The V90 Cross Country handled itself well on windy dirt roads not too far from Phoenix as well. These roads weren’t anything that a Subaru Outback couldn’t handle, but the soft suspension was very much welcome when the surface got rocky. Come to think of it, the Outback is an interesting comparison for the V90 Cross Country–really, the Volvo is just a much more luxurious version of the Subaru.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
What was once a brand regarded as a little musty and old-fashioned, overtaken by the young bucks in BMWs and Audis, it has reinvented itself for a new generation. Suddenly – well over the last three years or so – a Mercedes-Benz has become cool again.
In spite of the E-Class range still being diesel-centric, this Merc is still the best premium car on forecourts these days.
The purchase of an E-Class requires a few caveats, though. First off, you really need to spend the extra change to get the all-digital instruments, otherwise the analogue dials just look a bit too old-hat and cheap.
Second, don’t be too focused on the default-choice diesel – even though the 192hp 2.0-litre oil-burning engine is actually a bit of a cracker – as there are excellent hybrid, and shortly plugin hybrid options, and the temptations of the glorious 401hp E43 AMG.
Third, you really, really have to buy the estate as, somehow, the E-Class just looks so at home with the extra bodywork out the back, and the massive boot and load-carrying ability are pretty hard to beat.
Mercedes is trimming its prices for 2018, so a basic model now starts from €48,200, and comes with some extra equipment too. Off-road-ish All-Terrain model may be useful for well-heeled farmers.
Mazda 6
It’s ageing a bit now, but Mazda’s mid-size saloon remains one of the better of its kind, even as the market dwindles to almost nothing under the assault of SUVs.
Long, low and, yes, lithe, it represents exceptional value for money, compared to an SUV, if what you value is actual driving engagement. Those used to the aloof responses of a crossover may find the 6’s sharp steering and rapid responses a touch shocking at first.
Recent successive facelifts have boosted cabin quality, improved the handling (thanks to a clever torque distribution system), and reduced cabin noise. Sadly, it hasn’t improved the infotainment system which is still both fiddly and monochrome.
The 2.2-litre SkyActiv diesel engine can be tricky when it comes to extracting the right economy levels (the 150hp version being much better in this respect than the 175hp), but it’s silent and powerful, which is some compensation. Estate version is deeply handsome and useful.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson’s success is built on simplicity. It offers a few trim lines, all well-equipped; three engines, realistically only one of which (the 1.7 CRDI diesel) people will ever actually buy; and the prospect of competitive pricing, a long warranty, and a lack of showy razzmatazz which people seem to appreciate.
To drive, the Tucson is rather dull, but that’s not the point. It’s steady and sure-footed, it’s roomy and comfortable, it’s tolerably refined and safe. All of which, as we can see from incontrovertible numbers, sells.
You could argue that Hyundai should be offering a more enticing petrol option, or a plugin model (which is assuredly on the way) but why alter the course of a steady, profitable, ship?
