11: Mercedes-Benz S-Class – the Kaiser of the luxury set remains in power

Just updated for the 2018 season, the big Merc regains its position as, by far, the best luxury saloon and, just possibly, the title of best car in the world. It’s s subtle update as far as the outside is concerned, with just some tweaks to the lights and bumpers.

Underneath though is an impressive new 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine (all but silent in operation), a cabin upgrade (including a surprisingly small new three-spoke steering wheel) and some deeply impressive new autonomous driving functions that can all-but take over from you on the motorway (terms and conditions etc to that statement).

Comfort and refinement levels are off-the-scale good, and it’s the king of both the outside lane, and the gravel-crunching swish up to reception. Surprisingly, it’s far from out of its depth on a twisty mountain road too, as a run up the Wicklow hills showed us.

An S-Class that’s fun to drive? Time to move the chauffeur to one side…

12: Peugeot 3008 – French brand shows it has got its mojo back

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13: Toyota C-HR – Remarkably stylish entry from the Japanese brand

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14: Citroen C3 Aircross – Comfort is key selling point in this spacious supermini

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15: BMW i3 – Silly price for a small car but it’s an icon of futuristic engineering

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Best model: S350d

Prices start from: €90,995

Finance package from: €POA

CO2 emissions: 65-357g/km

Sum-up: Comfort and refinement levels are off-the-scale good, and it's the king of both the outside lane, and the gravel-crunching swish up to reception. . .The best just got better.