Independent Reviews of New and Used Cars

Volvo's MK3 model S60 saloon has the market's most elite mid-sized executive saloon models in its sights. If you're thinking of something 3 Series-sized, Jonathan Crouch thinks you should also consider an S60 too.

The classical Roadster. This, apparently, is what we have here in the form of the third generation version of BMW's Z4. Jonathan Crouch drives the sDrive20i version.

"Over the course of the year, we had plenty of tiny citycars that haven't been able to replicate the running cost returns of my V40."

Ferrying the family around isn't something most of us especially look forward to doing. But Mercedes doesn't see why it shouldn't be. In this second generation B-Class, Stuttgart made great strides in engine efficiency, safety and hi-tech driving aids. Its real importance though, lay in proving its maker capable of delivering Mercedes quality to the mainstream, True, it isn't perfect. Whether the used alternatives you're considering are plusher versions of either family hatchbacks or five-seater mini-MPVs, you'll find sharper-handling rivals out there from this period - and many that can offer more rear seat space. We have a feeling though, that few potential buyers of this Mercedes will be put off by these issues. These people will recognise in this second generation model the car the B-Class should always been. A car that nobody but Mercedes could have built.