We look at two contenders for European Car of the Year - the Opel Insigniaand the Citroën C5
OPEL INSIGNIA
Why is it a contender?
The long-awaited replacement for the Vectra, it's a revolution in terms of Opel's offering in the family car segment.
Who is it aimed at?
Your typical family with 2.5 children - no more, mind. While the company car driver is the obvious target, Opel has made a slight sacrifice with the rear roofline in that its coupé lines limit some back-seat space.
However, it's making no apologies. As a spokesman said, most buyers will only have children in the back seats or use them occasionally. For those who require it, Opel offers a host of family combinations, from the estate version to the Zafira people carrier.
What's under the bonnet?
The usual array of engines for this size of car. In the petrol range, the entry-level is a 1.6-litre 115bhp, followed by 1.8-litre 140bhp and 2.0-litre turbocharged 220bhp versions. A 2.8-litre V6 260bhp will also be offered, but isn't likely to have many takers.
The best buy, however, is the 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine, available with either 130bhp or 160bhp. Both of these diesels register CO2 emissions of 157g/km compared with 179g/km for the 1.6-litre petrol and 184g/km for the 1.8-litre. Given the prices are relatively close, you have to wonder why they are bothering with the 1.6-litre.
What's it like to drive?
Incredibly adept. Opel has spent a lot of time - and money - on a new adaptive chassis that offers a choice of comfort, normal or sports settings.
While some of these systems often end up offering the worst of all worlds, the Insignia's system really does the trick.
It's the only car in its class to rival the dominance of Ford's chassis in the Mondeo in terms of handling and ability.
Why it might win
The looks alone will garner a few points. It's gorgeous and light years apart from the boxy Vectra.
They simply had to change the name, for these two cars have nothing in common.
Inside, the finish and design are better than what's on offer from rivals, with great little touches and attention to detail.
The handling might not yet surpass the Mondeo but it's certainly among the best in class, while there's a very roomy - and stylish - estate on offer alongside the hatchback and saloon variants.
Finally, the 2.0-litre diesel engine offers plenty of poke and its low emissions is a boon not only in this market.
Why it might not
As good as it is, it's still not the best car to drive in this class - that honour still rests with the Mondeo. Others might ask whether the prize should go to a car for being miles better than its predecessor, rather than miles better than its rivals.
How much?
There are five specification levels on offer, starting with the S range at €26,495. That comes with ESP, cruise control, air conditioning, leather steering wheel with stereo controls, automatic lights, electric height adjustment and four-way lumbar support on the driver's seat, as standard. It's a pretty impressive package.
Is it worth it?
Yes. For once there is an Opel family car that you might actually want to own.
It's a very competitive market for family saloons at the moment, with some great offerings, but the Insignia is definitely on the front line of this race.
What is it up against and does it match up?
Obviously the Mondeo - and in terms of design, both inside and out, the answer is a resounding yes. Less so, if you match it up in terms of driving dynamics, but the difference is no longer that great, and when you pit the right engine with the sports suspension, this car really is eager and agile.
CITROËN C5
Why is it a contender?
While all eyes may be on the newly-arrived Insignia, there is no denying the new C5 has its own head-turning appeal.
For a French firm with its sort of design pedigree, the outgoing C5 was shameful. This car has the much-needed panache we expect from Citroëand that's what is attracting attention.
It's also not the wallowing French sofa so many detractors make out.
Who is it aimed at?
Again, the fleet and family markets are the target here. There remains a loyal following of Citroën-buyers who will be pleased with the new look and much improved quality of the car.
Newcomers will be greatly surprised by the car's handling ability, at least compared to preconceived beliefs.
What's under the bonnet?
As expected from a firm that has been at the forefront of diesel developments, there are five diesel offerings to one petrol. The latter is a 1.8-litre 127bhp powertrain, but you'd have to be extremely diesel-averse to ignore the impressive 2.0-litre HDI putting out 138bhp, or even the very competent 1.6-litre 110bhp. The latter is actually quite capable of pushing along the new C5.
What's it like to drive?
Soft, as you'd expect from a French car, but the regular metallic suspension offers a decent ride without giving too much away in terms of comfort.
The hydractive suspension system is a bit wallowing in comfort mode, but in general it's a fine mile-muncher, and a great car for the long haul. The automatic version doesn't get the best out of the car, and sports mode on the 2.0-litre diesel is wishful thinking, but it's a fine, comfortable family car that should sell better than it does.
Why it might win
A bit of Gallic charm always goes down well with the jury, and this car has several features that win it some votes.
It's well-equipped and, while we would have preferred a sharper drive, it does suit the long motorway runs of the bigger European states.
Why it might not
Again, some may suggest that awards don't go for bettering your predecessor, but for bettering your rivals. One minor quibble that has hindered some Citroën offerings of late is the plethora of buttons on the steering wheel. You quickly get the hang of where everything is, but it's disconcerting to some. Then there's the poor resale values.
How much?
Prices start at €27,850 for the 1.8-litre petrol, which has an emissions rating of 188g/km. The 1.6-litre diesel starts at €28,160 with emissions of 149g/km. The 2.0-litre diesel with 157g/km of emissions starts at €32,600.
Is it worth it?
It's not quite the good value many have come to expect from Citroën, but then again the firm's recent pricing policies have been eclectic, to say the very least. Now that they promise the days of discounting are over, the car should retain some decent resale values.
What is it up against and does it match up?
It's up against the new Insignia for a start, and in that regard it's probably the only car that can challenge it in terms of head-turning appeal in its class. For those seeking comfort, it's a competitive entrant and it has its Gallic charm, but the Opel and the Ford Mondeo have it beaten in that regard.