LEXUS GS: It seems such a shame that the Lexus GS range is limited to some rather large engines. The GS is a well thought-out car that is certainly one of the most refined in its class.
The choice is between the 249bhp 3.0-litre V6, a 283bhp 4.3-litre V8 and the genius 340bhp 3.5-litre hybrid version, which thanks to a VRT rebate costs a "reasonable" €85,106. It might not be a big seller, lying just outside the top five, but it is a truly worthy contender.
JAGUAR XF
There is immense pressure on the Jaguar XF, which replaces the S-type, to succeed following poor sales of cars like the X-Type and financial woes that have almost brought the company to its knees on many occasions.
With a design that is world's away from the car it replaces, it has already received widespread acclaim from commentators for its good looks.
Prices start at €69,950 for the 2.7-litre V6 diesel or the 3.0-litre V6 petrol. A choice of 4.2-litre V8 models - one of them with a supercharged engine - is also available, with prices from €93,850. All XF models feature a six-speed automatic transmission that includes a unique, all-new JaguarDrive Selector - an industry first rotary shift interface - and the Jaguar Sequential Shift System with steering-wheel mounted paddles for one-touch manual control.
We have yet to drive the car, but Jaguar are promising a car that will blend the finest comfort with the agility that has been a hallmark of some of more successful cars, such as the XK. Orders for the car can be taken almost immediately with delivery will commencing in mid-February.