01 Dec 08
9. Toyota Avensis
The Avensis has never been the most exciting of large family cars, but Toyota's promising more powerful and lower-emissions engines, improved quality, improved refinement and new equipment including steering-assist stability control, adaptive front lighting and the pre-crash safety system as used in the Lexus range.
As before, both saloon and estate models will be available, though there will be no Avensis Verso MPV this time around.
10. Volkswagen Golf
The ever-popular Golf enters its sixth iteration: though this new model might not look that different, some 60% of its parts are new, and there are two much-improved, better-refined diesel engines. We're quite taken with the 1.4 TSI twin-charger (turbo- and supercharged) petrol engine, too.
Cabin quality has been enhanced, there's new kit on offer and the suspension has been tweaked for better handling. What's not to like?
