a single package that required less technical expertise than the usual working knowledge of Lego.

A set of petrol engines are offered – the fundamental 1.4i and the stronger 1600cc – the second coming standard with SensoDrive, Citroen’s button-switched automatic transmission.

There’s also a 1.4 diesel. Regardless of the car’s flexibility it remains in mind a well-specified sedan which rides and handles well, with no usual creaks and groans of the open-topped car.

Citroen is a brand having a long good reputation for technical innovation: its founder Andre Citroen being able to lay claim amongst other things to producing the earth’s first series-production front wheel drive car (the Traction Avant of 1934) and also the first serious utilization of hydro-pneumatic suspension (about the DS of 1956).

Since 1974 it’s been part of the identical organisation as former rival Peugeot but whilst both brands share resources and knowledge, each remains fiercely individualistic.

The present crop of Citroen cars covers every main market sector in the little C2 as much as the large C8 multi-purpose people carrier, but there are still some oddball machines like the C3-based Pluriel which 2CV de nos jours, the Berlingo.

The newly-arrived C4 offered in both coupe and hatchback variants, could indicate how the company sees the era of the traditional sedan as numbered, for those however the sales representative and senior executive markets.

Citroen includes a practice of getting things right, so other manufacturers is going to be watching the sales figures with interest.

Biggest and widest of the many multi-purpose vehicles for sale in Europe, the Voyager is extremely regarded by its owners, who appreciate its unrivalled amounts of interior space, and the like useful features as sliding rear doors; that latter feature would be a Voyager first, but has since been copied by countless other models in this sector.

The long wheelbase version provides several extra acres of luggage space. Power can be obtained from the selection of engines from the 2.4 litre four to some 3.3 litre V6, and there’s additionally a lusty and smooth-running 2.8 diesel which overcomes criticisms from the car’s thirst for fuel.

Handling is preferable to may be expected (even though tall car cannot contend with a sportier sedan) and quality of ride is great. No real surprise, then, how the car has this type of fan dub amongst its buyers.

The retro-styling from the PT Cruiser, that is available in either five door hatch or two-door convertible versions, masks a surprisingly capable machine.

There’s lots of space within the cabin, and noise levels are nicely controlled. Suspension is a little about the soft side by European standards.

But domestic buyers in the USA appear to think it is a sports sedan. Just proves to show. Acceleration in the two litre petrol engine is modest but mid-range performance in the 2.2 diesel unit is a delight with many torque to become drawn upon.

Owners become very mounted on their cars, that are endowed with this increasingly rare commodity, character.

The sports tourer / multi-purpose vehicle crossover as interpreted by Chrysler emerges with front or four-wheel drive, and has a V6 under its hood.

But in the American tradition, there is a choice from a relatively agricultural 3.8 litre entry model, or perhaps a more sophisticated overhead camshaft 3.5.

The suspension system is soft – the vehicle is tailored for leisure drivers – so don’t expect a good deal in the method of driver dynamics.

You are able to, however, benefit from the space within the car, its higher level of trim and equipment and low costs of ownership.

Chrysler’s interpretation from the Mercedes-Benz SLK, this is a pretty coupe (a convertible is in route, too) that the company describes as “Route 66 meets the Autobahn.”

Slickly styled by Chrysler’s own people, Crossfire can be obtained with just one engine, a 3.2 litre V6. There’s, however, a range of transmissions, a six speed manual or perhaps a five speed automatic.

Softer compared to CLK, to match American market expectations, the vehicle handles well at lower speeds, but attempts at high-speed cornering, or rapid progress along country roads, will show the weaknesses in the system, the quantity of body roll being a lot more than the typical European sports vehicle buyer originates to anticipate.

A considerable sedan targeted at patriotic American buyers who haven’t forgotten to have a little fun because they move into family car territory, 300 comes with a great 5.7 litre V8, filled with hemi heads along with a 340PS power output.

Acceleration is exactly what you’d expect – rapid, using the benchmark 0-100kph blast being achievable in a whisker over six seconds.

A fast-acting five speed automatic gearbox with stick selector helps to ensure that the very best consists of the accessible power.

Furthermore the vehicle can corner quickly or as soon as the momentum achieved with a two tonne kerb weight allows but ride remains good, because of an intricate suspension package.

There’s also a modest 3.5 litre V6, as well as a diesel variant in route. Chrysler’s future starts here.

After too long in the doldrums, producing so-so cars that wouldn’t enhance the heartbeat above sloth-like levels. Chrysler is a car maker to become given serious attention again.

Spearheading the revolution may be the all-new 300, an automobile that has taken America by storm, heralding coming back to that particular legend from the automotive world; the Hemi engine.

Named following the form of its combustion chambers, the Chrysler hemi was the mainstay of street racers in the 1960s, and today’s reincarnation will be found in the 300s slab-sided, brutal body shell. Chrysler has intends to roll this car out into other markets, including the majority of Europe.

Also noteworthy may be the Crossfire, which shares a lot of its hardware using the Mercedes-Benz SLK – but dresses it in distinctly Chrysler bodywork.

By having an open-top version from the retro-styled FT Cruiser and also the elegant Pacifica, the near future hasn’t looked this bright for DaimlerChryslers primary American brand for several years.

The only real big Chevrolet having a straight six engine, an indication from the broader market penetration that Chevrolet aspire to achieve with this particular substantial machine Trailblazer is a 4×4 tailored for satisfy the demands of city drivers.

The engine is a sophisticated aluminium 24 valve unit with variable valve timing, this being ideal use a good torque spread with exceptional economy for any machine of the size.

Transmission is electronically controlled, and also the car comes full of luxury equipment including electrically-operated seats along with a high-grade sound system.