40: Volkswagen Tiguan – a polished performer but price is the issue

If you ever want to see how carefully the VW Group manages its disparate brands, take a spin in a VW Tiguan immediately after having driven a Seat Ateca.

Mechanically all-but identical, there is without question an added layer of slickness to the Tiguan, a sense of an extra veneer (and it really is just a veneer) of sophistication to it that, to a point, justifies its considerably higher price tag.

The Tiguan is good looking (especially with a chunky R-Line bodykit), roomy (there’s just about enough rear width for it to cope with the demands of three child car seats) and beautifully built (in the classic VW style).

It’s refined and easy-going to drive, with decent handling when pressing on and a sense of welcome precision to all major controls. But it is expensive, and items such as all-digital instruments (starting to become standard on some rival products) are still on the options list here.

49: Audi A5 – Better to drive than before and still as handsome

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44: Hyundai Ioniq – impressive electric future for Korean brand

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50: Jaguar XF – a curate’s egg of a car

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48: Ford S-Max – Satisfying family carrier

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We do like the Tiguan a lot, but to be honest, we’d rather sacrifice the slickness and have the savings of the Ateca instead, thanks.

Best model: 1.4 TSI 150hp Comfortline Prices start from: €29,350 Finance package from: €309 CO2 emissions: 123-170g/km Sum-up: As polished a product as you'd expect from VW, but it is pricey.