Cars you might want to consider for 2008

RENAULT LAGUNA: As reviewed in Motors last week, the new Laguna is a big step forward from the previous version and should help…

RENAULT LAGUNA:As reviewed in Motorslast week, the new Laguna is a big step forward from the previous version and should help to arrest flagging sales for the car.

The new car feels much better built, and the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel is really impressive. It might not be enough to really trouble the big sellers and might struggle a little in this highly competitive segment.

OPEL VECTRA

Expect to see a new version of the Vectra  shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show with looks that resemble that of the Opel GTC concept car. It should revive sales of the Vectra, which have been disappointing across Europe.

READ MORE

MAZDA6

A decent seller in its old guise, we would expect big things from the new one.

Test driven lower on this page, it has a 1.8-litre, 2-litre and 2.5-litre petrol, along with a 2-litre diesel. The new car is due in Ireland later this month with prices starting at €27,495 for the 1.8-litre version.

CITROËN C5

Coming at the end of February, the new C5 moves from a hatchback to a saloon and Citroën aims to have this new car appeal to a much pickier audience.

You no longer have to take the Hydrative suspension, but can take the option of a more traditional metallic suspension.

The quality feels better inside and out at least - we haven't driven it, so we can't comment on that side of things yet.