10: Audi A6 – Crafted well-polished premium saloon

The appropriate word here is 'crafted.' That's how the new A6 feels. Not knocked together. Nor even built. But crafted. It's not the most excitingly-styled Audi around, but there are greater depths of subtlety to its looks than you immediately appreciate. It's not the sharpest Audi to drive, either, but there is a level of comfort and refinement within the A6 that really does take some beating, even by cars from a class or two above in pricing terms.

Its engines, especially the 204hp 2.0-litre TDI, are refined and frugal, and its cabin is utterly gorgeous to behold - even if the twin-screen layout can be a bit too fiddly for its own good at time. Space inside is excellent too, and the exceptionally handsome Avant estate is little short of delectable.

It‘s not fun to drive, at all, and the engine could and should be more responsive at urban speeds (tight junctions are a nightmare) but overall the new A6 has nestled in close to the peak of the executive car class.

Best model: A6 Avant 2.0 TDI 204hp S-Line for €58,850