Pros Great-looking, smart inside, refined, easy to use and with a great overall dynamic package
Cons A little of the sparkle has gone, a few options should be standard, while some cabin trim still under par
The Ford Fiesta is superb to drive, smart inside and well equipped, plus it offers a broad range of trim levels – from the affordable Trend to the SUV-inspired Active – to cater for many tastes and budgets. It’s one of the very best small cars you can buy, but the rival Volkswagen Polo just has the edge for ride comfort, standard safety and rear seat space.
Pros Brilliant to drive Punchy Ecoboost engines Good fuel economy
Cons Some rivals are better value Decent but not class-leading practicality Important safety kit not standard
Based on the BMW X7 SUV,Turbocharged V8 makes 612 horsepower.Retuned suspension.
PROS Thundering acceleration Impressive array of advanced driver aids Exclusivity of the Alpina badge
CONS Not enough differentiation from the BMW X7 Interior is cluttered with buttons Ride quality can suffer on less than perfect roads
The Alpina XB7 is as fast as it is luxurious and as practical as it is well equipped. The trouble is the same is true of the closely related BMW X7 M50i, which is significantly cheaper.
PROS Hugely fast Very spacious and practical Outstanding infotainment system
CONS Too similar to an X7 M50i Much more expensive than the M50i A lot of road noise
PROS Big, refined power; understated design; Decent ride comfort, even on big wheels.
CONS Awfully big and thirsty, unsettling stability-control interventions, priced for exclusivity.
