Honda Accord
It isn't the cheapest car in this sector, but if you can stretch to spending a little more than you would on some rivals, or are prepared to accept slightly lower equipment levels price-for-price, we think that the Accord is one of the cars to have in this segment. It's at or close to the class lead in every area: reliability is excellent, refinement and driving dynamics are good, the engine range is superb - particularly the diesel. Cabin space is fine, cavernous on the large estate version, while interior quality is a cut above most cars in the sector.
These qualities also mean that residuals are also strong, offsetting some of the higher purchase price.
Do you own one of these models? Tell us all about it